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
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
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
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
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
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
Nathan Bell’s album Black Crow Blue is one of those records that has an almost cinematic, widescreen feel whilst retaining a lovely, honest intimacy through its literate, considered lyrics and gently strummed acoustics. There are stories, laments and learning here – almost in equal measure – in songs to be listened to, absorbed and understood. For to do so will surely make you a smarter … Continue reading Introducing…Nathan Bell
Jenny Gillespie’s new EP Belita, the first release on her own Narooma Records, is an intoxicating blend of folk, indie pop and post-rock. Released on April 10 it features Sam Amidon and Jim White (of PJ Harvey and Cat Power). Download Jenny Gillespie – Creature Of Our Make mp3 (from Belita EP) Continue reading MM Shorts 89: Jenny Gillespie
Salt is the new album from Hoots & Hellmouth and will see a release in April. Taster single Why Would You Not Want To Go There? has a slow-burn intensity that builds in tandem with some expertly judged flourishes of piano and electric guitar. The band have drawn favourable comparisons with the Avett Brothers and Delta Spirit and you can add Dr. Dog and Blitzen Trapper to the … Continue reading Hoots & Hellmouth New Single & Album
Beneath Wind and Waves is Portland-based singer/songwriter Shawn Lawson Freeman recording with Jim Walker. Recently released long-player Non-etre is a cunningly crafted, mindfully performed, extended moment of clarity in the face of the unknown. Dark love, missed chances, inner silences, and joyful trials are delicately delineated in its shrewdly scribed lyrics, delivered with Freeman’s sweetly pleasuring vocals upon a classy bed of acoustic and electronic instrumentation. … Continue reading Introducing…Beneath Wind And Waves
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