last night...Mona at Flowerpot

Mona...the band that will soon be on everyones Ipods.

I spoke of them a couple weeks ago (see New Music #6), after hearing them for the first time-I had a sense that they were going to be huge! I was at their first UK gig last night at Kentish Town's Flowerpot. A tiny venue and a great one to see this band, as you get the sense that they'll be heading for bigger and bigger venues before long.

Huge similarities to Kings Of Leon have been drawn and this is fair. At times rockier, at times more authentic, there's a catchy hook to each song, and pretty soon they'll be flooding the radio.

Was a great gig and hopefully will be catching them at KOKO on Friday too. Check them out now!!!


http://www.myspace.com/monatheband

Building Steam From A Grain Of Salt

Been playing this all day. Just one of those days when something sticks. Turn it up a notch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ld_tF1AXqs

currently listening to...John Martyn

John Martyn-Sold Air

I seem to spend a lot of my time listening to John Martyn, yet never get bored of him. Favourites on this record have to be 'Over The Hill' and 'Don't Want To Know'. This is arguably his best received album, and is often seen as one of the best down tempo/chill out/soft/'acousticy' records of all time. Jazzy elements keep it interesting from beginning to end with John's lush vocals thoroughly endearing.

Vulgar Picture takes on The X Factor

We're head deep into series 7 of the infamous show and before more and more people drop it from their schedules, I thought it was a good time to write a piece on it. A while ago I read an interesting article about the show, and whether it was a good or bad thing for the music industry. At first glance, most people who care about their music and the industry, will say it's ruining the current state of music. Dominating the chart and dictating christmas number 1s (until last year!), there's no doubt that it's the biggest thing to happen to the industry for quite some time (forgetting internet/downloading...2nd biggest thing doesn't sound as great).

I think the negatives of the show are obvious, and don't need much dwelling on (destruction of originality, emphasis on public humiliation of failed contestants, horrible cliche script from the judges...the list is pretty long). I do, however, believe that the show has brought the industry something big for fans of chart music, and haters of it. Since the birth of the show, millions of people have tuned in weekly and followed the progression of hopeful singers who look to follow their passion. The main problem with this is that so many people go on the show for money and fame (and even admit to this in their audition), but I guess these are so closely related to the life of a pop star that you can't have too much of a go at them for their rather superficial ambitions. It is a problem with this celebrity culture and money obsessed society we live in and not the hopefuls directly.

It may be annoying and it may be ridiculous that the artists and guest performers dominate the charts in the way they do, but I would imagine that it does increase sales in music...something which is a big issue for the industry right now. Also, people are talking about the contestants. Maybe I'm being naive, and it's more about what outfit Cheryl has worn this week, or who looked better out of her and Dannii (you know who you are), or how rude Simon is; but there are a lot of people who are taking an interest in the process and development of the singers. Now don't get me wrong, I hate most of the ideals of the show, and struggle to get through an episode, but if it gets people talking about music and eventually buying it, then I'm all for it (although I guess the argument here is that the people who love the music from the show are more likely to be those downloading singles and not buying albums, although not always). I don't care what music people like, I just want them to be passionate about it, and if The X Factor is making people passionate, then I'm all for it. For the haters, it gives you a stronger sense of appreciation of what you listen to and something to moan about (which we all love).

It definitely isn't the most authentic way to get people interested in unsigned music, but if the show didn't exist then there's a chance music would play even less of a role in those peoples lives. Yes it might leave room for a better show that cares more about the music than money, and it may leave room for a show that is produced in a way that focuses on the artists and not one which shows more adverts and dramatised sob stories than people singing-but the point is that this is what people want, and if it's a choice between this and another Katie Price show (perhaps similar quality), I'd rather it be one that gets people talking about music.

