A bunch of stuff I've enjoyed in March.

That there picture is of Josh T Pearson, troubled troubadour, former singer with Texan psych-rockers Lift To Experience, and now country solo singer extraordinaire. He falls into the first of today's categories of....

Gigs I've loved this month: Josh T Pearson at Stereo - a hushed crowd (generally) gathered to hear Pearson play morbid songs of heartbreak and bad times, and he did so beautifully, puncturing the sombre mood with a stand-up routine that had the crowd laughing and entirely at his mercy. Check a wonderful solo performance here. New album Last of the Country Gentlemen might just be one of the albums of the decade.

I also took in the folk-rocking delights of The Decemberists, and the guitar majesty of Deerhunter who had the audacity to open their set at Oran Mor with a brand new song. This bunch are what guitar music should be about: inventive and listenable.

Records I've loved this month: Aside from Josh T Pearson, there's been Jessica Lea Mayfield's Tell Me, wonderful drone rock/jazz metal from Earth with Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1, The Dodos back on fine form with No Color, and finally, Kurt Vile with Smoke Ring for My Halo.

Tune in tomorrow for the first review of April....who will it be?

Album Review: Jessica Lea Mayfield

After the Kassidy debacle of last week, it's about time we got back on track here with some top notch tuneage....and as if by magic, you can head over to TLOBF to read my review of Jessica Lea Mayfield's new record, Tell Me.

If you make the jump, this time you'll be richly rewarded....hop on!

Before the month is out we'll be taking a look at what I've enjoyed in March, so expect namechecks for Deerhunter, Josh T Pearson, Earth...and many more...

Me and The Universal Sigh

For reasons known only to themselves, Radiohead gave away copies of a newspaper, The Universal Sigh, yesterday to celebrate the physical release of actually very good new record King Of Limbs. And looksy! It's me looking mildly uncomfortable holding a copy outside Love Music Records (formerly Avalanche) in sunny Glasgow.

For more photos of people looking embarrassed, showing off, or mugging furiously at the camera, head over to The Universal Sigh website...

Why is my left hand holding the paper like it's been slightly soiled?

Album Review: Kassidy

Oh, Kassidy. The Daily Record have called you "Scotland's hottest new band", which can be seen on all the album posters dotted across the city, your rugged beardy handsomeness glaring moodily at passers by from said adverts for Hope St.

But never mind what a top Scottish newspaper thinks of you, Kassidy. What do I think about your debut record? Well, you'll have to pop over to The Line Of Best Fit to find out.

However, if you happen to be a band member, friend, or relative I'd maybe want to give this one a miss.......

Ouchie.

Interview: Papercuts

An exciting development as I expand into interviews territory, yes indeedy! A Fisher Price My First Interview.....

I had the opportunity to chat recently (via e-mail) to Jason Quever of the awesome Papercuts, and you can find out how that went at the usual place, The Line Of Best Fit.

Click here to read more...and you can read the review of new album Fading Parade here.

Album Review: All Smiles

All Smiles is the pseudonym of former Granddaddy guitarist and current Modest Mouse member Jim Fairchild. He's just self-released his new record (on digital and vinyl) Staylow and Mighty in the past week or so, and guess what? Yep, you've got a second chance today to head over to The Line Of Best Fit and read all about it......

Well, go on then - click it!

Album Review: Saraseto Records

More of a label review really, as I take my opportunity to sink my critical teeth into Glasgow's Saraseto Records, and their new sampler Everywhere You Are.

Shimmy over to The Line Of Best Fit to read more - even if it's just for the gorgeous cover art! I'm pleased I've got the chance to talk about some music from the city in which I live, and there may be more to come in future weeks. In the meantime, if you want to catch up on any reviews you've missed, just take the jump below:

MeMeMeMeMe!

Tyler, the Creator - Yonkers

Tyler, the Creator is part of the most thrilling (and quite probably the most offensive) hip hop crew there's been in a long time: Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. They're responsible for some of the most outside-the-box, radical, catchy, swaggering music I've heard in a long time. Tyler is probably what you'd call the de facto leader of the collective, and the kid is a genius.

Below is a video for 'Yonkers', but be warned...it's very sweary.

This band could be your life - Still Corners

Inhabiting a world where Slowdive and Broadcast rule the airwaves, this is the sound of the cinematic, dreamy Still Corners. Check out the woozy treats of 'Don't Fall In Love' and 'Endless Summer' (not a Beach Boys cover) below:

Still Corners: Don't Fall In Love Still Corners: Endless Summer

The Mariner's Revenge Song

As a tribute to The Decemberists' fantastic gig on Saturday at the Barrowlands, here's gig highlight (minus audience interaction) 'The Mariner's Revenge Song', taken from a performance a couple of years back.