December 2024
Our Girl – The Good Kind [Bella Union]
This is my last ever coloured vinyl record of the month as I have decided to focus more on my travel pages.
This is the second LP [proper] by Our Girl and sounds nice and swirly like the record itself. It’s on Brighton based Bella Union Records- my favritist record label too! My copy is the Dinked edition with a hand numbered and signed booklet with alternative artwork. I’m a right sucker for that kind of stuff! Gruntie’s favrit track- Absences.
November 2024
GDRN & Magnus Johann – Nokkur jólaleg lög [Alda]
Nokkur jólaleg lög [Some Christmas Songs] is the second time GDRN and Magnus have collaborated on an album. They released Tíu íslensk sönglög [Ten Icelandic songs] in 2022 which I loved. This Christmassy album is a breath of fresh air and a blessed relief if you are fed up with hearing the same old Christmas songs again [and again and again]. The album is mostly original compositions but with a couple of covers too- all sung in Icelandic. Briet duet’s with GDRN on Veðrið er herfilegt is wonderful- sooo smoochy- I love it! If you want to hear the album on Spotify – Click HERE. Gruntie’s favrit track-Veðrið er herfilegt
October 2024
AK/DK- Strange Loops [Little Miss Echo]
This is the fourth album by the Brighton Duo – Wow! Doesn’t time fly? It’s also their best to date and is on disgusting green vinyl, Yay! It has the band collaborating on record with other artists for the first time- namely the fast and furious poet- Thick Richard, creative singer songwriter- I am FYA and also producer artist-TVAM. It makes for an eclectic and varied album with side 1 hitting you in the face like a wet kipper and side 2 more of a face massage. It works best played very loud [to your Granny] ! Grantie’s favrit track- Square Route
September 2024
Kalandra-A Frame of Mind [Norse Music]
This is Norwegian band Kalandra’s second LP proper [not counting their game soundtrack]. They use Nordic and folk melodies to create a haunting and sometimes ethereal sound but can blow your speakers if they feel like it. Katrine has a wonderful expressive voice. I caught them live in London in 2023 and they were spellbinding. Gruntie’s favrit track- Bardaginn.
August 2024
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Wild God [PIAS]
Nick Cave’s umpteenth album is more expansive than the last few- there’s a choir and strings which makes it feel uplifting- almost! Mixed by Dave [Flaming Lips] Fridman who appears to have kept his compression obsession under control- almost! Gruntie’s favrit track- Conversion
July 2024
Elín Hall – heyrist í mér? [Alda]
This is Elín’s second album, her first on vinyl. Elín is also an actress and ballet dancer and she is playing Iceland Airwaves this year- Yay! The acoustic tracks on this LP remind me of the gentler side of Bríet, but Elín is not afraid to rock out and the overall sound is more indie than electronic. She has guest vocalists GDRN and Una Torfa on two of the songs. Gruntie’s favrit track- HE I M
June 2024
mary in the junkyard – This Old House [AMF]
This is a 5 track EP, not an LP but it’s my favritist record released this month by a long way. I have seen mary in the junkyard live three times and am looking forward to catching them again in November in Reykjavik when they play Iceland Airwaves festival. I think they are the most exciting new band to emerge in years. I love their energy and their fragility. Clari’s vocals are unique and it sounds like she is about to burst into tears at any moment which gives it a nervy edge. They describe their music as ‘angry weepy’ which sums them up perfectly. Gruntie’s favrit track- Tuesday
May 2024
English Teacher – This could be Texas [Island]
Ooh, This one is a grower! Not as angular and edgy as their earlier stuff such as Polyawkward which was released in 2022 on the indie label Nice Swan. Their move to a major label has clearly given the band the scope [and budget] to develop their sound without losing their originality and this album is a superb debut. Lily’s voice is sublime. Grunties favrit track- The World’s Biggest Paving Slab
April 2024
I couldn’t make up my mind and so this month I have two winners!
