Million Dead re-release Harmony, No Harmony

Harmony, No Harmony- Million Dead (vinyl)

Released by Xtra Mile Recordings on 21st August 2015

It's been a long time in the making, but Million Dead are finally set to release their second and final album Harmony, No Harmony on vinyl this August. Marking the ten year anniversary of the LP, Xtra Mile Recordings are producing transparent yellow records in a newly redesigned gatefold sleeve, alongside t-shirts featuring the album's trademark burning match motif.

The release is sure to welcome fans both old and new back into the angsty world of Million Dead  - long before the days of Mongol Horde and Future of the Left. Showcasing a more pensive side to the band after debut A Song to Ruin, Harmony No Harmony is Million Dead perhaps at its best. Unafraid to experiment both lyrically and musically, the album straddles the barrier between post-hardcore and the contemplative alt-rock so reminiscent of the early noughties. This is a must have for any Frank Turner fan wanting to know where it all began.

If you can't wait until then to embrace the nostalgia, check out the band's oddly moving video for Living the Dream, following the tale of a glam rock band re-discovering themselves after the glitter and make-up lose their appeal.

The LP (with optional tee) is available to pre-order from Xtra Mile and Banquet Records. 

Humble Beginnings.

Another day, another songwriter. Or at least that's what it's starting to seem like lately. Maybe the lukewarm summer sun is bringing them out from the shadows or perhaps they're just spurred on by the likes of folk posterboy Frank Turner: either way it's clear that everyone and his horse wants to get in on a bit of the action. While this can only be a good thing in terms of music as a whole, it's easy for a genre of this calibre to become stagnant and bland. However, every so often you find one artist interesting enough to make up for the stream of generic folk types, and today that's in the form of Mr Ben Parcell.

With an album entitled Humble Beginnings, Ben Parcell certainly lives up to expectations. Laidback and carefree, it draws on both punk and folk influences from the likes of Green Day and Billy Bragg to create an upbeat vibe that's perfect for accompanying days spent lazing about in the sun. Parcell, a self-confessed Turner fan, has clearly taken a leaf out of his hero's book when it comes to making music both passionate and distinctive; something that songs like Close Your Eyes do very well.

While it's not going to completely alter your conception of reality and there appears to be a distinct lack of hooks, this is a record that doesn't boast anything other than what it is. A good, solid, humble beginning. Having only started making music in 2010, Parcell has clearly got a long way to go until he draws in crowds on the scale of Turner and Bragg, but it seems to me that he's definitely one to watch out for in the future. I think I'll be keeping an eye on him (in a non-stalkery capacity).

Humble Beginnings is out now and you can catch Ben at the Dutchess, Scarborough on the 28th of August.

The man never stops working. Ever.

Merry Christmas and all that.

"Something as Simple as Rock'n'Roll Could Save Us All.."

Since I'm in a new music mood, I thought I'd show you what was arguably the anthem of the summer, even before its release.

If you've been out and about on the festival circuit this year then you'll have noticed a certain Winchester lad popping up time and time again to bring you more anthemic tunes than you can shake a stick at, in the rocky troubadour stylings that have sent him rocketing into mainstream success. Of course I could only be talking about one Frank Turner. It's a bit weird hearing a brand new song on the radio and knowing the words to it, but it doesn't matter how many times I hear this song, it still sends shivers down my spine (as much of his work seems to do). I don't think I need to justify my fan girlsmanship though, as the video kind of speaks for itself:

One of his best so far I reckon.

Although his new LP won't be released until next spring, this track along with a couple of other new ones will be on a shiny new EP, set to be released on 6th December. Or, if you can't wait that long, you can buy the track now on iTunes and preorder the EP from here.

Frank and Chris in one video?

Yes please.

I wish I'd gone to 2000 Trees this year, would have loved to see this.

Damn income ruining my musical addiction..

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

This just makes me melt.

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.

Here's the better version: Frank Turner- You Are My Sunshine (Spotify)

Frank: On the Road

Everyone's favourite troubadour Mr Frank Turner is set to release a Live DVD this March, to coincide with his upcoming UK tour.

The DVD is alleged to have not just one but TWO full shows, recorded at the Shepherd's Bush Empire and Union Chapel in the latter part of last year. Featuring behind the scenes tour diaries, interviews and promo videos, this DVD looks like a must have for all FT fans, and a great introduction for those not yet acquainted with the Winchester lad. If you want something to watch over a weekend, you could do far worse than checking this out, you may find yourself surprised by the sheer brutality of Frank's live sets, it's pretty damn good.

