Fresh Meat Monday - The Sea Kings

Would you care to introduce yourself?

We are the Sea Kings, Brian on vocals and rhythm guitar, Nicky on lead guitar, Ralph on Bass and other noises and Stephen on drums.


How would you describe the music you make?

Psychobilly.


How did you start out making music?

I think as teenagers we all had an almost pathological desire to escape the humdrum and so were compelled to make music. Stephen and Nicky played in a brass band for God’s sake. Back then we’d have killed to be signed to a major label and now looking back we’re kind of glad we didn’t get that chance there’s a lot of bitterness and negativity towards the industry that we’ve missed out on. We’ve the best of both worlds now. Being signed to Iffyfolk means we can put records out without pressure simple as that.


What process goes into the way you write songs?

Love and hate. War and Peace. Death and Glory. Joy and Division. Crime and Punishment. Trial and Error. Decadence and Decline. Tooth and Nail. Mind and Matter. Over and Out.


What can people expect from your live shows?

From the fractiously high paced to doleful introspection we accommodate disco dancers and chin strokers alike.


What are you all listening to at the moment?

Brian – Beach House – Teen Dream
Nicky – Konono No.1
Stephen – The Burns Unit – Side Show
Ralph – John Grant - Queen of Denmark


What can we expect to see/hear from you in 2011?

Some Dark Matters EP out on Iffyfolk Records on the 29th January obviously and then we’ll start work on the album, we’ve got a wee cracker about Bible John we’re dying to get out. We’d also like to get a few festivals under our belt and gig further a field. Watch this space as they say.

Orphan, Martyr, Saint by theseakingsmusic

The Sea Kings debut release, the EP 'Some Dark Matters', is available to purchase now from the good folk over at Iffy Folk Records for the measly sum of £4 (incl. P&P).

Home
Iffy Folk Records

We've Got It Covered #36

Normally when I write my weekly cover versions post up I like to do it in the morning just after I have just woken up. Mainly because at time of the morning I don't really care too much about the waffle that I write as I know that folk that come on ere are really only interested in grabbing the MP3s. Can't really blame them, that's what I'd do if I was in their shoes.
I have decided that I'll type something up the night before mainly because I am on baby sitting duties this evening, with Mrs Peenko out on her first proper night out since Erin was born, I have been left in charge. Scary thought isn't it! Let's jsut say that after tonights 'fun' I no longer wish hav any desire to be a house husband.

Right that's enough ramble for one post, on to the tunes. This week it's a double bonus as we have two cover versions, the first is a Belle & Sebastian cover by Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand fame, which was recorded for Vic Galloway's last ever show on Radio One. The second is a Franz's take on LCD Soundsystem's 'All My Friends' which I am pretty sure was releases as a B-side to the original single. I might well be wrong though, and often am.....


Alex Kapranos-Le Pastie De La Bourgeoisie (Belle & Sebastian cover)

Franz Ferdinand - All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem cover)

Friday Freebies

The Son(s)
In case you missed our big Olive Grove announcement last week, we're going to be releasing their debut album in March. As a wee teaser of what you can expect from the album, you can now download a new version of 'Dogs, Boys & Men' over on Soundcloud. I genuinely think we have one of the albums of 2011, if you don't believe me, then go and give the song a listen. You won't regret it.

Bright Eyes
If like me you were one of the unlucky few that didn't manage to buy tickets for Conor Oberst and co at Oran Mor, then you can console yourself with this free download of his new track "Haile Selassie" (via Pitchfork).

The Last Battle
This freebie was originally pencilled in to go up at the start of the year, the only downfall was that the band went and got so popular that they ran out of free downloads to offer. I guess they must have shifted a few more albums as they've posted their new year treat/single, '365 Days' up for you all to download for nowt. What a luverly bunch they are.

Esperi
Not one, but two freebies from our Olive Grove stable in one post, god we really do spoil you lot.
If you sign up to Esperi's mailing list you will get a track from his forthcoming album.

Zefs Chasing Cara
On Wednesday I had the last of my series of Ones To Watch in 2011 posts with an interview with the amazing 'Finn Le Marinel'. If you'd were paying attention then you might well have noticed that he suggested an array of artists that we check out, one of which was Zefs Chasing Cara. If you head over to their Myspace you'll find a couple of EPs for free download.

Vasquez
This freebie was supposed to go up last week, but somehow I must have missed it in my bookmarks. Thankfully though it wasn't lost for good, so here it is in all of it's glory it's a free download of the latest EP from the Edinburgh post-rock outfit.

Penguins Kill Polar Bears
I still haven't quite made my mind up about whether or not this one of the worst or best band names on the go at the moment. Either way the Edinburgh rock outfit certainly seem to be making some pretty massive waves in their homeland. Their song 'Lungs' is free for you to download here.

FOUND
Not long now until the amazing new album from FOUND, their album launch shows look set to sell out pretty soon. So if you haven't already bought yours, then I would suggest you get that sorted as soon as. As for this weeks freebie, I've not a clue what it will be, it'll be good that's all I can tell you for certain. Download it here.

Japandroids
Featured as one the influential Seattle Radio Station, KEXP's 'song of the day', the Vancouver outfits song 'Heavenward Grand Prix' for free here.

Oh! Canada
We love Line of Best Fit, so we do. We also love their regular compilations that they put out showcasing an array of amazing talent from Canada. They're now on to their 14th Volume, a wee corker it is too, download it here.

Dave Hughes
'This was supposed to be a Hogmanay Single, but things happened and this got delayed. So, instead, I'm putting it up here as a free download. Two tracks, a band demo of The Replacement and a B-side of an older track called Midnight Walks. Download it here.

French Wives
Carrying on with their theme of a giving away one of their B-sides every week, the amazing French Wives have posted up a free download of 'Hyndland Weather Bear' in the tenth of their Homefires freebies. The song originally featured on their Me vs. Me single which was released in June of last year. Download it for free here.

