en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices hdsander's Last.fm Journal http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal The Last.fm journal for hdsander. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. My most remarkable new releases of 2012... http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/12/14/5p1ktw_my_most_remarkable_new_releases_of_2012... Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:59:20 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/12/14/5p1ktw_my_most_remarkable_new_releases_of_2012...
This year brought again a huge number of remarkable new albums, EPs and Singles. I'm still busy revisiting all the 741 releases which crossed my way in 2012 but I'll now list the twenty that impressed me the most for different reasons. If you look for list of the most popular albums of the past year head over to the myriads of publications all over the internet. Many of the featured releases are EPs. The music world changed, the most interesting things not longer happen controlled by the industry, thousands of independent artists produce on their own, often supported by their fans, and according to the financial abilities EPs are the favored kind of releases. One good example is the below mentioned Taurus EP of the amazingly talented Carrie Haber...



Sorry guys, I don't care what Paste Magazine or Rolling Stone says nor if anyone other than me is listening to my favorites. Because I won't (and can't) decide about a ranking the order is alphabetically:

  • Adrianne - Me After You.
    Adrianne resp. Adrianne Gonzalez or AG is one of my long time favorite artists. Recently she was heard as one quarter of The Rescues, whose new independent album Blah Blah Love And War didn't make this list because it is a 2013 release (but as a backer of their PledgeMusic project I can assure you: it will be on next years list.). Adrianne is one of the singer/songwriters where it all fits together: a distinctive voice, no-nonsense lyrics and a rocking sound that lures me. I continue to ignore the change of her stage name to AG.

  • Alanis Morissette - Havoc and Bright Lights
    Alanis beautiful voice and her emotional lyrics are companions in my musical world since many years. This release after four years without any news did not disappoint. Receive, the first track published, blew me away and is still my favorite (no video to include because of the insane hassle between Youtube and artist association GEMA).

  • Callaghan - Life in Full Colour
    The debut album of Callaghan caught my attention on first listen. The laid back tunes, her beautiful voice are soothing, a perfect treat for Sunday afternoons. When listening to Look Around I entirely fell for this artist.


  • Carminho - Alma
    I have a secret crush for the intensely blue, haunting Fado genre. Alma ("Soul") is a well produced collection of different Fado songs (original, traditional and from several songwriters). Carminho's husky, passion-laden voice fits perfect for this emotional genre, well accompanied by the traditional instrumentation.

    Sadly this is a common thread through this article, @#.. $^&*()!!


  • Carrie Haber - Taurus
    I discovered the Maltesian born Carrie Haber on a webcast from The Bedford in London some years ago. Captured by her sunny nature, the powerful voice, enjoyable lyrics and haunting melodies I was impatiently waiting for the release of her debut album. How life goes in the world of Indie music, Carrie couldn't afford to production costs of an full album and she started the release of a series of EPs with Taurus. I recommend to spend the 40 minutes to watch the recording of this EP's release show (music starts after 3:00 mins):


  • Chance's End - Down the Doors
    A (male) violinist and a (female) vocalist performing mixed genre influenced Electronica, the result is simply brilliant.
    Listen to Sleeping On the Interstate (full track).

  • Delerium - Music Box Opera
    I always loved Delerium's Ambient music for the featured amazing female vocalists and this new album didn't disappoint at all. The compositions are of usual quality and the voices of Stef Lang, Nadina, Jaël, Kristy Thirsk, Leona Naess, Anna-Lynne Williams, Azure Ray, Leigh Nash, not to forget Michael Logen turn listening into a real treat.



  • The Dunwells - Blind Sighted Faith

    This amazing British Folk-Rock band appeared on my radar in 2010 when I watched the webcast of an intimate show of Lucie Silvas and friends from The Bedford.

    Two years later The Dunwell Brothers Band are signed to a label in Austin, Texas, changed to The Dunwells and successfully toured the US.


  • Elise Vatsvaag - This Is Not My Music EP #1

    ...and... This Is Not My Music EP #2
    «This Is Not My Music», is a collection of 8 songs, which were all released throughout 2012. A new song was released on the 10th of every month on www.elisevatsvaag.com, and all tracks were available for a free download. All, who missed the opportunity, can buy the two EPs with four songs each from iTunes. Definitely an interesting concept but what amazed me when stumbling about the Norwegian Elise Vatsvaag was the brilliant songwriting, her distinctive voice and the professional production of the tracks.


  • Ellen And The Escapades - All the Crooked Scenes
    I was waiting for this debut album since I discovered the band on Last.fm some years ago, pledged for it to make the release possible and the final result is stunning.