I think that when I used to criticise the show and get angry at it, I was ignoring the fact that it's not meant for me. It's not meant for anyone who takes their music too seriously, or likes to discover an unsigned band in a subtle way, or listen to someone who writes their music and cares about it. The X Factor doesn't claim to cater to this. It's an entertainment show first and foremost. At the end of the day it's getting people talking about music, so I can't complain. It may be unfortunate, but it's a sign of the times. I can't imagine a show like this being as successful in the 70s, but then, times have changed and the way people 'buy' (/download) their music has changed. The show is a perfect reflection of our society and if you want things to be more authentic/real and less dramatised, money-orientated and hideously superficial, then we need to look to change society first. This, however, is a job for others.

currently watching...The Thirst

Acoustic set-up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LA2Z-enRJI

Brixton-based band, you can hear them here: http://www.myspace.com/thethirstrockband

Ryan Adams documentary on the way...

Acclaimed rock photographer, Danny Clinch, founded film production company 'Three On The Tree' back in 2003. After spending a year with Ryan Adams and The Cardinals in 2005, during which time Ryan released 3 records, Danny collected material to make a feature-length documentary on the hard-working musician.

Can't wait for this-will be great to get a glimpse of Ryan's outrageous creativity. Expect/hope for this one in the not too distant future.

currently listening to...Club 8

Club 8-Club 8

The Swedish duo's third album. This record marked a change in sound for the band, moving towards trip-hop grounds. The whispery vocals of Karolina Komstedt shine through. A great listen.

New Music #12 Let's Buy Happiness

Quite a bit of hype about this band right now. With big praise from Drowned In Sound, BBC Music and other reviewers, they seem to be heading in the right direction. There's some (slight) similarity to Warpaint (see NewMusic #1), although they're definitely not quite as interesting. Other similarities have included The Sundays, Bjork and (wait for it,) Diana Vickers!

Hailing from Newcastle, this 5 piece will pick up fans along the way by combining their soft melodies with poppy overtones. By no means my favourite band right now, but there's something rather charming about their sound and they're probably one to look out for.

Listen here: http://www.myspace.com/letsbuyhappinessuk

currently listening to...The Doors

The Doors-LA Woman

The sixth and final studio album (with Jim) from The Doors. Probably their most bluesy record, with this showing the obvious development from their debut album. Often seen as their best work, although I always struggle to choose between this and 'Strange Days'.

Check 'Been Down So Long' and 'Car Hiss By My Window' for just a couple of the highlights.

More on Moz...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/sep/24/morrissey-simon-armitage-mojo

The articles keep flooding in!

Astoria now 100 Club

Join the group. Make a fuss. What's next?

http://www.the100club.co.uk/

Why Stephen Fry loves Wagner

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/2010/sep/23/stephen-fry-wagner

Desert Island Album #3

Jeff Buckley-Grace

Released in 1994, this was Jeff's only completed studio album. This could quite possibly be the best vocal delivery ever recorded. For me, this is such a complete record. From the moment 'Mojo Pin' begins to the second that 'Dream Brother' ends, you've been taken on an emotional journey that leaves you feeling completely drained.

Jeff's voice is so on the money throughout: empowering, delicate, fragile, natural, encompassing and extremely haunting. For many, the only experience of Jeff is most likely to be in the form of his great cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'. Whilst this is, of course, brilliant....there is so much more to the record. Look no further than the opening six seconds of 'Lilac Wine', surely enough to get you interested.

The strongest memory that I have of this record is of walking at about 1am in the morning, in the pitch black, having just left my university house. The album was on full blast through some great headphones and I completely lost myself. I could have carried on walking endlessly without knowing (or caring) where I was headed for. I remember finding it quite spooky at first, all alone in the dark back streets of a not-so-great area, listening to Jeff screaming midway through 'Lover You Should've Come Over'. I recall the moment so clearly and remember finding it so strange having a conversation with another person after i had turned it off. It felt like being knocked back down to earth all too abruptly.

At the age of 30, Jeff accidentally drowned in the Wolf River (Memphis). I would've loved to have had more albums from him; but this one was so perfect, that anything else would've struggled (big-time) to match up. Such a great musician, with undeniably one of the most powerful records of the 90s.

Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child

I'm sure many of you caught this last night, but for those who didn't, it's definitely worth a watch:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tw2db/Jimi_Hendrix_Voodoo_Child/

Nothing needs to be said about Hendrix's talent. 'Electric Ladyland' is one of my favourite 60s records and just about tips 'Are You Experienced' and 'Axis: Bold As Love' for me.

John Prescott on music

Why not?

Whether it's your thing or not, I think that anyone who watched Jools last night would have enjoyed her beautiful vocals:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/sep/22/john-prescott-rumer-karen-carpenter

currently listening to...Camille

Camille-Le Fil

I was recommended this by a good friend who has recently spent a year in France. Right from the initial note that carries throughout the album (the singer calls this 'her note'), you are drawn in by the home-made beats and sexy vocals.

Brilliantly, some people took the record back asking for a refund, thinking that the note in the background was a fault: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/musicnews/s1743651.htm

Fans of Bjork should take note.

New Music # 11 John Grant

After his time fronting The Czars, and not quite making 'it'; John Grant released his debut solo album 'Queen Of Denmark' earlier this year on Bella Union.

The record has been received extremely well by the press, most praising the thought-provoking nature of its lyrics, rooted in John's feelings of isolation and alienation. Although it is driven by a predominantly folky sound, each track has a poppy feel to it, which make it very listenable and easy to get through.

Don't be fooled by some of the lighthearted melodies, this is a record filled with the thoughts of a man who has recovered from painful addictions and struggled with the contemplation of suicide.

'I Wanna Go To Marz' is the obvious one to listen to first. Great track.

John is on tour with Midlake over the next few months.

Atoms For Peace footage

Live footage from Fuji Rock Festival 2010:

http://www.nme.com/news/atoms-for-peace/53093

Desert Island Album #2

The Smiths-The Queen Is Dead

The Smiths were one of the 2 bands that got me into music (properly). I remember, (extremely well), being in my friends room early one evening, and their name came up. It seems so funny now, but I asked him to play me a song, to see if I liked it. I can't imagine where I'd start if someone were to ask me the same question now, but I guess it would have to be with 'This Charming Man', which is where it all did for me. As I listened, I remember thinking that I'd never heard anything quite like Johnny Marr's guitar. It was sort of weird, quirky, playful, yet utterly listenable. As the track finished, I asked for more. This is where it started.

It may be cool to like The Smiths. It may be uncool. They're one of those iconic bands where if you like them, you tend to love them, live by them and swear by them. Each of their 4 studio albums that were released between 1984-1987 were brilliant. 'The Queen Is Dead' has always just about stood out (marginally). Beyond the obvious 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out', 'Bigmouth Strikes Again', 'The Boy With The Thorn In His Side' and 'I Know It's Over', there are so many other gems. 'Cemetry Gates is arguably my favourite Smiths track. 'Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others' makes me laugh out loud every time I hear it, and 'Frankly Mr Shankly' shows Morrissey (lyrically) at the top of his game.

You may have read my earlier blog on Morrissey and his antics today, and think I'm a hater. This couldn't be further from the truth. Having seen him live, you can't help but love him. He may have fallen down my list a bit these days, but his work in The Smiths is untouchable and unforgettable. Having said this, I do fall on the Johnny side (if/when it comes down to it). I don't know anyone else whose guitar sounds like his. I can try a million times, learn every song, every chord progression, but it just doesn't come close.

Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce's involvement often goes unnoticed, which is stupidly unfair. Without them, they simply wouldn't have been The Smiths.

The day I discovered Radiohead's cover of 'Headmaster Ritual' was one of those days you don't forget. Your favourite band (superbly) covering your second favourite band. For those of you who haven't enjoyed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtmS2ePSSdU

I think they're one of the only bands that are a constant for me. Whatever mood I'm in, whatever week I've had, The Smiths can, and usually do, fit into it. The lyrics are so humorous and farcical, whilst touching on such important issues, that you can't help but cling onto every single word.

