Firstly, whoever came up with the word ‘baby’ is a fucking dude. Not so much when referring to an infant but when used in an affectionate way or when it’s beautifully sang. It just works.
My track this week isn’t exactly new, although it has come a bit more into the mainstream spotlight recently. Animal collective having got that overall award of critics’ awards or something for last year’s album ‘Merriweather Post Pavilion’. This track I seem to keep on coming back to again and again, I couldn’t tell you why. It’s just stuck with me, maybe it’s all the music I’ve been recommended recently and the place I am at at the moment. I love it.
I’ve started to have a dislike for Thursdays ever since I tried to better myself with lack of alcohol. Health and mental wellbeing are overrated.
I figure I jazz it up a little by making it a day of celebration, let me introduce you to my track of the week feature! This will be an annual assault on the mainstream, expect drama and longwinded acceptance speeches. Not really, expect a choice you question.
The track of the week isn’t necessarily going to be the biggest of the moment, its going to be a personal thing, perhaps new or maybe old. It’s just going to be something I’ve been listening to a lot throughout the week, a song that has really grown on me or one I’ve found instantly likeable. Anyways I’m going on a bit, all I’m saying is enjoy.
This weeks track comes from hot new band Delphic, their new album ‘Acolyte’ was released on Monday and has had a lot of the airtime on my iPod. A couple of the songs on the album could have made it this week, including the Riton rerub of the single ‘Doubt’. However one track stood out above the rest, I think I like it because it reminds me of several artists, from the more obvious Jack Peñate and Friendly Fires to something a bit 90s dance. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do
At the start of the year we always seem to get caught up in the new things in life: new toys from Christmas, new you for January, and new bloody car insurance for me. Let take a moment to look at the old, well aged and more mature returning bands this year.
An album I’m looking forward to this year is the returning album from LCD Soundsystem. Having lived in deepest, darkest North West Wales for three years of the last decade (2007 included) I missed out on more than a few bands. And, as we all know, non-Welsh music is prohibited in Wales, punishable by a ticking off. Since hearing LCD Soundsystem’s stuff over the last few years I’ve come to realise they’re down my electro-indie alley. I still can’t believe that Feist beat both LCD Soundsystem’s ‘Sound of Silver’ and ‘Cross’ By Justice for album of the year. Bloody females with guitars win everything.
Now for something a bit different. Swedish electro anti-press outfit, The Knife, have penned an opera in collaboration with Mt.Simms and Planningtorock, both of which I’ve never heard of. I’m sure they’re big in opera. Before you get all ‘WTF opera?!’ on me, give it a listen. The studio album is out on February 1st, I really enjoyed the first release material (can you call it a single?) ‘Colouring Of Pigeons’. I get the feeling that if Animal Collective’s album was the critics overall album of the year ‘09 then this could well be in or around the top spot in twelve months time.
Talking of stage productions, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s Gorillaz are returning with a studio album titled ‘Plastic Beach’ after finishing uptheir last major project, the stage adaptation ‘Monkey: Journey To The West’. A much loved band from my hip-hop/ alternative phase when I was just getting into music at the start of the decade, I actually OWN both of their albums on CD. The list of collaborators such as Snoop Dogg, De La Soul and The Horrors it is looking mighty fine and I’m sure the third album will not disappoint, although like the last two albums I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a grower.
The Klaxons, MGMT and Justice were three of the most exciting prospects of 2007, all returning with that difficult second album in 2010, once again they all released in 2007. Why am I so attached to this year?! Klaxons were multi-award winning in their breakthrough year and fans have had to endure a lot of drama and rumours in the run up to a new album. Apparently their second album was ‘too experimental’ (according to their label)for release on the first attempt, they were sent back like naughty school kids to re-record it. Sounds like a promising start. It was also rumoured that they broke up, you know they seem like the type. I hope they don’t get all CSS and start making angry records because one selfish git wants to go into fashion, you would have though Lovefoxx would have warned them.
Klaxons - Valley of the Calm Trees (to be called The Parhelion on the new album)
I’m a big fan of Justice, I loved ‘Cross’ and all its remixes and still listen to them all the time. I’m kind o expecting some sort of glorious album off the froggy duo this year; I’m talking Daft Punk ‘Discovery’ style-y. Even more so as they haven’t even talked about a new album, no material has been leaked and they’ve done nothing but a few remixes and live shows for the past two years. Perhaps I dreamt up this one…
MGMT have a much hyped album titled ‘Congratulations’ which has been kept well under wraps as well. They’ve been collaborating quite a bit recently with people such as Beck and Jay-Z and at their live shows they’ve only showcased three or four songs that are expected to be on the album. None of which I’ve heard… but hell, I’m looking forward to it. The more experimental the better! I'm also looking forward to their work on the David Bowie tribute album expected in May!!
Happy new year everyone! Hope you all had a great holiday season, I have only just sobered up and am now able to focus on a computer screen long enough to shoot a bit of hot blogging out.