BRONZE
This is the new band from Ian Menard and Charlie Davis, formerly of Detachment Kit (French Kiss Records.)Based in Brooklyn NY, they've just made their debut EP available to download for free.

People, Places, Maps...
I am not going to say too much about these guys as they will be featuring as one of my Fresh Meat bands in a few weeks time. All you need to know for now is that their self-titled single is free to download here.

Feelies
It's been a long time since we've heard anything from New Jersey postpunk, the Feelies. Their last album 'Time for a Witness' came out way back in 1991. Now they're making a return and they've made new song 'Should Be Gone' available to download (via Pitchfork).

My Satellite Music
Free download of the first single Mirrors of the new Depths EP.

Sun Dogs
This freebie tip off comes courtesy of our friend over at Traffic Cone Musi, who pointed me in the direction of this free download of Sun Dogs track 'Miwersa'

A Torn Mind
Livingston prog rock band, A Torn Mind, have made their new single 'Mindless Obsessions' available to download for free.

I Build Collapsible Mountains - Fresh Air Session

Track Listing
1. Easily Led
2. History Making
3. Jump The Blue/Where We Go Tomorrow
4. Quickest Exit
5. Rails

Download
Found In Sound

Scots Way-Hay: Ones To Watch in 2011 #4 - Finn LeMarinel

So by now pretty much all other sites have finished with their tips for the year ahead, not me, I like to stretch these things out. Milk the fucker for all it's worth I say, next week we'll be returning to normal Scots Way-Hay action, which is pretty much structured in exactly the same format as these 'Ones To Watch in 2011' posts.

To finish things off I have gone with Finn LeMarinel, an artist who I have known about for a few years now, but that was purely down to him being the frontman of Scottish 'math-rocker' outfit Trapped in Kansas. His solo material is somewhat different to his 'day job', in that he is more akin to the legendary RM Hubbert with his 'tipsy-tapsy' guitar strumming. Funnily enough, Finn has just signed up to Hubby's label, Ubisano, which makes a lot of sense I guess.
His debut EP, 'I'm Through' which came out last May, clearly shows that Hubby's post-rock flamenco sound has been a massive influence on Finn. This of course is a massive plus point in my book, add to this his luscious sounding voice and you've got quite an amazing sound. Anyway, I think that's enough of my ramblings for one week, here's Finn to tell you a bit more about himself.....

Would you care to introduce yourself?

Finn LeMarinel. Human. Male.


What inspires the music you make?
I find inspiration a tough word to link in with my music, I see it more as fulfilment of a need. I see writing music as a way offsetting a sort dull bruise on my skin that continuously makes me aware of its presence with a familiar but relentless pain. I need the bruise and the bruise needs me, sometimes when I'm writing music the bruise will become the antithesis of itself..much like when you invert a picture on photoshop. Suddenly the bruise becomes pleasant like its releasing endorphins. Its a rush. That is why I write music. I sometimes also write about family and relationships..that happens.


What artists do you feel that you have an affinity with?

I listen to lots of music..there are lots of artists..hmm..I sense that I might have to involve a list...lists are boring though. The two artists I’m listening to most the moment are Cast Spells and Joanna Newsom..they are my favourites, I reckon. My dad had (and still has) a really cool c.d collection..my mum used to live abroad so I used to tirelessly make her mixtapes by recording tracks from c.d on to tape, I took these mixtapes very seriously..the spaces inbetween tracks where verging on surgical precision..two seconds every time, all the time, no excuses. I planned out the track order of the tapes in my notebook while laboriously listening through every album my dad owned. I loved doing it, I gave every album a chance, and even if the first eleven tracks were utter shit there was a chance that the twelfth track on the album might fit the mood perfectly..I couldn't guarantee it, but why take chances. It was through this process that I started to realise that all music had value (in that it was worth listening to and taking something from) even if it was manufactured or surface value..It still had value. So to answer the question I feel I have an affinity with anyone who makes music whether they are masquerading as an artist or not. Having said all this..sometimes music just doesn’t connect with me..apart from funk..I only listen to funk..exclusively.


For people out there that have never heard of you, why they should they check you out?

The fact they have never heard of me should be reason enough...people should be curious of new things, otherwise..what's the point.


What do you enjoy more, playing live or being in the studio?

I've been in studio quite a lot recently with my band and that’s been really fun. As for which I enjoy more.. I don't know..they are completely different reptiles I reckon, if I was forced to go with a particular species it would probably be an iguana for recording and a crocodile for playing live.


Your debut album is coming out on RM Hubbert's label, Ubisano, how did that come about?

I've been a total fan boy of Hubby's guitar playing for ages..I then met him through Halina Rafia (who is brilliant) and he turned out to a real nice guy. He asked me recently if I wanted to release an album through his label Ubisano, which he runs with John and I said yes please, that would be amazing and..rad. I'm really excited


The music you make with your other band, Trapped In Kansas, is quite different to your solo stuff, do you find it easier working on your own or do you prefer having bandmates around you to bounce ideas off?

First of the Kansas stuff that is available is a lot older, I feel I've moved on since then and I think the new Kansas material will show that process, the solo stuff I have recorded is a little bit further down the line..but still relatively old. I find it easier working alone, it’s what I’m more used to. Trapped in Kansas is a beautiful thing I reckon, it’s changed my life for sure and I think it has of the other members to. What we do is very much a group effort and I hope the music we make, disregarding whether other people say it’s good or not, is honest and of course interesting. I feel at the moment I am at an exciting period of time for both Kansas and my solo stuff, I’m excited anyhow. If again someone forced me, possibly at gun point, to assign an animal to each project I would say my solo stuff was probably a border collie while Trapped in Kansas is most definitely an emperor penguin.


Are there any new up and coming artists that you would recommend I check out?

