What does it sound like?:

Melancholy. There’s no way around it. That the cheeriest song on the album is called ‘Until You Were Gone’ gives you some measure of how chirpy the whole thing gets, nevertheless you never feel depressed by it. There’s a sort of mournful nobility about the record that prompts people to mutter things like ‘well crafted’ and ‘organic’.

What does it all *mean*?

You still can’t beat a man with an acoustic guitar telling stories.

Goes well with…

Dim lights and thick smoke.

Might suit people who like…

Townes van Zandt, John Prine, Slaid Cleaves.

What does it sound like?:

On their first album for seventeen years Swervedriver decide, in my view correctly, that a comeback album had better connect you with why people liked you in the first place. It’s straight outta Oxford circa 1990 and sounds all the better for it. Languid vocals, pattering drums and gauzy washes of guitar abound in a set of strong songs with an easy mid-pace flow the dominant rhythm. It’s if possible even more melodic than I remember from them first time around, with less rifferama and softer guitar work. English Subtitles, in my view the standout track, is just beautiful and (should) have you reaching for the replay button.

What does it all *mean*?

The worst-named genre of all time has life in it left. And as with all such bands the vocals are buried so deep in the mix that they could be singing, in very lovely ways, about frozen peas, or world peace. I might go and see them on tour in May as they’re coming to Birmingham.

Goes well with…

Sitting in the park with the sun out and some cold beers. Driving through Monument Valley with the top down. It’s a » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

You wouldn’t expect the voice to be the standout feature of an album from a bloke in remission from cancer of the oesophagus but that’s how it is with the 2014 release from Jesse Winchester. I bought it last year but Mrs Wells has latched onto it and has it on high rotation which has prompted me to spread the word. From his first eponymous album all the way through this fairly lethargic recording career it has always been the voice that has captivated me and many others. He is at his best singing wistful ballads or gospel styled paeans to the simple life and simple values (Yankee Lady for example) which are punctuated, less successfully by upbeat country rock or New Orleans influences. Being in remission is the ultimate reminder that your career is drawing to a close so there are songs including some doowop harking back to his youth .But it’s always the ballads that have me just stop whatever I am doing, turn up and wonder at the gentle glory of a voice that makes me feel comforted like the warm glow. Elvis Costello organised a tribute album when he was » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Post-industrial funk, light on the anvil smashing and slap bass but heavy on the choppy guitars and being shouted at through a megaphone, the re-lifed Brizzle funsters are back, Back, BACK with an all-new album of very angry, but strangely uplifting songs about how rubbish modern life really is. ‘S.O.P.H.I.A.’ is, actually quite lovely in its own, twisted way, and ‘Box 9’ gets the blood pumping in a compelling and hypntotic fashion.

What does it all *mean*?

I don’t know – these oldsters today, you’ve seen ’em, down the town hall, in their ill-fitting suits, jumping on the bins, shouting “Wake up, Sheeple!” at folk; you can’t hear a word they’re singing…

Goes well with…

Shouting at Audi drivers on the morning commute.

Might suit people who like…

Adrian Sherwood, dissonance, Agit prop, amphetamines.

What does it sound like?:

I bought 3 albums on the one day and all were bought with trepidation – but with each I had different reasons for the trrepidation. Mary Gauthier’s album of last year sounded like another gut wrencher documenting her emotional torture after a broken relationship- and it was . Steve Earle has also had a break up but he should be used to them. His album was reported as straight up blues and I feared it could be just a bar band thumper and so far it seems that way. Then there’s Bob’s newie. It seems like he is working through his bucket-list of things he wants to do – Xmas album – tick,next up Bobby does Frankie. I wonder what’s next. Most will know the background. He has his tour band playing pretty much live in the studio, doing stripped down sparse interpretations of songs that may not necessarily have been made famous by Sinatra but have at least been sung by him. Maybe these were just songs Dylan liked and the marketers packaged it up as a collection of Sinatra songs.But I digress. The trepidation -well it’s obvious innit. Perhaps the greatest voice » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

The fourth SW album proper comes with a storyline (loneliness in the city, detachment from the world… you probably all know it by now) and the resulting songs are gorgeously evocative examples of Wilson’s craft. He’s ditched the Crimson riffing this time for beautiful melodies and some spooky ambient/electro passages; lots of proggy time changes of course, but everything is held together by a unique vision.

What does it all *mean*?

