This isn't the version I wanted but it was literally the only one I could find (Damn you Youtube!). You HAVE to download the studio version of it though to see what I mean.
There's something about this song being sung by a male voice rather than the usual soprano that's warm, inviting and just generally yummy. I also really love the guitar part that Frank wrote for it, it's a nice take on a classic.
Whimsical, wonderful and very very poppy. This is the sound of the summer, or at least it should be. The fact that they sound a lot like Scouting for Girls is the only downside to these guys; a factor which I think is made up for by the use of the awesome glockenspiel (the instrument of Gods).
I should be seeing The Candle Thieves perform at The Croft on my birthday, I'm very much looking forward to it.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Sleek, sexy electro that's perfect on a day like today when the ever elusive sun decides to grace us with an appearance. Mmm yes please.
Sound good to you?
If that hasn't convinced you then I'm sure the writhing girls in the video will (if you're that way inclined..).
Make sure you download The Wave Machines' debut album, it's out now and available to download on their site. I'm expecting grand things from these guys, they have that Hot Chip/LCD Soundsystem kind of vibe that's bound to set the Indie clubs ablazing.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Yet another Sam Sparro song I'm trying desperately hard not to like..
Evening chaps, I know it's been a while. Blame my ever increasing workload/revision schedule and idleness for the delay. I assure you normal service shall resume shortly..
Now then, forget about the Government palaver, (yes I know we're doomed but at least it gives us the chance to lose ourselves in The Smiths' back catalogue all over again, every cloud and all..) there's much more important things going on down in fair old Albion. One of which is the rise and resurgence of the Great British (and Irish) Folk Scene. There have been rumblings (albeit soft, twee ones) resounding from the nooks and crannies of the British Isles over the past couple of years or so, but it's been the past few months that have really shaken the foundations of the lo-fi music scene- Folk is the new Indie.
We've seen Laura Marling emerge from the shadows to produce a breathtaking second album, Mumford and Sons have captured the hearts of the nation with their debut in an everloving embrace and my favourite Dev, Mr Lightspeed Champion, has brought us a thoroughly interesting second solo album.
And don't even get me started on Frank Turner.
Indeed, we really have been spoiled for choice lately. Adding to this long list of luxurious lyricists (too much?) is Sam Taylor a.k.a Adelaide's Cape, a band that's certain to charm the metaphorical knickers off of you. You might have been lucky to catch Sam and the rest of Adelaide's Cape on tour, having supported both Alessi's Ark and Rachael Dodd in the past. If not then take a look at this, folk at its warmest:
I'm a sucker for an acoustic guitar, but this is just gorgeous isn't it? Perfect in its simplicity with an air of complete contentment, I can definitely picture myself swaying to this under a cloudless sky whilst genteelly sipping on Pimms with some pals.
If you'd like to share in the dream, Mr Taylor is supporting The Miserable Rich on tour this June, and will be hitting up The Secret Garden Party and Open House Festival later on in the year with some folktastic tunes yo.
Adelaide's Cape will also be playing a slot at the Bandstand in Bath on the 12th of June, (free entry) so if you're in that neck of the woods then check it out.
When I think about the glorious summer that was 2008, I'm met with many hazy yet perfect memories: my virginal Glastonbury experience, the end of compulsory education and a whole lot of alcohol (funnily enough I don't remember all that much after that..). Ah yes, 2008 was a good year. Long summer days spent drinking far too much with friends in a park or house somewhere, acting like idiots and going to gigs like they were going out of fashion. Quite the way to live I think you'll agree.
One of the gigs that will always stick with me though is that of electro troupe Robots in Disguise. 3 hours of hard, electro carnage, resulting in having half a pint of what I hope was lager on my new dress. Crowd surfing, people being thrown out and a verbal attack on security staff also made it one hell of an evening and definitely gave me the now ever present thirst for gigs. Now I know a lot of you still haven no idea who I'm talking about, so to give you a taste of what these guys are about, watch this:
Now, needless to say the gig was everything I'd come to expect from such an adventure: swathes of hot and sweaty teenagers jumping around spilling all manner of beverages over all within a 3 metre radius. To some it may seem like hell, but when it's the backdrop to songs like that who really cares?
I've written about RID before so I don't want to completely regurgitate my declaration of love for these guys (though you should know that in a time where female fronted alternative bands are still on the periphery, what these two are doing is pretty damn awesome), but I'm writing with a sense of urgency and pleading this time around. If you hadn't heard of Robots in Disguise before placing your eyes upon this hallowed page that's probably because although in the midst of recording their fourth studio album they are still operating very much under the radar, away from the glaring eyes of the mainstream. Whether this is a good thing is still up for debate, but the fact remains that due to this and the thwack of the tail end of the recession still being felt by musicians everywhere, RID are struggling to come up with funding for their new album.
Although they have a strong fanbase (including the likes of Noel Fielding and electro superstar Peaches), there is always more to be done and any new listeners will be welcomed with sexy robot arms.
I love Robots in Disguise, they remind me of my youth (comparatively anyway, at 17 I'm hardly waiting for my Giro) and they're a fine example of what indie music actually is. With your help we can make sure that more people can hear just how awesome this band is and say a resounding 'fuck you' to the big record companies that don't have to face this kind of crisis everytime they want to put out an album. If it's £1 or even £5, every little penny counts and Robots in Disguise only receive the money if they reach their total of£15,000, with 10% of all money made going towards a charity dealing with improving the lives of those suffering with Alzheimer's. so really what is there to lose??
Robots in Disguise are also playing a series shows across the UK this month, to find out details on venues and ticket prices, click here.
Finally my Glasto dream lineup is shaping up quite nicely!
Rockin' banjo band Mumford and Sons have been confirmed by my favourite farmer Michael Eavis that they are to play The Park stage at this year's Glastonbury Festival.
I am quite literally as giddy as a schoolgirl to hear that these guys will be gracing my spiritual home with an appearance. Ever since the release of their debut I've fallen head over heels for Mumford and co. Infact, it's hard to think of anything NOT to like about them. Innovative, hearty music that just screams DANCE, without being drenched in vocoder or troweled in Mockney accent (Daisy Dares You, anyone?) To be honest, I'd even go as far as saying they are one of the finest bands to emerge from the last 5/10 years.. I can almost envisage it now: as the sun begins to set atop the glorious Park stage, a few thousand people all standing in this fairylit wonderland, swaying to the breathtaking 'you are not alone in this' refrain during Tinshel, completely content and at one with the world. Right before Little Lion Man starts playing and everyone goes apeshit.
Bring it on.
I know I'm a bit behind the times with this, but I've been very lazy lately with updating. Expect more frequent posting.. when I can be bothered.
