Straitjacket Fits - "So Long Marianne"

This great Leonard Cohen song has been covered by so many artists over the years and my favourite has always been Straitjacket Fits' 1988 version from their debut album Hail. In fact it was their only cover over the three albums they released. Unmistakably Leonard Cohen in song and unmistakably Straitjacket Fits in sound. Choice Bro!

Demis Roussos - "Forever and Ever"

Demis Roussos was a big star in the 70's. After originally being part of the Greek prog-rock group 'Aphrodite's Child' which also featured Vangelis, Demis Roussos started his solo career in the early 70's. He peaked internationally in 1973 with the hit singles "My Friend the Wind" and "Forever and Ever." It is easy to think that these days with social network sites from Myspace through to Facebook, and Youtube, we are in a unique position where anything is possible. But here is proof that it was the same back in the 70's (or any time) if the timing is right. Here was someone with the appearance of a Greek caveman, wearing a colourful kaftan as casually as the women of the day, with a voice somewhere between Pavarotti and Feargal Sharkey (a recent observation by me) who made the big time... singing MOR ballads. Funny that.



A Remix of "Forever and Ever"

Street Chant - "Frail Girls"

"Frail Girls" is from Street Chant's double A-side single with "Salad Daze" - which is available on purple vinyl for only $8.00 at the Arch Hill Store (click on link below - come on, you know you want to)... perfect for any cool record collection. This trio should be huge, but somehow I get the feeling they don't give a fuck.

Don't call me Shirley

It's Monday night, it's late, so all I've got is a classic one-liner.... surely not!

Angelo Badalamenti - "Audrey's Dance"

Twin Peaks was, by far, the greatest television series of it's time. The soundtrack by Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch was a big part of it's appeal. It certainly added to the surrealism that David Lynch's direction had already created. "Audrey's Dance" is a cool jazz number that set a different mood altogether.



The "Audrey's Dance" scene

Belle and Sebastian - "I Want the World To Stop"

Here is a live version of Belle and Sebastian's "I Want the World To Stop" taken from their 'Write About Love' TV show. The TV or televisual release was to promote the album 'Write About Love' prior to it's release in 2010. This is a perfect example of why they are the flag bearers of indie/twee pop.

The Eversons - "Marriage"

Here is a great idea for the next engagement party you get invited to. Don't bother with the traditional set of wine glasses. Give them the unconventional gift of a CD... not some cheesy romantic album, definitely not. It has to be 'Summer Feeling' by The Eversons. If they seem disappointed or slightly bemused - tell them you bought it because the album contains the greatest marriage song ever written. You will be very popular again... who knows, they may even slot it in between some tenors and a diva. Spread the love.