Quality Not Quantity - Something Special Going On

First up is Melanie Durrant a singer-songwriter who embodies real artistry through her very unique, edgy and soulful music style. Born and raised in Toronto, Melanie attended the Earl Haig School of the Arts. She trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music and worked on an eclectic array of projects before she became an “alternative hip-hop soul” artist. Citing influences that range from the soulful swoon of Minne Ripperton to the hard-knock of Aerosmith to the “mercy me” melodies of Marvin Gaye, the radiant singer/songwriter has no problems crashing through the wall of sound.

She has received multiple accolades though out her career including a Much Music Video Award nom for her single “Where Iʼm Going” and Stylus Awards winner for Single Of The Year for her song “Bang Bang” ft Kardinal Offishall. Melanie Durrant is also a three-time Juno nominee with nominations every year since 2013. Most recently she was nominated at the Sirius XMʼs Indie Awards for Soul & R&B Solo Artist of Year.

Impacting tomorrow is the song 'Mr Wonderful' which is put simply - wonderful. This is soul that just has to be shared, yes for me it really is wonderful... Melanie's website Here

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Next up Arkells and we are advised -  Coming off a Polaris long list nomination, a couple of Juno Awards and sold out Canadian and international dates, Arkells have released a cover of Tobias Jesso Jr.’s Can’t Stop Thinking About You.

The bands lead singer Max Kerman had this to say - “When I heard the Tobias record, I immediately got jealous. The chord-melodies and string arrangement are right up my alley. He’s channelling all the 70’s piano-balladeers that I love so much. I think there is a real kinship in our song writing, and dude's got nicer curls than me too. Might be a long lost cousin."

If you are gonna do a cover version of a song, then learn from Arkells, treat it with respect and have the talent to make it special - they have!

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On to Frog Eyes where we are informed - they will release their new album Pickpocket's Locket on August 28th, 2015 via Paper Bag Records.  The album features contributions from Spencer Krug, Jesse Zubot, John Paton and Paul Rigby. Frog Eyes have also announced a number of tour dates including West Coast shows with Destroyer.

Tour dates:

July 31 - August 2  Sackville, NB @ SappyFest
September 11 Toronto, ON @ Smiling Buddha
September 11-12 Hamilton, ON @ Supercrawl
September 17-20 Victoria, BC @ Rifflandia
September 18 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom*
September 19 San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore*
September 20 Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theater*
September 21 Santa Cruz, CA @ Crepe Place
September 23 Bellingham, WA @ Shakedown
October 16 Seattle, WA @ Neptune*
October 17 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom*
* = w/ Destroyer   

I am seriously enjoying listening to 'Joe With The Jam' it's intense vocals over such a beautiful soundtrack is just so good.

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First the background info - Brisbane shoegaze duo FOREVR has released their debut EP after recording it in April of this year. FOREVR is made up of Donovan Miller (No Anchor, Roku Music) and Sam George-Allen (Mega Ogre, Low Season).  ‘Demonstration’ is their first recorded material. The four-track EP was recorded live at Tym Guitars in Brisbane, using programmed drums, dense synthesiser and cavernous, shimmering guitar. They wanted to make loud, beautiful music. ‘Demonstration’ is what happened.
                                             
Channelling the lush textures of My Bloody Valentine and the romance of the Cocteau Twins, FOREVR have adopted an electronic foundation - drum machines, audio sampling and synth bass - that places them at the forefront of modern shoegaze. ‘Demonstration’ has received praise from music press in Australia and abroad, including Triple J and international radio stations Primal Radio and DKFM. Triple J’s Nat Tencic calls their music “perfect shoegaze” and Primal Radio describes their sound as “sinister decadence”.

Having loved the Cocteau Twins music since those spiky hair days of the 1980's in my opinion nobody has ever come close to them. FOREVR by allowing the influence of My Bloody Valentine have actually come up with something quite special that is clearly their own sound, but those Cocteau Twins vibes are there and oh boy do I think they have something special going on here.


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Final one for this round up and first the background - Lowki the result of an ex-theatrical performer meeting the son of a South African jazz musician in a smoke filled London studio at 3am.

Debut single F.A.C.E offers a genre-defying sound that blurs the lines between alternative electronica and relentlessly catchy pop. Its initially harsh yet minimal production composed of eerie pads, veracious beats, resampled vocals and dark bass tones is elegantly met with enticing falsetto melodies and heartfelt lyrics that refuse to conform to the same rigid formula of most contemporary music.

It was at a jaded after-hours studio session where Sara and Zeké first met and effortlessly ignited a creative spark, marking the start of their journey. From here they forged somewhat of an esoteric sound, shaped by respective influences of Dub, Hip Hop, Jazz and House music. Fast-forward a year and Lowki was born, enlisting another two members: multi-instrumentalist Sam and James on drums.

A song that sends tingles through me. Crafted, lush and atmospheric. As debut singles go they have set the bar very high.

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Edie Brickell & New Bohemians - Chicago 2006 (Internet Archive)

From the Internet Archive this is Edie Brickell and New Bohemians Live at Martyr's, Chicago, Illinois back on 25 October 2006.

For those unfamiliar with the band we are can learn the following from Wikipedia (assuming it is accurate and that can be a big assumption) - Edie Brickell & New Bohemians is an alternative rock jam band that originated in Dallas, Texas in the mid-1980's. The band is best known for their 1988 hit "What I Am" from the album Shooting Rubber bands at the Stars.

Their music contains elements of rock, folk, blues, and jazz. Following the release of their 1990 second album Ghost of a Dog, lead singer Edie Brickell married singer-songwriter Paul Simon after leaving the band. In 2006 they launched a new web site and released a new album Stranger Things. In recent years, the New Bohemians have released compilations and a live album and have recorded new material. In the mid-1990's Brickell, Bush and Withrow reunited as The Slip. In 2006 the current members reunited to record and tour with the release of Stranger Things.

Recording Details: Source: AKG 483 (fob) > V3 > MT2496 (16/44.1), Stand on front left corner of the SBD. Transfer: Tracking done in CD Wave.

Sound Quality:  High quality audience.

Set List:

01 Stranger Things
02 Wear You Down
03 The Wheel
04 Nothing
05 No Dinero
06 Lover Take Me
07 Spanish Style Guitar
08 Ghost of a Dog
09 Strings of Love

01 Buffalo Ghost
02 10,000 Angels
03 Drums
04 Love Like We Do
05 Long Lost Friend
06 Improv
07 What I Am
08 Circle

01 Funny Thing
02 Beat the Time
03 Dead Flowers
04 You Never Call Me Anymore
05 Little Miss S
06 Air of December
07 Improv
08 Elephants & Ants
09 Mainline Cherry
10 Forgiven

Comments: This recording is available for download on the Internet Archive in FLAC, MP3 and OGG VORBIS formats HERE.

Band Official Website: HERE.

Stream Below:

Sundays Alternative Take - Five Fine Tracks

Background - Introducing the third full length album from Australian artist Lo Tide. 'Learn to Wait' features four different and unique vocalists from around the globe on the A side of the vinyl, with the B side comprising four deeply varied instrumental tracks. The LP showcases a collection of styles and production techniques including electronic elements, field recordings and everything in between. The album title is drawn from life's journey and the process of learning patience; whether related to music/creativity or both small and large life changes.

Featured song 'Times Two' has a really stripped back feel to it, the variable beats & genuinely down tempo arrangement is quite hypnotic, a case of less is more.

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More Background - It was just last month No Artificial Colours kicked off Night Colours, a new project from the London duo which sees them giving away tunes for free. The choppy, iron-clad 'System Bumper' was the debut, following a run of releases on Kerri Chandler's Madtech, Nurvous Records and PMR Records. Judging by the quality of their releases since 2011, it's no surprise Skream has pulled them in for an EP on his label, Of Unsound Mind. Before they returned to Magna Carta at Sankeys Ibiza yesterday, they've unleashed the next track from Night Series 'The Line'.

I have to hand it to this duo, when you are making tracks of this calibre and giving them away for free, that really is a gift. Let's hope if they make a commercial release fans will repay the compliment, they will deserve it.

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Next Up JBAG AKA Jerry Bouthier and Andrea Gorgerino. For the occasion the London-based Franco-Italian duo has teamed up with Chibi, the singer of smart, stylish electronic Belgian duo Shindu, for ‘Everybody (Come On)’, an enticing rallying call for all to get together and sweat on the dancefloor. Bonding in the studio like children and their music toys over a mutual passion for resonating emotions on the dancefloor, Jerry and Andrea combine their many influences (indie, disco, house, electro, italo, new-wave…) obsessively crafting inspirited melodies and funked-up grooves all tied up by a fondness for energy, musicianship and attention to detail.

I am featuring the dub version as it's my favourite mix from the EP. The thought of me on a dance floor is quite disturbing however for those of you that can dance - sweat away.

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Some more background - Warpaint have put their magical touch on Eves The Behavior's 'TV', a track that features on the young Australian's debut EP alongside the remix from Los Angeles favourite indie rock foursome. Blending layers of sweet sounds and subtle beats with Eves The Behavior's soft and melodic vocal. Eves The Behavior is Hannah Karydas; a twenty-year old Brisbane-based singer, songwriter and producer with a unique look on the world. Few young musicians have quite the steady vision and kaleidoscopic ambition in which Eves The Behavior sets her sights on, which is in part due to Hannah's synesthesia; a condition which elicits an experience of mixed senses, in particular elements that trigger and become colours in her mind. This rare sense affects and influences her own music, allowing Hannah to figuratively paint her music, including the shadow and darkness from within. Website Here.

I thought this might be a difficult one for me, as I really love the original version of 'TV'. However Warpaint have been really sensitive with this remix and have added to the song in an imaginative and positive way. Now I have two great versions to enjoy, simple as that.


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Finally Wise Blood's 'Cretin's Club' featuring Priscilla Sharp on vocals. This track is from the Pittsburgh experimentalist's recently released EP Babyland, out now on Hope Sick Cola. The video for this (Here) is and we quote 'surreal, yet playful and follows the ups-and-downs that come from finding a surly, disembodied head in a trash bag'.

As I listened to the song first and then watched the video, I will give you the choice to do the same. Musically surreal in some ways the video took me in a different direction from the soundtrack (well I don't go around thinking about disembodied heads), yes it's 'experimental' perhaps the emphasis should be on 'mental' but there is this quirky appeal throughout.

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2015 - Out Of Our Inbox - June - Four

Starting off this new music round up with The Phantom Sound. The background information goes as follows - Marisa is currently completing her first solo album. Her influences include artists from the late 70s and early 80s punk and new wave movements such as David Bowie, Roxy Music, Blondie, The Ramones, and Duran Duran. She is creating powerful, emotional, and honest songs inspired from that era, and combines it with rock in a new way.

She’s been fortunate to work with several excellent and accomplished artists on this album. Ken Stringfellow of the Posies, Big Star, and R.E.M. is producing the album as well as playing on it. Clem Burke, drummer of Blondie, plays on several of the tracks and Pierre DeReeder, bass player from Rilo Kiley, also contributes, among other talented musicians. Her single,"Get to Me", has already won the top voted song on Charlie Ashcroft's Audition Show, and has had various radio play around the U.S.. She wrote and recorded this album in Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Paris. Marisa calls herself The Phantom Sound. Originally from Los Angeles, she now resides in London, England.

