This is another audience recording that is featured on Beehive Candy as it is something of a collectors item for fans of the band and also because there is a story to go with this performance.
Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) (translates - Award-winning Marconi Bakery) were the first Italian group to have notable success abroad, entering both the British and American charts. Between 1973 and 1977 they released five albums with English lyrics. They also had several successful European and American tours.
PFM introduced new sounds, such as the synthesizer, to the Italian musical world. They were also among the first to combine symphonic classical and traditional Italian musical influences in a rock music context. Such innovations and their longevity have made them among the most important bands in the international Progressive rock genre.
This is PFM live at the thirteenth Reading Festival back on Sunday 26th August 1973. By the time PFM took the stage in the afternoon the band schedule was already running quite late and a further nine acts including Spencer Davis and headliners Genesis were still due to perform. Because of their Photos of Ghosts album success the band were proving very popular with the audience who were clearly wanting the band to play their full allotted set. The band started to play La Carrozza di Hans despite the organisers wanting them to come off stage (if you listen carefully you can hear someone angrily shouting at them from the side of the stage at one point). Without further warning the stage power was cut off in desperation to end the set however the drummer clearly was not finished and just played on.
Source: Audience.
Sound Quality: Good mp3@320kbps
Genre: Prog Rock
Set: Full Set.
Set List:
01 Introduction
02 River of Life
03 Mr. 9 Till 5
04 Instrumental Jam
05 Photos of Ghosts
06 La Carrozza di Hans (ends due to power cut off)
07 Outro
PFM came to the attention of Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer while ELP was on an Italian tour and PFM were signed to Manticore Records. The first album on Manticore, Photos of Ghosts was released all across Europe, Japan, and North America and was first time an Italian rock band found success in foreign markets. It was also one of the first recordings by a European rock group to have chart success in the USA, peaking at number 180 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in November 1973.
We have received so much great new music these last few weeks it really is proving a job to keep on top of matters. I guess in part it is the time of year however lets rip through the final selection for this month as I do not want to miss any of these songs out!
'Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute' is the first single to be taken from the Vessels' second album Helioscope (due out Feb 2011) and is released on the 8th November. The band features the guest vocals of Stuart Warwick (formerly Jacob's Stories) who will accompany the band on their headline set of dates in November. Before then, Vessels embark on a tour of Europe with Oceansize. The band will be writing a tour diary so keep up to date at the band's website. The new song is just superb and we really want you to check these people out! Remaining tour dates as follows.
Thu 28 Oct - Kulturladen, Konstanz, GERMANY (with Oceansize)
Fri 29 Oct - Backstage, Munich, GERMANY (with Oceansize)
Sat 30 Oct - Sublime, Aflenz, AUSTRIA (with Oceansize)
Mon 1 Nov - Grabenhalle, St Gallen, SWITZERLAND (with Oceansize)
Tue 2 Nov - ISC Club, Bern, SWITZERLAND (with Oceansize)
Thu 4 Nov - Be Cool, Barcelona, SPAIN (with Oceansize)
Fri 5 Nov - El Tren, Granada, SPAIN (with Oceansize)
Sat 6 Nov - Sala Caracol, Madrid, SPAIN (with Oceansize)
Sun 7 Nov - Rock Star Live Barakaldo, Bilbao, SPAIN (with Oceansize)
Tue 9 Nov - Nouveau Casino, Paris, FRANCE (with Oceansize)
Fri 12 Nov - Brudenell Social Club, LEEDS (with Stuart Warwick, Veronica Falls &, Juffage)
Sun 14 Nov - Deaf Institute, MANCHESTER (with Stuart Warwick, Plank! & Go Lebanon)
Wed 17 Nov - The Queen Of Hoxton, LONDON (with Stuart Warwick, Humanfly & xm3a)
Thu 18 Nov - Bierkeller, BRISTOL (with Stuart Warwick, Austere & Hello Lazarus)
Featured Track: 'Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute'. Website: Official.
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The music of Nazatron can be best described as a cross between alternative pop and electro rock.
His website tells us that Nazatron is the musical vehicle of Genaaron Diamente. Genaaron grew up in a small town in Victoria, Australia and started playing guitar as soon as he was big enough to hold one. A steady diet of beatles records, 90s metal, school jazz bands and guitar lessons quickly evolved into an irreversible love of music. After high school, Genaaron moved to Melbourne and after a brief stint studying computer programming he decided to study music full time. He spent the next few years honing his craft and practicing jazz scales. But Nazatron was not satisfied. The crazy metal and electro beats that he still listened to when no one was around started to consume him.
After graduating with a nice piece of paper that said music degree, Nazatron gave in to the inner music rebel and decided to give life to the music that had been growing inside of him for years. At last, his world started to synergize. He could now marry his love for music and jazz scales with the computer skills that he secretly still harbored. He locked himself in his room (that is, in between teaching guitar and playing/singing Clapton songs at dirty pubs) and after a few years, his debut album was complete.
Having listened to the album 'Fork In The Road' we are pretty impressed to say the least, there is a mixture of styles and moods the featured track is just one dimension of these.
Featured Track:Just A Song. Website:Official.
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We featured The Brute Chorus back in April of this year. A quick history lesson on the band. The Brute Chorus began taking it to the people with a monthly residency at Camden’s infamous Hawley Arms pub. The band’s first releases, charming offerings of psyched-out garage-folk we’e put out on the Hawley Arms backed Bumpman records to widespread aclaim from Steve Lamacq, Zane Lowe, NME, and The Fly amongst others.
The scuzzy blues-folk quartet took their splendidly raucous live shows on the road with a host of festivals apperances including Glastonbury, Camden Crawl, Great Escape, Secret Garden Party, Belladrum, Standon & Kendal Calling. As well as touring with the likes of Martha Wainwright, Rumble Strips, Ida Maria and even a trip to the seaside with Peggy Sue and The Pirates as well as numerous headline UK and European shows.
Among others their music may well appeal to fans of acts as diverse as Nick Cave, The Gun Club, Edward Sharpe and the Arctic Monkeys to name just a few. 'How The Caged Bird Sings' was released on October 12th via The MuseBox/EMI Distribution, and if rockabilly-tinged garage rockers are your thing you will I am sure enjoy!
Featured Track:Heaven. Website:MySpace.
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I am told that Arron Dean was raised on a small farm in an area called Knoppieslaagte, about an hour outside of Johannesburg, amid the political upheaval that led to the end of apartheid. As a young man at the turn of the new century, he followed his muse to the United States in pursuit of his dream of being a great jazz guitarist. "I was pretty young and utterly in love with jazz," Dean says. After a few years in Boston, his determination led him to New York City, where he made his mark on the scene—and came to the realization that "making it" in jazz means playing to disinterested bar patrons and "making about $200 a week."