Right, gushing over, here's the trailer..

Take to the Road is released on the 22nd March through Xtra Mile Recordings.

OCD Time

Ok, so this isn't exactly original, ground breaking citizen journalism, but I thought I should make the most of my OCD ninja powers and give you my interpretation of the year that was 2009.

So, I guess, this being a music blog and all, we'll start with the choons. Innit.

Lady Ga-Ga

Bands

• Frank Turner- What can I say? His second album was phenomenal and has currently overtaken The Smiths in my most played. This should speak for itself. If you ever get the chance to see this man play live you'd be only foolish, FOOLISH I TELLS YE to miss it. Frank takes the singer songwriter niche to another dimension with shouty, rambunctious music designed to make you smile.

• Lady Gaga- At the start of this year I really hated her. I mean, REALLY hated her. Just another boring talentless drone who loves making a tit out of herself. Now, in December, not much has changed (I'm actually stunned at some of the outfits she's come out with this year) but musically I think she's been one of the most refreshing artists to come out of this year and indeed decade. Say what you like, but we ALL know you've been singing along to Pokerface, don't try and deny it. But then who can blame you? Lady Gaga is an example of pop at it's weirdest and most wonderful.

• Mumford & Sons- Is it wrong that I herald these guys as the Fleet Foxes of 2009? I hope not, I adore Fleet Foxes. For me they made the winter months at the start of this year that much more bearable with their warm, cosy melodies and beautifully folky harmonies. But Mumford & Sons have somehow managed to bring the whole low fi country to the kids. They're getting daytime airplay on both Radio 1 and 6, and it's only a matter of time until the NME jumps on the bandwagon and starts singing their praises too.

All together now.. GHOSTBUSTERS!

The World

So, we've survived Swine Flu, MJ's death hysteria and the biblical flash floods of Glastonbury; not to mention nearly being sucked into a black hole by those crazy guys at the CERN. It's been a good old year really. But what we really want to know is what have been the best bits according to a bored 17 year old blogger?

- Jedward: Coming soon to a Butlins near you.

-Trafigura-Gate: A major step forward in the fight for free speech and shows just how powerful 140 characters can be.

- AS Exams: If ANYONE says that A Levels are getting easier next year I will personally make them pay.

- Star Trek: Yes there were major plot holes, but I've been waiting for a really good, engaging Star Trek film for ages. My name is Madison, and I'm proud to be a Trekkie.

-Kanye West being, well Kanye West: Funny for about the first five minutes, but I'm as tired of seeing pisstakes of this on the interweb as I am of those blasted Lolcats.

- Growing Up: When you've reached the point where you'd rather stay at home and watch Come Dine With Me marathons instead of getting pissed in the park, you know you're not a kid anymore. Midlife crisis at 17, who knew?

-Sartre: I never thought I'd fall in love with a French, communist, existentialist Philosopher. But there we go. Being and Nothingness is one of the most demanding books I have and will possibly ever read, but when it comes to trying to explain our existence, he makes a good point. Be who you want, do what you want, just make sure you know you're responsible for it. Some may call it depressing, I call it bloody brilliant.

Jack Whitehall

TV, Films, ET CETERA..

• Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Thoroughly disappointing: it seems the director has lost their original vision of creating the alluringly bewitching world of witchcraft that every child dreams of, into just another mega budget Twilightesque romp. I'll still buy the DVD though, of course.

• Which brings me to Twilight. I haven't seen the films but I've read enough of the books to know that it isn't worth the hype that the swathes of preteen girls seem to be creating. Seriously, if I have to hear about Jacob and fucking Edward ONE MORE TIME there will be blood. And there'll be nowt sparkley about that.

• Misfits: Think it's just another variation of Skins? Think again. Take the unconventional superhero style that Heroes does so well and mix with a large dose of comedic realism of what it's like to be a young offender in Britain. Both the writing and acting are superb: Nathan's character is brilliantly loveable and I've found myself warming to even the chavviest of them throughout the series. A definite must-watch.

• Dave: The saviour of Saturday nights. Where would we be without endless repeats of Have I Got News For You from 2008?

• Comedy: This year has seen the likes of Michael Mcintyre, Russell Howard, Marcus Brigstock and Jon Richardson finally get the recognition they deserve. Jack Whitehall has also shown that us yoof can be funny too; I'm hoping that he will rise to the same heights that Howard and Frankie Boyle have over the past 12 months.