OK so the influences are there and Clem Burke's distinctive drumming style is unmissable. Whilst I would question the punk/new wave credentials of some of the cited influences, at the end of the day it's about the music. 'Get To Me' works, as it does not pretend to be anything other than a song with some retro styling. Marisa adds her own interpretation and a punchy song is the result. Website Here.

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Background on Crystal Cities - they was born from the ashes of, pop anthem rock band, Jefferson. After a non-prosperous label signing, Jefferson lost their momentum and briefly considered breaking up. Though these guys seem to have an unbreakable bond, tougher than an old leather jacket. Thank Goodness, their friendship and mutual, musical respect are a bond that prevailed. Crystal Cities was born on a balmy January night in the garage of Geoff Rana’s house, in Sydney’s Inner West. They were jamming an older original song, Cut Me Loose and by starting in a different key after a long session, it revealed a chilled, stripped back and eerily, ethereal version of the once energy driven track. This is the new sound that inspired Crystal Cities to become just that!

Crystal Cities is a fresh take on the melodic pop that Geoff writes. This is a less is more kind of sound, introducing a part of Geoff’s vocal register we haven't heard before. Lead singer, Geoff Rana, is a prolific songwriter and a respected part of the Nashville Songwriters association.

Oh this is such a fine song. Plenty of room on Beehive Candy for good melodic pop, the sort that leaves you wanting more and that's what we have with Crystal Cities.

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What we are told about The Pinstripe Pigeon Band - They began as a modest, yet ambitious studio project, incorporating production values inspired by Jon Hopkins, Nile Rogers and Cut Chemist, but this quickly developed into a seven-strong pop force, releasing five well-received EPs throughout 2013/14.

The band's latest material showcases intelligent sophisti-pop, electronica, funkadelia and anthemic rock. The lyrics lovingly articulate personal experiences while finding humour in political and social despair. Kirsty's impassioned vocals hark back to Aretha at her most bombastic and Dusty at her most delicate.

The band has the benefit of two keyboardists, one melodically inventive Stevie Wonder/Oscar Peterson-esqe pianist and another more classical, akin to?Ludvico Einaudi, both complimenting each other perfectly. The energised live show is characterised by rousing intent, hitting a resonant chord with each new audience. The band grabbed the attention of local media with BBC Introducing Lancashire showcasing a live radio session and BBC Cumbria playing a live recording of the group at Carlisle Music City.

The featured song falls I guess somewhere between sophisticated pop and anthemic rock, something that doesn't always grab my attention, however this really is classy music. Well produced as would be expected after their introduction above, a good song well worth featuring.


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Next up we have Milo McMahon. Milo sent us a message recently and this is what he had to say.

Today, I'm announcing my new EP, "Who I Knew" that'll be supported by a tour across Canada and Europe. The EP is out July 14th. The songs blend aspects of alt folk, surf core, and what my treeplanting buddies call screef rock. My music is derived from my transatlantic upbringing - from my early years in Ireland to my summers plugging trees in northern Canada.

Nearly 5 years ago, I made the full-time commitment to my musical career by moving from Dublin to Toronto, eventually settling in Montreal. This record will be my third release following the critically accliamed 'Big City Hustle LP' and 'Gone Too Long', an EP featuring collaborations with members of Blood and Glass, Suuns and producer Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene) where I was able to compound my existing qualities with likeminded and talented artists.

Well am I pleased you contacted Beehive Candy Milo! This is one beautiful song and you have also opened up my world to 'screef rock'. Long may this genre continue and flourish, if the featured song 'Caveman' is anything to go by, it deserves to. Website Here.

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I think I might have done well to call this Australia week on Beehive Candy, with the amount of new music featured from that part of the world, however I have a feeling the good music may keep on coming so lets just enjoy it all.

Tin Can Radio return from a two year hiatus and do so in fine form with the release of their single Blind Paradise; a psych-pop gem, brightly coloured with the sweetness of airy vocal drones, punctuated with layers of heavy guitars and rolling psych-jams.

The single sees Tin Can Radio emerge from their song-drought, fresh faced and boasting a new sound, setting the tone and anticipation for their forthcoming Mosaic EP. Recorded with Konstantin Kersting at Airlock studios and then polished by Simon Irving of Double Eye studio, these recordings forge a new sonic grounding for the band.

A fantastic song to finish this round up, Tin Can Radio are definitely creative and capture that spark that just sets a song on fire. If this is the result of a song-drought then such droughts are to be welcomed.


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Quality Not Quantity - Four On Thursday

On An On - 'It's Not Over'. Sometimes videos really can add something to a song. The music stands on it's own, the video just takes you somewhere, a kind of journey, oh enough words, give it a viewing and brighten up your day!


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Presenting Welsh folk-rock duo Zervas & Pepper. I am reliably informed that - They make the phenomenally chilled-out old Laurel Canyon sound along the lines of Mamas and the Papas, The Byrds, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. The new album Abstract Heart is the perfect soundtrack to summer driving.

Actually some fair comparisons perhaps, I would add they make very good Welsh folk come country come rock music. Add to that that interest is picking up in the UK with mainstream radio airplay and Mojo magazine giving them the big thumbs up, the quality of their music is setting them apart. More Here.


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Australia again! Lauren Valentine we are told - is a playful singer/songwriter, who entered the Melbourne music scene in 2011 and has been gigging around some prestigious local venues ever since. Her live show, which blends a quirky sense of fun with catchy and original indie-pop songs, has been featured in Stonnington’s ArtsBurst Festival 2012, Short + Sweet Festival 2011 and 2012, and Melbourne Fringe Festival 2013. Since then she has been hard at work in the studio recording her debut single ‘Limbs’.