The South Africa-via-Brooklyn singer-songwriter has had several homes and musical identities in his lifetime, howeve his new album MPLS has a defined and very appealing sound that I am sure will appeal to a wide audience.
The promotional piece describes his new sound, as a strain of modern Americana infused with a hint of British melancholy a la Nick Drake, which sprang from the old bluegrass and country records Dean played to find peace during long drives through the Midwestern expanse.
Featured Track: St Paul On Mississippi. Website:Official.
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Davy Mooney is a world-renowned jazz guitarist who also sings and writes melodic, lyrically complex, and often nostalgic tunes with his alter-ego band ‘Davy Mooney and the Ghosts’. Featuring his guitar playing and vocals as well as saxophone and piano stylings from virtuoso musicians, the ‘Ghosts’ weave a genre-defying musical tapestry that aims, first and foremost, for the heart.
We are also told that - Davy Mooney and the Ghosts is his new singer-songwriter project and that Mooney has been leading a double life for his entire musical career: he is well known on the international jazz scene as a melodic and harmonically sophisticated guitarist, but for the past 15 years he has been performing solo in coffee houses and small bars singing his bittersweet, nostalgic songs to old folkies and young indie-rockers.
Although some of the songs go back 10 years or more, Davy Mooney hadn't gotten around to recording them until this past year. The CD is "Ghosts of Music, Past", and the band Mooney has put together to perform the music is called, fittingly, the Ghosts.
The featured track gives a wonderful taste of the album which just oozes class!
Featured Track:Maybe Tomorrow. Website:MySpace, Official.
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When the band 'Stars of Heaven' imploded in 1990 its occupants were in need of an outlet to lavish their gifts upon us and that place became known as The Sewing Room. Well thats the way to introduce a band to the Beehive albeit sadly on this occasion the band are no more however a reissue is upon us and as we are guilty of missing them first time around are delighted to share this info with you.
This Dublin quartet only shone for a couple of LP's, one of which now finds itself being reissued on Indiecater. 'And Nico' was a stunning debut record but despite the attentions of John Peel and a large critical fanbase it has slipped into the ether.
We are just grateful that the music is being released again and a visit to Indiecater where you can also find a history of the band by drummer Dez Foley, is recommended.
Featured Track: Kill Me. Website:Indiecator.
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OK first the promo words and background - Janell McCracken p/k/a Lola Bleu is a truly unique talent. The beautiful 22-years-old songstress has been singing all of her life and it shows on her debut album Love Will Find A Way.
Released in early August on HSP Music, the album is the story of Bleu getting out of a relationship, dealing with the breakup and finally finding the person she wants to be with. Produced primarily by David Sanders II, Love covers various genres from soul to hip-hop to mid-tempo grooves with the one constant being Bleu’s smooth soulful voice.
Recorded over a two year period, Bleu put her heart and soul into the album. “Recording the album matured me a whole lot with my voice and how I sing and as a person,” she says. “I learned and am still learning more about myself musically every time I sing each song.” Though she is only 22-years-old Bleu has known that she wanted to be a professional singer since she was seven years old. She began singing at a very early age in her father’s church which led to her catching the showbiz bug very early.
I was not disappointed when I listened to Lola ! Her voice is just as the promo said, smooth and soulful and although hip hop is rarely my thing songs such as the featured track are most definately. One for all soul lovers to keep an eye out for!
Featured Track:Journey. Website:Official.
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Lost Boy? is the project of Brooklyn-based 26-year old, Davey Jones. For over five years, Jones has been regularly playing his infectious brand of lo-fi, punk-infused bedroom pop around the NYC-area while handing out free CD-R’s of his music at shows. With all the hard work, people have begun to take notice of his keep-it-fun and simple approach to catchy, garage punk.
In 2010, Lost Boy has garnered coverage on Pitchfork, Altered Zones, Brooklyn Vegan, and Prefixmag.com. Looking to take his music beyond New York, Lost Boy? has released a free, digital-single of his fan-favorite “Fast, Burn” with “Oh My Creepy” as the B-side to hold people over while he records his new LP, slated for an early 2011 release.
It's infectious music and beehive cant wait for more!
Featured Track:Fast Burn. Website:MySpace.
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And again we quote - 'As a turntablist and energetic one-man musical act, Boy Eats Drum Machine spins breaks and surgically inserts sounds while juggling vocals, percussion, and saxophone.
Touring the country like a mad man, and known to his friends as Jonny Ragel, he started to make recordings under the name Boy Eats Drum Machine in 2001 when he used a 4 track to record and load his MPC with scads of samples, creating blippy pop experimentations.
He wanted to evoke the idea of pac man and the music of the NES game metroid. He sold his mpc and switched exclusively to computer-based recordings a couple years later'. Boy Eats Drum Machine has a brand new record out (October 2010) – 20 Beats.
You can stream it over at bandcamp, me I need to go and take a sit down...
Featured Track: Silverskate Gateway. Website: Bandcamp.
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We finish this round up with Lykke Li, who is a wonderful Swedish indie singer.
Her music often blends elements of pop, electronic, and alternative rock; various instruments can also be found in her songs, including violins, tambourines, trumpets, saxophones, and cellos. She released her debut album, Youth Novels, in 2008.
Lykke Li's new EP ('Get Some' / 'Paris Blue') is now available from her website and we are more than pleased to be able to include one of the songs on Beehive Candy, which is a great way to finish this edition.
Internet Archive Replacement - We only tend to feature audience sourced recordings that are rare, collectors items, or very good in terms of audio quality.
This is Kristin Hersh live at The Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY on the 25th April 2007.
In terms of the above statement this is a very good quality audience recording with very little audience 'noise' between songs and a good level and clean overall sound that captures all elements of the show. I guess it is also a collectors item for any fan of Kristin, it's a cliche we probably use to often here at Beehive Candy, but you won't be disappointed.
This was the first show on the North American tour to feature the advertised string section of The McCarricks. They had suffered unforseen visa problems and finally flew into New York during the day of the show and after performing their own opening set, they performed along with Kristin, the resulting additional dimension to the music is stunning.
The tour was in support of the 2007 album release 'Learn To Sing Like A Star' and the concert includes seven songs from that album.
Source: Audience matrix.
Sound Quality: Very good mp3@192kbps
Genre: Alternative rock, folk, pop.
Set: Full Set.
Set List:
01. intro
02. Wild Vanilla
03. Day Glo
04. Nerve Endings
05. Under The Gun
06. In Shock
07. Gazebo Tree
08. Your Dirty Answer
09. Winter
10. The Cuckoo
11. Your Ghost
12. Sugarbaby
13. Listerine
14. The Thin Man
15. White Bikini Sand
16. encore break
17. Me And My Charms
18. The Letter
19. Hook In Her Head
Born in Atlanta as Martha Kristin Hersh, she was raised in Newport, Rhode Island. She learned guitar at age nine from her father, and started writing songs soon after. As a teenager, she formed Throwing Muses in the early 1980s with stepsister Tanya Donelly and other high school friends.
