Saltwater is the debut solo album from Absentee frontman Dan Michaelson. The songs which he originally wrote after the release of the critically acclaimed Schmotime, were rejected by the band because they didn’t fit the Absentee sound. It has become one of those stories passed so freely between reviewers, you wonder if there isn’t some myth-making going on, accidental or otherwise. But there is every chance the decision may yet prove to be a defining moment in both of their careers.
Album Review: Au Revoir Simone – Still Night, Still Light
Au Revoir Simone. Super Mario. Two seemingly unrelated phrases. However, ever since the bouncy Casio stylings of the band’s first album, I’ve always connected the two. Now, their latest release has ditched the Italian plumber soundtrack for something dreamier and just slightly ominous.
FFS Interview: Malcolm Middleton
Malcolm Middleton, once half of Arab Strap along with Aiden Moffat, denies being a grump, but his website is adorned with wee unhappy faces and he wants to start a miserabilist girl band in which “a bunch of young lookers with great voices sing all the black shit that comes out of me during my worst depression”. Sounds pretty good actually… here he answers our “above average bunch of questions”.
For Folk’s Sake Interview: The Dø
Jo Legg conducts a friendly interrogation of super busy genre-hoppers The Dø. This duo make fantastic pop songs, and here FFS finds out exactly how they do it.
Album Review: Malcolm Middleton – Waxing Gibbous
It’s fair to say that a new release by Malcolm Middleton who is no longer just known as one half of the defunct Arab Strap, but as an established solo artist in his own right, is quite an anticipated occasion.
Album Review: Headwater – Lay You Down
Alright, hands up; who amongst us drizzle soaked, mass marketed, 9-5 Brits have the image of country music firmly imbedded in chequered shirts, straw hay bails, and cowboy hats on everybody? I thought as much, and I too once followed this belief which was brought about by mocked images of seventies country musicians interspersed on TV programmes poking fun at the image, rather than talk about the music. But no more, I’ve fought for my education, and now let me help you destroy the image of a Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, by introducing to you Headwater.