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2008 releases artists digital downloads guitar music

Some Death Cab-related goodness.


There are two reasons for Death Cab For Cutie fans to be excited this year: the first is that Chris Walla, guitarist for Death Cab (and sometime-producer for The Decemberists, Tegan & Sara and more) is releasing his solo album, “Field Manual” on January 29; and, secondly, Death Cab itself will be releasing their follow up to the 2005 mainstream breakthrough, “Plans”, by late May.

The good news? We have sneak peek mp3’s for both of them.

Chris Walla – Sing Again

Chris Walla - Sing Again

Sing Again is the first released track off of Walla’s forthcoming album, “Field Manual”. The song, upon first listen, appears to be a light, breezy affair… but after a few seconds, it becomes clear that Walla has filled the two and a half minute pop song with sophisticated flourishes and pointed lyrics.

Let’s sing again
Sing together without disguise
Let’s raise up a song in unrest
I think that would be best

 


All in all, the song is very much what you would expect from Walla, if you were at all familiar with his work as a musician or producer; but that doesn’t mean it’s not a wonderful track. It’s been a long time coming, and even though the US customs department seemed to try it’s best to stop the album coming out on time, it drops into stores on January 29th.

Listen: Chris Walla – Sing Again

 

Ben Gibbard – Casino Blues (live)

Ben Gibbard - Casino Blues

Ben Gibbard has been performing Casino Blues at his solo gigs for some time now, and it’s finally been confirmed that the song will be appearing on the as-yet-unnamed follow-up to Death Cab’s last album, “Plans”.

The album must have record-exec’s chewing their nails nervously; Chris Walla has said of the album that it’s:

“…really weird. It’s really, really good, I think, but it’s totally a curve ball, and I think it’s gonna be a really polarizing record. But I’m really excited about it. It’s really got some teeth. The landscape of the thing is way, way more lunar than the urban meadow sort of thing that has been happening for the last couple of records.”


One song, “I Will Possess Your Heart”, is even purported to be a nine minute jam. Whatever happens, the album promises to be interesting.

Here’s a live performance of Ben performing “Casino Blues”. If this song is anything to go by, the album could see Death Cab producing more upbeat, uptempo songs than in the past. By late May, we should be able to see if that’s a good thing or not.

Listen: Ben Gibbard – Casino Blues (live)

Categories
2007 Releases artists artists to watch for in 2008 digital downloads guitar music

Time for a Tuesday Trio.

Sorry things have been a bit quiet lately; real life takes it’s toll, and lease renewals and rental inspections take up a bit of time. That said, let’s jump right into a Tuesday Trio.


Gomez – Chasing Ghosts with Alcohol

Gomez - Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol

While Gomez – in my eyes, at least – will always struggle to live up to their debut release, “Bring It On”, this track, from their 2006 release, “How We Operate”, is unquestionably one of my favourites.

While How We Operate seemed, at times, a fairly episodic album, Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol is by far a standout from the album; all bluesy chords accompanied by a killer slide guitar, and vocals that build to a major crescendo. Melancholic, and perfect for a rainy Tuesday, listen to it and reflect on your life. See what you find.

Listen: Gomez – Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol

David Vandervelde – Nothin’ No

David Vandervelde - Nothin’ No

This track, “Nothin’ No”, from David Vandervelde’s 2007 debut release, “The Moonstation House Band” proves that the LP was one of the year’s most criminally-underappreciated releases.

A slow burn of a song, there’s something about it that demands you bop your head along with it. The song itself seems a symbol of youth, abandon and hope. And the fact that Vandervelde was only 19 when this track was written and recorded absolutely blows me away. Easily an artist to watch for in 2008.

Listen: David Vandervelde – Nothin’ No

Toothpick – Scars for Entertainment (remix)

Toothpick - Scars For Entertainment (remix)

I first came across Toothpick with his 2004 debut release, “Time Travelin’ Couch”, and was immediately pulled in by the album’s second track, “Scars for Entertainment”. A melting-pot of different genres, it seems to blend old-school hip-hop, acoustic folk, blues and funk in an extremely exciting way. His talent for carrying a story throughout the entire song was nothing short of impressive as well.

