The emotion on show here is true, explicit and celebratory.
Daniel Johnston – Space Ducks
Michael James Hall
Low – The Invisible Way
The Minnesota trio’s tenth studio album takes us back to a time of beautiful, soulful hymns, hand in paradoxical hand with a gothic, ancient fear.
Buke and Gase – General Dome
The Brooklyn duo use instruments they have made themselves to create the kind of wonderful, odd, occasionally transcendent music you are yearning to hear.
Ducktails – The Flower Lane
A glowing ember of a record that shares much of the spark of Mondanile’s “day job” band, but also their tendency toward stylistic appropriation over originality.
Breton @ BFI Southbank, London 11/01/13
Breton are five Brothers Grimm, collecting the folklore of our era, scrawling their tales high on the silver screen forcing them out into the world through shuddering, filthy, metallic speakers.
Dutch Uncles – Out Of Touch In The Wild
A warm-hearted lover of an album that is hard to pin down but acquiesces to exploration and will, in a fairly filthy way, leave the listener sated, satisfied and inspired.
ATP’s Nightmare Before Christmas Curated by Shellac: Our Highlights
A move to Camber Sands is a shock to those used to the comparative luxury of Butlins but this year’s Shellac Curated ATP is no less amazing musically. Michael James Hall recalls his top 5 highlights.
Mogwai – A Wrenched Virile Lore
At least half the running time here points at the positive, including what might be the “ultimate” Mogwai remix: well worth making an investment in.
Darren Hayman and The Long Parliament – The Violence
A bold record – for the most part affecting, impressively assembled and ultimately enlightening. It asks a lot, offers a lot and leaves you richer for the experience.
John Cale – Royal Festival Hall, London 13/10/12
John Cale largely resists the urge to trade of his past glories, instead opting to shape modernity in his own image. Michael James Hall reviews.
Ray Davies – Croydon Fairfield Halls, Surrey 10/10/12
Ray Davies reminds us of the man behind the legend at Croydon Fairfield Halls. Michael James Hall reviews.
Metz – Metz
Strictness, precise savagery, burning frustration and searing guitars populate this serrated set of eleven purposely brutalist tracks.