Here we are once again at the midway point of the week with the scale starting to tip toward the weekend and, for me, the beginning of holiday season.
With that in mind, here’s what’s been going in the ears this week.
Smashing Pumpkins – Goeth The Fall
I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a new Smashing Pumpkins album in the way I have Aghori Mhori Mei in years. Released last week and heralded as one that’ll please the fans of the ’90s stuff and a ‘rock’ record, I’ve gotta say that’s about right. It’s not that good but I’ve been surprised how much I’ve been listening to it and enjoyed to the point of pre-ordering the vinyl.
Air – Kelly Watch The Stars (Edit Version)
While I’m not usually one for picture discs (especially overpriced RSD ones), when this one appeared in my local store’s sale it was an easy decision. Moon Safari is unimpeachable but getting this meant getting hold of the version that was played on MTV back in the day.
The Orb – Little Fluffy Clouds
With the exception of Smashing Pumpkins there seems to be a much more mellow edge to everything here. Maybe it’s the build up of CBD but that’s where I’m at lately. I actually caught this one on the radio this weekend and it’s gained a few spins since. I’ve also just discovered that it’s Rickie Lee Jones talking about clouds – the lads in The Orb heard her trippy response to “So what were the skies like when you were young?” in an interview (who the fuck asks that without smoking something first?) and sampled it. After paying her $5,000 for its use first.
Ben Howard – Time Is Dancing
Oh man I played this album so much when it came out I was surprised that the CD still held up when I chucked it in the car this week. It’s coming up for its tenth anniversary – with the prerequisite re-release in special colours / clear / etc – and for me marks the perfect point in Ben Howard’s sound; moving away from the ‘only love’ festival-pleasing acoustic work and embracing the more experimental elements that would enthuse the later albums while still retaining a focus song structure.
Pearl Jam – Force of Nature
Anyway, here’s some more Pearl Jam and another favourite deep(ish) cut from recent times. Backspacer is the only album I’m missing on my record shelves (for some reason it’s not as widely available as other albums) and while not my favourite it has some wonderful tunes on it and I love the shift in this song’s vibe.
Mumbling About... 
I always have time for the Smashing Pumpkins. And again loving all the Pearl Jam stuff. They are having a wonderful year on the road, in the media and on the charts. When I listen to Force Of Nature, I often think about my wife. I love this song. Making an appearance in Part 5 of my series, but 4 is coming soon.
There’s a lot of stuff on Backspacer that makes me think along the same lines. I recall an interview at the time when one of the band – I think Stone – said that ‘Ed’s still riding the wave he caught on the Into The Wild soundtrack’ and you can certainly here some of that album’s vibe across it. Look forward to part 4
Can’t beat a fix of fluffy clouds. I bloody love the Orb.