Caulbearers’ Damien Mahoney recently created this playlist for online magazine Boston Bastard Brigade.
Here’s what Damien has to say about the playlist:
“I hope you enjoy this 21-song journey through folk, funk, disco, psychedelia, hip-hop, jazz, electronica and contemporary classical music. This mix has two overlapping themes but the principle one is artists who create something original via the weaving together of varied influences & styles. The psych-folk sounds of Villagers and Jane Weaver early in the selection are wonderfully combined with heavier, soulful grooves and this is a blend that resonates with our latest single ‘Burst Through The Borders’, which features later in the mix.
“Another theme is of collaboration and connection: Fellow Manchester artists GoGo Penguin feature twice, and Drummer Rob Turner & pianist Chris Illingworth both played & recorded with Caulbearers previously (Rob also came up with the initial groove for ‘Hollow Bones’ in this selection). The city’s See Thru Hands bring their hybrid disco, post-punk funk to the party, and another MCR artist, Shunya blends soulful afro vibes with electronica. Shunya recorded the strings on ‘Brave Ships’, a track that I produced for Ruth Blake. Ruth is an incredible artist & songwriter whose voice also features on several Caulbearers songs here, including ’Solid Supposed’ that starts the mix. The MCR connection extends to Tungusku, comprising of former members of The Mouse Outfit & featuring Caulbearers’ Gavin Mullan on percussion.
“‘Tender Is The Nitis’ by Defunkles continues the theme of a hybrid mix of styles and sounds with a nod to Eno & Bryne’s My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts and Bill Laswell’s production. This project was a previous collaboration between myself and guitarist Ian Fletcher. Ground-breaking polyrhythmic pianist Edward Chilvers ends this mix with the beautiful ‘Here This Forever’ from his latest album. Listen out for Eddie’s exquisite piano-playing on ‘Burst Through The Borders’ too.”
