This 33 doesn’t relate the revolutions per minute of a vinyl album, but the number of great records I’ve listened to over the last couple of months. With so much music to get through I’ve had to cut the reviews down a bit this month, but I’ve added links to myspace or last.fm pages, and the odd You Tube clip, so so you can check out the music at you leisure…
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH:
1. TV On The Radio – Golden Age
This is where all the promise finally comes good. 2006′s Return to Cookie Mountain was a great album, but TV On The Radio have created a sonic masterpiece with this their third album. Their love of dance music has always been there, but often buried in the dense soundscapes that producer David Sitek buillt around their previous two albums. But here the funk is brought well to the fore, even if the lyrics prove they are not shiny happy people. Just listen to the lead single “Golden Age”, which could almost be the missing linchpin from some great lost Prince album, and was the stand-out track on their recent performance on Jools Holland’s Later…
Talking Heads have been referenced as an influence on this record and you can hear it in their new found confidence to give both the music and vocals a bit more room to breath. And like Talking Heads this a multifaceted musical stew, with their influence being most evident on Red Dress, with the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra providing punchy horns that rub up against highlife-style guitars lines that could be straight off Speaking In Tongues. This record also has more soul than any RnB record I’ve heard in a very very long time, which like Prince’s classic Sign Of the Times reeks of dread one minute, and the next urges us to dance the night away. Along with Shearwater’s Rooks and Portishead’s Third, this is head and shoulders above anything I’ve heard this year. A CLASSIC.
2. Arthur Russell – Love is Overtaking Me
Russell was a real genius, and it’s a cryin’ shame that his was relatively unknown at the time of his death in 1992. Fortunately for us some 16 years after his death his amazing catalogue of recordings are still being reissued. This album will be a shock for many of us who either knew him for his classic jazzy disco tunes, or the avant-garde cello driven music of his World Of Echo album from 1986. It’s no surprise that this record in classified as country/folk on emusic, as this is pretty much where this record starts, merging into classic singer-songwriter territory which at times reminds me Lou Reed, Jonathan Richman (the album features two members of the Modern Lovers) and even Randy Newman.
Some of these tracks were recorded by legenday record producer John Hammond (the man who discovered Dylan, Springsteen and Leonard Cohen) as far back as 1974, and I’m unsure why they never got released at the time. And boy what a revelation this record is, his voice is simply beautiful, and the simple instrumentation that augments many of these lovely songs simply highlights what a great songwriter he was. This album delivers 24 tracks of sheer brilliance. I can’t wait to hear what they dig up next from his apparently vast tape collection. A remarkable and beautiful record.
Micachu – Filthy Friends (Micachu Mixtape Vol.1)
Easily the most original and inventive artist I’ve come across this year (or for the last forty for that matter). I caught Micachu along with her band the Shapes at In The City this year and they were a revelation. And boy did they separate opinion, one friend claimed he was obviously too old as he just didn’t get it, while another acquaintance who is a top live agent stood grinning throughout the whole performance. The highlight of the gig was the brilliant “Golden Phones”, which is currently available on iTunes from the In The City Unsigned 2008 compilation, while the only other music available by Micachu other than her mixtape, is their remix of The Streets excellent “Everything Is Borrowed” single (which they effectively covered rather than mixed).
Not surprisingly Mica has been signed by the wonderfully idiosyncratic Matthew Herbert for his label Accidental Records. Micachu is the moniker of 21 year old songwriter and producer Mica Levi. Mica, as her official biog claims, is a bit of a Renaissance artist “equally at home writing and producing stunning, experimental pop with the likes of Matthew Herbert, as MCing with friends in various grime collectives and balancing this with her day time tutorage at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she’s studying composition. Her talent as a young composer has not gone unnoticed with Mark Anthony Turnage commissioning her to write an orchestral piece for the London Philharmonic Orchestra that was performed at the Royal Festival Hall on April 29th. She is also a member contemporary experimental classical outfit S’n'M or Society Of New Music.” Currently doing the rounds is Micachu’s ‘Filthy Friends’ mixtape which mashes up a whole load of have favourite acts including the likes of Man Like Me, Ghost Poet, Capitol K, Kwes, Jack Penate, The Fields, Naked & the Boys, Toddla T, Suicidedogz, Golden Silvers and many more of her friends. Her totally unique take on the grime mix album is as mad as a fish, and as much fun as you can legally have in your own home. Download it for free at www.myspace.com/micayomusic.
