Johnny Flynn - A Larum (2008)

Evidently far more than just a (very very) pretty face, actor-poet-songwriter Johnny Flynn - frontman of Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit - clearly has a penchant for the stage. And rightly so - he's beautiful. More than this, though: he's talented too. I have to admit, I was wary of listening to his 2008 album A Larum, scared that he was more face than talent, that the hype surrounding him and his success was essentially aesthetically-driven. I could not have been more wrong. Like Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons, Noah And The Whale, Feist and countless others, Johnny Flynn is bringing updated folk to the modern masses. Not so overdone that it's killing itself on the radio, but still popular enough to put on at houseparties, this genre is almost cutting edge in its retro-ism. And Johnny Flynn manages this effortlessly; A Larum ranges from upbeat - 'The Box' and 'Tickle Me Pink' in particular - to subdued - 'Wayne Rooney' (which, incidentally, neglects to mention the footballer, thank God); but the overall effect of the album is to leave you wanting more. For me, it's one of those I think I'll leave it on repeat affairs, suitable for walking into town, for cleaning your room, for reading a book - anything, as long as it's playing continuously. I can't seem to get enough of it.

Yes, this recording is a little rough around the edges - but I think the lack of work that has gone into finishing it gives it a warm if quirky quality. It's sort of wonderfully imperfect.

I realise that Johnny Flynn, the entire reason for this post, doesn't actually sing in this video; but he does act in it. Take it as an example of his acting abilities. Or, at the very least, take it as an example of his beautiful face. While you're doing that, also listen to the song. It's cute and catchy, and deserves more attention than it receives.