Category: music

What do you Say?

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.

See what Sourfish (Gavin Simpson) is up to here:

https://sourfishmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sourfishmusic/

Song for around midnight

Pearl Jam – Black

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.

Cathy’s top 5 Pearl Jam songs:

Nothing as it seems (my favourite of this band)

Black

Jeremy

Just breathe

I am mine

Bonus: Pendulum

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

song of the afternoon

Ben Howard – oats in the water

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.

Tomorrow, I am back to work…

xx

song of the night

The Howl & the Hum – human contact

From the album “Human Contact”. It is the Howl & the Hum’s debut album and it will be releaded on March 29th.

It was produced by Jolyon Thomas who also worked with Royal Blood, U2 and recorded at Big Jelly Studios in Kent.

I sincerely think that you will enjoy this one.

Good night. xx

songs of the night

Backyard Babies – nomadic

From the self-titled album “Backyard Babies” that was released in 2006 on BMG. Backyard Babies are a Swedish punk band with eight studio albums under their belt. Their debut “Diesel & Power” was released in 1994. (on Megarock)

The lead singer and guitarist Nicke Borg Homeland released several solo records, as did Dregen (guitarist).

Nicke Borg Homeland – end of the rainbow

(Ruins of a riot, 2013 – gain records)

Enjoy some punk on this Friday night.

xx

song of the night (Wednesday)

Foo Fighters – times like these

From the album “One by One” (2002, RCA records)

My husband is a big Foo Fighters fan, as is his sister. I am not so sure about them. Something never touched me. Maybe the songs are too produced? Maybe the band is too hyped? I don’t know. Am I allowed to say that I don’t really like the Foo Fighters? What I like is that Dave Grohl is allowed to show his talents, whereas, in Nirvana, he was only the drummer, here he can show off that he is a talented multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He knows how a song should sounds. He knows what works…

Enjoy the song.

xx

song of the night

Bruce Springsteen – if I should fall behind

From the album “Lucky Town” (1992, Columbia Records). Curiously, Bruce Springsteen released two albums “Human Touch” and “Lucky Town” on the same day. (March 31st, 1992). Apparently, work on “Human Touch” was delayed and shelved. In late 1991, Bruce returned to the studio to write one more song for that record, but he came up with ten new songs and “Lucky Town” was made. It is considered the tenth studio album of Bruce Springsteen and his band – the E Street Band.

The music of New Jersey born musician grew on me lately, until I noticed that he is one of the artists with the most songs in my Spotify Daily Mix playlist. I was quite surprised, but it is a fact. I guess, I was unaware of it because my favourite songs from the Boss are from different albums.

I like that Bruce is telling stories with his songs and some are just so very heartbreaking. Every song is like a short story.

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I am still here… Just tired and getting back in the mindset of returning to work. New rules and regulations are issued daily, and we as de educators need to adjust the material at the nursery but also organise the rooms and spaces. So, I worked yesterday at that, and today new information came forward from the government, and everything had to be changed again. I am passionate about my job, and I am looking forward to working again… But this is draining. I wake up at night, remembering things I forgot and make notes… That’s not healthy. I am working overtime – of course, until at least mid-July, and then we will see how everything will change then again. But it is okay; my presence is needed. I am tired. It is early, but I am off to sleep. Good night dear people. And thank you for checking in ever so often. xx

song of the day (Wednesday)

Depeche Mode – the things you said

This song was on the sixth studio album by Depeche Mode, called “Music for the Masses” it was released in 1987 (Mute Records).

I like Depeche Mode a lot. The first CD I ever bought from my own money was “Songs of Faith and Devotion”. That was in 1993 and after that, I invested some money to buy more of their albums. I think the only record missing from my collection is the latest release “Spirit” (2017, Mute Records). I like Martin L Gore’s songwriting, and his voice too (songwriter, guitarist, keyboarder…). He is an amazing vocalist and a layered person, who also sings this song (and others of my favourite DM songs).

Please enjoy.

xx

song of the day

Charlotte Bridge – the fog

From the album “Steps” (2019, Bonus Noise Records)

Charlotte Bridge is an Italian musician based in Luxembourg. Her dreamy, melancholic sound made me curious. Truth be told, today was the first time I ever heard the name and this song. I like it. I hope you do too.

Cathy

(I had another ‘meh’ day and actually wanted to stay off everything today, but I couldn’t. And so, tonight I shared a poem (or what will be one) and a song. Thank you. xx)