Great Exhibition

Tim

18 years ago

It may look like I’ve been neglecting my duties here a little recently, but that is far from the case. In fact I have even decided to start a new compilation series called The Great Exhibition (yes after that one). These are going to be longer length compilations with plenty of news bands and artists, but won’t be coming as often as the Snazzy ones as they are songs these are songs I have to have liked for a little longer, and not stuff I am just trying to beat the other blogs too ;)

Enough of that and welcome to Great Exhibition Vol. 1

Adele is an up and coming jazz/soul singer from London that has recently signed to XL and should maybe be making an appearance at SXSW – you lucky yanks. Her voice reminds me a little of that from the Noisettes, which is perfect as far as I’m concerned with that jazz twinge but singing with a more modern melody and rhythm. My Same shows of these talents in a tune that will have anyone that can hear it nodding their head and tapping their feet.

Feist are back with a new album and from what I’ve heard it is going to be every bit as good as their previous work. The great voice, strong rhythms and music you know you are going to be hearing blasting in the background all spring and summer. This may well be one of my favourite records of 2007 so far.

Mr Hudson and the Library have been one of those bands I have been meaning to get on here for a few weeks now, and being as they are doing some gigs with Adele, now seemed like a good time. I first heard of them from their single with the chorus “why must I always play the clown” which is a great tune that has been getting some love for a few weeks now, but I finally got hold of a few more of their tracks to make the informed decision that I can’t wait for their album. This tune has staccato beats, a simple bass and guitar line, but beautiful vocal melody and lyrics.

Cajun Dance Party have avoided my radar up until a few weeks ago, which is slightly odd being as they seem to have perfected a formula for their music that I would place them somewhere between Ambulance Ltd and Voxtrot – two of my favourite bands from last year. They make happy unashamed pop music, and what a delight it is.

The Aliens have been getting blog love for quite a while apparently, but again here is a pop band I’ve missed due probably to my recent move into electro loving over the past few weeks. They offer the world harmonised vocals, catchy melodies both putting a smile on my face.

Reverend and The Makers remind me of the first couple of times I heard the Arctic Monkeys. The strong northern accent on the vocals, the driving rhythms, the simple guitars and songs about real life living in Britain. I’m imagining they are going to get quite a few “the new…” references as the world discovers them, just remember you heard them here first.

This Teddybears track sounds like like a mixture between 60s pop and reggae, showing the diverse influences they have come from. I’m pretty sure this will be going down well at parties all over the place in the coming months. I know they have been getting love for almost a year from some other places – but we haven’t been exposed to them as much in the UK and I’m seeing this a song for parties in the heat and winter wasn’t the time to pull it out the bag. Now is.

Shitdisco are finally releasing an album. They have been on the blogs for a while, but with the imminent release of an album, I thought now would be the time for me to jump on the bandwagon. This has a great rhythm, growling bass and a vocal that sounds almost pissed. Music to get drunk and party too.

Maximo Park have got an album out soon as well, and they are up to their usual greatness. This is pop/rock at its best and you will all be buying this album. This tracks shows off the driving drums, catchy riffs and vocal melodies that have created one of the best bands around at the moment, and some guys that deserve their critical acclaim.

Fields close the compilation with a track from their latest album as well. This one is a bit rockier than the rest on here, but this exhibition is supposed to span a few genres, and I think jazz to this spans quite a few.

You can also download the whole mix as a zip file:
Great Exhibition Vol. 1