I heard there was loads of demand for another end of the year list so I decided to throw in my 2 cents! These are not in any order btw as I'm too indecisive.
First up is a track I first heard in May and was gutted to miss their gig at KCLSU. Luckily I got to see them do a brilliant yet very short set at Lovebox and the song went on to become a massive summer anthem (although rather overplayed!)
Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
Next up is another act I saw at Lovebox, who gave a powerful and unforgettable performance...
Lykke Li - Youth Knows No Pain
Now a song that also reminds me of summer and I got to see performed live at Bestival whilst wearing a rather dodgy fancy dress costume but also a lovely mask donated by the band.
SBTRKT (featuring Little Dragon) - Wildfire
This leads on nicely to my next choice, which is a super catchy tune of brilliance. Looking forward to seeing it live at the Forum next year.
Little Dragon - Ritual Union
Finally, I'm going with a track by a band who I saw briefly after they had been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, in a horribly crowded experience in the Psychadelic Worm tent at Bestival. Thankfully, I got to see them properly a couple of weeks later in a much grander setting, The Royal Albert Hall, and they were great! Tempted to go with The Bay, but it's going to be...
Metronomy - The Look
So it seems I favour bands that I have seen at festivals, or remind me of sunnier times, but these are the tracks that I have listened to the most and have made me happiest this year.
Honorable mentions go out to:
Warpaint - Undertow
Woodkid - Iron
Baxter Dury - Leak at the Disco
Real Estate - It's Real
Los Campesinos! - By Your Hand
The Strokes - Under Cover of Darkness
Rihanna - S&M
The 2 Bears - Bear Hug
The Naked & Famous - Punching in a Dream
Jamie Woon - Night Air
Alex Clare - Up All Night
Fixers - Another Lost Apache
Cold War Kids - Louder than Ever
Lianne La Havas - Age
CSS - Hits me like a rock
Florence + The Machine - Shake it out
Big Boi - Shutterbugg
Monday, 26 December 2011
Thursday, 22 December 2011
The Maccabees - Pelican
Cool video for The Maccabees new track Pelican by David Wilson
The Making Of is quite interesting too:
Heard some of their new stuff at Bestival and was pretty impressed. Worth checking them out on their tour, which starts in January.
The Maccabees - Pelican from David Wilson on Vimeo.
The Making Of is quite interesting too:
The Maccabees - Pelican - Making Of from David Wilson on Vimeo.
Heard some of their new stuff at Bestival and was pretty impressed. Worth checking them out on their tour, which starts in January.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
The FADER presents: LISTMANIA 2012
I tweeted this earlier but just wanted to pick out a few of my faves from this chucklesome listmania from The Fader.
Top Eight Lyrics from Beyonce’s 4 That Inspire a Belief in the Institution of Marriage
8. So in love, I don’t care what they say, I don’t care if they talking tomorrow
7. It hurts my pride to tell you how I feel/ But I still need to, why is that?
6. Boy your lips taste like a night of champagne
5. Nothing’s perfect, but it’s worth it after fighting through my fears
4. Ladies, if you love your man show you the flyest/ Grind up on it, girl, show him how you ride it
3. Still all up on each other, ain’t a damn thing change
2. Yup, I buy my own, if he deserve it, buy his shit too
1. There’s ups and downs in this love/ Got a lot to learn in this love
Significant Figures in History That Have Equal or Less Days Dedicated to Them Than Bon Iver