Kristin Hersh began singing and writing most of Throwing Muses songs in changing tempos, with Tanya Donelly also singing and writing some of the songs. The group was signed by the British 4AD Records label in 1986 and, after one album, signed a U.S. deal with Sire/Reprise Records in 1987. They began touring around the U.S. and Europe while recording critically-acclaimed rock albums, with Kristin Hersh writing most of the songs.
In 2003, she formed a power rock trio called 50 Foot Wave, when Throwing Muses drummer David Narcizo was unable to tour on a full-time basis due to other commitments. Her touring appearances and recording efforts in 2004 and 2005 centered around both 50 Foot Wave and her solo career.
Internet Archive Stream - download from the archive (here).
It's been a busy few days and a considerable amount of new music came our way pretty much as soon as the last 2010FM feature was published. To keep on top of all the great tunes that have arrived this is yet another bumper helping of what we have enjoyed listening to.
Starting this time around at a rather gentle pace with Joshua English who has roots in both Portland, Oregon and Boston Massachusetts. Culling inspiration from Raymond Carver, perpetual motion, and oceans of black coffee, his new record, 'Lay Bare Your Bones', presents a unique brand of cynicism and leads a novel exploration of life's ironies.
With influences spanning Sam Cooke to Public Enemy, Joshua English's forthcoming release reveals core
threads of Brit-folk weaved over stylistic leanings akin to Chuck Ragan and Billy Bragg. Whether the
understated and meandering beauty of “Nickel In” or the over-caffeinated, somebody-done-somebody- wrong sensibility of “River Rising Quickly,” this collection of songs is woven together tightly, in the classic tradition of a cohesive LP.
It ain't all as gentle as the featured song but from what we have heard it is one quality album.
Featured Track:Nickels In. Website: Official.
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Glass Vaults is a Wellington, New Zealand based two-piece who use a mixture of washed textures, ambient and atmospheric sound scape's and an amalgamation of programmed and live drums. Both born in the rural Manawatu, Richard Larsen and Rowan Pierce met at university in Wellington where they began experimenting with music under the name Vaults. Having recently graduated and undergone a name change to Glass Vaults, the pair are using their time to work on writing and shaping their sound under this guise.
The Glass EP is the pairs’ first release and was recorded on Rowan’s grandmothers farm in March 2010. They then teamed up with friend Bevan Smith (Signer, Over the Atlantic, The Ruby Suns) to produce the recordings into the final release. The Glass EP is an initial marrying of the pairs’ ambient, looped soundscapes fused with minimal lyrical content and structured songwriting. Glass Vaults successfully "deliver a fully realized EP buoyed by the peerless semblance of potential; rare that music can at once sound so wistful, but look forward with such promise" (Jonathan Shedletzky). JUKBOXR Records will release the Glass EP for the first time outside of NZ with a limited vinyl run out November 1st.
Well that's the official promo info and more to the point we are loving their music - superb.
Featured Track: Forget Me Not. Website:MySpace.
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Brooklyn’s My Other Friend is set to release their debut album Burning Bright Tonight, with wide distribution on October 25th. The album which was originally self-released digitally in late July is already starting to gain the attention of leading taste makers such as CMJ.
Burning Bright Tonight was produced by Kevin McMahon (The Walkmen, The French Kicks) and is comprised of brooding, well-crafted pop songs with layers of textural melody. Meanwhile, the boyfriend-girlfriend-best friend trio has been busy on the road playing with the likes of Titus Andronicus, Bear Hands, The Beets, and Drink Up Buttercup since July.
Getting to the point I really like this band, their promo material goes on to talk about the reasons behind some of the material including dealing with disaster and missing the one you love, I say just listen they are great.
Featured Track:Beast. Website: Official.
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Sometimes we get sent a little teaser in this case just 'peep it'.
Bikini are totally new to me.
I know nothing about them but like this tune enough so that they get a mention and that's all, because I just ain't got the time to dig a little more..
Oh apparently it's out in November.
Featured Track:A Cheerlaeder. Website: MySpace.
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Eleganza is the debut EP from the Los Angeles indie group Blonde Summer. Singer Chris Pope and guitarist Matt Reid slipped away from the glitz and glam of LA and found inspiration in 60's surf rock and the desert rat locals of Joshua Tree while crafting Eleganza's collection of drifter-esque indie rock songs.
Blonde Summer teamed up with Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart, Admiral Radley) at The Ship studio to create the "indie rock bliss" that would become Eleganza. The 5-song EP kicks off with the dance worthy "Cathode Ray," which immediately sets the tone of this promising debut. Chris Pope's vocals on "Scared You'll Get Hurt" float as if they've got wings and the musicianship of "Blonde" is reminiscent of 90s indie rock pioneers, The Pixies.
There's a nice vibe running through the featured track that takes it beyond 'comfortable indie format' and the guitar work builds in a manner that suggest these guys can move beyond the safe confines of pop.
Featured Track: Cathode. Website:Official.
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The "Do You Ever?" single by Summer Library was released on October 4th and has already garnered some internet buzz and positive reviews.
Summer Library is the solo work of Patrick Kelly from New Rochelle, NY. After a stint in a Pavement-inspired indie rock band, Patrick began recording as Summer Library, which takes its influence and direction from bands such as Galaxie 500, Brighter and Rocketship. The Swedish-sounding A-side is backed with “Past The Railroad Tracks,” which sounds as if someone might have snuck a synthesizer into a Field Mice song. Jangly guitars and catchy melodies pervade these two tracks.
It's available for free over at February Records and is absolutely worth a listen. I hate doing the whole age thing but this guy musically shows a maturity way beyond his years and I hope a lot of people keep an eye (or ear) out for more from Summer Library!
Featured Track:Do You Ever. Website:February Records.
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We are loving the layers of vocals from Scattered Trees and hope you do as well.
Background as follows - Scattered Trees is a dapper, young group of artists who grew up together in the outskirts of Chicago. Some of the members share last names, albeit for different reasons. They are the kind of friends who can separate and come back together at ease, entertained by a constellation of conversations and the familiarity of each other’s voices. As is the case with any ambitious set of individuals aspirations beyond their hometown, as they grew, Scattered Trees spent more and more time apart until it seemed the norm. Just when it appeared life had separated them for good, tragedy struck, a death, and Scattered Trees came back together, recording an album emblazoned with the sincerity and beauty that only the most terrible of times can yield.
This fall, the first singles from this record will be made available to purchase. In the coming months a short, multi-part documentary will be released telling Scattered Trees’ tale in a far more intimate way than a band bio ever could.
