Sunday 30 April 2017

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 30-04-2017 - Sam Brookes, Future Islands, Juana Molina

Tracks Of The Week

Instagram @alanreesb

SFW:-
Sam Brookes - My Girl Drinks Coffee (2017)


Here is a great track by Sam Brookes, a London based alt-folk, singer-songwriter who has put a slight twist on break-up song by moving to a soundscape that is evocative of Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem or Grimes. His acclaimed 2014 album Kairos was tipped by The Independent for a Mercury Prize nomination and has had over 5 million plays.

Jointly produced by Grammy nominated Dom Monks (Ray Lamontagne, Laura Marling & Katie Melua) and Berlin based ex-pat Greg Freeman (Goldfrapp, Portico, Mumford & Sons), the track was arranged and recorded on a trip to a remote boathouse on the Isle of Skye and completed at Guy Chamber’s Sleeper Sounds studio in London.

Sam is currently on tour playing some small venues, check him out before he blows up!

Flycasual:-
Future Islands - 'Cave' (2017)


I've been a fan of the Future Islands since Shell Hunter introduced us to them back in 2011 with their song, 'Balance' and that was further cemented by their vibrant live performance at Latitude in 2014. They've also become a firm family favourite thanks to lead singer, Samuel Herring eccentricity on stage, with some ehm....unique dancing and bizarre growling (if you haven't seen him live, then make sure you catch him). As a result a new release is a welcome one and their 5th album, The Far Field is currently my album of choice, 'Cave' being my favourite though there are some strong songs throughout. Nothing too groundbreaking but consistent and if you like the Future Islands, then you'll enjoy what's on offer,


Old Pa:-
Juana Molina - Cosoco

 

Not familiar with Juana Molina but this is certainly and interesting record and definitely not boring. It get better with additional listening. She apparently is from Argentina. Don't know how you would categorise this music but who cares it stopped me in my tracks so to speak.



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Saturday 29 April 2017

GUEST SPOT #72 - Laura Marling - Ghosts

It's been a while but we have a Guest Spot! 




Laura Marling - Ghosts (2008)


We've been slack on the guest spots, not because we don't want them, but we're swamped by spam-a-lot. But alas, we can sing! Here is a post from Michelle....aka Whattalkabout (see more of her posts here)

We all read clichés about broken hearts. ""It will all get better in time"", is the one that is probably rattled around the most.  We can only but hope it will.  I last posted a few years ago and dedicated it to ""A.” Who since went on and won me over with crazy gestures... and then cruelly went on to break my heart, not only once, but twice. 

Dear reader, it is not about to get bitter, or go into emotional train wreck territory.  I had loved him more than I thought possible to love somebody.    I have felt such pain and heartbreak; some days I thought I didn't have the strength to make it through the day.  I have learnt that our greatest growths come from our greatest pains.

To A I say this; there are so many things left unsaid, so many questions unanswered, but I will never need these answers.  I feel great now, and I know now you were not the one for me.  Thanks for teaching me about what I need and deserve. 

Recently, I happened to cross paths with a friendly face from years ago. I hope the universe will be kind enough to make our paths cross soon and I will be brave enough to make a move.  Hopefully I was not the only one who felt the spark. 

Driving home on the evening of this chance encounter, this song came on the radio. It was one of those songs that you already loved, but embarrassingly forgotten about. Singing along, realising, I hadn't forgotten any of the words.  One line struck a chord with me. 

""The ghosts that broke my heart before I met you""

A, that is all you are now; a ghost from my past.  Whatever lies ahead, I will be fine.


Tuesday 25 April 2017

Audrey Hepburn - Moon River

WEDNESDAY CLUB


THE RIVERS OF THE MOON

MY HUCKLEBERRY FRIEND


AUDREY HEPBURN - Moon River

GOLIGHTLY

Too good for the sham of Hollywood
she took that place by storm
her beauty, her grace and elegance
a nymph with pools for eyes
the sexiest thing that ever lived
and she didn't have to try

Oh! Holly Golightly
born of a different age
and if you want to judge her
let it be by the rivers of the moon


You played some of the biggest movies
in Hollywood's golden age
your aura and your presence
you stole almost every scene
were awarded every accolade
that was possible to win

You helped the poor starving children
the biggest part you played
you knew too well how it was
having no food on your plate
an Ambassador for UNICEF
your greatest Oscar role

Oh! Holly Golightly
born of a different age
and if you want to judge her
let it be by the rivers of the moon

Sunday 23 April 2017

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 23-04-2017 - Luke Sital-Singh, Dan Auerbach, Sleaford Mods, Run The Jewels,

Tracks Of The Week

Instagram @alanreesb


London Scouser:-
Sleaford Mods - 'Mop Top' (2017)


I'm late getting into Sleaford Mods and I have no real excuse. My fellow TD team members have been singing their praises for a few years now. I happened upon their latest album 'English Tapas' and haven't taken it off repeat for the past few weeks. There are so many great tracks that leave me LOL'ing to myself at the clever lyrics. This track is no exception and it has a great dance beat running through it. Having watched the video I've decided that the guy who doesn't sing is my role model, I could be in a band and (appear) to do nothing, that's right up my street.

