Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Who The F#%k Are: Tripwires


Some bands deserve to be so much bigger than they are.  Such is the case for Reading, England's Tripwires.  Luckily for them, time is on their side and if the quality of the songs on their debut Spacehopper are any indication, look out!

Tripwires list influences ranging from Neil Young and Yo La Tengo to the Flaming Lips and Sonic Youth.  While certain influences are more apparent on Spacehopper than others, there is no denying that Tripwires have crafted a brilliant debut full of just enough of the loud/quiet dynamic and an endless supply of soaring choruses.  





tripwires.co.uk



Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Retro Revisit: Suede at Rockpalast - 1997


Check out Suede performing a full set on German television show Rockpalast on March 30th, 1997 shortly after Brett Anderson cut his (then famous) fringe.  

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Have You Heard: SUEDE - 'Hit Me'

For the video for the second single from their comeback album Bloodsports, Suede have decided to represent a very youthful emotion: break shit.  

Yes, the music video for 'Hit Me' doesn't feature the band (except for a brief appearance) but it does feature two people hellbent on defacing everything in their path, until it is revealed that they are in fact their very own art instillation.  Interestingly, it bears a passing resemblance to the video for Suede's 1999 single 'Can't Get Enough'.



Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Happy Birthday OK Computer



Radiohead's OK Computer was released on this day in 1997.  Sometimes considered the band's magnum opus, the Dark Side Of The Moon of it's generation, while others consider it the final act in Radiohead's guitar trilogy, the last time the band really "rawked".  

I was in my late teens and about to graduate from high school when OK Computer was released and, along with Foo Fighters' The Colour And The Shape and Longpigs' The Sun Is Often Out, it was the soundtrack of the summer of 1997.  

I saw Radiohead for the first time in concert that summer.  No one of their stature (both in coolness and actual record sales) came to Ottawa in those days.  That event is something I'm convinced I will be telling my children about when they discover Radiohead for themselves ("I remember seeing them in concert in the summer of '97...").  Teenage Fanclub were the opening band.  I couldn't tell you the setlist though, I was too busy... taking it all in.  I do remember I was to the right of the stage and that it was a wall of noise (I wouldn't have had it any other way).  

There was something about the way OK Computer sounded that was so enthralling.  It was guitar music sure(which you might remember was kind of popular in the 90s), but it was guitar music from another planet or another time.  Like something the Doctor had accidentally transported back in time inside the Tardis.  

While I've been a fan of Radiohead for many years, I can say without a second thought that OK Computer was the last Radiohead album I thoroughly enjoyed from front to back.  While I like most of their output since (except The King Of Limbs, where were the songs?), OK Computer continually transports me back to the summer of 1997 and because of that it will remain one of my favourite albums of all time.  









Sunday, May 19, 2013

Have You Heard: TEMPLES - 'Colours To Life'

Kettering, England's Temples, haven't even released their debut album (that's expected in early 2014), however, along with TOY and what seems like most of the current Heavenly Recordings roster, they are leading the charge of the Psychedelic revival.   

The follow up single to 2012's brilliant 'Shelter Song/Prisms' 7" is 'Colours To Life'.  While the video again makes use of kaleidoscope effects and a live band performance, the song is a little more dreamy, all the while still making good use of Byrds-esque guitars and Bolan-esque vocals.  Check it out below.



Friday, May 17, 2013

Retro Revisit: Verve at Camden Town Hall - 1992























Check out The Verve (when they were known simply as Verve) at a pre A Storm In Heaven gig on October 23rd, 1992 in all their shoegaze psychedelic grandeur.  

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Have You Heard: PEACE - 'Lovesick'

Birmingham, England's Peace released their debut album In Love back in mid-March (an album review will follow, I swear).  It is, so far, one of my favourite albums of 2013 and is a brilliant debut from the young band.

The third single (fourth if you count Record Store Day release 'California Daze') from In Love is 'Lovesick', easily the catchiest song in the fold.  The video appears to be a loose continuation of the video for debut single 'Wraith'.  In any event, the song is a candy coated slice of 90's Britpop perfection dropped smack into the present.



Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Who The F#%k Are: The Strypes



The Strypes are an Irish rhythm and blues quartet formed in 2011.  After a few tweaks to their line up, the band released an EP entitled Young Gifted & Blue in 2012, which raised their profile significantly.  Dave Grohl, Sir Elton John, Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher are all fans.  In fact, the band are signed to John's management company.  Did I mention that the average age of the band is sixteen years old?  

The band are currently working on a debut album with highly-acclaimed record producer Chris Thomas (whose credits include The Beatles, Sex Pistols, Inxs and Pulp).  In the meantime, their debut single 'Blue Collar Jane' is available on iTunes and you can watch the video below.  



Thanks for reading!


