Who have you discovered just this very year who is exciting you?
Much like “Magic Kid” last year, this mighty be an early runner for my ‘slowish song of the year’, from a band I only found last week.
saltfishforty – Woe, from the album ‘Bere’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u89uwa1POVc
Am I allowed to stretch it, Si, to big up an act I first heard at a small festival in the middle of the NI countryside in August last year? If so, here are the HardChargers, playing ‘Mean Town Blues’ – blistering blues skiffle!
I’m delighted to be currently involved in helping them towards a nationally released album, new website, at al – due Autumn this year.
They played their first live show this year at the weekend past, at Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast, with five more dates over the next two weeks. More dates are scheduled for August.
Twill come as no surprise to most round these parts that absolutely nothing new this year has remotely floated my boat. I am turning (already turned?) into one of those codgers who mutter about fings not being what they used to be. My son has been sending me a daily YouTube clip of Kendrick Lamar – yawn and double yawn.
I sit here sipping my cuppa listening to the recent Radio 2 programme , The First Lady of Song – that’s more like it!!
DAMN. is my disappointment of the year so far. It is a great album, possibly the greatest Rap album ever made, but that’s all it is, a great Rap album, whereas his debut was a deeply personal and touching coming-of-age and To Pimp A Butterfly a dazzling panoramic, kalaedoscopic masterpiece.
Gorillaz is pretty ordinary too. Is there more than one tune?
“It is a great album, possibly the greatest Rap album ever made, but that’s all it is, a great Rap album”
Oh Tiggs! I’d rather live in your world than live without you in mine…
Erm… That sounds good?!
Thanks Sewer. Best laugh I’ve had all day.
It’s alot better to my ears than the first two of his, largely down to the soundscape and the addition of some tunes (some honourable exceptions on them but not many).
The latest from german techno-poppers Milky Chance came out recently. I rather like.
I’ve had Jake Xerxes Fussell’s 2 albums on heavy rotation after a recent tip off from that there Pencilsqueezer. Jake’s 2 albums (self-titled debut in 2015 and 2017’s What in the Natural World) are distinctly different but I love them both to bits. Quite Ry Cooderish in a better-singer-but-no- slide-guitar sort of way. They bring me joy. Here’s Bells of Rhymney
I’m still delving around through what I have missed over the past 20-30 years, so I am discovering a lot of people that everybody but me already knew about. Currently listening to Barry Adamson’s Moss Side Story for the first time.
My favourite new (old) hip hop group that I have listened to a lot this year is Blue Scholars. They are fab. I’m also down wiv ver kids, because I absolutely love The Weeknd, as well as exploring some UK rap/grime acts’ back catalogues, like Kano and Wiley. And hoping that the new Brother Ali album will challenge Kendrick Lamar’s for my favourite of the year.
But the big thing of 2017 for me is that I have finally ‘got’ both Tom Waits and The Fall, having previously dived straight in with Swordfishtrombones and a Fall compilation. I have always been a completist, wanting to own everything by any artist that I like, so I’ve no idea why it took me so long to think of starting at the beginning with The Fall and Tom Waits. But listening to their albums chronologically has made it all make sense. I’m actually really pleased about it, because I have always seen my inability to get on with them as a failing on my part, not really enjoying listening to them that much, but being glad that they are there, like the way I feel about Alice Cooper. That’s changed now though, much to my wife’s displeasure, as she has put them firmly in the box that contains hip hop, grime and Bob Dylan.
Not sure what I am thinking about Moss Side Story though. It’s a bit like a harder edged Bongolian. But without all the bongos. Certainly earned itself a few more listens though, so it will probably grow on me.
Not a new act, but a cracking new album from Mark Lanegan Band.
I’ve been enjoying this one. It’s quite jaunty for him, isn’t it?
Yeh. He cracks a few jokes and he doesn’t shovel quite as much gravel down his throat. There are some songs where he sings quite sweetly!
The gravel down the throat was the best bit.
Only heard a couple of tracks, but his voice keeps reminding me of someone else – can’t place who though
(possibly Craig Finn from The Hold Steady?)
When the review said “best since Blues Funeral” I knew I was keen. And, at the 3rd attempt, will hopefully finally see him live in the summer.
It is rather good – been listening to it in the car today -surprisingly melodic.
He’s back at the Institute, in their little room, the Library, 19/6/17, @stevet. Got my ticket.
