As is traditional at this time of year, I shall endeavour to encourage you to part with your hard-earned cash on some gifts of quality for yourselves and your loved ones. Here is a carefully considered list of recent releases that deserve their place on your christmas playlist.
Fel y bysech chi’n ei ddisgwyl, ‘dw i am drio’ch perswadio chi i wario’ch arian prin ar gerddoriaeth sy’n haeddu ei le ar eich silff chi. Dyma restr dethol o gerddoriaeth gafodd ei ryddhau yn ddiweddar fyddai’n gwneud anrhegion gwerth chweil i’ch ffrindiau, i’ch teulu ac i chi’ch hunain.
Candelas- Bodoli’n Ddistaw
Following on from their eponymous debut and a headlining gig at Maes b, the most popular band in Wales have released their second L.P, ‘Bodoli’n Ddistaw’ (Existing Quietly).
Highlights include Llwytha’r Gwn, (Load the Gun) featuring Alys Williams.
Carcharorion- Hiraeth EP
The debut EP by Carcharorion follows hot on the heels of their remix of Pa Le? by 9Bach. It features a remix of Hiraeth by Plu and an updated version of Beth yw’r Haf i Mi which was originally released on the Cam1 compilation by Peski’s Cam o’r Tywyllwch project. It’s available as limited edition CD from peski.co.uk for merely £5 or you can download an mp3 version from peski or from iTunes.
Geraint Jarman- Dwyn yr Hogyn Nol
Released on Ankst Records, Geraint Jarman is back with a brand new collection. An excellent gift for old and new fans alike. I always find it interesting what people who haven’t grown up with Jarman think, so this is what the Independent said about his Festival No. 6 2014 gig:
“Geraint Jarman shows us why he’s a legend of a scene he helped create. He remains a jerky, wiry performer, with an excellent band mixing over-driven rock guitars, reggae and tuneful punk snarl. When he equates Ethiopia and Cymru, you don’t need to speak his language to know how he feels.”
The album is currently available on Sadwrn.com, however the official album launch will be at Chapter Arts Centre on January 25th accompanied by Plu. See below.
Plu- Holl Anifeiliaid y Goedwig
A departure from their usual ‘alternative folk’ sound into the world of songs for children. It includes a mixture of traditional, original and reworked versions of children’s songs, all with an animal theme. Fabulous. The perfect gift for anybody with kids, those who love the sibling trio’s perfect harmonies or simply folk enthusiasts. My fave part of this album is Elan’s sheep sounds on Triawd y Buarth. It’s worth buying just for that.
You can get your furry paws/claws on this beautiful collection at Sadwrn.com or straight from Sain. Tickets are selling fast for their gig with Geraint Jarman in Chapter next month.
R.Seiliog- In Hz
As an early adopter, I have been especially happy to R. Seiliog get some well-deserved appreciation, even if it is in the unlikeliest of places. GQ magazine, for example, they say if you’re into Aphex Twin then try R.Seiliog. But don’t listen to them, and don’t listen to me….try it for yourself. It’s available from Turnstile records as both a CD and on vinyl. In fact, Robin is launching the gig at the Waiting Room in London right now. Call in if you’re in the area.
