Robyn at Assai Records

It's not every day that you meet an international pop star! 

I was browsing Instagram at the start of March when a post from Assai Records Glasgow popped into my feed. Robyn, the pop genius, was coming to the store to sign copies of her new album Sexistential.

Really?

Robyn? In town? For a record store signing session? 3-months ahead of her Hydro show?

I took a chance, ordered a copy of the record for my daughter Rosie who is slowly but surely building a cool collection that includes; Robyn (my sister Carla had got her a cracking ltd edition RSD album for Christmas), Gracie Abrams, CMAT, Madonna and Taylor Swift. I also ordered a CD to ensure I could definitely get in with Rosie.

As time progressed, I really wondered if I was dreaming and found myself checking the Assai Insta post and my email confirmation on multiple occasions. But yes, it seemed like Robyn was coming to Glasgow and Rosie and I were going to meet her.

Assai sent an email the day before the event to say that we should get there for 1.50pm. So, on the day ... still scarcely believing we were going to meet an international pop star, a true pioneer of synth pop, a brave woman who stepped away from the industry cycle to do things on her own terms, songwriter and performer of pure pop magic ... Rosie and I jumped the 1144 train into town. We grabbed lunch at the excellent Franco Manco near Central, walked up to Waterstones on Sauchiehall Street (where Rosie grabbed the new Hannah Gold book) and then sauntered further up to Assai at around 1.30pm.

I was surprised to find the shop pretty quiet, but posters were up, staff were getting ready and then (by chance) someone said; 'Are you Murray?' To which I replied; 'Are you Radhika?' After we both confirmed we were who each other thought, I introduced Rosie, to which Radhika replied 'Yes, I've seen you in Since Yesterday.'

It was lovely to meet in person. Radhika very kindly answered some questions for my blog back in January. I'm excited to hear Cine-Pop, her forthcoming debut album and finally get to see Radhika perform live with her band at Mono on 5th June. TICKETS 

Radhika told us that Robyn would be arriving soon and that we should join the queue outside. Thankfully, the rain (which has been super heavy overnight and through the morning) had stopped. We sheltered in a doorway round the corner and got caught up in the excitement when 2 blacked out mini-buses arrived and Robyn's team came out to meet the Assai team. We could see someone make a call to confirm everything was OK and one of the buses zipped off to collect Robyn. 

The Assai team started to move people in, but thankfully we were just on the corner when Robyn arrived and went in the side entrance. It was cool to see Rosie getting excited. As was I! We enjoyed some chat with a couple of lovely guys behind us, one in particular was a huge Robyn fan and had a clutch of her records with him. His friend/partner had an amazing pair of shows on - I was glad he got inside before the rain came back on!

Robyn was in, signing records and posing for photos, and we began to edge round the shop to the front of the queue. Radhika was taking peoples phones to ensure they got photos, so it was lovely to hand my phone to a young musician to take a photo of Rosie meeting another. 

Rosie was the only kid there! Robyn smiled as she approached with her record (vinyl as the hipsters in the shop call it) and asked her name. 'Is that Rosie with a Y or I E?' There was a short chat and then Robyn ushered Rosie to come alongside her and she put her arm around her which was lovely.

And then it was my turn. Robyn asked if the CD should be made out to me, or Rosie. I said Rosie, and talked of how she had a record player and was enjoying buying albums and how she loved music and dancing. As I then grabbed a photo, I also said, thanks for creating such amazing pop music. 

Dancing On My Own, Hang With Me, Dopamine, With Every Heartbeat, Call Your Girlfriend ... as mentioned at the start of this blog, Robyn is a genuine pop genius.

Sexistential is a cracking album. Dopamine (the first single) is sublime, Rosie and I first heard it on 6Music while driving home from her dance class. 'Is that Robyn?' she asked, leaning forward to turn the radio up as familiar sounding synths kicked in. Indeed it was Robyn, with an outstanding burst and rush of electronic pop brilliance.

Nothing's ever gonna cut you as deep

As the very first time

Nothing's ever gonna taste just as sweet

As when it is just out of reach

Blow My Mind (about her son) is a cool groove that melts my heart.

