Wes Tirey - The Time Leaves So Soon

The trickiest thing about attempting to write about music is that I'm not really a guy that likes to write about music. I like to listen to it. When I come across something that I enjoy, like Wes Tirey's EP ‘I Stood Among Trees’, I like to listen to it a lot. And those albums sort of become mini soundtracks for my very un-cinematic life.

But beyond me suggesting that I think you should all check this EP out (available on CD or ‘pay what you like, no minimum’ digitally on his Bandcamp), I'm not sure what else to articulate. If you haven't already, listen to my current favourite on the EP ' The Time Leaves So Soon'. And if you like the sounds of that, you'll definitely like the whole EP.

I'll just add that there is a lovely little DIYtrotter session coming from Wes in the very near future. So go check him out and then be ready for some more lovely porch-friendly folk in the upcoming weeks.

Wes Tirey: Site | Facebook | Bandcamp | Soundcloud

You can catch this track being played on EPISODE 017 of ‘Mix Tape Radio on Folk Radio UK’.

Igloo Backpackers Hostel in Nottingham

You might not know this, but I help run a backpackers hostel in Nottingham called ‘The Igloo’. So if you're ever in Nottingham…

Click Here To Visit The New Igloo Hostel Website

But, even if you never come to Nottingham and have no intentions of doing so (you should, it's a pretty cool city), you can still swing by and check out the new website I built°. I'll be making tweaks and adding things as we go —as there re a million pieces of content that a hostel website can try to include on their site— but yesterday we got it ready to the point where we decided it was time to replace the old site (which was perfectly nice, but relied heavily on that dreaded FLASH).

Of course, right after we launched the new website the email went down (it's since been fixed, but a minor bit of scrambling around and saying 'shit'). And we're still waiting for the magic google elves to finish combing over the interent and update our search listings (Google uses magic elves, right?), but that doesn't mean you can't go visit the new Igloo website and let me / us know what you think.

Maybe even share a link to it with some other people who might be interested?

Or book a bed?

If you hang around HI54LOFI at all, you'll definitely recognize some of the music being played over at the hostel.

° DISCLAIMER: I am not trained in the art of web design, but Squarespace is a pretty sweet service for those like me who like to pretend (I also built HI54LOFI using it)

Wake The Deaf - Covers Mix #7

3 of the tracks on the upcoming episode of ‘Mix Tape Radio On Folk Radio UK’ (including the Shovels & Rope one above) can be found on this great covers mix from Wake The Deaf (although, I did already snag the Dinosaur Jr cover awhile back). They've compiled 21 tracks and you can download the whole thing for free. So I'm not sure why you haven't gone over there and downloaded it already.

It's not like I have anything else to say over here. Well, except that this covers mix is their 7th so far, so you'd probably be wise to also check out all the other mixes.

You can catch this track being played on EPISODE 017 of ‘Mix Tape Radio on Folk Radio UK’.

“Folk Radio UK is very honoured to be able to offer this exclusive preview of a truly beautiful album. It’s music like this that brightens my mind and makes me walk lighter through the day. Set aside some time to listen and indulge yourself…fully.”

Exclusive Album Preview On Folk Radio UK

(click the image to go to Folk Radio UK for an exclusive first listen of ‘There Is A Home For You’ in full)

A Singer of Songs new album won't be out for another 10 days. We've had pre-order going for a few weeks, but up until now you've only been able to hear 1 track to entice you into pre-ordering. Well, now you can hear an exclusive 1st listen of the entire album in full, only over on Folk Radio UK.

So go give it a listen and then put on your pre-ordering hats and head over to A Singer Of Songs Bandcamp page (ps - the test pressings for the vinyls came in a little while ago and they sound amazing).

