Stephin Merritt – Magnetic Fields Who? Dark humorist and dour songwriter with Magnetic Fields, Gothic Archies and other projects. What’s so special? The first alternative act I heard use the ukulele (in 1999’s 69 Love Songs). Put to rest the idea that everything sounds happy on the ukulele. Introduced the ukulele to a generation of […]
Archive for 2010
Queen Lili’uokalani Who? Hawaiian Queen 1891 – 1894. What’s so special? The ukulele really took hold in Hawaii thanks to its extensive use by the Royal Family. Queen Lili’uokalani and her brother King David Kalakaua were massive supporters of the early ukulele makers and players. She is said to have written the ultimate ukulele tune […]
The ukulele is best known as an accompanying instrument but many players have stretched what it is possible to do with a uke and used it as a solo instrument. Here are some of the most important. Ernest Ka’ai Who? Hawaiian ukulelist who set the groundwork for all ukulele soloists to come. What’s so special? […]
Ukulelezo has been a favourite on here since I first featured one of her videos two years ago. What I didn’t know then was that she’d turn out to be such a witty and unique songwriter. I dragged her away from her constant toil recording her debut album to talk about songwriting, puns and winning […]
Each year on the blog I run a contest to find readers’ favourite ukulele video of the year. Here are the winners and other popular entries. 2012 Winner: Sophie Madeleine, Jocelyn Mackenzie & Emily Hope Price – Bei Mir Bist Du Schön Who? English singer/songwriter teamed up with the lady parts of Pearl and the […]
More than any site (yes, even this one) YouTube has been the place been have first encountered the ukulele and had an urge to pick one up. Here are the most popular ukulele videos on the site.
Tiki Farm Theme (Tabs) I hate Facebook. I used to have a secret account and then people started finding me. I ended up shutting it down. But, to my shame, I had to set up a new secret secret account just to play Happy Island. I have to admit I’m completely addicted. When a game […]
Ukulele & accordion is fast becoming the new ukulele & kazoo. This week’s contribution to the combo comes from Les Poupées Gonflées (literal translation = The Swollen Dolls – that has to be a French euphemism). Also this week, Seeso has moved all his covers to a new channel and has bravely reupped his cover […]
Another new uke and another new wood for Kala with the Kala Butterfly. MGM refers to it being made from bicote. He might mean bocote – the heavy grain certainly looks a lot like bocote. Either way, I don’t think it’ll make its way on to my shopping list. Two lovely vintage Favilla ukuleles: Favilla […]
Check out the Stackridge podcast on Monday for a ukulele special including George from the UOGB co-present and tracks including Uke Hunt faves the Bobby McGee’s and Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer. And there’s a performance by Fairport Convention. I’ll be heading off to Ukelear Meltdown this weekend. If you see me, say hi. I […]
