Track of the Day: 'That's Love' by Oddisee

A new track from Oddisee is always a reason to celebrate, especially when it heralds a new album from the man. 'The Good Fight' is out on May 5th, and from it comes 'That's Love' - fast but not furious, it's a meditation on what we'll do for the people that matter to us, and what they'll do for us. It's upbeat and summery and fills me with excitement for the album.

SXSW 2015 - the ones to watch.

With SXSW season fast approaching it's time for a trawl through the long list of music events to pick out the must-see artists. Sadly I won't be there this year, but if I was this is where you'd find me. (Anyone with a + by their name is playing more than one show so you should be able to find them somewhere else if you have a schedule clash).

1. Run The Jewels - Cedar St Courtyard 20th March+

Makers of the best hip-hop album of 2014, an incendiary live act, voice of the people and all-round good guys, Killer Mike and El-P should be on the top of everyone's list. In fact, they probably are, so make sure you get there early to guarantee your spot at a show that you'll be talking about for months.

2. Public Service Broadcasting - Latitude 30, 19th March+

As unfashionable as concept albums might be, the new one from PSB 'The Race For Space' is a mighty fine record. Telling the story of the USSR vs USA in the battle for space supremacy they manage to convey both the wonder and emotion of this amazing achievement. They're great fun live too.

3. Songhoy Blues - Parish, 20th March+

Hands down the most exuberant and life-affirming live band I've seen for the past few years. Exiled from their homes in northern Mali when making music was banned by the extremist leaders, they were welcomed into the Africa Express family by Damon Albarn and have now had their album produced by Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs). The most fun you'll have at SXSW, guaranteed.

4. Raury - venue TBC

If the whole world hasn't heard of Raury by the end of this year I'll be very surprised. Like a younger (and more prolific) version of Franck Ocean he sings, re raps, and is basically uber talented.

5. East India Youth - Latitude 30, 17th March

Nominated for the Mercury Prize in the UK last year for his 'Total Strife Forever' album, Will Doyle already has a second album ready for release next month and has signed to XL Recordings to put it out. A mix of melodic pop tunes and darker electronic numbers will keep you entertained at the British Music Embassy.

6. Kate Tempest - Latitude 30, 17th March

Another Mercury nominee, Kate is on the same bill as East India Youth so you won't have far to travel to see her. Poet, playwright, rapper and novelist, it's hard to pigeon-hole her, but rest assured that whatever she does she always does it with maximum energy and skill.

7. Skepta - venue TBC

Tottenham born UK Grime artist Skepta might suddenly be a lot more famous than he was this time last month. The reason? He was part of Kanye West's showstopping performance at the BRITs music awards, even getting namechecked by Yeezy at the end of 'All Day'. If he's good enough for Kanye then I'm sure he's good enough for you.

8. Oddisee - Bungalow, 17th March

One of my all-time favourite rap / hip-hop artists, Oddisee deserves to be feted by the music-loving world. With a new album on the way, he'll be following up his own show at SXSW by immediately coming back onstage as part of the 'DC loves Dilla' show at the same venue.

9. Courtney Barnett - Cedar Street Courtyard 19th March+

Australian indie-rocker Barnett has a punk attitude and a way with titles that could match Morrissey - witness her new single called 'Pedestrian At Best' and her album 'Sometimes I Sit And Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit'. 

10. Joey Bada$$ - venue TBC

Straight outta Brooklyn NYC,  Joey B brings the area's hip-hop heritage and updates it for a new generation. Founder of the Pro-Era collective, who'll also no doubt be in town, and with his début album 'B4.DA.$$' gathering critical & commercial acclaim he's definitely one not to miss.

11. Brolin - Day Stage ACC, 20th March+

This young and enigmatic producer and musician from the UK will be releasing his first album later this year. He's already had masses of support online and via alternative radio stations, and if the album's as good as people are expecting he'll likely be nominated for this year's Mercury Prize.

12. THEESatisfaction - Bungalow, 21st March+

Seattle-based duo THEESatisfaction are a sensual and seductive rap / r'n'b act making music unlike anyone else at the moment. Imagine Lauren Hill & Sade combined and you'll be somewhere on the right path. Working closely with Shabazz Palaces their records are an aural delight that will soothe your soul.

13. Catfish and The Bottlemen - Latitude 30, 17th March+

Fresh faced young indie-rockers from Wales. CatB recently won the BBC Introducing Award in the UK. Much of their appeal stems from frontman Van McCann's engaging style and they certainly know their way around a melody or two.