Featured Track: A Conversation about Death on New Years Eve. Website:Official.
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Shamelessly ripping the promo material here, but if its good enough for KEXP it's good enough for us (and actually that's an under statement - check this out!).
Dave Einmo’s Head Like a Kite is keeping busy and re-releasing its highly successful Dreams Suspend Night on November 9th through Roll Call Records. The album, which was re-mastered by Dave Cooley (Dangermouse, Silversun Pickups, Prefuse 73) will include bonus track “Diamond Paint” which features polar opposites, Asya of indie-pop duo Smoosh and Tilson of The Saturday Nights resulting in an airy yet hard hitting pop meets hip-hop piece. This will be Head Like a Kite’s third musical effort and their debut with Roll Call Records. Dreams Suspend Night pushes the limit of electronic music, combining dance, hip-hop, and rock into one neatly wrapped package.
The creative monsoon that is Head Like A Kite started pouring down upon Einmo in 2006 when he began to fuse progressive electronic music with sensible pop melodies. Einmo crafted a 2-step recording approach that begins with challenging pop songwriting, followed by his own tracking with live instruments. Once the foundation is in place, Einmo transforms into a producer/DJ, slicing and sampling his own instrumental tracks before peppering the recordings with guests. Like The Wizard of Oz – Dave Einmo is one man in a control booth turning knobs to create something that feels much larger. However unlike the film, when Einmo steps out of the booth and onto the stage, he is just as magical.
Dreams Suspend Night features multiple musicians and vocalists including: Smoosh, Her Space Holiday, Boom Bip (Neon Neon), Tilson of The Saturday Nights, and members of The Long Winters and Swervedriver. The indie-centric artists that have united to perform on Einmo’s Dreams Suspend Night have truly created a broad musical platform that blends hip-hop, indie rock, and electro-pop so elegantly. Consequently there is a unique musical personality that saturates Dreams Suspend Night, as the music is engaging, beat-driven, thoughtful, but most of all, fun.
The original record was released independently by Head Like a Kite in May and has already reached #1 at Seattle powerhouse radio station, KEXP. The band is garnering praise from elite publications like the Los Angeles Times and the London Times, and continue to win over audiences across the globe with their adrenaline fueled stage show.
Featured Track:Diamond Paint. Website:Official.
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After a quiet hiatus in the last year, Brooklyn’s dreamy electronic duo Home Video have re surged with melodies blazing to launch their highly anticipated latest opus ‘The Automatic Process’ to be released on November 16th.
Some background - Home Video are Collin Ruffino and David Gross, transplants from the misunderstood landscape of New Orleans, now living in the brooding brownstones of Brooklyn, New York. Here they revel in a self-created world of references to Edward Gorey, Massive Attack, The Brothers Quay, Smashing Pumpkins, and a dusting of Chopin, references that they have been collecting for nearly ten years.
OK so I did not write that but it is quite poetic and the music is damn fine so just listen and enjoy and if you do check em out some more!
Featured Track:Every Love That Ever Was. Website: Official.
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We here at the Beehive love a bit of hype for British bands in the USA so here's some for The Lines !!
‘There aren't really many good bands coming out of Wolverhampton, just one great band called the Lines’ – Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin
‘The fever has only just started’ – The Fly
‘Making big noises in more ways than one, blasting out of Wolverhampton’ – Steve Lamacq - Radio One Top5
They’re infectious, loved by Led Zeppelin, unabated Rock n Roll and hitting the USA with their throngs of British fans literally flying over to witness the buzz for their debut US Tour. These boys are going to be big.
Coming straight off their storming UK tour releasing their stellar self-titled album and selling out 1200 capacity venues, as well as all copies of the album on the release date at HMV, The Lines are definitely an international act to keep your eye on. Having toured with fellow Brit-Rock outfits Babyshambles, Supergrass, The Charlatans and Editors, and making huge headway on the airwaves with EP track ‘Domino Effect’ reaching Top 10 in the Indie Charts, it’s not hard to believe the fever is going to hit America hard when these boys rock out New York.
A couple of gigs still to go, so check them out if you are local.
23 Oct - THE LIVING ROOM - 1am
w. Paul and the Patients, SoKo, Kris Gruen and Ferraby Lionheart
24 Oct - ARLENE’S GROCERY - 11pm
w. Smile Smile, The Nifty Shrimp, Red River and Dan Maxwell and the Turnpike Sailors
Featured Track:Tracey. Website:Official.
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Lights on Moscow are Hazel Wilde (Aorta) and Justin Lockey (songs) and like their sound, their influences are big and small.
Justin; bashing melodies that collide with an undercurrent of sad chiming and celestial sweet spots
Together their music explodes into hallucinatory Indie noise pop hinting blues and folk.
Well that's what the info we received says's and on the strength of this song who are we to argue. As we rip through this round up please don't think that just a few words for some artists means they are somewhat lesser on our scale of liking. Light Of Moscow being a case in point - nothing could be further from the truth.
Featured Track: Lord Let Me Know.
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Rising Brooklyn act Mon Khmer (pronounced: Mohn-Kmair) is set to release their debut EP, Birthplace on October 19th via High Scores Recordings. Tiding listeners over until their forthcoming debut LP, the six track EP contains the highlights of their short but fruitful two years together. Playing alongside acts like Bear in Heaven, Secret Machines, and Micachu & the Shapes, Mon Khmer have been captivating listeners sending them into a groove/trance/dance mode thanks to their tribal relentless and hypnotic rhythms that are legitimately hard to resist with their refined yet unclassifiable sound. Some have made attempts, like Death and Taxes who wrote “You can easily parse out an influence of Battles in their sound for it was breezy and punchy, and their pool of effects pedals kept people’s ears perked up throughout.”
The band’s unusual name derives from a family of languages that exist in Eastern Asia, called Mon Khmer. The worldliness of the name is quite fitting taking into account the wide array of influences that co-exist with each member. Having met in Boston, the four friends found home in Brooklyn and formed Mon Khmer, following a summer of session work that included Hammarsing (Vocals/Guitars) joining Albert Hammond Jr. (The Strokes) on a world tour. With Hammarsing’s departure, the remaining members of Mon Khmer kept busy with equally as exciting side-projects; Dave Cole (drums) is also a member of Rubblebucket while Matt Scheiner (bass/synths/vocals) splits his time with other Brooklyn band Oberhofer and Elias Meister (guitar) spends time playing in various jazz side projects.
Featured Track: Birthplace.
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Right then this is what others have said about The Sheepdogs and we would also like to add The Allman Brothers and The Black Crowes as additional references!
