Becca Stevens is a New York-based singer, composer and instrumentalist whose debut for Sunnyside Records, Weightless, was released yesterday. It is her second album, following Tea Bye Sea, which she self-released in 2008. In addition to eight original compositions, the album features interpretations of songs by Animal Collective, Iron & Wine, Seal, and The Smiths. Bold stuff, but thankfully her lovely vocals and words float … Continue reading Introducing…Becca Stevens
Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray are a duo who multi-task on guitars, kick drum, banjo, mandolin, lap steel and harmonica. Their influences include Motown, 60s AM radio country and western movies. In February they packed up and left Chicago to live on the road in their Honda Element for all of 2011, playing about 20 shows a month all over the country. Their new EP … Continue reading Introducing…Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray
Grayson Capps‘ fifth studio album, The Lost Cause Minstrels, is set for release on 7th June via Royal Potato Family. The 11-track effort demonstrates his often unholy tales of the Southern Gothic have not lost any of their sting. Some songs shudder with the righteous indignation of the best bluesmen and others are smoothed over with the self-reflection and acceptance of the best soul singers – … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…Grayson Capps
Back in May last year we posted about East London singer-songwriter Russell Joslin and the release of his album Jet Black And White. One of the tracks that we gave away was the excellent Country Dreams & Lanes and he has been in touch to share this ‘very summery’ video he has made for the song. It’s good – take a look and if you don’t … Continue reading New Video from Russell Joslin
Gaoler’s Daughter have featured a couple of times on MM – they have the ability to combine an ear for a great melody with an engaging blend of indie and folk that sets them apart from the majority of new bands in this rather overcrowded arena. Their Rhyme & Treason EP gets a release today and here is the radio edit of Angry Eyes that … Continue reading Gaoler’s Daughter Release Rhyme & Treason EP Today
We’ve gone from one tiny island off the very North of England to a slightly larger island off the south coast. One wedding (my sister) and one birthday (happy birthday MM) later, we prepare to return to civilisation. The sun is shining and the sea is calm, and I wish we could stay longer. Anything feels possible here. But I’ve had trouble sleeping; my recurring … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday (15th April)
Bloodshot Records have rapidly become one of our favourite labels – particularly with the recent releases of Ha Ha Tonka and Maggie Bjorklund, both of which we have posted about recently. Especially for Record Store Day (tomorrow), they have announced the release of No One Got Hurt: Bloodshot Records’ 15th Anniversary Live @ The Hideout, a compilation that commemorates Bloodshot Records’ legendary concert live from one … Continue reading Bloodshot Records Offer Limited Edition Release For Record Store Day
The Futurebirds delivered one of the best albums of last year in Hampton’s Lullaby and their first release of 2011 is a four track EP called Via Flamina which you can get from their Bandcamp page here for $4. Take a listen to their cover of Chris Isaak’s classic Wicked Game. a The new EP will be followed with the re-release of their original self … Continue reading New Futurebirds EPs
Declan de Barra has been around for a while and Fragments, Footprints & the Forgotten is his third full length under his own name, but the first we have discovered. And what a discovery it is – the album has been getting repeated plays here at MM containing as it does, all the ingredients we like to make a great record. Sparse, haunting vocals, weary, … Continue reading Introducing Declan de Barra
We have been following the Choose the Cover of Rolling Stone Contest and the second round is now under way. We are interested because, after hundreds of thousands of votes were cast online, there are now eight acts left vying for the cover of Rolling Stone – as well as an Atlantic Records contract – and we have featured two of the eight on MM. … Continue reading Rolling Stones Cover Competition
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