James Gandolfini - Tony Soprano

Sad to recall that it is 6 years since the great James Gandolfini sadly passed away.

I thought I would post a couple of the amazing tracks used in the Sopranos, a great series with brilliantly chosen music:

 

 

Western Stars Springsteen

I am quite amazed at the mixed reviews this album has been getting.

Whilst this is no Darkness or Tunnel of Love I think it is a superb record with a lot to commend it. I think some of the hype was certainly over the top but I must say there is some brilliant material on it. The stand out is without doubt "Drive Fast (The Stuntman)". The similarity between this song and the outstanding Wrestler are fairly obvious but it is superb.

The production is a bit shiny for my taste but once you get beyond that a lot of the songs are truly beguiling.

Give it a few listens and I hope you wont be disappointed.

 

 

And in case you forgot about The Wrestler!

 

 



Emmylou Harris moved to tears by First Aid Kit at Polar Music Prize

Which reminds me.....great song and absolutely emotional.

Brandi Carlile ft. Emmylou Harris - Angel (Cover) Gorge Ampitheatre

Regular readers (if there are any) will know that I love Emmylou. Not to everyone's taste I do appreciate but I think this is pretty amazing. Original by Sarah McLachlan as I am sure you will know.

Luke Combs - Even Though I'm Leaving (Audio)

I don't need to say much - more great material from Luke

Jave Everett - Glasgow

I am sure many of you have heard this outstanding track:

 

Its a great song and a great video. Looking forward to seeing him on Wednesday.

Rocketman and more

I went to see Rocketman and thought it was superb, even if you are not an Elton fan. I am not a film buff as such (I am more just entertain me rather than think about direction, production etc.) but even I could not miss the amazing direction by Dexter Fletcher. The way the movie moves up the years is just brilliant. Anyway something was bugging me through the film and it was this Kiki Dee song, produced by Elton which way precedes their duet. I have also taken the opportunity to throw in some videos of what I think are his best work:

 

 

 

 

No apologies just great performances!

Sam Morrow - Quick Fix (Official Video)

Pleased to see that Sam Morrow is coming back to the UK fairly soon - I think he is really good and expect him to make quite an impact. His recent material has been excellent and bridges that Country / Rock divide really well. Fairly rootsy sound  I think but let me know what you think.

Here are the dates:

31st May / 1st June –  Red Rooster7th June –  Music in The Hall/ Bewdley
9th June – Gullivers/ Manchester
11th June – Kitchen Garden Café/ Birmingham
13th June – The Bedford/ London/ Maverick Festival Launch
15th June – Cluny 2/ Newcastle
18th June – The Slaughtered Lamb/ London
19th June – Prince Albert/ Brighton
20th June – Little Country Smokehouse/ Kettering
21st/22nd June – Black Deer Festival
23rd June – Broadcast/ Glasgow
24th June – Louisiana/ Bristol (Riverfest)

I will be trying to get along to broadcast on 23rd June.

 

 

Forgotten Album Friday #27 James Dean Bradfield - The Great Western

As no doubt you will know James Dean Bradfield is the lead vocalist and lead guitarist for the Manic Street Preachers. Interestingly he contributes little if any of the lyrics despite delivering with an incredible passion that would make you think they were personal. I happen to think he is an outstanding talent and this is one of two solo releases (the other I don't know except it is a soundtrack).

Anyway continuing with the Western Theme to tie in with the forthcoming release of Springsteen's album I thought it was a good time to revisit this lp. It is an excellent record in which JDB not only writes the majority of the material but plays all the instruments, albeit augmented here and there.

The album is very melodic and a bit more "poppy" in sound than the manic street preachers, there is not a bad track on it and it will appeal not only to Manics fans.

ps I have taken the opportunity to sneak in the Shirley Bassey and Kylie Tracks as I will have nowhere else to put them!

Track listing:

1. That’s No Way To Tell A Lie
2. An English Gentleman
3. Bad Boys and Painkillers
4. On Saturday Morning We Will Rule the World
5. Run Romeo Run
6. Still a Long Way to Go
7. Émigré
8. To See a Friend in Tears
9. Say Hello to the Pope
10. The Wrong Beginning
11. Which Way to Kyffin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bruce Springsteen - Tucson Train (Official Video)

 

The next "single" from Western Skies comes with the first performance video. It has literally just been dropped as I type and in one listen I like it and also like the visuals.

Make your own judgement!

Sam Outlaw - new e.p

Delighted to see Sam Outlaw back with some new material on an e.p (really a digital download I suppose although physical product may be available at gigs) which he recently released to coincide with appearing at the Grand Old Opry. The ep is Hat Acts "inspired by honky tonk scenes, hip-hop skits and of course – real life."

His star is most definitely rising I think after a couple of great albums (SoCal Country whatever that is!)


Couldn't find any links but here is a great cover of the Don Williams classic:

The good news is that some UK dates are on the horizon and he is always great live, one to look out for.

Sam Outlaw UK Dates 2019
Sep 6th: The Long Road Festival
Oct 2nd: Night and Day, Manchester
Oct 5th: Civic Centre, Gosforth
Oct 6th: The Glee Club, Glasgow

Bruce Springsteen - Western Stars

Well the long promised solo album from Springsteen has been announced. The title is Western Stars and promises character driven songs and sweeping, cinematic orchestral arrangements!

Lead track is hello sunshine:


The track listing is as follows and like most of his most recent material is produced by Ron Anielo:

1. “Hitch Hikin’”
2. “The Wayfarer”
3. “Tucson Train”
4. “Western Stars”
5. “Sleepy Joe’s Café”
6. “Drive Fast (The Stuntman)”
7. “Chasin’ Wild Horses”
8. “Sundown”
9. “Somewhere North of Nashville”
10. “Stones”
11. “There Goes My Miracle”
12. “Hello Sunshine”

I quite like the sound of the song titles, but time will tell! Out on 14 June on the usual formats.

Probably of equal excitement is the news that there will be a new E Street Band lp and tour in 2020. Seems fairly certain.

Cody Johnson

Every so often you get pointed in the direction of a "new to you" artist. This particular track was pointed out to me and to my amazement he has 6 albums all self released. The choice of Springsteen track to reference is interesting and lets face it who doesn't like a bit of Monday Morning Merle!

I see that a major label release is on its way (might even be out) and hopefully this will give Cody a bit more exposure.

https://youtu.be/rpAalt_WVqA