the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 24

Hands down winner of single of the year, 'Let it happen' opens Tame Impala's third album and for this reason alone I think you need to celebrate Christmas with a copy of the album 'Currents' in your household.

The only problem with opening the album with one heck of a tune like that is it leaves the listener wondering where you're going to go next. On first listen, the rest of the album may not grab you as instantly as Let it happen does, but trust me when I say it's worth sticking with. Other stand out tracks include Eventually - a hopeful ode to overcoming the break up of a relationship and the delicious sound of 'Cause I'm a Man'.

Over the past few years, Australian artists have been coming up with some massive musical highlights. If the ashes in cricket were played on a turntable, us brits would be wondering what we'd need to do to win back that little urn, So, while you're making your last minute Christmas preparations, let's raise a glass to the excellence of Kevin Parker's creation Tame Impala and make it the soundtrack to your festive season.

 

As I round off the #indieadvent24 featuring some of my favourite songs of 2015, I think it's apt that on this the 24th day of the advent of indie music, my gift to you is my single of the year, Tame Impala - Let it happen

 

BONUS CHRISTMAS TRACK

 

 

Like all good advent calendars, the 24th door always offered something a bit more than the usual daily chocolate, or in this case, a cracking slice of indie music.

 

I'd like to thank all of you who have followed this advent reflection of the year in music, especially @musicnostalgic and @theedgeofthesea who have helped spread the word and offered helpful support and advice along the way.

 

I'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and leave you all with my favourite Christmas song - the phenomenally talented Sufjan Stevens with his melancholic masterpiece - Sister Winter

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 23

As we get closer to the end of the indieadvent24# I'm aware today's choice could be met with a fair amount of surprise and dismay from some of the indie crowd. However, I'm sticking to my guns and coming out in support of arguably the most surprising album of cover versions we've seen in a long time.

Earlier this year, the excellent Ryan Adams bizarrely took the decision to cover Taylor Swift's 1989 album. Instead of the radio 1 live lounge-esque car crash many might have expected, Adams took each song and reinvented them in a way your ears will actually appreciate.

I was lucky enough to witness Ryan Adams perform live at the Sage, Gateshead about 10 years ago and I learnt that night he isn't one to play by the rules. He didn't have a set-list, just a book of 120+ songs that he chose to pick from at a whim. He annoyed punters by voting for a smoking break mid-set and generally crawled around the piano, smashed off his face. Despite that, it remains one of my favourite gigs as I witnessed a modern day musician not afraid to do things his way and when he sang, his voice was outstanding live.

Adams brings a touch of Jose Gonzalez Heartbeats to his version of Swift's Blank Space, and he slows the tempo down on Shake It Off in a way that Johnny Cash's great American albums would be proud of. But it's on the less famous Swift single Style, that he adds his trademark sound, many fans of the classic Gold album will undoubtedly appreciate. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but get past your Taylor Swift prejudices and open your ears to another great Ryan Adams creation - you might just enjoy it.

At this late hour on the 23rd day of the advent of indie music, my gift to you all is the enlightening sound of Style by Ryan Adams. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 22

At the start of this indie marathon all the kids are trending as #indieadvent24 (honest) I said these tracks were in no particular order. Proof of that was the very early inclusion of the excellent Jasper by Hooton Tennis Club but now we're into the final three days I can safely say today's track by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard would always be near the top of any favourites list.

You can now listen to the full album Paper Mache Dream Balloon. It was the second album to be released by the band this year. While some may see this as a sign that they're willing to throw out any old rubbish - think again. Fans of this blog and regular listeners to Rick Witter's #discodown will have already heard the lead track Paper Mache Dream Balloon. As the weather stays nice and warm this December it remains the perfect soundtrack to a sunny walk in the park.

The standout track from the album is today's pick of the day. It's a song that demands repeat listens and has a flute solo that will stick in your head for the rest of the day. So, my gift to you on this 22nd day of the advent of indie music is the spellbinding Trap Door by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 21

'If it ain't broke don't fix it' seemed to be the game plan for CHVRCHES' second album Every Open Eye. Their debut album remains one of my favourite albums of the last few years and while their latest release doesn't possess the full impact of its predecessor, it certainly deserves a mention in any positive look back on the music of 2015.

Mainstream radio stations were quick to play Leave A Trace back in the summer and it feels like the band are getting some of the recognition they deserve. They even have the Royal Albert Hall in London on their schedule for the end of March - no mean feat for a band still relatively in its early years.

I'm a sucker for a good female vocal and Lauren Mayberry has one of those voices I could sit and listen to for hours. Throw in a decent electronic sound and it's no surprise I'm hooked. If you have the time give Never Ending Circles a quick spin. Otherwise enjoy a few minutes in the company of one of the best things to come out of Glasgow in years. On this the 21st and shortest day of the advent of indie music, here's the delightful sound of CHVRCHES - Empty Threat. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 20

One of New York City's best kept secrets, Public Access TV joined the 2015 party late this year with a cracking double A side single (apparently you can still do this in the digital world) In Love And Alone and Patti Peru.

In a similar way to how The Strokes set the music world alight in 2001, we can have a lot to look forward to in 2016 when Public Access TV finally release their highly anticipated album. It would be lazy to suggest the two bands sound the same while they hail from the same place, but on the basis of the tracks here it would be equally remiss of me not to acknowledge that there is a heavy influence to their sound from some of NYC's finest. I'll leave it to you to make your own judgement.

On In Love And Alone, we find the band offering up a future indie disco floor filler. It's not too late to add it to your final Christmas party playlist of the year. On this the 20th day of the advent of indie music, here's the next big sound from the big apple, Public Access TV - In Love And Alone. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 19

Every week in 2015 seemed to be the 20th anniversary of various cracking albums. It brought to light just how good a year in music 1995 was. Arguably the biggest music story of 1995 was of course the chart battle between Blur and Oasis in August. I pinned my colours to the Oasis mast back then, although deep down the 16 year old me knew that The Great Escape had some impressive songs on it.

20 years on and NME seem to be happy to openly debate the possibility of an Oasis reunion at any given opportunity or to fill a slow news day. What should draw bigger headlines is the fact Damon and co continue to pop their heads into the indie music scene every few years and drop a killer album into the mix without much fanfare.

Appearing from thin air earlier this year, The Magic Whip featured so many delightful pop moments it would be ridiculous to link to them all. Go Out and Lonesome Street would be a good place to start if you haven't already heard the full long player.

