The National – Sleep Well Beast
Indie Rock
95%
I love a song that can tell a story, but sometimes it’s even more special to find a song that compels you to tell your own story. Such is the power of the new single from London based Swedish singer KLARA. With its sparse intro, consisting of little more than soothing piano and KLARA’s crystal clear vocals, it conjures an image of strolling through the forest on a crisp autumn afternoon. As the song kicks up a notch adding the swell of strings and some ethereal harmonies, it’s as though you’re raising up above the canopy, staring out at the vast golden landscape below, flitting between clouds like a leaf on the wind. As the song draws to a close, settling you back down to earth, it leaves you wanting to take the same journey all over again.
I’m a man of simple pleasures; when a song sounds like the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie, and its music video features a DeLorean, then I’m fully on board. After all, if you’re gonna make a music video, why not do it with some style? This new single from Scottish singer/songwriter Michael Oakley, with its layered synths, electronic beats and bittersweet lyrics, is nothing short of pure retro heaven. The delightfully nostalgic ‘Turn Back Time’ recalls all the best qualities of 80s pop music (and pop culture) and offers a suitably cinematic feel. It captures that signature style so perfectly that it makes you wonder whether Michael is cruising around in an actual time machine, bringing with him a prime example of the golden age of pop.
Music is always there; it’s your home, your family, something to depend on. It’s an essential part of life, and there’s a rare feeling of belonging and contentment that comes with going to gigs. With this in mind, the ‘Feels Like Home’ tour seemed like the perfect way to spend my weekend. Charlotte Eriksson, aka The Glass Child, is one of my favourite discoveries of the year, and the lovely Emma Buckley came highly recommended, so what better way to welcome in the autumn months than catching them both live in a cozy intimate gig. Continue reading
John Klezmer simply oozes cool with this latest single. In fact, I challenge anyone to find another modern pop song with this much style and class. ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Fool’ brings together all the best traits of the Motown hit factory, and bright summery indie pop. This new track, from his superbly titled second EP Old Soul New World, is perfect for fans of Belwood Award winner Samm Henshaw, or of classic soul legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. There is a world of potential here for Klez to catch the attention of the mainstream. seamlessly blending smooth soul and addictive pop, songs like this once ruled the world, but give this a few spins to work its magic on you and you can imagine that one day soon they will again.