Cellophane Suckers

Cellophane Suckers hail from Germany and have been around since 1993. They're currently on a mini-tour around Dresden and Berlin and that's about all I know. That and the fact that their 2008 album 'Bonjour Mon Capitaine' promises to remain on my Walkman for quite a while - it's that good. Here's a taster for you - 'Be myself again'. Album's available for download at www.emusic.com 





Plan B

Ok, I've waited long enough. This is the best Christmas song in recent history. No contest. Recorded in December 2010 for Radio One's LiveLounge, you'll not find this available for download MP3-wise - but you can always 'favourite' the vid on Youtube like me. Enjoy!

We were promised jetpacks

I have a weakness for a good band name - so 'We were promised jetpacks' is up there in my top five. It's therefore almost a bonus that their music is rather good as well! Medicine is from their new album 'In the pit of the stomach' released on 3rd October. However, you'll do well to check out their first offering as well - 2009's 'These four walls'. The final track - An almighty thud - is superb.

Yes - Brighton Dome, 15/11/11

For what may well be the last major gig for me this year, it had to be Yes at the Dome in Brighton. Leg 9 of a 29-date European tour to help promote the band's first album in ten years 'Fly from here' found the current line-up of Chris Squire (bass), Steve Howe (guitar), Alan White (drums), Geoff Downes (keyboards) and Benoit David (vocals) in top form. This was never going to be a gig with a long set-list though and although we actually lost count, I think it was close to my pre-gig estimate of 9! Musicianship was faultless and Benoit David's vocals, although never aspiring to Jon Anderson's dizzy heights, nevertheless never failed to please. Having a opportunity like this is a rare treat - and probably one we're unlikey to see the likes of much again. Yes are (with no contest) a supergroup in the purest sense of the word. And there really aren't very many of those left!

My Morning Jacket - Bexhill 8-11-11

Despite a decidedly meagre turnout at Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion, particularly in the light of the several sold out gigs we've been lucky enough to get tickets for of late, My Morning Jacket played as though they were in front of a stadium crowd. This is the third time we'd seen them but tonight knocked the proverbial spots off of anything we've seen and heard before. The set was seamless, numbers blending into each other with a liberal use of feedback and other engineered noises. And the guitar-techs worked overtime taking Jim James and Carl Broemel through a succession of Gibsons and Gretschs no doubt funded in part by the bands' 100+ live performances this year alone and in part to the success of their latest album 'Circuital'. My Morning Jacket surpassed themselves. A truly memorable gig made even more special by the admirable support of 'The Head and the Heart'. If you can get hold of their self-titled album, you'll not be disappointed.

Camille - Hackney Empire, London - 3.11.11

It's always a bit of an adventure going to a Camille gig - you never know quite what to expect! And it was certainly an adventure at London's Hackney Empire last night for her only UK appearance (apart from Later with Jools) of 2012. Ilo Veyou (as you'll have gathered from my earlier posting) is completely what one has come to expect from Ms Dalmais - utterly bonkers but uniquely charming and beautiful at the same time. So it was a rare treat for the sold out audience to get a pitch-perfect live performance of the whole album from start to finish. Camille's vocal range is nothing short of astonishing - particularly evident in the wonderful 'Ilo Veyou' and the final track 'Tout Dit' (and not an auto-tuner or tape-loop in sight). That would have made for a gig it itself were it not for its brevity (even live, Ilo Veyou only filled an hour). So, with the briefest of interludes we were also treated to a selection of greatest hits. Come back soon Camille. We'll be there!

ilo veyou - camille

Ilo Veyou is unmistakably Camille and yet, at the same time, infinitely different. It's got the usual infectious quality though and I'm not ashamed to say that I was instantly smitten. (Not that I was expecting anything less, mind you). There are some wonderfully haunting songs here, particularly 'She Was', 'Le Berger' and 'Le Banquet'. But there's the familiar 'out to lunchness' too. The title track is a good example, as is the above clip of 'Mars is no fun' (watch for the line which includes '...a shopping mall in Milton Keynes'); but the echoing climes of 'La France' reaffirms that Ms Dalmais is still completely 'le barking!' But, as the a cappella brilliance of the closing 'Tout dit' fades away, there's no doubt that this is an album of a calibre that helps Camille ascend to a new height. Next week's only UK appearance at Hackney Empire promises to be another eclectic experience for us. 

