Our friends over at Wears The Trousers have put together a rather lovely compilation in tribute to the great singer and songwriter Odetta, featuring performances from Marissa Nadler, Kelli Ali and Ane Brun.
Author: Lynn Roberts
Lynn founded For Folk's Sake in 2008. Her favourite artists are Joni Mitchell, The Leisure Society and The Mountain Goats. She plays keyboards in Joe Innes & the Cavalcade.
EP: Alela Diane and Alina Hardin — Alela & Alina
When this collaboration between Alela Diane and her touring companion Alina Hardin opens with ‘Amidst the Movement’, one of Diane’s trademark gutsy folk songs that defies you not to join in with its sing-along chorus, it’s easy to think this EP is merely a supplement to her well-received album To Be Still. It soon becomes clear, however, that this offering is much more than that – it is a master-class in the sublimely simple beauty of classic folk music, delivered by two equally impressive songbirds.
Johnny Flynn to release EP, tour, then finish second album
There are some exciting stirrings among the original London folksters. Mumford and Sons and Noah and the Whale have just released albums (The First Days of Spring and Sigh No More – both released this month), Cherbourg have a new single out (No More Flowers) Laura Marling’s second record is reported to be almost ready, and now we can expect a new release from the wonderful Johnny Flynn.
Willkommen’s the Miserable Rich to release covers EP
Wilkommen Collective band The Miserable Rich are set to release an EP of cover versions.The five-piece will bring their folk-with-strings sound to four classic pop songs.
Album: The Mountain Goats – The Life of the World to Come
There will be some who will balk at an album where each and every song is named after a different bible verse. Then there will be others who will fervently use this to find some higher meaning in John Darnielle’s customarily intriguing lyrics, listening with a bible in their hand to reveal religious insights that frankly may or may not be there.
UPDATE: Adam Green confirmed as playing the Flowerpot in London tomorrow
The Flowerpot in Kentish Town’s has confirmed that ex-Moldy Peaches man Adam Green is to play a free gig tomorrow night.
Single: Wild Beasts – All the Kings Men
What can I say about Wild Beasts that have not been said already? This is a band that has taken us all by surprise. They are teasers and challengers to and of the senses and the preconceptual ideas of the laws of anticipation and music formulas of best practice. ‘All the Kings Men’ is a supreme delight – it is like the cherry on the cake, like the feeling you get when getting a shy kiss on the cheek from that beautiful girl at high school or like the giggles of a baby when it’s being tickled.
Album: The Young Republic – Balletesque
End Of The Road Records’ flagship band, The Young Republic, have returned with their second album. Stuffed full with virtuoso performances and the kind of epic orchestral arrangements not seen since The Arcade Fire’s debut. Balletesque has all of the hard-hitting edge of their debut 12 Tales From Winter City but is even more glorious for its complexity and softness.
This Sunday: London Communion hosts The Vanguard’s first UK show
Regular London, Brighton and Leeds clubnight Communion has lined up another set of treats for Londoners this Sunday.
Come to The Allotment TODAY: Broadcast 2000, I Said Yes and Al Lewis and Sarah Howells
FFS has teamed up with Anika in London to bring you The Allotment this Wednesday – the first of many London band nights characterised by excellent music, a DIY attitude and, most importantly, free cake.