The outstanding highlight of the album and one of the singles of the year is an audio and visual delight. So, on the 19th day of this advent of indie music, my gift to you is the ridiculously happy sound of Blur - Ong Ong. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 18

A proper belta of a track to celebrate the biggest Friday night of the year and today's #indieadvent24. The Prodigy have gone from strength to strength on their most recent releases and 'The Day Is My Enemy' picked up the baton where 'Invaders Must Die' left off in 2009. I'd argue they're creating some of the best music of their long career right now, without getting the true acclaim they arguably deserve.

Fans of The Prodigy in the 90s will find lots to enjoy on the album with lead single Nasty sounding like the mashed up love child of 'The Fat of The Land' singles Firestarter, Breathe and Smack My Bitch Up.

The Prodigy have always divided opinion amongst my mates. I have to admit I don't think everything they touch turns to gold, but on The Day Is My Enemy they've proven once again that they're still as important and relevant to the music scene today as they were amidst the world of 90s Britpop.

So, on this the 18th day of the advent of indie music, my gift to you is a cracking tune to sort out your Friday night, here's The Prodigy - The Day Is My Enemy. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 17

Great music gets better with age, or is that wine? When the 2015 vintage is served in a few years time, The Libertines third record Anthem For Doomed Youth will most likely feel like more a full-bodied effort than when it first landed at the end of the Summer.

The reason I say this is that in just a few months I've returned to their latest record and it sounds a lot stronger than I initially remember. One of the reasons for this is that they set such a high standard in the early noughties and now over ten years on perhaps it was too much to expect Carl, Pete and co to pick up exactly where they left off.

They've grown up and songs like Anthem For Doomed Youth reflect a more mature and wise sound. That's not to say the cheeky scamps aren't up to their usual tricks. Anyone who heard Gunga Din will already recognise a stadium anthem in waiting and not just for the pleasure of those doomed youth either.

Time will tell if we're lucky enough to see a fourth album from The Libertines, for now we should all be thankful that they finally sorted their bizarre relationships out enough to find time to play some cracking songs in a recording studio. My pick of the album and my gift to you on this the 17th day of the advent of indie music is the sound of Carl and Pete doing what they do best, having fun on record. Here's Heart Of The Matter by The Libertines. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 16

A four-and-a-bit minute masterpiece from the North West of England marks the 16th day of the #indieadvent24. Bill Ryder Jones dropped this little cracker of a tune back in the summer and it's stayed on my most played list for the rest of this year.

Fans of The Coral will approve of his solo work and should take the time to listen to the album West Kirby County Primary. Two To Birkenhead deserves a larger audience and is the album's highlight track. If you like what you hear then you can expect more of the same sound on Catharine and Huskisson and Wild Roses.

Never has a song made me want to go to Birkenhead before. And I'd argue this will never happen again in the history of music. So, while I dream of getting on an Arriva bus in Merseyside and singing to the driver I'd like two singles to Birkenhead please (who says I don't dream big?) I'll leave you all with my gift to you on this the 16th day of the advent of indie music. Here's the whirringly addictive Bill Ryder Jones and Two To Birkenhead. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 15

A year in music without Conor Oberst is an empty one. Luckily for us 2015 welcomed the great American songwriter back with a new release. Fans of his distinctive brand of folk may be surprised to find him rocking out with a heavier sound as part of his band Desaparecidos.

While more suited to Reading & Leeds than Latitude, you can still recognise Oberst's trademark melodies and thought provoking lyrics making their mark under the punky post-hardcore sound usually found on the likes of Kerrang.

If you stripped away the heavy guitars and electronics, there's an excellent Bright Eyes album waiting to be found. But for those who love their music a little bit heavier and louder, the album 'Payola' offers something more intelligent than your usual band - see Anonymous and Slacktivist if you don't have time to play the full album.

While it may not be my favourite ever Conor Oberst project, it's an enjoyable record with enough highlights to keep you entertained. So, while we wait in hope for a future Bright Eyes album, my favourite song from the album and gift to you on the 15th day of this advent of indie music is Desaparecidos - The Left Is Right. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 14

If you haven't discovered the addictively haunting and soulful sound of Algiers yet, today's the day to right that wrong.

'And When You Fall' is one of those songs that sneaks up on you half-way through your first listen, twists itself around your brain and defies you not to reach for the repeat button. You can try to resist but that would be as futile as trying to escape death in Final Destination 7 - Rhythm is gonna get you (probably starring an ageing Gloria Estefan). I digress...

I first shared my love for Algiers back in June. Their sound is a strange one of gospel over guitars that tell stories filled with politically and religiously-charged lyrics. At times you need to remind yourself that this is only a three-piece band. On these cold December evenings, the dark sounds of Algiers will warm your soul. Try them on for size, starting with today's track and continuing with another favourite tune from this blog, Black Eunuch.

So, on this the 14th day of this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is the sublime sound of Algiers - And When You Fall. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 13

If last Sunday's selection on the #indieadvent24 was the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing Sunday morning, this Sunday's song choice comes from the opposite end of the musical spectrum.

Foals returned to the foald (sorry) this summer with their fourth album and while the full length album showed a safer and less experimental band at work, it would be wrong to ignore one of the musical highlights of the summer months.

The single What Went Down knocked down everything else in its tracks when it flew the indie flag on mainstream radio, and demonstrated a harder sound to previous singles. It also still maintains that classic Foals knack of building up to a crescendo of noise that forces you to get up and dance, which can make you look a bit of an idiot when you're waiting in the car at traffic lights.

While the new album didn't offer anything as spellbinding as Spanish Sahara or Blue Blood, songs like Mountain At My Gates still proved that Foals remain an important force in the indie music world today.

So, on this the 13th day of this advent of indie music, my gift to you is the storming What Went Down by Foals. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth listening to - Day 12

One of the strangest endings to a music video accompanies one of my musical highlights of the year in Car Seat Headrest's Something Soon.

Car Seat Headrest began in 2010 in Will Toledo's hometown of Leesburg, Virginia. Needing a place of solitude (and soundproofing) where he could record vocals undisturbed, a 17-year-old Toledo set up shop in the family car, hence the name.

Teens of Style arrived at the end of October and is the first Car Seat Headrest album recorded with a full band. Toledo has taken material from the first three years of the band's existence and reworked it for our musical pleasure.

