Take me where the April sun gonna treat me so right

The fourth in my monthly review of musical purchases and downloads for 2009. My look at March can be found here.

Two things I have noticed thus far about this exercise. I have been purchasing less than I normally would but as explained, this will ramp up in the next few months. The other (and more important) result in all this is that I am really taking the time to enjoy the albums. Revisiting them a lot more than what I was doing over the last two years. This is what happens when you go from listening to music all day at work down to listening only on your way to and from work.

On to April:

Albums

The Doves - Kingdom Of Rust

This trio of lads from up North took their sweet time following up the excellent Some Cities album but the payoff makes up for their absence. Working with a sonic palette that puts them on the same grandiose scale as U2 and Coldplay (without the bombast) The Doves deliver the a rich sounding album that builds upon each listen. Sadly without a soppy ballad to plug on Grey's Anatomy they won't break big time but those that care little about McDreamy will find more than enough rewards in the title track and the stunning 'Winter Hill'.

My favourite album this year thus far.

Singles/EP's

Missy Higgins - More Than This (EP)

While Melissa Higgins continues to work over the U.S. audience with her second album On A Clear Night the Aussie singer/songwriter releases an iTunes EP of various covers she has recorded of late. The Roxy Music title track is fine but the best versions are her takes on Patty Griffin's 'Moses' and the standard 'I'm In Love Again'. The less said about her rendition of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' 'Breakdown' the better.

Eskimo Joe - Foreign Land

I love how they try and up the ante on every album they release. First salvo from the West Australian rock outfit. The best (and by default) only song about the late great Heath Ledger:

And we'll both be safe 'til St. Patrick's Day

The third in my monthly review of musical purchases and downloads for 2009. My look at February can be found here.

As if in response to my slow start (musically) for 2009, I am now receiving emails from long forgotten mailing lists touting the return of bands who have remained on my radar. It seems the next few months will see me parting my hard earned for new material by the Dave Matthews Band, Manic Street Preachers, Jen Cloher and so on.

Before that, here is what March threw up.

Albums

Robert Palmer - At His Very Best

Whilst I didn't acquire his entire back catalogue as I threatened last month, I did wisely pick up the best of the smooth Mr Palmer. I was never one for the 'Addicted To Love' and 'Simply Irresistible' side though. For the gold stuff, crank up 'Johnny & Mary' or 'Looking For Clues'.

Mary Gauthier - Mercy Now / Between Daylight And Dark

Being on the Lost Highway label (Ryan Adams, Donavon Frankenreiter) I should have picked up on Mary Gauthier much earlier than this. Her songwriting is her greatest asset (though she is no slouch on vocals) as she relays tales of woe that come from a troubled life she has already lived through. Martha Wainwright could learn a lot from her.

Grifters Inc. - A Creature Of The Night

Aussie Hip-Hop is an acquired taste, especially for those who don't reside on the Island. These days I much prefer to hear my fellow countrymen rap than Lil' fucking Wayne. Grifters Inc. may be indie but the production and rhyming on 'A Creature Of The Night' is just as good as their bigger label brethren.

Keep an eye on these lads.

Singles/EP's

The Strokes - Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

After hearing once again Robert Palmer's version of the Marvin Gaye classic, I decided to search out other renditions and came across this one from a few years ago. Eddie Vedder turns in a great guest performance as well.

The Lemonheads - Luka

I must have been on a cover versions trip because I also dug out this great take of the Suzanne Vega hit. Mind you, Evan Dando could sing the 'terms and conditions' section on an entry form and I would still rate it as brilliant.