They may have only released four (sublime) albums, but there's tons of great tracks lying about. 'Is It Really So Strange', 'Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want', 'Jean', 'Half A Person' and 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' are just a handful of others that deserve a religious kind of attention.

I love thinking about the day when I didn't know who they were. I think about how long I've spent listening to the music, reading the lyrics and discovering the stories.

PS. 'Vulgar Picture' had to come from somewhere. A Smiths album track is never a bad place to start.

Unequal Opportunities with John Humphrys

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00txmtm/Unequal_Opportunities_with_John_Humphrys/

'All this talk about equality. The only thing people really have in common is that they are all going to die'. Bob Dylan

New Music #10 Detroit Social Club

The Newcastle-born quintet, Detroit Social Club, have been hotly tipped by NME and other excitable music reviewers. In spite of this, they sound great. More often than not a band that is overly-hyped in the press, fails to live up to it. They may not have taken the world to storm quite yet, but a bright future is looking more and more likely.

'Northern Man' has some relationship with SkySports which gets them a pretty big audience itself, and the track has been gaining airtime of its own recently. The album, 'Existence', fuses messy rock with playful guitar lines, mixed together with some rather gripping harmonies.

The record is saturated with influences. The obvious ones include De La Soul, The Velvet Underground, Kasabian, Oasis, The Coral, Beck and Iggy Pop. You can hear bits of each throughout, amongst many others. To be honest there isn't a weak track. 'Rivers and Rainbows' catches you immediately, whilst 'Kiss The Sun' and 'Chemistry' build superbly. So many great ones to choose from.

Touring the UK at the moment, they're worth catching live before they evolve into bigger venues.

currently listening to...Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers-Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Released in 1991, this is such a hard-hitting album. Groovy, funky, rocky and raw. Great musicians giving it their all. Probably has to be my favourite Chili Peppers album.

currently listening to...Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd-Wish You Were Here

Every time I listen to this album I think it's the best ever. The sound of Gilmour's guitar is perhaps my favourite of any guitarist. It may only have 5 tracks on it (2 being over 12 minutes in length), but it has such depth, such concept and such imagination.

Floyd seem to be one of the only bands where total silence for a few minutes adds to the song. 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' has to be the most patient yet intense rock song of all time.

Rolling Stone placed it at 209 on their list of the best albums of all time. I'd struggle to find 10 better, let alone 208. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/6862/35223/36265

Tricky: 'I can still be really dark in my mind'

'Not a rapper...more of a whisperer or a ranter or a rasper, master of not one voice but many'.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/sep/19/tricky-mixed-race-interview

Cakehead Loves Evil

It may not be as interesting as this one, but it comes close.

Some great, weird, random shit going on:

http://cakeheadlovesevil.wordpress.com/

Some great news

Also couldn't agree with Colin more:

http://www.nme.com/news/radiohead/53046

currently listening to...Neil Young

Neil Young-Harvest

Released in 1972, it's Neil's fourth solo studio album.

I've always had a weird fascination with the song 'Old Man' (feeling it was the song I would have written if I had his talent). Adore the lyrics. Obviously there are other greats on the record with 'Needle And The Damage Done' being the song that got me into him; (another one with great lyrics, telling the tale of musicians he knew who fell into heroin addiction traps).

some brilliant covers

I stumbled upon these two a while ago and think I've watched every cover they've ever done now! They manage to make even the hardest and most personal of songs sound great.

Here's just a few:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juJdGVxnMDM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/user/mikemassedotcom#p/u/17/uQcnedcNTes

http://www.youtube.com/user/mikemassedotcom#p/u/30/om1U2GlgpIY

Probably the least appreciative croud of all time.

currently listening to...Kris Drever

Kris Drever-Black Water

This is the debut album from Scottish folk singer-songwriter Kris Drever. I first heard about Kris through his work with Roddy Woomble. Their album with John McCusker (who produced this record) was fantastic and I look forward to seeing them live at the Union Chapel in a couple of months time. Like Woomble, Kris has such a great distinction to his voice, and this is the defining feature of the record.

