Like Yesterday

Like Yesterday klingen viele Songs von heute. Dieser Rückgriff auf althergebrachte Strukturen und Sounds: ist das nun als zeitlos zu bewerten? Oder als hoffnungslos nostalgisch? Oder gar als reaktionär? Oft genug kommt es vor, dass das Klangmaterial allein keine zuverlässige Aussage mehr darüber zulässt, ob ein Song nun alt oder neu ist, denn manch heutige Musikschaffende sind historisch so gut informiert, dass das popmusikalische Zeitkolorit bis ins kleinste Detail rekonstruiert wird. Mit Like Yesterday wollen wir uns heute diesem Phänomen widmen und hören aktuelle Sounds, die sich aus vergangenen Tagen speisen, zwischen Sixties Beat, Krautrock und Power Pop.

Diese Sendung war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 27.03.19 – 20:00-22:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Samstag, 30.03. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr & Montag, 01.04. von 08:00-10:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Berlin: 91.0 MHz // Hamburg: 91.7 MHz

PlaylistGG_KW13


ArtistTrackLabel
Violet SwellsHere Comes YesterdayStrong Island Recordings
AnemoneOn Your OwnLuminelle Recordings
BeachtapeFix It UpPNKSLM
Justus ProffitLaughing On the InsideBar/None Records
Masha QrellaDay After DayStaatsakt
Ex HexTough EnoughMerge
The StroppiesPresent TenseTough Love
The StroppiesNothing At AllTough Love
Michael ParadiseGoldPowell Productions
YushiInterimyushi.bandcamp.com
Shy BoysDim The LightPolyvinyl
Faye WebsterRoom TemperatureSecretly Canadian
Salami Rose Joe LouisNostalgic MontageBrainfeeder
Gretchen's WheelAlways LoveFutureman Records
ElvaTailwindTapete Records
The DatesAny Other NiteBurger Records
William TylerFail SafeMerge
---------
American FootballSilhouettesPolyvinyl
The Proper OrnamentsCrepuscular ChildTapete Records
Green SeagullSimeon BrownMega Dodo
The FernwehSunriseSkeleton Key
Lucille FursAnother LandRequiem Pour Un Twister
Lucille FursPaint Euphrosyne BlueRequiem Pour Un Twister
Ex OkaysInvolvementexokays.bandcamp.com
Paul CherryLike YesterdayFeeltrip
I Was a KingBubbleself-released
I Was a KingHatchetself-released
Von SparExtend The Song (w/ L¾titia Sadier)Tapete Records
Stephen MalkmusViktor BorgiaDomino
Tim Presley's White FenceFog CityDrag City
Dana GavanskiOne By OneFull Time Hobby
Bobby JamesonDo You Believe In YesterdayVerve
Chris CohenTwice in a LifetimeCaptured Tracks

Im Beichtstuhl

Golden Glades macht es sich heute im Beichtstuhl gemütlich und lauscht andächtig, wie die Musikschaffenden von heute und gestern im Songformat ihr Herz ausschütten und ihr Gewissen erleichtern. Über die Tücken des Daseins wird gesungen, über Liebe, Leid und andere Laster. Wer konsequent und überzeugend aus dem eigenen Leben berichtet, muss allerdings auch mit Konsequenzen rechnen. Als Tracey Thorn 2010 ihren Song Oh, The Divorces! vorstellte, wurde vorschnell geschlussfolgert, ihre Bilderbuchehe mit Ben Watt sei gescheitert – zu Unrecht. Als Speerspitze der Abteilung confessional singer-/songwriter gilt übrigens Joni Mitchell, obwohl sie selbst den Begriff aufgrund seiner religiösen Konnotation zutiefst verabscheute. Auch ihr hören wir heute zu.

Diese Sendung war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 13.03.19 – 20:00-22:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Samstag, 16.03. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr & Montag, 18.03. von 08:00-10:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Berlin: 91.0 MHz // Hamburg: 91.7 MHz

