'One band one day' moved onto its third all-day listening extravaganza on April 11th. This time, it was the turn of The National.

Read about my efforts over on my music blog: The National Day

The second of my 'one band one day' projects focused on Tindersticks, whose smoky, seductive music has been charming me since I first heard Marbles.

And then I gave their second album a listen…

Looking back, it’s a little disappointing that one of my most treasured musical moments took place in a city center branch of a well-known high street music chain. I could have at least been in some obscure independent backwater or smoky den. Still – talk about juxtaposition: a scruffy student in a brightly lit store, stickers all around imploring me, enticing with their offers…

My review of the excellent debut EP by Empathy Test:

http://www.recordrewindplay.co.uk/albums/losing-touch-ep

…an EP of mesmerising and immaculate synth pop, where everything is in its right place. It’s layered without ever feeling dense; precise without ever feeling clinical.

On 11 March 1991 an album was released that would launch a new chapter in my musical life, and inspire in me a devotion to one band. The band was R.E.M.; the album was Out of Time. To celebrate its 23rd birthday, I’m going to be spending tomorrow listening to the entire R.E.M. back catalogue, in order, from Chronic Town to Collapse Into Now. Studio albums only, mind – I’ll be ignoring the various best-ofs and Dead Letter Office.

There will be highs (almost everything) and no doubt lows (*cough* Around The Sun) and I might…