The influences of American greats such as Nirvana and the Beach Boys can be heard throughout the album. Opener Sunburned Shirts sets the high standard that is maintained across the 11 songs on offer here. I could list other favourites but those of you reading this with time on your hands this weekend should reward yourselves by tracking down and listening to the full long player in all its deserved glory.

I'm kicking off your Saturday with an absolute corker of a track. On the 12th day of this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is the phenomenal sound of Car Seat Headrest - Something Soon. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 11

Storytelling in music is alive and well thanks to New York comic book writer/ artist and musician Jeffrey Lewis. While the majority of the music world run out of words to rhyme with love (dove and shove - I'm out!), it's warming to know the art of writing intelligent and witty lyrics still has its place in our record collections.

A late contender for one of the best albums this year, Jeffrey Lewis & Los Bolts - Manhattan, arrived this autumn with eleven songs that will have you listening intently at the stories being told while also having you dancing and smiling in equal measure.

If you have more time on your hands this Friday night, try listening to Have a Baby and Sad Screaming Old Man as a sample of what else the album has in store. There's also still time to catch the band on their current UK tour before Christmas.

Today's song is my personal highlight from the album and offers an often hilarious insight into the truth behind making your way in the music world as a band trying to secure support tours. I hazard a guess many musicians will find something to smile and wince at. So, on this 11th day of the advent of indie music, my gift to you all is the delightful Jeffrey Lewis & Los Bolts - Support Tours. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 9

While travelling down the East Coast Main Line this morning en route to the big smoke of London I was able to indulge in some more of my favourite songs from 2015.

When The Maccabees released their fourth album this summer I picked it out as an album worth borrowing off your mates. A few months on and this record has continued to delight and surprise in equal measures. From the moment I first heard the lead single Marks To Prove It, this was the sound of a band back on top of their game.

If Colour Me In was the sound of an eternal indie disco you never want to leave, four albums later they've created their debut's older, wiser but no less spunky sibling. Songs like Silence demonstrate how far this band have come, with a simply sublime song of hope that seems a million miles away from the wave machine of Latchmere. Both great songs but both very different.

Those more attentive among you will have noticed that for today's song in the ninth day of this advent of indie music I've selected the album version of Spit It Out. You can listen to it in all it's full length glory here. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 8

The best things come to those who wait. It's getting late in the day but there's still time to celebrate this 8th day of advent with a cracking song from the album Carrie and Lowell by the excellent and criminally underappreciated Sufjan Stevens.

For the uninitiated, Sufjan Stevens is one of the most original artists alive today. From releasing folk songs that will make your heart soar one minute, then providing an alternative soundtrack to the usual Christmas dirge the next, through to scoring a ballet and even a rodeo documentary, Sufjan Stevens has most bases covered.

Carrie and Lowell saw a return to his folk roots but more than that, it is his most personal work to date, reflecting on the relationship with his mother following her death. The songs explore some deeply personal themes and is forever thought provoking throughout. No shade in the shadow of the cross is a highlight of the album with it's horrific closing lyric leaving the listener shocked by a painful truth being laid bare amidst the stunning beautiful sound. 

It's an album I regularly revisit and I never tire of the simple melodies. If you're yet to discover Sufjan Stevens, I recommend spending the next week of your life streaming his back catalogue. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

At this late hour on the 8th day of this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is the stunning Sufjan Stevens' Death With Dignity. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 7

Stop me if this sounds familiar. If you were tuned into Rick Witter's #discodown on @minsterfm last night this post will come as no surprise to you. I know not all of you do (that's not to say I understand why you don't) and regardless this song today takes it rightful place in my #indieadvent24

When Everything Everything first appeared on the music scene a few years back, I have to say they failed to make an impression on me and despite a number of friends telling me how they good they were, I couldn't get into their music.

My initial preconceived ideas were blown out of the water this year when I first heard the excellent single 'Distant Past', followed this summer by one of my contenders for single of the year 'Regret'.  Their album 'Get to heaven' features some great indie pop music and on the rare occasion they slow things down like on songs such as on 'No reptiles' they come up with some cracking lyrics including my strangest and most favourite line of the year “Baby, it’s alright to feel like a fat child in a pushchair old enough to run, old enough to fire a gun”.

In 2016 they'll further cement their indie middleweight credentials when they support Foals on a large arena tour in February.

If you were in hiding this summer than you won't have heard it but for my seventh post in this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is one of my favourite songs of the year, the ridiculously catchy 'Regret' by Everything Everything. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 6

Today's track has been selected with the weekend-rattled indie kid in mind. I remember many Sunday mornings listening to the once mighty xfm and they had an incredible knack of selecting the right songs to wake my heavy head from the excesses of a Friday and Saturday night.

The sound of Courtney Barnett's Depreston will ease you into your Sunday morning with her tale of depressing suburban life in one of Melbourne's outer city areas. This song also contains some rather dodgy lyrics, but isn't that what makes songs and storytelling more interesting?

If you're feeling more alive today and in need of a more lively soundtrack, you should explore one of the albums of the year, 'Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit' featuring the brilliant singles Pedestrian At Best and Dead Fox.

So, for my sixth post in this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is Courtney Barnett - Depreston. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 5

I was brought up on a diet of electro pop music in the mid-80s. A reality I recently reflected on while listening to Claire Hickson's Saturday morning show on @meridianfm when I admitted that Nik Kershaw's Wouldn't It Be Good was the first record I fell in love with. In my defence I thought that was a pretty good song for a 5 year old to be listening to. On reflection, I think there isn't much distance between a good pop song and a cracking indie track.

A case in point is Paul Smith and the Intimations' album Contradictions. It's filled with so many pop nuggets that if it had been released in 1984, it would probably have been the soundtrack to the airwaves of radio 1 and Paul would have been a regular on Top of the Pops.

It's an album that may have passed under your radar. Now is the time to right that wrong. If you have the time today then try listening to I should never know and Coney Island (4th of July)

If you don't have the time then stick with my pick of the day. As it's Saturday, my gift to you on my fifth post in this advent of indie music is Paul Smith and the Intimations - People on Sunday. As it's the weekend, as a special treat you can also watch Paul singing it in German live in Hamburg. Glücklich Hören!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 4

As it's the start of the weekend, I'm going to be extra canny and share one of the greatest sounds of this year from Hooton Tennis Club. Today's post also highlights the fact that these songs appear in no particular order.