It's like you're the cloud underneath my feet

And you're the reason that I breathe

 Light Up is spine tingling with brilliant synth sounds, the song threatens to drop big beats several times but somehow refrains. Album closer Into The Sun is all kinds of 80's pop bliss with a modern sheen. 9 songs, 29 minutes, brilliant pop music that will leave you wanting to play it all again.

Since I Left You

 

Trust me #112
Since I Left You by The Avalanches

This wonderful song was released on 5th February 2001. While this makes it 25-years old, Since I Left You still sounds as supremely fresh, sunshine-y and vital as it did the first time I heard it. 

Although I can't remember where or when that was. Maybe it was on MTV, or maybe I tracked it down after reading a review, or hearing the song on the radio. I can't recall. All I remember is being transfixed by everything I heard and saw by The Avalanches - the singles, their sensational album, a live performance at The Arches, the GIMIX mixtape (blog coming soon on this) I bought that night and then a trip to Manchester to see them DJ. 

They were cool, their musical taste was exceptional, their ear for melodies was off the charts and the way they created their own songs from samples was like nothing I had ever heard before.

Samples .... you can't really talk about The Avalanches without discussing samples. Armed with Yamaha Promix 01 and Akai S2000 samplers and stacks of "dollar-bin" vinyl that nobody else wanted, Robbie Chater and Darren Seltmann stitched together an estimated 3,500 samples into a seamless album.

Check this incredible YouTube documentary that attempts to track all of the samples. The fact is, even The Avalanches don't have a record of all the sample they used!

Since I Left You, the opening song and title track of their debut album, is not just a breath of fresh air. It's like inhaling pure oxygen and riding the rush. Nothing else matters for a glorious few minutes. 

Despite being built entirely from other people's voices, the song feels personal. The central hook is a pitched up slice of The Main Attraction's Everyday, capturing, creating something pure and euphoric.

Twenty five years since release, Since I Left You still hits me like warm rays of sunshine. This is pure escapism, merging from the sounds of a party the vocals are a burst of unadulterated joy and escapism.

Since I left you

I found the world so new

Timeless pop perfection. The Avalanches created a true work of art with this song and album. They took 16 years to release a follow up!

Since I Left You is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE. Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.

