Midlake - Children of the Grounds mp3

New Midlake, from their forthcoming new album, 'The Courage of Others', due for release in the UK on 1st February.
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I'm working my way through a promo-copy of the album now, and whilst there is nothing as immediate as 'Roscoe', the general feel of the music is the same. It conjures an image of that M. Night Shyamalan film 'The Village' for me. I imagine these guys recording this album whilst wearing brown smocks and standing around a camp fire. They themselves have acknowledged that Olde English Folk music has been a continuing influence on their music, so I'm on the right path... enjoy...

Van Morrisson - Madame George (Live t the Hollywood Bowl) mp3

My favourite song, from my second favourite album of all time (it comes after this one, but before this one). On my favourite tracks list, the original 9+ minute recording (far superior to this) is in the top 10. Here, he sings like he's in a hurry.

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Van the Man has stayed sober enough to tour a front to back performance of this seminal, genre-defining album from 1968. This recording is taken from the album of the Hollywood Bowl performance. If this is your first time hearing this, I emplore you, no, BEG YOU, pick up this album asap. You can get it for a fiver (which I equate to selling a Monet for 4.99).

It's one of the most romantic, heartbreaking albums ever recorded.

Fleet Foxes - Breaking, Entering, Playing (Video)

A 'take away show' by The Fleet Foxes, one of the acts of 2008.

"A friend’s friend let us into an abandoned wing of the Grand Palais. There were empty spaces, as if abandoned at short notice, unreasonably high ceilings. The perfect place for the Fleet Foxes."

Lykke Li & Bon Iver - Dance, Dance, Dance (Video)

Two of my favourite artists of 2008.

Fleet Foxes - He Doesn't Know Why (Video)

A standout from their outstanding debut album.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love mp3

The story goes that he recorded his album For Emma, Forever Ago in a log cabin that he had retreated to in an attempt to get over a double break-up (his band and his girlfriend). He's created a short but beautiful album that steers clear of misery. Which is more constructive than a month-long Stella binge I suppose.

iTunes are giving this track away free, but here's a savefile link anyway. If you like Ray Lamontagne or Jose Gonzalez, this will be right up your street.

Skinny Love mp3