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.

Ride A Cloud

 

Since The Woodentops released their latest album Fruits Of The Deep I listened a lot to this. I have to admit that I was a huge fan to them since I first saw them live in the mid 80's because their music was so different to many others in this era. During the last years Rolo McGinty only released several songs or reworked others. All these releases are stamped by massive Balearic beats and mood. A few days ago I discovered Ride A Cloud a song from last year remixed by Nottingham's DJ/producer Coyote. Another example for McGinty's ability of writing fantastic songs. A superb song with reduced rhythm, an acoustic guitar and a flow that could take you to a faraway beach somewhere.

 

Marijuana

 

Nottingham's Dj's and producers are back with a new song, a one that I never expected in this way. They still riding the Balearic sound but now Rolo McGinty joined them. McGinty is well known for his work with The Woodentops in the 80's and probably one of the first ones that opened his sounds for electronic music. And this collaboration works well because Rolo McGinty's deep voice and acoustic framework fits perfect to Coyote's slo-mo beats. 

Give It Time

Back in 1986 The Woodentops released Giant, one of the best records in these days. Over the years I listened often to the music they made. Rolo McGinty made timeless music and it seems that it is music that could be remixed in a very good way even decades later. It's a drifty, percussion stamped little peace of music.