Laura Marling - Westminster Central Hall, London, 26.10.11

To see the diminutive Ms Marling at Westminster Central Hall was to see her at her absolute finest! The setting and acoustics provided for crystal clear sound (a clarity sadly denied by the lo-def quality of my camera). However, it does provide a taster for those of you unfortunate enough not to have been there. Taking us through a repertoire of tunes both new and newer, some from her excellent album 'A creature I don't know' and some aired for the first time on this tour, Ms Marling didn't falter once. Her set was a mix of band supported and solo renditions which included the excellent 'Sophia' and the final 'encore-busting' 'All My Rage'. A superlative set, my only criticism being that there wasn't more of it - it was all over by 9.45pm!

If all that wasn't enough of a treat though, we also had the added bonus of 'The Leisure Society' as the supporting act. Check out this blog for an earlier rave from me about them!

And finally...

Son of Dave - The Haunt, Brighton, 22/10/11

The Haunt is a new venue for Brighton, opened in February 2011. Located at the back of Pool Valley, it's built into what used to be the ABC cinema. It's small, dark and comfortable and very well suited to the unique talents of one 'Son of Dave'. Supported by two rather eclectic (to be polite) acts, the pyjama-clad Benjamin Darvill (ex 'Crash Test Dummies') opened with a barn-stormer blues-harp/beatbox number which immediately warmed the growing crowd and quickly got the old feet a-tapping. A little while later, in between bouts of shouting at his equipment when it didn't do what he wanted it to, Mr Darvill announced that he was lonely and proceeded to pick an older couple from the audience to join him on stage. Seating them to one side of him, he plied them with wine and beer and some rider-provided fresh fruit before launching back into a selection of numbers from his last two albums. The highlight for me had to be 'She just danced all night' (at which point I got a wry and knowing smile from Sal) but the whole 50-minute set and one encore was one good thing after another. A thoroughly talented man providing an evening's entertainment second to none.

  

Son of Dave - Saturday 22 October - The Haunt, Brighton. Just three more days. Watch this space!

Wilko Johnson/Ian Siegal - Komedia, Brighton, 09/10/11

Opening their blistering 45 minute support slot with 'Kingdom Come' set a pace for the Ian Siegal band which didn't let up for one moment. Totally amazing guitar work, wonderful vocals and a really tight rhythm and bass section, the tumultuous applauds at the back end assured the sold out audience that their £17.50 was going to be really well spent tonight. And there was more to come.

It was 33 years ago that we last saw Wilko Johnson live. Then he was just out of Dr Feelgood and prancing about a Knebworth festival stage with his Solid Senders. Tonight, a follicley-challenged Wilko had teamed up with Norman Watt-Roy and Dylan Howe for more prancing around on this, the final leg of their sixteen-night 2011 tour. And there was no disappointment here either. Taking the (rather ancient) audience through a repertoire of classics old and new, Wilko proved beyond a doubt that he still has every bit of the energy and technique that has rightfully set him up there amongst the guitar greats.

We came away hoarse but happy. Two remarkable three-piece combos that prove beyond any shadow of a doubt that live music, particularly when there's this much talent in evidence, surpasses nothing. (And I even got to shake Ian Siegal's hand on the way out. Bonus!)

The Leisure Society

Hailing from Brighton, The Leisure Society have been dubbed as the English answer to the likes of Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes. Their debut single 'Last of the melting snow' (released early in 2009) won an Ivor Novello for Best song both musically and lyrically. 'Into the Murky Water' - the debut album - was released on Full Time Hobby records earlier this year.

Music expresses...

Music expresses that which cannot be said and what is impossible to keep silent

(anon.)

Girls

Released on 12 September last, 'Father, Son and Holy Ghost' is the second album from San Francisco's 'Girls'. Building on the success of their 2009 debut 'Album', Father Son and Holy Ghost is a much more cohesive rendition which pushes them into deeper and more contemplative waters. As an example, here's track 3 - 'Die'.

Ian Siegal

I'm listening to a lot of Ian Siegal at the moment. 2009's 'Broadside' on Nugene Records is a good example if you want a recommendation. 'Kingdom Come' and 'Like Hell' are my favourites - but the whole album is good. However, if you've not heard him, here's a live version of 'Mary don't you weep' from his 2008 album 'The Dust'. Don't know about Mary but this brought tears to my eyes first time I heard it - and for all the right reasons. Five minutes of sheer brilliance!

