Album of the Week: Meanderthals 'Desire Lines'

A couple of years ago we had Studio. We then had A Mountain Of One. And now we have Meanderthals. They all have in common the fact that they produce a very particular sound that is difficult to label. I believe it won't take long before somebody comes up with a brilliant idea to tag this mix of Progressive, 70s West-Coast, Dub, Kraurock, Electronica, Balearic and Psychedelia kind of music. Never mind the label, the soothing effect it creates when you listen to it is just amazing. I am not talking about Cafe Whatever or Buddha Lift music. What London's Idjut Boys and Oslo's Rune Lindbaek came up with is the ideal dreamscape. Record of the week, of the month of the year of course! Unfortunately there is only one track to listen to on MySpace so you will have to google elsewhere if you want a preview. But it is pretty safe to just head to Piccadilly Records and purchase their album on CD or on Vinyl.

Record of the Week: Little Birdy 'Confetti'

There are so many good records to chose from every week that it is difficult to pick a highlight. But every once in a while comes something pretty much different that grabs your ears and that you know is very special. Actually, this weekend I saw this compilation in a record store called: '(There must be) Something in the Water'. It is the Swan river we are talking about since Perth has been pretty much on the music map lately. All this to introduce Little Birdy's thrid and new album. Kathy Steele's voice is very unique. It probably is a love or hate thing. In my case, obviously, I fell in love with her voice on the strength of the single track 'Brother'. Watch the video here and buy the album through the usual suspects. More info and previews on MySpace.

Record of the Week: Mendes & Alçada 'Coaster'

That is nice and slow… Portugal is on the map again with this lovely piece of vinyl out on the flawless Claremont 56. I absolutely love whatever comes out on this label. And when it is on a Smith & Mudd, Balearic spirit and from Portugal it just can’t disappoint. Please pay attention and do not miss this beauty from Mendes & Alçada as you may regret it! On the 12” front, also worth a mention are the Burial and Four Tet essential collaboration on a very limited black label pressing and Featurecast take on Aretha Franklin’s One Step classic could also have easily been my record of the week.

Record of the Week: Seth Sentry 'The Waiter Minute EP'

Seth Sentry seems like a friendly fella! He is from Melbourne and I discovered him through Triple J unearthed. His self produced EP ‘The Waiter Minute EP’ is perfect Aussie MC Songwriter Hip Hop Pop! Yes! Somewhere in between Mike Skinner’s The Streets and what Everlast should have been if he had not turned has-been! Slices of life that are very easy to imagine . The first pressing has now sold out but Seth promises a second batch to be ready by the end of May so you can already place your orders through his MySpace page. Other contenders for the record of the week come with the amazing BBC rendition of Kings Of Leon’s ‘Use Somebody’ by Bat For Lashes, Smith & Mudd ‘Le Suivant’ new album and the latest Speck Mountain ‘Some Sweet Relief’

Record of the Week: Old Jerusalem 'Two Birds Blessing'

I still remember the first time I heard Iron & Wine. It gave me such a peaceful and happy feeling. The music was delicate and lovingly crafted. Sam Beam’s singing was so charming and sweet without being twee… All this to say that I had a similar feeling when I heard for the first time the previous Old Jerusalem album while I was in Portugal a couple of years ago. Therefore, I was very curious when I saw there was a new release this year. And it did not disappoint. It even greatly surpasses this Portuguese folk songwriter’s previous effort to become one of my favourite albums of the year so far. Go and visit its MySpace to hear some tracks as usual.

While I am talking about Iron & Wine, it is worth mentioning that Sub Pop issued a lovely live CD in the States last Saturday 'Norfolk 06-20-05' for the Record Store Day (hence only officially available in stores, in the US, on that day but surely available through eBay at silly prices) and a new double album will be out on the 19th of May (‘Around the Well’).

