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
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Sunday, 22 March 2009
The Mae Shi
If anyone's reading this from the USA and is planning on going to South by South West, then make sure you look these guys up.
The Mae Shi are a four piece experimental punk band hailing from sunny California, whose mix of Indie, Punk and anthemic tunes combine to make one intriguing band, and one only look on their Myspace profile playlist to see why.
Run to Your Grave is that song you heard on the radio a while back but have never been able to find since. With a shouty, upbeat chorus and simple arrangement, it's a definite contender for Song of the Year (so far).
The Lamb and the Lion, which you might recognise as the song from a Skins advert, is also one to listen out for. The Tetris like guitar riff at the start hypnotises, before the very Yeah Yeah Yeahs-esque bridge entices with it's psychedelic charm, making this track very groovy indeed.
If you're into the heavier stuff however, then Vampire Beats is bound to be more your cup of tea. With an altogether more edgy vibe, the short but not so sweet track demonstrates just how intense 90 seconds can be. And if you're really up for chillaxing to something ambient, there's a rather epic extended version of The Lion and the Lamb. At 11 minutes, Kingdom Come is a very mellow synth track that drifts in and out of a slightly surreal James Bond theme.
Tetris? Skins? James Bond?
Told you they were intriguing.
It may only be March but, seeing as the sun's made it's debut appearance in the South this year, I think it's not too early to say that this band will be definite summer BBQ/festival material.
www.myspace.com/themaeshi
The Mae Shi are a four piece experimental punk band hailing from sunny California, whose mix of Indie, Punk and anthemic tunes combine to make one intriguing band, and one only look on their Myspace profile playlist to see why.Run to Your Grave is that song you heard on the radio a while back but have never been able to find since. With a shouty, upbeat chorus and simple arrangement, it's a definite contender for Song of the Year (so far).
The Lamb and the Lion, which you might recognise as the song from a Skins advert, is also one to listen out for. The Tetris like guitar riff at the start hypnotises, before the very Yeah Yeah Yeahs-esque bridge entices with it's psychedelic charm, making this track very groovy indeed.
If you're into the heavier stuff however, then Vampire Beats is bound to be more your cup of tea. With an altogether more edgy vibe, the short but not so sweet track demonstrates just how intense 90 seconds can be. And if you're really up for chillaxing to something ambient, there's a rather epic extended version of The Lion and the Lamb. At 11 minutes, Kingdom Come is a very mellow synth track that drifts in and out of a slightly surreal James Bond theme.
Tetris? Skins? James Bond?
Told you they were intriguing.
It may only be March but, seeing as the sun's made it's debut appearance in the South this year, I think it's not too early to say that this band will be definite summer BBQ/festival material.
www.myspace.com/themaeshi
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Yeah Boi!
Is it just me or is the new track from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs completly addictive?
I've dipped into some of their previous stuff and always been impressed, but never quite enough to warrant a second listen. This, on the other hand, has got me completely hooked. And with extensive coverage on the radio, it looks set to be, dare I say it, a hit.
What do you think?
I've dipped into some of their previous stuff and always been impressed, but never quite enough to warrant a second listen. This, on the other hand, has got me completely hooked. And with extensive coverage on the radio, it looks set to be, dare I say it, a hit.
What do you think?
Hello Stranger
I know, it's been a while. I've been meaning to update for a while, but what with AS Module results, the birth of my social life and general laziness I haven't quite gotten around to it until now. Fear not though my lovelies, I will try and keep you posted more regularly and will be making vital changes to the blog in due course- watch this space...
Remember these guys?
That's right- the man who sold androgeny to the alternative masses (Noel Fielding eat your heart out) and his quirky chums are back. New album Battle for the Sun may not be out until June, but judging from their tease of a free download, it looks set to be a return to form. Compared to some of their previous offerings, title track Battle for the Sun is a lot more chilled, Molko's voice still managing to draw you in with his distinctive lusty drawl all the same. The plinky plonky piano in the background of the chorus combine with lucious held string notes to make an elegant yet epic sound; listening to this track makes me remember how much I loved this band as a child. And with Brian Molko promising a rejuvenated and enlightened Placebo, one can only hope the rest of the album is as good as this.
Battle for the Sun.mp3
Battle for the Sun is released on CD/Download and Deluxe Box Set on 8th June, you can preorder the album here.
Remember these guys?
That's right- the man who sold androgeny to the alternative masses (Noel Fielding eat your heart out) and his quirky chums are back. New album Battle for the Sun may not be out until June, but judging from their tease of a free download, it looks set to be a return to form. Compared to some of their previous offerings, title track Battle for the Sun is a lot more chilled, Molko's voice still managing to draw you in with his distinctive lusty drawl all the same. The plinky plonky piano in the background of the chorus combine with lucious held string notes to make an elegant yet epic sound; listening to this track makes me remember how much I loved this band as a child. And with Brian Molko promising a rejuvenated and enlightened Placebo, one can only hope the rest of the album is as good as this.