  • Gabrielle Aplin - Home

    award for the best album art this year
    Gabrielle Aplin is one of the highly talented young Folk-Pop singers in Britain like also Lauren Aquilina, Orla Gartland, Birdy, Hannah Trigwell or Nina Nesbitt. Endued with a beautiful, distinctive voice, Gabrielle Aplin won attention by publishing cover videos on Youtube but her original songs like Home, the title track of this EP, prove as also her songwriting talent.


  • Greenfield & Conder - Introducing... Greenfield & Conder EP
    Having an addiction to dark, haunting songs this duo instantly impressed me when I heard them playing Indiscriminate Act of Kindness live on BBC radio. As with Louise and the Pins one year before I need more patience to wait for a full length release by Greenfield & Conder.

  • Jesse Thomas - War Dancer
    Don't get confused with the blues musician, we talk about that young lady here. I discovered Jesse Thomas' two grandiose EPs in 2011 and impatiently waited for her full length album. War Dancer is a strong debut with quite different songs and rhythms, only having Jesse's beautiful, raspy voice in common, excellently produced.

    Later this year Jesse put a free live EP on Bandcamp, another treat not to miss.

  • Karima Francis - The Remedy
    Karima Francis' album The Author sticked to be an insider's tip. Her 2012 release was highly anticipated... by me and a few critics which fell for her Tracy Chapman-like voice and music style. Months later now it seems to prove true: real talent seldom makes the top of the charts.


  • Kimberly Anne - Bury It There
    Even though Kimberly's music is much more that this, the song La La became her signature tune as soon as I heard it for the first time.

    After a false start with the Pop genre No Place Like Home EP Kimberly found her characteristic sound and this EP makes me hungry for a full length.

  • L.P. - Into The Wild (Live at EastWest Studios)
    I monitored L.P.'s (Laura Pergolizzi) musical progress over years on her Myspace page, unbelieving that none of the grandiose songs posted there got published to a wider audience. Finally L.P. signed at Warner Records and this grandiose live EP got released, including both the music and the videos. Once again, the label forced a change of an artist name L.P. got Lp, once again ignored by me. Find Lp's breathtaking cover of Beyoncé's Halo below that didn't make the EP.
    resp. for the German readers on Vimeo. I hate that Youtube and the German GEMA couldn't find a compromise within 4 (four!) years. The German music industry is a mess.

  • Lauren Aquilina - Fools
    This young, 17yo talent managed to produce and release this EP without a record company, just supported by friends and to make the iTunes top twenty (peaking at #11) for over a month, more than deserved. An artist to look out for during the next years IMHO.


  • Rachael Yamagata - Heavyweight
    I love Rachael Yamagata's music since I first heard I'll Find a Way on ER's soundtrack years ago. With only few, mostly independent releases Yamagata never failed to impress me. This, again independently produced, EP might be my record of the year, 'nough said!


  • Unsung Lilly - Time Changes Minds
    This band caught my attention when watching their release party at The Bedford, showing so much passion and enthusiasm.

    With the words of a person, more eloquent than me: "Unsung Lilly are a formidable team of 5 musicians, each bringing their own original and individual style to the mix to produce a versatile, relevant very dynamic musical ensemble which sounds exciting, likeable and fresh." (courtesy of David Durant from Brooklands Radio).


  • Xoe Wise - Archive Of Illusions
    Xoe's beautiful voice, sweet and smart lyrics, varied sounds as also as a strong production make this independent album one of my favorites for this year.


This list is not complete at all, almost every week I find an album, an artist worth to be mentioned in bold letters like The Saint John's...



Before I forget to mention:



Albums that should be on your list of wishes for Christmas if you don't have them already:



More recommended albums as they come into my mind:



Two of my favorite artists didn't meet my taste in music this year: Brandi Carlile turned fully into Country and because of that her new album Bear Creek was seldom heard in this household. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals lost the Blues, their new release is made of overproduced gimmicks, hiding the remaining fragments of the familiar old genius Blues-Rock sounds behind a curtain of strings and drum machines, The Lion The Beast The Beat is Grace Potter's first Pop album (the music industry sucks IMHO).