Think warm fires, small cottages and ageing newspapers.

One for travellers...Eddie Vedder

If you've seen 'Into The Wild' you'll have caught on already.

The film itself is brilliant. It's one of my favourites. The music couldn't be more appropriate. I was played the album before I saw the film and knew from the record that I was going to love it.

Directed by Sean Penn, the film is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless. As the film develops, and the protagonist travels further into the wilderness befriending all sorts of characters, he faces endless challenges, both physically and mentally.

Every time I listen to the record I think of the film. I also think of someone walking the world alone, testing the strength of their mind and discovering nature in the most brutal way.

If you're going travelling, or venturing to discover, then take this album with you.

A Turner Prize for new music? Blog

Read an interesting blog this morning that I thought I would share.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/charlottehigginsblog/2010/sep/17/classicalmusicandopera-turnerprize?

Have to admit that the Organ of Corti sounds like a pretty innovative idea!

currently listening to...Kelly Jones

Kelly Jones-Only The Names Have Changed

A few years ago Kelly Jones (lead singer of Stereophonics) released his debut solo album. The album was recorded over two days and mastered a few days later. It's only just over half an hour in length but shows off some great whisky vocals and delicate melodies.

'Phonics fan or not, you're more than likely to enjoy this all the way through.

Favourite track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15DON9vhDBM

Desert Island Album #1

Ryan Adams-Love Is Hell

I could have chosen a few of his albums but 'Love Is Hell' has always stuck as my favourite. The strongest memory I have of listening to this album was on a train journey from London to Birmingham mid-afternoon. It was typically dreary and the train was fairly scarce. I remember being midway through this record and watching a trainspotter eat his pack lunch alone on the platform somewhere remote. It made me so sad. I think I was in the middle of 'The Shadowlands' and I grabbed my journal and starting furiously writing down some thoughts. I don't know if it was the music or the man but the two together had an extreme impact on me. My mind was transfixed on this character. He belonged in a film.

I first listened to Ryan years ago when my friend played me 'Gold'. I think I loved every track. I then went about owning all of his other records and became attached to each. 'Heartbreaker' and 'Cold Roses' also stand out, along with the rockier 'Rock N Roll'.

Seeing him live at the old Carling Academy in Birmingham was probably the best gig I've ever been to He played for hours. He played with such passion and determination. At that moment I thought that if I could be any musician ever, it would have to be him (this is somewhat up for debate, but he is still a strong contender). A true working musician who has put out 11 albums in 10 years, plus EPs...I can't wait for more.

This album contains his well known rendition of Wonderwall which has been heavily praised by its writer Noel Gallagher (see http://www.nme.com/news/oasis/12909)

Outrageously good album where every track carries such emotion. If you want to be blown away in under 4 minutes listen to 'I See Monsters' (and do it alone and loud).

It's great to have Jools back

Series 37 (37? really? blimey) of Later with Jools Holland began last night.

He may not be the most eloquent or masterful of television hosts, but those ones are just irritating anyway. He's a great musician and a true music fan (something which music show presenters often lack). Always a great way to hear bands you love and discover a couple of gems whilst you're at it.

One of my favourite albums of the year was the Mercury nominated 'Becoming A Jackal' by Villagers...and I first heard Conor O'Brien sing his heart out all alone on the Jools stage. The life of countless artists began and grew on this show (Seasick Steve being a modern day example). 

A great variety of music is always prevalent and the chance to catch a brief (somewhat directionless) interview with a legend is often waiting just by the studio piano.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tvdjn/Later_Live..._with_Jools_Holland_Series_37_Later_250..._with_Jools_Holland/

currently listening to...Bon Iver

Bon Iver-For Emma, Forever Ago

This is the baby of folk singer-songwriter Justin Vernon.