However, even though it’s been a good few years now since the original “Scars for Entertainment” reached my ears, it’s only recently that I learnt about this remix version.

As with any remix of an original song that you love, it doesn’t quite stack up to the original with me; Toothpick’s re-recorded vocals seem less hurt, in some way, here. However… with the addition of some killer harmonica (something I thought was always lacking, in the original), this song certainly deserves a spin, particularly if you haven’t heard Toothpick before.

Listen: Toothpick – Scars For Entertainment (remix)

Categories
artists artists to watch for in 2008 digital downloads guitar music

Robert Francis – One by One. And, a side helping of Wild Sweet Orange – Wrestle With God

Robert Francis

Robert Francis - One by OneAt just 19, Robert Francis is unquestionably a song-writer wise beyond his years. Having already worked with some musical giants (Ry Cooder, and John Frusciante to name just a few), it is clear that the future hold’s great things for Robert Francis.

It’s hard to listen to this guy and picture him at just 19. His songs conjure up images of a hardened, world-weary performer, who has paid his dues at various dives he would have played at while hitching across the country.

The emotion is like a tsunami that rolls over you; both depressing and uplifting at the same time, Robert Francis is going places. Hopefully, you’ll join him.

This, the title track from his debut album, “One by One”, is a lush, seven minute affair… but it ends all too soon.

Listen: Robert Francis – One By One
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/robertfrancis

Wild Sweet Orange

Wild Sweet Orange - Wrestle With GodWild Sweet Orange only came to my ears recently, and boy have I been missing out. Intelligent, dreamlike indie rock with a southern guitar backbone makes for a great listen from these guys.

What makes these guys all the more interesting is that they seem to have no desire to rush into the big time; by all accounts, they’re happy to keep playing to smaller crowds, and enjoy the ride as they pay their dues.

While much of their debut EP, “The Whale” is intoxicating, dreamlike loops (particularly in the stunning “Ten Dead Dogs”), the boys also show their edgier side, as with their opener, “Wrestle With God”.

Listen: Wild Sweet Orange – Wrestle With God
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/wildsweetorange

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digital downloads guitar music

U2 – In A Little While (for Joey Ramone)


U2 - In A Little While

Ok, ok. U2 may not be the coolest band around. Certainly not since their “Elevation” days, anyway.

Despite the travesty of the aforementioned single, however, one good thing that came out of their “Elevation” tour in 2001, was this rendition of their song, “In A Little While”.
Perhaps one of my favourite U2 songs of all time, there is a tenderness to “In A Little While” that Bono really can turn on, when he wants to.

This version is taken from their San Jose Arena stop on the tour, and is introduced by Bono’s dedication to Joey Ramone (who had died 5 days before) saying, “This is a song Joey Ramone loved, and we loved him, so…

It’s a strange fact that a listener can shape a song after it was written. This is the case with “In A Little While”. The song was the last song Joey Ramone listened to, on his deathbed.

When Joey’s brother, Mickey, and their mother were called into the hospital to say goodbye, Mickey brought a copy of the current U2 album at the time,
All That You Can’t Leave Behind
, and slipped the CD into a music player in Joey’s room. The track he played was Bono’s own, “In a Little While”.

In a little while
This hurt will hurt no more
I’ll be home, love
In a little while
I won’t be blown by every breeze
Friday night running to Sunday on my knees

After Bono heard this, he commented at another show on the Elevation tour that, although the song was originally about a hangover, he now sees it as a gospel song due to the effect it had on Joey Ramone. Said Bono:

“So this is a song that Joey Ramone loved… We played it to him while he was lying in his hospital bed a couple months back. It was the last song that Joey Ramone heard in his life here, and… That’s an amazing thing for someone who grew up as a fan of Joey Ramone, I can tell you that. Anyway, Joey turned this song about a hangover into a gospel song, I think. ‘Cause that’s the way I always hear it now, through Joey Ramone’s ears.”

Songs are changed by the act of listening. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Listen: U2 – In a Little While (for Joey)

Categories
artists artists to watch for in 2008 digital downloads guitar music

Andy McKee is a better guitarist than you.

