Current Reviews

GREG MURRAY Tymes Ten CD (Wretched)
Greg Murray is a prolific songwriter who over the last few years has released music through most of the main indiepop labels around the world, such as Shelflife, Elefant, Firestation and Bus Stop. I've always liked his songs but I have to say they're getting better and better; the more recent material has a more fleshed-out sound as opposed to the minimal lo-fi recordings that surfaced in the past. Songs this good deserve a proper studio recording with a full band; songs like this just aren't meant to be lo-fi.
Tymes Ten includes reworked versions of older songs like Edge and Go Honey (a long term favourite of mine), alongside a number of songs that are new to me. To some extent the music is what you'd expect from an artist who normally records for indiepop labels - the guitars jangle and the mood is often melancholic and introspective - but at the same time there is an added sophistication that is not often at the forefront in this genre. Influences from powerpop, folk and rock are added to the sound; straightforward indiepop this isn't.
Dining can be described to a certain degree as powerpop, but with a darker, bleaker atmosphere than is the norm for this style. There are shades of REM and The Contrast, as well as some more atmospheric moments, for example the backing vocal section which has an almost choral effect. The Gathering combines folk and soft rock with atmospheric guitar effects and those choral style backing vocals. Seen It All, also released as a single on Wretched Recordings and reviewed last issue, is excellent jangly indiepop. Nails to the Quick is impressive melancholic pop with vocal harmonies and folky harmonica. Young is another great slice of janglepop, which starts off with a riff that sounds uncannily similar to The Sea Urchins' Pristine Christine, no less! Homemaker is excellent jangly harmony pop reminiscent at times of The Byrds and Teenage Fanclub, both of whom Greg names as influences. A very impressive album.

On Irish indie-popper Greg Murray's latest record, Tymes Ten, the singer/songwriter takes himself literally, delivering ten pastoral songs that recall the jangly tunes of '80s pioneers like Felt and the Go-Betweens. For me, there were two really nice surprises about the record. First off, Murray deftly circumvents the biggest snare many of his twee contemporaries can't seem to avoid, namely crafting songs that mimic one another too closely. Instead, Murray is careful to imbue each track here with its own powerful identity. The second pleasantly unexpected facet of this record was how, despite each song's unique personality, nearly every song is unshakably catchy in its own way. After the second listen, the songs on Tymes Ten seem so familiar, you'll swear this album has been in your collection for ages.

On "Dining," Murray creates an atmosphere not unlike that of The Lilac Time's 1987 debut, addingsome guitarwork during the verses that would have made Johnny Marr proud in that very same bygone year. Melancholy and airy, "The Gathering" seems a deft blend of Sarah Records style indie-pop and the spaciousness of the early shoegazer movement; it's the sort of thing bands like Silver Screen have also done very well, but Murray takes it in a more plaintive, less nostalgic direction.

Sometimes, Murray's clever turns of phrase break through the music with a knowing wink, as on the chorus of "Seen It All" where he sings "And if you think you've seen it all/here's another one to top 'em all" over a melodic background that would make fellow countrymen Teenage Fanclub proud. On "God Damn," he revisits those Sarah strains with a ballad that floats like a more acoustically-oriented version of what Brighter and the Orchids used to do.

This is a joy of a record along the lines of what you might expect from an artist who has released material on labels like Elefant, Shelflife, and Bus Stop--charming pop bliss.

Tymes Ten is an enhanced CD that also features videos for "Seen It All" and "Homemaker" playable on your computer.

Review from Amp Camp as at 14th Feb 2006...'Album of the Day' http://www.ampcamp.com/artists_bands.php?bands_id=1299

If there's such a thing as having been around the indie-pop block, Greg Murray's done it.  The singer/songwriter has assimilated a wide range of influences (The Byrds, Brian Wilson, the Smiths, Teenage Fanclub, Neil Young) into a special brand of jangly, guitar-driven pop on records for a slew of international record labels.  Having released material on Shelflife, France's Plastic Pancake, the United Kingdom's Wretched, Spain's Elefant, Germany's Firestation, and Italy's Best Kept Secret, Mr. Murray found his most recent home in the States on the iconic Bus Stop label.  This last disc, the wonderful Tymes Ten, was scheduled to hit record stores on April 4, 2006.