PlaylistGG_KW11


ArtistTrackLabel
Du BlondeDays Like TheseMoshi Moshi
Aldous HardingThe Barrel4AD
The Proper OrnamentsSong For John LennonTapete Records
The DatesStarBurger Records
Le SuperHomardElephant In The RoomElefant
Holiday GhostsThinking of YouPNKSLM
Fred ThomasParkwaysPolyvinyl
Lala Lala & WHY?Siren 042Hardly Art
Stella DonnellyOld ManSecretly Canadian
Stella DonnellyDieSecretly Canadian
Robert ForsterNo FameTapete Records
Joni MitchellFree Man In ParisAsylum
Chris CohenSweet WilliamCaptured Tracks
JauntOn Your Mindself-released
Hand HabitsWhat Lovers DoSaddle Creek
Max GowanOverpassZ Tapes
---------
Kikagaku MoyoDripping SunGuruguru Brain
Daniel RomanoEmpty HuskNew West Records
Laure BriardSomeoneMidnight Special Records
Francis LungI Wanna Live In My DreamsMemphis Industries
Keagan BeresfordCan't Be What I'm Notkeaganberesford.bandcamp.com
The Hyde ParkasI ConfessFirestation Records
The MaureensTrying To Reach YouMeritorio Records
Store FrontTrilobitestorefrontnyc.bandcamp.com
Die RegierungAlles was du verlierstStaatsakt
KiDDLittle OneZenzerino Records
Tracey ThornOh, The Divorces!Caroline
Sam EvianRosesSaddle Creek
SASAMIFree (f/ Devendra Banhart)Domino
Shana ClevelandDon't Let Me SleepHardly Art

Boys & Girls

Rap und Hip-Hop gehören nicht unbedingt zur musikalischen Baustelle von Golden Glades. Aber für die Beastie Boys wird heute eine Ausnahme gemacht, denn die drei jüdischen Jungs aus New York City absolvierten bis zum tragischen Krebstod von Adam «MCA» Yauch eine beispiellose popkulturelle Karriere und verliehen dem Genre neue Anknüpfungspunkte. Dass Humor und Albernheit dabei eine große Rolle spielten, wird auch in ihrer jüngst veröffentlichten Autobiografie – dem Beastie Boys Buch – deutlich: Die verbliebenen zwei Mitglieder haben viele kleine Geschichten zusammengetragen und bringen mit diesem reich bebilderten Format ihr Gesamtwerk zu einen gloriosen Abschluss.

Und warum heißt die Sendung «Boys & Girls»? Weil es neben biestigen, schüchternen und nervösen Jungs auch allerhand Mädchen zu hören gibt.

Diese Sendung war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 27.02.19 – 20:00-22:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Samstag, 02.03. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr & Montag, 04.03. von 08:00-10:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Berlin: 91.0 MHz // Hamburg: 91.7 MHz

PlaylistGG_KW09


ArtistTrackLabel
Bobby OrozaYour Love Is Too ColdBig Crown Records
TelekinesisSet a CourseMerge
Lost ShipsBest Laid PlansSubjangle
Lost ShipsHere's What You Could Have WonSubjangle
RaysSubwayTrouble In Mind
Marine GirlsLove To KnowCherry Red
Golden DazeBlue BellAutumn Tone
Rozi PlainConditionsMemphis Industries
GirlpoolLucky JokeAnti-
GirlpoolSwamp And BayAnti-
Tim Presley's White FenceI Can See YouDrag City
KiDDTomorrow Skykidd.bandcamp.com
The Boys With The Perpetual NervousnessTBWTPNPretty Olivia
The Boys With The Perpetual NervousnessClose The DoorsPretty Olivia
Stephen BaileyHydeCardinal Fuzz
The Golden RailThe Sky is Always BlueCandlestick Records
Shy BoysBrick By BrickPolyvinyl
Eerie WandaMagnetic WomanJoyful Noise
---------
AnemoneSunshine (Back to the Start)Luminelle Recordings
ThreatmanticsShadow On Your HeartFfatbyrg Records
Beastie BoysRoot DownCapitol
Beastie BoysGirlsDef Jam
Silver ApplesProgramGeffen
DrugdealerFoolsMexican Summer
Weyes BloodEverydaySub Pop
Big StarDaisy GlazeArdent Music
Teenage FanclubEverything Is Falling ApartPeMa
TothSong To Make You Fall in Love With MeFigureight Records
Max Gowan7th DayZ Tapes
Cass McCombsSleeping VolcanoesAnti-
Holiday GhostsStuck HerePNKSLM
Tony MolinaBefore You GoSlumberland
Girl GazeWordsTeam Love

Musikalische Gefühlswelten

«Aber die Zeiten ändern sich» singt Moritz Krämer auf seiner neuen Platte und lässt inmitten schöngeistiger Orchesterarrangements ein absolut schräges Blockflötensolo ertönen. Die Überraschung hat gesessen – sie lässt tief in Krämers eigentümliche Emotionalität blicken. Solch besonderen textlich-musikalischen Gefühlswelten widmen wir uns heute bei Golden Glades. Die Quiet Signs von Gitarrenfrau Jessica Pratt sind von erhabener Schönheit und zeigen in Klang und Wort, dass die Kraft aus der Ruhe kommt. Zudem gibt es eine Lektion Aussie-Pop von The Golden Rail. Die Band aus Melbourne hat ihr zweites Album Sometimes When streichelzart und zugleich druckvoll arrangiert – ein Monument aufrechter Indie-Angst.

