Quick Hits - Sweet Nectar..

Whoa.. he's alive?  Yes, I am actually alive...  I apologize for the extended absence, and lack of content in the last few weeks, along with the whole last few months.  Can't say that it will change too drastically in the near future, but in the same right, I would love to be able to get back to a post or two a week, and also get back to making some tunes.

Anyhow, I was perusing Pandora the other day, and came across quite the little gem.

SUB SWARA - NECTAR (Feat. KENDRA FOSTER)



Lots of electronic influences obviously on this track, but I absolutely love the vocals.  This Kendra Foster has quite the sultry voice, and one that really shines when mixed to sound like it is coming out of a 1920's radio.  I think there might be a few too many "-ation" rhymes, but oh well.  I also love the deep bass beats, and guitar work over top.

Sub Swara is a definite drum and bass electronic group, but they do spend some time working with analog instrumentation to compliment their digital compilations.  I am incredibly fond of this song, and would like to hear another like it at some point, but have not yet looked into Sub's catalog of other songs.  But if I find something else this tight, I will of course post it.

Thanks for checking it out.

-CS

Mumford & Sons - Mmmm...umford

Was recommended this little folk rock band from Britain a few months back.  I know they have been around, and I just hadn't yet put in enough time to listen to them nor write about them.  I find it somewhat surprising how often I am noticing them getting playing time.  I hear them outside of bars, inside of bars, at friends parties, at friends houses etc.  They are definitely making quite a splash, and the reason is rather simple to deduce.  They are good... very good.

MUMFORD & SONS








These guys apparently formed in December of 2007, and haven't looked back.  The group consists of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Country Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane; and they have put together quite a unique sound.  I think the biggest draw is Mumford's gravelly vocals that really lend some sincere anger and passion to his lyrics.  They tend to have a lot of classical literature influences, and intersperse lots of Shakespeare and Plato in their lyrics.  They became famous after dropping their EP Love Your Ground, which they played extensively in Ireland.  They then put together their debut album Sigh No More which was released in the UK and USA, and was critically acclaimed.  They are also currently working on a new album now that they have concluded their US tour.

If you haven't heard these guys before, definitely take a listen below.

-The Cave-
Probably their most popular of tracks at the moment, but I think you will find that if you listen to ALL of their tracks, you will notice that they bring a lot to the table beyond The Cave.  I do actually really really think highly of this song.  Quite good, and I love the banjo work on this tune.




-Thistle and Weeds-
This is probably my favorite tune, though it is a slow and pain-racked song.  I just really like how it builds upon itself slowly.




-Winter Winds-
This one is a bit more upbeat, and I just like the pacing and lyrics of this one.  Again solid banjo/mandolin work (assuming I am hearing that as a mandolin correctly).




-I Gave You All-
A strikingly beautiful song about love lost, and definitely another one of my favorites.




-Little Lion Man-
Another upbeat and awesome song.  Lots of solid guitar work here, and banjo work as well. I love the lyrics on this one.




That's all I will put up for now, and like I said if you haven't heard these guys, do yourself a favor.  The entire album is incredibly solid, no throw aways, nothing on there that isn't worth listening to.  It is actually one of the more complete albums I have heard in a while, and I was very impressed at how much play-ability it had.

As always, thanks for stopping in, and I hope you enjoy Mumford if you aren't already.

Thanks,

CS