"Rolling and tumbling out of the flatlands of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Sheepdogs play classic rock-a-boogie, with shaggy-haired deference to the likes of Humble Pie, the Faces, and Blind Faith, all the while quietly harboring the musical chops to saunter away from their comfort zone when the mood takes them" – Popmatters
"The final product is equal parts blue-eyed soul and boogie rock, and carries DNA from such AOR staples as CCR, The James Gang, The Rascals and Humble Pie" – My Old Kentucky Blog
"Learn & Burn is a carefully-written, timeless record." – CHARTattack.
However many comparisons are made this band have their own strong identity and are in our always humble opinion superb rockers who deserve your attention. We are also told - Shaggy, bearded and born to rock is one way to describe this group of grooving roustabouts hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The Sheepdogs’ third record Learn and Burn, on which each track gushes of impeccable 70s classic rock sound, has just been re-released on vinyl. The band’s grooving melodies and dueling guitar riffs transcend generations with their double helix of rock revival and contemporary flair.
Tour Dates:
Nov. 9th- Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Café, 12pm
Nov. 9th- Los Angeles, CA @ The Mint, 9pm
Nov. 10th- San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop, 9:30pm
Featured Track: I Dont Know. Website:MySpace.
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Those nice people at Hidden Shoal Recordings announced a few days ago the release of new single ‘King Of All The Moves’ by Australian lo-fi rock magician Toby Richardson.
They went on to say (and we concur) In his inimitable bent rock stylings Richardson has produced another irreverent indie rock ‘n’ roll gem. ‘King Of All The Moves’ is like a garage band falling endlessly down a cartoon staircase. The track pays homage to dirty rock while turning it inside out and painting it with jelly. The songs skewed melodicism, married with Richardson's innate sense of song craft, creates a soundtrack to some unimaginable ‘70s cop show filled with sequins, half-naked dancers and possibly a dolphin. ‘King Of All The Moves’ is irrepressible dance music for the PCP crowd.
Whats more ‘King Of All The Moves’ is available for free download from the Hidden Shoal Store however we have it here on Beehive Candy as well. The track is lifted from the upcoming 5 track EP The Stones and the Rabbits out on 2nd December 2010. Toby Richardson's debut EP Golden Days and album Evergreen are also available through Hidden Shoal. Check this guy out soon!
Featured Track:King Of All The Moves. Website:MySpace. Buy:Hidden Shoals Store.
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We finish this edition on a high with Vermont's Bow Thayer and Perfect Trainwreck who are set to release their sophomore album, Bottom of the Sky, on November 16th.
Recorded in the studio of longtime collaborator and friend, Levon Helm (drummer of The Band, and legendary solo artist), Bottom of the Sky showcases the band’s seamless melding of alt-folk, rock, and bluegrass, making for an easy comparison to Blitzen Trapper, the Drive-by Truckers, and the Felice Brothers.
Some more background for you - For Bottom of the Sky, Bow Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck worked alongside Justin Guip (Engineer on Levon’s Grammy-winning albums, Dirt Farmer and Electric Dirt) for a second time, to recreate the magic he helped capture on the band’s 2008 self-titled debut. The new album showcases Bow’s recent exploration of his beloved Deering electric banjo and effects boxes to create tones unlike any other.
While the exact date of Bow Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck’s conception is up for debate, the group did bud from former band, Elbow, a trio of Boston musicians that drew inspiration from the delta blues. Although Elbow disbanded in the early 2000s, member Bow Thayer went on to record numerous solo albums, one of which features Levon Helm on drums and Morphine’s Dana Colley on sax, while bassist Jeremy Curtis hit the road playing with the likes of Booker T and Howie Day. After their adventures concluded, Bow and Jeremy found their way back to one another and continued to jam, adding Jeff Berlin on drums, Chris McGandy on steel guitar, and James Rohr on the keys, forming what is now known as the Perfect Trainwreck.
A great song from a talented and crafted band that deserve to be noticed far and wide, some tour dates below!
10/31 Cambridge, MA @ Atwood’s Tavern
11/13 Lebanon, HH @ Lebanon Opera House (Local Legends 2010)
11/20 White River Junction, VT @ Tupelo Music Hall (Album Release Show!)
12/04 Northhampton, MA @ The Basement
Featured Track:Bottom Of The Sky. Website:Official.
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This is another selection of radio sessions and promotional appearances by Jeff Buckley mainly in support of the album Grace and the associated touring.
These short sets along with the further insight we can gain from the various (even shorter) interviews help add further insight into the man whose brief musical career continues to please and move so many people.
Jeff comes across as really enjoying these sessions and I wonder if it is because of the time in his life when he could just turn up at a cafe and play without any hype or crowds of expectant fans.
I mention this because of the brief December 1996 'tour' where he appeared on his "phantom solo tour" of cafés in the Northeast in December 1996, appearing under a series of aliases such as The Crackrobats, Possessed by Elves, Topless America, Martha & the Nicotines, and A Puppet Show Named Julio.
By way of justification Jeff Buckley posted a note on his Internet site stating that he missed the anonymity of playing in cafes and local bars - 'There was a time in my life not too long ago when I could show up in a cafe and simply do what I do, make music, learn from performing my music, explore what it means to me, i.e., have fun while I irritate and/or entertain an audience who don't know me or what I am about. In this situation I have that precious and irreplaceable luxury of failure, of risk, of surrender. I worked very hard to get this kind of thing together, this work forum. I loved it and then I missed it when it disappeared. All I am doing is reclaiming it'.
Source: FM Radio Broadcasts.
Sound Quality: Majority good stereo mp3@160 - 224kbps (see set lists).
Genre: Acoustic, folk rock, alt rock.
Session: Promotional appearances for radio & music stores.
Set Lists:
Live on 99X Atlanta (Atlanta Session), September 1994 (very good quality).
01. Last Goodbye
02. So Real
03. Mojo Pin
04. Grace
05. Lover, You Should've Come Over
Live at Waterloo Records, Austin 1994 (average - good quality).
01. Tuning
02. So Real
03. Last Goodbye
04. Grace
05. Lover, You Should've Come Over
'Just Passing Through' April 16th 1995 Washington & Baltimore's 99.1 WHFS (excellent quality).
01. Intro
02. Last Goodbye
03. Lover You Should've Come Over
04. Interview
05. So Real
06. Station ID
07. Interview
08. Grace
09. Station ID and closing words.
Jeff Buckley, live on KROQ 2nd May 1995 (very good quality).
01 Interview
02 Last Goodbye
03 Interview
04 Interview
05 So Real
06 Interview
KFOG Session, May 4th 1995 (very good quality).
01. Interview
02. All That I Ask - Last Goodbye
03. Grace
04. DJ comments
Live at The Rooftop Cafe Melbourne 31st September 1995 (FM session, OK quality).
