ivegotasemi recommends…
Artists (in order of who we remember first)
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Frazer King (Manchester, UK) - The first band we saw when we moved to Manchester remain one of our favourites, despite showering us in snakebite (and spittle) at a recent live show. The 5 or 6 band members (it varies) ensure their sound is mean and with the excellent harmonies, musicianship and overall weird charisma this band generate it is difficult to ignore quite how talented these guys are. With a Jim Noir produced Ep (Working towards the Fuhrer) on the way hopefully difficult will become impossible and Frazer King will be performing their musical mischief in a town near you soon. Watch out, seriously, watch out.
Dirty North (Manchester, UK) - Formed in 2007 this trio specialise in a heady mix of rap and reggae. Playing hundreds of raucous live shows throughout their hometown Dirty North have gained a lot of attention over the last 18 months. The Manchester Evening News recently declared they were exactly what young people in Britain need right now and we wouldn’t disagree. A new 10 track mixtape compilation (in addition to their pay-what-you-like debut Ep) is now available to download at artist led Corporate Records comprising many of their early recordings and live tracks in preparation for their forthcoming debut album. Ones to watch fo’ sure.
The Indelicates (Lewes, UK) - Came into our lives with the catchy and acoustic ‘Waiting for Pete Doherty to die’ free download in 2006 when we happened upon their impressive collection of knowing poppy-ish boy/girl intelligent and slightly vitriolic demos. Having now released two excellent albums, American Demo, featuring all their previously demoed classics (including the beautifully orchestrated ‘New art for the people’ ) and the even darker Songs for Swinging Lovers (pay-what-you-like download) in 2010 (check the video’s for Flesh & Roses) The Indelicates continue to excite (!?) and if the demo’s for upcoming ‘David Koresh Superstar’ are anything to go by The Indelicates second release this year will be amazing.
The Court & Spark (San Francisco, US) - We first heard their 2003 Release ‘Double Roses’ and immediately fell in love with the warmth of their music, the relaxed and brilliant ‘Californian’ playing style of the band and of course lead singer MC Taylors voice. Pretty much everything they’ve ever released is ‘totally awesome’ and live track “Take a rest driver” (Double Roses) remains one of our favourite C&S songs, along with all of their 2007 album Hearts (read more/buy it here). MC Taylor’s latest project ‘Hiss Golden Messenger’ here.
The Dream Bitches (New York, US) - Another great band from the US of A who we can’t believe didn’t take over the world (their name alone surely guarantees some kind of world domination, no?). We first heard their self titled track Dream Bitch on the independent label Olive Juice Music (Sampler Vol. 2) and drooled all over their debut Album Sanfransisters. Their 2008 follow up Coke-and-Spiriters features more jangly guitars, sexy harmonies and big knowing winks; containing possibly our favourite DB track, Hierarchy Island. The Dream Bitches don’t make music anymore apparently, buy their latest album here and make them re-consider, please..
Puppy Bucket and Donny Choonara (Chelmsford, UK) - Spending most of the noughties being ignored this lo fi grime duo from the UK never gave a fuck and that’s one of the many reasons why we will always love them. Other good reasons include the excellent singles Zombie Dad and Deli Life (for anyone who has ever worked in a supermarket) both included on their brilliant (and hilarious) 2005 debut album ‘Past Away’. Currently involved in new projects (links here) their extensive back catalogue can now be found at last fm to download for free.
Gonzoid (Lancaster, UK) - Doing what they do since 1978 we’re pretty sure that these guys don’t give a fuck about anything other than the music either. With a back catalogue far too epic and varied to be pigeon holed here we recommend you check out their website for mpfrees galore. Thrash guitars, sonic blips and chunky bass appear to be an ongoing theme in the music of Gonzoid and ‘Oh Danny we are not the beautiful people are we’ remains musically and lyrically one of the finest tracks we have heard in the last 10 years.
Zadita Smith (Manchester, UK) - We first saw Zadita play live in Manchester 2008 and were instantly impressed by her amazing voice, beautiful songs and effortless guitar work captured on her debut Ep Relentless. Studio recordings now emerging from recent recording sessions in California once again showcase Zaditas soulful singing style with lush arrangements and wonderfully laid back feel. The song ‘Stories’ continues to be our favourite track that we don’t own and one of the few reasons to still visit myspace. Debut album ‘Falling Up’ Out soon.
