Thursday, 7 August 2008
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Dial up? What's that?
so, folks...
I've got to head back to the land of dial up for a little while.
BUT! for the hordes (read 2) of you that actually read this, I have to make a trip that I really don't want to make.
So updates will be even more irregular.
SORRY!!!!
I've got to head back to the land of dial up for a little while.
BUT! for the hordes (read 2) of you that actually read this, I have to make a trip that I really don't want to make.
So updates will be even more irregular.
SORRY!!!!
Thursday, 26 June 2008
I've been busy...sue me.
Totally rocking out to the new Offspring album!
While trying to get my life on track.
Any queries should be directed to the Universe. It's thier fault.
While trying to get my life on track.
Any queries should be directed to the Universe. It's thier fault.
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Alanis Morisette - Terms of Entanglement
Here is the video for the lead single - Underneath
With her new album, Alanis has gone back to a combination of her second and third albums - Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie and Under Rug Swept.
In all honesty, I'm glad for the reverse back into angry chick mode. I fell in love with Jagged Little Pill and very few albums since have come close to duplicating the spitting angst of that great debut.
Her latest album has a little venom seeping in from the above mentioned alums, but she also sticks her fingers in the nu wave and electro pop pies with little success.
I have to wonder, is she doing the censoring herself, or is the label? I'm very sure a harsher, more biting Alanis is waiting to break out and give us another fierce album. Hopefully, its not too late...
With her new album, Alanis has gone back to a combination of her second and third albums - Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie and Under Rug Swept.
In all honesty, I'm glad for the reverse back into angry chick mode. I fell in love with Jagged Little Pill and very few albums since have come close to duplicating the spitting angst of that great debut.
Her latest album has a little venom seeping in from the above mentioned alums, but she also sticks her fingers in the nu wave and electro pop pies with little success.
I have to wonder, is she doing the censoring herself, or is the label? I'm very sure a harsher, more biting Alanis is waiting to break out and give us another fierce album. Hopefully, its not too late...
New Video
In between scribbling out reviews, I came across the latest Linkin Park single. It's a Busta Rhymes colab. And everyone that knows me, knows that despite my obviously lack of enthusiasm when it comes to hiphop, I have a wierd love for rock/hip hop colabs (eg Timbaland feat FOB / The Hives) so here I give you:
Linkin Park and Busta Rhymes 'We Made It'
Linkin Park and Busta Rhymes 'We Made It'
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
My Bad...
I know I haven't updated in a while - being uber busy.
BUT!!!!!
Updates and reviews on thier way including Vampire Weekend, Seether, Alanis Morisette, Foxboro Hottubs and more....
For now, footage from MCR's upcoming live DVD:
BUT!!!!!
Updates and reviews on thier way including Vampire Weekend, Seether, Alanis Morisette, Foxboro Hottubs and more....
For now, footage from MCR's upcoming live DVD:
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Panic At The Disco - The Green Gentleman
New video from PATD...remind you of anyone in particular???
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
The Backlash...
As mentioned in a previous post, MCR have yet again been painted as the leaders of the "Emo" cult.
Rags such as The Daily Mail (summer 06 anyone?), The Sun and others have blamed the influence of the band for Hannah's suicide. She was 13 and hung herself.
In retaliation to the smear campaign against the band, fansite Whatthefrank.co.uk have arranged a quiet protest to be held in London, urging kids to wear slogans such as 'MCR saved my life''MCR saves lives' and positive lyrics from the bands songs.
Now, excuse me if I'm wrong on this, but leading a quiet march through London is not exactly expelling the CULT idea of the tory rags. This has the potential to backfire really badly on everyone.
Instead of just marching to defend one band, who themselves don't claim to be emo, why not make the protest about the IGNORANCE and INTOLERANCE people have towards kids that do dress up in black and feel misunderstood? It should be about opening peoples eyes to the fact that none of the bands that are labelled "emo" especially MCR condone self harm nor do they encourage suicide. They do, in fact, rally against it in thier songs and attitudes.
I approached the organisers with this view and recieved this reply:
"We're sticking to our guns on the MCR front but we will be changing
the main page of the site to illustrate our cause better, over the
next few days."
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy...I'll keep you posted on what happens next.
Rags such as The Daily Mail (summer 06 anyone?), The Sun and others have blamed the influence of the band for Hannah's suicide. She was 13 and hung herself.
In retaliation to the smear campaign against the band, fansite Whatthefrank.co.uk have arranged a quiet protest to be held in London, urging kids to wear slogans such as 'MCR saved my life''MCR saves lives' and positive lyrics from the bands songs.
Now, excuse me if I'm wrong on this, but leading a quiet march through London is not exactly expelling the CULT idea of the tory rags. This has the potential to backfire really badly on everyone.
Instead of just marching to defend one band, who themselves don't claim to be emo, why not make the protest about the IGNORANCE and INTOLERANCE people have towards kids that do dress up in black and feel misunderstood? It should be about opening peoples eyes to the fact that none of the bands that are labelled "emo" especially MCR condone self harm nor do they encourage suicide. They do, in fact, rally against it in thier songs and attitudes.
