Elba Sessions

Everybody likes to get mail. Look at this haul I got today (factor’s bill omitted from picture!)!

Wilco and Chris T-T tickets as well as the latest Armellodie releases! I’m a happy lad tonight!

I bought two singles this morning. Not a phrase you hear often these days and something which sounds rather old fashioned. I mean, singles are so 1990’s??? The fact is, I love a good single. I can see that there is more value in an album and I’m not discounting albums but to get a good single, with a good b-side and maybe a nice acoustic version of a track, well for me there’s nothing better.

I think that at the moment, when everyone is online, downloading music and that it is in general just a lot easier to get your music heard, a single is a great promo tool for bands. At a low cost people can buy your music and at the same time you can recoup some of your costs. I know that personally if a band I’ve caught live, that I like, release a single I can quickly download for a couple of quid, then I’m all over it. With sites like bandcamp allowing bands to stream their tunes as well as giving the option to download for free or X amount of money there is a lot more talent getting heard.

The two singles in question that I bought this morning both cover the above. Firstly, Nintendo by Chris T-T. It’s a lovely piano ballad, a beautiful song and the package ticks all the boxes when it comes to good single extras as you get a great cover of the old Motown protest song ‘Abraham, Martin & John’ and if you buy on I-Tunes, a demo version of the single.

Secondly, Kill The Captains new single ‘Rummy’. These dudes are from Sheffield but have signed to Glasgow based label Armellodie, home to local favourites Cuddly Shark and Super Adventure Club. It’s a cracking single and definitely worth a look if you’re into either of the other two bands on the label. We’ll have more on Kill The Captains on Elba in the next wee while so keep your peepers open.

What does everyone else think about singles? Worthless these days or great for bands looking to get heard?

You can pick up said singles at the below links;

Chris T-T – Nintendo – HERE

Kill The Captains – Rummy – HERE

In last weeks gig round up Kim wasn’t backwards at going forward that we quite like Tom McRae around Elba way, therefore, as he was in Glasgow for a couple of rescheduled shows at the ‘birthday boy’ King Tuts, it would have been rude not to battle through the snow to see him.

I have tried to write this review/post for a couple of weeks now. I felt the day after that I was on such a ‘high’ from the gig that it would probably be a mess of oohs and ahs that I delayed it a couple of days but never quite got it right. Indeed, even during the gig I already wanted to come back and see the show all over again the night after, it was such a homely atmosphere, packed into King Tuts with a crowd not afraid to holler out and have banter with Tom. Two weeks on and if someone said to me, Tom McRae is playing Glasgow tonight, I’d be there in a shot. He has a certain charm about him which sucks you in and he performs in such a passionate way that 90 mins pass and you realise your mouth has been wide open catching flies for the most part.

So to the gig…

I’ve become a little slack at catching support acts over the last year but I managed to get in to see Brian Wright and I’m glad I did. I’m not sure how I’d describe his music other than saying it’s what I imagine the southern states of America to sound like. He had a lot of country and blues elements in his music and is well worth having a look at. I picked up his CD, ‘House on Fire, which is a little gem. Maria Sugarcane is a personal favourite track. It didn’t take Brian long to re-appear on stage after finishing his set but this time it was as part of Tom McRae’s band.

The set begun with some tracks from new album ‘The Alphabet of Hurricanes’ and exploded into life with End of The World News from his eponymous Mercury-nominated debut album. A song which drew a hefty sing along from the crowd. An addition to the band which was not unappreciated by McRae who had apologised because his voice sounded sexier than usual. Oral thrush will do that to you apparently. One thing I love about McRae, other than his songwriting, is his deadpan wit and humour. When called out for why he cancelled the last show a dry reply of ‘couldn’t be fucked’, was all that was needed. We all knew he was lying though! The setlist spanned all eras of McRae and other set highlights were the upbeat One Mississippi, Walking To Hawaii (played on just guitar and cello) and Silent Boulevard. Although for me it was ‘Still Love You’ which stole the show. It is a lovely little song which opens the new album played on a ukelele. You could also buy a tea towel with the lyrics on it (see pic above). In fact, full marks on the merch stall. You could arm yourself for the Glasgow weather with a Tom-brella.

McRae is certainly an artist who has been around for a long time and whilst I wouldn’t say his time had gone, I don’t ever see him being as well known as he deserves. However, if he can continue touring and selling out venues with audiences showing as much adoration as they did at King Tuts, it will surely put a smile on even Tom McRae’s face.

Setlist (I think…):

Alphabet of Hurricanes
Me and Stetson
The Summer of John Wayne
The End of the World News
American Spirit
A+B song
Please
One Mississippi
Walking to Hawaii
I Still Love You
Silent Boulevard

Bloodless
Vampire Heart

The Boy with the Bubblegun

It is hump day again. We take it upon ourselves to be as moody as we wish until the end of the working day when we officially reach the latter part of the week. Then and only then shall we be in a place where we might communicate without a slight snarl. It is in this spirit that Phil and I address some of the goings on in music land this week. Please enjoy and feel free to join in.