If you listen to music in your car or from your telephone apparatus, this clearly isn’t for you. This album (especially the multi-disc version) really IS an album, and it keeps you interested on so many levels: there’s the story, the 140-page book with pictures, documents, crossed-out text and narratives that add a whole new dimension to the songs. And on the additional discs are alternative arrangements and mixes, too.

Goes well with…

…all his other projects. There’s the grandiosity of Porcupine Tree, the atmospheric moods of No-Man, the dark ambience of Bass Communion, and the melodic song craft of Blackfield. Plus, Mr. Wilson plays some beautiful piano on some of the demos included (one solo reminds me of ELP’s “Like A Pebble” » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

I’ve been waiting for this album for a couple of years, since I first heard of the band – eagerly since I saw them live last summer. At long last it’s here! That kind of anticipation can easily turn into bitter disappointment, but not this time. In fact; I wouldn’t be surprised if this album is still in my top ten when we sum up the music year of 2015. Amason is a Swedish “indie super group” with members from Dungen, Miike Snow, Idiot Wind and Little Majorette, and together they make the loveliest pop music I’ve heard in a long while. The voice of Amanda Bergman is sensational, the overall sound is relaxed and effortless. The melodies are immediately catchy without being shallow or banal or annoying. Most tracks have English lyrics, some have Swedish lyrics. Some titles are in English and some in Swedish – not necessarily to do with the language of the lyrics. Gustav Ejstes’ fingerprints are all over the Swedish lyrics, but this is not another Dungen, this is something else, this band has its very own voice.

What does it all *mean*?

Listening to this album feels like » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Yet another compilation, presumably put out as a way to flog the three ‘new’ songs on here. The best of these by far is ‘Let Me In Your Heart Again’, an outtake from The Works album, and decent enough if you like the commercial/poppier side of Queen. ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’ is a duet with a very youthful sounding Michael Jackson, whose voice sounds very weak next to Mercury’s. The other two songs they recorded in 1981 remain in the vaults, presumably held back for another future release, but you can see why this was rejected for inclusion on both Hot Space and The Works before a solo version finally appeared on Fred’s Mr Bad Guy album. ‘Love Kills’ is simply a slowed down band version of the Giorgio Moroder hi – nrg track most will be familiar with.

What does it all *mean*?

Comes in both single and expanded two cd versions, and it’s good to hear some of the less familiar Queen songs like Lily of The Valley, Drowse and Nevermore alongside the usual selection of well known tracks such as You’re My Best Friend, Somebody To Love » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

This is the fourth LP from Marple’s finest Dutch Uncles. I caught a support slot from them a few years ago when they were promoting their debut and was immediately grabbed by their strangeness and charm. It’s hard to pin down what they do, best way I can describe it is a mixture of angular indie, a jauntier take on the sort of sophisticated pop the likes of Talk Talk, late period XTC and Blue Nile did in the 1980s, a Kate Bush approach to melodic leaps and twists and just a dash of the less noodly side of prog rock. This record is more electronic than previously, the guitars take a back seat to synths which recall 80 movie sountrack tropes albiet offset by a lush sounding string section. There is, on first listen, a certain lack of instant hooks, however there are melodies and refrains that creep up on your with repeated listens which is the mark of an album you’ll want to revisit again to reveal its charms.

What does it all *mean*?

If you’re not familiar with the band, some may find the fey, warbling vocals and some of the » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Quiet pastoral folk, with occasional shuffling beats and mumbled vocals. Basically it sounds like his other albums. The album is another treat or anyone who fell in love with his music when his cover of The Knife’s “Heartbeats” was included on a Sony advert with bouncing balls in San Francisco. The track “Leaf Off / The Cave” is perhaps a bit more gospel influenced than his previous work, with a video celebrating uniqueness. The haunting “Every Age” follows a similar vibe, celebrating the whole of life itself through somewhat melancholy music, and a pioneering music video offering a unique view of the earth from space.

What does it all *mean*?

I’m sure when he wrote the words he meant it, man, but essentially this is just a nice folk-y album to listen to… nothing more.

Goes well with…

Jumpers, comfy slippers, beards and everything else Scandinavian (although maybe not lengthy crime dramas…)

Might suit people who like…

Damien Rice, Kathryn Williams, Nick Drake, Sun Kil Moon

What does it sound like?:

A two cd retrospective of his solo material. In contrast to his Homebrew series, this concentrates solely on finished pieces rather than demos. The best material comes from his early albums Beginnings and The Steve Howe Album, both of which feature sundry members of Yes. Indeed, fans of Yes and Asia will notice a few familiar themes scattered among these outings.