4. Jesus
3. Martin Luther King Jr.
2. Veterans of war
1. Presidents
Top Three Raps About Naps
3. Some slept on me, other niggas took a nap. -ASAP Rocky, “Out of this World”
2. Real hustlers don’t sleep, we taking naps. -Juicy J, “Real Hustler’s Don’t Sleep”
1. Got racks on racks on racks, naps on naps on naps. -Wiz Khalifa, “Racks (Remix)”
Top Three Things Our Moms Said About Adele
3. Who is this Adele person I keep hearing about?
2. I really love Adele.
1. Is this Adele song popular?
Weirdest Things Mariah Carey Did in 2011
4. Posed naked with her husband while pregnant
3. Played sexy Mrs. Santa Claus in video with Justin Bieber
2. Acted super-confused in a Home Shopping Network appearance
1. Forced the hospital to play her own songs while she gave birth to twins
Top Five Frank Ocean Lyrics That Sound Like Excerpts of Dialog From The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
5. You let yourself inside with no respect for privacy
4. I woulda put tints on my windows but what’s the difference
3. I can’t feel my face. What are we smoking anyway?
2. Baby, I still got one bullet left in my nine
1. The entire earth is fighting, all the world is at its end
Also loved 'Top Seven Dogs in Real Estate's "It's Real" video' but rather than me copy and paste 7 photos, check out the full list!
Top Eight Lyrics from Beyonce’s 4 That Inspire a Belief in the Institution of Marriage
8. So in love, I don’t care what they say, I don’t care if they talking tomorrow
7. It hurts my pride to tell you how I feel/ But I still need to, why is that?
6. Boy your lips taste like a night of champagne
5. Nothing’s perfect, but it’s worth it after fighting through my fears
4. Ladies, if you love your man show you the flyest/ Grind up on it, girl, show him how you ride it
3. Still all up on each other, ain’t a damn thing change
2. Yup, I buy my own, if he deserve it, buy his shit too
1. There’s ups and downs in this love/ Got a lot to learn in this love
Significant Figures in History That Have Equal or Less Days Dedicated to Them Than Bon Iver
4. Jesus
3. Martin Luther King Jr.
2. Veterans of war
1. Presidents
Top Three Raps About Naps
3. Some slept on me, other niggas took a nap. -ASAP Rocky, “Out of this World”
2. Real hustlers don’t sleep, we taking naps. -Juicy J, “Real Hustler’s Don’t Sleep”
1. Got racks on racks on racks, naps on naps on naps. -Wiz Khalifa, “Racks (Remix)”
Top Three Things Our Moms Said About Adele
3. Who is this Adele person I keep hearing about?
2. I really love Adele.
1. Is this Adele song popular?
Weirdest Things Mariah Carey Did in 2011
4. Posed naked with her husband while pregnant
3. Played sexy Mrs. Santa Claus in video with Justin Bieber
2. Acted super-confused in a Home Shopping Network appearance
1. Forced the hospital to play her own songs while she gave birth to twins
Top Five Frank Ocean Lyrics That Sound Like Excerpts of Dialog From The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
5. You let yourself inside with no respect for privacy
4. I woulda put tints on my windows but what’s the difference
3. I can’t feel my face. What are we smoking anyway?
2. Baby, I still got one bullet left in my nine
1. The entire earth is fighting, all the world is at its end
Also loved 'Top Seven Dogs in Real Estate's "It's Real" video' but rather than me copy and paste 7 photos, check out the full list!
Thursday, 15 December 2011
February is not just about Valentine's Day
I'm getting a bit bored of everyone's "Best of 2011" lists so I thought I would look ahead to 2012 as there are some exciting gigs coming up, particularly in February.
Here's my pick of the bunch:
21st January - SBTRKT with Sampha + Thundercat + Michael Kiwanuka @ Koko (sold out)
6th February - Howler + Man Made @ The Lexington
8th February - Lianne La Haves + The Staves + Rae Morris @ Borderline
9th February - Slow Club @ Heaven
9th-11th February - The Black Keys @ Alexandra Palace
22nd-24th February - Alabama Shakes @ Boston Arms
23rd February - Baxter Dury @ XOYO
24th February - Little Dragon @ Forum
If you think I've missed any or would like to join me at any of the above, holler at me.