6 Music
Phil: I have mixed feelings on this, well not mixed really, it seems sad for them to get rid of it. Not a George Lamb fan and although I don’t generally listen to the radio, it would probably be the first place I would turn the dial to. They certainly seem to be a high profile supporter of less well-known music.
Kim: I am also quite adamant that George Lamb is the devil. That aside, there is a whole host of programming and content here, not to mention the support for emerging and left-field talent that it would really be sad to lose.

Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks
P: I’ll give it a go soon I’m sure but I’ve never got round to their first album. Controversial?
K: Well yes and I’m taking your delay on this one quite personally. Frightened Rabbit are the working band that got far thanks to some clever US TV drama syncs. I really got attached to The Midnight Organ Fight. I’m really liking the sound of the new album. Swim Until You Can’t See Land is sorta like a folkier version of Pete Townshend’s Let My Love Open the Door.
P: I’ll take your word on this. Come back to me in a couple of weeks.

Musicbox
P: http://elbasessions.co.uk/2010/02/musicbox-march-2010/ – Antimatter and our big brother Elba Studios showcase a unique night of music and photography at Universal this Thursday (4th March).
K: Any multi-art based event always intrigues me. I’m sad I’m not free to head along to this on Thursday.
P: Favourite multi arts event? Ballads of The Book at The Tramway in (07??) was pretty good! I miss Triptych.
K: It was 2007. I missed quite a bit of this due to all the effort and exhaustion of putting the festival together. It was a perfect pulling together of all of the elements from the album. Plus Jenny Soep was there doing some art in action. Me likey.

King James – Elba Podcast
P: King James podcast continues to sound beautiful. Listen/Download ‘here’.
K: Simple Folk Radio are also (and quite rightly) keen on this.
P: Indeed, Johny in retrospect finds the interview slightly Spinal Tap. Personally a walking tour of Devon and Cornwall sounds spectacular!

Macca at Hampden
P: I really feel like I should go and see him? I mean he’s a little questionable, if you believe what you read but he was a Beatle and it’s only a 20 minute walk. I’d imagine it won’t be cheap though. In fact, this could turn into a summer of geriatric shows, I’m planning Crosby, Stills and Nash too but tempted to pay the extra £40 on tickets for that one to see them when I’m in Paris rather than at the cow shed (sorry, SECC).
K: Ugh the price tag alone would put me off both of these. The problem is, once great performers still draw huge crowds and a lot of the time it just isn’t worth it. I’m definitely one who is against this revival spirit floating around right now. I get that the ‘I SAW THEM IN THE FLESH’ brag/closure is something that people strive for. However, the ‘I saw the wrinklier, 30 years after their heyday, not really all that talented anymore version’ is the less impressive reality.
P: Yeah, that’s the other half of my brain speaking. Although only with Macca. Crosby, Stills and Nash are fantastic. Stephen Stills probably never was always there anyway!

Other interesting gigs
P: Burnt Island (who I am quite digging at the moment) host their single launch on Sunday at Mono along with The Second Hand Marching Band, Benni Hemm Hemm and everyones favourite miserable storyteller Aidan Moffat.
K: Burnt Island are the sort of band that make me breath a little slower and steadier. Their music is that teetering on the edge of heartbreaking. Sorrowful and beautiful. This is a nice little line up for Mono. My heart as ever belongs to Arab Strap and all the bearded glory of Mr Moffat.

Another week begins and if you get paid at the end of the month you may have a small stack of notes or coins burning a hole in your pocket this week. Luckily there are a couple of places that your pennies could be spent wisely and there is one in particular I would like to point your attention to. Anyone who follows me on Twitter will be aware of my delight and anticipation regarding Joanna Newsom’s new album Have One On Me; released today.

The truth is the one thing I can never get enough of is Joanna Newsom. This triple CD release is really something that will satisfy the itch that has built for anyone else following the over-listening to previous bar setting album Ys. The descriptor nu-folk was coined for the roots movement around the beginning of Miss Newsom’s step up into the wider musical consciousness. Whilst this unfortunate terminology should fill us all with loathing, if it will persuade potential listeners to let go of the dusty connotations and negative perceptions people have of the ‘genre’ to just give an artist of this quality attention, it is most certainly welcomed. The album was available to stream on a local US radio station’s website prior to its release and I can confirm that after a complete and attentive listen is that I will not be content until I have this album grasped in my hands today.