Diese Sendung war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 13.02.19 – 20:00-22:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Samstag, 16.02. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr & Montag, 18.02. von 08:00-10:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Berlin: 91.0 MHz // Hamburg: 91.7 MHz


ArtistTrackLabel
Howlong WolfSomehow SomewayDala Produkte
Business of DreamsI Feel DreadSlumberland
Rose MelbergOne Of These DaysLost Sound Tapes
DayglowFuzzybrainself-released
Wil MaloneI Could Write a BookFontana
Jeff TweedyI Know What It's LikedBpm
Julia JacklinHead AloneTransgressive Records
Chris CohenGreen EyesCaptured Tracks
J FernandezRewardsJoyful Noise
My Teenage StridePermanently Wiredmyteenagestride.bandcamp.com
Tiny RuinsOlympic GirlsMarathon Artists
Lawrence Arabia f/ Tiny RuinsEverything's Minimallawrencearabia.bandcamp.com
Prefab SproutLions In My Own GardenKitchenware Records
Hand HabitsPlaceholderSaddle Creek
Peter WinnipegGetting Boredpeterwinnipeg.bandcamp.com
Peter WinnipegMatthewpeterwinnipeg.bandcamp.com
Evan WrightComebackself-released
---------
Lens MozerNo HeavenPlastic Jurassic
MalojianLet Your Weirdness Carry You HomeRollercoaster Records
Marc BrierleyWelcome To The CitadelCherry Tree
BibioCurlsWarp
Moritz KrŠmerIch habÕ einen Vertrag unterschriebenTapete Records
BotschaftZwischen den JahrenTapete Records
Amy RigbyThe President Can't Readtheamyrigby.bandcamp.com
The Vapour TrailsThe Inner TruthFutureman Records
The Golden RailLife is a Dog BoxCandlestick Records
The Golden RailShine PatientlyCandlestick Records
The MaureensCan't StopMeritorio Records
Jessica PrattCrossingCity Slang
Jessica PrattAeroplaneCity Slang
Bobbie GentryCourtyardCapitol
The Proper OrnamentsPlease Release MeTapete Records

Keep The Blues Away

Unser Motto Keep The Blues Away ist im doppelten Sinne zu verstehen: Nicht nur wird Bluesmusik konsequent gemieden, auch die entsprechende Gefühlslage soll heute schweigen.

Zu verdanken haben wir das Titelthema dem Amerikaner Corey Cunningham. Er spielt als Business of Dreams betörend schönen Indiepop mit rebellischen Slogans und lässt damit die feingeistige Tradition von Sarah Records neu aufleben.

Eine vergleichbare Kombination aus schwärmerischem Gesang und rudimentärer Rhythmusmaschine findet sich bei Eerie Wanda: Die kroatisch-holländische Songschreiberin Marina Tadic hat ihren Schlagzeuger gefeuert und durch ein altes Gerät der Marke Roland-CR 78 ersetzt. Dieser Ansatz hat seinen eigenen Reiz – vor allem, wenn sie dabei den ikonischen Jailhouse Rock zitiert.

Ebenfalls erfrischend im Umgang mit großen Vorbildern ist die Einmannband J Fernandez. Inmitten des üppigen Sixties-Popsounds gibt es viel Raum für einfallsreiche Wendungen und brandheiße Themen. Doch auch hier muss man sagen: mit Blues hat das nichts zu tun.

Diese Sendung war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 30.01.19 – 20:00-22:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Samstag, 02.02. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr & Montag, 04.02. von 08:00-10:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Berlin: 91.0 MHz // Hamburg: 91.7 MHz

PlaylistGG_KW05


ArtistTrackLabel
TerryFortressUpset The Rhythm
CrabberHide & SeekJigsaw
Ally KerrAnother WayMuch Obliged
The WellgreenCynthia RhymesBarnes Society
Outrageous CherryBeginning of the End of the NightBurger Records
Robert ForsterInferno (Brisbane in Summer)Tapete
Steve MasonStars Around My HeartDomino
Christine FellowsUnleashedVivat Virtute
Louis PhilippeLazy English SunHumbug
Beach YouthClassroomBeach Youth Musique
SwervedriverThe Lonely Crowd Fades In The AirRock Action
C DuncanImpossibleFatCat
Eerie WandaMoonJoyful Noise
Eerie WandaSleepy EyesJoyful Noise
Magic PotionSleep FusePNKSLM
SASAMIJealousyDomino
William TylerCall Me When I'm Breathing AgainMerge
---------
The StroppiesCellophane CarTough Love
Steve GunnChanceMatador
J FernandezCommon SenseJoyful Noise
J FernandezVolcanic WinterJoyful Noise
Pavo PavoCheck The WeatherBella Union
OmniTuxedo BluesIndie
Mick TroubleEnd of the LionEmotional Response
Jetstream PonyCharms Around Your WristKleine Untergrund Schallplatten
Business of DreamsRipe For AnarchySlumberland
Business of DreamsKeep The Blues AwaySlumberland
HabibiGypsy LoveModern Sky USA
Cherry GlazerrPiecesSecretly Canadian
DeerhunterElement4AD
You Tell MeForeign PartsMemphis Industries
Rozi PlainSymmetricalMemphis Industries
The Bevis FrondLead OnFire Records

