New Single From Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Benjamin Francis Leftwich has had a great year and his new single Shine‚ perfectly balances his subtle guitar with his soft and unique voice. With layered hand-claps combining with aching harmonies, this is three minutes of pure positive elegance, further proving that the excitement surrounding Ben as one of the most compelling new prospects of the year is justified. Have a listen. a Continue reading New Single From Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday (14th October)

Does anyone remember Mr Benn? Emerging from 52 Festive Road to embark on an adventure in his new guise. As I vaguely recall, many of the Mr Benn tales had a strong moral undertone. Everything always turned out well if Mr Benn was there, with his kind and reassuring avuncular manner. Good old Mr Benn. Old things, gold things. Just like friends. Saw some goldies … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday (14th October)

MM Shorts 11: Bad Temple Cover Strand Of Oaks

For anyone that has browsed the MM 2010 Top 10s page you will have seen Strand Of Oaks appearing with their superbly surreal tale of the giant Alex Kona. Just by chance we happened upon this cover by purveyors of ethereal, dream pop Bad Temple on Soundcloud. Its not new, but for anyone who hasn’t heard it, it is well worth a listen. It can … Continue reading MM Shorts 11: Bad Temple Cover Strand Of Oaks

Introducing…Little Racer

New York’s Little Racer are the Y&L Club label’s newest signing – a three piece producing sonic amalgamations of surf-indie-motown-pop. As an introduction they are giving away the track Little Racer, soon to be followed by their debut single and a trip to London. Have a listen to the rest of their self-titled EP too. Download Little Racer – Little Racer mp3 (from Little Racer … Continue reading Introducing…Little Racer

MM Shorts 10: Another Free Mix From Insound

Hot on the heels of their monthly free mix, Insound have put another one together for the CMJ Festival. This one features Chad Valley, Dum Dum Girls, EMA, Gauntlet Hair, Gross Relations, Jacuzzi Boys, Small Black, Trash Talk, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Widowspeak amongst others. As usual only around for a week, so head here to grab it now. Download Amen Dunes – Christopher mp3 (from … Continue reading MM Shorts 10: Another Free Mix From Insound

Savaging Spires Debut Album Released

Critical Heights released the long anticipated self-titled debut of mysterious London duo, Savaging Spires yesterday. The album is a wonderful exercise in haunted, ambient folk, drone and hazy melancholia. By way of celebration the band have given up a new track, the twinkling, sunlit Apostrophe Lake. You can buy the album from Boomkat here. Download Savaging Spires – Apostrophe Lake mp3 (from Savaging Spires) Download Savaging Spires – Bending The Rules … Continue reading Savaging Spires Debut Album Released

Free Loose Music Sampler

After yesterday we thought we’d done with giving you brilliant free stuff for a while, but seems not. The very wonderful Loose Music boasts a roster of artists that are amongst the Mackerel’s most favourites – for starters they include the Felice Brothers, one of Mrs M’s discoveries of the year in Hurray For The Riff Raff, and Americana legends The Handsome Family. So when … Continue reading Free Loose Music Sampler