Irish musician Greg Murray has released his single, Seen It All, on London based label, Wretched Recordings. Greg is no stranger to music. Born into a family of musicians, he started writing songs in his teens, played the sax in a blues band and also did some busking.
This 4 track release, 3 songs and one video, starts with the acoustic Seen It All, which has a Christian musicians group sound to it. The harmonies that echo add a nice effect and give a bit of a Mamas & Papas style. Music is supplied by various friends and or contacts of Gregs and they do a nice, professional job.
Greg doesnt sound like he lets rip with his vocals, its all on a kind of melancholic tone, but I suppose this keeps it all easy listening. The 3 songs conjured up a My Morning Jacket feel/sound to them, but a British version. The music is generally sparse and simple, letting the notes and words float around the well used ethnic scales. The final track, Orange Peel, has a very new age, hippy vibe about it and could easily be used as background music to a Mind, Body and Spirit exhibition that is full of crystals and joss sticks.
Kamey Jade Gigs Unlimited

Review from Parasol as at 14th Feb 2006...7th in the Top Ten
http://www.parasol.com/distro/

Greg cites a diverse range of influences including Van Morrison, The Smiths, Brian Wilson, The Byrds, Teenage Fanclub, 10,000 Maniacs, Bruce Springsteen and Simon and Garfunkel. Various reviewers around the world also find echoes of Neil Young, Sparklehorse, Mercury Rev, Grandaddy, Kings of Convenience and Belle and Sebastian. Whatever they say, he has created his own irresistible, distinct style - tight, harmonized pop/folk songs with beautiful melodies and quirky instrumentation. Teeming with introspection and melancholy, they also flow with optimism Hailing from the town of Lurgan in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, Greg Murray was born into a musical family. Now based in Stoke-on-Trent, Greg has released material on Shelflife (USA,) Bus Stop (USA,) Plastic Pancake (France,) Elefant (Spain,) Bliss Aquamarine (UK,) Best Kept Secret (Italy,) Firestation (Germany,) and Wretched (UK.)
Compared at times to Belle & Sebastian, Kings of Convenience, and Nick Drake, Greg’s debut album “Tymes Ten” finally sees a domestic release via The Bus Stop Label.

A Review from John Woodhouse in The Sunday Sentinel newspaper dated 6th Nov 2005
Greg Murray Tymes Ten

Hailing from Lurgan, County Armagh, Greg Murray, now based in Basford, has released a collection of solo songs causing a minor stir among those in the know. With a whimsical, vaguely psychedelic feel of the 1960's, Tymes Ten is like nothing else out there at the moment. Introspective it may be. But it has a west coast feel to be shared by all.

Rating: 4/4

A recent review of my vinyl singles by DJ Frederick Moe WSCS 90.9 FM in New London NH, USA. The stations website is www.colby-sawyer.edu/wscs.
http://www.seldomheardradio.blogspot.com
Prominent in my record collection is one of only 1,000 copies pressed of Greg Murray's debut 7" vinyl EP released via Elefant Records in Spain. I read about this record some time ago while browsing Tonevendor www.tonevendor.com for new vinyl releases (if you have browsed this blog you probably realize I'm a vinyl junkie) and bought a copy based upon the description alone. Often my intuition pays off and this time was no exception! Greg Murray's songs embody everything I enjoy about indie music - deeply felt lyrics, inventive melodies, songs that keep playing in your head long after the first listening. The first song "Go Honey" is timeless, with a hint of psychedelia that might have been right at home on AM radio back in 1970 yet is completely original and engaging. "Edge" features folk-ish guitar, harmonica, and minimalist druming that weave together perfectly. All four songs on this EP illuminate and expand one's musical consciousness. Greg has recorded several other EPs (equally excellent) and a more recent full-length CD "Tymes Ten". For more information including free MP3s (thank you!) check out Greg's informative and comprehensive website at www.gregmurray.co.uk



http://www.revolver-club.de/musik_top20month.html
marco's top 20 of 2004
Album Charts
1. laurel music - this night and the next
2. radio dept. - lesser matters
3. hidden cameras - mississauga goddam
4. ordinary boys - over the counter culture
5. elefant - sunlight makes me paranoid
6. album leaf - in a safe place
7. david & the citziens - until the sadness is gone
8. greg murray - tymes ten
9. styrofoam - nothing's lost
10. aveo - battery
11. shins - chutes too narrow
12. graham coxon - happiness in magazines
13. kings of convenience - riot on an empty street
14. dears - no cities left
15. franz ferdinand - franz ferdinand
16. keane - hopes and fears
17. jens lekman - when i said i wanted to be your dog
18. legends - up against the legends
19. interpol - antics
20. go team - thunder, lightning, strike



