Lewca - Friday Night Rockstar - Album Review

Album released: 16/12/22 

Available from: https://lewca.bandcamp.com/music

The story so far…

Brixton born, Parisian commuter, Lewca has released 3 EPs between December 2020 and June 2021. The first two (3 Kids & A Mortgage and Walking The Hedgehog) appear on opposite sides of a vinyl. His third EP Geezer Pop was included alongside the first two on a CD titled Year One.  Lewca has also released a number of excellent singles in collaboration with the crème de la crème of the new music scene (Sean Buckley, Ben Todd, OrangeG, Post Industrial Poets, Fire Up The Sun, The Geezer Choir, Invisible Squirrel and Le Spectre). Head over to Lewca’s Bandcamp site to order your vinyl, CD or digital downloads. 

Lewca is a natural storyteller and in each song, you learn more about his life, loves, losses, dreams and realities.  His songs usually contain witty self-deprecating humour, whilst others are poignant or angry at injustices in the world. 

Lewca’s been influenced by everything from The Clash, Ian Dury, The Streets, Tom Waits, 2-Tone, Reggae, Hip Hop, Rave, and a thousand other artists and genres but crucially the influences aren’t mimicked, they just fuel his fire, and he retains his own character and distinctive voice. 

The music assisted by his main man S.O.A.P. (DJ Son of a Pitch) takes on genres as fit the mood of each song so you can’t pigeonhole the Lewca sound. 

Friday Night Rockstar - The Album

I’ve had early access “perks n shit” so I can provide this track-by-track album review…

Such a Cunt 

Yes, this album has more than a few profanities on it so if that offends you or your sensibilities you might as well fuck off now.  Still reading? Awesome! The album opens with a piano ballad and an acknowledgment that life is finite. It then offers a message of self-improvement set to wicked drum n bass track.

Friday Night Rockstar

Title track and first single from the album is an ode to the joys of being a weekend warrior. There’s some brilliant lyrics “Ain’t even made it, already overrated…since the late Nineties, I’ve been sedated”.  “I’ll be yelling in a pub til they put me in the ground”.  Punky metal shredding guitar riffs from John Michie and Zar Acoustic have been cut up and rearranged and these two appear on most of the album tracks.  Liverpool’s psychedelic garage act Mondo Trasho also feature on the chorus. 

Harmony Korine 

A tale of Lewca’s 1980s childhood with a flashback inducing chorus about driving around, kids unrestrained in the backseat of a smoky car.  Klaxons A bouncy electro track with klaxons. A song that deals with the passing of time and then comes full circle.  The title is the name of a controversial filmmaker and skateboarder who is turning 50.   I had a similar wake up call recently when I realised both Eminem and Johnny Lee Miller are both 50 now. 

A Million Things 

A short song about beloved comedian Bill Hicks. “This is just a ride…It feels like the Universe is falling to bits”.

Everyday Struggle 

This is the flip side of Friday Night Rockstar, the daily grind and commute required to pay those bills. “It’s hard labour, I ain’t done no crime, I’m selling my life one day at a time”. Lewca acknowledges he can’t complain too much about his lot but it’s still a pain in the arse working for The Man. The music is catchy, and a bit of a bop enhanced with the awesome vocals of Oh! Paulo and the Harmonica of OrangeG.

Forget My Name 

A song from the dark nights of the soul when the mind turns sour.  Lewca talks of depression in the first half of the song and then says a door was opened and with help he came through the other side. Gorgeous vocals from Victory Flow lifts this song even higher making it one of the highlights of Lewca’s career. 

Incredible 

A song about Lewca under the influence at a karaoke party. His confidence in his abilities is chemically enhanced with James Willows crooning “I feel incredible I feel fucking awesome”.   The voices in his head provided by Ambre are telling him “You’re so wicked baby loving your song I wanna listen to you all night long”. This universal acceptance of Lewca’s talent is undercut in Lewca’s own lyrics but they can’t get him off the mic. A classic single. 

The Love Within

Lewca’s pornographic love song to his wife set to stabbing organ and funky bass.

Radio Gigolo

A song imagining future fame, when Lewca’s a changed into mainstream big shot.  “I’d be like someone else I don’t even know.  So hungry for fame I’d even sell my name for some spicy wings or a TV Show”.  As Lewca admitted when I interviewed him, if he ever made it as a rock n roll star, he’ll probably be dead in a couple of years. So, buy his album but don’t buy two copies. 

Golden God

Lewca raps over this unhinged backing track and contains many classic rhymes “don’t fuck with my mid-life crisis, got a cocktail bitch, show me where the ice is.” “I’m way too old and I’ve got a dad bod, no connection, no money, long shot”. “It’s fine in my mind I’m a golden god.” screams Lewca. 

A Song

A punk hedonistic banger with Arabic and Caribbean trimmings. Lewca tells a few stories with a common theme when an angry girl in a club, an uncaring supervisor, and finally his kids tell him to cry them a river and write a fucking song about it. This is that song. 

Fell In Love With A Serial Killer 

A brilliant song written by Ben Todd and given the Lewca cartoon sheen as a serious theme - holding a relationship with a woman who enjoys killing people. They say love is blind and we’ve all got to go somehow, and no-one wants to die alone… 

Smoke In The Air

The acidic drum n bass beats are back on the album’s closing track. “When I’m dead and gone, and the party is over, just play my song, look over your shoulder. I’ll be there, floating like the smoke from a Saturday night in the air”.  

So that's the album.  If you already know Lewca and have read this far you don't need any encouragement from me.  Please share this review so others might discover him.  If you are new to Lewca then you can find him on all the usual socials and streaming sites. 

I urge you to order your copy of the excellent Friday Night Rockstar album on the format of your choice.  It'll be out mid-December, so it'll make a great stocking filler for your kids!  

Friday Night Rockstar is available from:  https://lewca.bandcamp.com/music

Further Lewca Listening... 

I interviewed Lewca and played several songs from this album on my November 2022 DAFTPOM Show on InYourEarsMusic.com.  Lewca interview begins at 22 minutes.

 

Mixtape Nov 2022

 This November 2022 Mixtape blog arrives on the seventh anniversary of my first monthly blog.  They have been fairly sporadic over the last three years as I focused on radio shows but I’m hoping to revive them in a regular format.  (Hoping but not promising).  

Here’s twenty recent tunes I recommend you listen to and the playlist to stream as you read. If you can support the independent artists with a purchase, share their music or this blog, they and I will be very grateful.  

1) I Don’t Feel Today - Common Goldfish

Tottenham based band making groovy tunes that sonically hark back to the Madchester scene.  Common Goldfish have released three excellent singles to date - Shout Louder and Feel The Fuzz are the other two.  A band that I have really been enjoying since discovering them in the submittracks@inyourearsmusic.com inbox. I Don't Feel Today | common goldfish (bandcamp.com)

2) My House - 3 Little Wolves 🐺🐺🐺

My House sounds like The Cure during their Pornography era mixed with the melodic tunes of Peter Hook’s Monaco.  It has been a pleasure to hear the development of this band over the last few years. Frontman Paul was an old friend of mine since the 1990s and I’m so pleased that his band have been going from strength to strength and have a debut album expected early 2023.  3 Little Wolves (bandcamp.com)   

3) Devil Bar Blues - Jack Gill

Jack Gill hails from Liverpool and delves into heavy blues riffs.  Fans of The Heavy North and Mexican Dogs should check out his back catalogue as I am.  A live album and about six previous singles to discover if you’re digging this recent song.