Right for this one I'm going to shirk responsibility and just use a list: Zefs Chasing Cara, Carson Wells, So Many Animal Calls, Pensioner, Vicki Cole (one day she will record her songs), Verse Metrics, Run Lucky Free, The Darien Venture, Its All Happening, I Build Collapsible Mountains, Esperi, Randolph's Leap (who I have a suspicion you might be aware of), Amber Wilson, Let's Buy Happiness There's loads and loads more, my memories a sieve


What can we expect to see and hear from you in 2011?

Music I hope..lots and lots of music.



Finn LeMarinel - Is This All They Are

Finn's EP 'I'm Through' is available to download through iTunes and you can also stream it on Spotify. You can catch Finn playing live supporting RM Hubbert at the Arches on the 26th of February. Tickets are on sale here.

Home
Facebook
Myspace
Youtube
Bandcamp

Song of Return - Ally McCrae Session (24/01/11)

Track Listing

1. The Story of A Cell
2. Shackles
3. Concentric Lines
4. Black Sails

Download

Presenting: The Peenko Sessions #3 - Ghost Pants

Last week we had the first in the double header of Peenko Sessions with Burnt Island's session recorded live at the Hidden Lane Cafe. This week we have part, featuring the awesome Ghost Pants who were not only playing their first ever session, but it was also their debut live performance. For me personally it felt pretty special being their 'first', even though I couldn't see much of their set as it was so rammed that I had to stand at the bottom of the stairs. Thankfully though we had Sean and Boab on hand to record and film it all, so I can now sit and reminisce about what an awesome evening we all had.

Track Listing
1. Fortress
2. Light
3. Soft Skull Holes
4. An Enemy
5. Scratch
6. Grab

Download

All of the Peenko Sessions are recorded by the very talented Sean McCann from 'Light Up Glasgow Skyline'. If you're looking for someone to record and produce any of your songs then he comes very highly recommended, also he's a cracking fella too.

Hidden-Lane Tea Room
Ghost Pants
Light Up Glasgow Skyline

1. Fortress



2. Light



3. Soft Skull Holes



4. An Enemy



5. Scratch



6. Grab

Peenko Presents: The Tea Party! Featuring Ghost Pants by Seanlugs on Mixcloud

Fresh Meat Monday - Fiction Faction

Would you care to introduce yourself?

David Richards (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals), Paul Mclean (Lead guitar, Vocals), John Paul Dunne (Bass, Backing Vocals) and Graeme Ellis (Drums, Backing Vocals)


How would you describe the music you make?

Post Punk with a mix of electronic and contemporary Indie, we’ve just added a synthesiser to the set-up so yeah its moving more towards an electronic sound and maybe shedding a little of its punk roots. We’re mixing the song styles just now, some slower and more ambient songs recently being written.


How did you start out making music?

Myself David, I was always into music since my early teens, first came DJing for years but I also had a guitar, and always wrote songs. Then the home recording revolution unfolded and I bought Cubase and a Keyboard, kind of in the mind to make purely electronic music, meanwhile I did a degree in Commercial Music so naturally ended up around bands a lot. So I fancied a go, started a pretty bad band but luckily met Ellis through that. He'd done the Scottish Pipe band thing plus played in a couple of bands. We then couldn’t really find anyone for a while that was committed but through an advert in McCormack’s Music shop found Paul and JP. They’d been in loads of bands and covers bands for years; they’d even been impromptu and one night only members of ‘Monkeytribe’. They had a good back catalogue of songs and ideas too.


What process goes into the way you write songs?


Sometimes one of us has a song in a skeletal form and we bring it to the studio, sometimes we have bizarre jams that songs then just seem to spring from. Paul and John Paul have an 8 Track, they've had it for years, they have tracks and ideas they can’t even remember recording but they often lead to songs. It’s an Aladdin’s Cave. We all pitch in with the writing though, Ellis might come and grab my guitar and say how about this, Paul might take John Paul’s bass and say what about that. I write all the lyrics in story forms and fit them to the music after, the other guys sometimes help with delivery ideas and how best to match music and words.


What can people expect from your live shows?

Recently we’ve built the set to have more fluidity, intro tracks, and continuous mixes between songs. Cut the banter, because frankly we’re shite at that and just really try to make as many good sounds as possible in a half hour or so. Things have become a lot more methodical and tighter. We try to work the dynamics just now too, so maybe you’d hear our quietest song followed by our fastest. Overall, exciting we hope!



What are you all listening to at the moment?

I’m obsessed with Soft Cell and Sonic Youth right now. Contemporary music though, I’m enjoying Egyptian Hip-Hop, Warpaint, Foals, Crystal Castles. Paul’s listening to The Bunnymen and XTC, but then The Kills one minute, Tinchy Stryder the next, a real eclectic mix. Ellis loves his 90’s Indie like Blur and Pulp and John Paul’s listening to Arcade Fire as well as many of the above, but again I think we all listen to a lot of 80’s and 90’s Indie and electronic music, on rotation really. Marquee Moon lasts the exact time it takes to get over to the studio so that’s been the car favourite.


What can we expect to see/hear from you in 2011?

First we release a single ‘Apparitions’ with 17Seconds Records on January 31st. It’s our first release so we’re really focussed on that. It has a Nevada Base remix on the b-side of our song ‘A Fair Escape’. We have the single launch the Friday before at The Admiral; we’ve got the gig running as a kind of one off club night. So bands on later, support coming from Chris Devotion and the Expectations (ex The Elvis Suicide). Some of us DJing after as well as guest DJ’s. Then we play Club Fandango on the 1st February. Then a summer E.P is in the pipeline, we’re going to put some varied songs on including previously recorded songs and some brand new tracks, yet to be recorded. Try to show what an album could shape up like. Some festival action possibly, hopefully further radio support from Lamacq, Vic Galloway and Tom Robinson and see how the year goes. I think we are all more excited than ever though and that’s very much because of the new material that’s being written.

