A Free Man

The Deal sisters are back with a new LP. The Breeders‘ “Mountain Battles” is due on April 7 from 4AD. It’s their first since ‘02 and if the first single, “Bang On”, is any indication - a stylistic departure. They come at you with a fuzzy, hip-hop bass beat and Pixies-esque vocals. A must. Pre-order “Mountain Battles” from 4AD or Amazon.

MP3: The Breeders - “Bang On”

Jim Noir’s 2005 debut “Tower of Love” featured deviously catchy electropop numbers such as “Eanie, Meanie” and “My Patch”. Both of these tracks were used to sell something - probably pretty effectively - on British TV. Noir seems to be back with another psychedelica inspired jingle ahead of his sophomore effort - set to be released on 7 April in the UK. Pre-order “Jim Noir” from My Dad Recordings or Amazon.

MP3: Jim Noir - “Don’t You Worry”

I’ve been smitten by Kathleen Edwards since seeing her in support of “Failer” in Columbia, Missouri back in 2003. There’s just something about the Canadian singer-songwriter that turns all the right cranks for this listener. Her debut was a masterpiece with a solid sophomore effort. Her new record “Asking for Flowers” is out this week in the States. Fans in Blighty have to wait until late April - dammit! The title track indicates that it may be worth the wait. If you’re in North America, get “Asking for Flowers” from .

MP3: Kathleen Edwards - “Asking for Flowers”

Nicholas Alan is getting on my nerves. I got a few tracks from his recent self-released record and was prepared to dismiss them after a quick listen. I didn’t like his website or his bio or his photos. As I started listening to the tracks he sent along it seemed that it would be fairly straightforward to pigeonhole him as a wanna be Elliot Smith lo-fi folker. But the thing his, his lyrics are pretty good. I may be completely off base, but have a listen to “A Tired Apartment” and make your own decision. Get “Busker”directly from Alan.

MP3: Nicholas Alan - “A Tired Apartment”

There’s nothing better than a little Dusty in the right time and place - a grey weekend morning in bed, for example. When I heard that journeywoman country starlet Shelby Lynne was releasing what is essentially a Dusty Springfield tribute album I had to stifle a yawn. Even when I started to see some good reviews from reliable sources I wasn’t sold. But after hearing her cover of “Just A Little Lovin’” on a grey English morning, call me a convert. Get “Just A Little Lovin’” from Amazon or .

MP3: Shelby Lynne - “Just A Little Lovin’”