Something for the links...

Something Old...

This week’s classic anthem ‘Something Old’ is inspired by this week plugging of a new band in ‘Something Blue’. Not much need to be said really about NYC’s finest New Wave/ Avant Garde pioneers the legendry Talking Heads. Formed in 1975 when David Byrne, Frantz, Harrison and Tina Wymouth met at Design College they went onto explode into the immortality of the art rock hall of fame, often described as "one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the '80s, while managing to earn several pop hits."

After releasing their debut album ‘Talking heads: 77’ in 1978 following a support slot with the Ramones. It was with their second album, ‘More Songs About Buildings and Food’ that the band began its long-term collaboration with super producer Brian Eno; who had previously worked with David Bowie, Roxy Music and Iggy Pop. Eno's unusual style meshed well with the group's artistic sensibilities, and they began to explore an increasingly diverse range of musical directions, from post punk to New Wave and Psychedelic funk, especially prevalent on 1979’s ‘Fear of Music’.

Despite a huge catalogue of massive hits including ‘Same as it ever was’ and ‘Burning down the house’ it’s the lesser known cult anthem ‘Psycho Killer’ from their debut album that makes this week cut....

Something New...

Pulled Apart by Horses aren’t a BRAND NEW band and having formed in 2007, their debut self titled album was released last year to much critical success and brought many a fan on board but was not overly commercially successful. The Leeds based alt-rock 4 piece lead by front man Tom Hudson did however have the honor of being personally invited to support Muse and Biffy Clyro on tour.

2012 is sure to be their year after a lot of hype surrounding the brilliant follow up album ‘Tough Love’ that landed on Monday (January 23^rd), playing a special BBC introducing gig tonight and are also this week’s UK iTunes featured artist. If you like lead single ‘V.E.N.O.M’ you will love the album...

Something Borrowed..

I have a huge list of new covers to blog but after driving into town for an Open mic last night I happened upon the Monkey’s latest offering from Radio 1’s live lounge. The Arctic Monkeys are no strangers to a good pop cover, most famously so with ‘Love Machine’. Nevertheless, their mashed up version took by huge surprise, I had grown tired of Alex Turner’s vocals but they have fused the modern pop/dub vocal of Katie B’s ‘On a Mission’ with the legendry (inventor of the power chord himself) Link Wray and the riff from ‘Rumble’...

Something Blue...

London based Theme Park are another highly touted four-piece and have pretensions to Talking Heads' funk-rock mantle – but fail to burn down that house. Lead vocalist/ guitarist brothers Miles and Marcus Haughton and their two school mates had a fairly successful 2011 which included a tour with Bombay Bicycle Club. This followed topping UK independent alt-rock radio charts for three consecutive weeks with their track ‘Milk’, making them the Adele of the digital broadcast scene. ‘Milk’ is their most ‘heads-like number, to an almost parodic degree but it's a bit light and polite - not that David Byrne et al were rock monsters but you see what I mean. I’d throw Vampire Weekend into the mix if you were looking for a similar sound but although tunefully brilliant they lack the edge that VW have.

Strangely though, I can’t help but love Theme Park and find myself listening to their unique sound regularly, in the middle of the day, best described as “a transient tone that regularly alters texture” if I had my pretentious head on. The last official single  ‘A Mountain We Love’ isn't half bad but it’s this song that drew my attention when I caught my first glimpse of the bands on a late night Channel 4 TV show; this is 'Wax', enjoy...

 

 

Something for the Metal...

This weeks metal special is inspired by the news that At.the.Drive.In and Refused last week announced their reunion for the awesome Coachella festival alongside the Black Keys and Radiohead amongst many others.

Something Old...

This weeks’ ‘Something Old’ focuses on the former, Texas’ finest post hardcore outfit At.the.Drive.In Formed in 93 they were famed for their extremely energetic stage shows which hearkened back to the 80s hardcore scene, they were recognized for their blend of surrealistic lyrics, unorthodox guitar melodies and unpredictable shifts in tempo and rhythm. The band broke up following breakthrough success, with Bixler-Zavala and Rodriguez-Lopez starting the awesome prog metal outfit Mars Volta and the other members, Ward, Hinojos and Tony Hajjar starting the more traditional Sparta. Hinojos would then leave to join the Mars Volta from 2005.

Recording for their brilliant breakthrough album ‘Relationship of Command’ was done over a seven week period and features the legendry Iggy Pop with minor parts on a couple of tracks. The album was released in late 2000 to critical acclaim and catapulted them into the mainstream musical spotlight...

"¡ ATTENTION ! To whom it may concern: THIS STATION IS...NOW...OPERATIONAL"

Something New...

I have been meaning to get a spot for these guys on #bearmusic for quite a while now; this week’s metal special provided such a springboard of opportunity. I first heard about the lads through my mate from uni @RockWhore85; as they are her fellas band.

Overspill are currently recording their debut studio album, sorting US gig dates and will soon announce a string of European summer festivals and I for one will be sure to check em out, if the lads can drink as much as Lou I know it’ll be a top night! After a storming performance in Camden last week they are set to play Liverpool’s Lomax on the 28th, Indigo in Manchester on Feb 3^rd and Blackpool in March with many more gigs to be announced shortly. To keep up with latest happening make sure to follow them on twitter (@overspillmusic) and facebook (/overspillmusic).

