Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

Spread the love 'round

The other night I had the pleasure of seeing Eugene Francis Jnr and the Juniors. I did not have any particular enthusiasm to see them but I was pleasantly surprised. They were remarkably adorable and lively. Each song had a different vibe but all in all I would put them under the folktronica stamp. Eugene (formerly in Dirty Perfect, The Fantastic Super Foofs, and Kaptain Black) adopted a full native American head dress and the Juniors (made from various welsh bands such as Vito, Broken Leaf, and Lindsey Leven) sported delightful little costumes. It is argued that EFJ and the Juniors helped assisted with the Creation of folktronica but that is a bit unbelievable seeing as it has been around for a while and includes other, longer standing bands such as Coco Rosie, Four Tet and arguably Goldfrapp. Whilst EFJ and the Juniors are not necessarily doing anything new or groundbreaking they are still dynamic, energetic and uplifting. Worth a listen at the least:

http://www.myspace.com/eugenefrancisjnr

My non-Christmassy Christmas playlist

1. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin- Think I Wanna Die
2. Asobi Seksu- Me And Mary
3. Deerhunter- Nothing Happened
4. Owen- Bags Of Bones
5. Moon and Moon- Act I: Into The Dust
6. White Lies- Numb
7. No Age- Teen Creeps
8. Coldplay- Lovers In Japan
9. Band Of Horses- Is There A Ghost
10. Sufjan Stevens- Chicago
11. TV On The Radio- Staring At The Sun
12. DeVotchka- Do You Think There's A Heaven?
13. White Lies- Actors In The Park
14. Daniel Johnston- Tears, Stupid Tears
15. The Cure- Going Nowhere

Love is not a victory march, It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

There seems to be some controversy surrounding the X Factor winners song being a cover of Jeff Buckley's 'Hallelujah'. I find this very vexatious. Reason 1 being that song only initially shot to fame due to it being performed on American Idol. Reason 2 Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah..does no one realise it isn't 'Jeff Buckley's' it is a cover. Leonard Cohen recorded this song in 1984 and gets no credit for it. Admittedly, Buckley did an admirable cover with a beautiful simplistic approach but regardless it is still originally Cohen's song. This is probably of no interest to any one but I just wanted to give the stunning Cohen a bit of appreciation and recognition.

Youre the one that I wanted to find, and anyone who tried to deny you must be out of their mind

Last night I got the chance to see Coldplay at the O2 Arena which I was hugely excited about. There seems to be this degradation concerned with admitting you like Coldplay, unless of course you are a middle-aged, middle class Dad of two. Maybe it's all the controversy surrounding copying songs etc, but regardless they have done well for themseves. Also, I am oblivious to where this notion that Martin is conceited and arrogant has come from he was actually very sweet and gratious and chatty. I love this quote from him about why Coldplay didn't sell the rights to use their songs in various advertisements (Diet Coke, Gap etc): "We wouldn't be able to live with ourselves if we sold the songs' meanings like that."
So they opened with 'Life In Technicolour' which was uncharacteristically animated and excitable. Actually saying that the whole set was a hundred times more lively than I would have imagined and the new album(s) have a totally upbeat loving feeling that makes you want to jump around in circles, laughing. It was magnificently humbling to see so many people around me laughing, smiling, singing and holding onto their loved ones, especially considering the array of different people there. There were some great effects but nothing too over the top and they played most songs you would wish for although I was disappointed to have no 'Shiver' or 'Trouble'.
Still it was an amazing night and I was blessed with awesome seats (thank you, I am eternally grateful!) and there was even a surprise visit from Simon Pegg who had a quick play of the harmonica during 'Green Eyes', I am still trying to figure out why he was there but it was fun all the same.
The highlight for me was undoubtedly 'Yellow' which included the release of loads of big yellow confetti balls and everyone was singing together, it was ridiculously heartwarming, see for yourself (this wasn't filmed by myself):

Cover my face as the animals cry, In the hanging garden.

