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!