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Who The F#%k Are: Big Skies


Berlin based four-piece, Big Skies describe themselves as "psychedelic Britpop" (a term that immediately piqued my interest).  Formed by lifelong friends James Cubitt (vocals/guitar), Adam Neal (bass/vocals) and Jack Wharton (guitar/vocals) in late 2011, the trio left the claustrophobic London scene for the more artistically satisfying confines of Berlin where they met Canadian drummer Alexander Cumming.  

While they list influences such as The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Cure, there are also echoes of Going Blank Again-era Ride and, of course, the mid-90s Britpop explosion.

You could say the sky's the limit (too predictable?) for this up-and-coming band.  They have just played their biggest gig to date, opening for Palma Violets.  As of this writing, Big Skies only have three songs available on their Soundcloud page, my favourite being 'Stay Alive', which you can hear below.  Here's hoping for more.

bigskiesofficial.com



Thanks for reading.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Album Review: SUEDE - BLOODSPORTS



Most times when a band with a substantial back catalogue claim their new album is "their best yet" or a cross between two of their most well received efforts, it usually turns out to be either not the case at all or an overhyped mess.  Suede's "comeback" album Bloodsports finds the band picking up where they left off circa 1996's Coming Up.  In essence, this is the follow up that Head Music just wasn't.

Bloodsports opens with a trifecta of songs ('Barriers', 'Snowblind', and first single 'It Starts And Ends With You') that are better than anything on 2002's A New Morning.  Clearly, it wasn't only the fans who had a bad taste left in their mouths by that release.  'Sabotage' is soaked in gothic glamour and 'Hit Me' is a glam pop rocker.  'Sometimes I Feel I'll Float Away' taps into the spirit of 1992's b-side 'To The Birds'.

Bloodsports isn't perfect.  It does come close, were it not for a couple of ballads ('Always' and 'Faultlines') that end the album with a whimper rather than the bang it begins with.  That said, Bloodsports is a great return to form.  Here's hoping for more!

Standout tracks: 'It Starts And Ends With You', 'Hit Me' and 'Sometimes I Feel I'll Float Away'

Friday, February 22, 2013

Have You Heard: Primal Scream - '2013'

Primal Scream are back with the first taste of their upcoming "more rock" new album More Light.  The fittingly titled '2013' features the guitar stylings of My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields.  '2013' will be available on February 25th as a digital single with the full album arriving on May 6th.  

Check out the somewhat disturbing video for '2013' below.



Thanks for reading!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Who The F#%k Are: Wild Belle


I've been on a Songza kick lately.  It's a great service.  Sometimes I know exactly what I want to listen to, other times, not so much.  That's when I defer to the Songza music concierge.  Tonight, I was looking for something a little downtempo, to unwind and read a bit.  Boom!  Into my lap falls a great band from Chicago, Wild Belle.  Needless to say, I didn't end up reading at all (hence what you're reading).

This brother-and-sister due have a sound that's a mix of Specials and English Beat grooves and Santigold meets Lana Del Rey vocals.  And how about that sax? Killer!  The fact that they're from Chicago was a complete but pleasant surprise.  They only have two songs released at the moment, but a debut album, Isles, is slated for release on March 12th.  So get on your best pork-pie hat and braces on and check out Wild Belle.





Thanks for reading!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Suede Are Back In A Big Way


Yesterday saw the release of the first official single from Suede's upcoming Bloodsports album.  After an eleven year hiatus, 'It Starts and Ends With You' is a return to form for the Britpop veterans.  The video goes for the age old standby of soundstage performance, but at this point, I'm just happy to have new Suede music that doesn't sound like anything on A New Morning.    While this is the first "official" release from the record, we've already been treated to the album track 'Barriers'.  

Bloodsports is released on March 18th in the UK and March 19th in North America.





Thanks for reading!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

The Return of the Guitar Hero: Johnny Marr

While surfing Facebook yesterday, my cousin posted a status update stating (very tongue in cheek) that when she grows up she wants to be The Smiths.  Her identity crisis aside, that got me thinking about my favourite Smiths songs, which in turn, peaked my excitement for the forthcoming solo release by former Smith/Modest Mouse/The Cribs guitar hero, Johnny Marr.  

Set for release on North American shores on February 26th, The Messenger is Marr's first proper solo album (2003's Boomslang was released under the Johnny Marr + The Healers moniker and was more of a collaborative band effort).  The first single (and title track) was released back in late November.  In early December, another track from the album was leaked released, titled 'The Right Thing Right'.  Yes, I'm a little behind on this, but the Christmas season was a killer.  In any event, check them out below.  Thanks for reading.


'The Right Thing Right'



'The Messenger'

Friday, January 4, 2013

Have You Heard: Miles Kane - 'Give Up'

Everyone's favourite heir to the Mod throne, Miles Kane, has released a new song (is it officially a single?) to kickstart 2013, and kickstart it it does.  'Give Up' is sharp tongued and in your face.  It's a pseudo departure for Mr. Kane.  It's still catchy, but a touch grittier than anything on Colour of the Trap.  But don't take my word for it, have a listen and decide for yourself (and then let me know what you think in the comments section).