Previous Trust Me blogs

1. Something On Your Mind by Karen Dalton

1A. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells

2. I Am, I Said  by Neil Diamond

3. Where's The Playground Susie?   by Glen Campbell

4. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lighfoot

5. Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon

6. Gone With The Wind Is My Love by Rita and the Tiaras

7. In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans

8. The Music Box by Ruth Copeland

9. The Ship Song by Nick Cave

10. Sometimes by James

11. I Walk The Earth by King Biscuit Time

12. Didn't Know What I Was In For by Better Oblivion Community Centre

13. When My Boy Walks Down The Street by The Magnetic Fields

14. The Man Don't Give A F**k by Super Furry Animals

15. All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun by Jeff Buckley and Liz Fraser

16. Are You Lookin' by The Tymes

17. A Real Hero by College & Electric Youth

18. Feelings Gone by Callum Easter

19. Sunday Morning by The Velvet Underground

20. Did I Say by Teenage Fanclub

21. Don't Look Back by Teenage Fanclub

22. Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From by Teenage Fanclub

23. Belfast by Orbital

24. Clouds by The Jayhawks

25. Dreaming Of You by The Coral

26. Everlasting Love by Love Affair

27. Walk Away Renee by The Left Banke

28. Teenage Kicks by The Undertones

29. Shaky Ground by Sneeze

29. Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells

30. I Can Feel Your Love by Felice Taylor

31. The State We're In by The Chemical Brothers w/ Beth Orton

32. Sunshine After The Rain by Ellie Greenwich

33. Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem

34. Mondo 77 by Looper

35. Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton

36. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats

37. How High by The Charlatans

38. I Can't Let Go by Evie Sands

39. Pop Song 89 by R.E.M.

40. Summertime Clothes by Animal Collective

41. There She Goes by The Las

42. We're Going To Be Friends by White Stripes

43. Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo

44. Sister Rena by Lomond Campbell

45. Revolution by The Beatles

46. Lazarus by The Boo Radleys

47. Wrote For Luck by Happy Mondays

48. American Trilogy by The Delgados

49. Loser by Beck 

50. Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy

51. Comedy by Shack

52. Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven

53. Freakscene by Dinosaur Jr

54. Thank You For Being You by The Pastels

55. I Think I'm In Love by Spiritualized

56. Chestnut Mare by The Byrds

57. Cannonball by The Breeders

58. Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

59. You Make Me Weak At The Knees by Electrelane

60. Lucky by Radiohead

61. Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

61. I Am The Cosmos by Chris Bell

62. Like A Ship (Without A Sail) by Pastor TL Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir

63. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations

64. Made of Stone by The Stone Roses

65. Tonight In Belfast by Orbital, David Holmes, DJ Helen and Mike Garry

66. Anything by Adrianne Lenker

67. I Hold Something In My Hand by Bill Ryder-Jones

68. I Meant Every Word by Burnett Sisters

69. Dream Baby Dream by Suicide

70. Stove by The Lemonheads

71. Red Lady by Phil Cordell

72. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb

73. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

74. Turnin' My Heartbeat Up by The M.V.P.'s

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen

78. My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

79. Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

80. Sweet and Tender Romance by The McKinleys

81. Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros

82. 69 Police by David Holmes

83. Hey Lisa by David Holmes

84. I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

85. Kung Fu by Ash

86. Kids by MGMT

87. Slight Return by The Bluetones

88. Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band

89. Cut Your Hair by Pavement

90. Race for the Prize by The Flaming Lips

91. Waitin' for a Superman by The Flaming Lips

92. Acquiesce by Oasis

93. This Is Music by The Verve

94. Lone Swordsman by Daniel Avery

95. Sparky's Dream by Teenage Fanclub

96. Common People by Pulp

97. Let Our Love Grow Higher by Eula Cooper

98. Regret by New Order

99. Keep On Keepin' On by Nolan Porter

100. Sit Down by James (Live at G-Mex) by James

101. Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder by Yeti

102. Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over by The Charlatans

103. Life Is Sweet by The Chemical Brothers 

104. How Can I Tell You (To Love Me More) by Brooke Coombe

105-107. Wigan Casino - Three Before Eight - Time Will Pass You By by Tobi Legend, Long After Tonight Is All Over by Jimmy Radcliffe, I'm On My Way by Dean Parrish

108. Cobra by Geese

109. All I Have To Do Is Dream by The Everly Brothers

110. Vapour Trail by Ride

111. Teardrop by Massive Attack

Hen Hoose at Celtic Connections

Photo - Hannah Brodie

Last year, 12 members of the Hen Hoose collective travelled to the Isle of Lewis to write and record an album ... in 6-days ... from scratch. Staying at Black Bay residential studio, the members were directed by Hen Hoose leader, Tamara Schlesinger who split them into songwriting teams and within 3-days they had the 9-songs that make up The Twelve, their new album released on 23rd January. 

HEN HOOSE BANDCAMP - order the record here

The Twelve is a wonderful album. I love compilation albums that display a wide variety of talent and taste. This feels like that ... but with an added sense of friendship and community. The album feels fresh, full of vibrancy and energy. Artists collaborating, pushing each other, being lifted by each other ... you can feel it and sense it.

And on Friday night, it was on display. To celebrate the release, Hen Hoose Collective played a sold out show in the beautiful Tramway Theatre in the Southside of Glasgow. And this really did feel like a celebration - it was euphoric and emotional, bristling with energy and intent. Artists who have been brought together through music, artists who have become friends. Artists performing their new work live for the first time. 

The energy and freshness of the album was transferred to a live show. The stage floor was set up almost like a large living room or rehearsal studio. Two sofa's flanked the microphones and the impeccable 'hoose' band. Singers and musicians chilled and watched on when they didn't need to get up to perform. Everyone was in it together, supporting each other, cheering for each other, laughing and smiling. A simple but beautiful set up.

SHEARS, AMUNDA, Malka & Emma Pollock on the sofa

the supremely talented Cariss Crosbie on keyboards

Photo by Hannah Brodie

The Hen Hoose band definitely deserve a mention! Cariss Crosbie (synths/keys and vocals), Inge Thomson (flutes, synths and percussion), Sarah Hayes (synths/keys and flute), Suse Bear (bass and synths), Lauren MacDonald (drums) and Jill Lorean (guitar and vocals).

