Something new for your ears… Gavin Simpson as “sourfish”
sourfish – what do you say?
This is a link to the EP of the same name that was released today. Four songs, eight minutes long. (which is shorter than most postrock songs) But totally worth your while. The genre would be alternative/ singer songwriter. “What do you say” is an upbeat song with a pop song melody. It makes you move in your chair and puts an easy smile on your face. It was written in 2019 with the hopes of writing a suitable song for a TV / advert placement, which didn’t happen. But it inspired Gavin’s podcast. (more about that later)
The highlight is certainly “Angel of my Eye”. The lyrics are simple yet poetic – something I really like. It is a song that evokes emotions. It was originally written as a finger-picking guitar piece that turned into a piano-driven piece. The first line “Three words – it’s over…” sets the tone for this break-up song. Sad, but real and telling the story of a situation we all went through at one time in our lives. And when Gavin sings in the chorus “Angel of my Eye, I want to say one more goodnight” I cannot help but think about the moments I sat with my phone in my hand, wanting to send a message to an ex just to be able to say goodnight one more time and missing them so much it breaks my heart every time anew.
Between “What Do You Say” and “Angel of My Eye” sits “Swim Against the Sea” a little demo/shortened song that is not quite finished but has lots of potentials. I’d say, give it some time to grow.
The last song is short and instrumental, using strings and guitar. Perfect for an add on TV, was my first thought. It is Gavin’s first self-produced song and it is called “Fowk”. But why “Fowk” you ask? Well, Gavin was raised in the Scottish highlands and this is their pronunciation of the word “folk”. And just like that, you’ve learned something new.
Gavin also has a podcast called “what do you say?”. The first episode is online and has an interview with Amanda Palmer. It’s a nice interview, a conversation really, that is fun to listen to. (coming from someone who is usually not too keen on podcasts). Here’s a link to the first episode.
And as I am alone, sitting outside and waiting for the sun to go down, I can’t help but think that Sourfish shows many facets of his talents on this EP and I hope to hear more of this talented artist in the coming months.
From Pearl Jam’s debut album “Ten” (1991, Epic Records).
In my opinion, this is the best, most wholesome Pearl Jam record. They have an extensive back catalog of songs though. Lots of gems. Their lyrics are poetic and intense. Real and raw. Just the way I like it.
Any thoughts about my picks? Any song I should hear or consider?
xx
Time for me to catch some sleep. It was a long day and work was exhausting, but awesome. I missed the kids at the nursery a lot more than I thought. xx
This is me today…
So, this is me today. My new picture for work. There is no filter on it, I was just close to a window and the sun was shining. It’s vain, but I like my eyes in this one. I don’t like the grey hair, but I am not 20 anymore. I am 37 and it is showing.
I don’t often like myself; I am a harsh critic. Everything I excuse in others or find endearing are things I hate on me. At the same time, I know that I am a unique person; I have flaws and qualities like everyone else. They are all a part of me…
From the “The Burgh Islands Ep” (2012, Island Records)
In 2013 I discovered Ben Howard’s music with this song, when it was played on the show “The Walking Dead”. I had to look it up but it was in episode 5 of season 4, which aired in November 2013. I listened to that song up and down and left and right and all the time. I got the feels whenever I listened to it. There is something quite suffocating in the song too. One year later, in 2014, the album “I forget where we were” (Island Records) was announced. I heard the first single and I was blown away. I like that album a lot. The depth of it is just wow – at least to my ears. That’s why I was so disappointed when I saw Ben Howard live. Maybe he was on something, maybe he just had a bad day, but that gig is one of my top 5 of worst live concerts I have ever seen. Sadly, I might add.
Cathy’s top 5 of the worst live gigs:
Biffy Clyro
Ben Howard
One Republic
Anathema (2017)
Elton John
I give all these artists the benefit of a doubt, saying they had a bad day or were tired or something, because I know that they are all very talented in their own right.
Original draft of this third poem of the day – including spelling mistakes and my poor handwriting. Written on a napkin while making lunch. (May 24th, 2020)
