New (and not so new) Music Round Up - March 2009

Having taken a rather long break from this site for the latter part of last year, I still have a rather sizable backlog of musical recommendations to share, however lets start with something brand spanking new !

Pree, (pictured) led by May Tabol (formerly of Le Loup) emerged onto the DC (USA) music scene with a 'string of compelling and intimate shows' during the summer of 2008.

The Washington Post describe them as 'a cross between Joanna Newsom and Modest Mouse', for my part I would also relate them to Regina Spektor, however all of that said, they have a unique sound, and to put it simply, having listened to their forthcoming release last night, they are superb.

Their debut release 'A Chopping Block' (5 song EP), is officially released on March 24th. Take a listen to 'In The Parlor' for a flavour of this exciting band.

Listen:



MP3: In The Parlor
Web Link: My Space
Pre-Order - Kora Records

Amazing Baby are currently mixing their debut album in New York. I received this song (Bayonets) a couple of weeks back, it was my first listen to the band, and on the strength of this, I guess I will be checking them out a lot more in the coming weeks.

No comparisons, just turn up the volume and enjoy layers of great music from yet another superb Brooklyn band.

Listen:



MP3: Bayonets
Web Link: My Space.

OK as something of a catch up, lets take a random stroll through some of the music that has caught my attention in recent months.

Mother Mother are a five-piece Canadian indie rock band originally from Quadra Island, now based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The band consists of Ryan Guldemond on guitar and vocals, Molly Guldemond on vocals, Jasmin Parkin on keyboard and vocals, Ali Siadat on drums, and Jeremy Page on bass. You may already be fully aware of them, however rather than ramble on all I will say is 'go on - give them a listen'.

Listen:



MP3: Body Of Years
Web Link: Official Site, My Space.
Buy: Mother Mother 2008 release

I came across Dakotafish last autumn on another music blog, comparisons with Thom York's vocals, and Radiohead caught my immediate attention. Mike Fish is behind the band, and I have to say the comparisons may be there, however this is really fine music in it's own right, and highly worth a listen at the very least.

Listen:



MP3: Land Locked.
Web Link: My Space.
Buy: Dakotafish Music.

Bowerbirds are a nu-folk band from Raleigh, North Carolina. The band members are Beth Tacular, Phil Moore and Mark Paulson. Their debut album was, Hymns For a Dark Horse (Burly Time Records, 2007), which received favourable reviews.

Any band that has accordion and violin as prominent instruments kind of gets my attention. Add to that excellent vocals, a really definitive sound and charming songs, and I am one happy person.

Listen:



MP3: Dark Horse
Web Link: My Space.
Buy: Bowerbirds.

I have to say I was a little dubious of what to expect from last years The Fireman album 'Electric Arguments', however after reading many positive reviews gave it a listen and was likewise very impressed.

Paul McCartney's vocals reminded me in part of the early Beatles, and the work he has done with Youth, is really adventurous, so if like me you 'were or are' not quite sure, take a listen.

Listen:



MP3: Nothing To Much.
Web Link: Official Site.
Buy: The Fireman.

M83 have been around for a few years, however last years 'Saturday = Youth' album was my personal introduction to them. Their sound has been categorised as Electronica, Dream Pop, and even shoegazing, I think it's fair to say the music is distinct, and whats more I jolly well like it!

Listen:



MP3: Highway Of Endless Dreams.
Web Link: Official Site.
Buy: M83.

Seasick Steve remains an absolute 'breath of fresh air', his story well documented, his blues superb, and last years album worthy of every accolade it rightly received. If you have not (why not???), got round to listening to Steven Gene Wold, here's another chance.

Listen:



MP3: Started Out With Nothing.
Web Link: My Space.
Buy: Seasick Steve.

I know I have unashamedly plugged Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) in the past, but what better way to wrap this edition up. Last summers album 'Donkey' remains a favorite and so enjoy Brazil's finest band.

Listen:



MP3: How I Became Paranoid.
Web Link: My Space.
Buy: CSS.

Steppenwolf - Live In London 1972

This is Steppenwolf live in London, at some point in the summer of 1972. This concert has circulated on vinyl and Cd as 'Five Fingered Discount'.

Source: Possibly soundboard, however the recording sounds more like FM, sorry cannot confirm.

Sound Quality: Stereo 320kbps mp3 (Good clean sound).

Genre: Rock, from 60's psychedelic to Boogie and Blues.

Set: Edited to 45.30 minutes - vinyl album running length, there are a few 'harsh' edits between some tracks.

Set List:

01. Magic Carpet Ride 3:47
02. Sookie Sookie 3:28
03. Five Finger Discount 4:38
04. Hey Lawdy Mama 3:40
05. The Pusher 3:51
06. News I Can Use 5:05
07. Monster 9:03 --> a) Monster
--> b) Suicide
--> c) America
08. Nothin Like It 3:52
09. Hot Summer Night 3:18
10. Born To Be Wild 4:43

Links: Official web site HERE.

