LUMINOUS Plectrum favourites LCD Soundsystem have revealed the name and cover art of their new album. Titled This Is Happening, the cover features James Murphy boogying in a rather dapper looking outfit. It's widely rumoured that This Is Happening is going to be Murphy's last but LP has a feeling it could be the album of 2010, and potentially a defining classic of the 21st century. 2007's Sound of Silver was a blast from start to finish and really cemented Murphy's place as one of the most important musicians working today. If he's managed to build on the devine All My Friends and the lucious Someone Great, this is set to be at the top of all critics' top ten lists at the end of the year.
LCD Soundsystem -- Drunk Girls
THIS is officially the first song released from This Is Happening. It's promising, sounding a little like a up-tempo Boys Keep Swinging by Bowie, and definitely whets our appetite in anticipation for the new effort. It follows the tested LCD Soundsystem way of producing just fun time party music that never takes itself seriously. Check it out.
INSANELY popular psychodelic outfit MGMT found commerical success with the release of Oracular Spectacular, an album so full of inane guff it was on the cards fairweather listeners would lap it up. But my was I surprised when I heard their new track Flash Delirium on Radio 6 the other week. It's a delicious, spacious, supersonic fantasy that's actually a charming listen. What is hilarious is the amount of negative feedback it's received from Fearne Cotton-loving morons who'd much rather "slum" it out with the cast of Hollyoaks at V-Fest than try to listen to something that could take an ounce of effort to get into. Case in point, no coincindence here (honest!): Listening to Fearne Cotton play Flash Delirium for the first time on her show the other day, a barrage of e-mails burst through the station's Outlook account with views such as "OH MY GOD, this is terrible! Why can't they make songs like Kids all the time?" and "Woah, what the hell has happened to MGMT? They suck now!". It's called progression and I'm glad they've taken this direction. Hopefully they'll have a bit of fun playing live knowing audiences aren't there to hear Kids, Electric Feel or that other one about drugs and stuff. I'm actually looking forward to their new album, Congratulations, due for release at some point this year on the back of this effort. Congratualtions, MGMT, you've just made a new fan.
THE Scots have produced a few special bands over the years.The Beta Band, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Orange Juice, Mogwai and, to some extent, Franz Ferdinand have offered some aural pleasure in the past.Frightened Rabbit are an exciting and critically acclaimed Scottish export and saw their popularity explode into life following the release of The Midnight Organ Fight – an intense folk-rock classic.Its follow up, The Winter of Mixed Drinks, is a more polished affair that musically expands on their previous efforts.It’s a lot bigger and heavier and still has the witty, archetypical Scottish lyrics that make Frightened Rabbit such an enjoyable listen.While it’s great they’re pushing out all the boundaries, the Winter of Mixed Drinks isn’t as charming or luscious as its predecessor, despite boasting one of their most sellable tracks yet in the form of Nothing Like You, which should see the band gaining new fans and some well deserved media exposure.Swim Until You Can’t See Land is a jolly clap-along bar shanty while Living In Colour is a punchy, vibrant number.Despite the positive points, Not Miserable touches on embarrassing U2/Coldplay/Elbow turgid status, strings ‘n’ all, and Foot Shooter feels thick, isolated and cold.There isn’t enough variety in this album for it to be a mainstay in the record player but perhaps it’s a slow burner.I’m not sure about the mixed drinks, but it’s definitely an album that gives the listener mixed feelings.It was always going to be difficult for a band to follow up a classic and they’ve given it a good go, but they’re definitely one of the best Scottish bands out there.For every dirge band like Biffy Clyro, thank God there’s a Frightened Rabbit.