I approached the organisers with this view and recieved this reply:
"We're sticking to our guns on the MCR front but we will be changing
the main page of the site to illustrate our cause better, over the
next few days."
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy...I'll keep you posted on what happens next.
Monday, 19 May 2008
Bits and Pieces
A lot has been happening in musicville.
1) My Chemical Romance ended off thier two year tour with an outstanding set at New York's Madison Square Garden. Reviews and photos can be found on LiveJournal.com in the MCR TourDiary community.
2) Wentz and Simpson finally tied the knot. Congratulations to the pair.
3) Give It A Name 08 kicked off festival season here in the UK with not much of a bang. A little pop that not even Alkaline Trio could salvage. Most fingers point to the terrible sound guys. Just was not up to scratch.
4) Another teen suicide blamed on emo. Really people! Ignorance has never been so tragic.
5) The Eavis's are still battling to get tickets to Glastonbury sold out. The scene is divided on the whole Jay-Z headlining vs crappy weather debate as the reason to the fest ticket sales doing so poorly. I've never wanted to go, so I'm not sayin anything.
6) Reviews forthcoming:
Give It A Name 08
Vampire Weekend @ Electric Ballroom
Flykiller @ 229
1) My Chemical Romance ended off thier two year tour with an outstanding set at New York's Madison Square Garden. Reviews and photos can be found on LiveJournal.com in the MCR TourDiary community.
2) Wentz and Simpson finally tied the knot. Congratulations to the pair.
3) Give It A Name 08 kicked off festival season here in the UK with not much of a bang. A little pop that not even Alkaline Trio could salvage. Most fingers point to the terrible sound guys. Just was not up to scratch.
4) Another teen suicide blamed on emo. Really people! Ignorance has never been so tragic.
5) The Eavis's are still battling to get tickets to Glastonbury sold out. The scene is divided on the whole Jay-Z headlining vs crappy weather debate as the reason to the fest ticket sales doing so poorly. I've never wanted to go, so I'm not sayin anything.
6) Reviews forthcoming:
Give It A Name 08
Vampire Weekend @ Electric Ballroom
Flykiller @ 229
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Monday, 5 May 2008
Giggage - And What I Thought
Now, I know this is generally a Rock Music site, but I like to vary my music intake and once in a while you'll see a review like this:
Melody Gardot
Bush Hall
1 May 2008
I've never been to Bush Hall before.
a) because I've never heard of it.
b) I tend to avoid west London.
But after stepping into the understated building and seeing the intimate, yet opulent room (chandeliers for crying out loud!) I couldn't imagine a better suited venue for a Gardot performance.
Coming straight from a long day at work, cold beer in hand, I grabbed a seat close to the low stage. Time to mellow...
The Mercury Men opened the night. This three guitar playing piece is very reminiscent of artists such as James Blunt, John Meyer and (dare I mention it) Lonestar. Yep, there was definitely a country twang to their tunes. Not too unpleasant and judging by the crowd, a perfect opening act.
The crowd in question was made up of those young professionals who worshipped Sex and the City, own Norah Jones cds and pretty much live the yuppie life. Wearing a Linkin Park t-shirt was not a good idea.
Moving on.
Miss Gardot took her place on the stage alone and opened the night doing 'No More My Love' a capella. Her voice was a little shaky with nerves, but the song soon filled out with the audience joining in. Her band soon joined her on stage for the rest of the show. She relaxed, cracked a joke and began to weave 'Sweet Memory' over the audience. The audience was silent during the entire number before breaking into loud applause after the last note had been sung. This set the precedent for the rest of the show. It was as if each song was a spell that bound the audience and as soon as it was over, the audience broke their stupor by clapping. An amazingly gloomy, heartbreaking cover of 'Ain't No Sunshine' followed. Cheese free. This is no easy feat for a song as well known as that.
Taking a sip of water afterwards she joked with the crowd in a thick New York accent.
'They asked me to play jazz. If I'd been playing rock and roll, that would be vodka.'
Her title track and Bill Withers cover 'worrisome Heart' send goosebumps along my arms. With each song, her stage confidence grew. Especially with the audience so close and near, it can be intimidating. 'All I need is Love (and chocolate and shoes and..)' and 'quiet fire' took us through to 'Love Me Like A River'.
'Enough songs about me begging for love. This is a song about how you must love me.'
'Goodnite' brought the evening to a very satisfactory end. But not before thralling and teasing us with a drum vs double bass dual. Not to be outdone by her band, Melody had a little duet with the trumpet before doing a verse in french. Mere words cannot describe the utter cool factor of that episode.
The yuppies demanded and encore.
Melody supplied us with an anecdote about her grandmother before sending us home with 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'. But sung in a way that only Ms Gardot could have nailed.
The yuppies and I went home very happy.
BUT WAIT!!!
I have more....
