On May 20th, 4AD will release Day of the Dead – a celebration of the Grateful Dead’s music created and curated by brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National. It has been a massive undertaking. The compilation is a wide-ranging tribute to the songwriting and experimentalism of the Dead, which took four years to record, features over 60 artists from varied musical backgrounds, 59 tracks … Continue reading Day of the Dead – A Grateful Dead Tribute
Those who’ve paid more than an occasional visit to MM will know of our love for Matthew Houck’s Phosphorescent, and next month Dead Oceans will release a live triple album taken from their four night residency (including one night solo) at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn in December 2013. Ten hours of music was eventually edited down to 19 tracks covering four Phosphorescent albums, including 2005’s Aw Come Aw Wry, 2007’s Pride, breakout 2010 album Here’s To Taking It Easy, and ultimately, … Continue reading New Phosphorescent Live Album
Our penultimate offering comes in the shape of Mrs Mackerel’s favourite songs of 2014… …I think, being a fish of some advancing years now, I know what I like – but at least that ranges quite widely (she says, defiantly). As usual, though, I’m late to deadline, so without further pontification or procrastination, here are my favourite songs of 2014. 20. War On Drugs – … Continue reading Best of the Year: Mrs Mackerel’s Top Twenty
Phosphorescent have a pretty fine pedigree when it comes to cover versions – Willie Nelson (obviously), Merle Haggard, Neil Young, Lucinda Williams, and Vampire Weekend (amongst others) have all been given the Matthew Houck treatment and the first song live we ever saw them play was a stunning version of Radiohead’s House of Cards. Now we have another to add to the list, as Phosphorescent deliver … Continue reading Phosphorescent Cover Dylan
And to complete our Best of Year postings, we have our favourite ten albums from 2013. Every single one is superb… 10 Black Angels – Indigo Meadow . 9 Wooden Wand – Blood Oaths Of The New Blues . 8 Vandaveer – Oh, Willie, Please . 7 Jus Post Bellum – Oh, July . 6 Wooden Shjips – Back To Land . 5 T. Hardy … Continue reading Mad Mackerel’s Favourite Albums Of 2013 (Part 3: 10-1)
As well as our Top 100 tunes of the year that we’ve posted over the past few days, each of the MM contributors have put together their own lists. The fifth and final instalment is our own. 20. Colleen Green – Heavy Shit Totally infectious, stoned punk. . 19. Harmed Brothers – Love Song For The Assumed Mixing folk and bluegrass with a wistful twist … Continue reading Mad Mackerel’s Top Songs Of 2013
As well as our Top 100 tunes of the year that we’ve posted over the past few days, each of the MM contributors have put together their own lists. The fourth instalment comes from Polly Pocket – thanks for putting them arse backwards Poll! 1 Junip – Line Of Fire This has been in the top spot since the beginning of the year. Beautiful vocals … Continue reading Polly Pocket’s Top Songs Of 2013
As well as our Top 100 tunes of the year that we’ve posted over the past few days, each of the MM contributors have put together their own lists. Today it is the turn of Mrs Mackerel. 20. Steve Mason – A Lot of Love Love the piano on this song and the catchy, sing-a-long chorus – a guaranteed earworm if I had any (ears … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s Top Songs of 2013
Here are our favourite covers of the year. Marissa Nadler & Angel Olson – Frisco Depot (Original by Mickey Newbury) . Shearwater – Fucked Up Life (Original by the Baptist Generals) . Unknown Mortal Orchestra – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Original by Otis Redding) . Betse Ellis – Straight To Hell (Original by The Clash) . Jessica Lea Mayfield – I’m In … Continue reading Mad Mackerel’s Best Covers Of 2013
As well as our Top 100 tunes of the year that we’ve posted over the past few days, each of the MM contributors have put together their own lists. Next up is Mr Chris T Popper. 20. Coathangers – Adderall . 19. GRMLN – Summer Days Download GRMLN – Summer Days mp3 . 18. Willie Nile – American Ride . 17. Mickey Gloss – Are You … Continue reading Chris T Popper’s Top Songs Of 2013
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