Mix Tape Radio on FRUK: Episode 017

Time flies. Somehow it is already May. Two thousand and thirteen. And it has also been 2 weeks since the last episode of 'Mix Tape Radio On Folk Radio UK'. Which means it is time for another 1 hour mix of music. Episode 17 features 17 tracks. The double 17's was not planned, but if you like things like that, then you've one more extra reason for tuning in. The other reasons would be the quality of tunes (including a track off the latest HI54LOFI RECORDS release, a bunch of sweet covers from a sweet covers compilation, and… well just pop down to the track listing to see for yourself).

So put the below dates and times into your memory banks and tune in to a brand spanking new episode of hand picked musical goodness…

Sunday 5/5/2013 @ 9:00 pm UK TIME (see what time that is where you are)

Monday 6/5/2013 @ 1:00 pm UK TIME (see what time that is where you are)

Thursday 9/5/2013 @ 5:00 pm UK TIME (see what time that is where you are)

Saturday 11/5/2013 @ 2:00 am UK TIME (see what time that is where you are)

As always, for the first week, the only place to listen to the episode is by tuning into Folk Radio UK at the above dates / times (you can listen to it in more than a few ways, one of which being directly on Facebook). And if you missed any of the previous episodes, you can listen to them all over on Mixcloud or find them in the iTunes Podcast directory (and in about a weeks time, you'll be able to find this episode in those two places as well).

EPISODE 017 - TRACK LISTING

Besides searching for whatever tracks / artists tickle your fancy on whichever music site you prefer to use / are available in your country, I've included links to listen to each track individually over on exfm (as exfm is not only one of my favourite sites, but also available across all borders).

On top of that, I will also be posting more about the music included in this episode throughout the week, and you can filter all those posts by clicking on the Episode 017 tag. You can also click on any of the artist tags below to see any other posts that may feature said artist.

“Thematically it’s about everything: loss of childhood innocence, love, lust and death. I guess that’s what every album ever is about.”

When We Go!

by LadyFace

released on 30/04/2013, this album was a collaborative release between HI54LOFI RECORDS and LadyFace

Available through: Bandcamp

<a href="http://ladyface.bandcamp.com/album/when-we-go">When We Go! by LadyFace</a>

Ok, first things first. LadyFace is the new name for the project currently known as The Best Friends With Wolves Club. So if you recognize some of these songs, or if the themes of wide-eyed child wonder mixed with mildly murderous undertones sounds familiar, that is why. So why the name change?

“We changed our name because no one could ever remember what we were called..LadyFace works because everyone that plays in the band have a feminine beauty to their faces.”

Now on to the album. After a string of EPs under the guise of TBFWWC, Eric and his band of merry music makers have switched names and dropped their first full length ‘When We Go!’. It is slightly 'harder' then their previous sound (i.e. louder guitars, more shouting), but the innocent darkness of the songs remain. But that being said, you'll still find that classic TBFWWC sound on tracks like 'I Need You Closer' and there was hints at the change in sound when 'Cities Vanishing' was released back in 2011. Kind of a move from ‘bedroom pop’ to ‘bedroom rock’ (although that chorus on ‘Make Me Whole / Take Me Home’ sounds much bigger than the tag ‘bedroom rock’ would imply).

“When We Go! was written over the course of a couple of years and in a way feels like a retrospective or greatest hits in a way and it felt like a good start for LadyFace. It begins with the first song recorded for the record and ends with the last song recorded and there’s a two year time span between those.”

The album is available as a 'pay what you like' purchase, with the minimum set at $0. So whether you've got a few shekels weighing down your pay pal account, or whether you're feeling a bit skint and want to grab it for free, head over to LadyFace's Bandcamp page and download the album.

LadyFace: Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp | HI54LOFI

“Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don’t make compromises, don’t worry about making a bunch of money or being successful. Be concerned about doing good work. Protect your work and if you build a good name, eventually that name will be its own currency. Life is like a roller coaster ride, it is never going to be perfect. It is going to have perfect moments and rough spots, but it’s all worth it.”

