The Psychedelic Furs / Photo by Paul Natkin
BEAUTIFUL THINGS
WEEK 23 - 25 NOVEMBER
LONNIE LISTON SMITH & THE COSMIC ECHOES - ‘NAIMA’
Lonnie Liston Smith formed the Cosmic Echoes after years of playing with the likes of Pharoah Sanders and Miles Davis. 'Naima' is a tender ballad, soft and tingly, whilst remaining warm and toasty; the perfect way to start your day or cap your night.
You can find this track on the album Cosmic Funk via the Flying Nun Record Shop here.
KIKAGAKU MOYO - ‘NAP SONG’
The Japanese psych band Kikagaku Moyo released this album earlier this year, after announcing that it would sadly be their last before they parted ways to seek other ventures. 'Nap Song' seems like a sweet way to put the chapter into sweet sleep; recorded in lo-fi, with scatterings of field recordings and lullaby melodies. It is an absolutely beautiful song, amongst the rest of the album's swirling, geometric colours.
You can find this track on Kikagaku Moyo’s album Kumoyo Island via the Flying Nun Record Shop here.
VOOM FT. FAZERDAZE - ‘MAGIC’
In perhaps the collaboration of the decade, long time indie-rockers Voom have paired up with their pal Fazerdaze to record and release the band’s first new music since 2006. With the brand new single, lead vocalist and front person Buzz Moller leads audiences into the wholly compelling universe of Voom (the Voom-iverse?), with the help of long-time Voomer and Goodshirt member and guitarist Murray Fisher, Lil' Chief collaborator and bass player Nick Buckton, and drummer Josh Sorenson.
You can find this track via Voom’s bandcamp here.
THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS - ‘SHE IS MINE’
There's really no voice quite like The Psychedelic Furs' frontman Richard Butler; wheezy, lathered in a cockney accent and skidding around the notes he sang. Upon first listen, you may not think his voice is particularly 'good' - but you can't deny his own confidence in it as he grunts bittersweet lyrics amongst the glamorous instrumentation, his special timbre granting the band their special place in new wave history.
This track is available on The Psychedelic Furs’ album Talk Talk Talk, available via the Flying Nun Record Shop here
WEYES BLOOD - ‘GOD TURN ME INTO A FLOWER’
Weyes Blood's voice, as pure and crystalline as ever, is the star of the show on her new album and in particular, this track. Sitting at six minutes, the song is a meditation and exploration of sounds and melody, painting the most vivid pictures of Natalie Mering's poetry. The synths, starting off as just a drone, slowly unfurl with her spellbinding harmonies, just like a flower blossoming in the sun.
You can find this track on Weyes Blood’s brand new album And In The Darkness Hearts Aglow via the Flying Nun Record Shop here. You can also read our interview with Weyes Blood, where she dives deeper into the making of her album, here.
KATE BUSH - ‘WOW’
Kate Bush needs no introduction or explanation - of course she's been garnering lots of attention recently thanks to that one show they played that one song in. Honestly, rightfully so! Her music is obviously timeless. But of course, she's been an icon forever, and she always will be. In this song she really describes mine, and everyone's, reactions to her music in the chorus; a burst of climactic "WOWS"!
You can find this track on Kate Bush’s album Lionheart available via the Flying Nun Record shop here.
KING GEEDORAH - ‘KRAZY WORLD’
King Geedorah is one of the many aliases of MF DOOM, who is forever a legend and one of the most influential artists in rap. 'Krazy World' is one of my favourite tracks from this record - not only because of the rap's snappy, addictive flow, but because of the sample. It is so beautiful, and so deeply familiar. Can somebody please tell me what it is? It sounds a little bit like 'Laura's Theme' from Twin Peaks but I can't be sure.
You can find this track on King Geedorah’s album Take Me To Your Leader, available via the Flying Nun Record Shop here.
BROADCAST - ‘TENDER BUTTONS’
This is Broadcast's third album, recorded after the departure of several members. Compared to their previous two, it feels rawer, more stripped back - angrier, even. Tender Buttons, and it's title track featured here today, pulls the layers back to the band's bare bones. Based on a continuous bassline riff, the song ebbs and flows through highs and lows painted by acoustic guitar swells, drums, sharp synths and monotonous vocals. It is simple, and for once it feels as though you can count the layers on one finger, but it highlights the fact that Broadcast do not hide behind noise and effects; their songs stand up in their own right.
You can find this track on Broadcast’s album Tender Buttons via the Flying Nun Record Shop here.
EMMYLOU HARRIS - ‘THE BOXER'
This tune was written by Paul Simon for his music duo Simon & Garfunkel. Originally an introspective folky ballad, it receives Emmylou Harris' country treatment in this rendition; laden with rich harmonies and banjo which lean heavily into the cyclical structure of the song by embellishing each verse and refrain, her voice the shining star of them all.
You can find this track on Emmylou Harris’ album Roses In The Snow, available via the Flying Nun Record Shop here.
HANNAH EVERINGHAM - 'LITTLE BIRD'
Ōtautahi-based songwriter and musician, Hannah Everingham, has unveiled her debut album this week and oh my goodness, it's so gorgeous. What a voice. 'Little Bird' is the sweetly subdued closing track, a gorgeous lullaby showcasing Hannah's excellent songwriting and musical finesse. Even in her quietest moments, her voice shines different colours, with her guitar plucking the perfect accompaniment. A truly wonderful and very impressive debut.
You can find this track on Hannah's brand new album Between Bodies available via Bandcamp here.
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