These are all recent new releases that are worth checking out if you haven't done so already. They are in no paticular order of merit but they have all had their praises sung by the critics out there:
 American Music Club: The Golden Age
This one is on the station, I uploaded some tracks last night. American Music Club have been resurrected, all be it with only two original members: Mark Eitzel and Vudi. The remainder of the band are Sean Hoffman (bass) and Steve Didelot (Percussion). The reason they made it into the playlist is that this album is a lot more relaxed and laid back than previous releases. All Music Guide suggested that "this is easily the best set of songs Eitzel has offered since his 2001 solo effort, The Invisible Man, and his vocals are in superb form..." . I couldn't agree more and I was surprised by the album on my first listening. It is without a doubt, a very rewarding album even if it is withonly two original members, but then that's maybe where it gets its new strength. Expect to hear a lot more about this album in the music press.
Buy it in the store:  
 The Blind Boys of Alabama: Down in New Orleans
Forget all that business about ageing rock stars these boys have been going since 1939...makes the Rolling Stones look like they're only just got out of nappies. For those of you unaware of their existence, they are a gospel group who first formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind. The three main vocalists of the group and their drummer/percussionist are all blind and they still tour today. The current members are:
- Jimmy Carter – vocals
- Bishop Billy Bowers – vocals
- Ben Moore - vocals
- Eric (Ricky) McKinnie – drums, percussion, vocals
- Caleb Butler – rhythm guitar
- Joey Williams – lead guitar
- Tracy Pierce – bass
- Clarence Fountain –(tours with the group as his health allows)
They have over 60 albums released and their latest outing, "Down in New Orleans" was released to bring hope and attention to the still-storm-ravaged city. It features guest appearances by some of New Orleans’ finest, including Allen Toussaint, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and The Hot 8 Brass Band. “We may not be able to swing a hammer,” says founding member Jimmy Carter, “but we hope we can help inspire folks with a song.” They still have the magic to work a crowd and The Boston Globe observed, "In concert, the Blind Boys of Alabama still raise up their bluesy hallelujahs to rarefied soul-groove highs." The album has had rave reviews and The Washington Post said it "...borders on miraculous". My introduction to them was through Ben Harper from his 2005 album "Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama: Live at the Apollo". It's uplifting stuff and I don't mean that because it's gospel.
Buy it in the store:
 Faustus: Faustus
I'm sure many of you are no strangers to the name Dr. Faustus. Well they have reincarnated into "Faustus" with the addtion of Saul Rose whom they managed to persuade back from "semi-retirement" after his other job (Pharmacist) and family took priority.
The album has already receievd great critical acclaim as "one of the years greatest traditional records". Faustus are Paul Sartin and Benji Kirkpatrick of Bellowhead and Saul Rose (Waterson:Carthy fame). It most certainly is a great album and is released on Monday 12th May by Navigator Records, a great label that already has some great albums in its fold from the likes of Heidi Talbot, LAU to name just a couple. Order it now. I hope to have it on the station very soon!
Have a listen to some sample tracks yourself courtesy of Proper Music:
Buy it in the store: |
