Matter Of Fact

And we're off to Canada, visiting Colter Wall to enjoy a wistful ditty from his new Songs Of The Plains album. At only 23, he sounds as old as the hills somehow.

Colter Wall - The Trains Are Gone

Up To My Brain

Waiting for the starman? It's 1972, and Ziggy and his Spiders From Mars play homage to the Velvets on auntie Beeb. Pay special attention to the mad guitar work by Mick Ronson on White Light. Down to his toes indeed.

David Bowie - Waiting For The Man
David Bowie - White Light, White Heat

Hear You Howling

Just got the sad news that Tony Joe White no longer walks among us. The man they called the Swamp Fox, writer of immortal songs like Polk Salad Annie and Rainy Night In Georgia, was 75. Miss him.

Tony Joe White - Black Panther Swamps

He's King

Yet more Shabaka Hutchings, the sax player and bandleader currently making waves by travelling the London spaceways. With a firm feet in the now, his Sons Of Kemet dig deep into cosmic territory. Your Queen Is A Reptile was released on the legendary Impulse imprint, trademark of quality since Trane, Mingus, and Pharoah strutted their stuff there. Good company.

Sons Of Kemet - My Queen Is Angela Davis

Reason Why

Another pair of interesting voices from the States. First up is erstwhile Black Swans foreman Jerry David DeCicca, who just released a strong second solo album called Burning Daylight. Honest and uplifting heartland rock from Texas with Lou Reed-like vocals, well worth your time. Next comes Israel Nash, who wants us to file his new record under 'hippie spiritual', and why wouldn't we? It's less Americana and more strings and stuff this time around, which takes some getting used to. Lifted is definitely worth a spin though.

Jerry David DeCicca - Cutting Down The Country
Israel Nash - Lucky Ones

Who Do You Love?

Spotlights on two emerging voices from the ole US of A. On Trouble Anyway, Rosali Middleman from Philly proves herself a soulful singer with a slighty retro touch. Sounds good! Jess Williamson, who hails from Texas but recently upped and left for the city of angels, gives us a remarkably mature collection of poignant love songs with the aptly titled Cosmic Wink. Sounds even better!

Rosali - If I Was Your Heart
Jess Williamson - Thunder Song

Moyo Working

The Moyo boys temporarily left their native Tokyo for Lisbon to record with Portugese jazz musician Bruno Pernadas in the production chair. A wise decision I guess, as the resulting Masana Temples is another mighty, dreamy trip they can be proud of. The odd heavy rock riff notwithstanding, everything meanders pleasantly along here in a right kosmische, and indeed sometimes even slightly jazzy stylee. Makes me look forward even more to their upcoming Euro tour, which includes a date in my fair city.

Kikagaku Moyo - Dripping Sun

Only One Way

Love and wealth? You got it. Never would have thought there was anything left in the vaults by my fave country brother team, so a hearty hallelujah sure is in order here. Ira and Charlie ride again with a double disc set of songwriting demos recorded in the early to mid-fifties and all is well with the world.

The Louvin Brothers - You'll Meet Him In The Clouds

Shot Again

I never was that much enamoured of Belly to be honest, but this Tanya Donelly beauty often pops up into my head all of a sudden. Like it did this fair morning. Just can't leave that dog alone I guess.

Belly - Slow Dog

Take Me In

"Coming home 'cross Kentucky hills to see you again..." A welcome reisssue of a minor 1970 classic for all you country and/or folk rock enthusiasts out there. The sunsoaked and mellow sounds of guitarist John Parker Compton and violinist Robin Batteau make a fine fine soundtrack for an old fashioned Indian summer.

Compton & Batteau - Homesick Kid

I Am Free

Yet another irie present from the Soul Jazz label: Studio One Freedom Sounds: Studio One In The 1960s comes chock-a-block with reggae and ska from the vaults of Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd's mighty Studio One label. Get ready indeed, my brethren, you won't regret it. Exhibit A: a fine fine tune by the somewhat forgotten Jackie Opel, who feels free like the birds in the trees.

Jackie Opel - I Am What I Am

I Swear

Sparse, atmospheric, and slighty sinister: British multi-instrumentalist Duke Garwood knows exactly what suits the mighty voice of Mr. Lanegan, probably because he's also a member of the former Screaming Trees singer's touring band. With Animals is an inspired collection of bleak, autumnal songs I just can't get enough of at the moment.

Mark Lanegan & Duke Garwood - My Shadow Life

Very Gøød Indeed

Lovingly restored from tapes found in a London dumpster: a 1963 Monk gig in Copenhagen’s Old Fellow Palæet. With more than a little help from trusted sidekicks Charlie Rouse (sax), John Ore (bass) and Frankie Dunlop (drums), this is pure Monk genius at work.

Thelonious Monk - I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

Weeping And Crying

Mourning in the morning... Just got the sad news that Otis Rush has left us. The legendary blues guitarist, key architect of Chicago's West Side Sound, was 84. Miss him.

Otis Rush - Groaning The Blues
Otis Rush - Tore Up