http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ld_tF1AXqs
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
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
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.
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.
Monday, 27 September 2010
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
Sunday, 26 September 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
More on Moz...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/sep/24/morrissey-simon-armitage-mojo
The articles keep flooding in!
The articles keep flooding in!
Friday, 24 September 2010
Thursday, 23 September 2010
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
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
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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
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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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
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.
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
'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.
'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.
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