2012 discoveries

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What have been your 'discovereies' from the line-up so far? Stuff that hadn't really passed your radar but you'll definitely be checking out come August. Last year for me it was Treefight for Sunlight, Michael Kiwanuka, Cave Singers and Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog.I guess at least half the new music I come across is via Green Man (the other 50% is probably from Marc Riley). I came across King Creosote, Efterklang, Caribou, Race Horses, Fanfarlo, Caitlin Rose, Erland and the Carnival etc etc through Green Man, not to mention some real gems that seem to have disappeared like Monkey Swallows the Universe, Gilbert and 6 Day Riot.

This year, so far, Dark Dark Dark, the Felice Brothers and Tiny Ruins have all moved onto my must see list (of course I have a bloody list).

Conversely, anything you'll be avoiding at all costs? That'd be Rocketnumbernine, Three Trapped Tigers, the Walkmen and Gang Colours for me.

Without doubt the biggest find for me has been Bowerbirds. I now have all three records on vinyl and am totally smitten.

I almost always have an annual 'big find' during my pre-festival homework, and whilst I'll listen to them a lot at that time, they don't always become true keepers. With Bowerbirds I just have this feeling that they're going to remain one of my favourite (ever...?) bands

Other noteworthy discoveries would be Field Music and the wave Pictures, to neither of which, I am ashamed to say, I had previously paid much attention. 'Plumb' is a brilliant new album by the former, 'Long Black Cars' a great long-player by the latter.

Ben

bowerbirds are indeed a wondrous thing, bennyhanna

just saw them play again - on monday night - newly as a five piece band

will bung up a link to my recording soon

shame there's no private message function on the forum, btw

could keep specific discussions about specific things to that

and stop me cluttering up this thread by talking about a band who aren't new to me...

sorry...

I'm glad you like them too, Ray

The new record is just such a fantastic progression, IMO. Still indisputably Bowerbirds, but with increased layers and songwriting quality. Saying that, I love the first two records too, especially the debut.

No question they are top of my GM must-see list and I can't see them being toppled. And b****cks to needing PMing on here! I say let's clutter up the 'board with specific discussions! Blasphemy though it may be, I bloody hate that Word Association thread...!

Ben

Been a big Field Music and Wave Pictures fan for a few years now (though come to think of it the School of Language spin-off was my introduction to FM - at GM 2007?). Check out the FM and WP back catalogue Ben, you won't be dissapointed. Measure is a modern-day masterpiece!

Don't worry, Krasnyi, I have already! Yes, I love Measure. Amazing how much they moved on from (the perfectly enjoyable) Tones of Town. And I've now got 5 Wave Pictures albums annd am awaiting arrival of a double vinyl release of Long Black Cars and Beer in the Breakers that you only seem to be able to get from Spain. I'm not a religious man, but I got an email from the Spanish company today, from Jesus. No, REALLY.

Ben

Wave Pictures were a real highlight the last time they played GM (was it 09 ? - the old memory can't keep up)

I'm also really liking Dark Dark Dark and the Felice Brothers - Bowerbirds haven't clicked with me yet but it sounds like I should persevere.

Other 'new-to-me' acts on the must-see list are Steve Smyth and Cass Mc Combs. I also have to admit to having seriously neglected Jonathan Richman over the years and will be putting that right.

Worryingly, as far as sorting out the inevitable clashes is concerned, I am having great difficulty populating the 'avoid' list, with only Kwes and Seamus Fogarty on there thus far.

You so should keep going with Bowerbirds, Peridot. Having read your posts for a few months now, I can only think that when they do click you'll adore them. Spend time with The Clearing first as it is probably the easiest to get into, then go for the other two. Your investment will be richly rewarded.

Ben

Yeah, Steve Smyth looks interesting. I love Wave Pictures and often think that's what Jonathan Richman would have sounded like had he been born and raised in Loughborough rather than Boston. Check out WP's 'Friday Night in Loughborough'. A gem.