Jane Weaver-Love in Constant Spectacle [Fire]
I think this is the ninth album by Jane Weaver if you don’t count the two remixy affairs. This album is a grower and has a lovely wafty but mesmerising feel to it. I went for the Rough Trade exclusive clear vinyl version. Gruntie’s favrit track-Perfect Storm
Dana Gavanski- Late Slap [Full Time Hobby]
This is Dana’s third album and is her best yet. Lyrically it’s a very personal abum and is dedicated to her friend Rachel who sadly passed away. Dana signed the rear of my record sleeve and blacked out her tooth on the front- so kind! Gruntie’s favrit track-Song for Rachel
March 2024
Anja Huwe- Codes [Sacred Bones]
Anja’s first solo release and her first album since the demise of X-Mal Deutschland in 1990. In the ’80’s I absolutely loved X-Mal and saw them live in Brighton and London a fair few times. This album is a wonderful surprise, the songs are strong and varied with glimpses of the past as well as a nod to the present. It’s great that Manuela from X- Mal adds her trademark guitars on the album too. This coke bottle white splatter copy is a Rough Trade exclusive limited to 300 copies. Gruntie’s favrit track- O Wald
FEBRUARY 2024
MGMT- Loss of Life [Mon+Pop]
The sixth album by MGMT is a subtle and a sometimes wafty affair and is self released after they left Columbia records a couple of years back. They still have the wonderful Dave Fridman as one of the producers and his trademark huge compression and studio trickery is happily evident. I haven’t seen the band play live in years and I hope this is remedied soon. Gruntie’s favrit track-Phradie’s Song
JANUARY 2024
Bill Ryder-Jones – Iechyd Da [Domino]
Iechyd Da [which is the common Welsh drinking toast meaning good health] is BR-J’s 5th solo album. It s a beautifully crafted affair and more subtle than some of his previous efforts. There are influences galore- Mercury Rev [Thankfully for Anthony] , Lou Reed, MGMT and the Delgados for starters and my wifey can even hear a Stylistics riff on This can’t go on ! The end result is wonderful, although it’s a shame that I missed out on the rose pink Dinked version- gah! Gruntie’s favrit track- This can’t go on
DECEMBER 2023
Soft Cell- Non-stop Erotic Cabaret [Mercury]
This is Soft Cell’s classic debut album, originally released in 1981 and now reissued with extra tracks. If you just know their classic singles you are in for a surpise-it’s not a [synth] pop album at all, the subject matter is often dark and seedy but it stands the test of time well. Gruntie’s favrit track- Sex Dwarf
NOVEMBER 2023
Blonde Redhead- Sit down for dinner [Section1]
I first got into Blonde Redhead when they were on 4AD records in the early noughties. This is their 11th album and it’s a beautiful, dreamy and subtle album that is a real grower. Gruntie’s favrit track-Kiss her kiss her.
OCTOBER 2023
Slowdive- Everything is Alive [Dead Oceans]
This is the fifth album by Slowdive who reformed in 2014. They released an excellent comeback album in 2015 and this latest offering is superb also. They still swoon and shimmer but their sound has matured like a fine wine and their songs are stronger than their Creation releases of the 1990’s. I caught them live this year at Green Man Festival which was a great show. Gruntie’s favrit track- Kisses
SEPTEMBER 2023
Maija Sofia -True Love [Tulle]
Maija’s second LP. Her first LP – Bath Time, released in 2019 was excellent, this one is even excellenter!! The album benefits from a wide range of musicians and intruments as on her debut but with the added punch of a drum kit an d two of my favritist instruments- a theremin and omnichord. I have had this on repeat since I received it, I fear that I may wear it out !Gruntie’s favrit track- O Theremin
AUGUST 2023
Our Broken Garden- Blind [Bella Union]
I can’t believe that it’s been 13 years since Anna Brønsted‘s last album! This album does not disappoint. Her vocals are still dreamy and haunting and the songs are just beautiful. There are even two duets with Anna’s vocals shared with John Grant and Luke Temple. I hope I don’t have to wait too long to see her play live again. Grantie’s favrit track -Lost
JULY 2023
Palehound – Eye on the Bat [Polyvinyl]
The fourth album by Palehound is lyrically and musically unique as are their previous efforts. This bogey green splatter edition is visually stunning too. El Kempner is the lady behind the music and the words. I would love to see them live! Grantie’s favrit track- Route 22
JUNE 2023
28 Little Bangers from Richard Hawley’s Jukebox [Ace]
This is a superb compilation of 7″ singles from Mr Hawley’s personal collection. Mostly concentrating on little known artists and songs from the 50’s and 60’s. The majority of the songs are instrumentals but there a few with vocals. They manage to sound poppy and dirty at the same time. I managed to nab the Rough Trade exclusive lilac vinyl version which is limited to just 250 copies. My copy seems to be hand numbered as 258! Grantie’s favrit track-Swingin’ & Surfin’ by Les Brown Jr.