What does it all *mean*?

Although you can’t deny Howe’s undoubted technical ability, two cds worth can be a bit much of a muchness if listened to in one sitting – far better to dip in and out of this collection.

Goes well with…

There’s a nice orchestral take on Mood For A Day (taken from Symphonic Music of Yes), but could live without the two Dylan covers – I know he’s a huge fan, but his voice just isn’t up to it.

Might suit people who like…

Obviously fans of Yes and it’s various offshoots, or fans of instrumental guitar music in general, performed by a real virtuoso.

What does it sound like?:

Woke up around three-ish with my foot throbbing (I’ve sprained my ankle) and couldn’t get back to sleep. After a bit of radio comedy, I stuck on The Race For Space for my second listen. Being in that space between sleep and awake allowed the music to seep in nicely. What’s coming through is the pathos. I don’t think the single version of Gagarin includes the mournful strings towards the end, signifying – so say the liner notes – his tragic death just a few years later. Fire in the Cockpit is obviously a downbeat moment of great solemnity but I was caught out by the tension in The Other Side when Apollo 8 goes out of radio contact during the first orbit of the moon. Given I knew full well it panned out the sense of relief when they get back in contact is quite tremendous. I don’t mind saying it quite dampened the eye.

On the more upbeat front Go! is another highlight, with the famous system check of the Apollo 11 ground crew providing the basis for an ebullient number. Valentina is a rather pretty tune, and the Smoke Fairies’ vocals » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Giddens’ voice rings as strong and true as the Liberty Bell. She is classically trained and is the front woman for the folk revivalists, The Carolina Chocolate Drops. Having stolen the show on Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes, she is rewarded with this solo debut, backed by classy session musicians and a big name producer, T Bone Burnett.

Bravely, she chooses to cover ten songs written or made famous by some of the most inspirational female characters to strut a stage. Usually, a ‘show case’ like this collapses under the strain of attempting to demonstrate all of the artist’s diverse skills in a single album. However, the thread of a feminist message, the theme of updating the past and the fact that Giddens actually is good at everything, hold the album together beautifully. She really can subvert like Nina, stretch the heart-strings like Patsy, seduce like Dolly, testify with the joy of Sister Rosetta and burn the blues like Bessie. However, these aren’t mere copycat performances. They are fresh, cleared-eyed re-imaginings delivered with a warmth and subtlety that reach the emotional core of the songs. I sometimes find Burnett’s productions » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

A traditional blues title for a traditional dirty blues stomping set of songs highlighting the usual underworld characters of Steve Earle, whose lived a hard- nosed blues life himself. Less of the country-tinged themes of the last few albums, the Dukes rock out – would sound great live!

What does it all *mean*?

White men can sing the blues afterall!

Goes well with…

Drink, Drink, a Drink….with a bourbon chaser

Might suit people who like…

Da blues

What does it sound like?:

If you had a really, really good imagination, this 10 part series from Amazon Prime looks and sounds exactly as if it would if you read the Michael Connelly books and had your mind project what you saw in your head onto the screen. Titus Welliver nails the Harry Bosch role. A couple of the stars of The Wire are great in it. The story is largely that of City Of Bones, one of the best early Bosch books, but updated. I’ve read all the books and can assure you this is a superb adaptation, done with Michael Connelly’s input and blessing. TV doesn’t get much better than this.

What does it all *mean*?

It means I’ll have to read the books again. And that Amazon Prime is worth getting.

Goes well with…

Jazz.

Might suit people who like…

The Killing. NYPD Blue. Borgen. Nordic Noir.

What does it sound like?:

When Mark Lanegan, the voice of god, describes someone as “a musical genius” I pay attention. Duke has worked with him on many occasions, writing songs, playing guitar, rattling some drums, blowing some brass. He’s a genuine multi-instrumentalist. It turns out his voice is a bluesy growl that sounds as though it has crawled out of a swamp near New Orleans, not unlike Lanegan’s. Heavy Love was recorded in some studio spare time while the two of them made Black Pudding. As a result, Alain Johannes from Queens Of The New Stone Age produces while Lanegan mixes.

Heavy Love, as a whole, is an intense, atmospheric piece. The guitar shimmers and gleams, the rhythm section provides texture rather than drive and the lyrics add intrigue rather than clarity. There may be few actual tunes, no real riffs and no grooves, yet it is very pleasant on the ear. Duke’s voice is authoritative and engrossing, especially when counterpointed by a female (Jehnny Beth on the title track and Petra Phillipson on Disco Lights). There is an undercurrent of restrained anger.