At last I want to feature my most favorite cover of this year, Josie Charlwood turning Adele's Bond song Skyfall into a wonderful Indie ballad:
]]> The Music of Grey's Anatomy, Season 9 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/09/29/5mg86m_the_music_of_grey%27s_anatomy,_season_9 Sat, 29 Sep 2012 08:44:46 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/09/29/5mg86m_the_music_of_grey%27s_anatomy,_season_9 Another season started and my heart goes boom...




season complete]]> Handsome Lady Records http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/08/16/5ks9ko_handsome_lady_records Thu, 16 Aug 2012 19:29:49 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/08/16/5ks9ko_handsome_lady_records Because I'm a big fan of Barnaby Bright I stumbled about this nice music video today:



and following the link in the comments I found Handsome Lady Records...


Check out the compilations on that Bandcamp page, all are free or whatever you wanna pay for (my tip: download for free, listen as much as you want and if you like the songs return and download again paying what you think it's worth.).]]> On the Radar... spots of light... http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/07/21/5jphn9_on_the_radar..._spots_of_light... Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:42:19 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/07/21/5jphn9_on_the_radar..._spots_of_light...
The 3rd mixtape in this series. Thanks to David Durant from Brooklands Radio, The Bedford, The Regal Room and my friend Aimee's recommendations does it take no long time to collect the songs for a new tape.




  1. The Glass Child - Ready to fight for it
  2. Sarah Solovay - I Hate Him
  3. Sarah Solovay - My Favorite Mistake
  4. Kelley McRae - Keeper Of The Light
  5. Kelley McRae - Brighter Than the Blues
  6. Chance's End - Sleeping On the Interstate
  7. Chance's End - Strong As a Melody
  8. Tina Dico - Moon To Let
  9. Thomas j speight - The River
  10. Thomas j speight - Together Or Alone
  11. Xoe Wise - Home
  12. Xoe Wise - How Did We Kiss
  13. Let's Buy Happiness - Devil Show (acoustic)
  14. Let's Buy Happiness - Works Better On Paper
  15. Ganes - En pü d'amur
  16. Ganes - Barcaurela
  17. Sam Batt - Wickerman
  18. Sam Batt - Scot Free
  19. Sian Sanderson - Long Way Home (When You're Leaving Alone) [live]
  20. Sian Sanderson - No Sweeter Love [Live-in-Session]
  21. Karina Vismara - Sister (Live at Dilute Studios)
  22. Karina Vismara - Only You (Live at Dilute Studios)
  23. Libbie Linton - I Am a Stone
  24. Libbie Linton - Shackleton, I'm Solid
  25. Lucy Kitt - Days Like These
  26. Lucy Kitt - Better days
  27. Holika - Hunters Hands
  28. Wanting - Drenched
  29. The Luck - Bricks
  30. The Luck - Light Brigade
  31. Beck Lanehart - The Eversholt Trees
  32. Beck Lanehart - Jersey
  33. Chastity Brown - House Been Burnin'
  34. Chastity Brown - Lift Us
  35. Dawn Mitschele - This Time Next Year
  36. Dawn Mitschele - Lamplighter
  37. Caitlin Stubbs - Blue and I Don't Know Why
  38. Caitlin Stubbs - The Moon
  39. Emily And The Woods - Steal His Heart
  40. Emily And The Woods - Eye To Eye


If you wanna listen click on the cover image! :)

Due to a lack of resonance to journal articles on Last.fm this might be the last compilation.]]> 6th Last.fm anniversary... http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/07/11/5j9roq_6th_last.fm_anniversary... Wed, 11 Jul 2012 08:50:17 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/07/11/5j9roq_6th_last.fm_anniversary...
Music always took an important place in my life but after joining Last.fm six years ago I turned into a music enthusiast.

Over 325,000 scrobbles of about 18,000 artists, mostly indie artists lately, fresh and free of the constraints of the big music companies.


I'm thankful for all the like-minded persons I met on Last.fm. The Netherlanders turned out to be the most constant friends, the Americans, once a large group, got lost over the years. It was great fun to be part of the buzzy times on Last.fm during the years 2007/2008, the nearly 20 groups I lead and more that 250 journal articles are the relict of that hype.



A few statistics:
I listen to an artist over...
500 times for the top 50
1000 times for the top 10
3000 times for #1

A song needs to be heard over...
50 times for the top 100
100 times for the top 5



]]> On the Radar... new blips... http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/06/20/5igi9x_on_the_radar..._new_blips... Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:33:01 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/06/20/5igi9x_on_the_radar..._new_blips...
The musical journey continues with some more new discoveries, hidden gems and favorites of mine.




