Here’s something to help get you in the mood for next Tuesday. It comes from Kayln Rock’s rather lovely album Passenger which is full of low-key, restrained, but ultimately affecting and powerful songs – none more so than the heartbreaking honesty of Valentine. Order the album here. Download Kayln Rock – Valentine mp3 (from Passenger) Continue reading MM Shorts 94: Kayln Rock
Bang on the money this week: gin in hand, more snow outside, Andy Williams is playing… You know that feeling (maybe?) that you just want something to dance to that your Dad used to play on vinyl when you were small… I still have the moves, Pops: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, followed by a bit of Moon River. Anyway, enough of that. You … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday (10th February)
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
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
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
The James Low Western Front may come from the lush climes of Portland, Oregon, but theirs is a sound that was born in towns like Nashville, Tennessee and Bakersfield, California. It shuffles, grooves, and sweats with the best of them, begging to be played through the in-dash stereo of a pickup truck. The eight-song collection on forthcoming release Whiskey Farmer focuses on the plight of … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends The James Low Western Front
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