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.

February stars, floating in the dark. Temporary stars, February stars

The second of my monthly review of musical purchases and downloads for 2009. My look at January can be found here.

February was not a big month for me in terms of new music. I guess my self imposed control on spending to save for my impending trip overseas had something to do with it. Mind you I can see that ban being lifted very soon, around the time I decide that acquiring the entire Robert Palmer catalogue is somehow necessary (and urgent).

It is.

Albums

Eli "The Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves - Roll with Me

Many thanks to my good friend Scott Drummond for putting me on to this sensation. The world can have Miss Winehouse and Miss Stone, I'll keep Mr Reed and his band. It is like a long lost 60s soul album (the production has that warm Stax sound) except they are all new songs and the singer is a white kid in his 20s. Not a dud amongst the eleven tracks and I can't remember the last time I could say that about an album.

U2 - No Line On The Horizon

A 5 line critique on the biggest band in the world and their new album will get lost amongst the masses so let's stick to what you need to know:

- It is their most complete album since Achtung Baby
- Don't mistake it for being a classic like Achtung Baby, let's say it is very good
- It does not have the immediacy of All That You Can't Leave Behind (their last good album) but will eventually be seen as a superior effort
- The only low point of the album is the trio of songs in the middle and one of those is the first single 'Get On Your Boots'
- The rest is brilliant

Singles/EP's

Bob Dylan - Visions Of Johanna

This really is a story for another time and place. The only thing I will say on the matter is that I'm a man that makes mistakes but I'm a man with good intentions.

On a completely separate note, here is a cover of the tune by BRMC.