Aus der Lebensschule

Man wundert sich doch gelegentlich, wie viel Weisheit in so einem Popsong stecken kann – ganze Weltbetrachtungen in dreieinhalb Minuten! Marker Starling etwa sieht man die Erfahrung ja förmlich an, wenn er als Crooner am Bühnenrand steht und allerhand Einsichten aus seiner Lebensschule von sich gibt – man kann sie auch hören, auf seinem neuen Album Trust an Amateur. Oder der smarte Indiepop von Deerhunter, wobei die Lebensklugheit in diesem Falle auch von der Marfan-Erkrankung des Sängers herrühren mag. Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? ist unser aktuelles ByteFM-Album der Woche; es weiß, philosophische Zwischenfragen und apokalyptische Szenarien in exzellenten Pop zu verpacken. Diesen und weiteren erkenntnisreichen Beispielen an Lebensschulen widmen wir uns in der heutigen Sendung.

Diese Sendung war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 016.01.19 – 20:00-22:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Samstag, 19.01. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr & Montag, 21.01. von 08:00-10:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Berlin: 91.0 MHz // Hamburg: 91.7 MHz

PlaylistGG_KW03


ArtistTrackLabel
Alright JonVolvoalrightjon.bandcamp.com
The WellgreenTake What You GetBarnes Society
MalojianAmbulance SongRollercoaster Records
PYNKIEGhostPlastic Response Records
DeerhunterFuturism4AD
DeerhunterWhat Happens To People?4AD
Major MurphyCome By SundayWinspear Records
Evan WrightSpaghetti Westernself-released
The Bevis FrondWe're Your Friends, ManFire Records
The Bevis FrondIn The LeavesFire Records
ShadowgraphsSun is RisingGolden Brown
Jessica PrattPoly BlueCity Slang
Daniel RomanoAll the Reaching TrimsNew West Records
MassageOh BoyTear Jerk Rec.
TOYThe WilloTough Love
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SwervedriverMary WinterRock Action
PurrGates of CoolChateau Hardware
Sonic YouthPurrDGC Records
AnemoneShe's The OneLuminelle Recordings
Friedrich SunlightRadical ChicKleine Untergrund Schallplatten
Gary OlsonThe Old TwinKleine Untergrund Schallplatten
Lens MozerCut My Heart in TwoPlastic Jurassic
Angelo De AugustineAll To The WindAsthmatic Kitty
Marker StarlingTrust an AmateurTin Angel Records
Hal HartleyFar Beyond This Parking LotPossible Films
Marker StarlingMistaken I.D./Crosstown BulletinTin Angel Records
White TownThe Barren SeasBzangy Records
The FernwehWhere Did The Sea GoSkeleton Key
The FernwehDressing Up BoxSkeleton Key
Fairport ConventionTale In Hard TimeIsland

Musik rund ums Jahr

Um sich optimal auf das frische Jahr einzustimmen, präsentiert Golden Glades heute Musik rund ums Jahr. Es ist eine Tradition, die sich in den letzten elf Jahren bewährt hat und immer wieder neue musikalische Schätze zeigt: ein Lied zu jedem Monat, eine Ode zu jeder Jahreszeit. Wir erleben im Schnelldurchlauf, wie die Erde auf ihrem Weg um die Sonne etwa 940 Millionen Kilometer zurücklegt, und begegnen dabei so unterschiedlichen Zeitgenossen wie Saint Etienne, Baxter Dury und Big Star.