4) I Wanna Be Overrated - YNES 

Perhaps the wittiest lyricists out there on the underground scene backed with well-produced snotty punk music.  “I wanna be truly hated by someone than myself. I wanna be overrated”.  Looks like this is the eleventh single and the ones I know are all brilliant. Hopefully YNES will feel overrated by my review.  YNES (bandcamp.com)

  

5) Rush - Jaap Stamina

Kent based electro artist who has released a huge trance tune that takes me right back to the Nineties.  It’s got a menacing pounding beat, acidic squiggles, a chilled interlude and a glorious build up and it bangs like a couple of horny rabbits. This one is released on 18th November.  Pre-save Rush by Jaap Stamina

6) Rock N Roll Ain’t Dead While We’re Living - Laurie Wright 

This is a glam rock stomper with a lo-fi punk sheen. London’s Laurie Wright has been releasing loads of great modern punk rock songs lately and this one is a life-affirming sing-along song with elements of The Clash and Slade thrown together. Laurie Wright (bandcamp.com)

7) 80s Clowns - Feardrops

Synthesizers and drums provide an eerie music, similar to Tubeway Army, with lyrics about “Winter in a forest town, haunted by those 80s Clowns”.  This could easily appear on a Stranger Things soundtrack.  Feardrops are a new project based in China that have released five singles in 2022 but have relatively few listeners - so they need to be heard. 

8)  Taste The Brainbow - Blokeacola 

Taste The Brainbow was the first single taken from Blokecola's excellent Wig Game EP.  The lyrical content is darker than previous releases and Blokeacola has used cut n paste phrases from the internet as his lyrics which certainly makes this a unique project.  Despite the oppressive themes there is still dark humour here "Not even Facebook wants my data".  The music and vocals are wonderful and the whole EP is worthwhile investment of your time (and some coins). Wig Game | Blokeacola (bandcamp.com)  

9) Silent Fears - Echo Northstar 

New wave minimalist keyboards, a persistent drumbeat and a beautiful voice rising above it all.  A wonderful piece of music from a London based Irishman.  Also check out his previous single Someone Else which I played on my DAFTPOM Show a few months ago.   Echo Northstar (bandcamp.com)

10) Fly Away - Romy 

Romy is a teenage sensation (13) who is writing and recording songs well in advance of her years.  Fly Away is a song about wanting to escape when faced with memories sparked by a photo. Romy plays acoustic guitars and sings her heart out.  She has released six songs this year and is one to watch for the future. Fly Away | Romy (bandcamp.com)

11)  Death Masks - Lossline

Manchester's Lossline bring the drums on this upbeat gloomy anthem. The lyrics are universal and depressing but there is beauty in the bleakness - perhaps the majesty of the music carries it.  "And we sleep with white noise because our thoughts are too loud.  And we sleep next to our phones, cos we just can't switch off, anything, anytime for anyone".  Taken from the album When I Look Out I See No Stars. Lossline are a band to wallow in.  When I Look Out I See No Stars | Lossline (bandcamp.com)

12) Radioactive Hybrid Terror Pigs - Joe Peacock 

A blistering tornado of guitars and pounding drums sees Joe with his most aggressive sound yet. Surprising from Joe who is an old hippy friend from my student days. You never know what to expect from Mr Peacock, from one release to the next but there is always an intriguing personal or historical story behind each song.  This one deals with animals taking over the land deserted by humans in the wake of a nuclear disaster.  Some great grunting noises at the end too.  Joe Peacock (bandcamp.com)

13) We Need Light In The Dark - Tobisonics 

The title track of Tonbisonic's debut album is beat track, a bell chiming, a repetitive chant, strange noises that appear in your headphones, samples and 80's keyboards to build up a great electro track.  The album was written about his battles with his mental health issues and contains seven top tunes. 

We Need Light in the Dark | Tobisonics (bandcamp.com)

14) When Our Lungs Are Empty - Joe Adhemar

The final track of Joe Adhemar's fifth album is a stunner - the album About The Soul has been released on Bandcamp, CD, and a very tasty Vinyl.  It is finally coming to the streaming sites in December.  World weariness is a style that Joe has nailed here and the closing chants of "fade away" are a perfect ending for this album which mixes up the genres and incorporates more electronic synthesizer elements than his previous work (outside of the Invisible Squirrel alter-ego).  About The Soul | Joe Adhemar (bandcamp.com)   

15) Save My Soul - Solar Eyes

Save Our Souls is a great psychedelic space rock song from Birmingham’s Solar Eyes. It is taken from their second EP Alcatraz released at the end of October. There is plenty to love about this band so give them a follow and we can all go for a trip together. 

16) Chemical Burn - Lyon Tide 

A dance banger from Birmingham's Lyon Tide.  They have embraced their inner Chemical Brothers and written a biological love song that really kicks. It is the opening song from their amazing second album Life Pop Bang which deserves a much wider audience.  I recommend you check out the album.  Trust me!  Life Pop Bang | Lyon Tide (bandcamp.com)

17) Shelly Gold - GreenCircles and Ollie Winder

Ollie wrote the lyrics and teamed up with Newcastle band GreenCircles who provided the music and backing vocals.  It sounds like an early Roses song, complete with reversed guitar parts, a Jackon Pollock/John Squire paint splatter artwork.  It's got quality lyrics and music and I hope you love it as much as I do.  Shelly Gold | GreenCircles and Ollie Winder (bandcamp.com)

     

18) Wrote For Luck - Kinfauns

The combined vocals of the wonderful Amelia Coburn duetting with Andrew Johnson, singing the lyrics of Shaun William Ryder and playing the music of Happy Mondays on ukulele and acoustic guitar.  The result is gorgeous as you can hear.  Wrote For Luck | Kinfauns (bandcamp.com)  

19) Forget My Name - Lewca

The next single from Lewca's forthcoming Friday Night Rockstar album.  I think this is one of the most powerful tracks from Lewca so far.  It features vocals from Victory Flow and has stunned the listeners to my recent DAFTPOM show.  It pulls at the heartstrings as a tale of struggling and fighting against the odds.  The album is out Mid December and can be ordered here...  Friday Night Rockstar | Lewca (bandcamp.com)

20) Change Is On The Horizon - Voldo

Groovy laidback beats, weird noises and samples "Gotta make a change" this has a contempory feel but is steeped in deep cuts from their record collections.  Taken from the new Voldo album Melting Pot which, as its name implies, takes all their influences and forges something new and compelling.  Melting Pot | Voldo (bandcamp.com)  

Please also check out my blog reviewing The Shop Window's second album which is released at the end of November.  I'll be back next month with my blog on my albums of the year.  

The Shop Window A 4 Letter Word

Album Review

A 4 Letter Word

The Shop Window

reviewed by Old Indie Kid 

Release date: 25th November 2022 on Vinyl & CD with a digital release in December. 