The Hen's that went up to Lewis were Tamara Schlesinger (AKA Malka), Suse Bear, Ray Aggs, Inge Thomson, Frances McKee, Carla J Easton, AMUNDA, SHEARS, Cariss Crosbie, Emma Pollock Djana Gabrielle and Jill Lorean.

Where to start?! I think I'll combine an album and live review!

Malka started things off, flanked by a beaming Ray Aggs (who has the most delightful smile) with opening song Wipe Out. The song veers off into a sublime melodic breakdown. Gorgeous. 

Photo by Hannah Brodie

Next up, my sister Carla with her song Rich (Katy's In Space) about the crazy news story that broke around the time of recording in Lewis - Katy Perry hanging with Elon Musk and taking a trip to space! Loads of fun on record, the hooks were even more infectious when performed live - rammed home an extra few times for good measure.

Photo by Hannah Brodie

I was at the show with my daughter Rosie and she was particularly taken by songs involving AMUNDA and SHEARS. They have an ear for pop! Just like Rosie! Out My Mind is full of fast paced melodies and like the opening song it has a gorgeous break that builds back up. Euphoric! SHEARS had a lot of fun as the beat kicked in and she stretched her vocals. Like Ariana Grande according to Rosie.

Sirens Call My Name has been receiving a lot of love on 6 Music. A synth-y bass is broken by Emma Pollock urging us to hold on, hold on. The burst and lift into the chorus is glorious.

And I just love the way that I feel when I hear the song

Djana Gabrielle and Ray Aggs sing the deeply moody disco number Promise, an early favourite of mine.

I promised myself, I'll never fall for you

Here we are again

Photo by Hannah Brodie

Game of 2 had loads of hens on stage, exchanging vocals for different sections, AMUNDA and Carla with some pop moments, Djana Gabrielle with the breathy and sexy French(?) vocal section.

Frances McKee was typically self effacing when introducing Ego Trip, highlighting the talent on stage and that she had experienced in Lewis, wondering why she was with them.

Well, Frances quickly showed why, with her autobiographical lyrics, about the 90's and then to present day.

No drugs since 1995

I'm alright now, made it out alive

I love the lines that Cariss sings;

I forgot who I was 

And I don't know who I am

Then Emma Pollock comes in with an outstanding chorus. It's so uplifting!

Standing on an island with no lifeboat

And I don't need pills to teach me how to swim

In Control with lead vocals by SHEARS and Jill Lorean was outstanding! My daughter Rosie's favourite! This is powerful pop, with a samba-esque breakdown. Live at Celtic Connections, SHEARS and Jill Lorean came out in front of the stage floor and danced around looking super cool.

I'm in control

You're not at all

So back it off

I'm showing up

Stop showing off

Cause I'm the boss

The Twelve ends with the beautiful Blessings On The Day, it's like a psychedelic nursery rhyme full of observations.

Everybody does what they do

Nobody is judging you

Follow the herd

Don't be heard

Should any promoters be reading this - an all-ages Hen Hoose event at the Kelvingrove Bandstand this summer would be an absolute winner... or the Barrowland, I'm not too fussy!

Well done to all the artists involved in the album and the live show - wonderful!

Photo by Hannah Brodie

Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder

Trust me #101
Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder by Yeti

Yeti were a short‑lived but spirited indie band from North London, formed by John Hassall, bass player in The Libertines as his band with Carl Barat, Pete Doherty and Gary Powell disintegrated in an absolute mess of drugs, break ins, rehab, Babyshambles and brilliant singles; Don't Look Back Into The Sun, Can't Stand Me Now and Doherty's For Lovers 

Yeti's sound was steeped in early Beatles, The Kinks, The Byrds and The La’s influences. Their debut single, Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder, dropped in March 2005 on Moshi Moshi Records and vanished off the shelves within three days. It peaked inside the UK Top 30 and earned nods as Single of the Week in both The Guardian and NME.

Drowned in Sound called it a three minute bop through ebullient guitars, crystal clear harmonies and lots of positive vibes (man).