AND NOW THE VERY BEST OF THE REST…
BLK JKS – Mystery – EP
Blk Jks (pronounced “black jacksâ€) have produced one of the most exciting debut’s I’ve heard this year, and that it comes out of one of the biggest black townships in Johannesburg is even more amazing. This EP takes South African music into the 21st century, and is as much dubbed-up artrock as it is Township jive. This four-track reminds me of TV On The Radio all mixed up with the indestructible beats of Soweto. The band are in the studio with the Secret Machines Brandon Curtis, and I for one can’t wait to hear the results.
Bomb The Bass -Â Future Chaos
For those of us old enough to remember the acid house explosion of 1987, one of the key UK records to come out alongside M|A|R|R|S “Pump up the Volume”, Coldcut’s remix of Eric B and Rakim “Paid In Full” was Tim Simenon’s “Beat Dis”. However, Simenon seemed to disappeared from view after ’95s album, Clear. Future Chaos is his first album in some thirteen years and features a whole host of guests including vocalists Paul Conboy and Mark Lanegan. Musically the album seems to lean towards the the music of the Knife, Junior Boys, Fujiya & Miyagi (who also feature here) and even electro-pop pioneer John Foxx, than anything from Simenon’s past. But once you get past the surprising change in direction this record proves to be a breathtaking triumph. Welcome back Tim.
Bowerbirds – Hymns For A Dark Horse
A one for fans of the freak folk of Devendra Banhart, James Yorkston and Akron/Family, as well as the more traditional folk singer-songwriters coming out of the US at the moment such as Sufjan Stevens and Andrew Bird, but with touches of Grizzly Bear and Beirut served up as a side order. And this album is as tasty as it sounds. The band are made up of singer Phil Moore and his accordionist girlfriend Beth Tacular, and would make a haunting soundtrack to a trip around the Appalachian Mountains.
Colt – You Hold On To What’s Not Real
COLT are a new band to me, but they began life as duo Living With Eating Disorders, releasing their first record back in 2004. The controversy surrounding the name led to the name change and the release of a debut album, These Things Can’t Hurt You Now, So Throw Them In The Fire, back in 2005. This new EP is a great place to sample their dark and often disquieting music. The EP featuring four new tracks, plus four remixes by artists including Arlen Figgis (son of film director Mike Figgis) and Whitehouse’s William Bennett. Fans of Goldfrapp’s debut Felt Mountain, The Knife’s brilliant Silent Shout, Beth Gibbons solo debut with Rustin Man, and Portishead’s Third should find plenty to interest them here.
Deerhunter – Microcastle
Post-shoegazing, ambient, minimalist, krautrock and psychedelia have all been used to describe this band from Atlanta, Georgia. This a lovely record that reminds me of both Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, and is more song-based than their debut album, Cryptograms. Expect this to be in the top three of many end of year lists.
Department of Eagles – In Ear Park
A big departure from their 2003 debut album which had more in common with DJ Shadow than leader Daniel Rossen’s other full-time band, Grizzly Bear. This is still a sonically dynamic record that evokes everything from Animal Collectives Sung Tongs to Brian Wilson’s Smile. These are ambitious pop-infused pocket symphonies (which are dedicated to Rossen’s late father, rather than to god), that should prove to be a great musical companion for years to come.
