I was recently checking my 'most played' list and was surprised to see that "Rinse Me Down" (from their album Flaws) was one of my most played songs. I once heard Zane Lowe saying that they could be as big as Coldplay and you know what, I think he could be right. I didn't get into them first time round and only ended up buying there debut "I Had The Blues but I shook them loose." in early 2011.
They could have easily followed up their debut with something similar but ended up making their second album 'Flaws' completely acoustic - and for that, you've got to tip your cap and give them a nod of appreciation. But then you don't need me to tell you how good they are, Mr Lowe is doing that!
If you haven't given them the attention they deserve - do it - you may be pleasantly surprised!
Sunday 29th of January saw the 70th anniversary of Desert Island Discs, the famous BBC4 radio show where a weekly castaway would pick their favourite songs and explain the reason for their choices. It is very much an inspiration for this blog as in essence, it's why we created it, in order to recount the associations and memories about the music which we hold so dear to our lives. So in tribute and to keep up with this tradition, we've put our necks on the line and chosen an album each to keep us company, hopefully along with a volleyball called Wilson.
What is your Desert Island Disc? Let us know in the comment section or email us and we'll feature it as a guest spot.
Shell Hunter:-
The Bees - 'Free The Bees' (2004)
Song - 'These Are The Ghosts'
I thought the best way to choose my DID was the Family Fortunes method of shouting out the first thing that comes into my head (no not turkey) in a loud and panicked fashion! I knew I loved The Bees but I thought my innermost subconscious would throw out something from childhood or teenagehood. I was recommended The Bees first album by a trusted source (Thanks Flycasual) when I was 21 and you can even read about it here. I instantly fell in love with their eclectic mix of styles and eagerly anticipated the release of their second album 'Free The Bees'. It became an album rife with memories.
"These Are The Ghosts" (probably my song of all time) brings me back to hot balmy evenings in Spain with my parents enjoying all night barbeques, "Wash In The Rain" always reminds me of sing-along duets with my husband on car journeys(he's got salt, I've got pepper), not to mention my Holy Grail of finding a suitably unique and sentimental song for my wedding with "I Love You". The Bees are full of surprises covering a vast array of genres and 'Free The Bees' would be a great place to start if you like what you hear. I recommend seeing them live too if you are ever given the chance!
Flycasual:-
Beastie Boys - Check Your Head (1991)
Song - 'Pass the Mic'
It's the question we all dread the most, "what one album would you take on a desert island"? There are so many to choose from to while away the time, sipping coconut milk waiting for a passing ferry but like Shell Hunter said, it was the first album that came into my head. Not their best (that is Paul's Boutique of course, read a post here) but from start to finish it's a complete album, well put together with contrasting styles, a heady, eclectic mix of Hip Hop, Jazz, Soul, Punk and Funk, with the trademark witty Beastie rhymes and some instrumental numbers thrown in for good measure. I remember I was a young and spunky 17 year old learning to fly, my parents had left/trusted/were crazy to leave me on my own with a friend in the UK to study whilst they remained in Saudi Arabia. The independence was great but tough as in order to buy the new album I had to make some sacrifices along the way, like going without food or more drastically, buying nasty Superkings instead of my usual Marlboros. But it was worth it, skipping into my local record store at the end of the week to buy the tape, I wasn't disappointed (I also went to see them in concert, in Kentish town I think, supporting Henry Rollins. Fabulous!) Memories aside, the diversity of the tunes on the album were able to capture any mood with enough change of pace should the need arise to entertain the island natives in case of a surprise appearance. It was a fantastic companion then and would make a fantastic companion now.
Old Pa's Corner:-
Love - Forever Changes (1967)
Song - 'The Red Telephone'
How do you pick your favourite album it is almost impossible, but Love's 'Forever Changes' has been a favourite with me now for over 40 years and I love it now as much as I did the first time I heard it . I always at some stage return to it. When I am down it always lifts me up and it is always a listening experience to hear it all in its full entirety. Every one is a winner from the first song 'Alone Again Or' to the last 'You Set the Scene' (see earlier post) which always leaves me breathless. It was a tough choice with 'Blonde on Blonde' and 'Highway 61' by Dylan and 'Astral Weeks' by Van Morrison all very very very close indeed.
