Scots Way-Hay - The Artists Albums of the Year 2011 (Part 4)

With the New Year fast approaches, here's the last in my series of Artists Albums of the Year for 2011. To finish off the year we have some pretty fine choices from the likes of Aerials Up, Inspector Tapehead, Miaoux Miaoux, Woodenbox, The Seventeenth Century, Edinburgh School for the Deaf, Ghost Pants and Sojourner.

Villagers by Becoming a Jackel chosen by Debbie Kate (Aerials Up)

On a bored cold winters night I was on the hunt from some good auld irish music to soothe my soul... and that I found. Villagers, just one Conor O Brien's latest album 'Becoming a Jackal' is a masterpiece in itself.

Bored of a similar sound that seemed to be seeping out of every radio station I found comfort in this unique gem. Playful lyrics, haunting piano, random sporadic sparseness (Track 5: HOME) and a strange comforting eerieness puts this album into its own mini genre. Conors fragile vocals make you belive you really are apart of his ghost like adventure from start to finish, similar to that of 'Bright eyes' or 'Elliot Smith'. A truely unique piece of music.


Thurston Moore by Demolished Thoughts chosen by Chris (Inspector Tapehead)

There have been quite a few albums that have captured my imagination released this year, but none more so than the latest release from Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, which still blows me away each time I hear it. As an album it hangs together beautifully, with the same sparse arrangement of guitar (6-string and 12-string), double bass, violin and harp used throughout. A drum kit is heard only once, with subtlety and to great effect towards the end of album opener ‘Benediction’, which is about as perfect a ‘Side One Track One’ (to use High Fidelity parlance) as you’ll ever hear. Those familiar with Sonic Youth who haven’t heard any of his solo material to date may wonder how this stripped-backed instrumentation will suit Moore’s noisy avant-garde sensibilities. Most of the album is in fact quite serene if a little brooding, but at times he’s managed to channel that same intensity into these full-on folk-ish songs without ever having to reach for the distortion pedal(s), making it reminiscent of Sonic Youth without ever sounding much like Sonic Youth. The instrumental second half to ‘Circulation’ is a perfect example of how you can grind out that tension through writing alone – it’s a persistent cycle of well-worked discords built up on guitar and violin which occasionally but briefly resolve onto a major chord, providing some very sweet moments in the midst of a disorientating sequence. It’s a really breathtaking passage of music. Many songwriters will tell you that what they’re trying to achieve with their work is a balance of being simultaneously listenable and original, familiar and unfamiliar. It’s a tricky thing to pull off, but with ‘Demolished Thoughts’ Thurston Moore has given us nine songs that are often catchy but most assuredly far-out. It left me with the feeling that it could only be made by someone of his vast experience.

Interestingly he is helped along the way by producer Beck ‘Beck’ Hansen, who gives the album a lush, detailed and spacious sound which fits the tracks. Along with his other production job this year (‘Mirror Traffic’ by Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks), Beck is proving himself to be quite a distinguished producer. Both albums sound quite glossy but still have a lot of character, which is some feat.

My other favourites from this year include the releases from the aforementioned Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, Vetiver, Jonny, Jonnie Common, City Center, Ry Cooder, Mist, Julian Lynch, Los Campesinos! and Gruff Rhys.

Build a Harbour Immediately by Adam Stafford chosen by Julian (Miaoux Miaoux)

This record really knocked me out. It distills everything that was great about Adam's work in Y'all Is Fantasy Island, and splices it with his live-looping prowess to amazing effect. It's like a pop record that slowly melts and disintegrates - kicking off with awesomely catchy 'Fire and Theft', but by the time you get to 'A Vast Crystal Skull', you're seriously questioning your perceptions of reality and space-time. A huge progression for Adam, and as an album and artistic statement, it's unbeatable this year.

Florida by the Felice Brothers chosen by Ali (Woodenbox)

I was excited for this one coming since yonder is the clock is a mainstay on our stereo. Celebration Florida is a beautiful unpredictable record which keeps throwing new things at you with every listen. It has a real attitude. The standouts for me are ponzi and honda civic which mix up amazing horn parts with modern beats and amazing piano parts. This record will still be a highlight of 2012.


Ashes & Fire by Ryan Adams chosen by Ryan (The Seventeenth Century)

It is no secret among my friends just how much I love Ryan Adams, but it is also well know that records a lot of what comes in to his head, puts it on an album, and releases it. Therefore it's no surprise that since his first release with Whiskeytown, "Faithless Street" in 1996, he has released another 15 albums, along with a selection of EPs and books. So as you can imagine, with that much going on, a lot of the stuff somewhere in the middle gets a bit hazy, especially when only a couple of years ago he had started up some heavy metal project that never seemed to take off.

But to get the point, amongst a lot of crap and some fillers, Ryan Adams always delivers for me, because there's always those 4 or 5 gems per record, at least! But there have been just generally good albums like "Heartbreaker", "Gold", "Love is Hell" and so on, and I will gladly add "Ashes & Fire" to that list...

"Ashes & Fire" is already for me a classic Ryan Adams album as it reminds me of listening to "Heartbreaker" for the first time, with country songs and folk songs, stripped back arrangements for a more intimate feel, I just love it. After thinking in 2009 he had completely packed it in due to a hearing problem, he brought it on home nicely with this record.


The Other Half of Everything by Martin John Henry chosen by Mike (The Seventeenth Century)

I was always a big fan of De Rosa and was sad to see them split having put out 2 really good, strong albums. So when I heard Martin John Henry was releasing a solo record I was looking forward to hearing where he could progress his sound too without the help of his former band mates. On hearing the finished product I was both impressed and surprised. The album contains a wide range of styles from electronic to acoustic based songs. All of these are married together perfectly by Martin's familiar Scots-tinged vocal. What is apparent on this album is that Martin Henry still has an incredible ability to write catchy and interesting melodies. Songs like 'Ribbon on a Bough' and 'Span' are toe-tapping and energetic whilst 'I Love Map' and 'Seventh Song' are both atmospheric and thought-provoking. The haunting 'There's a Phantom Hiding in My Loft' is a perfect album closer that leaves the listener longing to hear more from this extremely talented and prolific songwriter.


