Russell Swallow and the Wolf- Sunrise Mountain

“Born from a love of Nick Drake, John Martyn and the peace of the countryside”- these are the influences for Russell Swallow and the Wolf’s debut album Sunrise Mountain. Clearly written by a true story teller, this album displays indie-folk music at its best.

My first thought when listening, was the feeling of warmth and emotion that is prominent throughout each acoustic driven song; a sense of comfort, perfect for those cold winter walks with your iPod. Sunrise Mountain is cleverly written; not every song is pumped with drums, and although being fairly lyric-heavy, is perfectly balanced with the gentle acoustic guitar and piano- with various orchestral instruments such as oboes and violins worked into the back ground. My favourite track has to be Newfound Shore, the vocals and subtle recorder, played by Patrick Kenny, makes it truly enchanting- listen and you’ll know what I mean. Two other personal favourites from this album include first track Christmas Eve and third track Paper Aeroplanes, which were both written with generous support from Jess Kennedy A.K.A the wolf, whose beautiful harmonies and piano playing we can hear throughout the album. 

Together, with additional musical contributors, Russell Swallow and the Wolf have crafted a wonderful six-track winter warmer- leaving their listeners eagerly anticipating the next step.

http://rsatw.bandcamp.com/

 

Album Review: “A+E”- Graham Coxon

It’s a far cry from the early days of “Parklife” and Oasis-related rifts, but Graham Coxon’s latest album “A+E” is set to be a winner.

Beginning his solo career in 1998, blur’s lead guitarist and occasical lyricist made a concious decision to move away from his former brit-pop roots, and into a musical world of his own.  Listening to the changes that he goes through each of his albums is fascinating; from American punk to experimental rock, Coxon has guaranteed that you will not get bored. One of my particular favourites is “The Golden D,” the explosive second album that had him turning up his amp and suddenly going electric.

But, eight albums after his first- “The Sky is Too High”- he’s back with an incredible ten-track release “A+E.” Unlike previous albums where he recorded all the instruments himself, he’s left room for other musicians to play with remarkable results; drum machines, distorted guitars and saxophones- Coxon has not failed to please. The faint use of krautrock influences is present on the third track “What’ll it take,” leaving a good sense of variety to the listener’s ears.

However, he hasn’t strayed too far from the past; there is still a definite “Landan”-cockney feel that seeps through all his songs, reminding us of that brit-pop era that made him famous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNTjHbwIZeE

Black Market Karma- Easy Listening – FREE DOWNLOAD

The 1960s ethos seems to be rising again, as shown by Black Market Karma, an established, self-proclaimed psychedelic 5-piece from London who have released their third Album “Easy Listening,” on Flower Power Records.

Forming on the mean streets of London; the boys drew their influences from bands such as The Velvet Underground, Nirvana and My Bloody Valentine. The first track “Jingle” sets a smooth introduction to the rest of the album. The consistently, distinctive guitar playing draws you into a rocky, yet spacey atmosphere – a perfect insight into the band’s sound.   Although they are generally a loud, guitar-heavy group- their funky bass lines and long drawn-out, almost trippy vocals blend together to make a very relaxing “easy listen.”

I urge, as ever, for you to take a listen. And, as Flower Power Records are giving away free downloads of several albums, why not pop on over and get yourself some free (legal) music!

http://www.flowerpowerrecords.com/Free-Downloads%282600876%29.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pwnuk5YVGI

Solo Careers: #1 John Frusciante

Ranking number 18 on the “Rolling Stones” list of “100 greatest guitarist of all time”, number 43 among the best guitarists of all time, according to Gibson guitar’s website, and voted “The best guitarist of the last 30 years,” John Frusciante made a good choice when he decided to go solo.

After joining the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the age of 18 and appearing on two albums “Mother’s milk” and the incredibly successful album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik,” he quit the band; feeling too overwhelmed by the popularity, and decided to go solo.

During a long period of drug addiction, John released his debut album in 1994, titled “Niandra LaDes And Usually Just  A T-shirt.” Raw vocals, explicit lyrics, and beautiful guitar work, makes it very clear that, musically, he is able to cope on his own. In 1999 after re-joining the Chili Peppers and over-coming his drug addiction, Frusciante contributed to their next album “Californication” featuring the songs “scar tissue” and “road trippin’.”

Following that, with a distinctive style already under his belt, the guitarist made his second solo album “To Record Only Water For Ten Days.’ On this album features the beautiful, instrumental and totally guitar based song “Ramparts” and one of my favourites “with no one.”

John also recorded an instrumental song for the “Brown Bunny” soundtrack called “Falling.” This is an incredibly moving track that on first listening, totally takes your breath away. All completely recorded with both acoustic and electric guitar only, he plays certain parts of the guitar backwards, to give the feeling that you are actually “falling.”- to get the full effect you need to listen with headphones.

Frusciante’s most recent album “PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone” is a divine piece of “experimental work.” and his music has often been described as just that- experimental. It is very hard to pin his music in to a specific genre. Using techniques, such as recording a piece of guitar, and then playing it backwards through the song (as previously mentioned) and as he described in an interview once, keeping any virtuoso playing to a minimal, and giving the music room to breathe.

John has recorded with some of the most inspirational musicians of the last generation; Johnny Marr, Johnny Cash, Ziggy Marley and, after receiving only moderate recognition for his guitar work on his first few albums, has in later years become a highly influential figure for budding guitarist.

This man is one of the most talented guitarists around at the moment, and if you haven’t already, I urge you to have a listen… especially if you are a Chili Peppers fan!

A Must Listen moment: falling- John Frusciante http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjUYr5RN6cM