Apparitions by fiction faction

Myspace
Soundcloud
17 Second Records

Introducing - Hey Marseilles

Photo by Hayley Young

Would you care to introduce yourself?

My name is Sam Anderson. I play cello for the band.


How would you describe the music you make?

A combination of old and new world sensibilities summoned from our instruments to tell a story. Our instruments of choice for the 7 members are the accordion, cello, drums, guitar, trumpet, viola, and vocals.


What process goes into the way you write songs?

It is a democratic process that decides the final outcome, but there are core ideas consistently brought to the table by three band members. Nick(guitar), Philip (accordion/keyboards), and Matt(vocals/guitar). Idea sex happens and the song is born. We record a lot of different versions of a song in its early stages, the song also changes over time as we play it as a band. We do not limit ourselves to our instruments of choice when we write.


Who are your big musical influences?

We are all influenced by music from the past as much as music from our peers, and there is a broad range of influences from member to member. I come from a classical background so I have an ingrained appreciation of a wide variety of classical composers. I have a great thirst for music from the 60's and 70's. Dr. Dog and animal collective come to mind as my biggest contemporary musical influences.


What kind of influence do you feel that where you come from has had on the music you create?

We come from a bunch of friends getting together in a basement to make some music, and that has always been the biggest influence on the music we create.


What do you enjoy more touring or being in the studio

The two together is the best! We recently started experimenting with recording on the road and it resulted in this video. In the future we plan on recording on the road more often and with a better setup. The studio for us is not a place that we necessarily have to "be in" and we intend to use that to our full advantage for this next record.


My blog predominantly features bands from Scotland, why should my readers make the effort to check you guys out?

There certainly are a lot of great bands in Scotland, but if you check us out and our music tickles your mind, you'll be happy you gave it a chance.


Are there any other bands from your neck of the woods that you would suggest I check out?

Seattle has a giant throbbing volcano of a music scene right now. A couple of local artists doing great things right now are Shabazz Palaces, The lonely Forest, Damien Jurado, Thee satisfaction, Fleet Foxes, The head and the heart, and Band of Horses.


Lastly, what does are the future plans for Hey Marseilles, what are the chances of seeing guys playing a Scottish show next year?

We will be releasing a new album in 2011. If it is good enough, we will likely end up playing in Scotland. I'm feeling like the chances are pretty good but we will need all the help we can get from our Scottish fans. My hope is to be meeting some of you soon!

Hey Marseilles - Rio

Home

Peenko Presents: Kid Canaveral SXSW Fundraiser

Last night saw my former partner in crime Jim 'Ayetunes' putting on his first gig on his own and by all accounts it sounds like it was a resounding success, well done that man. Sadly I couldn't make it along as I was on babysitting duties, as much fun as it was sitting in watching mindless television I would have much preferred to have been down at Stereo seeing some find bands and gorging myself on free biscuits.

For my first 'solo gig' I have decided to start off with some familiar faces. For those of you who don't already know, our good friends Kid Canaveral have been chosen as one of the bands to go out and represent Scotland at this years SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. As I am sure you are all aware, getting there isn't exactly cheap. So when they approached me about putting on a fund-raising show in Glasgow, it pretty much felt like a no brainer.

On Thursday the 24th of February we'll be hitting up Stereo in Glasgow, we've even manage to rope in former De-Rosa front man, Martin John Henry and Randolph’s Leap for the evening. As always it would be great if you could make it along to send Kid Canaveral off in style. In the unlikely event that you need some more persuading here's a few words from the band that'll twist yer arm...

"Kid Canaveral need some pennies to get to South By SouthWest. They tried battering Pudsey, but he only had small change. And no pockets. Come along and help get the Kids to the New World. Go on. Bring your friends for a top night of music. It won’t be like a telethon. Honest."

By now you are probably thinking that sounds awesome, where do I get tickets. Well help is at hand as tickets are on sale now, you can buy them directly from the band over on their Homepage or you can also get them from Tickets Scotland, both online and instore at the Glasgow store.

If you're into your Facebook malarkey, then you can also let us know that you're coming along by noting your attendance here. Last, but certainly not least thanks to the amazing Vicki Cole for designing that there pretty poster, yer a wee star!


Kid Canaveral-Left and Right (Vic Galloway Session)

We've Got It Covered #35

This weeks cover comes from Kilsyth's finest sons the Twilight Sad and their version The Wedding Present's 'Suck'. Originally featured as a b-side to 'Seven Years Letters', as opposed to the usual wall of noise that we've come to expect from the 'Sad, this little acoustic number is a cracking wee cover.

The Twilight Sad -Suck (the Wedding Present cover)

Friday Freebies

Chemikal Underground
If you haven't already signed up to Chemikal Underground's mailing list, then you clearly haven't paid a blind bit of notice to anything I say. Not that I can blame you for not listening to me, but in all seriousness you really should sign up. So before you start festing on this weeks freebies go and sign up here. Just so you know what freebies you missed, this month they added some free tunes from new signing RM Hubbert and anew tune from Zoey Van Goey. You can download both songs here.

Freelance Whales
There are now two singles from the amazing Freelance Whales up for free download, their first second single, “Day Off” is available for free download here , while their first single, "Enzymes" is also up for grabs here. As if that wasn't enough, if you head over to their homepage you'll find a free download of 'Generator 2nd Floor'.

Sleeping Bag
This freebie came courtesy of a tweet from Paul Carlin, so cheers for the tip mate. I have toyed with the idea of doing a freebie of the week for a while now, but I can never quite make my mind up. This week it would be between the French Wives freebie below, and this download frm Sleeping Bag. I am not going to pretend that I had heard of Sleeping Bag before, I am not hipster enough for that anymore. All I can say for certain is that they've certainly caught my attention with this catchy lo-fi pop tune. Hopefully I have done enough to perk your interest with my ramblings, if you've come this far then you are in for a treat. Fuck it, all you need to know is that you can download their song 'Slime' for free on their Bandcamp. Awesome stuff.

