I’ve been gushing over the UK’s Cherry Ghost for a couple of years now–I discovered Simon Aldred and co. whilst on my honeymoon in London, picking up their debut record Thirst For Romance on a whim with a pile of King Creosote (a Scottish artist hard to fine stateside) and the first Reverend and the Makers album at Rough Trade near Notting Hill. The band’s combination of poetic lyricism, alt-country folk rock instrumentation and some of the best melodies I’d ever placed my ears on made me an instant fan. Late last fall, they released their sophomore album, Beneath This Burning Shoreline. My expectations were unusually high–I was anxious yet scared to spin it, as I had such a love affair with Romance and didn’t want to be disappointed. But unlike Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull and the later Matrix movies, I was thrilled with what I was experiencing. Somehow, Aldred had delivered a record that expanded on their sound, quickly jumping to the top of my best-of list for the year (rivaled only by The National’s High Violet). I was initially drawn to the lovely single “Kissing Strangers,” which is not to be missed, but I thought I would stream the slow-burner that has ingrained itself into my head as of late—“Luddite” is a gorgeous, ambitious six minute journey that sounds just marvelous coming through my headphones. You may have to search a bit to locate the album (it’s not yet available on iTunes in the states, and may not be for a while), but trust me, you will not be disappointed. If you want to get a feel for the band, check out “People Help the People,” “Dead Man’s Suit,” and “False Alarm” on the first record, which is easier to track down. Oh, and Simon, if you’re somehow reading this–PLEASE COME PLAY LIVE STATESIDE!

CHERRY GHOST / LUDDITE