Dr Dog – Fate
These guys have been around for a good few years but this is the first album I’ve come across. I was expecting some lo-fi US Indie in the style of early Pavement, but has more in common with Stephen Malkmus’s recent albums. This is classic song writing at playm more in debut to Beach Boys or the Beatles, with a touch of blue-eyed soul, and a the rough edges of the Replacements thrown in. This record isn’t going to change anybody’s life, but it’s a fine slice of classic pop music nevertheless.
Early Years – Like A Suicide (7″ single)
I barely remember reading a thing about this band’s debut album in 2006 (and I read an awful lot of music magazines and blogs), which is a damned shame because after finally bagging a copy of the record I discovered that it’s a mighty fine slice of Krautrock-inspired guitar rock. Although it is nothing in comparison to the a-side of this amazing 7′ single they’ve recorded for the Sonic Cathedral label (in lovely yellow vinyl too). The a-side “Like A Suicide” is simply awesome, with a rocksteady komische rhythm anchoring the song it simply builds and builds, with some amazing atonal guitar fizzing around. This is what the Velvet Underground might have sounded like if John Cale had been the lead singer rather than Lou, and they’d had Can’s Jaki Liebezeit on drums rather than Mo Tucker. Easily the best single of 2008. Can’t wait to hear where they go next…
Eugene McGuinness – Eugene McGuinness
I know virtually nothing about Eugene McGuiness but was given a copy of his debut album, just released on Domino Records to listen to, and it’s an interesting start, if not a wholly revelatory experience. This is a literate catchy but slightly skewed take on pop music that bounces along at a fair pace, as on the wonderfully titled “Fonz”. I’m not sure who you could compare him or his music to (maybe a slightly more whimsical Damon Albarn?), but this concise album (which clocks in at 36 mins) never quite outstays it welcome, but equally never quite manages to cuddle up and become your favourite record.
Friendly Fires – Friendly Fires
I totally forgot to review this album when it came out a couple of months ago, which is odd as I was looking forward to it’s arrival, and thoroughly enjoyed it when I finally got my mits on it. The band have similar reference points to their contemporaries Foals, with a satisfying mix of Liquid Liquid punk funk, disco, nu rave, Bloc Party and even Remain In Light-era Talking Heads; especially on “In The Hospital” which lifts a big chunk from “Crosseyed and Painless”. A very satisfying funky sonic stew that should get your tush moving.
Gang Gang Dance – Saint Dymphna
Bjork, left-field electronica, The Slits, Afrobeat, Yeasayer, dub, Animal Collective and a whole bunch of other very individual artists and leftfield genres come to mind when you listen to the new album from Brooklyn’s Gang Gang Dance. Not the easiest record listen you’ll hear this year, but one of the most interesting and original!
Hatchback – Colours of the Sun
Another piece in the puzzle that is the cosmic Italo Balearic disco scene that seems to be sweeping across the globe, with this the first album by Californian Samuel Milton Grawe. For fans of Lindstrom, Studio, A Mountain Of One and the Italians Do It Better label. A lovely blissful record that will keep you nice and warm over the winter months.
Horse Feathers – House with No Home
If you dug the Bon Iver album, have the hots for Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s music and think Efterklang are fab you’ll love this album to pieces. Horse Feathers consists of singer/songwriter Justin Ringle (acoustic guitar, vocals, percussion) and multi-instrumentalist Peter Broderick (violin, banjo, mandolin, cello, viola, piano, saw, percussion, vocals), who is also a member of Efterlkang and has an excellent solo album out now on Bella Union (more next month). A lovely lovely record, made even more special by Ringle’s beautiful smokey vocals and Brodericks stunning yet subtle string arrangements.
The Instruments РDark Sm̴land
The Instruments aren’t really a band but the vehicle for multi-instrumentalist Heather McIntosh’s music. She’s probably more well known for being in Gnarls Barkley’s live band or as a long time member of Elf Power, part of the Athens based Elephant 6 Recording Company collective who are in evidence on this her third album, including members of Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, Of Montreal and the Circulatory System. Dark SmÃ¥land makes me wonder what the Fairport Convention may have sounded like if they’d been fans of the Velvet Underground, while on “Cello Ballard” McItosh goes the whole hog and does a stunningly convincing impersonation of Desertshore-era Nico.