The Whole Love by Wilco chosen by Andy (The Seventeenth Century)

Wilco are a strange band, you either don't really get them or are totally obsessed. I'm obsessed. I think they're a band where you don't know what to expect from each record they release. The new Wilco album has a bit of everything: Standout tracks include 'I Might' which is a great rock tune and uses a sample of The Stooges' song 'T.V Eye', the grass root/country tinged 'Capitol City' which echoes back to the bands original roots, the catchy ' Born Alone' and the beautiful finale 'One Sunday Morning' which is a simple, yet inspiring folk lament telling the story of a strained relationship between a father and son that clocks in at around 12 minutes. The melody is so strong though that it could easily go on for longer, a superb ending to one of Wilco's better albums. I don't think they'll ever hit the high points of albums such as Being There or Yankee Hotel Foxtrot but it's up there. It's not a perfect album, but it showcases that the bands creativity and willingness to experiment are still strong, 17 years into their career. I also saw them live at the Royal Concert Hall in October and they were incredible, probably one of the best bands I've seen live. Jeff Tweedy has that ability to draw the audiences attention and Glenn Kotche is an unbelievable drummer – very creative but doesn't overplay.

I also really enjoyed the Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat record 'Everything's Getting Older'. It's a really daring record – there's truly beautiful and thought provoking songs such as 'The Copper Top' as well as filthy, Arab Strap-esque tracks like 'Glasgow Jubilee'. Superb.

Youth Lagoon's record 'The Year of Hibernation' was also a little gem that was released this year. Only 8 tracks long, but every song is a beautifully structured lo-fi pop cracker. Beautiful, simple melodies with Trevor Powers' dream like, soft vocal makes for one hell of a record. He's only 22 years old as well. Bastard.


Constant Pageant by Trembling Bells chosen by Mark (The Seventeenth Century)

I have chosen Trembling Bells - Constant Pageant as my album of the year, I have been following them since i saw them support vetiver in stereo in February of 2009 where they out shone the main act with no space for rebuttal, from then on i have bought all there albums each one a contrast to the next. there latest LP is quite far removed from there earlier material preferring a popier sound but still being true to there alternative roots. the track "otley rock oracle" has the band delving in to a kraut rock style repetitive and extremely interesting song that melts quite naturally to goathland which has the feel of a stately waltz. the closing track on the album is called "new years eve is the loneliest night of the year" is a rousing yet melancholy look at the lonely side of the festive period which was also released on 7" single with one of my greatest influence's bonnie prince billy singing it in December of last year further more it is a great album and i would recommend it to anyone who has lost there faith in Glasgow music.


Days by Real Estate chosen by Nicholas (The Seventeenth Century)

It is easy for fresh faced bands to suffer from the dreaded 'Second Album Syndrome', symptoms include chain smoking, Ren and Stimpy blood shot eye balls, severe sweating (that turns my curly locks into a Sly Stone afro) and a stressful sprawl of lyrical flimflam that I pass off as music. However, the boys from the New Jersey band, Real Estate, are an exception from this unfortunate standard.

They released 'Days' in October this year through Domino Records, and compared to their self-titled debut album, they've flourished from the lo-fi 80s pop band feel (Felt, The Go-Betweens, The Chills and the like) into their own form of stoner surf rock, but still maintaining the roots of their influences.

Martin Courtney's chilling vocal takes a more prominent place as a distinct melody maker for the band, with a soothing Kelvin Shields touch but with a ghostly Mark Kozelek twist to muster feelings of nostalgia that makes you sit-down-and-sigh rather than get-up-and-go. The opening track 'Easy' does just that, a great opening hit, fitting for any day regardless of the weather, which is what the whole album seems to incline. The instrumental track 'Kinder Bluemen' stands out as a more wintery dream , perfect for your typical December Scottish weather or an emotional O2 advert.

My favourite track has to be the hazy 'Green Aisles', which I think should have been placed neatly in the middle of the album, because it expresses the reminiscence at its best, like the 'days' when your BMX was your best friend and being covered in muck and dog shit. It's what you want to smile and look back on. But coming from Wishaw, my fondest memory was being chased by 2 grown men called Razz and Purp, but Real Estate capture their fond memories from their hometown better than how I ever could.

Wild Flag chosen by Grant (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)

I like the Wild Flag record because you never really get enough chances to hear women of a certain age having fun in music. Women usually drop or are dropped by the wayside or are bent into a paraody of some benignly, demented witch or else sexually aggressive and more cod-sophisticated facsimile of their younger imagined self. You never seem to hear a gang of women, as apposed to girls, cracking opening some cans, having fun and making a deadly and life affirming noise. They also remind me of Slumber party and a bit of the Organ, two great touchstones.

The Eno record with the poet guy was great when it was great and when it was bad it plunged the utter depths of middle England smoking a spliff while cleaning away the dinner party dishes. How can you close your eyes and see Angels on one track and Jamie fucking Oliver on the other? However `pour it out` was my song of the year.

936 by Peaking Lights chosen by Jamie (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)

I thought long and hard about this, as there has been so much good this year - Balam Acab, Police Acadmey6, L.W.H, The Soft Moon, Lorelle meets the Obsolete, ICEAGE. Nothing very mainstream, that's not to discount it, but there's been nothing of note, it seems to be moving at glacial pace into the realm of the bland.

My album is 936 by peaking lights.

It's not an immediate album, rather one that eventually ends up worming it's way in after a lot of plays. What was an early evening listen bled through to the morning,to the afternoon, until it was almost ubiquitous.

I have also loved pretty much everything the Captured Tracks label has released this year too


$o$ by Die Antwoord chosen by Alex (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)

Album of year - real estate - days or ducktails - arcade dynamics, blood orange - coastal grooves.
MikoJohn Maus - We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves
Ashley - Vivian Girls - Share The Joy. Really though, I have been listening all year to the Die Antwoord album even if it is from 2010.

Diaper Island by Chad Vangaalen chosen by Paul Carlin (Ghost Pants)

All the best things come from Canada. I swear it's true. Chad VanGaalen is one of those things. Diaper Island arrived as spring was, well, springing and completely knocked my socks off from the first listen. It's the most cohesive-sounding album CVG has ever made and owes a fair bit to 'Public Strain' by Women (which CVG produced) in that it's stark, awkward and clanging. The songs, however, are some of the sweetest this man has ever written. CVG has such an ear for melody and an incredible sense of space. It's a wonderful record and, in Peace On The Rise, he wrote what is probably one of my favourite ever songs. All of Chad VanGaalen's records are sprawling, delightful and diverse. What he brought to the table with Diaper Island, however, was an ability to control the dark and light in his music and it's barely left my stereo all year.