Diese Sendung war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 02.01.19 – 20:00-22:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Samstag, 05.01. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr & Montag, 07.01. von 08:00-10:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Berlin: 91.0 MHz // Hamburg: 91.7 MHz

PlaylistGG_KW01


ArtistTrackLabel
Modern StudiesIt's WinterFire Records
BellowsSpring, Summer, Autumn, WinterDouble Double Whammy
The Essex GreenJanuary SaysMerge
Baby IslandSnowWater Island Records
TomberlinFebruarySaddle Creek
Jonathan BreeValentineLilÕ Chief Records
Kid ChameleonMarchkidcham.bandcamp.com
KiddAn Afternoon in AprilPretty Olivia
The Babe Rainbow2nd of April30th Century Records
Le SuperHomardSpringtimeElefant
Saint EtienneSpringWarner
Beautify JunkyardsMay Day EveMega Dodo
Scott OrrSeasonsOther Songs
The SeamsIn JuneMeritorio Records
Alpaca SportsSummer DaysElefant
Ida WenoeChanging of SeasonsDanCan Music
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Dylan MondegreenSunless SummerSkiPop Records
TriptidesJulyRequiem Pour Un Twister
Sam EvianSummer DaySaddle Creek
Baxter DuryAugustLE LABEL
Big StarSeptember GurlsArdent Music
Chris Richards & The SubtractionsJust Another SeasonFutureman Records
Teenage FanclubFalling LeafSony
Robyn HitchcockAutumn SunglassesYep Roc
Nicholas KrgovichOctoberTin Angel Records
gobbinjrNovember 163Topshelf Records
SnailsWinter Heartssnails.bandcamp.com
Remington Super 60A Winter SongCafe Superstar Recordings
The Love-BirdsDecember (Get to You)Trouble In Mind
Caroline SaysWinter Is ColdWestern Vinyl
Richard StrattonNew Yearhomefortheholidays.bandcamp.com
Julie LondonThe Thirteenth MonthCapitol

Best of 2018

I listen to an awful lot of music every day, it’s my job and responsibility as a radio presenter. But most of all, it’s a labour of love digging out interesting stuff, making new discoveries in all directions. The end of the year makes me think of my ultimate favourite tunes, which is never an easy thing to do. However, here’s some kind of a Best Of list with some records and artists I especially enjoyed in 2018.

Adrianne Lenker – “Abysskiss” (Saddle Creek)

Some of you are probably familiar with Lenker as a guitarist and vocalist in Brooklyn-based indie rock band Big Thief. Her full-length solo record is a stripped-down singer-/songwriter approach and with this, she’s covering intimate emotions on her stroll along the abyss. In a way it’s hauntingly intense, but nevertheless comfort for your soul. Adrianne Lenker shows a subtle, otherworldly brilliance with her light fingerpicking on acoustic guitar while her songs are thoughtful, deep and poignant. And with this combination, there’s a true affinity to other outstanding artists like Judee Sill or Connie Converse.

 

Ari Roar – “Calm Down” (Bella Union)

Sometimes it’s true: great art comes from great pain. Adrianne Lenker has quite a history with being born into a religious cult and she almost died, when a railroad spike crashed her skull as a kid. And she managed to create something special in the wake of the tragedy, just like Caleb Campbell alias Ari Roar. The Texan singer-songwriter struggled with panic attacks from early on. As a late teenager, he had an operation on the spine, which left him bed-bound for months. Of course, these experiences have an impact. And in this case, he’s doing the best by channelling it into beautiful melodic lo-fi pop. The sweet miniatures on Calm Down might sound effortlessly in the first place, but there’s something else underneath the surface, with traces of doubts and fear. It’s a glorious debut for repeat listens.

 

Clearance – “At Your Leisure” (Topshelf)

This band provides a compelling sound by picking up familiar indie rock in a modern way. They create something fresh and interesting and already got a lot of praise here in my blog. If you like passionate, bright guitar music from the 80ties and 90ties, you should listen to this one.

 

Field Music – “Open Here” (Memphis Industries)

Whenever there’s a new Field Music record, it always ends up in my top ten of the year. Again, the spacious production on Open Here is exquisite, the compositions are intricate and classy. Field Music are ambitious, but they have all the knowledge and the talent to follow their visions. It’s a beautiful and well-crafted record that needs to be heard, because it has something to say. Maybe it’s all a bit too smart to reach the big crowd – but I’m sure the time will eventually come and Field Music get all the praise they deserve.

 

Lake Ruth – “Birds of America” (Feral Child Records)

They like to go under the banner “baroque pop”, but there’s so much more to discover in the music of Lake Ruth: from folk to jazz to avant-pop. I’m a fan of Matt Schulz since his days with Enon – he’s an excellent, versatile drummer. And singer Allison Brice, she has a way of phrasing her poetic lyrics in meandering harmonies like no other. All backed-up by a multi-layered smooth texture with a slight vintage touch. Lake Ruth are quite unique doing their own thing, and Birds of America is nothing less but an awe-inspiring masterpiece.