Thanks @retropath2 – wasn’t aware – will try for a ticket and see you there.
The new Steps album is wall to wall bangers, and available on neon blue vinyl. 💿 Here’s Story Of A Heart. I bet you can’t guess who wrote it 😉
Misheard TV advert:
“includes the new single Scared Of The DUCK”
There are many things to be scared of, but waterfowl isn’t usually high on the list
The DUCK is an imperative. We never find out what they’re scared of.
You say that Waterfowl aren’t scary but
All swans look smug don’t they?
Something to do with being owned by the queen giving them an air of regal self-importance.
Victoria PerverTs Restaurant Reviews might be an interesting read
That headline is straight out of The Day Today. Fantastic!
Booking that noisy band for Defected Croatia was always going to be risky!!
It is so insane how good the Steps record is. It has no right to be. They were shit in the 90s, not even so-bad-it’s-good. But this record has no right at ALL to be as good as it is.
Honestly.
Can I just say I told you so
Oh fuck imma have to lisen to this now.
ur not even joking – this is bordering on ace!
Need to listen some more, but early impressions are it’s the best Pet Shop Boys album for years.
Are they positioning themselves as the anti-Nirvana with that “Come as you are cos your perfect” line?
Funny thing, I remember sitting in a bar at one of the lowest points in my life and their version of “Tragedy” came on the stereo and thinking it was one final knife twist by the gods. Good times!
Not listened yet SR but now I really will have to
For the most part, the first four months of this year have been spent digesting all of last year’s brilliant music and appreciating what a terrific year it was. The new Gorillaz album is really blowing up here in the Dublin sunshine. The good parts of The Shins and Mary Chain albums are very satisfying, although I find the production on the former grates (compare and contrast with the lovely crisp sound on the likes of Wincing The Night Away). Still, this swings:
(So Now What)
A few of us have enjoyed Julie Byrne’s new record. This is my favourite track, a bit more electronic than the rest of the album, but it’s all good.
I also really like Matthew Stevens’ Preverbal album. Imagine Explosions In The Sky playing jazz
My absolute favourite of the year so far though is the latest Japandroids. Pure rock goodness. Turn it up.
Woohoo – seeing them Saturday night!
Love the album: the only band in the world who can get away with the line “love so hard that time stands still” without me ceasing to listen to them for, like, ever.
Lucky swine! The only gig halfway doable for me was Birmingham, but it was the day after a tattoo appointment (when you really don’t want to be part of a sweaty pushing mass) and a three hour round trip to boot. Next time….
Bad news, I’m afraid @Kid-Dynamite – they were awesome.
Not gonna write a proper review, but suffice it to say that they’re a band who really benefit from a live setting. I also think they’ve improved loads since the last tour – the sound is cleaner, they have even more bangers in their arsenal, and they seem a bit more relaxed.
Watching them, it occurred to me that this is basically the band that would have happened if Bruce Springsteen had been born a 90s alt-rock kid. They’re so fantastically determined to pull out all the stops and put on a great show that it’s impossible not to be swept along, and you’re willing to forgive all manner of ludicrous rock star poses and brazen incitements.
Crowd extremely up for it, and the venue was about twice the size of the last place I saw them, so hopefully they’re heading in the right direction. Memorable moments included Near To The Wild Heart of Life (tossed out early) proving itself a superb addition to the canon, an absolutely mental final performance of The House That Heaven Built (whole place singing along, people going fully berserk down the front), the lead singer crowd surfing while playing guitar (always a goodie) and – most of all – the sight of a lone trainer arcing its way over the heads of the crowd just a couple of songs in. God bless whoever threw it, they obviously got the memo; Celebration Rock!
*shakes fist @bingo-little*
I totally get the Springsteen thing. Like Bruce, they take this great joy in rock music, and all its passion, bombast, uplift and energy, but manage not to fall into either cheesy Bon Jovi cliche or the cynicism of standing back with a knowing eyebrow raised. It’s a tough path to walk, but they do it.
This review of the last album pretty much nails it: https://theringer.com/the-japandroids-just-made-one-of-the-best-pure-rock-albums-of-the-decade-cd4931b2000b
That’s an excellent review, @Kid-Dynamite.
I’m still ever so slightly in two minds on the new album. I really dig it, but I’m not sure I like it as much as Celebration Rock, which I think was pretty much the definitive statement of what this band do well.