Comments: There are few details regarding this particular concert.

John Kay toured Europe as The John Kay Band in 1972, and also as Steppenwolf on the same bill, John Kay fronting both groups.

It is therefore likely to be from one of these gigs, and so, this might be the complete 'Steppenwolf' show, from the tour (are you still with me?)...

Whatever this is a feisty performance with the London audience clearly loving every minute.

Reloaded August 2015 see comments.

Mott The Hoople - Santa Monica Civic Auditorium - 1974

This is a very good copy of the classic Mott The Hoople bootleg, known on a double (original version vinyl) album as 'Rest In Peace' and on CD as 'Flash And Crash'.

The 'boot' notes suggest the concert recording was performed on the 13th April, however the poster from the gig, gives the concerts (matinee and evening or was it evening and very late evening?) as Friday 12th April 1974, perhaps they performed over two days at this venue.

The venue itself, was definitely the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, USA.

Whatever! it was a long time ago, mind you, the support act seems familiar...

Source: FM Radio Broadcast (stereo local station).

Sound Quality: Very good - and as I understand from CD rip, hey just listen).

Genre: Rock, Hard and Boogie, Glam Rock (ouch I hate that expression).

Set: Not complete. This version of the show was edited to accommodate the Cd's running time, and omits the Jupiter intro, Here Comes The Queen (with guitarist Ariel Bender on vocals) and Born Late 58 (with bassist Overend Watts on vocals).

Set List: (this edition).

1. American Pie

2. Golden Age Of Rock 'n' Roll

3. Sucker

4. Roll Away The Stone/Sweet Jane

5. Rest In Peace

6. One Of The Boys

7. Hymn For The Dudes

8. Marionette

9. Drivin' Sister/Crash Street Kidds

10. Violence

11. All The Way From Memphis

12. All The Young Dudes

13. Walkin' With A Mountain

Links: The 'official' site recently developed for the bands 40th anniversary London gigs scheduled (and sold out) for October 2009, has a great selection of other links, and of course is of interest in it's own right. - Just click HERE. Wikipedia history HERE.

Comments: This has been copied from a Mott The Hoople fan site.

The show (the second that day!) finds Ian struggling with bronchitis, but this is only noticeable at the start of the set. Sucker bristles with menace as always, and the Roll Away The Stone/Sweet Jane coupling is always a delight. Hymn For The Dudes is another delight before the band launch into Marionette - brutal on record and visually totally stunning. They then crank up the octane even more for the medley Drivin' Sister/Crash Street Kidds/Violence.

The same article goes on to recommend this concert as the best bootleg available for Mott The Hoople, in terms of sound quality and content.

Was it just five short years (1969 - 1974) that Mott The Hoople did their thing ? As reforming goes, you have to hand it to them !

Reloaded - 29/May/2015 - download link in comments. 
Buy mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Mott The Hoople

The Sugarcubes - Live In Manchester - 1988

This is The Sugarcubes, arguably Iceland's most successful 'contemporary' music band, and as I am sure you already know, inclusive of Bjork, who within and outside of Iceland, has gone on to even greater musical success.

Recorded at Manchester University Student's Union, Manchester, England on the 14th May 1988, this is part of The Sugarcubes gig that night, that was then broadcast on BBC Radio One.

Source: FM Radio Broadcast (BBC Radio).

Sound Quality: Very Good stereo 'off air' recording, converted to 320kbps mp3 quality.

Genre: Alternative Rock, popular in both Europe and on USA College radio at the time.

Set: Live recording for BBC Radio - as I understand part of the nights gig. (Total playing time 29:48 minutes).

Set List:

1.Motorcrash.
2.Tidal Wave.
3.Planet.
4.Deus.
5.Traitor.
6.Water.
7.Sick For Toys.
8.Birthday.
9.Delicious Demon.

Band Line Up:

Björk Guðmundsdóttir (vocals, keyboards)
Einar Örn Benediktsson (vocals, trumpet)
Sigtryggur Baldursson (drums)
Þór Eldon (guitar)
Bragi Ólafsson (bass)
Einar Melax (keyboards)

Links: The Sugarcubes have very low commercial or informative web presence. To check out their discography use Bjorks official site HERE. The Sugarcubes record label (One Little Indian) pages are HERE.

Comments: The Sugarcubes were far more than just Bjork, you only have to listen to their music to know that, and yet without Bjork a key element of their chemistry and sound, would be missing.

I would imagine that I, along with many people in the UK, became aware of The Sugarcubes through John Peel's late night BBC radio show, and having listened, bought and enjoyed their music as a direct result. Their seemingly untimely conclusion was a disappointment.

However Bjorks solo debut album, built very naturally on their 'then' sound, and was very real compensation.

That said The Sugarcubes unique and adventurous sound should never be under estimated, as I am sure Bjork would continue to endorse.

Download link in comments below or click the picture.

Buy DRM free mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Sugarcubes