James YorkstonJames Yorkston
James Yorkston is a Scottish folk musician who started out as a bassist for a punk band (but seriously, who didn't?). He plays soft, transcending chords and sings about seasons, drinking and girls. And I love it very, very much. His most recent album The Year Of The Leopard was released just last month and might be his best work yet.
"Summer Song" reminds me of Nick Drake in the best way possible. "Woozy With Cider" is beautifully haunting, even if his spoken lyrics remind me of William Shatner a bit. Take them both in, and let them take over. If you're like me, you might end up waking up and falling asleep to the sound of James Yorkston's voice.
Some of the more humorous parts of his Wikipedia page:
Subsequently he signed to Domino Records, recording music with a number of friends and associates credited as The Athletes on his records. None of them, however, are actually athletes. Indeed the accordion player - the renowned Scottish musician Reuben Taylor - has been seen smoking a pipe.
Yorkston is a vegan and turned down £10,000 for the use of one his songs in a television advertisement for butter.
Video for James Yorkston's "Steady As She Goes" (not a Raconteurs cover)
Photo by Tonie
