Hands up please

I tried to write every band i was looking forward to util i realised i was pretty much writing the line up out again. Screw that. Here it is.

To introduce a few artists that may not be immediately recognised, MGMT or Management are the latest 80's electro pop craze to hit Radio 1 with their single Time To Pretend. The song has its catchy loop and awkward vocals, think Mika but a bit more indie and nichey...a strange mix i'm sure you'll agree.

Vampire Weekend have been knocking around blogs for a while and it is this unintentional advertisement that has created the media swirl that surrounds them. Combining elements of african music coupled with New York indie, the band's debut failed to creatively dissapoint whilst still not producing incredible music. The band has the potential to follow acts such as Mystery Jets and Tunng with their niche art indie but we'll see.

Justice i've spoken about before here. Can you imagine that stage setting at Reading and the whole tent going bananas? I am desperate to see these guys.
One artist that also grabbed my attention is Conor Oberst. Former frontman of Bright Eyes and Park Ave. to name but a few, the American singer-songwriter plays poetic soft indie and has done for many years. An unknown to me but supposedly, his live shows involve a range of instrumentation and improvisation so may be worth checking out.

That should cover any gaps in knowledge but hopefully there'll be more fantastic artists to cover as more get released. What else is there to do on August Bank Holiday weekend? See you there kids.

Tick Tock Tick Tock...

An hour to go until the most nervewracking time of the year so far - the bundle for Reading tickets. Rumours are bouncing around as always but NME.com revealed this morning the first of the Headliners - The Killers. The only other band i know that have confirmed 100% are Pendulumk doing a LIVE set, not a DJ set on the back of In Silico which will be specatcular but who will they be up against?

Punktastic.com had this to say but I cant vouch for their validity:

Punktastic understands Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds will be headlined by Rage Against The Machine. Other main stage bands on this day include Biffy Clyro, Taking Back Sunday, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly and Anti Flag. Babyshambles are understood to be headlining the Radio 1 tent supported by The Wombats

Punktastic.com can reveal Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds - The Killers headline the main stage, ably backed up by Bloc Party, The Raconteurs, Editors, We Are Scientists, Dirty Pretty Things and The Subways. Manic Street Preachers headline the Radio 1/NME tent with Bullet For My Valentine, Justice and Foals also confirmed.

The NME can exclusively reveal...absolutely nothing about Reading/Leeds. Punktastic, however, can tell you that on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds Metallica will headline the main stage with Tenacious D, Slipknot and Feeder also confirmed. The Cribs headline the Radio 1/NME tent and Pendulum are also confirmed to play.



All i have to say is....Holy shit. Justice. LIFE CHANGING. Best of luck with the scrimmage and i'll do a little blog on my own thoughts when its all over but the crying.

There's beauty in the breakdown

To start, I'd like to show some love to The Chalets and The Dead 60's who both recently announced their departure from the music world.

The Chalets incredible song Theme from Chalets was a superb summer anthem for me last year, a perfect pop-rock band with loads of vocals, loads of attitude and loads of potential. Think The Subways but Irish and cute. The Dead 60's skill at catchy ska songs was evident in the infectious Riot Radio, a highlight of my Reading festival last year The band also had success with Loaded Gun and You're Not The Law but a lack of commercial success and creative differences spelt the end for the Leeds band. Check out the respective songs a la playlist.

On to brighter things, during the intermission of another win for the Caps last night, I was doing my usual internet scouring for something new to listen to and i stumbled across two albums that instantly grabbed me.

To start, Frou Frou is the original Imogen Heap project, the singer known for her fame for Hide and Seek, the scary vocal-autotune ridden song from The OC. I first took notice of Frou Frou after their incredible song Let Go on the Garden State soundtrack with its swirling drum beat and the smooth strings perfectly complimenting the hectic but hazy scenes on screen. The album is about love, not having it, letting it go, being in love, the hole nine yards. By some miracle, the alum avoids being cheesy due to Heep's bittersweet lyrics and the darker production. However, this does get repetitive as the album loses pace track by track. A good try but failing to repeat the success of the lead single. See for yourself on the left.

