The first single from their reworking of Bobbie Gentry’s The Delta Sweete. Let’s hope it’s all as good as this.
Bon Iver aren’t the only fans of this Chicago trio, and this first single off the forthcoming Weaver proves that the jazz revival doesn’t belong to London only.
Actress/musician Kirke offers up the opening track from her Heart Head West album as a single and highly cinematic video. Making country music cool again (wasn’t it always?)
This Kinhasa, DRC outfit play groundbreaking music on tin cans, plastic tubs and a typewriter. Check out the RA Sessions and We are Kokoko! online to get the full visual experience.
The ever-reliable Analog Africa sign off 2018 with a limited edition vinyl release from Togo’s funkiest band. The six tracks, discovered in a warehouse and dating back to 1972, include the hard to find Honam.
Paradisia V marks five years in the business for the Gang of Ducks collective, here represented by some out-there dub courtesy of label newcomers Babau Fam.
New material from the Cardiff popsters with a cover of The Tables’ (also from Cardiff) 1977 single. Hard to do the standing still dance when a song’s this much fun.
The B-side to a forthcoming single, this Peggy Gou cover adds a layer of 1980s-style funk, lending it alt-dancefloor appeal.
As is often the case, the long title is masking a rather pleasant Orb-like chill out track with lyrics by Charles Bukowski.
The release date for this limited edition vinyl pack is still tbc but expect soul, jazz, latin and more from the former Kindred Spirits artist. And dig that flute!
The 1979 original is pretty timeless in itself but this re-edit lends a touch of polish without overdoing it; the four other cuts are equally good.
It’s all been about Africa for me this year, and here the Lagos boys deliver a wild bass-driven raver.
Not much to say but trivia fans might be amused to know that Kaja Bremmes’ alter-ego recorded this short and sweet indie-pop number at Rudi Schenker’s mansion. Big in Europe.
Having accidentally stumbled upon Farai a year ago I’m excited by the strength of this album taster and flip-side to current release Punk Champagne. Minimal in the same way that all the best rock’n’roll is (think Alan Vega and Martin Rev’s Suicide), this is a prime example of less is more. January bound release National Gangsters sounds equally promising.
Full name Raül Refree and proponent of the ‘new flamenco’ movement utilising samples and electronica alongside electric guitar (he’s equally at home playing on and co-producing Lee Renaldo of Sonic Youth).
This cracking version of the classic Crickets Sing for Anamaria from a pre-dancefloor fame Deodata comes from the hard to find but now reissued Ataque.
Former Super Furry Animals frontman’s second single with requisite hooks from the rather groovy Babelsong album.
I’ve only heard the sampler but that’s enough to confirm that Jean-Claude and Victor Kiswell’s If Music Presents: You Need This – World Jazz Grooves compilation is going to be an all-round winner. Joe Malinga’s closing track sits nicely alongside The Creator Has a Masterplan.
The label’s changed somewhat since the days of the Cocteaus et al but that doesn’t detract from the opening track to the indie-rockers forthcoming album Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared?
And relax. Spanish soundtrack composer Casal closes this bi-monthly mix with a debut of his own solo piano work.
Karl Phillips presents the Random Jukebox radio show on Source 96.1FM, every Sunday evening between 9.30-11.30. Source FM is a not-for-profit community station located in Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall, and actively supports voices under-represented by traditional media. Get in touch via [email protected]