Fifteen years ago today Mrs Mackerel and I tied the knot. There have been lots of ups, a few downs, but I’m still feeling like the luckiest man alive. Mrs Mackerel, Happy Anniversary. I love you x Here’s a blast from the past, forget the lyrics, this is a song of the day that deserved those irresistible Mackerel dance floor moves. Ha! Download The Levellers … Continue reading HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MRS MACKEREL
Mrs Mackerel in particular has been thoroughly enjoying the Mumford & Sons album. Their new single Roll Away Your Stone is one of her favourites on the record and so we thought we’d give you a nice video of them playing the song live to enjoy. If you’ve yet to sample the delights of the Mumfords check out their original ‘breakthrough’ track Little Lion Man … Continue reading New Single from Mumford & Sons
A while ago we posted the superb gothic folk of Red Clay River and gave you the wonderful track Rattlesnake Mountain. We’ve become aware that the file has become corrupted somehow and downloading it only gives you half the song – so here it is again in all its glory this time with our apologies, and because we (and they) are so damn nice, we’re giving … Continue reading Red Clay River: Re-upload
The Japandroids at the Jericho Tavern in Oxford. Loud. Relentless. Distorted. Louder. More relentless. More distorted. Ears hurt. There is nothing else to say. Buy Japandroids here. MySpace here. Download Japandroids – Art Czars mp3 (from Art Czars 7″) Download Japandroids – Young Hearts Spark Fire mp3 (from Post-Nothing) Download Japandroids – Darkness On The Edge Of Gastown mp3 (from No Singles) Continue reading Live Review: Japandroids
The intimate (that means slightly cramped) Borderline was the host for last night’s gig by Blitzen Trapper supported by The Dutchess & The Duke. The latter gave us 35 minutes of beautifully crafted folk harmonies and the occasional arsenic tinged lyric. The hushed, attentive crowd and easy going banter from the band made it feel like a 60s coffee house in Greenwich Village and so … Continue reading Live Review: Blitzen Trapper
March saw East London singer-songwriter Russell Joslin release his second album Jet Black And White – it is a troubled and compelling collection of songs written just before, during and after a life changing trip made by the songwriter alone to America. It follows his well received 2007 debut album Dream Token. The two tracks we have for you bookend the album. Opener Dreams And Country Lanes is slightly … Continue reading Introducing…Russell Joslin
We were introduced to the delights of Eagleowl via the excellent Song By Toad blog. And let us assure you the delights are many, especially on their superb EP For The Thoughts You Never Had (well worth some eMusic credits here). Following a gorgeous single around Christmas called Sleep The Winter, the band now have a new EP out titled Into The Fold. You can sample … Continue reading New EP from Eagleowl
The Futurebirds play the kind of off-kilter, psychedelic and slightly ramshackle country rock that MM likes. A lot. Having released a freely available self-titled 6 track EP, they are now readying their debut album Hampton’s Lullaby (out July on Autumn Tone Records). We’re looking forward to acquainting ourselves fully with the record and check out advance track Johnny Utah to see why. Until then, go … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…The Futurebirds
What a cracking start to the weekend. We’ve already given you two absolute gems from Howling Owls in the shape of the down-tempo, disconcerting Snake Charmer (No Money In The Bank) and the captivating and sinister Family Tree, and now rejoice because we have a third. It is another brand new track, another gem. That’s a 100% record so far. So download, lay back, turn up the … Continue reading Rejoice: more from Howling Owls
Surely May must be my favourite month – or maybe September? – it’s too close to call. Anyway, traditionally a time of spring cleaning, I thought I might make the most of my enforced incarceration this week owing to one poorly daughter. Alas, I didn’t get much further than a bag of old letters and photos – letters from old friends and older boyfriends. How … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday
The Mad Mackerel 