MM Shorts 172: More From Kyle Adem

The first track that we posted (Brother Follow) from Kyle Adem’s new album, Armour has proved hugely popular with the Mackerel clan, and regularly soundtracks the school run (the highest accolade possible in this household). It is a pleasure therefore to offer you a new song, the title track, from the album for your listening pleasure. Another first class example of bruised, heartfelt storytelling with a … Continue reading MM Shorts 172: More From Kyle Adem

Mad Mackerel Recommends…The Great American Desert

The Great American Desert is the new nom-de-plume of Max Holmquist who was previously known by the stage name South of Lincoln. Confused? Don’t be. All you really need to know is that he will release a superb album of intense, pared back, sparse folk called Carson City on June 26th via Yer Bird Records (digital and vinyl only). It is every bit as gorgeously melancholic and … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…The Great American Desert

No Direction Home Festival: Free Mix

As you read this I will probably still be speeding northwards through the torrential rain on the M1 heading for Sherwood Forest and the inaugural No Direction Home music festival. Having spent the last two years happily enjoying the fantastic End of the Road festival, my plans were scuppered for a hat-trick by a sneaky move in dates making it clash with our first overseas … Continue reading No Direction Home Festival: Free Mix

Maz Totterdell: Mrs Mackerel’s Live Review

Maz Totterdell  ||  The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town, London  || 6th  June 2012 It’s been a few years since I’ve spent a Wednesday night in Kentish Town. Big Sair and I zoomed down the M40 under the power and panache of the Dooper and arrived at the Bull and Gate just in good time. I first heard Maz Totterdell on Steve Lamacq several months … Continue reading Maz Totterdell: Mrs Mackerel’s Live Review

Daytrotter Reaches 2,000

The wonderful Daytrotter recently announced their 2,000th session and managed to get none other than Country music legend Glen Campbell in to record it, followed swiftly by a new session from the brilliant Delta Spirit. For those that don’t know Daytrotter sessions are typically four songs in length, recorded live to quarter-inch tape in a matter of a couple hours, with no overdubs. They are then made available … Continue reading Daytrotter Reaches 2,000

San Francisco Compilation: In A Cloud II

In A Cloud was a excellent compilation of San Francisco bands released by Secret Seven Records. Now they have announced In A Cloud II, a new vinyl-only compilation with 13 previously unreleased recordings by some of San Francisco’s finest, which include many MM faves. Contributors are Vetiver, Ty Segall, Hannah Lew (of Grass Widow), Wymond Miles (of Fresh & Onlys), Chuck Prophet, Lucky Eyes, Will Sprott … Continue reading San Francisco Compilation: In A Cloud II

Ben Howard – New Videos & Signed Giveaway Competition

Ben Howard has become a particular favourite of Mrs Mackerel’s since the release of his excellent Every Kingdom album last year. Despite its clear folk footprint, it proved him to be a gifted and exceptional singer-songwriter with a core of steel rather than anything more fey or whimsical. We are delighted to be able to bring you two new videos for Only Love and from … Continue reading Ben Howard – New Videos & Signed Giveaway Competition

Mad Mackerel’s Best Of The Month: May 2012

Another crackerjack month of new tunes on MM, all lovingly compiled and packaged up for you in one sweet playlist ready to download. Here are 33 of our favourite tracks from our May postings and 6 new songs too. No need to thank us. Download Virals – Gloria mp3 (from Coming Up With The Sun EP) Shines bright with an insanely hooky vocal and charged guitar riffs, … Continue reading Mad Mackerel’s Best Of The Month: May 2012