Back then, those kind of reviews would send me to HMV on a Monday lunchtime to pick up some new releases. And I bought this on 7-inch.

Fast forward to June 2025, Butler, Blake & Grant are playing City Halls and McChuills, my favourite bar in Glasgow and the world, asked if I would be up for playing records for 2-hours for a pre-party.

They didn't need to ask twice and their invitation sent my up into my loft to dig through my records to see what I could find. I doubt I've played Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder since 2005/6, but for some reason it stood out and I put the 7-inch in my box.

And it sounded great played on the McChuills sound system.

What does it sound like?

A chiming Rickenbacker jangle opens and suddenly the sound of duelling guitars are rippling through the air. Pure, bright energy bursts through the guitars, beats and harmonies.

Yeti recorded live with minimal overdubs and they (supposedly) never bothered with the hassle or expense of mastering, preferring the raw sound they captured, to something had hours spent on production.

Never lose your sense of wonder

Even if you lose all else

I actually thought Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder was their only release. Everything else passed me by and I've only just discovered their debut album while writing this blog.

Yeti didn’t stay around for long. They released a second single in 2005, and EP in 2006, then Yume, a Japanese compilation album in 2007, before The Legend Of Yeti Gonzales, their debut album in 2008, preceded by a final single.

Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder captures a jangling, sparkling moment of hope and youth. Enjoy.

Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE. Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.