No longer am I Esther, I am now Bauby in Le scaphandre et le papillon my mind is active, inquisitive my form is lagging behind moving like it should be 100 years older and unsure where they are going.
Today, for no reason but with passion I researched multitudinous songs concerning Animal Rights. Well more so vegetarianism/Veganism. It was more of a personal issue, I have been vegetarian for a while now, but it could be of general interest I suppose. Here are some of the best ones:

Its not natural, normal or kind, The flesh you so fancifully fry, The meat in your mouth, As you savour the flavour, Of murder- The Smiths, Meat is Murder.

A little bit of whole meal, some raisins and cheese, But I don't eat animals and they don't eat me. Oh no, I don't eat animals 'cause I love them, you see,
I don't eat animals, I want nothing dead in me- Melanie Safka, I Don't Eat Animals.

Destroy all the land, And kill what you can, Just to make the profits rise, Sell you from birth, For all that you're worth, The money spreads like lies - Goldfinger, Open Your Eyes.


Out of the sky, Cover my face as the animals die, In the hanging garden, As the animals die, Cover my face as the animals die- The Cure, The Hanging Garden.

It's why I don't eat red meat or white fish, Don't give me no blue cheese, We're all members of the animal kingdom, Leave your brothers and sisters in the sea- Prince, Animal Kingdom.

Torture me, Why don't you carve my body up, Throw me into a pot, Make it hot
And you'll have a lovely meal- The Damned, Torture Me.

Death becomes clearer through bloodshot eyes, As a death from old age becomes nearer
Why can't the livestock be free, When trading soldiers for steak- Silverchair, Spawn Again.

Life and death smell lingering noxious mixed scent anxiety omnipotent doctor, grinds the cage door revealing loves primal instinct taken away the tiny, face terrified rant and rave smash your head against the cage vacuum- Skinny Puppy, Testure.

If animals are animals, And animals have brains, We are no more than cannibals, Who refuse to feel the pain, The meat you eat is wrapped up neat, You didn't see it bleed... And what you kill does not fulfil, Your dietary needs- Citizen Fish, Flesh and Blood.

Sawing out limbs just right for stewing, Carcasses piled up in a heap, Sort juicy chunks from freezers deep, Well can't you see that juice is blood, From new born throuts red rivers flood, Blood form young hearts, blood from the veins, Your blood there blood serves the same, Now your at the table, sitting, grinning- Conflict, Meat Means Murder.

Let's bring back...

Editors- The Racing Rats

It was released in November 2007 but seems like a world ago already. This song is so reflective and compelling, it totally absorbs you. I feel like Curtis in my fascinating twitching world moving barely noticing there is life around me, let alone acknolodging it. It allows you to lose yourself, and find yourself all at the same time.

Hold your grandmother's Bible to your breast. Gonna put it to the test.

After rather surprisingly hearing DeVotchka's incredible 'How it Ends' on the Gears of War 2 advert I remembered that I keep meaning to write something about them. So here it is..
DeVotchka (not to be confused as The Devotchkas) are a wonderful four piece folk/indie rock band from Denver. The name means 'young girl' which derives from some Russian word, this is something I found out after hearing devotchka many times in 'A Clockwork Orange' and my inquisitive mind compelled me to research.
DeVotchka have a great past which includes initially being a back up band for burlesque shows and touring with the stunning Dita Von Teese. Also their music has been used for various commercials and films including, as I mentioned, the Gears of War 2 advert and for the films 'Everything is Illuminated' and 'Little Miss Sunshine'. You will more than likely recognise at least one of their songs. They are thought provoking and pensive. The 2004 album 'How it Ends' is by far the best and the soundtrack to the last few years of my life.

5 Gigs to go to in 2009:

1./ Animal Collective, Jan 19th- KoKo

2./ White Lies, Feb 21st- Brixton Academy

3./ The Cure, Feb 26th- O2 Arena

4./ Bat For Lashes, April 17th- Sheperds Bush Empire

5./ Kings of Leon, June 15th- O2 Arena


These are just a few I happened to come across/get sent etc. This is both for me, so I remember what I wanted to go to, and for you to see what you should go to.