Snowglobe EP by Jesca Hoop chosen by Grant (Sojourner)

Much like the e.p i’ll keep this short and sweet. When i went to see the Eels earlier in the year i found myself listening to a woman who had lovely hair and a lovely voice. This woman was Jesca Hoop. Subsquently i listened to her Snowglobe release and i througholly enjoyed it. I won’t go into too much detail about every song and the like but the whole thing has been recorded very well and sounds fantastic .The first track ‘City Bird’ is a great opening track to the e.p and the rest plays through with ease and no unnecessary production. I should have been listening to her years ago. Hopefully it will be your cup of tea as well.

Friday Freebies

Laki Mera
I have to admit that Laki Mera had until recently completely passed me by, however, have to hearing them record a number of session they've somewhat turned my head with their electronic folk-pop. If you haven't already checked them out and you want to give them a chance, you can download a remix of their song How Dare You by signing up to their mailing list here.

DJ Shadow
Californian hip-hop artist, DJ Shadow has just released his new single 'Warning Cell' which is taken from his forthcoming album 'The Less You Know The Better'. It features the elusive Tom Vek and you can download it for free by clicking 'like' on Facebook.

Lisa Hannigan
In the run up to her much-anticipated second album, ‘Passenger’ next month, Folk Radio have posted up new song 'A Sail' for free download on their website.

Ghost Pants
Not content with his duties as the drummer in Dananananaykroyd, Paul Carlin has been busy working away on his solo project Ghost Pants. Having already released a series of cracking EPs and singles which he gave away for free, now he's just posted up his first ever Ghost Pant's album 'In Ochre'. I guess it's not much of a secret that I am big fan of this lo-fi side project, so it should come as no surprise that I have been enjoying this album a lot this week (well since yesterday at least. You can download it now via Bandcamp, it's one of those pay what you want deals, so it's up to you if you want to part any cash.

Pioneers Of Anaesthetic
One thing that I am really open to is recommendations of artists that I should check out, in the past few months a couple of folk have suggested that I check out Steven Cossar aka Pioneers Of Anaesthetic. Having listened to a shed load of stuff on his SoundCloud page, I have pretty much been listening to his stuff none stop this week. You can make your own mind up whether his music is for you by downloading his 27 track album (they're very short songs) 'Freak Past​-​Tense Despatch Hatch (Ocula)' for free on his Bandcamp page.

Pearl Jam
Next week sees the release of Cameron Crowe's Pearl Jam documentary which marks the bands 20th anniversary (fuck that makes me feel very fucking old). In the run up to it's release the band have made their song 'Ole' free to download here.

Run Lucky Free
At the start of next month Edinburgh indie four piece, Run Lucky Free release their new single 'The Factory', as a wee pre-cursor of what you can expect you can download a free acoustic EP from their SoundCloud page.

Kowalskiy
Bloody hell time really does fly by, I can't fully believe that Mr Kowalskiy is now up to his 15th EP. This month he's got another cracking wee line up (no surprise there then), this time roudn he's got free tracks from Will Hanson, Adopted As Holograph, Capitals, Hold The Suspect and Trapped Mice. You can download all of these tracks for free via his Bandcamp.

Where We Lay Our Heads
It feels like ages since i have posted anything from Glagsow outfit, Where We Lay Our Heads, not that they haven't been up to much, it's just that I am a bit rubbish at keeping on top of things these days. If you're out and about tomorrow they're supporting I Am From Barcelona at the Arches in Glasgow. In anticipation of the gig they're giving away their track 'A Collapsed Lung' for free in exchange for a tweet/facebook post.

Laurence Made Me Cry
It's not very often that I pay attention to up and coming music that isn't Scottish, pretty much because I just don't have the time to anymore. However, occasionally I do pick up on bits and bobs that trickle through. This week I have been listening to a lot to Cardiff folk singer, Laurence Made Me Cry, aka Jo Whitby, her The Rain Song EP is up for free download on her Bandcamp and it's well worth checking out.

Drunk Mule
I had meant to post this up last week, but that's not to say that it's not worth checking out. I am not 100% certain where Drunk Mule are from, I somehow have the idea they're from Fife, but then again I might well be talking pish. One thing I can say for certain is that there's a whole host of stuff up for grabs on their Bandcamp, if you like good time bluesy rock, then this should be right up your street.

Friday Freebies

As so many folk complained a couple of weeks back when I had to miss a week of Freebies, I am typing this up on a Wednesday which is a bit unorthodox for me as it means I'll probably miss a tonne of good stuff out. Fear not though as that wee annoying bunny eared fecker will duly point them out. I do have good reason to have an excuse as we put on the latest Peenko session last night, which we will hopefully be bringing to you shortly. Anyway, lets get this show on the road and get on with this week freebies.

Monoganon
This could quite possibly be the greatest freebie I have ever posted, I shit you not. Yes, in the past I've posted links to some pretty amazing free EPs and singles, but this is a while album and it's fucking amazing. The album is called 'Song's To Swim To' and it is already one my favourite albums of 2011, I still can't quite fathom that they're giving it away for free.

FOUND
Alas all good things must come to an end, by my calculations this weeks FOUND freebie will be our last a their amazing new album 'factorycraft' is due on Monday. They'll also be celebrating the release with a gig at the Captains Rest on the same day. Personally I can't wait, hopefully I'll see a few of your beautiful faces there too. As for the freebie, you'll find it here, just mind and buy the album you won't regret it.

Robin Pecknold
Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes fame recorded three acoustic songs a couple weeks ago in LA with his friend Noah and he was kind enough to share them with us all. One is a duet with Ed Droste from Grizzly Bear, one is just a new solo jam, and the last one is a cover.

Ghost Pants
I don't really hide my liking of Ghost Pants, for those of you who haven't been paying attention the band originally started as the solo project of Dananananaykroyd drummer Paul Carlin. They're now a four piece and I was even lucky enough to have them as my first guinea pigs when we had our first ever live Peenko sessions back last year. You can watch the videos and download the recordings at the top left hand-side of the screen there. Having given away numerous EPs and singles, they're now offering their new release 'Error b/w Hit' as a pay what you want scenario. So if you're conscience can take it you can download it for free here.

