Acoustic Breakdown Gone Country

by Hannah Dudley


Country Music: A way of life to many but completely underrated in the UK. I'm going to help change that here as I review and introduce country classics old and new, filtering the trite from the truly brilliant and dispelling your notions that country is corny. A lot of it is, but even then it can be great.


Opinions expressed are all mine and uninfluenced by external factors!

HANNAH DUDLEY on MYSPACE
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Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Hanson: New Single 'Go' and Video

First and foremost, Hanson are a group of three incredible songwriters. They are also accomplished musicians, ambitious producers and at times, heartbreaking singers.

Their fourth official 'studio' album The Walk is set for release April 30th and Go is the lead single. Certainly not the most obvious choice for a first single (that being the earth-stompingly resonant, gospel-influenced Great Divide) but this is a real grower. The video is perfect in its simplicity, beautifully shot and really compliments the song, which has a soaring, laid back chorus and verses whose rhythm echoes the sound of heartbroken footsteps in an empty hall.

Zac takes lead vocals and shows off his abilities, although for me, Taylor Hanson still has the most impassioned and soulful voice in the world, (followed closely by Ryan Adams).

Check it out for yourself - although don't expect the rest of the album to sound like this (review and sample tracks to follow shortly); even I was in for a few surprises!

Monday, April 09, 2007

Joni Mitchell: Undeniable Genius

Here's the BBC footage of a wide-eyed Joni Mitchell c. 1970 performing 'California' that I caught on TOTP 2 in the early 90s. It was this video that made me really want to write and play for a career and is constantly at the back of my mind, reminding me how far I have to go!

Enjoy.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Jesse Malin Live Video: Aftermath

The sentimental rock troubadour that is Jesse Malin gives a powerful performance of 'Aftermath', standout track from his latest release, Glitter In The Gutter. Pure effortless genius...Enjoy