Review at http://www.gigs-unlimited.co.uk/reviews/readreview.asp?ReviewID=490

The Indiepop Spin Zone - UK Music Web Site
http://www.indiespinzone.com/m2.html
Hip-ometer Rating ~ 9.5 out of 10

Greg Murray - "Tymes Ten". When reviewing this recent batch I made the mistake of playing the discs in review order every time I listened. The problem with that is the album previous to this was annoying me by the time I took it off, which put me in a bad mood for this one. Consequently, I found the first couple sessions with this a bit, well, I didn't not like it, but it wasn't doing anything for me. Then I wised up and listened to this alone a few times. Thank the maker, because I could have committed an injustice. This is a very interesting debut album, although it is a little hard to peg musically. The opener Edge is kind of a breathy ballad which reminds me of nothing current, but would find itself right at home on any 70's AOR top ten list. Further listening revealed that a number of the songs (especially Seen It All) remind me a lot of the band Fantastic Something, vocals and all. It's got that catchy, breathy, in your convertible and going to the beach for the day AM radio happy vibe. It's driven, not driving. And there is certainly nothing wrong with that. I also hear other similarities such as the Hepburns on the calypso inspired Go Honey. In all it's a very nice outing which is far peppier than it originally seemed yet it retains a nice degree of maturity and self pace at the same time. Albums like this are indeed a rarity and this one is about as enjoyable as that sort get. The booklet art and lyrics are done very nicely as well. If you're looking for an album to get summer in gear, this may be exactly what you want.
Label ~Firestation , 10 Tracks, 2005

Greg Murray - Tymes Ten

An absolutely fantastic album from this new Irish artist living in the Manchester area. Greg Murray has released songs on several labels all across the world including: Elefant Records (Spain), Wretched Recordings (UK), Bus Stop Records (USA), Plastic Pancake (France), Shelflife Records (USA) and Parasol Records (USA).Included are 10 mind blowing songs that make you laugh, cry, scream, smile and jump at the same time. The album also has a bonus video of the superb song: "Seen It All".For fans of The Siesta record label, The Smiths, Belle & Sebastian, Orange Juice, The Go-Betweens, Pale Fountains, Saint Etienne, Ally Kerr, The Teenage Fanclub, Kings of Convenience and all great Guitar Pop music.

Released 2005 on Firestation Records, catalogue number: FST 055.

New CD by Greg Murray
This man has the talent to write astonishing songs, plays about 13 different kinds of instruments and musically rolls the Magnetic Fields, Belle & Sebastian, Mercury Rev and Kings of Convenience into one. According to the man himself he is deeply influenced by The Smiths, Sam&Dave as well as Teenage Fanclub. Born in Ireland GREG MURRAY now lives in England where his forthcoming album is already expected to become an outstanding record within the “Quiet Is The New Loud” movement. This isn’t only due to the fact that his songs were already released by ‘Elefant’ in Spain, ‘Bus Stop’ and ‘Shelflife Records’ in the US and ‘Plastic Pancake Records’ in France. Firestation Records and Andy Woods (ex-‘Ugly Man-Records’, I Am Kloot, Elbow) are utterly convinced to have discovered a great talent in GREG MURRAY. He went to the studio along with producer John Kettle of ‘Twisted Nerve’ (Badly Drawn Boy, Aidan Smith) to record his album “Tymes Ten” including ten songs which teem with beauty and brilliance!
www.firestation-records.de (13-Oct-2004) - Firestation Records
Most recent Review of the' Tymes Ten' Album
http://www.poppolar.com/index.asp?action=latest&days=14
http://www.poppolar.com/index.asp?SearchPar=Greg%20Murray&CritParam=a&action=search

[ 2004 ] First full length by Greg Murray after a series of CD-Eps and 7``s on Elefant, Plastic Pancake and Bus Stop. Now some of these songs are here now and have new arrangements and great production. Edge which was already a heartfelt song, has become an instant classic with the new version in this album. Mixing mellodic jangly guitars, great lyrics and voice, a must have album in 2004!! Highly recommended!!

