This is a boring / important post.
I am experimenting with hosting the blog via Squarespace instead of blogger, where this blog has been for five years, since I started it. I like Squarespace and it looks crisp and tidy, plus I'm worried that blogger will do a reader and be turned off at little notice, so I'm happier in a new home. Although much will depend with how the functionality goes. I may return to blogger, who knows.
Anyway, you may need to update your RSS feeds etc etc (and I'm aware some old URL / links have been broken, I'm trying to fix that but will take a while).
I think the new RSS feed, which you may need to put into whatever you use is http://www.justmusicthatilike.com/?format=rss
The feedburner has seemingly got that right: http://feeds.feedburner.com/justmusicthatilike/
This site, blogspot, will no longer update. www,justmusicthatilike.com will post from squarespace.
Let me know if you've got any problems and I'll try and help.
Wednesday 15 October 2014
The Bulls - New Music "Introducing"
When I looked at the press picture of The Bulls (the one attached to this blog) I thought 'that looks like Anna from The Airborne Toxic Event'. Probably because it is. The Bulls is a newly formed side project of Anna Bulbrook and The Duke Spirit’s guitarist, Marc Sallis, their debut track "Come Unwound" simply a beauty.
A marriage of both bands influences results in a hazy wash of gorgeousness where hypnotising guitars, sumptuous strings and dreamy vocals merge together with dazzling results, softening, brooding and heavenly. It makes news of a forthcoming EP an appetising one.
Tuesday 14 October 2014
Souvenir Stand #5 - Only Talkin'
I'm sure you'll forgive this little Beautiful Strange update. A couple of weeks back my little label released its fourteenth release and one of my favourites (I'd probably say that about every one to be honest), Surprise by Souvenir Stand.
The 7" released features two brilliant new tracks from New Jersey's Stephanie Cupo (hopefully you've already heard "Fall). This post is to bring you up to date with the releases' flip side "Only Talkin'", a concise, infectious, perfect pop single that you should be playing whilst getting ready to watch American Horror Story Freakshow...
Freaky clowns... eek!
Both tracks can be streamed and the 7" purchased via Bandcamp now (US via Stephanie here).
Lily & Madeleine #6 - Rabbit
The release date of Lily & Madeleine's second album Fumes draws ever nearer (October 27th via Asthmatic Kitty Records) and to stir up yet more anticipation the sibling duo have shared new track "Rabbit" from the record, it follows "The Wolf Is Free" and similarly exudes a rich, expansive melody, here more boundless and bright than we've seen before.
The restrained intimacy which made up much of the Lily & Madeleine album (still only one year old) has been traded in for stirring, layered instrumentation with strong string work propelling "Rabbit" forward amongst the sister's ever-pretty entwined vocals, they remain crystal clear and beautiful leaving you wrapped in a warming glow and joy. That will do for me...
Monday 13 October 2014
Switches - 15 Beers
Canadian quartet Switches arrive in my ears (via GFP's recommendation) with"15 Beers", the first track taken from their forthcoming debut LP I Just Wanna, seemingly due as soon as November 4th.
It introduces a band who seem to be having a whole lot of fun, a sure to be sweaty live juggernaut where fast-paced, punky rhythm section and swirling, pysche keys combine with snarly, girl gang harmonies to create a joyous, uninhibited three mintues of joy. Get hooked below.
Greta Isaac - Down By The Water
I've been following Greta Isaac for a long time now. I can remember first hearing about the Welsh singer songwriter through the very sadly defunct Flying With Anna website a couple of years ago. Time has of course passed and Down By The Water, a four track EP due next Monday is Greta's official debut release (and is available to order via iTunes now).
It (re)introduces a pure, delicate sound with intelligent lyrics and understated delivery that you could imagine being played at both your local folk night or on your Grandparents wireless. Think The Staves crossed with Mountain Man (oh, where art thou?!).
News of the release comes accompanied with a video to the lead, title, track and sees Greta joined by her sister Miriam on a timeless, captivating duet, they harmonise beautifully throughout in a style that is graceful and gently drifting as the soft, pared voices and a clean, wandering acoustic guitar melody weave in and around each other effortlessly. The result; Gorgeous.
