Richard Hawley - Coles Corner

Last August, I was in a pub near Lindisfarne (The Lindisfarne Inn no less) when Richard Hawley and two members of his band came in for a drink. At that time, I had never seen a photo of him, and had only downloaded a few tracks from 3hive. All I knew was that he looked very cool, and that I kicked myself a few weeks later when I saw him perform on Jonathan Ross and realised it was him.

It became the catalyst for discovering his wonderful music. Echoes of Scott Walker, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash often make his songs seem suited to late nights and rain soaked streets, much like this title track from his previous album Coles Corner. I’m guessing not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s most definitely mine!

Download Richard Hawley – Coles Corner. In addition to the tracks available from 3hive, there are more at Last.fm.

Tags: foundsounds, podcast

Jens Lekman - The Opposite of Hallelujah

It’s been a while since I posted a foundsound (which by the way, for ease of updating is now integrated with the journal – I know it makes the RSS redundant – sorry!). Just when I feel I’ve exhausted the free downloads out there, along come Jens Lekman. I bought ‘Night Falls Over Kortedala’ last year after a Last.fm recommendation, and it took me a few listens to get hooked (but hooked good and proper). Jens is a superb songwriter in the vein of Pelle Carlberg – retro sound with contemporary lyrics.

Tags: foundsounds, podcast

Midlake - 'Roscoe'

Last year my favourite discovery was The National. This year, that role goes to Midlake. First played to me by Richard Rutter back in February, it took me while to get around to buying the album this track came from “The Trials of Van Occupanther”. I’ve not stopped playing it since though, its completely won me over.

‘Roscoe’ is enough to give you a flavour, but you really need to listen the whole album. Their first record “Bamnan and Silvercork” is good too, but quite a different sound to Van Occupanther, more Flaming Lips. If you buy one new album this year, please make it Van Occupanther! Also, make sure you check out their collaboration on the latest Chemical Brothers album “The pills won’t help you now” – just beautiful.

Tags: foundsounds, music