This is a project that I have been really looking forward to. Album out next week.
The Shakes
I don’t often get recommended the same album by almost eveyone I talk to music about down here, but this was the case with Alabama Shakes. Yews, Hold On has been rinsed on 6Music, almost to the point where it wore thin, but in terms of ‘sound’, I really think there’s something glorious old fashioned about this album. I’m still getting my head around it at the moment, as it’s only come out this month, but I’m looking forward to a good discussion on this one. It’s not blown me away at first listen, but then albums I love rarely do. I’m going to need to give this a good week or two.
Sorry for the lateness this month Brothers. It’s been a bit busy of late. Hope this is worth the wait.
Bobby Womack – Please Forgive My Heart
I heard this the other night for the first time and it was a game stopper. Really looking forward to this album if this is anything to go by.
Major Lazer: right between the eyes
It’s the best new tune I’ve heard in a long time. Need I say any more? SO much to like about this. Thoughts, brothers?
Beware Greeks bearing prog
OK. You know when you never knew something and then you find out and you have a great big WTF. I just had one of those moments today of musical WTF-ery.
So it turns out Demis Roussos – terrible Greek lounge singer of the 70s – used to be in an insane prog-psychedelic band with Vangelis, writer of the Chariots of Fire and Bladerunner soundtracks???!!!
Some things are almost too good to be true. Check this out. AWESOME doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Keaton Henson
I’m not sure what you guys have heard about this guy… if anything. I must admit I was a bit 50/50 from write ups about him. Apparently he is really shy and only recorded hgis album in his room, it got some great acclaim…. and then it was re-released by Sony. When I read that I put the reviews on the back shelf and let him be. I stumbled across him again a few weeks ago, and to be honest, I was wrong. I like the guy.
http://www.keatonhenson.com/look-and-listen.php
I suppose it’s a shame that I was rating the guy on who he has released music with. To be honest if I was and A&R from a major I would want to sign him. He’s very familar but stands on his own at the same time.
Thoughts?
Hot Flutes
I’m a self-confessed Hot Chip fanboy. So there. I said it. And I can’t wait to hear their new album and see them play live in June. This is Flutes, the new single from their upcoming album, In Our Heads, which sounds like vintage Hot Chip from the few listens I’ve had.
I know they’re not everyone’s cuppa, and the wilful geekness can get up some people’s noses, but for me they make really lovely, sometimes wistful, often dancey, always interesting electronic pop. I’ve seen them 6 times now, and I can’t wait to do it again in London and at Sonar. One Life Stand is still a thing of synthy beauty.
Listen, digest, comment.
And if you don’t like that one, then delight in this one.
A piece of the ‘Bear
Right. First things first. I love Grizzly Bear. I mean, *love*. I cannot fully express my admiration for the Veckatamist album. I think Daniel Rossen has a voice and a singular and peculiar ear for melody that make him stand out a mile from his contemporaries.
So I’ve been waiting for a new album. And waiting. And waiting. Apparently this year. Or maybe not.
And then suddenly I hear a song on the radio yesterday and I was like – that HAS to be Grizzly Bear. Well, it is. And it isn’t. It’s Daniel Rossen on his own, who’s just released a solo EP. And wow, what a piece of work it is.
Here’s the single:
And here’s him doing an astonishing live performance of one of the other tracks.
Tell me you love this. I think I’ll be sad if you don’t.
Perfume Genius: Put Your Back N 2 It
I don’t like the first quarter of each year, musically speaking. There’s not usually that much going on. When something good does come out, I’m never sure if it is that good or if it’s just good compared to anything or nothing else that’s been released recently.
So this popped up on Pitchfork and was badged as ‘Best New Music’ by Pitchfork which means an 8.5 score or above. I was familiar with Perfume Genius previously. In 2010 he released a single of his debut album called Mr. Peterson. An odd little track, piano and voice, relatively upbeat little song … about an inappropriate relationship with a male teacher at school. When you stopped and listened carefuly it turned out to be a beautiful and moving song about a very awkward subject.
This album is better than the first. Much better. 8.5 for me is a poor overall review for this album. No song has an ounce of fat. The album does not have a weak song. It is a collection of relatively short, sparsely instrumented ‘ballads’. The subject matter, on the surface appear to be personal and moving. If you google and dig about in interviews and reviews then you discover more about the subjects and re-engaging with the album and lyrics has bought me close to tears.
I know this won’t be for everyone. It’s not a happy album. If you like people pouring their hearts and their guts out in front of all and you like … and you like this done beautifully, then you’ll probably love this.
I can’t stop listening to this.
You can stream the album here. As always, if you can spare (I think its only about 35 mins) the time and have some headphones, it’s worth listening to in isolation, if you can find the lyrics online then that is worth it too.
http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/12/perfume-genius-announces-sophomore-album-put-your-back-n-2-it/
The perfect pop song: a new entry
So how do we feel about pop? Yes, I mean the lightweight throwaway variety, the bag of sweets, the box of popcorn, the fizzy drink. Built for the immediate impact, the bang in your face, the instant hit. And perhaps for a sugar crash afterwards.
This new Ladyhawke single is such a beast in my humble opinion. I love it, Caroline loves it, the kids love it. We all love it. I nearly posted the video, but that criminally changes the amazing guitar at the end into another chorus.
Pop? Yes please!
thisisnothappening.net 