The lyrics are definitely a little weaker than before, and I really, really don’t care for Arc of Bar, which was confirmed by hearing it live. I think they’re best off keeping things exuberant, and the last thing I want from Japandroids is an electronic influence creeping in. I don’t want them to grow, or develop their sound, I don’t want 8 minute long tracks – I just want them to do what they do really, really well, which is to play unashamed, ain’t it grand to be alive punkish rock music, with the odd contemplative, down-tempo number.
All of that said, the title track, No Known Drink or Drug, Body Like A Grave, North East South West and True Love and A Free Life of Free Will are all excellent additions to the ‘Pandroids songbook. Incidentally, has there been a band since Mogwai so readily identifiable from song/album title alone?
In other news, they were supported by Dasher, who I thought were quite ace:
I think they split up a couple of years back, but appear to have returned with a vengeance. They were sort of like a heavier L7, and Kylee Kimbrough’s drumming was super-intense. Interesting to see what they do next.
I’ve listened to them both this morning, and I don’t think there’s a lot in it. I’m not sold on Arc Of Bar either, but then again the new one doesn’t have a superfluous cover that doesn’t add anything to the original, like For The Love Of Ivy on CR. Let’s just say they are both excellent albums, and that we are only having this discussion because we are the sort of blokes (it’s always blokes) who hang out on websites like this and argue about this kind of thing, when we would be far better off living in the moment and throwing our trainers about.
Having listened to them both again overnight, you’re right.
I think my impression of Celebration Rock is largely influenced by what a quantum leap it is as against the stuff they put out before.
Now, try to catch these Vans!
Ver ‘droids are on Jools Holland tonight. It’s going to be Ed Sullivan, Bill Grundy and Live Aid rolled into one. Perhaps.
(Post solely for @bingo-little ‘s benefit, I suspect. Heathens.)
I am really quite excited about this. I have a horrible feeling they’ll play Arc of Bar though.
I loved CR, but having seen reviews for the new one I haven’t bothered with it. Yet.
Conor Oberst
Last years Ruminations was simple piano and voice (and a bit more in places), sort of like a set of demoes.
This years recent release, Salutations, gives full band versions of the tracks plus some others.
Initially, I didn’t think it would work, losing some of the rawness and simplicity.
The more I listen, the better it gets
Next Of Kin
Proof x2 that AW favourite Gerry Rafferty is alive and well:
(Aaron Lee Tasjan – Dime)
(Good Harvest – Charly)
😉
Possibly the best post-dubstep techno made by a former Baggie this year.
I’ve got a lot of time for Actress – I think this is his best record to date – it has his usual dusty grooves and weirdly catchy melodies but he’s remembered to drop the odd beat this time – and this record frankly pisses all over the recent emissions from The Aphex Twin . I don’t know what a “Baggie” is – is that a reference to the fact that he was once played for West Bromwich Albion?
@dr-volume the West Midlands’ only top-flight club (Stoke could conceivably also be the W Mids I guess) and yes, the Baggies are WBA. Like all good club nicknames it has numerous origin myths. Is he the best-ever ex-footballer musician – certainly rather better than Keegan, Andy Cole, Glenn Hoddle, Ian Wright and John Barnes’ unforgettable rapping.
It pains me but I’ve totally fallen out of love with Actress. Hazyville was so focussed and atmospheric; RIP and Splazsh just so darn listenable. But Ghettoville his DJ Kicks and now this all have the distinct air of ‘will this do?’ about them.
I may have as well. I listened to this one quite a lot the weekend it came out, and thought I enjoyed it, but since then I’ve felt no need to go back to it at all. I will give it another go this afternoon…
Well, I did and you know what? I really liked it. Thanks to MM for the push back to it
I’m positive that the Children of Alice album will be in my top 10 at the end of the year.
http://classic.beatport.com/track/the-liminal-space-original-mix/8919609
(Nothing on YouTube I’m afraid)
On Spotify!
Of course it is! Thank you for that. Forgot totally about Spotify, it’s been a long day!
In case you missed my Nights In, Si, I think Arca is spine chillingly brilliant.
As yet unplayed delights that await me from the weekend’s car booting include Prefab Sprout – Swoon, the Some Kind Of Wonderful OST (https://www.discogs.com/Various-Some-Kind-Of-Wonderful/release/4275906) and er… an LP by Barbara Cartland. The Camberwick Green LP has already had a spin, and is of course marvellous.
Great Stephen Duffy song on that soundtrack.
