Moriarty may just be France’s best kept secret — although not in their homeland where their album Gee Whiz But This Is A Lonesome Town has gone gold. Taking their cue from the worlds of Depression era American folk and European cabaret, this stripped-back ensemble comprises four men on various acoustic instruments fronted by the stunning and haunting vocals of the enigmatic Rosemary. Singing in English and with a Natalie-Merchant- meets-early-Neil-Young sound that’s been variously described as folk, country, blues, jazz and even Americana, the one absolute of the somewhat mysterious group Moriarty is that their sound is irresistible.
Kurt Weill and Bertold Brecht / Alabama Song
I imagine Weill and Brecht in a club in LA in the 60s, listening to The Doors playing a weird version of their Three Penny Opera song.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor / Broken Windows Locks Of Love Part III
My favorite rock record of all time. I used to always play it on long distance night drives. I remember once watching the sun rise to this song while driving up the San-Gottardo valley: the roar of the wheels on the asphalt road blended with the sound of the strings. And it felt like as if the music itself was pressing through my foot on the gas pedal.
Kathleen Ferrier / Brahms’ Denn es gehet dem menshen wie dem vie
Her voice is, at the same time, deep and heavenly-like. This song will make you shiver.
Don Cavalli / Vitamin A
This record was recorded in France by a French gardener from Montreuil. A hero of the rockabilly scene, he now sings these beautiful songs inspired by Afro-American music. Produced by Vincent Talpaert.
Fréhel / C’est Une Gosse
This French realist singer has wonderful lyrics and an incredibly warm voice.
Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino / Pizzica Nà Nì Nà
Wild tarantella that wakes up your soul!
The Sabri Brothers / Khwaja Ka Diwana
I saw them at the New Morning, a Parisian venue a couple of years ago. Trans music from Pakistan.
Doc Watson / Little Sadie
Banjo and guitar virtuoso Doc Watson is a reference in bluegrass.
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