Unquestionably, one of the most exciting guitarists I’ve seen in the last few years is Andy Mckee.

McKee is one of those players, much like Guy Buttery (featured in my “30 South African Bands You Should Hear” entry), who’s percussive, unorthodox fingerstyle method of playing inspires everyone who is lucky enough to see it live.

In fact, the below video of McKee performing his song, “Drifting” was so inspiring to Youtube viewers, that it has been viewed over 10,000,000 times to date; thus earning it’s place amongst the highest rated musical videos of all time on the site.

In my opinion, Andy is one of the most innovative and exciting guitarists to emerge in years. Still in his 20’s, Andy has developed a mastery of the 6-string guitar and the harp guitar that is, quite frankly, intimidating to say the least.


The below song, Rylynn, is taken from his 2005 album, “Art of Motion”, and I strongly recommend you check it out.

Listen: Andy McKee – Rylynn
Website: http://www.andymckee.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/andymckee2

 

Categories
2007 Releases artists artists to watch for in 2008 digital downloads guitar music

Things I probably should have told you in 2007.

In the course of writing this blog, I come across a lot – and I mean, a lot of music. Some of which I’ll blog about, some of which never seems to get its own post.

I was organising my files recently, and came across plenty of songs that I probably should have told you all about in 2007, but which – for whatever reason – never quite spurred me to write a full post. So, in clearing out these files into the “2007 Releases” folder, I thought I would do a bit of a roundup post, and combine them all here.

In other words, please note that this is NOT a “best of 2007” compilation; it is simply a post of good songs from 2007, that you should hear.

With that out of the way, let’s get onto the music!

(Once again… to all new visitors, simply click the “play” icon next to the song name to listen)

All The Way Down by Glen Hansard

 

Glen Hansard - All The Way Down

One of the most talked-about soundtracks of 2007 – and deservedly so – was the Once OST. Comprised of songs by the films two stars (Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova), the soundtrack was hauntingly beautiful.

This song, “All the way down”, along with “Leave”, was perhaps my favourite of the album. The aching line “You have broken me, all the way down” easily wins my award for most breaking lyric of the year.

You can still listen to the entire soundtrack at the Once movie site.

I managed to catch Hansard with his band, The Frames, when they were opening for Bob Dylan on his recent tour out here. They were amazing, and confirmed to me that the man is easily one of the most important voices in modern music.

Listen: Glen Hansard – All The Way Down

 


I Was A Daughter by Basia Bulat

 

Basia Bulat - I was a Daughter

 

I’m still surprised that this didn’t make an entry. At 24, Basia Bulat is another artist that I should add to my “Artists to watch for in 2008” category.

Her youth belies an intensely creative soul, and an artist who is totally unafraid. Obvious influences include Joni Mitchell (to whom she has been compared more than once), but Basia displays a voice and style that is all her own; sometimes fragile and whispy, and at other times strong, passionate and sultry, Bulat is the master of changing her vocal delivery to suit the content of the song.

This song, “I was a Daughter”, is taken from her “Oh My Darling” debut album, and was easily my debut album of the year.

Oh. And did I mention she’s my musical crush for 2007?
She is.

Listen: Basia Bulat – I Was A Daughter


No One’s Gonna Love You by Band of Horses

 

Band of Horses - No one’s Gonna Love You

 

A little Morning Jacket, some Shins, and a hint of Built to Spill, and you’ll end up with something like Band of Horses. This song, taken from their “Cease to Begin” album, is more emotionally direct than anything from their 2006 debut, “Everything All the Time”, but despite the desperately cheese-laden title line, the song is a gorgeous slow-jam, with the cracking “If things start splitting at the seams and now / It’s tumbling down hard” showcasing Bridwell’s expressive voice.

Listen: Band of Horses – No One’s Gonna Love You


Heretics by Andrew Bird

 

Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha

 

Well! Didn’t Andrew Bird grow up in 2007? The rueful reflection of Bird’s 2007 release, “Armchair Apocrypha”, and in particular, this song, “Heretics”, had me more excited about Bird than his past releases.