Regular readers of this blog will already know about my love for this band and this song in particular. Put simply, Jasper is uplifting, it's guaranteed to make you smile and it deserves to be heard by everyone.

If you don't have the album Highest Point in Cliff Town already on your Christmas list, you must have been naughty this year.

So in my fourth post in this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is Hooton Tennis Club - Jasper. Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 3

Today's post celebrates the wonder of the classic album track. You know the one that will most likely never get radio airplay but when you hear it, it stops you in your tracks and makes you want to find a home for everyone to be able to hear it. Wolf Alice's Silk epitomises that track for me and I hope you feel a similar sense of excitement when you listen to it.

It's been quite a year for Wolf Alice, starting with recognition on the Sound of 2015 longlist and ending with a well-deserved nomination for the Mercury Music Prize. In between, they wowed new fans on stage at Glastonbury in preparation for their debut album release, My Love is Cool.

If you the time, I'd recommend you take time out to listen to the whole album. It has lots of familiar sounding influences and will undoubtedly find its way into your music collection.

If you don't have the time then all that's left to say is, in my third post in this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is Wolf Alice - Silk Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 2

I was a bit unlucky this morning. I managed to hear the musical abomination of Kylie and James Corden murdering the song 'Only You'. It made me realise how lucky we are to have some cracking music in the world, even if it is hidden away from the mainstream.

Today's selection for my #indieadvent24 is a hidden gem from this autumn. Myths 001 is an EP from Connan Mockasin and Devonté Hynes, written and recorded in Marfa, TX as part of the 2015 Marfa Myths festival. The three songs are truly collaborative – each fingerprinted with their distinctive, idiosyncratic take on pop. Stylistically, things move from breathy post-punk (La Fat Fur), to underwater funk (Feelin’ Lovely), to sparse, heartbreak balladry (Big Distant Crush).

So in my second post in this advent of indie music, my gift to you all is Devonté Hynes and Connan Mockasin - La Fat Fur Happy listening!

the only indie advent calendar worth opening - Day 1

It's that time of year when people start to reflect on the last twelve months in music. Take a quick look on twitter and it seems as though everyone is sharing their thoughts on the best songs and albums of the year.

Never one to miss out on a opportunity to share news of cracking indie music, I'm going to spend the next 24 days sharing some of my favourite songs and artists from the last 12 months.

I'm kicking things off with my favourite new artist of the year - Hippo Campus. They're an american band hailing from Minnesota. The foursome are made up of Jake Luppen (vocals/guitar), Nathan Stocker (guitar), Zach Sutton (bass), and Whistler Allen (drums).

When I first heard the Bashful Creatures EP in a summer of great music, they stood out from the crowd. Readers of this blog will have heard the excellent Suicide Saturday from the very same EP. As if that wasn't good enough, they returned in the autumn with the South EP featuring more simple yet powerful indie pop songs.

So, for my first post in this advent of indie music my gift to you all is Hippo Campus - Bashful Creatures. Happy listening!

the only way to survive Black Friday

Happy Black Friday! (said by no-one ever)

So, it appears this retail gimmick is now an actual thing here to stay. If you can't beat them and you don't want to join them, then hidden within the links to the following post lies a selection of amazing, yet tenuously related songs to help you make it through the Black Friday madness.

If you were up at midnight in the sheer black of night to surf the shelves of the internet then by now you'll probably need a coffee to keep those heavy eyes awake and revitalise those fingers to type in your card details for the umpteenth time. The question is - do you prefer it black or white?

As I write this I'm trying to understand the logic of those people who woke up this morning pumped and ready to go in search of more stuff they probably don't need. I love a big TV as much as the next person but who wants to buy a cheaper model coloured red or blue when you'll most likely want to always go back to black.

Even stores such as Homebase are getting in on the act so if you see a red door today, you do have the power to paint it black, and at a ridiculously silly price too.

If you happen to come across a wild scary mob getting a little too excited in the supermarket aisles today, try calming yourself by imagining a supermassive black hole for them to fall into.

Unfortunately unless you have a little black submarine to hide in, I'm afraid you won't be able to escape the Black Friday frenzy. It's all around us and will be here for many more years to come.

My advice to you all is to download all these songs onto your personal musical device of choice and go find that deal you never wanted before the black hole sun sets in the sky later on today.

the only way to start your Monday morning

Last night I joined Rick Witter and Matt Williamson on the excellent Disco Down radio show on Minster FM. In case you missed it, here's the three selections to look out for in November. If you were lucky enough to hear it, here's a reminder with links to the songs for your audio pleasure.

What more can you ask for on a grey and miserable Monday morning than some quality tunes to brighten your day?

Beg, Borrow or stream 

BEG
Clean Cut Kid - Runaway 

Single available to stream now
 

One to stream this month is the single 'Runaway' from the latest band to grace our airwaves from the wonderful city of Liverpool.

 

Clearly proud of their roots, Clean Cut Kid describe their music as 'soulful pop ballads, washed in Mersey water'. I've made the very unscientific conclusion that the band view Mersey Water as a super power designed to make all music better - think holy water for music. This has got me thinking that perhaps it's no coincidence The Beatles grew up around the Mersey and they themselves may have thrown their instruments off the ferry across the Mersey before they became the best band in the world. Thanks to Clean Cut Kid's amazing discovery, there's a danger we could see future up and coming bands making a pilgrimage to dangle their toes in the Mersey while they busk a version of Help on their acoustic guitars? Or perhaps not.

 

Anyways, back to the music and the single 'Runaway' will please all those in search of a slice of positive indie pop to brighten up the darkest of November nights. It might not be the greatest single you've heard all year but I definitely think it's one to stream and worth listening out for the earlier single 'Vitamin C' too.

With a debut album not due until next year, you can hear more material from the band when they play live across the UK before Christmas including Brudenell Social Club in Leeds on 6 December.

 

BORROW
Fronteers - 'It's up to me now'
Single out November 13

Continuing the theme of new bands to look out for in 2016, here's a new single from a very exciting and talented new band from Hull called Fronteers. Rather impressively they've only been playing gigs since the beginning of the year and they're already starting to get some positive media attention. Fronteers are Andy Towse and James Taylor - vocals/guitar, Ellis Keogh on bass and Lloyd Tuton on drums. These four lads definitely fall into the category of ones to sit up and take notice of.