Angry vs The Bear/Mok - 2.9.11

As always, Mok did nothing to disappoint in another blistering set at the New Sussex Hotel in Lancing, West Sussex last night. Admirably supported by good friends 'Angry vs the Bear' from Colchester, another excellent evening ensued. Keep it coming guys, and get 'Hey' released soon. It's selfish not to share such a good thing.

Dan Sicko (1969-2011)

Dan Sicko, music journalist for Rolling Stone, Urb, Wired and Reverb, passed away on Sunday 28 August 2011 aged just 42. R.I.P.

Upcoming Gigs

1. Mok - 2/9
2. Laura Marling - 26/10
3. Camille - 3/11 (oh yes!)
4. My Morning Jacket - 8/11
5. Yes - 15/11

Mok @ The Prince Albert

Mok have just surpassed themselves, their headline slot at Brighton's Prince Albert tonight being easily their best gig yet. Leading on from an eclectic mix of supporting acts including 'My tour of duty's' last ever gig, the penultimate leg of 'Six Storey's High' mini-UK tour and good mates 'Angry vs the bear' from Colchester, Mok blasted their way through songs old and new. The air was hot, the audience were hotter. But the band were shit hot!

Dave Hole

Dave Hole is a British born Australian left-handed slide guitarist whose playing regularly reduces me to tears. Give this seven minute 'Short Fuse Blues' a go and you'll see what I mean. Nuff said. Watch and weep!

Needles to Vinyl

Don't know much about this lot except they're currently unsigned, they're Canadian and their new single 'Chinatown', released on 9 July is to die for. Check it out for yourself on MySpace.

R.I.P. Amy

Amy Winehouse (14.9.83 to 23.7.11) R.I.P.

They might be Giants

Originally formed in 1982, the latest line-up of They Might be Giants celebrated their 12th anniversary with the release of 'Join Us' on 19 July. Launched at the Apple Store in Soho, New York City on 20 July, 'Judy is your Viet Nam' provides a good taster.

My Morning Jacket - Somerset House 17.7.11

About time for another gig and about time for some loudness and big guitars. My Morning Jacket at Somerset House were never going to disappoint there. Supported by the excellent 'The Head and the Heart' promoting their new self-titled album (available on Heavenly Records), the courtyard of London's Somerset House provided the inimitable setting for a two and bit hour blistering set of 17 songs followed by a further four for the encore. Several tunes from the new album 'Circuital' got an inevitable airing, including the ubiquitous (for me at least at the moment) 'Holdin on to Black Metal'. Total rock n roll complete with a flying V and an SG on stage at the same time. A truly epic gig which is going to take some beating.

The Head & the Heart (support)

Rock n roll!

Volume, noise, lights and epicness!

Brighton Pub music Part I

As with all major towns and cities, Brighton has no shortage of pubs in which to see an extremely eclectic mix of live music. Friday 15 July allowed for a sample of two of them.

The upstairs bar of the Caroline of Brunswick (The Level) saw the first of the evening's entertainment with a blistering folk/punk half-set from The Bandana Collective. However, the throttled angst of the follow-on act was too much to bear, so we headed instead to The Rose Hill Tavern to see the rather excellent Stuntmen. Flawless rock n roll complete with suspect pub dancers! (Pity we didn't get the choir in the vid - but it's a pretty small pub).

Mok

And it's high time this deserving lot gets a Jemsmusic mention as well. Mok (Lee and Gracey - vocals, Bailo - keys, rhythm & backing vocals, Jack - drums, Dex - lead, Az -bass) are unquestionably the sickest unsigned indie/pop/rap band out there at the moment. One of their latest tunes 'Hey' has just this evening had its first airplay on London's Recharged Radio. Check them out!

Claude Hay

'Fade' from Claude Hay's 'Kiss the Sky' is a perfect Saturday afternoon tune. Have a listen...

Bullfrog Blues

Should have done this a long time ago, but here's some bullfrog blues - the one track absolutely guaranteed to wake me up. Always was. Always will be. R.I.P Rory!

The Drums

Let's go surfing!

The 1900s

The 1900s hail from Chicago and were formed in 2006. Don't know much about them apart from their debut album 'Plume Delivery' from which I've just downloaded the epic 'Patron Saint of the Mediocre' (which is anything but, I should add)!

72 Blues (again)

I make absolutely no apologies for mentioning the excellent 72 Blues again. Particularly as my favourite tune at the moment is the ten minute finale to their 2010 album 'Said I Would'. Not No More is definitely worth a listen - especially from around 2'15 in!

