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Simon Phipps's personal commentary

The Guggenheim Grotto

I'm not sure what drew my attention back to them, but I bought an album (for the benefit of those who have been asking that's a useful archaic term for "a collection of related MP3s grouped under a fanciful name") by The Guggenheim Grotto, an Irish acoustic/folk band with a talent for both lyrics and melodies. I'd first picked up their track Told You So off the 2006 SXSW sampler and then Philosophia showed up as a free song on iTMS US. That second track finally got to me and I decided to get the whole album, Waltzing Alone (that's Amazon MP3 and US-only, but Amazon UK has the CD).

There's a lot of Oasis sound in there, but it's generally more accessible and laid back (and, yes, I suppose, OK, I admit it, melancholic) as well as heading deep into folk sounds (try Rosanna). 'Philosophia' is still a stand-out, but several others are already sticking including the thoughtful Koan and the fascinating close harmonies of Ozymandias which is indeed derived from the Shelley poem. On continuous play and recommended - the free EP on their download page is great and they have even got ready-to-use free ringtones there.

Labels: Music

posted at 10:55 AM (UK) | |