Forest Dwelling Today

Angel Delight Mix

2012-01-09T22:29:00.005Z

Some time ago on Twitter I said I was planning to do a mix and asked what kind of mix it should be. To be honest I was looking for a genre, I was hoping someone would say electro or D&B or Hip Hop etc.

But no, Ms Codex rather helpfully suggested "Angel Delight". As she was the only one to reply I had little choice in the matter, Angel Delight it was!

To be honest it wasn't hard for me to figure out what this would contain, in fact it was ideal for a lot of stuff I wanted to put out there.
I have been holding back on this, hence the long wait, because I had wanted to record a proper podcast so I could talk about the music too, however I still haven't got round to buying a microphone!

So rather than sit on this any longer I thought I'd throw them together in a 'mix' (not really appropriate, as they are hardly mixed at all) and send it out into the world.

These are happy songs, songs that Delight, songs for, from and about Angels. They're songs that never fail to lift my mood, they always make me smile, hopefully they will you too.

Rx

Tracklisting.

1. The Penguins - Hey Senorita

2. Vic Damone - Almost Like Being In Love

3. Camille Howard - X-Temporaneous Boogie

4. The Coasters - Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart

5. The Chordettes - Mister Sandman

6. Kenny Gamble - You Don't Know What You've Got Until You Lose It

7. Johnny Worth - Pretty Blue Eyes

8. Johnny Tillotson - Poetry In Motion

9. Roy Montrell - (Every Time I Hear) That Mellow Saxophone

10. Primo Scala And His Accordion Band - Blue Skies

11. Bobby Day - Little Bitty Pretty One

12. The Mills Brothers - Tiger Rag

13. Mel Torme - Comin' Home Baby

14. Buddy Greco - The Lady Is A Tramp

15. The Crew Cuts - Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream)

16. Dean Martin - Sway

17. Stan Getz - And The Angels Swing

18. Bob Crewe & Charles Fox - An Angel Is Love

Clap Your Hands!

2011-08-15T17:30:00.000+01:00

I am unbelievably happy at the moment, due to the fact that one of my favorite bands are back after a 4 year hiatus! Clay Your Hands Say Yeah's 3rd Album 'Hysterical' is out on the 12th September, and I will be making sure i get a copy asap, it's going to be awesome, check out this track 'same mistake' taken from it if you don't believe me!

You can also get a free download of it by clicking the get it now button there.

As if that wasn't awesome enough, they're also re-releasing their eponymous debut on vinyl, fully remastered! yes please!

The First Sunny Day In August

2011-08-01T15:44:00.004+01:00

Hi All,

I've made a little mix of some lovely folk tunes for you to listen to while you take in this beautiful weather. Happy days!

download it here
Tracklisting:

1) Fleet Foxes - Blue Ridge Mountain
2) Joanna Newsom - The Sprout & The Bean
3) Donovan - Sand & Foam
4) Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - Hush The Warmth
5) Laura Marling - Hope In The Air
6) Tunng - Tale From The Black
7) Fairport Convention - The Lobster
8) The Gentle Waves - Hangman In The Shadow
9) Sufjan Stevens - For The Widowers In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypisilanti
10) Tyrannosaurus Rex - The Pilgrims Tale
11) Peggy Zeitlin - Spin Spider Spin
12) Espers - Black Is The Colour
13) Heron - Lord & Master
14) Iron & Wine / Calexico - Burn That Broken Bed

Where does the time go?

2011-07-28T22:26:00.000+01:00

Hi Again, has it REALLY been a year since that last post? I guess so, and I can only apologise profusely if you have been on the edge of your seat all that time in anticipation of my promised podcast! Life has a habit of getting in the way and my life for the last year has been constantly in the way! I've moved three times, which meant a lot of feeling unsettled and I find it hard to be creative when I'm unsettled.

I would still dearly love to do the podcast and only need to get myself a new microphone before I'll be on it! I will also try to post more regularly too, with little nuggets of music and the like that you'll love.
It's a habit thing really, I've been out of the habit and I need to get back into it. (no nun jokes please!)

