Lost In Music: Sonic Youth and Lydia Lunch- Death Valley ’69

I’m not a huge admirer of Richard Kern. To me, he’s just a dirty old man who keeps on- inexplicably- getting art funds. Okay, Submit To Me was kinda sexy, in a ridiculous way. But his video for Sonic Youth and Lydia Lunch ‘s Death Valley ’69 is brilliant, co-directed by Judith Barry. Indeed, someContinue reading “Lost In Music: Sonic Youth and Lydia Lunch- Death Valley ’69”

Eerie Wanda Is Back!

Marina Tadic, aka Eerie Wanda, is back with her gorgeous, ethereal dreampop. After a brief hiatus, the Dutch- Croatian singer -songwriter has a new single, Long Time, released ahead of the forthcoming album Internal Radio, released in September. A more expansive sound doesn’t mean she’s compromising. She’s still unique and low-key, making it all soundContinue reading “Eerie Wanda Is Back!”

The Future’s Here Today: Say She She

Now this is something potentially incredible. A female -led seven piece band from Brooklyn, Say She She fuse the sass of Luscious Jackson with the rhythms of ESG and the ethereal fluttering harmonies of Cocteau Twins. Three amazing singers- Nya Gazelle Brown, Priya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham- make up said harmonies, and the restContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Say She She”

Just Step Sideways: Dee Dee Ramone’s Hip Hop Career

How many drugs are too many drugs? Well, many people may not know this, but lovable goofball Dee Dee Ramone, bass player for the legendary NY punks, had a brief side project as Dee Dee King in 1989. In a deleted scene from the Ramones biopic End Of The Century directed by Michael Gramagia andContinue reading “Just Step Sideways: Dee Dee Ramone’s Hip Hop Career”

Lost In Music: Otoboke Beaver-Pardon?

Obfuscation helps no-one. As we appear to be mired in a world of confusion, what could be more apposite than Otoboke Beaver and their brand new single Pardon? The mighty Japanese quartet are back, and this is the first single to be lifted from the forthcoming album Super Champon. A worldwide tour starts in theContinue reading “Lost In Music: Otoboke Beaver-Pardon?”

Quentin Smirhes v the Fisher Price Box

He is a rum one, that Quentin Smirhes. Mustard of knitwear, mercurial of mood, you never quite know what to expect from him. He is a little tetchy, sans tea and custard creams, of an afternoon. So we thought a toy jack in the box would be tickety-boo to lift his mood. We were wrong,Continue reading “Quentin Smirhes v the Fisher Price Box”

The Joy Of Kenneth

Drink up your strawberry Nesquik/Creamola Foam, finish the last crumbs of Findus Crispy Pancakes, peas and oven chips, and make a spirited dash to the wood-panelled TV set. It’s Kenneth time! Not a Kenny, most certainly not a Ken, Kenneth is a benign, smiling presence in a world of doubt. He’s crimplene- lean, a clean,Continue reading “The Joy Of Kenneth”

Lost In Music: Ibeyi- Sister 2 Sister

The Diaz twins are back with new music. I’ve long been a fan of the Afro- Cuban duo from France, beautiful Naomi and Lisa- Kainde, who have inherited their parents’ musical ability and gorgeous vocal harmonies. A more R ‘n’ B route seems to be the route they’re taking, almost on the Solange tip, butContinue reading “Lost In Music: Ibeyi- Sister 2 Sister”

“The fruits of isolation”- Ezra Furman

Three new songs from Ezra Furman appeared the other day and a forthcoming tour has been announced for later this year (all being well). Thematically, it’s the usual great Furman stuff: spirituality, love, identity and connection, and her lyrics remain as on point as ever. It all bodes well for the next album. For moreContinue reading ““The fruits of isolation”- Ezra Furman”

Album Review: Sea Change- Mutual Dreaming

Norwegian producer and singer Ellen A W Sunde has produced yet another elusive, shining sad gem. Mutual Dreaming hits that half awake/half asleep tender spot. Her dreamy, often whispered vocals cast her as sonic somnambulist, and songs like Night Eyes, OK and the title track are like drowning in pixels. It’s elusive, warped and prettyContinue reading “Album Review: Sea Change- Mutual Dreaming”