Here's my pick of the bunch:
21st January - SBTRKT with Sampha + Thundercat + Michael Kiwanuka @ Koko (sold out)
6th February - Howler + Man Made @ The Lexington
8th February - Lianne La Haves + The Staves + Rae Morris @ Borderline
9th February - Slow Club @ Heaven
9th-11th February - The Black Keys @ Alexandra Palace
22nd-24th February - Alabama Shakes @ Boston Arms
23rd February - Baxter Dury @ XOYO
24th February - Little Dragon @ Forum
If you think I've missed any or would like to join me at any of the above, holler at me.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Girls Play For No One
Girls 'Love Like a River' - this is pure, brilliant and lovely:
Part of the For No One series - an intimate glimpse of bands playing to a room without a crowd, also featuring Neon Indian.
More on Portable
Girls | FOR NO ONE from FOR NO ONE on Vimeo.
Part of the For No One series - an intimate glimpse of bands playing to a room without a crowd, also featuring Neon Indian.
More on Portable
New Music Tips of the Day
Tunes I'm listening to today as recommended by:
Post ATP Welton
Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
Post Gig Nate
Mister Heavenly - Out of Love
Trendsetter Tee Dubya
Youth Lagoon - The Year of Hibernation
Post ATP Welton
Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
Post Gig Nate
Mister Heavenly - Out of Love
Trendsetter Tee Dubya
Youth Lagoon - The Year of Hibernation
Monday, 5 December 2011
Neon Indian at Heaven
On a Thursday some weeks ago now I went to see Neon Indian at Heaven.
It was two nights of gigs in a row with Nate and Brad but luckily I wasn't bored of them yet +2.
To warm up for the gig we went for some yummy pizza at Soho Joe's +3 followed by a perhaps misguided Garlic Beer at Garlic & Shots -4.
We arrived at Heaven and were greeted by a poster of Olly Murs and the promise of every X Factor loser performing there on a Saturday night. I was bummed that we had missed out on seeing Olly (just joshing) but looking forward to Neon Indian.
Support from Theme Park was surprisingly good as I hadn't heard of them before and they looked about 15 years old +6. They are definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.
We were upbeat and ready for Neon Indian. I'd listened to Era Extraña a few times and enjoyed it but wasn't confident I'd recognise all of the tracks so was looking forward to a mixture of new and old (Psychic Chasms).
Well, Mr Indian aka Alan Palomo, came on stage and had heaps of energy. Moving around the stage, using various bits of equipment, whilst singing and dancing showed a great deal of musical prowess and was pretty admirable +7. However, as impressive as it was, the atmosphere wasn't totally there and think it would've helped to have a bit more chat and not just rubbish chat about the Texas embassy in London -6.
The bald guy next to me was starting to bug me a bit as he had a big bag bashing me a little and kept taking notes every second like he was really important or something -3. I tried to breathe my garlic beer breath in his direction to repel him like a vampire but it only semi-worked when he went to the bar after 20 minutes +2. Overall though I couldn't complain much about the view of the stage or the crowd +4.
Anyway, I was itching for more Psychic Chasms and Alan finally delivered with a brilliant rendition of Deadbeat Summer - just a shame it wasn't longer +7.
There was a predictable fake stage departure and encore but Neon Indian didn't go off stage with a bang - I was more concerned about dashing for the cloakroom queue and getting home to brush my teeth -3.
Overall it was a good gig, but despite the energy of Alan and his obvious talent, something was missing.
B
It was two nights of gigs in a row with Nate and Brad but luckily I wasn't bored of them yet +2.
To warm up for the gig we went for some yummy pizza at Soho Joe's +3 followed by a perhaps misguided Garlic Beer at Garlic & Shots -4.
We arrived at Heaven and were greeted by a poster of Olly Murs and the promise of every X Factor loser performing there on a Saturday night. I was bummed that we had missed out on seeing Olly (just joshing) but looking forward to Neon Indian.
Support from Theme Park was surprisingly good as I hadn't heard of them before and they looked about 15 years old +6. They are definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.
We were upbeat and ready for Neon Indian. I'd listened to Era Extraña a few times and enjoyed it but wasn't confident I'd recognise all of the tracks so was looking forward to a mixture of new and old (Psychic Chasms).
