keiko_mushi

The other day I received an email recommendation from a friend at Jamendo saying that Neil Leyton had released a new album via the website. I was excited to say the least, but the download was delayed due to website maintenance. Today Jamendo was up and running, so I downloaded the torrent and gave the EP a listen. I was not disappointed either. Neil delivers rebellious Brit-Rock that will start your feet a-tapping, all the way up and into the brain. His songs are fun and as always touched by his own political message. Well worth a download!

I have been trawling the archives and the new releases on Jamendo for a while now but very few albums have impacted me the way that 'Wake Up' has. The sound quality, presentation, lyrics, instrumentation, etcetera... are excellent and the album is one that I can see listening to in the long term. Think of an acoustic version of The Postal Service and that sums up the style, but with comes something else that I can't quite put my finger on. Well worth the listen and download.

I've only just started listening to jazz but this adds something extra. It is a great mix of the ethnic and jazz. A great combo that I can't help but listen to over and over again.

Dreams of Nowhere is reminiscent of the classic synth albums of the 80's and 90's. Think Jarre, Vangelis and Oldfield but with an earthy feel. There is the fine addition of the acoustic in the song Crepuscule and the electronic in the song Deuterium. Each song has its own character and flare - its a necessary download for any music lover.

I was wrong. I thought that Not Quite Connected couldn't be topped but then I listened to Dirty Wings and my jaw hits the floor with an unearthly thud. Its a darker album then Woodward's previous works and as such showcases his diversity as an artist. As always Woodward offers great instrumental and lyrical work but with an earthy edge that draws upon the melancholic and yet lifts the soul. Its a pleasant contradiction.