 

Lead singer Andy Towse continues a time honoured indie tradition of writing about real life, and this single was written at a time when he lost a decent job and had people telling him that being in a band doesn't pay. So in 'It's up to me now' he wrote about doing it anyway 'because you want to.'

 

If you like what you hear, I'd strongly recommend you clicking on the link and listening to their debut release 'Youth' which was released back in August.

The band have just finished supporting Blossoms and Pretty Vicious on tour. With much anticipation surrounding them I suggest you keep tabs on announcements for their first headline tour and catch them in a nice intimate venue while you get the chance.

BEG

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - 'Paper Mache Dream Balloon' 

Album out Friday 13 November
 

I think I've truly saved the best until last this month and Fronteers takes some beating. Contenders for the greatest/strangest band name of all time, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are a seven piece psychedelic garage band from Melbourne, Australia.

 

They're an industrial bunch of lads, who return this month with their seventh album in just over three years. For the uninitiated, their new release 'Paper Mache Dream Balloon' is a welcoming glimpse into their crazy musical world. The album's title track of the same name sounds like the perfect accompaniment to a summer's walk in the park, while elsewhere on the album, the song 'Trap Door' takes a bizarre psychedelic turn as the band repeatedly sing the words 'Trap Door' over a flute solo. Fans of MGMT's second album will particularly enjoy this.
 

Quite simply, your senses will appreciate you taking a trip on this Paper Mache Dream Balloon. Sadly there's no immediate tour plans in the diary for the UK but you can beg or indeed bag yourself a ride with the album when it arrives on these shores on November 13th.

the only park for grown up indie kids

Still in good nick 10 years on

Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2005 was an exciting place to be. I could devote endless blogs to the subject of my favourite city in the UK but thankfully for you I won't. My mind has been transported back in Tyne this week thanks to the upcoming 10th anniversary shows of Maximo Park's debut album 'A Certain Trigger'.

 



The album resonates with me more than most as I feel like I spent most of the year on the band's promo rollercoaster around the many small in-store gigs and headline shows they performed.

 

My love affair with the band started while watching MTV2 in late 2004 just after I'd landed back in the UK after a year out travelling the world. I remember a slightly grainy black and white video brightening the dark shadows of an autumnal room as Paul Smith's north-eastern tones sang along majestically to the chorus of 'The coast is always changing'. After a year away from the musical landscape (listening to music in backpacker hostels worldwide isn't always good for your ears) I was excited to discover a new band that made me feel proud of my roots and happy to be home.

 

Fast forward into 2005 and I found myself racing around County Durham and Tyne and Wear to witness a number of 20-minute in-store sessions supporting various single releases. Cramming into a small record shop opposite Durham bus station on a hot sunny morning sticks long in the memory to celebrate the original release of Apply Some Pressure. I think Paul resorted to standing on the shop counter to give a sweaty rendition of 'Now I'm all over the shop'.

 

As the band became more popular I remember jumping on early morning metros to be at Virgin Megastore and then HMV to queue outside for a wristband to then return to see them play a few songs live later on that day. Northumberland Street was alive with more students than at early morning lectures and you could sniff the excitement over the Greggs Sausage Rolls.

 

One of my biggest regrets after chasing the band around for weeks and months (not stalking as one of my mates would cheekily accuse) was not being able to get my hands on a ticket for the album launch party on a boat on the Tyne.

 

Maximo Park highlighted that indie pop could be intelligent and fun. The fact they were from my local area just gave me another reason to champion them. Kind of like supporting your local football team and watching them play at Wembley or in this case being on Top of the Pops (Paul changed a lyric in graffiti to sing the words 'TOTP' live on the show)

 

I've lost count of the many times I've seen Maximo Park but nothing will live up to the vibrant live shows of those early days. Listening back to 'A Certain Trigger' this week reminds me of a sharper, fresher young band. From the stomping opening bars of 'Signal and Sign' through to the gorgeous slice of pop 'Kiss you better' bringing the album to a close, Maximo Park's debut will always fall into the category of world class debut albums.

 

You can be forgiven for this album Going Missing back in the noughties but with a fresh focus on the record this week, there's no better time to get on board with this indie classic. 

the only soundtrack for a Saturday morning

There aren't many genuinely good reasons to be awake and fully functioning before midday on a Saturday. As a kid, I'd be excited about Saturday mornings as there would be a whole morning of tv devoted to cartoons, games and music on great shows like Saturday Superstore and Going Live.

In the glory days of the 90s I switched my Saturday allegiance to Soccer AM watching Tim Lovejoy before he decided that talking about food on a Sunday morning beat having a laugh with his mates about football.

What both these things had in common other than monopolising my time on the 6th day of each week, was they were enjoyable to watch and made me smile. Key ingredients for anyone's weekend don't you think?

Last Saturday I was invited to take part in a feature on Claire Hickson's Saturday Morning Social on Meridian FM. Having recently discovered the show, I was delighted to be asked to join her and share some of my favourite songs both past and present. What stands out about the show is that it's great fun to listen to and for all indie lovers, Claire plays 2 hours of classic tracks from 10am-12pm every Saturday morning.

Radio is often overlooked in the entertainment stakes but I've ditched the tv and found my new Saturday morning soundtrack. I'd encourage you all to give the show a listen and take part in the twitter conversation.

If you're interested, my song choices for the 'Something old, new, borrowed and blue' feature were:

Something old - The Charlatans - Just Lookin' (The song that kicked off my Britpop summer of 1995)

Something new - Hooton Tennis Club - Jasper (My favourite single of the year by my favourite new band of the year)

 

Something borrowed - Johnny Cash - Hurt (One of the most stunning songs reborn as a modern classic)
 

Something blue - Jeff Buckley - Lover you should've come over (Beautifully poetic and tinged with sadness and tragedy. From one of the best albums you could ever choose to listen to)

 

Why not tune in online from 10am today? You can join in on twitter by following @musicnostalgic

the only review from October so far

Last Sunday I shared the following reviews with the good people who listen to Rick Witter's Disco Down on @minsterfm. 

To get in the Halloween spirit I'm screaming instead of streaming this month.

SCREAM

Heman Sheman - 'Haven't got you in my heart'
Single available to stream now 

Listen here

I'm kicking off this month with a frighteningly good new track from a Manchester band who've moved down to the bright lights of London to focus more on their music, and listening to their latest offering 'Haven't got you in my heart', it sounds like the move is paying off.

