Music Mondays

Hello it's Hannah here, yet again - it's Music Monday. Wahoo.

Fist punch the air, is it weird I get excited for this little feature every week...
More so this week, today infact. The sun was sorta shining, I am rocking my Pink Floyd tee and I am most certainly ready to share some lovely songs with you.

Whatsmore, today is for all you ladies out there, for not only your ears but your eyes, for this week I bring to you musical men. Many men. Five infact. If you like a man with a guitar, look no further. If you like a man with facial hair then today is your special day. Carefully handpicked, I bring to you the creme de la creme, the last Music Monday of April.

First up, the magnificent Bon Iver.

1. Bon Iver - 'Perth'

Words cannot describe my love for this band. Founded in 2007 by Justin Vernon, this American folk band continue to gain popularity and recognition worldwide, recently winning 2012 Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Alternative Music Album. Their debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago was released independently in July 2007 with the majority of it being recorded whilst Vernon spent three months in a remote cabin in North West Wisconsin. If you're not already familiar with their songs, many English folk maybe familiar with 'Skinny Love' - rising to fame through talented young singer, Birdy. Justin Vernon in my eyes, is one of the most talented musicians - joining forces with Kanye West as an unlikely accomplice on the hip hop artists album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Vernon has also founded Chigliak Records and has left his own imprint on home label, Jagjaguwar.


Perth, is the opening track from the self titled second studio album, Bon Iver released in 2011 . The mesmorising sound features haunting, electronic rhythms, with a voice that is an instrument in itself. His choral qualities matching the very best, accompanied perfectly my bold drumming and surging horns. 


2. Jake Bugg - 'Trouble Town'

Jake Bugg is an 18 year old singer/songwriter hailing from Nottingham. It's hard to believe his age when he starts to sing, displaying talent way beyond his years. Having played Glastonbury in 2011, Bugg was recently picked up by Mercury Records and released his debut single, Trouble Town on 2nd March 2012.

His strong acoustic abilities and impecable vocal delivery are reminiscent of the likes of Bon Dylan and Willy Mason. Noticeably influenced by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, it comes as no surprise this young artist finds himself one of hottest tipped artists for 2012. Trouble Town is a true feel good song, a somewhat anthem for the youth today, as he paints the picture of life in a small town. Let's dance away under the Summer sun to this song.


3. James Blake - 'A Case Of You'

James Blake is a singer songwriter from London. Last year he was announced as runner up in BBC's Sound of 2011 poll, closely missing out to Jessie J. Blake has released three EP's before the highly anticipated self titled debut album on Feburary 4th, 2011. The release of his first single, Limit to Your Love created much hype for the young artist, achieving regular airtime on radio stations all over the country and rightly so. In 2011, the album was nominated for Mercury Prize.

However, when listening to this song it's hard to imagine James Blake has and continues to leave his mark as an English electronic music producer from London. Stripped back with just a piano, this Joni Mitchell classic is utterly sublime.



4. James Vincent McMorrow - 'Higher Love'

James Vincent McMorrow is an Irish folk singer/songwriter. With comparisons rife to the likes of Bon Iver and Ray LaMontagne, McMorrows vocal abilities continue to grow from strength to strength with every opportunity. His debut album Early in the Morning was released in February 2010, much like Justin Vernon - McMorrow wrote the album during a self-imposed seclusion, this time in Ireland. 

Having made his UK TV debut on BBCs Later with Jools holland in May 2011, McMorrow has since performed at the Eurosonic Festival and his Steve Winwood  cover of Higher Love was featured in the LoveFilm television advertisement in 2011.


5. Keaton Henson - 'Small Hands'

Last but by no means least, the superb Keaton Henson. Not only an incredibly talented singer songwriter, this 23 year old is a man of many talents. Hailing from the suburbs of London, Keaton is an illustrator/visual artist and poet. His diverse, creative mind allows him to gain great appreciation and following. With his creative flow continuing from pen and paper, flowing into the sensational music, not even intended for release.

His debut album, Dear features a wide array of beautiful songs, each recorded in his bedroom. What's astonishing is the fact his bedroom is located directly underneath a flight path, close to Heathrow Airport. This slight set back forced Keaton to work to a busy flight schedule, often meaning the majority of songs were recorded in just three minutes, between planes. If you listen carefully, it is thought you can still hear the plane approach towards the end of the song, unique, cool, unexpected. Genius.


That's all for now. Swoon. I hope you enjoy. Happy Monday x