Friday 10 October 2014
Lisa Alma #2 - Fine
I fell hard for Lisa Alma earlier this year when I discovered the Danish artist through her EP Oh Darling, Let’s Be Adventurers, the releases' stand-out track "Bittersweet" soon becoming one of my favourite tracks of the year, a devastating marriage seduction and longing...
Lisa returns to these pages now with "Fine", a soulful gem where sparse electronic pulses and subtle beats guide a truly incredible vocal, emitting as many emotions as you can count over four wonderful minutes, at times melancholic, rousing, haunting and always, always beauty.
The track is availble November 3rd and cements Lisa Alma as an artist you should be keeping you eye on.
Thursday 9 October 2014
September Girls #10 - "Veneer"
Joining the ever-expanding, increasingly brilliant bands at Kanine Records (Fear of Men, Beach Day, Beverly) are September Girls with a new track "Veneer" (they're still on Fortuna Pop here). The first song taken from a four song EP of the same name due November 24th in the UK and the next day in the US.
Split label releases are something I can see increasingly happening,.. I know from first hand experience that postage price is killing off mail-order due to high costs - it costs £7.50 to ship a single LP from the UK to the US. Crikey!
Back to the music, "Veneer" is harder and darker than anything we've heard from the quintet before, taking their signature feedback soaked, distorted fuzz pop to the next level with aggressive guitars swirling and continually building around a furious rhythm section whilst sinister doo-wop harmonies and equally ominous vocals keep you firmly on the edge. Don't listen to this one in dimly lit alleyways folks...
Faye Rogers #2 - "Wallpaper"
I discovered Swindon based singer-songwriter Faye Rogers back in early spring with a gorgeous and pure debut EP Thunder, she comes back to my attention with her follow up track "Wallpaper", a track shared on her facebook / soundcloud pages with a note about taking a break from gigging to work on 'a transition in sound and style'.
Hopefully the said change will be nothing too dramatic because "Wallpaper" is just lovely. Faye is blessed with a soft, gentle voice that wraps around you with a warming glow and here her lyrics are intimate and beautiful amongst shimmering guitars and swooning strings. It's the sort of track that you can't help but fall in love with.
Wednesday 8 October 2014
The Night VI #5 - Heroine
The last time I talked about London sextet The Night VI I said 'they have quickly put together a group of tracks capable of sending shivers down your spine or making you smile with pleasure every time you hear them, they deserve to be one of 2014's break-out acts', It seems I'm not the only one who agrees...
New track "Heroine" has catapulted them straight into the upper regions of the Hype Machine Chart less than 24 hours after its appearance online, with good reason too, a silky, polished beauty that will only add to their increased admirers (as a recent twitter follow by chart toppers Disclosure can only verify).
Much like the tracks subject, perhaps a friend of "Sienna's?", you're soon hooked within the tracks spell as smooth, shimmering instrumentation glides impeccably amongst Sophia Rose's deliciously smooth vocals, a refined, irresistible, ear-worm listen awaits below.
"Heroine" comes coupled with the news of a new EP DIY, collecting five of the band’s recordings (track-listing also includes the aforementioned "Sienna" and "Wonderlust"). It will be available on limited edition CD available exclusively at the band’s shows (first). One of which takes place at Madame Jojo's, Tuesday November 18th - tickets. A US vinyl edition of "Heroine" is also in the works.
The Staves #6 - Open
The opening line of this had me weak at the knees, such is its haunting power, "Open", the second track we've heard from The Staves forthcoming Blood I Bled EP is an absolute beauty.
Intricate acoustic plucks and pure harmonies is what The Staves have become renowned for and here, you're not let one down one bit, here though, there's more strength and maturity in their production and writing on evidence too.
From that smoldering beginning "Open" progresses with twinkling keys and purposely slow electronic beats as the trio's harmonies grow together, entwining in unison with the most majestic of results.
I'm glad I snapped up tickets to their quickly sold out London gig at the end of the month, the same day as the EP is released - if you weren't so lucky, you can pre-order it here.
Kid Wave #4 - Gloom
I had to miss Kid Wave's headlining set at Birthdays on Monday for family reasons but the pain is eased by the release of new song "Gloom", the title track from a forthcoming EP of the same name, due via Heavenly Records on November 24th. A release which will also include their last single "All I Want".
