OF MONSTERS & MEN...

Iceland airwaves is still on my wish list - reason being that it is a platform for artists like Of Monsters and Men. Amazing six piece from Reykjavik,  Iceland. Their lyrics fit both fictional and real monsters so the name is apt! They are quickly building a ball of excitement all over the place too, 'Little Talks' is brilliant. I know people are less stunned to hear a folk band with an accordion after the wave we've just had but I cant see how this wouldn't get people dancing and singing along and thats what its about. Check it out on youtube first to see them playing it live. Otherwise have a listen here, preferably whilst driving somewhere in the sun (or imagining to if you are in the office)It will lift the spirits!: 


  Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks by Iceland Music Export 

LANA DEL REY...

I mean.. wow. Not only does she look like Jessica Rabbit, (Ref. Roger Rabbit the film) she also has the most seductive voice. 'Video Games' is amazing - I have yet to see her live but a release is imminent and Im sure we will all hear about it. All the way from New York - Lana is vintage Hollywood. Have a listen and watch this space:


  Lana del Rey- Video Games by Anorak London 

The video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uKl3xeBVY4

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH...

If I could be the tallest man in your eyes babe.... it hooked me in straight away. Sweden’s Kristian Matsson is definitely weirdly not for all, I dont get it, but some people just dont get him. The packed at the seams, sold out Shepherds Bush Empire on the 19th May would disagree. Even wedged in the top section of the empire at the back, this tiny speck of a man wrapped around his guitar was still amazing. Even more exciting was that he played every song from 'The Wild Hunt' and more and they sounded even better live than they do on vinyl. This is one of those albums not to leave home without it plugged into your ears every morning to start the day. He is a magician with every kind of guitar too, an entertainer and surprisingly small for a man with such a huge voice. Here's some for you below and have a look for more here http://www.myspace.com/thetallestmanonearth.


  The Tallest Man on Earth - King of Spain

  Tallest Man on Earth - The Gardener - Live

SPEAKING OF...

Stevie Nicks.. Still ever present in fashion, music and dramatic stage performances, she did break a mould - so did Fleetwood Mac. I think a lot of the oldies will argue they were not 'Fleetwood Mac' when Nicks and Buckingham joined but for those of us born in the 80s who got to enjoy 'Rumours' on long car journeys with our parents and still get excited when we hear 'The Chain' I disagree - the romantic drama that went with it too definitely adds to the appeal - the wildness of her stage presence and beautiful voice combined with her unsettled feelings for the men in her band and all so publicly shared through the lyrics of their songs, it really makes you feel like you were a part of the drama. Here is Vampire Weekends cover of 'Everywhere': 
  Vampire Weekend - Everywhere (Fleetwood Mac Cover) by duncan_sprks  

KYLA LA GRANGE

10pm at The Lexington in Kings cross on the 12th July - another hauntingly beautiful performance from Kyla La Grange for the launch of her new single 'Been Better'. Heavily decorated with vines, fairy lights and ivy and the room was heaving and atmospheric - every track is as huge as the next - have a listen to 'Courage':

  Kyla La Grange - Courage (free download) by Stayloose 

Our modern day Stevie Nicks with a hint of Bat for Lashes and maybe even Joni Mitchell - It helps that the rest of the band are also beautiful. Touring earlier this year with the likes of Wolfgang and I Blame Coco, Kyla is set to pick up even more avid fans like me through the summer with the festival circuit in full swing - already looking forward to seeing her in the magic of Secret Garden Party. See and hear more at http://www.kylalagrange.com/.