Song of Return
Having risen from the ashes of Union of Knives, Craig Grant and his boys have regrouped and are making something of triumphant return under the guise of Song of Return. They apparently played a storming set at Tuts last Friday, a welcome return indeed, plus if you sign up to their mailing list they'll send you a couple of free MP3s.

Admiral Fallow
Their amazing debut album, 'Boots Met My Face', is set for a re-release at the end of this month in a plush new sleeve, if you haven't already got a copy then get that sorted. The updated version of the album includes new song 'The Sad Clown Cast', to make up for all of those folk that have already bought the album they've made the song free to download.

Trapped In Kansas
Ayr's finest, Trapped In Kansas have posted up three acoustic version of their songs for free download on their Soundcloud page. Sounding good boys, sounding very very good.

Battle for 2nd Place
The Glasgow four piece recently recorded an acoustic version of their song 'Damage that you've Done' for Balcony TV in Dublin. To mark the performance the band have made this song and current single 'Say it ain't So' available for free download from their website. While you're at it, if you sign up to their mailing list they'll send you a download link for their song 'Sense of Self.

Wild Beasts
If you go and click 'like' on Facebook, Wild Beasts will give you a free download of their new song 'Albatross,' the first single from their forthcoming album 'Smother'.

Okkervil River
Stereogum have a wee exclusive free download of new Okkervil River song 'Wake and Be Fine', just follow the link.

Datavus
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Datavus frontman Danen Francis Sloan relocated to Edinburgh and formed this exciting new indie-folk outfit. Their single 'All Stands Still' is free to download on their Bandcamp, if this song is an indication of what's to come then they're certainly going to be ones to watch out for.

The Strangers Almanac
I must admit that since The View broke through to the mainstream, that I have been naive enough to tar all bands from Dundee with same brush. Only now do I feel realise the error of my ways, recently we have had an abundance of talent to emerge from the City of Discovery, including Olive Grove's very own Esperi, the rock-tastic Pensioner and now we have another wee gem in the form of The Strangers Almanac. Their single 'Whale Watching For Beginners' is a joyous little number, that harks back to the 60s & 70s with it's chilled out vibe, lovely stuff.

Art Brut
You can download new Art Brut song, Unprofessional Wrestling, here in exchange for an email address, a Facebook 'like' or your soul.

Young and Lost Club
There are an array of free downloads up for grabs on Young and Lost Club's website, including tracks from ExLovers, Young The Giant Noah & The Whale and Gold Fields.

Three Trapped Tigers
The band are giving away a track taken from their forthcoming album 'Route One Or Die'. Get 'Cramm' here in exchange for your email address.

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

Scots Way-Hay - The Artists Albums of the Year (Part 1)

As it's that time of year when every man and his dog is drawing up their end of year album lists. I thought it would be a fun idea to ask some of the bands that have done interviews for me this year as part of my Scots Way-Hay, to tell me what their favourite albums of 2010.
Kicking it all off we have Call To Mind, Eagleowl, Ghost Pants, I Build Collapsible Mountains, Miss the Occupier, Seafieldroad and the Son(s) telling us a bit about what was floating their boat in 2010.

'Deerhunter - Halcyon' Digest

chosen by Paul Carlin, Ghost Pants/Dananananaykroyd/American Men

"I got into Deerhunter by accident about three years ago and remember walking around in the sunshine listening to their album 'Cryptograms' a LOT. They've steadily become better and better since then and this new album, Halcyon Digest, is, by far, their most concise and complete collection of songs to date. They've somehow managed to come up with a body of work that has a 4-track recorder for a heart but is significantly more shiny on the outside. Everything that Deerhunter has done up until now has culminated in this great album and in Desire Lines, they've written pretty much the perfect indie rock song. There's perhaps less ramshackle charm on this record compared to their earlier work but when the songs are THIS good, who cares? Halcyon Digest is darkness and light in equal measure and a fine starting point if you're new to the band"

'Marnie Stern by Marnie Stern'

chosen by Magnus Hughson, Miss the Occupier

"The basic idea of taking the none-more-metal musical technique of guitar shredding and placing it within the context of non-metal, quirky, Deerhoof-ish songs with sweet vocals was refreshing enough on Stern's first two albums. Here she expands on this massively with the epic For Ash, the bruised Transparency Is The New Mystery, and the understated The Things You Notice. With lots of awesome choruses and riffs in between. For what it's worth, the rest of my top ten albums of 2010 list is as follows: Quasi, The Fall, Manic Street Preachers, Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, Neil Young, M.I.A, Kristin Hersh, Emma Pollock, and Scout Niblett."

'The Phantom Band - The Wants'

chosen by Jamie Ross, Call To Mind

"We were lucky enough to play one of our first gigs opening for them. It's really pleasing to see a band who've taken their time and done things their own way deliver a really solid first album. With The Want's though, it shows a definite step forward: diverse, more grooves on there, lots of melodies.. You can tell they don't take themselves seriously, but at the same time it's a more intense record than Checkmate Savage. They've really stepped up in terms of song craft, and we've all got a different favourite track ('The None of One' being mine just now). Weird and lovely sounds + weird and lovely blokes to boot"

Field Music - Measure

chosen by Bart, Eagleowl

"This was released way back in February - but it's one I've kept coming back to all year. Field Music always floor me. I guess they're very much a musician's band. The two brothers - the songwriting core of the band - are really proficient, both musically and in terms of the production. It's amazing that they can create such interesting rhythms and structures, have such intelligent lyrics, and yet still retain a real sense of fun. Still keep it so light and accessible. It always seems like they're having the time of their lives, despite the complex nature of the music. This came after a three year break from Field Music. And where most bands take time out to concentrate on other things, or have a rest to recharge the creative batteries, Field Music spent the intervening time concentrating on two side project 'solo' albums - School of Language and The Week That Was. And still had time to write this rather stunning double album. It's as impressive as it is expansive. I think their secret is economy. There's 20 songs, but only one breaks the 4 minute mark. They're never afraid to experiment or play around with ideas, but it's always within the confines of a pop song. Also they always seem to take influences from the most unlikely, most unfashionable places (prog rock, 80s pop), and turn it into something that sounds, for want of a better word, really cool. They're really quite an inspiring band"

