We were not previously familiar with Nina Winder-Lind or The New Eaves, the band of which she is a member. But we are quite taken with her new single "This Is Our Life". The song begins with restraint. But as it nears the first minute it opens up into a rousing folk pop romp. Coupled with an appealing video, we needed to play it through a half-dozen times to jump start our day. We will be looking forward to more gems from this Brighton-based Swede.
Yea-Ming and The Rumours contemplate the false image of full contentment with "Ruby" and treat us to a look back at innocence of "Somebody's Daughter". Those are just two of the joys that await us on May 23 when new album I Can't Have It All is released via Dandy Boy Records.
No, we can't have it all, but sometimes we can have great music.
Kath Bloom is a singer songwriter and folk musician who may be better known among musicians than the general public. But with a career that spans the late '70s to present day, she clearly is a musician worth our ears. Bloom has collaborated with other artists and her work has been covered by Mark Kozelek, Bill Callahan and others.
So, how do you get access to this fine artist's music? Glad you asked -- Melbourne label Chapter Music is stepping up to deliver the goods. In September, Chapter will release Finally, the first ever vinyl reissue of Bloom's 1990 recording (the music previously was released in CD format in 2005). Finally was compiled from previous recordings which were out of print or otherwise not widely distributed or available. The first single from the reissue is "Come Here", which may well be Bloom's signature tune. Breathtakingly beautiful, it reminds us that Kath Bloom can pluck our heartstrings as easily as the strings on her acoustic guitar.
Bandcamp for pre-order of Finally
The Paperback Throne is Ralph and Sylvia Hector. It appears that they are active with a community of other creatives and participate in projects with various combinations of artists. But they also release music as The Paperback Throne. And under that name they just released "Inside Every Mountain Is A Heart". A grand orchestral pop tune as heartfelt as the title would suggest, it is the centerpiece of the upcoming album Waves. The B-side is "Arms Around You", a folky tune about comforting your loved one. I actually needed these tracks today as my wife crashed on our bike ride and I just got back from the ICU. she is likely to be fine, but it is a reminder to pay attention to what is important and your loved ones, because it all can disappear fast.
The single is available as of October 21. Waves will be released on October 28 via Iffy Folk Records.
Not all albums live up to their names, but Good News, Bad News is not just any album. The band is Glasgow's The Sweetheart Revue, headed by singer-songwriter-guitarist Gerard Sampaio, who is joined by Jack Cocker (guitar/vocals), Liam McArdle (bass), Heather Phillips (violin/vocals), Moshe Price (drums), and Jen McKee (cello/accordion/piano/vocals). They have been together since 2007, but recording Good News, Bad News presented two special challenges: Recording an album during a pandemic with several associated lockdowns; and Gerald's inoperable brain tumor. Not surprisingly, the latter challenge provides the "bad news" portion of the proceedings, addressed in several songs with an admirably positive outlook. However, the album contains good news songs as well. But whether delivering good news or bad news, the songwriting and performances are top shelf. Rarely do we encounter an album with this level of humanity and connectedness, and we treasure it. We encourage you to do so as well.
In addition to the members listed above, additional assistance was provided by Tim Davidson (pedal steel guitar), Jamie Houston (keys), J.P. Berrie (horns) Gordon Kyle (horns).
Good News, Bad News is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Last Night From Glasgow.
Dawn-Song is musician Nick Evans. His latest work is For Morgan, and it will be released later this month. The album consists of songs he has written and recorded in recent years, some of which are collaborations with other artists. I think that Nick's own description of his motivation for recording the songs is more poignant that anything I could write, so here it is:
I made an album of my songs with some wonderful collaborators over the last couple of years.
When I’m gone I wanted to continue to be able to sing for my son Morgan if he needed me.
My father published a small book of poetry before he died and if I’m missing him a lot I read a bit of it and I feel reconnected.
The regular members of the band are songwriter Jonathan Lilley, joined by Amanda McKeown, Gary Johnston, Heather Philips, Rory McGregor, Monica Queen, Johnny Smillie, Celia Garcia, and Erik Igelstrom. Six Roads Ends is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Last Night From Glasgow.
Swedish quartet Melby has proven their chops with strong records based on pop and folk elements. But one of the band's best qualities is their willingness to expand their sound into new territory. This week brought us "Somewhere New". Thrillingly dynamic and embellished with psychedelic flourishes, it displays the resolve and talent of a band with ambition and a high ceiling.
Melby are Matilda Wiezell (vocals), Are Engen Steinsholm (back-up vocals, guitar), David Jehrlander (bass) and Teo Jernkvist (drums). "Somewhere New" is out now via Stockholm's Rama Lama Records.
No Harm Done is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Fire Records.