The album evokes the outdoors; sometimes a stifling desert, at others a relentless downpour, a » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

A two cd affair, with a nice 24 page booklet, comprising studio recordings, alternate takes, live material and other rare and previously unreleased material, covering the period 1969 – 2014 and showcasing the various band line ups.

What does it all *mean*?

Not really suitable as an introduction to the band for newcomers, but for the completest this is a treasure trove indeed, including rehearsals for the 2014 tour and tracks from the forthcoming 40th anniversary rereleases of Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair and Thrakk. A great deal of this is all previously unavailable on CD.

Goes well with…

If you want to dig deep into the Crimson vaults, then this is your dreams come true. The rehearsal material gives a good idea of what to expect on this years UK dates too.

Might suit people who like…

Probably for hard core devotees only, but as ever the musicianship and compositional skills are consistently outstanding.

What does it sound like?:

After the long conceptual pieces showcased in Thick As A Brick and A Passion Play, Ian Anderson returns to short form songs on this Steven Wilson remix of the Tull’s 1974 album. As ever, Wilson seems to strip away layers of muddiness from the original, leaving a cleaner, airier sound. Many would think of this line-up of the band as the definitive one, and indeed they are in fine form, with Martin Barre’s guitar work particularly excelling.

What does it all *mean*?

The second cd features the usual slew of outtakes and bonus tracks, including three previously unreleased songs. Most fascinatingly though, it includes the orchestral pieces written for the soundtrack of the planned but aborted film which was to be part of the original concept for a multi-faceted project.

Goes well with…

The accompanying two dvds have the usual 5.1 mixes by Wilson, which live up to the high standard he has set on previous releases. An excellent 80 page book, plus some promo footage from the time, round off the whole package.

Might suit people who like…

If you’re a Tull fan you will want to finally hear the long ago consigned » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

A mixture of old and new from the current seven piece line-up, recorded on last year’s US tour. A slightly odd mix at first listen which takes a little while to get attuned to – needs four or five listens to ‘get it’. Sadly only 41 minutes worth, but the band sound in fine form – Mel Collins in particular is at the top of his game here.

What does it all *mean*?

Good to hear a few pieces that have rarely been performed live (and one never previously), and it’s nice to hear rejuvenated takes on old favourites such as Sailors Tale and Starless.

Goes well with…

Probably not for the uninitiated, but if you’re a fan this is a must have memento of the three drummer line-up – and of course Fripp’s guitar work is as impeccable and challenging as ever.

Might suit people who like…

Whets the appetite for the UK dates later in the year !

What does it sound like?:

By now most of us will have formed their own view on this final ‘new’ offering, intended as a tribute to the late Rick Wright and compiled in the main from leftovers from the Division Bell sessions. A little disappointing on first listen, this is an album that improves with repeated listening as some familiar themes begin to emerge – a keyboard motif a la Shine On, guitar work reminiscent of Dogs, a hint of One of These Days. The closing Louder Than Words works better when heard as the concluding part of the album rather than as a stand alone piece.

What does it all *mean*?

The Dvd disc features a number of other bits and pieces, of which the rockier sound of Nervana fares best, the rest being fairly disposable – which is maybe why they were left unused.

Goes well with…

Is this up there with the classic Floyd albums of the 70’s – no, but it’s not a bad way to bid farewell.

Might suit people who like…

Probably not an album you’ll keep returning to as you would with DSOTM or WYWH, but still worth adding to the collection » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Natalie Prass possesses a fragile, feminine voice. On this, her debut, it is swept along by Schmilsson strings and topped by ripe, cherry horns. Over nine songs, she delicately and gracefully picks the bones of a failed relationship. It is a delicious, featherlight confection, cleverly disguising the splintering in her heart. Matthew E. White, her old school chum, provides the label, Spacebomb, the orchestra, the brass and the producer. I doubt it is entirely altruism as the retro smokey-soul sound suits the house style precisely. The quality of the writing and performance should easily repay his investment. It’s a pity the album was shelved for two years whilst White promoted his own Big Inner, yet poor Natalie is left with a window of only a few months until he releases his follow up. In the meantime, please don’t overlook this little gem. It takes a confident, precise performer to pitch such emotional vulnerability against a swelling thirty-six piece orchestra. I am sure by the year end, there will be few albums so coherent, so luscious and so effective in impact.

What does it all *mean*?

If proof were needed, here it is; well constructed » Continue Reading.