Lauren's unique sound combines ethereal layered harmonies and quirky looped rhythms to create a catalogue of hooky tracks that can best be described as romantic, charming, and theatrical, with a pop edge.

Another song where the time and thought for the supporting video has in my opinion paid off. That said this song would have been featured on the strength of the song. Yes that word quirky again, but done well quirky works, well it does for me.


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This is Beehive Candy's fifth Australian artist featured in just two articles. I therefore claim my free all expenses paid month long holiday down under for services rendered to Australian culture. No? Oh well the artist - Lanks. - As Melbourne producer Lanks prepares for his EP tour, he's gifted another teaser, this time with reference to a small miracle of nature.

Will Cuming aka Lanks explains 'Aurelia' is an unrequited love story, inspired by Aurelia, the moon jellyfish, which is illuminated and animated each night by the moon. It lasts until daybreak, when it lays dormant, awaiting it's return.

'Aurelia' marks the third and final single from Lanks EP 'Banquet', out Friday July 3 when he also kicks off his seven date tour at Boardriders, Coolangatta.

I hear a hint of Thom Yorke in the vocals, not a copy or styling just a similarity and one that really adds to the featured song. Enjoy!

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An Australian Triple Play? - Why Not!

All about Edie Green - Straight off the back of a sold out launch and a hot 4 out of 5 review from The Music for their EP 'New Heavy', Perth's Edie Green are ready to spread their gooey brand of indie rock to ears across Australia.

Their sonic melting pot is a result of uninhibited jam sessions comprising of jazz trained drummer Tyler, glam-rock/funk guitarist Conor, metal-minded bassist Elliot and folk/neo-soul singer Sophie. Together they produce an eclectic and dynamic sound that flirts from blues-rock to funk-folk. 

The first single born from this collaboration, 'Southern Palms', featured on Triple J Unearthed and earned the number 1 position on Twin Cities' Live n ’Local top 50 songs of 2013, also resulting in TV ad syncs. In the same year, Edie Green won the WA leg of the National Campus Band Competition and took out second place at the National final held in Canberra. They were then also selected as an Australian finalist in the RAW Independent Artists Musicians Award for 2013.

What can we say? Gooey blues-rock and funky folk, how outrageous this shouldn't work, but it does. Bags of energy, sometimes fast, sometimes slow and powerful, an excellent selection of songs, if you like the featured track, go get the EP, simple as that!

Live Dates:
June 27 - RTRFM's Winter Music Festival, Swan Lounge, Fremantle.
July 11 - Axiom Festival, Rosemount Hotel, North Perth.
July 25 - Oddfellow, Fremantle.

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And all about Tenderhooks - first came the songs, written across nine countries in hotels, on trains and buses, and in the bedrooms of their creator Dan Durack. After a few years there were enough songs to make an album – a sprawling but branded collection built on Durack’s depth of love and knowledge of music. At that point beyond the limitations of one man and one guitar, the songs that had become an album became a band. In 2012 Durack returned to his West Australian home of Perth from a decade-long European exile, and Tenderhooks were born.

Recorded in 2014 at SquareJaw Studios in Perth, Western Australia, I Weakened At The Weekend is the first single from Tenderhooks’ self-titled debut album, released in June 2015. A veteran from much-loved Perth rock ensemble Three Orange Whips, Durack brought Tenderhooks to life using personnel he grew up alongside in his local scene. In a city like Perth, that means some spectacular talent. Co-produced by Luke Steele (the genius and voice behind Empire Of The Sun and The Sleepy Jackson) the Tenderhooks album features some of Perth’s finest, most accredited musicians. Old mates, now at the top of their game.

Oh this is such an annoyingly catchy tune, you know the sort, play it loads because it's just right and then 'boom' it gets stuck in your head. Oh well the sacrifices we make, hitting repeat as I write. Seriously, they have that infectious thing going on.

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And finally all about Wallflower - Following the critical acclaim of their breakthrough single, Canberra band Wallflower return to the public eye with the feel good indie banger of the year “Fabricated”. The first single off their debut EP and direct lyrical follow up to their breakthrough single Ambien, “Fabricated” is hand claps, oohs and ahhs, silky guitars, signature skeez and the realisation that life can be a bit shit sometimes, but that’s okay.

Formed late in 2013, Wallflower have gone on to become a marquee act of the Canberra music industry and a hidden secret of the capitals leafy streets. Falling somewhere between Kanye West, Jinja Safari and Coldplay, Wallflower are an eclectic band carving their own sound and have already built a dedicated and ever growing fan base. Named as one of Triple J Unearthed’s top 10 bands you missed in 2014, it’s time for Wallflower to leave the comfort of Canberra and become the band square in the middle of the nation’s consciousness for 2015.

Having spent months between the iconic Studios 301 in Sydney, Abbey Road in London and Studio Sixty- Eight; “Fabricated” is a patchwork creation from renowned producer Simon Todkill (Matt Corby, The Griswolds), Matt Barnes (Coda Conduct, PJ Michael) and front-man Henry Waldren.

This song gently develops, however from the opening chords you know you are in for style and quality. Great harmonies, superb musicianship, if your gonna do super cool you have to have that 'something' Wallflower 'have it' so we can enjoy it.

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Alabama Shakes - Live at Ziggy's 2011 (Internet Archive)

Another gem from the Internet Archive. This is Alabama Shakes back on the 13th November 2011 live at Ziggy's, Winston Salem, NC. The band opened for Drive-By Truckers who declared themselves fans of the band and invited them on stage to perform 'Everybody Needs Love' that evening.

