2011Candy - May Edition One

Background: Golden Glow is the charming solo project of Manchester singer/songwriter Pierre Hall. Son of a British father from Trinidad and Tobago, and a Mauritian mother, Pierre's early years were spent near Liverpool before moving to Manchester at 18 for university. Although he had already dabbled in poetry and guitar, it was in Manchester that music became the central focus of his life. Not long after befriending the creative promotion team Akoustik Anarkhy, Pierre began his own weekly club night Friends Of Mine and threw a series of raucous house parties that lead UK Nightlife guide City Life to say "if Manchester music really is going though a golden age of partying and cool DIY indie club nights, then Pierre Hall is unquestionably the city's chief party organiser." It was during this same fertile period that he fronted the short-lived but much-loved Brit-Pop band Lead Balloons.

In October 2009, just as Lead Balloons were ending their time together, Pierre was in a serious automobile accident that left him unable to walk for nearly six months. Although the recovery was tough, and this was a dark time in his life, it also changed the way Pierre approached his art. Naming his new project Golden Glow as a tribute to the band Felt and their track "Sunlight Bathed The Golden Glow" he began to write songs that captured what he was living through. Starting simply, and sticking to the DIY aesthetics that have marked Manchester bands since the first days of punk, songs were written and recorded on a four-track with minimal equipment and no grand plan for where things might end up. While the recordings may have originally been thought of as demos, it quickly became clear that there was an intimacy and rawness to the songs that were as much a function of the situation they were being recorded in as they were of Pierre's writing and performance. Being home-ridden and unable to live his active life led to beautiful songs that mixed hope and sorrow. Not quite knowing how to work the equipment in front of him led to a sometimes distorted, yet always captivating blend of Brit-Pop and shoegaze that would not exist under any other circumstance.

By late 2010, Pierre Hall had completed the set of songs that were to make up the Golden Glow debut, Tender Is The Night. He had also started to apply the same lo-fi aesthetic to a series of music videos. Using super-8 shots of his life, and learning to edit as he created, the videos and the music matched perfectly. The string of positive press has been constant since “Adore Me” was given the seal of approval from The Drums, and Pierre has put together what will be the Golden Glow live band. He toyed with the idea of re-recording the songs in a cleaner studio. Then he thought of releasing the songs in their original form but limiting the outlet and calling them demos, but everyone who heard the tracks gave the same advice. Don’t ruin the magic captured on that four-track. Don’t clean-up the charm. Release the music as it is.

Golden Glow’s debut album, Tender Is The Night will be released in all of its distorted beauty by Mush Records with help from the label Bleeding Gold, who will handle a limited run of vinyl. The eleven-song album kicks of with “Adore Me” – a perfect piece of music that at once captures three generations of Brit-pop, from Joy Division to The Libertines. Whether on the album’s more pop-based tracks (“Locked Inside” “Books” “Streetlighter”) or the more hazy meditations (“The Blizzard” “On My Own”), Pierre Hall proves himself a master at capturing meaning and feeling in a four bar verse. The recordings are raw. The performances are perfect in their obvious imperfections. Tender Is The Night is the record to introduce Golden Glow to the world.

2011Candy Says: Raw energy, excellent guitar and vocals and no pretense just good honest music.
Listen: Adore Me. Web: MySpace.
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Background: When the late British musical icon John Martyn sat down at the keys, veteran music producer and good friend Jim Tullio sighed. Martyn, an innovative guitarist and singer, had just finished a suite for the London National Ballet Company, which Tullio was mixing, but insisted he needed to lay down a keyboard part. Tullio prepared for hours of noodling, but Martyn made one pass and left. As Tullio incorporated the track into the mix, he was blown away.

“It worked perfectly,” Tullio recalls. “I learned a lesson then, to trust his instincts. John was a genius. He made music more naturally than anyone I’ve ever met, as effortlessly as the way you and I speak.”

Tullio is not alone in his assessment. Martyn, a cult-status musician’s musician, was admired by everyone from Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page to Lee “Scratch” Perry and Bob Marley. Martyn’s groundbreaking guitar technique, tape delay, and recording approaches inspired Brian Eno’s ambient sound and The Edge’s shimmering, delay-drenched strings. He was lionized by Bristol trip-hoppers and chill-out DJs.

After Martyn’s passing in early 2009, Tullio and co-producer Gary Pollitt put Martyn’s last musical testament in order, transforming rough-edged vocals, expansive takes, and complex guitar work into Heaven and Earth (Hole in the Rain; May 3, 2011). Martyn’s voice and striking songs reveal the depth and perception of a musical elder, with his signature grit and sprawling panache.

Several close friends and long-time musical collaborators—including Phil Collins—contributed elements to Heaven and Earth. But the heart of the album—felt on tracks like “Gambler” and “Bad Company”—beats in Martyn’s intuitive, idiosyncratic sense of the blues, filtered through his earthy feel for roots- and jazz-inspired songwriting and his raw voice.

Sounds like: the gritty yet sparkling last word from a neglected music legend who transformed rock, reggae, club music, and folk. 

2011Candy Says: This is a must for any fan of the late John Martyn's music, the featured track is just one dimension of this final collection of songs.
Listen: Stand Amazed. Web: Official.
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Background: Synchronized Swimmers, the sophomore album from Icelandic pop siren Hafdís Huld was released not so long ago on OK! Good Records. The new album contains thirteen tracks and is the follow up to her internationally successful debut album Dirty Paper Cup, released in 2006. Her quirky personality perfectly accents the album’s witty lyrics that are filled with imagination and charm.  “Hafdís Huld is proof that Iceland’s waters breed elfin pop stars who are musically original and deliciously bonkers”  - The Sunday Times 

Hafdís Huld has been in the limelight for years. At 15 she was touring with the iconic band GusGus and also found success as an actress in her native Iceland. Since then, she has become a fixture on the festival scene performing at a variety of venues including The Glastonbury Festival and South by Southwest. Huld’s uncanny ability to take risks has garnered her reputation as a multi-faceted
performer. She was a vocalist on Tricky’s 2008 album, Knowle West Boy and received international acclaim when she was featured performing an acapella version of Sam Brown’s Stop for a European Mercedes-Benz Ad Campaign. 

Synchronized Swimmers marvelously blends commercial folk-pop with offbeat and youthful melodies. The album contains two Icelandic number one hits; Kongola, which means spider in Icelandic, (an ode to urban climber Alain Robert) and the title track Synchronized Swimmers. Often compared to the likes of Björk and Cery Mathews, Huld has proven time and again she is in a league of her own. “An exquisite and supremely original female singer, Hafdís Huld is the kind of heroine music really needs” - Play Music

2011Candy Says: OK so the album Synchronized Singers has been out for a while but it deserves a mention because I say so! Nothing like a bit of of Icelandic pop to while away the hours.
Listen: Action Man. Web: Official.
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Background: Sacramento’s Ganglians return after a relatively quiet two years since their dual album dropping in 2009.  The aptly titled Still Living hits the streets August 23rd stateside via Lefse, and August 29th throughout Europe via Souterrain Transmissions. Ringing in at just under an hour, the double LP stays true to their psychedelic roots established on their self-title debut and immediate follow-up Monster Head Room (both via Woodsist), they step it up a notch both stylistically and sonically by enlisting the help of producer Robby Moncrieff (who also played a crucial role in the shaping of The Dirty Projectors Bitte Orca).

2011Candy Says: We first featured Ganglians back in May 2010 and a year on they have reminded us just why. Love the guitar work on this track, it reminds me of The Shadows.
Listen: Jungle. Web: MySpace.
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Background: A couple of weeks ago on Tuesday, May 3rd,  No Future: A Tribute To The Sex Pistols, the Clash, the Damned  was released by UK label Released Emotions, and distributed in the US by E1.

This is tribute to the three bands that pioneered the punk revolution in the late seventies,  and are still influencing new bands to this day, includes cover versions provided by a  varied selection of established UK indie and alternative acts from the last twenty years.

There are 18 tracks on the album, with 6 tracks each dedicated to the Pistols, the Clash and the Damned. All the bands were tasked with providing covers of a high standard. Expectations were high, and yet the artists managed to create something new & radically different.

The bands featured are The Sex Pistols Experience (UK’s top tribute to the band), Leatherface, Terry Edwards (Serious Drinking, Higsons, Tindersticks), Steve Drewett (Newtown Neurotics), Attila the Stockbroker, The Blaggers ITA, Bleach, Anhrefn, The Price, Red Letter Day, The Bolsheviks, Identity, Exit Condition, Robb Johnson and The Urchin String Quartet!

