Diamond Sundrop

Exploding crystal bubbles on the dreams of my tomorrows? Right on! Here's the lady barber, with a groovy track from a recent reissue on the always wonderful Light in the Attic label. Don't miss out.

Lynn Castle - The Forest

Kiss It

After a lengthy study hiatus, losing his trademark beard in the process, Robin Pecknold finally returns with his Foxes for their third album, and an ambitious one it is, too. The trademark heavenly vocal harmonies remain, but musically there's quite a difference: most of the tracks restlessly keep shifting shape, in ingeniously orchestrated arrangements. Progfolk indeed. I guess Crack-Up will keep us all busy for quite a while.

Fleet Foxes - Naiads, Cassadies

Très Belle

A French chansonnier, doing it the Americana way? Check out Baptiste W. Hamon from Paris. The first track is an intriguing duet with the one and only Bonnie Prince Billy, while the second one movingly pays homage to his all-time idol. Got good taste, this mac.

Baptiste W. Hamon - Comme La Vie Est Belle
Baptiste W. Hamon - Van Zandt

Don't You Know

Two giants of British folk guitar take on an Anne Briggs composition. "Tomorrow comes like yesterday..." Warm and lovely.

Bert Jansch & John Renbourn  - The Time Has Come

Copy Of Zoso

I've never been much of a hard rock enthusiast, but early Monster Magnet remains a guilty pleasure, their Spine Of God album from '91 first and formost. Maybe because David Wyndorfs brainchild was so over the top and drugged out it almost defied belief? 'Swings like god's own dick' was their motto at the time: an accurate observation if ever there was one.

Monster Magnet - Nod Scene

Tanta Ilusión

In need of some duende in this hot weather, amigos? That's muy bien, as we've got a trio of fine examples of classic gypsy flamenco puro for you today. ¡Al cante!

Rafael Farina - A Pedirme Una Limosna
Manuel Jiménez Rejano - Cuando Escribo Mis Poemas
Ramon El Portugues - Porque Sabes Escribir

Roaming Gigolo

At the end of this month, the renowned Tompkins Square label will re-release two rare albums by Will (a.k.a. William C.) Beeley. The folky Gallivantin' from '71 originally came out as a private press of 200 copies only, while the more countryrock-orientated Passing Dream ('79) was issued in small numbers on the tiny Malaco label. Incidentially, this was also the recording debut of future Dylan sideman Larry Campbell. Both, needless to say, are interesting to say the least. Cream on the cake dept: next year will see a brand new album by the long haul trucker from New Mexico.

Will Beeley - Gallivanter
Will Beeley - Standin' At The Station

Did The Moonwalk

Mark Kozelek collaborates with Justin 'Jesu' Broadrick to tackle the late Wacko Jacko. As usual, he pulls no punches. Weirdest song of the year?

Jesu/Sun Kil Moon - He's Bad

Too Late

Finally got the reissue treatment: the Possum's long lost collaboration with Roy Acuff's long-time backing band the Smoky Mountain Boys. Cool country from the early seventies.

George Jones & The Smoky Mountain Boys - The Great Judgement Morning

Spinning Our Wheels

Tried this one on for size because Hiss Golden Messenger's MC Taylor recommended it via his Instagram account, and Mike's a man of taste alright. And I'm glad I did, as Big Bad Luv is as honest an Americana record as they come.

John Moreland - No Glory In Regret

Let's Just Be Glad

A legendary singer/songwriter is coming to our fair town and we've got our tickets. Might be one of the last opportunities to see Kris Kristofferson (80) live in concert, as the former army helicopter pilot, Nashville janitor, outlaw country icon, and Hollywood actor has been suffering from Lyme disease and memory loss for some time now. His motto should be anyone's really: 'tell the truth, sing with passion, work with laughter, love with heart, 'cause that's all that matters in the end...' Here's hoping he'll play this old chestnut.

Kris Kristofferson - For The Good Times

Hand To Mouth

"And some days you see the dustcloud, as it rolls across the sky..." A true gem from the still way underrated British folkrocker Michael Chapman. Run to your local record emporium to buy Wrecked Again ('71) together with Rainmaker ('69) and Fully Qualified Survivor ('70) for starters, and you'll probably find yourself digging deeper into his oeuvre in no time.

Michael Chapman - Fennario

Dig It

The more or less forgotten altist Byard Lancaster honours Trane. In the process, he digs way deep.

Byard Lancaster - John's Children