Spectacle of ritual

Kali Malone - The Sacrificial Code (2019) ***

Nominated by: Alex

Music club: MNAC

MNAC playlist addition:  Or Something

Good call from Alex - listen to the album while working. He's bang on. For the last two weeks, it easily accompanied my early mornings while working at school. As staff arrived they would comment on the sounds very favourably.

My ambient music genre go-to albums are usually Bass Communion, Eno/Harold Budd, Tangerine Dream, Neu!, Alice Coltrane and Courtney Barnett. Now I can add Kali Malone to that list.

The textures crept up on me while I was working in a very pleasant way. The listening experience wasn't as good in the car on the commute though - I need something with a bit more pep in that context. Plus, I was more actively listening which didn't work as well.

I've chosen single worthy Or Something to highlight but really the album is an entity to itself and needs to unwind as it was envisioned by Kali Malone.

Thanks for the introduction Alex.

Silver bullet

Brown Horse  Reservoir (2024) ***

Nominated by: Gee Kay

Music club: Wander to Wozza's

Playlist addition:  Bloodstain

I knew it would happen. GK says in his preamble, "I’m hoping you can look pass the vocalist’s interesting style and enjoy Reservoir". So, of course, the answer is 'Yes' and 'No'. Once something's pointed out, it's difficult to ignore.

I've noticed in the past that for some reason Americana styled bands from the UK often have this kind of vocalist. I'm thinking of bands like Gomez and Turin Breaks. It's not good or bad, just takes a bit to get used to is all.

So, by the third go around I'd forgotten all about the vocal quirks and nodded my head, tapped my feet and generally grooved to those loping beats and electric guitars. 

Speaking of which - Neil Young's influence is never far from Americana bands and I do prefer songs, like Bloodstain, that wear that influence on their sleeves.

Generally, there's a good clutch of songs on display on Reservoir, with enough variety of instrumentation to keep me interested. And while I didn't discern any B side slide, there is a sameness that creeps in to the procession of songs.

Mrs Purdy and I are watching Yellowstone on Netflix atm and these songs would slot right on into the soundtrack I feel.

Nice work featuring a 2024 release GK. You'll need to keep us informed on their progress from this solid debut. It will be interesting to see how they evolve away from this core sound, indeed, whether they stick with this country rock on future releases or go more organic and ethnic, if you know what I mean. There are hints of that here with some accordian and fiddle mixing it up with the electric guitars.

Favourite tracks - Everlasting; Bloodstain; Paul Gilley (nice female harmony vocals on what's a country song really)

Now in your hands

Robert Scott - The Green House (2014) ****

Nominated by: KS

Music club: Wander to Wozza's

Playlist addition:  Lights Are Low

It's 2024 and WTWMC returns in fine style with Kevy's first up selection.

Robert Scott is a favourite of both Kevy and the WTWMC, thanks to Robert's day job as leader of The Bats. But he also has a highly entertaining solo career.

As KS says, The Green House features some dreamy, hypnotic vocals & the extra bonus of Holly Fullbrook on backing vocals (she of Tiny Ruins).

It didn't take me long to like and enjoy this album. Maybe the instant appeal comes from enjoying The Bats so much. It doesn't sound a million miles from that stellar NZ band. 

Holly and Scott's voices fit nicely together. A relatively simple song like Lazy Boy takes on added depth thanks to their easy combination.

Fav songs and moments - first song, Lights Are Low sets the tone really well - I prefer the songs where Holly takes the lead, dominant voice, Robert is just a nano second after her. So, this and Now In Your Hands really appeal. I also enjoyed the instrumentals - they added some variety. Favorite Case is lovely!

A quiet stunner of an album and a great start to 2024!

Withered Hand

Withered Hand - How To Love (2023) ***

Nominated by: Tom Jnr

Music club: MNAC

MNAC playlist addition:  How To Love

I quite like the sounds made by the alt-country, Americana bands that have sprung up since the early eighties. Usually it's a good honest hodge podge of styles that fuses into something easy to listen to and enjoy. It's not very taxing, so great for relaxing on a sunny day with a beverage.

