Monday 13 September 2010

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.

Temper Trap remix

Temper Trap's debut album 'Conditions' was one of my favourite of 2009. Insatiable melodies and outrageous vocal delivery made up such a powerful record from the Aussie four piece. Having caught them live a couple of times, their atmospheric sound transferred to the stage wonderfully, with all the passion you'd expect from a band receiving the hype they have in the past year.

Here's a re-mix of my personal highlight from the album 'Soldier On', although if you haven't heard the original-check it out. If you like this there are tons of great TT remixes around, especially of their second single, 'Science Of Fear'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps9Idf7oGX8

currently listening to...Dungen

Dungen-Ta Det Lungt

Released in 2004, this is the album that earned the Swedish psychedelic rockers critical acclaim.

currently listening to...Lou Reed

Lou Reed-The Transformer

His second solo album-produced by his friend David Bowie and Bowie's guitarist Mick Ronson. One of the many great 70s records.