In light of the recent passing of legendary X-Ray Spex singer, Poly Styrene, this is a timely release, and shows that the urgent fire of the original punk movement burns as brightly as ever.

2011Candy Says: So punk in the UK was along time ago now, this album recaptures the urgency of it all, but I think I'll leave the bondage trousers in the wardrobe...
Listen: Leatherface - Melody Lee.
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Background: At a time when most kids his age are obsessed with the music video game Guitar Hero, 16 year old singer/songwriter Clay Melton is getting ready to prove his real world Guitar Hero status. As leader of the Clay Melton Band, he’s already impressed his live audiences with his Blues-infused Rock style. At just 11 years old, Clay found his calling in life--playing guitar--after listening to Jimi Hendrix’s blistering version of “All Along The Watchtower.” Clay knew what he was meant to do and got to work straight away. He took a one-week guitar course at the local community college and spent all of his spare time in his room just playing. The hours a day listening and learning have paid off as he prepares to open for legendary musician Edgar Winter.

The Clay Melton Band does some impressive covers of a few Jimi tunes including “Voodoo Chile,” “Little Wing” and of course, the song that started it all, “All Along The Watchtower,” but Clay is determined to become a lot more than just a top notch cover artist. He’s determined to make a name for himself with his original songs—following in the footsteps of one of his idols, Stevie Ray Vaughan. He’s recruited two strong players, Wes Arvin on Bass and Noah Coffelt on drums to help him make this dream a reality.

Clay Melton was born in 1994 in Lake Charles, LA, but by the age of 2 was calling Texas home. He credits his father Jack with exposing him to all kinds of great music from the Blues pioneers Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy to modern performers like John Mayer and Dave Matthews. When asked what his long term musical goals are, Clay simply says, “I want to bring The Blues Back.” And if he wasn’t so polite and soft spoken about it, you might mistake him for an arrogant child prodigy who believes he’s already got the world all figured out. Instead, what you find is a very down to earth young man who isn’t afraid to work extremely hard at his craft and make the most of the opportunities he’s been given.

What’s next for someone who is already competing against adults in The International Blues Challenge and who’s playing more live dates than many musicians twice his age? Clay says, “Our mission is to be the best live band in the world. We don’t need flashy costumes and we don’t need crazy dance moves—for us, it’s all about the music.”

2011Candy Says: So we have a few guitar led songs in this round up and Clay Melton is up there with the best of them. You might even want to dust off the air guitar and join in!
Listen: Straight To My Grave. Web: Official.
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Checkout: I and I, and this track "Should Have Been a Beekeeper" it's from his new album The Alpha Future out now on Alchemist Records.


Listen: Should Have Been a Beekeeper.
2011Candy Says: Dreamy atmospheric and then the rhythm kicks us into another curious direction. 
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Background: New Orleans, Louisiana band MyNameIsJohnMichael just premiered their newest single, ‘Orphan’ via Consequence of Sound  and wrapped up the final touches on their sophomore record produced by Raymond Richards (producer of Local Natives “Gorilla Manor”). They will be kicking off an east coast tour with appearances at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival alongside Okkervil River, Gene Ween (Ween), Brett Dennen, The Strokes, and New Orleans royalty Trombone Shorty, amongst many others. Following their hometown Jazzfest shows, the band will be hitting major markets in the South and up the east coast.

The New Orleans influence is clear in the band’s funky approach to crafty singer-songwriter pieces. MyNameIsJohnMichael is a 6 piece indie rock band born and raised in New Orleans, which began as a solo project in 2008 when lead singer John Michael Rouchell accepted a friendly challenge to write, record, and release 52 songs in one year. Only 4 months into the project, a more realized MyNameIsJohnMichael was born, and in March of 2009 the group put out their self-released debut album, "The People That Come and Go." The tracks on the album came from the 52 songs of 2008 and were voted on and selected by fans.

Full of vibrant energy and explosive performance, MyNameIsJohnMichael's live shows go unrivaled, featuring horns, trashcans and chains.  The group has an impressive touring resume, playing national festivals like Bonnaroo, New Orleans Heritage & Jazz Festival, Voodoo Fest, Austin City Limits, South by Southwest, B.O.M.B. Fest, French Quarter Fest, Lollapalooza, and CMJ (to name a few.) They have opened for the likes of Phoenix and Surfer Blood, and Monsters of Folk, to great reviews from publications like SPIN and The Metro.

John Michael Rouchell’s music has been featured in an ad for Coach, and the singer was recently featured in a Black Cab Session when the well-respected Internet taste maker made its way from the UK to the States to discover new up and coming acts  A guitar prodigy from an early age, Rouchell made his major ‘public performance’ debut at the  age of 14, when he found himself pulled on stage at a New Orleans Parliament Funkadelic show. He’s only gotten better since that auspicious debut, and Rouchell’s guitar work is a key feature of the band’s sound.
 
SPIN Magazine featured MyNameIsJohnMichael as one of the Top 25 Bands to See at CMJ 2009, calling the sound, "straight forward, plaintive acoustic balladry infused with a bit of brassy Big Easy bravado. " The review was followed quickly by The Metro's declaration that MyNameIsJohnMichael was one of the 5 top bands you should have seen at CMJ, calling the band "a Bayou-flavored version of the Arcade Fire's anthemic indie pop, [this] six-piece band sing dead-on harmonies and rock out ferociously when the occasion calls for it."

2011Candy Says: There is definitely a "New Orleans sound" that somehow can weave it's way across differing genres. Case in point this song, which has a little bit of a Dr John vibe at times but I mean that in a most positive way, oh just play it...
Listen: Orphan. Web: Official.
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Background: Austyn Sullivan is a 20 year old self-titled ambient project currently residing in Baltimore, Maryland, originally from Mandeville, Louisiana. Sullivan experiments with murmured vocals beneath the surface accompanied by repetitious melodies which creates a wave of thought and emotion. Sullivan’s music makes for a perfect late night/pre-dawn listening. Over the past year Sullivan has been prolifically creating music in all mediums from atmospheric piano to ambient full-band projects. Sullivan is currently working on a full length album titled Recollections Become Phantoms. It’s a highly textured album of concepts and ethereal sounds. Along side of his self-titled project, Sullivan occasionally works under the stage name Portraits of American Firing Squads and is currently playing drums for Dead Mellotron.

2011Candy Says: This is perfect unwind music, or as suggested above pre-dawn music. As far as my mp3 player goes I can play it anytime and just chill for a few minutes.
Listen: A Waltz To Wonder. Web: MySpace.
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Checkout: The Whatevers hail from Leeds, England. Mike writes the songs and Kate sings them. Al plays bass guitar. The EP, "City Lights Fade," is a picture-perfect example of lo-fi boy/girl bedroom pop. Jangling guitars, charming vocals and irreverent lyrics pervade these five songs. The band channels Eux Autres for their beautiful cover of “Anne Boleyn.” The Whatevers will also be playing on the trains at this year's Indietracks Festival.

Listen: City Lights Fade.
2011Candy Says: What can I add, just charming uplifting and well worthy of a listen, music can be kept simple and work oh so well.
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Background: Alexander Turnquist is a guitarist/composer who uses his 12 string acoustic finger-style approach in creating very dramatic and emotionally engaging music. Turnquist started playing at a young age with an experimental approach from the onset, and has always held to the use of the acoustic guitar as the driving force and foundation in his compositions. In addition to his guitar playing he cleverly writes into his compositions accompaniment in the form of mallet percussion instruments, strings, and piano. Turnquist's first full length Faint at the Loudest Hour was released in 2007 on VHF Records, his first fully realized album of solo pieces and analogue electronic experimentation's

Alexander Turnquist has toured extensively throughout the United States and in Europe. Now at the age of 23 he is set to release his third full length solo album on VHF Records entitled Hallway of Mirrors out on May 17th, 2011. Hallway of Mirrors is a continuation of the territory he entered into on As the Twilight Crane Dreams in Color, although on Hallway of Mirrors the compositions are driven with a very concise energy, heavily patterned and completely acoustic. Recorded in a large room with natural reverb, the album is an interplay of harmonic resonance and instrument sustain.

2011Candy Says: I love this piece of music, simple as that!
Listen: Spherical Aberratio. Web: Official.
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Checkout: Yes we repeat check out Little Owl's "Black on White" Their EP "Stories and Observations of Argus Madur" (out now) was produced by Shane McKillopp with guidance from Chris Lynch, both from the band Gardens & Villa (Secretly Canadian).