A Review from Avant-Premier on the 'You & Me' 7" Vinyl
murray, greg you and me 7 second single in the trilogy of singles released on elefant,bus stop and plastic pancake.three delicate acoustic numbers recorded at home.like a mellow belle and sebastian moment or simon and garfunkel.very lovely indeed

www.swissonline.ch/unterhaltung/medianewsdetail. htm?non=1&non=1&ArtikelId=147692 - 33k - 8 Jan 2005
Greg Murray:Tymes Ten Rock/Pop
All apologeses for the translation...you can thank Google for that...but I did particulary like the mention of the artwork on the last line:

Label: Firestation
Vetrieb: AL!VE
Evaluation: Distinguished

Recently Greg Murray gave an interview, it said that he rarely writes a merry song - among other things, because he is in principle on the side of the underdog. It seems that the man from Ireland would love to be able to write happy, more up-beat positive songs. But although the ten tracks on his debut album might be tinged with sadness, they are also laced with upbeat driving optimistic rhythms and streaming vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Beach Boys or more recently, The Teenage Fanclub, mixed with the fragile organic lyric lines that would seem to fall apart at the very mention of a drum beat.

Murray, which published Singles and EPs in the last years sporadically, among other things with also on these CD represented "Go Honey" one the most beautiful Pop songs of 2002. And who sees the verkopften guitar Songwriter before the internal eye drawing up now, because Lonesome cowboy with the guitar, that unrasierten have injustice. Proud 13 instruments are it, the Murray on this plate begin - if one its beautiful, a little at Mercury Revs Jonathan Donahue reminding voice and the Powerbook, on which he takes up his Songs usually, in addition counts, even are it 15. Home working of the top class thus, this time nevertheless technically improves: John Kettle, which already produced the similarly polarized Badly Drawn Boy, sat also here again behind the automatic controllers. The result: More gediegener and for a One one Show amazingly opulenter Pop, which its lessons in things Popgeschichte of Simon & sparkle to House OF Love learned, that quotes, without copying. Above all however: condemned well pleases. Oh: Buy, only do not burn - there is beautiful Artwork in addition.


Review of the 'Seen It All' single on Wretched Recordings
http://www.blissaquamarine.net/singlereviews25.html

GREG MURRAY Seen It All CDEP (Wretched)
Greg Murray is another artist who has previously appreared on a Bliss tape - seems Wretched Recordings and myself have very similar taste in music! Since that tape, Greg has released records on most of the main indiepop labels of today, namely Bus Stop, Shelflife, Firestation, Elefant, Plastic Pancake, and the tape label Best Kept Secret. And it figures that there will be much more to follow, as Greg has written over 200 songs!
Seen It All is absolutely brilliant, summery janglepop with more of a 'full band' sound than I normally associate with Greg. An early version of Go Honey was featured on a Bliss compilation; here's a new recording of that song, which has a completely different mood. It has the bossa-tinged elements the original had, but adds to that an almost surfy guitar sound and an occasional fairly dark feel. Orange Peel is a well crafted, jangly (but definitely not twee) pop song with a strong, catchy tune. This CD also includes a video for Seen It All. It's in grainy, arty black and white and has the clever idea of never showing Greg's face until right at the end of the film.
Greg Murray is a very talented songwriter and I'm really glad he is getting the attention he deserves from labels. Fans of well written melodic pop must give Greg's music a listen, and this EP is an ideal place to start as it features some of Greg's strongest material to date. Contact the label at info@wretchedrecordings.co.uk
www.wretchedrecordings.co.uk


Review from Arch Records in Japan...apologeses for the ?'s, I believe those are Japanese words for 'amazing, incredible, fabulous, etc...'
The ELEFANT and the BUS STOP, from the PLASTIC PANCAKE attracts attention from in release and the world the long-awaited debut album of the Singer song writer GREG MURRAY of the Irish graduate which from the FST appearance! That the ???? it is compared in beautiful song lighting the lotus key the acoustic pop masterpiece which sets forth the vocal & harmony on the front! " The GO HONEY " of the ?????? where also the KINGS OF CONVENIENCE fan is done and it is too beautiful, " the EDGE " and so on all the 10 tunes of famous musical work full load. Fall - exact even in the winter. Large ????!


Review on the online magazine http://www.live-magazin.de/ 4 out of 5

The Irish multi-instrument plays the ten album TRACKS over thirteen instruments firstly on the domestic Mac, before taking it to the producer John Kettle (Badly Drawn Boy, Aidan Smith). Murray connects with an unusual blend of melocholy songs on guitar with key board riffs and glorious harmonious melodies, which an influence of Belle & Sebastian, The Smiths and early Simon & Garfunkel. "Tymes Ten" reminds us from the start of an old friend, whom one sees after many years again. "Kill A pop star - they're all the same" lets Murray, in "Nails to the Quick", speak our feelings in an understated, melodic and harmonious fashion.