I have chosen the track 'The Red telephone', 'If you think I'm happy? Paint me white'
Sfw:-
Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker (2000)
Song - 'To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High)'
Choosing your favourite album of all time shouldn't be the stressful exercise that it is. Think about it, choosing music shouldn't be such a dilemma, it should be enjoyable. Though the reality is it's probably like picking a favourite child! So looking at my "family portraits" there's, Pearl Jams "Ten", The Beatles "Sgt. Peppers...", Bon Iver "For Emma..", Jeff Buckley's "Grace" & Raidohead's "OK Computer" and all of which could easily be on my fav list, but I'm going to have to go for Ryan Adams "Heartbreaker".
When I heard this for the first time it was like having a revelation, it knocked me for six. How could someone so young (he was 25) write something so honest and so damn good! It was Happy, Sad, Fast & Slow and from that point put Americana/Alt-Country as my favourite musical genre. From it's opening of Ryan & David Rawlings arguing about Morrissey, to the rousing "To be young..", it changed everything for me. He's written some fantastic albums since, but I often go back to his first and it sounds as good now as it did then!
This track has been getting quite a bit of air time on Radio 1 recently and I must admit I've fallen for it's 80's/Euro feel. M83 is the musical output of the french musician Anthony Gonzalez who has also remixed bands such as Bloc Party, Depeche Mode & Goldfrapp - which I'll certainly be checking out!
There seems to be a bit of an 80's revival going on with all the electro pop out at the moment. If that's not your cup of tea, check out this little number. It is so mega catchy and despite the 80's style stop motion video, I get a 60's vibe from it with some nice retro guitar strummage. I've been trying to find out what their influences or sound can be compared to but I can't even find a quote from the band themselves to describe it! I guess it'll be a voyage of discovery but definitely an interesting one! Their debut album is out on 30th January and you can catch them at XOYO in London on 27th February. Download a track called 'Skies Over Cairo' from RCRDLBL here free!
Flycasual:- Mark Lanegan Band - 'Gravedigger's Song' (2011)
I heard this song last week, it made me stop what I was doing and check who it was (an instant hit, a very good sign). I thought it was Nine Inch Nails but I was surprised to see it was, self confessed grumpy man of Rock, Mark Lanegan. Surprised because considering how long he's been around, I'm not too familiar with his music, apart from collaborations with Isobel Campbell and QOTSA and disappointed that I haven't paid attention to his stuff any earlier, especially if this is anything to go by. It's rhythmic, pulsating, almost tribal beat throughout the song along with Mark's gravelly voice gives it this dark and edgy feel to it, right up my street. Bizarrely, when I was listening to it on the way home from work, the beat put me into a trance like state and I daydreamed I was running through a forest like Daniel Day Lewis in Last of the Mohicans, Christ only knows why!
Can any of our 11 readers recommend any album or songs as a good starting point for Mark Lanegan?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to checking out his forthcoming album 'Blues Funeral' out on February 6th. Mr Lanegan is a nice man, as in the mean time you can register your email and download the song from the official website all for free. Much better than being scalped!
This is a nice bit of Americana from an album by Laura Gibson called La Grande and this is the title track. I have sampled the rest of the album and it is excellent. Great playing and interesting songs, apparently Joey Burns of Calexico guest on some of the tracks and his influence is apparent. The track has a swaggering, percussive backbone with all sorts of haunting sounds going on in the background all complimented by Laura's lovely voice. It reminds me of Bill Callahan's the 'Drover' from last year. It has the same atmosphere and feel about it.
Check out more tracks of the week immediately here!
Happy Australia Day to our readers from down under from us at Tune Doctor and here's my slightly belated addition for the celebrations! I was unable to pick my favourite Cut Copy song so blam, you've got two delicious dancy numbers from the Aussie Electro experts!
This was the first track of theirs to hit me. Flycasual lent me the album saying I'd like it (I did) but I had it lying around my kitchen for ages before I listened to it. Back in the days before we had a dishwasher, we did it the old fashioned way. However, my husband and I had only been living together for a couple years and hadn't quite mastered the 'wash up as you go along' idea. Every couple of days, we would run out of cutlery or saucepans and look to the ever growing pile in the kitchen sink which started to spread to the counter tops and flip a coin. "Wash or dry?" The only good thing about this was we would catch up on listening to new albums or compilations we'd made. Thanks to that Cut Copy got it's introduction albeit during a monotonous task!
