Posts tagged ‘Alan Pownall’
Stream the entire ‘Communion’ compilation
As the buzz surrounding Thamesbeat began to fade in the mid-noughties, for lack of better word, a new folk inspired music scene was beginning to emerge in small venues around London. In 2007, Kevin Jones and Ben Lovett started the club night Communion, offering a safe place where folk musicians could rally with like-minded artists and showcase their music.
In less than five years, Communion has come to witness the extraordinary success from regular club night acts like Johnny Flynn, Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling, and most recently Mumford & Sons, of whom Lovett is a member. Communion has also expanded beyond London, now holding nights in Brighton and Leeds, as well as growing into a full-fledged record label. It’s on this label that Lovett and Jones are releasing Communion: The Compilation, consisting of (mostly) formerly unreleased songs from established acts like Jeremy Warmsley, Johnny Flynn, and Mumford & Sons, and up-and-coming artists Peggy Sue, Alan Pownall, Beans on Toast, Elena Tonra, Andrew Davie, and many more.
Communion’s Kevin Jones says: “”We always wanted to document what was happening on the London folk scene and champion newer artists alongside more established ones. What’s fascinating is you can hear the influence of artists such as Laura Marling, Noah and the Whale and Mumford & Sons filtering down into the newer artists and also cross referencing each other along the way. There really is a new music movement happening in London and further afield, and having seen so many of these acts play Communion over the years it’s an honour to be responsible for putting some of the pieces of the puzzle together.”
You can listen to the Communion compilation in its entirety below. It makes for a good listen whether it’s your introduction to the scene or you’re already hip to the beat. If you’d like more info on the songs/artists included in the compilation, I highly recommend checking out Kevin Jones’ interview with The Independent.
Personal highlights: The inclusion of Jeremy Warmsley, new Johnny Flynn FTW, proper recorded version of Peggy Sue’s “February Snow,” Alan Pownall, M & S, Beans on Toast, and Elena Tonra. But really, it’s all pretty damn good.
Communion: The Compilation is available to purchase tomorrow, March 1st 2010, on 12″ vinyl. BUY IT HERE. Have no fear, every order will come with a special digital download code so you can enjoy your folky tunes on your computer/ipod.
I fall in love with songs, not people.
It’s true. Some people think it’s sad, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Some love songs to swoon for on this day dedicated to love:
Cut Copy – Autobahn Music Box (XFM Session) – I watch the sun go down and up again and think of you
Alan Pownall – Up and Away - Whatever I do, I’ll always find my way back to you
The Features – The Idea of Growing Old – We can play charades when there is nothing to say
Regina Spektor – Bartender (XFM Session) – Love is so fickle, it starts with a flood and ends with a trickle
We Are Scientists – Be My Baby (cover/Oui FM Session) – For every kiss you give me, I’ll give you three
Lulu & the Lampshades – Cherry Coke - Have a cup of tea and marry me
Jeremy Warmsley – I Keep the City Burning – I stop the rain from falling, I keep the city burning for you
The Maccabees – About Your Dress (acoustic) – You stood out like a sore thumb, the most beautiful sore thumb I’d ever seen
Bonus tunes sans italicized lyrics:
The Rakes – The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect
One of the most genius/beautiful song titles ever. In my opinion, at least. Plus it’s a great song.
Modern English – I Melt With You
A classic. We can listen and imagine that sweet sequence in Valley Girl. Or think of people who claim Modern English is one of their favorite bands and we can laugh because who in the world calls Modern English one of their favorite bands? It’s like if I said Kajagoogoo was one of my favorite bands because I really like that ONE song.
Have a listen: Alan Pownall
“Clara” (released June 22nd) is the first single from London’s Alan Pownall. While listening to the ever-so-catchy tune, your head will be bopping, your foot will be tapping, and you may even be smiling. The song sounds too upbeat to be about anything sad. At first listen, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t even notice Pownall sharing a story of love gone awry (Clara, what came over you?/You were hanging on my every move/You tie me down just to break me loose). If I was going to have a song stuck in my head all day, I’m glad it was this one.
He’ll be playing Latitude Festival and Secret Garden Party next month. You can pre-order the single and all that good stuff at his official myspace.
