Tarka Blowpig Music

25/01/2025

Album Review: You and i are Earth - Anna B Savage

There are a few female singer/songwriters who I put on high as the very best. Not just in their s*x, but in the whole world of music. Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny, Kate Bush and PJ Harvey would be the four that stand out most. To that number you can add another. The wonderful talent that is Anna B Savage.

Since first hearing Anna on the Marc Riley radio show and then listening to her debut album, A Common Turn, which won my album of the year in 2021, I realised that here was a very special talent. One that I knew would make interesting, thought-provoking and brilliant music. Something Anna has achieved, again, with her third studio album, released on City Slang records, You and i are Earth.

Her modern take on electronic folk infused music is a breath of fresh air in a world that seemingly searches for uniformity and commerciality. It is music created for a discerning palate that wishes to be challenged, invigorated and, on occasion, disturbed. It is not afraid to lay bare the life of its creator; their loves, lives, worries and joys.

Anna's voice is subtle yet strong. Gentle yet passionate. Beautiful and wonderous in it's delivery. It doesn't rely on tricks to excite the listener. Deceptively simple, but cleverly complex. Phrased with emphasis and empathy, it soars when it needs too and then softens when required.

This album, borne as it is from the roots the artist is putting down in Ireland, is a lovely piece of work that continues to enhance Anna's reputation as one of the foremost reflectors on the human condition and our place in the world. It is joyful as it is moody. A most brilliant way to spend half an hour of your time. And to then do it all over again to pick up even more rewards from continued listens.

https://annabsavage.bandcamp.com/album/you-i-are-earth

05/01/2025

Little bit later than normal, but time to post our favourite albums of the year at Tarka Blowpig Music.

Firstly, we have listened to a lot of great music this year. To those who say there isn't great music out there I say you haven't looked hard enough. Move away from the generic radio stations and what streaming services recommend. Go to Bandcamp or other social media and look harder!

There has been music released from established and huge acts such as Kings of Leon, James, Mark Knopfler and David Gilmour which have been excellent and shown that a creative fire still burns brightly. But there has also been great 'new' acts that have broken through, or in many cases, gained critical, if not commercial, success.

Out of all of the albums released here are numbers 10 to 2 in this years countdown:

10. Polaroid Lovers - Sarah Jarosz
9. The Pendulum Swings - Kathryn Priddy
8. Prelude to Ecstacy - The Last Dinner Party
7. Love In Constant Spectacle - Jane Weaver
6. I'm Totally Fine With It Don't Give A F**k Anymore - Arab Strap
5. The Last Flight - Public Service Broadcasting
4. Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder Jones
3. Mount Matsu - YĪN YĪN
2. Ship to Shore - Richard Thompson - RT

One album, though, stood out for me in another excellent years which was the collaboration between Kathryn Williams and Dan Willson under his nom de plume Withered Hand. Willson-Williams is such an album of beauty reminiscent to me of Van Morrison at his musical best (without his world weary grumpiness) that bears listening to time and time again to delve deep into the intricacies of the music and the cleverness of the lyrics. Proof indeed, if it were needed, that there is great music being made right here and right now!

1. And winner of the Jezzie Award for 2024 Willson-Williams by Kathryn Williams and Withered Hand

01/09/2024

Given the (over) hype of the reunion/cash cow of the Manc brothers I thought I'd have a look back of the 1990's and pick 10 albums from each year and see if Oasis gets in my top 100 of the decade... so here goes...

1990

Flood – They Might Be Giants
Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors – Fish
Shake Your Money Maker – The Black Crowes
Manic Nirvana – Robert Plant
Fear Of A Black Planet – Public Enemy
People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm – A Tribe Called Quest
Hell to Pay – The Jeff Healey Band
Heaven or Las Vegas – The Cocteau Twins
Pills ‘n’ Thrills ’n’ Bellyaches – The Happy Mondays
* Enlightenment – Van Morrison

1991

Uncle Anaesthesia – The Screaming Trees
Nevermind – Nirvana
Leisure – Blur
Achtung Baby – U2
* Rumor and Sigh – Richard Thompson
Into The Great Wide Open – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Woodface – Crowded House
Metallica – Metallica
Ten – Pearl Jam
Screamadelica – Primal Scream