This made it to my Top 20 tracks of 2011 and with good reason. It's a fine offering and I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets OMD from it? The video is perfect for the preparations of the 2012 Olympics too!
Cut Copy approve of the new Ikea TROGSTA lights
It has become my ultimate 'driving song' and reminds me of earlier this year on a visit to my mother in law's house down in Bognor on the south coast. It's about an hour and a half drive from us so we put both our 'Best of 2011' on random on the iPod. As we both loved this track we heard it twice, but neither complained or forwarded the track(a true sign of a mutually favourite song). The first time was at the grey and rainy start of our journey and the second later that same evening after finishing a little expedition to Ikea in Southampton. We were driving towards a pretty spectacular sunset with my mother in law in the back seat. I think it was the first time she was quiet(only joking Jan)! If a song can do that, it must be magical!
Everyone loves a good cover, but not more than Neo. He has more excellent covers collected than the 30,000 Marvel comics entombed in our garage. Here's one of his favourites! What are yours??
I have a few passions in my life. One being my support of Liverpool FC for the past 30 plus years. Music is up there too, and cover versions are an integral part. I have sought out bizarre ones as well as the more common ones. I find that if I hear the cover before the original I often tend to prefer the cover, however there are exceptions to this.
In 1996 I was working for a High Street bank in the wonderful town of Feltham and unfortunately the nearest record store was 2 train stops away in sunny Staines. My lunch break on a Monday was a ritual for me. At precisely 12pm I would run to the train station for the train that left around 12.05. Once in Staines I would run to Our Price (RIP) and peruse the new releases for any gems that maybe on offer. This particular Monday I saw that 'Fashion Nugget' by Cake was there. After paying (and trying miserably to chat up the cool tattooed girl behind the counter) I then proceeded to run back to the station to get back to work. I usually made it back by 12.50 which gave me time to wolf down my packed lunch (thanks Mum).
I'd heard 'The Distance' a number of times on the radio and was impressed by the singer’s deep voice and the great trumpet sound which they excel at.But this is no cover I hear you cry and you'd be right, however when I put the CD in I immediately forwarded to track 7. Having read the track listing on the train journey back I saw that they were doing 'I Will Survive'. Growing up in the 70's, I had probably heard the Gloria Gaynor version a 100 times (99 times more than I cared to) and was intrigued how they would be able to incorporate the deep voice of Joel McCrea and their style to this disco classic. I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. At times the slowed down approach doesn't quite seem to fit, but that makes it extra special for me. Oh and they drop in the 'F' word occasionally too. Screw you Disco.
In addition to this, they have covered all manner of artists including Doris Day, Black Sabbath & Barry White to name a few. Oh and they covered the Muppets Theme too.
Grace is one of my favourite albums and to have JB sing Dylan is an absolute joy. I recently got hold of the album 'Born again from the Rhythm - The Grace Outtakes' and it includes 3 Dylan covers, 'If you see her say Hello', 'Just like a Woman' x2 and 'Mama you been on my mind' x3. Along with 'Mama' above I have included the 2 'Just like a Woman' takes which are of course different from his live take of JLAW on 'Live at Sin-E'. which contains 2 other Dylan covers in addition to JLAW. ( did you get that?)
What a tragedy JB was taken from us so early in his career. But we should be thankful for the legacy he left behind and these tracks just add to the myth. What could have been? - but Jeff you been on my mind!
MIDWEEK CRISIS, your piggy bank is empty, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got the Kingston Trio and they are giving away plenty greenbacks
KINGSTON TRIO - Greenback Dollar(1963)
I love this song you just can't help but like it, it is simple straightforward and the Kingston Trio sing it with lots of passion. The only trouble is, it is a little to CLOSE to home.
BLOODY CREDIT CARDS!
I remember the first one I got in 1972, an Access card, that was the start of the downfall, then there was the Barclay Card, then a Master card, then a Visa card, American Express. I have had them all. I would get another one to pay the maxed out ones. Then I remortgaged to pay them all of. Then the cycle started again.