Pre-order a physical copy today before they sell out! 

theshopwindow.bandcamp.com/

spinoutproductions.com/shop/

Maidstone’s greatest indie jangle pop band, The Shop Window have returned with a second album of delicious aural treats.  But before I dive into that, let's reflect on their journey so far.  During the Britpop years Carl & Syd were members of 90's band Westpier - label mates of Sleeper.  The friends reunited in 2018 when Carl returned to Kent after years of living overseas and they added Phil and Martin to complete The Shop Window line-up.  Their first release was on Bandcamp at Christmas 2019, and they followed up during the lockdowns with a string of singles, a 7" vinyl, and award-winning videos before dropping their debut album in June 2021 - The State Of Being Human.     

Mere months after the debut album, they started playing gigs and releasing singles from the follow up, which will soon be in your hands, your ears and your life.  They have released a second 7" on indie label Spinout Nuggets, a wonderful acoustic EP (raising funds for MacMillan Cancer Support), a second Christmas single, and a Forgotten single in collaboration with new music legends Sean Buckley, Jen Dixon & Chris James Willows.     

The second album has been in the can for months, but they delayed the release date until confirmation that the vinyl pressing plants could keep up with the demand for this highly anticipated second album.  No need to fear - Spinout Nuggets and the band are pleased to announce they are taking pre-orders and licking stamps, so your stockings needn't be empty this Christmas!     

But how does this second set rate as a collection of songs?  Does it hang together well, does it have overarching themes, maybe even a character ark?  That’s what I will now attempt to answer, with a track-by-track review.  I will also be trying to decipher the cryptic crossword clue set in the album's title - A 4 Letter Word. Crucially, what is that word, and more importantly, is it a rude one?

The Shoppies 2022

Eyes Wide Shut, a recent 7" single, opens the album with a gorgeous slice of upbeat jangle cake with a catchy chorus and harmonies.  My favourite part is the second half when the vocals end (no offence intended), but this is when the music rises, and you can enjoy the tightness of the band.  Some great "Wah-Wah" effects, and the final moments remind me of something just out of reach - perhaps the strings heard on Jollification by The Lightning Seeds?  Solid start to album #2.

With Love To Lead, the second track, is full of imagined chivalrous actions as Kings, Princes and Knights fight each other to win the hand of ye Maiden fair.  Noble quests are undertaken, and honourable stands are made.  I think the 4-Letter Word must be one highly favoured  by The Beatles, and it's the unifying theme of the album.

The Lay Of The Land was the first single released way back in November 2021.  Musically, The Shoppies are drifting into the otherworldliness of 60's psychedelia (Pictures of Matchstick Men) and borrowing images from Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland.  The opening line “Time will take its toll down the rabbit hole” also links to one of the major themes from the debut album - that of aging.  The song also confirms that LOVE is "the meaning of life".  The song's reference to Magpies links to the imagery for the single and album covers - each has a silhouette of an animal with a heart.    

Dancing Light is a wonderful composition, echoing the jangling goodness of a Smiths record. Dancing Light is sweetness and light and has a stirring chorus full of emotion. Great harmonics on the repeated refrain "Let me feel the love , sweeps me up in waves, falling from above, moves in many ways".  It’s a tender song that lets the listeners in behind The Shop Window. 

It’s By Design deals with the idea of whether fate or chance determines who we form relationships with. "Stars aligned to make this history, so they say".  The musical interplay between the band is excellent and very engaging to the listener, especially in what I will term the middle eight / bridge / bit in the middle with no singing. (I dropped out of recorder lessons aged 5 and my musical terminology has only marginally improved).  Trust me it's very catchy and this would be a stand-out track for most albums - but a 4 Letter Word has such a high-quality threshold that it's an album of highlights.   

Circles Go Round is the opening song on Side B (get it on vinyl if you want your circle to go around).  Circles Go Round sounds like former single Out Of Reach's riff and beats were put in a blender on high speed.  It’s another jaunty Smiths-esque tune that seems to oscillate between speeds.  It’s bound to have crowds of middle-aged fans putting their backs out trying to dance to this at live gigs.  The song was written about Carl and Syd, getting the band back together and creating new music as old friends.  "Jump start the heart again, sit back and ride the wave... Years roll by, let this define us". 

Lighthouse is a truly fantastic song.  A tale of anxiety being overcome by LOVE, hope, and other ace things.  A lovely LOVE song written by Carl to his wife. "When you radiate light it's a window to the heart of you. Lighthouse of hope sending a beacon to my call".  It'll melt your heart and leave you singing, "ba ba-ba ba-ba ba" as it fades away.   

        

That Feeling is, in my humble opinion, the closest The Shop Window have come to the early sounds of The Stone Roses, and that's not a comparison I make lightly.  This is perfect lush indie pop and wrapped up in less than 3 minutes. The chorus proclaims, "When I get that That Feeling I'm alive". (However, the correct answer is "I need sexual healing").   

Maid Of Stone is catchy, yet mysterious.  To me it speaks of childhood and a mother's LOVE "It's in this place where we began, where we walked before we ran" and "Inspiration - TV Screens, in shop windows, chasing dreams, Sheltered by a Maid of Stone".  I absolutely adore this song from my Maidstone brothers.      

Low sounds magnificent and it is well placed as the final track on the album.  The frustration of the Covid lockdowns is captured by the lyrics "A year disappeared, frozen in time, never get it back, Mother Nature's crime".  A world-weary song where Carl sings of "running on fumes" and a determination to keep your head above water and try not to fall into despair.  The music is heavily influenced by the slower majestic Blur songs - and it wears it well.  It builds to a good place and ends the album with LOVE as the savior.   

    

Conclusion - if you loved the first album - this is even better. If you haven't discovered The Shop Window before, then are you in for a treat!   

theshopwindow.bandcamp.com/

spinoutproductions.com/shop/

Further reading - My review of The Shop Window debut album The State Of Being Human

Did you know???  Carl co-wrote a song called Ocean Blue sang by Kylie Minogue.  Hear it below.  

(50) Ocean Blue (B-Side) Kylie Minogue - YouTube

The Shed Project Debut Album

A band who emerged from a Shed in Bolton and only released their first single in January 2020 have created one of the most anticipated albums of the year. 

The Curious Mind Of A Common Man

The Shed Project

Like so many of us, of a certain vintage, it is heavily influenced by the spirit of the Roses and sounds absolutely mint.  Before I give a track by track review I would like to talk about the band and their attitude.  I am basing this mostly on Roy Fletcher, singer songwriter and main mouthpiece who is very active on the socials. The Sheds are a great bunch of blokes, Roy, Tim, John, Ollie and Shane. They’re funny, humble, friendly whilst totally believing in their abilities.  They champion others in the music scene and there’s no aloofness here.  They are a bunch of mates and want others to join them.  I haven’t seen them live but those who have will confirm it isn’t an audience watching a band, its a party with everyone invested in the good vibes.  A sign of their class was shouting out previous band members on their promotional posters for the album.  “Once in, never out”.

So they’ve got loads of good will on their side and great expectations for the debut album, but is it any good?  Will it twist your melon or should you call the cops?  Here's my track by track review. 

