Om nama narayana.

I kind of had a bit of bother figuring out how to do the year-end post for 2007.

I thought about doing another "Heroes & Villains" thing like I did last year, but I really couldn't be that bothered do that again so I thought I'd expand among the single greatest thing that brought me joy this year.

No surprise...

It's the reformed Kula Shaker. The Verve would've gotten it, but they've yet to bring their reunion shows to this side of the Atlantic and until I hear new studio material (2008, yes?), King Kula's still tops.

The best thing about Kula Shaker being back and on their own label is that while it's next to impossible to reclaim the steam they'd built in 1996, it also affords them a lot more of an opportunity to play around without having contractual wrangling to worry about. Longtime Kula/Crispian/Jeevas fans are all familiar with the concept of "Crispian time" wherein our fearless leader promises a new album by, say, April of next year, and we have to take that to mean that could be anytime (but probably later) within the next three years.

And while they're all vinylphiles and love to lament what the MP3 file has done to sound quality in music, they all also recognize the power of the internet to reach their fan base quickly and aside from a new album, two singles (three if you count the Japanese market) and new B-sides, the band's also found time for some odds and ends, that I've conveniently wrapped up for you in a package called "2007 Odds and Ends."

If you're a Kula fan and check their website constantly, you might not find anything new or of value here, but for those of you just getting into the Shaker, feast feast feast!

Kula Shaker
2007 Odds and Ends

01. Song of Love/Narayana ("Hands in the Air" Remix)
02. Drink Tea (For the Love of God!)
03. Walking the Cow
04. Be Merciful

The "Hands in the Air" remix of "Song of Love/Narayana" surfaced recently as a 1-track promo around the UK, and while I'm not a big fan of remixes, I am somewhat of a Kula kompletist (oh dear), and while it does run a little long, if nothing else, this wouldn't be a bad last-minute addition to your New Year's Eve party playlist tonight.

"Drink Tea" was given out especially to mailing list members a few weeks back as a Christmas gift and features bassman Alonza Bevan pontificating on the importance of drinking tea as opposed to coffee and the cultural significance that needs to be maintained. It's silly, but it also has a blinding little chorus on it.

"Walking the Cow" surfaced on the band's website in December -- an intimate little cover of Daniel Johnston's offbeat classic featuring Crispian on guitar and vocals, Paul on percussion and new man Harry on harmonium. It's a sweet little cover.

"Be Merciful" has spilled out all over the place this year -- much to my delight. The song is a remnant of Crispian's great lost 2000 solo album, and while it has yet to see a proper studio recording, it's made itself a steadfast spot in the band's live show and appeared on the Channel M Acoustic Session, the iTunes Festival live EP and also on radio performances, such as the July one in Amsterdam, from which this was lifted. This one offers a bit of lovely piano.


Here's hoping everyone has a great new year and that Kula Shaker and the Verve also get their reunited arses stateside in 2008. We'll be back Wednesday, two days (already?!) into the new year!