Imelda May

Evening all,

Flicking around the telebox tonight, came across the end of Later... with Jools Holland (A live music show here in the UK), which is a shame I missed it as it had quite a good lineup of Dave Gilmour, Elbow and Katy Perry (it was a repeat!). Anyway, this woman was singing, and I instantly fell in 'like' with her! Amazing voice, really raw, rocky sound to it. PLUS the music was really interesting. I love alternative music, and although this is fairly traditional Rockabilly or Rock and Roll, its chuffing great!! Plus she's pretty so thats a double thumbs from Jon!

As it was a repeat there was a clip of said performance up on Youtube, enjoy!!!

Her album Love Tattoo is out on Monday in all good shops!

Manassas

Another band where strength is in numbers, and you know what, it does work. Usually known as Stephen Stills & Manassas, they were formed by Stephen Stills (obviously) of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Buffallo Springfield fame, and Chris Hillman from the Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, along with members from various backing bands to artists of the time. The self titled first album was suggested to me on an internet forum and I eventually tracked down a copy and I absolutely loved it. Its quite a diverse album, its 21 tracks (yes 21!) are almost split into four styles (one for each side of the double vinyl release), blues rock, country, bluegrass and rock (with some latin influences here and there across all four sides).

If you can appreciate for what it is, brilliantly arranged and performed music, I cannot recommend this album enough. I guarantee you will find at least one track you will love.

This is 'Song of Love' from the aforementioned debut 'Manassas'

Don't touch, its hot!!!

Todays offering comes all the way from California, circa the early 70's. Regarded mainly as a cult band, the Flamin' Groovies are pretty much forgotten about these days, although they did play into the 1990's and are considered as being extremely influential, they just couldn't shake their cult status. In fact i'd never heard of them before coming across a recommendation of this album in a book, despite the fact they were based out of England for a while. Anyway, can't be bothered to write anymore about them as its bed time. Taken from the brilliant albun 'Teenage Head' , heres 'High Flyin Baby'.

Sounds a bit too much like the Stones... but its still excellent!!!

This is ridiculously cool

I guess the first thing I generally look for in the music I listen too, apart from the tune etc, is the quality of the musicianship. Even if I don't like the style of music or have an irrational hatred of the artist. I will give credit where credit is due. Its kind of like Cristiano Ronaldo. I hate the man, but have to give him his dues as the best footballer in the world at the moment.

Anyway, I know this is slightly off topic, but I came across this performance of 'Use Me' by Bill Withers on Youtube, and was just in awe. Bill Withers touring band comprised most of the Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, who have a formidable reputation for being one of the best Soul and Funk bands you ever did hear. These guys are not even trying, but just listen to what they're doing. The bass player is sat, leaning nonchalantly up against the wall. The drummer seems to be posing for the cameras whilst keeping a hypnotic, metronomic beat. The guitarist and the dude on the keys are knocking out some some seriously excellent licks, riffs (whatever you call them) and Bill, well, he's singing like a god, but does not look to be straining one bit.

I love music like this! When the players are THAT good, they hardly have to break a sweat to make something sound so amazing. Respect!!!

Looks like this clip was taken from the Old Grey Whistle Test in the early seventies... anyway, enjoy...