My album has been voted Album of the week on http://www.britpoparsenal.de/arsenal.htm and given a fabulous review with a 9/10 rating. Have a look ...

Further excellent reviews at:

http://www.elisabett.de/album/murray_ten.htm


http://www.indiepop.it/news.htm
Greg Murray  Tymes Ten

10 pieces expect the listener on the first LP publication of and with Greg Murray, born in Ireland. It appears as musical Tausendsasser, nevertheless plays 13 different instruments, which combines in its songs likewise Songmuster of active volume like the Magnetic Fields, Kings OF Convenience or Mercury Rev, as from deactivated one or Verblichenen long. From the first clay/tone the listener closes the album in its heart and it runs him when listening always icily the backs down.
Greg Murray mentioned on the question of its musical coinage, The Smiths and dte-gnaws fan club. First mentioned ones can be heard only with difficulty, this are however nothing despicable, since Smithsche the voice looks for its resembling and it however generally for each volume correct and important is to mention the Smiths as music-coining/shaping element. Anything the despite tendencies cannot be suspected, in which songs were written after intensive hearing Morrissey`s, god damn are here mentioned and most warmly recommended.
For lovers of the handmade music is "tymes ten" more than taps, perhaps must? Electronic elements are missing completely, without thereby to be missed. "times ten" old the 20jaehrige, the 40jaehrigen fine test Kuerbiskompott meets new, serves.
One believes into straight bought suit gehuelltl to change by the late 80's. Thus the plate one blowsFUL tendencies A la late eighties House OF Love(the the Beatles' and the stones) as in dining in addition, music larva younger of date as I'm kloot (proof) in edge, into the area. It would be however much too simple, nearly insulting to reduce "tymes ten" and its Macher to before mentioned artists. One knows also easily Luna, barks and Sebastian or Ian Browdie to sing to hear. Into tymes ten is evenly much in it. Much being, passing. It is arranged, Greg Murray fits musical history out again again.
The work is worth an in any case highlight and the pure hearing. Anspieltipps, dining, the gathering or god damn.
Tymes ten appear on Firestation. [ read ]


Bliss Aquamarine (Aquamarine 24 - Fanzine)
Review of the Bus Stop 'Edge' cd ep

Greg Murray has had singles out on most of the current indiepop labels, Bus Stop being no exception. I have here his Edge EP (I think there's another one out too but I don't have this). Greg makes homemade melancholic pop, sometimes with a 60s touch, sometimes more reminiscent of 80s indiepop bands such as Brighter. Daggers is a beautiful song which proves not all tracks with vocal harmonies are happy sunshiney stuff. Slowmo is a bit different from Greg's usual sound, off-centre pop with a dash of American folk, has some unusual and effective use of harmonica. Greg Murray is a talented songwriter and it's great to see that so many labels have taken an interest in his music.


These are the Songs We Always Wanted to Hear
[ Firestation Records ]
New compilation on FST with great already known (Cherry Orchard, Seaside Stars, Goldstoned, Call and Response, Carrots, Greg Murray, The 05, Slipslide) and new many other new bands. Cherry Orchard's cover of the Go Betweens song is only one of the many great moments in this compilation!
Recommended!

Elefant Records, Madrid, Spain 2003
ER-245 SingleGreg Murray Go honey Four splendid songs that conform the debut single of this Irish musician, just about to release music in prestigious American label Bus Stop. Echoes of the best folk-pop ever, from SIMON AND GARFUNKEL to KINGS OF CONVENIENCE, NEIL YOUNG, ELLIOT SMITH, NICK DRAKE... Songs of a very charming and effective simplicity.

From Scotland to Ireland: that’s where GREG MURRAY is from, though he lives in London. Another debut single, four acoustic tracks that bring to mind the best tradition of folk-pop, from Simon And Garfunkel to Kings of Convenience. Title track “Go honey” boasts a really catchy chorus. It’s amazing that such a wonderful song can still be created with so very few ingredients: just vocals, guitars, some drum tracks and little else. The three other tracks in this single are equally awesome. And the only artist to release on Elefant records that I have not seen live first. Luis Calvo.
www.elefant.com

Wayne Denfy (music critic)
His is a whispered voice of fluttering lullabies and lo-fi atmospherics. These tender urban folk tales, talk of loss and vulnerability, from the spooked bossa nova beat of "Go honey" to "No Pretending", the unsettling soundtrack to Mrs Robinson's secret affair. His carefully constructed bedroom symphonies are built up using layers of sound stop/start time signatures and quirky instrumentation, each shot through with a pop sensibility and an ear for melody that shines.
Think Sparklehorse, Simon & Garfunkel, Grandaddy, Neil Young, Mercury Rev, The Red House Painters...think…Greg Murray.