Watch Frightened Rabbit's quirky video for Nothing Like You:
LIARS are predictable. They are predictable in so much of how unpredictable their music is. They’re clearly not a fan of painting by numbers and I doubt Picasso even comes close to how abstract their kind of art is. Sisterworld is sinister. It’s dark. It’s not an easy listen, but it is ultimately rewarding. The jaw-dropping opener, Scissor, starts off with a brooding organ under singer Angus Andrews’ Nick Cave-esque vocals before the tension is cut with a well-sharpened life as it bursts into a fury of distorted guitars and thumping drums. No Barrier Fun slows the pulse but Here Comes All the People bares a ghoulish piano and bass riff that would fit right at home in a blood-thirsty Stephen King thriller. The frenzied package of Scarecrows On A Killer Slant is vintage Liars while The Overachivers is reminiscent of Bleach-era Nirvana, and could be their most radio-friendly anthem yet. Goodnight Everything is a delicious slow burner while the album’s conclusion, Too Much, Too Much, perhaps ends the album on an uplifting note. Sisterworld is a great album. This review may sound a little negative but it’s because the album, for me, is negative. It's definitely not a radio friendly unit shifter. If there is a sisterworld, and it’s anything like this album, I don’t want to ever visit it.
I’M moist with anticipation for the new The National album, High Violet, which is scheduled for a May release. Those chaps at Pitchfork uploaded a video from the US chat show Late Night with Jimmy Fallon featuring The National performing the opening track to the new LP, Terrible Love, and it sounds as if High Violet is going to build on the stellar Boxer. It’s typical god-like stuff from arguably one of the greatest bands around today. It flourishes into a stirring anthem, hopefully setting the pace for the rest of the album. Seeing them close the John Peel Stage at Glastonbury 2008 was zen-like stuff. Here’s the performance for you to enjoy: The National Debuts The only downside to The National is the uncanny likeness drummer Brian Dessner has to John Lennon.
TODAY may be Monday but I may as well post up the albums which have been tickling my eardrums over the past seven days.
The Drums -- Summertime EP!
THIS year's buzz band haven't been out of my stereo/iPod since last year and Summertime! gets brighter and more exciting with each listen. Having caught them on the NME tour, they're definitely the best band I've seen this year so far. This is surf-pop at its best. Stand out track: Down By The Water
Liars -- Sisterworld
LISTENING to Liars is a bit like that black stuff Marmite. Some people love them, some people hate them. Admittedly, sometimes listening to Liars can feel like doing a press up with a sumo wrestler on your back but with a little more persistence you'll reap the benefits (and a stronger backbone). Sisterworld is freaky, but that comes with the territory. I love it and I can't wait to get under its skin a little more (and for it to get under mine). Expect a review of this up by the end of the week. Stand out track: Scissor
Washed Out -- Life of Leisure EP
THIS is pure pop escapism. The relaxing synths, distorted soft vocals, muffled funky bass and echoed effects make this the perfect chill out record for 2010. This EP won't leave you feeling washed out - it'll leave you glowing.
I don't just listen to brand new music 24/7, you know. Pink Flag is arguably one of the greatest albums ever. It has held firm against the tests of time and still sounds as fresh as ever. Why can't there be more bands like Wire? From the opening jangles of the guitar on Reuters, to the penetrating opening drums on Pink Flag to the genius of Feeling Called Love, this album contains some of the greatest pieces of pop music in history. Stand out track: Pink Flag
I only went to one festival last year, that being Bestival, as I was stationed up north in Darlington at the start of the year, meaning I missed out on Glastonbury and a variety of quality gigs. I did manage to fit in seeing The Veils at Dingwalls in Camden though, which was pucker mate, pucker. I've already booked tickets to Bestival 2010 and I can't wait! Last year's was a bit special (especially the weather) but this year's line up is already awesome. LCD Soundsystem, Flaming Lips, Joy Orbison, Four Tet, Roxy Music, The xx, Fever Ray, Vitalic, Flying Lotus...to name but a few are confirmed already and I can't wait for more updates. I may even see Tinie Tempah - very very very very wild lifestyle. I'm more excited than Pete Doherty swimming in a pool of smack. Pure. I would love to do Glastonbury again this year. I went in 2008 and it was probably one of the best weekend's of my life so far. The headliners don't do anything for me but there is just so much fun to be had. Brap!