  1. Lydmor - Lamppost Light (Beta Session)
  2. Las Migas - Perdóname Luna
  3. Sahara Beck - Smile In The Dark
  4. Sahara Beck - I Love You Man
  5. Judith de los Santos - Covered in Red
  6. Malukah - The Dragonborn Comes
  7. Claudia Heidegger - Stuck
  8. Sarah Winters - Lightweight (demo)
  9. Lisa VonH - Glue
  10. Lisa VonH - The Man Who Sailed Away (remixed)
  11. Gloria Garcia - Glad I Said Yes
  12. Gloria Garcia - Talk
  13. All Things Considered - Live Life (live)
  14. All Things Considered - Self Pity (live)
  15. Josie Charlwood - All the Signs (Crop Circles remix)
  16. L.P. - Halo
  17. Skinny Machines featuring Jim Stapley - Wrong Side Of The River
  18. Skinny Machines featuring Jim Stapley - Babies On The Brain
  19. Cold Specks - Old Stepstone
  20. Cold Specks - Reeling The Liars In
  21. Bec Sandridge - For You
  22. Bec Sandridge - Sunny Road (Feat. Nat Mackenzie) (Live @ The Regal Room)
  23. Treana - Bubble Gum Money
  24. Treana - Bye Once Bye Twice
  25. Louise Latham - Erase Me
  26. Louise Latham - Saint
  27. Rosie Baxter - Too Late
  28. Rosie Baxter - White Dress
  29. Selen - Côté Pile
  30. Jayesslee - Dare You To Move
  31. Jayesslee - I Won't Give Up
  32. Helena - Sunlight
  33. Rose Cousins - The Darkness (Live at WFUV)
  34. Rose Cousins - One Way (Live at WFUV)
  35. Sara Niemietz - Dangerous Outside
  36. Sara Niemietz - Rooftops
  37. Marie Moreshead - As the Romans Do
  38. Marie Moreshead - In My Dreams
  39. Hey Ocean! - New Love (live acoustic)
  40. Hey Ocean! - Big Blue Wave (Live Acoustic)


If you wanna listen click on the cover image! :)]]> On the Radar... http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/05/29/5hgfqa_on_the_radar... Tue, 29 May 2012 11:41:35 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/05/29/5hgfqa_on_the_radar...
I made a new mixtape: Music inspired by Sunday nights on Brooklands Radio and BBC Radio London as well as watching the live webcast from The Bedford and The Regal Room all week long.




  1. Berenice Scott - WALLS CAVE IN
  2. Boy - Stay (acoustic live)
  3. Boy - Drive Darling (acoustic live)
  4. Carrie Haber - Shoot a Shooting Star
  5. Carrie Haber - You're My Everything
  6. Dagny - Hold On, Lucy
  7. Dagny - Little Daggers
  8. Dear Prudence - China Doll
  9. Dear Prudence - Valentine
  10. The Dunwells - Elizabeth (live @ The Bedford)
  11. The Dunwells - Follow The Road (live @ The Bedford)
  12. Emi Green - This Heart
  13. Emi Green - Freefalling
  14. Emilie Chytraeus - I Loved
  15. Emilie Chytraeus - Your Sin of Indie
  16. Evelyn Burke - Frozen Heart
  17. Evelyn Burke - Walk Alone
  18. The Glass Child - Hypnic Jerk (live @ The Bedford)
  19. The Glass Child - Best Part of Me (live @ The Bedford)
  20. Greenfield & Conder - Forgiveness (live acoustic)
  21. Greenfield & Conder - Indiscriminate Act of Kindness (live acoustic)
  22. Heidi Solheim - Come What May
  23. Heidi Solheim - Found
  24. Josie Charlwood - Feel Good Inc (Gorillaz Looped Cover)
  25. Kal Lavelle - Shivers
  26. Kal Lavelle - Breakfast At Tiffany's
  27. Karima Francis - The Remedy (Acoustic)
  28. Karima Francis - Wherever I Go (Live Acoustic Version)
  29. Kimberly Anne - Bury It There
  30. Kimberly Anne - La La
  31. Lewis Clay - If I Never See Your Face
  32. Louise and the Pins - Melancholy (Live in Session)
  33. Louise and the Pins - Bell Jar (Live in Session)
  34. Ren Harvieu - Sister Morphine
  35. Ren Harvieu - Open Up Your Arms (BBC Live Introducing Session At Maida Vale)
  36. Tich - More Than This (One Direction cover)
  37. Tich - Prince In Disguise
  38. Tori Vasquez - I Remember Well
  39. Tori Vasquez - Let It Go
  40. The Unfortunate Sons - O'lala (live @ The Bedford)


If you wanna listen click on the cover image! :)]]> No Words Now... a mixtape for my dearest friends. http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/01/16/5ag1ja_no_words_now..._a_mixtape_for_my_dearest_friends. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:58:51 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2012/01/16/5ag1ja_no_words_now..._a_mixtape_for_my_dearest_friends.
Happy Birthday Bayou!
Magda, sorry that I missed your Birthday!
Thank you everyone for being awesome!