Anyway, in the mean time here's a song for you. This singer of some considerable talent is called Eddy Johns (Not to be confused with Eddie Johns, Who may or may not have been sampled by Daft Punk for 'One More Time') and I got introduced to him and his music at The Icarus Club @ The Station hotel, Hither Green where my band, The Fictive Kinship, and I were fortunate enough to share the bill with not just Eddy but also some other great acts too. I'm pretty sure they have a night there every thursday, well worth checking out if you are around.

Anyway, Here's "Riding Home" a lovely little song, I'm sure you'll agree.

Return of the prodigal

2010-07-26T20:22:00.001+01:00

Hello, Sorry I've been somewhat away recently, busy busy busy and all that. Anyway, I'm back now. Hello again.

I have been listening to LOTS of music from the 60's recently which may not surprise you at all, but it's something I hadn't been doing that much if I'm honest, I kind of took it all for granted. Having spent the first 20 something years of my life listening to little else I wandered away from it, exploring other stuff, knowing it was always there for when I would return. That's not to say I didn't listen to ANY music from that particular decade in this time, I doubt a whole month would have gone by at any point without me having at least listened to Fairport Convention's eponymous debut or The Incredible String Band's "5,000 Spirits or Layers of the Onion". But 60's music in general, had slipped away from me, and coming back to it now has once again bought about a musical revelation in me.

People always talk about musical eras in decades, and the 60's is, in my humble opinion, probably the best decade for music, from the development of styles and genre to cultural and political impact, it just exploded into the world in a beautiful, cacophonous, kaleidoscopic explosion of freedom and expression. Anyway, I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, it is already well documented.

But what then? if the 60's is the big decade, which decade is next in line of greatness? The 50's? There is no doubt that the 60's couldn't have been what it was had the seed not been sewn in the preceding decade with Rock & Roll. The 70's perhaps? There were certainly some highs but ultimately it became a dark hideous comedown from the party of the decade before. I'm sure if you were to ask some teens on the streets of shorditch they would enthusiastically tell you that "it's all about the 80's, innit?!" err...no, no it's not. The 80's were RUBBISH! (obviously there was some good stuff, but I'm sure that most of these kids have never heard it) The 90's then? ahhh, the 90's. beloved decade of my teens, Britpop, The emergence of elctronic "Dance" music in it's myriad form into the global awareness, Belle & Sebastian, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, Pavement, Nirvana, Oasis etc...yeah, well there is no doubt that the 90's holds great import in all our hearts for one reason or another, However, no, it still falls short of that greatness that would place it up there next to the 60's, mainly it is weighed down by the fact that it tried so hard to be the 60's. If you only aim to be as good as something, you will only ever live in it's shadow.

So by now you've probably guessed which decade I'm talking about, and you may be reading in disbelief, although I know that some of you will be wondering why it's taken me this long to figure it out.

The last 10 years (whatever the correct name for them are, 2000's? 00's? Noughties?), have been largely phenomenal and yet have slipped by with an understated whoosh, and I think that it is this grace, this humble acceptance and understanding of it's place in the world is what makes it so great. Well, that coupled with some of the best music ever made.

I remember the turn of the century and the couple of years beyond, everyone was left with a bitter taste in their mouth after the 90's didn't turn out to be the biggest decade in music EVER and for a while there was a feeling of despondency about the whole thing which eventually gave way to apathy. And, I suspect, as it was the decade without a name, the question of how this decade would stand out in musical history was not really asked, no one expected anything, no one baulked at the cross pollination of music which may have weakened the pedigree of a scene or whatever, in fact people started to embrace it, the more diverse the mix the more people enjoyed it, firstly just for the novelty value but eventually that gave way to something else, an understanding, a mutual respect for other genres that were perhaps shunned previously.
People in the last ten years have had more diverse taste in music than any time before I'm sure and it's this attitude both in the creative half of the music world and in the listening half that has been the key to the decade's success.
That and the Technology, in the last ten years it has been easier than ever before for anyone with half an ounce of creative inclination to make some music and put it out there before the world. This is the best thing ever. It put your average joe in the driving seat, no longer relying on record company A&R men to make the right choices for us or to just accept whatever they deemed worthy, if there wasn't something out there that was exactly what you wanted to hear, you could now quite easily do it yourself thanks to much cheaper technology and the internet, the place where dreams come true, anything you could possibly need is there in plentiful supply, be it cheap instruments and other equipment for online shops or ebay, unaffordable studio grade software for free from torrents or just millions and millions of titbits of helpful information and advice on how to put it all together. And just as importantly a platform to put your wondrous creation on for the world to see.
This revolution did obviously not go unnoticed by the record companies who have picked up on some of these more popular internet phenomenons, bringing some brilliant acts to the mainstream. For all their bemoaning of the effect of the internet on the music industry, they have probably still made a pretty penny because of it, now they're just giving the public something they already know and want as opposed to taking a risk on something they think the public might want.