Another new addition is the french trio Telepopmusik with their debut Genetic World. I've been reading a very interesting book on the development of the French Disco and Rave cultures (High-brow I know) and as such, my interest in French electro has increased a lot. This seems a silly thing to be interested in, "its only computers, they all sound the same". Well they don't. As with everything the French do, its smooth, its sophisticated and its very very good. Telepopmusik are Daft Punk on a comedown. The similarity to Daft Punk's disco beats, choice of synths and sometimes even the structure is uncanny but that is the French sound and its glorious. The tracks mix between soulfull, echoey vocals that are reminiscent of Morcheeba and Groove Armada to vocoder heavy, processed vocals without seemingly no effort, the songs creating space for another superb instrument. I went through a heavy stage of ambient music and as my love for electronic has grown, Telepopmusik are the perfect crossover, drawing influences from their French Disco counterparts, Dubstep and Trip-hop to create a dark, brooding album whilst remaining in the boundaries of easy listening. Thoroughly worth listen, on the playlist as always and the video for lead single Breathe is below. Definately worth 4 mintues of your time.

www.myspace.com/telepopmusiktm

Only in dreams....

Apologies. I seemed to go a bit emo there, normal service shall resume once today is out the way i think, not because tomorrow will be better but simply because it cant be much worse. Long story so lets talk music.

When times are hard, your never sure what it is that's going to come along and pick you up from your sour mood. Today it was Radiohead. Walking back from the library, No Suprises started playing and instantly Thom Yorke was singing of a tension and constriction that seems to be seething through Wycombe air at the moment and the longing for a quiet life. With people clambering over each other to get through the library doors, it seems that we all long for an easy life with a job and security and its Thom's quivering vocal line that best displays this quiet desperation. As the last note rings out, the song fades and the sun comes out. A band that are often described as moody and depressing wrote a song that people can relate to as opposed to happy for the sake of it. As soon as my mood picks up, i'm listening to Lucky, don't you know it. Seriously, if Radiohead are one of those bands you "just dont get", sit down and listen to them. Lyrically the songs are complex and dark but often with a message to relate to. The insutrmentation is infallabe with constantly complex lines. They truly are a marvel.

In other news, Reading tickets on sale monday, Pendulum have confirmed and thats all you need to know. Expect Rage (maybe), Killers and either Foos or Metallica to headline. Or none of them. Or all of them on one night. Who knows. Either way it should be a treat. Pendulum's new 12" is available for preorder from their myspace, i've ordered mine already and got the tasty granite one while I was there. Also out this week is Does It Offend You, Yeah?'s debut effort which is worth checking out. Previously known for their remixing of songs such as The Prayer, their debut is a solid effort that cant help but deteriorate towards the end as their blend of electro/dance/punk gets a bit samey. Check out the video for We Are Rockstars below. Other efforts include The Raconteurs sophomore effort and Panic! At The Disco's effort but if you wanna check them out, help yourself, I'll be doing no such thing.


And finally, for those of you still reading, even more on my new favourite band, Foals. A regular band on this blog, Antidotes was FINALLY released this week, months after its internet leak. And deary me, if Pete wasn't right in calling it the best debut since SA, I don't know what. I enjoy my music but rarely has a band grown on me the way Foals have. The first time I heard Antidotes, I immediately announced my disgust at the album and sulked with disappointment. But I gave it another chance and since then, this album has been played at least once a day for months now. From the electric pace of The French Open, racing past Cassius, Balloons, Two steps Twice, the album is over long before you want it to be. With their unique style of math-rock, Foals look to finally set 2008 by storm after a lot of groundwork. I saw them nearly two weeks ago at Brighton Concorde 2 supported by charming Dananananakroyd and boring Youthmovies and despite the album not being released yet, the place was pumping, the drums thumping and the people jumping. Having built their reputation on incessant touring, it seems to be paying off with a polished set with the same brash energy that fuels their record. A must purchase of this year, my copy is sitting in the CD player for me to sing along to each morning in the shower.

The playlist has been updated with some tracks from the alst 24 hours that i've loved to hear again, my music listening is sporadic so revisiting tracks offers a whole new excitement. How sad and lonely am I. Enjoy. As always, I recommend everything but the Kate Nash and Doves tracks are well worth a listen.

Paranoia/Boredom/Claustrophobia setting in...

Sorry, not much time for this here escape from madness right now, hard at work in the studio, then the library, then back to the studio, then back to the library...you see the pattern.

Wycombe's beginning to go a bit funny on me, I'm 21 and stuck in the same routine already, scary stuff, yet in under 4 weeks, my dissertation will be handed in. Anyone else feel this is all going a bit too fast? This time last year....

To aid my cabin fever, my music digestion has decreased alarmingly. The music i listen to is spiky, angsty, abstract, anythin to reflect the nightmare that this next 2 months will be. I'm sure some of you will be glad i'm heading away from electro for the moment, though people such as Burial and Four Tet are sticking around. I'm listening to Kate Nash in large quantities, her charmignly bitter lyrics are a sweet relief from doom and gloom that i seem to choose almost without intent. So if you're struggling at the mo with life, uni or whatever ails ya, try the last.fm playlist to see what i've been listening to that reflets this glorious time of year.

