Mercury Music Prize

Richard Hawley’s Coles Corners has been shortlisted as one of the Albums of the Year by the Nationwide Mercury Music Prize… and that’s good news. His website has a couple of exclusive tracks available in full mp3 format for a limited time. I’m On Nights is one of then.

• Richard Hawley - I'm On Nights .mp3

· Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
· Editors – The Black Room
· Guillemots – Through the Windowpane
· Hot Chip – The Warning
· Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan – Ballad of the Broken Seas
· Lou Rhodes – Beloved One
· Muse – Black Holes & Revelations
· Richard Hawley – Coles Corner
· Scritti Politti – White Bread Black Beer
· Sway – This Is My Demo
· Thom Yorke – The Eraser
· Zoe Rahman – Melting Pot

The awards will be announced on 5th September on:
http://www.nationwidemercurys.com/

dEUS @ Paris-Plage

From 20 July to 20 August, this summer, Paris-Plage creates an atmosphere of Tahitian delights and soft sand! Paris-Plage is a city-sponsored initiative that turns Seine's riverbanks into a tropical getaway. With the landlocked capital gripped by a heat wave, tourists and vacation-less Parisians flocked to the artificial beaches throughout the day. They relaxed on deck chairs, received free shiatsu massages or played “pétanque”.
On one end of the 4 kilometres long “beach”, is located a huge stage that welcome twice a week young independents artists, mostly from Europe, to entertain the urban “holidaymakers” at night. It is a free festival called the Fnac Indétendances Festival.
The opening night, July 20, was a Belgium evening (perhaps because it was just the eve of the Belgium National Day). I arrived at the end of the Zita Swoon show. Listened to Ozark Henry who seems to be very famous in Belgium and who makes me think of some kind of Coldplay bis. But the main event was the dEUS performance. Leaky Sparrow already said good things about them live (leakysparrow/deus-in-paris), but this time it was an outdoor show and it looked interesting to watch them play outside during a hot summer evening. It was not a surprise gig; they played mostly songs from Pochet Revolution together with there most well known old titles. Just, Stef Camil Carlens went on stage to play for one song with his old team mates. A good evening except that dEUS played only at 11pm instead of 9pm and I don’t like standing up for so long.

Next evenings are:

Saturday, July 29
Jack The Ripper
Venus

Friday, August 4
Cyrz
Emily Loizeau
Da Silva

Saturday, August 5
Zoë
Claire Diterzi
Joseph d'Anvers

Friday, August 11
Daddy long legs
HushPuppies
Infadels

Saturday, August 12
Zenzile
Winston Mc Anuff

Friday, August 18
Ministère des Affaires Populaires
Abd Al Malik

Saturday, August 19
Rit
Jehro
Dupain
DobaCaracol
Oaistar

• More information on: http://www.blog-festivalfnac.com/
• Jack The Ripper - Party In Downtown .mp3

Photo: Ozark Henry (thanks to the Lucky Lady)

Perry Blake takes you to a quiet place

Holydays are fine and give you time to come back to some albums that you listened a little bit too fast at the moment you purchased then. It’s also the right time to buy “old” cds that you new you will get later during the year. That’s the case for The Crying Room the newest released from Perry Blake (February, 2006, on Up Music), his fifth solo albums to date.
I discovered Perry Blake, Ireland, in 1998 with his self titled debut cd, his music and his wavering falsetto worked its way to the innermost and most intimate corners of these ears of mine.
At that time, Perry Blake was considered as a trip hop crooner and had a huge success in Europe, mainly in France, with his first single The Hunchback of San Francisco who was single of the week for BBC Radio 1. However, he remained virtually unknown in Britain and Ireland. The music of Perry Blake is a spectacular collection of seemingly flawless, often melancholic pop songs. Balancing simplicity and sophistication, the music of Perry Blake really sounds like nothing else out there.
I am quite happy with my first listening of The Crying Room. It is a quiet collection of intimate songs about love and loss - as usual - but this time the music is simpler and the cd is not over-cooked like the previous ones. Perhaps his most personal and affecting work so far, a simple pleasure.

