The Underground of Happiness

Welcome to Part 2 of my Best of 2015 review. If you're a regular listener to the show, you'll know that folk music in all its forms is a staple of the playlists. And that's where we pick up here with another 22 great tunes. And as usual, it's fascinating to watch and hear what other strands make their way in - lounge, orchestral, whatever. Once again enjoy, and see you all on the other side in 2016. ************************************************************************************************ 1. Alela Diane & Ryan Francesconi – Shapeless (from the album Cold moon , Believe Recordings) A glorious winter entry to start, a collaboration between two fascinating artists in their own right. Like many in this list, it takes folk music and stretches it out until it’s transparent. In this case, classical, choral and tribal music are just a few of the ancestors visible behind Francesconi’s riveting fingerpicked guitar and Diane’s wonderfully pure and clea...

Of the numerous delights on the debut album by Patrick Freeman , Cherry blossom fall , there is one that jumps out from the crowd. ‘Butterfly’ catches a current of some of Brian Wilson’s South Seas experiments courtesy of a sublime steel guitar turn from David Murphy (John Blek & The Rats, The Lost Brothers). In another context, this would be the upper echelons of country music. Here, with a cavernous reverb and flanked by a pitter patter drum machine and glorious vibe synths, it approaches the realms of vintage exotica, your Eden Ahbez for example, dipping and diving into some intriguing psychedelic side roads. The song is perfectly reined in, letting the production do the work. The album was recorded with Brendan Fennessy of O Emperor at their Big Skin studio and it constitutes another impressive addition to that studio’s growing discography. Beguiling is a word. Cherry Blossom Fall by Patrick Freeman

Beautiful taster from the Waterford man now resident in Brooklyn. Recorded with O Emperor at their Cork studio, the EP is an interesting accompaniment to their wonderful album of last year, Vitreous , plying its George Harrison/Harry Nilsson axis of influences. With David Murphy of John Blek & The Rats adding sweet pedal steel, there’s even a shade of Lambchop at their lugubrious best to the utterly sublime ‘I can’t talk about it’. Perfect Fit EP by Patrick Freeman

Quite a bit of new music on the show again this week, including a real stormer from Dublin's Girl Band (below and currently touring), joining the dots thrillingly between Fugazi and The Pixies. New single from Future Islands too, great to hear them back. And Girls Names are on the Choice Award list. John Grant is certainly one cool motherfucker (whatever about being the greatest), he plays Ireland in March. As does Damien Jurado , his new album is wonderful. Who else? More Ezra Furman , love that; strong Irish music from Patrick Freeman (lovely country feel) and Silverbacks (Yo La Tengo vibe). Plus Pontiak kicking out some serious jams. Jan 28 2014 show w/ Girl Band,Girls Names,Ezra Furman,Pontiak,Gram Parsons,Gene Clark++ by Theundergroundofhappiness on Mixcloud The Underground of Happiness uplifting pop music of every creed www.theundergroundofhappiness.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/theundergroundofhappiness Playlist 296 Tues Jan 28 2014 11.00...