The Cave Birds and are just 1 gig / 1 recording into their existence and sit somewhere between the guitar pop of Guillemots, and the mass grandeur of Wild Beasts. This is their debut single, out on the 7th November via Plumpton Presents label. However, only 100 CD copies of Some Lightning Thrill will be pressed, so make sure you attend the single launch at … Continue reading MM Shorts 17: The Cave Birds
My Pet Monster are a Cardiff-based Noise-Pop band and they recently put out a free EP titled Soundtracks that is (a) pretty tasty and (b) downloadable for free from their Bandcamp page here. Download My Pet Monster – Radio mp3 (from Soundtracks EP) Continue reading MM Shorts 16: My Pet Monster
New Underground Railroad single 8 Millimeters (out today on One Little Indian) – was inspired by the bar of the same name in Berlin’s hip Prenzlauer Berg district, visited during a break from the recording of their latest album White Night Stand. The strange atmosphere down there is what give the words their disassociated millennial feel, and the song its uneasy descending blues. The overall … Continue reading MM Shorts 15: Underground Railroad Video
Perhaps best known as the singer-songwriter of the phenomenally successful and much-loved Hefner, Darren Hayman is now six albums into an increasingly idiosyncratic career path; writing the theme tune and staring in a Spanish Sitcom, playing a 30 people capacity show in a 100 year old paper mache observatory and playing possibly Britiain’s most remote festival on the Isle of Eigg. It could also be … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…Darren Hayman
It was Mrs Mackerel who first discovered the exquisite, starkly beautiful folk of the Söderberg sisters, aka Swedish duo First Aid Kit. Their debut album The Big Black And The Blue more than confirmed all of the early promise that they had shown, but this new single The Lion’s Roar is a further step up the ladder of intelligent, innovative songwriting. Like the equally young Laura Marling, … Continue reading First Aid Kit: New Single
Kyla La Grange releases her new single, the double A-side Heavy Stone/ Lambs through Chess Club Records next Monday, 17th October. Ahead of this, she has now made Lambs available for free download from her Soundcloud profile. It is another excellent example of her dramatic pop folk and captivating storytelling. a Continue reading MM Shorts 14: Kyla La Grange
Benjamin Francis Leftwich has had a great year and his new single Shine‚ perfectly balances his subtle guitar with his soft and unique voice. With layered hand-claps combining with aching harmonies, this is three minutes of pure positive elegance, further proving that the excitement surrounding Ben as one of the most compelling new prospects of the year is justified. Have a listen. a Continue reading New Single From Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Does anyone remember Mr Benn? Emerging from 52 Festive Road to embark on an adventure in his new guise. As I vaguely recall, many of the Mr Benn tales had a strong moral undertone. Everything always turned out well if Mr Benn was there, with his kind and reassuring avuncular manner. Good old Mr Benn. Old things, gold things. Just like friends. Saw some goldies … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday (14th October)
Here is unusual pop siren Lykke Li doing a suitably low key and melancholic version of the Righteous Brothers classic Unchained Melody for the Like A Version series. Download Lykke Li – Unchained Melody mp3 (Righteous Brothers Cover) Continue reading MM Shorts 12: Lykke Li Cover
For anyone that has browsed the MM 2010 Top 10s page you will have seen Strand Of Oaks appearing with their superbly surreal tale of the giant Alex Kona. Just by chance we happened upon this cover by purveyors of ethereal, dream pop Bad Temple on Soundcloud. Its not new, but for anyone who hasn’t heard it, it is well worth a listen. It can … Continue reading MM Shorts 11: Bad Temple Cover Strand Of Oaks
The Mad Mackerel 