El Hombre Trajeado
This previously unreleased collaboration with Mick Cooke, was recorded as part of the much missed Glaswegian post-rock outfits Saccade sessions. They thought it was too happy for their record. You can ownload it here.

30lbs of bone
On Wednesday I tipped him as one of my Ones To Watch for this year, now that Friday has come round it's time to share this recent show recorded in Leipzig, Germany available for free on Woodland Recordings (scroll to the very bottom of the page). There are also a whole load of other free recordings up for grabs on there, so tuck in.

Mike Watt
The punk legend has a free download of his new song, “Arrow-Pierced-Egg-Man” available for free download here.

Kowalskiy
His Korner may well be a distant memory, but my blogger mate Kowalskiy is continuing on with his awesome series of EP's from the best of Scottish music. In this his 7th in the series of monthly EP, he's lined Amy Duncan, eagleowl, The Colourful Band, Lonely Tourist and Lovers Turn To Monsters. Now that's quite a line up, you can download it for free on his Bandcamp.

French Wives
As I said already, this is my joint favourite freebie of this week (seeing that written down makes me sound really childish doesn't it?), I am not going to deny that I am a massive fan of the French Wives. It was this song that actually got me into the band in the first place, it's a cracking wee pop tune. It's called 'Dogfight' and you can download it for free on their Myspace as part of their series of Homefires posts.

FOUND
I've not a clue what this weeks freebie from the FOUND boys is going to be, I can however, tell you that tickets for their album launch went on sail this week. If you haven't already bought yourself one, now's the time to get your skates on as early bird tickets are only at £4. The ticket price will rise to £5 on 1 February, £6 on 14 February and will be available for £7 on the door. So get 'em while you can, also in case you were wondering the album is awesome. On with the freebie, as I said before I've no idea what it is, all I know for sure is that you'll find it on their Bandcamp

DeVotchka
I don't think I could name any songs from DeVotchka apart from the one from the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack. I am pretty sure that I would really like them as well. If I needed a starting point, a free download might be a good starting point. So now that their new song, '100 Other Lovers' is available to download on Stereogum, I might well have to do some more swatting up.

Jeniferever
'Waifs & Strays' is available to download for free here.

The Dodos
Having just announced a European tour that finishes up in Glasgow, just now would be a good time to get yourself re-acquainted with this duo (actually are they still a duo? I haven't been paying attention recently). You can download new song 'Drone 2' here in exchange for your email address.

Cold War Kids
Has anyone heard their new album yet? I am not sure if I am going to bother after the shambles that was their last album. Freebie-wise, RCRD label have posted 'Mine Is Yours (Passion Pit Remix)' download it here.

The Mountain Goats
Here's a band I have heard a lot about, but never bothered to listen to. They seem to get a lot of hipster gets knickers in a twist, if you're one of these people then you might be interested to know that you can download new song “Damn These Vampires” via Stereogum.

Waterson
Scottish electronica artist Waterson celebrates this year ’s Burns Day festivities with a specially recorded version of ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ which you can download for free on his Facebook page.

Parts & Labor
The title track from their new album is available to download for free, it's called, "Constant Future" and you get it here.

Ashley Park
Aberdonian singer-song writer has posted a whole load of material for free download on his Facebook.

The Burns Unit - Marc Riley Session (19/01/11)

Track Listing
1. Running Through The Fields
2. Round And Round
3. Send Them Kids To War
4. Open Road

Download

Mogwai - Vic Galloway Session (17/01/11)

Track Listing

1. Hasen Heide

2. Letters To The Metro

3. Rano Pano

Download

Scots Way-Hay: Ones To Watch in 2011 #3 - 30lbs of Bone

Photo by Stephen Burch

It might seem a bit of an odd choice for me to be choosing 30lbs of Bones, aka multi-instrumentalist, Johny Lamb, as one of my tips for 2011. For one his latest album, 'Method' came out last year, plus he doesn't sound particularly Scottish, but ever since Al from Armellodie sent his album over to me a few months back it's slowly worked it's magic on me. It's the kind of album that will undoubtedly grow in popularity as word of mouth spreads. I think that's enough of my ramblings for one post, as I don't think anything I say will really do this justice. So here's Johny to tell you a bit more about himself and his music....

Would you care to introduce yourself?

My name is Johny. My real name is Thirty Pounds of Bone.


What inspires the music you make?

Places, situations and people. I like to give things that can’t speak voices, like the island that sings on ‘Island’s ode to the itinerant’. But of course, they are all thinly disguised love songs…



What artists do you feel that you have an affinity with?

I’d like to say Harry Parch but that makes me pretty cocky, him being a genius and all. But what I mean is that I’ve always written quite intuitionally (whatever that means), but as I get older, I feel like there should be, or is, some sense of musical purpose. Like I am actually trying to do something.


For people out there that have never heard of you, why they should they check you out?

Because I write songs properly.



You've just released your new album, 'Method', through Armellodie Records, how did you end up signing with them?


After I did an EP of sea shanties for Woodland Recordings, Armellodie got in touch. I said no of course, but they sent me a number of beautiful gifts. When I received a particularly good bottle of port, I caved in and gave them an album.


What do you enjoy more, playing live or being in the studio?

I love touring. I don’t like real studios, but I’m very much at home with all my stuff. I have a nice old ½ inch reel to reel tape 8 track now I have a lap top too, and a bunch of instruments. I suppose I’m happiest when left alone with my toys and no people. Does that sound misanthropic?



Are there any new up and coming artists that you would recommend I check out?