More positive news to come i'm sure.

Bits and bobs from here and there...

Coldplay have announced the title of their new album, called Viva la Vida due for release on June 16th in Europe and a day later in America. Produced by Brian Eno (who wrote the windows opening music, true story), the band are said to have taken a "new direction with some great songwriting". Where've I heard a band say that about their new album before? Oh yeah, every band ever. Anyways, I can't wait and hope this year will be the year I finally catch them.

Also, released this week was Iwasacubscout's impressive debut I Want You To Know There Is Always Hope. The album is full on pop rock but possesses a certain charm that Scouting For Girl's try so hard to attain. The lyrics are to be taken at face value that's for sure but lead off track Save Your Wishes sets the tone for a perfectly enjoyable album.

In addition, Cassius was released on monday following Foals incredible show on Sunday at Concorde 2 in Brighton in which I was at attendance, review of the beauty to follow shortly. Antidotes is released Monday and I'm hoping for big things for this band but we'll see.

I also intend to do a catch up of SXSW but i'm hitting the studio for a couple of days solid so we'll see. In the meantime, i can't stress enough how much you should find the new Pendulum song and check it out, if you need a link, give me a holla.

Pendulum - Propane Nightmares

I've finally heard it, the clips have been on the myspace for a while but Zane Lowe played the whole track as part of his Hottest Record of the Week in the world like ever section and it was a pure delight. Beginning with rousing horns, it seemed that Pendulum's self-claimed love for new musical styles had reached new influences with spanish trumpets and a pop-rock intro. But no. Not even close. A simple snare roll conjures the scout motto "Be Prepared" as the track EXPLODES with heavy, grimy drum and bass/synth magic as the lights blaze and the room bounces. I wish. Sadly, I was in my car so that bit didn't quite happen. Rob's vocals continue over the top adding a more pop dynamic to the songs, I think In Silico will be a lot more of a sing-along record and that's great news in my eyes, a rousing chorus of "bring it on home" is simple but effective. Unlike the Slam and Fasten Your Seatbelts from their debut, Propane Nightmares is an up tempo song that uses vocals to create the lead lines, enabling instant gratification on all fronts from the track. The Maida Vale session also introduced an interesting acoustic mid section before hurtling back into the song at breakneck speed, continuing their mission of taking DnB to new areas.

Overall, this is an incredibly strong effort from the Aussie group, showcasing their increasing talent at making their genre instantly accessable and based on airings so far this will be another stand-out track in the bands ever growing repertoire.



The track due for release on April 28th prequels the album, due for release May 12th. I'm popping to Southampton on the 7th of May for my 1st Pendulum live experince. They have also self-confirmed for Reading Festival if you're heading that way. Cannot wait.

We've missed you too Feeder

New song for free, new album due, expect festival performances, maybe a Reading headline slot, we'll see. Poper review of the track and upcoming Feeder news when i've finished watching Saw II, what a messed up film.

In the meantime Feeder - Miss You

These teenage years they go too fast...

So its been confirmed at last. The 81 year old London Astoria will indeed close to make way for London's new crossrail service. Having seen historic performances from Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Arctic Monkeys and Rolling Stones to name but a few, the historic venue will be knocked down to be replaced by "something better". Mayor Ken Livingstone's words. This is the second flagship london venue to close its doors in twelve months with Hammersmith Palais closing for housing development and begs the question, do consumers still appreciate the old school venues or are smaller clubs like the indigO2 the future for london's more intimate venues? With its impressive surrounding facilities and plush new sound systems, maybe. The unquestionable rise in live music allows artists to sell out shows at Brixton or Hammersmith Appollo on one album. It is however a testimony to the venue that The Enemy, instead of announcing bigger shows, are playing a 6 date residency at the Astoria.

It is unquestionable that The Astoria and Astoria 2 will both be missed by myself, having seen some incredible acts there. I will fondly remember the Astoria in many ways, crowdsurfing to Ash or seeing The Music yet again. Astoria 2 has equally fond memories of Reuben and No U?se For A Name all those years ago.

Comments from Hard-fi and The Futureheads here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7291000/7291869.stm

Nobody Loves You Like I Do....