The Wombats
Brixton Academy
3-5-08
The Wombats. Those three little, mischievous lads from Liverpool with their marsupial mascot sold out the Brixton Academy. I think its more to do with their infectious indie pop tunes than their looks. Most definitely.
I missed the first opening band, but caught I Was A Cub Scout doing their set. Not as good as some, but better than others, I expect big things from that band. Maybe a few more hooks in their tunes.
Anticipation builds as the kids enjoy a mass sing along to Vampire Weekend's A Punk playing over the PA system. Now they'd be a band to go see.
The lights die down and three lads strut onto the stage to stand around a single mic. They kick off with opening track 'Tales of Girls, Boys and Marsupials'. Again, mass singing from the sea of kids on the main floor. 'Kill the Director' brings a look of 'Oh so that's who they are' to a lot of parents faces. The band stomps right through it and onto 'School Uniforms' before ripping the crowd up with 'Lost in The Post'.
'This next song is a waltz'
'Laura' lulled the crowd from a frenzy down to a riot. 'Here Comes The Anxiety' (one of my personal favourites) just mixed it up into chaos! 'Dr Suzanne PhD' saw a quick bar break for everyone.
'I've definitely had more boring Saturday nights'
For our treat, we were the first to hear a new tune from the boys - 'How To Pack Your Bags'. Cute little waltzy number.
Afraid of losing more to the bar, the band whipped out 'Movin to New York'. This had us bopping. 'Patricia the Stripper' had us boogying. 'Little Miss Pipedream' had us finding a refill. And then the sneaking little buggers pulled the rug out from under our feet with 'Let's dance to Joy Division.' Not a body was left sitting. Everyone danced to this most infectious use of irony ever written.
And then the stage was empty.
The theme to 2001: A Space Odyssey filled the hall.
A 10ft inflatable wombat wearing sunglasses came down from the ceiling.
'My First Wedding' and 'Backfire at the Disco' sent us on our merry way.
I feel a special mention must be made about the amazing light show they had going on behind the band. They even had disco balls for the final number. An excellent show, which perfectly justifies why they sold out the academy on their debut album.
Melody Gardot
Bush Hall
1 May 2008
I've never been to Bush Hall before.
a) because I've never heard of it.
b) I tend to avoid west London.
But after stepping into the understated building and seeing the intimate, yet opulent room (chandeliers for crying out loud!) I couldn't imagine a better suited venue for a Gardot performance.
Coming straight from a long day at work, cold beer in hand, I grabbed a seat close to the low stage. Time to mellow...
The Mercury Men opened the night. This three guitar playing piece is very reminiscent of artists such as James Blunt, John Meyer and (dare I mention it) Lonestar. Yep, there was definitely a country twang to their tunes. Not too unpleasant and judging by the crowd, a perfect opening act.
The crowd in question was made up of those young professionals who worshipped Sex and the City, own Norah Jones cds and pretty much live the yuppie life. Wearing a Linkin Park t-shirt was not a good idea.
Moving on.
Miss Gardot took her place on the stage alone and opened the night doing 'No More My Love' a capella. Her voice was a little shaky with nerves, but the song soon filled out with the audience joining in. Her band soon joined her on stage for the rest of the show. She relaxed, cracked a joke and began to weave 'Sweet Memory' over the audience. The audience was silent during the entire number before breaking into loud applause after the last note had been sung. This set the precedent for the rest of the show. It was as if each song was a spell that bound the audience and as soon as it was over, the audience broke their stupor by clapping. An amazingly gloomy, heartbreaking cover of 'Ain't No Sunshine' followed. Cheese free. This is no easy feat for a song as well known as that.
Taking a sip of water afterwards she joked with the crowd in a thick New York accent.
'They asked me to play jazz. If I'd been playing rock and roll, that would be vodka.'
Her title track and Bill Withers cover 'worrisome Heart' send goosebumps along my arms. With each song, her stage confidence grew. Especially with the audience so close and near, it can be intimidating. 'All I need is Love (and chocolate and shoes and..)' and 'quiet fire' took us through to 'Love Me Like A River'.
'Enough songs about me begging for love. This is a song about how you must love me.'
'Goodnite' brought the evening to a very satisfactory end. But not before thralling and teasing us with a drum vs double bass dual. Not to be outdone by her band, Melody had a little duet with the trumpet before doing a verse in french. Mere words cannot describe the utter cool factor of that episode.
The yuppies demanded and encore.
Melody supplied us with an anecdote about her grandmother before sending us home with 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'. But sung in a way that only Ms Gardot could have nailed.
The yuppies and I went home very happy.
BUT WAIT!!!
I have more....
The Wombats
Brixton Academy
3-5-08
The Wombats. Those three little, mischievous lads from Liverpool with their marsupial mascot sold out the Brixton Academy. I think its more to do with their infectious indie pop tunes than their looks. Most definitely.
I missed the first opening band, but caught I Was A Cub Scout doing their set. Not as good as some, but better than others, I expect big things from that band. Maybe a few more hooks in their tunes.