But like the song says, I didn't give a damn, as long as I had 'a bottle of brandy and a song' and as long as I could could pay them back. I have no regrets, what's the point, it is only when I retired I wish I had been a little more careful, but what the hell, I have been round the world and did it when I was young enough to enjoy it. Anyway how much do you need? How much can you eat? How much can you drink? (well not so much nowadays)...I need a bigger hard drive 'tho.
I always remember my father saying if he won the pools when he was retired that the money would be no use to him. He had his mates, his family, he was happy in his home, he was content. Apart from a better car there was no need for drastic change at his age. He would have given any money he won to his family. (Shame he did not win)
Some songs have the ability to make you happy, even though they are sad. When I first heard this in the Jim Carrey & Kate Winslet film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, it was like a sniper shooting me from range! The song was originally recorded by The Korgis (1980) but has been covered by numerous artists ranging from Dream Academy to Yazz. However, this version by Beck gets me every time.
Beck, however, still divides opinion. Many people just think of him when he was in his 'loser' phase, or during his geek-tastic 'Where it's at' stage. But he's not a one trick pony. He's always innovative and can introduce so many curve-balls to his music that it's often hard to keep up. I, personally love everything he's done, but I really like his more acoustic, albums (such as Mutations, Sea Change).
So give it a listen, if it gets you, like it got me you'll be playing it over and over again.
What a performance, jaw dropping performances from the frontline!
Janelle Monae - 'Tightrope' (2010) Live on Jools Holland
She's got the hair, the moves, she oozes funk.
When I first heard of her I thought she was just another R n B diva, I couldn't have been more wrong, this girl is funk-ay! A James brown-esque performance complete with 'I'll get my coat I'm leaving, no not really' routine and with elements of prince thrown in for good measure, she left me wanting more. Oh and the band is not bad either.
03:45 in the video sees one of Cee-lo Green's minions deliver him some biscuits...that's Rock'n Roll!
Janelle is also an avid fan of Britain's number 1 rude comic, Viz and moulded her look on Felix and his amazing Underpants. In her early career she would occasionally be seen selling records outside venues emulating her hero.*
Bizarre but equally cool video to this song just cemented the track as one of my very best of 2010.
Although I sort of liked a couple songs from The Big Pink's first album, I didn't take them very seriously for some reason. This song which I heard in the week, has really changed my mind. I love the hip hop undertones, piano and brass combination. Before the vocals came in, I actually thought it was a nice 70's throw back! It looks like I will definitely enjoy the slightly different direction of their new album, 'Future This' which was released on 16th January. 'Give It up' hasn't been released as a single but I have a feeling it might in future and will be sure to get more skeptics like me on side. Check out the single(this version is remixed by Forest Swords) previously released from Future This, 'Hit the Ground (Superman), below and download it for free! Result!
This honey pot of a track has been quite a hit around the club circuits over the last few months, I should know cause I've been larging it. Actually I haven't and feel queasy at the thought of all nighters, with work and parenting the only larging is largely done in bed. The 2 Bears is a side project from Joe Goddard, of geek chic electronic maestros, Hot Chip along with DJ Raf Daddy and 'Bear Hug' is taken from their forthcoming album, Be Strong out on January 30th. Now some people may Pooh Pooh this track as a bit of a novelty record but they're not taking themselves too seriously, it's fun, catchy and more importantly my 2 and half year old son likes it. Besides it doesn't really matter when they can make dance music of this quality.
The 2 Bears..affectionate
Give them some cuddles by clicking here to see their new video for the single 'Work', a great throwback to 90's dance and there's also a stream of the album and other goodies on the official website here..
Old Pa's Corner :-
Bruce Springsteen - 'We Take Care of Our Own' (2012)
This is the first track from Bruce's New album 'Wrecking Ball' which is released on the 5th of March 2012. Full details and information about the album can be found here. This is a good taster and is classic Bruce and if you are a fan this will certainly not disappoint. Roll on March.!
This could be the next song you hear on the terraces lads 'We take care of our Own!' ' We take care of our Own!'
I seem to be having a manic 2012. Work seems to be consuming all my time and I'm finding it very difficult to promote the blog, listen to new music, and enjoy it all. This blogging lark isn't easy and it's hard to get 'new' listeners, let alone win them over. So when I noticed that Real Estate's latest video release featured a 'street team' it made me want to drive around my local town and drop @TuneDoctor business cards all over the place - unfortunately for me/us - I live so far out in the wilds of Wales that these will probably only get people asking when the surgery is opening. Check out other Real Estate posts here
Are you suffering a case of the January Blues? I know pay day (not to mention you're next holiday) seems so far away, so slip on a bit of FLC and let Huey and the boys transport you to hotter climes!
