Leaders Off - Yr band suck (promo)

Swedish indierockers Leaders Off will release their new album "Yr band suck" on August 24 and this here is the first preview with guest appearances from Daniel Gilbert, Martin McFaul and Therese H Johansson.

Best of Imperial Recordings

Imperial Recordings will celebrate 9 years as a label on March 1 with the release of a new digital-only 41-track greatest hits collection, simply titled "Best of". Featured artists include José González, Promise and the Monster, Zeigeist, Martin McFaul, Melpo Mene, Eskju Divine and Samuraj Cities.

Martin McFaul to release sophomore album in September

Imperial Recordings reports that the new Martin McFaul album "Sha la love" will be released on September 9. Hear the first single "Sha la la" (due out September 2) at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/martinmcfaul

This week's new Division of Laura Lee video comes from guest directors Martin McFaul and Paula Wallmark-Nilsson and is for the song "Martin": http://www.vimeo.com/1898846

Contrary to what Simon Thibaudeau has to say about it, I actually dig the new Martin McFaul album "Pop mansion". It's got a great 60s psych/folk vibe which reminds me of The Soundtrack of Our Lives' second album "Extended revelation" - mellow, but with a touch of darkness. And besides, I'm a sucker for sweet, fingerpicked guitar. Lucky for you dear readers, you don't need to pick sides. Download today's mp3 and decide for yourself.

MP3: Martin McFaul - Homecoming

Contrary to what Simon Thibaudeau has to say about it, I actually dig the new Martin McFaul album "Pop mansion". It's got a great 60s psych/folk vibe which reminds me of The Soundtrack of Our Lives' second album "Extended revelation" - mellow, but with a touch of darkness. And besides, I'm a sucker for sweet, fingerpicked guitar. Lucky for you dear readers, you don't need to pick sides. Download today's mp3 and decide for yourself.

Martin McFaul - Homecoming

Martin McFaul
Pop mansion
Imperial Recordings

I was not all that impressed with McFaul's previous EP and I said so. Everytime he stretched his range outside the singer/songwriter format, he failed to keep me interested. Well, it appears that nothing has changed. Differently than on the EP, it is not the electronic arrangements that bother me, simply his choices in terms of vocal and musical arrangements. Prime example of this is the opening track where he clearly pushes his voice way past any enjoyable mark and the music is just plain boring. When he does stay conservative and relies on the nice fingerstyle guitar without pushing his voice, he truly shines,. I just wish he would recognize his strengths and play accordingly.
- Simon Thibaudeau

Imperial Recordings will be releasing a comp on April 26 entitled "Lesson No.1" featuring a selection of "highlights, rarities and previously unreleased tracks" from the label's vaults. Tracklist:

01. Samuraj Cities - Saturday Night
02. Eskju Divine - Struck By The Halo
03. Melpo Mene - Hello Benjamin
04. Martin McFaul - Boogie Dreamin
05. José González - Sensing Owls
06. TLS - Rising
07. Paperplane - Grow Young
08. Samuraj Cities - Hard Rain
09. Eskju Divine - Fears
10. Melpo Mene - Jedi
11. Martin McFaul - Train
12. TLS - A Song Left For You
13. José González - Hints

Gorilla vs Bear on Imperial Recordings artist Martin McFaul and his new album "Pop mansion": http://gorillavsbear.blogspot.com/2006/03/pop-mansion.html
I've only listened to the record once so far, but it reminded me a bit of older Soundtrack of Our Lives stuff (think "Extended revelation" era).

Martin McFaul's debut album has been confirmed for a March 15 release via Imperial Recordings.

Imperial Recordings artist Martin McFaul is currently recording his debut full-length at Svenska Grammofon Studion, the studio owned by Kalle of The Soundtrack of Our Lives. It's due out in October.

Martin McFaul
Maybe you and me EP
Imperial Recordings

In the world of twee, I am the baffled outsider looking in and not quite understanding exactly makes a lot of these bands any good. That said, I can appreciate a good song and on this EP, Martin McFaul has two of them. The main problem is when McFaul tries more complex electronic arrangements and fails miserably at integrating them to his songwriting. He should stick to his acoustic guitar, a simple drum beat and a supporting bass, and rely on his songwriting.
- Simon Thibaudeau

Imperial Recordings has confirmed a May 25 release date for the debut EP "Maybe you and me" from Martin McFaul.

Imperial Recordings reports that the debut 7" single "Maybe you and me" from recent signee Martin McFaul is now sold out. Look for his first EP to be released this coming spring.

Imperial Recordings will release the debut 7" from Martin McFaul on December 6. The songs included on the single will be "Maybe you and me" and "Train".