Tags | alternative
Savages – Silence Yourself
The Savages (@savagesband) have been talked about for quite a while, but until I saw them perform "Husbands" on Jools Holland I hadn't realised how much I liked them. This album doesn't convey the power or intensity of that live performance, but this allows the nuances and more subtle parts come to the surface. Musically not totally ground breaking but wonderful, and just what's needed in this time of "landfill folk". [9]
[Album] John Grant – Pale Green Ghosts
John's (@johnwgrant) followup to great first album Queen of Denmark is different on quite a few levels. Firstly his music now more influenced with electronics and synths (particularly the title track and it's various remixes). There is a overlying melancholy (considering his news last year this isn't surprising) on the album, but this is married with vigor and creativity and the change in sound just serves to give his voice a whole new dimension. I simply love it. [9]
[Album] Beach House – Bloom
@BeaccchHoussse - Bloom: Before their last album I'd not heard of Beach House, and when I listened to it, it hit me immediately, with this album it seems like a continuation from that last album, with a few tweaks here and there. On my first couple of listens other than the single Myth there doesn't seem to be those stand out tracks from their previous effort (Silver Soul, Norway or Zebra) this maybe because the development of their sound is more subtle, and I wager those nuances will wind their way into my conscious once again. [8]
Bella Union
Traditionally I've never really explored music further than those I heard on the radio, TV or recommended by music stores and word of mouth. During those university days I found it much more enjoyable discovering music on my own, making my own recommendations and it lead to discovering many bands, often way before they'd become "mainstream".
When I still bought CDs regularly I'd be vaguely aware of music labels but never thought about them in great deal. The famous Creation, Rough Trade and Factory more in my conciousness than others.
Discovering music and buying music on the internet, and with services such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Last.fm and numerous independent music blogs alot information such as labels and related artists are instantly accessible rather than just a logo on the back of a CD you've bought (although I do still have nostalgia of those days in record shops discovering a unknown classic).
I don't know what it was when I first discovered Bella Union but I instantly took it to my heart. I discovered Fleet Foxes along with most people, but when finding out more about the ban I found the label was home to a couple of my other favourites bands, Midlake and Beach House.
Listening to other artists on the roster, I grew to love almost every one, and that's not happened before, several have gone on to become my new favourites Andrew Bird, Cachier No.9, John Grant, Pearly Gate Music and The Low Anthem.
Even though I've discovered them only recently, going on the variety and quality of the last 15 years (happy crystal anniversary!) and their new releases, I'll be following them for quite a while yet.
Have a listen below, or take a trip over to bellaunion.com.
Sounds from Bella Union
[Album] Tribute to Nordberg – The Day After
@tribtonordberg - The Day After: Grab your checked shirts & Converse! Great debut LP [9] http://t.co/mvdLNdH8