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MUSIC
This issue’s music selection has been reviewed by Francis Brown of www.newsoundwales.co.uk.
New Sound Wales’ website will keep you up to date with everything you need to know if you live in Wales and are passionate about music.
Their aim is to:
■ Keep you up to date with new bands and performers that are emerging from Wales and beyond.
■ Recommend new CD’s and music downloads.
■ Let you know which Welsh gigs are coming up in the months ahead.
If you like acoustic, folk and alternative music, www.newsoundwales.co.uk is the place to bookmark and check on a regular basis.
New Sound Wales are keen to hear what you think about music in Wales, what bands you’re listening to and who you would like to see playing in Wales. |
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NEIL YOUNG
Canterbury 1968
This catches Neil in playful and relaxed mood and provides a fascinating insight into exactly where he was at during this particular time. Highlights include “Birds” and a stripped down acoustic version of “Loner” that is radically different to the recorded version.
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MARY HOPKIN
Recollections
If you thought Mary Hopkin was just about ‘Those Were the Days’ think again. This collection of archive songs 1970 – 1986 proves that she was, and luckily still is, a classy folk singer. Even better news is that she is due to record new material this year.
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ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
Merriweather Pavilion Post
Fresh, original and uplifting, containing a new sound that is highly infectious – once you get hooked. Beach Boy sweet vocals over repetitive refrains, samples and subtle beats. Experimental, yet still accessible. Standout African infused ‘Brother Sport’ is driving, climactic and joyous.
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WHITE LIES
To Lose My Life
One of those bands that has been so hotly tipped by the industry that they won’t be allowed to fail. In the same vein as the Editors, they sing doom-laden epics with swelling, anthemic choruses. Coming soon to a stadium near you.
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SICKNOTE
Epidemic
One of Wales’ best live bands follow their throbbingly excellent single ‘Death Before Employment’ with this live collection. Post nu-rave performance art floor fillers for the ‘Skins’ generation – call it what you will Sicknote could well go ballistic in 2009.
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ROD THOMAS
Until Something Fits
A round up of singles released so far. Bright shiny folk pop with tracks such as ‘Same Old Lines’ several of which should have been top 10 hits. The song ‘Hints of Him’ is haunting and memorable and demonstrates significant potential as a songwriter.
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ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS
The Crying Light
The first album was visceral and challenging, the second with its wide range of styles won the Mercury. This, the third release, is more intimate and delicate with mostly piano led songs of introspection. Standout song ‘Epilepsy is Dancing’ is simply spine tingling.
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LADY GAGA
The Fame
The new would be queen of electro pop has already produced the most perfect pop moment of the year so far with ‘Just Dance’ and ‘Poker Face’ is almost as good. Not exactly electro - this is more Pussycat Doll than Miss Kitten.
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JIMI ALEXANDER & THE SATELLITES
Debut Album
When it comes to Welsh Americana Jimi Alexander is fast becoming the leader of the pack. A highly distinctive voice that is dark, smouldering and passionate. This, together with memorable songs, such as ‘Queen of Denmark’, make this a classy debut indeed.
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MORRISSEY
Years of Refusal
Usually inaccurately labelled miserable, Morrissey’s first single from this release ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’ - the city not Ms Hilton - sounds like a return to form and is as good the best of his early solo career. Morrissey turns 50 in May.
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