01. Intro
02. Last Goodbye
03. Grace
04. All That I Ask
05. Lover, You Should've Come Over
06. Interview
Jeff often managed to give a unique feel to each song he played, maybe because of his mood or issues as basic as a soar throat which leaves the Atlanta 99X session with quite mellow vocals in places. What is really nice is to hear the upbeat and happy interviews and a performer that always put his heart into every performance.
New file link in comments below - Re-uploaded 2012 (Stealth project).
This is a small collection of studio session and rehearsal material from The Faces during the recording of Ohh La La at some point between September 1972 and January 1973.
There is always a story behind the recording of an album and in this case we are quoting wikipedia ( so excuse any errors) - With his career in the stratosphere due to successes from his solo albums, Rod Stewart became increasingly distanced from his band mates, who were by the time of the album's recording little more than his backing group in concerts. As a result, according to Ian McLagan, Ooh La La was "Ronnie (Lane)'s album", Stewart distracted enough to have missed the first fortnight's worth of sessions. The album's recording would be plagued by Stewart's absence. Nonetheless, producer Glyn Johns held the group together, helping to placate tensions as he had with the Beatles during their Get Back sessions and helping the group to record a strong album in the style of its predecessor as opposed to the group's first two releases, which were self-produced and rather lengthy.
Shortly after the album's release, Stewart reported to New Musical Express that he felt that Ooh La La was a "stinking rotten album", later making things worse by telling Rolling Stone that what he had actually said was that the group was capable of "doing a better album than we've done". The rest of the group was understandably hurt by the comments. Ronnie Lane, especially hurt and not looking forward to being even more increasingly relegated to the sidelines, quit in June and was replaced shortly thereafter by former Free bassist Tetsu Yamauchi. The group recorded three subsequent singles, but never again recorded an album, disbanding in late 1975.
Source: Soundboard.
Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@320kbps.
Genre: Rock, blues rock.
Session: Studio rehearsals & outtakes.
Set List:
1. My Fault
2. Flags & Banners (Instrumental)
3. Ooh La La (Instrumental)
4. Glad & Sorry
5. Silicone Grown
6. Cindy Incidentally
7. If I'm On The Late Side
8. Borstal Boys
9. Just Another Honky
The recent reunion of The Faces with Ronnie Wood, Ian McLaglan and Kenney Jones being joined by Mick Hucknall and Glen Matlock, has surprisingly received some positive press in the UK. Mick Hucknall has apparently done a great job in replacing Rod Stewart. It will be intersting to see how this continues to develop.
Another bumper edition of 2010FM so no waffle just the background to the bands and one or to opinions, take it as read regarding each artist that if we include them, we like them!
Unsolved Mysteries start us off this time around and just makes our spirit soar, superb music that is full of fun, energy and is very very catchy. The official stuff says's - Marc Jacobs designer by day, BMX rider by trade, and all around energized front man, Jon Lynn draws his inspiration from everything weird that you barely recall from childhood memories and channels it into his spangly electro-pop group Unsolved Mysteries. Originally starting off as a solo-project in 2004, Unsolved Mysteries eventually expanded to include producer Colin Alexander and guitarists Bryan Keller and James Chapman, to further groom their sound to the chiseled, mystic dance pop that it is today.
The latest full-length album, Tragic Trouble is a collection of warped pop songs with tints of The Radio Dept’s hazy electro, New Order’s synth-rock and the Cocteau Twin’s dream pop. Ranging from the crack-catchy, whistle ditty “You Only Live Once” to the textured space anthems like “Pen15”, Tragic Trouble has garnered major hand claps from both national publications such as Nylon Magazine and W Magazine as well as international acclaim with a front page of MTV Brazil website. Tragic Trouble is for sale at Marc Jacobs stores across the US and Europe.
Alfa, aka Zak Aldridge, has been hard at work over the last year working on his debut EP, which is nearing completion. Recently, to coincide with the recent releases of his two latest remixes, he gave us a brand new original track 'Sky Patrol'.
I do not know much about Alfa beyond the info provided with this superb instrumental piece, we do however really look forward to hearing more. Info tells us - A unique evolution of electro, Alfa's music is music for the car, for your headphones, and for late nights with late night girls. A focus on melody and crisp production separates Alfa from his contemporaries, who seem much more interested in either going as heavy as possible, or washing out their sounds as much as possible.
Sky Patrol itself is Alfa's first original release since his songs that were on Binary's compilation, LA Lights. Sky Patrol is just a small taste of what you can expect from his EP. Zak has been working with various singers, guitarists, and session players while crafting the songs for the release. Your not going to be able to keep still to this track even if dance is not your bag!
Featured Track: Sky Patrol.
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Jason Poe is new to the Beehive and I like the sound of this guy. We are informed that - In April of 2010, Jason embarked on a songwriting exercise of writing, recording and producing seven songs in seven days, and releasing them immediately to his fans. The results were seven inspiring, well-structured pop gems. This nose to the grindstone exercise proved Jason's dedication to arranging a genuine original song, and allowing his fans access to a true and fresh songwriting experience.
Two of Jason's "7 in 7" songs will be featured on the new album "Now is the Winter," which takes it's title from the opening line of Shakespeare's "Richard III" - "Now is the winter of our discontent." The title alludes to the themes of discontent and hope which weave themselves through each track on the album.
Jason’s songwriting abilities have won him loyal fans ranging from his roots in the Midwest to Austin, Texas, the live music capitol of the world. Producer CJ Eiriksson (U2, Matchbox Twenty, Jack’s Mannequin) is now working with Jason to help him fine tune his first solo album which will be released in the fall of 2010.
Keep an ear out for Jason, this is well crafted music with some superb hooks and quality production.
Featured Track:Black Clouds. Website: Official.
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I will be totally up front and say that I struggle with most hip hop and rap music. I realise just how popular it is, I guess that for some reason I could never make the jump from reggae Motown and soul to this genre.
However Gangstagrass have absolutely bridged some of the gap and have left me both fascinated and intrigued. I just love this incredible mix of styles and rather than ramble on heres the story in full.
Gangstagrass, was just nominated for an Emmy for the theme song of the hit FX series: Justified. The show stars award winning actor Timothy Olyphant and features the song “Long Hard Times to Come”, written exclusively for the show by Gangstagrass!
Sometimes you just know what has to be done and you can’t put it off any longer. History has to be made and there is no other way to do it than to just jump in the deep end and start swimming. In the summer of 2007, Brooklyn based producer, singer, and songwriter Rench was at such a crossroad. He had been producing honky-tonk infused trip-hop albums of his own material for several years, and had also developed a stable of NYC emcees that were recording at his studio.
All along he had an idea in the back of his head that just wouldn’t go away – take rap vocals, add beats, along with classic bluegrass for all the instrumentation and call it Gangstagrass. You see Rench had always had a love for both country music and hip-hop. As a kid growing up in Southern California, Rench spent recess breakdancing to Run-DMC on cardboard boxes and evenings hearing his father’s country and bluegrass records. It turns out he was not alone.