Side A

Modern Way

The swagger of Ian Brown mooching on stage and a minute of sexy guitar riffs introduce the album with a beast of a tune.  The percussion is spot on Roses fans are gonna love it.  It’s over six minutes long but I’ld happily listen to a 12 minute version - it’s that good. Roy’s lyrics are uplifting encouraging you to get up and stand proud when you’re feeling beaten down by the system and life.  It’s a call to everyone suffering and struggling in their lives.  The message is to find strength in the love of your friends and family.  And stick it to The Man whilst you’re at it.

Amsterdam 

The narcotic mini break to the Dam was a mega single last year, one of seven singles released over the last two years that makes it to the album.  Amsterdam opens with the sounds of bicycle bells, trams and The Shed Project trying to make it across the street in a hazy adventure.  It’s such a feel good song that they are probably entitled to a grant from the Dutch Tourist Board.  The trippiness takes off as a little Beatlesesque Day In The Life sound montage is followed by the tempo suddenly taking off as the trip starts to get out of control.  

My Life

Song three is the amazing autobiographical tale of life as a kid growing up in the 80s.  Being of the same age as Roy, this really resonates with me.  A song about growing up, taking knocks, and being defiant that you can rise again and believe in yourself.  The music is wonderful and you should all know it by now - if not put it on!

Temptation 

A new song that reminds me of the Inspiral Carpets and early Charlatans.  Underpinned by a great bass line with jangly guitars.  A song about offering help to a friend who’s fallen into addiction.  It’s an upbeat banger despite the message that you can fall too far into temptation.

Sal

A gorgeous love song sung to Sal. It sounds a little like The Shed Project covering Fleetwood Mac’s Albertrous at double speed. With the tropical birdsong samples it places it on a warm island beach in my mind.  

Lucky Number

Roy continues his wooing and outlines his best pick up techniques in Lucky Number, a early single and the first Shed Project songs I heard back in 2020.  The early singles have all been remixed for the album as their production skills have rocketed over the last year.

Side B

Bedtime 

Side B starts with Bedtime.  I’m calling it Side B because I fully expect a vinyl release at some point, even though the initial releases will be digital and on CD.  There is even a vinyl crackle mixed into the beginning of Bedtime on the recording so “I hear my needle hit the groove”.  This is a song that deals with a troubled mind, fearing the night terrors.  Bedtime was released as a single raising funds for a mental health charity last year.  It’s got a great sound and reminds me of The Verve and Spiritualized as it builds to it’s finale and prayers are raised whilst the strings swoon in.  Class! 

Livin’

A tale of hard grind and weekend hedonism.  The mix has elevated this song from its murky beginnings as the debut single and it sounds really crisp now.  It has an Oasis B-side feel to it and heralds the end of the chilled section.

Don’t Wait For No-one

OMG! Without any warning, a hurricane of beats, jagged punky guitars and squelchy acid noises erupts.  I’m all in! We’re now joyriding the Bolton bus on two wheels hurtling ‘round Banger Corner.  This is the album’s Beggin’ You and it’s a highlight on a album of highs.

One Shot

Another top new mix of an early single.  One Shot is a joyous blast of fun that’s placed just where you need it.  “One Shot, One Goal, Gotta Live Your Life Before You Get Old”. This is The Shed’s shot and they are living it large - even without their mate MC Tunes on this version.

Feel My Love

And the tunes keep coming - Feel My Love is as high as a falsetto dripping in chiming guitars with the biggest chorus on the album.  

Friend 

So the album signs off with blistering rabble rousing crunchy guitars and unhinged beat-fest like a XTRMTR era Primal Scream.  This new single is out in April (or now on bandcamp) and will definitely surprise many who think they know what to expect.  The finale again goes atmospheric and then suddenly silence and you are in awe of what you’ve just listened to.  

Pre-save the album here…

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/theshedproject/the-curious-mind-of-a-common-man

Pre-order a digital album from bandcamp here…

https://theshedprojectuk.bandcamp.com/

Keep an eye on the website for merch…

https://oneloverecords.co.uk/

The Curious Mind of A Common Man by The Shed Project delivers in spades.  It proudly shows off it’s influences, the same great bands we’ve all grown up with, and it’s an equal (whispers “Sometimes better”).

Oldindiekid Feb 2022

Mixtape September 2019

This is in my esteemed opinion, contender for playlist of the year. Enjoy!

1) Joy by Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird
Melbourne band to kick off proceedings this month.

2) Charlie by Mallrat
Great song and Mallrat & I both have dogs called Charlie.



3) You’re Either On Something by Temples
Psychedelic pop taken from the third album coming soon.  This song is so infectious it was in my dream this week and I woke up humming it.

4) I Can’t Grow Peaches On A Cherry Tree by Mystic Braves
A hippy strum-along song.

5) I Melt With You by Surfer Blood
A cover originally recorded by Modern English in 1982.

6) Something In The Water by Shannen James
Debut single by an Australian singer-songwriter.

7) Roots Girl by Eli Mac, Paula Fuga & Nattali Rize
Obligatory reggae track of the month.



8) This Is The Place by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Ten years on from the Oasis split, Noel is churning out the hits with beats and vocals replacing the usual guitars.

9) Jet by Shonen Knife
Brilliant cover of the Wings classic by the only Japanese band I know.

10) Every Little Thing by The Black Keys
Thankfully the Black Keys haven't turned their backs on dirty guitar riffs or tunes



11) Exit Sign by Hilltop Hoods, Illy & Eva Vandal
Aussie hip hop legends collaborate on a track about getting out of the club.

12) Remember The Name by Ed Sheeran, Eminem & 50 Cent
I first heard this Ed Sheeran song and thought great beat then Eminem and 50 Cent started rapping.  This is the most surprising collaboration of the year linking Ipswich and Detroit.

13) Junglist Warrior by Lady Waks, Deekline & Freestyles
Massive jungle tune based on Ini Kamoze's nineties hit Here Comes The Hotstepper.



14) Get Over Myself by Bootleg Rascal
More bloody great Australian music.

15) Clouds of Saint Marie by Ride
Shimmering guitars and dreamy vocals make this an instant favourite.

16) Angel Eyes by The Czars
Now this is my favourite ABBA song given a stripped-back gender reassignment.

17) Record Collection by Kaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chief's lead single from their latest album.  Clever lyrics and as catchy as the common cold.

18) Salted Caramel Ice Cream (Moscoman Remix) by Metronomy
A remix of Metronomy's latest iconic tune.  Lyrics are again off the chart. 

19) 2 Much by The Allergies & Andy Cooper
Keep 'em coming - I can't get enough of these tracks.

20) Forgot Your Name by Mini Mansions
A song about dancing and romancing off your face and having minimal recall.

Mixtape March 2019

Another batch of  music carefully stockpiled and placed in your bunker to get you through the month of March.  

1) Danger - Always Looking for Stranger by Gregg Diamond
A new disco classic with a retro funky 70's vibe.

2) Tough Enough by Ex Hex
Taken from the forthcoming second album - their first release in five years.

3) Ruiner by Methyl Ethel 
Opening track from the Perth band's third album Triage which is heavily influenced by the new wave sounds of the early 80s.

4) Times Won't Change Me by Circa Waves
Liverpool band about to release their third album.

 5) Chaos From The Top Down by Stereophonics 
Obviously inspired by the mess of the British Government.

