Tag Archive for Alt-Rock

17th October 2012

Anthony and The Johnsons* – Fistful of love


This is a favourite from I Am a Bird Now, which won the Mercury Prize in 2005, beating albums by Coldplay and Bloc Party amoungst others.

Anthony Hegarty’s voice isn’t a classically great one but it manages to convey real feeling, which is perfectly illustrated in this track, which also features Lou Reed on guest vocals.

Also, as I have mentioned many times before I am a real sucker for some horns and I think they are used to excellent effect here. It’s not just a soul stomper that benefits from a blast of sax.

/RjK

*Artist #535

9th October 2012

Elliot Smith – Son of Sam

Elliot Smith has featured heavily in the soundtrack to my week. As you might imagine, this is not a very positive indicator about my mood. I’m not sure why but I seem to have been in something of a funk for the past few days. The initial boost of enthusiasm brought on by a change of scenery must have worn off. I am sure I will snap out of it before too long.

This track is taken off the very enjoyable if somewhat morose Figure 8, which was the last album Elliot Smith completed before his death. On a brighter note, it is one of my favourite album sleeves being simple but  quite effective.

Figure 8:
/RjK

22nd September 2012

The Silver Seas* – The best things in life

I discovered this track through Shazam, a pretty great service that has significantly boosted my capacity to identify tracks in films and bars.

It is sprightly, energetic and rather fun. The Silver Seas are from Nashville, Tennessee which I keep reading about as being a hotbed of live music. I am considering a return trip to Austin in 2013 for SXSW festival and may stop by Nashville too so I can compare.

/RjK

*Artist #523

18th September 2012

Modest Mouse* – Float On

iPod song #3. Apologies the music hasn’t been too fresh over the past few days. I promise to attend to some research over the coming days. Hopefully this will bear fruit with some exciting new tracks.

I mentioned earlier in the week that I felt one of the signs of a good song is it’s ability to stay with you after you listen to it. This must be one of the most infectious guitar riffs I know.

/RjK

*Artist *519

14th September 2012

Third Eye Blind* – Semi-charmed life (GPF)

Apologies for the interruption to normal blogging service. I am back from Barcelona and just about in one piece. It’s a fun city, if a little sketchy. I did manage to find some time to relax too, which was welcome. I could get used to chilling by the water and enjoying the sunshine!

This is a song that reminds me of school. If the mark of a good song is that it makes you want to hum the tune after hearing it then this qualifies in spades.

/RjK

*Artist #517

Jeff Buckley – Lover, you should’ve come over

This is taken from the late, great Jeff Buckley’s spectacular 1994 album Grace. His was a tragic story; he died far too young and was the son of the richly talented Tim Buckley who also died before his time.
Grace was the first album that made me realise there was a whole universe of spectacular music that existed beyond what I heard on the radio. I found it in my father’s collection. There was something arresting about the album cover (backdrop to video), Buckley’s stoic pose struck a chord. I am very glad it caught my eye.
/RjK