Overall the last ten years has been choc-full of awesomeness, all of it just for the sake of it's self, not trying to aspire to any greatness or historic importance and because of this has achieved that very thing. Funny how the world works, eh?

So here's to the last decade, the double oh's. This is the music of the 21st century. Let's hope it continues on this road for at least another 10 years.

Watch this space for my long promised pod-cast, which, if I'm honest has not materialised because I lacked a reason for it. Now I have it, a retrospective of the music that has inspired this post, a year at a time. Hopefully the first episode will be here before the end of August.

This is Genius!

2010-04-08T19:44:00.000+01:00

I'm a massive fan of Cover versions, and every now and again one comes along that make you sit up and applaude it!

RIP Mark Linkous

2010-03-09T22:24:00.000Z

So I wanted to post about the tragic death of Mark Linkous, the man behind Sparklehorse, who sadly took his own life on 6th March. I'll be honest, I find myself lost for words.
The world is a slightly darker place now that his light has gone out.

This is one of my favorite Sparklehorse songs, 'Hundreds Of Sparrows'

And Banjo was his name-o..

2009-12-22T13:19:00.006Z

Just a quick aside, if anyone, like me loves hearing the banjo you could do a lot worse than going here and downloading the streaming link to banjo man radio, it's a constant stream of random tunes that all feature the banjo, all played through your own chosen media player.

The Wilderness of Manitoba

2009-12-22T11:33:00.005Z

So, who likes Fleet Foxes then?

For those of you who said yes, then I can't stress how important it is for you to go and listen to The Wilderness Of Manitoba right now! And those of you that don't like fleet foxes, well have a listen anyway, you may find that whatever crazy reason you dislike them is not present here.

The Wilderness of Manitoba are a four piece folk band who's music relies on little more than the amazing four part harmonies to create some gorgeously chilled out songs, the sit back, close your eyes and drift away kind.

The guitar and Banjo that accompany the vocals are played to a minimal perfection too, with rare appearances by a cello here or a glockenspiel there, like a really stripped back Sufjan Stevens.

I mentioned Fleet Foxes earlier and on listening I'm sure you'll see why the comparison is often made but, in all honesty, I think that these guys are just that little bit better.

There's not more I can say about them that you going to listen to them won't say a thousand times better, so I'm going to shuffle of and put the kettle on, sit down with a nice earl grey and rock in my chair, The Wilderness of Manitoba washing over me and a content smile on my face.

Top o' the Mornin to ya

2009-12-16T07:26:00.004Z

Hi There, sorry It's been a while since I last updated but I've not really had a lot say. There is more to come I promise, but right now this will be quick as it's 7.30 in the morning already and I REALLY should have left for work about 5 minutes ago!!

But I just had to share this with you, a track called 'Waltze of the tennis players' by Meg Baird. Meg Baird is one of Espers, and as many of you will know, I love Espers, So when I discovered Meg's Solo Album 'Dear Companion' I was massively excited. I was not let down either, this offering really showcases the massive talent the resides within her.

Anyway, as I said, more later but now must dash!

The Hidden Messages

2009-09-25T15:57:00.007+01:00

I'm sitting here at the computer, with The Hidden Messages Myspace playing away in the background and the sun is shining in through the window like it's the middle of the summer, it's a truly lovely moment but there's two questions hanging heavy on my mind.