I've been meaning to revisit FLC for a while, maybe it's all the Huey exposure I've been getting listening to BBC6 in the afternoons whilst decorating my bathroom. Bliss (Huey's wiseguy radio talk, not the decorating)! Loco was one of my favourite albums probably because it was one of the only six that I took on my first girlie holiday to Cyprus. I loved the video of the single too with their white slacks and 70's shades! A few of my other top tracks were 'Half A Block', 'Bump' and the cover of 'Microphone Fiend'!
Would you like to see my boat?
When I say Cyprus was my first girlie holiday, I didn't mean 6 ladettes on a mashup week in 'Napa' but a civilised trip with my best mate in Limassol. I think we only saw about a mile in each direction of our hotel. We were naive and unadventurous, going to the same bar almost every night, had 4 Macdonalds while we were there, 2 full English' and a couple of Kleftikos. It was in our favourite bar (Duke's Bar - Keo £1) that during one evening we were appraoched by 2 older guys. They were not as I would describe as 'pulling material' and I couldn't stop thinking that one of them looked exactly like Malcolm Macdowell from Star Trek Generations. Unable to shift them, we let them buy us a couple of drinks. One of them bragged that he had the keys to a 3 million pound yacht. With the video of Loco in my mind, it sparked my interest. We decided to take a ride in their jeep to the marina to have a look at 'his' yacht. I have to say it was pretty impressive onboard but the fact he was trying to flaunt a yacht that he quite clearly didnt own was a bit sad. I mentioned we were naive right? Well I finally got the idea they expected us to be a sure thing when one of them asked if we wanted to see 'below deck'. To their dismay I answered "what for?" Awkward silence and hovering moment! Anyway luckily they weren't serial killers or anything, we asked them to take us back to our bar making up some excuse about going on a trip early the next morning and arranged to meet them at the bar afterwards. We never went back there!
Everything's cool and everything's smooth...Hey that's smooth
Aye Aye captain! Go below deck for more Saturday Night Jukebox!
“Over 35 years ago, whilst courting, I heard a couple of songs on one of the ‘non legit’ radio stations from an album by Art Garfunkel called ‘Angel Clare’. For a reason that I never found out it was not available in the UK so, at vast expense, I ordered the import from the US.
I was going through my first ‘folk’ period at that stage and was feeling a little romantic with the courting that I was doing – I was continually playing the track ‘All I know’ to my girlfriend – it must have worked since we’ve now got over 35 years of marriage behind us !
"...the jokes on me..."
However, when times have been tough and the road ahead a little uncertain we have both found that we think of the track ‘Woyaya’ which we find inspirational both musically and particularly the lyrics. ‘We will get there – heaven knows how but we’ll get there….’
There is much debate about whether the original by Osibisah is better but, because of the ‘consequences’ of the imported album we still prefer the Art Garfunkel version.
As a postscript, having worn out the vinyl I had equal difficulty in getting the CD and eventually my daughter bought it for me when visiting New York.”
This is taken from a concert in Karlsruhe, Germany on the 9th July 2003. Calexico are one of my favourite bands and are no strangers to covering Dylan. They provided a major contribution to the superb soundtrack album for the 'I'm Not There' film. In fact the second cover is from the live 'I'm Not There' concert which took place on the 7th November 2007 at the Beacon theatre in New York. It is excellent and with a little bit of searching is available online. 4th Time Round of course comes from Blonde on Blonde and 'Billy' is the title track from the soundtrack of Billy the Kid featuring Kris Kristofferson and Dylan himself. A must see.
It was a recent foray into the wilds of that 'man sanctuary', the loft, that I found these lost gems. I had the task of putting away the Christmas decorations when I spotted a box with my name on it, realising that it may contain some hidden treasures, I hastily made my way to it. It was just like Indiana Jones finding the Ark of the Covenant but without all the kerfuffle and all the baddies. In amongst the battered Star Wars figures and my favourite gentlemen's entertainment magazines, were a whole bunch of my cherished mix-tapes!