The off-kilter pop songs are still there, but there’s something more about his reflection of the world as something beautiful, yet unsettling, in this album than his previous.
Here’s to more of this.

Listen: Andrew Bird – Heretics


Listened On by Lightning Dust

 

Lightning Dust - Listened On

 

Black Mountaineers Amber Webber and Joshua Wells side project, Lightning Dust, came out of nowhere and knocked me on my ass. While Black Mountain displays it’s 60s psychedelic love, Lightning Dust is far more sparse, and far more reflective.

This track, “Listened On”, from their debut album (fittingly titled “Lightning Dust“), is ghostly, quivering, and beautiful.

Listen: Lightning Dust – Listened On


Nothing’s Lost by Patrick Park

 

Patrick Park - Nothing’s Lost

 

I came across Patrick Park relatively late, with his second album, “Loneliness Knows My Name”, but at that time was undecided as to whether he lived up to the hype or not.
With his 2007 release, “Everyone’s in Everyone”, however, this doubt is solidly put to rest. Patrick Park is one of those artists who can reflect your emotions is a single line.

This track, “Nothing’s Lost”, takes your head against it’s shoulder and consoles you with it’s lulling rhythm.

Listen: Patrick Park – Nothing’s Lost

 


Your Rocky Spine by Great Lake Swimmers

 

Great Lake Swimmers - Your Rocky Spine

 

With it’s Nickle Creek-like tones, this was one of the singles of the year for me. A mixture of indie-folk, roots melodies and alt-country, the music of Great Lake Swimmers is at once graceful, comforting, full of loss and isolation, and ridiculously beautiful.

An ethereal whisper of an album that is hauntingly beautiful, “Ongiara” (from which this song, “Your Rocky Spine” is taken) is a must-listen from 2007.

Listen: Great Lake Swimmers – Your Rocky Spine


Skinny Love by Bon Iver

 

Bon Iver - Skinny Love

 

Skinny Love by Bon Iver is a song that grows in power the more you listen to it; as if, with each individual listen, it breaks a little more of you off. I’ve heard it described as a “quiet, gentle punch to the heart”, and I couldn’t put it better myself.

A song of desperation, loneliness, and loss such as this one resonates deep in your heart; listen to his plaintive “I told you” lines, and you’ll know what I mean.

The album from which this is taken, “For Emma, Forever Ago” is one for the weepy folk-lover in all of us.

Listen: Bon Iver – Skinny Love

 


Lake Michigan by Rogue Wave

 

Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan

 

2007 saw Rogue Wave release their third-studio album, and the first for Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Fairytales label, “Asleep at Heaven’s Gate”; hopefully, this will be the one that catapaults them to the masses.

This album has a shimmer and jangle that wasn’t as prevalent in their previous releases; and there is something ridiculously catchy about this handclapping single, Lake Michigan.

Listen: Rogue Wave – Lake Michigan

 


No Cars Go by Arcade Fire

 

Arcade Fire - No Cars Go

 

I know, I know; Arcade Fire? How much more mainstream can this blog get?

Seriously though, Arcade Fire’s 2007 release, “Neon Bible”, was a ridiculously good album. Coming off their scorcher debut, “Funeral”, most critics weren’t expecting them to follow up with something as worthy as this.

While Neon Bible certainly sees the band taking on some big issues (particularly the religion questioning “Antichrist Television Blues”), it never lets you forget that, ultimately, Arcade Fire are about celebration.

Never more evident is this than on the single, “No Cars Go”. Spine-tingling, wailing vocals, combined with drumming that punches the song along, and instrumentals that build into an almost film-worthy epic ending show that Arcade Fire are here to stay.

Listen: Arcade Fire – No Cars Go

 


Sun In An Empty Room by The Weakerthans

 

The Weakerthans - Sun in an Empty Room

 

Well, honestly… when you get down to it, when have The Weakerthans ever disappointed us? 2007 saw them release the excellent “Reunion Tour” album, which I cannot recommend more. In fact, I’ll rather let Paste Magazine’s review speak for me:

“These are songs of brutal beauty, little rock n roll vignettes that perfectly capture the malaise of the peculiar, disorienting times in which we live.”