• perryblake.com
• myspace.com/perryblake

• Perry Blake - If You Don't Want Me .mp3
• Perry Blake - The Crying Room Video Podcast .mp4

• Also, you can download the 2002’s Black Session (France Inter Radio) on Perry Blake’s Forum here: perryblake.com/phpBB/

Clap your hands and say Pipettes

The Pipettes are Rose (red belt), Gwenno (white belt) and Becki and their backing band The Cassettes. I took the above picture in Paris last Saturday during the “Sous la plage” Festival and, believe me, it was very hot day… more than 35°C. Also, because it was a free concert, most of the audience, including me, didn’t know them. Of course, before, I went on the official website thepipettes.co.uk to get some information and some music.
The Pipettes is a girl band sixties and they will remind you The Supremes, The Ronettes, and The Shirelles to name few of the bands that topped the charts more than forty years ago, long before The Beatles arrived. Are they a pure commercial product playing the retro card backed by some Phil Spector from the 21st Century or just three friends from Brighton that loved to sing sweet songs with an arch look and a spiteful smile?
Anyway, last week-end, The Pipettes gave the prefect music to dance and to refresh one thousand people during a hot sunny afternoon.
The Pipettes have spent most of January and February recording a debut album with Andy Dragazis (Blue States) and Gareth Parton (The Go! Team) at the desk. Out in UK on July 16th, We Are The Pipettes will be available in the rest of Europe in August. More information below.

• thepipettes.co.uk
• myspace.com/thepipettes
• memphis-industries.com/thepipettes

• The Pipettes - Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me .mp3
• youtube.com/The Pipettes 0n MTV

Out Of The Weekend

Leaky Sparrow just flies away for few days. See you next week.

• Sophia - Holidays Are Nice .mp3

Photo : Katy

Jessica Bailiff At Home

I must confess that I don’t know much about Jessica Bailiff except that when she start playing music in 1994, she was very close to the Duluth people of Low especially Alan Sparhawk (read Leaky Sparrow Low Solo). Also, because of that, I was not surprise to find her doing a foggy version of Down on We Could Live In Hope: Tribute to Low, Fractured Discs, in 2004. That is why it’s enough for me to mention her forthcoming album.
Available on July 25th is Feels Like Home, the fourth solo release from Jessica Bailiff. It's the first full length of solo material from Jessica in 4 years but she's been doing anything but taking a break - as the official biography says. Feels Like Home balances the more acoustic approach to Jessica's songwriting on her most recent (untitled) album with the blissed electricity found on her earlier material.

Lakeside Blues is the latest free MP3 from Kranky and it comes from the forthcoming Jessica Bailiff release, Feels Like Home.

• Jessica Bailiff - Lakeside Blues .mp3

• More samples, also from her latest album:
• Jessica Bailiff - With You .mp3
• Jessica Bailiff - Cinq .mp3

• Jessica website: brainwashed.com/jb/
• Jessica MySpace: myspace.com/

David Crosby - IICORMN Outtakes

If I could Only Remember My Name, David Crosby’s debut solo album is now 35 years old and is still the “ambient” masterpiece.
If you want to have together in one cool record all the acid-rock west coast talents from the end of the sixties, this is the one you should buy. Crosby and members from the Grateful Dead, the Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Santana, Hot Tuna, together with Neil Young, Graham Nash and Joni Mitchell delivered an album of airy, evocative songs and instrumentals that typify the time’s affection for spiritual, organic music.
This album is gorgeous, it stayed for months in my old turntable and I remember that it was one the first cd that I ever bought when I purchase my first cd player. Not a Beatles one, no beleive me, just this one.

TRACK LISTING:

01. Music Is Love
02. Cowboy Movie
03. Tamalpais High (At About 3)
04. Laughing
05. What Are Their Names
06. Traction In The Rain
07. Song With No Words (Tree With No Leaves)
08. Orleans
09. I'd Swear There Was Somebody Here

NOTES
Date: February 22, 1971
Length: 37:04 minutes
Label: WEA/ATLANTIC

• David Crosby - Song With No Words .mp3 via la blogotheque.net

Now outtakes from the sessions and 1970’s rehearsals are finally available. Our friend from An Aquarium Drunkard has posted the sessions-outtakes of this legendary album in his blog - thanks to him! - you will find one hour of pure enchantment, the perfect music for a quiet warm and relax summer! Go to his blog here:

• aquariumdrunk.blogspot.com - david-crosby- outtakes.html
  

• David Crosby web site: crosbycpr.com

Also, don’t forget that Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are touring now. Freedom Of Speech ’06, the tour is called. More information and tour dates here on: csny.com

New Cat Power Video

Lived In Bars, new Cat Power video directed by Robert Gordon (from the 2006 Matador Records album The Greatest).

