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'.

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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.

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.