"You & Me" Review (Michael Pfeiffer, Germany)
“Beautiful melancholy folk-pop. I love especially the heartbreaking title track, so much so with it's slow but irresistible vocals and the sparse but heartbeating rhythm. It' s really one of the best tracks I have ever heard on Plastic Pancake. I hope you release more of this kind of music - as soon as possible.” Michael Pfeiffer
www.plasticpancake.com

"You & Me" Review

Plastic Pancake releases…"Watch How You Go"…Greg Murray

“A velvet voice meets the spleen of a woody orchestration greg murray, fed at the 60’s pop-folk songwriting, releases some extremely sweet ballads with a shade of a melancholic mood a touch of delicacy in a world of brutes”
www.plasticpancake.com

Shelflife Records, San Francisco, USA
We're happy to have the opportunity to introduce Greg Murray to you. He follows in the folk tradition of artists such as Simon and Garfunkel and Kings of Convenience, focusing on vocals and acoustic guitars. This release will give you a taste for his forthcoming releases on Elefant, Bus Stop and Plastic Pancake.
He is a singer-songwriter who hails from Ireland and resides in England. His craft is perfected with catchy choruses, fuelled by soaring vocal harmonies and sporadic drums beats, to create an enchanting blend of DIY pop.
This ep provides a glimpse into the magic of Murray's expansive song catalogue while giving us a taste for his forthcoming releases on Elefant, Bus Stop and Plastic Pancake.
www.shelflife.com

Dave Heaton, “Erasing Clouds”, USA - Greg Murray, Edge EP (Bus Stop Label)
Lest there be any doubt that you can make a great-sounding recording without spending loads of money (or leaving your house), witness as evidence Greg Murray's four song Edge EP. The back cover notes, "All instruments recorded in my bedroom using an old Apple Mac computer through a Carlsboro mixer console with all instrumentation - analogue in nature," yet this is one of the crispest, most pristine recordings you'll hear. Murray sings and plays guitar, harmonica, bass and sometimes other things, offering up four beautiful pop-folk tunes. Singing sometimes with a croon, sometimes with a whisper, Murray adds a delicate touch to his melodic songs about love and loneliness. The two center tracks, "Rocketship" and "Daggers," are my favorites. They're two sublimely gentle, sadness-tinged love songs. "You could fall in love in the bat of an eye," Murray sings in "Daggers," more as an accusation than a celebration. Throughout the Edge EP, his debut, Greg Murray introduces himself as a songwriter with the remarkable talent of hitting you with raw emotion while caressing you with some of the loveliest pop melodies and vocals you'll hear.
http://www.erasingclouds.com/22oct.html

Edward Yung, Emma’s House Records and Heliotone Records, Manchester
Edge - This really is a great song, an upbeat Nick Drake is how I would describe it. Catchy and I like the pausing vocal style. Probably one of my favourites. This is what a classic song sounds like. Well structured, good chorus, verses and ending. When a song is done well with that bit of familiarity you can't help but like it. Low - An Americana feel this one, reminds me of Calexico, but without the trumpets and Giant Sand. I like the instruments you have put on this and the vocal style is good. I can't believe it's the same person from the other tracks. This could have come from El Paso, Texas and you would not have known. Orange Peel - This has a Simon and Garfunkel style guitar written all over it which is great. I like it a lot. While Dreaming - The simplicity of this track with the ability to create quite an absorbing atmosphere is not something that a lot of musicians can do well. You are quite simply at ease with yourself and the music you do.

Rough Trade Shop, London
Second single in the trilogy of singles released on Elefant, Bus Stop and Plastic Pancake. Three delicate acoustic numbers recorded at home -.like a mellow Belle and Sebastian moment or Simon and Garfunkel. Very lovely indeed - released 24/10/2002
www.roughtrade.com

Fire Station Tower Records, Germany – “These are the songs we always wanted to hear” - Track 9. Orange Peel
In one and the same breath with Belle&Sebastian, Mercury Rev and Kings of Convenience GREG MURRAY from Britain has to be named. The single “Orange Peel” from the “Corduroy Boy EP” (Shelflife Records) is one of the most important releases this year! If that is not enough, apart from that, Greg has put out more records this year on such fine labels as Bus Stop, Elefant and Plastic Pancake.
www.firestation-records.de

Piccadilly Records, Manchester 2006

Greg Murray : Edge EP - CD £2.99
Bus Stop : BUS064 - Four track EP from this Irish singer-songwriter. More bedroom acoustics 'n' computers music. It's a natural thing, what better place? This is intimate, warm, heartfelt stuff. Think Belle And Sebastian or the Fieldmice or maybe even Nick Drake and Simon And Garfunkel. All four tracks are cosy and sweet. Recommended.

