Overlooked Classics: Julian Cope- World Shut Your Mouth

This is the album, not the song. That can be found, of course, on Saint Julian. World Shut Your Mouth marked Julian Cole’s transition from Teardrop Explodes pin -up,to eccentric solo artist. And there are a couple of would -be TE tracks on here (Pussyface’ and ‘Metranil Vavin’) but in the main, it’s Cope flyingContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Julian Cope- World Shut Your Mouth”

Album Review: Corridor -Mimi

Mimi, named after lead singer Jonathan Robert’s cat, is Corridor’s fourth album. It’s effervescent, sometimes melancholic, sometimes hopeful, but always dynamic. The Montreal band sing in French, and draw from both European and American influences. It’s apparent on tracks like ‘Mon Argent’, which fizzles with Krautrock energy, before going all glitchy and dissonant. This isContinue reading “Album Review: Corridor -Mimi”

Album Review: Adult Jazz- So Sorry So Slow

This album is heady, intoxicating and heavy. It takes a while to settle into certain rhythms, before turning, at times almost imperceptibly, into different genres, moods and textures. Once you allow yourself to let it just embrace you though, it pays dividends. Post-rock, fused with avant pop, it’s elusive but gorgeous. With Harry Burgess’ sweet,Continue reading “Album Review: Adult Jazz- So Sorry So Slow”

Overlooked Classics: Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree

This one divided critics and audiences alike. The fourth album from Goldfrapp is a perfect spring album, all twittering birds, green fields and sunlit idyll. It’s a deliberate left turn from their previous foray into the sexually-charged glam of Black Cherry and Supernature. The folktronica direction evokes Nick Drake playing guitar under an oak tree,Continue reading “Overlooked Classics: Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree”

Mute Reissue These Immortal Souls

The blurb: THESE IMMORTAL SOULS ANNOUNCE LONG AWAITED REMASTERED REISSUES OF THEIR TWO STUDIO ALBUMS PLUS A BRAND NEW COLLECTION OF NEWLY DISCOVERED LIVE RECORDINGS & RARITIES  GET LOST (DON’T LIE!), I’M NEVER GONNA DIE AGAIN & EXTRA – OUT 12 APRIL 2024 ON MUTE LISTEN TO AN UNRELEASED COVER OF ALICE COOPER’S ‘LUNEY TUNE’ A long-awaited remastered reissue of These ImmortalContinue reading “Mute Reissue These Immortal Souls”

Album Review: The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy

These days, bands can ride a tidal wave of hype, long before even their debut album hits Spotify. Taste makers are always clamouring for the next big thing. So it is with The Last Dinner Party. They’ve been everywhere over the last year. Unfortunately, they don’t feel like worthy recipients of such praise. This debutContinue reading “Album Review: The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy”

Album Review: Nadine Shah- Filthy Underneath

I wouldn’t mess with Nadine Shah. There’s a toughness to the Geordie singer songwriter, and a raw honesty in everything she does. She’s am outspoken advocate for feminism, fiercely anti-racist, and has spoken out for mental health awareness and artists receiving fair pay. So it’s hardly surprising that this, her fifth studio album, is anContinue reading “Album Review: Nadine Shah- Filthy Underneath”

Overlooked Classics: Sparks-Propaganda

Dismissed by American rock critic Robert Christgau as being made by “twerps’ (his slagging off is usually a good sign- just ask Iggy Pop) the fourth studio album saw Sparks expanding upon their trademark baroque pop sound, forever torn between arch and urbane (Something For The Girl With Everything) and sincere (the beautiful Never TurnContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Sparks-Propaganda”

Overlooked Classics: Little Simz- Grey Area

Maybe I’m cheating a little on this one, as it was the album which broke her (third time’s a charm) but I think Simz’ last two albums, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and No Thank You have somewhat eclipsed even this 2019 gem. Grey Area broke the mould for UK hip hop in at leastContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Little Simz- Grey Area”

Album Review: Xmal Deutschland – Early Singles (1981-1982)

It’s strange, but Xmal Deutschland seemed to suffer the same fate as other cult bands like The Stooges, Suicide and Velvet Underground – they didn’t sell many records when they began, but gradually became more influential with time. Bands like Warpaint, VR Sex, Current Affairs and Savages owe them a debt- they definitely share aContinue reading “Album Review: Xmal Deutschland – Early Singles (1981-1982)”