Anticipation builds as the kids enjoy a mass sing along to Vampire Weekend's A Punk playing over the PA system. Now they'd be a band to go see.
The lights die down and three lads strut onto the stage to stand around a single mic. They kick off with opening track 'Tales of Girls, Boys and Marsupials'. Again, mass singing from the sea of kids on the main floor. 'Kill the Director' brings a look of 'Oh so that's who they are' to a lot of parents faces. The band stomps right through it and onto 'School Uniforms' before ripping the crowd up with 'Lost in The Post'.
'This next song is a waltz'
'Laura' lulled the crowd from a frenzy down to a riot. 'Here Comes The Anxiety' (one of my personal favourites) just mixed it up into chaos! 'Dr Suzanne PhD' saw a quick bar break for everyone.
'I've definitely had more boring Saturday nights'
For our treat, we were the first to hear a new tune from the boys - 'How To Pack Your Bags'. Cute little waltzy number.
Afraid of losing more to the bar, the band whipped out 'Movin to New York'. This had us bopping. 'Patricia the Stripper' had us boogying. 'Little Miss Pipedream' had us finding a refill. And then the sneaking little buggers pulled the rug out from under our feet with 'Let's dance to Joy Division.' Not a body was left sitting. Everyone danced to this most infectious use of irony ever written.
And then the stage was empty.
The theme to 2001: A Space Odyssey filled the hall.
A 10ft inflatable wombat wearing sunglasses came down from the ceiling.
'My First Wedding' and 'Backfire at the Disco' sent us on our merry way.
I feel a special mention must be made about the amazing light show they had going on behind the band. They even had disco balls for the final number. An excellent show, which perfectly justifies why they sold out the academy on their debut album.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Fall Out Boy - Beat It
Fall Out Boy has definitely got thier fans and thier haters. I'm a fan, and this video just reinforces why I think they're just fantastic. Listen out to Patrick Stumps voice - WOW. And Joe Troughman (I may have spelled that wrong) completely steals the performance part of the vid. Don't believe me? Check it out:
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Monday, 28 April 2008
Reviewed and Coming Soon
CD Single
Yoav
Club Thing
Cape Town boy making good in the dance scene over here in the UK. Club Thing is a basic drum 'n bass tune with a Timberlake-esque melody. Not being a fan of dance/house/drum 'n bass, I'm not going to rave about it. But I'm not going to slam it either. It doesn't leave you tapping your toes. There's no 'WOW' moment. It sneaks up on you, taps you on the shoulder and politely asks 'Please play me right after last rounds.'
Gig Review
We Are Scientists
Shepards Bush Empire
24-4-2008
I know its the Monday after the show, but I've just stopped bouncing around from excess energy produced at the gig.
By the time we arrived at the Empire, my mates and I encountered teeming droves of teenies. We gulped nervously. Why all the teenies? Isn't it cool anymore for 20-somethings to go gigging? I missed that memo.
We took our places in the pit - second row from the barrier - and waited.
The opening acts were dull - to say the least. I didn't catch thier names as they didn't give them. There was a moment when Keith (Murray of WAS) joined them onstage for a song.
The lights went out and suddenly, the (now) duo hit the stage, opening with Brain Thrust Mastery's Ghouls. The Empire erupted! Swaggering through hits 'Nobody Move', 'The Scene Is Dead' and 'Inaction' just to remind us why we loved them to begin with, before injecting newbies such as 'Lets See It', 'Chic Lit' and leading single 'After Hours'.
Keith then took an ill judged jump off the stage towards the barrier during 'Tonight' to do the whole 'greet the fans' thing. Little did he know a close aquaintance of mine was a bottle of wine down and took it upon herself to grab and squeeze his ass. He had no choice but to laugh it off and quickly retreat back to the stage before the girls kidnapped him and they couldn't rip through 'Dinosaur', 'Lousy Reputation', 'Its a Hit'.
All the time, the crowd needed no prompting. Arms in the air, clapping madly away with voices raised in anthemic union. Shu!
Encore rounded off the night with 'Lethal Enforcer', 'Worth The Wait' and 'Great Escape' (which seemed to be written purely for this gig).
As good as thier albums are, seeing these boys live is a must! Smooth, professional, booming, anthemic (i like that word), swaggering and exhilerating!
Good job!
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Waxing Lyrical
So, for those of you who aren't familiar with The Kills, let me introduce you.
Jamie Hince is Kate Moss' new boyfriend. He is also one half of this amazing group!Due to the fact that I tend to avoid any celeb who has a paparazzi following, it took me a while to actually track down and listen to thier new album Midnight Boom. I was blown away! Who knew that basslines held so much sex appeal!?!
