Albums

Yo La Tengo’s latest release ‘Fade’ is a fitting milestone to their long career which exemplifies the stature and cohesion of this band as well as being direct, personal and more than a little uplifting!

The Tinder Box a three piece band that hail from south eastern South Dakota. They’ve a great expansive sound for a three piece and if you love 16 Horsepower or The Cave Singers then check’em out!

Imperial Splendour is the latest album from Mattis & The Grand Trunk Road, influenced by Mattis Myrland’s time spent in India studying under the Hindustani Classical Vocalist Madhumita Ray.

‘A Wonder Working Stone’ is the latest release from Alasdair Roberts & Friends due out this month. This is by far his most ambitious release to date and features a stellar line-up! There is genius at play throughout!

December Wine (4 track tapes) is the latest release from David Philips, an album that has an interesting journey and an unexpected yet triumphant ending. His best album to date!

Tim Hardin is the focus of a new covers tribute ‘Reason To Believe – The Songs of Tim Hardin’ featuring a host of well respected artists including The Magnetic North, Alela Diane, Smoke Fairies and more.

In December I attended an unforgettable night at Cecil Sharp House featuring The Carrivick Sisters, Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick and a personal highlight of the night: James Yorkston

Bean on Toast is back with a new album ‘Fishing for a Thank You’. He unleashes his quick wit observations in his usual laid back way tackling the madness of the world we live in…with a spotlight on Middle England!

‘To the Horizon, Sir’ is an exceptional album from Lewis born Iain Morrison, a very gifted artist who has a natural aptitude at conveying very deep emotions to the listener which are rich in imagery of the Western Isles.

Samy Ben Redjeb founder of the incredible Analog Africa label has worked his magic on Diablos del Ritmo 1960-1985, a new compilation featuring some incredible Afro-Colombian music.

Crystal Anis, the latest LP from French underground band The Liminanas is probably one of the most overlooked albums of 2012. Their hook laden dreamy pop with big nods to the Velvet underground is irresistible.

We talk to Fionn Regan about his latest album ‘The Bunkhouse Vol. I: Anchor Black Tattoo’ on which he goes back to basics…a guitar, 4-track, a single microphone and all in a remote hidden away studio.