Have been enjoying this album quite a bit.
I do like his raffish, tongue-in-cheek charm, Ivylander.
He is everything Steven Toast aspires to be.
I see he’s an Aussie and plays bass in Tame Impala.
Ha! Spot on. But “Do You Know Me By Heart?” is already a fixture on the playlist Chez ‘Bot thanks to this top..
This is the first fruits of the new Richard Dawson album ‘Peasant’ and it sounds amazing.
News girls on the block The Big Moon are great, if you like your slightly retro indie rock/pop. Here’s Sucker:
I like the Big Moon, but it’s depressing that bands who basically sound like bands I liked when I was 21 are now ‘retro’
This band…
Hauschka is new to me. What If is a fascinating album, kind of Four Tet meets Steve Reich.
Familiar Things Disappear.
Spoon go from strength to strength.
I’ve just listened to Karen Elson’s Double Roses tonight and for a first listen thought it sounded great.
New Paul Weller produced Stone Foundation album is rather wonderful. This reminds me of Shout to the Top:
Saw Stone Foundation at The Fleece in Bristol last week and they were fantastic live. Also saw New Street Adventure at The Louisiana and their new album Stubborn Sons is also a belter ! They are very good live as well.
Angèle David-Guillou.
“Kourouma”, from the album of the same name, from 2013 but new to me this year.
Lianne Carroll.
“Mercy Now”, a Mary Gauthier cover. From her most recent album (2015) “Seaside”. It’s very good indeed. A fantastic singer and pianist.
The Leaf Library.
“Asleep Between Stations” is a track from their 2015 album “Daylight Versions”. There are also two alternative versions of the album, called “Versions” and (on cassette only) “Nightlight Versions”.
Valerie June’s new album is better than the first
Couldn’t agree more. PDG live too.
Last year I waxed lyrical about a track called Virile by a French film-making duo called The Blaze. (It is genuinely the best song ever written in my eyes). They released an EP a couple of weeks ago & each track is outstanding.
Here is Territory;
Afterworders – it’s time for the best West African reissue of the year so far!
I refer to the ultra-obscure “Best Woman” (1978) album by the difficult-to-pronounce Vincent Ahehehinnou from Benin.
He’d been a member of the Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou, but was “asked” to leave the band – or he’d be killed.
The album has been re-released on vinyl by the fine folks at Analog Africa. And it contains a huge FREE poster of Mr. Ahehehinnou posing in a pair of flowery swimming-trunks. Or possibly underpants.
Anyway, it’s a nice record. At times, Vincent sounds a bit like a less macho Fela Kuti.
A few things I’ve enjoyed so far this year:
“Thrones” – Ghost Bath
Ploughing that Deafheaven furrow, albeit a little more trad, and with a little less elegance.
“Thiago Silva” – Dave x AJ Tracey
Came out last year, but I missed it until January, so I’m counting it. Great beat, great rhymes, great video.
“Wyclef Jean” – Young Thug
Not a new tune, but the video came out in January and is pretty much my favourite thing so far this year, because it’s clever and knowing and it aggravates confused people.
“Lights Out” – Royal Blood
They’re not doing anything remotely new or clever, but I really enjoy Royal Blood for the sheer riffiness. Slap a Billy Corgan vocal on this and it could easily be a Smashing Pumpkins tune circa Mellon Collie, and that’s A-OK by me.
“Legend Has It” – Run The Jewels
I’m not always entirely sold on RTJ, despite being a huge fan of its component parts, but this one works for me.
“Classic Man (Chopped and Screwed Remix) – Jidenna
I wasn’t that big a fan of the movie “Moonlight” – thought that for all the pretty direction, the characters were a bit stock. But I did love this remix.
I didn’t know there was a new Ghost Bath album out. Their last one was okay, but way too derivative. Is this one better?
I posted this before, but got no response….. so try again.
New album from Tom Hickox, “Monsters In The Deep” and from it the track “Fanfare”
Will have a listen. His last record was terrific, especially this song which is just stunning. His Dad Richard was a fine classical conductor who died suddenly and way too young – bet he’d be proud to see his lad following his own musical route
Not a new discovery, but his first album for 8 years. Skronky keyboards, drums, and Beach Boys-alike harmonies on a Boo Hewerdine album – are you sure?
I’ve really been enjoying Awesome Mixtape Vol 2.
