Never Ending Mixtape Part 2

Welcome to the second instalment of the Never Ending Mixtape that you can check out on Spotify.

14 songs are added to the mixtape and it is an eclectic collection ranging from Nick Drake to The Clash with Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Nirvana, The Undertones, long lost bedroom romantics Alfie and hmmmm Scarlett Johansson in between.

Time Of No Reply (orchestrated version) - Nick Drake
Just beautiful. I'd only really listened to the classic Pink Moon album until earlier this year. There is a treasure trove of wonder to delve into.

Let Me Get There - Hope Sandoval and Kurt Vile
My friend Alan Clarke turned me on to this. I adore Hope Sandoval, her voice is stunning and I love loads of her stuff; solo, with Mazzy Star and guesting on songs with the likes of the Marychain and Death In Vegas.

Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - Marvin Gaye
What a groove, Marvin sounding exceptional. Incredible political and socially conscious lyrics.

Hercules - Aaron Neville
Listen to this on headphones, you can just make out an audible groan of satisfaction right at the start when the groove kicks in. And what a groove! And Aaron Neville just flows with his melody, delivery and poetic genius.

Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
So yeah, this was released in 1967. Far out, gorgeous, funky, soulful, genius. It sounds mind blowing in 2016, imagine what it was like back then?

Buttermilk - Captain America/Eugenius
Eugene Kelly has written some incredible songs in his time. Captain America was his short lived post Vaselines band, changing names to Eugenius after a legal threat from Marvel Comics. Much loved by Nirvana. I love the guitar riffs and the urgent vocal melody.

Lounge Act - Nirvana
Speaking of guitar riffs and urgent vocals (and flow melody) - what about this gem from Nirvana's classic Nevermind album?! Kurt just gets to the stage where he injects extra ferocity and speed into his guitar and screams his heart out. Just listened to this for the first time in a few years - sensational.

Teenage Kicks - The Undertones
Teenage angst in purest punk pop form.

When You Walk In The Room - The Searchers
Speaking of teenage angst - this is wonderful loving pop music. I first heard this when my friend's Ben and Annisa had it as their first dance at their wedding. A Jackie DeShannon song - well worth tracking down some of the compilations of her songs.

If You Ever Get Your Hands On Love - Gladys Knight and the Pips
Motown at its best - beat, groove, melody, hooks, soul and advice.

It's You - Chris Grant
Recorded in his garage in Liverpool. This is a beautiful lofi love song that deserves to be recorded in Abbey Road with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. His It's Not About War album from 2013 contains several other stunner; particularly I Am The One and Like A 45.

Don't Wanna Grow Up - Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson does synth pop with childish charm - superb.

It's Just About The Weather - Alfie
I caught Alfie (from Manchester) at King Tut's one time and fell for their lazy charm. They looked like they had just got out of bed and produced gems like this.

The Magnificent Seven - The Clash
Surely one of the best opening tracks on an album ever. The Clash released a triple album with Sandista! and guaranteed that it would sell at normal price! Incredible value for fans and there is so much to take in - reggae, dub, punk, pop.

Albums of 2013

I have bought and enjoyed a good number of albums in 2013, probably quite a bit more than last year.

I've only just discovered the Kurt Vile album and I have still to buy John Grant and Jon Hopkins.

I'll no doubt discover a few gems released in the last 12-months further down the line, but for the time being, here are my top 10;

Big Inner by Matthew E White
I blogged about this back in February and described it as 'poetic, beautiful, hushed, thoughtful and the playing, singing and production is just outstanding'. Nothing has changed other than the fact I have just fallen further in love with it. A work of beauty.

It's Not About War by Chris Grant
Recorded in his garage on an £80 laptop, this album contains some of the best songwriting and love songs that I have heard in a long time. Grant has complete confidence in his skills and songs and it shows. 'I Am The One' and 'Like A 45' are just stunning.

My blog upon release in October declared; 'It's Not About War is a fucking beautiful album. Chris Grant sings from the very bottom of his heart, the passion and truth in his vocals match the open and honest lyrics.'

Reflektor by Arcade Fire
An outstanding album, what would you want from one of the world's best and most ambitious bands? Some production by James Murphy? Check. Bowie backing you up? Check, a wide range of songs across a sprawling double album that lets the band explore their talent and sound? Check. Brilliant. Their show at the Barrowland will stay with me for a long, long time.