Concrete Knives

Concrete Knives are supporting Razorlight at Le Mans this year. The Saturday night gig is always free (seeing as it's included in the entry price for the weekend race ticket). But the closest we've ever been to actually hearing a band play there is seeing the Stranglers' light show from across the other side of the circuit one year! C'est la vie!

Beans on Toast

Absolutely nothing more needs be said about Beans on Toast. Find out more.

The Gypsy Switch

Currently unsigned (although affiliated to Joint Records), The Gypsy Switch are a four-piece blues-rock band from Brighton and this month's JemsMusic 'one to watch for'. There are a lot more samples to hear on their MySpace page.

Gil Scott-Heron

Gil Scott-Heron passed away yesterday (May 27) aged 62. One of the first to use his music to speak out against South African aparteid, he was the influence and inspiration to generations of musicians. Poet, musician, visionary - he will be sorely missed. R.I.P.

The Hungry Years

Back in the day, when you didn't like Disco and didn't do 'smart casual', when your hair was as long as you could get it and there were more patches than jeans on your jeans, there was only one place to go in Brighton - the 'Years'. We only usually had enough to get in and buy a half pint of cider, but that was all you needed. Up the stairs into the gloom and fug and a find a table to sit on in between bouts of self-induced neck-ache! If you were lucky, you'd get a balcony seat and, if you could make yourself heard, a request. But that was generally a waste of time as every other record -  either Zeppelin or Hawkwind or Sabbath or Lynryd Synryd - was all we ever wanted to hear anyway!

The Years opened at around 10pm and closed just after one. But the last train home (discounting the late night goods train at Hove, if you were lucky enough to jump on board) was at just before 11. So it was a foregone conclusion that you (and many others) would be walking home to Shoreham. No matter - it would take you that long to get the ringing out of your ears and the lingering riffs of Blue Oyster Cult's 'Don't Fear the Reaper' - almost always the last record of the night - out of your head. And there was always more of the same to look forward to on the following Saturday night. Those were the days!

Chase and Status v Dizzee Rascal

Just can't get 'Heavy' out of my head at the moment - radio version is a tad lame though! 

Colour Revolt

Hailing from Oxford Mississippi, Colour Revolt's latest line-up signed to Dualtone Records for the 2010 release of their sophomore album 'The Cradle'. Check out the final track 'Reno'

72 Blues

Don't know much about 72 Blues apart from the fact that they hail from Detroit and have a rather good album out which you can check out for yourself. Here's a sample...

Vintage Trouble

I've just discovered the wonderful Vintage Trouble from Los Angeles. Caught a couple of seconds of them live on Jools Holland last night (19 April) and that was enough to prompt the download of their excellent debut album 'The Bomb Shelter Sessions'. Vintage Trouble are an exciting blend of solid 12-bar blues, fusion, funk, soul and all-round good stuff. Oh, and Ty Taylors vocals are to die for!

Led Zeppelin - back to my roots

Recently I had a lot of travelling to do for a business trip and needed a full MP3 load to go. So I went back to my roots and uploaded the whole of my Led Zeppelin collection - all 10 albums - and played them back to back. It was quite a revelation, taking me back to some tracks I had forgotten all about, and to others I know so well but go back to time and time again.

Getting back to ones roots is a good thing. And for me, reaching my teens in the early 1970's, this meant Led Zeppelin. Pretty well exclusively for a time! The band was only together for 12 years. Formed out of the Yardbirds in 1968 and ending abruptly in 1980 with John Bonham's untimely death. And yet their legacy still lives on today, over 30 years later. For me (and countless others) the song very definitely remains the same!

So, leaving aside 1979's 'In through the out door' (which was mostly shite) and 1982's 'Coda' which doesn't really count, what tracks would I pick to give someone who'd never heard them a flavour of the label? Tricky. And yet...

• I (1969) - Dazed and Confused
• II (1969) - What is and what should never be
• III (1970) - Gallows Pole
• IV (1971) - When the levee breaks
• Houses of the Holy (1973) - D'yer Maker
• Physical Graffiti (1975) - Custard Pie
• Presence (1976) - Nobody's fault but mine, and
• The song remains the same (1976) - Whole lotta love

Admiral Fallow

Louis Abbott, Kevin Brolly, Philip Hague, Sarah Hayes and Joseph Rattray, collectively known as Admiral Fallow have just shot to the top of my most wanted albums to download list! Released on Lo Five last month, 'Boots met my face' promises to become an instant favourite. But don't just take my word for it, visit Admiral Fallow's homepage for a free download of 'The sad clown cast', and their MySpace for a copy of 'Delivered'.

The pains of being pure at heart...

... formed in New York city in 2007, their self-titled debut album was released on Slumberland Records in 2009 and reached No.9 in the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Their second album 'Belong' was released today (29 March) on Play it again Sam records. Check out their MySpace page and have a listen.

Mok @ the Hope 26.03.11

It's been a while in the waiting - but the Gracey birthday bonanza weekend of 26/27 March 2011 saw a very welcome return for Mok. This time at the Hope in Brighton. For us it was particularly special. First we had all six Crouchers there - us, one on stage, one with big hair, one to boogie and one to buy me a pint (in spirit, if not in pocket). Second - our good friends Pete & Barbs were there to see what all the fuss was about. Mok did not disappoint! Tight musicianship, tighter vocals and a totally gorgeous female lead.

A Pink Floyd moment

Apparently Cathryn opted to see a pro-darts match in preference to the Australian Pink Floyd (Dome, Brighton, 23 March 2011). Each to their own I guess, but it meant that Steve G and I could die and go to heaven several times over! Thanks Cathryn - best thirty quid I've spent in a long time!

The average audience age was, I guess, a shade over 50, many of them frowning quizzically at the 3D glasses they were handed on entry - something to do with the second half, we were told. Strictly no photographs or videos of course - this is the Dome after all - but we were still allowed to take pints in!

And, then, as the house lights dimmed at just after 7.30, the sold out crowd was treated to two and a half hours of bliss. Opening with Shine on you crazy Diamond, the set thundered through classics like Arnold Lane, a mesmerisingly brilliant Great Gig in the Sky, Money, Another Brick in the wall, Comfortably Numb and the crescendo-building finale and encore of Run like Hell. The second half 3D show was a crowd pleaser - particularly the floating pig for the Animals covers - and the giant inflatable kangeroo was I guess a token must. The light and lazer show was brilliant, the sound - immense, the atmosphere and mood - eclectic. In fact, if you closed your eyes for a moment, it was impossible to tell the difference between this bunch of youngish Australians  and the now considerably ageing (those who are still with us) originals.

I count myself as being very privileged to have been present. Spot on!

(Oh yes, and I totally ignored the photography ban!) 

The Decemberists - Hammersmith Apollo, London - 16.3.11

There's a lot to be said for seeing bands twice in quick succession. Bexhill was one thing (excellent), but London Hammersmith Apollo was something else altogether! The capacity crowd - 5,000 strong - were all absolutely up for it from the start, the Apollo, although packed to the gills, afforded good views from virtually everywhere - particularly for us at about 15 yards from the front - and the band gave it all they had for the final slot of their European tour. A totally brilliant gig! Faultless!

The Decemberists - De la Warr pavilion, Bexhill

Following an excellent support from Blind Pilot, the sold out audience packing the De La Warr pavilion in Bexhill this evening (12 March 2011) were met with a 'meet and greet' warm-up/intro thing culminating with an en-masse raspberry blowing session from those seated in the balcony to those of us in the main auditorium. The Decemberists fronted by the ubiquitous Colin Meloy, then took us through a blistering 90 minute set followed by two encores. Songs old and new from their now 6-album strong repertoire which only left us wanting more of the same. Just as well we're seeing them again at Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday 16th then!

Trampled Underfoot

Born out of a 1972 jam session, the lyrics inspired by Robert Johnson's 1936 'Terraplane Blues' and the riff (surprisingly) by Stevie Wonder's 1973 release, 'Superstition', Trampled Underfoot has long been one of my favourite Led Zeppelin tracks.


Released as a US single in 1975 with 'Black Country Woman' on the B-side, it's rightful place belongs to the UK album release that same year of Physical Graffiti.


Rather surprisingly track 2 of side 2 hasn't been covered that much. However two notable exceptions, both from 2007, are on Zepparella's 'A Pleasing Pounding' and Vanilla Fudge's 'Out through the in door'

Now the green blade rises

I first heard the haunting 'Now the green blade rises' as 'Love is come again' on Parchment's 1972 album 'Light up the Fire'. The lyrics to this 15th century traditional French melody attributed to Noel Nouvelet, were penned by John M.C. Crum in 1928 - Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, Wheat that in the dark earth many years has lain, Love lives again that from the dead has been, Love is come again like wheat that springs up green.' More recently the Smoke Fairies cover it on their Ghosts album.

(more) Dirty Vibes

Bands need to be doing something rather good to merit two mentions in almost as many days. But Dirty Vibes have done just that. Yet another free download via their FaceBook page to get your mits on. Check out Lucy Fur. You'll be glad of the tip!

Jem's Music on MySpace

Although the main blog content will still be here, Jem's Music is now on MySpace. Here's a link - www.myspace.com/jems_music

Aranda

There's a whole lot of remarkable, yet unsigned talent out there. Bands like Aranda (essentially brothers Dameon and Gabe) hailing from Oklahoma City. Formed in 2006. Two singles and a self-titled album released on Astonish Entertainment in 2008. Massive US fan base and currently touring across the States and yet still no major signing. More's the pity because theirs is a kicking sound. Don't just take my word for it though - have a listen to 'Hooked on You' on their MySpace site.

Record Store Day 2011

Saturday 16th April 2011 is Record Store Day. More than 150 independent record shops are coming together with artists to celebrate the art of music. There'll be special offers and one-offs available during the day - so make sure you get along to your independent and show your support. In Brighton, Ape, Borderline, Edgeworld, Resident and Rounder are all participating.

The Gits

The Gits were an American post-punk band formed in Yellow Springs, Ohio in 1986. Their subliminal album 'Enter the conquering chicken' was released on C/Z records in 1993 just before the lead singer's (Mia Zapata) tragic death. Here's a YouTube link to the posthumous release of 'Seaweed'  

Dirty Vibes

Dirty Vibes are a 5-piece (as yet unsigned) blues rock band from Medway. Check out the rather excellent 'Black Habit' available as a free download from their Facebook band page.

Joan as Policewoman

It was somehow so much easier when we used to say 'when you first put the needle to the groove ' and everyone knew what you were talking about. These days it's more of a case of 'when you first press the play button on your i-pod'. But however you start listening, the intro track makes you wonder what's about to happen and whether you've bought or downloaded yourself a pup! But this is all part of the 'nervous' start to Joan as Policewoman's excellent new album 'The Deep Field'. The two times we've seen the talented Joan Wasser's alter-ego live have been evenings of quiet and refined piano ballads. Those days are gone. The beautifully crafted song is still there, but these are meatier days. Ten tunes destined to take Joan out to that wider audience she so much deserves.

The Vibrators

I got my first (vinyl) copy of V2 on its first release in 1978 having heard 'Fall in Love' played to death at the West Sussex College of Design's Easter party. But it was the subliminal and menacing slow build-up shouting match of the closing track 'Troops of Tomorrow' which really did it for me. It still does now - 33 years later! The original Vibrators disbanded in 1980, but like many of their peers, they've reformed in later years and are still touring. Check out The Vibrators website here.

R.I.P Gary Moore (4.4.52 to 6.2.11)

Just heard that ex-Skid Row/Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore passed away today in Spain. Another sad loss to the music industry. Here's a fond memory - Walking by Myself with the Midnight Blues Band.

Halcyon Days

I don't know about you, but I can mark albums by certain tracks (or even parts of tracks). They mean a lot to me and are part of my life. Here's just ten from my formative years. Timeless classics to which I return again and again. Halcyon Days! [And here are the tracks - Bullfrog Blues, Four Sticks, Goodbye to love, Money, Mr Big, Nantucket Sleighride, NIB, Parthenogenesis, Crowd rain chant and The Stomp]

Rebekah Pulley

In August last year, Rebekah Pulley released the simply gorgeous album 'Songs of Southern Zen - from pen and paper to the electric den.' I'm trying to find somewhere to download this - if you get there first, please let me know!

The Pack A.D.

Hailing from Vancouver, The Pack A.D. have been around a few years now. From Black Keys stomping ground, they have just that little extra special something. 'Making Gestures' from their 2008 album 'Funeral Mixtape' is a prime example. I've added some samples to my YouTube widget on this page - have a listen!