Just a taste of thier tunes, here are the lyrics to my personal fave:
Cheap and Cheerful
I'm bored of cheap and cheerful
I want expensive sadness
Hospital bills, parole
Open doors to madness
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're boring baby when you're straight
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're stupid baby when you're sane
I'm sick of social graces
Show your sharp-tipped teeth
Lose your cool in public
Dig that illegal meat
'Cause love is just a dialogue
You can't survive on ice-cream
You got to same needs as a dog
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're boring baby when you're straight
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're stupid baby when you're sane
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're boring baby when you're straight
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're stupid baby when you're sane
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're boring baby when you're straight
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're stupid baby when you're sane
Jamie Hince is Kate Moss' new boyfriend. He is also one half of this amazing group!Due to the fact that I tend to avoid any celeb who has a paparazzi following, it took me a while to actually track down and listen to thier new album Midnight Boom. I was blown away! Who knew that basslines held so much sex appeal!?!
Just a taste of thier tunes, here are the lyrics to my personal fave:
Cheap and Cheerful
I'm bored of cheap and cheerful
I want expensive sadness
Hospital bills, parole
Open doors to madness
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're boring baby when you're straight
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're stupid baby when you're sane
I'm sick of social graces
Show your sharp-tipped teeth
Lose your cool in public
Dig that illegal meat
'Cause love is just a dialogue
You can't survive on ice-cream
You got to same needs as a dog
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're boring baby when you're straight
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're stupid baby when you're sane
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
It's alright (it's alright)
To be mean (to be mean)
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're boring baby when you're straight
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're stupid baby when you're sane
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're boring baby when you're straight
I want you to be crazy
'Cause you're stupid baby when you're sane
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Making Waves...
First off...Congratulations to the Parlotones for getting thier single 'Louder than Bombs' listed in Kerrang!s Singles to Own list this week! Its not easy... have you seen the security at the Kerrang! offices?
There has also been an amazing addition to the line up for the Psychobilly Night I'm hosting at The Phoenix. Welcome on board - Luna Vegas! They will be tearing up the basement bar along with Los Jailbreakers, Billy Rebel and A Sailors Grave.
Hope to see all my London readers there!
There has also been an amazing addition to the line up for the Psychobilly Night I'm hosting at The Phoenix. Welcome on board - Luna Vegas! They will be tearing up the basement bar along with Los Jailbreakers, Billy Rebel and A Sailors Grave.
Hope to see all my London readers there!
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Indie tuning Bones
I am a huge fan of the Fox show - Bones - and not just because of David Boreanaz. The script and soundtrack are amazing!
Featuring bands such as Death Cab For Cutie amongst others.
People, please, watch the show, enjoy!
Featuring bands such as Death Cab For Cutie amongst others.
People, please, watch the show, enjoy!
Monday, 24 March 2008
Strung Out and a few reviews...
Bring all your friends! It's happening tomorrow night!
Line Up:
Veil Cassini
The Piccadillys
The Gooners
Dempsey and the DC9's
Reviews:
Panic At The Disco
Pretty. Odd.
Panic At The Disco had been the butt of numerous emo jokes. Very few saw the pure musicality behind thier ostentatious costumes and videos. These boys are serious musicians at heart.
Thier first album opened an operatic theme in thier style. They expanded on this for thier second attempt but after realising the tracks would be impossible to play live, the tracks were shelved. The band then wrote an album that wears its influences on its sleeve. Blatantly so.
But this doesn't detract from the fact that this is a great album with catchy hooks and great lyrics. highlights include leading single 'Nine in the Afternoon', 'She's a Handsome Woman', 'Northern Downpour' and 'Mad as Rabbits'.
The Raconteurs
Consolers of the Lonely
The great thing about a Jack White project, whether its The White Stripes or The Raconteurs, you are always guarenteed a pleasant surprise with the first listen to any new tracks.
Unlike its predecessor, Broken Boy Soldier, with its blues undertones, Consolers of the Lonely is a fast paced album, spitting the tracks out at the listener with as much venom as they contain. Kick off with the wham! of the title track 'Consolers of the Lonely'. 'Many Shades of Black' brings the bam! And thank you ma'm! with Carolina Drama.
Now, it might just be me, but I'm sure I hear traces of early Bon Jovi in a track or two.
Long live Jack White and his guitar!
We Are Scientists
Brain Thrust Mastery
A lot of fans of 'In Love and Squalor' (the band's first album) find themselves kind of let down. An anti climax of the foreplay promised, really.
In 'Brain Thrust Mastery', We Are Scientists veer away from the indie disco sound they made thier own and embraced a more mellow, relaxed sound. With a nod to the 80's, 'Lethal Enforcer' wears it's Hawaii 5-0 'tache with pride, while 'Ghouls' and 'Altered Beast' have snuck out of The Magnetic Fields B-side folder and graced our ears with it's self deprecating lyrics. Lead single 'After Hours' is, behind the happy go lucky tune, a sad, sorry song. The video, however is awesome!
The songs, while still very much tongue in cheek, take us to the dark side of indie.
Not as infectious as 'In Love and Squalor', this is still one of the better sophomore albums released so far.
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Friday, 14 March 2008
Sandi Thom - The Pink & The Lily
Fucking Blogger!!!!!!
I had an lovely, long review about Sandi Thom's album launch written out and the fucker lost it!!!!! (Everyone's a critic these days...)
