Friday 29 June 2012

TOP 5 ALBUMS I'VE LISTENED TO RECENTLY

1. Dr. John - Locked Down
I was thrilled when I heard that Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys would be producing Dr. John's latest record, but I had no idea they would work together this well. Having already listened to it about fifty times, and still finding new joy with every listen, I doubt I will be getting sick of it any time soon...
Now I know that time song is not actually featured on the album, but it is such an incredible video that I couldn't help putting it down here.
Dr. John & Etta James - 'I'd Rather Go Blind' video



2. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
Imagine if the Drive-By Truckers joined forces with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings to crate a really emotional soul album filled with anguish. Now throw in one of the best new Southern voices around right now, and you have Alabama Shakes. Just take a look at this video for an example of their great sound.
'Hold On' video


3. Jack White - Blunderbuss
We'd been hearing for quite some time that Jack White was working to produce his first ever solo effort, and to me, 'Blunderbuss' doesn't sound too far removed from the stuff he was doing with the White Stripes (or the Raconteurs, or the Dead Weather.) I love this album.
'Sixteen Saltines' music video


4. Father John Misty - Fear Fun
After his brief stint as drummer in Fleet Foxes, J. Tillman has released his latest recording under a new alias - Father John Misty. 'Fear Fun' is an achingly beautiful record with simple layered harmonies and interesting lyrics. He sings with passion, straining his voice to emphasize his attachment to the lyrical content. This is an album really worth sitting down and listening to. Also, anyone casting Aubrey Plaza in a music video deserves recognition.
'Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings' music video



5. Galactic - Carnivale Electricos
The eighth studio album from Galactic mixes blues, New Orleans funk, hip hop, bounce and a dash of Brazilian Carnivale into one big happy pot. It features Cyril and Ivan Neville, Mystikal, and various members from local Mardi Gras Indian groups as guest vocalists. If you want to experience the real spirit of New Orleans music, this record is a taste of what it's all about.
 'Hey Na Na' music video

Wednesday 20 June 2012

ALL THINGS PAST

It's been a while since I've written in this blog, but between organising a wedding and then actually getting married, I haven't really had much opportunity to sit down in front of a computer... This is probably an appropriate time to apologise for my obligatory bride and groom photo - but it's not often that I get dressed up in nice clothes with my hair and make-up done all pretty, so I'm going to show it off, DAMN IT. Thanks to Dark Roux for the photos. 


Now, however, with all of that done 'n dusted, I will continue on with my blog life as before, starting with a short summary of what I have been up to. And how better to summarize the last few months than with a series of Top 5's...