2009 has been one hell of a year. The lows have been gut wrenchingly grim, the highs have been utterly unbelievable and it's made me fucking RELIEVED I only have a few more months left before I can finally unleash the bonds of Bristol and see what lurks beyond the veil of childhood.

Ignore the Applause and Set the Theatre on Fire

Here's the brand new video from my favourite Punk/folk hybrid Frank Turner.

I have the pleasure of actually being in the video, having been in one of the many savage crowds Frank has had to contend with during his most recent UK tour. (Actually, not that anyone cares but at 0.27 you can actually see my 'interesting' face at the front of the crowd for his instore appearance at awesome music shop Rise).

The gig itself was truly something to behold- one man band Beans on Toast offered an unconventional yet inspired support, I don't think many were expecting to see a folk singer from London dancing and rapping to the sounds of an accordion and someone playing the Gameboy. And as for Frank, I have to say I was utterly impressed. When you hear the words 'singer songwriter' you immediately conjure up images of demure pretentious prats who play your typical folk-by-numbers stuff (see James Blunt or that other one). What you actually get in the case of Frank Turner is a raucous, heavy mess whose songs are almost brutal in their honesty.

Most notably Poetry of the Deed and encore Photosynthesis received an amazing reaction from the baying crowd, and with Frank and his band managing to produce some of the most upbeat yet heavy music to come from a singer-songwriter whilst trying not to sweat their gonads off in the near-tropical heat (what idiots put central heating on in a small gig venue?!), they certainly earnt it.

The track, from which his new album takes the same name, has all of the usual beautifully poetic lyrics that we've come to expect from Turner; the refrain at the end in particular always makes me smile. Poetry of the Deed is a stomper of a track that definitely deserves to score highly in the Top 40.

"Life is too short, to live without poetry
If you've got soul darling then come on and show it me.
But Life is too long to just sing the one song
So we'll burn like a beacon
And then we'll be gone."

Just because.

Try This At Home

The newest track leaked by Frank Turner from his upcoming album Poetry for the Dead, set to be released on September 7th (the start of my final year of childhood education-eep!). I'm a huge fan of his stuff and this song fails to disappoint, as always. I'm so excited about this album that I've already pre-ordered it.


This track was performed at the prestigious SXSW earlier this year; it's one of his punkier anthems, I much prefer this to his other new one The Road (which, although equally good, isn't as memorable as Try This at Home, in my humble opinion). Enjoy.

Just thought I'd give any Yanks who are in need of a new music fix a heads up about a fresh and interesting singer songwriter who is a firm favourite of mine, as my previous obsessive blatherings on here will have shown.
With a new Autumn UK and Europe tour this year as well as playing at the prestigious South by South West, it seems things are looking up for old' Frank..




If you're up for a chilled evening of damn good folk/indie, definitely give Frank Turner a look see, you won't regret it!

For US and UK/Europe Tour Dates check out www.myspace.com/frankturner

Screw You Cupid!

Yes it's that time of the year again. The fated February 14th, when there's nought to be seen but sickeningly happy couples hand in hand and buying into the corporate monster that is the card companies (and florists to a certain extent). Where you are reminded constantly that everyone else has someone to make their day just that little bit more special, whereas you're sat at home watching Grand Designs with a pot noodle. Great.


So, in case you haven't gleaned already, I'm not a big fan of Valentine's day. Bitter? Maybe. Cynical? Too right. Point is, I don't see the necessity in expressing how you feel about a person on one day of the year, when you can get rejected every day of the year. Honestly though, I'm not too fussed, it's just another day for me, but I do realise that some take it more seriously than I.

If you happen to be one of those people (there's got to be some of them out there) then I have a treat in store for you. Hell, even if you think it's a load of tripe like me then give this a listen and it'll cheer you up. Or make you feel worse, whichever.

What a Pooh Christmas

I'm sorry, that is truly terrible..



I've fiinally got an advent calender, a Winnie the Pooh one to be exact. Plus, my favourite folk singer Chris T-T has only gone and done another Christmas EP, featuring, funnily enough, poems by A.A Milne (you know, the Pooh guy).

I love Christmas.
Check out the EP on his Myspace- two of which are eligible for download. http://www.myspace.com/christtuk

The next portion of my album rundown will be posted sometime this week, I'm going to be crazily busy what with gigs and college- Levellers and Frank Turner tomorrow YAY and local chap Oxygen Thief's 100th gig on Friday, will keep you posted. Get it? Ah, I kid..

