TuneSmith
October 06
Album of the month
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The Last Town Chorus
Wire Waltz
When? You are staying in New York
Why? The sound of the boroughs and beyond
Here’s a find. A girl with an angelic voice who plays a mean lap steel guitar. The metallic resonance of this instrument may conjure up sun-soaked Hawaii or the blues of the deep south, but Megan Hickey and her lyrics are unmistakably Brooklyn. That said, the brush of her steel strings dislocates her songs from their urban setting lending a vivid otherworldliness. She brings an old-fashioned grace to a voice that has the power of a young Sinead O’Connor; tracks such as her dazzling cover of Bowie’s ‘Modern Love’ are spellbinding and poignant. The result is an album that'll be missed by most but adored by those after something new. |
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The Smith classic
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King Creosote
KC Rules OK
When? You're staying north of the border
Why? This is by one of Scotland's finest
Modern-day punks listen to folk music; that’s a fact. The recent revival has made it clear that it's perfectly acceptable, nay, downright cool, to don a beard, pick up an acoustic guitar and sing of lands far away. A respectable V-sign to corporate manufactured pop. Right at the heart of this folk renaissance is Kenny Anderson aka King Creosote. From his throne in the Kingdom of Fife, he has released a clutch of remarkable songs. This album is a must for today’s wandering minstrels who wear their lyrics on their sleeves. It’s a witty and life-affirming experience which will slap a big smile on your face. As ‘Bootprints’ and ‘You Are Could I’ prove, it’s also catchy as hell. |
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You must be seen at...
THIS SUNDAY: John Peel’s Front Room (feat Mara Carlyle live)
What should any respectable music fan be doing in October? Remembering the late great John Peel. Out of the numerous events around the UK, this one in West London caught our eye simply because it features the mesmerising singer Mara Carlyle alongside DJs promising exotic dub and folktronica. Set in Kensal Green’s Paradise gastro pub; expect good food and board games too.
In-the-know tip
If you can’t be there, do yourself a favour and get Mara Carlyle’s ‘The Lovely’ LP – a gentle collection of beautiful songs including the acclaimed ‘I Blame You Not’.
John Peels’ Front Room
Sunday 15 October
Paradise, 19 Kilburn Lane, London W10
Free entrance
3pm–10.30pm
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Our TuneSmith
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Journalist, DJ and music consultant Rob Wood is director of Music Concierge, which provides bespoke music-programming services to hotels. Email him at: rob@musicconcierge.co.uk
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