MacIdol Monday Pt.1

I haven't been keeping up with these, so sorry if you're enjoying the selections, but I've been a bit sparse recently. I think the RPM Challenge, followed by six weeks of unseasonal sunshine, put my rhythms out, such as they were. Still hopefully I'll be able to get back to at least a monthly MacIdol update and a weekly look into whatever roots music is burning a hole in my brain.

For those of you who don't know, Macidol is a community of (fairly mad) musicians varying from hobbyists to yer actual gigging performers, who are constantly surprising me with great songs and tunes, and helping each other get the most out of their Apple software, and their various creative juices. And every so often I call out a few of the tracks I've enjoyed recently. There we are : Up to date! Or nearly.


First up is the song which spurred me to post, today. And I do mean spurred:

I like a good Murder Ballad. This one skirts the edges of the good times, like a stalker, ready to pounce.
The Last Song - slumbering


Be So Good - Cadman
Led by a great guitar sound (reminiscent of "Love is Strange" by Mickey and Sylvia) this is a wicked slice of Indie Pop.

The Last Chord - Red Sea Station
I just love the vocal sounds these guys get. More catchy neo-pop.

Freight Train - The Calculus Affair
The first track up from the Calculus' RPM Challenge CD and it's a beaut. Chunky guitars, rollin' keyboards and the film noir talk over sets the mood til the chorus takes off. Very Cool.

Carmen's Peak - B&Massa
Rearing up like some slovenly beast from the Revolver sessions, this one won't get out of my brain.

Snake River - Henry
Henry is popping up with some great Americana tales from Utah (and beyond) and I love the twists and turns in this one. Just when you think you know the story ...

39 Steps - MO
Classy guitar blues, perfect tone, perfect taste. I don't listen to much instrumental blues, except for MO.

Matter Rose - John Haydon
Collaborating with Margaret from Mr Airplane Man this is miles from her gritty Wolf inspired urban blues. A delightful ballad with some tasteful playing from John. (Not convinced, huh? ah well, you may never know ...)

Olives And Honey - Magritte
A newcomer collaborating very nicely with Kingdom favourite James Bouchard, this is a perfect spring love song and reminding me somehow of Bugsy Malone, one of my favourite soundtracks.

MacIdol Blues - HOKEYPOKEY
This one gets me every time. It's loop based, with "several slide banjos and an electric violin" and that either grabs you or else !!

Gaze At The Sun (ii) - The Qualified Superlatives
Here we have version2 of this discussion of the space between, the final test, and the combination of melancholy and Peace created is sublime. Deadman Turner and slumbering. Beautiful.