The votes have been counted and, finally, we have the results of the itm? Readers’ Poll.
From the original poll, which started late last year, The Grand Gestures topped the chart with an impressive 26% of the vote, fending off a clutch of fine releases, led by Lonely Tourist’s second album an dthe debut from The Magnetic North.
We grabbed a swift word wit the man behind the wining album, Jan Burnett.
“Oh feck.” (you can quote me on that)
Once the Spare Snare frontman, who compiled the release with some of his bandmates, but perhaps more notalbly with a host of ‘celebrities’ including comedian Sanjeev Kohli, Jill O’Sullivan from Sparrow and the Workshop, Calamateur and Emma Pollock.
For such a logistically complex effort, its seems that the long-player was no more complicated than a regular band release.
“It was surprisingly straightforward to put together,” he said. “Everyone involved was generous with their time and very much up for being part of it.
“It was fantastic that everyone got the concept, and it’s led to new friendships and other collaborations and outlooks such as filming and writing.”
And the secret of the success?
“It seems have to pulled in quite a different audience for what I’m used to with the Snare, I’m guessing that’s what has helped with the votes.”
Jan told us what was next on the agenda for what is no one-off novelty project.
“Just as I received this news, I was editing for the second album by The Grand Gestures… two thirds of the way there, released in August, and hopefully a show to celebrate the release. Featuring each and everyone on Volume 1, along with some additional vocalists, including R M Hubbert, Tom Doyle and Pauline Alexander. The theme seems to be death and drums.”
Before then, there’s the day job to worry get on with. And the workaholic songwriter-turned-producer has been busy on that score as well.
“The 10th album release by Spare Snare is out 31st March.
And donning his marketeering hat…
“You can hear and pre-order it via http://sparesnare.bandcamp.com and will also be available via iTunes, Amazon, etc. The plan is to have the complete catalogue on bandcamp. All the albums are currently available via YouTube for your pleasure!”
More on the album at thegrandgestures.com or listen, and download a couple of free remixes, below.
The full top 10 read as follows:
1. The Grand Gestures – 26%
2. Lonely Tourist – 16%
3. The Magnetic North – 14%
4. Vcheka – 13%
5. Honningbarna – 6%
6. Meursault – 5%
7. The Twilight Sad – 4.5%
8. RM Hubbert 4%
9. Bob Mould 3.5%
10. = Flutes – 3%
10. = The State Broadcasters – 3%