This is our city, our stone upon stone, stone upon homes, stone upon bones.

Today is a good day. Today I finally have 'VII Acts of an Iron King' (Moon and Moon). I have sat here for a good 41 minutes, 7 seconds listening to it and I conclude: it is breathtaking/astounding/mind-blowing any other amazing word you can think of. At least it is for me. Only Moon and Moon and Radiohead have the capability to make me unknowingly forfeit any cool I have making melt like a quivering, awkward little groupie.
Moon and Moon will be very big. At least I hope they will, they are just so unheard of at the moment. For that reason I exhort you (yes, urgently) to listen to them even if you decide you hate them. This sounds like a dire charity advert 'We urge you to please think of the people who are alone this Christmas...'
If nothing else, see this as doing your bit for the world.

I enjoy symmetry and palindromes and bad tautologies.

I haven't properly written anything in here for a while. I feel a bit like Esther Greenwood, I am trapped under a Bell Jar, unable to read or write or sleep or eat. My mind is overactive. I type this at 3:21 am.
But I was thinking about what it is that makes us like or dislike music. So I have music I like listening to at home, and a totally different type that I enjoy when I am out. Likewise I have different soundtracks for when I am London, Wiltshire or France. This is why I can't comprehend how people only listen to one style of music when you have a thousand different thoughts and feelings and moods.
What makes me appreciate music even more is lyrics. I don't know if it's because of my penchant for literature or the fact that I am a reluctant romantic. Only in the way that I wish love was like it is in films and all will live or die happily ever after- even with a pig nose. But beautiful lyrics make beautiful music, it goes with the territory, music is a form of expression like poetry with instruments.
While I am slightly hesitant to admit it I rather like the dreary sounds of Death Cab For Cutie. I love them entirely for their alluring, beautiful lyrics and I even love the fact that over the 11 or so years they have been around they haven't changed. Here are some of my favourites:

- Love of mine some day you will die, But I'll be close behind,I'll follow you into the dark..If there's no one beside you, When your soul embarks, Then I'll follow you into the dark - I Will Follow You Into The Dark.

- You may feel alone when you're falling asleep, And every time tears roll down your cheeks, But I know your heart belongs to someone you've yet to meet, Someday you will be loved- Someday You Will Be Loved.

- And all you see is where else you could be, When you're at home, And out on the street, Are so many possibilities to not be alone- Your Heart Is An Empty Room.

These are only a few. These are the lyrics I used to wish I could write when I was younger desperately trying to find some artistic use with all these words and ideas spinning around in my head.

Teen creeps please don't leave me dead, dead this way

Two man and Sub Pop signed, listen to No Age. They are from LA and have been around for a while..I think since about '05 after the break up of their previous band 'Wives' who are also worth a listen. They are also part of the All Ages Movement Project- a self-described organisation 'that connect young people through independent music and art'. This is about New Age not AMP but still check it out, get involved: http://www.allagesmovementproject.org/home.
So New Age have released two albums (both full-length) named 'Weirdo Rippers' and 'Nouns'. Nouns was the latest, released last May and has some amazing songs such as 'Teen Creeps' and 'Eraser'. It is definitely worth a listen so have a look http://www.myspace.com/nonoage.
Things of interest:
. They did a 23 date tour (with Liars)
. Their sister band is Mika Miko
. Colin Greenwood (Radiohead) once wore a New Age t-shirt.

NOW GO LISTEN!!

X Factor

Leona's cover of Snow Patrol's 'Run' is absolutely amazing. I generally hate X Factor and everything it stands for..I mean it's sometimes interesting to watch but I don't think it promotes anything worthwhile. It's like getting a free ticket when other people spend years and years trying to break into it. And whenever I have seen it the judges comments seem to be 'You look the part' or 'You look like a star'..is it just me or have they missed the point of music? But anyway the one and only good thing to come out of X Factor is Leona, she might not be 'your thing' but you can't deny she is pretty awesome. And she totally looks the part..oh ha ha.

