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”
Category Archives: Music
Lost In Music: Bodega Are Brilliant
Aww. Forgive me for getting all gooey and gushy for a moment. It’s just the power of music again, casting its spell .*Sigh* I just wanna scratch their name in bubbly writing on my pencil case. New York based indie scamps Bodega just make me so happy. They’re intelligent, a bit subversive, and make neonContinue reading “Lost In Music: Bodega Are Brilliant”
New Release: Bat For Lashes- The Dream Of Delphi
Here’s some glorious news. Bat For Lashes are back after a five year hiatus with this beautiful synth lullabye, a meditation on motherhood dedicated to Natasha Khan’s daughter Delphi. Drawing upon her more minimalist work from the first two albums, Khan proves she can still surprise with her more pared- back dream pop direction. She’sContinue reading “New Release: Bat For Lashes- The Dream Of Delphi”
Binge
My eyes are circled with the natural kohl of insomnia. I pace the floors. It’s stupid o’clock and yet you won’t let go of me. I can’t go cold turkey. I’ve tried. Please set me free of your grip. Why do you do this? I’m no passive consumer, I review art for a pittance. I’mContinue reading “Binge”
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)”
New Release: Drinking Boys And Girls Choir- History
A new single release from Damnably is always worth celebrating. Out today is the brand new single from Drinking Boys And Girls Choir History, and it’s absolutely wonderful. A tangy, effervescent piece of punk by the Daegu skate punk trio , it’s a headrush. They are heading out on a North American tour with OtobokeContinue reading “New Release: Drinking Boys And Girls Choir- History”
The Future’s Here Today: Loren Kramar
Oooh, that is a voice. Eccentric, velveteen and beautiful, the honeyed tones of Loren Kramar are going to be everywhere this year, if there is any justice left. With a background in gospel and musical theatre, these are perhaps not such a conventional route into contemporary music, but the perfectly crafted songs are exemplars inContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Loren Kramar”
Album Review: Beans- Boots ‘N’ Cats
Formed in Melbourne by brilliant percussionist Matt Blach, the quintet Beans are fast becoming one of Australia’s best loved neo-psychedelic bands. This, their third album, takes its name from beatboxing, but that’s as modern a reference as you will find here. It’s retro all the way. Blach has said that themes of introspection are importantContinue reading “Album Review: Beans- Boots ‘N’ Cats”
Overlooked Classics: Cibo Matto-Viva!La Woman
Cibo Matto never got their dues, I think. The Japanese -American duo, who recently reformed, made one of my favourite nineties albums with the debut, Viva! La Woman.. I think humour is often dismissed in music, and there is a lot of humour here, but it’s simply brilliant avant – pop. For a pair obsessedContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Cibo Matto-Viva!La Woman”
Hit The North 