music: Sun Kil Moon - Admiral Fell Promises (2010)

I’m listening to theleaning tree right now with tears in my eyes..This song is fucking beautiful…

I got hold of Sun Kil Moon’s latest album today and the wait was worth it, it’s an instant favourite. 

Mark Kozelek does not really go into new territory with this one; it’s the usual singer/acoustic guitar combination from previous efforts. But let me tell you, this simple formula works perfectly for him.

This time he seems to be more drawn towards a flamenco guitar playing style, right from the first track Alesund, to the middle of the impressive Third and Seneca, one will catch glimpses of Spain.

True to his style, his songs are tempered by different tempos and moods.

As usual, the imagery he uses throughout his songs is related to places, people, situations and memory. That’s what his music is all about and what makes this wonderful album special: Memory.

On a side note, check out the awsome photography of Nyree Watts, the photographer that collaborates with Mr. Kozelek on his albums.

Reminds me of: Destroyer; places where I've been happy: Cape Town, bits and pieces of Barcelona and Luanda; the ocean...

10/10 I’m a fan….

music: Cat Power – Jukebox (2008)

This woman’s voice blows my mind, her rendition of Ramblin’ woman is absolutely incredible.

Jukebox is mostly a tribute to some of the songwriters that influenced her. Names like James Brown & the Famous Flames, Bob Dylan and Billie Holiday. Actually her cover of Billie Holiday’s Don’t explain is a fresh spin of the original. Great song, my favourite, along with Silver Stallion.

Cat Power’s folky/bluesy voice has a very intimate and honest feel to it.

Sometimes it feels like a light stroll on a sunny day (Silver stallion; Aretha sing one for me) and sometimes it feels like she’s baring her soul out (parts of Song to Bobby, and Ramblin’ woman).

But whatever the tempo, it feels almost as if each song was written by or for her. A difficult thing to achieve with covers, especially with such legendary songs. 

Reminds me of: Norah Jones, lazy sunday afternoons, Juno (Sea of Love), Love :)

9/10 Love her. Her mannerisms and the way she dances (or tries to)...

music: The XX - XX (2009)

I've been listening to this album non stop for the last week or so...

It's just great. It reminds me a lot of Depeche Mode's "Violator", one of my favourite albums ever.

The XX sound is uncomplicated and minimal.
Where they win is in all the dreamy warmness and mood they put in tracks like Shelter, my favourite Heart skipped a beat and Crystalised. It's the kind of music you can listen pretty much anywhere, in the car, with friends or alone.

The only flaw I could find was that as far as first albums go, this one is flawless...
Which of course, for a first album is great but always extremely dangerous. The pressure for an encore will be huge...

I highly recommend it.

Reminds me of: Depeche Mode's Violator, Portishead's Dummy and in some songs Dead Can Dance...Oh and I almost forgot The Joy Division.

9/10 an instant favourite.