Header Image

Go to music archive»

TuneSmith

March 07
 

Album of the month

Findlay Brown

Separated by the Sea

When? You're off to a country retreat

Why? It’s packed full of fresh, organic, breezy tunes

Here’s one for the Mrs Smiths out there. Delicate acoustics abound on this wistful and engaging collection of songs from a fresh young troubadour who hails from Yorkshire. Picking up the baton left by José González, Brown’s gentle but confident voice is as immediately endearing as his guitar playing is charming. In fact, his ability to write intimate but accessible songs will win this new comer plenty of smiling fans. If you harbour a soft spot for Crosby, Stills and Nash or Simon & Garfunkel you should warm to outstanding songs such as ‘Losing the Will to Survive’, ‘Don’t You Know That I Love You’ or ‘Come Home’. You never know – Mr Smith’s ears might prick up, too.
download now

The Smith classic

Vangelis

Bladerunner

When? Best listened to at night on a long road trip

Why? This soundtrack will transport you to a neon-lit future

When music and film work together, the effect can be profoundly moving. So it proved here, with a soundtrack that went on to inspire countless electronic musicians. Vangelis had already won an Academy Award for his composition for Chariots of Fire before he turned his attention to scoring Ridley Scott’s film-noir vision of the future: Blade Runner. Embracing synthesisers, he created a musical soundscape for Los Angeles in 2019, as dark and haunting as the one on screen. Often cold, but always beautiful, the album’s atmosphere is heightened by snippets of whispered dialogue, which provide punctuation for its eerie electronic texture. From ‘Main Title Theme’ to ‘Love Theme From Blade Runner’, it is a mesmerising and evocative accomplishment. Only the cod ‘One More Kiss, Dear’ need be avoided. Otherwise, all musical voyagers would do well to escape the present and travel to this weird and wonderful synthetic version of the future.
download now

You must be seen at...

Gig it, club it, and jazz it up at these hot events


THE LIVE SHOW: LCD Soundsystem in Bristol
The Carling Academy, Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA (0905 020 3999).

This punk-funk band from NYC is a must-see live act: a tour de force of driving beats and hook-laden guitar riffs fronted by the towering presence of James Murphy.

Tuesday 13 March 7pm

In-the-know tip Continue post-gig revelry in the comforting surroundings of the Hotel Du Vin Bristol, at which guests can take advantage of the 24-hour Sugar House Bar.


THE CLUB NIGHT: Nobody's Perfect at Tenax
Tenax, Via Pratese 46, Florence, Italy (+39 (055) 308160; www.tenax.org)

Pure clubbing glamour complete with cross-dressers, go-go dancers and some of the world’s best cutting-edge DJs. One of Italy’s most brilliant nightlife experiences.

Saturday nights10pm–4am.

In-the-know tip Tenax is a cab journey away from the centre of town. We suggest you hole up at JK Place. You’ll be centrally located for sightseeing before your big night out, then wonderfully provided for once the hangover kicks in.


THE JAZZ NIGHT: The Leaders at Bimhuis
 Bimhuis, Piet Heinkade 3, 1019 BR Amsterdam, The Netherlands (+31 (0)20 788 2150; www.bimhuis.nl)

Perched near Central Station, Bimhuis is regularly cited by jazz musicians as one of the best and most intimate live jazz venues in the world. Catch the Leaders live at Bimhuis this month and you’ll be in for a treat, with Eddie Henderson on trumpet, Bobby Watson on alto-sax and Cecil Bee on bass.

Sunday 18 March 9pm

In-the-know tip Spend your time in Amsterdam wisely by taking a canalside room at The Dylan, a hotel with plenty of style – and its own boat.

Our TuneSmith

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