Ralph's Top 10 Blogged Band Chart - 5.9.13

OK bands you know the score.....

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

the higher you go.....

So Tweet it, Facebook it.....

and generally expose yourself.....

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

So here it is.....

The Top Ten Blogged Band Chart .....

No 1..... Graham Marshall

I was sent a You Tube video a few weeks ago that not only made me laugh but also renewed my faith in seeking out unsigned indie music.  It was self-made by Graham Marshall who three years ago tried to make a living in music but had to do the unthinkable – go back to a 'real job' as a truck driver for ASDA. Almost giving up hope of a musical career he now boasts a trophy awarded by the panel of the Barcelona International Film Festival and a newly released EP.

No 2..... Red Sails 

If you're looking for well crafted, melodic tunes in a Steely Dan sylee then you've come to the right place because Ralph's been listening to Red Sails from Liverpool and it's time you did too!  Their tracks sound simple but are actually complex well written musical gems that soar, taking you on highs and lows with their lyrics and melodies.

No 3..... The Winter Tradition

Back in December of last year I took a look at The Winter Tradition when they released 'Tides & Telegrams' and said - "They'll be one of the 'must listen to' bands of 2013".  I was right - so it seemed like a good idea for Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry to cover their headline show in Edinburgh's Liquid Rooms on Friday 23rd August with support from the previously reviewed Book Group and the relatively newly formed The Lonely Together.  Malcolm takes up the story.....

No 4..... Lumin Bells

Bucking the trend for raucous Indie thrashings Ralph's been playing the Lumin Bells track 'Somehow The Same' with reasonable regularity on his Radio KC Sunday Show these last few weeks.  It's a gentle, reflective tune with hints of the early Moody Blues (I'm trying to avoid the obvious Nick Drake comparisons) or the subtle vocalisations of America and it's been received with no small amount of favourable feedback.

No 5..... John Mackie

A singer/songwriter originally from Glasgow but now residing in Greater Manchester John Mackie's inspirations are from a wide range of varying sources, but his talent for touching, emotive lyrics and ear for melody give him a style that makes him stand out from the crowd. John has been in various bands as creative influence in his career, notably The Broadcast, but no

No 6..... Born Thief

Having played the soon to be released Born Thief  single 'An Inch Of Doubt' on Ralph's Radio KC Indie Show it seemed like the ideal time to take a closer look at the group who have a similar vibe to Liverpool's Tea Street Band. 

Born Thief are - Jake McGrath (vocals), Sam Wilson (Guitar), Greg Jones (Bass), Luke Haran (Guitar) and John Fitzpatrick (Drums) who formed recently from the ashes of Yorkshire band Sharp Darts.

No 7..... Kismet Ryding

Having kept an eye on The Online Festival over these last good few months it's no surprise to me that Grimsby band Kismet Ryding would be on the verge of releasing an EP.  It's called - 'Look.See.Don't.TRIP.' - has six tracks and it's released on Monday 26th August. 

No 8..... The Mutineers

Ralph briefly had a look at The Mutineers back in May of last year, but after their first album things went fairly quiet due to personal projects (bassist Iwan Gronow playing for Johnny Marr for instance) and a self imposed 'hiatus'.  The good news is, they're back with a vengeance.

With the release of the new single 'Tell Me Why' and a mini-tour planned for October/November, The Mutineers mighty music machine is back on the road.

No 9..... The Darlingtons

After Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry gave a glowing report of Somerset band The Darlingtons set when they supported The Bedroom Hour recently in Bathgate, it seemed only right and proper to investigate further.  Theirs is the usual 'mates at school, formed a band in college' story, except for the fact they've done it with more than a modicum of success.

No10..... Wullae Wright

Everybody likes to make a comparison about artistes and Ralph's old man is no exception. He heard Wullae Wright's 'Halo Effect' playing on my laptop and next thing he was wiping the dust of his collection of vinyl, dug out Led Zeppelin I and stuck it under my nose 

Ralph's Top 10 Blogged Band Chart - 30.8.13

OK bands you know the score.....

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

the higher you go.....

So Tweet it, Facebook it.....

and generally expose yourself.....

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

So here it is.....

The Top Ten Blogged Band Chart .....

No 1..... Graham Marshall

I was sent a You Tube video a few weeks ago that not only made me laugh but also renewed my faith in seeking out unsigned indie music.  It was self-made by Graham Marshall who three years ago tried to make a living in music but had to do the unthinkable – go back to a 'real job' as a truck driver for ASDA. Almost giving up hope of a musical career he now boasts a trophy awarded by the panel of the Barcelona International Film Festival and a newly released EP.

No2..... John Mackie

A singer/songwriter originally from Glasgow but now residing in Greater Manchester John Mackie's inspirations are from a wide range of varying sources, but his talent for touching, emotive lyrics and ear for melody give him a style that makes him stand out from the crowd. John has been in various bands as creative influence in his career, notably The Broadcast, but now feels it's the right time to 'fly solo' and venture forth.

No 3..... Red Sails 

If you're looking for well crafted, melodic tunes in a Steely Dan sylee then you've come to the right place because Ralph's been listening to Red Sails from Liverpool and it's time you did too!  Their tracks sound simple but are actually complex well written musical gems that soar, taking you on highs and lows with their lyrics and melodies.

No 4..... Marina Rolnik

At the recent TMTATC gig in Glasgow's Nice 'n' Sleazy, first support on the night was singer/songwriter Marina Rolink from Glasgow. Ralph's man in Scotland Malcolm Parry was there to check out GingerBeardMen who were sharing the night and took the chance to have a chat with Marina.....

