New music
theartsdesk at the Secret Garden PartyWednesday, 30 July 2014
After a manic B-road wriggle to avoid traffic that was at a standstill I arrived in glorious sunshine, gazing benignly down on rolling green English fields, complimented by a lake and river. Secret Garden is undoubtedly one of the best settings for... Read more... |
WOMAD 2014, Charlton ParkWednesday, 30 July 2014
If I had to pick the highlight of this sun-drenched WOMAD it would have to be the fresh, emotionally charged set of Ukrainian band Dakha Brakha. I can’t recall seeing such a unanimously positive response for a relatively unknown band at the Festival... Read more... |
CD: Jenny Lewis - The VoyagerWednesday, 30 July 2014
Context is everything. It’s the difference between that “lady without a baby” line that’s got everybody talking delivered straight up, and the knowing smile and cross-dressing Hollywood actresses that come with it in the song’s accompanying video.... Read more... |
theartsdesk at the Port Eliot FestivalMonday, 28 July 2014
Remember when festivals were only about what they were ostensibly about? When, say, Reading offered nothing beyond hard rock bar disgusting toilets, overpriced hamburgers and the prospect of a punch-up. When literary festivals dealt only in, well,... Read more... |
CD: Andy Bell – Torsten the Bareback SaintMonday, 28 July 2014
“A theatrical pop song-cycle of musical postcards from the hotspots of memory from a semi-immortal polysexual sensualist’s life” is how the fourth solo album from Erasure's Andy Bell describes itself. The story and album begin with “Freshly Buggered... Read more... |
theartsdesk in the Faroes: Disco and Dried FishSunday, 27 July 2014
“Tonight, in the Faroe Islands, we’re going to find the greatest dancer.” It’s not an exhortation which often rings out. It could even be a first time The Faroes have been invited to demonstrate their disco prowess. Sister Sledge are on stage and... Read more... |
Loudon Wainwright III: Haven't Got the Blues (Yet)Sunday, 27 July 2014
Loudon Wainwright III is the closest the Americana tradition gets to a stand-up comedian. It’s there in the punctilious insistence on his place in the dynasty (a dynasty which has spawned a couple of singer-songwriters of a less humorous bent). One... Read more... |
Reissue CDs Weekly: Troubadours - Folk and the Roots of American MusicSunday, 27 July 2014
Various Artists: Troubadours - Folk and the Roots of American Music Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4This is one of the most important reissues of the year. As the year ends, it may become the most important. Troubadours - Folk and the Roots of... Read more... |
CD: Neon Jungle - Welcome to the JungleSaturday, 26 July 2014
Neon Jungle are a manufactured band consisting of four visually striking young women aged between 17 and 21. They have supported Jessie J in concert and, according to their press release were "were handpicked by iconic lingerie brand Victoria's... Read more... |
CD: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Hypnotic EyeThursday, 24 July 2014
Tom Petty is one of rock’s best-selling artists of all time. However, with the exception of a couple of minor hits, his West Coast Bruce Springsteen with a Byrds fixation schtick has never really gained much traction in the UK. In 2010 his album... Read more... |
CD: Black Top - # OneWednesday, 23 July 2014
Initiated in the latter part of 2011 by Jazz Warrior and multi-instrumentalist Orphy Robinson and pianist/sound sculptor Pat Thomas, I saw the shape-shifting ensemble Black Top play an incredible gig as a sextet at its spiritual home, Café Oto, as... Read more... |
theartsdesk at Latitude: Lily Allen/HaimTuesday, 22 July 2014
The only bad thing about Latitude is a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out). Some proper planning is advised - or a quick purchase of the Latitude App, if you're lucky enough to get reception over the weekend - to weigh up clashes and work out... Read more... |