6) Fast Times by Albert Hammond Jr 
Where are The Strokes?  Come-on guys - reform.  This is alright but it just hints at what we are missing.

7) Enough To Believe (Jamie Jones Remix) by Bob Moses
Excellent catchy modern dance track with some great production and dare I say "sick" beats. 

8) Gangster Trippin (Dan Aux Remix) by Fatboy Slim
The original was a hit twenty years ago and this cut up remix comes via New Zealand DJ Dan Aux.

9) Super Cool by Beck featuring Robyn & The Lonely Island 
Taken from the new Lego Movie - has Beck in funky pop mood - a companion piece to Everything Is Awesome from the first film.  Lyrically it is about staying in the movie to read the credits.  Radio Friendly Unit Shifter.  Yes I would sell out (make me an offer).



10) Be Yourself by Hilltop Hoods ft Ecca Vandal & Nyassa 
Hilltop Hoods have just realised their first album in five years.  This track seems to be built upon a loop of the intro to Harlem Shuffle.

11) In The Capital by Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever 

New music from RBCF - then again its all new music - that's the point.

12) What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out? by Gang of Youths
 Still milking tracks from their 2017 album - but when it's this good I'll let it pass.

13) Staring At The Sun by Wooden Shijips 
Blissed out hippy shit akin to the Velvet Underground crossed with Spiritualized.

14) Something Tells Me by Meg Mac
Aussie singer with a new song that is destined to be huge.

15) Little Smart Houses by Sundara Karma
Taken from the second album by Reading's Sundara Karma.  Catchy indie pop.

16) Here by Sloan Peterson 
Another great release from Sydney's Sloan Peterson.

17) Heavy For You by The Heavy
Is it too heavy for you?  Actually it's not. In fact it could be much heavier.



18) Spooky Dub by The Nextmen Vs Gentleman's Dub Club featuring Hollie Cook
One of my favourite albums of 2018 gets the full dub version treatment. Tasty!

19) Right For Me by The Teskey Brothers 
Australian band from the Yarra Valley with their take on the Motown sound.

20) Ill Wind by Radiohead
This was released in January with no fanfare - I almost missed it.  Situation remedied.

Mixtape February 2019

This month there is a definite dance vibe to the playlist interspersed with a big old dub section and a few indie shmindie acts towards the end.  It's a strong set if I do say so myself - and I do.

1) Cool As Hell by Baker Boy
Awesome groovy track from the hottest act from the Northern Territory.

2) Lightenup (Alex Metric Remix) by Parcels 
One of my favourite tracks from last year remixed by the great Alex Metric who can always add extra funk to everything he touches.

3) Got To Keep On by The Chemical Brothers
The Chemical Brothers are back in a rich vein of form lately after some frankly lean years.

4) Cyboogie by king Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
There is something very familiar about this release it sounds like Super Furry Animals covering Dark Side Of The Moon.  Great to have King Giz back after a year's silence.

5) Wide Awake by Parquet Courts
New York band banging out the percussion as if they were A Certain Ratio circa 1982.

6) B.L.M. by The Specials 
Autobiographical tale of the singer's family travelling as part of the Windrush generation and dealing with the attitudes they received in the UK and USA. Best new song I have heard from The Specials in the last 30 years - I am now checking out their new album Encore.

7) Meditate by Golden Features
Another wicked slab of Aussie Dance music taken from the excellent SECT album.

8) Break Down The Walls (Warm Up Jam) by Ian Brown
King Monkey s back with Ripples, his first album in ten years.  It's meant to be a grower - only the second half has grown on me so far.  This reggae cover of Mikey Dread is the final album track.

9) Teardrop (Mazaruni Dub One Remix) by Massive Attack  
A classic song given a dubby remix by the Mad Professor.

10) There Will Come A Time (We Will Die Remix) by Orbital ft Prof. Brian Cox
This remix features a Sane Professor and is even better than the real thing.

11) Forever Dub by Friction ft Kilo Bun 
Keeping it on a dub vibe but introducing some drum n bass beats.

12) Delete by Chase & Status ft Burro Banton
Again Son, Harder! 

13)  Stardust by Gentleman's Dub Club 

And relax - after all that dnb it's time to chill. 

14) Echo Arms by Mr Twin Sister 
Further chilled grooves from an artist from Long Island.

15) Beat 54 (Krystal Klear 12" Mix) by Jungle
From the XL Recordings label - a slice of pure disco heaven.

16) Nobody's Home by Mallrat & Basenji
A sweet collaboration from two Aussie artists. 

17) Confidence by Ocean Alley
Number One in the recent Triple J Hottest 100 countdown as voted by Australia's youth.  Being a grumpy middle-aged music fan I didn't enjoy much of the countdown and sadly now fall into the camp of old men shaking their fists at clouds.  This is a worthy winner from the popular tracks.      

18) Not Done Yet by Sticky Fingers
Taken from their recently released 4th album Yours To Keep, sees the band return after a few years off and infighting in the band.  A comeback record claiming they are far from over.

19) Fun Destruction by Teleman
"We're four boys in our corduroys" playing with their keyboards.

20) Got To Let The Good Times Back Into Your Life by Razorlight
I didn't expect to hear of Razorlight again after their song America was a hit in 2006 and composer Andy Burrows left to pursue a solo career and work with Ricky Gervais.  But surprisingly Razorlight resurrected themselves and returned last year with a new album full of feelgood anthems.

Old Indie Kid Mixtape November 2018

This is the third anniversary of the Old Indie Kid Mixtape series.  So celebrate with some new tunes.

1) We Belong Dead by Slash
You wait two and a half decades for Slash to do something epic and he releases a great rock album with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and a horror soundtrack which sounds like a collaboration with Skrillex. Have nightmares!

2) Silvery Sometimes (Ghosts) by The Smashing Pumpkins 
The Smashing Pumpkins have released a few new tracks since they reformed but this is the first one that can compare to their Siamese Dream / Mellon Collie output. 

3) Black Moon Rising by Black Pumas 
Drum roll introduction for the Black Pumas debut single.  They are a psychedelic soul band from Austin Texas and one to watch.

4) Retreat2018 by Chase & Status & Cutty Ranks 
This drum n bass track takes me back to the early 90's.  It wouldn't feel out of place on the Prodigy's Experience.

5) Jinglin' Janglin' by Fort Knox Five  K-Lab 
The sound of Funk being extra funky.

6)  White Coats by Baxter Dury, Etienne de Crecy & Delilah Holliday
Baxter's distinctive Laandan vocals are excellent here and it is groovy thanks to the Etienne de Crecy's French disco sound.

7)  Beyond The Outskirts by Suede
I saw a very funny spoof documentary of Suede this week - watch this.

8)  Atlas Please by Gengahr
A new single from a band I have never tried to pronounce.  Luckily Gengahr don't come up much in conversations.

9) Withorwithout by Parcels 
Finally Parcels released their debut album and I've been playing it on repeat.  Sounds like Daft Punk and will be a contender for album of the year.

10) Sometimes by Cub Sport 
Going from strength to strength Cub Sport sound very now and occasionally I am open to sounds that emerged after 1997.

