Blur,”The Ballad of Darren” (Parlophone)- New Blur albums have become an increasingly rare commodity in recent years, but Damon Albarn and company can always be relied upon to deliver the goods whenever they do make one of their infrequent forays into the recording studio once again. “The Ballad of Darren” is Blur’s eagerly anticipated follow up to 2015’s “The Magic Whip” and the contents capture a much more nostalgic and reflective approach to music making from the band, including expertly crafted ditties such as “The Narcissist,” “St. Charles Square” and “The Everglades,” Albarn’s heartfelt tribute to the unique legacy of the late great Leonard Cohen.
Status Quo, “Official Archive Series Vol.1-Live in Amsterdam” (Earmusic)- This newly mixed and mastered live package captures Quo’s performance at Amsterdam’s Heineken Hall in October 2010 during the band’s “Pictures Exposed World Tour “ serving up a crowd pleasing blend of bona fide hits and much loved album tracks from Francis Rossi and company in the process. This limited edition 2 CD set won’t spring too many surprises as far as diehard devotees are concerned but Status Quo completists should find it a very worthwhile purchase nonetheless and more volumes are scheduled to follow in the months and years that lie ahead.
Joshua Burnell,”Glass Knight” (Self Released)- Captivating baroque pop fare from a York based performer whose creative vision is informed by his enduring fascination with folklore ,fantasy and the arcane delights of the supernatural. “Glass Knight” captures the multi-talented Mr. Burnell’s heady blend of musical influences at its most melodic and immediate as this refreshingly unpredictable character serves up freshly minted gems such as “Where Planets Collide,” “ Why The Raven Cries” and “Don’t Lose Your Faith” for your listening pleasure.
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