The End Of The Year Blog

Having listened to an almost insurmountable amount of music this year both for the blog and to playlist for Ralph's Indie Show on Radio KC, it would be very easy to just close the kennel's jukebox on 2015 without looking back and doing any kind of 'Best Of' as is the norm for your day-to-day music blogger. 

However this year has seen some wonderful contributions to the musical soundscape that is Ralph's Life, and as Ralph's no day-to-day muso, here's a but few more than honourable mentions. 

One highlight in Ralph's Life this year was the release of SAMA nominated The Ballads Of Peckham Rye by Blue Rose Code. With this album Ross Wilson has signed his name firmly on the musical songwriting firmament with this almost painfully introverted lyrically, and yet musically delightful insight into the man himself.

The oncoming year will see great things from this truly gifted young man both in further releases and live performances, I can hardly wait!

It's been a year for introverted delights and another notable mention was the release of the single, Black Tie by Glasgow band Nieves is a wonderfully honest, seemingly introverted and extremely emotional piece which explores the turmoil within a family who are faced with making the decision to turn off a loved ones life support machine.

The narrative comes from the perspective of the oldest son, who finds himself unable to cope with the lingering doubt in the aftermath of the choice he has made.

The year couldn't end without mentioning another supremely talented singer/songwriter David Logan who goes under the nom de plume of Officer. Mid 2015 saw the release of his album Myriads. It's a complex collection of songs that traps your heart and mind with thoughtful lyrics and comforting melodies.

Having him perform live at an event I organised in July was one of the highlights of this year and I feel more than privileged to now count this gifted young man as a friend. He's as skilful in his manipulation of a live audience as he is in putting pen to paper.

So there you briefly have it, a snippet of Ralph's musical life that will remain forever etched on the vinyl that is my heart. Following on there are videos from some other notable mentions by ladies that have helped make this year special.

Don't be upset if you're not included...it's been a long year and there's only so much time left before New Years Eve!

Happy New Year everyone...see you in 2016!






Fiona Soe Paing 

The Phantom Sound

Millie Manders

Fighting Caravans

First of the Ralph's Life blogs after the excesses of the Festive Season is aimed at calming things down with news of the release of Exec. Style as a single by Fighting Caravans. They're a Leeds Based Alt Rock band that have been smouldering away since their formation in 2014 and variously described as 'recording political and spiritual disdain with Americana/Blues overtones'.





Exec. Style has a musicality that harks back to the heady days of late 60's, early 70's Wishbone Ash, Moody Blues and Pink Floyd mixed with a more laid back, psychedelic smidgeon of The Birthday Party. This lyrically plaintive track builds nicely to its climax and is a good intro for newcomers to Fighting Caravans.

They've been steadily garnering a steady stream of critical acclaim and radio plays so needless to say, Ralph's featuring them on his Radio KC Indie Show soon and there's news of live Fighting Caravans performances below...get on it!

Ralph's Top 10 Blogged band Chart on Radio KC - 19.12.15

OK bands you know the score .....

the more hits your blog gets by the fans ..... 

the higher you go .....

So Tweet it, Facebook it .....

Generally expose yourself .....

                                                 ralphslife.co.uk

Follow Ralph's Life Indie Music Blog on Pinterest.

Now Mr Snuggles and I have been sitting with our heads down counting the hits on each blog to see which band's got what place.

The Top Ten Blogged Band Chart is played every Sunday 5-7pm on Radio KC as part of Ralph's Indie Show.

No 1: Snippet

Long time Ralph's Life favourite Johnno Casson, prior to releasing the third album by his alter ego Snippet has regaled us with a collection of tracks that detail the last ten years of that particular musical incarnation.

What follows is a delightful trip through his self-styled 'Wonky Pop', from the psychedelically dreamy The Digital Yes to the trippy 50 Pounds Each it makes you smile and makes you groove in equal degrees.

No 2: Girobabies

Glasgow band the Girobabies are following up the successful release of two mini EP's with the release of a much vaunted 300 copy, translucent, milky white LP, Who Took Utopia? on the fiercely indie-pendent Grebo Records which follows its digital debut.