11) There Will Come A Time by Orbital featuring Professor Brian Cox 
Orbital are fans of The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and they teamed up with D:Ream's keyboard player to be the voice of The Book in their own space epic.


12) First World Problems by Ian Brown
Nine years since his last solo material due to the revival of The Stone Roses.  I didn't like this at first but it is growing on me.  His new album Ripples is scheduled for release in March.

13) Bassackwards by Kurt Vile 
The bass is sampled backwards on this ten minute epic taken from Kurt's latest album Bottle It In.

14) Innocence Module (UK Mix) by Null 
Australian producer Hayden Quinn has just released his debut album Med which includes this pulsating slab of acid trance.  

15) Like This (Radio Edit) by Protoje
Token reggae track from perennial favourite Protoje.  This radio edit removes the annoying and ill advised chatting intro found on the album version.

16) Sixteen Days by Pond
Western Australian psychedelic indie rock is always a pleasure to promote.

17) Can't Forget by The Lemonheads
A new song - it's a cover I believe from Evan Dando and friends.

18) When I Dream by San Cisco 
Great new single from a local Aussie indie pop band.

19) Perfect Person by Mystic Braves 
The best thing about this is it sounds like classic Teenage Fanclub.

20) White Star Liner by Public Service Broadcasting
A titanic new single that will probably sink without trace.  Too soon?

Mixtape May 2018

I'm back again with twenty new songs that have tickled my fancy over the last few weeks.
I don't appear to have personally uncovered any new bands this month but there is a high supply of great new music from established artists. 

1) Tracers by Johnny Marr
Guitar-fest heralding the return of Johnny Marr and his third solo album since striking out under his own name.  Actually his real name is John Maher but he adopted his stage moniker to avoid confusion with the drummer of The Buzzcocks.

2) The Lovecats (TC & Benny Remix) by The Cure
The Cure's 1990 remix album Mixed Up was my first introduction to this seminal band and I quickly hovered up their back catalogue (except Faith /Carnage Visors (1981) which I couldn't stand).  Twenty eight years later The Cure are preparing a special edition of Mixed Up and this previously unreleased remix of their 1983 pop single is a welcome discovery.

3) Fascination by Confidence Man
Funky Australian electro taken from their debut album Confident Music for Confident People.

4) Surfing In The Sky by The Vaccines
High tempo crashing drums and guitars with soaring melodies and chipper vocals make this an infectious slab of punk pop rock n roll.

5) I Am A Dog by Ball Park Music
This song is on high rotation in our household and it's my wife's new favourite song. The dog likes it as well.

6) Burn It by Sunflower Bean
New York band have released their second album produced by Jacob Portrait of Unknown Mortal Orchestra.  Thankfully this record has avoided the weirdness that has spun Unknown Mortal Orchestra into their current unlistenable experimental direction.

7) Into My Arms by Band Of Horses
A cover of the classic 1997 love song by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.

8) Bad Got Me Good by Gin Wigmore
This is a timeless breakup anthem which I can't listen to without imagining it's being sung in a 1930's Speakeasy.  Maybe it isn't timeless if I think it has a specific time?  It's great anyway.

9) Sundials (976-DUB) by Django Django
A dub remix of Django Django - I'm in blissed out heaven!

10) Serotonin by GUM
Keeping things on the calmer side GUM's latest single sounds like Spiritualized playing Screamadelica.  Relax, Man.

11) When You're Ready (Karizma Remix) by Winston Surfshirt
Winston Surfshirt's debut album has been given the remix treatment and Sponge Cake Rebaked has been released.  This track was remixed by Karizma - an artist on Spotify who had one follower.    I'm now number two in the Karizma fanclub so I'll let you know how their career develops!

12) Blaze Away by Morcheeba & Roots Manuva
This collaboration sounds good on paper and happily it doesn't disappoint on wax.

13) Better Than That by James
Manchester survivalists James are back with an upbeat single, top vocals and drum n bass rhythms.

14) Right Here, Right Now (Friction One In The Jungle Remix) by Fatboy Slim
Keeping it Massive - a tasty d&b remix of the Fatboy Slim track that was turns 20 this year! 

15) Pablo Picasso by Jack White
Ex White Stripes man covers one of my favourite songs originally recorded by the Modern Lovers in the early 1970s.  I prefer the original but this cover is a fun re-interpretation.  In Jack White's mind he is Jimi Hendrix.

16) TiedUpRightNow by Parcels
Berlin based Australian group specialising in five piece harmonies and funky disco.  Beloved by Daft Punk who co-wrote their previous single.

17) Loaded by Miles Kane
Miles Kane is one half of The Lost Shadow Puppets.  The other half is Alex Turner who will release the Arctic Monkeys long awaited sixth album next month. 

18) For Now (Confidence Man Remix) by DMA's
The Oasis fixated Sydneysiders have released a second album and this baggy inspired track is remixed by fellow Aussies, Confidence Man. 

19) Everything's Gone Green (live) by Peter Hook & The Light
I'm currently reading Peter Hook's book Substance - Inside New Order which is a gripping read about the music, the tour antidotes and the inter-band rivalry. I often wondered why Hooky left New Order but after a few chapters of this book I'm surprised they lasted so long.  This is a live recording of New Order's first programmed tracked.  It was the forerunner to the dance hits Temptation and Blue Monday.

20) She Taught Me How To Fly by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
This song is so catchy I had to included it so it can be stuck in your heads as well.

Mixtape March 2018

Summer is officially over in Australia.  But I won't mope about it as there is plenty of new music to enjoy and several more months before it actually gets cold or wet.  Here's to a long Autumn!

1) In The Air by DMA'S
Love this new song - one of their finest - a real maturity.

2) Lay It Down by Black Gold Buffalo
London based group with a  few singles under their collective belts now finishing off their debut album.

3) Bullet Proof by This Is The Kit
What a voice and what a talent!  Kate Sables is the first of two artists from the English City of Winchester to grace this month's playlist.  Heartbreaking song.  Bullet Proof (I'm Glad I'm Not).



4) Does This Last by Boo Seeka
Straight Outta Sydney - lush layered dream-hop not afraid of a catchy chorus.

5) Charlie by Alice Ivy
Australian Alice Ivy has released her debut album I'm Dreaming which is 36 minutes of blissful Avalanches influenced, beats, samples, raps and songs.

6) I'm Waiting For My Man by Beck
Velvet Underground wrote the original about scoring from their dealer over 50 years ago!




 7) Riverview Fog by The Sadies
Opening track from the latest album by the Canadian indie folk rockers.

8) High Enough by K.Flay
"Love Is The Drug" is the message from this American artist.



9) Something For Your Mind by Superorganism
This list is taking something of a narcotic twist - so why fight it?  Here is a collective operating out of London with their debut album due any day now...



10) S.I.A. by GUM 
Perth associate of the Tame Impala crew with his latest slab of funky synth rock.

11) Surface To Air by Django Django featuring Self Esteem
Django Django have gone from strength to strength with their third album containing their best collection of tunes.  Think The Beta Band remixed by Hot Chip... Hmmmm...

12) Treetops by Cloud Control
Cloud Control drift out of Sydney's Blue Mountains making dreamy psychedelic pop.