 

Shy Boys – “Bell House” (Polyvinyl)

Undeniably, these guys know how to sing! And the harmonies all perfectly meld together. It’s a special quality that only happens, when siblings start a band. The family sound is so intriguing because the harmonies are amazingly organic. Music history is filled with such examples and just like Field Music, the Shy Boys are band of brothers, supported by a couple of best friends. I summoned up a rave review earlier this year in my little blog here.

 

Stephen Steinbrink – “Utopia Teased” (Melodic / Western Vinyl)

This singer-/songwriter is a terrific talent. And again, we have an artist here, who knows a lot about the dark stuff in life. Stephen Steinbrink was left devastated after a fateful fire during a warehouse party in Oakland, California that killed 36 people in December 2016. After a couple of months stunned with grief, Steinbrink quit a minimum wage job, locked himself up in a shipping container with all sorts of music equipment, stimulated by a daily diet of LSD. And the songs started pouring out of him. Utopia Teased sounds a bit different, less perfect than his previous records. It’s a bit more daring with field recordings and synthesizers, but again it’s a collection of beautiful songs with substance and a hidden treasure for eternity.

 

Still Parade – “Soon Enough” (Feel Flows)

This is a very fine piece of work from Berlin, but made with love in LA. It feels like Niklas Kramer had a very clear vision for his new Still Parade album and he obviously put a lot of effort and thought into it. It sounds warm like a cozy blanket and puts the listener at ease. Of course, the Beach Boys influence is evident, but in a clever way. Smart harmonies combined with a startling sense of intimacy, and the formidable production brings out a nice vintage flair. It’s the kind of music that makes the world a better place. Sometimes, that’s just what you need.

 

The Fernweh – “The Fernweh” (Skeleton Key)

Yes, I am repeating myself here – I already picked this album for my Best Of list two years ago! Back then, I received a promotional copy from the band directly. Thankfully, it just got a proper release via Skeleton Key because this sublime debut is really exceptional. It’s a beautiful collection of hazy late 60s, early 70s inspired folk and pop, combined with a gentle nod to British psychedelia. Treat yourself & give it a listen, if you’re not already familiar with this. The Fernweh demonstrate an exceptional level of song craft and the record deepens with every listen.

 

Tony Molina – “Kill The Lights” (Slumberland)

Tony Molina is deeply rooted in 60s songwriting and DIY aesthetics. With Kill The Lights, he created a truly glorious pop record by offering 10 tracks in under 15 minutes. His sensitive songs are infectious and short to the point. Just like Ari Roar, Tony Molina is able to put it all into a 60-second song and I never get tired of listening – again and again. This really is a lovely, but as well soul-baring record.

 

Teenage Fanclub – Vinyl-Reissues (Sony)

Why should I be interested into these reissues when I already have all the vinyl of Teenage Fanclub in my collection? Well, guitarist and singer Raymond McGinley of the band explained to me: back in the 90s, the vinyl was just a copy of the CD. But if you want the best vinyl sound, you need a special mastering. That’s basically, what Teenage Fanclub did: they took the original master tapes, worked through all of them at Abbey Road Studios and improved the mastering for this new vinyl edition. And it really does make a difference, especially the new pressing of 1993s Thirteen is now more immediate and has a much better dynamic. Also, each essential album includes a bonus seven-inch single, mostly of tracks which originally appeared only on CD singles and EPs. To promote all these reissues from the Creation era, Teenage Fanclub played a very special concert series in Great Britain. Here’s my review of the nights in Birmingham and London, which also marks my concert highlight of 2018.

 

SUPER 8 – T-T-T-Technicolour Melodies/Turn Around Or…/HI LO (Futureman Rec)

Frequent listeners of my radio show already know about SUPER 8 – Paul Ryan a.k.a. Trip got a lot of airplay in 2018. Not only, because he put out a lovely mix of guitar pop as a one-man-band with all sorts of instruments like cello and trumpet. He also managed to surprise again and again with new top material. Three homemade full lengths were released this year on Futureman Records and it’s hard to pick a favourite album really. Each release is kind of special and filled with a laid-back and sunny charm. Backed up now and again with some thoughtful songs and well-curated cover versions. It looks like SUPER 8 will be back in 2019 with a more acoustic-based album – a thing looking forward to!

23th December 2018

Goodbye Stress

Sind alle Weihnachtsbriefe in der Post? Tante Erna nicht vergessen? Kekse gebacken? Baum geschmückt? Lichterkette intakt? Geschenke verpackt? Wohnung auf Vordermann gebracht? Glühwein angesetzt für die Firmenfeier? Kuchen für den Kindergarten? Wichtelgeschenke für die Schule? Welches Menü wird serviert? Ofen kaputt, was mach ich jetzt mit der Gans? Sitzen noch Veganer mit am Tisch?

