Way back in the prehistoric days of AUK we used to get sent a lot more fuzzy indie with americana vibes to it than we do these days, and one of the bands that I remember most was the Illinois based “psych-folk” three-piece Unbunny. They arrived at about the time my own rabbit Arafat met an untimely end in my back yard, so the band name felt spookily resonant. Their 2004 album ‘Snow Tires’ contained the track ‘Nothing Comes to Rest’ which featured on one of our first Friends of Americana UK compilations and which became my personal anthem to poor little Arafat. The melody and arrangement still get me today.
Category: Tracks
The Danberrys “The Mountain” – Listen
Husband and wife duo, Dorothy Daniel and Ben DeBerry go back a long way – they were high school sweethearts, but split and followed their own paths for five years. Dorothy Daniel wrote her own music, Ben DeBerry played in a number of local bands. When their paths crossed again they picked up some stitches and, well the rest is history. Continue reading “The Danberrys “The Mountain” – Listen”
Nathaniel Rateliff “All Or Nothing” – Listen
Is it just our imagination or does this latest song from Nathaniel Rateliff’s new album ‘And It’s Still Alright‘ (newly out on Stax Records) have something of a Harry Nilsson vibe to it ? There’s a laid back, smooth feel to the vocal, and a whole pile of the sweetest strings. Take a listen, see what you think. Continue reading “Nathaniel Rateliff “All Or Nothing” – Listen”
Track Premiere: Sara Rachele “Terry Richardson”
Sara Rachele’s last album ‘Scorpio Moon’ had a richly layered augmented band sound, but the follow up ‘Scorpio Sun’ which is due out this year has ripped up that design and started afresh with the emphasis on the raw, the personal and the stripped back. It means that there’s nothing between the listener and the song, just the rawness laid out in full view. Continue reading “Track Premiere: Sara Rachele “Terry Richardson””
Nada Surf “Come Get Me” – Listen
We leave you this week dear reader with a treat for those of you of a more Fannies bent, with a track from the new album by Nada Surf ‘Never Not Together’ – as Graeme Marsh on Stereboard put it, “Sandwiched between the [first and third track on the album] is ‘Come Get Me’, possibly the best track Nada Surf have ever recorded. Its mesmerising keyboard hook is an absolute joy, but the subject matter is anything but. Caws sings “I was always on my guard since I was a kid” and “there was no love in our home”, but this is a corker of a track that, in an ideal world, would be pumping out on radio stations for years.” And I basically couldn’t agree more. Sorry to nick your words Graeme. Have a good one – oh and we are having our annual AUK get together over the weekend in (wait for it…) Clitheroe, so do come and say hello if we’re not in too much of a state.
June Tabor and the Oyster Band “Valentine’s Day Is Over” – Listen
Not, we admit, a new song but on special days, such as today’s worship of romantic love, exceptions can be made. Can it really be thirty years since this interpretation of Billy Bragg’s classic song was released? Yes it can. Continue reading “June Tabor and the Oyster Band “Valentine’s Day Is Over” – Listen”
Kim Richey “Come Around” – Listen
Rather than just re-issue ‘Glimmer’ for its 20th anniversary Kim Richey decided to re-imagine the songs and come up with a whole new album. Entitled ‘A Long Way Back: The Songs of Glimmer‘ it’ll be released on Yep Roc Records on March 27th. Kim Richey says that “all of the original 14 songs from this new album were recorded in producer Doug Lancio’s basement studio and given a more intimate treatment. It was great to revisit these old friends and be able to make them available again to fans.” Continue reading “Kim Richey “Come Around” – Listen”
James Taylor announces that he loves to cuddle
There are lots of other things he loves to do as well – rolling cigarettes for example, or falling off logs. Now, he knows that sounds crazy – and who are we to disagree – but there’s a reason behind all these confessions of strange behaviour. They are all things that he believes are as easy “as falling in love with you“, as James Taylor recounts on his new recording of the song ‘As Easy as Rolling Off a Log‘. Continue reading “James Taylor announces that he loves to cuddle”
Pond Diver “Look Around” – Listen
Pond Diver add another taste of their ‘Flashbacks‘ EP, today’s track a slower and more meditative song than the previously featured ‘Over the Hill‘. It’s a sad reflection on a relationship that has come to an end with a final sad parting. Continue reading “Pond Diver “Look Around” – Listen”
The Coo “Low Country Girl” – Listen
Matt Arthur and Jara Holdert met by chance at an open-mic in Amsterdam and found that their two-part harmonies worked so well together that they continued on until they found that they had evolved both a deep musical and personal relationship that bridges the North Sea. Continue reading “The Coo “Low Country Girl” – Listen”