2011Candy Says: I'm trying to pin down who this reminds me of and failing, still its a fine little song that leaves me wanting more.
Listen: Black On White.
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Listen:

Kate & Anna McGarrigle - Germany 1977

This is Kate & Anna McGarrigle performing live with a sizable studio audience in Cologne, Germany for WDR (TV) in Studio 'L' back on the 3rd February 1977.

As was so often the case when the McGarrigle sisters performed the atmosphere was informal and homely, the singing and musicianship counted for everything as is demonstrated in this recording where the monitors were failing and the band rightly demanded better. That said with difficulty hearing themselves in the mix the actual performance was both stunning and moving.

In 1975 the sisters made their first LP, Kate and Anna McGarrigle (Warner BS-2862), which brought them critical notice and concert engagements internationally. After their London debut 25 Jul 1976 at Victoria Palace, Michael Watts in Melody Maker (31 Jul 1976) called their music 'a holy marriage of strong sentiment and brilliant, pure singing ... Anna's, lilting and airy, Kate's, deeper and fiercer - these are amongst the very best voices to be heard in popular music today.' The McGarrigles returned to Europe the following year but generally maintained a sporadic touring schedule.

They made two more LPs in the late 1970s, Dancer with Bruised Knees (Warner BS-3014) and Pronto Monto (Warner BSK-1248).

Their songs have been covered by a variety of artists including Maria Muldaur, Nana Mouskouri, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Billy Bragg, Chloé Sainte-Marie, Judy Collins, Anne Sofie von Otter, and others. The covers of their songs by well known artists led to the McGarrigle's getting their first recording contract in 1974. They created ten albums from 1975 through 2008.

Source: TV broadcast soundtrack.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@192kbps

Genre: Americana, folk, bluegrass, country.

Set: Full set.

Set List:

01. Swimming Song
02. Foolish You
03. Fair and Tender Ladies
04. Travelling on for Jesus
05. Kiss and Say Goodbye
06. -talk-
07. Hommage a Grungie
08. -talk-
09. Talk to Me of Mendocino
10. Reel du Pendu
11. -talk-
12. Naufragee du Tendre
13. -talk-
14. Dancer with Bruised Knees
15. Be My Baby
16. Heart Like a Wheel
17. No Biscuit Blues
18. -talk-
19. Complainte pour Ste-Catherine
20. Work Song

Website: Official HERE.

New file link in comments below - Re-uploaded 2012 (Stealth project).

The Rolling Stones - Chess Chicago 1964

This is The Rolling Stones from a five track CD released originally by bootleggers The Swinging Pig Records in Luxembourg. Entitled Chess Chicago Outtakes 1964, tracks 1,2, 3 and 5 were recorded at Chess Studios, Chicago on June 10th or 11th, 1964. Track 4 was recorded at RCA Studios, Los Angeles on either the 5th or 6th, September 1965.

The producer was Andrew Oldham for all songs and the engineer was Ron Malo at Chess and Dave Hassinger at RCA. According to the Swinging Pigs cover Ian Stewart was on piano along with the full Stones line up of the time.

The Rolling Stones' first US tour, in June 1964, was, in Bill Wyman's words, "a disaster". When we arrived, we didn't have a hit record (there) or anything going for us." When the band appeared on Dean Martin's TV variety show The Hollywood Palace, Martin mocked both their hair and their performance. During the tour they recorded for two days at Chess Studios in Chicago, meeting many of their most important influences, including Muddy Waters. These sessions included what would become the Rolling Stones' first number one hit in the UK, their cover of Bobby and Shirley Womack's "It's All Over Now".

The Chess recordings demonstrate the bands blues influences and their ability to do justice to the songs they clearly enjoyed performing before their song writing skills had fully developed. 

Source: Studio Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Very good mp3@320kbps.

Genre: Rock, rock and roll, blues rock, rhythm and blues, blues.

Album: Original version.

Track List:

01. High-Heel Sneakers
02. Tell Me Baby
03. Down In The Bottom
04. Looking Tired
05. Stewed And Keefed 

Website: Official HERE.

2011Candy - April Edition Two

Background: What if you ran across Joni Mitchell in 1967 or Roberta Flack in '72. How about Sheryl Crow in '91 or Alanis in '94 or Norah Jones or Alicia Keys before they'd been discovered, would you stop and listen? Legendary producer David Z (Prince, Jody Watley, Fine Young Cannibals, Angilque Kidjo, etc.) did. When he heard Ally Way he was so impressed he immediately came on-board to produce Ally's first release.

Meet Ally Way and this is her year. Smart songs, incredible talent, and a unique musical vision. More than just the latest trend, her songs share the same timeless quality of the great female artists of the rock era.

Look into the eyes of youthful songstress Ally Way, and an ancient serenity gazes back. Asked where she was born, she sweetly says, "I'm originally from heaven," and you believe her. Throw in the angelic voice and an original writing talent, and Ally Way adds up to a remarkable young woman, an enthralling performer whose warm soul comes through in every note.

Born in Washington, DC to a gospel-singer mother and an instrumentalist father, Ally grew up surrounded by music and spirituality. She started singing at an early age, combining the family tradition with inspirations from Joni Mitchell to John Mayer, Bonnie Raitt, and even Nirvana. At age 14 she was blessed to learn guitar from the late DC icon and Blue Note artist Noble Jolley. Later, she studied opera and theatre, skills that help make every Ally Way performance an event.

Ally's muse has taken her many places. She taught yoga in Central America, sang with great Costa Rican musicians, and then rolled into San Francisco like a velvet fog. Arriving with no job and no place of her own, she brought only her talent, her extensive songbook, and her endless optimism. In no time, Ally was cutting tracks with local groups, showcasing in Los Angeles, and making a name with her unique blend of soul, folk, and personal vision.

A strict vegetarian and a student of world spirituality, Ally seeks to communicate with more than words, healing with her voice. Back in the Washington area to be with family, she is putting the finishing touches on her first album. She appears frequently on local stages, sharing her sweetness, warmth, and moving stories with happy fans and new listeners alike.

2011Candy Says: Smooth, stylish and very classy. Listening to Ally is like stepping out of the rat race for a while and taking time to reflect on whats really important.
Listen: Seed Of Love. Web: Official.
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Background: (from Binary Records website) Introducing Joypopp  a smooth and sweet electronic duo from France. We here at Binary are pleased to announce the release of their Ecstatic EP on May 9th. With Alix on vocals and David producing this twosome encompasses all that is dream pop. And (appropriately named) bring nothing but feel good smiles and swaying hips.

The first single is ‘Volupte This track is ominously gorgeous. David creates an alluring track that personifies the longing lyrics. ‘Volupte’ starts with echoing synths and chiming soprano keys that sound straight out of ‘Lucky Star,’ aka the best characteristics of all dreamy 80s pop hits. When Alix’s vocals come in they bring a wave of emotion, and even before the main beat drops in at :48 the track is perfectly balanced.

Fans of Sally Shapiro, Annie, Anoraak, or The Golden Filter should take note of their romantic songwriting and crisp productions. Their first EP, "Ecstatic" will be out on Binary Records on May 9th.

2011Candy Says: I remain to easily impressed by anything 'pop' that comes from France. Joypopp are not helping me, listening to this has got me digging through some great old French artists music, this has to stop!
Listen: Volupte. Web: Facebook.
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Background: Erin Sidney (aka Syd), Patrick Thomas and Lisa Piccirillo are each experienced touring and recording artists with self-released albums and a thick portfolio of singer/songwriter accolades. Each has performed showcases at prestigious music festivals, opened for national acts, maintained rigorous touring schedules and received plenty of quotable love from the press. In the Fall of 2010 they came together in a lakeside cabin to form Hotels & Highways and record what would become “Lost River”, a folk-tinged meditation on the deeper meaning of living and a love letter to the spirit of collaboration.

At a crucial moment of quiet intensity, the members of Hotels & Highways heard the wind rustling the trees in their headphones. For any other project it would have been an unwelcome signal to cut the take short and try again when there was golden silence. Instead, the three newly-committed band members smiled at their good fortune and carried on playing, the wind and trees now indelible partners in the song's performance.