St Vincent - Actor

Andrew Eaton, Seafieldroad/Swimmer One

"There are two albums I've had pretty much on repeat this year -Everything Everything's debut, and Actor by St Vincent. If I had to pick one I'd go for Actor. It's called Actor because in every song she plays a character in a different imaginary movie. So the words are very evocative and the music is very cinematic - there are shades of Michael Nyman, Ennio Morricone, Yann Tiersen, Ryuichi Sakomoto and David Arnold, but it's never just pastiche. It’s audacious, unpredictable, really inventive and ambitious in the structure and arrangements, and every song has its own distinct atmosphere. I love it"

Admiral Fallow - Boots Met My Face

chosen by Luke Joyce, I Build Collapsible Mountains/The Gothenburg Address

"I've been a fan of this bands music for quite some time starting back when they were Brother Louis Collective. They were one of the few bands that I knew after the first live show i saw that they were going to be moving on to great things. They took their sweet time mind you. A few years later and a name change in tow, they finally released their awesome debut album for all who had been patiently waiting. The high expectation was easily met. The songs had become favourites from hearing them live so it was Christmas come early to get them in hard copy. The album is being re-released next year and i have no doubts it will find its way in to many a new fans hand"

John Grant - Queen of Denmark

chosen by Karl, the Son(s)

"I must admit there are songs on here I habitually skip but it's also the album I've listened to the most this year, from it's release and still now. Fireflies, Caramel, Marz, Sigourney Weaver.... I love those songs. They seem so naive and unforced. I think you can hear that it is music recorded without an audience in mind, as if it was made to be listened to just by the people who recorded it. I like that here. It came out months ago and it's not spent a week unplayed"

Weekly Round Up (07/11/10)

Monday - Fresh Meat Monday came from the fabulous Marthas and Arthurs
Tuesday - I had a couple of sessions from the Twilight Sad and Broken Records
Wednesday - the plant pot-tastic Ghost Pants were my 40th entry into the Scots Way Hay club
Thursday - again more sessions, one from Frightened Rabbit and a classic session from the Delgados
Friday - as always there was a vast array of Freebies to be found, including a whole host of stuff from our very own Olive Grove starlets, Randolph's Leap. Plus there was also a wee session from the Burns Unit
Saturday - more Frabbit, with a live recording of them in New Orleans, plus Swimmer One took on a Kate Bush classic in We've Got It Covered


News, gigs and any other gubbins......


So the dust has barely settled after Friday's AvP gig and already I'm back pestering you to get off the sofa and join me for another wee gig. Taking place at the Hidden Lane Cafe in Glasgow, the evenings entertainment comes from two cracking bands, Burnt Island and Ghots Pants (who will be making their debut live performance). If you are planning on coming along then make sure you either let us know on Facebook or send me a wee email to peenkoblog@gmail.com to confirm your attendance. The place is tiny, so make sure you let me know you're coming in order to guarantee entry.




Technically this isn't until next week, but it's getting a wee mention to give you all plenty of heads up. Next Sunday, No Dancing takes place in Stereo and they have a cracking we line up in store for you all. Check this beast out, Withered Hand, Ambulances, Bronto Skylift and Galoshins. I know that the poster above says Q without U are playing but they had had to cancel but in their place they got Bronto Skylift. It's an eclectic line up to say the least, Bronto on the same bill as Withered Hand, now there's a bill I never imagined seeing. Fair play to the organisers for having the balls to do something a bit different.

Scots Way-Hay #40 - Ghost Pants

I always find the first line of these introductory pieces to be the hardest part, and this week was a lot harder than most. Trying to get any of you lot to pay any attention to me is difficult at the best of times, so for me to convince you to listen to the side project of a drummer who wears a plant pot on his head is going to be pretty tricky. Trust me though it's worth it. Honest it is.
In case you don't already know, Ghost Pants is the side project started by Paul Carlin of Dananananaykroyd and American Men fame. Back in May he released his first Ghost Pants EP, 'Analogue Hearts' as a free download on Bandcamp. If you haven't already checked it out, then I would urge you to do so as it's an awesome wee EP filled with a whole lot of lo-fi loveliness.
For me personally it takes me back to a time when I had just left school and I had just discovered the wonders of seeing Urusei Yatsura at King Tuts every other month.
His second EP, 'Static Hearts' followed swiftly after in June, raising the bar higher once again. Now with his latest EP 'Active Hearts' just released, and a full band behind him, Mr Carlin has decided to 'release the beast' as he and the rest of his cohorts will be making their debut live performance at next weeks inaugural 'Peenko Tea Party'. As for why he chooses to sport a plant pot on his napper, you'll just have to read on to find out...

Would you care to introduce yourself?

Greetings, my name is Paul, I'm possibly 32 by the time this goes to print and I'm a musician in a few bands.

How would you describe the music you make?

It's definitely lo-fi, at least in nature. I grew up on the idea of home recordings... Thankfully, now I have a pretty great laptop that simplifies the recording process, but still allows me to indulge in my deepest, darkest 4-track tendencies. It's basically indie rock with melodies based entirely in the spirit of lo-fi.

How did you come together as a band?

I recently decided that I wanted to start writing songs again after a 5 year break so I picked up my guitar and wrote the first EP in 2 days. The second EP took more time but was effectively a home effort and, buoyed by the lovely things people were saying about them, I decided to put a band together. Steve (bass) is my best pal and has been in bands with me before. I was keen to play with him again because I trust his ability to make magic happen on the low frequencies. Ally and Dave (guitarists) are cool dudes I met in the last couple of years who loved The Go-Betweens (Ally) or Low (Dave) and were better at guitar than me. It all made sense. EP3 was written with a full band in mind... i.e. I didn't layer 39 guitar tracks on all the songs!

How did you start out making music?

Well, I'm a drummer first and foremost. First time I played a drumkit was in second year at secondary school. I played along to some Donna Summer song in music class (no idea why it was Donna Summer - perhaps my teacher foresaw the future) and the school decided I was the next Karen Carpenter. Although before that, I remember arranging six or seven pillows on my parents' bed and whacking them in time along to a Big Country best of when I was about 8 or 9... I was, at least, aware of music from a very early age as my parents are musicians. As for guitar... I was about 15 before I even picked one up and hamfistedly taught myself... I'm still learning! I play 'shapes' rather than chords!

What process goes into the way you write songs?

