Little Birdy's last album Confetti (2009) was a stunning record full of pure pop gems like Summarize, Brother (featuring Paul Kelly) and the gorgeous Stay Wild. Despite the album going top 10, none of the singles from the record enjoyed the same success, although Brother did make JJJ's Hottest 100. It must have been a big disappointment for this fab indie pop band because … [Read more...]
Rickie Lee Jones – Rickie Lee Jones
Sometimes records are like a new love - all infatuation and exhilaration until the initial interest begins to wane, at other times an album grabs you from the outset and then becomes something more meaningful over time as you develop a deeper appreciation. Rickie Lee Jones’ debut album is a lot like the latter for me. Initially it was the bright and breezy charm of the hit … [Read more...]
Beth Hart – Podcast
Beth Hart. Wow, what a voice and what an incredible story! If you're not familiar with this Grammy nominated singer/songwriter here's your opportunity. Beth possesses one of the most phenomenal blues voices you're ever likely to hear, although she first broke through in the world of pop with the U.S edition of Star Search in the early 90's. Beth later struck gold with LA Song … [Read more...]
Elli Schoen – Mumma
As soon as I heard Elli Schoen's Mumma I was entranced. The song is underpinned by a beautiful ethereal guitar sound with Elli's powerfully emotive vocal a counterpoint to that sound. The song moves between that gentle guitar rhythm and a more punching arrangement of guitars and drums that creates a stunning immediacy. It's the kind of juxtaposition between light and shade / … [Read more...]
Bringing It All Back Home – Bob Dylan
Discovering Dylan is like being handed the keys to the universe. Once that light goes on suddenly the world seems vastly different than it did before. I have friends who’ll recite Dylan in any situation given half a chance, so it’s not unusual to hear one of them break into Shelter From The Storm at a dinner party for instance. For all the justifiable attention the … [Read more...]