The first is "Isn't it nearly October? shouldn't it be raining?" and the second is "Why am I having to listen to The Hidden Messages on myspace when they should be all over the radio?"

Mysteries I doubt I will ever have satisfactory answers to, and so I try my best to push them from my mind and just enjoy the fact that I am here anyway and able to pass at least one of these day brightening things on to you.

So who are the Hidden Messages then? Initially forming the band back in 2003 while at university, Matt and Edd, who share guitar and vocal duties (as well as playing Theramins and euphoniums, amongst other instruments.) recruited various other people over the next couple of years, settling on Kenny on drums and Justin on bass by 2005. A bit further down the line they recruited Matt's Girlfriend, Claire, to play violin and do a bit of singing too.

2007 saw them release their only releases to date in the two 4 track e.p.s, Animal Actors 1 & 2. Both of which can be heard in full on their website . The first track, 'Such a disgrace', really encapsulates everything there is to love about The Hidden Messages. A Beautiful, lovingly crafted pop song, with lush orchestration and brilliant harmonies reminiscent of a stripped down Divine Comedy or Cheerful Lambchop but with an exuberance all of it's own.

Back at the beginning of this year a new chapter in their history began when Justin left the band. Now a four piece, Kenny came off the drums and took up guitar and piano, the group choosing to use electronic sequenced drums and more synths (who isn't, these days?). Newer songs can be heard on their Myspace, "Animation Isolation" shows the ease with which they've adjusted to the new direction, whilst not losing any of their grin-inducing pop sensibilities. Sounding like Hot-Chip at their best, they are surely headed for bigger things soon.

You can see The Hidden Messages live at Spitalfields' Gramaphone on the 1st October.

Maybe all is not lost.

2009-09-17T13:55:00.002+01:00

After posting the terrible news yesterday that all my favorite bands had now split up, I have since been unable to get away from various post across the internet claiming that it has been confirmed from highly regarded sources that one of those bands, Pavement, are in fact reforming!

Now, There have been continuous rumours since they split up about them getting back together so I've been reluctant to believe this. But it would appear that both Malkmus and Kannberg have told reliable sources independently that it is going to happen.
Perhaps what is more convincing is the fact that a lot of sites are saying that the band have been booked to play New York's Central Park SummerStage in September of next year.

So I'm remaining hopefully optimistic about this one, will I have to go to New York to see them? Maybe. but there is also a rumour about that one of the possible gigs they might have lined up is to curate an ATP. Should I need an excuse to actually finally get round to going to an ATP? no. But if I did, this would be one. I have everything crossed that it comes to pass.

A bit of a downer..

2009-09-16T07:01:00.019+01:00

So I heard a rumour but I checked it out this morning and it is true, The Broken Family Band have announced that they are to split.

Read their official statement here

So that's ALL my favorite bands now split up then.

Here's 'Give & Take' from their Hello Love Album, a perfect example of what to expect from the Cambridge based four piece.

Sigh, oh well, off to work, if you happen to pop in to Megacity comics today, expect to hear a lot of BFB.

Some music then..

2009-09-15T17:42:00.006+01:00

Let's see if I've figured this out then..

You should now be able to hear 'Blue Mountain' By Espers.
whilst doing so I recommend that you close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting on the bank of this lake.

There, isn't that better?

From tiny Acorns...

2009-09-15T16:19:00.000+01:00

So I've been told this is quite easy, and seeing as I have recently been reunited with the internet, I figured I'd give it a shot.

"Why?" I hear you ask "what do you hope to offer us?"

Well, a safe haven, of sorts, a quiet corner of the internet to come and be free from the stresses of modern society, away from the traffic and crowds, where you can hear birdsong not car alarms, a place where everything else just melts away into the distant background and nature takes over. This is that place I go to in my head, opened up to you so you can share the serenity. Please take all your litter home with you and remember to shut the gate.

I'll be back soon to bring you some music and stuff, you would like that, yes?