Drum mp3 Johnny Flynn Sweet William EP …. buy it
Oh to be in London! You have no idea how many times in a week I say this to myself, to the little wife, to anyone who will hear it. (Well, ok, to be fair, I often say I wish to be in Edinburgh or even just in the U.K., but you get the point.) But honestly, this is one of the nicest reasons to want to be in London. Communion is a club night, at Notting Hill Arts Club. Founded in 2006, by Ben Lovett (Mumford and Sons), Kevin Jones (Cherbourg) and producer Ian Grimble, “it grew into a community of musicians, industry and fans alike, and provided a platform for the newest bands on London’s circuit. The night has seen the likes of Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling, Mumford and Sons, JJ Pistolet and Peggy Sue grace the stage and has become closely associated with the nu-folk movement in the capital.” (says it’s MySpace page)
On March 1 you can receive their first debut compilation album. But, of course you may pre-order it here. It features 22 tracks from a range of artists including Johnny Flynn, Peggy Sue, Jeremy Warmsley and Jay Jay Pistolet. It will be available as a double-gatefold vinyl and download. I’m gagging for it, as they say 
Here’s a taste of Johnny Flynn (no, no idea if this track will be on the album, it’s just a gorgeous tune on Johnny’s EP and one you should buy!)
I don;t know where I stand with Mr. Flynn. There are some bloody excellent compositions across his thusfar youthful back catalog, & some of the ‘demo’ stylee recordings I have from a few years back are quite delish. His voice/arrangement/lyric sense all merge perfectly. But, then, once in a while, he seems to get trapped in a mawkish MOR dirge & songs are very leaden as a result. I think it might be the trappings of adding further instrumentation from a full band setting, i.e. writing to accomodate the backing, & getting a bit bogged down in that part of the song & (albeit subconsciusly, I’m sure) forgeting about keeping it sparse & clean (which is when he is at his best).
That kind of *meh* Americana result really leaves me flat (I listened to too much of it’s ilk from my father’s ’70s Country collections, to be frank). BUT he’s not the only one guilty of that path – a lot of the bands you mentioned above (+ a shitload more out there in the musicsphere) have at least a couple of tracks of that nature in their armory. Maybe it’s a trend I’ve missed/dismissed because of familiarity, but it don’t do me no favors.
The Communion thing is a great little venture, though. One of (if not) the original little hideaway collective endeavours in the UK &, shoot, lookit what it helped get established & spawned! I mean, fugginell. Throw into the mix the likes of The Leisure Society, Sons Of Noel & Adrian, etc., who’ve flitted in & out of the London ’scene’, & they are a brilliant little melting pot of creativity. Top marks & nice post
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I too lament not living in London on an almost daily basis. Especially since my buddy (and fellow blogger/writer) Mark constantly reminds me of his awesome show itinerary every week, and I take to weeping almost immediately.
it’s criminal that we’re stuck on this side of the pond, Sean!
The new Communion compilation looks amazing as is the night. Reserved mine already.
ah, good man, Tim! have you ever been? jealous! xo
Only managed to go once, but hopefully will make it again soon. We’ll see
The Communion Album is very nice indeed
Ha Ha I am guessing the Sean is the guy i write for this album is simply fantastic having been lucky enough to get a promoyou should deffo take onboard broadcast 2000 Peter Roe who toured with the mumfords last year really enjoyed his set with them Jesse Quinn and the Mets. Would love to tell you about a couple more artists on there but then it would spoil my introducing posts i got lined up. Man if there is one artist you should check if this is your bag then get a load of Caitlin Rose I have posted her recently on batteryinyourleg and P.S I dont live in London but provincial Norwich