Whats Up Doc - Number Six - February 2008

I am not a number !! - I am a free man !! - welcome to number six of 'Whats Up Doc' (fans of the sixties TV series The Prisoner, will know what I am on about).

The Drive By Truckers new album 'Brighter Than Creation's Dark', is the top choice for both of the UK's leading music monthlies, Uncut and Mojo Magazine, for their album reviews, in the March 2008 publications.

Not surprising, this is one incredible album.

Based in Athens, Georgia, though three out of five members (Mike Cooley, Patterson Hood, and Shonna Tucker) originally hail from The Shoals region of Northern Alabama, this is 'southern rock / Alt Country' at it's finest, I cannot recommend this album enough!

From the album check out:

Links Removed - MP3 Policy.

Drive By Truckers - Self Destructive Zones (07).mp3

Here is a live version (unofficial) recorded in Athens, Georgia a month ago, of another track on the new album.

Drive By Truckers - 3 Dimes Down (Live Version - 12th Jan 08).mp3

Buy or discover more HERE.

Serious fans of indie rock are no doubt already aware of Vampire Weekend, whose self titled debut album is now released.

Ignore the hype, this band are talented, and they do not rely on their 'Brooklyn New York' pedigree, in fact they just get on with playing what comes naturally to them, a nice mix of intelligence, street wise awareness, and energy.

The indie blogs are putting them about - here are the four main mp3's getting plugged.

Vampire Weekend - (02) - Oxford Comma.mp3
Vampire Weekend - M79.mp3
Vampire Weekend - (04) - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa.mp3
Vampire Weekend - (10) - Walcott.mp3

Bet they exit the year, a whole lot better known.

Check out the new album with discount purchase options HERE.

Nick Cave's 'Grinderman' venture last year, has understandably led to a new 'Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' album.

The Grinderman album and subsequent live performances, seem to have lifted a weight off of Nicks shoulders, and this new 'Bad Seeds' album, has that edge, I have selfishly come to expect.

Check out the title track:

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig.mp3

Buy the album (inc discount) with 54 page booklet, including writings, lyrics, and photos HERE.

You have to be brave/mad/inspired/indulgent etc, to undertake an entire album of Dusty Springfield greatest hits covers.

Shelby Lynne has proven to be both inspired and highly respectful of Dusty, and has produced a lesson for anyone inclined to undertake a 'stripped down' or 'unplugged' version, of such a major and much missed artist.

Like many (I expect) I assumed this would be awful. It is not, it is emotional, yet so fresh and clean, go on, check these two songs, and differ if you must.

Shelby Lynne - How Can I Be Sure.mp3

Shelby Lynne - (02) - Anyone Who Had A Heart.mp3

Buy 'Just A Little Lovin' by Shelby Lynne HERE.

Following on from the Goldfrapp Glastonbury concert recently provided on the Beehive, and the 'A&E mp3' provided from their brand new album, here are a couple more tracks, to ensure as many visitors as possible, buy this superb release.

Goldfrapp - Happiness.mp3
Goldfrapp - Caravan Girl.mp3

Buy the new Goldfrapp album 'Seventh Tree' (deluxe CD/DVD plus generous discount) HERE.

These are just a taste from 'Seventh Tree' - Goldfrapp never cease to astound, and the album is an absolute pleasure.

In keeping with 'Whats Up Doc' the usual 'final song' or in this case couple of songs, are as ever for no other reason than, they are currently getting played in my car, and bringing back memories, some more recently then others...

JJ72 - Snow.mp3
Lee Marvin - I Was Born Under A Wandering Star (from 'Paint Your Wagon')).mp3

More HERE.

Until next time - Whats Up Doc?