currently listening to...Kelly Jones

Kelly Jones-Only The Names Have Changed

A few years ago Kelly Jones (lead singer of Stereophonics) released his debut solo album. The album was recorded over two days and mastered a few days later. It's only just over half an hour in length but shows off some great whisky vocals and delicate melodies.

'Phonics fan or not, you're more than likely to enjoy this all the way through.

Favourite track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15DON9vhDBM

Desert Island Album #1

Ryan Adams-Love Is Hell

I could have chosen a few of his albums but 'Love Is Hell' has always stuck as my favourite. The strongest memory I have of listening to this album was on a train journey from London to Birmingham mid-afternoon. It was typically dreary and the train was fairly scarce. I remember being midway through this record and watching a trainspotter eat his pack lunch alone on the platform somewhere remote. It made me so sad. I think I was in the middle of 'The Shadowlands' and I grabbed my journal and starting furiously writing down some thoughts. I don't know if it was the music or the man but the two together had an extreme impact on me. My mind was transfixed on this character. He belonged in a film.

I first listened to Ryan years ago when my friend played me 'Gold'. I think I loved every track. I then went about owning all of his other records and became attached to each. 'Heartbreaker' and 'Cold Roses' also stand out, along with the rockier 'Rock N Roll'.

Seeing him live at the old Carling Academy in Birmingham was probably the best gig I've ever been to He played for hours. He played with such passion and determination. At that moment I thought that if I could be any musician ever, it would have to be him (this is somewhat up for debate, but he is still a strong contender). A true working musician who has put out 11 albums in 10 years, plus EPs...I can't wait for more.

This album contains his well known rendition of Wonderwall which has been heavily praised by its writer Noel Gallagher (see http://www.nme.com/news/oasis/12909)

Outrageously good album where every track carries such emotion. If you want to be blown away in under 4 minutes listen to 'I See Monsters' (and do it alone and loud).

It's great to have Jools back

Series 37 (37? really? blimey) of Later with Jools Holland began last night.

He may not be the most eloquent or masterful of television hosts, but those ones are just irritating anyway. He's a great musician and a true music fan (something which music show presenters often lack). Always a great way to hear bands you love and discover a couple of gems whilst you're at it.

One of my favourite albums of the year was the Mercury nominated 'Becoming A Jackal' by Villagers...and I first heard Conor O'Brien sing his heart out all alone on the Jools stage. The life of countless artists began and grew on this show (Seasick Steve being a modern day example). 

A great variety of music is always prevalent and the chance to catch a brief (somewhat directionless) interview with a legend is often waiting just by the studio piano.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tvdjn/Later_Live..._with_Jools_Holland_Series_37_Later_250..._with_Jools_Holland/

currently listening to...Bon Iver

Bon Iver-For Emma, Forever Ago

This is the baby of folk singer-songwriter Justin Vernon.

Vernon wrote and recorded everything on this album himself, whilst alone in his reclusive cabin in Wisconsin. The unpolished sound on the album, something which has divided critical opinion, is one of the main attractions for me (it was reflective of his life at the time).