The foursome made up of Jake Lancaster, Edan Tal, Bill Wright and John Morgan (no relation), have created one of the catchiest grooves you're likely to hear this year. I've often wondered how you define funk music. In my long-running search, I've found some clues played out here throughout these 3 and a half minutes. With a rolling guitar riff and a whispering vocal leading to a memorable sing-along chorus, it's jam-packed full of that thing they call funk. If you decide to go online and find out more, you might be interested in streaming another tune from earlier this year, 'I could be your answer'. 

If you're looking for a fresh new artist to follow then these guys probably are that answer. If you're based in London, you can catch the band live in a number of venues. Check out their Facebook and usual social media pages for more details. Right now, it's time to funk up your Sunday with a clip of 'Haven't got you in my heart' from the future masters of the universe Heman Sheman. (Sorry, I couldn't resist) 

BORROW
 

Emilie and Ogden - '10,000' 

Album out now 

Recommended single - 'What happened'

Live across the UK this month.

Introducing Emilie and Ogden - one of the newest double acts in the world of music. What distinguishes this new duo from other successful pairings is the fact that Emilie Kahn shares the same billing as Ogden, her harp. Before I get into the detail of the record, this got me thinking of famous duos of the past and wondering whether some famous songs would sound different if Paul Simon was joined by Garfunkel the acoustic guitar, if Bernard Butler morphed into his electric guitar when playing with David McAlmont and if Robson and Jerome were actually only two planks of wood who kept some cracking bands off the number one spot in the mid 90s? 

Back to the music, and Emilie Kahn recognises the power of the harp as a relevant music instrument in the music world today. When people think of the harp, thoughts immediately turn to Joanna Newsom. But with the album '10,000' Kahn shows she can do great things herself. Her angelic voice works as well as any instrument could, and her intricate harp work demonstrate a new talent that deserves to be listened to. The chosen clip for the show is the leading single 'What happened'. It's a perfect introduction to the sheer beauty of the harmonically simple chords and powerful vocal. Emile Kahn explains the song 'effectively expresses a sort of sad longing for all the things that may or may not be. The album as a whole is a reconciliation of those feelings.' 
 

It may not be one to play when you're having a miserable rainy October day then. If you prefer your music a little bit more quiet and contemplative then I'm confident you'll find something to enjoy in Emilie and Ogden's '10,000'. You can buy or borrow now.

BEG

Vangoffey - 'Take your jacket off and get into it'
Album out Friday 23 October 

Recommended single-  'You, you, you' 

Touring the UK next month, stopping by Leeds Brudenell Social Club, 23 November 

Many people reading this right now will remember Danny Goffey from his days, weeks and indeed years playing in the excellent band Supergrass. Since playing with the band, Danny has had a spell playing drums with Babyshambles and even appeared on Masterchef, reaching the semi finals. Showing there is more to the usual indie rockstar than meets the eye. 

In an opposite move to our first band Heman Sheman, Goffey moved out of London, this time to Somerset to record songs in a small wooden shed in his garden for this his first ever solo album. Writing all the lyrics and playing most of the instruments on the album, ‘Take your jacket off and get into it' was finished at the end of 2014, but finally gets released for your audio pleasure this month. You may have caught the single ‘Race Of Life’ at the end of April while the latest release ‘You You You’ is as fun and interesting as the music he first shared with Supergrass 20 years ago. 

In the clip you can link to above, Goffey tells the tale of an egotistical person who 'bangs on about himself' on a night out. I think we all know one of those people. It also contains some comical lyrics including 'I know Banksy, I've had him over to graffiti the pool house'. Apparently the album recording didn’t go without incident as Goffey broke his left leg halfway through the album in a ‘friendly’ studio football match and he had to record the remaining vocals from a wheelchair. 

Thankfully the broken leg didn't distract Vangoffey from creating my album of the month so I'd encourage you all to simply 'Take your jacket off and get into it' when it's released next Friday.

the only remains of my September reviews

Songs from September

 

STREAM
U.S. Girls - 'Half Free'
Album out 25 September
Recommended single - 'Woman's work'

 

If all the girls in the United States of America got together and decided to write songs, what do you imagine they'd sound like? Well, the answer perhaps lies with one US girl hailing from Illinois. Meghan Remy is the creative brain behind the band U.S. Girls and she's doing her best to create intelligent and dramatic music. The kind you'd be hard to nail down as being part of any specific genre. Meg is married to one half of the duo Death From Above, and that may help you to understand some of the musical space she plays in.

 

The album explores challenging themes relating to abuse and gender inequality told over an engaging soundtrack that at times screams out for your attention, for example on track 'Damn that valley' while elsewhere, the closing track 'Woman's Work' resembles a grittier, angrier version of MGMT's finest indie pop.

 

The record label 4AD describes Half Free as 'an enchanting document of life at the point when it feels most on its knife-edge' and you can sense that from the tone throughout.  'Woman's Work' gives you a flavour of what you can expect from the album. In a country as vast as the USA, U.S. Girls is the latest export we should all be paying attention to.

 

BORROW
The Libertines - 'Anthems for Doomed Youth '
Album out this week
Recommended single - 'Gunga Din'

 

Are our youth doomed? Well Carl and Pete from The Libertines seem to think so and they've kindly written a full album of songs to help the said youth to get through their days and nights. Rewind back to 2004 for a moment to a time when they released their second album full of raucous, exciting anthems that rocked a music world overrun by the likes of Keane and Snow Patrol. They looked like they were on the verge of something big and then of course they split and since then we've seen various side projects which never quite hit the mark.

 

Fast forward to June this year and the band surprised Glasto-goers with their much anticipated return. Three months on, are we getting the album many of us had hoped for? In short, I'd say 'almost'. 11 years on from their best work, The Libertines have delivered songs that show they're far more interesting than most things you'd hear in the charts at the moment but by their own high standards some of the songs feel like they're simply giving us a more mature and safe version of the wild angst of youth.

 

Anyone who has heard the title track 'Anthems for Doomed Youth' and 'Glasgow Coma Scale Blues' may have already come to the same conclusion that this feels like The Libertines running the 100 metres with 3/4 effort, knowing their days of taking the gold medal are now behind them so there's need to go all out and push themselves. Saying that, when it's good, it's very good, and early single and my chosen track 'Gunga Din' suggests there's fight in the boys yet. If they channel this level of creativity, any future releases could see them returning to their once rightful place as the biggest band in the UK.