Alabama Shakes is an American roots rock band formed in Athens, Alabama, in 2009. The group consists of lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, keyboard player Ben Tanner, and drummer Steve Johnson. The group received three nominations for the 2013 Grammy Awards: Best New Artist, Best Rock Performance for "Hold On", and Best Recording Package for their debut album, Boys & Girls.

With Glastonbury Festival happening this week in Somerset, England, Alabama Shakes are due on The Pyramid Stage around 2.30pm on Friday afternoon so I will be checking out the BBC coverage and hopefully enjoying some of their set. The band are touring Europe and then North America this summer/autumn more details on their website Here.

Recording Details: Neumann ak40 > lc3 > km100 (din) > Lunatec V3 > Edirol R-44 @ 24/48, location: front right corner of sbd cage just roc transfer: SDHC card > PC > wavelab 6.1 > cd wave > traders little helper (flac level 8), all editing (fades, Crystal Resampler (high), dither w/ iZotope Ozone 4) done in wavelab 6.1, recorded and transferred by Gordon Wilson.

Sound Quality: Exceptional - like being there.

Set List:

01. Hold On

02. Hang Loose

03. Goin to The Party

04. I Found You

05. Worry'n Blues

06. Boys And Girls

07. Be Mine

08. Hurricane Strut

09. I Ain't The Same No More

10. Rise To The Sun

11. You Ain't Alone

12. The Shakes

Comments: This recording is from the Internet Archive (archive.org).

download link in comments.

Another Sunday - Another Alternative Take

Michael Plunkett has this to say about his music - I have created my own style of electronic music which mixes aggressive big hitter drops with the sing along parts influenced by Southern California punk rock.

Well with a mixture like that I was curious and needed to listen and mighty pleased am I that I did. Check out the track Nick Diaz, and his Facebook page is Here.

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Quoting now - JayKode’s infectious productions combine elements of trap, hip hop, and future bass, differentiated by his classically trained background. His versatility is unmatched, exemplified by a medley of remixes and originals associated with vastly different genres. Each release has gradually developed an inimitable sound known as “classical bass”. “Beehive” is the sonic representation of JayKode’s entire body of work, as well as his dedication to creating something new.

Well if you are going to call a track 'Beehive' the least we can do is give it a listen. This is a maelstrom of a number, like a mini overture, you just have to listen all the way through, wonderful.

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Here we go a quoting again - Rodney Cromwell is releasing his debut LP 'Age of Anxiety' on Happy Robots Records, introducing the modern electronic lover to some epic retro future synth music.  Strongly influenced by artists such as OMD, New Order, and Kraftwerk, this music equally embraces synthpop and indiepop. It's no wonder he has gained solid support from the likes of Malcolm Holmes (OMD) and Rusty Egan (Visage, Rich Kids) on this release. Made almost entirely on vintage gear, ‘Age of Anxiety’ is an album that evokes the synthpop sound of the 70’s and 80’s while still being forward looking and sounding fresh. Krautrock rhythms combine with melodic bass lines, the chimes of toy instruments, the bleeps of antique moogs, ARPs and vintage synths, while the songs still maintain a classic pop format. 

This is a really fine album, yes there are a number of 'retro' references in the words above, however I would emphasise the 'forward looking and fresh' comments. Halfway through the year and this may well be one of my top favourites for 2015. Bandcamp HERE.

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First the promo words - Los Angeles based duo, Magic Bronson, continues to make inspiring music with an almost indescribable sound. Between Matthew Lieberman’s impressive live bass and Michael Nicastro’s expressive, raspy voice, Magic Bronson has perfected something that notably stands out amongst today’s garden-variety dance and electronic tracks.

The duo is releasing a bundle of remixes, which includes satisfyingly different takes on “All Night Dog Fight (Selector Science Remix)”  “Fences (MyKill Remix)” and “Go Get It (Selector Science Remix).” In addition, the band is gearing up for the release of a brand new single - Levitate (ft. Collaj).

There is a lot of enthusiasm for this duo and no wonder, they craft high quality original material, along with their remixes. This is a stylish play again track. Website Here.

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More Weekend Goodies

Background - The Settlement (formerly known as Buddha in a Chocolate Box) are a five-piece rare alternative/folk outfit, sticking to their southern stomp roots. Their journey is to develop and spread an Australian folk/roots sound, never to be pigeon holed. Fuelled by fiddle and strong rhythm their music is bound to invoke!

An exciting year looms for The Settlement in 2015, with constant festival gigging, and the release of their debut album.

It all starts with their debut single with the new band name, 'Stomp' will be released 10th July 2015. Website Here.

This is a gutsy song which I sense has every band member playing from the heart. The 'alternative folk' genre may be a crowded place these day's however somehow I would imagine The Settlement wont find that the least bit troubling.

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More from Australia  - After releasing the first single 'I Don’t Think You Like Me' off their upcoming Figurine EP (out in July) earlier this year, Tired Lion have dominated Australian radio play (climbing as high as 10th most played song on triple J), blown listener’s minds with their ‘Like a Version’ mash-up of Violent Soho’s ‘Saramona Said’ and the Smashing Pumpkins’ ‘1979’. They've taken out the 2015 WAMI Award for best rock song, won Channel V’s Discover music video competition, and sent the band lapping Australia three times with shows supporting the likes of Gyroscope, The 1975, Kingswood, Luca Brasi, and British India. 

Now, with brand new single “Suck”, Tired Lion have also been announced as the winners of the Triple J Unearthed competition to play Splendour In The Grass 2015 - joining an honoured list of previous winners such as Airling, Kingswood, Art vs. Science, and Millions. Opening the festival on Friday July 24 - Tired Lion are playing alongside some of the world’s greatest live acts.