Greg Murray : Go Honey - 7" £2.99
Elefant : ER245 - Four track EP on orange vinyl. Classic, timeless, acoustic songs, with gorgeous harmonies and occasional electronic sounds. Combining influences from Nick Drake and Simon And Garfunkel, to Kings Of Convenience and Red House Painters. Recommended.

Greg Murray : You And Me - 7" £2.99
Plastic Pancake : PLASTIC PANCAKE 14 - Three track 7" from this Irish singer songwriter. Classic, timeless, acoustic songs, with gorgeous harmonies and occasional electronic sounds. Combining influences from Nick Drake and Simon And Garfunkel, to Kings Of Convenience and Red House Painters. Recommended.

www.piccadillyrecords.co.uk

Greg Murray’s EP, Edge, is a completely a one-man-band work, by an expatriate Irishman in the UK. Its four songs are Indie-Pop built, melancholy tinged, with acoustic guitar, some percussion, ethereal lead vocal and the occasional layered in harmonies. I have no idea what "sadcore" (or "emo" or a couple of handfuls of other recent sub-genres) mean, but this sounds like it to me, with loneliness dripping from its bytes in an almost sublime manner.
www.thebobmagazine.com

Laura at Piccadilly Records, Manchester
Another favourite of mine for '03-'04 were the singles from local boy, Greg Murray. (Ok, so I'm stretching the boundaries of "local" a bit here!!)
www.piccadillyrecords.co.uk

An Article from my home town's local newspaper dated 4th Nov 2004
'The Lurgan Mail' (Graeme Cousins)

Greg set for the big time LURGAN-born singer Greg Murray is set to be catapulted into the big time with the release of his first album this month.
Greg, a former pupil of St Paul¹s and St Michael¹s in the town, sees his
new album, Tymes Ten, hit the shelves on 22 November.
The 10-track album released on Firestation Records will include the video
of his latest single Seen It All. Greg, who comes from a musical family, began playing saxophone in a blues band in Belfast and would busk in and around the city. He also had a stint in an indie band, before setting about recording a number of his own songs. Greg left his home in Sperrin Drive in Lurgan 15 years ago and has since relocated to Stoke-On-Trent.He still has fond recollection of his time on the Emerald Isle and cites a diverse range of influences including Van Morrison, The Smiths, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Wilson, The Byrds, Simon and Garfunkel and Teenage Fanclub. His own brand of pop/folk has been compared to Neil Young, Mercury Rev,Grandaddy and Belle and Sebastian amongst others.With his album release only weeks away things are looking very promising for Greg. A German radio station has actually made his album their choice album of the week, above Johnny Cash¹s The Very Best Of!

Greg Murray - Edge ep (Bus Stop)
All the way from Ireland - actually it’s not that far is it, what am I talking about? - Greg Murray plays all the instruments on this single, the clever devil. And quite a nice job he’s made of it too. Obviously a big fan of Nick Drake and Simon and Garfunkel, this is four songs of the wimpiest folk-pop, and that is very fine indeed. Stay weak Greg.
( Tasty Fanzine)
http://members.lycos.co.uk/tastyfanzine/singles20.htm
www.busstoplabel.com

...

The Blue Room Tracklist: 7/12/2002
Greg Murray - 'Go Honey' (Elefant)
http://tonevendor.com/catalog.php?letter=g
http://www.darla.com/catalog/catalog.asp?alpha=G

