Song of the day – 75: Edward Guglielmino
I’m declaring a prior interest here. The fact remains, however, that this is a nice cover of a Thin Kids song by one of the Thin Kids that isn’t me. Ed is a fascinating character: vulnerable and against-the-grain and possessed of an inner belief that has nothing to do with peers. His mother really ought […]
Song of the day – 74: Echoes In Rows
This song is by Adam Leonard. Actually, this song is by Adam Leonard as one-half of Echoes In Rows. (The other half is one David Ansara, playing some fine analogue synths.) Adam doesn’t normally remotely sound like this. I once wrote of Adam Leonard (solo) that he’d made a “Charming, ramshackle album that whirls and […]
Song of the day – 73: Broken Spells
Another group who’ve contacted me because of the Lust-Cats post. Shit, I ain’t complaining. There’s always room on top for one more nasty, stripped-bare garage band versed in the lessons of the blues wailers and a love for reverb. Two or three decades back, you’d know that these Provo dudes’ main source would be Monks […]
Song of the day – 72: Robin Walker
I know I’ve been slack keeping up this blog the past couple of days. Blame it on the aftermath of my PhD confirmation seminar. I didn’t go out and get drunk, far from it: just felt immensely tired. This Colarado lady contacted me after reading my Lust-Cats Of The Gutter recommendation. Glad that she did. […]
Song of the day – 71: The Gin Club
Nice single. Very nice single, in fact. I was listening to a recording of (band-leader by default) Ben Salter, playing solo at Ric’s Bar a few weeks ago, and was once again struck by what an extraordinary, evocative drawl he has. He’s not singing on this – the first track released from The Gin Club’s […]
Song of the day – 70: The Style Council
I’ve lost my well-documented antipathy towards Paul Weller now. (“If it was any other line of business I’d punch the cunt out,” Paul Weller on Everett True.) Now I’m just grateful he recorded so many awesome, incredible songs that helped – for better or worse – shape my late teens and early 20s. I bow […]
Song of the day – 69: Aaron Neville vs Nina Simone
Quite sublime. The song that gives the lie to the notion that all my favourite singers are female. Just listen. Although, my absolute favourite singer is female! Goddamn beautiful proud Nina. She died on my birthday.
Song of the day – 68: The Velvet Underground and Nico
For decades now, I’ve steered clear of admitting to a love for either The Velvet Underground or Nico, but damn it. This is the first time I’ve seen this footage. And yes, I used to be fascinated by Nico – a couple of the shows she performed towards the end of her life were among […]
Song of the day – 67: The Stress Of Leisure
Can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s The Apartments, or someone. Sneaky Feelings. Something about the waver in the voice, and the soft burr of guitar. Well I mean, duh The Go-Betweens circa ‘Cattle And Cane’. Sorry to go all comparative on your ass. I really don’t like the video I’m linking to you […]
Song of the day – 66: 13th Floor Elevators
This is here, because I was sent a promo of the new Roky Erickson album – his first studio album in 13 years, recorded with pseudo lo-fi stadium rockers Okkervil River. (Did I just imagine that number?) Folk always think I must know and love Mr Erickson much more than I do. I think the […]
