FLY53 Pick Of Recent Releases

Three noteable releases in the last week from UK talent, classic talent and a talent collaboration…

David Byrne & Fatboy Slim ‘Here Lies Love’

David Byrne works with Fatboy Slim for his concept album about the life of the former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos. The first two things that come to mind are 1) What the hell?! and 2) 22 songs!? There is no escaping the fact that this is an epic idea…but would it work? To be honest, no. This is mainly in part to the fact that its a stretch to get people to care about a concept like this…concept albums at the best of times are risky but this topic is a stretch too far. The other reason is that the partnership does not work, not only does most of the album sound very dated but the actual quality of the production is not up to scratch….after 22 tracks you sure do notice as well. There are a few bearable songs, such as Roisin Murphy on Dont You Agree but even then these tracks are the best of a bad bunch. Props for the thought process and idea, but the result isn’t our bag…

Jonsi ‘Go’

Whenever a solo artist goes it alone, or produces a solo album there is always some trepidation that it will ruin the mystique…especially in the case of Jonsi of Sigur Ros fame. Fortunately, this album is amazing. Jonsi’s voice cements itself as one of the most intriguing and individual in music, and the tracks themselves are not bad either! Look out for tracks Tornado and Till Grows Tall as our standouts….but to be fair they are all good…pure killer no filler here

Laura Marling ‘I Speak Because I Can’

The argument has raged since she came onto the scene as a youngster, about her actual talent. Unfortunately there have been so many young female artists hyped to the bollocks by the media, and with very few failing to deliver its hard not to tarnish all newcomers with this same scepticism. Marling however has battled through and is a genuine talent. Now at only 20 years old, her style has changed a lot from whispy vocals to a deeper voice almost tinted with misery. Even some of the track names reflect this more sombre feel (Darkness Descends anyone?) but the entire album is still bound together by optimism and optimistic she should be…there is no doubt that Marling is growing as an artist, who knows how good she can become