All I can say - Well Done Ms Thom. And thanks for the signed penguin.
I had an lovely, long review about Sandi Thom's album launch written out and the fucker lost it!!!!! (Everyone's a critic these days...)
All I can say - Well Done Ms Thom. And thanks for the signed penguin.
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Panic! and other issues...
Right people, let's get one thing straight.
Just because I happen to live in Europe, does NOT mean I will be attending the multitude of festivals happening over the course of the summer. Sure, I'd like to attend Download, Roskilde, Rock am Ring and Give it a Name. Thing is, I really don't fancy sharing a campsite with over 300k people. I bitch if there's more than 300 people at a gig. Savvy?
To compensate, I will be checking out individual gigs. Such as Panic At The Disco's HMV in store appearance on Monday. They might even sign a penguin for me.
Despite all the shit I'm going to get from my mates about this, I'm really curious to hear their new album. I loved their debut. Let's see what they can offer up next. Here, in the meantime is their video: Nine in the Afternoon. Enjoy.
Just because I happen to live in Europe, does NOT mean I will be attending the multitude of festivals happening over the course of the summer. Sure, I'd like to attend Download, Roskilde, Rock am Ring and Give it a Name. Thing is, I really don't fancy sharing a campsite with over 300k people. I bitch if there's more than 300 people at a gig. Savvy?
To compensate, I will be checking out individual gigs. Such as Panic At The Disco's HMV in store appearance on Monday. They might even sign a penguin for me.
Despite all the shit I'm going to get from my mates about this, I'm really curious to hear their new album. I loved their debut. Let's see what they can offer up next. Here, in the meantime is their video: Nine in the Afternoon. Enjoy.
Monday, 10 March 2008
Vampire Weekend
US band Vampire Weekend have come out of nowhere and taken the indie scene by storm. Recently featured on US show Saturday Night Live and playing to packed crowds with fans such as Kate Moss, Noel Felding and other british scenesters, this band has made a splash felt on both sides of the pond.
Here is the video for thier debut single - A Punk.
Here is the video for thier debut single - A Punk.
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
We Are Scientists - Brain Thrust Mastery
My favourite nu wave band is back! We Are Scientists are unleashing Brain Thrust Mastery on the general population on the 17th March.
Picking up from In Love And Squalor, thier debut, this new album sees the band taking a turn for the more self deprecating with a deeper look than just drinking too much. Cerebral? Maybe. Shoegazing? Quite possibly. Revelling in thier issues to an infectious beat? Fuck yeah!
Picking up from In Love And Squalor, thier debut, this new album sees the band taking a turn for the more self deprecating with a deeper look than just drinking too much. Cerebral? Maybe. Shoegazing? Quite possibly. Revelling in thier issues to an infectious beat? Fuck yeah!
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Lark Calls It A Day
One of my favourite South African bands - Lark - has decided to break up. This has to be the worst news I've had all week. To me they were an innovative, original and captivating band with a sound all thier own and had they decided to give it another year, would have taken the world by storm.
This was taken from thier iLike Facebook page:
Formed in 2003 by lead singer Inge Beckman and Producer/Sound Designer Paul Ressel, Lark has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and are currently recognized as one of South Africa’s best live acts. Both of their albums, “Mouth of Me” and “Razbiluto”, have further proven that they are also one of the best recording acts in the country.
But, like all good things, this unfortunately has had to come to an end. Paul Ressel has decided to move to Germany and as he performs an extremely pivotal role in the band’s operations, they have decided to call it a day. Says vocalist Inge Beckman; “The past couple of years have been quite a ride, but I look back on everything we’ve done with a sense of satisfaction and pride in being involved in such a pioneering project and having been able to have the opportunity to perform on the variety of stages that we have. We wish Paul all the best in his endeavors; it’s been an absolute pleasure to have worked with him and the rest of the band.”
Lark’s final performance in Johannesburg will be at the 88 Lounge in Norwood. Be sure to catch the band for the last time ever! The show will be filmed for posterity, so be sure not to miss out on this historical occasion.
Details:
Date: 22 February 2008
Line Up: Lark
Venue: The 88 Lounge, 88 William Rd, Norwood
Cover: R60
Time: Doors open at 20:00
RIP...
This was taken from thier iLike Facebook page:
Formed in 2003 by lead singer Inge Beckman and Producer/Sound Designer Paul Ressel, Lark has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and are currently recognized as one of South Africa’s best live acts. Both of their albums, “Mouth of Me” and “Razbiluto”, have further proven that they are also one of the best recording acts in the country.
But, like all good things, this unfortunately has had to come to an end. Paul Ressel has decided to move to Germany and as he performs an extremely pivotal role in the band’s operations, they have decided to call it a day. Says vocalist Inge Beckman; “The past couple of years have been quite a ride, but I look back on everything we’ve done with a sense of satisfaction and pride in being involved in such a pioneering project and having been able to have the opportunity to perform on the variety of stages that we have. We wish Paul all the best in his endeavors; it’s been an absolute pleasure to have worked with him and the rest of the band.”
