John Cale is, without a doubt, one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century. Not only was he a founding member of the Velvet Underground, working alongside Lou Reed to create some of the most enduring and imitated rock songs ever, but he was also a gifted songwriter in his own…
30/09/2020: “Dancing (Roger Thornhill edit)” by Tru Tones
As with many modern disco edits, it’s not always easy to put your finger on the precise changes. In this case, as with many other…
29/09/2020: “La Leyenda Del Tiempo” by Camaron De La Isla
For an artist specialising in flamenco, this kind of music is a big step away from tradition. So much so, that the album this is…
28/09/2020: “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan
While researching this song, I learnt two important facts. One: Donovan is Scottish. Not sure why I didn’t know that, but there you go! Two:…
27/09/2020: “Giant” by The The
When a piece of music is said to be “ahead of its time”, what does that mean, exactly? Is it that there’s a sound which…
26/09/2020: “Safe And Sound” by Peter Edwards Trio
By the standards of much modern Jazz music, this is almost pop music. It’s refreshingly uncomplicated, without losing that all important nuance. It’s catchy. The…
25/09/2020: “Martha” by Tom Waits
‘Martha’ is taken from Waits’ 1973 debut album, Closing Time. If you’re a Tom Waits fan, you’ll notice immediately that his voice, by his standards, is…
24/09/2020: “Jasadik-Hom” by DAM
Arabic music doesn’t feature on most English speakers’ playlists. Arabic singing is very different – disarmingly so. In many ways, Arabic allows a completely different…
23/09/2020: “Push Up Ya Lighter” by The Roots
Illadelph Halflife, released in 1996, is up there with the best hip hop albums ever. It’s easy to see why, when a nugget like this graces…
22/09/2020: “His Majesty” by Jah Shaka
Not to be confused with the equally fantastic ‘Tribute To His Majesty” from Commandments Of Dub Chapter 6 – Deliverance, this chilled out number is…