The first time I heard Richard Hawley, it was in December a few years back, and it really hit the spot. It was the most fitting record I’d heard all season. It actually sounded like cold weather. Like gleaming street lights above cold city sidewalks. Like walking into a warm pub on a winter night. Something about the production of it was just perfect. Cinematic, even. Since then, Coles Corner has become part of my holiday soundtrack.

Hawley has been playing since he was about 14. Through the 90s he played in The Longpigs, but more notably, as guitarist for Pulp. Over the years he’s gained much respect as a solo artist, and now he’s quite highly regarded. Hawley looks like a true Teddy Boy but sounds like a cross between Sinatra and Roy Orbison. His voice is deep and low, the music is big and lushly arranged; timeless, though somehow nostalgic at the same time.

Here it is December again, and Hawley has a new record out entitled Lady’s Bridge. He’ll also be appearing on a forthcoming Arctic Monkey’s single. Today, however, I think I’ll share something from Coles Corner, the near perfect record from 2005. Richard Hawley will be playing The Troubadour Thursday, Dec. 13, with Ferraby Lionheart (also worth checking out)

The Last song on the record, entitled Last Orders, makes me think of Brian Eno’s Music for Airports.  Enjoy.

Richard Hawley- Coles Corner

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Richard Hawley- I Sleep Alone

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Richard Hawley- Who’s Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet?

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Richard Hawley- Last Orders

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