Let's bring back..

Jesus Jones- Real Real Real

Fresh from 1990, I believe the 5th single from London's Jesus Jones. So Pet Shop Boys'esque. I love.

The most depressing music video of all time?

Please comment with any other contenders. I love working out the meaning behind music videos.

Thank God for Mental illness

I do wonder why Anton Newcombe is so incredibly sexy. I think it's pure arrogance. And that beard.

I have always found Brian Jonestown Massacre quite appealing, firstly for their name. I have a morbid curiosity for cults and sects. Yes, cults sects and feminism this is why me and social situations just don't go well.
For those who aren't weird and don't 'get it' the name comes from Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones) and the mass suicide of the 'Peoples Temple' sect that took place in Jonestown, 1978. Most people call it a cult but I think it's a sect.
I find the concept so scary and..haunting. 909 people died in the suicide from cyanide poisioning guided by the founder Jim Jones. It's crazy to think one man could influence so many people, or control so many people. Although some may argue that's what all religion consists of.

The Ballad of Jim Jones- BJM:
I walked from New York and back from L.A.
I lived on a mountain and once by the bay
I bought an apartment and slept in the hay
but there's no place that's softer than (your arms)

living today is just getting so bad
there's a look on your face
and it says"you've been had!"
you can take all my money
but don't make me mad
cause there's nobody meaner than (me)

I prayed to Buddha, to Allah, and Jim.
I turned to Jesus and stayed there with him
I fell in deep but I learned how to swim
now there's no one who's cleaner than me or than him

Pachelbel

There is nothing like a bit of Wednesday night classical to make you feel cultured and ever so slightly ostentatious.
I recommend Canon by Pachelbel. Personally, it is my favourite song ever.

For you: My Love Will Never Die

Act VII: 'Together Alone, We Jump We Rise'

Our king springs from his momentary shock ,and begins the ascent. Running and simultaneously apologizing to his mystery queen, our King cries out tearfully, "I was trying to build, I was coming up I was making my way and I was almost there, I looked ahead and I couldn't see, and I looked behind and I couldn't see, hold on baby, please hold on, I'll be there soon."

Out of breath and excuses, our King stands, panting and weak. He pushes the ancient door open and reveals his Queen standing in the window staring out on the same ocean from whence he came. The first glow of sunrise frames her figure. After a moment to drink in the scene, our King breaks out into his plea: "Here I stand, and here I kneel, below my queen, lost in this dusty cloud... If you show your face I might show you how."

Begging that she turn around and show him the beautiful face he longs for, our King tries to explain his absence:
"I sent those shadows to the darker side. So that my queen would never have to hide."

Withstanding no more excuses and explanations for his actions our Queen spins around to face this character she had been watching from highest vantage. Seeing him in all his 6 parts and understanding the illusion that he is. She imparts her view to a captive King. "I'm not your dreams, you want a face here it is. The one that you see is a mirror." All that was his passion, all that drove him to destroy, had nothing to do with his Queen. It came from his own imbalance. Her face is the reflection of this imbalance and imparts this feeling and not the loving pardon he expected.

Even after all her words he tries again to align himself out of his desparation: "You look like a part of myself, a part I put on the side, not rejection but reflection, I was afraid that you had died. Pushed over bones... It's these walls through which I could not see." Blaming his environment for this massive lapse in judgement, another plea wasted.

"Touch these cold stones, they are made of you." With these words the final darkness is erased with first light of sunrise and unfolding of our King's realization: "How could I have been so blind? I am lucky with this find, and that you are my kind. I was just afraid of being alone, I built my heart into a throne, but now, as one, we jump we rise!"