Record of the Week: Cymbals Eat Guitars ‘Why There Are Mountains’

It is all in the title. Cymbals Eat Guitars certainly are the reason why there are mountains. It all makes sense now! A melodic chaos of sound. They are the band everyone is talking about. And you can’t read a blog review not comparing them to Pavement. Come on. Leave Pavement out of this. Cymbals Eat Guitars have their own particular sound but one thing is for sure is that they had to come from New York. Only New York bands know how to deliver melodies so easily but with an impression of slackness, wackness and nonchalance! If you can’t find their album anywhere on the internet – and even if you can – I still recommend you purchase it through Piccadilly Records or any other good music specialist who know their music.
Other contenders for the record of week title were the new The Juan McLean album ('The Future Will Come') on DFA and last week’s issue of the BBC concert of Elbow’s album ('Seldom Seen Kid Live At Abbey Road') that I only could listen to yesterday for the first time.

Record of the Week: Bob Evans 'Goodnight, Bull Creek!’

It might have been recorded in Nashville with producer Brad Jones but Bob Evans latest album is pure Australiana. A kind of Australian poppier version of Damon Gough (Badly Drawn Boy) if you ask me. The first single to be lifted out of his new and third album is ‘Someone So Much’ and features such a ridiculously catchy chorus that once you have heard it one time, it just sticks in your head for hours and days and weeks. The same is also true for some other album tracks like ‘Pasha Bulker’. Highly recommended Asutralian singer songwriter pop material.

Listen to some tracks on MySpace as usual, visit his website and if you cannot get your hands on his CD in your country, download it through iTunes or order it through JB Hi-Fi.

Record of the Week: Felice Brothers 'Yonder is the Clock'

Even though I definitely dislike the way the USA saturate the world with their manufactured mass produced bland and tasteless music there are always a few bands and artists escaping the mould. They represent the real America and they deserve much more exposure. Take Calexico, American Music Club or David Bazan. The Felice Brothers can also be added to this list. They are composed of three brothers Ian, Simone and James Felice, their friend Christmas, previously a traveling dice player, and, most recently, Farley, a washboard player and fiddler. Their new album is out soon and you should definitely check their MySpace page to listen to some tracks or their website for info and updates.

Record of the Week: Sore Eros ‘Second Chants’

Another contender for the title of Record of Year. 2009 is promising to be a nice year for music after a rather dull 2008. After Telepathe and The Phantom Band, this week brings the debut album from Sore Eros from ‘a field’ somewhere in Connecticut. This record is a bit hazy but very lush and grows and grows on you after each listening session. Robert Robinson, the main player in this project has previously been working with Ariel Pink and Gary War in a musical spectrum that was ignored until the issue of the new Animal Collective album that everyone is raving about this year. The sound is somewhere up there in between the latter, Panda Bear (a childhood friend), Mount Eerie or Woods. It is out on the current label to watch shdwply and is dead limited to 500 vinyl copies as any of their releases. Grab a copy while you can at the ever wonderful Piccadilly Records and listen to some snippets and watch some videos at their MySpace page. And for once you can download the digital version here since I understand that shdwply believe sharing downloads can bring people to purchase the physical format. The future of music is now so spread the word and purchase the vinyl!

Record of the Week: An Horse 'Rearrange Beds'

Is it a coincidence that when my record of the week is not from Manchester it usually is from somewhere in Australia? I discovered this band from Brisbane on Triple J that’s for sure and I suppose it was on Home & Hosed but I do not exactly recall that fact. It was sometimes late last year with the amazing track Postcards that definitely deserves to be a hit – and that unfortunately might remain obscure like many quality tracks unless their current US tour sees them hit the jackpot which is yet another possibility. They just had to cancel two of their dates since they were invited to perform on the Late Show with David Letterman a couple of days ago!!! I really liked their story of having worked together in a tiny indie Brissie record store that gradually saw its opening hours getting shorter while the vendors (Kate & Damon) were actually spending more and more time practising and trying to perfect their sound. Let’s wish them all the best and please buy their record. You might find it difficult to lay your hands on a physical release (you can try Valve Records) but for once I will encourage you to grab a copy through iTunes where it is easily ‘downloadable’ (I got mine through the French Store).