Battle for the Sun.mp3
Battle for the Sun is released on CD/Download and Deluxe Box Set on 8th June, you can preorder the album here.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
All You Need is Moz?
Finally after a prolonged wait for his new album, Mr. Stephen Morrissey has finally released his new album, titled Years of Refusal. But after all this time, has the Pope of Mope still got it?
Morrissey: The next Madonna?
You'd think after 25 years in the music business that Morrissey's music may go through one of those ever so awkward reinventions that never really work: Madonna with her *ahem* rapping, Gary Numan with his whiny Goth phase and the vocoded mess that is Britney's new stuff, the years haven't ever been kind to those veterans of music. But no, Morrissey has never really strayed from his well worn path of self pity, irony and killer riffs. Just as well really, I don't know about you but the very thought of Moz turning all electro is enough to give me the chills.
Years of Refusal is an album full of potential singles, each as attention grabbing and vibrant as the next. Something is Squeezing My Skull and One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell are both energetic anthems that show that there's life in the old man yet.
There is a definite feeling of progression from the last album, each track seems to draw in the listener, incrementally leading to a climax during the chorus which, for the most part, is just a splurge of emotion. There's the usual themes of death and loneliness in tracks When Last I Spoke To Carol and You Were Good in Your Time, the ultimate line in the latter ("Are you aware, that you have just died?") being so haunting you are left somewhat surprised, even by Morrissey's standards. And the Mexican Carol.. song sounds oddly apt for this tale of suicide; the distant howls in the background conjure up images of this lady wandering through the valley of the dead, inches away from taking her own life. Or at least that's how I picture it, being a ray of sunshine and all.
The only track I am not so thrilled about is That's How People Grow Up. The live version of this track was released sometime last year and, in comparison to the studio version, had a lot more oomph. It's not often that I side with a live track, but I feel the album version of this track to be slightly too pristine for my liking.
Other than that though, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this new album, and I had to admit although a faithful disciple, I was somewhat sceptic about how his new album would compare to his previous work. Thankfully though, he failed to disappoint and his album has even beaten Frank Turner's on my most played list for the past 3 months. If that's not a sign of a good record, I don't know what is.
"You're gonna miss me when I'm gone" Morrissey taunts during the magnificently powerful All You Need Is Me- with recent news that Moz is contemplating retirement at the grand age of 50, I can safely say that we certainly will.
9/10
Morrissey: The next Madonna?You'd think after 25 years in the music business that Morrissey's music may go through one of those ever so awkward reinventions that never really work: Madonna with her *ahem* rapping, Gary Numan with his whiny Goth phase and the vocoded mess that is Britney's new stuff, the years haven't ever been kind to those veterans of music. But no, Morrissey has never really strayed from his well worn path of self pity, irony and killer riffs. Just as well really, I don't know about you but the very thought of Moz turning all electro is enough to give me the chills.
Years of Refusal is an album full of potential singles, each as attention grabbing and vibrant as the next. Something is Squeezing My Skull and One Day Goodbye Will be Farewell are both energetic anthems that show that there's life in the old man yet.
There is a definite feeling of progression from the last album, each track seems to draw in the listener, incrementally leading to a climax during the chorus which, for the most part, is just a splurge of emotion. There's the usual themes of death and loneliness in tracks When Last I Spoke To Carol and You Were Good in Your Time, the ultimate line in the latter ("Are you aware, that you have just died?") being so haunting you are left somewhat surprised, even by Morrissey's standards. And the Mexican Carol.. song sounds oddly apt for this tale of suicide; the distant howls in the background conjure up images of this lady wandering through the valley of the dead, inches away from taking her own life. Or at least that's how I picture it, being a ray of sunshine and all.
The only track I am not so thrilled about is That's How People Grow Up. The live version of this track was released sometime last year and, in comparison to the studio version, had a lot more oomph. It's not often that I side with a live track, but I feel the album version of this track to be slightly too pristine for my liking.
Other than that though, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this new album, and I had to admit although a faithful disciple, I was somewhat sceptic about how his new album would compare to his previous work. Thankfully though, he failed to disappoint and his album has even beaten Frank Turner's on my most played list for the past 3 months. If that's not a sign of a good record, I don't know what is.
"You're gonna miss me when I'm gone" Morrissey taunts during the magnificently powerful All You Need Is Me- with recent news that Moz is contemplating retirement at the grand age of 50, I can safely say that we certainly will.