One of the tapes was a recording of A Fresh Start of the Week with Dave Pearce & DJ Roger Johnson on London Radio from back in 87'. It was probably one of the only commercial radio stations that would play any sort of Hip Hop at the time and it was never out of my Walkman. For fear of getting the tape chewed, I dusted off a tape player and only played a snippet from each side. One side had the classic, 'It's Like That Y'all', from the influential and original B-girl, Sweet-Tee, with that timeless and well used sample of James Brown's 'Superbad'.
But the other side, was a sensational track that introduced me to Public Enemy, 'You're Gonna Get Yours', which was taken from their debut album 'Yo Bum Rush the Show'. I remember listening to the show whilst doing my homework and I must have snapped my pencil when I heard it. It felt like I really was listening to something special, part of a musical revolution. This was serious Hip Hop, there was nothing else quite like it and what's more I felt it was sticking up a big fat middle finger to all the dross Stock, Aitken and Waterman were churning out. I couldn't wait to share what I heard with my other B-boy friend at school and ask him is opinion about the would be 'masters of the game'. He burst my bubble when he said "Oh yeah, PE, they're funny, they have a song with 'I caught you pissing in your pants' (a lyric from the forthcoming single 'Rebel Without a Pause)", missing the whole point.
I just need to convert the tape to digital to see what other gold nuggets there are. Word!
MIDWEEK CRISIS? You think you have nothing to hide? Come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we have the Doors and they know your deepest secret fears.
THE DOORS - Touch me (1968)
Bloody hell, I have 3 Club tracks to post and I was trying to decide which would be first when I saw this on Youtube and it just took me apart. What a fantastic video of Jim Morrison and The Doors. I was actually looking for one of my favourite Doors songs, 'The Spy' not a well known one I suppose but I just loved the nakedness of it.
'I know your deepest secret fears', I will have to save that for another day.
It is a shame when you hear that Jim was a bit of a 'dick' in real life but he was the ultimate rock star! Brilliant lyrics, beautiful looks but it's the same old story....what does go on between these 'goddamn ears'!?
I will tell you a Doors story, I will try and make it quick!
I was round a friends house, John Mcewans's, we had a card game going on nothing to serious, 9 Card Brag or later bit more hardcore 3 Card Brag. I loved those card sessions and I usually won or broke even but this night it was the classic scenario, it was the last game, it was only me and John left in the game, I had 3 jacks after going blind..it was unbelievable! I bet everything, even borrowed from the company! John had 3 aces, 10 million to one chance...I was cleaned out. Lucky he was a mate, John (RIP) and I arranged to pay him over 3 months, (there is no guaranteed winning hand my friend). I stayed over that night at Johns and later went into town (Richmond, Surrey) before going home and to cheer me up I bought 'Weird Scenes From Within a Gold Mine' and yes that did cheer me up!
Now you know my deepest secret fears. Never bet on 3 Jacks!
Fink (Fin Greenhall) is an English singer, songwriter and DJ who has collaborated with John Legend, Professor Green and even co-wrote the song "Half Time" with Amy Winehouse which appears on her posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures. Flycasual first introduced me to him with his album "Biscuits for Breakfast", which features the Alison Moyet cover "All cried out". His most recent album is 2011's Perfect Darkness, check out his website where you can download some great tracks, there's also a great cover of Nirvana's 'In Bloom'.
Fink - "...can you hear the rave tent?"
Fink though will always remind me of the time I took Flycasual & my buddy Carl on a stag weekend to the Lowlands festival. We arrived late and had to find a pitch for our tent, and when we noticed that the main camping area was full we thought we'd struck lucky when we found an empty nearby forest where we put our tent up. Once the tent was up (several hours later - none of us had been boy scouts!), we were off, beer, falafels & an eclectic choice of music - bloody brilliant! After a few beers we head back to the tent and then it hit us - the reason why there were no other campers around was that we'd put the tent up opposite the all night rave tent. So with no sleep all weekend, the acoustic tent was our solitude and that's where we watched Fink perform!!!
