Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
I'm Back! And I'd Rather Be Watching...
Friday, September 3, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
One Month Off
That's right, as Bloc Party put it, I've been absent from my online hideout for one month.
This wasn't without reason, in fact, there were many. All reasons being bands I had the pleasure of seeing in my absence. In order of appearance they were...
1. Oh Mercy
2. The Joy Formidable
3. The Temper Trap
4. The Middle East
5. Bluejuice
6. Hot Chip
7. Art vs Science
8. Band Of Horses
9. Angus & Julia Stone
10. Mumford & Sons
11. The Strokes
12. Tim & Jean
13. Washington
14. Foals
15. Sally Seltmann
16. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
17. Angus & Julia Stone (again)
18. Lisa Mitchell
19. Grizzly Bear
20. Gypsy & The Cat
21. Ernest Ellis
22. Yatch Club DJs
23. Two Door Cinema Club
24. Delphic
25. Laura Marling
26. Florence + The Machine
27. Frightened Rabbit
28. The Mess Hall
29. Surfer Blood
30. We Are Scientists
31. Fanfarlo
32. k-OS
33. Broken Social Scene
34. Kate Nash
35. Whitley
36. Pond
37. Florence + The Machine (again)
So I'm sorry if my thirty seven reasons for being absent fall short, but rest assured I'm back and I bear gifts.
Here's a sterling track by a band whose creative talent is only matched by their resilience. Having come from heartbreaking personal hardships since their last release, Asleep At Heaven's Gate, the band came together again to produce a remarkable album with an unexpectedly warm outlook. This track is from their latest album, Permalight.
You know what... have two.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tales To Tell: Foals - Total Life Forever
Foals latest album, Total Life Forever, is an unexpectedly mature return to the spotlight for the Oxford quintet. Where Foals precision and experimental originality won fans' hearts with their debut, the second helping has developed something deeply emotive, planned and dramatic while maintaining the signature elements that made their sound so unique and genuine.
While the previous album's creative theme reflected the playful and innovative nature of the bands final product, the new album lies in an abundance of poetic maturity. This maturity is best demonstrated by the elegiac anthem Spanish Sahara, which is one of the videos featured in this blog's June 2010 I'd Rather Be Watching... posts.
Through an enthralling four minute build the song captures a meaningful essence the band have never before accomplished, and with a swift spine-tingling change the song becomes more dynamic than even the suspense of the four previous minutes could have suggested. Not only is Spanish Sahara an instrumental achievement to write home about, but lyrically it's the poster song for Foals growing creativity, offering a haunting perspective concerning past sins and sufferings.
The band have not, however, abandoned the sound they're loved for. The exuberant nature of Antidotes is exceptionally captured in the album, most notably by Miami, Black Gold and Total Life Forever. But after listening to the album start to finish, it's clear that the true merit of this album dwells in the new creative direction presented so well in Spanish Sahara and the brilliantly executed confession of personal fascination, This Orient.
For the fans that found themselves expecting more from Antidotes on a basis of the standard set by Hummer (made famous by the Various Artists compilation, Kitsuné Maison 4), Foals sophomore album will deliver listeners' expectations and a wealth of other gifts to the ears. The album's awesome diversity offers remarkably expressive builds and changes though ensures no shortage of the catchy hooks that made the first album so strangely accessible. Of all of the differences that set these albums apart, the most significant is how much more Total Life Forever offers to be appreciated.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
EOFY TwentyTen Favorites
1. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
Other Mentions of Greatness:
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tales To Tell: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - OST
So right now you're thinking, "He's joking right?" But all jesting aside, this soundtrack kicks ass, simple as that. Regardless of what you may think of the franchise, when music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas (formerly the head music honcho on The O.C. and Gossip Girl) touches a compilation, rest assured it will turn to gold.
The soundtrack boasts original recordings from the 2009 up-and-comers Fanfarlo alongside indie-pop superstars Florence + The Machine, Vampire Weekend, Sia Furler, Metric, The Black Keys and an inviting host of others sure to please. And as per usual when under the wing of Patsavas' vision for a great OST, the music suffers no departure from each bands authentic style. Fanfarlo still make your feet move and your smile spread, Florence still culminates a whirlwind of emotion capable of leveling a city block, and The Black Keys get their grunge out and howl about the twisted sadistic ways of a woman. Even the eclectic electronic duo UNKLE lay down a track rich with the Radioheadesque darkness they produce so well.
Alexandra Patsavas (pictured to the right) has over the past decade proven her knack for aligning popular visual franchises with spectacular music. This compilation is certainly no exception to the rule. If anything, it's her new poster album, her Sistine Chapel of soundtracks. Holding all skepticism aside about sparkling vampires and puppy dog werewolves, this soundtrack will make you want to see Twilight: Eclipse if only for the momentary excitement of hearing each track make its illuminating appearance throughout the movie. Sensible plot or no, with a soundtrack like this no movie could fail to please.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Tales To Tell: Mystery Jets - Serotonin
Mystery Jets' Serotonin, the latest addition to their stellar collection of alt-pop albums, makes it known with introduction track Alice Springs that fans can be assured the album will deliver the greatly anticipated signature MJ theatricality and passion in abundance. This isn't to say the band's sound is at a halt without further exploration, only that any deference from the sound fans have come to love will be discreet and certainly meet the standard of their music set by Twenty One.
After the boys slow the pace with two tracks in the tradition of Flakes and a new heart-throb direction sure to make the sting of a lonely night beyond contemplation the upbeat antics return with the charming, and more appropriately cheeky, Flash A Hungry Smile. The album marches on to deliver the infinitely satisfying catchy proclamations of love we heard in Two Doors Down and instinctively body-moving melodies delivered with the bands admirable aptitude for combining synth, drums and a theater reverb effect.