1992

Generation Terrorists – Manic Street Preachers
Seven – James
Little Earthquakes – Tori Amos
Ingenue – k d lang
* Dry – P J Harvey
Bodycount – Bodycount
Come On Come On – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Bone Machine - Tom Waits
Automatic For The People – R.E.M.
Harvest Moon – Neil Young

1993

The Juliet Letters – Elvis Costello & The Brodsky Quartet
Pablo Honey – Radiohead
Black Tie, White Noise – David Bowie
Rid Of Me – PJ Harvey
Modern Life Is Rubbish – Blur
Liberation – Divine Comedy
Wild Wood – Paul Weller
In Utero – Nirvana
Laid – James
* 4 Calendar Café – The Cocteau Twins

1994

Mirror Blue – Richard Thompson
Superunknown – Soundgarden
His ‘n’ Hers – Pulp
Parklife – Blur
* Grace – Jeff Buckley
Dummy – Portishead
The Holy Bible – Manic Street Preachers
Monster – R.E.M.
Dog Man Star - Suede
Definitely Maybe - Oasis

1995

Leftfield – Leftism
To Bring Me Your Love – P J Harvey
The Bends – Radiohead
* Different Class - Pulp
What’s The Story, Morning Glory - Oasis
I Should Coco – Supergrass
Stanley Road – Paul Weller
Foo Fighters – Foo Fighters
The Great Escape – Blur
It’s Great When Your Straight, Yeah – Black Grape

1996

Milk and Kisses – The Cocteau Twins
Moseley Shoals – Ocean Colour Scene
You? Me? Us? – Richard Thompson
Casanova – Divine Comedy
1977 – Ash
* Everything Must Go – Manic Street Preachers
Fuzzy Logic – Super Furry Animals
Tigermilk – Belle and Sebastian
Odelay – Beck
William Bloke – Billy Bragg

1997

Homework – Daft Punk
Whiplash – James
Time Out Of Mind – Bob Dylan
The Colour and the Shape – Foo Fighters
* OK Computer – Radiohead
Do It Yourself – Seahorses
Fat Of The Land – Prodigy
Radiator – Super Furry Animals
Buena Vista Social Club – Buena Vista Social Club
Urban Hymns – The Verve

1998

Moon Safari – Air
Train – Train
This Is Hardcore – Pulp
Walking Into Clarksdale – Jimmy Page & Robert Plant
You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby – Fat Boy Slim
The Good Will Out – Embrace
Mermaid Avenue – Billy Bragg & Wilco
* The Boy With The Arab Strap – Belle & Sebastian
This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours – Manic Street Preachers
Is This Desire – PJ Harvey

1999

Mule Variations – Tom Waits
Take Your Shoes Off – Robert Cray
Californication – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Guerilla – Super Furry Animals
Supernatural – Santana
* The White Stripes – The White Stripes
Mock Tudor – Richard Thompson
69 Love Songs – Magnetic Fields
I’ll Take Care Of You – Mark Lanegan
There Is Nothing Left To Lose – Foo Fighters

* Album of the Year

Therefore, 2 of the 3 Oasis albums released in the 1990's make my list.
However, where would they rank in the list of these 100 albums.
Well, neither would have won my album of the year (1994 was Grace by Jeff Buckley and 1995 was Different Class by Pulp). Definitely Maybe might have been top 3 in 1994 though Mirror Blue by Richard Thompson, His 'n' Hers by Pulp and Dummy by Portishead would beat that for me. Morning Glory, in a pretty good 1995, would maybe scrape top 5. So, for me lower end of the top 100, maybe mid table position. Which, when you add in the other decades certainly puts both Oasis albums, where they should be, at the lower end of the Top 500.

27/04/2024

https://open.spotify.com/album/5i1gpRUUqGoUX3uqiyNmqV?si=FEHzONSqSuWcWAQC92b-yA

Normally we wait until the end of December to announce the Jezzie Award for album of the year but I think, with this release from Kathryn Williams and Withered Hand we might have to call an early winner...even with forthcoming albums from the likes of Richard Thompson - RT I'm not sure Willson-Williams will be surpassed.