A Bad Wind Blows In My Heart by Bill Ryder Jones

Contemplative, gentle, melodic, rustic, homely, dreamy, lovely… this is a rather gorgeous album. 

Slow Summits by The Pastels
I don't think any band sound as comfortable with their sound as The Pastels. It's just so…them. They produce pop gems and glorious laid back grooves and just run with them. The joyous indie pop rush of 'Check My Heart' is glorious while 'Summer Rain' shuffles and flows.

The Next Day by David Bowie
This album was a surprise in many ways. The secrecy surrounding it created an almighty buzz, the songs offered great depth for the listener to delve into. Bowie was on form, sounding great and producing some outstanding material; reflective at times, biting at others.

Random Access Memories by Daft Punk
Could it live up to the hype? Well that would be difficult as the hype was incredible and the success of 'Get Lucky' probably overshadowed the album. However if you wanted some robots to make an album in 2013 then Random Access Memories delivered the goods; wildly eclectic and crazily addictive.

Understated by Edwyn Collins
A very soulful album; stomping at times, tugging at the heart strings at other. Edwyn's show at the ABC in the spring was a delight and his recent show at Mono was incredible. An artist who keeps on giving and long may that continue.

Kingdom Of Wires by Kevin Harper
A stunning self released solo album by one of Scotland's best songwriters. Kev's solo performance at King Tut's back in the summer was exceptional. The album sees Kev wear his heart on his sleeve and bare his soul. The guitar playing is sensational, echoing the Foo Fighters and classic American indie bands.

The Bones Of What You Believe by Chvrches
Hyped beyond belief, could Chvrches deliver? They certainly could. This is what I wrote in my blog review in September;

'The Bones Of What You Believe' is a fascinating album, extremely polished pop on the surface, often with darker, menacing undertones. The production is crystal clear, staying clear of the trap that many modern acts fall into - that of over-production. The songs have space to breath, there are hooks galore with synths (lots of them) beats and bass combining in a glorious manner and Lauren Mayberry's vocals are delicious; sweet at times, capable of anger, revenge, hurt and heartfelt emotion at others.

I listened to the album for the first time in a month or so this week and it actually sounds better. If anything I overplayed this when it came out. I am currently kicking myself for not buying tickets for their Barrowland show in March.

My songs of 2013

Here are some of the songs that have been released in 2013 that I have particularly enjoyed. I hope you do too.

There are tens of thousands of songs that have been released this year that I haven't heard. If you have any songs you think I should check out then please tweet me. You'll get an idea of my taste from below.

I've probably forgotten a couple, but here we go...

I Am The One by Chris Grant
Absolutely beautiful song. Number one in another universe. You can imagine people wetting themselves if Chris Martin had written it. Not on YouTube as yet.

Reflektor by Arcade Fire
The kind of music you want from one of the biggest bands in the world in the year 2013. Produced by James Murphy and featuring backing vocals by Bowie - ambitious in sound, texture and performance.

Too Bad (That's Sad) by Edwyn Collins
Northern Soul style stomper that had me hooked on first listen. Collins ABC show in the spring was a delight.

Royals by Lorde
Original and exceptional. The production on this is simply exquisite, the lyrics and melody sublime.

Will You Love Me by Matthew E White
Big Inner floored me when it was released back in January, it is such a warm and gorgeous album. This is lazily lovely.

Honey by TeenCanteen
'Honey' combines Spector with the Velvets and C86 indie to make everyone smile.

Get Lucky by Daft Punk
Quite enough has been written about this song. Great though!

Forever by Vigo Thieves
The 'Heart and Soul Pt II' EP was incredible, all 3 songs off it are in my songs of the year. 'Forever' remains my favourite as it just soars to places other bands can only dream of reaching.

Giorgio by Moroder by Daft Punk
The synths and the groove in this song when it kicks in are glorious.

Stoned and Starving by Parquet Courts
Raw catchy punky guitar pop a-la The Strokes circa 'Is This It'. In fact it is even rawer.

Foresight by Nevada Base
Slightly deranged sounding synths, tribal drums start the song before funky bass kicks in and the lyrics and vocals sound paranoid. 'all the science that we know will be in vain'.

