New music
Reissue CDs Weekly: Judy Henske & Jerry YesterSunday, 28 August 2016
In 1969, a tranche of American musicians looked back to the country’s past for inspiration. Bob Dylan followed John Wesley Harding with Nashville Skyline. The Band’s eponymous second album hit the shops. The Flying Burrito Brothers debuted with The... Read more... |
CD: Britney Spears - GloryFriday, 26 August 2016
On first listen, Queen Britney's new album is nothing more than a glorious booty call. I'm no prude, but listening to her sensual requests in musical form feels like earwigging on the soundtrack to a sex tape.In "Invitation", she asks "Put your love... Read more... |
Soulful Islamic passion: the Najmuddin Saifuddin groupThursday, 25 August 2016
Qawwali music is amongst the most soulful, passionate music in the world. Many people have discovered it through the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who was one the greatest singers of the last half century. Seeing him perform at an early WOMAD was... Read more... |
CD: Warhaus - We Fucked a Flame Into BeingThursday, 25 August 2016
One of popular music’s mightiest talents, Leonard Cohen, at the age of 82, has a new album out in the Autumn, the fabulously titled You Want It Darker. If it’s anywhere near as good as his last one, this is great news. Those, however, who can’t wait... Read more... |
CD: Morgan Delt - Phase ZeroWednesday, 24 August 2016
In 1966, David Warner assumed the title role in Karel Reisz’s satire Morgan – A Suitable Case for Treatment. The film’s Morgan Delt was a fantasist with a communist family background married to the posh Leonie, played by Vanessa Redgrave. When she... Read more... |
Prom 49: Quincy Jones Prom, Royal Albert HallTuesday, 23 August 2016
As I waited outside the entrance to the Royal Albert Hall, someone leaned over to me and said: “My cocaine is to your left.” I glanced in that direction and realised they’d actually said “Michael Caine is to your left”, and indeed he was, on his way... Read more... |
CD: De La Soul - and the Anonymous NobodyMonday, 22 August 2016
De La Soul are the posterboys for creative longevity in hip hop. While some contemporaries have maintained a presence by relying on “heritage” status while going in ever-decreasing circles musically (hello, Public Enemy), the trio – still in their... Read more... |
Reissue CDs Weekly: Betty Davis, Jeanette JonesSunday, 21 August 2016
Despite their different paths in the Seventies, the final years of the Sixties saw parallels between Betty Davis and Jeanette Jones. Both soul singers had significant backing from music business insiders. Late in the decade, each had a discography... Read more... |
CD: Divine Comedy - ForeverlandSunday, 21 August 2016
With ten albums over a quarter-century, Neil Hannon and Divine Comedy don’t have too many surprises left. Most fans will presumably be glad to know that this release, like many of the others, is a slightly uneasy mixture of joyful musical... Read more... |
CD: New Model Army - WinterSaturday, 20 August 2016
Casual fans of New Model Army may be surprised at how doggedly the band has plied its trade – aside from a couple of brief breaks, the boys haven't stopped for over 35 years. Nor have they ever let up on their revolutionary spirit. Even when there... Read more... |
CD: Bitch 'n' Monk - we are peering overThursday, 18 August 2016
Bitch ‘n’ Monk is a duo of London singer and guitarist Heidi Heidelberg and Colombian flautist Mauricio Velasierra. They make work of uncompromising novelty - dense but exhilarating collages of soaring vocals, restless guitar and intricate,... Read more... |
CD: David Brent & Foregone Conclusion - Life on the RoadWednesday, 17 August 2016
“I don’t really care about reviews because if someone slags it off, they’ve missed the joke. How can they slag off a fictional character? It’s win-win. It’s pain-free. It’s bulletproof – commercially and critically.”Ricky Gervais there, talking... Read more... |