14. The Pop Group - Maggie Mae's Rooftop 20th March+

Post punk art-rockers The Pop Group have just released their first album for 35 years (!), produced by Paul Epworth, and the reformed original line-up are now taking that record on the road ad taking crowds by storm with it.

15. Hodgy Beats - Clive Bar, 20th March+

To my mind the most talented of the Odd Future collective, Hodgy recently released the brilliant 'Denatape2' mixtape with Don Cannon. Expect the unexpected, with Earl Sweatshirt also in town, who knows which other members of Odd Future might turn up (although probably not Tyler given the furore last time he hit SXSW)

Where did all the good band names go?

OK, so music's been around a long time, and there have always been poor band names. The Beatles, for example, is a pun that soon wears pretty thin if you stop to think about it, and which many people didn't even realise was a pun and just put down to bad spelling. And The The would never make it as a band name today since it's pretty un-Googleable (see also A, and more recently following a telecoms merger, Everything Everything. But surely there must be some good names still to be had? Apparently not, if the selection of bands I've listed below are anything to go by. All of these acts are playing South by South West (SXSW) in Austin, Texas this year, a festival which is (or was until it was hijacked by the mass corporate hordes from Samsung to Doritos) designed to showcase up and coming new acts.If I was there this year I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be setting foot in front of any stage where this bunch of misnamed muppets were playing.

1. Perfect Pussy. Scientifically proven to be the shittest band name ever thought up.
2. The Front Bottoms. Mildly amusing, once, if you're a 13 year-old boy.
3. Big Tits. See description for number 2.
4. Cool Piss. Piss is not cool, either literally or metaphorically.
5. Great Good Fine OK. Make your mind up, which one is it?
6. Kraak & Smaak. It's not big and it's not clever.
7. Diarrhea Planet. Apart from being a terrible name, that's not even how you spell it.
8. DJ Hella Yella. I could've had a whole list devoted to DJ names, but this is the pick of the bunch.
9. Ynfynyt Scroll. How are you even supposed to pronounce that? If it's Infinity then spell it like that dumbass.
10. bEEdEEgEE. Lower case / Upper case nonsense.

10 acts to see at SXSW 2014 (and how to see them)

It's time for my pick of this year's acts for you to see at SXSW. I know it can be a bit of a maelstrom, especially if it's your first trip to Austin - by the time you've worked out who you want see, and just how far apart Waterloo Records and the Mohawk are, and how everything you want to see is on at the same time, you might think you're not going to achieve anything. So before we get to my pick of the bands, here are a few tips on how to go about it:

1. Most bands will play more than once. This is particularly true of the lesser-known acts, so if you see someone on the schedule that you want to check out, then scout around and see when else they are on. They might be only be playing one or two official showcases, but if they're going all the way from the UK or further you can pretty much guarantee they'll be playing a few parties as well. I've seen bands play 6 or 7 shows over 4 days, so you should be able to fit your key acts into the schedule.
2. Social media is a must. Get on twitter, follow the official SXSW feed, accounts like SXSW Baby & SXSW Party List, and the bands you're interested in for all the latest news of who's playing where. Plans can changes at the drop of a hat, with new shows being added and last minute acts being announced, so make sure you're across the social platforms for all the latest news.
3. Eat on the hoof (especially if it's free!). There's some great food to be had at some of the day parties, especially at the British Music Embassy and some of the other big parties in Brush Square. Free food while you're watching a band - what could be better? If not grab yourself a pulled pork sandwich or a taco on your way to the next show. If you do want to sit down and have a meal then the Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill on Red River Street is a great place to go.
4. Keep your eyes peeled if you want to spot some of your favourite bands around town. Is that J. Mascis walking to his next show with his guitar in his hand? Are you walking behind Bob Geldof while he shouts at someone on his Blackberry? Is that Har Mar Superstar walking towards you on 5th Street (and will he high-five you as you pass)? All of these things happened last time I went (including the high-five!).
5. And finally - be flexible. For all the great plans you might have made, sometimes the best times to be had at SXSW are those where you just go with the flow and live in the moment. You start talking to someone at a show, they've got the same musical taste as you, and they say they're about to go and see the best new band you've never heard of - go with them! What have you got to lose, they might become your new favourite band.