Well, Mr Indian aka Alan Palomo, came on stage and had heaps of energy. Moving around the stage, using various bits of equipment, whilst singing and dancing showed a great deal of musical prowess and was pretty admirable +7. However, as impressive as it was, the atmosphere wasn't totally there and think it would've helped to have a bit more chat and not just rubbish chat about the Texas embassy in London -6.
The bald guy next to me was starting to bug me a bit as he had a big bag bashing me a little and kept taking notes every second like he was really important or something -3. I tried to breathe my garlic beer breath in his direction to repel him like a vampire but it only semi-worked when he went to the bar after 20 minutes +2. Overall though I couldn't complain much about the view of the stage or the crowd +4.
Anyway, I was itching for more Psychic Chasms and Alan finally delivered with a brilliant rendition of Deadbeat Summer - just a shame it wasn't longer +7.
There was a predictable fake stage departure and encore but Neon Indian didn't go off stage with a bang - I was more concerned about dashing for the cloakroom queue and getting home to brush my teeth -3.
Overall it was a good gig, but despite the energy of Alan and his obvious talent, something was missing.
B
Girl Walk
Girl Talk first crossed my radar when my friend Edd created this brilliantly geeky site to show all of the samples used as you listen to the 'Feed the Animals' album.
When I first heard a video was being made to accompany the 'All Day' album I thought it sounded like a nice idea but was perhaps too long time after the release...
Anyway, the first part of the video has been released and it's pretty good but could get tedious after a while? Surely a regular at hipster parties all over London though?!
For more info about what you can expect from the rest, check out this article from The Creators Project
When I first heard a video was being made to accompany the 'All Day' album I thought it sounded like a nice idea but was perhaps too long time after the release...
Anyway, the first part of the video has been released and it's pretty good but could get tedious after a while? Surely a regular at hipster parties all over London though?!
Girl Walk // All Day: Chapter 1 from Girl Walk // All Day on Vimeo.
For more info about what you can expect from the rest, check out this article from The Creators Project
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Sunday, 27 November 2011
CSS - Let's Make Love
Stumbled across the video for CSS "Let's make love and listen to death from above" and it's a goodie, I gotta say.
The band are playing Heaven in a couple of weeks and if you haven't seen them live before I would highly recommend going. The energy of Lovefoxxx is incredible and the overall performance superb. At XOYO in the summer, the band were even kind and friendly enough to meet and greet fans afterwards and pose for photos (pretty unusual).
CSS rule.
The band are playing Heaven in a couple of weeks and if you haven't seen them live before I would highly recommend going. The energy of Lovefoxxx is incredible and the overall performance superb. At XOYO in the summer, the band were even kind and friendly enough to meet and greet fans afterwards and pose for photos (pretty unusual).
CSS rule.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Cults at XOYO
Last Wednesday I went to see Cults at XOYO
I've seen quite a mix of acts at XOYO from Mos Def to CSS and thought it would be a good size venue for Cults.
As we arrived, we were given a loveheart stamp on our hands, which I liked +1.
We got a drink and found a good spot to watch the support act Bos Angeles, however we were disturbed by the smell of someone's windypops. After some detective work and double checking it wasn't Nate or Brad, my suspicions were directed to an innocent looking young lady with her back to us -6.
However, before I could confirm the culprit, Bos Angeles came on stage. They were rubbish, especially the lead singer -5. I couldn't wait for them to finish.
They finally departed, but just before Cults came on stage there were some other nuisances to deal with. What sort of people pretend they're walking past you, acknowledge that you're letting them through and then just stand in the middle of you and your pals who are clearly mid conversation? Geez! #gigrage -8
Anyway, it was time for Cults and they introduced themselves "Hey we're Cults". First song "Abducted" was great and all commenced well +4.
There wasn't too much chat from the band to start with but they started getting a bit more talkative, for example telling us, "this is a good song to make out to" and "London is like a slice of home". Not great chat, but you could see they were trying with a slightly unresponsive crowd. Well, apart from the guy in front of me who seemed obsessed with the frontwoman and took videos and photos for 88% of the gig -1.
