A Motley Mish-Mash of Melodious Musical Merriment

January 18, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Since the turn of the year, I’ve been listening to a variety of music – new and old – and in a variety of formats. I’ve never been a fan of streaming, but I’m trying to get into the 21st Century and using these formats where there isn’t an alternative.

I’ve been playing catch up on music I’ve been sent over the last few months as well as listening to Christmas presents and recent recommendations from friends.

Speaking of recommendations – I recently wrote a blog about Jason How, if you haven’t already checked him out. I’d recommend a listen, regardless of what “genre” you normally listen to.… Read the rest

Viscount Spoon Plays the Sounds of the Cheeky Warm

Jason How – Four albums of Psychedelic & Pure Power Pop Genius

January 15, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Jason How

I’ve only recently been introduced to the music of Jason How (cheers Joe Whyte). I’m so glad I am no longer a stranger to his music. Jason is a prolific songwriter, releasing an album per year over the last 4 years.

It would be difficult to pin Jason down to a specific music genre or style as there is a great variety of influences across the albums. His influences are apparent in the music, US West Coast psychedelia standing out, but also with the influence of 70’s punk/power pop and 80s indie.

Certain elements come together and bring to mind different bands and/or singers.… Read the rest

The Red Eyes – Man and Boy – Alan Bishop

January 14, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Alan Bishop – The Red Eyes

2017 was a big year for The Red Eyes. They released their 4^th album – the masterpiece that is “Man and Boy” and marked their 20^th anniversary with a tremendous gig in Audio playing 2 sets – one with original 90’s line up and their headline “Man and Boy” set. The Red Eyes were joined on the night backed up by Fudgie McFadden’s “Strung Out Nights” and Heavy Drapes, who are due to release their debut album in 2018.

I caught up with Alan Bishop to find out a bit more about his thoughts and experiences of the last 20 years.… Read the rest

Red or Dead – Trotsky Waltz – New Album

January 4, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Red or Dead

Red or Dead are:

Rob Murray – Guitar, Mandolin and Vocals.
Emma Sunerton-Burl – Cajon mandolin and Backing Vocals.
Gala Elvira – Vocals.
Dave Sunerton-Burl – Bass, Guitars, Backing Vocals.

The band met protesting outside a UKIP conference mid 2015. They ended up playing an anti-UKIP song Rob had written and made the first item on the BBC 6 O’Clock News that night.

Since then they have had some high profile support slots. Including Hugh Cornwell, Mike Peters, Ferocious Dog and the Christians (Twice).

Musically their heroes and inspirations are The Clash, The Stranglers, X Ray Spex, The Pistols, Iggy and so on.… Read the rest

thegingerquiff – 2017 – Looking Back

December 31, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Looking back on 2017

It is that time of year when everyone reflects on their “best of” lists for the past year. Why should I be any different? I may as well join in.

I’m not going to write lists as such, or limit myself to a top 5/10 or whatever. I’ll just go with the flow and shout out some of my personal favourites of the year…

I only started thegingerquiff blog in August and have enjoyed many albums, singles and gigs since then that have featured on my blog, but there were plenty from earlier in the year though too.… Read the rest

Drunk Gods, Sway & Reptilians from Andromeda

December 3, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Drunk Gods, Sway and Reptilians from Andromeda…

Playing catch up with blog posts with few recent releases that deserve your attention.

Drunk Gods

Drunk Gods officially launched their new single tonight in Glasgow’s 13^th Note.

The double AA single is available on CD at gigs and from the band members, but will also available to download from the 4^th of December

See my review of the blistering new single(s) on louderthanwar website.

If you haven’t got their debut album – my first question is why? – but its not too late, you can download it from bandcamp or iTunes

Sway

To Be a Man – new single

Sway have recently come to my attention and are a distinctive melodic guitar driven 4 piece from Paisley.… Read the rest

I Am Derek – I Am Derek EP

November 14, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

I Am Derek

North Devon 2 piece “I Am Derek” release their new EP on Friday 17^th November. This follows on from debut (demo) EP (“Zipped” ) recorded and released between Christmas and New Year last year having got together in December 2016. The Zipped EP was picked up by several radio stations across the UK and Canada.

New SONGS

In May 2017 they started writing and demoing new tracks which were again picked up by radio stations. These early demos received radio play worldwide on internet and FM radio stations. One of the tracks, “Boxes”, was voted no 4 in an Australian radio station’s weekly indie chart.… Read the rest

Tarbeach Records – NYC Record Label

October 30, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Tarbeach Records

Over the years, there have been a number of essential record labels with Scottish roots that have given rise to some unforgettable bands and their music.

The list is massive but everyone must be familiar with at least one of these:

Postcard (Orange Juice, Josef K, Aztec Camera)
Creation (Oasis, Ride, Primal Scream, Jesus and Mary Chain, House of Love)
Creeping Bent (Vic Godard, Secret Goldfish, Alan Vega)
Chemikal Underground (Mogwai, The Delgados, Malcolm Middleton, Arab Strap)

And that is just scraping the surface.

Scottish Roots

Add a new one to that list – Tarbeach Records. Although NYC based, the label has Scottish roots and a number of Scottish bands on their release list.… Read the rest

The Screens “Jennifer Jones” new single

October 12, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

The Screens

The Screens are duo, Neil and Colin. They have a long background in creating and producing music for TV shows and films. This project is their opportunity to have the “creative freedom” to make their own music and share it with the world. They don’t let the fact they live thousands of miles apart impact their ability to create their music.

They are currently in the process of recording a debut album for release in 2018

Colin : “When we wrote (first single) “Avalanche” we discovered our sound for this album. We’d written lots of songs that we liked but it wasn’t until we finished Avalanche that we discovered what The Screens were about.

… Read the rest

The Media Whores – Mercury prize nominees for Dangerous Minds

September 25, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Who are The Media Whores?

The Media Whores are a Falkirk based “political power pop punk” band (description courtesy of Vive Le Rock) who have now have three albums to their name.

Debut “Starfishing”
2013’s “Pornophonica” (9/10 in Vive Le Rock)
and latest release “Dangerous Minds” (2016) (again 9/10 in Vive Le Rock) and was also long-listed for the Mercury Music Prize.

Although Dangerous Minds has been out for a while now, it seemed like a good time to catch up with the band following the Mercury long-listing.

Band members are:

Craig A – vocals & rhythm guitar
Doogie Mackie – bass guitar & backing vocs
Martyn Heath – lead guitar & backing vocs
Andy Russell – drums

Recent shows

The Media Whores have been prominent and noticeably busy since the album release.… Read the rest