No Words Now:
  1. Meme Love - Battle Up Ahead
  2. Gabrielle Aplin - Let Me In
  3. Kari Kimmel - Long As We're Together
  4. Carrie Haber - I'd Rather Die
  5. Leighton Paloma - When You're Near Me
  6. Louise Fraser - Thaw
  7. Inga - Night Song at Amalfi
  8. Tara Minton - Fatal attraction
  9. The Little Willies - Lovesick Blues
  10. Pieta Brown - No Words Now
  11. Kate Linné - Letting Go
  12. Rebecca Ferguson - Fairytale (Let Me Live My Life This Way)
  13. Keb' Mo' - The Times They Are A-Changin'
  14. Madison Violet - The Good in Goodbye
  15. The Little Willies - Remember Me
  16. Katzenjammer - I Will Dance (When I Walk Away)

]]> Winter Solstice mixtape... http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2011/12/22/597x6e_winter_solstice_mixtape... Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:07:58 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2011/12/22/597x6e_winter_solstice_mixtape...


Winter Beats:
  1. Peter and Kerry - Knees
  2. Other Lives - For 12
  3. Birdy - Skinny Love
  4. Coeur de Pirate - Wicked Games
  5. School of Seven Bells - The Night
  6. Widowspeak - Gun Shy
  7. Death Cab for Cutie - You Are a Tourist
  8. Lucy Rose - Scar
  9. Summer Camp - I Want You
  10. Cults - You Know What I Mean
  11. Traxx - Yesterdays
  12. Jessica Lea Mayfield - Our Hearts Are Wrong
  13. Elephant - Assembly
  14. Hello Seahorse! - Bestia
  15. Tennis - Origins
  16. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
  17. I Break Horses - Winter Beats
  18. Dum Dum Girls - Stiff Little Fingers
  19. M83 - Midnight City
  20. St. Vincent - Surgeon
  21. Lana Del Rey - Video Games

]]> Music crossing my mind when looking back on 2011... http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2011/12/20/594o0w_music_crossing_my_mind_when_looking_back_on_2011... Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:35:47 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/hdsander/journal/2011/12/20/594o0w_music_crossing_my_mind_when_looking_back_on_2011... Music crossing my mind when looking back on 2011...


  • Sarah Fimm – Near Infinite Possibility
    Sarah's amazing, rocking, arresting album was by far the most exciting new arrival this year. I was blown away when listening to it for the first time. A year before Sarah Fimm started the Karma Phala project, sending every fan who mailed her a postal address an USB stick (for free!) with songs from her previous albums, unreleased gems, a making of video of Near Infinite Possibility, photos and samples of her beautiful artworks.
    Karma Phala Project

  • Kyler England – Electric Hum
    Kyler, also known as member of the supergroup The Rescues, finally released a new album, her fourth full length, perfect from the first to the last song. Her friend Adrianne, also one of The Rescues, has a pledge campaign running to finance her coming new release... another treat to come.

  • Adele – 21
    I'm addicted to Adele for years, before 19, and she didn't disappoint, everything she does is amazing! I was shocked when hearing that she lost her voice... I hope Adele will recover completely soon!

  • Emi Green – TBA (on Soundcloud)
    Emi was the most exciting discovery this year. She is a grandiose songwriter, has a beautiful voice, captivating stage presence and her demos are of far better quality than many recordings you'll find on iTunes and other stores. The debut EP/album will be available begin of 2012, I can't wait for that! I loved to hear an interview and a live performance of Emi Green on Brooklands Radio with David Durant where I also learned to know Chantel McGregor, the female Jimi Hendrix of today.


2011 was as also the year with when some of my favorite artists started their album release as Kickstarter/PledgeMusic campaign. I backed Kyler England's, Terra Naomi's, Rachael Yamagata's, Kate Havnevik's, Broken Fences', The Autumn Film's, Anj Granieri's, Adrianne Gonzalez', Ten Out Of Tenn's, Ellen And The Escapades', Garrison Starr's and Shannon Hurley's new albums, pledged for Lelia Broussard's Exclusive Pledgers-Only Album. I still need to wait for some of them. The campaigns of Kyler, Terra and Garrison were extraordinary exciting, due to the videos, songs and live webcasts for the Pledgers.


to be contined...]]>