I (like many other bloggers) bloody love the feeling I get when I discover a new band I actually really, really like. I’m also pretty bloody lazy. This is why I will always check out the BBC Sounds of 2010 longlist. I also really like the word bloody today.
This list is made up of newish acts that the BBC music critics/Tim Westwood predict will break/sell out over the next year. I have to say they’ve made some very good (and predictable calls) in the past, who would have thought MGMT would have made it?!
Anyways, the list can be broken into sections, those that will probably make it, those that won’t and those that are already making it. These aren’t actually categories by the way, I’ve made them up. Where a music act lies can often be judged on how shiny their MySpace page is.
I’m now going to attempt to (p)review these acts! Before I start, can I just say, I’ve listened to all these acts and they are all very talented, I can see there appeal within their genres and you should really listen to them yourself before you judge. It’s my pessimistic opinion.
Those that will probably make it;
Daisy Dares You – She’s female and has a guitar, is there really anything more you need nowadays? Daisy fits into the very (very) successful female alt folk electro grouping that really took off towards the end of last year. She has a few catchy songs, looking forward to hearing her album, it’s very pop so expect some overplaying on the radio!
Everything Everything – Melodramatic pop / R&B …ish. Whatever they describe themselves as I like them, and can see them being very popular following the success of the less obvious acoustic heroes of last year. There lyrics are deep enough to engage with some catchy choruses. Check out ‘MY KZ, UR BF’.
Delvin – The new name in grime, not really my scene but with collaborations with Wiley you can’t help but get on the playlist. It helps I can actually understand what he’s saying. He does look like someone who might mug you though; I guess that also has appeal? Talented.
Gold Panda – In this case, the mainstream probably won’t see much of Gold Panda, as his appeal lieswell and truly on the clubbing scene. I’m fairly sure he’s had a few nights in the big London clubs that have gone down very well and he’s going to be at Fabric at the end of the month. Brings me back to when dance music didn’t need to have someone famous collaborating. I encourage you to check out ‘Quitters Raga’. I saw him perform at the iTunes festival last year, I got the Aphex Twin vibe from his live act.
The Drums – My Hot Pick of 2010! This four piece could easily fit onto the ‘already making it’ list but there massive UK and European tour kicks off in February. One of the tracks of last year ‘Let’s Go Surfing’ really sums up their style: Post Punk Surfer. ‘Summertime! EP’ is a must get. There’s something about this group, I’m getting tickets to see them, and I encourage you to do the same.
Two Door Cinema Club – I’ve heard a lot about this act through Kitsuné Maison, the ultra pretentious record label that constantly pumps out favourite acts of mine. What does that say about me? Shut up. A very high energy indie / electro act. ‘I Can Talk’ is a great track, with a great video. I expect them to be a festival favourite.
Those that are already making it:
Ellie Goulding – Needs no introduction after winning a Brit Award, it’s obvious that she’s already made it and is going to be one of the biggest new artists of next year. Personally I’m looking forward to some sweet remixes!
Joy Orbison – Dance music how I like it; when it invokes a feeling of euphoria, like something bigger is going on. Sounds like dance music used to pre-2000. Download ‘Hyph Mngo’ if you’re a real dance fan. Already headlining massive club nights all over the UK, expect something special from his first album.
Marina and the Diamonds – Once again, no introduction needed. The single ‘Hollywood’ is enjoying some (over)playtime on all major radio stations and ‘I’m Not A Robot’ got similar treatment. ‘The Family Jewels’ (released February) is going to be one of the biggest pop albums of the year. Oh and she’s Catherine Zeta-Welsh. Nuff said really.
Owl City – Massive over the pond topping the U.S billboard top 100 with their single ‘Fireflies’, which to me sounds like the Skins theme tune. They’re not exactly a ‘new’ act, ‘Ocean Eyes’, being released this coming March will be their third album, very good pop act though! I’d be surprised if they haven’t had many a song in a mobile phone advert, it’s that kind of pop.
Delphic – I love Delphic, can’t wait for their debut album ‘Acolyte’ to be released on the 11th of January. They enjoyed some success last year with ‘Counterpoint’ and their current single ‘Doubt’ is getting some rave reviews, it has to be one of my favourite tracks at the moment. They’ve also found time to remix ‘My Keys, Your Boyfriend’ by an artist also on this list, Everything Everthing. My indie / electro act of next year!
Those that won’t
Stornoway – Acoustic / indie / soul that’s a bit boring for my liking, not quite as instantly likable as Mumford & Sons. I can’t see myself listening to them this time next year.
Hurts – Really not my thing, a little bit George Michael. Really old sound, your parents may like this double act trapped in the 80s but I really don’t.
Giggs – Too much talk of weapons and stuff, this is a set back in hip-hop after such a good year last year for the UK scene. Listen for yourself, with a filthy mouth and bad attitude like that he’ll be shot by next year. God, I sound like my mother.