And now the acts to see:

1. Drenge. A two-piece rock'n'roll outfit from Sheffield, Drenge (Danish for 'boys') are the two Loveless brothers, Eoin & Rory. They're full of energy, have got great melodies and hooks, and live it certainly sounds like there's more than 2 of them playing. They've got 4 shows at SXSW, culminating in a headline show at Latitude 30 on Saturday night.
2. Marijuana Deathsquads. Possibly the most amazing live act you'll see, featuring somewhere between 2 & 4 drummers, heavily distorted vocals, keyboards, members of Poliça & Gayngs, and maybe even Har Mar Superstar. This collective has been described as 'Poliça's older, uglier bother' and once you've seen them I guarantee you'll never forget them.
3. Damon Albarn. With his first ever solo album coming out next month Albarn will be bringing his new band to town to play through his new material. Having seen him play what will probably be the same set last week, I can say that the new songs are mature and extremely well written, mostly autobiographical and pretty laid back. Don't expect any Blur hits, but you're likely to get a few Gorillaz songs and a few other interesting moments thrown in.
4. Vancouver Sleep Clinic. Unbelievably young (they're 17 but look about 13) this Australian trio sound a bit like Bon Iver, and a lot like they've got a very bright future ahead of them. The visas for their full tour were refused on account of their age and inexperience, but they are going to make it to Austin for a few shows, so make sure you see them.
5. Withered Hand. One of the best singer-songwriters you'll find, Dan Willson has a good line in self-deprecating lyrics and a great ear for a tune. His second album 'New Gods' is out on 10th March. He's got a couple of official showcases, including of course one at the British Music Embassy.
6. Teeth of the Sea. Like your rock proggy, spacey and tripped out? Then head for Teeth of the Sea at the Soho Lounge on Thursday. Having released their fourth and best album last year they're primed to take Austin by storm with their psychedelic rock masterpieces.
7. Little Dragon. Having featured on the most recent albums by Gorrilaz and DJ Shadow, this Swedish act are about to hit the big time with the release of their next album 'Nabuma Rubberband' in May. Electronic music with a soul. 
8. Eagulls. No strangers to controversy and column inches in the music press, Eagulls recently won an NME Award for best video. Unremarkable perhaps, until you know that the video on question featured timelapse photography or a rotting pig's brain that they'd left in a friend's basement, and which caused the Yorkshire police to become involved when someone mistook the decomposing object for a child's body.
9. Lizzo. Not only can she rap the pants off you, but Lizzo sings like an angel and twerks better than Miley Cyrus. Go see her - I promise it'll be the most energy-filled show you see all week.
10. Har Mar Superstar. It's always good to end with a party, and I've never been to a Har Mar Superstar show and failed to have a good time. With his latest album 'Bye Bye 17' receiving critical acclaim you'll be dancing, singing and smiling throughout.

New band of the day: Young Fathers

OK, so here's proof that you can discover great new music at SXSW without even going there. As usual Matthew from Song, by Toad has posted his annual SXSW podcast (you can listen to it by clicking here) and Young Fathers were the act that stood out for me from the ones I hadn't heard of.

I'm not sure why quality hip-hop from Scotland should be such a hard concept to grasp, but once you've heard Young Fathers you'll realise that anything can be achieved anywhere - even if they were the only good hip-hop act north of the border (which I'm sure they're not). Theirs is a pretty eclectic sort of hip-hop, taking in diverse styles and musical genres for backing tracks and samples - between the three of them they have Libyan and Nigerian as well as Scottish heritage so you can see why they paint with such a broad palette.

They've signed to the hip Anticon label and put out their first release, Tape One, earlier this year - you can listen to the whole thing on their Soundcloud page by clicking here. Listen out for the bit 39 seconds into the second track 'Sister' where 'not now' creeps out in a broad Scottish accent.

This week the band have also put out a new track called the guide - you can watch the video for the below and click here to download it for free.


Young Fathers - "The Guide" from anticon. on Vimeo.

There's no news on dates in the UK at the moment but by all accounts they were awesome in Austin so if you see that they're playing near you make sure you go and see them.

My 50 best albums of 2011 part 5: 1 - 10

1. James Blake - James Blake

Ranging from simple piano and vocals through to heavily treated keyboards, glitchy electronics & vocoders, this might be a step away from Blake's dubstep roots, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. A record that I haven't tired off since it was released back in February, at times it's bewitchingly simple - the sparseness & gaps (at times reminiscent of latter Talk Talk) are as important as the music that's actually played. Blake has created a proper 21st century soul record, one that redefines the genre in a fascinating & revolutionary way.