As two separate tones the two release their bodies and float as two lights towards the rising sun, chanting together before they become the music that carries them: "Together alone we jump we rise, together alone into the light."

Act VII Players
Olivia Galarza: narrator
William Lemon: vocals (Iron King)
Steven Kurtz: drums, percussion
Jay Hudak: bass guitar
Lou Rogai: piano (intro)
Edward Klinger: vibraphone, percussion
Louis Schwadron: piano
Eve Miller: cello
Katie Porter: bass clarinet
Natasha Khan: vocals (The Queen)

Let's bring back..

Evan Dando- All My Life

Beautiful song. Only from 5 years ago in 2003 but deserves to be brought back already. This song strikes me as very autobiographical and honest. That's probably why I like it so much.

New Wave V.s No Wave

Joy Division V.s James Chance and The Contortions

Some amazing lyrics..

'I've got the brains, you've got the looks. Let's make lots of money' - Pet Shop Boys, Opportunities.

'We are living..in the age, in which the pursuit of all values other than money, success, fame, glamour have either been discredited or destroyed'- Felix Da Housecat, Money, Success, Fame, Glamour.

'Why do I give valuable time to people who don't care if I live or die?
Two lovers entwined pass me by and heaven knows I'm miserable now'- The Smiths, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now.

'These people aren't your friends, they're paid to kiss your feet'- Radiohead, Thinking About You.

'I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles in our eyes are mirror images and when we kiss they're perfectly aligned'- The Postal Service/Iron and Wine, Such Great Heights.

These are just a few off the top of my head. Feel free to add your own in comments.

Let's bring back

The Strokes and Regina Spektor- Modern Girls and Old Fashioned Men

One of the best songs ever. One of those songs that makes you go all shivery. It was the B-side to Reptilia. It is a duet between Julian and Regina Spektor and sounds amazing..still. Oh, and it was released in 2004!

5 WORST SONGS ABOUT MONEY..EVER!- for Bespoke

J Lo - Love Dont Cost A Thing
Ever wondered why she has been engaged so many times? It's because her love just don't cost a thing.

Destinys Child - Bills
Can you pay their bills? Probably not Beyonce's. Nor that Kelly. Maybe 'that other ones' though, I doubt her bills are high.

Simply Red - Moneys Too Tight To Mention
Don't mention it then. No seriously please don't. Infact Mick, feel free to keep all your thoughts to yourself.

Gwen Stefani - Rich Girl
If she were a rich girl na na na na na na na na na na na na na na she would..parade around on a ship dressed most questionably? Apparently so.

Meja - All Bout' The Money
Meja taught us that it's not just all about the money, it's also all about the dum dum da da dum dum but she thinks we've got it all wrong anyway.

Sea sex and sun

Serge Gainsbourg

He was a French sing-songwriter (amoungst many other things such a poet, director and actor.) Unfortunaltly, Gainsbourg passed away in 1991 of a heart attack but his legacy lives on. Placebo once did a cover of one of his songs entitled 'The Ballad of Melody Nelson' and even good old Kylie sampled a few of his songs in hers recently. He is quirky and unique. I love him. If you want to listen to his music I recommend the song 'Couleur Café'.

Here it is:

Let's bring back

Elvis Presley- That's Alright Mamma

The first single ever released by Elvis on September 4th 1954

Enjoy!

Credit Crunching

It is apparent that the music industry is becoming increasingly ruled by money. This is obvious, we know this is the case and we understand that music, like the rest, is after all a business. If it weren't there would be no Spice Girls, or other obvious bands made primarily on the basis of making money.

However, often a band or person will change this and we pretend that all music is made because of a love for music and nothing else. For instance Radiohead letting fans chose the price of the last album 'In Rainbows'. Many argued that this was demeaning, determining the value of music. Others however saw it as choosing the value you believe is acceptable. It's true Radiohead have millions of loyal fans but there was no promise that this album would make much money or as much as it could have if it had been put straight onto a CD. So Radiohead in theory handed the music back to its audience. That or created a very clever marketing strategy.