Hell, I might even go as far as to suggest that this album could be up there as one of the very best of the 21st Century so far. It is that spectacularly amazing.

Listening to this album hit me on the first listen with beautiful melodies and harmonies supporting great lyricism that can make you both cry and laugh...often within one couplet. Musically it is reminiscent of some of Van Morrison's excellent output ( I really must put Enlightenment on this weekend) with a variety of instruments creating a soundscape that has fingers in many genres but never feeling constrained by any one type.

This is a proper great album that I urge you all to listen to and buy!

https://kathrynwilliams.bandcamp.com/album/willson-williams

11 track album

20/04/2024

Thanks to Rob Karen and The Apothecary Tap and everyone who joined in and entered the first Tarka Blowpig Music Maestro Quiz last Thursday raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association with another 50 quid going in the pot!

Next quiz will be on the 3rd Thursday of May (16th) at 8pm (830 start). Come along and test your musical knowledge with Spot The Intro rounds and much more (and for a taster see comments for the rounds from Thursday night!)

29/02/2024

GIG REVIEW: The Bug Club at The Bullingdon, Cowley Road with support from Getdown Services (Tuesday 27th Feb, 2024.)

There is something life affirming about going to a proper loud rock gig. Where the amps are turned up to 11 or higher. And where the band puts together an energetic blast through of an impressive amount of brilliant songs. Which is what the three piece band, hailing from that rock enclave of Caldicot, Monmouthshire, The Bug Club gave a hugely receptive crowd at The Bullingdon in Oxford on Tuesday night.

This was seemingly, from the coiled guitar lead that Sam Willmett used to the screeched vocal style of bassist Tilly Harris that is so reminiscent of X-Ray Spex's Ploy Styrene all under pinned by the driving rhythm's supplied by drummer Dan Matthews The Bug Club provide great lo-fi pop rock that is routed in the pub scene of early 1970's London. To this audience member a wonderful Wilko Johnson/Lee Brilleaux era Dr.Feelgood vibe was in the air. Indeed, with Sam's black guitar and lack of effects pedals the spirit of the late, great guitarist is very much kept alive. This is joyful, clever and uplifting pop rock played by three seriously energetic and talented musicians.

Support, from Getdown Services, was equally high tempo with an underpinning of humour to their songs that targetted a number of diverse targets that included bodily functions, the city of Bristol and lazy, money-grabbing landlords.

29/02/2024

GIG REVIEW: Fine Lines at Telford Warehouse, Chester (Friday 23rd Feb, 2024) with support from The John Street Revival

Originally traditional American folk music came partly from the old English songs that found their way across the big sea from England, many leaving from the ports of the North West of England, before returning as Americana, often to those same ports they left many years before. It is therefore fitting to be able to see one of the very best English Americana influenced bands in the North West close to where the band, Fine Lines, are based.

Centred around the song-writing duo of David Boardman and Mark Ratcliffe, the band put together a wonderful set of music from their three studio albums as well as showcasing a couple of new tunes for the forthcoming, as yet unnamed, album.

As talented songwriters David and Mark are they need a band of talents such as make up Fine Lines to bring those songs alive. David's harmonies with co-lead singer Zoe Blythe are up there to rival the greats such as Gram and Emmy-Lou whilst the musicians behind them (Gary O'Brien - Hammond Organ; Jim Broughton - Bass and Emily Doggett - Fiddle) add an authentic and brilliant accompaniment with David also playing guitar and Mark drumming. And with a guest addition of pedal steel and mandolin from Chris Lee, well it ticked all my Americana boxes fabulously. But, what makes this group so good is the infectious love they all have for the music written for them to perform. A love that was demonstrated by the energy and power put into this gig that got the crowd present on their feet and having a good time whilst becoming involved in the stories told.

Support came from a paired back trio version of The John Street Revival who put out some great new music that reminded me very much of The Allman Brothers in the guitar work.