Vernon wrote and recorded everything on this album himself, whilst alone in his reclusive cabin in Wisconsin. The unpolished sound on the album, something which has divided critical opinion, is one of the main attractions for me (it was reflective of his life at the time).

currently listening to...The Coral

The Coral-Butterfly House

The latest album from the Liverpudlian psych-rockers is simply brilliant. I went to their gig at the o2 Shepherds Bush Empire and they performed each track immaculately. '1000 Years' manages to be ridiculously catchy yet endearing all at the same time. Opener 'More Than A Lover', closer 'North Parade' and 'middelton' 'She's Comin' Around' make up some of the main highlights of the record.

Think stunning harmonies, effortless melodies and crafty guitar lines.

currently listening to...Leftfield

Leftfield-Leftism

The debut album from the electronica duo from London. This record was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 1995, losing out to Portishead's 'Dummy'.

You need to hear this.

New Music #9 Junip

Junip-Fields

Acclaimed soloist Jose Gonzalez's 'pre-fame' band.

After being on 'hiatus' since 2005, the band started releasing material this year. The album consists of some beautifully crafted psych-folk tracks that at times makes you think it's a little empty, before correcting yourself by appreciating its subtlety.

There's always been something extremely charming about Jose's vocals, and this record doesn't miss out on this. You almost find yourself hypnotised at points by the tenderness of the melodies ('Without You' could have lasted all day and you wouldn't have noticed). Your mind will be fixed on Jose's guitar, which although doesn't offer anything in the way of experimentation or exhilaration, intrigues nonetheless, and keeps you interested throughout.

An endearing record from the Swedish trio...it's great to have Jose back.

New Music #8 Sennen

Sennen-Age Of Denial

Listening to XFM's Exposure last night, I heard 'shoegazing' Norwich band Sennen's 'Falling Down' off their 2010 album 'Age Of Denial'. There's something reclusive about the track (if that makes any sense). Even when it 'kicks in' after four and a half minutes it seems to be holding something back. Dark, ominous, foreboding-yet at times, rather gentle. It shouldn't work doing it this way, but it does-nicely.

A solid record where favourite tracks will differ across the board. Nothing stands out majorly at either end of the scale. It lies somewhere between 'shoegaze' and 'mellow-pop' on the scale, but it's one of those albums that doesn't need defining. It's fine as it is.

It certainly won't blow your mind, but drawing heavily on their well established influences, it makes for a pleasant listen.

The band have just released a 5 track EP - 'Innocence'.

We've hit the 1,000 mark

Thanks to everyone for following this blog. Over 1,000 hits in under 5 days.

Share your thoughts. Voice your opinions. Become a part of it.

currently listening to...The Strokes

The Strokes-Room On Fire

There is absolutely no need to praise this band. Quite clearly one of the most important bands of the past 10 years. So many are indebted to them.

I often change my mind on my favourite of their albums (usually swinging between 'Is This It' and 'Room On Fire'). I usually settle with this one. Every track makes you want to scream.

There are few bands that I associate the word 'untouchable' with, but The Strokes have to come close. If you don't believe me-turn it on and turn it up.

Can't wait for their 4th record...'First Impressions Of Earth' was by no means a disappointment, but fell slightly short of their first two, in my humble opinion of course.

New Music #7 Interpol

Interpol-Interpol


Interpol's debut 'Turn On The Bright Lights', released in 2002, was brilliant. It had hints of Joy Division with that added NYC sound. I feel like their records have gone progressively down hill since. This does not mean that they were not good, I just feel they never developed beyond anything offered by 'TOTBL' Having said that, 'Antics' was still a great record.

Bassist Carlos D will be missed by the band. Although his bass lines were recorded before his departure, he was a great musician and presence within the band.

