17/14 - You Found A Way To Break Out

Nice times. Eagerly waiting for summer to hit.

tUnE-yArDs - Water Fountain

It's art o'clock!

Janelle Monáe - Dance Apocalyptic

Smash, smash, bang, bang
Don't stop, chalangalangalang

Greg Diamond - Inertia

It's great to have flatmates. Hayden provides me with a never-ending stream of links to things he thinks I might like. This is one of his New York-friends, and I do like. Guitar-bit is especially awesome.

Ravi Shankar & Philip Glass - Offering

Another offering from Hayden, on the subject of Godfrey Reggio's new film.

Getatchew Mekurya - Eywat Setenafegagn

Getatchew is my new favourite guy discovered through Awesome Tapes From Africa. Tried to find this excellent album on my streaming services, but ended up finding this track instead. Seems like he doesn't do anything below excellent. Listen to this, then download the album from here, and chill out the rest of the season.

And hooray! Kelis is back!

16/14 - I'mma Ride My Fuckin' Bike, Or Walk

Warmth. April. Friends. City.

Sepultura - Breed Apart

Sunshine and angry music is a surpsisingly tasty combination. Was strolling down Sauchiehall Street on a gorgeous spring day and Max Cavalera made me feel full of purpose.

Savages - City's Full

Yeah, so it's been sunny, as I said, and as per usual this time of year, city fills up with sissy, pretty love... damn that stuff.

Prince - Darling Nikki

Sexuality invades. I fend futilely. Then succumb to these succulent screams.

Future & Andre 3000 - Benz Friendz

Andre! <3 Something magical happens every time he graces a track with his presence. Is this a 44 years late retort to Janis Joplin? I don't give a fuck about a Benz, bitch...

She go and told these folks I'm goin' broke,
a smile poured from my lips, cuz if I'm broke, it's only hearted

Charles Mingus - Far Wells, Mill Valley

Wizard with a double bass.

Lovin the new Lily Allen video actually:





And this. Vote Yes.

15/14 - This Isn't My Turf, This Ain't My Season

It's starting to sink in now. I'm starting to get quite nervous and worried about this now. Excited as hell, but anxious...

Fiona Apple - Sleep To Dream

What a fight song.

Darrell Scott - You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive

Watched the series finale of Justified the other day, so been listening to this tune in different versions after, Boyd and Raylan moving ominously through my mind.

The Band - Acadian Driftwood

One of Joanna Newsom's favourite songs I happen to know. I can see why. Wonderful storytelling.

Rufus Wainwright - Going To A Town

A fine mix of bitter disappointment and uplifting defiance.

Spiritualized - I Think I'm In Love

I'd forgotten how good this was! What a classic.

I think I can fly,
probably just fallin'
I think I'm the life and soul,
probably just snortin'
I think I can hit the mark,
probably just aimin'
I think my name is on your lips,
probably complainin'
I think I have caught it bad,
probably contagious
I think that I'm a winner, baby
Probably Las Vegas

Lastly, here's a surprisingly solid mashup:

14/14 - Go Get Me A Knife, You're Looking Like Steak

Fuck yes. I came through. I won. I'm moving to London after summer.

Paul McCartney & The Wings - Jet

Monday was a day of triumph. My installation came up really nicely, and I got a positive letter from Goldsmiths.

Climb on the back and we'll go for a ride in the sky

The Who - Who Are You?

Watched an episode of Louie, where Louis CK sings along to this in the car. Very much defined it as geeky dad-rock, but also a wonderful depiction of abandon and relief.

Goldfrapp - You Never Know

The yodelling bit. Stirring stuff.

Queens of the Stone Age - Smooth Sailing

It's gonna be all smooth sailing from here on out.
Amen.
This video man...

Kendrick Lamaar ft. Jay-Z - Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe (Remix)

OK. I'm gonna stay on this roll now. Don't you dare try to bring me down.



Can't stop listening to this either. My two musical highlights of 2014 meeting in a gloriously uncompromising collision:

13/14 - My Thoughts Were So Loud, I Couldn't Hear My Mouth

My body is aching, I'm losing weight, and it's not fun making art anymore. "Take me away from here, I'm dying" is the lyric I've got on my mind. But not gonna put that song on my list. Gonna focus on the positive:

Modest Mouse - The World At Large

I almost want to quote this entire song because it's so damn good.

I like songs about drifters - books about the same
They both seem to make me feel a little less insane
Walked on off to another spot
I still haven't got anywhere that I want
Did I want love? Did I need to know?
Why does it always feel like I'm caught in an undertow?

Darkside - Freak, Go Home

Saw Darkside, and it felt like I was saved. One of those concerts when you feel like "screw it, as long as this exists I don't care about the rest". Fucking wonderful it was. Like the sun breathed into my soul. The only downside being that it was so good, the amazing, amazing album actually sounds a little bit duller in comparison now. Still... soundporn.

Omar Souleyman - Wenu Wenu

Also made a little time to go see Four Tet DJ at Sub Club, where this was one of many highlights on the remorselessly packed dancefloor. What an impeccable taste that man has.

Saïan Supa Crew - Objectif

In my headphones when walking to the workshops with heavy steps. Helped a bit.

Riceboy Sleeps - Daníell In The Sea

Another of the highlights this week was taking a nap, listening to this and just drift away for a few minutes.