In the Venn diagram of Hayman's work, for me "12 Astronauts" lands in the intersection between the "pop/rock" and "electronica" circles. As idiosyncratic and creative as we have come to expect from this artist (in both musical and visual senses of the word!).
This collects the stripped-down tracks recorded by Martin Newell at the end of the 2000s, shortly before he resurrected the Cleaners moniker. Originally released as low-key MP3 EPs via his website, these fine samples of Newelliana now get a well-deserved second airing.
A great set of early-80s synth/guitar pop with an infusion of prog-rock and sci-fi. Excellent remastering job (and thankfully the band members found some better-quality tapes!).
I discovered Lullatone via their BC blog post, though I’ve seen them before in my searches for “ukulele pop”. These really do sound like TV soundtrack pieces; some remind me of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra (eg the “paper plane” one). I’ll be exploring further... :-)
Over 15 years late... I'm discovering Sam Beam's early releases as I&W. Love "The Creek Drank The Cradle" and this EP (almost like "Creek"'s bonus tracks). Lo-fi yet intimate indie-folk.
A most intriguing EP - I'd call it "uketronica(TM)" :-) The more ukulele-inclined songs are pretty, and "Sadness In The Soil" has a Brian Eno-esque air to it. This EP left me wanting to hear more - please do!
In the "folk/rock" area of Hayman's artistic Venn-diagram, this EP (mini-album?) deserves not to be overlooked. ("Leaves And Stars" is going in my "Introduction to Darren Hayman" playlist...)
Delicate song-filigrees from the ukulele-toting singer-songwriter and visual artist. The supporting arrangements are especially interesting here - in particular the touches of synthesisers, which enhance without overpowering.
A solo album in all but name, Martin Newell recorded this set at his Wivenhoe home in 1985, inbetween lineups of the Cleaners. Four-track portastudio productions combining a 60s pop sensibility, with 80s guitar-pop touches.