After this, Lily Allen branded Radiohead 'arrogant' and claimed: "They’ve got millions of pounds. It sends a weird message to younger bands who haven’t done as well. You don’t choose how to pay for eggs. Why should it be different for music?” I am not sure how valid that comparison is but I am not 100% convinced any opinion of Lily Allen about music can be encouraged. Reasons why this quote generally sucks:

• Radiohead have worked for their success and were once too a 'young band'
• Perhaps younger bands aren't doing so well because...well just because they aren't very good?
• Younger bands get their money from touring, gigs and merchandise sales where as Radioheads tours are very limited and merchandise is avaliable but not whored.
• They may very well have millions of pounds but they don't go flashing it around in private jets and ridiculous cars and designer labels. They actually do some good in the world.

Another one to jump on the bandwagon was Gene Simmons, protesting: "That’s not a business model that works. I open a store and say ‘Come on in and pay whatever you want.’ Are you on f******g crack? Do you really believe that’s a business model that works?”

Well obviously it did work but understandably one is probably used to affording a prositute and a line per album sale which wouldn't go down well with the minimum amount payable for 'In Rainbows' being 45p.

But it is not all about the anti-free music camp, Mcfly gave out their newest album 'radio:ACTIVE' in the Mail on Sunday (although it could be argued it was because it's the only possible way of them shifting any copies). Obviously before that we saw Prince do the same which in turn made sales of the paper go up by around 600,000 copies. Not only were these albums free (other than the small price of the paper) but also Prince and Mcfly circulated their work, reaching out to new people and audiences that may have been unaware of the it music. Which in hindsight is not necessarily a bad thing at all.

So can we really put a price on music? It's something we should all enjoy and love but how much is too much to pay? Especially in this so called Credit Crunch. With an ever decreasing amount of disposable income, we should celebrate the new free music. The economies downfall should not limit our (legal) avaliablity to music and chances like this mean that it wont.

One of the most iconic story in music history regarding money, I believe, is the story of Tony Wilson. For anyone who has not heard of Wilson he was, amongst many other things, a record label owner. His party owned label held bands such as Joy Division and Happy Mondays. Wilson nobelly chose not to use the usual contracts with his bands but more 'acknowledgements and gentlemans agreements'. To end is a beautiful quote from the film '24 Hour Party People' which is about Wilson's involvement in the music scene and Factory Records:

"Factory Records are not actually a company. We are an experiment in human nature. You're labouring under the misapprehension that we actually have a deal with, er, with our, our bands. That we have any kind of a contract, er, at all, and I'm afraid we, er, we don't.."

Daniel and his Devil.

If ANYONE is around these places at these times:

24 Oct 2008, 20:00, Paradiso
Amsterdam, Netherlands
25 Oct 2008, 20:00, Muziek Kwartier
Enschede, Netherlands
26 Oct 2008, 20:00, Effenaar
Eindhoven, Netherlands
27 Oct 2008, 20:00, Maroquinerie
Paris, France
28 Oct 2008, 20:00, PTR-L’Usine
Geneva, Switzerland
29 Oct 2008, 20:00, Palace
St Gallen, Switzerland
1 Nov 2008, 20:00, Übel & Gefährlich
Hamburg, Germany
2 Nov 2008, 20:00, Volxbühne
Berlin, Germany
3 Nov 2008, 20:00, Club Schocken
Stuttgart
4 Nov 2008, 20:00, Backstage
München, Germany
5 Nov 2008, 20:00, Arena
Wien / Vienna, Austria
6 Nov 2008, 20:00, Gebäude 9
Köln, Germany
7 Nov 2008, 20:00, De Nachten/ De Singel
Antwerp, Belgium
8 Nov 2008, 20:00, De Vooruit
Genth, Belgium
9 Nov 2008, 20:00, Vera
Groningen, The Netherlands
11 Nov 2008, 20:00, Vega
Aarhus, Denmark
12 Nov 2008, 20:00,Grey Hall
Kopenhagen, Denmark

You really must go and see Daniel Johnston live. It will be a once in a life time thing (unless of course you have already seen him then a twice in a life time, or possibly more) he gets extremely emotional on stage and although scary and slightly uncomfortable it is strangely beautiful?! If anyone likes him and hasn't watched 'The Devil and Daniel Johnston' I would definitely recommend it. It's possibly one of the the strangest things I have ever watched but also the most touching and inspirational. He is one of those guys you know isn't going to be around that much longer...so go and see him.