The three EPs came together very quickly. Analogue Hearts was written in the shower! I just had some guitar riffs in my head and wanted to get them down before I forgot them... I usually write songs by accident... I'll hear a melody or a riff and attempt to make a song out of it. Ghost Pants was originally meant to sound like Trans Am without the synths but it didn't quite work out like that. I think I'm too ingrained in '90s indie rock. I always write the music first and lyrics afterwards. For me, the guitar melodies are far more interesting the stupid lyrics about a dog going on holiday to the beach or Giorgios Samaras scoring a hat trick against Rangers or a Jacobean Revenge Play gone wrong or fancying Danny Dyer (actual lyrics).

Who are your big musical influences?

Gah... where to start? I grew up on Sebadoh, Pavement, Number One Cup, Urusei Yatsura and Lemonheads. Recently, I've been inspired by the success of Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing, only in the sense that I finally realised that the kind of songs I write are songs that people would actually listen to and enjoy... I honestly thought there was no room for lo-fi pop anymore until bands like that started getting press. Lou Barlow, however, is my hero and his Sentridoh albums have been an inspiration to me since I was 15. Also, I love the simplicity of Deerhunter's songs and the way The Phantom Band can make a HUGE song out of one chord.

You’re already in two pretty successful bands, Dananananaykroyd and American Men, how did you find the time to go off and record what was originally a solo project?

This has been a fairly quiet year for Dananananaykroyd so the first couple of EPs were written pretty much as a result of our time off. David, our guitarist, made an amazing solo album, Bird Drums, and Calum, our singer, made a dreamy, lovely EP as Plus Bros. John, our other singer makes brilliant house music as Dolby Anol too. American Men have been pretty busy and that's been great. Cool World, our EP, has done pretty well so we've done several shows... Ghost Pants doesn't really need much attention. The songs just come and I like to record them as I write them... it's sort of an aural music diary or something... if that doesn't sound too pretentious.

I'm going to be crazy busy in 2011 with Dananananaykroyd but I'll still be writing my own stuff in various Travelodge rooms across the country.

There seems to be a bit of a theme with all of your EP’s, with all of the titles containing ‘heart’ and the covers featuring yourself sporting a plant pot on your head. What are you going to run out first pots or words to associate with heart?

Hahaha, well... Active Hearts is the last 'hearts' EP. I've definitely run out of plant pots so that's reason enough to put the 'hearts' thing to bed. I made these EPs all by myself but I've got a band now and, while I'll still write and demo songs myself, I'd really like my pals to play on recordings from now on. I want Ghost Pants to be a band rather than Paul Carlin's Ego Trip 2010. Analogue, Static and Active Hearts were all 'of a time' and I'm proud of all three but I've put that side of my brain to bed. I'm thinking of calling EP 4 'The Last Ever Ghost Pants EP' and then releasing about 7 more. It would be ace to put something physical out sometime. Maybe a 7". I'd really like to rerecord Light and Ghosting and stick them out on lovely vinyl.

There are a lot of hipster bands using ‘ghost’ in their name at the moment, eg, Holy Ghost!, Team Ghost, Glass Ghost. Does this make you just another hipster band then?

Yes. I've only got one gear on my fixie-bike. To be honest, all other bands with 'ghost' in their name can fuck right off. At least Ghost Pants has actual meaning behind it (except I'm too embarrassed to say what it is.)

You’re all set to make your first ever live appearance at the first ever Peenko ‘Tea Party’, what can people expect to see from your debut live show?

We're all PUMPED for this. It'll definitely be a lot more rock-o than what you've heard on the EPs. We'll do stuff from all three, although the latest one (Active Hearts) has songs written with a full band in mind. I'd quite like to crowdsurf during the vocal part of 'Fortress' so if anyone is willing to make this happen, you'd be making an Ayrshire guy's dream come true. Also, I'm utterly delighted to be playing a show with Burnt Island as their frontman, Rodge Glass, is a dear pal and ex-bandmate of mine. They're wonderful and I'm so pleased that the first GP gig is with such a swell band.

What are your plans for the rest of the year and beyond? Do you plan to release any more EP’s in the future?

My head and heart's going to be firmly embedded in Dananananaykroyd next year. I'm truly excited about our new album and the prospect of touring. HOWEVER, Ghost Pants will still exist. I'll always be writing songs. Ideally, I'd like to put out a new EP around February and maybe play a show or two. I'm over the moon with the response to the EPs so far. Seriously, I could not have wished for such awesome reviews. It's a treat to be able to do this and I'm grateful for every opportunity I get. Also, this blog is FUCKING GREAT. Thanks. Bye. X


Ghost Pants - An Enemy

If you fancy catching Ghost Pants then you're in luck as they will be making their first ever live appearance at the first ever 'Peenko Tea Party' at the Hidden Lane Cafe in Glasgow next Thursday (11th of November), alongside the rather excellent Burnt Island. It's a pretty small venue so make sure you get down nice and early to this one, to enjoy some cracking music whilst enjoying a fine wee cup of tea.

Ghost Pants three EP's are all available to download now, the first two 'Analouge Hearts' and 'Static Hearts' are both free, with the latest offering 'Active Hearts' you 'name your price' for it.
If you haven't already check them out, I'd urge you to do as they are officially awesome.

Bandcamp
Myspace

Friday Freebies

Ghost Pants
Paul Carlin (aka the dude from Dananananaykroyd) is back with the third in his series of lo-fi EP's, and you know what, I reckon this might just be his best yet. Sticking with the 'heart's theme, this one is called 'Active Hearts' and although it's down as being free, I asked the man himself if it would be okay to say to folk that they can download it for free, he said 'yes'. What a nice man he is. You can get yourself a copy here. Ghost Pants make their live debut at the first ever Peenko 'Tea Party' next month at a very intimate venue in Glasgow (hint I mentioned this earlier in the week).

Bear Bones
It was only when I added this freebie in did I realise that I probably haven't mentioned Bear Bones on here before. I am pretty sure that I played them on one of my shows on Fresh Air, or at least I intended to, my memory is terrible for these kind of things. Anyway, enough of my ramblings, Bear Bones are Scottish, they write catchy indie folk pop tunes and they also have a wee freebie up for grabs. In December they are due to release a new single through new innovative label, Eli & Oz, as a wee taster of what to expect you can download their song 'Oil & Lacquer' for free here.