Koushik – Out My Window
Koushik Ghosh is a first-generation Canadian born to two genetic engineers, which might go some way to explaining the music on his debut album of Peanut Butter Wolf’s Stones Throw label. His music is a beautiful hazy mix of Madlib-style hip hop beats but mixed up with 60s sunshine pop and psychedelic soul, all topped off with his lovely soft whacked-out vocals. But don’t be thinking that is album heralds the rebirth of Tr*p H*p, although this album has hints of contemporaries such as DJ Shadow and RJD2, it has as much in common with Beck or fellow Canadian Dan Snaith of Caribou fame, or even a gentler version of Swedish psychenauts Dungen!
Lambchop – OH (Ohio)
I was a big big fan. A favourite band. But found 2004′s Aw C’mon/No You C’mon a sprawling disappointment, and didn’t even bother checking out 2006s Damaged. But after reading lots of positive reviews of OH (Ohio) I took the plunge and gave it a listen. And you know what it’s pretty damn good. This isn’t as ground breaking as Nixon, but this is as good as anyone could expect some 15 albums into his career. Some of frontman Kurt Wagner’s songs are getting as good as anything by the great Jimmy Webb, the man who gave us “Galveston”, “MacArthur Park” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”. Soft, subtle and very very lovely.
Menahan Street Band – Make The Road By Walking
This album takes its name from the song that provided the massive hook for Jay-Z’s “Roc Boys” single, from 2006′s American Gangster album). Although the sample sounded like it came from some obscure 70s Blaxploitation funk soundtrack, it was actually taken from a single by musician, writer and producer Thomas Brenneck, a member of the Daptone Records stable. Brenneck has brought together musicians from Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Michels Affair, Antibalas and the Budos Band under the Menahan Street Band umbrella, and what a band. The album kicks off with the Jay-Z sampling “Make The Road By Walking” and never lets up, fittingly closing with a cover of “Going the Distance,” from the Rocky soundtrack. Can you manage all 11 rounds of grade ‘A’ funk, afrobeat, jazz and neo-soul, without being floored by this fantastic record?
Mr Scruff – Ninja Tuna
Scruff keeps the aquatic references going for his latest album (previous tracks have included Shrimp, Fish and Sea Mammal) which is fishy pun for his label Ninja Tune. This is only his fourth album in 10 years, but like everything he does -from his DJing to his artwork, or his own brand of organic teas, it is done to absolute perfection. This is the first proper album since Trouser Jazz way back in 2002. Now you’d think in six years anyone would be able to come back with a dance album that sounds contemporary, but still remains true to the artists past. And guess what, Scruff manages it effortlessly. The album’s guests include vocalist Alice Russell (now signed to Scruff’s management company Sparkle St), Quantic and label mate Roots Manuva. Like his amazing DJ sets this is a classy mix of bass heavy funky beats, soulful jazzy riffs, dubby hip-hop breakbeats, Latin grooves, classic piano house tunes, and frankly anything else that takes Scruff’s fancy. QUALITY TUNEAGE!
Mudd – Claremont 56
Last month I raved about the excellent Rong label, and here’s the debut album from one of the labels stars, Paul ‘Mudd’ Murphy. This is rather cheeky as this album came out in the UK in early 2007, but what the hell it’s new to me, and I couldn’t find an even half-decent review of it online! The big surprise on checking out the Mudd website is that Murphy is from St Albans and not Nu Yawk, and released a bunch of records for the likes of Nuphonic, Tummy Touch and Strutt in the 90s. Claremont 56 is a lot more Balearic than I expected, at times also reminding me of an uptempo Air. Opener “C40″ sounds like it could be from Joni Mitchell’s Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter album, and then fires into “Mount Pleasant Lane” with melting acid guitar that would sit nicely with the new Balearic crowd, while “Spielplatz” is a lovely deep house track. It’s only on “Damn Flu” that the classic Rong percussive disco sound really gets let loose. If the winter weather is getting you down, put this on and get taken back to your summer hols.
