Review: Pearl Charles presides over the true with Desert Queen, her most refined work yet: a bittersweet set recorded in Joshua Tree with producer Lewis Pesacov and mixed by Michael Rault. Drawing on the velveteen textures of classic Stax sides, the album drapes Charles's crisp songwriting in brass, strings and soft grooves, caught somewhere in the smoky control of Karen Carpenter and the group swagger of Memphis session royalty. This is west coast country-soul at its most elegant, with a light touch and a lingering warmth.
Review: This year, 2024, Clannad, the BAFTA and Grammy award winning Irish band, celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Legend, the classic soundtrack to Robin Of Sherwood, the acclaimed 1980s British TV series based on the legend of Robin Hood. Recorded exclusively for the series, the record's much salivated over tracklist actually sparked a ten year search for "extra tracks" after the original reels were "lost" - in a statement posted on their website in 2003, Clannad said of the record: "there were several other pieces of music recorded for the 3rd series of Robin of Sherwood that were not included on the Legend album. Unfortunately no-one has been able to locate the master tapes of this music. The search is continuing and hopefully one day these recordings will be able to be released." Marking the first time that an Irish band would win the British BAFTA award for Best Original Television Music, the mood is one of righteous deservedness: Legend's highlight is 'Robin (The Hooded Man)', that breathy, polished and effects-doused theme tune most people know unconsciously if not consciously, as it has seeped into the popular imaginary. This edition also features the extra "music only" tracks not featured on prior releases, and which were formerly accessible only on the Blu-Ray.
Review: Jose Gonzalez (of Argentine origins but living in Sweden) released his debut album in 2006 and received critical acclaim all over Europe. "Veneer" is a striking collection of hushed indie pop bedroom songs that sits elegantly on the hi-fi end of the lo-fi spectrum. This Peacefrog release can't be missed.
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