Some day I'll be caught up. Meanwhile, here is a bunch of music now playing on The Promise:
Spottiswoode & His Enemies - That's What I Like (2007)
Demented and delightful. Listening to Spottiswoode is almost like watching a David Lynch movie, except it's a lot more fun. Imagine sitting in a small cabaret in a foreign country, with lots of strange people pushing up against you. The singer comes out and everyone becomes transfixed on this unique performer. Or maybe you're in a hip club in Soho at 3am. I know, none of this makes sense. So, go and buy the CD and you'll see what I mean.
Teddy Thompson - A Piece of What You Need (2008)
Teddy has really done his parents proud. Add this to my list of favorites for 2008. Sounding somewhere between Chris Isaak and Rufus Wainwright this CD is a pop classic. I dare you to not like it. Yes, it is that good.
Martha Wainwright - I know you're married but I've got feelings too (2008)
Right off the bat, this CD gets high marks for its title. I don't see anyone coming up with a better one. So, let's just call this the best CD title of the year. As for the music (almost forgot about the music), Martha nails several songs with vocals that can at times sound like Kate Bush or Joanna Newsome. But she can come down to earth to. "You Cheated Me" would have been a hit in any decade where there was radio to support it. It is girl pop rock at its best.
Ian Hunter - Shrunken Heads (2008)
Old guy rocks! Like Graham Parker, Ian Hunter can sing about old age and rock at the same time. Maybe the youngins won't be able to relate to this CD, but they will be able to rock and roll to it. And that's what it is all about. A smart album that you will listen to over and over again.
The Romanovs ...And the Moon was Hungry... (2007)
Somewhere between Kate Bush and Evanescence lies the Romanovs. Lead by singer/violinist Morgan Kibby, this band lands a potent punch. Just pop enough for the masses, yet alt enough for the edge that the rest of us need; and lots of violin!
Anne Mccue - East of Electric (2008)
With a minimal amount of instruments, guitar, a bit of bass, a touch of percussion and some very tasteful mandolin, Anne only has her songwriting to lean on. Its a good thing she is a top notch writer. These dozen or so songs sound so good you can't even imagine that there is a better way to present them. I think I'm going to have to put this on my best of list for the year. Highly recommended.
