Aldous Harding - "Horizon"

When Aldous Harding released her debut album in 2014 it was a surprise obsession. It is a very spare folk record with a darkness hanging over it. There are many captivating aspects to the album - from her lyrics and the haunted harmonies - to the delivery and phrasing. But the voice itself is what really struck a chord. And soon we will be treated to her follow up album, which may be approached with some trepidation, like the curse of the sophomore album. Well the first single "Horizon" put an end to those fears. Fucking stunning!
Her sound is now more expansive and she even toured the country with a full band recently.
I can't wait for this one.

I remember seeing her mother Lorina Harding performing at the Gluepot (Corner Bar, I think) in Auckland in the 90's, which was possibly not long after she moved here from Canada. I hadn't really heard much about her since. So it's also great to see her in the video of "Horizon" with her daughter Aldous.



Here is a great video of Lorina and Aldous (Hannah) performing together....

Steve Abel - "Best Thing"

Steve Abel has the perfect baritone voice for sad songs and it is usually sad songs that you get on a Steve Abel album. His album 'Luck Hope' from 2016 had an opening track that became a Bitter FM favourite. A voice similar to Bill Callahan (of Smog) and the music that could be from a Bonnie "Prince" Billy album are a couple of reasons "Best Thing" is such a standout. But add backing vocals and violin from Jolie Holland and the deal's done.



A live version recorded at the RNZ studio

Young Fathers - "Only God Knows"

Trainspotting was one of those movies that stuck in your mind for days after. There were so many memorable scenes from the hilarious to the cringe-worthy. The soundtrack was another work of genius - with Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" and the pulsating "Born Slippy" from Underworld, the jewel in the crown. I'm not sure how the sequel T2 Trainspotting will compare to the original - but one thing that does compare is the jewel in the crown of the soundtrack. This time it is "Only God Knows" from Edinburgh band Young Fathers. It features the Leith Congregational Choir - but don't be fooled. What starts off as a sweet gospel piece, quickly turns into an emotionally charged rant.... but without completely going off the rails. In fact, the choir smooths the rough edges nicely. This should be as important to the sequel as "Born Slippy" was to the original. Stunning!

Cherry Glazerr - "Nuclear Bomb"

Cherry Glazer are a young band from LA with a leader with lots of personality. Clementine Creevy started out by releasing her songs on Soundcloud as a teenager until Burger Records approached her. It's not such an unusual story anymore, in fact, it's possibly the common road to discovery now. Cherry Glazerr, a trio, was born after the cassette release of her early material. Their debut was released in 2014.
The follow up album 'Apocalipstick' has just been released and the album title even rivals the brilliantly named 'Femejism' by Deap Vally. "Nuclear Bomb" has an element of Dream-Pop mixed with the indie rock. Her performance in the video is something else again.
Already with a part in the television series 'Transparent' Clementine Creevy is a rising star - one way or another.... hopefully there are a few more albums like this in her career.

Emma Russack - "Best Love"

Emma Russack is an Australian singer songwriter who has been under the radar for much too long. She released her third album 'In A New State' in 2016 and it was one of my favourites of the year. The song that struck me the most, initially, was "Best Love", due to its honest recollection of a first love. This story of an obsessive relationship with a much older man can not be anything other than a personal one - the sincerity and heart is too true to be a fictional tale. And even though the relationship was never going to last, something she knew even then, it's everything she learnt from him that is remembered with much affection and she can look back without regret. It's a beautiful slow song that just takes you along.

The Rolling Stones - "Commit A Crime"

Anyone aware of the Rolling Stones blues roots, whether it's from a general observation from the band's history or from reading Keith Richards' autobiography 'Life'. Those in the latter camp will also be aware that their early recordings actually revived the careers of a lot of the old blues artists. They basically introduced a lot of blues artists to a whole new audience. As we know - Jagger and Richards became one of the greatest songwriting partnerships - with Lennon and McCartney as their obvious rivals. But it was the blues that was their absolute passion. So it seems so logical that a blues covers album was to be recorded at this part of their career and 'Blue and Lonesome' doesn't disappoint. They were so amazing when they recently played in Auckland but I can only dream about seeing them play this album in a club or small venue.... something some lucky punters will experience somewhere in the world at some stage. If I had to pick one song from the album - at this stage it is Howlin' Wolf's "Commit a Crime". Finally we have another classic Stones album and while the songwriting partnership of Jagger and Richards didn't contribute with the songs - they certainly contributed in many other ways. Classic Stones!!




Howlin' Wolf's original "Commit a Crime"

Leonard Cohen - "Everybody Knows"

We lost another musical icon at the end of what was an interesting week, to say the least. It was still a bit of a shock to hear the news.... even after the melancholic interviews he gave at the release of the 'You Want It Darker' album.

It made me think of a song that could basically sum up the week, with the conclusion of the US Presidential election - and also be a tribute to the great musician/poet himself.

"Everybody Knows"

Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died

Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows

Everybody knows that you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Ah give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows

Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

And everybody knows that it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah when you've done a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old Black Joe's still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and bows
And everybody knows

And everybody knows that the Plague is coming
Everybody knows that it's moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But there's gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows

And everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bloody cross on top of Calvary
To the beach of Malibu
Everybody knows it's coming apart
Take one last look at this Sacred Heart
Before it blows
And everybody knows

Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Oh everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows