Three times "The Gift" in stereo

How about an enterprising soul who made not one, not two, but three music only in stereo mixes of The Velvet Underground's The Gift? Are people actually listening to this or even all three of them in a row? There sure are. They were posted on Steve Hoffman's Music Forum and The Velvet Forum. Not that hardcore? They can be found on YouTube.

John Cale: Underdog in de underground

Not counting the AI-generated total rubbish biographies there haven't been many books about John Cale. Belgian author (and musician) Wouter Bulckaert's effort Underdog in de underground is a worthy addition to Cale's autobiography What's Welsh For Zen (co-written with Victor Bockris) and Tim Mitchell's Sedition and Alchemy. Part retelling of his all over the place career, part critical review of the extensive discography, Bulckaert is obviously a fan, but he doesn't turn a blind eye to the weaker spots and odd decisions made by a perennial outsider, restless musical seeker, collaborator, and producer.

Westside Cowboy: It Goes On

photo: Clémentine Schneiderman

To find out what Mancunian indie quartet Westside Cowboy are all about on their new album It Goes On, it is best to listen Paper Chains, a fuzzy garage rocker that apparently falls apart shortly before the finish line, before the band members pick themselves up again to finish the songs properly. Yes, that was intentional, because getting the listeners on the wrong foot is a game they keep playing, albeit not as blatant as this "gotcha" move.

They rose through the ranks really fast, with two well-received EPs (This Better Be Something Great and So Much Country 'Till We Get There), which landed them a record deal with a major. Thankfully the suits let them do whatever the fuck they wanted to write and record: quirky lo-fi songs that would have never survived a clean production. It is all a bit ramshackle in an endearing way, riding the coat tails of a band like English Teacher who also refused to be boxed in. If anything it will entice tonnes of hopefuls that plugging and just play will go a long way, provided they a shit on of musical ideas that will even convince people with a short attention to keep listening to the whole thing in one sitting.

Ismena: I See Words

photo: Maaike Ronhaar

Dutch folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Ismena used a dirge-sounding backbeat for her new single I See Words, but it is not a sad song however. She celebrates the beauty and joy that can be found in creativity and love, acting as kickstarters for making music. Acting as her own backing vocalist, it is a showcase for her crystal clear delivery.

Gingham: Cross Country

Dreamy shoegaze band Gingham have found a way to update Alan Sillitoe's classic short story The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner for indie kids of all ages with their new single Cross Country. Let's face it, most people dread outdoor sports if they are organised by an overzealous PE teacher. It is much more fun to indulge in a bit of daydreaming in stead having to deal with a body screaming for mercy, because it is fucking old outside.