It was September 2010 and Erin “Syd” Sidney, Lisa Piccirillo and Patrick Thomas were getting to be well-versed in letting their temporary home in the woods be a part of the creative process. They'd come to a lakeside cabin in New York to fulfill a mutual, career-long dream of living together while recording an album. A week-long tour of the Northeast had been booked immediately following the 10-day writing and recording retreat. The material was largely unwritten. The sound had not been clearly defined. But with each day's new songs and each night's recording sessions, what began as a joyful experiment in creativity and trust evolved quickly into an emerging full-length album and a well-received tour. Hotels & Highways, originally a nom de plume for songs a group of friends wrote together, had quietly and gracefully transformed into a band.

With a stream of updates and videos coming from the cabin, friends and fans watched the project gather momentum and became an integral part of the experience. Real-time support for the group evolved into validation that only a proper release would do this music justice. Through the use of fan-funding website Kickstarter, the band raised over $13,000 (far surpassing their goal of $10,000) to finance the remaining production on their album and a corresponding national tour. With this massive vote of confidence from their fan base, Hotels & Highways’ cabin-grown debut, “Lost River,” hits digital stands on March 8, 2011.

Though comprised of accomplished members, Hotels & Highways is just beginning its journey. Leaving behind the sounds of that lake in New York, the band will share the spirit that defines them and live up to their name with a 6-week tour of the US, including dates at Cafe 939 in Boston, Rockwood Music Hall’s new Stage 2 in New York City, Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles and 20 other major cities in the Spring of 2011.

2011Candy Says: Good rootsy Americana, keeping it simple sometimes means you get more from the song, Train Whistle being the case in point.
Listen: Train Whistle. Web: Official.
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Background: Razor & Tie is thrilled to announce a partnership with Weapons of Mass Entertainment and Surfdog Records for the release of an exciting new album project from Artist/Producer/Director and Eurythmics co-founder, Dave Stewart.  His new album, The Blackbird Diaries is set to be released on Tuesday, June 28th 2011.  Recently completed in Nashville, the album was produced by Dave Stewart and Mike Bradford and was recorded and mixed by John McBride at his famed Blackbird Studio.   The Blackbird Diaries is set to feature all new material including a co-write with Bob Dylan as well as duets with Stevie Nicks, Martina McBride, Colbie Caillat and features The Secret Sisters. Dave is backed throughout the album by a stellar assortment of musicians on the album including guitarist Tom Bukovac, drummer Chad Cromwell, bassist Michael Rhodes, steel guitarist Dan Dugmore and Mike Rojas on piano.  As an integral part of Stevie Nicks new album, "In Your Dreams," (he was co-producer, co-writer, photographer, performer and movie director) Dave has been invited by Stevie as her special guest to perform at Webster Hall in New York City on May 4th.

Dave Stewart's The Blackbird Diaries is unlike anything he has embarked on during his illustrious 30 year music career both with Eurythmics and as a solo artist. With an American flare and rooted in rock, country, and blues, the album is in the vein of recent releases by Bob Dylan and Neil Young - masterful recordings mixed with rich and detailed lyrics.  The Blackbird Diaries showcases a very different type of songwriting for Stewart with more story-driven autobiographical lyrics, which is a departure from the pop/rock sounds which have made him one of the most successful and revered songwriters/collaborators of all time. Tales of loves conquered and loves lost, Dave gets intimate, personal with words while he allows his music to rock free on an album that might just prove to be this artist's second, and perhaps finest, act.

2011Candy Says; Dave Stewart's 'The Blackbird Diaries' will be out in June, this is a great taste of things to come, for what might be one of the years big albums.
Listen: Magic In The Blues. Web: Album Site HERE.
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Background: Hidden Shoal Recordings is proud to announce the release of new single 'Green Light District' by Perth’s widescreen indie-rock craftsmen Umpire. 'Green Light District' marries Umpire's sprawling indie-rock sounds and reflective melancholy, providing the instant gratification of massive sun-drenched melodies and soaring vocals. The track is taken from Umpire’s forthcoming debut album Now We're Active, the band's first release to feature new drummer Josh Watkins, and produced at Umpire's own studio by bass player Simon Struthers.

'Green Light District' follows up the band's self-titled EP of 2009, which featured the standout track 'Streamers'. 'Streamers' received rave reviews and achieved widespread high rotation airplay across Australian radio including national broadcaster Triple J. The track also took out the grand prize in the WAM Song of the Year in 2009. Their debut full-length Now We’'e Active receives its Australian CD release and digital release on 2 June, and international CD release on 14 July. The Australian album launch will take place in Perth at the Rosemount on 4th of June. Umpire will be touring Australia during July and August.

2011Candy Says: Another Australian band that hopefully gets to be heard beyond their shores. Great harmonies over really well played and mixed indie rock orientated music.
Listen: Green Light District. Web: MySpace.
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Background: KIDCITY is the music of two 21-year-olds, Kelly Ann and Caleb, from the outskirts of Toronto.

Somewhere between Enya and Dr. Dre, the twosome employ a gritty sound which they smilingly dub as “clip-hop” – or for all intents and purposes: dark, melodic pop songs with an overloaded signal.

Their self-titled EP, out on the 31st May 2011, draws on hip-hop and electronic heaviness – a sound that they effectively refined after deciding to step out of the practice rooms at the University of Toronto and into a quasi-bedroom studio in the suburbs. The duo got their name from one of Kelly’s brothers-in-law, though they aren’t sure which one.

2011Candy Says; This is a really cool song and I am still marveling at the term clip hop and placing the music as somewhere between Enya and Dr Dre. Who needs genres anyway...
Listen: Bloody Face. Web: Official.
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Background: Led by Sam Sundos, The Sundelles combine the west coast vibes of their California roots with the loneliness of the East Coast which the band now calls home.  Sundos formed The Sundelles, the name a nod to Phil Spector girl groups, in garages all over southern California.

In 2008, Sundos moved to New York.  Calling on friends, Davey Sarantos and Trevor McLoughlin to follow, The Sundelles finally had a set line up and spent the following year polishing their live act while playing every show New York had to offer.  The Sundelles never lost focus on melody, hooks, or the art of pop songwriting and began self recording demos in 2009 and self released their “Dead Youth” 7” in early 2010.

The Sundelles wrote and recorded the songs on their debut album, Georgia Swan, in early 2010.  They entered into Studio G and invited Tony Maimone, of Pere Ubu fame, to take on production of their first record.  The songs on Georgia Swan became lush, spacious, and polished; a sound that Sundos had been chasing since the founding of the band.  Georgia Swan runs just over thirty minutes with ten songs; a hallmark of growth and a tribute to the Sundelles roots.

The Sundelles have been writing songs for themselves since the beginning but always with the intention of attracting those who appreciate the purity of pop music.

2011Candy Says: The first song I received by The Sundelles worked for me, this one this one takes them further so two mentions in one month for the band. It's guitar pop for a summers day.
Listen: Kiss The Coast. Web: MySpace.
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Background: Nicole Atkins continues to tour in support of her critically acclaimed sophomore album Mondo Amore (Razor & Tie).  The album released this past February features Atkins' powerful and hypnotic sound on the bluesy, psychedelic songs that showcase her stunning range.  The sophisticated batch of new songs reveals her growth as a singer songwriter.

Nicole took SXSW by storm this year, playing parties for Paste, Rolling Stone, Steve Madden and Sneak Attack, as well as an official SXSW showcase which was broadcast on Last Call with Carson Daly.  Atkins debuted her music on Conan in February as well.

Reviews have included - "Ms. Atkins has the air of a New York rock chick supreme." New York Times 

"She has a huge, rangy voice flecked with soul that sounds great atop broken-bottle slide blues." The Los Angeles Times. 

May 5-8 - Las Vegas, NV - The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas^
May 27 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE, Outdoor Stage*
May 28 - Columbus, OH - The LC Pavilion*
June 4 - Elmer, NJ - Appel Farms Arts and Music Festival
June 5 - Hunter Mountain, NY - Mountain Jam Festival
June 8 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom^
June 9 - Toledo, OH - Frankies^
June 9-12 - Manchester, TN - Bonnarroo Music & Arts Festival
June 10 - Indianapolis, IN - The Lawn at White River State Park**
June 14 - Dallas, TX - Dada Dallas^
June 15 - Austin, TX - Stubb's BBQ^
June 16 - Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's (Downstairs)
June 17 - New Orleans, LA - The Parish @ House of Blues^
June 18 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade^
June 20 - Charlotte, NC - Milestone Club
June 21 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar^
June 30 - St. Louis, MO - The Firebird^
July 1 - Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen^
^headline dates, *with The Avett Brothers, **with The Black Keys and Booker T.