MAY 2023
SBT [Sarabeth Tucek] – Joan of All [Ocean Omen]
I have been waiting waiting a very long time for a new release by Sarabeth Tucek. Her last album Get Well Soon was released in 2011. It was an incredibly personal album and a harrowing listen at times. Her new album has quite a different feel. It has a more laid back vibe, less singer songwritey- more rocky and Velvet Undergroundy than Neil Youngy. I love it and my Dinked edition looks beautiful too. Grantie’s favrit track-The Gift.
APRIL 2023
Teleman-Good Time/ Hard Time [Moshi Mosh]
I can’t believe that Teleman have been releasing records for 10 years and this is their 4th LP! It’s unmistakably a Teleman album, Thomas’ vocals and his style of delivery are pretty unique. It’s also their first as a 3 piece after the departure of Johnny in 2020 who played keyboards. Their are still plenty of keys and programmed sequences on this album though, blending well with the guitar and bass. There’s not one dodgy track. My copy is the yummy ltd, signed print, numbered dinked edition red/ black colur vinyl which also comes with an additional 7″ single which is also a bit good.Grantie’s favrit track- The girls who came to stay.
MARCH 2023
Ólafur Kram– Ekki Treysta Fiskunum [own label-self release]
The debut album by Icelandic band Ólafur Kram [say it backwards!]. They combine a mix of pop, post punk and jazz to great effect. I caught them live at Iceland Airwaves in 2022 and hope they come over to England for some shows very soon. The LP is available in a variety of colours, I like my subtle black with a splash of white version. My Icelandic is not too great but their lyrics have a sense of humour which I love. A fine example being the call and response ‘Voulez vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?.….uuuu…nei? [OK the French bit made it easier!]. Aumingja Þuríður [which means-poor Þuríður] is the perfect song, the video is great too! Grantie’s favrit track- Aumingja Þuríður
FEBRUARY 2023
Adwaith- Bato Mato [Libertino]
OOPS ! I am a bit late with this one as it was released on vinyl towards the end of last year so I missed out on the Dinked pink splatter version. Serves me right for being slack! However I am pretty chuffed with my green vinyl edition and the album is just superb! The songs are more polished and catchy than on their previous album [Melyn] but not too polished and every song is vibrant. Oh, and they are Welsh and sing in Welsh. Their name means ‘reaction’- so now you know. Gruntie’s favrit track-Yn Y Sŵn (Nijo)
JANUARY 2023
Nell and the Flaming Lips-Where the Viaduct Looms [Bella Union]
This album is possibly the best collab/covers idea ever. 15 year old Nell singing songs by Nick Cave that she had never heard before with the Lipses backing and it works brilliantly. Her vocals lack the passion of Mr Cave but that works in the songs’ favour. You may well love this record even if you do not love Nick Cave. Grunties favrit track- The kindness of strangers.