So it's all happening for Tired Lion, bags of positive energy in the song 'Suck' that has that listen again quality, enjoy.

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Another band to watch out for and we are told - Bourbon Street Beat's new single 'Crossing On a Bend' and b-side 'She's His Woman' showcase their signature sound perfectly.

Inspired by 50s and 60s bands such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Band, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, as well as Rock’n’Roll legends like Elvis, Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash, each of these influences are apparent in technique and style yet reinterpreted to give Bourbon Street Beat an indie edge.

Iain Hammond (vocals and guitar), Joe Morrison-Hay (bass) and Andy Mackenzie (drums) met at university and formed the band in 2012. Their last EP 'Knuckles of Brass' earned them a strong following in Manchester with this release set to spread the word even further.

The comparisons above may be valid however as I have said before, if you set expectations high you have to deliver. I am seriously enjoying their music, this band deliver a fresh defined sound, the inspiration has paid off.

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OK final band and their words first - On July 3rd, The Switch will release 'We're Fooling No One EP', their third release since april of last year. Their sly tactic of promoting themselves by relentlessly releasing good records at a high pace (thereby making music writers mention how good they are in print on a regular basis) is starting to pay off, and this year they are booked to the Øya-festival, the biggest music festival in Norway. 

They expect to play for quite a large crowd, and this EP is, among other things, a reminder to the public that they play pop songs as well as the trippy purgatory-prog of their second album ("B for The Beast", Bangles and Brass Records, 2015). We, and they, hope and think you will like it very much, whoever you may be.

This is such a beautiful song with incredible harmonies riding over a gentle driving rhythm and then to top it all they prove they can rock, and can they. Expect to hear more.

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Quality Not Quantity - Good For Your Ears

The Talks are embarking on an extensive UK tour punctuated by European festival appearances, full details & website - Here.

In just a short space of time The Talks have built themselves a compelling live reputation across the UK and Europe for delivering sweaty, high octane, dance floor filling shows, treading the boards with the likes of Madness, The Specials, Rancid, The Beat and many more. 'Commoners, Peers, Drunks and Thieves' was released on 24th November 2014, sale figures continue to rise and the tracks are continuing to attract air-play globally.

They really do have that Ska feel, reminiscent of the Two Tone sound and yet with their own styling and passion. From Hull, England, they are most definitely worth checking out.

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OK read this carefully, we will be asking questions and this is a fail/pass feature! Davey Lane's new single, intriguingly titled "Davey Lane's Duo-Monophonic Explorations Vol.1", is his first in a line of releases for 2015, and a conceptual world first. The double A-side single contains I'll Set U Free, a collaboration with King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard singer Stu Mackenzie, and The First Flung One To Crash, teaming up with Lane’s You Am I band mate Tim Rogers.

Contained within each track of this digital and limited-edition vinyl release, are 3 completely different versions of each song. Listened to in stereo, you hear the collaborative efforts of Lane and his esteemed guests. But with the balance panned to the left, a solo Davey Lane version of the song is revealed, and in turn, panned to the right, you hear Rogers' or Mackenzie's, both in mono (hence "Duo-Monophonic"). Completely independent from each other instrumentally and vocally, yet a cohesive match when played together - a world first in this form.

Now I had to read that a couple of times but that's probably just me, however I was intrigued as to how this might all work out. Actually if all of that had not been explained I would probably be none the wiser, what makes this far more than an interesting exercise is the quality of the music, which is good, the featured track reminds me in part of The Beatles, now that has to be a complement.

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Swedish indie-band The Black Sun's Darling have released a new single 'Our love falls out of'. After the Swedish duo was formed in 2014, Julia & Sebastian started recording music in their living-room. Earlier this spring the band released two singles  "This One's for You" and "Believe In" . The new single "Our love falls out of" is about falling out of love without being able to do anything about it. Their website Here.

'Our love falls out of' has a brooding and emotional feel, which then kicks into life keeping the whole song absorbing. They have also just produced a video for another song - 'This One's For You' which demonstrates the depth and diversity the band have, I like!


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New Zealand band New Gum Sarn have announced a new album 'New Gold Mountain' and tour dates. We are told - New Gold Mountain has just as much to do with the countryside around Puhoi in New Zealand than Auckland, where the band New Gum Sarn formed.

“The (debut) album was recorded where I grew up in a valley in the countryside,” says singer/guitarist Oscar Dowling. “The closest town is Puhoi which is a 15 minute drive along a dirt road. It’s a historic bohemian village, famous for cheese and the puhoi pub. The first time my dad went to the pub the barkeep told him to ‘get f##### hippie’.”

New Gum Sarm also features Sophia Lawler-Dormer on drums, Dave Weir on bass, and Durham Fenwick on guitar (who co-founded the band with Dowling).

The band claim inspiration from the band Television through to Neil Young and others including the East Brunswick All Girls Choir. Whatever the inspiration, there is something quite 'stand out' in the featured track 'Money Talks', more than enough for us to want to feature it.

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Hippo Campus have a considerable amount of 'buzz' going on around them at the moment here's some background - They met in High School and are still yet to hit legal drinking age but following an explosive SXSW - which marked their first shows outside their native town - they released their debut EP ‘Bashful Creatures’ (produced by Low’s Alan Sparhawk). 

The buzz around the band at the Austin music festival was also noticed by the producers of Conan O’Brien’s television show who booked them to perform single ‘Suicide Saturday’ at the soonest opportunity. 

Having just completed their first tour of the US and UK they return for their first UK headline show and a run of dates with Modest Mouse, and also to play at Reading & Leeds festival. In the US Hippo Campus have been confirmed to support Real Estate and My Morning Jacket on their forthcoming tours.