No 5..... Cullan

Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry first saw SAMA award winner's Culann live in Edinburgh back in April while they were on a double header tour with Mechanical Smile. Unfortunately not a great turn out which was a shame as he really enjoyed their set's, so much so when the band announced a headline show in Glasgow he had to go and see the mighty Culann again.

No 6..... Kismet Ryding

Having kept an eye on The Online Festival over these last good few months it's no surprise to me that Grimsby band Kismet Ryding would be on the verge of releasing an EP.  It's called - 'Look.See.Don't.TRIP.' - has six tracks and it's released on Monday 26th August. 

No 7..... The Darlingtons

After Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry gave a glowing report of Somerset band The Darlingtons set when they supported The Bedroom Hour recently in Bathgate, it seemed only right and proper to investigate further.  Theirs is the usual 'mates at school, formed a band in college' story, except for the fact they've done it with more than a modicum of success.

No 8..... Lumin Bells

Bucking the trend for raucous Indie thrashings Ralph's been playing the Lumin Bells track 'Somehow The Same' with reasonable regularity on his Radio KC Sunday Show these last few weeks.  It's a gentle, reflective tune with hints of the early Moody Blues (I'm trying to avoid the obvious Nick Drake comparisons) or the subtle vocalisations of America and it's been received with no small amount of favourable feedback.

 No 9..... Wullae Wright

Everybody likes to make a comparison about artistes and Ralph's old man is no exception. He heard Wullae Wright's 'Halo Effect' playing on my laptop and next thing he was wiping the dust of his collection of vinyl, dug out Led Zeppelin I and stuck it under my nose 

No 10..... Sisteray

With a lo-fi start kicking in to a catchy beat and a slightly ska/pop/punk bounce 'Happy Endings' by London band Sisteray seems to be promising all things to all people.  It's the 'B' side from their latest release alongside 'A' Side 'Take It Away'.  It's an infectious floor filler guaranteed to be a favourite with their burgeoning army of fans.  If as heralded, they're on a Mod 'trip' then it's in a more 'Summer Holiday' stylee - lighter than their Scottish counterparts Modern Faces but no less listenable.  

John Mackie

Ralph's jungle drums brought news of a gig in Manchester's Barca, Castlefield on Friday 16th August with a quality line up of local talent that's going to be one not to be missed. Having previously blogged Jess Harwood and Dan Solan it's only fair that he takes a look at John Mackie who's sharing the bill.

Thanks to trust a fox for the photography

A singer/songwriter originally from Glasgow but now residing in Greater Manchester John Mackie's inspirations are from a wide range of varying sources, but his talent for touching, emotive lyrics and ear for melody give him a style that makes him stand out from the crowd. John has been in various bands as creative influence in his career, notably The Broadcast, but now feels the time is right to 'fly solo' and venture forth alone.  Ralph had a quick word with John prior to the night.







 

Ralph: How long have you been down in Manchester and differences in the two music scenes?

John: I've been living in Manchester I think most of my life now. I came here at 8 years old and aside from the odd visits to family, and gigs I've been on Manc soil.

Ralph: Prefer Manchester or Glasgow?

John: Difficult because Manchester is my home these days but both city's are amazing and offer so much not only in culture but more importantly the music scene. I know a lot of people in Glasgow and have been back on many occasions to gig and tour, it has a place in my heart and always will.

Ralph: Alex Harvey or Mark E Smith?

John: Neither I'm afraid, not my vibe, not my era, I've seen more of Ian Brown, and Oasis but now really enjoy Glasgow 4 piece GLASVEGAS with the melancholy sprinkled on top.

Ralph: Do you prefer solo performing as opposed to being in a band?

John: Politically solo - but for rock n roll, a band. I have done the band thing a few times over, seen some countries, made some lifelong friends and made memories I will cherish forever, aside from that I'm a nightmare to work with and don't mind admitting that, so going it alone and only answering to my own reflection is perfect.

Ralph: Any new material - EP or even an album in the offing?

John: I have a small management team on board of recent, so recording is defo in the pipeline, as well as some branding and marketing. So look out I'm sure you'll see me around. Recording is penciled for Nov 2013 in the form of an EP, I'll save my album until I get the backing required, I would rather spend a month in a studio as opposed to a week on a budget.

Ralph: An artist you'd like to be compared to?

John: Jonny Cash, Deffo!!!!! Everything he stands for and the impression he gave was priceless.

Ralph: An artist you wouldn't like to be compared to!

John: Anyone shit!!! Anyone in pop!!!

Ralph: What drives you to write songs (a lot of your work seems to be very introspective)?

John: Introspection is examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings: in case anyone wonders what that means. I would agree with you there, it seems to be the way it all began, as a form of escape from the real world, a frustrated teenager, but as I developed as a songwriter the songs seem to have evolved like a chameleon, so that they fit everyone's introspection. There is no set system or direction to writing a song, it just comes out, with me it seems to be what I'm consciously or unconsciously thinking at any one time in any one place.

Ralph: Bit of a folk/country (even bluegrass) vibe to some of your music - influences?

John: Only what the Old man played back in Glasgow when I was a child, he liked a bit of country, but also early Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. I think the folky feel comes from my love of the home country as a whole, Its history you know??

Ralph: Finally - looking to expand further than the Manc scene?

John: Already begun my friend, London first, then UK tour, next year Europe and festivals so its onward upward causing some havoc along the way - hahahahaha thanks!!!!