2011Candy Says: Bluesy rock that should appeal to a large audience, Nicole has all the ingredients to get noticed far and wide and deserves to based on this song alone.
Listen: Cry Cry Cry. Web: Official.
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Background: The realization of music is undeniably part of the most desirable goals in any one musician’s agenda. For Botanical Bullets – a New Jersey duo that went to the same high school, but didn’t meet until afterwards – music has always traded on the same conviction that the coming together of minds should be a patient, introspective and mutual collaboration. And with a sound that is equal parts electronic, noise and rock, with the ability at layering music with careful attention and concentration is what has made for an alliance that is bonded to the core.

Jay Shah (keyboard, effects, drum machine, guitar, vocals) and Jacob Conover’s (vocals, keyboard, guitar) rich musical depth has always maintained an enduring constant in their music. Shah notes influences range from “The Jesus and Mary Chain, to Depeche Mode, to J Dilla, to TV on the Radio.”

And while the music often dips into the realm of atmospheric, ambient noise-rock, Conover adds that their music is never straightforwardly classified, “It would be hard to describe because we are constantly finding new elements and techniques to work with.”

Through an array of influences that embark on establishing touchstone elements to their music, Shah also adds that music is never an art that should linger dormant, “I think in time we will both grow more as writers, singers, and producers, so the topics will be more varied and the content more complex.”

2011Candy Says: This is to be played loud if only so you don't miss any of it. Theres a lot going on and yet the songs flows with layers of sound.
Listen: We Bleed Fluorescent. Web: Official.
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Background: (From Paper garden Records Lovely Hearts Club) When Big Tree first reached out to The Lovely Hearts Club and sent us the single, “This New Year”, from their forthcoming album, we were immediately smitten. Their brand of sunny psychedelic pop, splashed with colorful harmonies and infectious lyrics, instantly had us thinking spring. Bandmates and friends Kaila McIntyre-Bader, Luke Bace, Colin Fahrner, Dan Pirello, and Laura Schwecherl met while studying jazz in college and, while Big Tree’s sound is more Fleet Foxes than  Coltrane, their jazz roots are evident in the band’s complex rhythms and unique time signatures.

Big Tree completed their first full-length, self-titled album back in 2008, which they followed up with last summer’s shimmering gem of an EP, Home (here).  To promote the EP, as well as their commitment to environmental sustainability, the band left their native New York last summer and toured out to California in a vegetable-oil-fueled tour van, purchased with the fundraising help of fans. They recently celebrated their triumphant return to New York, where you can catch them in a month-long residency at Pete’s Candy Store every Thursday throughout the month of June.  The will also gave “Grease Talks”— explaining how the tour van works and encouraging recycling and sustainability—throughout April, at colleges and universities throughout the Tri-State area.

2011Candy Says: This just lifts me up to a better frame of mind. Big Tree, big sound and wonderful melodies and harmonies.
Listen: This New Year. Web: MySpace.
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Background: When asked by an Omaha music promoter to describe the genre of her new band Blue Bird, songwriter and frontwoman Marta Fiedler simply replied “make-out music.”

Music critic Tim McMahan of The Reader (Omaha, NE)  and lazy-i.com was a bit more expansive when he wrote “Miss Fiedler indeed sounds like a Nebraska version of Jenny Lewis on songs derived from the indie-Americana template. You’ll be reminded of Lewis and She & Him and The Mynabirds and all the other women-led bands that seem to be making a mark on indie these days — especially locally, when was the last time we had so many women contributing so much musically? Fiedler has an advantage over a lot of them in how she writes songs — there was always something in the compositions that surprised me. Maybe it was just her own voice slipping through.”Blue Bird is a 7-piece ensemble that mixes influences of fold, soul, doo-wop, and Americana into intricately woven pop songs punctuated by soaring female vocals, full-bodied, orchestration, and heartfelt, confessional lyrics.

Blue Bird is the latest in a long line of hot new bands to arise from the legendary musical breeding ground of Omaha, Nebraska, the birthplace of Bright Eyes, Cursive, The Faint, Tilly and the Wall, and 311, to name just a few.  Under Marta’s musical leadership, the band is filled out by a who’s who of Omaha music veterans, including members of Eagle Seagull (PIAS Recordings) and Thunder Power (Slumber Party Records).

2011Candy Says: If you like this song then go and buy the EP as this is just taste of some great music from yet another band to keep a watchful eye on this year.
Listen: Dont Leave Me. Web: Facebook.
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Listen:

Justin Townes Earle - Brighton 2011

This is Justin Townes Earle live at The Komedia (downstairs), Brighton, England, just three months ago on 19th January 2011. This is an incredible solo set and a wonderful introduction to Justin's music and a collectors item for any fans. The Komedia venue in Brighton, England has a very strong reputation for a good night out and covers comedy, cabaret, spoken word, club nights and childrens events along with a growing number of high profile music artists and emerging acts.

From wikipedia we learn - Justin Townes Earle (Born January 4th, 1982 in Nashville, Tennessee), is the son of Steve Earle, stepson of Allison Moorer, and named for songwriter Townes Van Zandt. He is an AMA winning Americana musician. Justin Townes Earle is signed to Bloodshot Records and has four released albums from 2007–2010. He currently resides in New York City's East Village. Justin Townes Earle grew up in South Nashville, Tennessee with his mother, Carol Ann Hunter Earle. Earle began using drugs when he was barely 12 years old, developing a serious addiction by the late 90's. In his teens he began playing and singing with two different Nashville bands, a rock band called the Distributors and a bluegrass-influenced acoustic combo, the Swindlers. Earle spent some time as guitarist and keyboardist for his father's touring band the Dukes, but was fired after a dangerous appetite for drugs began interfering with his performances. Once he came off hard drugs, he began putting a new focus on his music and songwriting.

Earle presently tours heavily and played Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (2008), Grand Ole Opry (March 2008), Historical WSM, South By Southwest (2008-2010), the historic Beacon Theater (May 2009), Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion (September, 2009), Bonnaroo (2009) Bumbershoot (2010) and the Bowery Ballroom (March 2010) with Chicago-based singer/songwriter Joe Pug. In the summer of 2009, Earle co-billed The Big Surprise Tour with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Old Crow Medicine Show, and The Felice Brothers. In May 2010, he appeared alongside his father in an episode of the HBO television series Treme.

Earle returned to rehab after he was arrested for battery, public drunkenness, and resisting arrest on September 16, 2010 following a dispute with a concert venue about his pay. He resumed touring on Nov. 26th, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. In September 2009, Justin Townes Earle received an Americana Music Award for Emerging Artist of the Year. He also received nominations for album of the year (Midnight at the Movies) and for artist of the year. He had been previously nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year in 2008.

Source: Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@192kbps

Genre: Americana, folk, country and western

Set: Full set.

Set List:

01 Intro - tuning
02 Move Over Mama
03 They Killed John Henry
04 I Don't Care
05 Ain't Glad I'm Leaving
06 Song Intro
07 Mama's Eyes
08 Mama Said
09 One More Night in Brooklyn
10 Song Intro
11 Ain't Waitin'
12 Song Intro
13 Christchurch Woman
14 Wanderin'
15 Song Intro
16 Slippin' and Slidin'
17 My starter Won't Start
18 It Won't Be The Last Time (unreleased)
19 South Georgia Sugar Babe
20 Song Intro
21 Someday I'll Be Forgiven for This
22 Halfway to Jackson
23 Midnight at the Movies
24 You Always Look The Other Way (unreleased)
25 When You walk Out On Me
26 Learning To Cry
27 Intro to Harlem River Blues
28 Harlem River Blues
-- Encore:
29 Song Intro
30 So Different Blues
31 Can't Hardly Wait

Website: Official HERE.

Reloaded - 20/May/2015 - download link in comments.

Jerry Lee Lewis - London 1981

This is Jerry Lee Lewis and the Memphis Beat with special guest Carl Perkins recorded live at the Wembley Arena, London, on Friday 17th April 1981.

