5 Tewns Vol.8

Read Time: 3 mins

Friends, Romans, Country Fans,

It’s been a stressful old week here, and I’ve not had a massive amount of time to enjoy new — or even old — music. Like any true fan, I’ve also been dedicating an awful lot of my time to basking in the light that is D’Angelo (RIP). Nonetheless, there are some other lovely bits of music I want to share with you — and, of course, a killer D’Angelo concert, which you will watch in its entirety!

Erang – Feelings While the world Ends [Self Released]

Melancholic, introspective dungeon synth from France, made with the express aim of helping us “to face the darkness and, if not overcome it, at least cope with it.”

Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan – Renewal and Regeneration [Castles In Space]

Heroic, time-bending synth business, taken from Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan’s sixth album on the ever-wonderful Castles in Space. This one gives me hope.

David Byrne – Everybody Laughs [Matador]

My littlest, Idris, was banging this out this morning on his little portable radio before school, and I can’t think of a better way to start my Friday than with the strange, Sesame Street–style skewed pop that David Byrne delights in here.

Robert Lax – Living in the Present [TAL]

I’ve been obsessing over this Zen-laced spoken-word album from minimalist poet Robert Lax since I was sent it by my mate, Dangerous Dave Kenney. Taken from an archive of recordings for the film, Why Should I Buy a Bed When All I Want Is Sleep? His prose is embellished with otherworldly field recordings and subtle instrumentation that sends me flying.

D’Angelo & The Vanguard – Live At North Sea Jazz

Since D’Angelo’s passing, I’ve been fervently watching videos of his live performances and obsessing over his brilliance — you know, like normal middle-aged men do. I missed out twice on seeing the master live, and now I’m filled with regret. All I can do now is watch this, and bask in the vibe. God bless D’Angelo.

Read our Jammos love letter to D’Angelo here

For more musings, music and middle-aged leftist rants, subscribe to our monthly updates.