The Bookshop Jukebox
For one week, we were the proprietors of The Open Book in Wigtown, Scotland. As booksellers, it was important we nailed the vibe. So we’ve selected six albums that ended up being our favourite listens for us and our customers.
For one week, we were the proprietors of The Open Book in Wigtown, Scotland. As booksellers, it was important we nailed the vibe. So we’ve selected six albums that ended up being our favourite listens for us and our customers.
1. Richard Dawson — The Magic Bridge
Folk doesn’t get more honest than this. The Magic Bridge delivers an earthy sound, which beautifully combines with Dawson’s visceral and vivid storytelling.
2. Joāo Gilberto — Getz / Gilberto
Alex copped this on vinyl from the Wigtown Emporium across the road from our shop. It’s a collection of gorgeous Latin American songs written by Brazilian singer-songwriter Joāo Gilberto, featuring the dulcet saxophone tones of Stan Getz. It’s saucy and sophisticated all at once.
3. Big Thief — U.F.O.F.
This band is on top of their game at the moment, and this album, the first of two stunning releases from this year, is proof of just that. Adrienne Lenker’s hushed vocal hues wash over the indie-folk backdrop for an enthralling listen, one that complemented the bucolic landscapes surrounding the bookshop.
4. Cosmo Sheldrake — The Much Much How How And I
When your shelves are stacked with books about wild pheasants and the anatomy of pufferfish, it seems churlish not to really delve into the musical intricacies of the natural world. The multi-instrumentalist’s debut album features sounds captured from the tops of mountains and inside of cows’ carcasses and everywhere in between. Sublime stuff.
5. The Cat Empire — Stolen Diamonds
There are few musical outfits who can put a smile on as many faces as The Cat Empire. The Australian septet absolutely nail the line between pop, rock, ska and funk, all delivered with a fabulous Latin flare and an eminently catchy hook. It’s even been known to get the toes a-tappin’ in the political biography section of the shop.
6. Víkingur Ólafsson — JS Bach
People who claim to not like Bach (we don’t judge you — we used to be you), will do an about turn on that statement when they hear this album. The bespectacled Icelandic god takes your heart in this album of Bach’s keyboard works and squashes it into pieces. It has such clarity, pin-sharp articulation and delicate control, all delivered with a sucker punch of emotion.
