if i gave you a smile

todays post is for anyone who thought nothing good could ever come from the notion of a post-EMF band. EMF guitarist Ian Dench met up with vocalist Kerry Shaw in 1996 and formed the band Whistler. eventually taking on violinist James Topham, the London-based trio began unleashing a number of well-reviewed singles in the UK. comparisons ran from the then in-vogue folky pop of Belle and Sebastian to the wistful twee pop of Heavenly. unfortunately the group would never attain the success of former or even the cult-like following of the latter. in fact they only have two albums, but both are worth looking for, especially their debut self-titled release on Wiiija Records. Shaws sing-spoken vocals wryly criticize matters of love and the seemingly sparse accompaniment of acoustic guitar and violin teases out a large pop orchestra that offers a beautiful, almost serene contrast to Shaws singing. here's the bookend tracks from that album:

Whistler "If I Gave You A Smile"
"Please Don't Love Me Anymore"