Rench took the dive. He cancelled all other plans and spent the next month sequestered in his basement studio, several boxes from his classic bluegrass album collection by his side. The rappers he had worked with had no idea about the likes of Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe or the Carter Family, but agreed nonetheless to let Rench use their vocals. He emerged with what is now known as Gangstagrass: Volume 1, a 22 track epic album of heavy hip-hop rhymes perfectly blended with old-time banjo riffs and bluesy Dobro slides. Rench promptly offered the whole album as a free download. Over the next two years word of the “Volume 1” spread like wildfire and the consensus was, you may not think country music and hip-hop music could go together. Think again.
After several hundred thousand downloads the Gangstagrass sound was clawing its way onto the American musical landscape. In early 2010, the free album got into the hands of the producers of a new FX show titled Justified. The show follows Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), who is a throwback law man, complete with a Stetson hat, cowboy boots, and a semi-automatic pistol in his hip holster. The producers felt that Rench’s music fit the “Wild West meets modern-day society” theme of the show, and asked Rench to create a new Gangstagrass track for the show’s opening theme music.
Rench worked with Bronx native and younger brother of early hip-hop stars Special K (Treacherous Three) and T La Rock (“It’s Yours”), T.O.N.E-z (an emcee featured on several tracks of Gangstagrass: Volume 1) to create “Long Hard Times To Come” for the Justified theme song. At this time there were to be no bluegrass samples – the instrumentation would come from live bluegrass musicians. Rench assembled an all-star team of pickers to join him at his Brooklyn studio and re-create the Gangstagrass sound. The live instrumentation far surpassed what Rench had made before. The hip-hop/bluegrass hybrid had truly come to fruition.
Work began immediately on a full length album featuring the full-on, no holds barred sound of hot bluegrass (Matt Check on banjo, Todd Livingston on Dobro, Jason Cade on fiddle) and T.O.N.E-z’s raw Bronx rhymes. In May 2010 the album Lightning On The Strings, Thunder On The Mic was released to the eager ears of fans across the country that had searched out the makers of Justified’s theme song. A few months later, “Long Hard Times To Come” was recognized with an Emmy nomination (Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music), and the cat was out of the bag. Gangstagrass had staked its claim among American music genres.
Although country music and hip-hop are perceived to be diametrically opposed music styles, the appeal of Gangstagrass is easy to understand. Gangstagrass was born out of a sincere love for good music and an “I just don’t give a f##k” attitude towards sonic boundaries.
“If you just pay attention to the charts, you get this idea that there is black music and white music, as if different genres serve two completely separate audiences. That’s just not true,” says Rench. “There are a lot of people out there with Hank Williams and Jay-Z on their mp3 player.” Gangstagrass is not just for big hip-hop or country fans. It is also for fans of good music of all types, who aren’t afraid to transcend the habit of musical segregation. Gangstagrass is true blue American music that is here to stay.
Featured Track:Put Your Hands Up High. Website:Official.
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The Real Nasty have been busy since we first mentioned them back in June. When I was asked recently to take a listen to their new album and perhaps give them another mention my rather grumpy attitude was 'it had better be good then'.
It is and I am more than pleased to be able to share a track of my choice from the new album.
As a reminder - The Real Nasty is a power trio based out of the San Francisco Bay Area known for their ability to flow from country to rock with a raw force that leaves audiences reeling. Their huge sound and large repertoire is bolstered by the unique instrumentation of upright bass, guitar, and cajon (an Afro-Cuban box drum) and their music offers a fresh approach that “stomps through the same fields once occupied by Led Zeppelin and Johnny Cash, [with] even some Pixies-esque weirdness to keep everyone on their toes”(SF Weekly).
The new album titled 'Strangers and Friends' hit the streets just a few days back on October 8th - if you like the featured track you will not be disappointed!
Featured Track: Girl On The Mountain. Website:MySpace.
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I am seriously enjoying listening to SJ Tucker. A mixture of folk, blues, Celtic and comedy I know that I will be looking to get hold of far more than the introductory songs recently provided.
Some background as follows - “Without our songs and stories, we are nothing.” This one phrase tells you what you need to know about SJ Tucker. Multi-instrumentalist, road warrior, front woman, back office bard, songwriter and rallying point; yes, she is all of these things. More than most, though, more than anything, she is a storyteller. She is the voice of lore at the campfire and the sharp laughter of modern myth, a vanguard of the Mythpunk movement with a gypsy Celtic folk rock sound that cannot be ignored. With one hand on her art and the other held out to you, she is songs and stories, community and wit.
A fascinating hybrid of geography and experience, SJ Tucker is a constant musical journey woman born to the sticky, mean delta humidity of Dumas, Arkansas. In that same swirling, sweltering air, Tucker’s musical education began at the age of 3 when her grandfather brought home an LP of The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour and dropped the needle on her Fisher-Price toy record player. Bound to the The Beatles from that moment on, her love for music grew with church choir and piano in elementary school, guitar and songwriting in high school, and her first singer/songwriter performance at the age of 17.
The featured track is just one dimension of SJ Tucker and she does indeed span the genres mentioned above, check her out soon!
Featured Track: Salad Of Doom. Website:Official.
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I do not know much about Cock and Swan beyond the fact that I really like the track we can share below, the info that came with it (copied below) and most importantly how much I want to hear more!
Johnny and Ola started making music together in 2003, on a Tascam 4-track in a tiny bedroom in Bothell, Washington. They now write and record in a white brick bunker by the river. Their music is inspired by old analog synthesizers, unplanned samples, giant vintage bass drums, and faded colors. Bands in a similar frame of mind include Boards of Canada and Mum. Others have said that “Cock and Swan's heavy electronics and keyboard/bass grooves reference Tortoise, Portishead and Brian Eno.” (Erik Neumann, The Seattle Weekly) They often produce, record and play live with other Dandelion Gold artists, such as Shana Cleveland (of The Curious Mystery, K Records) and Brad Dunn (founding member of The Curious Mystery).
Featured Track:Stash. Website: MySpace.
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Mutual Benefit aka Jordan Lee plays off kilter pop songs backed by a wide variety of sounds including homemade electronics, banjo, expired bacon bits percussion and overambitious harmonies. The music sounds a bit like Sufjan Stevens if he had been dropping acid with the Velvet Underground instead of going to church. Spider Heaven, Mutual Benefits' newest release, was recorded and inspired by parks, basements, and attics in rural Ohio where Jordan transplanted to from Austin, TX. When not experimenting with sound and thought, Jordan also happily runs a DIY tape label and radio show called Kassette Klub. Spider Heaven will be available digitally on October 5th and on cassette October 12th (comes with a free digital download upon purchase and also includes the Drifting EP). Each tape sleeve is handmade by the artist and features one-of-a-kind art collaged from thrift store children's books and vintage National Geographic magazines.
