John Martyn

John Martyn 1948-2009
The Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist died six months ago today. He made his name in the late 60's London folk scene, and as he gradually moved towards more blues and jazz compositions he began to stand out as a true original. He struggled throughout his life to get a grip on alcoholism and drug abuse, but the music that he has left behind has sealed his place as one of the greats.
Below are a couple of my favourite songs from his 1973 masterpiece album Solid Air, along with a video of him performing Sweet Little Mystery in 1987 at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin.

John Martyn - May You Never

John Martyn - Don't Want to Know

Julian Casablancas Solo

It's been three and a half years since the Stroke's last album. In the time since that release, side projects have emerged from all members except for singer and main driving force Julian Casablancas. However it has recently emerged that a solo album is due out in the Autumn. It is to be titled 'Phrazes For the Young', but beyond that details are sketchy. Below is an official video preview of the album, it's over the top and 80's, I like it. I've also included a track from each of the other Strokes member's side projects, which have all produced impressive music.

Albert Hammond Jr. - Back to the 101

Little Joy - Brand New Start

Nickel Eye - Brandy of the Damned

Mark Kozelek

Mark Kozelek is in town tonight playing a solo show. His 20 year career has seen him play with the Red House Painters, solo and more recently with Sun Kil Moon. Below is a track from each of these setups.

Red House Painters - Mistress

Mark Kozelek - If You Want Blood (AC/DC Cover)

Sun Kil Moon - Lily and Parrots

Beth Jeans Houghton

One to watch in the next few months is upcoming folk singer-songwriter Beth Jeans Houghton. She's just 19 years old, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and despite digital and limited 7" debut single Golden being her only release to date, she has created quite a hype. I for one think she deserves it. Below is her song Nightswimmer and a link to her myspace.

Beth Jean Houghton - Nightswimmer

Myspace - myspace.com/bethjeanshoughton

Pixies back in Dublin

The 20th anniversary Doolittle Tour is opening on 1st October at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, and I can't wait! Here's an alternate version of Here Comes Your Man, originally released on the Purple Tape, along with a video of Gouge Away performed live at the Brixton Academy, London in 1991.

Pixies - Here Comes Your Man (Alternate)

Rip It Up, Compilation #1

A little while back I found myself listening to a lot of Post Punk and inevitably started putting a compilation together. Below is the track listing and a link to download the mix. Hope you enjoy it.

1. The Damned - Smash It Up (Parts 1&2)
2. Mission of Burma - That's When I Reach For My Revolver
3. Magazine - Shot By Both Sides
4. Husker Du - Pink Turns to Blue
5. The Clash - Straight to Hell
6. Siouxsie & the Banshees - Into the Light
7. Guided By Voices - Hot Freaks
8. Devo - Mongoloid
9. The Slits - Typical Girls
10. Television - See No Evil
11. Talking Heads - Psycho Killer
12. The Psychedelic Furs - Pretty In Pink
13. XTC - Making Plans for Nigel
14. The Gun Club - Sex Beat
15. Wire - Mannequin
16. The Chills - Pink Frost
17. Joy Division - She's Lost Control
18. Josef K - Pictures (Of Cindy)

Download from Rapidshare

Here Comes the Night

Being born and bred in Ireland, I can think of no better way to start the blog than with one of my all time favourite musicians, the legendary Van Morrison. Van grew up in Belfast and started his career playing The Maritime Hotel with his exceptional garage rock and blues band 'Them'. The band was founded in 1964 and soon shot to fame with songs like 'Baby Please Don't Go', 'Gloria' and 'Here Comes The Night'. After two successful years, frictions between the members came to a head and the group disbanded. Leaving Van to pursue his solo career. Some original members reformed the band and released six more albums, none of which featured Van Morrison.

Posted below are two tracks from the bands second studio album, ‘Them Again’, the last with Morrison. The first track is the band’s exquisite cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘It's All Over Now Baby Blue’ and the second is their garage classic ‘I Can Only Give You Everything’.

Notably, 30 years after their release, the two songs played a role in Beck's 1996 album 'Odelay', with two of the album's singles, ‘Jackass’ and 'Devil's Haircut', using samples and riffs from the songs.

Them - It's All Over Now Baby Blue

Them - I Can Only Give You Everything