Shakenstir » 2003

Turin Brakes Interview

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 the alchemy in their new album ETHER SONG. London-based duo Turin Brakes are Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian, and their acclaimed debut THE OPTIMIST was a shadow of things to come. I talked to Gale at home in South London, and asked him about being denied a visa to visit America, the new album and home…

Tom McRae JUST LIKE BLOOD. db Records

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 glad I did.

Hamell On Trial TOUGH LOVE. Righteous Babe

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 that wonderful live performance ambience.

What If? 2003 Ends On A Low

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 in this formidable twosome started with me hearing Melua’s debut single, The Closest Thing To Crazy, and wanting to know and hear more. I managed to contact Mike Batt who subsequently emailed answers to several questions about the collaboration. It’s an interesting and encouraging story about discovering real talent, and how to help it succeed on a small independent label, with a little help from the broadcast media. It’s also an object lesson to artists and record companies on how it should be done, and is unfortunately all too rare…

Mike Batt Talks About His Collaboration With Katie Melua

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 great deal of symphonic work, including many television and film scores. And you who can forget the hit machine called the Wombles of Wimbledon, another Batt creation.

Best Albums of 2003 - As Viewed By Other Publications

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

Katie Melua CALL OFF THE SEARCH. Dramatico

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 not strictly a singer/songwriter (not yet anyway), having listened to her new single, she has a wonderfully silky and distinctive voice.

Ani DiFranco EDUCATED GUESS, Her First Solo Album For Many Years

Ani Goes Solo Again…

Ani DiFranco Talks About her New Live Album, SO MUCH SHOUTING, SO MUCH LAUGHTER