— Patti Smith

Some Good Advice From Patti Smith

(there's more wisdom in the video this quote comes from)

Episode 016 - Now Streaming On Mixcloud

Mix Tape Radio on Folk Radio UK | EPISODE 016 by Hi54lofi on Mixcloud

You can see the full track listing (with links for each individual track) on the original post about this episode. You can also filter out all the blog posts pertaining to the music featured on this episode by clicking on the EPISODE 016 tag.

Listen to the episode above, or jump over to Mixcloud and listen to it there.

Also, you can find this and all previous episodes over in the iTunes Podcast directory (so subscribe for free and stuff).

Road To Nowhere (A Singer Of Songs + Tiny Ruins)

A Singer Of Songs just started a Youtube account. There are just a few videos up now (including this great animation that was done by Ariel Victor for 'Road To Nowhere'), but more will be added soon. Plus, there are also a couple of new videos in the works for tracks off of the soon to be officially released 'There Is A Home For You' album.

Which you've all pre-ordered by now, right? It's on vinyl and the test pressings sound magic (it's also on CD and digital, which are equally magic sounding).

The Year 2013 (a Spotify playlist)

I started a Spotify playlist to try and keep track of some of my favourite music from 2013 + releases from 2013 that I intend to come back to and spend a bit more time with. I'll be updating / tweaking it throughout the year, so if you use Spotify and are interested in keeping tabs on this evolving playlist of tunes from the year 2013… maybe subscribe to it?

Hopefully by the end of the year, I'll have a 2013 version of the playlist I made for 2012 (212 Of My Favourite Tracks From 2012).

Devendra Banhart - Won't You Come Over

When it comes to Devendra Banhart releases, my final overall feeling is always that I quite enjoy them. There are always a bunch of pretty good tracks, a couple 'odd / don't quite work / we get it, your a free spirit' tracks, and then there is one or two total jams that are so total in their jammage that it ups the quality of everything. And his latest release Mala continues that trend.

The total jam? This track obviously. It had me vibing with it so instantly and freely that it took a few spins before I realized that he sings the track from a lady's perspective. Which briefly made me wonder if I was vibing with it from a lady's perspective. But only briefly. Then I just went back to very much enjoying the tune and not saying 'vibing' anymore.

Devendra Banhart: Site | FB | Twitter | iTunes | Spotify

You can catch this track being played on EPISODE 016 of ‘Mix Tape Radio on Folk Radio UK’.

Bandcamp Radio: Tracks From Episode 016

On EPISODE 016 of ‘Mix Tape Radio on Folk Radio UK’, 9 of the tracks that are on the mix are available via Bandcamp. And since those tracks are all great, you'll be able to find them, amongst a bunch of other Bandcamp beauties, on the ever growing playlist that is Bandcamp Radio.

And here are those 9 tracks…

<a href="http://handsandknees.bandcamp.com/track/dancing-on-your-tears">Dancing On Your Tears by Hands and Knees</a>

<a href="http://joschornikow.bandcamp.com/track/heartbeat">Heartbeat by Jo Schornikow</a>

<a href="http://maxgarciaconover.bandcamp.com/track/new-beast">New Beast by Max García Conover</a>

<a href="http://crashsymbols.bandcamp.com/track/vibrasonics">Vibrasonics by MoonLasso</a>

<a href="http://dadrocks.bandcamp.com/track/battle-hymn-of-the-fox-father">Battle Hymn of the Fox Father by Dad Rocks!</a>

<a href="http://bigglesflysagain.bandcamp.com/track/last-song-of-the-night-2">Last Song of the Night by Biggles Flys Again</a>

<a href="http://tvtorso.bandcamp.com/track/clear-lake-strangler">Clear Lake Strangler by TV Torso</a>

<a href="http://asingerofsongs.bandcamp.com/track/ruins-of-you">Ruins Of You by a Singer of Songs</a>

<a href="http://paulcary.bandcamp.com/track/the-curse-of-china-bull">The Curse Of China Bull by Paul Cary</a>

You'll hear all of the above tracks (plus more) on EPISODE 016 of 'Mix Tape Radio on FRUK', so check it out and stuff. And add 'check out Bandcamp Radio' to your list of Things To Check Out, as there are a bunch more great songs like the ones above to be listened to (and added to the collection of the Bandcamp fan account that you created… you set one up, right?

