Delighted to get the news that Taxi is the first single to be taken from the new album, A Northern View, from MM fave Arborist. A stand-out, jolt-from-the-blue, set-piece, Taxi is a spoken word epic story inspired by Arab Strap, Belle and Sebastian and James Yorkston, who have made the droll Scottish storyteller’s delivery a constant. As singer-songwriter Mark McCambridge explains, “I wanted to do … Continue reading Return of Arborist
The third part of our epic countdown of our favourite songs of the past ten years. 160 The Pink Mountaintops – North Hollywood Microwaves (2014) Filthy, snarling, primal rock’n’roll featuring some pornographic rapping from Annie Hardy (ex-Giant Drag). A case of the bite being much worse than the bark. 159 Calexico – Two Silver Trees (2008) Atmospheric and relaxed, Two Silver Trees meanders … Continue reading The Top 200 – Mad Mackerel’s favourite songs of the last ten years (Part 3)
The first of our four individual listings comes from The Italian Job – she of the detailed spreadsheets and punk rock outlook. Listen on Spotify here. 20. Underworld – I Exhale 19. The Wave Pictures – Pool Hall 18. Arborist – I Heard Him Leaving 17. Kyle Craft – Before The Wall 16. Terry Malts – Used To Be … Continue reading MM’s BEST OF 2016: THE ITALIAN JOB
Inside the top fifty of our favourite songs of the year now. Check numbers 50 – 26 and come back tomorrow for the final countdown… 50 BAIT – I’m Still Here 49 Big Thief – Paul 48 Kyle Craft – Before The Wall 47 Staches – Total Commitment 46 Arborist – I Heard Him Leaving 45 Hooded Fang – Dead … Continue reading MM’s BEST TRACKS OF 2016: 50-26
Dark Stream is the new single from Northern Ireland’s Arborist. Beginning with a stark, quasi-funeral horn it launches in to a haunting and affecting lament, awash with typically gorgeous melodies and arrangements that showcase Mark McCambridge’s rich vocals and thoughtful songwriting. We’ve already shared the six minute ramble of A Man Of My Age and the subtly melancholic I Heard Him Leaving, but this may … Continue reading Arborist Share Dark Stream
Home Burial is the debut album from Northern Ireland’s Arborist, aka songwriter Mark McCambridge, a long standing favourite of MM since the release of his marvellous debut single Twisted Arrow in 2015. The album will see a release on the 11th November. Ranging from bleak Americana to melodic indie rock, the songs on the album deal with death, ageing and family. Blending layered harmonies, atmospheric guitars, … Continue reading Debut Album From Arborist
2015 saw the release of the wonderful Twisted Arrow, the debut single by Belfast’s Arborist, fronted by Mark McCambridge. A nonchalant and thoughtful piece of Americana, it features the casual yet unmistakeable tones of Kim Deal. It was very well received and was one of our favourite tracks of the year. Arborist’s music is measured and mature while remaining starkly modern. Centred around McCambridge’s soaring vocal and … Continue reading New From Arborist
And so here is the final personal Top Twenty of the year. This time it is my turn! Another twelve months neatly wrapped up and delivered for your listening pleasure and here’s to 2016… 20. Quiet Hollers – Mont Blanc An apocalyptic, “end-is-nigh” rolling, country rock anthem. Pure poetry with the best coda to a song I heard all year, “shed a tear for the books … Continue reading MM’S BEST OF THE YEAR: MAD MACKEREL’S TOP TWENTY SONGS
Time for the MM countdown of our favourite tracks of the year to begin. Over the next few days we’ll be revealing our top 100 tracks and top 30 albums of 2015, with contributions from Mrs Mackerel, Chris T Popper, Polly Pocket and Franca. We’ll also share their personal choices with you next week. So without further ado, here are numbers 100 through to 76. … Continue reading MM’s BEST TRACKS OF 2015: 100 – 76
Twisted Arrow is the debut single from Belfast-based Arborist (aka songwriter Mark McCambridge) and features Kim Deal of The Breeders on backing vocals. It is a fabulous slice of rolling, countrified folk and Deal’s hushed and plaintive vocal adds weight to a familial tale of detachment and is the perfect counterpoint to McCambridge’s sharp delivery. Highly recommended this one. Stream it here. Continue reading MM Shorts 678: Arborist
The Mad Mackerel 