This track, “Sun in an empty room”, highlights John K Samson’s incredible command of narrative lyrics; indeed, as much as he protests against the label, Samson really is an indie poet laureate. His weary, wry observations possess an underdog nobility that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

 

Listen: The Weakerthans – Sun In An Empty Room

 


Tonight by Hard-Fi

 

Hard Fi - Tonight

 

I’ll be honest: Hard-Fi’s 2007 release, “Once Upon a Time In the West” didn’t quite live up to their debut album “Stars of CCTV” for me. There’s something about the anger in their songs that seems to have lost its authenticity for me.

However, that’s not to say that the album was totally without merit; this single, “Tonight”, was one of the better products from the album, and with it’s ghostly strings and chant-along chorus hints that there may be life in the boys yet.

Listen: Hard-Fi – Tonight

 


Impossible Germany by Wilco

 

Wilco - Impossible Germany

 

While Wilco’s 2007 release, “Sky Blue Sky” was widely criticised by fans as being a back-slide by Jeff Tweedy into the classic-rock gospel, it produced perhaps one of my favourite Wilco tracks of all-time, “Impossible Germany”.

It’s a warm and inviting listen, one with jazzy chords filtered through the ever-present alt.country guitar licks. There’s no noise here, no strange distortions that have peppered Wilco’s latest releases… and I for one think the song is perhaps one of the most powerful Wilco songs for it.

Peaceful on the surface, demented under the water; this is Wilco at it’s best.

Listen: Wilco – Impossible Germany

 


Murderer by Low

 

Low - Murderer

 

Low is not, and never has been, for everyone. Pretty much defining the genre of “slowcore” with their appearance in 1993, they have, however, certainly displayed their longevity.

In 2005, Low attempted to break away from their slowcore label with the harder, bigger sound of their “The Great Destroyer” album. Considering the mixed reception to that album, most thought the band would return to their signature sound. Most thought wrong.
However, just as the album is not a return to their signature sound, neither is it a continuation of The Great Destroyer. Rather, this album strips the songs to the bones and sinews; it’s something else entirely. Violent, scary and beautiful, with this album, “Drums and Guns”, Low show that they’re still kicking.

Listen: Low – Murderer

 


Boy With A Coin by Iron & Wine

 

Iron and Wine - Boy With The Coin

 

Undoubtedly one of the albums of the year for me, Iron and Wine’s
The Shepherd’s Dog
displayed Sam Beam’s steady evolution from lo-fi folkster to refined popsmith.

This stonking single, “Boy With A Coin” showcases a far more lush and full sound that is employed on this album (surely a product of Sam’s collaboration with Calexico in 2005), and is easily one of my favourite Iron and Wine songs.

Listen: Iron & Wine – Boy With A Coin

 


Thrash Unreal by Against Me!

 

Against Me! - Thrash Unreal

 

Included more in this list due to the fact that Thrash Unreal could prove to be one of the most important songs of Against Me!’s career.

2007 saw Against Me! release their first major label debut, “New Wave”, which is in stark contrast to their previously strong DIY ethos.

Lead single “Thrash Unreal” unveils a new penchant for pop sensibility, and the song shows the band’s strength for anthemic, infectious choruses. And – thankfully – Tom Gabel’s harsh growl of a voice remains intact here, and there still seems enough of the Against Me! punk left in the guys.
That said, have Against Me! sold out by their move away from Fat Wreck Chords, and recording with this far, FAR more polished sound?

Time will tell (I’m hoping not), but there’s no denial that the 2007 release, “New Wave”, and it’s lead single Thrash Unreal could make or break the band amongst it’s fans.

Let’s hope there’s still a “I Still Love You Julie” song left in the lads.

Listen: Against Me! – Thrash Unreal

 


My Mind by Portugal. The Man

 

Portugal. The Man - My Mind

 

I’ve heard many people describe “Portugal. The Man” as a more accessible Mars Volta, and I think it’s a fair description; elements of The Mars Volta, and even The White Stripes pop up in their 2007 release, “Church Mouth

With its psychedelic, bluesy prog rock tones, the album is one that you’ll either love or hate; but like the below single, “My Mind”, I encourage you to give it a few spins before making up your mind.