SFW:-
Luke Sital-Singh - Hunger (2017)


Check out this emotional performance by Luke Sital-Singh of his new single Hunger which features on his new album Time Is A Riddle.  If I appeared on Mastermind, singer-songwriters would be subject of choice (apart from Star Wars, but that's too geeky), I just yearn that when that time comes, Mr Sital-Singh will be as successful as Mr Sheeran or that Mr Styles and I'd be shooting answers about him like Han Solo shooting Greedo. (remember Han Shot First!).  Alas, we are still waiting for Luke to have that massive breakout hit, will this be it? Call it my New Hope. 

O.K., I'll get my coat.

Flycasual:-
Run The Jewels - 'Thieves (Screamed the Ghost' feat Tunde Adebimpe (2017)


My current weapon of choice from one of my favourite albums of the year so far, Run The Jewels 3. Tip Top production, excellent instrumentals with two MC's on top of their game. 'Thieves' also features Tunde Adebimpe from TV on the Radio which, as the French say, adds a little 'I don't know what'. 

Old Pa:-
Dan Auerbach - Shine On Me




It's summer, it's Dan Auerback, with a little nod to the Travelling Wilburys, be happy!

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Tuesday 18 April 2017

Rod Stewart - Bring It on Home to Me/You Send Me

WEDNESDAY CLUB

DON'T GO IN TO THE WOODS

A TROLL WANDERS PAST



ROD STEWART -  Bring It On Home To Me/You Send Me

When Rod Stewart was Rod Srtewart. What a fabulous video this is, featureing the great Spike Milligan and the not so great Russel Harty.

RITUALS OF THE FOREST

I don't really know where this came from but I started it and was about to  'bin it'  when I came up with the title, which I liked. The title deserved better than the rubbish that I had come up with. I was about to  'bin'  it again when I got a new lease of life with the lines  'Little Red Riding Hood, is torn alive'.  I now had to think of 4 more last lines for 4 verses. I could not wait to get revenge on  Elsa.  I could not  'Let It Go'

RITUALS OF THE FOREST

Branches and leaves
cover rotting fruit
Troll wanders past
hulking great brute
Nightstalkers wait
with deadly sting
Pixies and Fairies
dance and sing
Hornets rage
away from the hive
Little Red Riding Hood
is torn alive

these are Rituals of the Forrest

Hemlock, Nightshade
sway with delight
a red eyed Org
is looking to fight
a Lynx is skirling
for bitches in heat
Goblins search
someone to cheat
vicious Jackals
screech and bark
Hansel and Gretel
scream in the dark

these are Rituals of the Forrest

Poison Ivy, Nettles
wait for your skin
giant black Spiders
trap you in spin
Sirens and Nymphs
tantalize and tease
Vipers they strike
prey to seize
Rabid Dogs
with foaming fits
little Snow White
torn to bits

these are Rituals of the Forrest

Warlocks ,Witches
cast spells of doom
Demons and Devils
awake their tomb
Zombies prowling
their stench of death
Dragons spitting
their fiery breath
Lucifer practices
his evil art
a skipping Bambi
is ripped apart

these are Rituals of the Forrest

Insatiable Vampires
gorge human blood
ravenous rats
come like a flood
Owls hoot
their ominous call
a giant Ogre
eleven foot tall
a Bogeyman
with rotten breath
a regal Elsa
frozen to death

these are Rituals of the Forrest

Sunday 16 April 2017

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 15-04-2017 - BNQT, Ryan Adams,The Shins, Gorillaz

Tracks Of The Week

Instagram @alanreesb

Old Pa:-
The Shins - Heartworms (2017)

 

As soon as you hear the voices here there is no doubts this is definately The Shins. If you had to describe the The Shins music this would be a good choice. It has all that is good about these lads. Melody and harnony and a good hook. That is is The Shins. No nonsence good clean bliss.! 