The Stars Are Out Tonight by David Bowie
A mighty return from Bowie. This was a standout for me.

It Starts And Ends With You by Suede
Suede returned in magnificent fashion with this single, up with their best work. Their show at the Barrowland in October was nothing short of sensational.

Check My Heart by The Pastels
Glorious warm summery guitar pop with a video to match.

He Took You in His Arms by Bill Ryder-Jones
From a rather gorgeous album. This is all kinds of dreamy goodness.

2013 by Primal Scream
Sounding as vital as anything they have ever produced.

Strong by London Grammar
Just beautiful.

Summer Rain by The Pastels
Slow Summits by The Pastels is one of my albums of 2013. They sound more comfortable with themselves and their music than most artists. This is just pure Pastel-ism.

The Mother We Share by Chvrches
2013 was quite a year for Chvrches. This is just superb, crystal clear production, nice hooks in the verses and a chorus that flows superbly. Synths are beautiful.

Sore Tummy by Paws featuring Alice Costelloe
I wish Paws would write more stuff like this. Catchy as f**k.

One Of These Days by Matthew E White
'Big Inner' is an album that I will return to for a long time, songs like this are the reason. A special talent.

Big Love by Matthew E White
The song that introduced me to the talented Mr White. Echoes of the Beta Band. A real groove.

Stroh 80 by Casual Sex
The debut single by the Glasgow band is pure pop with echoes of Orange Juice and Franz Ferdinand. A delight.

It's You by Chris Grant
Grant's album is stunning, it really hasn't received the press it deserves. Just listen to this for a love song. Beautiful.

24 Hours (Night Time My Time)
My friend Craig introduced me to Sky Ferreira last year and to this song just last week. It is brilliant pop music that you can just escape into. '24-hours we still have time, 24-hours you're still mine' the chorus flows superbly.

The Perfect Life by Moby with Wayne Coyne
Moby cutting about with Wayne from Flaming Lips dressed up as Mexicans on LSD? That caught my attention. The song is brilliant too!

Kingdom of Wires by Kevin Harper
The title track of Kevin's debut solo album is brilliant. Building slowly and movingly into crashing guitars. Link HERE as for some reason I can't post the video on here.

I Love It by Icona Pop featuring Charlie XCX
Released in 2012 but I only discovered it this year and it was everywhere. Absolutely incredible joyful punky pop.

Thursday by Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys are still creating brilliant pop music.

Best Song Ever - One Direction
OK take the piss if you like, but I think this is brilliant pop music. A 2013 update on The Beatles 'I Saw Her Standing There' taking in a bit of The Who along the way, just full of great hooks. And how many songwriters kicked themselves for not nabbing that title first?

Fade Into You by J Mascis
J Mascis from Dinosaur Jr covers this classic from Mazzy Star. Suitably dreamy and gorgeous.

We Sink by Chvrches
My fave from their debut album. Pop with a raw edge.

Baby Blue by Badfinger

OK this was released a long time ago, but it received the kiss of life courtesy of the series finale of Breaking Bad - perfect choice.

You've Got Me Wondering Now - Parquet Courts
I'm squeezing another one in for Parquet Courts as this is just brilliant, raw and catchy sounding like they just don't give a fuck. 'I thought I knew a thing or two about the blues but you've got me wondering now.'

It's Not About War! by Chris Grant

It's Not About War! by Chris Grant is one of the first albums to be released on 359 Music, the new label formed by the legendary Alan McGee.

McGee championed Grant back in the heady days of MySpace when Grant went under the name of The Grants. I was surprised that they were never picked up as an early demo of a song called 'I Am The One' was sensational. I'm even more surprised after listening to this album!

The record industry has changed dramatically over the last 5-years, McGee's new label and his interviews to promote it, 'I can run a label from my bedroom in Wales with a mobile and an iPad', are proof. The good news is that Grant has finally released an album, he has bided his time, his time is now.

'It's Not About War!' is a fucking beautiful album. Chris Grant sings from the very bottom of his heart, the passion and truth in his vocals match the open and honest lyrics. The guitar playing is exquisite, the whole record is incredibly pure, beautifully produced.

According to an interview with the excellent Louder Than War blog, Grant recorded the album on an £80 laptop in his garage. If true then the boy is a genius.

