Wednesday 27 June 2012

Willy Mason: Restless Fugitive

I've had Willy Mason stuck in my head all day, and it might well have been a sign as it led to a little free download discovery, which is always nice. Willy Mason, the sharply-dressed music maestro from Massachusetts is (I'd say, and I know others may argue) our-generation's answer to a better-spoken Bob Dylan. Better-spoken in the fact that he doesn't mumble as much. With that in mind, he's worth a quick checking out, go to his website to get the free track here, or his bandcamp here - try listening to Oxygen or Save Myself; most people seem to know them but they don't ever know where from! And if you ever do get to see him live, it's always fun to shout "I love Willy!"

Sunday 24 June 2012

Moonrise Kingdom

I never thought I'd feature Bruce Willis or Edward Norton on my blog, but here goes: Moonrise Kingdom is a combination of big big names and a small small story. And Wes Anderson does it beautifully, blending sugary-sweet scenery, props and music with a dreamy, if not a grown-up, storyline. Based around two twelve year-olds, Sam and Suzy, running away from home/scout-camp, their journey takes them through the forests and fields of the little island of New Penzance and throws them into fights against Scouts, storms and Social Services, in order to prove their love for each other, and for the little beach they call Moonrise Kingdom. It's a humorous, heart-wrenching and overly-pretty film that everyone should see, at least once. If only for the little guy in red (Bob Balaban).

Visit Moonrise Kingdom's website here, or you click here to watch the official trailer.

Thursday 21 June 2012

Christof: Honey Tears EP

I was rifling through my music library, and realised I never took the time to tell you about some of the artists I wrote about as Music Editor for my university's magazine. One such artist is Christof, who performed before The Staves when I went to see them. I'm going to be honest now, and say I enjoyed Christof wholeheartedly more (along with his tales of sausage sandwiches and accidentally naming his website "Christ of Music"), and afterwards picked up a copy of his EP, Honey Tears (which is also the name of the track below). So here's a snippet for you all, one of his best tracks, and a link to his website here if you fancy listening to some more...
 

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Thank You, Communion Records


Humble but brilliant beginnings led to humble but brilliant achievements: I thought a quick pause to ponder over the wonder that is Communion Records was in order, so I decided to write a little blog on them. Thank you, Communion, for finding (and being founded by) some of the loveliest artists around and just being one of the loveliest record companies around too! I especially like your weekly newsletters, and the free downloads from some of the nicest artists (Daughter, Pete Roe, etc.).

~ If you haven't been there already, I'd suggest you head down to their website and have a look here.

Slow Club: Beginners


Beginners, perhaps of a rise in popularity, thanks to the humble fan Daniel Radcliffe's performance in their new single's video? I certainly hope so. The only real way of communicating my appreciation for Slow Club is to parade around their streets playing their albums over a loud-speaker; their music speaks for itself. So go snap it up quick, download it, put it on your record player and love it.  (For starters, you can pop over to their website here).

Dog is Dead: Glockenspiel Song (New Video)


Dog is Dead are re-releasing one of their oldest but best songs, Glockenspiel Song. Put the date down in your diaries: 22nd July 2012! (I'll update the video whenever it comes out, but you can also be a part of it if you're quick - visit dogisdead.co.uk to find out more).

Tuesday 19 June 2012

My First Tooth: Orchards


If I haven't gone on about My First Tooth before, I've done them a mis-service. They're a cute little band that do a good job of cheering me up on rainy days, and probably will do the same for you readers too. They really are a little thing that deserves to be big! So I'm hoping you'll join me in helping them a tiny bit - by supporting them in the race to be a part of Green Man Festival's Unsigned acts. Basically, click the "Like" button here. Not only will this benefit a beautiful band, but I will also get to dance around to them in (hopefully) lovely Welsh sunshine this summer. Thanks!

Monday 18 June 2012

Howler: This One's Different

Ironically, this one is nowhere near different. Like a reblogged, re-owned Tumblr picture, it's a shoddy attempt at being The Drums in a lower octave. And what is with the fake blood/gloopy red paint? I'm afraid Twinkle Dwivedi has beaten you to it, dearest Howler frontman, Jordan Gatesmith.

It's a shame really as I was a little bit in love with another song of theirs, Back of Your Neck. With a stroke of luck, however, you can get it for free on their website (by subscribing to their newsletter). Click here to have a look, and if in fact you do like them despite my pitying review, a listen too.

Friday 8 June 2012

Dog is Dead: All Our Favourite Stories


Dog is Dead are releasing an album! Finally! After so many indie-pop, happiness-filled EPs, it's about time they gave their bandwagon of fans an album full of their trademark chant-along songs. All Our Favourite Stories will be out in the ambiguously named "autumn", but if you can't wait that long, pop over to their website where you can sign up to their mailing list and grab yourself a copy of their Talent Show EP for free!

Rae Morris: Blueprint Demos

Rae Morris seems to be following in the lovely Lucy Rose's footsteps; a quick succession from popular videos to sell-out performances, she's slowly becoming more and more well-known - and rightly so! With such a wholesome voice, down-to-earth manner and a talent for piano, she's one of my favourite artists that I have seen live (even if it was only a song and a half!)

I'd definitely recommend having a listen to some of her music, and if you're quick she's also offering a free download of "Blueprint Demos" on her website right now. Click here to go have a listen!

Thursday 7 June 2012

To Kill A King: Howling

To Kill A King are a great band that have been scoping around just under the radar for a little while now, making songs with deep lyrics and phenomenal guitar solos. They're releasing another EP soon called Word of Mouth and are giving us all a sneak peak and free download too! How nice. Click here to have a listen and download, or go straight to their official website here.