"Gloom", contrary to its name, is a bright continuation of the quartet's powerhouse riffs and swirling pysche hooks, a glorious wide-open rock number with catchy choruses, juggernaut guitars and shimmering keys set off perfectly by Lea's breathy, magnetic harmonies. Fuzz pop with an infectious, melodic accessibility - yes please.
Tuesday 7 October 2014
Wonder Wonder - New Music "Introducing"
I've labelled this post on London duo Wonder Wonder a 'new music' post because the band in question are a new band and have only got two tracks to their name, yet those two tracks have amassed some 250k plays between them making pigeonholing seem a little foolish.
The duo are currently hiding behind their music, planning to release a song every month for the next year, culminating in a debut album. the second "Shark" is a smouldering piano pop ballad full of torch light emotion and beautifully hushed dual vocals, the female voice has a warm, honey-toned vocals much akin to Emily Wood's or Layla's and amongst the smattering of electronic beats it sounds pure and perfectly chilled.
The first track "Body Gold" is similarly pared-down and gorgeous, an addictive combination of pretty, sultry harmonies, intimate lyrics and tasteful melody. You can understand the hype.
November 1st will see the third installment, set your reminder.
Liza Flume - Sleepless Nights
I came across Liza Flume because the Dublin based (Aussie born) singer-songwriter was named as support for Slow Skies EP launch (in Dublin, tomorrow 8th October - details).
Her latest track "Sleepless Nights" sounds like an aide for such, a softening, delicate beauty which wraps you in a comforting black and washes your worries away with a hushed, beautiful vocal and a sparse, almost-non existent wave of slow-burning electronics. The result is just devastating.
"Sleepless Nights" is the first track taken from Liza's forthcoming EP. It's instantly one to keep an eye out for.
Monday 6 October 2014
Sister Crystals #3 - Obsidian
I'm going to put my hand up now and say I'm yet to hear Sister Crystals debut LP (it's now back on my very soon to do list and can be streamed via Bandcamp). After blogging about the Chicago duo a couple of times at the turn of last year, lastly with the brooding daydream "White", I've managed to go and forget about them. I'm sorry. I'll blame the abyss that is my brain and overwhelmed blogger syndrome...
Colin Croom and Lauren Whitacre return to mind with the sweetly sounding psyche trip of "Obsidian", where jaunty keys and jangle guitars flutter around butterfly vocals and result in a sound that brings nostalgic goosebumps. I particularly Toy-esque part just before three minutes, with kraut-rock overdriven rythms playing out a wonderful extended outro.
RiotHorse - New Music "Introducing"
RiotHorse is the new LA duo Emily Greene and Madi Diaz, a recently formed side-project with "Rabbit Hole" their debut track (and, if their website can be believed, taken from a forthcoming EP called The Guest House).
It introduces a layered and emotive sound that's all tight guitar rhythms and warm, breathy vocals. Dramatic, catchy and lush throughout, it's definitely the hypnotic harmonies that stay with you the longest, ethereal and weighty it makes me think of a tight musicianship of Warpaint and War on Drugs. That's no band thing is it...
Sake #2 - Stay With Me
I find it pretty impossible to hear the words "Stay With Me" without my mind drifting off to Shakespeare's Sister so it might be good for my mind to have it associated with another track, a beauty at that....
"Stay With Me", the second track by the still anonymous Sake follows April's "Almost Never" and is a dreamy, understated affair with shimmering guitars, atmospheric effects and a purposely slow kick drum the languid, softening guide to a truly delicious vocal. They combine for an rich, intimate and rewarding experience.
Kick off your week with this quietening gem below.
Thursday 2 October 2014
Leiik - New Music "Introducing"
Leiik, a new London based duo welcome themselves to the world with their debut track "Holes", a stark, haunting lullaby which mesmerises thanks to a gorgeous, breathy vocal and an eerie, noir atmosphere. Never rushed it exudes a brooding sense of longing and intimacy throughout as subtle electronics build to reach the most more-ish of conclusions. Quietly devastating.
My inbox tells me that a single is due in November ahead of an EP next year, dates in London for Oct/Nov can be found via Facebook.
