Both Mrs Mackerel and I were much saddened by the recent demise of duo the Dutchess & The Duke. Over the two albums they released together their special brand of folk harmonies and brilliant lyrical wordplay was a consistent joy to listen to. The first new activity to rise from these ashes is Case Studies, a new project from Jesse Lortz (aka The Duke), and his … Continue reading Introducing…Case Studies
A few of the big hitters and bloggers favourites have released tracks lately. Here’s our round up in case you’ve missed any. Download St Vincent – Surgeon mp3 (from Strange Mercy) Download Girls – Vomit mp3 (from Father, Son, Holy Ghost) Download The War On Drugs – Come To The City mp3 (from Slave Ambient) Download M83 – Midnight City mp3 (from Midnight City) Download Twin Sister … Continue reading Big Hitters Round Up
It seems entirely appropriate to post today about Oxford’s The Dreaming Spires – formed as they are by Truck Festival founders Robin and Joe Bennett. The band have already been getting critical acclaim for their debut single Everything All The Time, which is officially released on Monday. They are headlining Truck tomorrow night in what will inevitably be a legendary performance. We will be there. … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…The Dreaming Spires
After a brief absence last week, of which a lot was lost to a rather brilliant book I was enjoying (Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter); some of it was lost travelling from A to B to C to… Z; some of it to failing technology, and some of it to failing memory. Gained a little perspective on some matters and caught sight of a little light … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday (22nd July)
Oxford’s own boozy blues-rockin’ trio Little Fish have been in touch to update us about their plans for second album. As Ben told us, “Nothing much changes – we’re still the “next big thing”, but we’ve given up on the major label approach and are excited to be putting out our next record fully DIY, indie, locally-sourced and self-promoted. We’re recording it with Gaz Coombes … Continue reading New from Little Fish
Tomorrow sees the start of the marvellous Truck Festival near Oxford. We went last year and had a brilliant time and are thoroughly looking forward to this year’s event where the line-up includes Gruff Rhys, Graham Coxon, Saint Etienne, John Grant, The Young Knives, Edwyn Collins, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, The Duke & The King, Tunng, Justin Townes Earle, Alessi’s Ark, Sea Of Bees, Pete & … Continue reading Truck Festival – Free Download Mix
Alcohol soaked, southern Gothic murder ballads are the order of the day from Rhubarb Whiskey and their new album Cautionary Tales. Stories are told with a flourish and a touch of the theatrical using mandolin, guitar, accordion, fiddle and upright bass. Mixing classic American folk songs with a gypsy punk ethic works wonderfully well and chief among the highlights is a unique tale of bears and … Continue reading Introducing…Rhubarb Whiskey
We have already posted about the Buffalo Killers and their brilliant blend of retro blues swagger and fuzzed up psychedelia that made up recent album 3. Now they’ve offered up a previously unreleased outtake from the album sessions – Love Is Gold is another tasty slab of quivering riffed up rock’n’roll. You can buy the album, in various vinyl colours, by clicking here. Download The … Continue reading More From The Buffalo Killers
MM faves, Jersey’s Roadside Graves release their new LP We Can Take Care of Ourselves, inspired by S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, today via Autumn Tone Records. We’ve already given you a taste through the superb Love Me More, and to mark the album release the band have made a second track, Double Feature available for your edification and enjoyment. Buy the album here. Download The … Continue reading Roadside Graves Album Out Today
Seeing The Pack A.D. tearing up a tiny venue at SxSW in 2009 was one of the loudest, and most exhilarating gigs I have ever seen, or heard. And to this day Don’t Have To Like You remains one of my favourite songs. So thanks to the good folk Citizen Dick we discovered today that they have a new album Unpersons in the pipeline and have … Continue reading New Album From The Pack A.D.