Max García Conover - Burrow

Max sent me his new album ‘Burrow’ over a month ago, but it was only in the last couple weeks that I actually managed to give it a listen. And it is quite great. The guitar playing on it is pretty exquisite and the vocals bring to mind a certain Swedish man who may or may not be taller than all the others.

The stand out track for me is definitely 'New Beast' —kind of wish there was a few more boy + girl vocals on the album, as their tones fit like well fitting gloves— but the whole album plays well and provides a pleasant escape from the modern world as throwing it on the headphones kind of transports you to a different time. Or at least out of the city and away from the go go go of a life with internet access (which is kind of like a different time). Visions of the English country side come to mind. Not sure why, as Max is from Maine (USA). But it does. In fact, 'Burrow' kind of sounds like an album that the same guy who tipped you off to Nick Drake would have also passed on to you. And if you didn't know better, you could easily see this album being released in the early 70's (rather than earlier this month).

So go jump over to his Bandcamp page and give the full album a listen and see if you find yourself transported somewhere more simple. And if you enjoy that escape, then buy the CD (he's doing a 2 for 1 deal —so that takes care of a birthday present for your friend that has a crush on The Tallest Man On Earth— and he's also donating a portion to charity).

You can catch this track being played on EPISODE 016 of ‘Mix Tape Radio on Folk Radio UK’.

Mix Tape Radio on FRUK: Episode 016

After a few weeks of unplanned but kind of needed) absence, 'Mix Tape Radio On Folk Radio UK' returns this Sunday with EPISODE 016. The reasoning for no episodes for awhile has not been because of a lack of good tunes to share, but just a lack of time. I'm still a bit short on time, but I managed to find enough spare moments to put together an hour of some of the music that has been getting heavy rotation on my headphones (including a track from the upcoming HI54LOFI RECORDS / A Singer Of Songs release - our first foray into putting something onto vinyl).

So put the below dates and times into your memory banks and tune in to a brand spanking new episode of that radio show you (hopefully) have been missing…

Sunday 21/4/2013 @ 9:00 pm UK TIME (see what time that is where you are)

Monday 22/4/2013 @ 1:00 pm UK TIME (see what time that is where you are)

Thursday 25/4/2013 @ 5:00 pm UK TIME (see what time that is where you are)

Saturday 27/4/2013 @ 2:00 am UK TIME (see what time that is where you are)

EPISODE 016 - TRACK LISTING

On top of that, I will also be posting more about the music included in this episode throughout the week, and you can filter all those posts by clicking on the Episode 016 tag. You can also click on any of the artist tags below to see any other posts that may feature said artist.

Third Man Record Booth

“In one of my final acts as Record Store Day ambassador, I encourage everyone who comes to the Third Man Record Store in Nashville to be able to hear themselves on a vinyl record, and maybe even mail it to someone they love.

Actively venturing to your local record shop is one of those honors and privileges in this life that we just shouldn’t take for granted. Certain beautiful experiences can only happen in the environment of a record store and I just thought that nothing could drive that point home more than a one-of-a-kind machine that lets you not only record your own vinyl record, but send it to anyone, anywhere in the world to share a song, poem, or private message with. I know those warm, scratchy tones send tingles up (and sometimes down) MY spine. Even if you aren’t instrumentally inclined, you could hold up an iphone playing a song and sing along with the music and combine the best of all worlds tangible, digital, and romantic. And for those still skeptical or not sure if they’re brave enough to do it, think of it this way; it’s almost the same thing as illegally downloading an mp3 and emailing it to someone. Well…, Almost.

Enjoy record store day everyone. i hope that you find that special song and someone makes you smile in the process.”

— Jack White |||

(just another piece of evidence to add to the 'Jack White is super cool' case - more info on the 'record your own vinyl record booth' over on Third Man)