It seems a bit of an epiphany for the band as within the 10 tracks they're achieving a sense of 'all things to all men' and generating a more general soundscape, seemingly drawing on a number of influences ranging from The B52's SAHB and The Rezillos through shades of Velvet Underground and Talking Heads.

No 3: The Deadline Shakes

Ralph has given The Deadline Shakes a spin on the Radio KC Indie Show a few times now so it's no surprise he was relishing the release of their album Zealots. 

From the lead track, the bright and bouncy Bad Spot In A Bad Year to the closer Boy they've created a beautiful soundscape of sonorific light and shade. It's like a squidgy mix of Prefab Sprout and Deacon Blue, but with a sometimes quirkier, more contemporary feel as The Deadline Shakes plough their own furrow. 

No 4: Joni Fuller

As the kennel is in St Helens, Ralph always likes to keep an eye on anything interesting happening locally in the North West. News just in was about the latest release by Lytham-St-Annes singer/songwriter Joni Fuller and it peaked the interest as it's a bit of poptastic musical history.

Whilst Everybody Says So is being released on all the musical suspects it's also available on Aurovine.

No 5: Hey Bulldog

Manchester's self-styled psychedelic, blues, rock band Hey Bulldog have just released a single on the decidedly indie Blak Hand Records as a follow up to Makin' Friends Not Millionaires which saw no small amount of critical acclaim from mainstream and indie reviewers plus a generous amount of airplay including Uncle Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 6 Music.

The previous single was more laid back, grungy and bluesy. Under My Spell is high-octane, punk-fuelled guitar driven goodness. Hey Bulldog are Tame Impala-esque with much bigger cojones if you will.

No 6: Patersani

Ralph is always on the scrounge, looking for new tunes to play on his Radio KC Indie Show, so when the Patersani single release Lost And Found was brought to his attention his interest was peaked and it's not left the turntable since.

Pounding percussion and a full-on driving guitar intro give this debut single a delightful alt-pop feel but with a decidedly rock-like foundation.

No 7: Jimmy & The Revolvers

Jimmy & the Revolvers have been lauded as one of the UK's most exciting emerging bands. When they're not gigging up and down the country making new friends and fans wherever they go, they're running a monthly club night in their home city of Liverpool as well as finding the time to champion up and coming talent on the scene.

New Single The Morning Paper boasts the infectious melodies, stunning harmonies and huge production we've come to expect from Jimmy & The Revolvers.

No 8: Graham Domain

As it's getting near Christmas Ralph thought he'd spread some charitable thoughts with you as well as bringing you news of some great music.  

Manchester singer/songwriter Graham Domain is releasing a new single this week which is aptly called Snowfall and all profits from its sale will be going to a Manchester City Centre homeless charity.

No 9: Peach Trees

As an East meets West collaboration (that's Cleethorpes and Southport, not Russia and America) Peach Trees have come up with a pretty damn fine piece of get up on the floor, funky-ass disco music, made all the more listenable thanks to the soulful vocals of London-based Mr Ernie Jackson.

The release of This Is The Love by the nascent get-together of musical minds Ambrose Chappel and Dave Hubbard brings a poptastic blend of retro disco vibes and soul vocalising.

No 10: The Boston Shakers

 

What do you get when you mix Fun Lovin' Criminals with Tijuana Bibles and stir in a bit of John Mayall and Dr Feelgood? Liverpool six-piece The Boston Shakers of course.

They're bringing their own brand of 'in your face', blues infused rock 'n' roll to the table, heavy beats with smattering of rap and no small amount of swagger.

Ralph's Top 10 Blogged Band Chart on Radio KC - 12.12.15

OK bands you know the score .....

the more hits your blog gets by the fans ..... 

the higher you go .....

So Tweet it, Facebook it .....

Generally expose yourself .....

                                                 ralphslife.co.uk

Follow Ralph's Life Indie Music Blog on Pinterest.

Now Mr Snuggles and I have been sitting with our heads down counting the hits on each blog to see which band's got what place.

The Top Ten Blogged Band Chart is played every Sunday 5-7pm on Radio KC as part of Ralph's Indie Show.