We've lived in bars

And danced on tables

Hotel trains and ships that sail

We swim with sharks

And fly with aeroplanes in the air

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC6hm60sd7o

The Stories of Eric Andersen - Live in Paris, July 12

Never one to stray far from his preferred choice of music, Hervé Oudet and acousticinparis.com brought veteran folk musician Eric Andersen to town for a solo concert. Accompanying himself on steel string guitar and piano, Eric showed us a true master version of what the classic American "folk singer" is.
Looking in fine form for all of his 63 years, the Eric Andersen of today is probably not much different sounding than the one that started his recording career back in 1964. His subjects would be what you would expect: quiet tales of empty highways, lost (and found) romance, little political commentary and the musings of an artist whose life has been spent in observation and travel. His is a fine voice, like a nicely aged whiskey, which he uses with effect and consummate skill. The music never challenges but is quiet, gentle and honest.
A nice concert was made even more pleasant by the accompaniment of Inge Bakkenes on vocal harmony.
At the end of the concert he played a very nice version of Tom Paxton's song Last Thing On My Mind and prefaced the song by saying something like "a lot of these old folk songs are as good as anything being written today". (To be honest I think this was partly meant to highlight a CD of his he was selling at the show, which featured just such covers of classic folk songs). In another word: relevant. True perhaps BUT the folk music of yesteryear does not speak for the youth of today. THAT music is being written today! Great music will usually survive the test of time but certainly one important aspect what makes music great - whether it survives or not - is its relevance to the people and times in which it was written.
Still, and with respect, one must tip a hat to him for his dedication and mastery. Eric Andersen, a true hero to all of the 45+ year olds that make up his audience.

Bookerfatz2

Forthcoming shows in La Pomme d’Eve are:
- Allan Taylor – Sunday, July 16
- Kris Delmhorst – Thursday, October 12
- Michael Weston King & Terry Clarke – Tuesday, October 24

More info on acousticinparis.com

• Eric Andersen - Once I was (Tim Buckley cover) .m3u (sound sample)
• Eric Andersen (duet with Phoebe Snow) - Ain't No Time To Bleed .ram

• Web site: ericandersen.com

Photo : P. Artero

The Futures of Zero 7

Well, I'm just coming back from a warm and sunny week-end in Germany. No, I wasn’t in Berlin for the world cup final, fortunately for me because it was such a strange game and I must tell you that the German were very sad that the French lost and couldn’t beat those who avoid them to go the final consecration. Anyway, they finished third with much pride.

On my way home, thinking of the beautiful moments I had in Cologne and wondering what happened to Zidane, I was in the perfect mood to listen to the last Zero 7 single called Futures. This track is the sound that you need when you’re in a train with midsummer indolence, it’s a powerful melody with harmony singing in mould of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young or America.

The track Futures, featuring vocals by José Gonzalez, was released on March 13, 2006 as a single. The Garden is Zero 7’s Third studio album. It was released in the United Kingdom and in the United States end of May. Btw, the record label is Atlantic as for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in the 70's.

• Listen: Zero 7 - Futures .mp3

• MySpace and tour dates: myspace.com/zero7official
• Website: zero7.co.uk
  

The Metamorphosis of Gregor Samsa

I know, I must say that I am a little late on that Gregor Samsa record untitled 55:12 (March 06), but due to the fact that I only heard one song (the stirring Young & Old), I couldn’t have a precise opinion at the beginning. Now after hearing more songs, it’s time to tell you that this is a gorgeous band and that I am happy to hear that the Low family expanded.

Who are they? Another post-rock band? Yes, but Gregor Samsa manage to fashion something new and transcendent. A kind of Low with Mogwai, from heavy and dark one moment to hushed and serene the next, all while angelic guy/girl vocals drift overhead. They take time like Low in there early years, each song last more than 5 minutes. No hurry, they maneuver the music always into a much more intense space. It’s really enjoyable. Which you’ll come back in Europe latter, guys!

Gregor Samsa is Champ Bennett, Nikki King, Jason Laferrera and Billy Bennett.

The album was tracked at the Recorditorium in Richmond, engineered by Jason Laferrera and produced by Gregor Samsa. The mix was done by Brian Paulson (Slint, Wilco, Beck).

