In My CD player this week…

David — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:35:00 GMT

It's no secret that I am a fan of SA rock. But even for me what is currently on heavy rotation in my CD player is a bit of a surprise.

I have 4 South African bands whose CD’s I am playing back to back. Well, not all of them are bands, making things even more curious.

So, here it is, my four most highly rated CD’s of the moment. (in no particular order)

340ML – Sorry For The Delay
I have ranted at length about this already. But this new 340ML is really transcendental. I love the fact that it is genre busting, sophisticated yet plain old fun reggae all at the same time.

Paul Flynn – Fields
Damn this is a brilliant example of a singer song-write at the height of his powers. Its lyrical, funny, emotional, intelligent and catchy. Flynn has always been know os somewhat of a master wordsmith and on this album he outdoes himself. Reminds me of Lloyd Cole, Elvis Costello and ole Morrissey (circa Smiths days) at their very best.

Rambling Bones – Watchin and Waiting
This is the debut solo effort from Fuzigish front-man Jay Bones. Its a weird mix of hill-billy country, punk ethos, folk and rockabilly. And it works magnificently. As with the Flynn album, there is a palpable sense of a singer having fun with what they do, free of the constraints that their band may be having on them. It's fun, clever and easy repeat listening.

Slashdogs – Hunger
This one was a surprise because I have never really been what you would call a fan of this band. But this record is magnificent. Throwing off the expectations of any kind of commercial recognition they have come up with a killer. Yes there are those hard driving Slashdogs numbers, but there are also some very clever and deep, quieter songs. They carry it off with aplomb.

As is traditional with most of this kind of stuff, you may battle to find it out there on the streets. I admit, all my copes have come direct from the artists or managers themselves, or even direct fro their label. But Look and Listen is always the best bet to pick up this kind of stuff so go and ask at the counter there somewhere, or go visit the band sites for more info.

The Chiz : Paul Flynn

In My CD player this week…