Specialist Subject Records

Dropped by a brand new barbers in Exeter (The Roots Foundation) during a bike ride on Sunday and spotted that they sell vinyl too. It turns out they're all from a label called Specialist Subject Records  (who may have been based in Exeter at one time but their HQ's in Brizzle now) who seem to specialise in the kind of indie stuff that well and truly floats my boat. In fact one of their signings is Pillow Queens who've had a few plays on 6 Music recently with the rather fabulous Rats. 

Here are a few more picks from their current roster. Enjoy!

Charles Bradley RIP

Very sad to hear of the passing of Charles Bradley on Saturday evening via the always excellent Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show. We were lucky enough to see the 'Screaming Eagle of Soul' at the Hare and Hounds back in 2013 when he was finally getting the recognition he deserved after 40 years or so of damn hard slog and enough personal tragedies to knock most people down for good. The only blessing is that at least he did get his time in the spotlight, albeit too little and too late.

What now for Daptone Records, home of both Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones who passed away less than 12 months ago? Proper soul voices are hard to come by these days, and by proper I mean the kind of voices that have been shaped by decades of club dates and real pain and suffering, which is something that you just can't replicate. I'm sure they're still out there but the loss of both Bradley and Jones leaves a massive soul shaped hole in the universe.



RIP Mr Bradley.

Morrissey - Spent The Day In Bed

How the heck did I miss the release of a new Morrissey single? Especially one that pretty much sums up my own approach to life these days. "Life ends in death, So there's nothing wrong with being good to yourself" warbles St Moz. Wise words. Just you remember that the next time you're on the verge of denying yourself that cream cake/glass of red/pint of cider/sackful of cocaine. Despite being a bit of a hymn to existential angst Moz's latest is pretty uplifting when you look at it that way, sod it spend a day in bed if you want. Okay I'm not sure Morrissey's inviting us all to spend the day in HIS bed but I can think of worse places to be. Musically it's pretty jaunty too, with a catchy electric piano riff tinkling away in the background before lodging itself firmly in your brain. In fact I'd go as far to say that it's possibly the most upbeat Mozza's been in...well...forever really. Whatever you're doing this weekend bloody well enjoy it.

Confidence Man - Better Sit Down Boy

I know bugger all about Confidence Man except for the fact that they're from Brisbane and judging by this video they're just a little bit nuts. I suspect they also like that Groove Armada 'shakin' that ass' track too as their latest single bears more than a passing similarity to it. Still, it got me moving about on a Monday morning which is something of a miracle after a cheeky visit to Ye Olde Cider Barn over the weekend. So much cider so little time...

Grant Hart RIP

Good grief, I was only listening to this track a couple of nights ago and wondering what Grant Hart was up to these days. Sadly now I know. RIP.

Hippo hippo hooray...it's the new Sparks album

Here's a quick question. Name three bands that are still producing great work almost 50 years after they formed. Hell, name one for that matter. I've got a suggestion for you. Sparks. Okay so maybe they've had a few highs and lows over the years but generally speaking every album they've ever produced has something great on it and, judging from what I've heard so far, their latest Hippopotamus, is stuffed full of first class Mael.



At 72 and and 68 respectively Ron and Russel show no signs of slowing down, in fact they're off on tour again right now and are seemingly planning all kinds of new crazy shit after that. Ruddy incredible.

Warm Digits - End Times

Another new-ish track currently rocking Baron Towers, this time it's Warm Digits with added Field Music. It's like The Human League getting jiggy with Daft Punk!

Belle and Sebastian - We Were Beautiful

Slightly country tinged new track from the ever reliable Belle and Sebastian, have they ever released a duffer eh? Nope, I don't think they have. But can it really be 21 years since I first heard their classic album If You're Feeling Sinister. Good grief.

Walter Becker RIP

Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the last 12 hours or so (given North Korea's suicidal posturing you might well be best doing just that) you'll know that Walter Becker, one half of the hugely influential Steely Dan, passed away yesterday at 67. Smart, technically brilliant and utterly unique the band's been a Hearing Aid favourite for many a year but even if you've not heard much by them you might well recognise a couple of samples...



...which turned up on...



and...



which you'll probably recognise through...



RIP Mr Becker