An extraordinary thing happened yesterday. I met a couple from South Africa and we talked about music. Complete strangers. But the thing that connected us was that I love Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the late great singers Miriam Makeba and Lionel Petersen. We talked about their impact and for just a brief moment we sang …
Single Review: “Golden” – Llinos Emanuel
This week’s FOTN inbox was full of gems and this was one of them. Where do I start? This is the kind of song you’d put on late at night, when you’re just chilling with someone you love, that comfortable silence when you don’t need to say anything, just let the music and the lyrics …
Single Review: “Baby Blue” Dutch Criminal Record
This has such a psychedelic feel to it, especially thanks to the jangly guitars and the laid-back vocals. First this begins with a broken beat but all falls into place when the guitars, bass and synth come in. This has a poetic feel in the lyrics and this is evidenced by my favourite part of …
Single Review: “Spider Song” – Celia Grace
This starts off really gently, just an a cappella section at the beginning which is then joined by synth and piano, but don’t let that make you think it’s a ballad. It’s far from it – there’s a roar of distorted guitar before it just idles. This has a driving beat to it but that’s …
Blog interview: Flo Perlin
Hello Flo how are you? That’s a BIG question. I’m feeling excited. Congratulations on the release of “Clay”, how does it feel? Thank you very much! It feels surreal. It’s called a ‘release’ for a reason as that’s literally what it feels like. It’s a ten track project, what was the inspiration behind it? This …
Single Review: “Scream” – Ben Chango
Well! This is a fabulous piece of punk rock isn’t it? It starts off with a melodic bass line that is higher up in the register – really good bass work by the way – before settling into the song properly – joined by sticks clicking together as well as a snare, kick and tom …
Album Review: “The Gospel Of Getting Free” – Lara Taubman. Words: Sammy Stein.
Lara Taubman is a singer/songwriter from southwest Virginia, residing in New York City. She believes in the power of song and story as an aid to people needing respite in a rapidly transforming world. Her third album is ‘The Gospel of Getting Free’ which follows her albums ‘Revelation’ on Wolfe Records and ‘Ol’ Kentucky Light.’ …
Single Review: “Here, There And Everywhere” – Pat Metheny
I’ll be honest, Beatles songs to me are sacred texts. It’s almost sacrilegious to cover a Beatles song, because you have to make sure you get it right, or at least bring something new to the table for it. Thankfully most of the covers I’ve heard have been approached with reverence by true fans that …
Single Review: “Star In A Reasonable Priced Car” – Rubberband Girl
This is the new single from Rubberband Girl and… it’s a cracker. It’s like a cleaned up “Hand In My Pocket” with a banjo in there, and the drums are “properly” recorded, not as gritty. The title reminds me of a segment of Top Gear which *shock horror* I’ve never seen but was having a …
Single Review:-“Every House Gets Dark When The Sun Goes Down” – Project Blackbird
This is the second single from the upcoming Project Blackbird album, and it reinforces what I’ve always known about this band. They produce damn fine songs. This starts off with an electric piano bathed in warm chorus, over which trumpet player Jon Read plays a really simple melody over this chord progression – G Maj …