This morning I’ve been listening to Nancy Elizabeth for the first time, as I have a ticket to go and see her at the end of the month. I’ve been absolutely blown away by the power and beauty of her music, which is at once epic and intricate. All kinds of wonderful instrumentation builds and whirls, creating a world full of mystic charm, bleak landscapes and warm moments. I imagine Nancy would lead you into battle, but also tend to your wounds.

MP3: Nancy Elizabeth - I Used to Try

While we’re on the subject of warrior harpists, a certain Miss Newsom is beginning to surface again, kicking up a cacophony of rumors, mumbles and giggles. It seems like we could expect a new album on 23rd February, but I’m not going to believe it until I have it in my hands!

And in other exciting news, DOOM is coming to London on 5th March for his FIRST EVER show in Europe. He’s my all-time favourite hip hop artist, and I never imagined I would get to see him here in England. It’s quite overwhelming. Here’s a few of my favourite tunes….

Peace out. FG x

Not feeling much like writing at the moment. Here’s some songs that hit the nail on the head.

FG x

Absolutely loving this at the moment….

Here are my top 10 albums of 2009. Just a few things to mention….

1.They are in no particular order.
2. I have probably forgotten something obvious.
3.I am not going to write about the albums because most of them have already featured on the blog earlier in the year.
4.I am not including Animal Collective because they get a crazy amount of attention these days (not that it isn’t deserved).

Here we go then.

Shad - The Old Prince

MP3: Shad - Exile

Micachu - Jewelery

MP3: Micachu - Worst Bastard

Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement

MP3: Mayer Hawthorne - Maybe So, Maybe No

Diana Jones - Better Times Will Come

MP3: Diana Jones - If I Had a Gun

First Aid Kit - Drunken Trees (technically an EP!)

MP3: First Aid Kit - You’re Not Coming Home Tonight

DOOM - Born Like This

MP3: DOOM - Ballskin

Cadence Weapon - Separation Anxiety (technically a mixtape!)

MP3: Cadence Weapon - Roll With the Winners

Antony and the Johnsons - A Crying Light

MP3: Antony and the Johnsons - Everglade

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy - Beware

MP3: Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy - I Don’t Belong To Anyone

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

MP3: Grizzly Bear - While We Wait for the Others

So that was 2009. A pretty good year for music I reckon. Let’s hope 2010 can be even better. The probable release of a new Madvillain album suggests it can!

Peace. FG x

Good evening babies and gentlefolk. I hope you’ve had a more than mediocre festive period.
For Christmas my Mum got me two Walker Brothers albums on vinyl, because she is a genius. On ‘Take it Easy with The Walker Brothers’ I discovered a cover of a tune that I have heard millions of times but never known the name of or who it was by. I’m sure you’ll know it too…..

So I investigated further, and it turns out it is one of the most covered tunes of all time. Check the Wikipedia article for more info on that.
It was originally written by Chris Kenner in 1962, but it was the Wilson Pickett version in 1966 that truly brought it to fame…..

That shit’s pretty damn electrifying, but props has to be given to Cannibal and the Headhunters, who were the first to do the song with the ridiculously catchy ‘na na na na na’ bit! I wonder if they knew how legendary it would become?

That’s all for now, but I’ll be back real soon with some treats for you.

Peace. FG x

I picked up a gem of a record in Oxfam today. It’s Philip Glass‘ soundtrack to a film called Mishima, which is performed by Kronos Quartet. It’s quite bizarre because just this morning I was wanting to get hold of some more Philip Glass records. Funny how these things work out.

While we’re on the subject of film soundtracks, I strongly recommend you watch a film called American Astronaut. It’s by a guy called Cory McAbee, who writes, directs, stars and composes the music. I’ve never seen anything like it. Here’s one of the tunes from the film, which should give you some idea of how strange, original and brilliant it is.

Peace x

Just a quickie to say that I absolutely love this mash-up. Check it out.

This week I’ve been loving the beautiful compilation Wayfaring Strangers: Ladies from the Canyon, from the always wonderful Numero Group.

It’s a collection of underground and forgotten American folk, performed by artists that were largely unknown and would have been lost in history, were it not for the continuing mission of the Numero Group to bring our attention to these hidden gems. As the name suggests, fans of Joni Mitchell are likely to fall in love with these songs. Here’s a couple of my favourites…..

Shira Small - Eternal Life

Collie Ryan - Cricket

Enjoy. FG x

I’m very pleased to be able to give you this track from The Little Robots. They are probably my favourite band in Sheffield, as well as being some of my favourite people. I like things that are strong and lovely at the same time. Like bears or wicker baskets.

The Little Robots - Benny Boy

They’re playing at this do I’ve organised at the Lescar…..

Can’t wait. FG x

I’ve just got back from a week holiday in Barcelona. While I was there I was lucky enough to catch two phenomenal shows.

On the Sunday I saw Mayer Hawthorne, who I wrote about here. It was an absolutely amazing performance that had me grinning from ear to ear throughout. It’s so rare that I get to see such quality live soul music, and boogie on down I did. Plus I pretty much pissed my pants when he covered Fall In Love by Slum Village. Here is video evidence to prove that it did actually happen…..

Hawthorne was supported by local boy Guillamino, who also rocked it out with his truly original performance style that mashed up weird electronic sounds with soulful singing and thumping beats. Check it.

Then on the Tuesday night I managed to get a last minute ticket to see Andrew Bird. This was something else. I’d heard so much about his live performances, and he really did exceed expectations. Here’s a clip that gives you an idea…..

He also had wonderful support in the form of Jesca Hoop, who you can check out here. She’s about to release an album and tour in the UK, so if you get a chance to see her I strongly recommend it.

The past month was excellent for me in terms of live music (I saw Daniel Johnston and Grizzly Bear just before going away!), lets hope the next one can carry on that joy.

Adios. FG x

ps. i’m having a bit of an issue uploading MP3s at the minute, but I’ll get you some ASAP. x