And that sums up a mildly stressful opinion forming sounds of 2010 list! I hope everyone has the best year of their life, I’m looking forward to some great gigs and festivals! Blog Out
When is Frank Turner going to realise his dream and team up with me to make a Christmas song everyone loves? As one of my favourite song writers and a true gent he could at least give it an effort. It beats ‘Rage Against The Machine For Christmas Number One’ any day. What is that crap anyway? I honestly think it would be worse if Rage made Number One. Where’s everyone’s festive cheer gone? Whatever song makes it, makes it for one reason: it is downloaded the most. If you’re going to pay for it, of course you enjoy it. No one is forcing you to buy anything or listen to Radio 1, so stop making a drama out of nothing and put ‘Killing In The Name Of' back on your headphones.
This time around I’m going to have a little chat about a folk/ex-punk artist I love, Frank Turner. I feel he’s been forgotten a little bit with the recent influx of female electro pop folk artists. I feel for you, man. I think of him as a great songwriter, one that we can all honestly relate to. He sings songs about his friends, getting drunk, feeling old, politics, travelling the world and one of life’s great mysteries, women.
He’s one of the hardest working artists in the industry today, having toured for years at time, even attempting to play 24 gigs in 24 hours at one point. He has been a bit of a support and small venue act for most of his career, a regular at Reading and Leeds but recently sold out the Shepherds Bush Empire on the final day of his British tour. Anyone who has been to a Frank Turner gig will understand how much of a friendly vibe the crowd has. He’s now touring the US and Europe before returning to London for a gig on December 19th and touring again in spring ‘10. Phew, tires me out just writing about it. Take a look for yourself
This is why you shouldn’t steal his music off the internet, download it from iTunes, or better than that buy the CDs and get sing-along booklets, not that you’ll need them. I’ll give you a little preview of some of his best though. Shhhh.
The Ballard of Me and my Friends
The Real Damage
I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous
The Road (Radio 1 Live Lounge)
Here’s to Frank, one of us and a truly great live act.
For those of you who have never heard about Major Lazer, it’s actually a collaborative project between two DJ/producers, Diplo and Switch. Major Lazer is the animated character that fronts the album ‘Guns Don’t Kill People, Lazers Do’. According to his press release, he fought as a commando in the secret zombie war of 1984, where he lost his arm, and replaced it with a frickin’ huge lazer cannon. Cool, I know. He fights zombies and various monsters, parties hard and has that height of future technology, a rocket powered hover board. So, pretty much my life then.
Aside from this great B-movie story the ‘Guns Don’t Kill People…’ album is worth a purchase. Catchy songs, ranging for your classic reggae tracks to hard dub inspired synth-dance. Anyways I love it, here’s some videos for you to snack on - some of which are directed by Eric Wareheim of ‘Tim and Eric: Awesome Show, Great Job!’ fame… trippy.
I was lucky enough to catch Major Lazer @ Digital in Brighton on a very messy Thursday night. Even though the big man himself didn’t make a ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ style entrance, they’re a great live act. Check ‘em out on the tinterweb if you need convincing, I’m still too hungover from Brighton to explain. It’s that good.
Couple of links to remixes of the great ‘pon de floor’ and the new single ‘Keep it going louder’
Ok, so my first attempt to blog has been seen as ‘cute’. That’s fine with me, I guess. I set myself a few rules when I started, one of which was write about things I like, and not bitch. Other rules include:
Thou shalt not stop liking a band just because they’ve become popular.
Thou shalt not put musicians and recording artists on ridiculous pedestals no matter how great they are or were.
Thou shalt not worship Pop Idols or follow Lost Prophets.
Thou shalt remember that guns, bitches and bling were never part of the four elements, and never will be. (to be removed come thursday)
So please don’t judge this blog by Danny Glover
In case you don’t get what the hell I’m going on about, listen to the song/watch the video
Classic. Good news from the boys, Dan le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip are touring this march, I myself look forward to seeing them in KOKO on the 23rd.
It has also been pointed out that beastie boys should be spelt with capital letters. They’ll get their capitals when they stop making bloody instrumental albums. Seriously though, I hope Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch makes a full recovery. I grow my beard like a billy goat in your honour, MCA.
So the first of December has come aknockin’ and I can officially begin to feel festive. I can start opening my eyes when the Coca-Cola advert comes on. I can stop changing the radio when Christmas songs are playing and I can finally let that midget out of my kitchen cupboard, he’s got work to do.
To kick off the festive cheer we’ll have a listen to a song I actually bought recently (shocking I know). It’s bluegrass, country and folking great! Sorry.
I look forward to blogging about the rest of the album soon. Mumford & Sons have only been around for a mere 2 years, this being their first studio album produced by the same guy who produced the Maccabees last album. This single, Winter Wind, is due out soon. Please people, lets make something like this number one this Christmas, not the pile of wank x factor constantly discharges.
They are also touring in March… I’m starting to see a pattern. March could be expensive