Album opener Easy is a good measure of the album. Here the piano dominates and we are greeted with a familiar rich orchestral arrangement. Newsom’s voice leaps as frequently and lightly as the woodwind on the track. Particularly affecting is the point in each little song-trail where the percussion bounds in and, much like that of previous LP Ys, by this point you will have given yourself entirely to this journey. One of the beauties of Have One On Me is the range of the work. It easily flows due to the distinctive style of the artist but through every possible route that can be taken. It shows range and a maturity that is just getting more and more honed with time. Less are the wild fantasies spun in some of the more whimsical moments of Newsom’s catalogue. This definitely allows for a greater accessibility to her music.

Moments like Baby Birch are astonishing. In this case the melodic beginnings are pure and gospel tinged whilst Joanna Newsom’s voice is clear and perfect. Over the course of the song more traditional folk based arrangement and bold celtic tones grow . I think this is the first time I’ve found this style executed so well, without resorting to hyper cliché. On A Good Day serves as a perfect coda to Baby Birch. A short and sad completion to the tale that was just weaved. Putting an end to the sorrow and sentimental conclusion to the previous track.

In California is succinct and simpler in manner, leaning more towards a recognisable love song. It is the clever peppering of accompaniment that will win you over here. Double bass scratchings and drums providing a rumble of thunder amongst the delicate lyricism, the strings and finally the much loved harp. You will be filled with warmth, longing and passion by the end of the nigh on nine minutes.

Songs like Good Intentions Paving Company and ‘81, which were been leaked prior to the album, fit perfectly in this huge offering. Despite their brilliance they in no way overshadow the work as so often happens. Instead it is pleasant to discover that these tracks were merely another little stop on this vast map of work.

It’s very difficult not to use travelling or literally description to any of Joanna Newsom’s work. The sheer length, depth and richness of the music and lyrics is nothing short of epic. It is pure escapism. It is classic. It is rare that an album like this comes along. In an age where instant access and carelessness towards the sanctity of an entire work are rarely seen I encourage to you to pay respect to the work that this artist has presented and pick up a copy of Have One On Me. It’ll be putting it back down that will be the greater challenge.

We spent a brilliant 8 hours with Laurence and Johny of King James last Friday (19th Feb) culminating in an effortlessly awesome set at Elba Sessions Presents…at The Liquid Ship. After a gruelling overnight drive from London, looking a little startled, we welcomed them into Elba Studios to have a wee chat and let them play a couple of their songs.

Also, we’re pretty happy that for your comfort and pleasure, this is the first Elba podcast that you can download, so you can always have us handy on your portable music device.

King James Podcast by elbasessions

King James the album will be out soon so keep checking the Lynched Recordings site for further info.

King James
Thirty Pounds of Bone
Diamond Family Archive

I think I speak for us all when I say the sooner we see them back up north the better!

Lets just address the rather large elephant in the room straight off the bat. You know the one? Its got the giant red ‘T’ stamped on its side? While the internet has been abuzz with news of Scotland’s annual excessively populated music marathon, we at Elba feel it is our duty to turn your attentions to what is happening more immediately on the gigging front. This is entirely due to our love and commitment to the local music scene. Nothing to do with not having a ticket. No, no, no! We’re not bitter. Let me rephrase that: PHIL is not bitter.

But less of this jesting! Glasgow is looking truly delicious this weekend when it comes to live music.

Tonight and tomorrow night a King Tuts stalwart returns to play to his adoring fans. Tom McRae tours ahead of his fifth studio album ‘The Alphabet of Hurricanes.’ This man has a voice that can reduce even the loudest weegie drunk to tears. I have literally seen this happen; and I do not mean literally in the figurative sense that it is so often used these days. It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of this man but we urge you to head along to this show if you get the chance. Oh and head over to Tom’s myspace should you feel the need for some intellectual ranting. God help us the day this man finally cheers up, his artistry stems from his deep rooted connection to his misery and we certainly wouldn’t want him any other way.

Also on Wednesday night, Sunderland five piece post-punk-indie-pop boys Field Music play Nice and Sleazies. This tour is on the heels of their new eponymous LP. Live, this group are meant to stun more than shine. Prepare yourself to be shocked into adoration.

A triple bill featuring Japandroids, Other People and Cuddly Shark will be pounding King Tuts’ stage on Friday. This one promises to rock. Anyone who was at Elba Presents… (Four) last Friday night and saw the softer side of Cuddly Shark will want to drop into this to experience them in their full frenzied form. In fact, send a wee email to the Shark and they’ll get you in for 3 quid!

On Friday The Pin Up Ladies Night returns to Flying Duck for a the third time. As well as The Pin Ups Djs & Bow Peep playing indie, punk, soul & electropop there’s a line up that I shall allow to speak for itself:

Live – French Horn Rebellion (Kitsune)
Maple Leaves
Guest Gjs – Tracyanne & Carey (Camera Obscura)
Adele & Ailidh (Sons & Daughters)
Emma (Delagados)
Emmy Kate & Marie Du Santiago (Kenickie)
Manda Rin (Bis)

Our final recommendation for the weekend is for the San Francisco Matador signed Girls. Another highly acclaimed, must see troupe. They play Stereo on Saturday.

