It's the Return of Lest We Forget: Richard & Linda Thompson's I Want to see the Bright Lights Tonight

Saw Richard Thompson do his 1000 Years of Popular Music show the other night (more anon). He was doing other people's stuff, but it led me back to his '70s classic. Remember these?

mp3 Richard & Linda Thompson: Withered & Died
mp3 Richard & Linda Thompson: The End of the Rainbow

As a bonus, here's an Old Grey Whistle Test version of a classic from the follow up Hokey Cokey:


Buy & download drm-free here.

Bon Iver: Blood Bank

Is there anyone out there who wasn't wowed by For Emma? Well, to keep us happy before the next, the now collective Bon Iver have released a four track ep, and fine stuff it is. Here's the title track:

mp3 Bon Iver: Blood Bank

There was also a fine Daytrotter session a few months back. Get it here.

Buy here, download drm-free here.

Otis Gibbs: Grandpa Walked a Picketline

Think Guthrie and Guthrie's heirs. As a man, Otis Gibbs has done the hard travelin' too (in the words of the master). His music is American to its fingertips, and his voice wears all them miles well, and a beard to die for. Serious music, with a light touch.

mp3 Otis Gibbs: Preacher Steve

There's also a great live show on his website here.

mp3 Otis Gibbs: Caroline (live)

And here's the man singing Ain't Nothin' Special.



Buy here

North Mississippi Allstars: Hernando

Still mopping up 2008, here's the big Southern rock gettin' down, as they say. Some fine rock'n'roll, of the old school:

mp3 North Mississippi All Stars: Keep the Devil Down
mp3 North Mississippi All Stars: Long Way from Home

The song that converted me in the first place, from their debut Shake Hands with Shorty:

mp3 North Mississippi All Stars: Goin' Down South

Buy here.

Murry Hammond

Murry Hammond is the bassist of the Old '97s. Last year he produced a solo album, I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm on My Way, an attractive mix of country gospel and train songs (and I love train songs... I feel a post coming on); it's pretty unique, works as a whole and I love it. Try these, especially the first which is a kind of personal hymn which and knocked me out when I first heard it:

mp3 Murry Hammond: I Believe, I Believe
mp3 Murry Hammond: Next Time Take the Train

Here's one of his songs from the last album by the Old '97s, Blame it on the Gravity. Try this:

mp3 Old '97s: Color of the Lonely Heart is Blue

Download drm-free here, can't find the cd in the UK, Amazon US have it as do iTunes.

New Year

Every year, some hardy souls go swimming in the sea; yes, here in our very own Whitley Bay, in the NORTH SEA. No snow this year, but it's bloomin' cold. My first year here, we had heavy snow on the beach! Meanwhile, I'm at home in the warm. A few new year songs for you all. Hope, despite all the shit out there, it's a good one.

mp3 The Bottle Rockets: Brand New Year
mp3 The Mountain Goats: This Year
mp3 Broken Family Band: Happy Days Are Here Again

Buy here, download drm-free here.