Things have been non-stop for the Ivor Novello nominated Ben’s Brother (aka Jamie Hartman) lately. Having worked hard on his new album, Battling Giants, Ben’s Brother was all set to release it on his own label Flatcap Records when Island Records stepped in and proposed taking it to a more international level. Packed with an impressive list of guest artists, such as Joss Stone and Jason Mraz, as well as song writing collaborations with Natalie Imbruglia, Battling Giants is set to be a hit.
Kings Of Leon / Closer
Best start to an album for years. As soon as the first snare hits, you know you’re in for something good. And then his voice kicks in.
Paolo Nutini / 10/10
Because bringing ska back without sounding like a git is hard enough, let alone coming up with a bit of a classic. He’s done it so well you’ve got to take your flat cap off to him. Bless Paolo for being younger, sexier, and almost as good a songwriter as me!
Phil Collins / I Don’t Care Anymore
The first track off his Hello I Must Be Going album, which together with Face Value are nowadays almost forgotten but, trust me, they’re worth listening to again. Allow me to introduce you to one of the least cool but genius musicians and songwriters England has ever produced.
Elbow / The Loneliness Of A Tower Crane Driver
This is just a great piece of music. Having been nominated in the Best Song category at last year’s Ivor Novello Awards, this song got my vote when I was invited onto the judging panel this year. I know how long Elbow have been working and producing great music virtually under the radar. Good for them to win not just one, but two.
Ben’s Brother / Let Me Out
I went back to listen to this song again after writing the thing above about Elbow and kind of realized it’s a classic, too. Ok, so I have an ego!
Tom Petty / Won’t Back Down
Well, I won’t. Not until I’ve won an Ivor Novello and a Grammy, anyway. Tom Petty made a perfect record, or two. This is one of them.
Bruce Springsteen / Racing In The Street
It’s another American artist and song, yes. But this is the real Springsteen, at his best, in concert on the Live 75-85 album. Buy it, because he never sounded this good on the studio albums.
Rolling Stones / Sympathy For The Devil
The funkiest, maddest, baddest lyric, song, and piece of music.
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Just wanted to say thanks for all the posts and the beautiful songs you’ve made me discover so far.
I never make the effort to write a comment but… thank you.