10 Good Reasons to listen to..

BAT FOR LASHES













Okay so she is not particulary new nor unheard of but still...

1. She is from our very own Brighton.

2. She is a total breath of feminine but haunting floral air, nice after overdosing on dirty sweaty beer music.

3. She sounds rather like a crazy mix of Bjork, Siouxie Sioux and PJ Harvey which surely is reason enough.

4. She was nominated for the 2007 Mercury Prize. We all know it's a much prouder revelation being nominated rather than winning as the worst always seems to win.

5. Not only did she open for Radiohead's 2008 tour, she also had praise from Thom Yorke and if he likes we know it must be good.

6. She really does write it herself. It's not even a lie.

7. She has toured America, played at Glastonbury, been nominated for the Mercury Prize Award AND two Brits..and has only had one album out.

8. She is inspired by...nature.

9. Her boyfriend is in a just-as-amazing band- Moon and Moon, who you should also listen to.

10. Her new album should be coming out soon therefore, listen to the old one quickly so you can say you liked her before she got cool.

To be male is to be deficient, emotionally limited; maleness is a deficiency disease and males are emotional cripples

LISTEN TO:

S.C.U.M

http://www.myspace.com/scum1968

Beautifully innovative and reminiscent of Joy Division..and The Cure minus Smith's vocal bubbliness. Their debut single is being produced by Tomethy Furse (The Horrors), give it a listen. They also appear in the very dire 'Artrocker Magazine' I wonder if they have discovered spell check yet. I also wonder if the name S.C.U.M comes from SCUM manifesto, which stands for Society for Cutting Up Men. It was written by Valerie Solanas (yes, the one who tried to kill Andy Warhol). If you see yourself as a bit of a feminist then read 'Sisterhood Is Powerful' a collection of feminist writings. I wonder what being a radical feminist is like. Maybe I will try it.

It is wrong

To be totally in love with the new Girls Aloud single? Yes? Okay. Let's pretend I didn't say that then.

Kings Of Leon- Only By The Night

Another year brings the fourth album from the so called 'southern Strokes'. This album still contains everything Kings Of Leon- dirty southern surf-rock, quirky vocals and laid back instruments however, it apparently has an extra ingredient this time, of commercialisation. Well this is the theory anyway. It doesn't contain the rawness of Youth & Young Manhood or Aha Shake Heartbreak but still has that Kinks with solicitude tone going on.
Yes, Sex on Fire has become a very popular song and yes they have had a make over but does this mean we must shun them because they have become cool? This English theology on 'cool' will always baffle me. It's like the fashion world "well I was wearing Spring/Summer 09 collections on Autumn/Winter 06!" That's good for you, but seeing as it was before its heyday did anyone appreciate it? In the same way glorifying the fact you listened to Kings of Leon 'before they were cool' will not justify anything other than that you are a bit of a idiot for dropping a band as soon as they are 'recognised' and for thinking the fact you 'recognised' one band before others may have makes you any higher than the rest of us. Should we not applaud KOL for finally getting the recognition they deserve after years of work? Apparently not, apparently we should rebel against anything Radio 1 plays and curse them for ruthlessly taking 'our music'.
'Only By The Night' seems like a natural progression for KOL rather than anything else, they have toned down the anger but even 'Use Somebody'- the slowest track of the album, still manages to create that unique uncomfortable mix of laidback surf rock and teenage angst. It's true the first four tracks are definitely the best of the album and maybe even minus Sex on Fire due to over exposure but still it is not quite the commercial glory people are making it seem.
All in all it seems to me that the new breed of half-hearted indie bands have opened the gateway to alternative music in Britain's ears (which may be a good thing or just as likely a bad one). Therefore rather than Kings of Leon purposely adapting their nature to become England's great sell-outs, maybe this time we are just more accepting of new music.
Theory's welcome...