Happy Gig-gling!

Here in Elba-blog-land we are feeling very fresh faced and it’s not entirely to do with the sub zero temperatures our fair city is enduring. The runny noses can certainly be blamed on the frosty days and brisk breezes. However, we are riding on the heels of musical majesty and growing more excited as some eagerly anticipated events are starting to come together.

On Friday night, another successful Elba Presents… took place at The Liquid Ship. Thanks to all who came along to the fourth live Elba outing. It was a nice wee turn out. For those who didn’t make it, it was a most delightful night featuring King James, Maple Leaves, Craig Davidson and Cuddly Shark. There’s talk of a release from King James in the near future and following their awe inducing set it’s one to look forward to. Their stripped back folk and layered harmonies are bewitching.

Now on to the rather tasty news that was delivered to our inbox last week. On Saturday
3rd April the multi-venue music and art festival, Hinterland, returns. The Arches, Sub Club, Macsorleys Music Bar, The Admiral, Pivo Pivo and Rockers amongst other will provide the base for a myriad of eclectic bands both local and from further afield:

Mystery Jets
British Sea Power
Jeffrey Lewis
Friendly Fires (DJ)
Joe Goddard Hot Chip (DJ Set)
Hot Club de Paris
Wave Pictures
GrecoRoman Soundsystem
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
Fenech Soler
Johnny Foreigner
French Wives
Ambulances
Bleech
Kitty the Lion
Midnight Lion
Ballers Social Presents…..
Cooly G
Marcus Nasty
Spectrals
Eclair FiFi
Art installations by Konx Om Pax & Christina Kernohan
Make Sparks
Little Yellow Ukuleles
Pulled Apart By Horses
plus more TBC

That last statement, that more will be announced, has me practically drooling as the list already promises so much on many fronts. I can foresee the 3rd of April as a whirlwind of adventure with much racing about the city in the hope of catching… EVERYTHING. The end of the day looks like it’ll be quite the party too with the inclusion of Friendly Fires and Joe Goddard on DJ duties for the later running events. In the lead up to the festival Phil and I will feature some of the acts that we’re hoping to catch at Hinterland. This clearly has the potential to turn into a marathon posting event. We’ll do our best to keep the short-list short and to be cut-throat in the selection process. I know what you’re thinking. You don’t think we’ve got that in us. Well! You’re quite right. I’d advise getting an early bird ticket due to its low cost of just £10 right now available from www.thehinterlandfestival.com.

It was too good not to immortalise on the blog. Here I was minding my own business and I came across this on facebook. Props go to Scott Maple of Le Reno Amps. Spoken like a true Elgonian!

It seems like the local music scene is beginning to hot up again after christmas and ‘The Big Freeze’ with plenty of good releases and gigs coming up. I felt like there was a real lack of decent gigs through January, however, couple this with post christmas debt and a busy day-job, it might just be me.

A band that have only recently caught my attention, thanks to Jim at Aye Tunes is Spaghetti Anywhere. They are based in London and play uncomplicated indie pop. A little bit in the vain of Belle and Sebastian or Camera Obscura although I am always very wary of comparing bands. Anyways, they are definitely worth checking out and their E.P. is released on Feb 22nd on Toy Soldier Records.

If you can’t wait until Feb 22nd for your fill of new music, I suggest you point your browsers in the direction of Glasgow based label/collective Wise Blood Industries from tomorrow where you will be able to download the new single ‘The Hours’ from The Kays Lavelle. I’ve given it a couple of listens now and the orchestration is fantastic and I just love the haunting vocals. Their album, recorded by Neil Pennycook of Meursault, is due out in the spring and no doubt when that comes around it will be very hotly anticipated.

There’s quite a few gigs this week to look out for in Glasgow this week. The aforementioned Meursault play next Sunday (21st) at Nice and Sleazys with Xiu Xiu and North Atlantic Oscillation. Working backwards, we may have mentioned at some point that King James, Maple Leaves, Craig Davidson and Cuddly Shark will be playing at The Liquid Ship on Friday night (19th), more details here. On Thursday a big Happy Birthday goes out to the Glasgow PodcART dudes. They will be having a bit of a shindig to celebrate with sets from St Deluxe, Little Yellow Ukeleles and Campfires in Winter. That all goes down at the 13th Note. Lastly (but also firstly this week), on Wednesday night at Brel the fantastic Julia and The Doogans, Panda Su and Sophie’s Pigeons will play some pretty acoustic songs.

Anyways, that’s about all my thoughts for now, we’re going to get this blog a bit more populated with features and reviews over the next few weeks so keep checking back and don’t be a stranger!