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”

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”

The Space Age Genius of Tomita

Before Air or Aphec Twin, there was Isao Tomita. Born in Tokyo, Japan in the early 30s, he’s often overlooked for similar sound pioneers. While Kraftwerk and The Radiophonic Workshop were rightly praised for their forward-thinking approach to electronic music in Europe, Tomita was quietly, brilliantly, doing his own thing in Japan. Sadly, his passingContinue reading “The Space Age Genius of Tomita”

Overlooked Classics: Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition

Overlooked may be a strong term, but this album by Danny Brown remains, for me, a trailblazer. There’s an old adage that goes, “you’re only as good as your friends” . I believe this is as true of artists and their collaborative colleagues. Featured here are Kendrick Lamar; Kelela, Be Real, Petite Noir and EarlContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition”

Lost In Music: David Bowie -Hunky Dory

Hunky Dory is, for me, absolutely peerless. It’s perfection. It’s still overlooked in favour of The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust, etc, but it never fails to make me feel all warm inside. It’s hard to believe that Bowie was only in his twenties when this masterpiece was created. The songwriting, as well asContinue reading “Lost In Music: David Bowie -Hunky Dory”

Lost In Music: The Cramps- Smell Of Female (Live At The Peppermint Lounge)

Feral, camp and outrageous, The Cramps‘ live album from 1983, was apparently tweaked a little (seemingly the audience screams were from a ‘bigger’ band) but still sounds fresh and vital. It’s definitely more playful than menacing. The line-up is Interior, Rorschach, Kid Congo Powers and Nick Knox. Classic line-up as far as I’m concerned. ‘YouContinue reading “Lost In Music: The Cramps- Smell Of Female (Live At The Peppermint Lounge)”

Overlooked Classics: Deerhoof- The Magic

You never know what you’ll be served by the mighty Deerhoof – will it be the melancholic strangeness of Milk Man, or the effervescent avant pop of Vs Evil? With The Magic, it’s both, and more. It’s widescreen Deerhoof, but still with that experimental side. It’s Deerhoof at angles, which is to be expected. ThisContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Deerhoof- The Magic”

Lost In Music: Siouxsie and the Banshees- Juju

I don’t think I’ve really written much about classic Siouxsie and the Banshees albums before, so thought it was time to rectify that. Juju is one of my favourites from my teens. I came to It late, probably the late eighties, as it had already been released in 1981, and I was too young toContinue reading “Lost In Music: Siouxsie and the Banshees- Juju”