Music

I'm listening to...

Toto - Falling in between

Most people probably only think of Toto's 80s hit, Africa, but there's a lot more to this American Rock group than one tune. Made of some of the best session musicians from the late 70s, Toto mix Rock, Soul, Funk....loads of genres into a great driving mix. Especially liking the tune "Bottom of your soul", some really catchy arrangements.

John Mayer - Continuum

John Mayer is a bit like a mix of Eric Clapton, B.B. King, mixed with some modern sounds like Kanye West, John Legend, and a touh more Blues and Country at times. Usually I can't get my head around that kind of music, but just can't put this CD off today!

World Pipe Band Championships 2007

Yeah, sad to mention this, but I think some of the medleys this year are absolute crackers! Some great playing, and just shows how the top Pipe Bands are pushing the boundaries further back. If only the population in general would realise there is more to Pipe Bands than simply Scotland the Brave and Highland Cathedral!

Lunasa - Lunasa

Lunasa are a very laid-back and chilled sounding folk group from Ireland. Playing fiddle, whistles, bass, flute and guitar, they've been giving me some random ideas on arranging tenor drum parts. Yeah, sad I know. The self titled CD is really catchy, moving from fast lively reels to slow moving airs - almost sound like a completely different band, so no chance of getting bored!

Runrig - Everything You See

I've been a fan of Runrig for years now, I'm pretty sure the first tape I ever bought on my own was "Transmitting". This continues on with the "new style" Runrig with vocals from Canadian Bruce Guthro as ever backed up by the Original MacDonald Bros Rory and Callum. The album gives a good mix of traditional and modern styles.

Nerina Pallot - Fires

I've been listening to the CD on and off for absolutely ages, but then finally got the chance to see her live at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen. Even though she played all the songs live, solo and accoustic, it was still brilliant, and while different to the album, she pulled it off through the sheer power in her voice. And it's pretty cool to hear someone trying some time signatures that aren't 4/4 to make the album that bit more listenable!! Playing piano, keyboards and guitar, this is one talented girl!

BareNaked Ladies - Are Men

Confusing huh? One called "Are Me" and the next called "Are Men". I'm pretty disappointed with this CD, only one or two good tracks, the rest just kind of blur into slightly hazy versions of old tunes but without the same enthusiasm...

BareNaked Ladies - Are Me

I've got every album these guys have produced, and while I still prefer their early work best, this CDs still a pretty good album to have in the car. None of the tracks make me reach for the skip button straight away, so that a goos sign. And these guys rock live!!

The Dhol Foundation - drum-believable

The Dhol is a traditional Indian drum, and boy to these guys hit them! I saw them in concert at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen, and was blown away by their power of their music, even when they were playing a quiet traditional air. Through the use of the Dhol, Tablas, keyboards, electric guitar, traditional Indian wooden flutes, and lead man Johnny Kalsi's own "Kalsi Kit", they take Indian rhythms, and fuse them with modern sounds from R&B, House to Celtic Fiddle.

Belle & Sebastian - The Life Pursuit

I first heard these Glasgow based guys on the Jonathon Ross show on Radio 2, and was intrigued enough by the track "Roy Walker" to go and buy "Dear Catastrophy Waitress". IT was good. This latest offering is even better, especially the catchy "Blues Are Still Blue" which has that feel that you've heard it before and want to sing the words but you can't because you haven't really heard it before. As NECR would say, well worth a listen...

Ben Folds - Songs For Silverman

I've been a fan of Ben Folds since the days of Ben Folds Five, and was mighty annoyed not to see them in concert before they went their seperate ways. Finally catching Ben Folds in concert at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, I was really drawn in by the way he makes the audience part of the music, with orchestrated singing. Based around his piano playing, and insistence that he's a songwriter, not a singer, the music has a soulful amount of jazz to it that makes it a great CD to play as background music, or at full blast as you speed along an open road.

Finlay MacDonald Band - Pressed For Time

Contemporary piping at it's best, this is piping with some FUN in it. Taking traditional tunes, new rhythms, and an exciting blend of instruments you get the feeling that it's almost a live performance in your living room. Finlay's pipes and whistles are backed up well by fiddle, guitar, drums and bass, and this CD always seems to find it's way back into my CD player.