Recommended by Bex:
This is a domestic-bliss album, one of the weirdest, earthiest, and most honest ever made. Ram, simply put, is the first Paul McCartney release completely devoid of John's musical influence. John wiggled his way into some of the album's lyrics - in those fresh, post-breakup years, the two couldn't quite keep each other out of their music.
But musically, Ram proposes an alternate universe where young Paul skipped church the morning of July 6, 1957, and the two never crossed paths. It's breezy, abstracted, completely hallucinogen-free, and utterly lacking grandiose ambitions. It has a certain homemade charm.
As one Amazon reviewer puts it: If you only buy one Macca album this has got to be the one. You can even give Band on the Run a miss if you like (though I'd struggle). I listen to this album and I think - I'll have what they're having. It's beautiful. It's amazing. Buy it and get drunk on it.
Sunday 31 May 2015
Friday 22 May 2015
Ciara - Jackie
Recommended by Bex:
For me, Ciara's self-titled release is her best. Nonetheless, this is a fierce return to form. I really wanted her to stick to the One Woman Army concept for 2013's Ciara; this gives fans a long-awaited glimpse.
For me, Ciara's self-titled release is her best. Nonetheless, this is a fierce return to form. I really wanted her to stick to the One Woman Army concept for 2013's Ciara; this gives fans a long-awaited glimpse.
Thursday 14 May 2015
Róisín Murphy - Hairless Toys
Recommended by Bex:
An excellent album, less poppy and more subdued in direction of experimental electronica than her last. Róisín's distinctive vocals are forever associated with the feel of wild and ecstatic nineties clubbing.
Her solo worked has proved that complexity of the music is her own invention: her moves in various music styles, her mixing of trip hop, electronic, disco, house. A mature and well done album demonstrating the organic growth of a true artist. She's also pretty fun to see live.
An excellent album, less poppy and more subdued in direction of experimental electronica than her last. Róisín's distinctive vocals are forever associated with the feel of wild and ecstatic nineties clubbing.
Her solo worked has proved that complexity of the music is her own invention: her moves in various music styles, her mixing of trip hop, electronic, disco, house. A mature and well done album demonstrating the organic growth of a true artist. She's also pretty fun to see live.
Thursday 7 May 2015
Laura Marling - Short Movie
Recommended by Bex:
I always find seeing Laura perform a thousand times better than listening to the studio release. The albums are good, often great, but they never quite click until I hear them live. I've seen her six times now, more than any other artist, yet I nearly talked myself out of going the first time.
As with every other era, the magic is in the performance. She seems stronger and more confident than ever, but in a very delicate way. The lighting on the Short Movie tour is particularly striking. 'False Hope' stood out as a vibrant rock song live - who knew Laura wanted to play more electric guitar?
What I consistently admire is that she is the least lovey-dovey singer-songwriter. As one of the least said people myself, I find that comforting. Laura's romantic references are usually sceptical, such as the 'When we were in love (if we were)' line of 'I Was an Eagle'.
I would strongly urge everyone to see Laura Marling live.
I always find seeing Laura perform a thousand times better than listening to the studio release. The albums are good, often great, but they never quite click until I hear them live. I've seen her six times now, more than any other artist, yet I nearly talked myself out of going the first time.
As with every other era, the magic is in the performance. She seems stronger and more confident than ever, but in a very delicate way. The lighting on the Short Movie tour is particularly striking. 'False Hope' stood out as a vibrant rock song live - who knew Laura wanted to play more electric guitar?
What I consistently admire is that she is the least lovey-dovey singer-songwriter. As one of the least said people myself, I find that comforting. Laura's romantic references are usually sceptical, such as the 'When we were in love (if we were)' line of 'I Was an Eagle'.
I would strongly urge everyone to see Laura Marling live.
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