Innerlands

 

Last Monday, I introduced the new song by The Woodentops, in which Rolo McGinty musically captures his feelings about the River Thames. As I listened, Mark Peters, an English singer-songwriter and producer, came to mind again; on his 2017 debut album, he set his impressions of Lancastrian locations to music.

Innerlands is a shimmering, unhurried masterpiece of ambient guitar music. The instrumentals are strongly reminiscent of Vini Reilly’s finest moments, when he was recording sessions in the studio with Brian Eno. Anyone who hasn’t yet warmed to ambient music should give this atmospheric masterpiece a listen.

Mark Peters - Windy Arbour

Mark Peters - May Mill

Clap Your Hands

 

Let’s begin the final leg of our musical journey through songs that feature clapping hands. Let’s start with Birmingham’s Fine Young Cannibals, who, in the mid-1980's, rightly had several global hits with their pop-rock songs.

The Crystals were an American female vocal group from NYC. Phil Spector created in the early 60's his wall of sound and Da Doo Run Run is the perfect example.

The finale is provided by Wreckless Eric, who, with his anthem, created the perfect transition from pub rock to new wave. 

I’ll probably be back next week with a new series.

Monday's Long Song

 

More and more musicians are drawing inspiration from the countryside in which they live and trying to capture their impressions in their songs. Craven Faults have done this brilliantly on their latest albums.

It seems that Rolo McGinty has now also decided to take up this theme and give it musical expression. Whilst Craven Faults focused on the north of England and Yorkshire, McGinty drew inspiration from the River Thames. With this track, which runs to over 15 minutes, The Woodentops have moved away from the Balearic vibe of recent years and penned a gentle tribute to the river. 

Just like a river, the music flows steadily along. Carried by a synthetic beat, electronic elements, sparse guitar parts and, eventually, vocals in the middle all blend into the overall soundscape. Ultimately, it’s a meditative manifesto and an unexpectedly good piece of music. Thanks for that, Rolo.

New Song On Sunday

 

Today's song comes from Radio Free Alice, a Melbourne based band. They’re following the path of indie rock, which doesn’t rule out a touch of post-punk either. The guitars sit somewhere between the early The Smiths and The Cure, and the melody is harmonious. The result is a very good indie pop track.

¡Adelante, Amigos!

 

I recently received an email from the Oslo-based label Jansen Records. It featured the latest album by Los Plantronics.  Los Plantronics are a four-piece band from Oslo who have been active since 1996 and have released several albums.

I’ve no idea whether people surf in Oslo – or, if so, where – but this band celebrates surf/guitar rock with a rare enthusiasm. They describe themselves as ‘ambassadors of trash and twang (& other delights)’ and characterize their music as ‘Mariachi Death Surf’. And that’s exactly what you can hear on this album. A surf instrumental that stands out from the usual surf tracks.

In 2007, they recorded 'Rancho Notorious', a great album featuring their take on surf and garage music, which I’ve only just discovered myself. Alongside some high-energy stompers, Los Plantronics aren’t afraid to give a Ramones classic a surf makeover. Another band I’ve come across far too late.

Same Sun Same Sky

 

This week we saw the return of The Darling Buds, a power pop band formed in 1986. They could no longer be classified as part of the C86 generation, as they recorded their debut album too late, nor could they be considered part of the britpop scene, as the band had split up before then. Despite all that, they had released a handful of great songs in the nineties. 

A few years ago, the Welsh singer Andrea Lewis revived the band. Their music has hardly changed since the nineties: The Darling Buds play guitar-driven pop that ranges from upbeat to bittersweet melancholy, incorporating elements of soul, dream pop and 60's beat.

Surely not a fantastic album but one that carries the spirit of glorious guitar pop into the here and now.

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Clap Your Hands

 

1981 The Clash released Sandinista a triple album on which they explored the full spectrum of their musical influences. On The Magnificent Seven, they incorporated rap, which was just coming into fashion at the time. The funky bass loop is still absolutely brilliant.

From there, it’s only a short step to the Sugarhill Gang, who made rap mainstream with Rapper’s Delight in 1979. 

One of Yussuf’s biggest hits from back when he was still known as Cat Stevens.