Monday, May 21, 2012

The British Are Coming

At the suggestion of a foreign friend, I thought it wise to write a post dedicated entirely to a showcasing a few of my favorite English musicians as they are surely soon to become part of yet another British invasion. With such songbird sirens as Duffy, Adele and -- most recently -- Ellie Goulding gaining fame from across the pond, I fear the men have been a bit overlooked. Allow me to enlighten you.

ED SHEERAN

Born in West Yorkshire to Irish and English parents, Ed has been recording his own music since as early as 2005, releasing multiple independent EP's before being signed to Asylum/Atlantic about a year ago. "The A Team," the first single off of Ed's album entitled +, debuted at number 3 on the UK charts, becoming the best selling debut single of 2011. Happened to see Snow Patrol on tour this spring in the US? Then you may recognize Ed Sheeran as the band's opening act. Watch The Vampire Diaries? If so you may recognize his song "Give Me Love," as it was featured on an episode this past February.

If you need a sound reference, think Matisyahu meets Jason Mraz meets The Script. My recommendations are "The A Team," "Small Bump," "Drunk" and "Lego House" (this is where the Matisyahu comparison becomes relevant, by the way). View the official video for his newest single below:



JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW

Okay, so James Vincent McMorrow isn't English -- he's Irish. But he spent time recording in London! Eh, close enough.

James spent years exploring his musicality as a rock drummer before taking a chance on singing/songwriting folk music. A move to London proved fruitless, forcing a self-imposed seclusion near his hometown in Ireland for a month, thus birthing his greatest creation, Early in the Morning. His songs exude the heart of Sufjan Stevens and the voice of Ray LaMontagne. Or, as my sister so eloquently stated when listening to his cover of "Higher Love," "he sounds like he's going to cry through the whole thing." That's a real man, baby.

My favorites, in addition to his covers of "Higher Love" and "Wicked Games," are the following:

"We Don't Eat"
"If My Heart Should Somehow Stop"
"If I Had a Boat"
"Breaking Hearts"
"Early in the Morning, I'll Come Calling"

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