'You & Me' - Review
http://www.unisex-musicmail.de/new_back_g.htm

Here is Greg Murray's single on PLASTIC PANCAKE with 3 completely new songs. Greg Murray is to become a household name, and I stress this enough for his songs are marvelously melancholy but at the same time optimistic and sometimes even up-beat. Buy this record quick, since I assume that this limited 7' will be fast out of print '. TRACK listing: You and Me, Watch How You Go, Hide. -- please have a look at this absolutely wonderful homepage: www.plasticpancake.com

www.allmusic.com AMG REVIEW: Part of the charm of lo-fi recordings is that they are intimate. Greg Murray definitely offers up this quality on the Edge EP. This is a home recording that relies on textures; there is a lot going on, possibly too much, which doesn't make it clean. You can hear separate tracks punch in and out of Edge; where the home recordings of Eric's Trip could get away with this, Murray's tracking throws Edge off a tad. The songs on Edge are delicate tunes, reminiscent of Damien Jurado or Her Space Holiday's quiet moments. When Greg Murray throws in an occasional tempo shift, the effect is very disorienting and interesting, adding an uneasy quality to the sweetness. "Daggers" presents Murray's gentle strumming and picking while setting up his vocals as the melody, sounding a lot like Low's Alan Sparhawk. Harmonica creates a wonderful dissonance in the last two tracks, especially in "Slowmo." Murray keeps "Slowmo" restrained, which works very well and is a direction he should continue to pursue. Greg Murray gives listeners a decent debut with Edge. — David Serra
Greg Murray – Edge (cd-ep, Bus Stop)

GREG MURRAY
GO HONEY
LABEL / YEAR:Elefant/2002 FORMAT: 7'' TRACKS: 4
Four splendid songs that confirm the debut single of this Irish musician: Echoes of the best folk-pop ever, from SIMON AND GARFUNKEL to KINGS OF CONVENIENCE, NEIL YOUNG, ELLIOT SMITH, NICK DRAKE ... Songs of a very charming and effective simplicity. Tracklisting: Go Honey, Edge, No Pretending, Camera. For more infos and soundfiles please go to: www.elefant.com

GREG MURRAY
CORDUROY BOY EP
LABEL / YEAR:Shelflife/2002 FORMAT: CD TRACKS: 5
GREG MURRAY is a singer-songwriter who hails from Ireland and resides in England. He follows in the folk tradition of artists such as SIMON & GARFUNKEL and KINGS OF CONVENIENCE, focusing on vocals and acoustic guitars. His craft is perfected with catchy choruses, fueled by soaring vocal harmonies and sporadic drums beats, to create an enchanting blend of DIY pop. This ep provides a glimpse into the magic of Murray's expansive song catalog. For friends of Kings of Convenience, Belle and Sebastian, Donovan, Simon and Garfunkel. Tracklisting: Go Honey, No Pretending, Edge, Corduroy Boy (exclusive), Orange Peel (exclusive). --- www.shelflife.com


GREG MURRAY
EDGE EP
LABEL / YEAR:Bus Stop/2002 FORMAT: CD TRACKS: 4
4 song EP of quiet bedroom pop. Like Kings of Convenience, Belle & Sebastian, Nick Drake, and Elliott Smith. Limited Edition of 1000. Tracklisting: Edge, Rocketship, Daggers, Slowmo.

Unisex-musicmail review of Shelflife ep single "Corduroy Boy"

GREG MURRAY is a singer-songwriter who hails from Ireland and resides in England. He follows in the folk tradition of artists such as SIMON & GARFUNKEL and KINGS OF CONVENIENCE, focusing on vocals and acoustic guitars. His craft is perfected with catchy choruses, fueled by soaring vocal harmonies and sporadic drums beats, to create an enchanting blend of DIY pop. This ep provides a glimpse into the magic of Murray's expansive song catalog. For friends of Kings of Convenience, Belle and Sebastian, Donovan, Simon and Garfunkel. Tracklisting: Go Honey, No Pretending, Edge, Corduroy Boy (exclusive), Orange Peel (exclusive). --- www.shelflife.com
http://www.unisex-musicmail.de

Unisex-musicmail review of Shelflife ep single "Go Honey"

Four splendid songs that conform the debut single of this Irish musician: Echoes of the best folk-pop ever, from SIMON AND GARFUNKEL to KINGS OF CONVENIENCE, NEIL YOUNG, ELLIOT SMITH, NICK DRAKE ... Songs of a very charming and effective simplicity. Tracklisting: Go Honey, Edge, No Pretending, Camera. For more infos and soundfiles please go to: www.elefant.com
http://www.unisex-musicmail.de


Peter Hahndorf at www.twee.net has included my details or releases and reviews on his fantastic indie site http://www.twee.net/bands/m/murraygreg.html


'Seen It All' voted one of the best pop songs of 2003 by Uwe Weigmann of Firestation Records.

My posting on the BBC Stoke web site as at 6th Aug 2004: www.bbc.co.uk