Alle Jahre wieder werden die Tage kurz vor Weihnachten noch mal richtig hektisch. Laut einer britischen Studie verbringen Hausfrauen (von Hausmännern ist in besagter Studie nicht die Rede) im Schnitt 288 Stunden mit Weihnachtsvorbereitungen. Das sind ganze 12 Tage und Nächte!

Deshalb hat Golden Glades heute mit Goodbye Stress ein tiefenentspanntes Musikprogramm zusammengestellt. Ganz ohne Weihnachtsgedöns, einfach nur so zum Runterkommen und Absatteln (und natürlich nicht nur für Hausfrauen). Zartschmelzende Unterstützung gibt es u.a von Steady Holiday, Angelo De Augustine und Ben Watt.

Diese Sendung war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 19.12.18 – 20:00-22:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Samstag, 22.12. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr & Montag, 24.12. von 08:00-10:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Berlin: 91.0 MHz // Hamburg: 91.7 MHz

PlaylistGG_KW51


ArtistTrackLabel
Monarch MtnTrick Of The Lightmonarchmtn.bandcamp.com
Owen DuffFlawed Menowenduff.bandcamp.com
Alexandra StreliskiPlus TotSecret City Records
Dean Wareham & Cheval SombreWayfaring StrangerDouble Feature
Jimmy CampbellIn My RoomVertigo
The Magic LanternLydiaHectic Eclectic
Jack CooperNorth of AnywhereTrouble In Mind
Steady HolidayAll AboardBarsuk
Still ParadeStrangerFeel Flows
The Beach BoysFeel FlowsBrother Records
Cameron AveryA Time and PlaceAnti-Record
Adrianne LenkerCradleSaddle Creek
John FaheyOn The Sunny Side Of The OceanTransatlantic Records
Common HollyPlaying HouseSolitaire Recordings
Shida ShahabiPetulaFatCat
EarlimartHold On Slow DownMajordomo Records
FensterLike A RiverAltin Village & Mine
---------
Dwight SmithHighlandsSonisoma
The LemonheadsCan't ForgetFire Records
Ben WattNorth Marine DriveCherry Red
Stephen SteinbrinkYou Could Always LeaveMelodic
Teenage FanclubIf I Never See You AgainSony
Ally KerrUpgrade MeMuch Obliged
Angelo De AugustineTombAsthmatic Kitty
Angelo De AugustineTimeAsthmatic Kitty
The FernwehTimepieceSkeleton Key
Evan WrightThey Sayself-released
Duncan BrowneAlfred BellImmediate
Fenn is coolSo Do YouZ Tapes
Jessica RiskerZero Summer MindWestern Vinyl
FoxwarrenI'll Be AlrightAnti
Scott WalkerMontague Terrace (In Blue)Phillips
Shy BoysBell HousePolyvinyl

Teenage Fanclub performing the Creation Years

I have a lot of love for chiming guitars and music made in Scotland, particularly for Glasgow’s Teenage Fanclub. October 9th in 1990, I was one of nine people in the audience, when the band played their very first gig in Hamburg. A billboard sign outside the Motolow announced “Teenage Fanclub from England”. To make things clear, someone crossed out the term England and wrote Scotland in capital letters. It was a night to remember.

Techno & Tequila

Despite the small crowd, the performance was powerful, the sound quite raw and the hair pretty long(ish). After the show I went to a bar called Sparr and bumped into the crew of young Scotsmen again. Somehow, guitarist and singer Norman Blake spotted my English textbook and started talking to me. I explained to him I had a test in school early next morning and still need to learn some stuff. That night I definitely brushed up my English. But I missed the exam because me and my friend Sonja ended up hanging out with Norman Blake and Raymond McGinley for a few more hours.

There’s no curfew in Hamburg and we cruised up and down the legendary Reeperbahn. We drifted into pubs and bars, danced in a shady techno club, drank way too much tequila, had awful coffee in the morning and played a round of Trivial Pursuit in the tour van before parting ways around midday. At that point I had no idea, that Teenage Fanclub were about to produce some of the finest records ever and that I’d still be friends with them almost three decades later.

Gerry Love Dave McGowan Teenage FanclubFor some reason, Teenage Fanclub have never failed to deliver the quality. They proved to be a cherished constant in turbulent times, survived the ups and downs of the music biz, the era of grunge and Brit-pop by just carrying on doing their own thing. But the idea of celebrating the sublime years and reissues of Creation Records with a three-night concert series seemed very ambitious to me. Some songs never played live before had all to be learned from scratch. Furthermore the original drummers were invited to get back into action. Do they actually still know how to keep the tempo?

