How in the merry hell did it get to be November already? The year is fast disappearing and I’ve got a lot planned so here are my favourite ukulele albums and EPs of the year. Let me know what yours are in the comments.
Note: for the purposes of this post “2014” refers to the time betwen the last time I did this post and now. Which means I’m missing out WIUO’s debut album and Craig Robertson’s Greatest Hats.
If you aren’t satiated by these take a listen to more of this year’s releases in my Ukulele 2014 Spotify playlist.
James Hill – The Old Silo
Who? Canuck uke legend, world’s best ukulelist and and not Alan Sugar’s apprentice.
What? James’s first album with no instrumental tracks at all but plenty of nasty-ass distorted baritone ukulele.
Keston Cobblers Club – Pocket Guide to Escaping
Who? Instrument swapping folkies coming straight outta Bromley.
What? Another top collection of singalong, foot-stomping, good time music.
Arroyo Deathmatch – Through the Fear of It
Who? Dethklok when they had to play grandpas’ guitars.
What? “Nocturnal New Mexican Rage Folk” proving acoustic instruments are not just for pussies and grandpas.
Pay what you like for it on Bandcamp
Purple Ferdinand – The Dragonfly EP
Who? London singer songwriter and Ed Sheeran tattooist.
What? Spacey ukulele soul. And it’s free.
Download it on PurpleFerdinand.com
Allo Darlin’ – We Come from the Same Place
Who? Australian songstress who recorded her first record at Duke of Uke.
What? Third album of ukulele indie pop.
World’s best ukulelist? Throwing out red meat
for the masses, Al?
I seem to recall some disagreeing when you previously blogged that claim.
The more argumentative might say it won’t be true until the other guy retires.
Some might refer to the Canuck uke legend as “the other guy.”
Well, I’m not one to take sides. Cellos can hurt.
But, there certainly is only one ukulelist who is –
The world’s best known/ most popular.
The world’s most influential.
The world’s most innovative.
None of which necessarily makes (un)said ukulelist the world’s best, of course.
Re- Arroyo: Wasn’t that Kala touted as a jazz uke when it came out? I still don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone actually play jazz on it.
Maybe I have, but I can’t remember. But, jass certainly isn’t its main use.
Re- Purple: Maybe you can make a list of tattooed
ukulele players for a future post. It’ll be a long one. Include photos.
Along this line: Just got the new Elderly Instruments catalog in the post yesterday.
First time I’ve seen the Lanikai Sailor Jerry
Concert Uke.
From the catalog: “A must have for tattoo fans,
uke collectors, and lovers of vintage Anericana.
“Celebrates the legendary tattoo artist Norman
“Sailor Jerry” Collins, the father of traditional
American tattooing, with classic flash tattoo designs on the top and back.”
Re- Allo: The notes for the video of the first
single from the album mention that Elizabeth has
married and moved to Italy.
For fans who follow that sort of thing. Not the rest of us more serious types.