I’m still mightily intrigued by Grimes, are you? The Canadian musician (real name Claire Boucher) has recently become more well known. I would put it down to a few key and influential people talking about her on Twitter and the fact that she was on Later… with Jools Holland here in the UK. That is not to say that her music doesn’t speak for itself, because it does.

Grimes described writing the new album as being.. “equally enjoyable and tortuous but I feel like the fact that it was really hard was part of the reason that it was really good, y’know? I definitely look back on that time with fond memories, even though I remember crying and being like “I hate everything!” at the time! (Laughs) But I recorded it in my room in Montreal and it was a really good way to work”.

She is odd but I think that is what I find interesting, the music can also be odd but she seems like she has a lot to say in it as well. Anyone who records their album in their bedroom and releases it to the masses has my respect! I do wonder how entertaining her live performance is though… have you seen her live?

If you haven’t heard of Grimes, check out Oblivion below, the video has near to 1.5 million views in just under 3 months.

Also – Grimes has teamed up with a Montreal artist to design and create a line of themed rings inspired by… female parts. Yes I know… but here is the link: Grimes Rings

I’ve always been a huge fan of Later with Jools Holland, if you aren’t then it’s a shame because the show always features interesting artists and many times artists you probably would have never heard of!
Last night’s show was no exception, it featured a plethora of amazing artists including Jack White, Norah Jones, Alabama Shakes, The Chieftains, Secret Sisters, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Canadian artist and musician Grimes.

All of these artists have a huge buzz about them and to see them all together on one show was awesome. I highly recommend you watch last night’s Later with Jools Holland here! Click on it… it’s worth it.

The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow
Review by Clare Knight
Buy: Barton Hollow Album

I have to say that the Civil Wars are probably the best country act to come out of Tennessee recently, who have managed to cross the pond and make an impact on people in the rather ‘country-less’ UK. First appearing on Jools Holland and impressing everyone with their cover of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, the duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White have released an equally as impressive debut album. Barton Hollow is a country album but don’t be deterred as they manage to draw from the blues and you are mostly listening to their amazing blend of voices. Really you should listen to this album on vinyl in a dimly lit room with a glass of whiskey to get the full essence of it!

From the first track, 20 Years you hear the warm sound of a solo acoustic guitar played by John Paul White beautifully, which is something that is consistent throughout the album and really makes this duo stand out. Other notable tracks made beautiful by his guitar playing are C’est La Mort, To Whom It May Concern and Girl With The Red Balloon.

The title track, Barton Hollow is as down and dirty blues as this album gets with lyrics like ‘the devil gonna find me wherever I go’ and pounding rhythmic guitar mixed with their soulful harmonies. This song especially brings out the passion and theatrics of their songs for me. One of my favourites from this album is Forget Me Not, an ode to a lover being far away. It is a beautifully wistful song that emphasises the country vibe with a violin and slide guitar. However, the instruments are mostly forgettable (forgive the pun) as the lyrics and the vocal harmony throughout takes centre stage. ‘Let’s write a song for us, and sing until we’re old and grey’… ain’t that a lyric to make ya swoon! I can’t finish without mentioning the Billie Jean cover which I mentioned earlier. It is a completely new take on the song, which is done in true Civil Wars fashion with one guitar and two amazing vocals.

I love how this album tells so many in depth stories in 3 minute songs. The Civil Wars are impressive songwriters who write with passion and longing. They also happen to have rather good vocal chords (may I give props to John Paul White at this point) and a great dynamic between the two of them. It’s no wonder they are popular across the globe, they are really bloody good!

The Civil Wars are a singer songwriter duo who met in Tennessee at a songwriting session, very fitting indeed! John Paul White definitely resembles Johnny Depp, is it just the beard or is it something more? Their voices blend perfectly together and I have played their song I’ve Got This Friend on repeat for a while now. Their live performance on Jools Holland was captivating, watch it below:

And if that wasn’t enough to make you think they are amazing they then performed a rearrangement of Billie Jean and it is really very good, don’t you think?
“A beautiful sound of a wonderful duo.”

I am really into this Swedish band at the moment. Little Dragon are from Gothenburg and produce a mixture of dreamy rhythmical shifting moody tunes. They blend R&B, new wave, electronica and experimental pop. The band released their album, Ritual Union on July 26th 2011.

They are also appearing on Later with Jools Holland on Tuesday Sept 20th here in the UK which will no doubt catapult them further into the spotlight.

Have a listen to Little Dragon performing Ritual Union live on Jimmy Fallon in the US.