by Pokey LaFarge
Pokey LaFarge Something In The Water (PBS Feature Record)
Pokey LaFarge is back with his seventh release Something In The Water . Produced by Jimmy Sutton and released through Rounder records, the album features members of some of the Midwest USA’s finest bands including The South City Three, The Fat Babies, The Modern Sounds and The Western Elstons. With LaFarge only really stepping into the light over recent years after supporting Jack White on his Blunderbuss album tour – this record definitely marks a new landmark in his career.
The St Louis based artist is no one trick pony – this album draws inspiration from ragtime, gypsy jazz, honkytonk, blues and country swing to create a record celebrating nostalgia but with polished modern production. From this 12-track release, highlight tracks include: 'Underground', 'All Night Long' and 'Far Away'. The cover of the record offers a disappointing finish to an otherwise great release, cheapening the music by reliving overt sexist stereotypes that should remain in the past.
LaFarge is no stranger to PBS – last being interviewed when he was over for WOMAD at the start of 2014. Also recently gracing the stage at one of PBS’ much-loved festivals Boogie 9 and living up to his reputation as a charismatic live performer.
Something In The Water is a powerful work, reminiscent of LaFarge’s hometown in the US Midwest.
By Bethany Atkinson-Quinton, PBS Music and Interviews Coordinator
Various Artists Pop Boomerang Presents PB100 (Featured on The Breakfast Spread)
One hundred releases for a local record label – what an amazing achievement! Pop Boomerang was started by pop music lover Scott Thurling in 2002. Although there have been many ups and downs (that tends to happen when running a label independently), Scott has managed to release so many great albums by bands that would have struggled to have gotten a look in without his passion and foresight. Where this compilation is unique is that it contains songs that aren't available on any other release and there are many gems among the 32 songs over the two discs. I'm not certain how songs like The Killjoys' 'Marching Out Of Time', 'The Melbourne Divide' by Danny McDonald, 'I Don't Know' by Four Hours Sleep and Livingstone Daisies' 'Turning Blue' didn't make it on to albums but I'm sure glad they're on this one now. A great album released by one of Melbourne's most important pop labels.
By Crispi – The Breakfast Spread
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