I don't know too much about this duo but what I do know is they make fantastic music. Face Love featured on the double A side with my favourite song of 2009, Diamond Rings -- All Your Songs, and this little gem is topping my songs of 2010 already. The video awesomely pays homage to Joy Division's Love Will Year Us Apart, too.
I may as well throw myself right into this site and compile a list of songs that have really taken my fancy so far in 2010. It's only March but there have already been some absolute corkers released - promising signs for the rest of the year.
Two of the big hitters for me have been the releases of the hugely-acclaimed acts Vampire Weekend and Spoon, with Contra and Transference respectively. I admit both albums are not as good as what they're capable of (OK that's a bit harsh on VW considering it was only their sophomore effort) but the pair contain a handful of stormers.
Spoon -- Written in Reverse
We'll may as well start with Spoon, whose first single Written in Reverse is a stripped down, rock-out of a record. The piano riff at the start is infectious and Britt Daniel's growling vocals are at an all-time peak.
Take a listen for yourself (the video's not bad, either):
Vampire Weekend -- Giving Up the Gun
Vampire Weekend's debut self-titled effort was one of the highlights of a drab 2008. They were huge. Absolutely huge. And to be fair, it was deserved. They were arguably one of the most refreshing, clean cut bands we've had the pleasure of listening to since...Aqua?(!)
Contra mixes a variety of genres, from prim and proper pop to arid African beats, and it works to an extent. The album hasn't grabbed me from start to finish and I do find it difficult not to skip certain tracks but there's one in particular that is pretty breathtaking. Giving Up The Gun is definitely the album's golden boy. It's a supersonic beauty that mixes space age effects with a pummeling bass line. Listening to it makes me feel as if I'm being sprinkled in space dust. (Puke).
The RZA is in the video too! COOL.
Phantogram -- When I'm Small
AMERICAN boy/girl duo Phantogram released their new album Eyelid Movies to relatively positive reviews from the music press. The dark and brooding When I'm Small is definitely my favourite track from the album. You can immediately draw comparisons to Dangermouse's stripped down style (think the production on Beck's Modern Guilt) but it's Sarah Barthel's chilling vocals that propels it into something heartfelt.
Surfer Blood -- Swim
Along with The Drums, Florida indie rockers Surfer Blood are one of 2010's buzz bands. Swim may be a 2009 song, but their debut album Astro Coast was released in January and this track is the standout for me. It's a catchy summer anthem that you can't help but be warmed by. Funny that considering they live in the USA's sunshine state. This is epic. They should be huge but will be eclipsed by The Drums.
White Rose Movement -- Helsinki
I've never been to Helsinki, or Finland for that matter, but White Rose Movement's latest effort makes me want to go there and meet Mika Hakkinen for a couple of drinks. I would ask him why he took an indefinite sabbatical. Anyway, this London post-punk band have produced an electro banger with Helsinki. It's huge and is so close to a floor-filler remix. Forget about the Big Pink with all their haircuts and jeans, it's this sort of music that deserves success. They've been around a while and maybe it's Helsinki that can finally unleash them to the masses.
After years of deliberation and the lack of progress in creating a personal blog on the website of the newspaper I write for, I've decided to create my own "unofficial" blog. Phew.
I'm a news reporter for a local newspaper with a burning ambition to make it big in the world of music journalism. This blog will be dedicated to music reviews (live and on record), my favourite songs of the week, my favourite albums of the month, and much more (hopefully).
I don't think I will get a lot of reads among the millions out there but I will continue to contribute to this blog in the hope it can progress to something full-blooded.
LUMINOUS Plectrum favourites LCD Soundsystem have revealed the name and cover art of their new album.