Bygrayvpartyynmyryghtarm I love them. I think they might change their name though…



What can we expect to see and hear from you in 2011?

Some UK gigs, I think I’ll try to make an EP. Some kind of little release on woodland recordings too. And a couple of collaborations in the pipeline. Oh, and the King James (a collaboration between me and the diamond family archive) album is out in January.


30lbs of Bone - Crack Shandy in the Harbour



30 Pounds of Bone's latest album, 'Method' is available to now through Armellodie Records. You can catch him playing live at Bloc in Glasgow alongside the Scottish Enlightenment and Ranolph's Leap on Friday the 18th of February as part of the series of Barmellodie gigs. The following night he's through in Edinburgh playing at a Song By Toad night at the Wee Red Bar alongside Rob St. John.

Twitter
Facebook
Myspace
Armellodie Records

Paws - Ally McCrae Session (17/01/11)

Track Listing

1. Salem
2. Ariel
3. Summer Wipe Out
4. Winners Don’t Bleed

Download

The Burns Unit - Live at Celtic Connections

The Burns Unit - Tupperware Pieces

The BBC were foolish enough to let me go along and review the Burns Unit live at the Fruitmarket on Sunday. Yes, I know I am being a bit of a hypocrite doing reviews for other sites when I don't do them on here, but seeing as it took me fecking ages to type it up I will be continuing to abstain from attempting to critique music. If you fancy having a wee read of my review just follow this link, I am not promising you anything too amazing. Although there are some awesome pictures up there from my friend Claire, so go and admire them instead.

Fresh Meat Monday - Blinding Sunlight

Would you care to introduce yourself?

Blinding Sunlight are Paul Doucet and Paul Johnston. We are based in Glasgow.


How would you describe the music you make?

We make psychedelic music. As we use analogue and digital instruments, and even occasionally acoustic instruments, the complexion of the music often differs from song to song, but the overall impression is consistently psychedelic. We enjoy drones and repetition.


How did you start out making music?

Paul Doucet: I bought a toy sampler when I was fourteen, and started to write songs. This taught me that you didn't have to be a musician to make music. I've been writing songs ever since.

Paul Johnston: We met at Pure (JD Twitch's club in Edinburgh) and immediately hit it off. We discussed making music together, but didn't get round to it until a few years ago.


What process goes into the way you write songs?

There is no set process. Sometimes one of us will come up with a melody. Sometimes it is a riff. More often it is a sound that one of us has created that we feel is unique and captures the feeling of what we are trying to achieve. We are both interested in astronomy and it is quite incredible the inspiration one can find by looking at the night sky. The opening track on our album 'Vyudh' is ostensibly about the constellation of Orion.


What can people expect from your live shows?

Many of the songs from our album but re-contextualised and presented in a different fashion, with a strong visual element. We don't want to regurgitate the songs as they appear on the album. To do this would mean that people would essentially be watching two men standing behind banks of machinery. At the moment we are limited by both budget and personnel (there are only two of us) but we are working towards something that will hopefully excite people.


What are you all listening to at the moment?

Paul Doucet: Mountains, Emeralds, Arp, Cluster, Steve Reich, Prins Thomas

Paul Johnston: John Coltrane, Voice of the Seven Thunders, Sergius Golowin, Walter Wegmuller, Suicide


What can we expect to see/hear from you in 2011?

We have recently been remixed by GK Machine and have collaborated with local film-makers Mark Davitt and Shug Nicholson. We really enjoy collaboration and have learned a lot from working with artists from other disciplines. Hopefully, 2001 will see us working with an even more diverse group.

Blinding Sunlight - Colder

Myspace
Soundcloud
Against It Records

Presenting: The Peenko Sessions #2 - Burnt Island

Out of all of the gigs that I helped to organise last year, this was probably the one that was the most memorable. Not just because it was the only one that I was sober at (only because there wasn't a rider for me to steal), it was down to a number of different factors. The unique beauty of the Hidden Lane Cafe where the gig was held, the panic of finding out 24 hours before the gig that we didn't have a working PA and the shear awesomeness of both bands.
If you've ever been to the Hidden Lane Cafe then you'll be able to appreciate quite how small it is, so I am still pretty amazed that we managed to squeeze over 30 people into a space that small. Bearing in mind that we still had all of the band's equipment, the tables & chairs and all of the equipment that Sean, who recorded and edited all of the recordings, needed.

As it was our first venture into recording Peenko Sessions in a live setting, it made sense that we ask two bands to play. Having already sounded out Rodge from Burnt Island if he would be up for being our guinea pig, I later discovered that he was friends with Paul Carlin (of Dananananaykroyd fame), who had also been recording his own wee side project of lo-fi recordings under the moniker of Ghost Pants. Paul had roped in some friends and was looking to start playing live, so I thought it was too good an opportunity to miss. I asked him if they fancied making their live debut at 'The Tea Party', and thankfully they said yes.

This week we have the Burnt Island session, and you can download all of the tracks from the show below. If you keep scrolling down then you can find videos for all of the songs, apart from the last track 'Friends' which we don't have any footage of as the song was played in total darkness.
If you scroll to the very bottom of the page there is a stream for you to be able to download the whole gig in full.

Track Listing

1.Timeless Colour

2. Fun Thing
3. Man On Fire
4. The Year Of Open Doors
5. Hiding Out
6. Headphone World
7. Nightwatchman
8. Music And Maths
9. Friends

Download

I would also like to to take this opportunity to say a few thank you's. Firstly, to Kirsty for letting us come in and take over her beautiful little tearoom. The aroma of her home baking was much more enjoyable than your average gig where all you can smell is stale sweat.

Thanks to all of Burnt Island and Ghost Pants for coming in and for recording sessions for me. Burnt Island's mini album, 'Music & Maths' just sold out on CD last week but you can still download it. It comes very highly recommended. I will be posting up the Ghost Pants recording next Monday, so make sure you come back then for more awesome tunes.

