The Underground of Happiness

We're on a 4AD roll. The first song from the New Yorkers' new album, Eye contact , is available to stream here: http://ganggangdance.com/ It's great. Here's what I put down in the monthly round-up: Gang Gang Dance - Glass jar (4AD, from the album Eye contact ) Brilliant, expansive, drifting 11 minute opus by the New Yorkers, which by the end still manages to make you want to shake your body around with a two-step workout. Innovative use of steel drum samples also stands out. A world music for the future. They're also on the Primavera bill at the end of May.

Spring is here The grass is ris I wonder where the birdies is... Governments are falling like skittles this weather. As usual, pop music has its own soundtrack to world events. Try turning down the volume of your favourite news channel and turning up some of this UOH playlist instead. It might just turn your world upside-down. *All albums below, unless otherwise stated. John Stammers - John Stammers (Wonderful Sound) Gorgeous folk-blues hybrid from the Manchester native, built around fingerpicked acoustic guitar and a smoky, unassuming voice. For fans of Nick Drake or (especially) Bert Jansch. As usual, the beauty is in the detail - the keening cello of Idle I'm , muted trumpet set against mournful pedal steel on Here again , the one-note violin chorus of The fridge . Plaintiff and heartfelt, a beautiful addition to the canon of modern English folk music. A Lazarus Soul - Through a window in the sunshine room (Intent to Supply Records) Authentically downbeat album of el...