 

I'd definitely recommend that you borrow 'Anthems for Doomed Youth' off your mates. It's out now but if you still haven't heard any new songs, check out 'Gunga Din'.

 

BEG
Bill Ryder-Jones - 'Two to Birkenhead'
Single out this week
Listen here

 

In a month where lots of albums are being released, I've opted to celebrate the dying art of the single release with my top choice for the month. I'd hazard a guess that many people reading this right now were, and indeed probably still are, big fans of the band The Coral. Hopefully they'll be pleased to hear that former Coral guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones has recorded a new album and more importantly for us, it's being trailed with a catchy little single 'Two to Birkenhead'.

 

With the opening line of 'Take me somewhere I'm not likely to forget - two singles to Birkenhead' following one of the most memorable intros you'll hear this year, you can't help get caught up in an enjoyable 4 and a half minute musical journey. In fact I'd question whether anyone has ever had a more enjoyable trip to Birkenhead. With echoes of Graham Coxon in Blur's Coffee and TV, I think Bill Ryder-Jones has produced something his former band mates would be proud to call their own.

 

I'd recommend playing the full song so you can fully appreciate its delightful whirring conclusion, so head to your online musical checkout of choice and make 'Two to Birkenhead' your essential purchase of the month. If this whets your appetite then keep both eyes and ears open in November when the full album 'West Kirby County Primary' is released. And did I mention he's touring the UK in October and November? So now you have no excuses to get on board with Bill Ryder-Jones this autumn.

the only remains of my August reviews

August was a cracking month for new releases.

STREAM

Hooton Tennis Club - 'Highest Point in Cliff Town' 

Album release 28 August

Recommended single - 'P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L P.I.E.R.R.E'

If you google 'Hooton Tennis Club' you'll see it's situated on the outskirts of Liverpool. According to their website they have four artificial grass courts, two of which are floodlit, which not only provide an excellent playing surface in both summer and winter but also offer minimal impact on joints and muscles.' 

Surely that's all you can ask from a tennis club? You'd be wrong because this tennis club has an exciting new band named after them. Like many great bands hailing from Merseyside, Hooton Tennis Club serve up a collection of ace songs that I'm sure you will grow to love (I'll quit it with the tennis references now) and will have you reaching for the repeat button. Their debut album 'Highest Point in Cliff Town' features the singles ' Jasper', 'Kathleen Sat On The Arm of Her Favourite Chair' and their latest release 'P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L. P.I.E.R.R.E'. 

It's refreshing to hear three distinctly different sounding singles from a band, which whets the appetite for what's to come on the album. Album track 'Standing Knees' is another standout moment and has tones of one of my favourite bands, Pavement. I've picked this as my one to stream this month as I'm sure you'll find that like me, the more you stream these songs, the more you'll want to make them a permanent fixture in your record collection. I'll see you all down the front when they play the Duchess in York on 2 November.

BORROW

Foals - 'What went down' 

Album release 28 August 

Recommended single - 'What went down'

Another album to look out for ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend is the fourth offering from the excellent Foals. The lead single 'What went down' from the album of the same name comes screaming at you like an angry tornado determined to wipe out everything else in its path. And in a musical sense it does just that as I've yet to hear another song on the radio this summer that has made me stop, sit up and listen as much as this one. Which probably makes you wonder why this isn't my number one choice for the month. 

Put simply that's because I think Foals fall into the trap of making excellent individual songs that don't always fit together well on an album. Perhaps in these days of streaming, downloads and people playing their own playlists this doesn't matter as much as it once did. Saying that, when Foals do it well, there's not many better artists out there, which is further confirmed by their latest single 'Mountain at my gates', with vocalist Yannis Philippakis' unmistakable tones making radio stations a better place to be this summer.

Foals are one of those great bands who manage to make good indie rock music that transcends into the dance world. Anyone who has seen me dancing might not think that is a good thing, but on a serious note, the music world could do with more intelligent noise. Foals bring this in abundance. If you want to check them out live then you'll have to keep an eye on their website as they seem to be staying away from these shores at the moment but with a new album to show off, I'm sure they'll have something planned for later this year. 

I'm 99% certain you'll know someone who is planning on buying this album so this month's one to borrow is Foals.

BEG

Hippo Campus - 'Bashful Creatures' 

EP out now 

Recommended single - 'Suicide Saturday

Anyone lucky enough to arrive early for last month's Modest Mouse gigs, will have caught a glimpse of Hippo Campus, the latest American band threatening to take over our airwaves.

Hippo Campus have created an almost faultless six-track EP to introduce themselves to the world. The title track 'Bashful Creatures' is a sheer audio delight although does contain the f-bomb and another less offensive four letter word, if you're planning on blasting it out around a post-watershed audience. I'd strongly recommend checking this song out on a streaming site of your choice. 

After you've heard this then I'm almost certain you'll be begging someone for the cash to buy the rest of the EP. Once you've done so you'll be glad you did. Songs like 'Little Grace' and 'Opportunistic' have had them compared to Vampire Weekend. Something they're apparently a bit sick of. So let's be clear - I won't be comparing them to Vampire Weekend. 

I don't know about your mates but people I know get a bit excited about making compilation cds or mixes before heading on a long car trip and then pick out so-called 'driving songs' that don't quite work. A bit random I know - but finally I've found a song that I'm happy to declare a cracking song to drive to. From the opening bars of 'Suicide Saturday', you can imagine driving along a great American highway. I'll see if it works as well on the roads of North Yorkshire. It also joins The Boo Radleys' 'Wake Up Boo' as containing the most unsuitable lyrics to an uplifting summer song that you'll ever hear. 

Apparently the hippocampus is the part of the brain that is involved in memory forming, organizing, and storing. I'm confident you can find space in your hippocampus for Hippo Campus. Beg or buy now.

the only remains of my July reviews

Back in July, these new tunes were playing on a loop in my head...

STREAM 

Frankie and the heartstrings - 'Decency' 

Album release 10 July

Lead single to listen to - 'Think Yourself Lucky'

One of the north-east's best kept secrets are back with their third album, Decency and this time they've brought along The Futurehead's Ross Millard as a permanent member and I think you can sense some of the 'Heads influence on the lead single 'Think Yourself Lucky'.

If you've been a fan for a while then I think this will be right up your street and if you haven't heard anything by them then I'd seriously recommend you check out their debut album 'Hunger' which I think shows them at their best. 

