Tracey Thorn-Opposites EP

9th August 2010, by Anna Harvey, Key Production Log

Few singer/songwriters have been more successful in collaborating with dance/electronic acts than Tracey Thorn.  From whistful indie beginnings to mainstream recognition in Everything But The Girl, to her acclaimed  work with Massive Attack, then on to a highly regarded solo carreer, Thorn's distinctive voice and elegant songs have been remixed countless times.  This new EP draws three songs from her new album, Love and Its Opposite (currently enjoying international success), and mirrors them with three remixes by three different artists.  The reinterpretations have a common thread, in that they all have a contemporary ambient feel, vocals awash with delay and reverb, but they all bring something different to the table: Kentish Town (remixed by Walls) has shadows of industrial/German avant garde, but all hard edges are worn away by blissed out harmonies, whereas Visionquest's (Seth Troxler/Ryan Crosson/Lee Curtiss) remix of Swimming is more driven - think Dreams by Fleetwood Mac and you're not a million miles away.  Blue Daisy's (aka Kwesi Darko, who runs Camden's Black Acre label) take on Late In The Afternoon has a cinematic feel and is underpinned by shades of dub and hip-hop with ice-like synths sprinked over like glitter.  It's interesting to note that the label that is releasing this EP, Strange Feeling, is owned by Ben Watt, Thorn's original partner in EBTG - maybe that's why it works so cohesively as an EP.

Crispian Mills to Release Single on Ho Hum

9th August 2010, by Anna Harvey, Key Production Log

The supremely talented Crispian Mills is to release a 7 inch and DL of two previously unreleased tracks, Healing Hands and Be Merciful, on Ho Hum Records at the end of September.  The tracks were originally recorded for a solo album for Sony back in 1990, which for some reason was never finished or released, but as few artists have consistently graced the folk-rock genre with songs of Mills' quality, it would be a crime if they remained unheard.  The single is produced by no less than Mark Pritchard, a legendary artist in his own right (Global Communication, Jedi Knights, Harmonic 33).  I don't know if the vinyl is a limited edition or not (it says "collectable" in the press release), but if so, better get in there quickly!

Takeda-Debut EP

2nd August 2010, by Anna Harvey, Key Production Log

This young three piece from just outside Norwich have the organic sound you would expect to find wandering into a pub in the middle of nowhere in winter, packed full of local folk enjoying a pint and a smoke on a Saturday night.  It's romantic...  and lo-fi... but its simplicity and repetitive hooks are hypnotic, as you can hear for yourself on this free download.  Takeda's EP, "Hufsa",  is released on September the 6th through Dustbowl Records, home to Adeleaide's Cape, with a launch party at the Norwich Puppet Theatre on September the 4th.

Agnes Obel-Debut Album

26th July 2010, by Anna Harvey, Key Production Log

Originally from Copenhagen, but now resident in Berlin, Agnes Obel has released her EP "Riverside" ahead of debut album "Philharmonics" coming this Autumn.  Her voice is beautiful, of that fragile Mazzy Star school, but her piano arrangements take the music to somewhere quite different, like a gentle Adele, and with some of the whimsicality of Suzanne Vega.  Here's a free download from the EP, a cover of the John Cale song "Close Watch", but do have a listen to the title track and watch the video (which is very Jean Renoir).

The Lost Cavalry-Floating Gig

26th July 2010, by Anna Harvey, Key Production Log

Board the converted 1930's Dutch barge known as the Tamesis Dock, and you are in for a treat.  Six quid gets you access to The Lost Cavalry's EP launch, a copy of the EP "Waves Freeze To Rolling Hills", and you get to see the brilliant Thomas Truax into the bargain.  The Lost Cavalry play an organic blend of folk with a line up of instruments including ukulele, concertina, melodica and glockenspiel led by the lilting voice of Mark West, formerly of Fanfarlo.  Mention the The Lost Cavalry's name on the door to get the free EP.

Tickets

Annuals-Count The Rings

26th July 2010, by Anna Harvey, Key Production Log

These six young musicians from North Carolina are a talented emsemble led by frontman and multi-instumentalist Adam Baker.  Their first album, "He Be Me", was released to critical acclaim in 2006, amazing everyone with the almost orchestral sophistication of their sound, which invests the songs with an epic, anthemic quality.  This album of B sides and favourites, "Count The Rings" is Annuals first UK release since then and is well worth checking out.  The variety of influences make it impossible to tie down, but the richness and dynamics of the songs will soon have you hooked.  Released on the 6th of September on Souterrain Transmission, who are giving away a free download of the single "Eyes In The Darkness".