Tom Baxter E.P. Columbia
Amongst the current crop of highly talented UK singer/songwriters, Tom Baxter is one of the best, based on this very beautiful piece of work. Baxter possesses a gentle, fluid and super-expressive voice that occasionally reminds me of the late, great Jeff Buckley. This E.P. is a precursor to his debut album due out later in 2004. On this evidence and with the backing of the same momentous instrumental backing and production, it could turn out to be one of this year’s truly great releases.
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Story Of The Year. PAGE AVENUE. Maverick
A torrent of crashing drums signals my introduction to buzz band Story Of The Year. The Hero Will Drown opens the album in heavy metal mode complete with blood vessel-busting vocals from the leadman. There’s a tangible melody and I sensed a distinctly Metallica ambience to the song.
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PJ Harvey Talks About Her New Album
Which is your preference, writing, recording or performing live?
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The National CHERRY TREE. Talitres
I missed the last full album by The National but judging from the reviews I’ve read, it was something rather special. Fortunately, I’ve just had the chance to listen to the band for myself via this mini-album of six studio tracks and one live track. Did I say mini-album? Well in track numbers that’s an appropriate description, but musically this is a very major album, and one of the finest of 2004.
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The Walkmen BOWS + ARROWS
2004 has, thus far, been an excellent year for great albums, and mainly from artists who are off the mainstream track. I’m always trying to find something very special, highly original in a market that grows more homogenous by the day. PJ Harvey and a handful of other UK based acts have delivered the goods, but the USA and Ireland have dominated this ‘special’ music sector in 2004. And this album from USA Band The Walkmens is a prime example.
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Damien Dempsey, Carina Round & James Blunt Live
Liverpool Academy 3, 21 May 2004
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Keane HOPES AND FEARS. Island
To the relief of many fans around the country, Keane has finally landed, and with an album that is probably familiar to many well before its official release. Keane has been touring and playing for many months, and from my crowd observations not only are the songs known but can be recited word-for-word.
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The Streets A GRAND DON’T COME FOR FREE. 679 Recordings
The critical acclaim and award nominations garnered by The Streets’ debut album was pretty remarkable. While interesting, I could not really appreciate why it had generated blanket praise. I then saw a live performance by The Streets at Dublin’s Witnness Festival last year and admit to enjoying the laid back, whiskey bottle-toting performance by Mike Skinner and mates. I was entertained but still not inspired.
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Ella Guru THE FIRST ALBUM. Banana
Last year I witnessed a wonderful live performance by a large group of musicians which surprised and delighted me. The band was Ella Guru and their sound and style was reminiscent of one of my favourite bands,Low. But there was distinction and originality from a band that seemed not too bothered by stardom or hype. Earlier this year I received Ella Guru’s SONGS FROM LIVERPOOL E.P. which was enchanting and very beautiful. The promise of a full debut album later in year excited me – an uncommon occurrence in this rather mediocre and homogenous UK music market.
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Alanis Morissette SO-CALLED CHAOS. Maverick
I have sympathy for those special artists that debut with a stunning album and then spend the next ten years trying to match or beat it. Morissette’s JAGGED LITTLE PILL was not only a great record but its sales of many millions worldwide set the lady up for life. To progress from such a popular and great record is proving especially difficult for an artist with a voice so distinctive that her songs tend to sound very familiar. Morissette’s last album showed some progression but failed to light the sort of fires needed to keep her in the forefront as a recording artist. As a live artist she has few peers, as she proved at a recent TV performance. So, can this record take her further up the creative ladder?
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