The Mummers – Tale To Tell (Part One)
I picked up on the Mummers from my old mate Paul Lester’s New Band of the Day column on the Guardian website, where he describes their music as sounding “like Björk if she had never been seduced by club culture, techno, drum’n'bass and the avant garde and instead focused on being a sort of weird 21st-century Doris Day.” Lead singer Raissa had an album out on Polydor back in ’99 which apparently did nothing, but now with collaborator Mark Horwood and producer Paul Sandrone in tow, she has made a beautiful and quite simply tremendous record that puts a stupid big grin on my face everytime I hear it. They are playing the Hoxton Bar And Kitchen next Tuesday (11th Nov), so see you there!
My Brightest Diamond – A Thousand Shark’s Teeth
If you like Kate Bush but get frustrated having to wait the best part of a decade for a new album, you might want to try Shara Worden’s music. She is part of Sufjan Stevens stable of artists, and like Stevens makes fascinating music, that certainly leans on her classical background and her love of Ravel, but also adds the influence of Tom Waits and Tricky to the mix. The album was originally meant to be a more classical, string quartet affair, but she ended up adding marimbas, harps, clarinets, French horns, rabid guitars, vibraphones to the mix. Worden’s music, like Bush’s is theatrical in nature, and can sometimes come across as a bit over earnest. But if you’re bored with your Adelle’s and your Duffy’s and want a female singer with a bit more depth and substance you should give this a go.
The Natural Yogurt Band – Away With Melancholy
One of fellow citizen Paul Martins favourite new albums of the moment.This is another one of those records that sounds like it was made in the 70′s but is actually a new release. These guys were signed by the excellent Jazzman label, a label more known for their reissues than new music. So what did the label find so intriguing about these demos? “Well, for starters you can hear real people playing real instruments, which always goes down well at Jazzman. Then there are the original ideas, played out as quirky, innocent instrumentals, and their flawless execution lacks pretence and self-consciousness. Finally when you note their taste and musical style – Italian gangster films, leftfield electronics, Morricone, Alessandroni & Nicolai all rolled into one – you realise that they’ve been listening to the right stuff and making their own auditory visualization of what’s good. Oddball, left field, funky; yet unpretentious and effortless!”. You bet.
Noah And The Whale – Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down
Mr Martin was was also responsible for this album, as it was very kindly his birthday present to me. And this is a rarity for me these days, an album on a major label. Whatever next! Especially as this is almost FOLK music! Well at least the sort of folk music that fans of citizensound faves Jonquil, Laura Marling (who along with Emmy The Great are former members of the band ) and label mate Johnny Flynn would enjoy. At times they can sound like a folksy version of Arcade Fire, and should go down well with fans of Belle and Sebastian. I’m not sure what Vertigo can do with this band, but it would be great if they had some success trying.
Onra & Quetzal – Tribute
Another one of Mr Martin’s excellent recommendations. In 2006, Parisian DJ Onra collaborated with French producer Quetzal and the result is “Onra & Quetzal present Tribute”. They describe their album as “a hip-hop tribute to soul music. Soulful instrumentals that sound like hip-hop remixes to soul songs from late 60′s to late 70′s.” These guys make some great instrumental hip hop that will appeal to fans of the likes of J Dilla and Madlid, as well as crate diggers everywhere.