'Our Story' opens the album and sets the tone for what is to come; picked guitar riffs, emotional vocals and stunning melodies.

There's nobody that can stop us, can anybody even try?

'I Am The One' should be a number one song across the globe, it is that good. Ripe for use in a film, this is a widescreen love song to die for.

I am the one, the one that you are gonna die for

Could you be the one to set us free

And i am the one, the one that you are gonna hide from

Could you be the one to never run

The vocals and melody (this album is the most melodic I have heard in a long time) are beautiful, the guitar playing sounds simple yet inventive at the same time, the middle eight is just glorious.

Tonight, tonight, tonight

Tonight I'll be the key one,

To walk with you, to talk with you, to dance with you

Tonight, tonight, tonight

Tonight I'll be the key one, the key one

Aren't I the key one?

Play this to the people who say, 'they don't write 'em like they used to'!

Grant follows it with another corker. 'It's You' is Lennon-esque in it's primal honesty, Grant's delivery and vocal is heartfelt, full of emotion.

It's time like this I'm open to believe

Just give us some more room so we can breathe

Live life under your own little rainbow

Don't follow a soul unless it's your own little way...

I hope the girl this was written for has heard it! The song is over 5-minutes in length but I just want to listen to it again, it flows superbly.

'Pretty Mean' keeps things going, a simple beat underpins more simple yet playful and inventive guitar playing (recalling The Police at their best in some places) that is full of feeling and Grant's vocals remain crystal clear as he tells a story about falling in love. There is another glorious middle eight and outro.

This boy can sing, man can he sing. 'Like A 45' is a piano ballad with brass and strings lifting it and Grant's melodies flowing superbly. Absolutely beautiful!

Yes I'd dance with you, if no-one was around

'How Many Times' asks questions like 'how many times can a man fall in love/save himself…' over a simple beat and slightly psychedelic guitar.

'Maybe Now' bursts into life with strings and piano. Grant just tells it like it is and sings beautifully.

I never thought I'd hurt you, but it's the way it had to be

I've tried everything, nothing seems to work

Grant is at his poetic best...

Bought a ticket for the boat ride, on the river, under moonlight, with the stars, in the darkness….

'Moonlit Wall' and 'Too Cool To Die' prove that Grant isn't just all about the ballads (as beautiful as they are) and he has the songs up his sleeve to get a crowd going.

'Baby Pink' is hushed honesty with Grant and his acoustic guitar. The little burst of harmonica just adds to the hints of Dylan.

I was in a bad place and at the time you were so good

'It's Not About War!' is a brilliant album, with several of the songs being truly exceptional. Live dates appear to be sporadic just now. I can't wait for Grant to come to Glasgow. I hope the crowd are quiet for the ballads!

Introducing Pete MacLeod

Sometimes the good guys win, sometimes the good guys come through. It doesn't always work out like that, certainly not as much as it should.

One good guy who is coming through is Pete MacLeod who has been working his music hard over the last few years, keeping an exceptionally positive attitude and building up an increasing fanbase. Pete has also been extremely supportive of charity with proceeds from some self releases going to good causes - a good guy.

One fan just happens to be the legendary Alan McGee who credits Pete 'more than anyone' for his return to music with his new label 359 music. It is a welcome return, injecting a much needed sense of energy, urgency and honesty into the music business.

With the release of debut single 'Rolling Stone' coming out in October (on download and ltd cd) it is easy to see why McGee has chosen Pete amongst his first batch of signings (I'll blog on more in the future but I am delighted to see The Grants/Chris Grant is one of them).

'Rolling Stone' starts with chiming Byrds-esque guitars and it remains upbeat from the off with the opening lyric 'what won't kill you only makes you stronger'.

I mentioned energy, urgency and honesty when talking about the return of Alan McGee to the music business. Those words can easily be applied to MacLeod's debut single. His vocals are crisp and clear, with lovely little rises at key moments.

The guitar solo and the strong vocal melody recall Bandwagonesque era Fanclub and there is a lovely undercurrent of hammond introduced during the instrumental and at choruses.

'Rolling Stone' is lovely guitar pop, easy on the ear with melodies that will get you humming along after just one listen. 

'Rolling Stone' is released on 359 Music as a download on 14th October and then as a 7-inch on 28th October. Visit Pete's website for details of live dates in Glasgow and London (and see poster above).