Ancient Greeks believed everything in the world was a permutation of the four fundamental elements: wind, water, fire and earth. The heavens were made of perfect ether, the immutable fifth element; celestial bodies moved within it, creating harmony that was the ‘music of the spheres’. The music of Turin Brakes recalls this cosmological idea with [...]

It really saddens me when we fail to receive review copies of albums by wonderful British talent from smaller, independent labels. And especially when the label is astute enough to sign inspiring talent such as McRae (amongst others). Fortunately, I received this album for Christmas and decided to provide a very, very late review. I’m [...]

Anybody who hasn’t witnessed a Hamell live performance is missing out on one of music’s real pleasures. With his battered guitar strung at a low register, he sings (and screams) real songs with a passion and humour that’s rare and compelling. Now recording on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe label, this new album conveys much of [...]

Musically, the last dying moments of 2003 were painful to witness. They were a timely reminder on just how badly the UK’s music lovers are served by the print and broadcast media. But first the few positive moments starting with my personal discovery of Katie Melua and her seasoned mentor, Mike Batt. My interest [...]

Mike Batt is one of Britain’s best-known songwriter/composers. His consistent track record of success includes production, composition and conducting on projects as diverse as WATERSHIP DOWN (music and lyrics to Art Garfunkel’s international number one single, Bright Eyes), PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (producing, co-writing with Andrew Lloyd Webber and orchestrating the first hit) and a [...]

A unique compilation of the best albums of the year as chosen by other major publications.

Because Katie Melua is from these cold UK island shores, I took some time to read through the sleeve notes before listening to her debut album. I found that only two of the album tracks were written by her, while six were written by Mike Batt (who also produced the record). However, while Melua is [...]

Ani Goes Solo Again…

Like LIVING IN CLIP, the new album marks the end of an era, since you’re no longer performing live with the players from SO MUCH SHOUTING…

Why did you call the album EVOLVE?