And check their website for more or the usual MySpace to listen to some tracks or anywhere else on the WorldWideWeb to understand the reason behind the strange name.

Sound Relief

The show has been going on for nearly 10 hours now at both Sydney and Melbourne Cricket Ground. It is relayed on TV through Max and on the radio through Triple J. I have not been watching it all day but I saw a good part of it and heard another on the radio while driving. Sound Relief has been put together as a support for the terrible bushfires that took place a few weeks ago in Victoria. It features many great Australian performers. I am not particularly fond of some of them but I have to admit they have nothing to envy from their Brit or American counterparts. The local scene has produced (half the acts playing today are from the 80s) and continues to produce a good array of talents. I particularly enjoyed Split Enz, Josh Pyke, Kings of Leon and Augie March. I am now waiting for Liam Finn which will probably be one of the highlights of the day; the other two highlights have been the Coldplay / John Farnham duo and most importantly the ever amazing Little Birdy. And as any Australian main event we had some nice didgeridoo moments.

Record of the Week: Single Cell Collective 'Six Rivers'

It cannot come any better than this. It is from Manchester, it is eclectic, it is free, it is new and it is fresh! I am talking about Manchester's new label Single Cell. As best described on their website Single Cell is a collective of musicians and artists based in Manchester, UK. They make music, play gigs and take part in larger projects... Imagine, the Durutti Column mixed by some brilliant minds out of Various Production out on a Freestyle and Twisted Nerve joint venture and you get this amazing record full of experimentations and showing the way forward. I particularly like the compositions from Caulbearers, Broken Bow and Invertor. What else? The CD is lovingly packaged and the cover is perfectly designed. It is limited to 200 copies and is available for 8GBP only through their website. I could only recommend you press the 'order' button before they disappear and if you can't wait for your shipment to arrive you can download the whole CD for free. If you've gone all digital you can still make a donation on their website while you legally grab your free copy.

Record of the Week: The Temper Trap ‘Sweet Disposition’

Is it because I am Down Under or are Australian bands the flavour of the moment all around the world? Cut Copy, Empire Of The Sun, Little Birdy, The Presets, The Crayon Fields... Anyway, my record of the week goes to that Indie-pop band from Melbourne who is soon to release its first album proper. This first track has been out for over a couple of months now and comes in the form of a nice 12” with some interesting remixes. You can still even order a signed copy through JB Hi-Fi here in Australia. What about the sound? Well, it can be an easy analogy at a time when U2 have just revealed their new album but if you have the choice you should definitely invest in a good up and coming band rather than in a soulless old and tired band. Just watch the video here to be convinced.

Single(s) of the Week: Port O'Brien 'Winter' / The Low Anthem 'Charlie Darwin'

No nonsense Americana is my choice of the week. Two great slabs of vinyl. Both lovingly packaged, made with love, far from the impersonal digital releases (well, 2009 oblige they are also available for download) and both with a very particular theme.

The former, Port O’Brien, that I have been following since day one, have decided to issue a 7” for each season of this year. So logically, here comes the first instalment subtitled winter but the actual A-Side is a rework of ‘The Whiskey Song’ while the beauty of this record is hidden on the B-side, new track ‘Is This Really What Its Come To?’.

The latter have already issued two albums over the past two years but this year might finally see the public ripe for their beauty and success. Pure Americana in the vein of Bon Iver. The theme of this very single is their own celebration to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin whom incidentally I have also started to develop a fascination for lately. Please buy them on vinyl. The 500 Ltd. edition Port O’Brien single is available through their website or Piccadilly Records and the Low Anthem here.

