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 1st 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 16th 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 (3rd 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 (3rd March)
This is their 1st 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 (3rd March)
I can’t find a full copy of the album and am getting conflicting release dates when I search online. This is the 4th 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 (3rd 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 (3rd March)
Undulating, grinding psyche. Very good repetitive foot-tapping grooves. Would buy. This is their 3rd 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 (3rd 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”.
Lazy Music Reviews 