A short EP of Christmas carols and original songs inspired the Chris Columbus classic 'Home Alone'....
'Die Hard' is obviously a great Christmas film, but the possibly even more violent 'Home Alone' is also a bit of a belter. In fact 'Home Alone' seems especially appropriate this year when an awful lot of people won't be able to see all the friends or loved ones that they would like to. Or perhaps this has worked out really well for some, and it's a relief having no pressure to see anyone or do anything you might otherwise feel obliged to. That's fine too.
'Home Alone' also just so happens to have two of my favourite carols - 'O Holy Night' and 'Carol of the Bells' - with some tasty arrangements by John Williams featured in the church scene. So this seemed like as good an excuse as any to have a go a covering them for this Home Alone inspired EP.
Of the other two original tracks that make up the EP, 'Wanderlust' was written and recorded at the very start of lockdown back in March. Back when the world shrank to the size of your immediate neighbourhood it makes you suddenly appreciate how much you take for granted just being able to go wherever and see whoever you like.
'Coorie In', record much more recently, is for for curling up and letting this write-off of a year drift away, with the hope that things might, just might, be better next year.
So however you're spending it, have a happy and safe Christmas.
credits
released December 4, 2020
'Wanderlust' & 'Coorie In' written, performed and recorded by Ian Turnbull
'O Holy Night' written by Adolphe Adam, and
'Carol Of The Bells' written by Mykola Leontovych both arranged and recorded by Ian Turnbull.
Acoustic & electric guitars, bass guitar, piano, organ, microkorg, slide, programming, percussion, samples & field recordings, recorded at home in Edinburgh between March - November 2020.
A brilliant album from an artist at the absolute top of his game. As with all Adam’s music hypnotic and often industrial rhythms run side by side with a tenderness and humanity which is deeply affecting.
Every time I listen to the record I hear something more. From belting should be hits like “Phantom Billions” and “Atheist Money” to more experimental tracks like “Railway Trespassers” this is a classic album that deserves a wide audience.
Reference points include Steve Reich, Adrian Belew’s King Crimson , David Byrne/Brian Eno (My Life in the bush of Ghosts) and 1980s pop luminaries like Thomas Dolby. Truly though Adam Stafford is an original and brilliant artist. Don’t miss the chance to hear his music and see him live. He’s the real deal. markrstirling
I only picked up on Meursault recently through their brilliant album “I Will Kill Again”. Investigating their back catalogue has been an absolute pleasure. There something about Neil’s outlook and slightly off kilter way of putting songs together that is endlessly compelling. This is illustrated on the track “Simple is Good” with great lyrics “First there was nothing then there was light. Still there was nothing but now we could see it .....” underpinned by appropriately unsettling keyboards. Meursault and Neil Pennycook are national treasures! markrstirling
Composer, artist, and 12k label founder Taylor Deupree collaborates with Joseph Branciforte to reimagine his own seminal album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 6, 2024
Another fabulous record from a musician who I listen to most days and find more to love each time. Some of the warmest, most instant songs in their catalogue here. Adam Littlefield