I am currently showless, having hung up my broadcasting headphones two weeks ago - just before Glastonbury - to await the arrival of my second child.
So I thought I'd share here what I'd normally be sharing with you on the weekend breakfast show on 6 Music.
What follows are a few of the tunes which are currently rocking my world plus a word on my other current obsession - the Tour de France.
First up, the music:
Madam - The Snake
A sultry, smooth, very worthwhile reworking of the 1968 Al Wilson original. Love it. Album Gone Before Morning is out now.
www.madammusic.com
Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
I did think twice about including this because it's everywhere now. But despite having played it for months I still love its vibe. Back in a cold March it struck me as the perfect summer anthem, albeit with subversive Columbine-esque lyrics. Pumped Up Kicks is such an ear worm. Nice Chrome Canyon remix knocking about too.
www.fosterthepeople.com
Love Inks - Wave Goodbye
This bunch hailing from Austin Texas, have nailed a summer pop tune which bears repeat listening unlike some saccharine songs in this vein. Simple - under 2 mins, harmonious, beautiful minimalism and moog - a winning formula for me - out end of this month.
www.loveinks.com
Ane Brun - Do You Remember
This record just gets me every time I hear it. Marked as my record of the weekend about a month ago but really one of the tunes of the year so far - it is the drums which do it for me. But she returns with a strong sound begging to be heard more which we will do now she's finished lending her considerable talents to Peter Gabriel and Ani Difranco.
www.anebrun.com
The Antlers - Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out
Great male vocal and accompanying melody. Driving rhythms in an unassuming way. They're not forcing the Antlers sound on us but Teeth Falling Out makes me want to hear more...album out now...
www.antlermusic.com
Zomby - Natalia's Song
Squelchy bass, classical overtones, ethereal female vocals. This is the sort of tune you'd be banging down the door of your dorm mate at college to find out what they were listening to. This is the lead track to Zomby's album Dedication which comes out next Monday. I'm hoping my new baby waits so I get the chance to hear more. Could this be the calming birthing cd I've been searching for? All soundscapes and dreamy dubstep...
Class Actress - Rapproacher
Sophisticated synth pop for 2011. Found this via the excellent blog RCRDLBL.com thoroughly recommended.
Other notable mentions:
Jessica 6- Prisoner of Love feat. Antony Hegarty
This slice of summer bliss ably lent a hand by the vocal talents of Antony Hegarty from Antony and the Johnsons.
New Black Keys song Howlin' For you is fab. Just landed from the album Brothers. More rotten blues from one of my favourite live duos. Dan Auerbach still rocks it at home while producing the likes of Jessica Lea Mayfield.
Tour De France: shake it all up and see where it lands.
Feels like the organizers wanted to mix it up a little this year, with some significant rule changes in the points jersey competition (to decide the fastest man in the tour). And the first few days have indicated they may get their wish. Thor Hushovd a worthy yellow wearer - well, at least until the end of the day, David Millar elegant in support, Contador looking like he'll have to come out on the offensive to defend his title - or is it Schlek's title, depending on how the confusion over last year's tour winner plays out...and still a British presence in the top twenty, sadly not Bradley Wiggins after his collarbone injury - a truly mouth watering prospect lies ahead for us all..
Can't wait (for the baby that is)!