This edition goes out to the wonderful Catherine Stevens – a friend regained. Happy days…
Alana Stewart – When The Wind Blows (mp3)
I adore modern Americana/country stuff like this: simple and stunning. In between slow handclaps and empathy with EU citizenship, Alana pledges to make it better, betterrrrrr in some of the dreamiest vocal soars you ever heard. (NB This Alana Stewart is not that Alana Stewart)
Diamond Rings – Wait And See (mp3)
Things you need for autumn: 1. a chunky knit jumper; 2. a ready grumble about how the Christmas decs appear earlier each year; and 3. a burly, surly rock anthem with grr-able melodies, rites-of-passage lyrics and vocal peaks warm as mulled wine beside log fires. Oh look – here’s one!
Sissi – I Hate You (mp3)
More gold from Don’t Die Wondering. This blends diva vocals with sudden digital taps and vocal loathing, utterly unexpected and so fucking rad, as the cool kids do say. Is this nu-soul? Notown? Discno? Oh, let the genre-police worry about that, boy – we gots some wiggling to do…
Run DMT – Spruce Bringsteen (mp3)
Run DMT’s a Baltimore chap who apparently specialises in silly names and getting stoned. Two excellent pastimes, I’m sure you’ll agree. He also specialises in maverick, honky-tonk alt-folk songs, although none are as good as this most recent pearl. Somebody pass that man a joint!
Phantogram – When I’m Small (mp3)
Today in London was atmospheric – rain-speckled air, swirly winds, clouds streaked with foreboding. I felt so alive. On days like these you need thrilling, intense songs, just like this humdinger. It’s a bit electro, a bit harmonious, and a lot great.
Nice combination for my Monday soundtrack. A bit shocked to see that I wore the same exact ensemble (including hair and makeup) as the lead singer of Diamond Rings. Thought I was a bit avant garde but now see I’m a big poser.
Sorry about that – guess you had to find out one day, eh?