Having made a huge impact in Liverpool, up and down the UK and even Germany where they have been going down a storm. With well written, highly infectious songs and the talent and presencion of the lads along with superb reviews and a lot of industry interest it’s no wonder fans are chomping at the bit for the next gig. The lads have enjoyed press and airplay from everything from university radio right thru to American radio, appearances on Channel 4, Sky and randomly MTV Asia. This band is definitely one to watch for 2012. They draw their influences from Audioslave, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stoneage thru to early Sabbath, as can be seen in this awesome track ‘My Peeling Skin’...

My Peeling Skin

Something Borrowed...

For a metal special no other cover comes close to 'Hurt', originally written and performed by the genius of metal Trent Reznor; it was first released on Nine Ince Nails’ 94 album ‘The Downward Spiral’. In 2002 it was famously covered by the man in black himself, the legendry Johnny Cash as his swansong. To critical acclaim, it was Cash's final hit releases before his death. Its accompanying video, featuring images from his life was named the best video of the year by the Grammy Awards and best video of all time by NME last year

The meaning of the track is disputed; some listeners say the song acts like a suicide note with notes on depression, whilst others may find it to describe someone finding a reason to live. Officially, the song talks about differences between society and self harm. Never the less its truly a beautiful tragedy and musical up there with the greats....

 Something Blue...

Swedish hardcore punk Refused formed in 91 and released five EPs and three albums over a fiery, short lived career before splitting up in 98. Although firey, they burn bright and went out with a bang, RockSound and Kerrang! both place their definitive album ‘The Shape of Punk to Come’ in their top 10 Most Influential Albums Of All Time list. The band comprises of vocalist Lyzen, guitarist Bannstrom, bassist Steen and drummer Sandstrom and together their lyrics were often of a non-conformist and politically far-left nature

The bands brake up is sighted by many as a result of a depletion of creative energy and band members wanting different things. There was a clear conflict between the front man and the rest of the band, stating they were emotionally devastated and that their final tour was an awful experience before they eventually cancelled the tour and announced their split. Their last performance of their US tour was played in a friend's basement but was shut down by police, however, they are back, this is 'new noise' and remember...

"REFUSED ARE’NT F*CKING DEAD!”

Something for New Year...

#bearmusic albums of 2011

Happy New Year everyone, 2011 was a brilliant first year for my blog highlights of which include seeing the Flaming Lips and OKGO play next to giant telescope, feedback on my blog from my two favorite DJs Zane Lowe and Lauren Laverne, Jape's Richie Egan and also mercury prize nominees, the brilliant Everything Everything and the genius ghostpoet; the later three all now follow me on twitter. So with the coming of a new year gives me an opportunity that comes but once a year for me to run through my top 10 best albums of 2011.

The year was brimming with new alt music; much of it of it from new artists but the majority from already established ones. Some good as you will see fill up my top 10 rundown but much of it was drab, predictable and damn right terrible from the likes of Elbow, the Oasis brothers much anticipated dull solo offerings and Coldplay, who never fail to disappoint. Others took me by surprise and offerings from a couple of my favourite bands from Incubus' 7th album, ironically titled 'If not now, When?' and the Arctic Monkeys' dismal 4th album 'Suck it and See' both massively failed to impress me...

Anyway on wards and upwards, heres the good sh*t...

10. The Naked And Famous - 'Passive Me, Aggressive You'

Not necessarily a band name you would want your kids googling, having outgrown New Zealand, TMAF and their debut album were my personal and also the BBC's recomendation as ones to watch for 2011. Making the final cut in fellow Kiwi Zane Lowe's In New Music We Trust and having received critical acclaim by the 'alternative' British press such as NME my opinion was in good company. 

Having toured the UK and Europe this year, I missed the boat but will be certain to catch them this summer during the festival season. The album itself is utterly stunning, a classic case of ugly and beautiful, passive melodicism and aggressive innovation clash in a dazzling blaze of psych/sonic fireworks. Stand out tracks include 'Punching in a dream', 'All of This' and the beautiful 'Young Blood'...

9. Foo Fighters - 'Wasting Light'

7 is often a lucky number but in this case it is definitely true, the bands 7th album is a definite return to form from Grohl, Hawkins, Shiflet, Mendel and the returning Pat Smear. The 

Foo Fighters’ seven-year itch ended up lasting the full seven years. It followed that the make-up sex was always going to be phenomenal, not strictly 100% true as the first 3 albums being fantastic but since the master piece that is 'Colour and Shape' I've hated everything they have done and been left with a feeling of "not being able to look at them during". 
Grohl has made up with the spirit of Nirvana by getting Butch to produce and having Krist pop over too, but he also made peace with the white-hot, throbbing testoste-rock that had marked him out ever since his early days as Nirvana’s engine room. Recorded in Grohl’s garage it was back to basics for the lads, or more aptly middle aged men. Stand out tracks include the lead single 'Rope', 'Walk', 'Bridge Burning' and the hard hitting 'White Limo', the video for which features the legendary Lemmy in the driving seat...

