New Music Purchases July - August

Having caught up on my new music listening I have started to buy some new music again. So here goes;

Sweet Billy Pilgrim – Crown and Treaty I love SBP and this is by far their best album loved by the critics I hope this album gives them the recognition (and sales) they deserve.

 

The Civil Wars – Barton Hallow I have been after this album for while and eventually got round to getting it. This version comes with an extra 6 tracks which include an interesting version of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean.

Train – California 37 I have all of Train’s music on first listen I can safely say that this isn’t their best nothing to match Drops of Jupiter or Hey Soul Sister on this album.

Johnny Cash – The Ultimate Johnny Cash Collection 88 tracks over 3 CD’s its actually 6 original albums and a few extra tracks. I have a few of Cash’s later Rick Rubin produced albums but suspect that this collection may cost me a lot of money! (This collection cost me £3 in Sainsbury’s)

Elvis Costello – The Best of.....The First 10 Years I would say I wasn’t a fan of Elvis but 22 tracks most of which I could sings most of the words to tells me something different. All the classics are here, Oliver’s Army, I can Stand Up For Falling Down, Shipbuilding and many, many more. (Again this cost me the princely sum of £3)

Neutral Milk Hotel – “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea” Last year Q had one of their poles listing The Top 100 Albums of whenever and there was one album I didn’t recognise THIS ONE. The band is a bit of a mystery having disappeared after this album. The album comes with endorsements from Franz Ferdinand and The Arcade Fire but struggling on first listen to see what all the fuss is about. 

Neil Young – Americana & Sugar Mountain Live At Canterbury House 1968 Neil’s latest release (covers of traditional songs) and a live outing from 1968. Not listened to them yet but suspect I’ll enjoy.

Vintage Trouble – The Bomb Shelter Sessions Bought on the back of a great live gig as part of The Sage Gateshead’s Americana Festival, a great rock/soul CD that reflects their electrifying live performance. Comes with an extra CD of live and demo tracks.

Glen Hansard – Rhythm and Repose This has quickly become one of my albums of the year, I love it. If you don’t know Glen check out The Swell Season the band formed on the back of the film Once or The Frames his rockier band. This is full of gorgeous love songs and if I said I pulled the car over to listen Bird of Sorrow on repeat for half an hour you will understand how this album has affected me.

Bobby Womack – The Bravest Man In The World I’m a big Womack fan this is his first album of new material in a long time and on first listen I struggled a bit. Produced by Damon Albarn it is covered in modern break beats a loops which sometimes detracts from what should be the star of the show, Bobby’s voice.

Ben Howard – Every Kingdom I was lucky to see Ben a couple of years ago open a festival stage, (I think there was 12 of us there) unsigned at the time he enthralled us all. Constant touring has led to a huge following and a successful debut release. Good stuff even if it does sound a lot like John Butler at times.

Efterklang – Parades Bought in anticipation of seeing them perform with Northern Sinfonia I have enjoyed the first listen to this album looking forward to see them with a full orchestra.

 

North Atlantic Oscillation – Fog Electric Blind purchase on the back of good reviews. It’s on the Kscope label so I know it’s going to be good.

The Horrible Crowes – Elsie Side project from Brian Fallon from The Gaslight Anthem a bit lighter than Gaslight but quality song writing from Fallon.

Various Artists – Delta Swamp Rock Nobody makes compilations like Soul Jazz and this is no exception. The music is brilliant and includes some artists you would expect. Lynryd Skynryd, Duane and Gregg Allman and some you wouldn’t Cher covering Dr John’s I Walked on Guilded Splinters it comes with a 65 page booklet which is packed with information and pictures.

Frank Turner – England Keep My Bones  A bit like Ben Howard Frank continues build a ever expanding fan base. I met Frank in Seattle in 2009 when he was supporting The Gaslight Anthem and a nicer guy it would be harder to meet. Great album.

Elbow – Dead In The Boot B-sides and rarities that put some bands full albums to shame. Nice little collect. All we need now boys is an career spanning live album now please.

Various – The State of Music Volume 4. 4^th release of a series of 5 and this is in my opinion the best yet. Great discoveries in Shane Maland, kinisi and New Sweden. If you don’t know anything about the label Choose My Music get over there now. Great music and all proceeds to charity.

Don't think this is the Shane Maland track but you get the idea. Anyway go by the album it's great!