The wonderful thing about music is that every opinion on every song is different, every consumer hears a song in a different way, interprets the lyrics with different meanings. My blog is not only intended to comment on current industry trends that interest me but bring my readers new and exciting bands or songs. That's where my new gadget, my lastfm playlist comes in. The bands i talk about are now available on the left to stream and decide for yourself, all completely free and legal. In today's a la carte music purchasing market, if readers of a blog are interested in the band, it is still impossible to say they will purchase one track, let alone the single/album. However, by listening to the songs on the left, it is possible for you to come to your own conclusions and if you do enjoy the tracks, please do purchase them. Music these days seems to be somewhat like trying on clothes at a shop, people need to listen to the music first a couple of times to decide if they like it, if it fits their general listening habits before diving in with actually paying for a record. This way lets you decide if you like the song straight off or if its a grower, all with the permission of the label. So try away.


I hope you enjoy the songs that are there, i will keep tracks relating to the most recent 3 posts up there and then songs that i've been listening to at the bottom, browse through, enjoy and contact me if you're having problems with it.

The Beginning Of The Twist EP

As I'm sure you noticed, The Futureheads released their new Single/EP today on their own record label Nul Records. After leaving 679 due to differences in opinion on the direction The Futureheads should take (679 thought they should take a pay cut as their marketing spend was not relating to sales, Futureheads did not), they are back with a single aimed squarely in the face of the music industry and the monster they see it as after experiencing its disrespect towards their creativity. Lead singer Ross Millard said “If we can get this single in the charts on our own terms with the help of our fanbase then that is a real achievement and a real message to the dinosaurs in the music industry that their tried-and-tested techniques aren’t working anymore and the future of music lies with the fans and the artists.”
Whether this will be another hit in a long running series of bands to break away from major labels (radiohead+NIN being the obvious examples) or less of a success story due to their limited international appeal, only time will tell. However, it does fuel the fire of bands taking an ever increasing DIY approach to music releases and if bands such as The Futureheads can pull it off it is likely that more artists will follow. More on the major labels saving grace, the 360 degree deal coming soon.


After buying the EP from iTunes today, it shows the perfect balance between the raucous indie punk of their debut and the vocal harmonies and lyrical intimacy of News and Tributes. The Futureheads have stayed loyal to their fans and routes by producing catchy, danceable indie again and if the rest of the tracks i've heard are anything to go by, it seems that This Is Not The World will be as strong as any record they produced with big label backing. Radio friendly The Beginning Of The Twist is accompanied by the standard remix as well as two other tracks, entitled Get Out Today and Death of a King. Both tracks continue the upbeat themes of the new record and demonstrate the bands continued ability to write hooky guitars and sterling choruses. This EP is a great taster for their new album out in May.

http://thefutureheadscms.trinitystreetdirect.com/
www.myspace.com/thefutureheads

Guess who's back, back again...

So I was thinking, there's no actual reason to give up writing my blog. It takes me an hour or so to prepare these posts and gives me a welcome distraction from my dissertation which is interesting, troublesome and tiring, my recordings which again, despite being great fun, stress the hell out of me and any other work related troubles. So i've decided to take this blog in a different sort of direction. I want to talk to you about music that i'm listening to, to shows i've been which are plenty and any other general music related experiences. With an eventual intention of working in the beloved music industry, i want to be able to write about it in an interesting way and this is my forum for the moment. If tracks are available for free then i'll post them up, if they're not i'll show you where to get them from legally, the artists need every penny they can get. So there we go. If you enjoy reading this, then grand. If not, i enjoy writing it so i still win. Sweet.

I suppose if this is to represent my current musical interests, i should let you know what I'm listening to. And its Justice. In as many forms as i can, from the superb album † to remixes of their tracks by Soulwax to remixes they've created of artists such as JT. I've gone electro crazy.

Justice are a French electro-house duo currently residing on the citchy french label Ed Banger records, home to sebastiAn among others. † was an instant success upon its release in June 2007, receiving accolades from mixmag, pitchfork and Q. With their unmistakeable comparisons to Daft Punk, Justice's biggest breakthrough came in the form of single D.A.N.C.E which gave them instant recognition in indie and club circuits. The song is layered with female vocals to sing along with, the smooth guitar heralding their inspiration and the stabbing synth strings to give the song its push. The album constantly harks back to the days of French disco with its dreamy synths in Valentine and the disco beats of album highlight DVNO and the fact that the album runs smoothly through its 12 tracks with breakneck speed indicates the skill of Justice as producers.

Currently on a massive tour of the US after recently selling out the Astoria as part of the NME showcase that saw them perform along acts such as Simian Mobile Disco, Kooks, Kate Nash, Pigeon Detectives, Hard-fi; the list goes on and luckily for Justice, so do the accolades.

Check out the live video below of D.A.N.C.E



www.myspace.com/etjusticepourtous
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/4978470/Cross/Product.html