What does it sound like?:
Amazingly good. Like it is still 1974, man. Percussive guitar like early John Martyn, sings like Tim Buckley, arrangements like Bryter Layter period Nick Drake, apparently also a bit like the late Bert Jansch. You really owe it to yourself to check this guy out. He is on Spotify, Facebook and available in a good record shops. You will thank me.
What does it all *mean*?
The progressive folk revival starts here pop pickers.
Goes well with…
a good book whilst sitting outside in the sun sipping a refreshing drink. What sort of question is that?
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
John Martyn, Tim Buckley, Nick Drake. He is playing Hoxton 2nd Sept and Guildford 3rd Sept. I’m going to the London gig. It is only £10.70.
Feedback_File says
Im very much up for that gig. This is a great album – you know when people are said to be like Bob Dylan or Nick Drake or whoever and you are nearly always disappointed Well this bloke really does sound a lot like Tim Buckley.
Neil Jung says
Do let me know if you are going.
Baron Harkonnen says
I hope they thank me first! ; ))
I posted on this great album on here about a month ago, anyhow bragging rights aside I agree with every word you say young Neil. This is a fabulous album, as is Ryley`s first album ` All Kinds Of You`. Just wished he play ooop north.
Baron Harkonnen says
Oh, and up to now Album Of The Year.
hubert rawlinson says
don’t know how much ooop North you are nut it appears he played at the Brudenell in Leeds last month.
hubert rawlinson says
but not nut
Baron Harkonnen says
Couldn`t get there
Baron Harkonnen says
WTF; because of distance and work. I believe he is very good live as is his band.
Neil Jung says
So you did, I’ve just looked up your post, plus there’s a live review too. I missed both as I’m not here that much.
As you say the first album and the first single are just as good. It is all on Spotify. I might even pay for a copy on vinyl.
H.P. Saucecraft says
Looking forward to hearing this – thanks for the (re)commendation(s)!
Kaisfatdad says
I’ve sen him live twice. Once with his wonderful, rather jazzy, band, once solo. Excellent both times. He’s more intense solo.
Destined to become a major AW favourite I suspect.
Twang says
Fantastic album. I want it on vinyl – just seems right somehow.
duco01 says
Re: Ryley on vinyl
Yeah, I can see where you’re coming from there, Twang
H.P. Saucecraft says
On reflection: mm, nice, as Whispering Bob would say. But “sings like Tim Buckley”? That’s a real stretch. You can hear the influence, like you can hear the influence of John Martin. His vocals are a little too far back in the mix (to my waxy old ears, anyway), and not as characterful as his influences. Good guitar, a treat to hear. Nice stretched-out instrumental arrangements.
But – from the cover art in, this is a tribut(ary) to his sources, like Jonathan Wilson, and over time I’ll be more likely to go back to the source.
Nice, though. Mm.
Neil Jung says
You mention Jonathan Wilson, who I really liked, but forgot about again until recently when I heard a track on 6Music and thought WOW . Who would you say his influences were?
H.P. Saucecraft says
Wilson definitely listens to Neil Young a lot!
Vulpes Vulpes says
Well, I’m two tracks in – the first track, as befits an opener, is a pretty strong statement of intent, and got my luigs listening closely; the vocals of the second track are particularly Buckleyesque – and now I’m properly deep in there, hearing all the influnces mentioned above. The thing that really impresses me is the live-in-the-studio feel to it all; the bass really swings, the drummer’s loose and having fun, the vibes are hovering, and through it all the guitar just, well, CLANGS nicely. Eyes closed. Air-brushing those lazy shuffling beats. Third track now, and Pentangle are back in the room, with John Martyn on vocals. I’m guessing Mr. Walker would acknowledge the influences wholeheartedly, yet baulk at the strength of their impact upon the listener, but maybe that’s because this listener at least is so ancient he can’t help but hear them. I am extremely impressed with this so far, and this is going on to the car system in the morning for a prolonged daily exposure. I’ve been driving with Bop English this last week – a grower really a grower – and I need a change of atmos. Once I’ve chewed this for a few days I’ll set aside some time for a PROPER listen on a proper system when the house is empty. Thanks indeed for the heads-up.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Curse thee, lack of edit facility, a plague on all your hoses.
Twang says
Reminds me of Astral Weeks too – jazzy dudes noodling about with acoustic boho folky. In a good way, obvs. @disappointmentbob hell, basically. ?
ruff-diamond says
I also hear elements of “If I Could Only Remember My Name”-era Crosby in there as well…
H.P. Saucecraft says
Mmmmm. I dunno. I played Buckley’s Happy Sad, and Blue Afternoon, after this. I can hear Walker’s influenced, but he isn’t in the same league vocally. Yet. He really isn’t. Buckley had an extraordinary set of pipes and knew how to use them, singing from the gut. Give him a couple of albums and maybe. And to liken this to Astral Weeks? Again, I can hear the influence. I can see the influence in the perfectly-judged album sleeve design. It’s not like he’s trying to hide it. But I’m not (yet) hearing a talent that is remotely up there with the one that created Astral Weeks, or Starsailor, or If Only. I’m hearing his record collection. Respectful, tasteful, and probably the best currently out there, along with Jonathan Wilson. Give him a couple of years. Maybe.
Neil Jung says
Hi,
I bought a couple of tickets (£10.70) to see Ryley Walker on Wednesday 2nd September, not realising that the venue Hoxton Bar and Kitchen is near Old Street and so is not very accessible from where I live in Bracknell, plus my wife is out seeing Benedict as Hamlet that night.
So, I either need to find someone else to go with or to sell both tickets.
Would any of you like to come along, or alternatively take both the tickets off my hands? They are e tickets so are easily emailed.
Failing that I will list them on Twickets.
Mike