Beach House

Hailing from Baltimore, Beach House (Victoria LeGrand and Alex Scally) released their critically acclaimed third album - Teen Dream in January 2010. The opening track 'Zebra' is magical. Give it a listen on their MySpace site. The album's available on Bella Union and is No.1 in Resident Records' top 25 of 2010. Resident is my new favourite record shop!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Happy Birthday Mozart. 255 today! (b. 27/01/1756)

Kid Loco

Two songs on my MP3 player today which I can't get outta my head. They're that good! This is one - Kid Loco's 'The Specialist' and the other is Rae & Christian's 'Ain't nothing like'. Wonderful stuff - music!

Don't leave me this way

Originally a hit for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes as a part of the 1975 album 'Wake Up everybody', Teddy Pendergrass' excellent lead vocals took this fabulous soul classic to No. 3 on the US Billboard Disco charts and No.5 in the UK singles charts. The song's been subsequently covered many times including Thelma Houston (1976), the Communards (1986), Sheena Easton (2001) and Jason Donovon (2010). But, as with all timeless classics - the original is the best!

The Decemberists

The new album 'The King is dead' is sublime. Just over six weeks to enjoy it before we see them again live (this'll be the third time). Hammersmith Apollo - 16th March. Watch this space. Preview the album in the Amazon widget on my blog or check out the band at http://www.decemberists.com/ (YouTube widget now features the excellent Joan as Policewoman).

Steven Tyler

I cannot believe that Steven Tyler has belittled himself so much to become a judge on America's pop idol. It'll put something of an edge on future airings of classic Aerosmith tracks. How hard the mighty fall!

Jem's Music blog - page additions

To make your visit even more enjoyable, you'll see that I've themed both the YouTube and Amazon MP3 gadgets to your right! The YouTube bit currently features Ed Sheeran and Girl in a Coma whilst you can listen to Smoke Fairies on the Amazon bit.


I'll update both from time to time and I'll keep you informed.

Smoke Fairies, Sea of Bees and Natalie Evans - Jam, Brighton, 17/01/11

What a gig to kick off 2011 with! Absolutely brilliant. From the complex guitar work of the first support - Natalie Evans (http://www.myspace.com/natalieevanss), through the more than slightly worrying behavior of Sea of Bees (http://www.seaofbees.com/home/) [Julie Ann Bee is barking but brilliant] to the wonderfully dulcet tones of the Smoke Fairies. A near perfect blend of utterly brilliant entertainment. Smoke Fairies are destined for greater things - mark my words! Check out what the Guardian has to say about them at http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/feb/02/new-band-smoke-fairies 

Girl in a Coma

Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Girl in a Coma are signed to Joan Jett's Blackheart Records label. They've released three albums since forming in 2006. I'm listening to 2009's 'Trio BC' at the moment,arguably their best. Nina Diaz's vocals are to die for! More at http://www.girlinacoma.com/giac/giac.html

Ed Sheeran

A good friend mentioned Ed Sheeran in passing on the train home tonight. So glad he did. Check out the sublime acoustic version of 'You need me, I don't need you' on YouTube recorded live on the spot, including the loop pedals! More of Ed at http://www.edsheeran.com/

The Treatment

Although they have an average age of just 18, The Treatment (recently signed to Powerage Records) command a rock presence to be reckoned with in 2011. Their debut album 'This might hurt' is scheduled for release in February, but you can check out a few tracks in advance of that at http://www.myspace.com/the_treatment. Or, you could fork out the cover price of £4.99 for the February edition of 'Classic Rock' and get the excellent 'Doctor' for free! (It's included in the 15-track cover CD). If you like your rock spine tinglingly lard, The Treatment is definitely one to watch.

Smoke Fairies

Our first gig of the new year in a week's time (17th) - Smoke Fairies at Brighton's Jam. Hailing from rural Sussex, our first and only taste was a single tune at a John Grant gig in London last year. Should be good. (Mok tells me that Jam is a good place now - they've played there a couple of times). 


Check out Smoke Fairies at http://www.myspace.com/smokefairies.

R.I.P Gerry Rafferty (16.4.47 to 04.01.11)

So sad to hear that Gerry Rafferty has passed away. Baker Street was one of the songs of my formative years. He'll be greatly missed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkS169P_Eeo

Secret Sisters

Caught these on Jools Holland on 31/12. http://www.secretsistersband.com/gramophone.html. Sadly, their only UK gigs over the next few months are with Ray LaMontagne (whom I have no burning desire to see). However, I believe I may well be partaking of the new self-titled album in the very near future. More information here as well - http://www.myspace.com/thesecretsisters