No 1: Snippet

Long time Ralph's Life favourite Johnno Casson, prior to releasing the third album by his alter ego Snippet has regaled us with a collection of tracks that detail the last ten years of that particular musical incarnation.

What follows is a delightful trip through his self-styled 'Wonky Pop', from the psychedelically dreamy The Digital Yes to the trippy 50 Pounds Each it makes you smile and makes you groove in equal degrees.

No 2: Patersani

Ralph is always on the scrounge, looking for new tunes to play on his Radio KC Indie Show, so when the Patersani single release Lost And Found was brought to his attention his interest was peaked and it's not left the turntable since.

Pounding percussion and a full-on driving guitar intro give this debut single a delightful alt-pop feel but with a decidedly rock-like foundation.

No 3: Girobabies

Glasgow band the Girobabies are following up the successful release of two mini EP's with the release of a much vaunted 300 copy, translucent, milky white LP, Who Took Utopia? on the fiercely indie-pendent Grebo Records which follows its digital debut.

It seems a bit of an epiphany for the band as within the 10 tracks they're achieving a sense of 'all things to all men' and generating a more general soundscape, seemingly drawing on a number of influences ranging from The B52's SAHB and The Rezillos through shades of Velvet Underground and Talking Heads.

No 4: The Deadline Shakes

Ralph has given The Deadline Shakes a spin on the Radio KC Indie Show a few times now so it's no surprise he was relishing the release of their album Zealots. 

From the lead track, the bright and bouncy Bad Spot In A Bad Year to the closer Boy they've created a beautiful soundscape of sonorific light and shade. It's like a squidgy mix of Prefab Sprout and Deacon Blue, but with a sometimes quirkier, more contemporary feel as The Deadline Shakes plough their own furrow. 

No 5: Joni Fuller

As the kennel is in St Helens, Ralph always likes to keep an eye on anything interesting happening locally in the North West. News just in was about the latest release by Lytham-St-Annes singer/songwriter Joni Fuller and it peaked the interest as it's a bit of poptastic musical history.

Whilst Everybody Says So is being released on all the musical suspects it's also available on Aurovine.

No 6: Jimmy & The Revolvers

Jimmy & the Revolvers have been lauded as one of the UK's most exciting emerging bands. When they're not gigging up and down the country making new friends and fans wherever they go, they're running a monthly club night in their home city of Liverpool as well as finding the time to champion up and coming talent on the scene.

New Single The Morning Paper boasts the infectious melodies, stunning harmonies and huge production we've come to expect from Jimmy & The Revolvers.

No 7: Peach Trees

As an East meets West collaboration (that's Cleethorpes and Southport, not Russia and America) Peach Trees have come up with a pretty damn fine piece of get up on the floor, funky-ass disco music, made all the more listenable thanks to the soulful vocals of London-based Mr Ernie Jackson.

The release of This Is The Love by the nascent get-together of musical minds Ambrose Chappel and Dave Hubbard brings a poptastic blend of retro disco vibes and soul vocalising.

No 8: Hey Bulldog

Manchester's self-styled psychedelic, blues, rock band Hey Bulldog have just released a single on the decidedly indie Blak Hand Records as a follow up to Makin' Friends Not Millionaires which saw no small amount of critical acclaim from mainstream and indie reviewers plus a generous amount of airplay including Uncle Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 6 Music.

The previous single was more laid back, grungy and bluesy. Under My Spell is high-octane, punk-fuelled guitar driven goodness. Hey Bulldog are Tame Impala-esque with much bigger cojones if you will.

No 9: The Boston Shakers

 

What do you get when you mix Fun Lovin' Criminals with Tijuana Bibles and stir in a bit of John Mayall and Dr Feelgood? Liverpool six-piece The Boston Shakers of course.

They're bringing their own brand of 'in your face', blues infused rock 'n' roll to the table, heavy beats with smattering of rap and no small amount of swagger.

No 10: Graham Domain

As it's getting near Christmas Ralph thought he'd spread some charitable thoughts with you as well as bringing you news of some great music.  

Manchester singer/songwriter Graham Domain is releasing a new single this week which is aptly called Snowfall and all profits from its sale will be going to a Manchester City Centre homeless charity.