A massive thanks to Boab from Campfires in Winter for being my knight in shining armour, as it was him who came to the rescue by providing us with a PA at the very last minute.

Lastly I have to thank the very talented Sean McCann from 'Light Up Glasgow Skyline' who records and edits all of this for me. If you're looking for someone to record and produce any of your songs then he comes very highly recommended, also he's a cracking fella too.


Hidden-Lane Tea Room
Burnt Island
Light Up Glasgow Skyline

Timeless Colour

Fun Thing


Man On Fire


The Year Of Open Doors


Hiding out


Headphone World


Nightwatchman


Music and Maths

Burnt Island - Live At The Hidden Lane Cafe by Seanlugs on Mixcloud

Presenting: Barmellodie

Next Friday is a going to be a busy wee evening in Glasgow for gigs, at Stereo my good mate Jim has gone solo and is putting on his first ever 'Ayetunes Presents' gig with Boygirlanimalcolour, Kochka and Trapped Mice. Tickets are only £3 in advance and £5 on the door.

After that's all finished it will be time to head up to Bloc for the first in the series of nights beng put on by Armellodie Records. Cleverly billed as 'Barmellodie', this 6-month residency sees the label putting on a series of gigs showcasing acts from their roster plus an array of local talent. The night will also feature guest DJ spots from local bloggers and tastemakers as well as resident ArmelloDJs spinning tunes right through to the wee hours on the third Friday of each month.

Kicking it all off they have Battery Face, Le Reno Amps and The Douglas Firs, plus they have Phil from Elba Sessions spinning some tunes too. If you're going along make sure you buy Phil a drink as he's just become a dad for the first time. The first band should be kicking off around 11pm, after which Al and Phil will be spinning tunes till about 3am. Entry is free until midnight, after which entry will rise to a whopping £2. It should be a pretty epic night considering everyone that they've got involved. Further details can be found here.

Le Reno Amps - Never Be Alone

The Douglas Firs - The Quickening

Battery Face - Lurch

We've Got It Covered #34

This week cover comes courtesy of Unkle Bob and their take on the Beatles 'She's Leaving Home'. I decided to post it this week as the band have just announced that they'll be heading out to Austin for this years SXSW Festival. If you head over to Dear Scotland you'll find a definitive list of Scottish artists that are crossing the pond to show off what an array of talent this wee nation of our has to offer. A friend once described SXSW as being equivalent to Disneyland for indie kids, so I'm pretty gutted that I can't make it out there this year. Fingers crossed for 2012!

Unkle Bob - She’s Leaving Home (Beatles Cover)

Friday Freebies

This weeks freebies was sponsored by the letter J. J is for Jim. Jim is also known as Ayetunes (or the ginger bunny) and he very kindly tipped me off about a lot of these freebies. For that I am very thankful and so should you be.

Mogwai
Scotland's finest post rock outfit are set to release their new album, ' Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will' next month. If you can't wait that long then you're in luck as you can now download "San Pedro" from it here.

Findo Gask
The electropop outfit might well have called it a day, but all is not lost as they've posted up their single 'Go Faster Stripe' for download on their Bandcamp. It's not necessarily a freebie, it's one of those pay what you want downloads, whether you decide to pay is up to you. Just make sure you download it, as it's a corking wee single, from a sadly missed band.

Withered Hand & Woodpigeon
Edinburgh's finest, Withered Hand sets off on UK tour with Canadian artist Woodpigeon later this month, in celebration of this they've posted up this cover they did together of Velvet Underground's 'I'm Set Free'.

The Head And The Heart
No sooner had I tipped the Seattle outfit as one of my ones to watch in 2011, then the next thing you know they've signed up to Sub Pop in the US and Heavenly for the rest of the world. Yes, that's right I am taking all the credit for it, or perhaps not. To celebrate this awesome news they're giving away a free download of their song 'Down in the Valley' on their website.


Pablo Eskimo
The Glasgow outfit posted this cracking wee video of their song Dot Dot Dot yesterday, in celebration of this momentous occasion they've made the song available to download for free. Just follow this link and use the code code fl8u-5mm3. Hey presto you've got yourself a free tune.

FOUND
Last week we had FOUND doing a wee remix of King Creosote, this weeks freebie sees Kenny returning the favour. Awesome stuff. As if that wasn't enough they've also made a cracking wee remix featuring an array of artists including Bon Iver, Silver Columns and Malcolm Middleton, download it here.

Evening Chorus
For those of you with good memories, you might remember that I had the Evening Chorus as one of my ones to watch in 2010. The Welsh folk outfit might not have quite become house hold names, but they still released some pretty amazing material. This year they look as if they're going to be at it again, their new single 'No Wreath, No Crown' is sounding pretty fucking awesome to me. Download it for free here.

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
The New York experimentalists return to the UK in April for a joint tour with Rival Schools, not an evening to be missed. To mark their return RCRD LBL have made their new song 'Weight of the Sun' available for free.

French Wives
Some of you might have noticed that I have really been enjoying my weekly free downloads from those lovely French Wives. This week they've posted up their cover of Passion Pit's 'Sleepyhead' recorded for the Beeb at Rockness. I don't know for certain, but I am pretty sure that they must have downloaded it from this here blog and now here I am posting a link to download it elsewhere. I am sure there's a certain degree of irony in there too. The 'Wives have just announced a full Scottish tour for next month in support of their new 4 track EP, 'Feel Safe Small', which is due out on Mon 21st of February.

Beneath Us The Waves
This freebie came in just at the last minute, courtesy of our friend Neil Milton who goes under the name of Beneath Us The Waves. He recently came across track that he had almost no recollection of recording. Being the kind soul that he is, he's stuck it on bandcamp for folk to take if they want to.

Old Monk
The exciting new Brooklyn lo-fi outfit have made their new single 'Butter & Toast' available to download for free on their Bandcamp.