Listen: Portugal. The Man – My Mind

 


Baltimore by Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks

 

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks - Baltimore

 

Yes, you read that right. Stephen Malkmus, former frontman for all-time greats “The Pavements” was back in 2007, and making delicious noise with his new band, The Jicks.

Still all crunch and fuzz – but with elegant melodies and flourishes throughout – and laced with Malkmus’ literate lyrics and tender, crackling tone, the song “Baltimore” is a godsend to Malkmus fans.

Listen: Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks – Baltimore

 


Nikole by George Stanford

George Stanford - Nikole

 

Another artist who will undoubtedly become huge in 2008, 2007 saw the debut of George Stanford. Endearingly simply titled “The EP” George Stanford’s 5-song 2007 release must simply be a taster for a 2008 full album release; and what a tasty taster it is.

This single, “Nikole”, showcases a piano balladry that fans of Ben Folds are sure to fall in love with.

If there’s one artist who debuted in 2007 who I would place a wager on becoming a household name in 2008, I would wager on it being George Stanford. If it’s not, it would simply be a crime.

Listen: George Stanford – Nikole


Ordinary by The Alternate Routes

 

The Alternate Routes - Ordinary

From the opening lines of “I’ve been wasting my days good and reckless and true, I have danced in the dark at the edge of the water, swingin my hips at the black and the blue…” you know that The Alternate Routes are something special.

Sounding alternately like Ryan Adams during the verses (and, interestingly, current Cardinals drummer Brad Pemberton features on the skins here), and then David Gray in the chorus, Tim Warren is one of the more exciting voices I heard this year.


While this single, Ordinary, may give you a mainstream image of the band, I encourage you to listen to the entire album, “Good and Reckless and True”; it is a grand, rootsy, absolutely golden album that warrants your attention.

Listen: The Alternate Routes – Ordinary



Fake Empire by The National

 

The National - Fake Empire

The National came in in 2007 and absolutely blew us all away. Far more understated than their 2005 album, “Alligator”, their 2007 release, “Boxer”, is perhaps the most fully realised release of the year by any artist.

A slow burn of an album, Fake Empire was the single from Boxer that grabbed my attention and held it; an absolutely crushing single, if you didn’t hear it in 2007, grab this now.

Listen: The National – Fake Empire


200 More Miles by the Cowboy Junkies (featuring Ryan Adams)

 

Cowboy Junkies feat Ryan Adams - 200 More Miles


 

2007 saw the 20th anniversary of the massively important Trinity Session album from the Cowboy Junkies, and to commemorate the occasion, the Junkies released a CD/DVD combo of performances in the same Toronto church where the original album was recorded.

As if Golden Tiger wasn’t enough for us (but then again, when it comes to Ryan Adams, can we EVER get enough?), the “Trinity Revisited” recordings saw Ryan partner up with Cowboy Junkies to release this beautiful rendition of 200 More Miles.

Ryan was born to perform with the Cowboy Junkies, and I couldn’t haven’t been more happy.

Listen: Cowboy Junkies – 200 More Miles (feat Ryan Adams)


To The Dogs Or Whoever by Josh Ritter

 

Josh Ritter - To the Dogs or Whoever


 

Josh Ritter’s 2007 release, “The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (with Bonus EP)” was leagues from his 2006 album, “Animal Years”, and that’s saying something as I was a big fan of that album.

To me, Josh Ritter is one of the most underappreciated writers in the current rock/folk scene; witty, wry, rueful and intelligent, it’s time that Josh Ritter got his dues from the general public and not just music blog writers.

That said, I’m not sure that this “To the Dogs Or Whoever” will be the single, to do it. But damn it’s fun.

Listen: Josh Ritter – To The Dogs Or Whoever


Four Winds by Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes - Four Winds

Who would have thought it? Despite the fairly lacklustre album released by Bright Eyes in 2007, “Cassadaga”, Conor Oberst somehow managed to get me interested in his material once again, thanks to the one redeeming single from that album, “Four Winds”.