Oh it would be so easy to snub these young upstarts, grumpy old blogger and all that, but the song is annoyingly good, really annoyingly good, so enjoy the buzz but above all enjoy the music!

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2015 - Out Of Our Inbox - June - Three

Here we go a quoting again - Australian singer-songwriter Calan Mai (aka Jordan Lawrence) recently unveiled his new single 'Black Box' and has followed up with a live studio session. It features a new track 'White Dove', a cover of Eminem's 'Stan' and three tracks off his upcoming debut EP 'Days on the Rock Face', out July 10th (worldwide) via Canvas Sounds. 'Live at The Den' was recorded in Gold Coast, Australia a few months prior to relocating to Manchester with fellow Canvas Sounds signers, FAIRCHILD and Lyon Apprentice. The makeshift studio is also were he recorded his debut EP with producer/mixer Adam Lyons. 

It's been a patient build up for the 24-year-old Lawrence who showed his potential years ago as a teenager, winning the 2006 Australasian Children's Songwriting Competition. It's no surprise that his primary focus is still lyrics - often retrospective, grounded in past events. His debut single 'We've Got Love' was released early last year and has notched up over 90,000 Soundcloud plays and received airplay on Triple J, Amazing Radio and debuted at number 10 on the KKBB Singles Charts in the US.

'Black Box' is a fine song, dreamy and gentle as it develops and builds, new layers sneaking in without losing it's original direction and feel. Facebook HERE.

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Their words - Ol’ Silver Tongue, a garage rock duo out of Oakland CA, is comprised of Boronkadonk on vocals/guitar and C. McCock on percussion/vocals.  They are releasing their debut EP Nobody Special independently on June 27th at The Independent in San Francisco CA. C. McCock and Boronkadonk met at a salsa dance party in 2014.  Their conversation quickly turned into a shared interest in music.  Soon after Boronkadonk had C. McCock over to play music in his garage studio.  They have worked on many original tunes and covers by The Velvet Underground, Jimi Hendrix, The Gorries, and others.  Ol’ Silver Tongue artisinally blends American and world music then surrounds it with cherry red hard rock candy.

When not playing crushingly rugged rock music C. McCock cooks with local food pop up Two Mamacitas Kitchen and plays as a session drummer with many groups in the Bay Area. Boronkadonk writes and teaches music while taking care of his 110 pound dog Osito. Website HERE.

Sometimes stripped down, good old basic rock with a strong twist of roll does wonders. For me this is what 'garage rock' is all about, the featured song has some 'Hendrix' vibes, but enough originality for this to be a compliment.

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We are informed - On June 23, 2015, Portland, Oregon-based Chris Marshall & The August Light will celebrate the release of their latest full-length, Some Kind of Dream, a departure from the alt. country/Americana of previous offerings, and an expansion of the new ground they started to chart on 2012's Waltz EP.

Some Kind of Dream is produced by Patti King (The Rentals, Radiation City), who is also a member of - and band leader for - The August Light (which also features Ryan Reetz on keys, William Joertz on bass, and Joel Swift on drums), Some Kind of Dream is a genre-bending punch that proves Marshall is a songwriter able to meld atmospheric rock, spacious melodies, and folk traditions into songs that are both gorgeous and poignant.

Out went the old and in came the rest with Some Kind of Dream. Most notably, the rest includes an array of synthetic sounds. “These Days,” its shadowy emotion buttressed by the lyrical realisation that “these days, I prefer the night,” leans toward doomy trip hop. “Castle” owes to producer Clams Casino, an artist that has played a significant role in shaping the sound of modern hip-hop. 

But “Break Bread” cuts closest to folk. And “Go Straight Home,” written after the death of Marshall’s grandfather, is just a gorgeous soul song with the uplifting horn arrangements to prove it.

This is some album, take a listen to 'Feel Like Running' and if you like it, the album will deliver even more incredibly well produced songs. It's one of those albums where you can never be certain what the next track will deliver, in a good sort of way.

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And the bio reads - It starts simply enough - a chord, a phrase, a riff, a melody. Josh Flagg and his band experiment with these basic ingredients, rearranging and combining them into an unexpected whole. What is not simple is explaining the depth of the material. Josh’s songs can be anthemic, wrenching, smouldering, poetic, dynamic or anywhere in between. He crafts lyrics and sounds that can unsettle or soothe; that surprise and reward you with repeated listens. Once you’ve heard one of his songs, you can’t get it out of your head.

Flagg is following up the taut, beautifully constructed power pop gems on his debut full length Devastate Me with the darker, harder, more complex songs of the EP Lights Out. Featuring a three pronged guitar attack, soaring vocals and asymmetrical songwriting, Lights Out itself is the precursor to Flagg's second full length album due out Fall (autumn for us Engerleesh) 2015. Website HERE.

Lush powerful guitar hooks and an equally powerful voice compete and compliment wonderfully throughout 'Lights Out'. Indie rock with a punch.

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More fine words - Hailing from Sydney, Mary and Chris are Polarheart. Having played alongside each other in previous projects, the duo began writing together in early 2013. They found a strong chemistry, and a year later Polarheart was born.

Their combination of dreamy vocals and abstract soundscapes, now combining elements of garage, trap, and RnB makes for a captivating listening experience. Drawing on a range of musical influences with classical training in common, and a love for pop and electronica, Polarheart continue to explore new sounds and unique ways to convey relatable messages through their music.

Their debut single Paralyse has received airplay in the UK and the US, as well as across Australia. The track has had over 73,000 plays on SoundCloud and was featured on MTV Iggy, Hillydilly and Nylon Magazine US. Their follow up single Livealie received positive on line reviews from around the globe, was played on Triple J, and was played on the runway as part of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney 2015. Moving from strength to strength, the duo’s third single Hypnotise, received rave reviews, and plenty of airtime, including Triple J. Facebook HERE.