On Volcano
My partner in crimer, Jim AyeTunes posted about this Finnish band earlier in the week, if you fancy checking out what made him decide to post about a non-Scottish band then you can download their new EP for free here.

The Soft Collapse
Brookyln anti-folkers, The Soft Collapse have made their album 'Little Songs' available to download for free on their Bandcamp page, rather beautiful it is too!

The Deloreans
Download 'American Craze' from their Bandcamp.

Young Circles
Their EP 'Bear Bones' is free to download on their Bandcamp.

Male Pattern Band
Male Pattern Band stuck their first EP up as a free download here

Cheer
Techinically not a freebie, as it's one of those pay what you want downloads, either way you can find 'Breezes in the Abyss' a new album for Cheer on his Bandcamp.

Bedroom Problems
There are a whole load of freebies up for grabs on their Bandcamp.

Conquering Animal Sound
RCRD LBL have a free download of Conquering Animal Sound's remix of Sea of Bees’ “Wizbot”.

The Boosts
Colin Frasers(ex-Jyrojets singer/songwriter) new project have put their first EP online for free at this link.

Aerials Up - Vic Galloway Session (10/01/11)

Track Listing
1. Superglue
2. All Your Mother's Daughters
3. Cloudbusting (Kate Bush cover)

Download

Scots Way-Hay: Ones To Watch in 2011 #2 - Happy Particles

The second act that I have high hopes for in 2011 are Glasgow seven piece, Happy Particles. Formed by members of Remember Remember, they first came to my attention at the tail end of last year, thanks to Halina from the Glasgow Podcart. She suggested I check them out as she thought they were pretty special. I think the phrase she used was something along the lines of "you're going to spaff when you hear them" and spaff I did. It was the song 'Infinite Jet' that I heard first, having come across a link to download it from RCRD LBL. I must have listened to the tune on repeat an unhealthy number of times, for most of December it was pretty much all I listened to on my way to, and from work. Intermixing elements of shoegaze, prog-rock and even a touch of pop, Happy Particles are a band that excite me a lot, I expect big things for them this year, I'm sure they won't disappoint.



Would you care to introduce yourself?

We are Happy Particles from Glasgow, Scotland. Steven does guitar and vocals, some occasional drones. James does keyboards, saxophone. Al does guitar and bass. Ricky plays guitar. Gordon is on drums and percussion. Graeme plays bass mostly and sometimes piano.


What inspires the music you make?

Pretty much everything going on in our lives really. Friends. Childhood memories. Other music. Thematically a lot of the little stories are about being slightly dislocated from society in some way, that could be either physically, emotionally or financially. Or event's described from different points of view at the same time. Some sort of attempt at neutrality of observation is probably the biggest inspiration. I'm always left cold with music (or any other art from) that is really direct and demands specific reactions from the listener/audience.


What artists do you feel that you have an affinity with?

Any other artists who just need to make music/Art to exist, to keep sane. To make something special for the sake of it. I think you can really hear it in peoples music when they are coming from this perspective. Local artists i would point out like this would be, Alec 'Cheer' (he made the video for a song of ours called 'a.m. sky' but is also a prolific sound artist) . He has released a ridiculous amount of amazing material, quietly for the last few years. Another would be RM Hubbert. He started stripping things back for his solo work, musically and also the actual environment of the show itself, making it more personal. He has started to get more recognition in the last few months which is really exciting because of where it's all coming from originally, totally humble, stark but mind blowing music. Historically i suppose band's like 'Low', 'Codeine' or 'Red House painters' would be references, both musically and the fact they had the guts to write and explore their own distinct musical world without fear of not making money or whatever.


For people out there that have never heard of you, why they should they check you out?

I'm not sure really, i don't think that's really our job to tell them why. I guess we aren't really here to sell anything, if you happen to hear us and you like it then that's amazing. If someone finds our music years from now by accident and it becomes an intimate part of their life then that's all you can really ask for. When someone finds out about us is pretty meaningless from our point of view, as we can only really write and hope for a bit of luck. Most of the music that has come to be dear to me has been either a happy accident in finding it or the artist is either penniless or dead. Cheery, haha. I think the only thing i could say as a 'selling point' is that it is pretty much uncompromised from what we set out to do.


Is it true that you have already recorded an album? When can we expect to see it coming out?

We have recorded 99% of our album. We spent about 9 or 10 days in total on it but spread out over about 7-8 months. So it seems like it has taken us longer than it actually has. We basically are being recorded by a friend (Robin Sutherland) for extremely cheap as we have no financial backing at all. It should be mixed by the end of January and after that we shall just send the whole album out to some labels we are fond of etc. If that fails we might just end up releasing it ourselves but fingers crossed we get a good response.


What do you enjoy more, playing live or being in the studio?

I personally like both when it's going good but they can be equally horrid experiences. Most of the album was written before we went into the studio, so it was basically painting by numbers for us in there. Having said that, we have had our moment's of nearly killing each other in the studio and that never happened until that situation came up. It can be very difficult psychologically for all involved, especially if you care so much about the thing, which we all do.


Are there any new up and coming artists that you would recommend I check out?

If you like anything such as 'Tim Hecker' or 'Stars of the Lid' i would check out a local band called 'No Comet' who just played with us. Findo Gask aren't new and have in fact split up but i hear they may release their album soon anyway. I've heard it and it's one of the best things that has come out of Scotland in years. So keep and eye out for that. We are all in other bands too so i would shamelessly plug them, Tangles, Stapleton, Remember Remember, Prayer Rug. All amazing obviously ;o)


What can we expect to see and hear from you in 2011?

Our album hopefully, 'Under Sleeping Waves'. Fingers crossed.

Happy Particles - Infinite Jet



Facebook
Myspace

Am Sky from Alec Cheer on Vimeo.