The Slow Show

Sometimes its better to draw your inspiration from the past in order to refashion it into something fresh and timeless.

This is certainly true for Manchester Indie Folk Band 'The Slow Show' who take their influences from American traditional folk and Jazz but rather than let this become them they use their instrumental prowess to propel their songwriting along with a northern take,courtesy of the careworn vocals of lead Singer Rob Goodwin.

Having all been involved within the music industry for a number of years they have been quietly perfecting their craft which has led to the production of a gorgeous EP 'Midnight Waltz' which is out now and includes 'Run Away' and the stunningly beautiful lament 'God Only Knows', which you can listen to below.

They recently appeared at the Manchester Oxjam Festival,however the big feather in their cap will be when they support elbow who they share a studio with at a special sold-out gig at the magnificent surroundings of the Manchester Cathedral on Thursday 27th (which will be shown on the BBC screen in Exchange Square) which should announce them proper as a band.

Having had the pleasure of interviewing the band (currently under interviews on the blog) it is clear they are a sound bunch who know exactly what they are doing and mark my words it won't be long until they join the likes of Elbow and I am Kloot into being one of Manchester's best loved bands and national treasure status could still be on the cards for this talented outfit.


For more information check out their myspace http://www.myspace.com/theslowshowband or on their fb page.

For a taster click the link below.

http://soundcloud.com/theslowshow/god-only-knows

BIRDY

She may be only 15 but Jasmine Van den Bogarde AKA Birdy is already making a name for herself with her own renditions of Indie Folk songs.

She won the Open Mic UK competition at the age of 12,winning the under-18s category as well as the grand prize against 10.000 competitors.

Before you cast her off as another Miley Cyrus wannabe you might want to take at the look at the two videos below,one of which is her take on Manchester's Cherry Ghost classic 'People Help The People' which along with her cover of Bon Iver's 'Skinny Love' showcases her haunting vocals to great effect.

Not the kinds of artists that a 15 year would generally choose to cover you would agree.

Her debut album is out on the 7th November and if it features more of her torch songs, it is set to be a treat.

A genuine talent with an absolutely stunning voice.

REM CALL IT A DAY

Whilst one of rock's greats celebrates its 20th Anniversary of a classic album,another band who's lo-fi sound had a major influence on Nirvana has decided to part ways.

REM were one of the first popular rock bands in the late 80s and through the early 90s with assured albums such as 'Out of Time' in 1991 and 'Automatic For the People' in 1992 which were two of their most commercially successful albums.

Their later material arguably has not been able to attain the heights of these releases,although they have always remained a great live band,as was evident to me when I saw them in Manchester on their 'Around the Sun' European Tour in 2005.

They will be known for their many hits including the all conquering love song 'Everybody Hurts' the brilliant 'Losing My Religion', 'Nightswimming' 'Shiny Happy People' and 'Don't Go Back to Rockville' to name a few.

If you are unaccustomed to them best to check out 1991's 'Automatic For The People' and 92's 'Out of Time' or for a general idea check out the Best Of REM 1988-2003- In Time compilation.

I'm sure everyone has a favourite but as a reminder of how good a band they were,I have chosen 'Imitation of Life' from their 2001 Reveal album and what else but the ace 'Losing My Religion'.

Enjoy :)

The History of Apple Pie – You’re so Cool 

(Roundtable)

by Dan Nelson  

Remember the scene in the first American Pie movie when Jim asks his buddies what third base feels like. To which Oz replies, like warm apple pie, (spoiler alert) leading to a memorable scene with a pie.

The movie centres on the themes of life, loss and regret and that’s where this new fresh faced quintet from East London comes in. The History of Apple Pie’s debut track ‘You’re So Cool’ with Jerome’s fuzzy guitar chords wrapped around Stephanie’s sweet vocals, evokes lost youth, hazy summers and first love.

The movie centres on the themes of life, loss and regret and that’s where this new fresh faced quintet from East London comes in. The History of Apple Pie’s debut track ‘You’re So Cool’ with Jerome’s fuzzy

Remember the scene in the first American Pie movie when Jim asks his buddies what third base feels like. To which Oz replies, like warm apple pie, (spoiler alert) leading to a memorable scene with a pie.

It’s a catchy love song that could soundtrack any future teen comedy but which also wears it’s lo fi credibility proudly on its sleeve.

It’s just like a slice of warm apple pie.

With THOAP bucking Yuck’s trend of 90’s nostalgia this summer looks to be set for a nu-grunge revival.

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