Rachael Dadd with ICHI on steel pan - Window

We’ve been honoured to have Rachael Dadd as a live guest at the Hangover Lounge and even more pleased to be releasing Window, a modern folk classic which finds Rachael at the top of her game.

Brittle guitars tumble, hopes are raised, love is commemorated and the folk tradition burns anew. Did someone mention Shirley Collins? Truly in that league.

In this brand new version of Window, one of the stand out songs from last year's superb Bite The Mountain album, Rachael is joined by ICHI on steel pan. Here's an excerpt so you can try before you buy.

Fox - Flowers

A distinctly odd song given a distinctly atmospheric treatment by fox, aka world of fox, aka lonesome fox (we call him ‘Simon’). Galaxie 500’s early song Flowers sounds just as haunting in fox’s hands, only different.

Ethereal, shifting and built on sand, Flowers sounds like nothing else. The lyrics remain unchanged, of course, and we’re still left scratching our heads at “Feeling a plastic mood/Buildings have got to change/Cos baby you’re a lunatic”.
FLowers is available on the third Hangover Lounge ep alongside exclusive tracks from The Would-Be-Goods, Standard Fare, Nat Johnson and the Figureheads, Louis Philippe and Rachael Dadd.

Louis Philippe - Don't Talk

Gentleman, scholar and multi-instrumentalist Louis Philippe adds to his rich and varied career with this stunning interpretation of The Beach Boys’ classic.

Such is the versatility and adventure of this arrangement, you hardly know it’s a cover; the soft desperation of the vocal, the sturm und drang of the strings, and the subtle increase in sonic and emotional pressure surely demand that Louis gets co-writing credit with Brian Wilson for this version.
Don't Talk is available on the third Hangover Lounge ep alongside exclusive tracks from The Would-Be-Goods, Standard Fare, Nat Johnson and the Figureheads, Fox and Rachael Dadd.

The Would-Be-Goods: No More Tear-Stained Make Up

What a brave choice of cover version! Martha Reeves and the Vandellas’ No More Tear-Stained Make Up is one of the key songs from Watchout!, one of the classic albums of Motown’s golden age.

As you might expect from The Would-Be-Goods, they steal a win by stripping the song back to its bare bones, matching Jessica’s raw emotional vocal delivery with Peter’s pared – and spare – electric rhythm guitar. This is a quiet triumph. You’ll love it.

No More Tear-Stained Make Up is available on the third Hangover Lounge ep alongside exclusive tracks from Louis Philippe, Standard Fare, Nat Johnson and the Figureheads, Fox and Rachael Dadd.

The Would-Be-Goods are playing at the Union Chapel shortly after noon on Saturday 21 January on a bill starring Hangover Lounge ep alumni David Tattersall and Birdie. It's a free gig, you know.

Standard Fare - (Acoustic) Darth Vader

Darth Vader is the father of Darth Vader

You what?
This acoustic version of Darth Vader was recorded especially for the third Hangover Lounge ep by Standard Fare before they “cut” their latest (wonderful) album Out Of Sight, Out Of Town which features an electric Darth Vader.

Shouldn’t it have come out first then?
And spoil the reveal that (Acoustic) Darth Vader is actually the father? No.

Excuse my cynicism, but I’m not convinced you’d risk having the worldwide exclusive of a new Standard Fare song and wait until its progenitor had been released before you unleashed it on the world.
You’re right. We were looking at a November release originally, but co-ordinating 6 acts, some of whom ‘forgot’ to submit their songs, quite possibly due to drug-induced delusions, forced us to re-schedule.

Really? Name names.
Nope. The important lesson that all of us can come away with is that (Acoustic) Darth Vader was worth waiting for. We’re delighted to be releasing it.

I'd love to see the mighty Standard Fare play (Acoustic) Darth Vader live.
You're in luck. They're playing a free gig on Sunday 22 January at the Hangover Lounge.

Brilliant! What would be even better is if I could buy (Acoustic) Darth Vader on 10" vinyl with exclusive songs by 5 other top artists.
Today really is your lucky day.

Nat Johnson and the Figureheads - Wifery

Ahead of the release of their second album ‘I’m Across, I’m Ashore’ (14 Feb 2012 on Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation) Nat Johnson and the Figureheads present the exclusive acoustic lullaby of Wifery.

As lovely as it’s lonely, Wifery matches the haunting pastoralism of English folk music with sharp-eyed domestic heartbreak. One of their very best songs? We’re certain of it. You can order the third Hangover Lounge 10" ep which features Wifery and exclusive tracks by Standard Fare, Louis Philippe, fox, Rachael Dadd and the Would-be-goods or buy it when Nat Johnson plays at the Hangover Lounge on Sunday 22 January.

Hacia Dos Veranos

Hacia Dos Veranos remain the world's most enigmatic and charasmatic band by following their Hangover Lounge release The Cat & Cucumber, about a cafe in Bermondsey, with The Way Of The Hand And Foot, a song about tae kwan do. Fans of Michael Head and the Strands, The Clientele and Felt - and everyone who's ever drawn the conclusion that Love's Forever Changes is one of the greatest albums - will love Argentina's Hacia Dos Veranos.

They're making their long-awaited return to the UK stage at the Hangover Lounge on September 22. It's going to be pretty special. In the meantime, have a listen to The Way Of The Hand And Foot.

Birdie return to the stage

For those of you who haven't written marked your diary in red pen, Birdie are returning to the stage. We're delighted to weclome Debsey and Paul back to the stage. And what a stage! It's the main hall of the Union Chapel. Doors open at midday. The Would-be-goods are first on, followed by Birdie with David Tattersall finishing things up. It's free, you know.

You probably don't need further encouragement, but here's Message To The Sun by Birdie from the second Hangover Lounge ep.
Birdie - Message to the Sun by wiaiwya

The Lost Weekend

We're hosting two afternoon gigs on Saturday 21 January and Sunday 22 January featuring David Tattersall, Birdie, The Would-be-goods, Standard Fare, Nat Johnson and Hacia Dos Veranos. Nothing you fancy in that musical feast? Get your lugs checked out.

On the Saturday we're decamping just up the road to the Union Chapel where the live music starts at midday. On the Sunday we're at our usual Hangover Lounge home at the Lexington from 2pm.

This weekend will be your first opportunity to buy the third Hangover Lounge 10" ep which includes exclusive acoustic tracks from Standard Fare, The Would-be-goods, Nat Johnson, Louis Philippe, Rachael Dadd and Fox.

Both gigs are free. Children are welcome at both venues.