Gruff Rhys - Shark Ridden Waters

Gruff's always doing good things ain't he... He's got the whole Super Furries thing going on, a ridiculous amount of collaborations that include Neon Neon as well as a host of appearances on records by Mogwai, Gorillaz, Sparklehorse, Goldie Looking Chain, Simian Mobile Disco, and on top of that he's got his sweet solo material. Really enjoyed that 'Candylion' LP from a while back so I jumped on this 'Shark Ridden Waters' single when it came in. This one's a 60's psych influenced pop song played and recorded with exceptional care and attention to detail. The breezy bassline and laidback beat reinforce light scatterings of guitar, keyboard and found sounds but it's old Gruffy's vocal that's does the majority of the work, creating texture and ambience in equal measures. It's got a classic UK pop sound to it but with the production you'd expect from Danger Mouse's recent output. Can't say enough good things about this tune... it's a beauty. Gruff... if you're reading, sorry for stealing your Nobby's Nuts at Field Day this year... I was drunk and hungry and us loser bands don't get no sweet shit like Nobby's Nuts on our rider. Please forgive.