T
The Lonious Monk
Guest
I was disappointed with the Self Esteem album. I liked the first two songs I heard from it, but the rest of the album is lacking for me.Working through new and newish releases gradually over the weekend. Thus far:
Ustad Saami - this may be a tad niche. He's a 75 year old Pakistani classical singer who sings traditional pre-Islamic songs in a variety of languages. Certainly an interesting listen
Durand Jones & the Indications - not quite so niche. Old school soul basically. Good fun and well performed!
Pond - I like but no sure I love this. May take more listens but I think I preferred them when they were a bit more garage rock.
Little Simz - exciting and inventive. Hopefully with this, she'll get the attention and sales that a lot of male UK hiphop artists get.
The Hare & Hoofe - quite brilliant and also quite mental! Imagine the Super Furries jamming with Sparks then go weirder. Came out last year, I believe and much championed by Marc RIley. Ostensibly an EP but they've included a suite version of all 8 tracks running together. Everyone's new favourite band!
Robert Forster - literate, understated pop songs. Basically, what Forster has been doing for decades. Very good!
Self Esteem - I always kind of liked Slow Club, although to a degree there were diminishing returns as the albums rolled by. Both members have now made their solo debuts and both are really good. Charles Watson's album from mid to late last year is a proper grower. This is more immediate ans, essentially, R&B influenced indiepop, if that makes sense.
Cactus Blossoms - harmony based countryish band who were on of the bands who played The Roadhouse in season 3 of Twin Peaks. A good listen. There's an Everly Brothers feel at times, Roy Orbison-ish at others.
Still got a few things to work through (including Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard, of course).