Previous Trust Me blogs

1. Something On Your Mind by Karen Dalton

1A. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells

2. I Am, I Said  by Neil Diamond

3. Where's The Playground Susie?   by Glen Campbell

4. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lighfoot

5. Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon

6. Gone With The Wind Is My Love by Rita and the Tiaras

7. In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans

8. The Music Box by Ruth Copeland

9. The Ship Song by Nick Cave

10. Sometimes by James

11. I Walk The Earth by King Biscuit Time

12. Didn't Know What I Was In For by Better Oblivion Community Centre

13. When My Boy Walks Down The Street by The Magnetic Fields

14. The Man Don't Give A F**k by Super Furry Animals

15. All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun by Jeff Buckley and Liz Fraser

16. Are You Lookin' by The Tymes

17. A Real Hero by College & Electric Youth

18. Feelings Gone by Callum Easter

19. Sunday Morning by The Velvet Underground

20. Did I Say by Teenage Fanclub

21. Don't Look Back by Teenage Fanclub

22. Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From by Teenage Fanclub

23. Belfast by Orbital

24. Clouds by The Jayhawks

25. Dreaming Of You by The Coral

26. Everlasting Love by Love Affair

27. Walk Away Renee by The Left Banke

28. Teenage Kicks by The Undertones

29. Shaky Ground by Sneeze

29. Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells

30. I Can Feel Your Love by Felice Taylor

31. The State We're In by The Chemical Brothers w/ Beth Orton

32. Sunshine After The Rain by Ellie Greenwich

33. Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem

34. Mondo 77 by Looper

35. Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton

36. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats

37. How High by The Charlatans

38. I Can't Let Go by Evie Sands

39. Pop Song 89 by R.E.M.

40. Summertime Clothes by Animal Collective

41. There She Goes by The Las

42. We're Going To Be Friends by White Stripes

43. Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo

44. Sister Rena by Lomond Campbell

45. Revolution by The Beatles

46. Lazarus by The Boo Radleys

47. Wrote For Luck by Happy Mondays

48. American Trilogy by The Delgados

49. Loser by Beck 

50. Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy

51. Comedy by Shack

52. Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven

53. Freakscene by Dinosaur Jr

54. Thank You For Being You by The Pastels

55. I Think I'm In Love by Spiritualized

56. Chestnut Mare by The Byrds

57. Cannonball by The Breeders

58. Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

59. You Make Me Weak At The Knees by Electrelane

60. Lucky by Radiohead

61. Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

61. I Am The Cosmos by Chris Bell

62. Like A Ship (Without A Sail) by Pastor TL Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir

63. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations

64. Made of Stone by The Stone Roses

65. Tonight In Belfast by Orbital, David Holmes, DJ Helen and Mike Garry

66. Anything by Adrianne Lenker

67. I Hold Something In My Hand by Bill Ryder-Jones

68. I Meant Every Word by Burnett Sisters

69. Dream Baby Dream by Suicide

70. Stove by The Lemonheads

71. Red Lady by Phil Cordell

72. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb

73. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

74. Turnin' My Heartbeat Up by The M.V.P.'s

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen

78. My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

79. Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

80. Sweet and Tender Romance by The McKinleys

81. Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros

82. 69 Police by David Holmes

83. Hey Lisa by David Holmes

84. I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

85. Kung Fu by Ash

86. Kids by MGMT

87. Slight Return by The Bluetones

88. Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band

89. Cut Your Hair by Pavement

90. Race for the Prize by The Flaming Lips

91. Waitin' for a Superman by The Flaming Lips

92. Acquiesce by Oasis

93. This Is Music by The Verve

94. Lone Swordsman by Daniel Avery

95. Sparky's Dream by Teenage Fanclub

96. Common People by Pulp

97. Let Our Love Grow Higher by Eula Cooper

98. Regret by New Order

99. Keep On Keepin' On by Nolan Porter

100. Sit Down (Live at G-Mex) by James

So You Say You Lost Your Baby

Cover version of the month #111

Death in Vegas w/ Paul Weller cover Gene Clark w/ The Gosdin Brothers

Gene Clark w/ The Gosdin Brothers version

Death in Vegas w/ Paul Weller version

Gene Clark departed The Byrds in 1966 after a whirlwind period of recording, releasing, and touring. In just a few years, the band had blazed a trail—three albums, a string of hits (including two number-one singles), and pioneering sounds that reshaped the landscape of guitar music. From the chiming 12-string perfection of Mr. Tambourine Man and Turn, Turn, Turn to the psychedelic folk-jazz brilliance of Eight Miles High, The Byrds (pardon the pun) were in full flight.

Clark was at the heart of it all, including penning the pure adrenaline rush of I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better—one of favourite songs by The Byrds. Gene, as well as writing songs, playing guitar and singing, was effortlessly cool with a tambourine in hand.

The Byrds had soared, but what goes up must come down. With a lineup brimming with talent and strong-willed songwriters, creative tensions were inevitable. Clashes ensued, departures followed. Clark was the first to leave, with David Crosby not far behind. 

Clark didn't hang around, releasing his debut album Gene Clark With The Gosdin Brothers (later reissued as Echoes) in January 1967. Clark wrote 8 songs and co-wrote another couple. 

One of those songs was So You Say You Lost Your Baby, 2-minutes 7 seconds of utter bliss. In that short time there is driving rhythms, beautiful orchestration, a dreamy melancholic melody and emotional vocals, mixed effortlessly with stunning harmonies.

Riding in on an electric guitar riff that sends tingles down your spine, So You Say You Lost Your Baby is performed, arranged and produced absolutely perfectly. Strings float in behind Gene Clark as he begins to sing;

Well you're smolderin' with fly words

Catch the moment on the run

The Gosdin Brothers harmonise effortlessly;

And you stand inside your wind stilts

Watch the sentence act begun

There's a brief pause before a gorgeous little lift in the strings after the second verse and chorus, Clark and the Gosdin Brothers sound sublime together, the beat drives things to conclusion

So you say you lost you're baby

Do you know that you're the one?

Almost 40-years down the line, Death in Vegas, Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes, were forging a reputation for fantastic taste in music, production and ambition. Psychedelia was in their hearts; taste, knowledge and appreciation of great songs from 60's, mixed and matched with passion for electronic music and all the possibilities it brought.

2003's Scorpio Rising album saw them collaborate with Liam Gallagher on a sprawling title track, Hope Sandoval on the heart melting Killing Smile, Dot Allison on the dreamy wonder Diving Horses and Paul Weller on their version of So You Say You Lost Your Baby.

That Death in Vegas stay very true to Clark's original is testament to the band and Weller's love and affection for the song. The main difference is probably the fact that Weller is singing on his own with no harmonies. Death in Vegas also play a little with the aforementioned string lift after the second verse and chorus. Weller's voice, as I witnessed first hand at the Barrowland last November, is exceptionally strong, perfect for this slice of psychedelic pop. 

