Hudson Taylor, Purity Ring & Dog Is Dead

Earlier in July, I went with Frank Hamilton to Barn On The Farm festival - which is a brilliant wee festival at Over Farm on the outskirts of Gloucester. Josh who picks the bands for the festival has clearly got good ears as the amount of talent on show was superb...


Hudson Taylor were one of two bands I fell in love with over the weekend. I had been aware of them since January (they were previously known by their first names, Harry and Alfie if that rings any bells with any one?!), but they have stepped things up a notch under their new alias; they are superb live - a must see. Their debut EP is released at the end of August and this track is the one. I can't stop listening to it and when they play it live, its the one you go away with at the end.

Hudson Taylor - "Drop Of Smoke"

The second band to grab my attention in a big way was Dog Is Dead who are from Nottingham and signed to Warner Music. I have been to see them again since BOTF Festival, at an over 14s show at Camden Barfly last week which was an interesting dynamic, but that's another story. They are ace, just ace. New single "Glockenspiel Song" (which is actually an older tune from an old EP being re-released) is a summer belter, fit with saxophone. Watch the video below which always makes me laugh. Also check out the tune "Two Devils" if you get a moment - the "if we don't stop now we'll be dead by summer" line, gets me every time. A long with Jake Bugg, Nottingham is producing its fair share of talent at the moment.

Dog Is Dead - "Glockenspiel Song"

Finally, check out this tune by Purity Ring. I am very much into it and you probably should be too...

Purity Ring - "Fineshrine"

@HudTayMusic

@Dog_Is_Dead

@PURITY_RING

New Music You Must Hear: Coasts, Polica & The Strypes

An absolute belter from Frank Hamilton's #OneSongAWeek campaign arrives in Week 16 in the form of 'Another Love Song' which you can stream/buy from Band Camp now (follow the link) http://frankhamiltonband.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/week-16-another-love-song/  or you can wait a week for it to appear on iTunes.

Right, other things tickling my fancy on this rainy April day in London are...

The Strypes - 'You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover'

These lads are still so young and although they look and sound a lot like their influences, it is really very good. One guess as to who might have influenced them please.

Polica - 'Lay Your Cards'

Absolutely loving this from Polica, and can't stop playing it. It sounds like she is singing under water almost?! Epic.

Out of nowhere, Aiden Grimshaw (yes, the lad from X Factor) has produced an absolute banger. I think this is going to be pretty big. 'Is This Love' --> http://soundcloud.com/aidengrimshaw/is-this-love

Harbour - 'Colder'

This one came from my mate Boysee so fair play to him. Strong vocals, effective dynamics with a big/catchy chorus. Enjoying it.

Finally, just heard of this band Coasts via Facebook. Have a listen HERE and maybe catch them on Saturday 16th June @ 93 Ft East in London if you are around. Think I'll be going down...

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Its 2012 and there is a lot going on...

So Michael Kiwanuka won the BBC Sound Poll last week (rightly so in my opinion - really looking forward to hearing the finished album. I love him, but if he's not your cup of tea, then don't worry, there's plenty of other things happening that are worth listening to right now...


Like...

Dot Rotten - 'Keep It On A Low'

Big fan of this Dot Rotten track. Expect big things from this boy.

Little Eye - 'I Can't Relax'

Scottish band with powerful choruses - not too dissimilar to Snow Patrol. 

Rams Pocket Radio - 'Dieter Rams has got the Pocket Radios'

Promising, piano-driven, big sounding pop act.

Keaton Henson - 'You don't know how lucky you are'

Wasn't sure about Keaton Henson, but having heard this song I know which camp I am firmly in now. 

More importantly than all of the above though is that Frank Hamilton is releasing A SINGLE A WEEK FOR ALL OF 2012! Mental right?! Good on him - you can follow his progress and each release HERE!. The first one, 'All Or Nothing' is available to listen to/buy now and features the wonderful Jose Vanders.

End of 2011...

Quick list of songs/bands/artists to listen to during the Christmas period when you need a wee break from all the family get-togethers...Merry Christmas everyone and I'll see you in 2012. Knoxy x

Billy Lockett - Balance

The Din - A Question of Being

Frank Hamilton - All Over The City

Bwani Junction - Two Bridges

Click on the links below too...

Galleries - Young Wounds

Emeli Sande - Daddy (Ifan Dafydd Remix)

*As ever, please post your thoughts/opinions/links to other tracks you like at the moment!

Male Singer-Songwriters are back...

A favorite topic/genre of mine and there are several who are floating my boat at the moment...Ed Sheeran has been getting a fair bit of airplay on here recently, but there are a lot more coming out of the UK at the moment...


First up is Marcus Foster who is a recent(ish) signing to Geffen/Polydor/Universal who fits nicely into the current Mumford/Fleet Foxes vibe that swept the country over the last 12-18 months. He has some massive hits up his sleeve and a voice to be enviable of - certainly has a bright future. Keep an ear out for his tune, 'I Was Broken'.


Next, is another major label and Universal/Island signing Ben Howard who spent a long time building a fan base amongst the British surfing community before getting his deal. Having seen him live recently and having only really heard the tune 'Old Pines' before (very good track - see the beautifully shot video below) he comes across as a really sound person; his general look and demeanor make me feel as if Id like to be his mate. I guess he isn't too dissimilar to a British Jack Johnson.

If you haven't heard the name Frank Hamilton previously - you will do (again) in the next 6-12 months, guaranteed! An extremely talented lyricist and song-writer who has been played twice in a row on Radio 2 by Chris Evans before, has co-written a Top 3 hit in Holland and continues to sell (quite a few copies of) his debut EP entitled, You, Your Cat & Me he released a few years ago! He recently posted an acoustic version of a new track called 'Had Enough' from Barn On The Farm Festival - check it below! Amazing!

Finally, big mentions to Benjamin Francis-Leftwich and Josh Bray who have both had albums out this year that you should check out!

Finally, R.I.P. Amy Winehouse (1983-2011).