DECEMBER 2022
I was a King-Follow me Home [Coastal Town]
Anne Lise Frøkedal has the honour of being the first artist to receive a second Gruntie’s Coloured Vinyl Record of the Month! YAY! Her solo LP – Flora received this accolade in May 2021. Her solo stuff is generally laid back and releases by I was a King are normally more in your face, but this LP seems a to act as abridge between the two styles. I love her voice and her songwriting. I managed to catch her playing live [as Frøkedal] supporting Teenage Fanclub earlier in the year. It’s about time IWAK came over to the UK too. Gruntie’s favrit track- All this time
NOVEMBER 2022
Alice Boman- The Space Between [PIAS]
This is the second full length album by the Swedish singer songwriter. It’s the combination of her delicate vocals and songwriting that make her songs so special. Every track on this album is wonderful and guest vocalist Perfume Genius on the track Feels like a Dream is a perfect blend with Alice’s voice. Her live performances are sublime and it’s a shame she missed out Brighton on this tour. Gruntie’s favrit track – Feels like a dream
OCTOBER 2022
The Stranglers- Suite XVI [Absolute]
This album was originally released in 2006 and has just been issued on vinyl for the first time. It’s the best Stranglers album since La Folie. And NO I don’t miss Hugh anymore, [get over it]! The vocal duties are shared between Baz and original members Dave [RIP] and JJ. The album kicks off with Unbroken– and it sounds just how you always wanted The Stranglers to sound with JJ’s bass growling, Dave’s keys swirling, with snarling vocals and Jet’s pounding drums. There’s not one duffer of a track. I like to play this album very loud indeedy. Gruntie’s favrit track- Relentless
SEPTEMBER 2022
Stella Donnelly- Flood [Secretly Canadian]
Stella’s second album displays a maturing of sound but still captures her wit and sharp tongue that was present on her debut. My version states that it’s limited but I have no idea what that limit actually is! [I hate that]. Anyway at least I got a signed postcard. Gruntie’s favrit track- Flood
AUGUST 2022
Julia Jacklin- Pre Pleasure [Polyvinyl]
I think that Julia’s Jacklin’s third album may be a little less intense than her previous efforts but her songwriting and her delivery are sublime. The addition of a string section is subtle and enhances the songs perfectly. There are several colour options available and I plumped for the Rough Trade exclusive as I already have her autograph so did not go for the purple vinyl signed version. Gruntie’s favrit track- I was Neon [It sounds a bit early Stereolabby!]
JULY 2022
Girls Rock -Various [Wagram]
OOOPS ! – I am a bit late with this one. It was released in France in 2019 but passed me by. The album is part of a series of ten celebrating the photographer Robert Doisneau who died in 1994. Posing on the front cover are his two daughters. I bought this LP primarily so I could get my hands on the Gillian Hills version of Zou Bisou Bisou as the original 1961 EP commands quite high prices. The rest of the album is pretty solid too- with great tracks by France Gall, Francoise Hardy and Zou Zou and more. I have no idea why Lulu is on this album ! Gruntie’s favrit Tracks- Zou Bisou Bisou by Gillian Hills and Tu Fais Partie Du Passe by Zou Zou.