On top of all, it was announced that bass player, songwriter and vocalist Gerard Love is parting ways with the band right after this tour. It’s the end of an era, but not the end of Teenage Fanclub. However, there was no way I was going to miss this very last chance to hear the three distinct songwriters performing their irresistible, much loved harmonies.

Blow away the cobwebs

In retrospect, I’m glad I went to the three-night residency in Birmingham and not only to the London shows. The O2 Institute in Birmingham was a mid-sized venue, packed with devoted fans from all over the world and offered a more intimate environment compared to London. The first night was all about Bandwangonesque (1991) and Thirteen (1993) They played both complete albums in the original order, only interrupted for a small break between sets. And when Teenage Fanclub kicked off with The Concept, the magic happened: hearing the spirit of 1991 is like receiving the holy grail. It’s an overwhelming feeling, a throwback into youth and not only a thing of nostalgia: the band sounded better than ever.

Also, it was a joy to see the original drummer from the early years, Brendan O’Hare. He may not be the most formidable percussionist, but he created a great sense of fun and played an unexpected role during this series of concerts. I suppose I wasn’t the only one who went to these shows with mixed feelings. There was a delicate sense of uneasiness in the air knowing Gerard will soon separate from the band for good. Whenever things turned a bit awkward, Brendan had a charming way to deal with it. Like when a small crowd on night two in Birmingham kept singing a slightly annoying version of Haddaways What Is Love for the soon departing Mr. Love, Brendan saved the situation by stepping on stage, frankly saying: “On behalf of the band – shut the fuck up!”.

Goosebumps

Night number two was all about GrandSetlist Teenage Fanclub Prix (1995) and Songs From Northern Britain (1997) and presented the most successful episode of Teenage Fanclub’s back catalogue. Here, we had Paul Quinn back on the drums. He delivered a tight backbone to the songs and enjoyed playing along with his old pals again. But I wondered what it’s like for Francis, having to clear his seat most of the time for Brendan and Paul. Francis MacDonald nearly disappeared in the back behind a pile of instruments and almost secretly added whatever was needed. He filled all gaps by playing along and singing harmonies and showed he’s a pretty versatile all-rounder.

Just like Dave McGowan, who also added some salt into the mix and necessary extras to the sound of Teenage Fanclub. It’s obvious, how much he enjoys playing with this band and how he’s eventually stepping away from acting just in the background.

Hearing the third and final night in Birmingham for me was probably most exciting. I always thought Howdy! (2000) was a hidden gem. Plus, I had no idea what to expect in the second part filled with numerous B-sides. Some surprises and highlights were played and a very emotional moment happened in the end while the band performed the mantra-like ballad Broken – the audience joined in and kept singing on while the music slowly faded out. Just the right amount of goosebumps.

London vs. Birmingham

The three nights in London were magnificent as well, but the huge Electric Ballroom (capacity 1500) was tightly packed and the sound system appeared a bit dodgy. I found myself squeezed in between tall guys who wholeheartedly sang along all the while. They knew every word and had strong voices – I didn’t hear much of the singing coming from stage. Which was fine, really. Another special thing about these Teenage Fanclub shows is seeing, how dedicated and devoted the fans are. There was happiness and passion all around and many broad smiles. The enthusiasm seemed unlimited.

Raymond McGinley Norman Blake Teenage FanclubThe Fanclub-way

While Birmingham had a cover version of Madonna’s Like A Virgin, the London show was finished off with their debut single Everything Flows. And yes, it’s not really a song from their Creations catalogue but it made perfect sense. Choosing this anthem-like tune as a farewell and presenting it in a “charismatic, shambolic Fanclub-way” (to quote Brendan here) seemed appropriate in the context of the event.

Visiting these shows, was a joyous, intense experience. I’ve seen this band countless times in many different stages and cities. But hearing some songs for the first time live was remarkable. It showed again, how much good this music evokes. And that there’s so much more incredible stuff in the Teenage Fanclub back-catalogue. Sidewinder, a song with Brendan on vocals was a true highlight. I had this song in my head for many days. Norman Blake’s very stripped-down acoustic performance of If I Never See You Again was sublime and emotionally resonant. Furthermore, Thaw Me and My Uptight Life by Raymond McGinley were stellar and left a lasting impression on me. I’d love to hear these songs again in the future, when they carry on without Gerard Love. Of course, Gerry’s presence and songs will be deepy missed. But after all, Teenage Fanclub life goes on! For next year, the band announced plenty of tour dates for Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. All German dates in April are supported by my beloved radio station ByteFM. See you there?!

 

4th December 2018

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