I have only heard one song from the new album 'Spider Heaven' however in order to try and tempt you to also consider the benefits of obtaining the Drifting EP I have featured a song from that.
Featured Track: Here. Website:Kassette Klub.
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OK the promo says's 'Fresh off their wild and raucous 2008 release, One Shoe Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Portland, Oregon’s The Ascetic Junkies are back with a new LP, This Cage Has No Bottom. Maintaining their endearing blend of pop-infused folk tunes, the new record is a rough and rowdy barn dance of a record, showcasing what is at the core of the Junkies magic: Matt Harmon and Kali Giaritta’s raw and infectious harmonies.'
We say this is superb music that makes us smile and feel good. Some excellent harmonies and crafted musicianship but above all else it just feels like they are enjoying every moment despite the heavily callused-fingers and soar throats we are told they suffered making this fine music.
Featured track: Get What You Want Get What You Need. Website: MySpace.
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Another band that are new to me are Roman Photos and I have to say I just love the layers and mood of the featured track. So here is some background - Roman Photos have crafted a sound that is by turn a romantic yet urban blend of various kinds of electronic music. Taking cues from genres like disco, synth-pop, techno and trip-hop, they bring emotion to a genre more known for atmospheres and rhythm. The band recently released a free digital EP as well a 7” on Army of Bad Luck (run by Josh from Deerhunter) and will see the release of the Decline/These Arms 7” via Double Phantom Records on December 7th.
"Here’s what’s cool about this: the wistful vocals that float effortlessly above the music, the buzzing density of the entire song, the warm thump drawn out from minimal techno and into a more rock-based world. “Decline” works because of its low-key unpretentious aspirations. It could easily be just another hazy dance track in a year full of hazy dance tracks, but the attention to detail—the little key pings and surprisingly confident vocals make it stand out." -- The Fader.
Roman Photos are: David Mansfield (Vox/Drums/Percussion/Electronics), Chris Daresta (Bass/Keyboards), Drew Haddon (Keybaords/ Electronics), Allen Taylor (Keyboards/ Electronics).
Featured Track:Decline. Website:MySpace.
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I am really looking forward to the release of the new album by Jonah based on the couple of tracks I have heard so far and feel my usual embarrassed self for not knowing all about them considering how long they have been about and just how good their music is!
Official promo tells us the following - Portland, Oregon's Jonah has been a familiar name among the city's ever changing music scene for almost ten years. The band's latest full length, The Wonder and the Thrill, stands strong as their truest and most accessible recording to date, to be released nationally on November 9th, 2010.
Like most artists, Jonah has evolved over the years. The Wonder and the Thrill reveals a departure from the band's Brit-pop origins, unveiling a somewhat simpler and softer approach to their arrangements, instrumentation and overall recording. Front man Henry Curl delivers skillfully delicate and yet sometimes prodigious choruses, delicately threaded over, around and through warm, understated harmonies that are reminiscent of Travis front man Fran Healy or maybe Matt Hales of Aqualung fame. These elements maybe most evident on the opening track "Please Let Go," while "Bees" shines bright as a catchy, upbeat anthem that will satisfy both loyal fans and new listeners. Not to be completely missed however is Jonah's signature blend of careening guitars and brimming choruses. These elements are fewer and farther between on The Wonder and the Thrill, giving the record a greater sense of spaciousness and poise.
Featured Track:Please Let Go. Website:Official.
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RAUSCH has been studying, writing, practicing, performing, and otherwise living music relentlessly ever since the day his parents all but wrote him off as a pianist at eight years of age. This obsession recently landed him a degree from the prestigious Ithaca College School of Music in New York, where he won recognition as concerto competition finalist with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. A diverse following began to build as his tireless vision of resuscitating rock and roll collided headfirst with his obligations to “serious music.” For the encore of an ambitious recital on the eve of his 21st birthday, his 13-piece band joined him in tribute to Guns N Roses. November Rain took a classical music school to tears.
We are also told - Following this artistic triumph, RAUSCH took on the real world. He played countless gigs and submerged himself into all things music. Fresh off the heels of an internship with Sony Music Studios, he received the title of “Manager of the Year” at age 25 (the youngest to ever achieve this honor), as top producer at a highly respected Steinway & Sons piano retailer. From academia to corporate America, he learned much about the inner-workings of the music industry. In the end, all this first-hand experience only reinforced the urgency in chasing a life-long vision.
Having been listening to RAUSCH for the first time today whilst putting this feature together his inclusion became an absolute must. Superb keyboards, piano and guitar, excellent compositions and a real personal feel have left me just wanting to hear more.
Featured Track:It Happens. Website: Official.
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We finish this addition on a high and after some terrific new music from a variety genres and very talented people that is no mean achievement!
Hailing from Iceland For a Minor Reflection comprises of four 20-year-olds from Reykjavík, Iceland. Their music is best described as energetic, melodious post-rock, though being the natural creative visionaries they are, the band expand and even subvert their style with almost every song.
Starting life as a hard rock duo in a tiny garage in Reykjavík, Iceland, For a Minor Reflection (FaMR) morphed into an indie rock trio (for a week or so) and a blues quartet (for a little longer) before finally arriving at their current incarnation: instrumental post-rockers du jour.
We are also told - Back in 2007, the quartet struck up a fan base with their self-produced debut album Reistu þig við, sólin er komin á loft... (Rise, the sun’s up...), a mesmerizing, hour-long tapestry featuring six songs and recorded over a weekend in their friend’s studio. This record, as well as their energetic live shows, earned them a slew of accolades, including favourable comparisons to Explosions in the Sky, Caspain and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Their fellow Icelanders Sigur Rós even described them as “a band with the potential to out Mogwai”.
Following a scintillating live performance at 2007’s Iceland Airwaves, FaMR were invited to undertake a two-week 2008 tour in the USA and Canada. Later in the same year the band were invited to do 15 dates with Sigur Rós on a European tour and used the opportunity to release their album on iTunes, as well as selling it on the tour. The band sold out on the 2000 albums they manufactured bringing the total sales figures of this modest demo recorded in a home studio to 5000 copies.
Needless to say the tour with Sigur Rós attracted the attention of a lot of promoters which landed them a showcase slot at Eurosonic at the start of 2009 and a months headline tour in Europe early summer last year Spending the rest of the summer writing a new album FaMR chose the Sigur Ros studio in Iceland to record 10 new songs with LA producer Scott Hackwith. The album is is called ‘Höldum í átt að óreiðu’ (Heading towards chaos).
This is superb music and I can only wonder over what is in the water in Iceland (beyond an endless supply of ice) that gives artists from their such creative talent!
Featured Track: Kastljos. Website:Official.
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