Music: Shallow Bed (Acoustic) - Dry the River

Shallow Bed (Acoustic) - Dry the River

by Courtney Askey

I've been looking forward to this ever since it was announced that Shallow Bed, one of my favourite albums of 2012, would be re-released acoustically. And my word, it definitely does not disappoint. It's a whole different album- and equally as excellent.

With the same track listing of the previous album, the translation from one to the other is superb. Beginning with a haunting a capella version of Animal Skins, you're gently thrown into a Wintery world of flawless harmonies. New Ceremony, on the other hand, reminds me of Summer. It's incredibly gentle, and it's wonderfully beautiful. Will Harvey's violin accompanies the delicate (whilst at the same time powerful) voice of Peter Liddle and the backing from other band members Scott Miller, Matt Taylor and Jon Warren with grace. Shield Your Eyes is a little punchier with its percussion. My favourite from the album so far is History Book. It's been stripped down considerably from the original version. The first thirty seconds or so with vocals from Peter with the piano accompaniment really highlights the duality of the band. 'Shallow Bed' is all raging crescendos and epic 'folk rock' build ups. 'Shallow Bed (Acoustic)', on the other hand, allows us to focus on the vocal talent. The harmonies are heart-wrenchingly good. The Chambers & The Valves is slowed down and less bouncy than before, and now it seems a whole other level of sentimental. Next is another of my favourites: Demons. This song is probably my favourite from 'Shallow Bed', and from the two live performances I've seen of the boys. The original conjures emotions in me that I didn't know existed. The strings, booming drums and the crescendo of the electric version really are a thing to behold. And on this acoustic offering, this song is something a bit more intimate. It seems sadder. I like sad. Bible Belt translates beautiful acoustically. I've always loved the acoustic versions of Bible Belt that I've discovered on the internet after finding the Watch Listen Tell session. No Rest is another of my favourite from the original album. I've found myself many a time screaming along in a most unruly fashion. I must say, this acoustic version is missing something a little with the lack of drums, but that doesn't mean it's not something really rather wonderful. The power of Peter's vocals really shine through in this song. Shaker Hymns  is beautiful. It's folk at its best. Now, Weights & Measures. This song does things to me- especially this version. I remember when I first heard this song I had it on repeat for an hour in the darkness of my bedroom. It was devastating. I probably cried a bit, too. I'd like to say I've hardened after a good few hundred plays but that isn't the case. I think this is just one of those songs. Ending on previously rowdy and shouty (in the best way possible) (did you get that) Lion's Den, this is a great closing number. It leaves you wanting more. 

This is a really great album. I can't wait to listen to this more. It's a perfect soundtrack to the movie moments of life. You know, the sunsets, the long car journeys, the heartbreak... Buy it. Just buy it now. 

Available on iTunes from 17th December.

What I've been doing...

Hello, I'm sorry I've not been posting, I've been absolutely rushed off my feet doing everything in the world! October has been the busiest month for me. Lots of things are coming to a close and getting all exciting.

Music

The other day I travelled to Cambridge with two of my best friends to see my current favourite band, Dry the River. It was an unbelievably perfect night. The set was absolutely fantastic, there was a great atmosphere in the crowd and everybody was emotionally wailing along, and we met Scott Miller (bass), Peter Liddle (vocals and guitar) and Will Harvey (violin)! They were so lovely and nice to talk to. 

Scott

Pete

I've also been doing a lot of work on my own music. I'm doing some proper recording with my boys on Tuesday for my brand new EP 'Songs From My Ribcage'. I finished the artwork last night:

It's going to be released sometime very soon, I'll post about that when I know for certain. 

Music video also coming soon!

Film

My film is finally coming to a close! Our final shoot begins at 5pm today, how exciting. We're shooting the dramatic end sequence today, our biggest shoot yet.

I've just finished some work on a short documentary as a part of research for my EPQ project at college. It's about an exhibition by a group of artists in Leiester called 'The Collective'.

The Collective - A Short Film

Film: My work

Hello Blogger!

I thought I'd share some of my own work tonight. It is my ambition to work in the film industry in the future (at a point when I'm feeling adequately grown up and sensible and before all of my imagination disappears). I have been veering towards creating music videos as of recent, but I still have such a love for film. I am currently in the process of setting up a Vimeo account, so once I've made that all pretty and professional I'll share the link to that.

I am also currently making a film entitled 'Three Weeks'. I wrote the story two years ago, completed the screenplay last Summer and we've been working on it since December 2011. Filming commences in the next few days!

Dry the River - Thou Art Loosed music video

The Winter of Mixed Drinks - short

Music: Thou Art Loosed - Dry the River

Thou Art Loosed - Dry the River

This B-side from the EP 'Weights and Measures' by my favourite folk rockers is on repeat on my Spotify/record player all of the time right now. It is so enchanting. Laden with beautiful harmonies and minimal music, this song pulls you in right from the first 'don't cry for me, babe, I'll learn to live without you'. 

A perfect 2 minutes and 33 seconds every time. Give it a listen. You wont regret it.