After preliminary listens to this self titled fourth album it seems that a slight irregularity has cropped up in my pattern of 'downhill from 2002 onwards'. It is, for me, still nowhere near 'TOTBL' but sits somewhere between 'Antics' and 'Our Love To Admire'-in terms of quality that is. 

I heard 'Lights' a while back when it was released online and thought it was pretty good then. It sits nicely in the middle of the album and doesn't stand out excessively, although is a highlight. 'Barricade', the first single, is another highlight, although still fails to get you pumping in the way that tracks from 'TOTBL' and "Antics' would.

As a band, they stay very much in their own comfort zone, there is very little variety....yet it works for them. They sell records and have a strong fan base, but it's one that is unlikely to fluctuate with this very safe record. Nobody will be offended and nobody who didn't notice them from their first 3 albums will be impressed. 

I've read some mixed reviews of the album and I have to say that I'm somewhere in the middle of all of them. There's glimmers of promise in a few of the tracks, and the band sound convincing throughout...however it just isn't in the same league as their earlier records, and with the departure of Carlos D, it's going to take something big to progress from here. 

What A Carve Up! by Jonathan Coe

I finished this book a week or so ago and feel it deserves a strong recommendation.

Written in response to the carving up of society under Thatcher's government, Coe takes a satirical approach to the greed of the upper class. Slipping in and out of 1st and 3rd person narrative, it touches on the brutal reality of the way things often are when money is handed down to the undeserved.

Marxist undertones carry throughout the novel, however you can make your way to the end quite easily without reading too much into the deeper meanings, merely enjoying the unfolding plot.

In 2007 John Pilger stated that he sent a copy of What A Carve Up! to Aung San Suu Kyi whilst imprisoned: http://www.johnpilger.com/page.asp?partid=456

One to brighten up the day...

Lawrence Arabia-Apple Pie Bed (track)

A while back I reviewed the album 'Chant Darling' by Lawrence Arabia. I wasn't overly impressed and didn't rate it all too highly. One song did stick with me however.

'Apple Pie Bed' is chirpy enough to pick you up whatever your mood. Some friendly guitar lines and beautiful harmonies make up a great pop tune.

Not convinced by the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgM74NERL_s

currently listening to...Can

Can-Tago Mago

Krautrock, psychedelic, experimental...they're all of these things plus more.

An explosive record that influenced so many artists. This was their second album and the one that got the Germans serious critical acclaim.

Might not be one for a dinner party.

Exposed: Voyeurism, Surveillance and the Camera

I keep meaning to check this exhibition out.

What with the unhealthy obsession ever-present in todays society with the 'celebrity' and 'big brother' culture, this seems to be an all too relevant study.

http://www.timeout.com/london/art/event/188092/exposed-voyeurism-surveillance-and-the-camera

currently listening to...Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith-Elliott Smith

The eponymously titled album was Elliot's second, released back in 1995. A minimalistic acoustic record with some bitingly dark lyrics. One for a rainy afternoon and some anti-depressants.

Some of you may know the opening track 'Needle in the Hay' from its appearance in the 2001 movie 'The Royal Tenenbaums'.

Once you've fully explored the capabilities of Nick Drake, Elliott has to be the next point of call.

The Fall: The Wonderful and Frightening World of Mark E Smith

A good documentary of one of Manchester's many important bands. If you have an hour to spare...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0074r00/The_Fall_The_Wonderful_and_Frightening_World_of_Mark_E_Smith/

currently listening to...Manic Street Preachers

Manic Street Preachers-Journal For Plague Lovers

Never been the biggest Manic's fan (a few albums here and there), but this record was driven by the lyrics of missing/presumed dead guitarist Richey Edwards. Naturally, there's a dark and somewhat haunted undertone to each song, matched by a fierce and aggressive delivery from the Welsh trio.

To listen to their forthcoming album 'Postcards From A Young Man' go to:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/sep/13/manic-street-preachers-postcards-young-man

Don't expect a similar sound to 'Journal...' though.