2. Big Deal - Lights Out

From the best of this year's new crop of duos comes an album that instantly drags you into their fragile world, where guitars and vocals are the only things that matter - there's no room for anything percussive on the records, which adds to the stoned beauty of the thing. Equally there's no lead vocalist as singing duties are shared throughout. Great lyrics, an intense atmosphere, and a thoroughly brilliant debut album.

3. Metronomy - The English Riviera

It's quite achievement to make an album about, and inspired by, a childhood in Totnes (the English Riviera) sound like a record that belongs in the sunny & stylish French Riviera, but this is what Joe Mount and his band have accomplished. The sound of seagulls mixes with end of the pier organ in record with a real personality and a sense of fun. It sounds a bit 70s, a bit 80s, and also current, in a way that isn't likely to go out of fashion any time soon.

4. Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat - Everything's Getting Older

Bill & Aidan have spent the last 8 years on and off working on this album, and it was well worth the effort. The music is exquisite, beautifully played and produced, while the vocals range from softly sung words to spoken diatribes. Never less than honest, at times brutally so, and liberally sprinkled with swear words, Moffat's lyrics wear their heart on their tattered sleeve for all to see.Possibly the best album about birth, life, love and death that you'll ever hear.

5. Dominik Eulberg - Diorama

An album inspired by the natural wonders of the world, with influences ranging from 'Belfast'-era Orbital to last year's Pantha du Prince album. Hedonistic, ravey tracks mix with more downtempo numbers, all with lush melodies and hooks that stick in your brain. The album overall is as much a homage to the early days of rave as it is to the glory of natures - both were full of wonders, although some were more chemically induced than others!

6. Gang Gang Dance - Eye Contact

The album starts with a snatch of dialogue - 'I can hear everything, it's everything time' - and then pretty much lives up to that statement, there really is everything in here. Just take the opening track - at 11 minutes long, it's somehow reminiscent of Pink Floyd, Jean-Michel Jarre, the Art of Noise & The Orb all at the same time. Immerse yourself in it's widescreen, technicolor sound and it will reward you with its inticacies.

7. The Antlers - Burst Apart

A magnificent follow-up to 'Hospice' - a fuller sound, (slightly) happier songs, and the sound of a band letting themselves loosen up a bit and experiment with what they're doing. From the opener 'I Don't Want Love', to the closing track (and my favourite) 'Putting The Dog To Sleep' this is a mature, sophisticated and satisfying record, full of emotion, that may well make your heart burst apart.

8. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

Another album that's a step forward from its predecessor, the self-titled 'Bon Iver' is melancholic but warm, introspective but not self-obsessed, and with a broader sound than the folkier first album. 'Perth' is the jewel in the crown, but every track here rewards repeated listening. It's a bit of a 'love it or hate it' album, especially the Bruce Horsnsby-like closer, but I still like it more every time I hear it.

9. King Creosote & Jon Hopkins - Diamond Mine

A 2 year gestation period gave birth to this beautifully haunting album. Carefully layered, it combines acoustic folk songs with electronics, ambient sounds and effects, resulting in something that transcends both genres. Fragile Scottish vocals are mixed with crystal clear music & sounds, creating a record that works perfectly at any time of night or day, and in any location. As the title suggests they've dug deep & discovered a gem.

10. Lanterns On The Lake - Gracious Tide, Take Me Home

I was blown away by Lanterns when I discovered them playing in a church at SXSW while I was waiting to see John Grant. The album lives up to the live show, displaying influences from Sigur Ros to Mazzy Star, but none of these get in the way of the spirit of the music. Atmospheric and moving, with swooping guitars and violins, it's beautifully crafted and easily the best album Bella Union have pit out this year.

A couple of videos from SXSW 2011

It's a bit late I know, and the quality isn't brilliant, but here's a couple of clips that I filmed at SXSW this year in Austin Texas.

The first is of Gold Panda, recorded at Emos during his headline set on the opening night of the festival - note the trademark head-nodding!



The second was one of my highlights of the whole week. Gayngs took over the whole of the Mohawk venue for their 'Gayngs Affilyated' show, culminating in about 15 of them taking to the stage. Har Mar Superstar's performance of the George Michael song 'One More Try' was the stuff legends are made off!