8. Lykke Li - 'Wounded Ryhmes'

The first female entry in the rundown, Lykke is a godess in my eyes, a smoulder that could warm any mans heart. Her explosion of confidence and fearless experimentation form a mixing pot that is both sensual and substantially immense. Moving firmly away from her happier debut pop album this album is rich and comeplling, which bring dark and complex contradictions, but she is, thank god, still rough around the edges. The album serves as a romantic outlook past the age were such a thing is realistic, none more so than two tracks from t'other end of the spectrum on the album, the sexual  'Get Some' and the beautiful 'I Follow Rivers'...

7. Beastie Boys - 'Hot Sauce Committee Part II'

Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock may have been slogging as the kings of white boy hip hop since 1979 but they NEVER fail to impress me! This result of such an experienced career is probably the guys best album since 'Hello Nasty', it does everything you would hope it too. Something inside you overwhelms you to rekindle their epic back catalogue that is stacked with anthems from 'Fight for your right', 'Intergalactic' through to 'Sabotage'. From the latest 16 tracks its impossible so I will choose the first, lead single, and possible the music video of the year 'Make Some Noise'...

6. TV on the Radio - 'Nine Types of Light'

This album is truly an extraordinary work of art as the record and it propelled Dave Sitek’s mob one of the best bands in 
the world, rather than simply one of the most revered by people in the alt community. Slingshotting straight into it after his funk solo project the sense of Sitek actually having a laugh making music – rarely present in the previous 4 albums. 

For me, TVOTR have always been brilliant since I first clapped ears on them; from the debut offerings of 'Satellite' and 'Starring at the Sun' to the previous album, commercial breakthru 'Dear Science' - 'Dancing Choose', 'Golden Age' and 'Crying'.

The core of the band has been vocalist Tunde, guitarist Dave, bassist Kyp, drummer Jaleel and keyboardist Gerard Smith who sadly lost his fight with lung cancer in April last year. Stand out tracks on 9 types are pretty tough as it just works as a journey through music, each track having its own video, lead single 'Will Do' and the utterly genius 'Repetition' are two that jump out on first listen....

5. The Strokes - 'Angles'

The New Yorkers’ Casablancas, Hammond Jnr, Morreti and Valensi returned this year with their 4th album, not quite the masterpiece some had hoped for, but wait, it’s still one damn fine album!
Yes, it may not redefine a genre of generation like there debut 'Is this it?' a decade ago but some of the insanely innovative tight riffs were most definitely worth the 5 year wait since 'First impressions...'. Need I say more? Go buy it...stand out tracks include the brilliant lead singles 'Under Cover of Darkness' and 'Taken for a Fool', but for me it has to be the utterly refined, floating riffage of 'Machu Picchu'...

4. Radiohead - 'King of Limbs'

One the greatest bands in history have done it again, maybe I'm biased because Yorke is one of my all time heroes for me the album always sounds great whatever the mood.  A subtle, multi-layered affair that is suprisingly low key in places, the album is essentially a 37 minute jam, carved out by artists at the top of their trade. Stand out tracks include 'Bloom', 'Mr Magpie', 'Codex' and the truely awesome 'Lotus Flower', shake your limbs like Thom...

3. Ben Howard - 'Every Kingdom'

Ben Howard is the first male solo on my list and the reason why he makes it too third in my chart is because his album is truely one epic, beautiful, inspiring piece of music in a category filled with so much rubbish. Alongside fellow singer songwriter James Vincent McMorrow (who charted for the first time this wkend) a day doesnt go by when I don't sit back and relax to their soulful vocals. The debut album from the Devon born lad features 'Old Pine' as its debut single, followed by the wonderful 'Keep Your Head Up' and the truly beautiful 'Wolves', let it take you to another world...

2. Bell X1 - Bloodless Coup

Very narrowly pipped to the top spot by an honorable late flurrish from the kings of modern blues but Bell X1 were all set to be my chart pinnacle and have featured heavily in #bearmusic this year. The soundtrack to my summer by a four minute mile, I have my gorgeous other half @I_Blame_Kate for introducing me to Paul Noonan and Dave Geraghty 4 years ago. One of the highlights of my year was when she took me to see them for my first time in November and they do not disappoint, dare I say it even better live than on record! This albums has it all from the soft ballads of 'Anna Lena' and 'Nightwatchmen' through to the addition of 'Velcro' to add to their ever growing list of anthems that include 'Tongue', 'Alphabet Soup' and 'the Great Defector' amongst others. The stand out track on the album for though has to be the genius lyrics of 'Four minute Mile', which can be summed up as an modern fable for the uninspired and unambitious much like myself...   

1. The Black Keys - 'El Camino'

Words cannot describe how brilliant this album is, so good I wrote a special in its on honor the week it was released (which you can read here). I really don't need to say any more, Dan Auerbach and Pat Carney, praise be to the father of blues for your existence, every track is pure gold, another masterpiece, a more than worthy Number 1, see you in February lads...