From When I Wake The Want Is – Kathryn Joseph

I’ve heard the single (same name as album) a few times on BBC Radio 6 Music and each time it’s on, I think, “Is this Lamb / Lou Rhodes?” only to be wrong each time! I’m not familiar with her but my friend caught her live at Hyde Park recently and enjoyed her set immensely. A radio DJ recently explained on-air that Kathryn adopted “Joseph” as her surname after the name of her late-son. It seems such a deeply personal touch to a press release, one that would cause any listener to instantly will her some success and happiness. You just knew, however, that the album that would follow would be sad, introspective and haunting. We weren’t wrong.
Album only just released today (10/08/18) and I have only listened to it once. Initially, I am slightly bored with over-egged vibrato kneeling at Agnes Obel’s alter. The piano-riffs are samey throughout and the songs appear to bleed into each other. My ears do perk up on “There Is No God But You,” however, which is undeniably moving.
It’s a bit like voluntarily watching Schindler’s List, unfortunately. I know that the album has been beautifully crafted from real pain and artistry but I’m not sure how often I can sink into this dark space she’s dug from the dozen songs on this album. It’s so sad and harrowing and quite frankly, hard to crawl back out of.
Fans of Lamb, Joanna Newsom and Agnes Obel may like this.

Nadine Shah – Holiday Destination

Texturally beautiful with very dark, undulating production. Unfortunately, I don’t feel that the majority of the songs on this album develop in a way that I find wholly gripping. Having said that, Holiday Destination as a whole is beautiful and takes her up a notch in the Goth camp. The album offers up menacing repetition, intriguing lyrics (“all these folk think that I am evil like I am the living devil himself”), minor chords and is very heavy on multi-tracked vocals and Leslie Cabinet effects.
Standout song for me is “Relief,” which, to be fair, is really fucking good. Hints of mid-Eastern loveliness and dirty sax which reminds me a bit of Bowie’s Black Star in places with a catchy vocal riff.
Fans of Joy Division, experimental Tom Waits, introspective Sonic Youth and early PJ Harvey might like this… but then again, all of those references have a bit more to them.
I like what this album is doing, don’t get me wrong! I just find it falls short of something that makes it interesting enough to want to listen to again and again.

On This Day – 5th March

Well, according to Wiki, of albums with release dates, there was only 1 album out on the 5th of March throughout the decades so we had a good excuse to get started on new releases this week. We opted for “Editors Choice” records as listed on allmusic.com. I’ve got to say, there is a lot of good music out there at the moment.

1965

Kinda Kinks – The Kinks (5th March)
This is the one known release I could find for 5th March throughout the decades.
Greg Turley (a friend, now sadly departed) apparently once said he’d like to fill an MP3 player with nothing but The Kinks. He was sooooo deeply cool.
This is The Kinks’ 2nd album and according to tinterweb, they weren’t pleased with the final product. Ray Davies claims it was rushed and a little too rough around the edges. I like it like that though! And the session gave us a great single in “Tired of Waiting For You”. They’re marrying early 60s pop with jangly blues-rock here. The ramshackle overdubs give it a raw charm that you don’t get on many records from this era.
Only real criticism is that I’m not overly keen on them covering Dancing In The Street, mainly because I still can’t shake the image of Mick Jagger and Bowie dad-dancing.

1975

Frampton – Peter Frampton (no release date)
His 4th studio album. I recognise “Show Me The Way” and the funny “Talkbox” he’s reknown for. Vocals remind me a bit of Genesis in places, probably more to do with the effects used than anything else. Oh yeah, and this album spawned “Baby, I Love Your Way” (he wrote that?!). Apparently, he was in Humble Pie and had massive US success (selling 6 million copies of Frampton Comes Alive!). It’s all a little bit lost on me. This YouTube conversation kept me briefly entertained whilst I listened to the album though:

1975

Funny Lady – Barbra Streisand (unknown release date)
Was really annoyed that I was going to have to listen to a Barbra Streisand album but as it happens, I can’t find it online anywhere. Looks like it was a soundtrack to a sequel film, the original being “Funny Girl” from the 60s. Can’t say I’m overly disappointed or feel like I’m missing out.

Go Girl Crazy! – The Dictators (unknown release date)
Debut album and apparently one of the 1^st punk records?!! Despite going girl crazy, these definitely pack more testosterone than The New York Dolls as heard in their song “(I Live For) Cars and Girls”! You won’t be at all surprised to know these were a big influence on the Beastie Boys. Ballsy and fun. Look out for their great covers of “I’ve Got You Babe” and “California Sun”.

1985

Equator – Uriah Heap (uknown release date)
Their 16^th album has somehow evaded the internet. I can’t find it on Spotify or YouTube. Only managed two songs: “Night of The Wolf” and “One Love”. The former is perfect for Hallowe’en, not March!!! Quite a catchy guitar riff and notably a bit like Muse in places (or the other way around, I guess). The latter is very 80s and naff.