• The link: Gregor Samsa
• The label: The Kora Records
• Gregor Samsa - Young & Old .mp3
• Did I told you that Low inspired Gregor Samsa? So here is the proof, Nikki King doing a cover of Low’s Laser beam: Gregor Samsa - Lazer Beam .mp3

Route du Rock Festival 2006

Summer is for festivals. This one is always attractive. La Route du Rock is a French pop and electronic festival created in 1991, located near Saint-Malo in French Brittany.
In August 1998, I attended a very cool Route du Rock. I had the chance to see PJ Harvey for the first time. It was an incredible show. Also, came for me the moment to see at last Portishead live. I still remember that night. So, if I add the great performances of Perry Blake and Heather Nova, I may say that it was one of most enjoyable music week-end ever.

This year, the first two days looks gorgeous. Here is the line up of the 16th edition of La Route du Rock 2006

- Friday, August 11

Liars
Mogwai
Calexico
Islands
Why?
Howling Bells
Friends Of Dean Martinez
Grizzly Bear

- Saturday, August 12

Radio 4
TV On The Radio
Cat Power & The Memphis Rhythm Band
Belle And Sebastian
The Pipettes
You Say Party! We Say Die!
Stuart A. Staples
Micah P. Hinson

- Sunday, August 13

The Spinto Band
Franz Ferdinand
Katerine
The Television Personalities
Band Of Horses
Isobel Campbell
El Perro Del Mar

• The official site in English laroutedurock.com/english
• Micah P. Hinson - Caught In-Between .mp3
• Micah P. Hinson - Possibilities . mp3

Jim Morrison Death Anniversary

Thirty-five years ago today on July 3, 1971, Jim Morrison was found dead in his hotel bathtub, in Paris, by his girlfriend Pamela. The cause of death was given as an apparent heart attack. He was only 27 years old. He's been buried in the Poets’ corner of Père Lachaise Cemetery an area shared by Balzac, Molière and Oscar Wilde.

I was at the Père Lachaise two weeks ago with my friend. Of course, the first grave we visited was the one of Jim Morrison. It was not my first visit; I saw it before his headstone was stolen and when graffiti were still covering the other graves around. Now a security guard is here, not too close but not too far, day and night. That day, a dozen of people were standing silently. Like them, we stayed there for a while thinking about Jim and the music of The Doors. Before, we left, a girl arrived and stands alone facing the grave, after a short moment I saw her lips moving. She was talking to her hero.

I guess today, hundreds of fans will gathered at his grave to mark the 35th anniversary of his death.

To see more pictures and comments about Jim Morrison’s Grave, please visit Michelle Campbell page: thedoors.com

• The Doors - The Unknown Soldier .mp3

Leonard Cohen For The Record

In almost a year, one after the others, our favourite singer-songwriters attracted the consideration of movie-directors. Is it a bad sign or what?
First, we had Martin Scorsese who chronicled Bob Dylan’s evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to rock star (No Direction Home: Bob Dylan). Then, Jonathan Demme who capture the last Neil Young performance in Nashville (Neil Young: Heart of Gold).
Now, it is director Lian Lunson who travelled to Sydney in 2005 to film the historic Came So Far For Beauty show, a tribute to Leonard Cohen at the Sydney Opera House which featured live performances from this event by Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Martha Wainwright, Beth Orton, as well as a special performance of Tower of Song by Cohen and U2. Of course, between songs, Leonard Cohen interviews and archival footage (Leonard Cohen I’m Your Man).
So who’s next?


The movie opened yesterday in Los Angeles. The soundtrack will be available on Verve July 25th. Here is the track list:

1. Tower Of Song - Martha Wainwright

2. Tonight Will Be Fine – Teddy Thompson

3. I’m Your Man – Nick Cave

4. Winter Lady – Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Martha Wainwright

5. Sisters Of Mercy – Beth Orton

6. Chelsea Hotel No. 2 – Rufus Wainwright

7. If It Be Your Will – Antony

8. I Can’t Forget – Jarvis Cocker

9. Famous Blue Raincoat – The Handsome Family

10. Bird On A Wire – Perla Batalla

11. Everybody Knows - Rufus Wainwright

12. The Traitor - Martha Wainwright

13. Suzanne – Nick Cave, Julie Christensen, Perla Batalla

14. The Future – Teddy Thompson

15. Anthem – Perla Batalla, Julie Christensen

16. Tower Of Song – Leonard Cohen, U2

• The official site: leonardcohenimyourman.com
• If you want more information, here is a Q & A session with filmmaker Lian Lunson
  filmforum.org/LeonardCohenJun212006.mp3

• Leonard Cohen - Suzanne .mp3