9/10
Sunday, 15 February 2009
1984: How Close Are we?
I know the title suggests that I'm deviating from the normal musical calibre of my posts and drifting into conspiracy theories, but don't worry there is a link to music, even if it it is somewhat tenuous.
I don't want to bring up the shambles that happened at the BBC during the latter part of last year again as I feel it has been pulled to pieces, only to leave a huge generational gap between the public on the matter of decency during public broadcasts. The issue I would like to raise however, is one of connecting the target audience of these radio broadcasts with the shows themselves. I was made aware earlier that two local radio DJ's have had their radio show that aired between 1 and 3 in the morning on the weekends suspended, due to a few expletives in some of the songs broadcast.
Now I don't want to be too hypocritical and judge this situation when I'm not a listener to this particular show, by that time on the weekend I'm either mindlessly rambling to people on MSN or sleeping- 24 hour party person is me. However, it strikes me as a little nonsensical that in the early hours of the morning when most people aged over 45 will be tucked up in bed or watching Taggart with a rich tea, it is unacceptable to air music that is unedited, when at 9PM you can pretty much say what you like on television. I mean honestly, the folk who do watch Taggart must be mortified if they accidentally switch over to Channel 4 on a Saturday, enough to give them angina I'm sure.
(N.B I know I'm generalising an awful lot, forgive me.)
I can understand that the last thing the BBC wants is more scandal, I almost feel sorry for how bad their year was press wise in 2008, but I don't see why swearing in songs broadcast can be deemed offensive at that particular time slot. People who listen to that show tune in to hear local musicians; the whole point of the show is to introduce new talent, so why should we censor it?
I've always had issues with censorship in music.
Maybe it's the purist in me, but I don't think music should have boundaries. It's at its best when it's raw, unadulterated sound; not something that has to answer to 'the man.' I think, when used sparingly, expletives can add impact to songs that may otherwise be deemed bland. I'm not a huge fan of the bitches and hoes rubbish that's spouted a lot these days, but it's all about subjectivity. If an artist feels it's necessary to say 'Shut up you twat' in their own piece of work, then that should be their prerogative. I agree that in the daytime swearing on all mediums of broadcasting is unacceptable due to the risk of young people being 'exposed' to it (as if they aren't already, have you ever been to the local comprehensive?), but during the late evening hours I don't see why there should still be such restrictions.
I hope I'm not the only one who still believes in artistic license. And for all who disagree- FUCK YOU!
I don't want to bring up the shambles that happened at the BBC during the latter part of last year again as I feel it has been pulled to pieces, only to leave a huge generational gap between the public on the matter of decency during public broadcasts. The issue I would like to raise however, is one of connecting the target audience of these radio broadcasts with the shows themselves. I was made aware earlier that two local radio DJ's have had their radio show that aired between 1 and 3 in the morning on the weekends suspended, due to a few expletives in some of the songs broadcast.
Now I don't want to be too hypocritical and judge this situation when I'm not a listener to this particular show, by that time on the weekend I'm either mindlessly rambling to people on MSN or sleeping- 24 hour party person is me. However, it strikes me as a little nonsensical that in the early hours of the morning when most people aged over 45 will be tucked up in bed or watching Taggart with a rich tea, it is unacceptable to air music that is unedited, when at 9PM you can pretty much say what you like on television. I mean honestly, the folk who do watch Taggart must be mortified if they accidentally switch over to Channel 4 on a Saturday, enough to give them angina I'm sure.
(N.B I know I'm generalising an awful lot, forgive me.)
I can understand that the last thing the BBC wants is more scandal, I almost feel sorry for how bad their year was press wise in 2008, but I don't see why swearing in songs broadcast can be deemed offensive at that particular time slot. People who listen to that show tune in to hear local musicians; the whole point of the show is to introduce new talent, so why should we censor it?
I've always had issues with censorship in music.
Maybe it's the purist in me, but I don't think music should have boundaries. It's at its best when it's raw, unadulterated sound; not something that has to answer to 'the man.' I think, when used sparingly, expletives can add impact to songs that may otherwise be deemed bland. I'm not a huge fan of the bitches and hoes rubbish that's spouted a lot these days, but it's all about subjectivity. If an artist feels it's necessary to say 'Shut up you twat' in their own piece of work, then that should be their prerogative. I agree that in the daytime swearing on all mediums of broadcasting is unacceptable due to the risk of young people being 'exposed' to it (as if they aren't already, have you ever been to the local comprehensive?), but during the late evening hours I don't see why there should still be such restrictions.
I hope I'm not the only one who still believes in artistic license. And for all who disagree- FUCK YOU!
Friday, 13 February 2009
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)