The Second Hand Marching Band and Benni Hemm Hemm
You might remember a few months ago that I posted a wee freebie from these two that they had posted in order to promote their joint gig in Aberdeen. Well now they're back giving away even more free songs as a wee taster of what you can expect at their co-headline gig at Stereo in Glasgow on November the 4th. Just click this link to download 3 free tracks.

The Go Team
They're quite possibly one the most fun live bands about at the moment, they're playing at Oran Mor in February and now they have a free track up for grabs. If you head over to their Soundcloud page, then you'll find their new track T.O.R.N.A.D.O which you can stream and download.

FOUND
As will be the norm for the foreseeable future, I have no idea what this weeks free track from those fabulous FOUND kids will be. I can however tell you what last weeks was, yes, I am that helpful/useless, last Friday they posted up a free download of Blood - Grumpy (FOUND's Blood Donation) . Bloody brilliant it was too, I am sure they'll have another corker for you this week, find out by clicking the link.

Gruff Rhys
Remember that rumour that was kicking about a couple of months ago that the Super Furry Animals had split up, thankfully it wasn't true. The band are on a bit of a break at the moment, but that doesn't mean they've gotten lazy, well at least their singer hasn't. He's been off working on some solo material, if you head over to his homepage, then you can download one of his new tracks 'Shark Ridden Waters' in exchange for your email address.

Interpol
I am not too sure how this link came about, but during the week the Pixies tweeted about how they'd played a gig with Interpol in Mexico and because of that they were going to be giving away two free tracks. Confused, then you're not alone.

Freelance Whales
The New York band have certainly been making massive waves this year, sorry that was a terrible pun. No seriously I'm sorry, I can't help being so cheesy. If you haven't already checked them out then I'd urge you to do some much needed catching downloading their track 'Enzymes' here.

Andrew Bird
I have the good folk at the Skinny to thank for this freebie, they RT'd it on twitter (if you don't know what that means I can't be arsed explaining), just right click save this link to enjoy a free download of 'Hot Math' from Andrew's instrumental LP 'Useless Creatures', which is out on October 25th.

Arran Arctic
Scottish musician Nonima has produced a cracking remix of Arran Arctic’s latest single, Interrupt Me! The remix takes the My Bloody Valentine / Kevin Shields / Asobi Seksu elements of Interrupt Me and whips them into a cavernous mish-mash of distorted techno frenzy! Download it here for free.

CMJ
I'm sure that a lot of you are already aware that there is a major music conference/festival taking place in New York this week. Scotland's very own Phantom Band are out there working their backsides off to show America how it's done. Sadly this free compilation that Stereogum have posted up doesn't feature a track from the Phantom's, instead it's got tracks from Marnie Stern, Sleigh Bells and Lower Dens. Sounds like hipster heaven to me.

Gizeh Winter 2010 Sample
Conquering Animal Sound have an awesome new track on the Gizeh Winter 2010 Sampler, also on there are free songs from Sleepingdog and Glissasndo, you can download it here.

City and the Sea
Canadian outfit, City and the Sea's new EP, ‘Leave A Light On’, is up for grabs for free, the band have worked with some of the producers that were involved in records by Feist and Apostle of Hustle. If that sounds intriguing, then you can find out more here.

Epic26
Edinburgh's Epic 26 have posted up their new EP up for free download, all you have to do to get a copy is just follow this link.


Kowalskiy's Komplimentary Korner

For those of you who are more regular followers of Friday Freebies might have noticed that my fellow blogger Kowalskiy has cut back on his regular freebie tip. We agreed that it would probably make sense to have him come back every month to bring you his 'Free Monthly Scottish EP'.
I know I keep saying it, but he does continue to up his game with every EP. This month he as a cracking wee EP featuring four of my favourite Scottish acts of the moment, The Seventeenth Century, RM Hubbert, Randolph's Leap and Zoobizaretta. There's another band on there too, I am probably best not mentioning what I think of them though....

Announcing Peenko Sessions #2: The Tea Party, featuring Burnt Island and Ghost Pants

After the success of the first 'Session' it would seem rude to not do another one. For our second recording we have decided it would be a lot more fun to host them in more of a live setting. As much fun as it was chilling out on Sean's couch, watching Kid Canaveral, it's time for us to get some of you lot involved. So on Thursday the 11th of November, we will be having our first live outing at The Hidden Lane Tearoom in Glasgow. If you've never been there before, then I would urge you to go and check the place out it as it's a cracking wee place to get a cuppa and some home baking - hence the reason for me asking the owner, Kirsty, if we could put the sessions on there. So I would also like to thanks in advance to her for agreeing to let a couple of strangers come in and take over the place for the evening.

So we have the amazing venue all sorted, what about the musical entertainment for the evening.
Kicking off the evening and also making their first ever live outing we have Ghost Pants. Some of you might already be familiar with the name after I mentioned their two free EP's in Friday Freebies. In case you missed it, Ghost Pants is a new side project Paul Carlin of American Men and Dananananaykroyd fame.
Our headliners for our first outing in a live environment will be provided by the hushed tones of the gorgeous Burnt Island. If you haven't already picked up on this band then I urge you to check them out, their mini album, 'Music and Maths' is an absolute corker of a record. As with Ghost Pants, they too have a few free downloads up for grabs, just head over to Wiseblood Industries were you will find a couple of free singles.

So there you have it, two cracking bands, one amazing venue. I would love it if some of you could come and join us for the evening. The night will kick off at 7:00pm, it's £3 on the door and there will be an array of cakes and tea on offer. Just make sure you get down to this one nice and early as this is going to be a very intimate evening.

Facebook Event

Burnt Island - Man On Fire

Ghost Pants - Light

Friday Freebies

Aerials Up
If you were at Snow Patrol in Glasgow on Saturday night, and you happened to be at the wee Guinness stage at some point, then you probably would caught these guys. If not, then now is the time to get yourself acquainted, as hey have posted their song 'Stay Awake' up for free. It's summer-pop-tastic! - yep I know I am cheesy twat.

Mitchell Museum
I don't think I need to go over it again, but round these parts there is a lot of love for these boys. Their new single Warning Bells is out this week, tis a wee corker of a tune, get it bought. They have also posted, not one but six different remixes of the track up for free on their Bandcamp, it includes a re-working of the song by none other than We Were Promised Jetpacks.

