Todays track is from one of the pioneers in swamp rock - Dale Hawkins. Born in the the late 1930s in Louisiana he raised up with the black cotton pickers and played with them while they had a break in work. Also inspired from Elvis Presley he released in 1957 his classic Suzie Q. He's also a classic in this genre.
2014 is gone and many list about the best albums/songs were made. During the last weeks I had plenty of time to listen to music - especially records that was released last year. I have to admit that it was a very good year for music. Lot's of new good bands appeared on the scene and old heroes came back with great music. So I decided to name 14 records that impressed me much in 2014. The list is in no real order and so let's go ...
Sleaford Mods - Divide and Exit: Fierce postal punk's bass; functional, insignificant beats, now and then cheap keyboard reef and apathetical guitars.
Aphex Twin - Syro: He's back with more piano parts. Hope we don't have to wait another 13 years for his next record.
Caribou - Our love: An avant-garde, electronic, living album with soul and R&B for body and soul.
Jungle - Jungle: Future Pop? J and T mix the best of the last 40 years into a great record. Compatible to a lot of listeners.
Neneh Cherry - Blank Project: An economically orchestrated album - intimate and directly
Lost on the River - The new basement tapes: Old songs discovered again by Elvis Costello
Jamie T. -: Astonishing comeback. The former rage in favour to quieter songs is given way
Holly Cook - Twice: My record from last summer. Perfect reggae based songs.
Jane Weaver - The Silver Globe: A crystal clear voice and psych-folk. Awesome.
Pete Molinari - Theosophy: Molinari pushes his music into the swirling space of the psychedelic 60s
The Ravonettes - Pe'ahi: Lastes release by the underrated Danish indie-rock duo.
Slow Club - Complete Surrender: Maybe the greatest surprise this year. A record full of fantastic songs. Pure 60s soul for 2014.
The Amazing Snakeheads - Amphetamine Ballads: Another band from Glasgow - and they made a well-worn fusion of late punk and raw Rock and Roll.
Ellis Island Sound - Regions: One of the albums I listened most last year. An intensive mix of African-influenced guitar lines, a steady percussive background added with dub effects and wailing trombone. Nearly meditative and often making an atmospheric mood.
After traveling for 18 hours I arrived yesterday in my hometown. I had pretty good weeks down in Sri Lanka again doing nothing more than sitting on the beach, reading some books I wanted to read but had not the time before, making short trips inside the country and having fun with some friends. My battery is filled up again and I will have regular life again. As well I will continue my blog. So let's start into this year with a song I used to listen many times last year. Tahliah Barnett aka FKA twigs offers a vangaurd R'n'B that sounds hypnotic and intentionally distressing and reported witn an ethereal soprano.
Only 12 hours and the year 2014 is history. All in all it was a very good year and I wish all of you out there a big party to start into 2015. All the best to you all - see you next year at the same place.
Many people tell me that Rock Music is dead, no new good music is around. When I tell them they are wrong and ask me for some examples I try to tell them go out in the internet and start searching you'll find a lot of new fantastic music out there. The Amazing Snakeheads were recommended by Drew.
It's one of these bands that are really worth to give a listen to. The title of the album is their statement: Amphetamine Ballads. Hyper nervous and songs with good guitars and a singer that shouts out agressiv. The perfect music when you cruise through the city early in the morning.
Found this little pop gem these days. Truely 80s by Joan Armatrading who was big in these days in Germany. Nothing special but I like this song and this video.
I moved away from all this Christmas business to relax miles away. What does not mean that I know, why this day is celebrated. I wish all of you, your families and friend a wonderful time throghout the Christmas time. May you all enjoy this time with peace, love and happiness.