I can wholeheartedly recommend, if you get the chance, to go see this amazing act who have taken the music of Americana and developed it to tell their stories and observations brilliantly. For more information please go to www.wearefinelines.com and join their mailing list. The John Street Revival information can be found at www.thejohnstreetrevival.com

25/02/2024

Strummer Room Records here's our playlist for February...

12 track album

25/02/2024

What's Been on Tarka's stereo in February...

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Gu2MoTjzzNtmC3IMM2SJs?si=d2ec0c52f445457a

1. DEAD ON THE MONEY – Starsailor

James Walsh Official is back with the band after a 7 year break from recording with a new album, Where The Wild Things Grow, to be released on the 22nd March. Dead on the Money is the first single from that album showing the band is still as melodic as ever with James’ unique voice gaining a maturity along with his lyrics.

2. PERFECT FREAK – Queen Eleanor's Cross

Hailing from Northamptonshire this two piece band evoke the spirit of 80’s gothic electronica with a 21st century outlook to keep alive the sounds of Soft Cell, Fields of the Nephilm, The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshee’s. Visit their site on bandcamp to find out more and order their EP Cardinal (EP) | Queen Eleanor's Cross (bandcamp.com)

3. WILD DAYS – SAM EVIAN

70’s tinged psychedelic country rock from New York’s Sam Evian whose 4th studio album is to be released in March.

4. COAST – The John Street Revival

Discovered by us at Tarka Blowpig Music supporting the brilliant Fine Lines in Chester over the weekend playing as a three piece. The full band has a new single, Coast out now, on this playlist. For those who like their music with a heavy dose of Allman Brothersesque guitar playing.

5. THE GREEN WILLOW TREE – Sir Bryn Terfel WITH STING & ARCHIE CHURCHILL-MOSS

The great Welsh bass-baritone of Sir Bryn Terfel has lent his voice to a new album of sea songs along with a number of collaborations as on this song with Sting amongst others.

6. START AGAIN – Grace Petrie

With a new album, Build Something Better, coming on the 8th March and her comedy tour Butch Ado About Nothing the le***an icon and check shirt collector, Grace Petrie, finds herself busy as 2024 starts. Treading her path of humour with a powerful message Grace has put out another collection of songs that both hit hard and make you think, laugh and sometimes cry.

7. SHELF – Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand

Ever since hearing Kathryn’s version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, a song that has been beautifully covered so many times, I have loved her voice and always love hearing new music from her. Teaming up with Dan Wilson, professionally known as Withered Hand, this outstanding single, on One Little Independent Records, is a gem that will be backed up by more new music as recently showcased on a Marc Riley/Gideon Coe session on BBC 6 Music

8. WHAT THE WORLD COULD BE – Common Culture

Drip feeding us new songs each month the new four piece band from South Yorkshire, Common Culture are creating a manifesto of songs with a message backed by folk-punk of great skill. A fabulous new band of young talent that I sure to become one of the most vibrant acts on the scene.

9. DON’T NEED NO CATHEDRAL – Martyn Joseph

And from young tyro’s to a ‘veteran’ of the scene, but one with no less a fire burning that he continues to put into his music. Martyn’s latest album, This Is What I Want To Say, benefits from close listening to the lyrics to hear those messages, all backed by Joseph’s virtuoso guitar playing.

10. INTO THE LIGHT – SUKIE SMITH

Some beautiful guitar art pop from British actress and musician Sukie Smith ahead of a new album release later this year.

11. DANCE WE DO – ANNIE DRESSNER

New Yorker Annie first picked up the guitar on the night of her high school prom finding, almost by accident, a talent and passion that has led her to craft lovely folk inspired songs that find as she says on her website ‘beauty in life’s chaos.’

12. NOT MY LEADER – Modern English

Originally formed in Colchester, Ess*x in 1979 the new wave veterans have split, reformed and continued, since 1995, in a variety of guises and line ups before releasing, in January this year, a three track EP including this, the opening track.

13. DEFAULT PARODY – Drahla

Hailing from Leeds Drahla bring their own brand of melodic noise to art rock creating experimentally visceral and exciting music to the world.

14. TRANQUILLISER – Imperial Wax

Continuing with some noisy and doom laden rock three members of The Fall teamed up, following Mark E Smith’s death, with Sam Curran to carry on where The Fall left off.

