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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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THE BEACH BOYS
Summer Love Songs
Nothing encapsulates the sound of the summer more than the Beach Boys. This collection includes some of their biggest hits such as ‘God Only Knows’ & ‘Help Me Rhonda’ as well as some alternate mixes for all the army of Brian Wilson fanatics.
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DEFECTED IN THE HOUSE
Ibiza (Eivissa) 09
If your idea of a hot summer night is clubbing in Ibiza then this is the collection for you. Packed full of sophisticated house music from the likes of DJ Gregory & Armand Van Helden. Guaranteed to keep the L’America/ Hed Kandi crowd on their feet from dusk till dawn
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JARVIS COCKER
Further Complications
The high energy rock production on most of the tracks just doesn’t suit the songs or Jarvis’ voice. It is saved from being a complete turkey by a few tracks, such as the superb ‘I never said I was deep’ which is as good as the best of Pulp.
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LEONARD COHEN
Live in London
Last year he was the hottest ticket in town and this is one of those occasions when it is actually worth buying a live recording. Packed full of Cohen classics it captures the warmth of the reception he received, his genuine response to it and some immaculate musicianship.
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HUW M
Os Mewn Swn
This is Huw M’s debut album and he looks set to be another Welsh artist to watch out for. The music is a mix of original melodies, folk songs flavoured with a dash of world music. A welcome addition to the growing number of Welsh artists worthy of wider recognition.
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IRON & WINE
Around the Well
It took 14 years for the band to bring Richey Edwards’ last set of lyrics to life. Combining energy, passion, emotion and strong hooks they sound like a band re-born and re-energised. ‘Jackie Collins existential question time’ is up there with the best of their work.
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ISLAND RECORDS
Reggae Anthology
Ideal soundtrack for a hot sunny day chilling with friends in the garden. A fantastic 64 track, 3 CD collection at a very reasonable price charting the history of reggae and ska at Island Records since 1959. Classic hits sit nicely alongside less well known treasures.
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MANIC STREET PREACHERS
Journal for Plague Lovers
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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PAULO NUTINI
Sunny Side Up
Less commercial than his debut and he seems to be following his instinct rather than sales which is good to hear. Lead single ‘Candy’ is a classy pop and the album has a variety of influences from reggae to 60s soul which bodes well for his future output.
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SUPER FURRY ANIMALS
Dark Days/Light Years
Ninth studio album and they show no sign of compromise, self parody or running out of interesting ideas. Best track here is ‘The very best of Neil Diamond’ which deserves an award just for its title alone. A hit single provided Diamond’s record company don’t object.
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