For me, Withered Hand (Dan Wilson's brand name) are within the alt-country genre, even though he comes from Scotland. His sound reminds me of The Jayhawks and Golden Smog. Two bands I enjoy.

This album is a bit inconsistent though. All of those 6 minute plus songs (even though I like the title track) are a worry. It's hard to sustain interest over that length and Serenity Prayer just ends up being a grind. Sort of like a Neil Young and Crazy Horse lengthy workout that doesn't work out. Less is more.

Favorite tracks: the edited single version of Waking Up, How To Love and Still Quiet Voice.

Thanks Lew - overall an enjoyable experience but I'll be sticking to Golden Smog for my listening pleasure in this genre. Thanks for recommending though!

Halo

Porcupine Tree - Deadwing (2005) **** 

Nominated by: Tom

Music club: MNAC

MNAC playlist addition:  Lazarus

Full disclosure - I'm a Steven Wilson fan, whether that be his work within No-Man, Blackfield, Bass Communion, solo, or his best known band - Porcupine Tree.

He's a little disparaging about this album in his book (Limited Edition of One), but what would he know, right?

I really love all of the Porcupine Tree albums, and while Deadwing isn't my favourite (that honour would go to In Absentia), it does have some great moments on it - the opening title song gets into a great groove, Lazurus I play to death whenever I hear it, Halo and the twelve minute plus Arriving Somewhere But Not Here are Porcupine Tree at their proggy best.

Great selection Tom, sorry it took me six weeks or so to get to it!

The best part (Young Mister)

Young Mister - Young Mister  (2016) *****

Nominated by: Gee Kay

Music club: Wander to Wozza's

Playlist addition:  Anybody Out There

After about the sixth run through, I knew this was a five star classic because I realised I had changed my playlist choice every time I listened to the album. 

Yes, every song is an instant keeper. I have only positive comments for Young Mister! What a great find.

Like a lot of other power pop bands, Young Mister has echoes of other power pop bands (Cheap Trick, Badfinger, Raspberries etc) but the distinctive vocals by Steven Fiore add a point of difference.

Are there any points against?

How about it fitting on one side of a Dindy C60?

Nope - its brevity as an album is an asset - leaves me wanting more. 

The lyrics? I don't even care that the lyrics aren't great at times. It's a bit like Nil Fun's attitude to lyrics - as long as it sounds right - go for it.

Any weak songs?

Nope - I'll admit that it took 3 or 4 listens to really grab me lock stock and two smoking barrels, but in the end, the songs I didn't warm to initially quickly became favourites. Smiley faces all round!

Your best selection since your last best selection Gee Kay! Nice one Stu!

Misty frequencies

Che Fu- The Navigator (2001) ***

Nominated by: KS

Music club: Wander to Wozza's

Playlist addition:  Misty Frequencies

For various reasons I just don't get the appeal of three genres: House/ trance; opera; and rap. Individual songs - sure. But a whole album? No thanks.

So I approached The Navigator with caution, and breathed a sigh of relief for the first few songs. Misty Frequencies features Che Fu's smooooth vocals and has a lovely easy lopping beat. It's everything you expect of a Pacifika groove.

Unfortunately, that's the best moment on the album for me. The next two tracks are okay, a bit ho hum, and then we're off into a pile of songs that combine some singing and some rap, Che Fu style. 

The positive thing here is that the subject matter isn't offensive or too confronting and the musical sounds remain solid and in the groove. So while I can sway to the beat, I tend to drift off when the rap starts in something like Top Floor, and I reach for the skip button.

I know I'll be in the minority for this one. I can just picture my amigos on their sun drenched decks, in Hawaii shirts and straw hats, sipping their banana daiquiris with this playing in the background. And, all power to them.

I'm way more boring and reading a book while listening to this would drive me batty. I can read to heavy metal, but once rap gets going I lose focus immediately, and try to focus on the words. Just me.

Even though I'd not listen to this by choice, I'm still happy Kev suggested it. I do like trying to get to grips with this stuff from time to time.