To compare the album's farewell tracks to the bands previous tender displays would be selling these new creations short. Mystery Jets wrap it up with a distinct atmosphere of adoration and pining desire setting a new standard for their Boy-In-The-Corner sound with Waiting On A Miracle and Melt. By the time the boys close the album with Lorna Doone it becomes apparent that they have grown beyond delivering just catchy singles, but can now offer a new distinctly enjoyable sound to accompany their even more meaningful heartfelt tracks.
Despite leaving the listener yearning for more, Serotonin delivers the whole package. Boasting the decorated spectrum of sound Mystery Jets have offered in the past with a refreshing air of their signature boyish charm. It will undoubtedly be one of the year's greatest albums for many an eager listener.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The Best Bands to Help You Out When In Need of Good Ol’ Fashion Rock
Led Zeppelin
The obvious
choice, I mean how could I even write this article without paying homage to the
legends themselves. We should all be able to respect the diversity in Zeppelin
works, the grandeur of Stairway To Heaven and Babe I’m Gonna Leave You, the
healing melodies of Tangerine and That’s The Way, and the abundant outright
headknockers The Ocean, Trampled Underfoot, Communication Breakdown, Whole
Lotta Love, Dancing Days ….. (I could go on and on).
In short, Zep
should be the first on your kick ass rock playlist. And don’t be sparing,
indulgence is the bread and butter of 60s/70s rock.
Boston
At least give
me More Than A Feeling. This playlist should be as shameless as when I walk
around my store singing Stevie Nicks, lets enjoy it.
Why is their
self titled album so Effing impossible to find!? That’s the one with A Whiter
Shade Of Pale and that’s exactly the somber note this playlist needs. Keep
those eyes dry love.
Kansas and
Styx
Carry On My
Wayward Son and Renegade compliment one another brilliantly, trust me on that,
it’s a recipe for the best kind of disaster.
Mick Jones does
NOT sing from the hair. If you make the claim, you will feel the pain. Mark my
words. You can not ignore their high points and there is no shame in lip
syncing the words in public. To kick it into overdrive I recommend an opening
serve of Long, Long Way From Home. Then Urgent, Feels Like The First Time, Cold
As Ice and Hot Blooded, but don’t think you can ignore Waiting For A Girl Like
You and I Want To Know What Love Is. If you do you’re a hater, no one likes a
hater. If you’re satisfied with your Foreign additions let’s move on.
Golden Earring
Radar Love is
enough, just enough to prepare you for…
It is crucial
that Magic Carpet Ride makes the playlist, Born To Be Wild makes for a good
time though, so be generous.
Bad Company
The song Bad
Company is far more necessary than the rest but I’m all for splurging so feel free…
on that note…
Now I’m tired
of people saying Free was an unnecessary chapter in the life of Paul Rodgers.
Shut Up and stop claiming All Right Now is their only hit (but on that note,
put it in the playlist) (don’t look at me like that, I’m not finished yet). For
a start they had a ridiculously good bass player who they picked up at the age
of 16! Tell me that ain’t some Almost Famous shit there! Little Bit Of Love,
The Stealer, Wishing Well and The Hunter are amazing songs, so put them in. And
yes, I’m aware they covered The Hunter, but it’s a great cover and on the note
of great covers…
Girl You Really
Got Me… Epic cover. However I personally don't feel the need for any further VH additions.
Survivor
Eye Of The
Tiger. Come on, did you really think I would miss it?
Scorpions
Rock You Like A
Hurricane and No One Like You are essential!
Easy Livin’,
put it on and don’t roll your eyes.
Toto
Hold The Line!
Love isn’t always on time. Not that I’m a poster boy for patience but they had
a point.
The Guess Who
Almost Famous
said it best, “They got the courage to be drunken buffoons, which makes them
poetic!” Give me an American Woman people.
I don’t care if
you love or hate Jim Morrison, he died at 27 and that alone puts him in the
ranks with Hendrix for at least one reason. But in the interests of keeping
some pace, you’ll only need to add Break On Through (To The Other Side).
Fleetwood Mac
Now calm down!
I know they kick ass in a less agressive ass kicking manner than their company
in this list, but if you want an amazing change and interlude, you can’t go
past The Chain. Wait till the end and tell me I’m wrong.
Three cheers
for the years before John Fogerty started making lame music. Now I feel that
Run Through The Jungle doesn’t get the credit it’s due, I mean it’s bad ass
blues if you really give it the time of day so put it on. But lets not skip the
hits, Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son and Have You Ever Seen The Rain have a
place too! In fact put Fortunate Son on the end and we’ll wrap the night up with flipping
off the man.
Now I know I’ve
missed a heap of great tracks and bands but I am by no means suggesting you
stop here. Go forth shamelessly with your air guitar and make your journey
through the world that once was!
Polar Picks For 'o9
Top Ten:
9. Julian Casablancas
Phrazes For The Young
7. Red Riders
Drown In Colour
5. White Rabbits
It's Frightening
3. Julian Plenti
Julian Plenti Is... Skyscraper
Special mentions without rank:
Bon Iver - Blood Bank
Florence + The Machine - Lungs
Wild Beasts - Two Dancers
10. The Big Pink
A Brief History Of Love
Phrazes For The Young
8. Kasabian
West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Drown In Colour
6. The xx
xx
It's Frightening
4. k-OS
YES!
Julian Plenti Is... Skyscraper
2. The Temper Trap
Conditions
1. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Special mentions without rank:
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