Lark’s final performance in Johannesburg will be at the 88 Lounge in Norwood. Be sure to catch the band for the last time ever! The show will be filmed for posterity, so be sure not to miss out on this historical occasion.
Details:
Date: 22 February 2008
Line Up: Lark
Venue: The 88 Lounge, 88 William Rd, Norwood
Cover: R60
Time: Doors open at 20:00
RIP...
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Motion City Soundtrack - It Had To Be You
A little anti-valentine video from one of my favourite rock bands. Produced in collaboration with MTVU and based on an idea sent in by a fan. It's pure eye candy!
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Monday, 4 February 2008
Kempton Unleashes Rockers...of sorts
Medium2Rare
Wynandt Marais Community Centre
26 January 2008
3pm – late
Entrance fee: R30
Boerewors rolls: R15
Spending the first sunny day in 2 weeks... indoors drinking cheap beer:Priceless
By Loony Lolly
Medium2rare is a very new and very fresh music event. Take one venue resembling your old school hall (suppression of traumatic high school memories imperative) add the displaced youth of Kempton and stir in the best in rock/alternative/metal that Kempton has to offer. The result is like watching MK89 with a bunch of stoners (minus the hysterical laughter). The MC was entertaining! (a rarity these days)
The venue is a community centre, where the old fogies can practice ballroom dancing, enjoy a quiz evening or work on their Tae Kwon Do (I kid you not). It all looked so innocent but my senses told me there was probably cheap booze inside. I was right. I didn’t expect the aliens, ICU escapee and creature from the black lagoon. (I’m not making this shit up – there were no prizes for “worst best freaky costume” that night. Well, none that actually won.)
Judging by the many lost and confused expressions, these kids don’t have much other than the ice-skating rink in Festival Mall (No, wait! There’s a Boogaloos as well!) Lighting and sound were top notch, manned by the oldest balding fan in the area. And so on the first sunny afternoon in 2 weeks, I spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon... indoors. Drinking.
Pink Prinsessie could be classified as Boere punk. The riffs are fast, the vocals are nice, the songs have a sing-along likeability to them. If only they had the stage presence and energy to go with it. The potential is there, they just need to understand that stage fright is not tolerated by a crowd.
The Guest band were looking for a lead singer and advertised this open post by lighting maybe 20 candles around a mic and playing 80’s hair metal instrumentals. As great an idea that may seem, it was entertaining for about 10 minutes. Then the music became monotonous, pieces from well-known metal songs became clear within the music and the female bassist began losing her nerve and played to the wings on her left. (Do not try this with your first band. Please.)
MK89 were involved as well, highlighting the most entertaining group of beer boeps with guitars this century, Duskant Ombliksum. There’s nothing exceptional about their music, other than the dismembering of Enrique’s ‘Hero’ into ‘Ek kan nie jou Batman wees nie’. (Highly entertaining) They play what’s familiar, sticking to a good mix of ‘good’ songs and entertaining stage performance. Yet again proving that it’s not always what you say, but how memorable you name is. It worked for Fokofpolisiekar, it’s working for them.
Bands performing that night as well:
Norwood (pretty good folky rock)// Die Maverick (good stage presence, nothing original except quote: ”Rocker chicks rock!” nuff said)// Fragmented Children (Aggro-ish thrash metal, lead singer reminds me of Pilsbury dough-man – if he sang screamed for a thrash metal group that is)//HeShaBurn // Relapse Hero
Wynandt Marais Community Centre
26 January 2008
3pm – late
Entrance fee: R30
Boerewors rolls: R15
Spending the first sunny day in 2 weeks... indoors drinking cheap beer:Priceless
By Loony Lolly
Medium2rare is a very new and very fresh music event. Take one venue resembling your old school hall (suppression of traumatic high school memories imperative) add the displaced youth of Kempton and stir in the best in rock/alternative/metal that Kempton has to offer. The result is like watching MK89 with a bunch of stoners (minus the hysterical laughter). The MC was entertaining! (a rarity these days)
The venue is a community centre, where the old fogies can practice ballroom dancing, enjoy a quiz evening or work on their Tae Kwon Do (I kid you not). It all looked so innocent but my senses told me there was probably cheap booze inside. I was right. I didn’t expect the aliens, ICU escapee and creature from the black lagoon. (I’m not making this shit up – there were no prizes for “worst best freaky costume” that night. Well, none that actually won.)
Judging by the many lost and confused expressions, these kids don’t have much other than the ice-skating rink in Festival Mall (No, wait! There’s a Boogaloos as well!) Lighting and sound were top notch, manned by the oldest balding fan in the area. And so on the first sunny afternoon in 2 weeks, I spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon... indoors. Drinking.
Pink Prinsessie could be classified as Boere punk. The riffs are fast, the vocals are nice, the songs have a sing-along likeability to them. If only they had the stage presence and energy to go with it. The potential is there, they just need to understand that stage fright is not tolerated by a crowd.
