If Theres One Song You Listen To Today...

Make it "JCB" by Nizlopi.

Nizlopi are a two piece from Leamington (a guitar and a double base), two lads who met on a bus when they were thirteen. On first listen what really makes Nizlopi stand out is guitar and vocalist Luke's voice - "an unlikely marriage of The Streets and a male version of Tracy Chapman".

Ideally (because of the subject matter of JCB) I'd have posted this on Fathers Day, but I hadn't heard it yet (kudos to Dave Keates). A month late isn't a month sorry, this really is worth hearing.

Listen at http://www.jcbsong.co.uk/, I also recommend watching or downloading the brilliant animated video on the same site.

Sounds Like: Nathaniel Green (with a more Southern accent)

Nizlopi’s debut album, called Half These Songs Are About You, is now on sale in major record shops, being distributed by Nova through Pinnacle.

Official Site: www.nizlopi.com

Ear To The Ground - Sigur Rós

Forthcoming Releases Previewed

After more than a year and a half recording Sigur Rós have a new album in "Takk..." (which is icelandic for 'thanks'). Yes the magical purveyors or 'landscape' music are back. Having been making a steady climb into the music lovers conciousness since their first international album and critically lauded realease Ágætis Byrjin (a good beginning), touring with Radiohead and soundtracking the final scene of Vanilla Sky, vocalist Jonsi et al are well placed to deliver the joys of "Hopelandic" and playing the guitar with a bow to the masses.

With Taak... due for release September 12th on EMI records, early rumblings are its the Icelandic bands best, most rocky (yes rocky) and accesible yet. Roll on September!

Tracklisting: (takk...to Mr Icelandic translator!)

1. takk... (thanks)
2. glósóli (glowing sun)
3. hoppípolla (hopping puddles)
4. með blóðnasir (bloody nose)
5. sé lest (i see a train)
6. sæglópur (lost at sea)
7. mílanó (mile)
8. gong (gong!)
9. andvari (gentle breeze)
10. svo hljótt (so quiet)
11. heysátan (stack of hay)

Further info @ sigur-ros.co.uk

London Pride

In our city darkened now, street and square and crescent,
We can feel our living past in our shadowed present,
Ghosts beside our starlit Thames who lived and loved and died
Keep throughout the ages London Pride.

London Pride has been handed down to us.
London Pride is a flower that's free.
London Pride means our own dear town to us,
And our pride it for ever will be.

Grey city, stubbornly implanted,
Taken so for granted for a thousand years.
Stay, city, smokily enchanted,
Cradle of our memories and hopes and fears.

Every Blitz your resistance toughening,
From the Ritz to the Anchor and Crown,
Nothing ever could override
The pride of London Town.

(Noel Coward)

Our thoughts and prayers are with victims of todays tragic events and their families.