In the 1960s, Lewis's attempts at a comeback as a rock and roll performer had stalled during four years with Smash Records until he began recording country ballads. He had already recorded a country-oriented LP for the label Country Songs for City Folks. In 1968, his single "Another Place, Another Time" became a Top 10 success and led to a string of Top Ten singles including the 1968 number-one country single "To Make Love Sweeter For You" that brought Lewis renewed stardom among country music fans, much like that which ex-rockabilly Conway Twitty began to cultivate during that same time. His shift to country reflected the fact that he had grown up listening to the Grand Ole Opry. Jerry Lee Lewis's country hits during this period include "What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me)", "She Still Comes Around (To Love What's Left of Me)", "She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye", "Once More With Feeling", "There Must Be More to Love Than This", "Touching Home", "Would You Take Another Chance on Me", "Me & Bobby McGee", "Think About It, Darlin'", "Sometimes a Memory Ain't Enough", and "Tell Tale Signs". Lewis's singles and albums were issued on Mercury records instead of Smash from 1970 on.

Jerry Lee Lewis's renewed popularity encouraged Sun International Inc. to issue previously unpublished recordings dating from 1963 including "Invitation to Your Party", "One Minute Past Eternity", "I Can't Seem To Say Goodbye" and "Waiting For A Train" on singles that also did well on the country music charts in 1969/70. Lewis's successes continued throughout the decade and he eventually began to re-emphasize his rock and roll past with hits like his 1972 revival of The Big Bopper's rock classic "Chantilly Lace" and "Drinkin' Wine Spo dee-o dee" as well as looking at middle age with the 1977 "Middle Age Crazy". In 1979, he signed with Elektra Records and had his last major country hit with 1981's "Thirty-Nine and Holding." The song was featured in this concert recording along with a number of 'The Killers' classics.

Source: FM Radio broadcast.

Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@192kbps

Genre: Rock and roll, country, rockabilly.

Set: Full set.

Set List:

01. I Got a Women (band)
02. Ain't Livin Long Like This (band)
03. Keep My Motor Running 2:24
04. Middle Age Crazy 3:17
05. What I'd Say 4:37
06. Over The Rainbow 4:42
07. Folsom Prison Blues 4:55
08. High School Confidential 2:13
09. Thirty Nine and Holding 3:25
10. Great Ball Of Fire 1:44
11. Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On 5:01
12. Medley with Carl Perkins - Matchbox 4:23
13. Whole Lotta Shakin' 0:14 Blue Suede Shoes 1:50

Website: Official Jerry Lee Lewis HERE.

Download link in comments below.

Flying Burrito Brothers - High Lonesome Sound 1969.

This is The Flying Burrito Brothers performing live at the Seattle Pop Festival held at Woodenville, Washington on July 27th 1969 (tracks 1-15) and additional material from a gig in Wynona, Minnesota in May 1970 (tracks 16-21).

This bootleg was called "The High Lonesome Sound of The Flying Burrito Brothers" and was originally released on Gold Standard (Scorpio Records).

The history of the Flying Burrito Brothers is long and checkered. The definitive line-up began with two ex-Byrds, Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, and soon added a third, Michael Clarke. Both Gene Clark and David Crosby guested on recordings by the Burritos. Gene Parsons and Skip Battin would play with subsequent incarnations of the group. Indeed, the band went through a ridiculous number of iterations over the years, many of which had only the most tenuous of connections to the definitive Parsons-Hillman line-up. Ironically, even Gram Parsons had a fairly flimsy claim on the name when he took it over from a group of his former band mates in 1968.

As 1969 wore on, the Burritos came apart. Chris Ethridge left in the fall, so Hillman moved over to bass and Bernie Leadon, also late of Dillard & Clark, joined up on guitar. Parsons seemed less interested in working with his own band than on hanging out with the Rolling Stones, in town for several months to mix Let It Bleed (London, 1969). Hillman said of this period, "After that brief initial burst, Gram and I just couldn't seem to hook up again.. Burrito Deluxe [(A&M, 1970)] was written and recorded without any of the feeling or intensity of the first album, and it seemed that we were walking on different roads.

This bootleg captures the changes going on within the band during 1969/70 with Chris Etheridge being replaced by Bernie Leadon on bass by the time of the Wynona tracks,and the departure of Gram Parsons early in 1970. Chris Hillman, Michael Clarke and Sneaky Pete Kleinow perform on all the tracks.

Source: Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Good to very good mp3@320kbps

Genre: Country Rock.

Set: Full set Seattle (1-15), plus additional Wynona live tracks (16-21).

Set List:

1. Close Up The Honky Tonks 2:40
2. Dark End Of The Street 3:54
3. Sweet Mental Revenge 3:15
4. The Image Of Me 3:22
5. Christine's Tune 5:34
6. Sin City 4:09
7. Man In A Fog 2:47
8. Wake Up Little Susie 3:11
9. You Win Again 3:38
10. We've Got To Get Ourselves Together 3:44
11. She Thinks I Still Care 5:29
12. Sweet Dreams Baby 2:55
13. Lucille 2:37
14. Take A Message To Mary 3:07
15. Train Song 3:28
16. Lazy Day 4:03
17. 100 Years Ago 3:09
18. My Uncle 3:02
19. High Fashion Queen 2:12
20. Cody Cody 3:03
21. Wild Horses 6:21

Website: Biography - Allmusic.com.

Reloaded 24/May/2015 - download link in comments below..

The Rolling Stones - Leeds 1971

This is The Rolling Stones live at Leeds University, England back on the 13th March 1971. The concert was broadcast by the BBC and it is most likely missing a few songs from the full performance.

The concert was released as a bootleg under the title 'Get Your Leeds Lungs Out', and this version is from a CD released on The Swinging Pig boot label (TSP-CD-030) that surfaced in 1989.

Greg Prato from the All Music Guide had this to say about the remastered version of this recording - Get Your Leeds Lungs Out! is from the U.K. leg of the Sticky Fingers tour back in 1971. The Stones are inspired throughout, so the whole show is one big highlight, starting with the smooth country of "Dead Flowers." Also included is a fiercely swinging take of the Jagger-attitude testimony, "Bitch," a slower and more spacious "Satisfaction," and a version of "Brown Sugar" that is no less sleazy and lustful than the original. Keith Richards and Mick Taylor show why many Stones enthusiasts considered this lineup their best, as the duo spin and weave their guitar lines together and trade off solos with each other throughout the show.

Also included are sidemen Bobby Keys (saxophone), Jim Price (trumpet), and Nicky Hopkins (piano), who help augment the compositions. "Let It Rock" is a forgotten Stones cover of a Chuck Berry song (it was only issued as a B-side to "Brown Sugar" and has never been included on any of their compilations) that turns out to be a good old rowdy rave-up. The problem with Get Your Leeds Lungs Out! is that it contains a total of six songs that were issued (in quite similar versions) on the official live album Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out just two years prior.

If the overly produced and studio-enhanced Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out leaves you feeling a bit cold, hunt down a copy of the rough and rocking Get Your Leeds Lungs Out! - Revisited to cure your blues. 

Source: FM Radio Broadcast

Sound Quality: Very good mp3@320kbps

Genre: Rock, rock and roll, blues rock, rhythm and blues, blues.

Set: Broadcast part of set.

Set List:

1) Dead Flowers
2) Stray Cat Blues
3) Love In Vain
4) Midnight Rambler
5) Bitch
6) Introduction
7) Honky Tonk Women
8) Satisfaction
9) Little Queenie
10) Brown Sugar
11) Street Fighting Man
12) Let it Rock

Website: Official HERE.

2011Candy - April Edition One

Background: We received this from Bedroom Community recently - We’re super excited to finally be able to shed some light and sound on our newest signing, Puzzle Muteson. Puzzle is the alter ego of an enigmatic songwriter from the Isle of Wight, rendering his music in a tremulous tenor over a finely spun web of finger picked guitar.

After obsessively listening to his raw tapes, Valgeir Sigurðsson and Nico Muhly nurtured the songs that now inhabit his debut recording, titled En Garde. The album will be released in Europe on June 6th 2011 and rest of world on June 7th!

We know you’re anxious to hear what this mysterious man sounds like, and so have decided to give you a sneak peak in the form of his first single, "En Garde"!

2011Candy Says: This is one album we shall be looking out for in June, gentle acoustic guitar and stunning vocals ride above some background strings, what a great teaser of things to come.
Listen: En Garde. Web: Facebook.
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Background: Gauntlet Hair is a relatively unknown pair of dudes who are named Andy and Craig, from the small-ish (23,000 population) Colorado town of Lafayette. The pair garnered a fair amount of attention after being part of the Rhinoceropolis-curated block of Denver-based bands that played at the post-SXSW Mexican extravaganza MtyMx.

