Time to focus on the job. Monday Music’s the weekly post where I temporarily abandon SOIWT’s London-only focus…
Thick Shakes – Go Back To New York
Punks don’t often encounter organs (not the religious kind, anyway), but Thick Shakes’ rabble-rousing, armpit-dampening throwback meshes the two together in delicious delirium. The aforementioned instrument softens the otherwise 70s garage-rock squawkiness, making the record sound slightly faded and fuzzy.
Agnes Obel – Riverside
This is actually a song that Sarah would like, I think – piano-full and pretty. The crestfallen keys and undulating melodies are perfectly pitched: a sleepy hit of sadness for those who need or crave it.
Vlsonn – Draped Up (Feat. Bun B & Sizzla) (mp3)
Turn off the main road. Walk past the council estates and litter tip to the end of the cul de sac, and then follow the alley. Halfway along, there’s a drain. Go down it, and, at the bottom, swim to your right. Take the second left, and let the current take you down the chute. When you come up for air – if you come up for air – you’ll be in a yellow cavern, lit by garish red light, and populated by people with flat, featureless faces, their hands thrashing around in the water. And the music at this underwater disco? You’re listening to it.
Memory Tapes – Wait In The Dark (mp3)
The first single from Dayve Hawk’s new album (due 5 July), and its sparser, simpler and less chaotic than his previous offerings. And a mighty nice tune, to boot.
Kevin Coyne – House On The Hill
I heard this a few weeks ago on 6 Music, and immediately adored Coyne‘s cracked, pained vocals. He has one of those classic ’70s voices, a tableaux of emotions, a floor that life has walked all over. The lyrics, at first absurdist and then later poignant, are also fabulous.
