Not Forgotten: Aimee Mann – Whatever
I have always kept an eye open for new female singer-songwriters. In general I am a huge fan of the genre (if you can call it a genre in its own right). But for every good one, there are a handful of bad ones. For every Tori or Alanis, there is a Sandi Thom or …
Album Review: King Charles – Gamble For A Rose
Things are changing for singer-songwriter Charles Costa AKA King Charles. His 2012 album ‘LoveBlood’ was a bouncy and quirky collection of pop gems. But January sees the release of its follow-up, and it couldn’t be further removed. Those big pop hooks have been replaced with something else; something more honest, and raw. After his collaboration …
Album Review: The Anchoress – Confessions Of A Romance Novelist
The UK has always been a big producer of unique female singer-songwriters. What our ladies have always offered is something with a little more edge; something cooler and quirkier. Take for example Amy Winehouse, Bat For Lashes, FKA Twigs, and the legend that is Ms. Kate Bush. But with a new year comes the arrival …
Album Review: Skunk Anansie – Anarchytecture
Remember the first time you ever saw Skunk Anansie? Lead singer Skin was unlike anyone else on the scene at the time; a scary looking woman with a shaved head, in camo trousers and Docs. You wouldn’t have wanted to bump into her on a dark night. The music no doubt went hand in hand …
Live Review: Kim Wilde, Holmfirth Picturedrome, 16/12/15
When I was ten years old I fell in love for the first time. Her name was Kim. She was an older woman. That was when I heard Kim Wilde’s cover of The Supremes’ hit ‘You Keep Me Hanging on’. I’d never actually heard the original version of the song at that time, but listening …
Track: Andrew Weatherall – Confidence Man, Plus Album News
Anyone of my age will know Andrew Weatherall best as being the man who took Primal Screams indie rock track ‘I’m Losing More Than I’ll Ever Have’ and turning it into the anthem that was ‘Loaded’. It was a career defining moment for Bobby Gillespie and the boys, and gave them one of their biggest …
Album Review: Tortoise – The Catastrophist
It’s been a while since we heard anything new from Chicago based experimental rockers Tortoise. Their last album ‘Beacons Of Ancestorship’ was all the way back in 2009, and until their recent single ‘Gesceap’, we haven’t heard a peak from them. Seven years later, and the boys are back with album number seven ‘The Catastrophist’. …
Not Forgotten: Tracey Thorn – Tinsel & Lights
It seemed unlikely that queen of cool Tracey Thorn would release an album of festive hits. Her melancholic sound doesn’t really seem to lend itself to the joy and happiness needed for a Christmas song. But in 2012 that’s exactly what she did. ‘Tinsel & Lights’ was her fourth solo effort away from husband Ben …
Album Review: MONEY – Suicide Songs
With Christmas just around the corner, the music on our radios is about joy, happiness and having a good time. But come January we are all fed up of the bells and the sparkle. The festive season behind us and the nights are dark and long. Nights out and Christmas parties turn to cheap nights …
Feature: Top 20 Hip-Hop Tracks of 2015
2015 has been a great year for hip-hop music. With the so many legends returning to the game, it was inevitable this was going to be a strong list. But it’s not just the older players that make things up. New and emerging acts have also come along to put their own twist on things. …