ELO, George Harrison, Sam Cooke, Looking Glass, Parliament…
and this obscure pop gem
Silver – Wham Bang
Not to mention…
Robert “Robi” Svärd, a Swedish guitarist with a great sense for melody and a lot duende.
Japanese “jazz” with a wonderful energy and vitality from Mouse on the keys
Megan Washington has sung with Adelaide’s finest: the Bamboos. So I gave her solo album a listen. A very pleasant surprise. Top notch, sophisticated, catchy pop. Fine lyrics and classy arrangements.
I like to have a playlist I can dip into when I hear about new stuff. Here’s one I made earlier…..
I can’t believe there is anyone who will like everything here. But I’m certainly finding a few new potential favourites. Arca and Matthew Stevens made a very positive impression but I haven’t listened to everything yet by a long chalk.
Oops! Forgot ol’ Roger Robinson
(New Maps)
What a magnificent voice! And a fine song too..
OK. Not a new artist but an old fave with a new stripped down line-up who I saw last night: Madeleine Peyroux.
The wonderful guitarist, Jon Herington, has played with The Dan. He is classy!
My discovery is the back catalogue of the multi-named Mark Kozelek or Sun Kil Moon,whose albums I would buy if they were cheaper!In the meantime it’s thanks to Spotify we can discover his craft…
Forgot to mention I was turned on to King Creosote by this site….great track,played it to death since I heard it,just amazing…don’t want it to end vibe going on!
A groovy 60s video to accompany a new Bahamas Soul Club remix.
Thanks @Alias. That really brightened up my day. The weekend starts here!
Love that King Creosote track @Markg. He does a great live version too.
A couple of tracks from Argentina. My great favourite, Juana Molina, has a new album out
And how about some catchy Argentinian lesbian reggaeton?
Chocolate Remix.
No siguro para el trabajo! NSFW!
Just realised I forgot to post this one;
Pop tune of the year so far.
Excellent, Bingo. I enjoyed that. Norway’s got talent!
I do enjoy it when a thread gets a new lease of life. And this thread is a doozy. So many new discoveries. Somewhat to my surprise, I really enjoy that Ghost Bath track.
Here are Matthew and Flo with a song that is giving me a big smile at the moment. They’ve taken a very low-key ballad by Little Wings (two guitars and voices) and turned it into this beauty.
Oumou Sangare has a new album out (the first in 8 years) and by all reports, it’s a cracker.
Well, I could just plug the rolling 2017 playlist (which could probably do with a bit of pruning otherwise it’s going to hit the arbitrary 200 track limit by end of July at this rate).
But if you want one track I’m rather taken with this lovely bit of jangly floaty indiepop (“Pure Ideology”) at the minute from Arsenic!
“Eyes collide like rocket ships so hold your breath and bite your lips.”
http://arsenic3.bandcamp.com/track/pure-ideology
It’s available as name-your-price download with no minimum, so you *could* get it for free, or you could feel good about yourself by giving them a dollar.
Ooh, much to investigate there – Ta Mr 808!
No problem, fill yr boots.
Hope you find a few things in there that you like, I’d love to hear if anything particularly hits the spot.
Thanks for the playlist; looks intriguing.
What a great fecking time to be alive!!! with new albums by Mac DeMarco & David Corley to wrap my lugholes in. Can’t post owt from the DC one yet as it’s not actually released ’til next month but it’s bloomin’ gorgeous. I feel heart sick listening to it’s beauty. I tell ya, if this one don’t break him big I’ll eat my hat!!!!, well, one of ’em (quickly knits hat out of cooked spagetti, as I’ll never be able to figure out why so much great music I find seems to constantly get completely ignored?????) Was lucky enough to be able to get to see him perform some songs from it at The Green Note last Thursday & get an early pre-release. Worked all weekend, so today is the first proper chance I’ve had to listen to it. & I might be biased, but it sounds fucking awesome. He’s gone toIreland now to practise with some Irish fellas to start an Irish tourfrom the 18th. Being the madly impetous fool that I am have just bought a plane ticket back to my hometown o’ Cork to see him all over again on the 21st & buy that man a pint o’ Murphys. Life is good!!
Here’s a link to his Bandcamp, which may, or may not work
https://davidcorley.bandcamp.com/album/zero-moon
& here’s some new Mac DeMarco. I am feeling truly spoilt.
Fine new love song from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit whic was posted by his missus on Twitter.
And a new discovery of 2017: the wonderful voice of Courtney Marie Andrews