Pontiak – Sun On Sun
My old mate Julian Cope is a big fan of these guys and he’s “been vibing on Sun On Sun by three-piece post-stoner nutters Pontiak, whose ominous, portentous music straddles a wide sonic rift valley, with references that stretch from the southern latitudes of Spain’s Viaje A800 to the northern majesty of Black Sabbath and Harvey Milk via the Doors. …Pontiak are either space aliens or Mormons (what’s the diff?), which is probably why their music sounds as though it were filtered through deep space.†Well said Julian. This album is less metal or wierd than some of the stuff St Julian raves about these days, and would be a good investment for anyone into the likes of Queens of The Stoneage, rather than fans of Sunn O))) or Sleep.
Robert Logan – Cognessence
I’ll let the ever excellent Boomkat site take it from here. “Apparently, Robert Logan was discovered by producer Ivor Guest, who upon hearing his noir-ish electronic sound designs immediately recruited him some beat programming for Grace Jones’ forthcoming album. Since then, Logan has collaborated with the likes of Brian Eno on soundtrack work. This debut solo effort sees Logan exploring the darker textures of electronic soundscaping, adding a hefty dose of hip hop-infused IDM beat production as he goes. The magnificently over-saturated kick drum compression on ‘Budapest’ and stuttering electronica of ‘Sanza’ demonstrates Logan’s abilities as a programmer of beats, while ‘Cloud Of The Unknowing’ and ‘Proto Lexicon’ provide a glimpse of a dystopic, dark ambient futurism.” If you like this you must also track down the excellent Grinder EP, who’s lead track is one of the best bits of hard-edged electronica I’ve heard in ages.
Robert Wyatt & Bertrand Burgalat – This Summer Night - Single
The genius Robert Wyatt goes disco with the help of French composer/producer Burgalat. The single acts almost as a taster for the forthcoming reissue of Wyatt’s back catalogue. This is the kinda record Arthur Russell might have made in his best disco moments. Boy, would I loved to hear those two guys together.
Smoke Fairies – Living With Ghosts – Single
I came across the Smoke Fairies in one of the music monthlies and was intrigued by the feature on them, so I grabbed a copy of this their debut single.Their music reminds me of a more spectral blues-folk take on the rather wonderful Mazzy Star (whatever happened to the very beautiful Hope Sandoval and her musical partner David Roback?). Although these girls are both from the UK their influences mix dark Appalachian folk, with deep south blues and a touch of the quieter moments from the Velvet Underground. and they seem to picking up lots of new fans, including Richard Hawley who reckons that they are “frankly the best thing I have heard in years”.
Those Dancing Days – In Our Space Hero Suits
This five-piece Swedish all-girl group have made one of my favourite records of the year with the single “Hitten”, a perfect three minute indie-pop confection. In places this album gives me the same thrill as Blondie did some thirty-odd years ago with Plastic Letters, while musically they also remind me of classic girl groups such as The Ronettes, The Crystals and even Stiff Records one hit wonder Rachel Sweet (anyone remember her cover of Carla Thomas’ B.A.B.Y?), while fans of the twee-pop of the Field Mice and Belle and Sebastian will also get a kick out of this record. Lead singer Linnea Jönsson (a young Jane Fonda with Shirley Temple curls) has a fantastic voice which deserves some stronger songs than some of the tracks on show here, but hey they are still very young. Lets hope by the next album that their influences go beyond “life and pretty boys”!
V.V. Brown – Crying Blood
Another potential single of the year, V.V. Brown was one of the most arresting things I’ve ever seen on Jools Holland’s Later show, and this song deserved to be a huge huge hit. As the Guardian pointed out she is “the sum of her idiosyncratic listening habits: old rock’n'roll and doo wop, novelty soul and incidental music from Nintendo games and Disney movies, while this her debut single “nicks the chorus from 1962 novelty smash Monster Mash by Bobby “Boris” Pickett.” She’s penned pop confections for both Sugarbabes and the Pussycat Dolls, but this single just oozes a real sense of personal style, that like Tawiah, Rox, EJ, Ebony Bones and the thecocknbullkid, proves that the UK is producing some very individual female artists that are a world away from their homogenised US counterparts who churn out souless RnB. A class act. Can’t wait for the album.
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