Shuffle The Third

1. Jens Lekman - Friday Night At The Drive-In Bingo

Ooooh, now there's a tune to start with. This is taken from the absolutely wonderful album, 'Night Falls Over Kortedala' on the equally splendid Secretly Canadian record label. The good folks at Norman Records pointed out a few similarities to Barry Manilow on this album, and while the notion is horrifying I can see what they mean without that reflecting badly on Jens. He's from the stable of slightly fair vocalists that is headed by Stuart from Belle and Sebastian. Actually, there are some musical comparison points there too, but he's very much his own man. This album really swings and is a joy from start to finish. Vinyl comes with a code for a free download too!

 

2. Richard Hawley - Serious

Splendid track and it'll give me an excuse to post the sublime video that accompanied its release as a single. 'Lady's Bridge' is a wonderful album, although perhaps not as sublime as 'Coles Corner', and this is one of many highlights. Not particularly representative of the overall sounds, but perfectly in keeping with the jolly, skiffle-for-the-noughties sound he uses from time to time and which is a real delight witnessed live. The man loves his music and it's bloody obvious when you realise just how many wonderful songs the man has written. If you don't anything by him, sort that out now.

 

3. Soil & Pimp Sessions - Red Clay

Now here's a curious one. Downloaded this album from eMusic after seeing them on Later towards the end of last year. Their performance was, to be frank, fucking bonkers. But, despite straying a little close to Jamiroquai's wet dreams at times, their enthusiasm was enthralling and there is something genuinely great about the musical synergy that occurs when they've on stage. I'm not entirely convinced that that same magic is there in the record tunes, and this isn't one of their strongest tunes. Heavy on the sax and manic jazz drums.

Here's the track 'A.I.E.' as performed for Jools.

 

4. R.E.M. - Losing My Religion (Sheffield Hallam Fm Arena - 25/02/05)

This is a weird flashback from my past. Travelled up to Sheffield in the snow and frankly horrific driving conditions to see R.E.M. live for the first time. Finally got warm, stood not too far from the stage only for the intro tape to go quiet but the lights remained on full. At this point, a rather subdued looking Michael and Peter walk out to inform the crowd that Mike had an ear infection and couldn't stand up. Stipey was clearly battling nerves and emotions as he made the announcement and, having explained that the date would be rescheduled, told the dismayed throng that they'd do a few songs for us as an apology for us not doing the show. A wonderful little acoustic set followed, this being one of the tunes. A strange, but beguiling performance, with two men doing what they do best, but with the house lights up and everybody united in a mass singalong. Not to be forgotten. Amazingly, although perhaps not surprisingly, there's a video of it on Ver Tube!!

 

5. Dexter Gordon - Flick Of A Trick

My affinity with Dexter Gordon came about as a result of the rather well-known Blue Note record, 'Go'. That we can buy so many of the wonderful Blue Note albums these days for a fiver or less is something to be truly chuffed about. There's so much great music there for the taking. The only downside is that I never really feel like I ever get to know the music as well as I'd like, although I guess that's as true of any of the genres as much as it is of jazz. As a result, although I have a faint memory of this tune, I'm hearing it with essentially fresh ears. Delightful Sunday evening listening; a ten minute stroll through a master class in the saxophone.

Here's 'Cheese Cake' from the aforementioned, 'Go'.