13) Far From Earth by Stonefield
The Lindlay sisters wallow in old school heavy metal riffs and cliched space exploration/final countdown themes.  I just can't help enjoying it all.  Rock On!

14) Distant Colours by Manic Street Preachers
New Manics is a return to heart on their sleeve passionate rock.

15) 1933 by Frank Turner 
Written in 2016 in the aftermath of the Brexit vote whilst touring the US tour during the last presidential election.  It was enough to anger this folk rocker from Winchester into penning a punky protest song.

16) Everything Is Now (Part Two) by Belle and Sebastian
My favourite Scottish band ever have released a trio of EPs over the last few months fifteen new songs without the burden of expectation that an album brings. 

17) Me and Michael by MGMT
Taken from the excellent new album Little Dark Age.  Very 80's feel here. Is that still in vogue?

18) Fever Dream Girl by Kyle Craft 
New album Full Circle Nightmare on the Sub Pop label.



19) Call Me If You Need Me by Vance Joy
His second album Nation of Two has just been released and will be huge hit propelling Vance Joy towards the top.  The album contains a several excellent singles which will now get wider exposure.

20) Buzzkill by Ash
Short, sweary punky pop song about the death of Summer.  Appropriately timed for the Southern Hemisphere where the 1st March marks the official start of Autumn.

Mixtape January 2018

Happy New Year - this is the first playlist of 2018 and rounds up the newest tracks that have piqued my interest in the last month and a few monster hits that I missed the first time around.

1)  Letter Down by Theo Verney
Theo is a masively talented musician from Brighton in the UK.  His debut album One Small Piece was released in July and includes this prime example of 60's influenced heavy rock.

2) Get By by Diane Coffee
Diane Coffee is the former drummer in Foxygen who has gone on to produce classic camp indie pop records.  This is too catchy to resist.

3) Mourning Sound by Grizzly Bear
This was a single released earlier in 2017 by these US rockers taken from their Painted Ruins album.

4) Give Me A Minute (Stickybuds Remix) by Fort Knox Five
Funky hip hop fresh out of Washington DC.  Their are only four members of the Fort Knox Five but they thought Five was more hip hop than Four.

5) Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man
Alaskan rock band who released this excellent track from their Woodstock album and it was well received all over the world.

6) Holy Mountain by Noel Gallagher & The High Flying Birds
The most joyful tunes ever penned by Noel - he may as well have screamed "It's Christmas" in a Noddy Holder impression.  I'm hoping he avoids an Oasis reunion when his solo career is producing such gems.



7) International Blue by Manic Street Preachers
This sounds like it could have come straight off their most commercial album Everything Must Go which indicates the Manics might be heading back to the mainstream again. in 2018.

8) Monkey Disco (Jono Ma Dub Remix) by The Babe Rainbow
Australia's The Babe Rainbow with a track from their debut album remixed by the man behind Jagwar Ma - taking the lunacy further back into the primeval jungle.

9) Juice (Purple Disco MachineRemix) by Chromeo
Canadian Funk outfit continue the grooves with their Juice single.  The remix is provided by equally funky German house producer Purple Disco Machine.

10) Cabrona by Gin Wigmore
New Zealand singer who released four singles in 2017 so a new album must be incoming shortly.

11) The Priest by Johnny Marr
Former Smith produces the backing track for this tale of homelessness voiced by Shameless actress Maxine Peake.



12) Shasta (acoustic) by Blonde Ambition
American artist whose latest single is backed by a collection of acoustic versions from his debut album.

13) Your Light by Total Giovanni
Laidback groovy track from the Melbourne band.

14) Cast In Stone by Winston Surfshirt
A track that demonstrates the creative genius that flows from this Sydney band.  Tempo changes, wild mood swings and over eight minutes of quality music, lyrics and raps that hints at a fantastic career to come.

15) All Is Known by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Gumboot Soup was the fifth album released by KG&LW in 2017.  It is a varied collection of songs that didn't fit with the themes of their last four albums.  Gumboot Soup is their twelfth album in five years.  The mad bastards!

16) Delusion by Stonefield
The Heaviness continues with the spaced out soundscapes and hypnotic riffs from these Australian sisters.

17) Time by Lee Fields & The Expressions
Classic soul musician with another brilliant song.  If you like this then check out his 2012 album Faithful Man which remains a firm favourite of mine.

18) Come As You Are by Big Scary 
Triple J's Like A Version cover sessions have recently been made available via Spotify and they contain a host of amazing live covers including this one of the Nirvana original. 

19)  Galvanize by Pete Tong with The Heritage Orchestra
It's all gone a bit Pete Tong, the Superstar DJ has teamed up with an orchestra to release his second collection of Ibiza Classics recorded with guest vocals and a full orchestra.  The Chemical Brothers released the original electronic version of Galvanize back in 2004.

20) California by The Growlers
Playing out with The Growlers and their feel good indie rock ode to their home state of California.   

Mixtape December 2017

The last monthly mixtape of the year is here for your listening pleasure.  There is no time for me to relax as I must press on with the deliberations of the ultimate end of year polls for best tracks and best albums.  Luckily I enjoy making lists.  But before that time to pick up a few stragglers from 2017...

1)  God Knows by Nic Cester
The singer from Aussie rockers Jet has released an awesome solo album with a mix of rock, soul and hints of trip hop.

2) Doll by Tricky featuring Avalon Lurks
A stripped back cover of the Courtney Love/Hole original.  Always loved this song.

3) Rats by Sloan Peterson
Aussie Garage Rockers Sloan Peterson with a track that was excluded from last month's all Australian collection but worth a mention.



4) Same Same by Winston Surfshirt 
Speaking of which, Sydney's Winston Surfshirt are also excellent deserve to be massive.

5) If Love Is The Law by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds 
Third album Who Built The Moon has just been released and this track features a guest appearance by Johnny Marr, a harmonica and suitably festive jingle bells in the mix. 


6) Sweet Harmony by She Drew The Gun
This green cover from the Liverpudlian indie band is a warning of ecological damage being done to the world and the call for all people and nations to come together and fix the problems.  It is still relevant nearly twenty five years later.  The original was The Beloved's biggest hit back in 1993.

7) Phantom by Sarah Blasko
The excellent Sarah Blasko is back with her first track from her sixth album Depth of Field due next year.



8) Golden Slumbers by Elbow
Taken from a Christmas advert in the UK this Beatles Song is perfect for his gravely Manc voice.

9) Room In My House by Shed Seven
A great comeback song taken from the new Instant Pleasures album.  Bluesy guitar riffs announce their first new material in 16 years.  The Yorkshire Britpop survivors even inject some humourous lyrics to help blow off the cobwebs.

10) Rage by Freestylers & Deekline
Loved the Freestylers B-Boy Stance back in the 90's and they have now strayed into dnb territory and I have been playing this track constantly and my kids are now singing the  to themselves.  "On the stage I rage and I'm rollin'."

11) The Next Time We Wed by The Fratellis
The best thing they've done since Chelsea Dagger.  Sounds like the Scissor Sisters if they had just gone through a messy divorce.

12) Like Gold by Vance Joy
Another glorious indie pop song that Vance Joy seems to churn out effortlessly.

13) Would You Be Mine by Turin Brakes
Adopting an electronic vibe this indie folk band are now having new adventures in hi-fi.