Al Duvall (New York, US) - Recluses Unite is Al’s fifth and possibly finest recording, released on Aussie label Dualplover in 2008. Al’s bio states he was born in the year 1877 beginning his musical career on the vaudeville stage and taking up the banjo many years later (way back in 1991). Since then he’s toured the US, Europe and Australia extensively. We witnessed his brilliant banjo playing, fine wit and word play first hand at a recent show in Coventry, apparently taking a punt up the waterways of Nuneaton. It was also at this show that we were introduced to the marvel that is Singing Sadie; for this and for the many brilliant songs Al has released over the last 10 years we are very grateful. 10 free tracks and album previews now available at Dualplover here.
Phil Davies (Manchester, UK) - We first heard Phil at an open mic night many moons ago singing songs about sub aquatic cars, bastards in his rays and a morning flight to Stockholm amongst many other lyrical and musical gems. Ever since then we’ve known he’s special and this years release ‘regulation specification’ EP has proved it without a doubt (unnecessary transparency - this writer is such a fan he even played keys on a few of the tracks). BBC Radio’s Adam Walton describes the recording as “artful and intriguing, crafted music…excellent, excellent work” and he’s not wrong. Combining Phil’s considerable talent for a tune with the excellent musicianship of a number of local performers (under the guise of the ninjasmokebombs) has paid dividends on this recording, Stefan Skrimshires Cello being a highlight for many (I prefer the keys) and is also now available at Corporate Records.co.uk.
MC Pitman (Coalville, UK) - “We don’t give a frig about your frigging aerial so stick it up your arse with your pirate material” Bellows MC Pitman at fellow rapper Mike Skinner before going on to say something lewd involving Coronation Streets Vera Duckworth. We first heard MC Pitmans release ‘It Takes a Nation of Tossers’ (Son Records 2006) and were instantly hooked by the tenacity of re-worked classic ‘Witness the Pitness’ juxtaposed completely with the following track on this album, the beautiful ‘Words’. It’s literally the brilliant words accompanying producer Stylee Cees godlike creation’s big beats and drive that make this music so good (for a list of tracks far too great to be listed here check out his discography). Listen to tracks Witness the Pitness and Words at his myspace and whilst you’re at it check out Stylee Cee at Son Records here, hip hip hop.
Keith Top Of The Pops (London, UK) - “Do any of you ladies like STEREO music” asks Keith on the top of his now antique looking myspace page (Find more artists like Keith TOTP at Myspace Music). He then goes on to slay almost every London Indie band with the quite brilliant ‘I hate your band’, in which he declares “maybe you should try taking off your skinny tie and start a new trend”, as well as how much he hates your fucking band of course. The limited edition copies of the stunning Fuck The Manic Street Preachers release have no doubt sold out long ago but if there was ever a time for a TOTP revival it’s now, Keith we need you.
Akira The Don (London, UK) - Usual story… Talented UK rap artist gets signed to massive US label (Interscope). Artist records dope debut album but label boss objects to releasing a track titled ‘Thanks for all the Aids’. Artist buys his way out of contract (using money earned from a film track licence chosen by the guy that directed ‘Ghostbusters’) and releases album independently (includes superb ‘Bashy’ collab. Clones). Artist goes on to produce hundreds more tracks, mixtapes and videos creating ‘the best artist website in the world’ and becomes an inspiration to independent musicians everywhere. Akira The Don is NOT the usual story, check out everything awesome he’s ever done here. New album out soon.
Marvin the Martian (London, UK) - It is also thanks to ‘The Don’ (see above) that we now own one of our favourite hip hop albums of all time, the dark pounding head bobbing lyrically astute ‘Devil in the Distance’. Whilst it may share the high end production values of the latest radio one chart hit (watch video for Get By (Be Good)), the quality of the beats and synths are the only things comparable to most other UK rappers’ current output (a few exceptions aside). Released in 2008, Marvin’s words paint an exceptionally honest picture of British life for many. This is the truth and whilst not much has changed (for the better) since its release, the good news is that Marvin hasn’t changed either and recent collaborations point to a comeback too good to contemplate. Keep checking his blog here.
Greetings (Manchester, UK) - Despite their friendly sounding name, Greeting’s newest track ‘Young Professionals’ provides a stark warning to those considering a staid materialistic existence (involving lever arch files and handjobs). For a band formed only a couple of years ago it’s tracks like this that fool you into believing they have in fact been around for many many years, honing their skiffle-esq blues skills. Songwriter and lead singer Alex Solo’s live performances are a pleasure to watch with his perfectly tuned growls complimented by an incredibly talented bunch of Manc. musicians. This writer would very much like to see them release the aforementioned ‘Y.P.’ along with their perfectly guitar picked runaway train of a song Boxcar, in the meantime get acquainted here.
