February 2008
READ THE LABEL: LUCKY NUMBER
ROLL THE DICE
Croupier: Robert Pargiter
Small but perfectly formed, Lucky Number is that rare thing in the world of music – a label that exists simply to Make Good Art.
In an industry too often dictated by the blinkered demands of short term success, Lucky Number patiently nurture their small band of exemplary artists. And if that means artists are left to their own devices for long periods while the magic percolates up, then so be it. This approach is now beginning to bear glorious fruit.
Perhaps their most celebrated signing is Sebastien Tellier who had a huge hit in 2005 with the beautiful La Ritournelle from the album Politics. This February sees the release of his tremendous new record Sexuality which will be a favourite for all of us who love soulful electronica with a jaunty spring in its step. New single Sexual Sportswear comes with a helluva video too.
Seventeen Evergreen are a San Francisco based duo who share a musical universe with bands like Mercury Rev, The Flaming Lips and Midlake and yet make a trippy folk tinged sound all their own. Last years album Life Embarrasses Me On Planet Earth is a thing of gently pulsating, tinkly wonderment.
From closer to home come Manchester’s prosaically named four piece Keith. As with all Lucky Number signings there is something a bit special about Keith. They escape the formulaic trap of so many young guitar bands by having the nerve to twist and turn away from the obvious. And with one well received album in the bag – 2006’s Red Thread – Keith promise another leap forward in 2008. Definitely file under Ones To Watch.
Further demonstrating their desire to sign artists who make the air move wherever they may be, Lucky Number managed to swallow some massive phone bills and sign Melbourne based wunderkind Gotye (pronounced Goe- Ti-Yeah) on the back of a chance hearing of one of the youngster’s bedroom recordings. It is early days but if Swell were the sort of people to make wagers then we would put a sizeable chunk on Gotye becoming one of the break through stars of 2008. His track Hearts A Mess is a classic with a video to match.
Like a trusted friend with a bottomless passion for music that makes the spirit soar, Lucky Number will open your ears to sounds from disparate points of the musical compass. And if you don’t find something to love, you have no pulse!