14) Friday On My Mind by San Cisco
Fremantle indie band with a cover of a 1966 worldwide hit for Australia's swinging sixties rockers - The Easybeats.  Founding member, songwriter and guitarist George Young died in October. George was the elder brother of AC/DC's Angus and Malcolm.  Malcolm also passed away this year leaving Angus Young in his school boy outfit as the only remaining original member of Acca-Dacca.

15) Pulsar by Ride
Shoegazer legends continue the new music with this single that doesn't appear on their 2017 Weather Diaries album.  This is a single edit so expect the full track to be twice as long.  I was just getting into it when it annoyingly faded out!

16) The Blackout by U2
Every now and then U2 release an interesting record - usually about once a decade.  The dirty bass sound and apocalyptic lyrics raise it above their regular output.  New album Songs of Experience is released on 1st December and it won't be automatically loaded onto every itunes account this time.

17) January 26 by A.B. Original
Trials and Briggs have been picking up awards for their excellent Aussie Hip Hop album Reclaim Australia and this track was released a year ago critical of holding the national day on January 26 - the anniversary of the British Invasion in 1788.  Australia Radio Station Triple J have just announced they are moving the date of their Hottest 100 Countdown to the following day and the culture war shit is just hitting the fan!       



18) Photosynthesis by Frank Turner
The Wessex Boy who proves that if you had an acoustic guitar it meant that you were a protest singer.  He's very angry and he's taking a stand against sitting down, capitalism and the aging process.

19) Tic Tac Toe by Django Django 
First track taken from their third album Marble Skies due in early 2018.

20) Hell To The Liars (Kolsch Remix) by London Grammar
Playing out the year with a 12 minute Danish techno remix that elevates London Grammar's music onto my radar.

Mixtape October 2017

There is an electronic flavour to this month's playlist with many groups releasing new tunes in the last few weeks.  The second half is a more mixed bag of indie scmindie covers and full on rock.

1) Everything Is Never Enough by Goldfrapp
Goldfrapp's latest single taken from their seventh album "Silver Eye".

2) Non Believer (Groove Armada's Remix) by London Grammar
Never been a fan of London Grammer, to me they are a moany version of The XX.  Luckily Groove Armada have the skills to improve any source material they remix.

3) Be Friends by Alice Ivy
Summertime good vibes with samples, raps and beats.

4) Chameleon by Pnau & Mele
Pnau are a funky Sydney dance outfit who deliver the goods on this remixed single.
The original version and video are below.



5) Black Rainbows by Cut Copy
Another Australian dance act from Melbourne who have been releasing tunes since 2004.
They have just released their fifth album "Haiku from Zero" and this track is quality.

6) Dive (Colorama & Shawn Lee Remix) by Saint Etienne
St Etienne need no introduction.  This remix is a mint eight minute workout of their recent single.

7) Lullaby Horizon by Way Out West
Bristol dance veterans doing what they do best - trancey chillout tracks.

8) Strange Waves by Shock Machine
Another slice of synthetic pop genius.

9) Poor Man Dan by Diane Coffee
When the drummer left Foxygen to form his own band he seems to have taken the pop spark with him and Foxygen have been in decline ever since.

10) No Diggity by Alice Jemima
I read recently that people who enjoy this song are more likely to be psychopaths - It's a fair cop!



11) Auld Reekie Blues by Reverend And The Makers
Single taken from their 2017 album "Death Of A King".

12) Waterfalls by Kyle Craft
A cover of the excellent TLC song.

13) Stop by Lisa Mitchell
Another cover by an Australian songstress who has just released an EP of cover versions tackling songs by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Placebo.  This one sounded familiar and I couldn't believe who sang the original until I google it.  If you can pick it then shame on you!

14) Up All Night by Beck
The wait is almost over - Beck will release his long awaited new album on the 13th October.  It will include the hits "Dreams", "Wow", "Dear Life" and this one "Up All Night".



15) Isn't Love by Citizen Kay
Australian skip hop artist Citizen Kay originally came from Ghana before he moved to Canberra asa child and has just released his "Belly of the Beast" album.

16) Asshole by The Creases
One of the highlights taken from the Brisbane band's "Tremolow" album.  Such a joyous chorus to sing along to.

17) The Line by Foo Fighters
The singer used to play drums for Nirvana.  This is how he spends his retirement.

18) How Far Must We Go? by Horsebeach
Taken from the Manchester band's third album "Beauty & Sadness".

19) Chateau by Angus & Julia Stone
Taken from the album "Snow" which is becoming one of my favourites of the year.

20) The Finish Line by Embrace
It is now the twentieth anniversary of the release of the first Embrace singles and they are back with a single taken from their eighth album expected in early 2018.

Mixtape Nov 16

November 2016 - The US Presidential Election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton stumbles into its last days.  It is worth reflecting on an election poll conducted back in June when 43% chose Hillary, 38% chose Donald and 13% chose a Giant Meteor crashing into the planet causing a cataclysmic end to life on Earth.  Here is a soundtrack for the end of days.

Open playlist in Spotify 

1) Might As Well Be Gone by Pixies 
Love the Pixies - why did they split up for 20 years?

2) Where I End And You Begin by She Drew The Gun
Beautiful downbeat lament from Liverpool.

3) Deep Blue Skies by The Vryll Society
Good use of the wah-wah pedal displayed on this trippy wig out.

4) End Of An Era by Public Access TV 
NYC - The Strokes, The Virgins and now Public Access TV

5) Our Town by Sticky Fingers
Australia's Sticky Fingers providing the soundtrack to another BBQ season

6) Strange Diseases by Gang Of Youths
Sound like Aussie Kings of Leon fronting an Orchestra 

7) Press Rewind by Kaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chiefs continue their invasion into Hot Chip's territory

8) No No No by Yes Sunshine
Ramshackle Indie Rock from Coventry 

9) Sweep Me Off My Feet by Pond
New single from one of Perth's best bands - hopefully a new album will follow 

10) Lost Cause by Sons Of The East
Meanwhile in Sydney the Sons Of The East are releasing Embrace style anthems

11) Bills by Ultimate Painting
I thought Veronica Falls had been quiet lately.  Just found their guitarist in another band.  

12) Don Quixote by Drapht ft. The Hilltop Hoods
Perth's top skip hop artist teams up with the Hoods 

13) Learning To Fly by Deep Sea Arcade
Great Aussie band who appear to be about to follow up the excellent Outlands album

14) 16 Beat (Cassius Remix) by Metronomy
Funky French Techno Vs Grooves from Devon

15) Takeover by L-Fresh The Lion
L-Fresh has attitude, rhymes and beats - Aussie Skip Hop Legend 

16) The Summer by Spring King
Dedicated to everyone in the Southern Hemisphere

17) SloMo by San Cisco
Fremantle Band with a ridiculously poppy song - as slick as an oil spill

18) Time After Time by Iron & Wine
Amazing cover of Cyndi Lauper song

19) Find Me by Kings of Leon
This sounds just like Gang of Youths if they were American and didn't have an orchestra!

20) Found God In A Tomato by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
Best Named Perth Rock Band Ever with 9 minutes of madness 

Until next month - giant meteor permitting