James Blake

So, Wyatt Moss-Wellington was trying to explain to me what he had in mind for the style of our next cover song (for those who are unaware, Gold Star Band released their first single Changing of The Seasons a short while ago – end shameless plug).

Anyhow, he said he thought that we should try some “dubstep”.

I stared at him blankly.

“You know,” he said, “like James Blake.”

I stared at him blankly.

I had never heard of James Blake before. So he played me some songs when we got to his house and I was captured right there and then.

Since then, in the 3 days that have passed, I have listened to his album right through 9 or 10 times. I’m in love with his music.

Before I get carried away telling everyone that they have to listen to, and love him, I need to take a step back and concede that I recognise his music will not be everyone’s tastes. I know in the past I have been carried away with my own enthusiasm and I fail to see why everyone wouldn’t love the brilliance that is passing through their ears. I think James Blake is different enough for me to know that from the outset.

But that won’t stop me from raving about it here. Have a listen:

Now, you’ll also probably need to know that generally speaking, I don’t get very enthusiastic about male vocalists. There are some I love, yes, and I usually love them well, but if they don’t make that list, then they don’t get listened to. James Blake made it to that list the first time I listened to his album.

It doesn’t hurt that he has a cover in there of Feist’s ‘Limit To Your Love’ which I have always loved, and can now appreciate this version.

His vocal treatments are haunting and have me mentally gripping the speakers with my ears. The “dubstep” (as far as I can understand it) is fascinating, and it makes me excited that people are out there doing new things with music.

Well, I’m hooked. I’d be interested in hearing what other people think of him too. If you know his stuff, or if you’ve only just heard it here, comment and let me know.

It probably won’t do it justice, but here is an album sampler from youtube: