We love the idosyncratic, perverse folk ramblings of Benjamin Shaw and his arsenic laced pathos. It is truly a unique delight. The Birds Chirp & The Sun Shines is the second single from his excellent debut album There’s Always Hope, There’s Always Cabernet. The song is perhaps one of the sonically lighter moments on the record but sees him threatening to “track him down, make him … Continue reading New Single From Benjamin Shaw
It’s Valentines Day. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny it. I will, of course, effortlessly be showing Mrs M just what a lucky catch I was. And for the rest of you, by way of a massively contrived link, let us cover you with love too. Here is a tasty little mix of covers we’ve picked up to follow on from yesterday’s Bad … Continue reading It’s Valentines Day…
Time for another swift round-up of some of the best tunes into our in-box and from around our favourite music blogs. A little while ago we posted the video for Shrouded Strangers excellent track Featherbed, and now we have the mp3 for you as well. We also have the full-on power pop of Fort Lean and their new single Sunsick, some Swedish punk from new … Continue reading Sunday Means Eight Of The Best
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
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 Mad Mackerel 