Some times you just need a dreamy pop song with fine vocals and a well crafted backdrop. Add some hooks that embed themselves (painlessly of course) and we have something like 'Dystopia'. Best served with a chilled cocktail and canapes.



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Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - Germany - 2006 (Internet Archive)

This is the first in an occasional series featuring legitimate and approved material from the Internet Archive (archive.org). All we ask is that you consider supporting the Internet Archive if you enjoy the material reposted here.

This then is Ryan Adams and The Cardinals and a superb concert performed at Das Haus, Germany, on the 17th October 2006.

One reviewer had this to say about the concert - 'This has become Ryan's most talked about and heavily downloaded show. Its worthy of the praise. Please don't let this be the only Cardinal show you get. This show is a great example of the semi acoustic shows that would follow in 2007 - make no secret in the fact I feel they were the best live act in the world from 2005 to 2009'. Another added - I've never heard Ryan Adams before. Well, once on a Mountain Stage broadcast, but it didn't make a huge impression. I listened to this stream as I dl'd the tracks and can't quite put my finger on what makes this recording so rich, but it's definitely got the 'something special' going for it, like I want to hear this over and over on some long lonely cross-country road trip.

Sound Quality: 16bit: Soundboard. The occasional dropouts between songs are from the original soundboard feed and are present on all soundboard recordings from this show.

Set List:

Disc 1:
01 Intro
02 Magnolia Mountain
03 > Hallelujah
04 Blue Hotel
05 To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High)
06 New York, New York
07 She Wants to Play Hearts
08 Chin Up, Cheer Up
09 Freeway to the Canyon
10 Harder Now That It's Over
11 [Fade Out]

Disc 2:
01 [Fade In]
02 Damn Sam (I Love a Woman That Rains)
03 Easy Plateau
04 Peaceful Valley
05 Trouble On Wheels
06 Firecracker
07 Why Do They Leave?
08 A Kiss Before I Go
09 Dear John
10 Cold Roses
11 Bird Song [Jerry Garcia]
12 > Wild Flowers
13 Let It Ride

About The Internet Archive: The Internet Archive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was founded to build an Internet library. Its purposes include offering permanent access for researchers, historians, scholars, people with disabilities, and the general public to historical collections that exist in digital format.

Founded in 1996 and located in San Francisco, the Archive has been receiving data donations from Alexa Internet and others. In late 1999, the organization started to grow to include more well-rounded collections. Now the Internet Archive includes: texts, audio, moving images, and software as well as archived web pages in our collections, and provides specialized services for adaptive reading and information access for the blind and other persons with disabilities.

Our download link in comments - Internet Archive link HERE.

Sundays Bumper Alternative Take

Michael Hix is an NYC-based composer and musician originally from Tennessee. His music incorporates synthesizers, guitar and voice to build complex dynamic structures that evolve over time, delving the human condition and the metaphysical dimension. His work draws upon classical minimalism, sacred music and late-Romantic styles. Aeon is Hix's first full length album, a cinematic work separated into six movements which will be released on Tuesday, June 16th. HERE.

Close your eyes, lay back and just drift away. Sounds like words from an advert, however this is music you need to immerse yourself in. Calming and gently changing, a musical journey.


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The world has suffered one of the worst economic crisis ever. 20 years ago the american dream was the main thinking in many people. Nowadays to be optimist is difficult for most of them. This is why Pepe Mateos decided to tell a story about the "Hard Money" times. A song that will make you think about it. An Ep where the Longing is the main ingredient and Pepe Mateos' Vocal is trying to express the Feeling of this people who work very very hard all around the world for what they earn.

Here's a taste of 'Hard Money' the Kane Roth Remix being my favourite plus for deep house fans the original mix of 'What We Still Have' from a while back. Pepe Mateos info HERE. Check him out.


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"Coming off of a stellar interpretation of The Rolling Stone's "Gimme Shelter," Bobby Nourmand is back up to his usual musings, which is re-envisioning timeless classics.

This time around, he's taking on a song from one of the most iconic and storied albums of all time, Abbey Road. Honing in on the highly recognizable electronic harpsichord melody paired with Lennon's guitars, Bobby walks us back into 1969. The vocal harmonies add to the haunting nature, providing a textural soundscape full of incredible depth."

His take on the track BECAUSE is really something (sorry couldn't resist). This is both clever and engaging and it's free to download (HERE), what more do we want? Iv'e also included his mix of The Doors - Peace Frog which I regard as stunning.


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Dimond Saints is an Oakland based duo, that has quickly emerged to push the boundaries of electronic music. Their sound drips of passion and a firey depth. Their live show is both explosive and soulful, creating a place where heavy bass and angelic melodies collide. They recently released Henry Green - Slow - Dimond Saints Remix described as 'A delicate balance of eloquent house & broken bass; comfortably sliding between genres. All ready getting major support from House & Bass DJ's alike'.

They really do slide between genres and what's more they do it eloquently and with style. More info HERE.

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A Copy For Collapse has released their second full-length LP 'Waiting For' via the label No Sense of Place, bringing them closer to indie chill, dance and dreampop territory than ever before.  It is available digitally and on 12'' vinyl through the label No Sense of Place.

This Italian electronic duo is comprised of Daniele Raguso and Aria Myrskya.?  Strongly influenced by artists such as Telefon Tel Aviv, Boards of Canada and Toro Y Moi, they blend such genres as chillwave, electro, synthpop and nugaze, creating a dreamlike sound backed with memorable beats. ?

This is a fabulous album. Shoegaze that you can dance to and become absorbed by, and a host of other genres lurking to gently draw your attention. More about them HERE.

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