Decency features the familiar sound of Frankie Francis' mackem tones and the song 'Save it for tonight' sounds like it could have jumped from the same stable as Hunger, but for this month I've picked 'Think Yourself Lucky' as my song choice as I think it's a bit more upbeat and in these heady days of summer, we could all do with a bit of shameless happiness. 

I'm going to rate Frankie and the heartstrings as one to stream. I think you'll grow to love them.

BORROW

The Maccabees - 'Marks to prove it' 

Album release 31 July 

Recommended single - 'Something Like Happiness'  

Keeping the theme of bands returning with cracking new albums, here's a band that need no introduction. The Maccabees are now on album number four and are starting to take the mantle of one of the UK's premier indie bands more seriously. 

For someone who absolutely loved their debut 'Colour Me In' and follow up 'Wall of Arms' I have to admit feeling slightly frustrated by their third offering. But from the moment I heard their roaring comeback single 'Marks to prove it' from the album of the same name, I fell back in love with the band who first had me jumping about at gigs back in 2006. 

New single 'Something Like Happiness' highlights the fact that they're not all about writing soaring anthems with catchy singalong choruses, they can write thoughtful songs that build gently and then catch you by surprise too. Not too dissimilar to the first time I heard Blur's Tender, in that respect. Apparently the band took two and a half years to record this new album, for me it already sounds well worth the wait but please lets not wait another two and a half years for the next one. 

BEG

Wolf Alice - 'My love is cool' 

Album release 1 June 

Recommended single - 'Giant Peach'

As we hit festival season, focus always turns to the new up and coming bands. Wolf Alice impressed at Glasto last weekend and are threatening to become one of the best breakthrough acts of 2015. But don't just take my word for it. Singles 'Giant Peach', 'Moaning Lisa Smile' and 'Bros' all offer something refreshingly different and hint at the interesting journey the full length album takes us on. I think that's the only time in my life I'll ever say the words 'Bros' and 'offer something refreshingly different' in the same sentence.

Wolf Alice are a four-piece from North London, consisting of Ellie Rowsell (vocals, guitar), Joff Oddie (guitars, vocals), Theo Ellis (bass), and Joel Amey (drums). I think this release is important for real musicians in this country. With less exposure for bands in the charts and on mainstream media than I can remember, Wolf Alice offer a shining light for hard working bands that there remains an appetite for good music, well written and not voted for by people strapped to their sofa and smartphones. 

I've listened to 'My Love is cool' all week and I can confirm, it's mix of as Clash magazine described 'the lovechild of folk and grunge', works perfectly. Even the three little pigs would find a place in their hearts to let Wolf Alice in, and that my friends is why Wolf Alice, 'My Love is Cool' is my favourite album of the month. Beg or buy to find out for yourself. 

the only remains of my June reviews

Each month I count myself lucky that I get the chance to share my 3 favourite new releases live on the wireless on Rick Witter's Disco Down on Minster FM in North Yorkshire.

I pick 3 artists as part of my Beg, Borrow or Stream feature.

The stream selection is one I'd recommend checking out online in a 'try before you buy' way.

Borrow does what it says on the tin. Chances are you'll know someone who has it so simply save your cash and borrow it.

Beg is the pick of the month and the one I'd encourage you to do all you can to get hold of. Although I stop at those who would 'sell their granny' to coin a randomly well established phrase.

Got it? Here goes...

STREAM

Soak - 'Before we forgot how to dream'

Album release 1 June 

Feature single to check out - 'Blud'

Debut album from Northern Irish 18-year-old Bridie Monds-Watson, aka Soak. For those who like their music a bit more contemplative and relaxing. Perhaps to listen to while having a Soak in the bath. Perhaps that's where she took her name from? Or perhaps not. 

Regardless, Blud is a simple but catchy tune that would be perfect to start your day on a lazy Sunday morning. You can find out more on her debut album.

BORROW

The Bohicas - 'Where you at' 

Single release 1 June 

Listen here  

The Bohicas are described as four young men from Essex and the east London borderlands (who knew East London had borderlands?) making ambitious and arresting rock 'n' roll. 

The Bohicas are Dominic McGuinness, drummer Brendan Heaney, guitarist Dominic John and bassist Ady Acolatse. The band first came together over a love of The Beatles, The Kinks and Ray Charles. Following quite a bold statement from their PR machine it's good to see their songs do live up to the hype.

Single 'Where you at' is the kind of song to get you jumping up and down at the indie disco, and should become one of the sounds of the summer. It picks up where earlier singles 'XXX', Swarm' left off. 

With a debut album due in August, there's a lot to be excited about. Oh and they are also apparently 'destined to be heralded as a great live act.' 

BEG

Algiers - 'Algiers' 

Album release 1 June 

Feature single to check out- 'Black Eunuch'  

If you like your music filled with gospel, soul and a few guitars thrown in for good measure, then this time around you really are in for a treat.

Heralding from the glorious US of A, Algiers bring politically and religiously-charged lyrics told through the spellbinding sounds of the three-piece featuring Franklin James Fisher on lead vocals, Ryan Mahan and Lee Tesche. 

Stand out track is Black Eunuch, and if you're in two minds about whether to part with your hard-earned cash, check out 'But she was not flying' and 'Blood' on You tube or the music streaming site of your choice. Sadly as they're from America, they've just finished touring over here so it may be some time before they're back, but they're definitely ones to watch. 

And that my friends is why I've got Algiers as my favourite album of the month.

the only first post in this blog

As this is my first blog post I thought I'd share why the hell I'm doing this and why you should keep reading in future.

 

First of all the name - the only indie boy in old york. I moved to York, England back in 2011 and felt a lack of music in my life following an exciting 10 years being immersed in the live music scene in Newcastle Upon Tyne. So for a while I did feel as though I was indeed the only indie boy in old york.

 

For those of you living in Newcastle in the noughties you may have read the excellent Get Rhythm magazine where I was lucky to write about fantastic artists such as John Egdell and Paul Jeans.

4 years on and I'm lucky enough to be in a position to discover there is more to York than meets the eye when it comes to music.

 

I'm also fortunate enough to have a guest spot on Rick Witter's Sunday evening show, Disco Down on @minsterfm. You can hear my northern tones reviewing the latest releases on the first Sunday of every month between 7-9pm.

 

If you've missed me so far this year, I'll share my music picks in the next few blog posts to bring you back to the future.

 

And then I hope you'll stick around.