Beyond The 45
Singles, EPs, Downloads
The Fatea office also serves as a home for our weekly Along The Tracks show on Blues & Roots Radio and as a rule singles and Eps have generally gone in that direction whilst Fatea generally concentrates on albums and live reviews for our full length feature, but with more artists going back down the single route to keep themselves in the public eye, we thought it was time to reflect that in our offerings and as rules are made to be broken or at the very least adapted, welcome to the Singles Round Up.
Chris Ricketts - One More Pull
www.rickettsmusic.co.uk
There's no folk style more traditional than the Shanty. Chris Ricketts is a master of the genre. And this from his 5th album has the anthemic quality of the best folk music, and the rhythm of the sea. Having seen him perform his acoustic songs live, he is one of the most engaging performers you could see. The word "spellbound" is overused, but in Ricketts' case totally apt. TM
Matthew Thomas - Waiting Room
www.matthewthomasmusic.com
Matthew Thomas' Mustangs & Thoroughbreds, Vol.1 was a cracking EP, and this single comes from volume 2 with the quality kept just as high. The perfect blend of folk, country and roots rock that the best Americana produces. The lyrics cover a personal story. "The Waiting Room was intended to be a hopeful song of mourning I wrote for my wife last year in the wake of our first miscarriage… I don't think I've believed in the message of a song I've written more than this one." And the pain comes through in his delivery. One of the next generation of Americana stars. TM
Pen & Stu - Pretty Bird
www.facebook.com/penandstumusic
Another one of the contemporary folk/pop duos who play mostly for their own enjoyment but turn in some remarkably good songs. This has some traditional themes set in a modern context, using as they say, "BIG whistles, tenor guitars! Not trad'." A jaunty tune and some excellent singing and playing make this a great advert for their live shows. TM
Steve Owens - Tough Act To Follow
steveowensmusic.com/homeProper country music, not watered down into pseudo pop. On the borders of Bluegrass, with the Mandolin and Dobro giving it an authentic feel but without the frenetic pace that often goes with that genre. The relaxed feel of the tune makes this among the best pure country you'll hear this year. From a 5 song EP called Pass Me By. Am I going for the cheap shot, absolutely! Steve Owens is indeed a tough act to follow. TM
Frances Willow - Anna Banana
franceswillow.cargo.site
Frances Willow says that she is "challenging the conventional parameters of her genre." It's not entirely clear what her genre is, as this has the soft swing of Bossa Nova, mixed with fuzz guitar, driving drums, and an insistent synth line, out of 1982. An intriguing mix of styles that are just fine when blended together behind the warm lilt in her voice. She was previously known as Bex Ruth, but felt a new name was needed for a change of style. And it works a treat. TM
Christine Weir - The Clan
christineweir.co.za
Weir wrote this song after reading about the massacre of the MacDonald clan at Glencoe, in 1692. In the same style as her other songs that we have reviewed here before. Scotland viewed through a South African eye. Pipes, drums, and choral voices give this an epic feel. If Outlander needs a song for their Soundtrack, they do far worse than call in Christine Weir who has found the way to evoke Scotland of the past better than many singers living in that land. TM
Tu-kay & Ryan - Time To Heal
tukayandryan.co.uk
We've praised this duo's pop folk tunes before. This time they are very much in pop mode. Rebecca Ryan's Judie Tzuke inflected voice is ideal for this full band production of a great song. The shame is that there are few outlets on radio for this style of music, which would find a willing and probably large audience. As advocates for a mental health charity the words are highly appropriate. "Time to Heal is a song for anyone trying to figure out who you are and what makes you whole. Remember to give yourself the time you need to heal, the ones that truly care will be there for you when you're ready." TM
Todd Hearon- Just Another Washed-up Country Hero
www.toddhearon.com
And here we have a song about the difficulty of getting played on the radio. Todd Hearon is a poet, author and songwriter from New Hampshire, and the poetic use of language in this song over his dark voice and restrained contemporary country backing set the tone for his new album Yodelay. A different sort of country, more literate and thought provoking than much of what Nashville offers, and worth more than passing attention. TM
Anna Howie - How To Stop Crying
www.annahowiemusic.co.uk
A voice that comes straight from the Melanie school of high toned, upbeat pop. She says her songs are a positive take on life, love, loss, friendship, and family. The bluesy guitar and organ add and edge to the tune that stops it being too bland. TM
Adam Shoenfeld - Breadcrumbs Of Hope
www.adamshoenfeld.com
Adam Shoenfeld says of his new single, "we have to find the glimmers of hope, those 'breadcrumbs'. There is a trail of peace, love, and harmony that can exist and hopefully, one day, bring people together. That's what 'Breadcrumbs of Hope' means to me." The music is country folk based that doesn't have too much of the contemporary sheen. TM
The Heart Collectors - Evergreen
theheartcollectors.comSecond single from the Australian band. This is from the acoustic harmony lead ballad side of their music. A "nostalgic folk pop tune delivers as a sweetly stamped postcard, an ode to living in the present moment, and a reflection of how much we've gone through and grown over the past couple of years". The harmonies are out of the CSN school sweet without being saccharine. A light touch with the backing makes this another good lead into their new album. TM
Tom Houston - Everything In The Delicatessen
www.tomhouston.org/home
Scottish singer Tom Houston has an intriguing way with a lyric. From the electric end of the singer songwriter spectrum, this is a song that references Armageddon and a new baby, in typical Houston fashion. Title track of a new 13 song album, his sixth, and if you are new to Tom Houston a good place to start with his music. But be warned you will want more after hearing that album. TM
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Corsair is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.
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