The Guest band were looking for a lead singer and advertised this open post by lighting maybe 20 candles around a mic and playing 80’s hair metal instrumentals. As great an idea that may seem, it was entertaining for about 10 minutes. Then the music became monotonous, pieces from well-known metal songs became clear within the music and the female bassist began losing her nerve and played to the wings on her left. (Do not try this with your first band. Please.)
MK89 were involved as well, highlighting the most entertaining group of beer boeps with guitars this century, Duskant Ombliksum. There’s nothing exceptional about their music, other than the dismembering of Enrique’s ‘Hero’ into ‘Ek kan nie jou Batman wees nie’. (Highly entertaining) They play what’s familiar, sticking to a good mix of ‘good’ songs and entertaining stage performance. Yet again proving that it’s not always what you say, but how memorable you name is. It worked for Fokofpolisiekar, it’s working for them.
Bands performing that night as well:
Norwood (pretty good folky rock)// Die Maverick (good stage presence, nothing original except quote: ”Rocker chicks rock!” nuff said)// Fragmented Children (Aggro-ish thrash metal, lead singer reminds me of Pilsbury dough-man – if he sang screamed for a thrash metal group that is)//HeShaBurn // Relapse Hero
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Umbrella - Vanilla Sky
Once in a while a song comes along that, when sung by the original artist sets your nerves on end and you feel the need to puncture your eardrums just to get away from it. Umbrella is such a song. Lucky for us, great pop punkers Vanilla Sky covered it and made a kick ass video to boot. Enjoy!
Saturday, 5 January 2008
Boy Hits Car Gig Review - 9th Dec 2007
Yes, I know. This is nearly a month late. I humbly and profusely apologise. I've been busy.
Back to the gig...
The Underworld in Camden is one of my favourite venues to watch bands. It's a basement that smells like spilled beer, BO and vomit (formerly hidden by cigarette smoke now banned by law).
Its small enough to be intimate and large enough to hold a good crowd.
This good sized crowd filled out the club on a Sunday night to watch Californian rockers Boy Hits Car perform the second to last show of thier UK tour.
Chatting to guitarist Mike before the show, he mentioned a new album coming out in March 2008 - so keep your ears out for that.
GUITARIST - MIKE SAYS LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW ALBUM
There was also mention on red tape when they arrived in the country. Due to work permit issues (them not having any) They were deported 12 hours later only to have the permits FedEx'd to them and returning a day later. Damn red tape!!
The first three of the five bands playing aren't worth mentioning. However, the supporting band - Car Crash Television is a band worth keeping tabs on. Queen is an obvious influence as well as Bowie but if I recall correctly, they wore thier punk influences proudly.
Onto the main act...
Blown away. those are the only two words to describe it. Cregg Rondell (vocals and 12 string) blew us away with powerful, yet sensitive delivery of the songs as well as playing that 12 string acoustic and performing barefoot.
FOOT OF CREGG RONDELL
Opening with 'Going to India' then ripping through a set that included that crowd pleaser 'As I watched the sun..', 'Everything', Man without skin' to name a few.
The crowd wouldn't let them leave without an encore which they gladly obliged.
BLONDE CURLS OF CREGG RONDELL
I was invited to hang out afterwards and knock back some Jager, but the huge bouncers had other ideas, so I made my excuses and headed home, happy with the evening.
Besides, I was doing breakfast shift the next morning.
Back to the gig...
The Underworld in Camden is one of my favourite venues to watch bands. It's a basement that smells like spilled beer, BO and vomit (formerly hidden by cigarette smoke now banned by law).
Its small enough to be intimate and large enough to hold a good crowd.
This good sized crowd filled out the club on a Sunday night to watch Californian rockers Boy Hits Car perform the second to last show of thier UK tour.
Chatting to guitarist Mike before the show, he mentioned a new album coming out in March 2008 - so keep your ears out for that.
GUITARIST - MIKE SAYS LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW ALBUM
There was also mention on red tape when they arrived in the country. Due to work permit issues (them not having any) They were deported 12 hours later only to have the permits FedEx'd to them and returning a day later. Damn red tape!!
The first three of the five bands playing aren't worth mentioning. However, the supporting band - Car Crash Television is a band worth keeping tabs on. Queen is an obvious influence as well as Bowie but if I recall correctly, they wore thier punk influences proudly.
Onto the main act...
Blown away. those are the only two words to describe it. Cregg Rondell (vocals and 12 string) blew us away with powerful, yet sensitive delivery of the songs as well as playing that 12 string acoustic and performing barefoot.
FOOT OF CREGG RONDELL
Opening with 'Going to India' then ripping through a set that included that crowd pleaser 'As I watched the sun..', 'Everything', Man without skin' to name a few.
The crowd wouldn't let them leave without an encore which they gladly obliged.
BLONDE CURLS OF CREGG RONDELL
I was invited to hang out afterwards and knock back some Jager, but the huge bouncers had other ideas, so I made my excuses and headed home, happy with the evening.
Besides, I was doing breakfast shift the next morning.
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