Everybody’s Crazy – Michael Bolton (unknown release date)
The best thing about this album is definitely the cover. Hard to believe that Sonic Youth released an album the same month as this! That’s all I’m prepared to say.

2015

Chasing Yesterday – Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds (3^rd March)
Can’t be any worse than Michael Bolton, right?! It’s actually a lot better than I was expecting, getting me with dark, descending riffs and moody production in places.“The Right Stuff” could have been lifted from a Doves record and I’d go so far as to say it’s actually really very good.

I Wasn’t Born To Lose You – Swervedriver (3^rd March)
This is their 1^st offering since 1998. I’d not heard of them before but apparently they’re a British cult shoegaze band. Vocals remind me of Jimi Goodwin and they have GREAT melodic guitar hooks. Really really beautiful guitar hooks, in fact. Stand-out song being “Setting Sun”. I would buy this. I just might.

Hand.Cannot.Erase – Steven Wilson (3^rd March)
I can’t find a full copy of the album and am getting conflicting release dates when I search online. This is the 4^th solo album from the mind behind Porcupine Tree. The intro to “Perfect Life” could be straight off a Recoil album, which appeals to me but then goes a little twee (albeit stupidly catchy). His voice is a bit too weedy for my liking but that said, I would still like to hear more.

The Firewatcher’s Daughter – Brandi Carlile (3^rd March)
American singer/songwriter that sits somewhere between Indigo Girls and First Aid Kit. That good ol’ country/folk sound with a bit o’sass. No doubt about it, she’s got a beautiful and emotional voice. The styles really vary from song to song, which keeps it interesting.

Shadow of the Sun – Moon Duo (3^rd March)
Undulating, grinding psyche. Very good repetitive foot-tapping grooves. Would buy. This is their 3^rd release so must seek out the others. Nothing about them on Wikipedia, unfortunately. Could only find annoyingly flowery music reviews. Spare yourself the reviews and just tune in.

Shedding Skin – Ghostpoet (3^rd March)
Lovely and chilled spoken-word album with beautiful production. Reminds me a touch of Maxinequaye by Tricky, even featuring guest vocalists throughout, but this is no bad thing. Also a touch of Gill Scott Heron in there. The ones with Nadine Shah are particularly lush. The lyrics and sentiments are lovely as well, ending on a positive note with song “Nothing In The Way”.

This Day In Music – 3rd March

Yesterday,  3rd of March, we  had the following:

1965

Elvis Presley’s “Girl Happy” – Great sunshine music and the sun is indeed shining here today.

1975

Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – I LOVE this and will try to remember for summer time to enjoy whilst lounging on a picnic blanket. It’s so groovy and sunny and lovely.

1985

Atlantic Starr’s “As The Band Turns” – Twee 80s but well-produced. Slightly reminiscent of Scritti Politti & Prince in places.

2005

Jack Johnson’s “In Between Dreams” – Very popular here when it was released, we recognised 3 singles from it. Too nicey-nice for me but perfectly executed acoustic-pop.

Mars Volta’s “Frances the Mute” – Just WOW! Have you heard these guys before? I’d heard of them but this is my 1st listen. They’re from El Paso and they’re tearing it up!!!! Also, I love the story behind this concept album. Loosely based on characters from a diary found in a repossessed car by a sound engineer. Apparently. It’s brilliant!!!

Judas Priest’s “Angel of Retribution” – Brummie rock!!!! Too much double-bass-drum-pedal going on for my liking. Also, a bit like a poor Iron Maiden impersonation in places. Good harmonies and guitaring though. Not a band album of its ilk but easy on that drum pedal, guys! And the names of the songs are a parody of rock, surely! “Lochness” could be straight out of Spinal Tap! Ha ha! Wayne has since pointed out that this is not the original line-up.

Kathleen Edwards’ “Back To Me” – She had a song on the radio a couple of years back which I thought was really overrated yet they kept on playing it. I even wrote in to complain. Yeah, my life is pretty hard. This album is erring on the side of MOR but inoffensive enough, I guess. Some of it is quite pretty as well, just a bit boring. Wants to be Beth Orton but is closer to Cheryl Crow without ties to Eric Claption or a great snarl.

Also from 2005
I couldn’t find Jessi Alexander’s “Honeysuckle Sweet” nor could I bring myself to listen to all of Jennifer Lopez or 50 Cent (21 songs! All of them “explicit”!). Also, the decsriptions “worship album” and “Christian rock band” have put me off Kutless’ “Strong Tower” album. I listened to 1/2 of the 1st song and I think I get the gist. Holy, holy, holy….

2015

Purity Ring’s “Another Eternity” – These were quite big in UK a few years ago. I thought they were a sex-toy back then as well. 4AD are one of my favourite independent record labels so had high hopes for this. Alas, it’s almost too polished and poppy for my liking. Nicey-nice in a Chvrches, innocent teeny-bopper sort of way with Euro-electronica by numbers. Struggling to understand how this is any more credible than, say, Ellie Goulding.

Of Montreal’s “Aureate Gloom” – If Suede and Eno had a disco lovechild you’d have Of Montreal! Lovely psychedelic artwork and jaunty, angular tunes.