The Mandatory 2008 Post

So, it's that time of year again when everybody gets a little gushy and retrospective about the year that has passed, and what a year it's been. The Recession, Obama's monumental victory and umm, well, Mugabe has meant that you couldn't call this year dull. Besides all the tedium of the political world, there's been some great stuff about in the musical side of things. Folk has seen a surprising comeback and it seems people are finally growing tired of the Libertine sound-a-like sea of indie bands out there, choosing a more unconventional style instead.


I thought I'd add to the endless list of bloggers doing this and compile my very own list of 2008. However, this post will be spaced out over a number of days, 20/20 hindsight has told me that it is an ickle bit too long for just one post. So, enjoy!

10. Ladyhawke-Ladyhawke

In case you haven't yet noticed, 2008 has been the year of the synth. It's been unavoidable as of late, so much so that I wanted to get one and break it into teeny tiny pieces. However, Ladyhawke's self-titled debut is definitely the exception to the rule. This is an album full of potential singles, not a filler in sight. For someone who describes herself as being an introvert, you certainly can't tell listening to this. Pip's vocals ooze confidence and her songs have the perfect blend of synth and guitar that combine to make a damn catchy album. I'm already looking forward to her follow up, get to it Pip!






9. Robots in Disguise-We're in the Music Biz

Ok, so I know this album wasn't exactly ground breaking stuff, but this was the album that made me fall in love with this edgy electro duo. My friends and I saw Sue Denim and Dee Plume play songs from this album the night before its release, and they were as adrenaline fuelled and chaotic as they are on the album. This record proves that not only can the girls make tracks fit for dancing like no-one's watching but they also have a good sense of humour; giving us a more realistic view of the rock'n'roll lifestyle in Can't Stop Getting Wasted and unleashing a tongue in cheek tirade against conformity in Don't Copy Me. This is a much rougher album than their previous in terms of style, but it's the edginess that makes this well worth a listen.

8. Frank Turner-Love Ire & Song

2008 has really been Frank's year. He's spent much of the year touring bloody everywhere and yet still had time to release a refreshing and witty album. What a nice bloke. Mr. Turner is one of my favourite finds of the year. Pals with fellow folkster (see what I did there?) Chris T-T, Frank writes music that not only makes you think but allows you to actually enjoy his clever lyrics. Charity single 'Long Live the Queen' is a testament to this, as on first listen it's a catchy song but if you dig deeper and listen to the lyrics, you hear the story of a young women dying in hospital for breast cancer, the charity in which the single's revenue goes towards. This is the most underground artist on my list, and I really hope that by this time next year I will be able to gloat that I introduced this chap to you when he's one of the UK's most successful debut singer-songwriters.



















7.Ladytron-Velocifero
For me personally, 2008 has seen my musical tastes expand into the unfamiliar field of electro. Having grown up with the likes of Placebo, New Order and Echo and the Bunnymen shoved down my throat, I thought it would be nice to see what all of the fuss was about regarding this strange mesh of electronic sounds. Listening to this album is almost like being hypnotised and punched in the face simultaneously. The edgy beats and angst ridden synths create a definite groove that makes it all the more addictive to hear. Although some of the songs on here do make this album lose a touch of its charm, (Predict the Day's jaunty rhythm is more nauseating than exciting) others simply thrill me (see Versus' dangerously catchy refrain and bizarre kitten lyrics), making this album a firm favourite of mine for dancing about pathetically when getting ready to go out if nothing else.




















6. Laura Marling
Now at this point I'm going to say that I don't intend to market this album rundown as the most unconventional thing to do at the end of the year, lets face it Joe and Jane Bloggs have and are going to write posts along the same vein as this here thing. I can bet you 3 packets of Jellytots that this young lady will feature heavily. Laura Marling is the brilliantly talented songstress who's managed to take the alternative music scene by storm and is a staple of 6Music's playlist. Aaand she's only 18, lest we forget. This album is a true testament to her talent, with her warm raspy vocals leaving you wanting more and her brilliantly dark yet witty lyrics. It's been said before but it's hard to believe from hearing this album that she is only just an adult, a mature and rather graceful air seems to resonate from this record. How this girl did not get the Mercury Prize is beyond me. The only question I'm left asking after hearing this is where can she go from here?
What have been your favourite records of 2008? Comment me and let me know, and look out for the next installment of my album roundup.