She's rude, she's hot, she came third in the BBC's sound of 2012, it's Harlem's Azealia Banks. Female MC's are few and far between so it's welcoming to see one as talented as Azealia on the scene, I can see why she was nominated. Her confident flow, style and potty mouth rhymes remind me of fellow MC's Missy Elliot and Amanda Blank but it's also her versatility which sets her apart as her cover of Interpol's 'Slow Hands' (see it here) shows. But it's '212' with it's blend of Electro, Hip Hop and House which made people take notice, I heard it last week on BBC 6 music and it left me wanting more. It'll be interesting to see where she goes as she definitely has the potential to be huge, with established artists already jostling for collaborations, it could be a big year for her.
It's Radox time mu*******as!
download '212' and ting from online music mag, 'Self-titled' here... and another from RCRDLBL.com here
I was finding it a bit difficult to find something that is released in 2012 when I came across this little Gem. Interesting name I thought and I loved the sound. If you are aware of 'Captain Beefheart' then this must definitely be the Son of the Captain. It sounds a little disjointed and the voices seem to scream rather than sing and then much like Beefhearts music it suddenly clicks and it all falls into place. I have listened to another track and it is just as good. I will be getting this one and sharpish. The album is called 'Horeseplay'.
Voodoo Child
SFW :- LostProphets "Better Off Dead" (2012)
LostProphets are a fantastic band from my home town of Pontypridd and this is a free track that is available from their website which will feature on their 5th Album "Weapons". If you ever get the chance you should watch them live as it's a cauldron of riffs, hits & energy - even if this genre is not your thing, when you watch them, you'll be swayed. They've been an inspiration for Welsh musicians, as they'll often take undiscovered bands on tour and give them a chance to perform in packed venues & arenas. I've had the privilege of going on tour with them and being "one of those people on the side of the stage", but not only that, you'd also find me sneaking on and end up singing - and no - I am not the bloke that Ian brought on - that's Seth.
This quite literally knocked me off my seat and made me spill my mum's popcorn everywhere. What a fantastic start to what turned out to be a great film! To have one of my favourite Led Zeppelin songs covered in Mr. Reznor's excellently dark and industrial style was a real treat especially with the full cinematic experience! I recognized the female voice in the cinema but was too mesmerised with the opening credits to think straight. Ah the great Karen O from the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs! Of course it was! I hadn't got round to listening to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's epic 3 hour long soundtrack but this song gave me the kick I needed to put in the time!
Here's a link to a site where you can download a free 6 track sampler of The soundtrack! Bonus!
Is your New Year's Resolution to go to more live gigs? Well Emma, 'our girl in the field' gig review officiando will tell you what you are missing!
Widowspeak at Zigrid
Von Underbelly Hoxton 29.11.11
In the bowels of the
eclectic Zigfrid Von Underbelly I discovered the Brooklyn indie band Widowspeak, I had
only heard their cover of Chris Issac’s Wicked Game before this chance
encounter in Hoxton.
Their style although
described as indie reminds me of soft California,
beaches and road trips. It’s the kind stuff you might imagine in a really cool
independent flick and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Ambient and transient
vocals blended with American 60s nostalgia tends to woo me and I was pleasantly
surprised with their live performance.
With such a sombre
introduction it’s often difficult to hold an audience but Widowspeak managed to
do just that. There wasn’t much interaction with the audience but that was
okay, we happily stood there taking in the sound. ZVU isn’t the easiest venue
but the sound engineer was spot on and after they managed to get in one last
song at the spectators’ requests I was left relaxed and content.
I’d definitely catch
them again and I think they are one to watch.
And I like them, no
frills speak volumes in this day and age.
They suit their style
and the do it very well.
Not for lovers of a
heavy sound, but more for the dreamers and thinkers.
This taken from Phil Collins album 'Dance into the light' (1996) and is actually very good, so there!
YOUR FIRST TIME !!
Do you remember your first time, did the Heaven's open, did the Earth move, well it did for me and I am feeling the repercussions to this day.
It was 1965 a Sunday night 2300hrs, Radio Luxembourg played the top 20 best singles (there was no MTV. very few radio stations played 'pop' or 'rock') how did we manage ?. I had my little 'tranny' and small ear phone (one ear) I managed to get reasonable reception that night. An advert for 'Peter Stuyvesant' being cool had just finished, straight in at # 8 was 'The Times they are a Changin' by Bob Dylan. Wow! I nearly fell of the bed , this was amazing, this world weary voice hit me hard with these amazing lyrics which were ideal for a 15 year old to identify with.