Record of the Week: Doves 'Jetstream'

Of course, the Doves are one of my favourite bands ever so it is difficult for me to remain objective. I was so excited when I was directed to their website for a free download of one of the tracks from their forthcoming new album ‘Kingdom of Rust’ that is out on the 6th of April. The track that is currently being offered through their website (here) - be quick - is the opening title of the new album and as best described in their own words “being fans of the Vangelis film score, 'Blade Runner', (they) always wanted to write an imaginary song for the closing credits on Ridley Scott's classic... It's called Jetstream”. The best is always coming from Manchester!

Record of the Week: Food of the Gods "Boys From Brazil" / House of House "Rushing To Paradise"

Each time you have some new WhateverWeWant releases it creates a wave all around the World Wide Web. It would be easy to say that it is all hype but the fact is that these 12" always deliver something unique and very special indeed. Now, I am not sure why they are so difficult to hunt down and so expensive whenever you see them. The Food of the Gods one is probably the most awaited since it is a kind of supergroup for people "in the know" but the deep house sound of House of House is not half bad neither. I have to admit that I have been quite lucky so far for being able to lay my hands on new and past releases from that label and do not regret any of these purchases.

L'Homme a La Tete de Chou

Just a quick one before I go and take my plane to Singapore. Yesterday we went to see the Gainsbourg exhibition at Cité De La Musique (in La Villette). Quite an enjoyable way to waste a couple of hours browsing around the various photos and videos on display and a lot of reading material. It surely is not easy to organise an exhibition on musicians or film Directors. The most amazing I was given to see so far was the Almodóvar exhibition at Musée du Cinéma. I found this Gainsbourg exhibition to be lacking something on the extravagance, independence, exuberance of the character but it still made for an informative visit. I was particularly moved to see the famous original sculpture of l'homme a la tete de chou.

Record of the Week: Telepathe 'Dance Mother'

My Record of 2008 was from TV On The Radio so there is no surprise that I can make this amazing new album from Telepathe my Record of the Week. The connection becomes very evident on tracks like ‘In Your Line’. It also has to be noted that Telepathe’s first album is actually produced by Dave Sitek, TVOTR’s mastermind. Second week in a row with an album that is impossible to classify. It is as if the music creativity is finally moving forward after years of cut / copy / paste. Piccadilly records use the words ‘Prog-Stepping’, ‘indie-meets-Afro-house groove with West End style NYC disco’ and ‘avant / electro-pop sound that combines spliced electronic beats, lush sound textures and sweet female vocals’. Erm… Listen to them in order to make your own opinion and I am sure someone will soon come up with a term to define this futuristic and fantastic new music. New York strikes again!

Visit and listen to Telepathe at MySpace

"2 turntables and a microphone!"

I am not so often in France but one of my biggest pleasures is to go back to my record collection and to my turntables. I have collected records for as long as I can remember. In the mid-80s, at the age of 15 I was having my own radio show on the local radio station and continued until my early 20s. I even continued my radio show when I went to Portugal to study. Speaking French over the Portuguese airwaves. But they obviously liked it since my show was reviewed every week in the National newspaper. I have also Deejayed in a few clubs and friends parties. I then had to keep my collection for myself as my job took me around the world and I could no longer commit to any regular show. Lately, I have been thinking about starting “radio-ing” again thanks to the help of the internet technologies. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a reality quicker than expected…

Record of the Week: The Phantom Band 'Checkmate Savage'

Album of the Year alert! A few weeks into the New Year and all the critics already prove justified for what could be one the records of 2009. The Phantom Band is an excellent Scottish group that digested a huge array of influences. Very difficult to pin down or categorise. Just let me drop a few names they have been compared to so far and you will understand what I mean if you have not yet heard them: Beta Band, Neu, Bonnie Prince Billy, Nick Cave, Captain Beefheart, Super Furry Animals, … Can you see any link in between all those? Quality. The record is out today on Chemikal Underground. If you’re not yet convinced, go and visit their page on MySpace.