Noel Gallagher was so taken with the album that he approached Death in Vegas to produce Don't Believe The Truth. The sessions collapsed after 3-4 weeks with Gallagher reflecting that Fearless and Holmes were trying to polish a turd. An honest assessment. If the songs had been up with Gallagher's best then it is tantalising to think of the string arrangements and effects that DiV could have introduced. But that's potentially another blog for another time. 

The Gene Clark original and the cover by Death in Vegas and Paul Weller of So You Say You Lost Your Baby are added to my Everything Flows Cool Cover Versions playlist on Spotify which also features all of the songs listed below. Search for the title or CLICK HERE

Previous covers of the month blogs

1. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 

2. Going Back To My Roots

3. Nirvana play The Vaselines

4. Slip Inside This House

5. Top 10 covers by Teenage Fanclub

6. Only Love Can Break Your Heart

7. Time For Livin' 

8. Sound and Vision 

9. All Along The Watchtower

10. I Am The Walrus 

11. Guiding Star

12. You’ll Never Walk Alone

13. Hurt

14. This Guy's In Love With You

15. I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine

16. California Soul

18. Wonder wall 

19. Dancing In The Dark

20. Always On My Mind

21. Ceremony

22. Heroes

23. Different Drum

24. Wild Horses

25. Respect

26. Mr Tambourine Man

27. I Heard It Through The Grapevine

28. Superstar

29. Twist and Shout

30. Purple Rain

31. Baker Street

32. Not Fade Away

33. Stop Your Sobbing

34. I Don't Want To Grow Up

35. Serious Drugs

36. Dancing With Myself

37. How Does It Feel To Feel?

38. Love Buzz

39. ABBA-esque
40. Jumpin' Jack Flash

41. Discoland

42. Varshons 2 by The Lemonheads

43. The Langley Schools Music Project
44. Witchi Tai To
45. Our Lips Are Sealed
46. Sunshine Of Your Love
47. Here Comes The Sun
48. I Think We're Alone Now
49. Don't Let Me Down 
50. It's Oh So Quiet
51. Alcoholiday 
52. Summer Holiday
53. Who Do You Think You Are?
54. Head On
55. Nothing Compares 2 U

56. Hey Jude

57. Seven Days Too Long

58. L.O.V.E Love

59. Into Your Arms

60. Heart Of Glass

61. Take Me To The River

62. We Can Work It Out 

63. Talking In My Sleep

64. Lola

65. Lost In Music

66. My Little Red Book

67. Isn't It A Pity

68. Walk On By

69. Walk Away Renee

70. Tainted Love

71. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

72. Listen The Snow Is Falling

73. Mrs Robinson

74. He's Gonna Step On You Again

75. In My Life

76. Caravan Of Love

77. The Only Way Is Up

78. Dancin' Round & Round

79. With A Little Help From My Friends

80. Killing Me Softly

81. Ain't No Mountain High Enough

82. Drop

83. Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay

84. Sympathy For The Devil

85. I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor

86. Love Will Tear Us Apart

87. Indian Rope Man + bonus Strawberry Fields Forever + This Wheels On Fire

88. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

89. Love The One You're With

90. Cum On Feel The Noize

91. Addicted To Love

92. Valerie

93. Ride On Time

94. Let's Dance

95. It Must Be Love

96. I Fought The Law

97. For What It's Worth

98. Do Your Thing

99. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself

100. Don't Leave Me This Way

101. Shout!

102. God Only Knows

103. The Last Time

104. Bridge Over Troubled Water

105. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart

106. Louie Louie

107. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

108-110. I'm A Loser, Yesterday and Beware of Darkness 

Waves

 

Frank Popp Ensemble's latest album, Waves, released on April 11, 2025, via Unique Records, is a vibrant blend of Northern Soul, psychedelia and garage rock, embellished with strings and drenched in reverb. One of the reasons I have fallen for it so hard and so quickly is because of the album's eclectic nature, it's like a compilation or a mixtape.

Waves features eleven tracks, each enriched by collaborations with notable artists like Gerry Love (Teenage Fanclub), Nicke Andersson (The Hellacopters), Emma Noble, and J Mahon.​

The album opens with the northern soul flavoured Love Is A Distraction, featuring J Mahon, whose androgynous soul vocals set a Motown-inspired tone. 