15. NEON RIVER – POND

Pond, born out of collaborations and friendship with fellow Western Australian band Tame Impala, play far out psychedelic rock that takes you through the doors of perception on a tuneful trip.

16. COLOURS & LIGHT – Project Gemini

The alias of South London producer, Paul Osbourne, this is the title song of the new album to be released in April with pre-order available at https://projectgemini.bandcamp.com/album/colours-light

17. FOOTBALL – Trevor Powers YOUTH LAGOON

Idaho musician, Trevor Powers, returned to using the Youth Lagoon name with 2023’s album Heaven Is A Junkyard. Powers is back again with this single having been released in January, made all the more amazing to his severe reaction to over the counter medicine taken in 2021 that caused him to lose his voice for some time.

18. BIG LOVE – Camera Obscura

Along with fellow Scottish electronic pop leaders of the 1990’s such as Belle and Sebastian, Camera Obscura craft perfect songs about love and escapism within a beautiful jangly sound. After a hiatus following the death of keyboard player Carey Lander the remaining members have returned with an eagerly anticipated album being released later in the year.

19. TREAT ME A STRANGER – Kiran Leonard

Is it too much to suggest Kiran is a modern musical genius? For me no and given how much is in this 45 second song I’m sure you’ll all agree.

20. NEW IN MOTION – William Doyle

Formally known as East India Youth, Doyle is a much in demand producer working with the likes of Anna B Savage whilst producing his own work including 2021’s LP Great Spans Of Muddy Time and this single, released in January.

21. QUARANTINE SONG – PAUL LYON

The debut release from talented singer-songwriter and entertainer, Paul Lyon, Quarantine Song is a song of it’s time documenting the experiences many of us have had in recent years.

22. SICK – BRAND NEW LEGS

As their website says this Manchester band blends alternative indie rock with a jazzy vibe.

23. HOMESICK – Noah Kahan FEATURING Sam Fender

The 27 year old Kahan started writing songs at the age of 8 after being taught by his parents to play guitar and to write on their Vermont farm. Exposure came by uploading his videos onto Youtube and Soundcloud by which Kahan has become an ‘overnight’ sensation. This song features the Newcastle born singer/songwriter Sam Fender for this recent single release.

24. COLOURS – Jack Cullen

Along with Noah Kahan Jack Cullen has been brought to Tarka Blowpig Music’s attention by Shazza who describes Jack’s music as ‘laidback acoustic music with an emotional vibe.’

25. FEEL LIFE – Ora Cogan

Featuring strings by Lankum’s Cormac Mac Diarmada Feel Life sees Lora’s gothic punk country folk rock given full rein in this sensational vocal performance from 2023’s album Formless.

26. FLOATING ON A MOMENT – Beth Gibbons

17 years after Portishead last produced an album the ethereal voice of Beth Gibbon’s has returned with her debut solo album being released in May. If this wonderous track is anything to go by it will be well worth the near two decade wait!

27. MEZCAL AND LIME – Sarah Jarosz

Jarosz is one of the foremost and important voices in the world of Americana music at the moment, a reputation she has only enhanced with her latest album, Polaroid Lovers, released in February.

28. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM – Beyoncé

They say every major music star has at least one country song in them and this is Beyonce’s. Featuring the banjo playing of the fabulous Rhiannon Giddens this song not only teaches us all the origins of that instrument but also steams the p**s of the reactionary redneck snowflakes who get triggered by talented, independent and strong women in all walks of life.

29. RED EYES – The Autumn Saints

From Oxford, with a huge North Carolinian influence from singer and bassist Britt, The Autumn Saints blend punk attitude with Americana songs and have delivered, with their new EP Just Might Be Thunder, another tour de force of exceptional song writing that comes alive when played live as they did at the EP release at London’s Troubadour venue.

30. IS THIS LOVE – james

It took Manchester band years to become successful before a period of inactivity and a return in the early 00’s. Since when the band led by the legendry Tim Booth, have not looked back becoming one of the biggest bands in Britain. Their eagerly awaited new album is released in April with this single released to whet your appetites!

12 track album