The band’s track “I Was Thinking…” is a pretty insatiable guitar stomp that throws some R&B and soul into the lo-fi revival pot, mixing heavily-reverbed guitars with a simple, but undeniably booty-shaking beat. Add in some Animal Collective-style vocal melodies and you’ve got something pretty fantastic.

Tour Dates

06-02 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater *
06-04 Iowa City, IA - The Mill *
06-05 Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall *
06-06 Chicago, IL - Metro *
06-07 Cleveland Heights, OH - Grog Shop *
06-09 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom *
06-10 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg *
06-11 Philadelphia, PA - Theater of Living Arts *
06-12 Washington, DC - 930 Club *
06-14 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club *
06-15 Montreal, Quebec - Le Tulipe *
06-16 Toronto at Phoenix Concert Theatre *

* Supporting The Dodo's

2011Candy Says: Guitar stomp it most definitely is, with atmospheric vocals and layers of sound, the energy just sets the whole thing off.
Listen: I Was Thinking. Web: MySpace.
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Background: Led by Sam Sundos, The Sundelles combine the west coast vibes of their California roots with the loneliness of the East Coast which the band now calls home.  Sundos formed The Sundelles, the name a nod to Phil Spector girl groups, in garages all over southern California.

In 2008, Sundos moved to New York.  Calling on friends, Davey Sarantos and Trevor McLoughlin to follow, The Sundelles finally had a set line up and spent the following year polishing their live act while playing every show New York had to offer.  The Sundelles never lost focus on melody, hooks, or the art of pop songwriting and began self recording demos in 2009 and self released their “Dead Youth” 7” in early 2010.

The Sundelles wrote and recorded the songs on their debut album, Georgia Swan, in early 2010.  They entered into Studio G and invited Tony Maimone, of Pere Ubu fame, to take on production of their first record.  The songs on Georgia Swan became lush, spacious, and polished; a sound that Sundos had been chasing since the founding of the band.  Georgia Swan runs just over thirty minutes with ten songs; a hallmark of growth and a tribute to the Sundelles roots.

The Sundelles have been writing songs for themselves since the beginning but always with the intention of attracting those who appreciate the purity of pop music. Matty McLoughlin from the Soft Pack plays lead guitar on "Can't Win" as well as few other tracks on the album.

2011Candy Says: Uplifting indie pop and rock that has a hint of summer about it.
Listen: Can't Win. Web: MySpace.
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Background: The multi-talented, multifaceted Kenny Love admits that he enjoys composing, recording and producing equally because each contains its own unique and separate element and experience. His choice of music for his own listening pleasure is jazz, and he describes his personal genre as Jazz/World Hybrid, stating “My sound was developed after I discovered the amazing 'coloring' that can be affected and executed via inverted 7th, 9th, and 11th chords within a musical composition.”

Jazz/World recording artist Kenny Love has worn many hats in the musical arena -- international radio/video promoter, media publicist, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist. His foray into the world of music began at the tender age of four when, as he recalls, “A miniature trumpet was casually removed from my grasp (and lips) during preparation for a March of Dimes parade as a result of my having failed to cause it to transmit sound, although I was huffing and puffing quite professionally.” This would later become the first instrument for which he received formal training and ultimately mastered.

A native of Texas, Kenny received musical training from 1970-1976 while in elementary, junior high, and high school, eventually adding the bass guitar, strings, piano, and an extensive study of music composition to his repertoire. He also spent two years at Prairie View A&M University in Texas as a Music Education Major. At the completion of his sophomore year, he joined and spent four years in the Army, after which time he became an independent recording artist.

Kenny performed with several bands in Texas and Germany over the years, including The Lights of Soul (1976), Instant Function (1976-1978), Just Us & Duane (1982), High Rise (1984-1985), Nightwynd (1987), and The Wall of Jazz (2009). Kenny has released several independent single recordings that received both international radio airplay and print media coverage.

2011Candy Says: This is just so cool. Kenny takes music in a number of jazz orientated directions, this is just one example of his talents and a very fine one at that.
Listen: KuPaa. Web: Official.
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Background: Armand Margjeka was born in Tropoja, an Albanian town at the foot of the Alps. “Tropoja was one of the most isolated villages in an isolated country,” Margjeka says. The communist regime he grew up with was oppressive, but somehow a mix tape of American rock’n’roll found its way into Margjeka’s hands. “Maybe my sister brought it back from University, I don’t remember, but hearing Elvis, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard changed my life.”

That tape sent Margjeka on a journey of discovery. He eventually moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where he's spent time writing, performing and producing.  After a 2 year period with the alt country outfit Buffalo Black, Margjeka steps out with Margo Margo, his first solo album.  A few months in the making, the album includes bedroom recordings and performances cut in Nashville with seasoned session players.

2011Candy Says: This gentle flowing song is both soothing, melodic and develops as it goes. It builds in a manner that makes us want to go back to the beginning and listen all over again (and again).
Listen: Alive. Web: Official.
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Background - and we quote... Although it has taken longer than I expected, I love how this album came together - in bits and pieces. These songs were recorded by Secondstar all over the place - in my bathroom, in noisy bars, in friends' closets - some in Brooklyn, some in California - and somehow it sounds like we're all right there.

For example, 'Ships At Sea' has a simple piano part that was recorded at my local bar. A friend let me drop by in the afternoon one day, and i setup a mic right by the piano. The ice machine and a/c are crunching away in the background somewhere. And the female harmony is my friend Erica singing in my bathroom. Vive le DIY!

Other songs have a similar story, of pieces cobbled together over time. The songs themselves echo themes of love and loss but what was especially unexpected in creating this album was the harmony that comes from working with great friends. I really want to thank Aaron and Max for keeping the faith, and for making it all come together. 'Feets' is the latest release from Secondstar, a Brooklyn-based folk-pop band. The album was recorded in Brooklyn and California.

2011Candy Says: We featured Secondstar a good year or so ago and this latest offering is extremely pleasing. A nice story above on how the album developed and whats more important is how it sounds, which is really good as far as Beehive Candy are concerned.
Listen: Crooked As Crows. Web: Bandcamp.
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Background: Ellen Once Again is a singer/songwriter and musician from Texas. Her blend of soul, folk and pop vocals blend effortlessly to make a sound that is vintage without sounding dated.

Known for her soulful heartfelt singing, positive lyrics, beautiful personality and infectious smile Ellen is inspired by Ingrid Michaelson, Lauryn Hill, Sara Bareilles, Adele, Corinne Bailey Rae & Stevie Wonder but maintains her own "quirky" musical identity.

Though she has been a musician since the age of 12—playing in church and the occasional gigs—Ellen has finally decided to pursue a career in music. “It describes who I am,” she says describing the meaning behind her stage name. “I feel like I’ve been doing other stuff but I’ve always come back to music because this is really what I want to do.” True to her word, Ellen spends the majority of her time writing, recording and teaching music to children.

Currently in the process of recording her as yet untitled debut EP, Ellen has received critical acclaim for the few songs she has leaked online. The fun but socially aware “Plastic Land” (Save Me) and “Spreading the Love”—the latter of which she will be shooting a video for—are just two examples of what Ellen has in store.

Ironically, Ellen’s fan base has grown exponentially thanks to tech bloggers. Her husband, full time supporter and part time producer Andre, introduced Ellen to the iPad in an attempt to convince her that his gadget addiction was actually useful. Over the Christmas break the couple used a few iPad apps (Pianist Pro, Nano Studio and Bebot) and an iPhone 4 to shoot and edit her first video. The experiment quickly went viral, garnering over 20,000 views on YouTube. The video featuring Ellen singing covers of “Hey Soul Sister” / “New Soul” was picked up by a number of blogs and lauded as an innovative use of the technology.

Ellen plans on continuing to embrace her new found blog fame by making more videos. However, traditional music is still her first love. Armed with songwriting ability, a serious passion for music and a dream, Ellen Once Again is a name fans will soon be repeating again and again.

2011Candy Says: I love this song which reminds me of a fairground ride and smiling faces (to be specific!). We might be chasing rainbows ourselves soon if it makes you feel this good.
Listen: Chasing Rainbows. Web: Official.
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Background: From the ever wonderful Paper Garden Records 'Lovely Hearts Club' we once again quote - We first heard about Seattle's Tea Cozies from Mighty Tiger and became instant fans!  So much so that we invited them to play our Lovely Hearts Club SXSW Day Party at Uncorked!

We all had so much fun that we felt compelled to give those of you who missed out, an internet introduction to these female-fronted garage rockers.  The video for their new track, "Dead Man's Sister" features dancing aliens, ray guns, disco balls, and some serious video production. Tea Cozies will be releasing a two song single on the 16th April 2011 for Record Store Day!