Emma Noble's contribution on Unstoppable delivers a girl-groupish anthem that has already gained attention on BBC's Craig Charles' Soul Show. Gerry Love revisits his 2004 Teenage Fanclub track Save, transforming it into an orchestral soul piece. The closing instrumental is sublime. Nicke Andersson brings high-energy Northern Soul vibes to Caught In A Web.​

J Mahon stands out with his performances on five tracks, including the single Going Going Gone, which echoes early 70s Motown with its catchy brass hooks. My own personal favourite is Heartbreak (In A Really Good Way), Mahon's voice is exceptional and the arrangement is exquisite. Mahon also takes on The Replacements Swingin' Party and you can imagine that Frank Popp would hold a swinging party!​

Popp sings on Ride, a swirling garage rock tune/drone that he happened to have kicking round.

Waves is out now, available on black and pink vinyl from ​Unique Records

Anxious

 

I only discovered Nell and her music in mid-December last year and wrote about that in this blog.​ In a unique and slightly surreal way, I have been looking forward to this album, but also dreading it. I kind of knew it would be good (and it is!) and I also kind of knew the sense of heartbreak that it would bring.

Smith tragically died in a car accident in October 2024. Nell was only 17 years old. I can only imagine the songs she would have gone on to write and sing, the shows she would play and the joy she would bring to people, the kids she would inspire.

However, like Nell's family, friends and record label, those that discover her music and talent have to cherish the fact that she did get to record some wonderful songs and that this album has been released.

Posthumous albums often carry a heavy emotional weight, but Anxious, the debut from 17-year-old Nell Smith, is uniquely devastating. Released on April 11, 2025, via Bella Union, the album offers a luminous glimpse into a young artist whose voice was silenced far too early.

Nell's 2021 collaboration with The Flaming Lips, Where The Viaduct Looms, reimagined Nick Cave’s songs through her youthful lens. With Anxious, she steps into her own spotlight, revealing a songwriting voice and talent that’s both playful and profound. Anxious is Nell's real debut album. Released on April 11, 2025, via Bella Union, the album offers a luminous glimpse into a young artist whose voice was silenced far too early.

A young Nell with Wayne Coyne

The album was produced by Jack and Lily Wolter of Penelope Isles, who worked closely with Nell in Brighton. Some of the songs date back to when she was just 12 years old. The sessions were fueled by Doritos, fizzy sweets, Coca-Cola, and the thrill of sneaking into local gigs for inspiration. The result is a psychedelic indie-pop record that captures the emotional turbulence of adolescence with startling clarity.​

The title track, Anxious sets the tone with a whimsical yet raw take on teenage angst, reflecting on the isolation of growing up during a pandemic. Bubba finds joy in grief, while Boy in a Bubble is a slice of psychedelic pop, a thank you note to mentor Wayne Coyne.

Billions of People (my immediate and current favourite) and Daisy Fields shimmer with inventive pop experimentation.

The chorus into the bridge on Billions of People is devastatingly emotional. Oooft! 7.92 billion people and I'd choose you - now that's a line!

And if I was in a room full of people I'd never met, I'd look for you

And if I was feeling blue and upset, I'd call out for you

7.92 billion people and I'd choose you

Three tracks were co-written with Canadian folk band Shred Kelly during cozy winter evenings in her hometown of Fernie, British Columbia, in 2022. These collaborations, later completed in Brighton, add warmth and intimacy to the album’s sonic palette.

A few words of praise from other reviews;

​AllMusic called it “a poignant, eloquent peek into teenage girlhood” 

Consequence described it as “an upbeat slice of psych-pop in which Smith expresses her love of music as a way to cope with anxiety.” 

Spin noted the album’s “bright, ‘Why not?’ energy of experimentation,” likening it to “Regina Spektor fronting The Flaming Lips.” ​

 I've donated $20 to the Nell Smith Memorial Fund, established by her family in memory of Nell to support emerging musicians. The fund,  aims to raise $100,000, awarding $10,000 annually over ten years, with profits from Anxious contributing directly to this initiative. 

Nell Smith and Anxious will leave a mark and her life, music and talent will be celebrated and discovered by many for a long, long time to come.