Jeff Buckley

I once heard a song called 'Grace' on the radio. I never heard it again, but from that I got the album 'Grace'. I then realised I had just acquired one of the best albums ever made, in the world, ever! Jeff Buckley has an incredible voice & a songwriting ability to match. 'Grace' boasts a unique blend magical rock ballads with hauntingly beautiful vocals. His EP 'Live At Sin-E' consists of Jeff & his Fender Telecaster performing four songs in audio excellence. Buckley's second album 'For My Sweetheart (The Drunk)' was in the making prior to his death. It was released unfinished in 1998 by his mother, friend & producer of 'Grace' against the wishes of his band, under the title 'Sketches (For My Sweetheart The Drunk)'. A moody & some say unlistenable double album. A few other singles/EP's are available.

Jeff was last seen by his rodie/friend standing in the Mississippi River, singing & playing his guitar, when they stopped off on the way to the studio. Visit the official Jeff Buckley website.

Mogwai

This four piece from Glasgow have the appearance of a regular rock formation (drums, bass & guitar x2). However nobody sings. Mogwai are a kind of abstract guitar rock & they are very atmospheric. I say, get out there & hear them!

I only discovered this band by accident, at the Reading Festival 1997. I went just for the day with my girlfriend. There was no band we were interested in playing at the time, so we decided to take rest in the Melody Maker tent. Then there was this loud noise. I caught the full set at Reading the following year. I've been following the load noise ever since.

Latest Release - the second album 'Come On Die Young' was available from Monday 9th March.

Check out their Glasgow record label Chemikal Underground for more details on them.

Elliot Smith

My latest discovery, Elliott Smith, is the master of ballads. The two albums he released last year, 'Either/Or' & 'XO' both got into the NME's top 50 albums of the year. He actually released four albums in 1998 but this is only because he's just singed to Domino for UK distribution, only the latter 2 were actually created that year.

His usual set up seems to be acoustic guitar, backed by sloppy drums & bass. Smith's voice doesn't hit you straight away, it's subtle & effortless, but can seamlessly weave together his musical masterplan.

I say, buy a single, listen & soon enough you'll be tracing his steps. For more info, guitar tab, discography's & more, go to http://members.tripod.com/~pitseleh/elliottsmith.html or visit the official Elliot Smith site at http://www.dreamworks.com.