Ghost Pants
Having already given away his first EP 'Analogue Hearts' for free, Ghost Pants (or Paul Carlin as his folks know him) is now giving away his new new EP, 'Static Hearts' for zero pennies too (it should be up a bit later today). If the first EP is anything to go by, we should be in for a treat.

The Vaselines
They're back after being away for too many years to count, they've recorded a new album too. As a wee prelude to it's release they're giving away a song from said album, called 'I Hate the 80s'. Good to see they're keeping up with the times.

Healthy Minds Collapse
As I was away last I missed their session for Radio One, which was a bit of a bummer. Thankfully though they're good folk and and they had posted a free download of their song 'Best Intentions' up for everyone to enjoy, you an get yourself a copy here.

Perfume Genius
His album is one of the most striking things I have heard all year, I'm still not quite sure what to take from it. This is mainly down to the fact that his lo-fi sound i delicate, he sings about 'Gay Angels' and an affair with male teacher who kills himself. Yet it's one of the most beautiful things you are likely to hear all year. Hopefully I haven't put you off, go and stream his album here.
Then download his song 'Look Out, Look Out' here.

Islet
The Cardiff-based Quartet have a free download of their song 'Iris' up for grabs over on Drowned In Sound.

The Line of Best Fit
They have posted a free exclusive download of their Social EP which features exclusive tracks from Memoryhouse, How To Dress Well and Visions Of Tree.

Hawk Moon Records
Have posted a wee compilation entitled 'Volume One' up on their Bandcamp page, it features tracks by Beneath Us The Waves, Good Weather For An Airstrike and Inachus.

Tokyo Police Club
You can download a a bonus track called 'First Aid Kit' that they recorded with Luke from Born Ruffians, just click here.



Kowalskiy's Komplimentary Korner

Bottle of Evil
They may sound like a god awful death metal band, but trust me they're not. I'll be posting more on these guys in the future, but for now if you want to check out a band that's been impressing us Scottish music bloggers then head over to lastfm and download their song 'Seize The Day'.

Friday Freebies

Martin John Henry
The ex-De Rosa front man has been working away on his first solo album since the split of his aforementioned band. As a wee taster he is giving away a free copy of his cover of the Beatles, 'Because', all you have to do is click the link.

Trapped in Kansas
The Ayrshire rock sprites have posted covers of Darien Venture and Calvin Harris up on their Bandcamp page for free. Mon the 'Pumped in Venice'!

The Dirty Cuts
For those of you paying attention I featured these guys on Monday in the Fresh Meat feature, if you liked what you heard or you weren't paying attention then now's your chance to do some catching up as Ed from 17 Seconds has sent me over a wee link of a remix by Dino Bardot of their song 'Yummy Mummy'. He also sent me a link for a free download of the b-side to the first single '2 page Spread', it's called 'Lips', and all you have to do is click here. What a sweety that Ed is, sadly I didn't get to say hi to him at the bloggers DJ night. Probably for the best that night as I might have scared him with my hugs/kisses.
Oh and I can't be the only one the keeps wanting to add an 'n' to the band name, right?

Ghost Pants
Ghost Pants, aka Paul Carlin from Dananananannanananananananananananananannananannaaykroyd's, is giving away his Analogue Hearts EP for free on his Bandcamp. Ch-ch-check it.

Song of Return
You might remember them as Union of Knives, we'll things have all been a bit up in the air lately. Still it's good to have them back, there has been a bit of change in personnel but the tunes are still mighty fine. If you sign up to their mailing list they'll send you two MP3's, cracking deal in my eyes.

Deathpodal
Another member of the Fresh Meat club giving away stuff this week is Alastair J Chivers, aka Deathpodal. He recorded a new song at one his friends flat warming parties which he's decided to share with us all. It's called 'Flat Squash' and it's free to download on his Soundcloud page.

Michael Ashford
Our friends over at Sonic Reverie Records have posted a free download from Shrewsbury based Michael Ashford, if you like your ambinet piano based music then this is for you.

Invisible Elephant
As if one freebie wasn't enough, the Sonic boys and girls have also put up a free download of the new Invisible Elephant EP, 'The Lights Go Out'. If you like bands like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, then this should defo float your boat.

Yuck
Hotly tipped shoegazer London four piece have a few songs up for grabs on their blog, you hipster that want to have been into them first can get yourself some free downloads here.

Silver Columns
I know I had a freebie from this 'mysterious duo' last week, but hey I'm excited about hearing the album. An Astronomer remix of their forthcoming single 'Cavalier' is up for grabs over at RCRD LBL.

Firebrand Boy
The lo-fi electronica artist has songs about Queens Park and Albert Avenue (a street on which I once lived) has a posted his new 'Glasgow EP' up for free download.

Junip
Jose Gonsalez, mind him? aye the guy that had the song on that advert with all the bouncy balls/cover of the Knife's 'Heartbeats'. Wondered what he's been up to lately? Probably not, but I am going to give you a wee update. He's been off recording with his old band Junip, there should be an EP in the offing sometime soon. As a taster, "Rope and Summit" from it is being given away for on the bands homepage.

The Coral
Mind those cheeky scousers, they had a fair few catchy numbers, then they kind of disappeared up their own arses/were no longer deemed fashionable (you decide). I thought they were gone for good, oh how I was wrong, they're back and they are giving away the 'Butterfly House' from their new album for nowt.

dems
Edinburgh based, one-man lo-fi pop outfit outfit, 'dems' has posted new song 'Jarndyce vs Jarndyce' up on his Bandcamp. Catchy little number it is too, get in about it here.

The Unwinding Hours
In their monthly(?) email Chemikal Underground send you a wee link to some freebies that they've posted, if you haven't already signed up then I suggest you get that sorted straight away. The latest freebie on offer is a download from the Unwinding Hours tour EP which they have a few copies left for sale in the Chemikal shop. An acoustic version of their song 'Traces' is up for free download, along with a whole host of cracking tunes, get stuck in here.


The Doctor Will See You Now.......

Kowalskiys Komplimentary Korner

Dr Dog
As some of you out there might already know, our good friend David 'Kowalaskiy' became Doctor Dave this week. So once you've finished gorging yourself on all of these freebies make sure you hit his site and congratulate him. We're all 'very pwoud' of you you kidda!
Anyway, he's dug up a large number of Dr Dog freebies for us, the legend that he is!