We’ve decided to release the Flemish-flavoured stuff as an EP and the miserable guff as an album, all in one splurge. Here’s the probable artwork minus bar-codes and all that. Release dates TBC but high-Summer most likely..there’s also an exciting video on the way for ‘hoor je mij’. Tot binnenkort…
Having a wonderful time at a ‘secret gig’ in The Reading Room, Sunderland Point 20.4.13. Great audience, roaring fire, beautiful setting and marvellous music. What more is there? Oh yeah. Beer. Thanks to Turnstone, Plainview and Marc Nellis (for the pic).
‘it’s a crying shame, this loving game; ‘cos it don’t grow on trees’
Happy Thursday everybody! #love hurts
There are ten new songs almost ready for our our new (and probably final - you can’t beat the ray) album ‘The Invisible Ray’.
Tomorrow I hope to finish the title song and tweak a few others. Then off to Pro Tools for a workout. Meanwhile, a few visual cues for your ocular pleasure. See you soon.
A certain debut album has been compared to James Yorkston, The Beatles, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, King Creosote, The Byrds, Ryan Adams, The Glimmer Twins etc…yes, it was OURS: ‘hypericum perforatum’ released 2007 on Nub Country Records
14 acoustic-pop nuggets in a rich seam of tuneage, still available where digital stocks last.
Review by Howard Byrom:
‘Fronted by lone stranger Nigel Parrington, The Low Countries album - Hypericum Perforatum - is released on Nub Country Records. I can thoroughly recommend the Low Countries’ splendid melancholia which sounds at times like a North Country version of Josh Rouse or Golden Smog.
Parrington can change like the wind: jingle jangle Byrds-type-styling; modern hipster folk along the lines of James Yorkston or King Creosote; the Glimmer Twins under the influence of Gram Parsons - all this is within Parrington’s capability. Allow his mellow slide guitar melodies and sunny folk to breeze over you.’
Folking.com:
‘Hypericum Perforatum is the work of singer-songwriter, Nigel Parrington. Here, he has created an enjoyable and appealing collection of well-crafted, mellow pop, imbued with distinct roots sensibilities.
The opening track, “Learning In The Ways Of Love,” is a deliciously radio-friendly number with sprightly harmonica and guitar riffs catching the ear immediately. The infectious chorus provides an instantly memorable sing-along opportunity. This has summer hit written all over it!!
“Drown” is a real slow-burning number, coming across in a similar manner to the sultry country shades of Ryan Adams, complete with lonesome harmonies. Subtle country vibes are resurrected again on the duet, “Forever Comes,” evoking memories of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris with further striking harmonies. Elsewhere, “Tell Her” could be lifted straight from The Beatles back catalogue.
Parrington makes several nods towards his own song-writing heroes, most obviously on his affectionate tribute to Roy Orbison, who Parrington sings of with great respect and reverence. The lyrics of “Orbison” will strike an emotional chord with many music lovers, relating well the relationship between song-writer and listener; “Roy Orbison, when I’m lonely just like you… so many times you’ve helped me through.”
Hypericum Perforatum is a high quality collection of well-written, meaningful material with biting and honest lyrics — it is sure to appeal to the discerning music lover.’
Bliss-ed out acoustic ode to lazing in the sun, originally in a Bratislavan street cafe.
(A version also recorded for the High Ones’ eponymous album…)
Download for free!