'Don't criticise what you don't understand' .
I had to hear it again. I had to get more Dylan, it was all I thought about. I had to get more!!
Great name, great song! Kanda Bongo Man, no, not a superhero you'd be a fool to mess with but probably one of the most famous Congolese 'Soukous' musicians. I've always loved that infectious guitar sound so synonymous with Soukous music but I just didn't know where to start, that was until I saw him play on Jools Holland some years back, I bought a couple of albums and it went on from there. It's a joyous form of music with a great feel which always makes me smile and move some part of my body, sometimes involuntarily. Despite this, it's unlikely I'll be doing any 'Kwassa Kwassa', the signature, 'all in the hips' dance associated with Soukous so watch the video instead. Taken from a day time Aussie show with presenter, Ray Martin, successfully channelling the Lego man look and a glimpse (1st second of the video, blink you'll miss it) of a young Russell Crowe, probably when he played a bad boy on Home and Away or something.
Here's the award winning video from another candidate for the best name in popular music, Kenya's Nguuni Lovers Lovers. Soukous is not only popular in West Africa but elements of the music have found their way to East Africa. In Kenya, it's Kamba music, where the guitar and fast rhythmic pace of the Soukous influence is unmistakable. I was first introduced to them by Cerys Mathews, unfortunately not personally but through a column she has in World Music magazine Songlines where she was talking about a perfect road trip playlist. So next time you're holidaying in Mombasa, mention Nguuni Lovers Lovers to the hotel barman and guarantee your supply of free Tusker beer for the duration.
I was sharing a flat with 5 Stewardesses and a Customs officer in 71' when one day a boyfriend (John) of one of the girls (Jane) came in with 2 new albums, one was the the Doors 'LA Woman' and the other was KK's first album, 'Me and Bobby McGee'. Both albums were sensational but for some reason out of the goldmine of tracks this one hit me first, I could not stop playing it.
In my mind KK was the best thing to hit country since Hank himself, he kicked Country in the ass and gave it a direction away from the poor stay at home cowgirl badly done by her hard drinking waster good ol' boy excuse for a husband (sound familiar girls).
What songs were on that album 'Me and Bobby McGee', 'Help Me Make it Through the Night', 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' to name just a few. I that day I immediately hit Hounslow High Street, Number 82 bus, straight to Cloud 7 which later became Our Price Records and I bought KKs 2 albums also the Door's L.A Woman. I dropped in to the Off Licence on the way back and then had an almighty session.
And I had all these lovely Stewardesses to 'Help me make it through the Night'!
In yer dreams mate! they all thought I was too weird!
If it sounds country man
Check out KK he is a very interesting character, apparently he was a janitor in Nashville when Dylan was recording the iconic 'Blonde on Blonde', he was a Helicopter Pilot and of course an Actor. But in my book he wrote some of the best country songs ever.
Miserable? Moody? Got the Tuesday Blues? If so, this may match your mood.
For anyone who doesn't know, this is Wolverhampton's Scott Matthew "Elusive" that was released in 2006 and featured on his excellent debut "Passing Stranger". His music is a hybrid of Jeff Buckley/Elliott Smith/Joni Mitchell/Nick Drake and somehow he hasn't really broken through to the mainstream - which for a man of his talent - is a terrible shame.
His third & latest album "What the Night Delivers" was released in September 2011 and is well worth the purchase. He also released a cover of Joni Mitchells 'River' for Lauren Laverne's show back in December (which is available here).
So do yourself a favour and pick up some of his previous albums - it will help you with your New Year Resolution to listen to more music!
Not feeling melancholic enough? Try some more Tuesday Blues here!
Being a huge Ryan Adams fan and also a fan of metal, I love this cover! I was first alerted to this a few months ago when he played it on BBC Radio 2 (August 2011) however I hadn't seen any footage of it....but I found this a few days ago and had to "share the shred" with you.
"Worshipping the Sabbath"
It is great to see him playing material that he clearly loves - I've seen him a few times live and he'd often talk about his love of metal - often with some of the audience not knowing if he was taking the p&ss or not. But as you can see with this Maiden version & his recent cover of RATT's "Round & Round" (find it here on Electric Mustache) he's back in love with music - and this makes me very happy!
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