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Ear Candy From The Distant Past...2012

Last year I began this blog with a post highlighting some of my favourite albums of 2011.  I love traditions, alas Ear Candy From The Distant Past returns for installment numero deux (part two for those of you who aren't as savvy with the french language as I am).  As always,  these are in no particular order, so please keep your seats in the upright position and your tray tables locked.  

Muse - The 2nd Law


To say I wasn't a fan of The 2nd Law upon first listen would be a shocking understatement. So, thank goodness for a good old fashioned win-over.  I'm convinced that there isn't a style of music that Muse can't assimilate into their arsenal.  'Supremacy' is a James Bond theme in a parallel universe (complete with string stabs) and 'Panic Station' is a pure slice of 80s funk-pop  (complete with horn shots).  Bassist Chris Wolstenholme takes over vocal duties on two tracks, one of which ('Save Me') is an achingly beautiful composition.  Bravo Muse!  Bravo!

Standout tracks: Supremacy, Panic Station, Animals, Save Me


Blur - Under The Westway/The Puritan


Albeit not an "album", there was enough excitement surrounding this release from the Britpop icons that I'm going to include it.  'Under The Westway' is quintessential Blur.  A mournful piano ballad that harkens back to 1995's The Great Escape.  'The Puritan' is a jittery pop-rocker that would've fit nicely on 1997's Blur.  A live stream on Twitter on July 2nd featured the two songs performed live on a London rooftop to promote the release.  Definitely took me back to the mid to late 90s.

Standout tracks: both 


Toy - Toy


Toy were definitely my most hyped band of 2012.  There was a period where I was telling anyone who would listen to check them out.  There were a few live performances making the rounds on Youtube prior to their self-titled debut's September release.  The biggest surprise when it did drop was that fan favourites 'Left Myself Behind' and 'Bright White Shimmering Sun' didn't make the cut.  Thankfully, many others did. 

Standout tracks: Motoring, Colours Running Out, Kopter, Dead & Gone


The Moons - Fables Of History


The sophomore release from The Moons finds the band fine-tuning what they began on 2010's debut Life On Earth.  The Moons are steeped in the tradition of crafting great British pop songs, not unlike The Kinks, The Jam and, oh, what's that band from Liverpool called again?  Right, The La's.  When not crafting some of the best retro tinged songs in quite some time, frontman Andy Crofts plays keyboards in Paul Weller's band and even recruits the Modfather for a duet on 'Something Soon'.

Standout tracks: Jennifer (Sits Alone), Double Vision Love, Something Soon, Forever Came Today


The Shins - Port Of Morrow


After a sabbatical playing in Broken Bells, lead Shin, James Mercer returned with a revamped (read: entirely new) supporting cast.  Port of Morrow is Mercer's strongest collection of songs to date.  He could easily teach a class on the requirements of a quality pop song, namely hooks, of which there is no shortage here.  There is next to no filler which makes this is an album in the classic sense of the term.  

Standout tracks: The Rifle's Spiral, Simple Song, Bait and Switch, No Way Down


Temples - Shelter Song/Prisms




Psychedelia is back!  If you're a fan of musical time travel as I am, get in your DeLorean (or the more fashionable police call box) and take a trip with Kettering, England's Temples.  Like the Blur release above, Temples released a 7" single which I've listened to almost non-stop since it's November release.  Chiming 12-string guitars, booming kick drums, and there is even a flute (don't run away, this isn't flute like in high school band class) on b-side 'Prisms' which make for an instant trip to 1960s Carnaby Street.

Standout tracks: both


Richard Hawley - Standing At The Sky's Edge


Richard Hawley's Standing At The Sky's Edge made a lot of noise in 2012, literally.  Plugged in and turned up loud, the former Longpig delivered a psychedelic barn burner.  Lead off track 'She Brings The Sunlight' and its seven minutes plus wah assault begs to be listened to at high volume.  Some would say this troubadour's new direction is a mid-life career crisis of sorts.  I think sometimes you just want to turn everything up to eleven and see what happens.  

Standout tracks: She Brings The Sunlight, Standing at the Sky's Edge, Down in the Woods, Don't Stare at the Sun


Tame Impala - Lonerism


Spoiler alert.  Lonerism, the sophomore album from Australia's Tame Impala, is a musical  acid trip.  Largely the brainchild of leader Kevin Parker, Lonerism is a best appreciated  with headphones on.  The production is raw, the bass lines plod along and the drums ring out.  Parker's vocals glide over the guitars and vintage keyboards that feature quite prominently on most of the songs.  Refreshing to say the least.

Standout tracks: Apocalypse Dreams, Mind Mischief, Feels Like We Only Go Backwards, Elephant


Honourable mention: The Vaccines - Come of Age, Alt-J - An Awesome Wave, Gaz Coombes - Here Come the Bombs, Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg, Paul Weller - Sonik Kicks, The Maccabees - Given to the Wild