Tiger’s That Talked — Their name sounds mythical and enigmatic which I think perfectly describes this band’s sound. The four-piece from Leeds has, to date, released a few home-made EP’s and have recently released their first album, 23 Fears on record label Bad Sneakers. This EP, Black Heart, Blue eyes is almost a taster for fans and new listeners alike to understand their music.
EP: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – The Daytrotter EP
This EP was always going to be a winner with me- I’m a sucker for any gravely voiced bluesy man with a guitar. Especially when he sounds like Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam (swoon). This 25 year old singer/songwriter from Brooklyn is singing the blues with genuine reason. His past is peppered with regrets including becoming an addict and sleeping on benches in Coney Island. Every tortured artist needs a sob story, but it’s nice when you hear that turn into a genuine sound with relatable lyrics.
EP: Thom Stone – Hearts and Bones
Thom Stone is a scruffy haired English singer/songwriter who sings slow burning, acoustic folk-like music. His voice is unique and — on new EP Hearts and Bones — often accompanied by a haunting humming. Now without his backing band, this new offering is raw, acoustic and impressive.
Best Of: Daniel Johnston – Welcome to my World
Being a fan of Daniel Johnston can sometimes be both an enjoyable yet uncomfortable experience. On the one hand there is his honest, childish yet emotional pop music with clever lyrics dealing with love, life and everything in between but on the other there is the knowledge that you’re listening to someone struggling with a severe mental illness and can beg the question ‘am I a voyeur into a world that I can never understand and is it okay to be here and enjoy it?’
Album: The Dodos – Time to Die
There are some astounding duo acts out there, and The Dodos’ 2008 album Visiter easily set them apart from the rest. This year’s Time To Die does not disappoint and sees the duo become a trio, introducing vibraphonist Keaton Snyder into the mix with exciting consequences.
Album: Dust Poets – World At Large
Murray Evans really needs a redneck drawl, a proper Bible-belt country style voice, because it would really fit a lot of the songs on World At Large. Having the voice would definitely do something for the album, which otherwise is a little lacking. Evans puts on a fairly good redneck impression on the track ‘Codeine Dreams’ and it improves (perhaps that’s not the word I want – affirms?) it greatly.