Western Plaza - Tornado Dream YTV

29/12/15 YouTube Video

It is currently the awkward week between Christmas and New Year that normally passes by in a bit of a blur but so far this year has been ever so slightly dragging. Well what better way to keep things moving along nicely than this presumable re-release from Burger Records by Western Plaza. Initially released in 2014, it seemed the guys at Burger wanted more people to hear about it so reposted it on their SoundCloud amongst other places. I'm glad they did or I wouldn't have heard Tornado Dream, a jangly, upbeat song that reminds me of 60's USA beach music and has definite Beach Boys roots. I also find it refreshing when a band aren't afraid to call their music pop. There is nothing wrong with good pop music. Enjoy!

Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town YTV

22/12/18 YouTube Video

One last slice of Christmas cheer before the big event and you cant get much greater than Bruce Springsteen singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town with Paul McCartney on back up vocals. This performance closed possibly one of my all time favourite episodes of SNL with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting. Two very funny people with such a legend that is Springsteen makes for a absolute smasher of a show and gets me excited for the future performances SNL are going to produce. Enjoy!

Nexus 6P DOTM

Design Of The Month

It may not seem initially music related but stay with me. My piece of design that I love this month is the recently released Nexus 6P from the guys at Google who have partnered with Huawei for their sleek, stylish latest phone. I am a big fan of the Nexus range as I own the Nexus 5 phone and their 7 inch tablet and am big fans of both. What I like specifically about the 6P above the other phones that they have released including the 5X is the introduction of the finger print scanner in a location which seems more comfortable to the user, larger and better quality screen, better processor and two of the best improvements being the battery life and the storage space of the phone. I know I have talked about the Marshall phone and how great it is, but with this release from Google it has really swayed me into purchasing the 6P as my next smart phone early next year. Plus for new customers who purchase it, the phone comes with 90 days free Google Play Music which is the best streaming service imo. Enjoy!

Sam Amidon - Blue Mountains YTV

15/12/15 YouTube Video

To come as something of a break from all the Christmas music that is being played is this delicate song by Sam Amidon. Taken from the Lily-O album that was released in 2014, it is not his latest work by any means (in fact Home Inside My Head was released earlier this year) but on multiple listens it does a great job making me feel the lyrics and relate to story he sings that it brings out layers of emotion in me that not all music does. This kind of music is one that is perfect to listen to with big headphones on, in a comfy chair and just do nothing but relax and listen. It is tracks like these that have made me go back and listen to the other brilliant albums Sam has produced. Enjoy!

Phoenix - Alone on Christmas Day SCS

SoundCloud Song

To keep the Christmas feeling going is this cheery number from Phoenix. As part of the guest heavy Netflix special A Very Murray Christmas with Bill Murray, Phoenix performed Alone on Christmas Day with Murray throwing in a bit of backing singing and Jason Schwartzman on the drums for extra goodness. The great thing about this track is how they spin an ultimately sad story about being alone into a happy and positive. It is a song that I would happily have as part of the Christmas playlist in the backgroung when I am tucking into my turkey and stuffing. Enjoy!

Loose Tapestries - Can't Wait For Christmas YTV

08/12/15 YouTube Video

Christmas time and lets get festive with this lovably catchy and creative number from the Loose Tapestries boys. Serge and Noel coming together to produce music is a truly great thing, I found out that they worked together on the music for Noels comedy show Luxury Comedy and they really honed their skill in order to produce this Christmas slice of joy. The lyrics that Noel provides are reminiscent of the style I fell head over heels for on The Mighty Boosh when I was but a teenage boy and Serge brings the melodic elements that knits the song together and it properly flows along nicely. My favourite line is "My wife is a walnut, she is a Christmas walnut" soooo good. Enjoy!

Jeff Crosby - Waking Days NA

November Album

November is over and it has left me surprised at the slow down of album releases. It seems the record companies like to have a break and hold off till another month. Of the small selection that has been released I have enjoyed releases from Bill Ryder-Jones, Library Voices, Ty Segall and more but my favourite is Jeff Crosbys second solo release titled Waking Days. 10 tracks of beauty, strong song-writing and emotion has made me fall in love with each song individually as well as a whole story. He sort of reminds me of early John Mayer but with an added country tang that gives him an interesting edge. I dig it. Enjoy!

Action Bronson feat. Chance The Rapper - Baby Blue YTV

01/12/15 YouTube Video

It is that time of year when you start to see the standard 'Best 50 Songs Of The Year' lists etc. and on such a list (website forgotten) is where I found this little gem from Action Bronson with Chance The Rapper. I don't know how it managed to slip me by because I am a big fan of Chances and try to listen to everything he releases.  I haven't heard much of Bronson but on this track, his verses are really strong and smart and when coupled with the sweet soulful chorus makes for a beautiful cake of a track with the cherry on top being Chances hilarious lines with great visuals to go with them. Enjoy!