2011Candy says: OK so we are suckers for female fronted garage rock bands, just send us a photo and we will love you. Turns out the music is superb so double delight on our part.
Listen: Dead Mans Sister. Web: Official. Video HERE.
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Background: The Glass Canoe was formed in spring of 2009, spending a little over two years writing and molding demos which would eventually become their debut album, Chimera. Chimera was mostly recorded at home in North County, San Diego, CA.

Being labeled as “Psychedelic Pop”, The Glass Canoe focuses heavily on melody and atmosphere. They are influenced by all types of genres and styles, and are always trying new ways to experiment with their music. The band is continually writing and recording ideas for new albums and live shows.

2011Candy Says: This has a really good mix of synth and guitar tracked music with some fine vocal harmonies building over the music, another band that confirm it pays to experiment with different styles.
Listen: First Ideas. Web: Bandcamp.
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Background: He’s quite dry, and quite sardonic. Perhaps even a little tough to know; not because he’s closed, but just understated. Singer/Songwriter Danny Django is one of those genuinely humble, genuinely interesting guys with guitars who has something worthwhile to say, and is taking the time to say it. With a gritty Americana Blues Rock sound placing him in league with Cat Stevens, Neil Young, and Tom Petty, Danny Django is the voice of a generation ago set in modern times. Basically, Woody Guthrie with a band and digital audio gear. The message of these greats is imbued in Django’s work as well, with the quest for peace, love, and the common good setting the course for his songs and stories.

It’s not surprising, and very likely not coincidence, that the name Django is derived from the European Gypsy vernacular meaning “I awake.” Django’s bent in songwriting is towards songs that explore how to live life rather than merely endure it, while expressing a benevolent concern for humanity. “It may sound like corny hippiedom, I know, but beyond the darkness of our condition nipping at us most of the time it seems so positive to think about us all getting along, solving our problems onstructively, listening to each other and being quick to forgive.” This outlook permeated his music from the start, along with that fierce self-reliance of the American man.

Just prior to the beginning of his recording career however, his body and the world around it chose to press its limits upon him in a most terrifying and malicious way. Django spent 2003 fighting Thyroid Cancer; fighting, and beating it, and has been in full remission for 8 years with no relapse. While his person is not defined by cancer, the impact it had on him is undeniable. “It changed my priorities. I was beginning to wake up and focus on what will last before my diagnosis, but fighting and beating cancer definitely fast-tracked it. It galvanized my need to make music, and to use it to pursue peace and understanding in the world.” From his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Django began single-handedly performing all duties on his albums Soul Traces (2003), Cosmic Wheel (2005), and Touch the Sky (2007), including songwriting, performing all instruments and vocals, engineering, and even propelling the single “Jennifer” from Cosmic Wheel to become a high-selling track on iTunes.

Now almost 10 years into his career as a songwriter and recording artist, Django has created Child Indigo, his fourth full-length studio album. Some things have remained the same, like signature songs riddled with signature hooks, his signature jangle guitar-based sound, and his signature philosophy on life and death. “Dealing with life and death are usually sub-plots in my music,” he states plainly, and the songs of Child Indigo plainly reflect. Some things have changed, however. Most notable among them are the inclusion of fellow musicians for the first time on any of his albums. Adding to Django’s performances on Vocals, Guitar, Bass, and Harmonica are Sophia Tucker on Vocals and Keyboards and Alexandre Lira on Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, and Vocals.

Fittingly, Child Indigo explores and celebrates the unique ability to change and heal the struggles of life that is held by those who have been pressed up against death. Django’s dry insight and frank optimism are laid out in “Eternally,” “What Life’s About,” “I Blame You,” and “A Survivor.” Making this record met both emotional and creative needs for Django. “I had a real need to make this record. After years of success as a songwriter and producer confined by the needs of the market, I needed the freedom to be creative and make the music I needed to make.” And that’s just what he did.

2011Candy Says: If you have read the background bio above you will have an idea of what you are in for from. Danny has his comparisons however there is clearly enough of the individual within the music and some great songs to check out.
Listen: I Blame You. Web: Official.
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Background: White Belt Yellow Tag are essentially the creation of Justin Lockey (ex Yourcodenameis:Milo) and Craig Pilbin, who formed in 2008. Lockey had built up a reputation as one of the UK’s leading new band producers having worked with White Lies and Late Of The Pier. With unashamedly big, anthemic, booming pop personality, their sound has been met with critic-slaying acclaim. It’s two guys who like massive sounding music. And they aren’t alone.

 Self produced and mixed by Chris Potter (The Verve, Blur), further endorsing their audible caliber. Craig’s soaring vocals have already earned comparisons to Mark Hollis from Talk Talk and Ian McCulloch. The addition of Tom Bellamy (a multi-instrumentalist formerly of The Cooper Temple Clause) as a full-time member on drums has furthered the bands expansive sound.

While their debut album 'Methods' saw it's release in the UK in summer 2010, on May 10,  White Belt Yellow Tag are releasing their US debut EP, "You’re Not Invincible" through MB3 Records. The four-track EP features the tracks You’re Not Invincible, Remains, Pictures All The Same and You’re Not Invincible (Losers Remix).

What started the uk frenzy with WBYT is “You’re Not Invincible” a tune that Zane Lowe discovered on the bands myspace and started playing the demo version on his Radio 1 Show. Once  "You’re Not Invincible" EP was released Zane gave it the accolade "hottest track in the world"after it had won 'Fresh Meat'.

2011Candy Says: The band sound powerful and the music would be comfortably at home performed live in a stadium. Rock without pretense, sometimes that's enough!
Listen: Remains. Web: Official.
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Background: Some partnerships just work, even if it takes time. Eight years in the making, the debut album by Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat is a special thing, full of gorgeous, jazz-inflected love songs fleshed out with a mixture of spoken word pieces and vocals delivered in Aidan's distinctive rhotic singing voice.

Wells is the Scottish multi-instrumentalist, composer, leader of the Bill Wells Octet and collaborator with The Pastels, Isobel Campbell, Future Pilot AKA and many more. Moffat is a man of many projects, whether his solo material released under his full name Aidan John Moffat, his band Aidan Moffat & the Best-Ofs or, in a former life, his experimental work as L Pierre, Lucky Pierre and his long history as one half of iconic Scots duo Arab Strap.

The pair first met back in Moffat’s Arab Strap days in – predictably – a pub, when Aidan and bandmate Malcolm Middleton invited Bill to play piano on their “Monday At The Hug & Pint” album. “I wasn't sure what they thought of my music but I had been a fan of Arab Strap from the first time I heard them, and I’d been especially endeared since the day they were called ‘a disgrace to Falkirk' by the Provost at the time,” says Bill.

It’s then that the duo first started work on “Everything’s Getting Older”, recording first single, (If You) Keep Me In Your Heart, in 2003. Having resolved to make an album, it was to be a long time in the making. “I didn’t want to rush it at all,” says Aidan. “I have a great love and respect for Bill’s music, so it was important to me that I try my absolute best, and that takes time.”

The songs they came up with over that considerable period of time began taking on a theme: aging, and within it freedom, fatherhood and responsibility. “I don’t really live [a hedonistic] kind of lifestyle anymore,” says Aidan, formerly acquainted with the kind of wild times described in Arab Strap’s debut ‘The First Big Weekend’. “I still go out as much as a dad can, but I’m not really interested in writing about that kind of thing now. My mid-life crisis is due in a decade or so, so maybe I’ll get a second wind then.”

Written by bouncing files back and forth, with some ideas fleshed out at the East Kilbride Arts Centre, the album was recorded at Chem 19 in Blantyre and Ca Va in Glasgow. “The process was practically identical to how I worked with Malcolm in Arab Strap, although there was no fighting,” says Aidan. “If Bill and I disagreed on something, we had a discussion, whereas as Malcolm and I usually had a shouting match and then went in the huff for an hour.”

The pairing was marked with a special Valentine’s Day show at London’s Bush Hall, where Aidan also appeared as Aidan John Moffat and Aidan Moffat & The Best Ofs. “There’s a certain degree of irony here – I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day at all, it really is a lot of pish,” says Aidan, “…but I do believe in love.”

2011Candy Says: This is just incredible. Storytelling with a rawness. It's like being engrossed in a good book, oh just check it out!
Listen: Cages. Web: Chemical Underground.
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