A couple of heavyweight names this week not least the much talked about return of Tom ‘Santa’s had a trim’ Jones. Also present are UNKLE (with a saucy but artful video), newcomers The Unkindness of Ravens, foul mouthed Yank abroad Uffie and those po’ boys, Mumford & Sons.
Mumford & Sons ‘Roll Away Your Stone’
The fourth single to be taken from the ‘Sigh No More’ album, Mumford & Sons are STILL perched to go Supernova, Elbow style. I just hope that, if ‘Roll Away The Stone’ doesn’t propel them into the public’s hearts, they taken some time off and return with the album to really do it before we all get a bit fatigued with them. Anyway, read Clash Magazine’s original Ones To Watch feature on Mumford & Sons from March 2008HERE. It’s like we’re psychic or something.
UNKLE ‘Follow Me Down’
Now on their nth incarnation, James Lavelle, and current partner Pablo Clements, prove UNKLE has plenty of life left in it/them. Who’d have thought it after Dj Shadow left in a huff. Taken from recent album ‘Where Did The Night Fall’, ‘Follow Me Down’ is a collaboration with Californians Sleepy Sun, adding that certain frisson to the UNKLE boys club.
Uffie – ‘A.D.D SUV’ feat. Pharrell Williams
One of the few Americans not annoying locals in Paris, Uffie is fast becoming an ambassador for the city’s music scene as she brews up a mix of American Rap, R’n’B and French dance music. With help from Mr Oizo and Mirwais on one side and guest star, on this track, Pharrell Williams, on the other, she’s got some talented friends who actually make ‘young female sung r’n’b’ with guest rap’ not make me want to turn off.
Tom Jones – Single – ‘Burning Hell’ / ‘What Good Am I’
A double a-side release of John Lee Hooker’s ‘Burning Hell’ and Dylan’s ‘What Good Am I’ heralds the rootsy re-invention of Welsh lothario Tom Jones. For me, I just can’t shake off the 30 years of playing up the loverman image. Yeah, he’s got quite a set of pipes but the sound produced by them is just so tied to a time and image. All in all, it’s doesn’t touch the Johnny Cash version of NIN’s ‘Hurt’ but thankfully isn’t as bad as the Rod Stewart take on Primal Scream’s ‘Rocks’.
The Unkindness of Ravens – ‘White Road’
The Unkindness of Ravens are a one girl, one guy duo making atmospheric, reverb laden scuzz pop. Superficially compared to The Kills, they manage quite a racket given their limited numbers with the guitar interjections on ‘White Road’ sounding particularly impressive. They’re also giving a song away as a free download. Download ‘Red Sun’ HERE. Bonus points for generosity.