JUNE 2022
Angel Olsen- Big Time [Jagjaguwar]
Label mate and collaborator with Shazza [see below]. This is Angel Olsen’s follow up to her superb 2019 album- All Mirrors. [I am choosing to ignore the patchy album of demos- Whole New Mess that was released in 2020, and the less said about her single- Smaller, the better]. This LP starts off low key and embraces Americana and Country music to large degree, slowly building in drama until the sixth track – Right Now which is huuge! [Can anyone else hear a touch of Rock ‘n’ Roll suicide near the end?] I chose the Rough Trade exclusive pink glass vinyl but there are plenty of other yummy colours out there. The video for Through the Fires is a bit disturbing! Gruntie’s favrit track- All the flowers
MAY 2022
Sharon Van Etten- We’ve been going about this all wrong [Jagjaguwar]
Shazza’s 5th album for Jagjaguwar is deeply personal to her [listen to the lyrics]. The songs are powerful and beautifully arranged. Her best album to date. Available in a variety of colours, I chose the red and yellow splatter as it was the loudest! Gruntie’s favrit track-Born
APRIL 2022
Dana Gavanski-When it Comes [Full Time Hobby]
Dana’s second album is a beautifully crafted and intimate affair that demands repeated listening with no interruptions. I have seen her live 4 times now and I am already looking forward to catching her live again later this year. My copy is the limited orange swirl Dinked Edition which neatly matches her shirt on the record sleeve. Gruntie’s favrit track- I kiss the night
MARCH 2022
Azure Ray- Remedy [Flower Moon]
Yes I know- I’m a bit late with this one, but better late than never! It’s Azure Ray’s 6th album and their first since 2012. Haunting, tuneful and moving and just as good as their stuff of yore. Kicking off with Swallowing Swords which reminds me of Holes by Mercury Rev, which is no bad thing. Flower Moon are releasing their earlier CD’s on vinyl- about time too! Gruntie’s favrit track- Swallowing Swords
FEBRUARY 2022
Blood Red Shoes-Ghosts on Tape [Jazz Life]
This is the sixth album by this Brighton based duo. It was released officially in January but the vinyl was delayed until the beginning of February. It’s deliciously dark and moody and a bit angry and is best played very loud with the lights off. My copy is a lovely clear blue, it’s also available on transparent clear vinyl and boring black. Gruntie’s favrit track- Comply
I have just realied that the last three albums to gain this accolade are all by Brighton bands. There is no intended bias here, they have all earned the award through musical merit and yummy colours!
JANUARY 2022
Penelope Isles-Which Way to Happy [Bella Union]
The third album by Brighton based Penelope Isles, their second for Bella Union and it’s wonderful. The band have grown, the songs are more expansive and complex than their previous album. Mixed by Dave [I have a valve compressor and I’m going to use it lots] Fridman who just happens to be my favritist producer/ engineer. Mr Fridman’s trademark squashed to buggery drums are there but he seems to have toned down his bonkers stereo panning a bit on this album. The luscious strings which were crafted by Fiona Brice enhance the tracks where they appear and are not just padding. My Dinked edition copy is a rather lovely blue with green bits and is limited to 300 pressings. A real treasure. Gruntie’s favrit track- Sailing Still
DECEMBER 2021
Fujiya & Miyagi- Lightbulbs [impossible objects of desire]
My choice for the final month of 2021 is a reissue of Fujiya’s rather wonderful album that was originally released in 2008- Wow doesn’t time fly! It’s a limited edition of 1000 pressed in lurid yellow with new album artwork. There are a couple of extra tracks on the record that were previously on an expanded CD version of the album. Timeless. Gruntie’s favrit track- Knickerbocker
NOVEMBER 2021
Hamish Hawk- Heavy Elevator [assai recordings]
This is the third album by Scottish singer songwriter Hamish Hawk. It’s a wonderful mixture of post punk energy crossed with ooh- possibly Scott Walker and Leonard Cohen and a healthy sprinkling of The Smiths which is not a bad thing. My dinked edition copy is a luscious black and white splatter which of course makes it sound even betterer! Gruntie’s favrit track- Calls to Tiree
OCTOBER 2021
Sóley- Mother Melancholia [Lovitt Records]
OOH, I have been looking forward to this one and managed to nab a copy from 12 Tonar in Reykjavik on my recent visit. My favritist Icelandic musician- Sóley Stefánsdóttir’s fourth solo album pressed in lovely deep red vinyl. It’s darker than her previous albums but so haunting and beautiful. I got my album cover signed by Sóley and Krstin [who plays viola] at the gig in Brighton. Gruntie’s favrit track- Desert
If you want to check out some more music from Iceland click HERE– it’s my page featuring my favritist Icelandic music, with a great playlist and more Sóley of course!
