The Lockdown posts: ¡Hasta mañana!

I knew this would happen. The lockdown continues but my interest in the blog doesn't. Another indefinite hiatus beckons. It's been pretty quiet around here to be fair. So as a parting gift to the small handful of you who bothered to drop by, I'm going to leave you with a few new songs to enjoy.

There's a new album by The Beths on the way. Hurrah! I already have my coloured vinyl on order. The New Zealand combo released one of the best debut albums of the past few years in 2018 so I'm really looking forward to this one. A good, fun video accomanying the new single too.



Woodkid was the first act featured in my epic World Tour series a few years back, when we crossed the channel into France. He's been doing all sorts of work since his debut album in 2013, including (but not limited to) composing movie scores, making music for Louis Vuitton and directing videos for the likes of Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Lana Del Rey! There's some names I never expected to write on these pages. Anyway, he's finally got around to recording a new album and here's the first single from it.



You may already know how much I adore Nadine Shah, one of the most intense and riveting live performers I've ever seen. She's about to unleash her fourth album 'Kitchen Sink' (another one I have on pre-order), and there are already three tracks released from it. I think the title track is my favourite of them.



Arguably the most eagerly-anticipated record of 2020 so far is the new one from Fontaines D.C. The follow-up to last year's extraordinary debut, 'A Hero's Death' was recorded in California as they felt the songs are more influenced by the Beach Boys! The thick Dublin accents are still intact, but there are a couple of "ooooohhh"s in there. The title track was released to much fanfare on Tuesday, and here is the rather odd video.



And finally, something new from something old. I can't say I was ever a big fan of the Psychedelic Furs, although obviously they made a few classic singles in the 80s I'm always more than happy to hear. But they've now released three excellent songs to prelude their new album 'Made Of Rain' their first album of new material for - get this - 29 years! It would have been out last Friday, but it's been delayed until the end of July. I reckon it could be a very decent comeback.



Farewell once more dear friends. I hope we meet under better circumstances next time.