Let's bring back

PET SHOP BOYS- PANINARO

Fresh from 1995, one of the best songs ever, apparently written about 'Italian youth subculture'.

This is the remixed version not the original I personally prefer this one.

ENJOY

LOVING..

MATT BAUER

He will bring you the most naked songs. His voice makes time stand still and musically it is understated and skeletal. Like only setting up the foundations but leaving you to build the rest yourself.
His first album was self released in 2004 and named 'Nandina', which was followed by 'Wasps and White Roses'in 2006 and most recently 'The Island Moved In The Storm' released in 2008.
Bauers latest album was released under the label La Société Expéditionnaire. It has come to my attention I am whoring La Société Expéditionnaire music so much that I might as well send them to Radio 1 and eventually have Grandma humming it on the way to the shops. But seriously, it's because they are just extraordinary I will go further into this later however now is purely about Matt Bauer.
Matt's foundations are made of haunting folk so comfortable that it's almost uncomfortable and so intimate it's like he is talking right to you. The music in 'Water Moccasin' has stepped right out of the renaissance with a voice like a lullaby willing you to sleep, where as 'Sea Lion Woman' is more reminiscent of the folk at a barn dance. All his songs seem to stay in the same boundaries but pushing either side yet no matter which side you choose you will get a beautiful story with mental imagery of being in the country and catching your own dinner. Brokeback Mountain style.

www.myspace.com/mattbauer

10 Gigs to go to in LONDON before Christmas..

1./ DIGITALISM- Friday 19th September, Astoria

2./ BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB- Monday 20th October, Barfly Camden


3./ MOGWAI & FUCK BUTTONS & ERRORS- Friday 24th October, Hammersmith Apollo


4/ VAMPIRE WEEKEND- Sunday 26th October, Forum


5./ THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN & BRITISH SEA POWER- Monday 27th October, Forum


6./ DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH?- Wednesday 29th October, Electric Ballroom


7./ SIGUR ROS- Friday 21st November, Alexandra Palace


8./ MGMT- Thursday 27th November, Forum


9./ KINGS OF LEON- Thursday 11th December, O2 Arena


10./ BIFFY CLYRO- Wednesday 17th December, Carling Academy Brixton

Listen to...

Moon and Moon

www.myspace.com/moonandmoon

Let's bring back..

The what Pistols?! It was all about the Buzzcocks. This is 'Harmony in my head' and was released in 1979 and reached number 32 in the charts. Woo!

Control

The new film focusing on Joy Divisions Ian Curtis through life, Joy Division and death basically. Deborah (Ian's wife) helped write this story. Deborah also wrote 'Touching from a distance' about Ian's life which they seemed to have taken a lot from.

It's interesting seeing the difference between the portrayal of Curtis in '24 hour party people' compared to that in 'Control'. It's so different. The angle of Control is very dark and deep. The whole film is shot in black and white which adds to effect and Sam Riley plays Ian and does an amazing job but I much preferred Sean Harris' efforts in 24 hour party people.

Control is much more focused on Curtis' depression and the build up to his suicide rather than the success he had and the legend he left behind, although it could be argued that this is due to his legend being apparent later on. The black and white perspective adds to the dull and depressing tone.

However, this is a stunning film and extremely emotionally moving and poignant. I wont say too much though, just watch it.

Welcome..

I am going to gather all my bits of writing, general blogs that are all over the place and written thoughts and dump them all in this little space. Therefore I am backdating my blogs to the date I actually created them...that is all.