1. Record Store Day
Managed to pick up a couple of treats for RSD 2021 - Bee, an album of B-sides by Belly, the Singles Boxset by Elastica and the Dixie-Narco EP by Primal Scream - it's 90s-tastic in our house right now!
2. The Sparks Brothers
Russell and Ron Mael, aka Sparks, have been ploughing their own individual path for 54 years. I always think of them as the Gilbert & George of electronica in that they live their life looking like their stage act. It's the real deal. They are quirky, strange, exhilarating and This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us is one of the greatest songs ever.
The Sparks Brothers is a new documentary, directed by Edgar Wright (Spaced, Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz) - like Sparks, it will be different and unpredictable and will hopefully remind people of the extent of their influence on music.
3. The Blindboy Podcast
Presented by David Chambers, aka Blindboy Boatclub, one half of the Irish comedy hip-hop group The Rubberbandits. The podcast covers such a huge range of topics from masculinity to mental health issues, to music to art history. Well worth a listen, if you like funny, considered and well researched sessions. Great stuff.
Available on Spotify.
4. Yola
Former lead singer with Phantom Limb, Yola is am amazing soul singer from Bristol. It feels like major recognition is finally heading her way as her new material is stunning. Her new album is produced by Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys - Stand For Myself is released on 30th July.
5. Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music
Fantastic documentary series looking at the producers behind the brilliant albums you know and love...it's geektastic!
Available on Sky / Now TV.
See you next week, stay safe, x