London Scouser:-
BNQT - 'Restart' (2017)

 

I have to admit, I do love a supergroup, and this band are definitely no exception. They consist of the lead singers from 'Midlake', 'Band of Horses', 'Franz Ferdinand', 'Travis' & 'Grandaddy'. The idea came from Eric Pulido of Midlake in 2013, and he describes them as “Like a poor man’s version of the Traveling Wilburys!” which would work for me.
This is their debut track and it struck me straight away with it's Glam-Rock sound. The album 'Volume 1' is out at the end of April and I can't wait to give it a listen or 3. I've heard the second track off of the album, called 'Unlikely Force' which is very different and has taken quite a few listens before I started to enjoy it.

SFW:-
Ryan Adams - Prisoner (2017)


When anyone talks to me about Ryan Adams, I am like a doting parent who loves everything that he does.  I cannot publicly admit that I don't like something he does - similar to the way a parent cannot admit that their child's painting looks like a monkey has drawn it (after chewing some hallucinogenic plant).  So to admit that his latest release Prisoners had me feeling a bit disappointed is a bit difficult. The songs are great, each laced with heartbreak that can explode in you with the precision of Luke Skywalkers laser shots in the Death Star trench. What don't I like? Well it's the production (said like a true knob!) but when you hear any of the songs acoustic you can see their greatness. So when this appeared on my feed I had that happy glow again. But please, remember not to say anything negative ;-).  The kids got talent!

Flycasual:-
Gorillaz - 'Andromeda' (2017)


My son and I watched BBC Star Gazing live the other week and as always pretty mind blowing, particularily when trying to explain distance in astronomical units. Kids always ask you difficult questions in the belief that, because you are a grown up, you are an oracle of endless knowledge. 'How far is a Light Year dad? Now! & 'Is there life on Saturn's moon?' were some typical questions, which took a little bit brow furring and Google searching before I could give a suitable and satisfactory answer. So it would be rude not to choose 'Andromeda' as my track of the week, not only aptly named but a great track featuring Damon Albarn and D.R.A.M., my pick of the preview tracks the Gorillaz released in anticipation of their new and fifth album, Humanz. My brain and bones hurt to think that their first album was in 2001. Oh and 1 light year is 5.9 trillion miles and there's strong evidence suggesting that life is supported on the Saturn moon of Enceladus. Mind blown again.


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Thursday 13 April 2017

TOM JONES - I'll Never Fall In Love Again

WEDNESDAY CLUB 

WELSH SUNSET



TOM JONES -  I'll Never Fall In Love Again

SFW had a picture of a sunset taken from his house in Wales, I liked the reference to the sunset and the orange cedars.

It had to be war and coming home. Google provided the great Welsh girl's name 'Dwynwen'. If I marry a Welsh girl our first girl will be called 'Dwynwen', I have decided. I just filled in the blanks and here we have 'Orange of the Cedars'.

And to compliment it we have my favourite Tom Jones song. 

ORANGE OF THE CEDARS  (Saint Florence Sunset)

I never wanted to go to war
they forced me to go and fight
I wanted to stay with you Dwynwen
be with you as we work the land
and be in your arms at night

I don't like this foreign land
it's not my wild and windy hills
I wanted to stay with you Dwynwen
walking along the sandy beach
sunsets holding our dreams

Waiting for that whistle blow
the Hun's bullets I will face
thoughts of only you my Dwynwen
and all of these golden sunsets
the orange cedars of home

as I lay on this stretcher
bandages cover my shot up eyes
I have visions of you Dwynwen
and the sunset and the orange of the cedars
waiting for me back home
in Saint Florence

I never wanted to go to war
they forced me to go and fight
I wanted to stay with you Dwynwen
be with you as we work the land
and be in your arms at night

Wednesday 12 April 2017

Fionn Regan - Cormorant Bird

TUESDAY BLUES

Do you like Singer/Songwriters/Alt-Country/Americana or Indie-Folk, or do you have a unhealthy affection to the sadness, if so you may have a case of the Tuesday Blues!



Fionn Regan - Cormorant Bird (2017)


I am really looking forward to hearing Fionn Regan's latest release, The Meetings of the Waters, which is out on Friday (April 14th). The album is released through Fionn's own label 常に愛TSUNENI AI / Abbey Records.  The album was co-produced by Regan, Philip Tennant and Dave Granshaw at Chale Abbey Studios on the Isle of Wight. It was mixed by Tom Elmhurst at Electric Lady Studios in New York and by Tchad Blake at Mongrel Studios in Wales.  He even released an App so that the eager beavers can have a listen, get exclusives etc.

Due to the sheer number of releases these days, I usually will wait for the Spotify release, but in the case of this I HAD TO GET IT!  i.e. order it on Vinyl, but probably end up streaming it more through the house.

OK. I can admit it. I am a weirdo.