SEPTEMBER 2021
LOW- Hey What [Sub Pop]
The new record by LOW is not quite as scary as their previous offering which sounded like the backing track was created by a steam engine going through a mangle. But it’s still a challenging but a rewarding listen. What makes the concept work is the strength of the tunes that hold the whole thing together- just. Best played loud and alone, in the dark . Gruntie’s favrit track- I can wait.
AUGUST 2021
Belly- Bees [Run Out Groove Records]
I ordered this double LP back in June 2020 and it sold out the same day! It finally arrived this month after many delays. It’s a limited numbered pressing on yummy yellow and pink vinyl. 4AD have released a gold coloured vinyl version- but this one looks so much sexier! It’s stuffed full of B sides, extra tracks and covers from their singles and EP’s. There are no fillers so it’s hard to choose my favrit but I love their cover of the Flying Burrito Brothers classic. Gruntie’s favrit track – Hot Burrito #1
JULY 2021
Eliza Shaddad- The Woman you Want [Rosemundy Records]
Eliza’s second album [I never use the word sophomore] is rather wonderful and displays a maturing of sound and song when compared to her first. Her vocals sound wonderful too. My copy is pressed on a rather scrummy transparent coke bottle green. Gruntie’s favrit track- Now you’re Alone.
JUNE 2021
Wolf Alice– Blue Weekend [Dirty Hit]
The third album by Wolf Alice [Wolf Phallus- geddit?] is their most accomplished to date. The record is available in loads of various colours, mine is a deep transparent green. The album actually made it to number one in the British album charts, not that I can take the charts seriously when streaming is included along with physical sales, but it’s still a great achievement and great record. Gruntie’s favrit track- Delicious things.
MAY 2021
Frøkedal & Familien– Flora [Fugleben Records]
Norwegan singer/ songwriter Anne Lise Frøkedal has released several solo albums to date as well as albums with I was a King and Harry’s Gym. Every album is a gem and this one is no exception. It’s not the prettiest record to look at, but it is made from recycled vinyl and whenever you mix random colours it always looks like mud or poo, or pooey mud.. Gruntie’s favrit track- Treasure.
April 2021
Lael Neale – Acquainted With Night [Sub Pop]
This one nearly passed me by as it was released in February this year. Recorded on a cassette based 4 track [YAY!] with heavy use of one of my favritist electronic instruments- an Omnichord– [DOUBLE YAY!]. Embrace the hiss. Gruntie’s favrit track- Every star shivers in the dark.
March 2021
Stereolab – Electrically Possessed, Switched On Vol.4 [Duophonic UHF Disks]
Volume 4 of Stereolab’s Switched On compilations is a limited edition numbered triple vinyl affair. It’s a heavy pressing in a rather sexy black with an orange splodge- nice! Compiling tour singles, a few unreleased tracks and the whole of the mini album The First of the Microbe Hunters. It was technically released at the end of Feb, but mine arrived at the beginning of March. Gruntie’s favrit track- Dimension M2.
February 2021
Grandaddy – The Sophtware Slump…..on a wooden piano [Dangerbird Records]
I can’t believe that the original The Sophtware Slump album is 20 years old! It is one of my favritist albums ever. This stripped down version released to coincide [or celebrate] the 20th anniversary of the original works a real treat. The songs are all so strong that they stand up on their own with a minimum of overdubbery. This tri- colour vinyl pressing is so beautiful it sounds great just looking at it! Gruntie’s favrit track- So you’ll aim toward the sky.
January 2021
Goat Girl – On All Fours [Rough Trade Records]
I loved the first album by Goat Girl and I have been looking foward to this record for some time. This album is more crafted and polished than their previous effort and does lack the spikey charm and wit of their first effort but has warranted repeated listenings. I have the rather lovely double transparent pink vinyl version with signed print of the front cover. Gruntie’s favrit track- badibaba [I love the wig out at the end].
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