Black Honey #3 - The Taste
This time the jangly pysche rhythms are aided by a real spine tingling hum of jagged guitars and huge fuzzed-up darkness. The snarling vocals remind me of a Pins-esque rocker and combines the breathy style with a moody, strong melody which oozes raw power and style. That's a lot to like.
Wednesday 1 October 2014
She Keeps Bees #10 - An Interview With
Resurrecting an old feature here, the first interview for almost three years. It's something I will hopefully/probably try and bring back on a more frequent basis as I find it rewarding and you also get a break from my ramblings (well shortly)...
Given that this blog is basically a diary of my personal music taste I am always keen to know what inspires artists that I like, what they are listening to and who they would recommend themselves. Hopefully it will open the door to discover even more great music and perhaps learn a thing or two about some of my (and your) favourite artists at the same time.
She Keeps Bees have long been a favourite of mine. It's almost five years since I first saw Jess and Andy perform in London and since I've seen them on at least a dozen occasions around the capital (and Reading festival one time too). Their new album Eight Houses, their fourth, was released last week via bb*island here in the UK and Future Gods in the US. It's been extremely well received and has entranced me on my every listen yet - it may even, already, rival Nests as my favourite SKB record - some task given my connection with it as my band introduction and memories of being blown away at The Old Blue Last one cold, Sunday night.
Eight Houses sees the duo at their most devastating and exquisite yet, combining minimalistic and subtly intense song-craft, full of equal measures fiery passion and spacious intimacy with raw power and emotion. There's moments that bring goosebumps throughout (the devastatingly beautiful "Is What it Is" and "Radiance") and moments that will blow your mind with their gut-dropping aggression and life ("Raven", "Both Sides"), both are incredible. The album comes, of course, highly recommended by me - you will not be disappointed.
Many thanks to Jess for answering a few of my questions.
*********************
What inspired you to start making music?
Music gave me comfort and solace as a kid. When you play an instrument you always have a friend. My father was a musician - he could speak that language and he taught it to me. He was a drummer - played in bands all over the east coast and down south. We would listen to music in the car and he would teach me how to break down rhythms. I loved that sense of community in music and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
Of your own songs, which are you proudest?
We are both proud of Counter Charm - we collaborated with our friend, Gaspar Claus who is an incredible cellist. We recorded it at our friend's restaurant called West Country Girl on Halloween in Paris. Very magical night.
The taster tracks we’ve heard from the new record Eight Houses have been starker, more controlled and emotive than on Dig On. Is this raw yet warm sound something that you purposely looked to create?
I think it's natural to ebb and flow from aggressive to receptive qualities. As we gathered and cut the songs for the new album we realized it was going to be a slow-burn. Andy and I were allowed to focus on mood and performance without worrying about technicalities when using a producer and engineer. We took our time with this album - it was carved through collaboration.
Do you have a favourite track to play live?
I always like playing All or None/ Dark Horse. It's different every time and people seem to respond to the strip down nature of it.
Do you have any pre-gig rituals? Can we expect more banter about jeans when you hit the UK in November?
We have our friend Adam playing with us now. We like to connect and try to calm down before the show. You can always count on me to say something about what I'm wearing - my nerves take over and half the time I don't even remember what I said after the show is over.
Which artists – musical or non-musical - do you feel have influenced your work and continue to do so?
Jason Molina - Nina Simone - Patti Smith - The music found by the Djs Chances With Wolves - people that freely and selfless give to the community they nurture.
Which song do you wish you had written?
Night Owl by Cliff Edwards
If you were asked to curate your own stage at a festival, who would you want to invite along?
The Love Story - Nina Simone - Magnolia Electric Company - Bo Diddley - Howlin Wolf - Jimi Hendrix - Broadcast - Sharon Van Etten - The Kinks - Tom Waits
Recommend an artist that isn’t getting the attention they deserve.
Metal Alvin - Last Good Tooth - Abraham King - Oquoa - Eddi Front - Slothrust - Dark Furs - The Naked Hearts - Little Sister
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A selection of songs by She Keeps Bees and those by acts/artists recommened by Jess.
"Counter Charm" by She Keeps Bees - Serious Business on BTR [ep72.2] from BTRtv /// BreakThru Radio on Vimeo.
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