By Sfw

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 09-04-2017 - James Blake, Woods, Jim James, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever,

Tracks Of The Week

Instagram @alanreesb

Flycasual:-
Jim James - 'World's Smiling Now' (2016)


With 'First World' problems shelved for the weekend, I was treated to a visit from Sfw. The sun was shining, the kids were playing nicely and our respective wives even allowed us to go for a middle aged skate down the local skate park where Sfw got rad and shredded the mini ramp, whilst I nursed my knee back to health. The world was indeed smiling. Cue the Jim James slinky, soulful treatment then, I've been really enjoying last year's release, Eternally Even with the World's Smiling Now my clear stand out. Really worth checking out the album the next time sun makes an appearance!

Old Pa:-
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - French Press (2017)


 


I heard this by default, I was trying to listen to something else. I loved it and had to play it over and over. It is suitably jangly if you know what I mean. This is an Aussie Band and althought the name is maybe a little too pretentious, who cares this is just brill and I can't wait to hear their album. This is a contender.

London Scouser:-
Woods - 'Love Is Love' (2017)



I was really into 'Woods' back in 2014 with their album 'With Light And With  Love' getting many a play via my headphones. I missed their 2016 release 'City Sun Eater In The River Of Light' as I wasn't listening to that much music last year. This song is from their 6 track mini album of the same name to be released later this year and is just what I needed to rekindle my interest in the band. I've read that it has some Ethiopian Jazz influences which I can imagine will be right up Flycasual's street. There's a verse towards the end that reminds me of 'Land Of Confusion' by Genesis which featured on the classic 'Now 9' album

SFW:-
James Blake - 'My Willing Heart' (2017)


I have to admit that the first reason I watched this was due to it featuring Natalie Portman, but hey, that's as good a reason right?  Well after a couple of listens it is actually a cracking track. It features on James Blake's 2016 album The Colour In Everything and the just released video was directed by Anna Rose Holmer.  It's as stylish as a Tom Ford movie and has the glorious Portman swimming in a pool and posing intimate shots in a bedroom. The video was shot right before Portman gave birth to her daughter in February.  

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Wednesday 5 April 2017

The Teardrop Explodes - Bouncing Babies

WEDNESDAY CLUB

SEE YOO!
SORRY JOHNNY!



THE TEARDROP EXPLODES - Bouncing Babies

WEE JOHNNY

Wee Johnny was about maybe 5 foot 4 or 5. I met him when I played football in Jeddah for a few years. He wasn't very good., he was the guy who was always picked last when the teams were being chosen. The skins  (bare back) and the shirts  (the ones who were not bare back).  He usually always ended up in goal just like the weak kid in glasses in school who everyone picked on. But you would not pick on wee Johnny, he came from Glasgow, Maryhill and he was as hard as  girders  .wee Johnny called a spade a spade and a shovel was a shovel. You did not mess with
Wee Johnny

The football was all about the social with wee Johnny he love the  apres footy..as they say in France. Every Monday we took turns in hosting all the guys round to your bar for drinks which you had homemade and built up your stocks for the occasion. Usually there was something to eat like sandwiches or Spag bowl. When it was my turn I prepared some  stovies  It usually lasted about a couple of hours when the sensible lads returned to their families. There were always the bachelors and hard core drinkers left and always wee Johnny. How did I know?. Work it out. Wee Johnny was always the last to go. He was great company and had a good dry Glasgow sense
of humour. He talked exactly how you would imagine a Glasgow guy to talk
.
'see yooo Jimmy, al stick ma heed in ya, just get me a pint a heavy for fook sake.'

I must tell you this little story about the time wee Johnny and a few mates went Athens for a long week-end. They arrive from the dry Saudia flight and after checking into their Hotel went of course out to have a good bevy. They passed this club and were welcomed in by a pretty bar girl and were let to a table. Immediately bottles of champagne were brought to the table. They were having a great old time, some other bar girls had joined them and the champagne was flowing. Suddenly one of the guys said,  'wait a minute, how much is this costing'.  Well they got the bill and it was about £1000, allot of money in those days. They were discussing what to do when one of the guys nipped of to the loo he was accosted by two big ape like guys with white shirts and bow ties. One held him while the other gave him a couple of good punches in the guts. He returned in stress and told the other guys. The two apes and another two gorillas appeared and stood arms folded menacingly close. Wee Johnny made the decision that he was going to fight his way out.  Al have the Bastards  He was persuaded to just pay up and learn from the experience..

Anyway they paid up and the final indignity a Bar girl came with a complimentary bottle of champagne for their good custom. If you are reading this I hope you learn and always ask the cost of a drink in a strange bar or club and if possible pay after each round. Do the same with Taxies always ask the price. Good memories wee Johnny.  See Yooo!