ABOUT THIS ITEM

'Freedom Street' is a real place in south London. 'Freedom Street' is an imaginary state of grace in the city, a feeling of belonging, a sense of letting go on a spectacularly hot summer's day. It's about living in London now, it's coloured by the music of the past. It's about feeling good, in a kind of melancholy way. It's about being laid back, but ready for action. It's about new ways of seeing old things, about a sense of wonder for familiar surroundings.

It kicks off with 'Word' a track inspired by early Factory Records dance acts like Quando Quango, featuring scottish singer Andrew Docherty. Andrew took the backing track and came back with a fully formed song, complete with horn section and distortion. 'Letter From Erika' follows, featuring vocalist Dan Rowe. Next up we have Melodica's debut release, 'Holiday.' The track features Scottish folk artist Samantha Whates doing her best to sound like the ghost of Astrud Gilberto and the clinking of ice in glasses of a rather lovely Italian rose for inspiration and general good vibes. 'Down To The Sea' is an attempt to capture the Balearic spirit, dubwise, complete with vocals from the wonderful Dayeene sisters from Sweden.

'St James Grove' is up next, featuring Mike Bone on the Trombone. 'St James Grove' is the street down the road from Chris, it's an ordinary street but in summer, when the roses in the front yards are in bloom and the sun shines at a certain angle on the brickwork, it's kind of beautiful. 'My Desire'  features Lisa Lindley-Jones on vocals. You might know her from her work with her band Dark Horses and her appearances with UNKLE.

'Elton Dub' captures a one off lounge piano performance by the maestro Sacha Puttnam. The original jam was recorded at Sacha's country studio hideaway in the depths of County Cork in Ireland. 'End Of The World' is a happy sad song, the music is kind of sweet but the words are a little dark. It was originally inspired by sunny holidays, then Chris and vocalist Jim Sturgess both read The Road and something a little cloudy happened.

1. Word
2. Letter From Erika
3. Holiday
4. Down To The Sea
5. St James Grove
6. My Desire
7. Elton Dub
8. End Of The World
9. Love You So