Mad Mackerel Recommends…The Shakey Graves

We happened upon this bit of news via the consistently excellent Folk Hive blog and knew it was worth a re-post, concerning as it does The Shakey Graves. They released an excellent album of spooky folk last year with Roll The Bones (the brilliant title track from said album being a song that made it on to many MM playlists) and now they have followed … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…The Shakey Graves

MM Shorts 93: The Pharmacy Video

Dig Your Grave is the title of a new 7″ EP from The Pharmacy which is as good an example of indie-pop-garage bliss as you’ll find. We included the title track in our January Best of the Month mix. Here is the equally good video for it – a super 8 mess of violence, fire and (what else) graveyards. a Buy it here. Or limited … Continue reading MM Shorts 93: The Pharmacy Video

Introducing…Jesse Thomas

In late 2008, with no money to her name, Jesse Thomas headed for Los Angeles. Alone. After a few open mic nights in the Valley and some raw demo recordings, she caught the attention of producer Jim Roach at Red Parade Music Group. Jim found something special in Jesse that countless others would soon come to recognize: a hilarious yet poignant personality shining through that … Continue reading Introducing…Jesse Thomas

Mad Mackerel Recommends…Buxton

For some inexplicable reason it has taken us far too long to put up a post about Buxton, especially considering what a delightful album they released at the end of January in the shape of Nothing Here Seems Strange. Hailing from Houston Texas (incidentally the first place I ever visited in the States, and where hats were mighty impressive accessories for most folk in the … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…Buxton

Mad Mackerel Recommends…Orpheum Bell

Defining and describing the sound of Orpheum Bell is a tricky task. There is some Eastern European folk in there for sure, but equally they have a classic Country thing going on too. Country & Eastern? Gypsy Americana perhaps? Whatever, these are mere labels. What matters is the music and on new album The Old Sisters’ Home,  their particular blend is a heady, intoxicating brew … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…Orpheum Bell

MM Shorts 92: Insound’s Free February Mix

You know the drill by now. The latest free monthly Insound digital mix can be grabbed just by clicking here. Featuring another stellar lineup including Pontiak, Of Montreal, La Sera, Nite Jewel, Porcelain Raft and Bowerbirds amongst others, here are a couple of our own favourites from the mix: firstly another track from Sharon Van Etten’s wonderful new album and some icy dance-goth from Black Marble. … Continue reading MM Shorts 92: Insound’s Free February Mix

Introducing…The Forty Nineteens

If forthcoming debut album No Expiration Date is anything to go by, The Forty Nineteens are up for a good time. A hellishly good time. The record is one of unashamed raucous enjoyment, of high energy, old fashioned motor city rock ‘n’ roll and nothing demonstrates it better than our taster track Turn It Around. Take influences such as The Ramones, Elvis Costello, The Stooges, … Continue reading Introducing…The Forty Nineteens

MM Shorts 91: Tom Williams & The Boat Video

We have been very much looking forward to the new Tom Williams & The Boat album following their stunning debut, Too Slow which was near the very top of our End of Year Best Of list. Teenage Blood will see a release this spring on Moshi Moshi, and here is the video for the excellent new single My Bones. a You can also download the … Continue reading MM Shorts 91: Tom Williams & The Boat Video

Introducing…Deaf Club

We’ve found ourselves humming along to the new Deaf Club single on more than one occasion recently. It is a double-A-side affair featuring the tracks Sunday and Mirrors, and will be released via the band’s own White On White label on 20th February. This is the ‘a’ side with its gothic overtones, driven along on percussion that sounds like it came straight out of Bradford in … Continue reading Introducing…Deaf Club

Free February Sampler From American Songwriter

The Muse is the title of the free sampler from American Songwriter and the February mix is a stormer featuring amongst others Sharon Van Etten, Lambchop, Hacienda, Ani DiFranco and The Wrinkle Neck Mules. Here are a couple of our own favourites from it, the wonderful Dr. Dog with an up-tempo taste of new album Be The Void in the shape of the brilliant That Old … Continue reading Free February Sampler From American Songwriter