You’ve brought me back from the brink of abandoning you Conor; and I hope that I stick around for a while.

Listen: Bright Eyes – Four Winds

 


And there you have it; a choice selection of mp3’s that somehow never made it to a full post here.
Consigned to the “Released in 2007 folder”, it’s now onto 2008.Here’s to a great year everybody!

***

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Categories
artists artists to watch for in 2008 digital downloads guitar music

The Sounds of London – Jack Penate and Jamie T

It’s been a while since the sounds of London caused me to become excited, but two lads are currently making enough noise to bring London to the main stage again. Those two boys are Jack Penate and Jamie Treays (aka Jamie T).

Jack Peñate

Jack Penate

Interesting side-note to begin this: Penate seems to have a problem holding onto his personal belongings on stage. Proving how harsh the British music scene is, Penate says of a recent performance:
I took my guitar off, and a kid came up and stole it. He knicked the guitar, put it under his arm and almost left before the bouncers stopped him.
At another performance at the Oxford Zodiac, a fan stole Peñate’s distortion pedal. After he’d realised it was missing he proclaimed, “D’you know what? Whoever’s got it…keep it! Just make sure you play a Telecaster through it and not a Gibson!”.

I have high hopes for Jack Peñate. If you manage to catch any clips of him playing live, you can see an unabashed enthusiasm and love for the performance in his eyes. The jangly, shimmering guitars; the breathless delivery; Jack Penate spits out rockabilly, ska-influenced, soulful pop like no one else’s business.
Jack is distinctly London; with pointed, observational lyrics, this is a lad to look out for.

The tracks are taken from his Matinee album; however, he plans to hit the studio in January to record his second album, of which he says, “I don’t want people to compare any song [on the new album] to any song on the first record. That’s my only fear. I would happily make a record that completely flopped, but showed different sides to me than one that was on a not-as-good-first-record.

Hmm. Should be interesting.

Listen: Jack Penate – Second Minute or Hour
Listen: Jack Penate – Torn on the Platform
Website: http://jackpenate.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jackpenate

Jamie T

Jamie T

Jamie Treays, more commonly known as Jamie T, is one of those artists that rebels against being pigeonholed. I’ve heard him being compared to Mike Skinner from the Streets, Lily Allen, and even Billy Bragg (I’m the least certain about this last one… I’d throw in Toothpick from the USA, or even Shane MacGowan of the Pogues before Bragg!). Still, none of these labels quite suit him.

There’s a bit of reggae in there; a large portion of rap; some rock; and some acoustic folk. The great thing about Jamie T, at least for me, is his ability to weave a story throughout his song. This is something that I feel justifies the comparisons with Skinner. At just 21 years of age, this kid has an amazing amount of potential… let’s see what becomes of him.

The below tracks are taken from his “Panic Prevention” album.

Listen: Jamie T – If You Got the Money
Listen: Jamie T – Sheila
Website: http://www.jamie-t.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jamietwimbledon

Categories
artists artists to watch for in 2008 guitar music

The Wombats – Let’s Dance To Joy Division

The Wombats - Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation

There’s only a short list of songs who can immediately make me smile when I’m down. To this list, let me welcome “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” by The Wombats.

It’s too early to say how these Liverpudlians will fare; they’ve only released two albums. One of which, “Girls, Boys and Marsupials” was a Japan-only release, and their debut album, “Guide To Love Loss & Desperation” was only released in October of this year.

That said, I’m holding out high hopes for the gang. This single, “Let’s Dance To Joy Division” hints at a quirkiness that is pulled off with panache, and the irony-laden lines of “Let’s Dance to Joy Division, and celebrate the irony“, displays an ability to not take themselves too seriously… something that is sorely needed in these days of indie rock, considering the morose latter-day Borrell et al products.

Matthew Murphy’s voice certainly borrows from Robert Smith; and on this track, he gives it free reign… take it for what it is: a blistering, cracker of a fun rock song.

Enjoy.

And, as an added bonus, here are some mp3’s thrown in for you to enjoy. Look out for these guys in the future.

Listen. Love. Support.

The Wombats – Let’s Dance to Joy Division
The Wombats – Moving to New York