This Day In Music – 4th March

Today, 4^th March

1965

The Early Beatles – The Beatles (unknown release date)
US only compilation album which is basically Please Please Me but jumbled up. Obviously, a great listen but would rather hear the UK album containing the same songs in original order. It seems to end rather abruptly as well.

Latin For Lovers – Doris Day (unknown release date)
Latin easy-listening perfect for supping cocktails from a coconut in a Tiki Lounge.

1975

The Best Years of Our Lives – Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel (unknown release date)
I know the big single! Sounds very much like other Glam out at the time. Steve Harley’s voice, or rather his intonation, is very similar to Ian Hunter’s in places and the songs sound as though they could’ve poured from Mick Ronson’s brain. That’s not a bad thing though. Beautifully produced at Abbey Road Studios. Highlight for me is “Back To The Farm” with it’s minor chords, passionate delivery and harmonies. Great freaky synth noises as well.

Between The Lines – Janis Ian (unknown release date)
Never heard of her but she reminds me a lot of Carol King. Mellow and pretty with lovely string arrangements. I like the Jewish taste on title song.

Duit on Mon Dei – Harry Nilsson (unknown release date)
Had to look up name to get the pun. I know this dude from The Point soundtrack! Just as kooky and crazy as I’d hoped, opening with the wonderfully titled first song, “Jesus Christ You’re Tall”!

Feelings – Paul Anka (unknown release date)
New one on me but apparently he wrote the Tonight Show’s theme song. Easy listening and forgettable, like a really bland Elton John. The photo on the front looks like an ad for fake tan.

1985

Aikea-Guinea – Cocteau Twins (4^th March)
I have this EP on vinyl but not listened to in a while so very lovely to have an excuse to listen to it again. Beautiful Goth loveliness. Sparkly jewels, baby birds, wild roses, filigree and dark, twisted labyrinths.  Yeah.

Accept – Metal Heart (4^th March)
German Metal! Never heard of Accept although not dissimilar to another million like-souding bands. Vocals quite similar to AC/DC frontman. Beethoven guitar solo on opening song is entertaining though and reminds me of something from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure! Very silly.

Bad Moon Rising – Sonic Youth (unknow release date)
I recognise the album artwork but I don’t think I’ve ever heard this one before. Apparently, it’s their 2^nd release. Funny, I expected this to be less experimental than it is.  How wrong was I?!! It definitely stands out against what I’ve heard from 1985 so far. Very dark “Shoegaze” avant-noise brilliance. “Society Is A Hole” is just beautiful. And whilst undoubtedly influneced by the likes of The Velvet Underground and German experimentalists like Kurt Weil it’s mind-bogglingly groundbreaking for the time, I think. More contemporary bands like Esben & The Witch wish they could sound this cool.

2005


Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken – HammerFall (4^th March)
Another Iron Maiden, this time Swedish. Mild kudos for Game of Thrones references.

Anniemal – Annie (4^th March) Bubble-gum Norweigian electro-pop. Some songs more credible than others but the single is pretty rubbish. Some interesting bleeps and darker tracks like “Helpless Fool For Love”.

Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear

Is Father John Misty a pseudonym for John Grant?
I mean, he even has a song with the term “honeybear” in it!
Well produced and heartfelt but… it’s JOHN GRANT!!! He’s got this stuff covered!!!
Even the sweary bits!

The album artwork is pretty cool though.

Snowbird – Moon

Hmmmmm…. this is the new album from Bella Union label owner and 1/2 of Cocteau Twins, Simon Raymonde.
I suppose I really want to like it and it is dreamy, wintery and quite pretty. But. You know what? It’s not Cocteau Twins.
And it sounds like it’s really trying to be. Apparently the vocals are supplied by his ex-girlfriend. She’s no Liz Fraser.
And I can’t get over how pretentious the band & album name are.
*Reaches for my vinyl copy of Treasure and never bothers with this again*

Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra – Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything

Another recommendation from Dad.
Bursting out of the speakers like mad hornets at a wake for the death of Arcade Fire, this album takes no prisoners. Chain yourself to the fence whilst it blows your hair back. Hellish, grinding and relentless with the occasional island of beauty. I can imagine they are amazing live. A lot of jamming on single notes, a la The Velvet’s “Black Angels Death Song,” with a similarly menacing fiddle.
The opening title track is immense. Canadians seem to get this shit so right, adding yet another great band to the list, buddying up with the likes of Godspeed You Black Emperor, Besnard Lakes and Black Mountain.
One to buy on vinyl fo’ sho’.

Xiu Xiu – Angel Guts: Red Classroom

Sisters of Mercy meets a very dark Scott Walker…. but then, Scott could be very dark indeed.
Close, desperate vocals and industrial backing. My dad cited as this week’s “weirdest release”.

Baltic Fleet – Towers

One man. Many sounds. No vocals.
If you like Public Service Broadcasting and Mogwai you’ll prob like this.
Would make an excellent soundtrack to a science documentary… or a modern Koyaanisqatsi.