Anyway, the gig moved on and for every good track, especially where the frontwoman was able to rock out, +6 there were unfortunately a few duds or tracks where we thought "haven't we already heard this one?" -3
About three quarters of the way through, the band played "Go Outside", yunno the one from the advert. It wasn't as strong as I expected and the vocal seemed a little high in parts. Good crowd atomsphere though +1.
Then we were told that England was better than America and there was a bit of a nothingy song for an encore. The band probably should've finished with "Rave On" which was a bit more catchy, though maybe they got carried away as they are part of the electronic rave movement don't you know? -2.
Overall it was a decent gig and there were certainly enjoyable parts but I wasn't overwhelmed. I developed a bit of a girl crush on the lead singer but not as much as the guy in front of me.
B
For some far better photos than mine check out
The Line of Best Fit
I've seen quite a mix of acts at XOYO from Mos Def to CSS and thought it would be a good size venue for Cults.
As we arrived, we were given a loveheart stamp on our hands, which I liked +1.
We got a drink and found a good spot to watch the support act Bos Angeles, however we were disturbed by the smell of someone's windypops. After some detective work and double checking it wasn't Nate or Brad, my suspicions were directed to an innocent looking young lady with her back to us -6.
However, before I could confirm the culprit, Bos Angeles came on stage. They were rubbish, especially the lead singer -5. I couldn't wait for them to finish.
They finally departed, but just before Cults came on stage there were some other nuisances to deal with. What sort of people pretend they're walking past you, acknowledge that you're letting them through and then just stand in the middle of you and your pals who are clearly mid conversation? Geez! #gigrage -8
Anyway, it was time for Cults and they introduced themselves "Hey we're Cults". First song "Abducted" was great and all commenced well +4.
There wasn't too much chat from the band to start with but they started getting a bit more talkative, for example telling us, "this is a good song to make out to" and "London is like a slice of home". Not great chat, but you could see they were trying with a slightly unresponsive crowd. Well, apart from the guy in front of me who seemed obsessed with the frontwoman and took videos and photos for 88% of the gig -1.
Anyway, the gig moved on and for every good track, especially where the frontwoman was able to rock out, +6 there were unfortunately a few duds or tracks where we thought "haven't we already heard this one?" -3
About three quarters of the way through, the band played "Go Outside", yunno the one from the advert. It wasn't as strong as I expected and the vocal seemed a little high in parts. Good crowd atomsphere though +1.
Then we were told that England was better than America and there was a bit of a nothingy song for an encore. The band probably should've finished with "Rave On" which was a bit more catchy, though maybe they got carried away as they are part of the electronic rave movement don't you know? -2.
Overall it was a decent gig and there were certainly enjoyable parts but I wasn't overwhelmed. I developed a bit of a girl crush on the lead singer but not as much as the guy in front of me.
B
For some far better photos than mine check out
The Line of Best Fit
Sunday, 20 November 2011
This is my Jam
Been checking out a new site called 'This is my Jam' - nice concept:
What’s your favorite song right now?
Not any old track, but THAT song; the one that’s on repeat, the one you can’t get out of your head today, the one worth shouting about.
The track you pick is available to other people on the site to stream for 1 week until you pick your next track.
Mine is currently Baxter Dury 'Leak at the Disco'
Thanks Nate for the tip off!
If you want an invite then let me know, I have a couple spare.
What’s your favorite song right now?
Not any old track, but THAT song; the one that’s on repeat, the one you can’t get out of your head today, the one worth shouting about.
The track you pick is available to other people on the site to stream for 1 week until you pick your next track.
Mine is currently Baxter Dury 'Leak at the Disco'
Thanks Nate for the tip off!
If you want an invite then let me know, I have a couple spare.
Black Lips "Raw Meat"
Like this new song and video from Black Lips
Not really sure what Urban Outfitters' involvement is but as I love UO I do not mind.
Black Lips - "Raw Meat" from Urban Outfitters on Vimeo.
Not really sure what Urban Outfitters' involvement is but as I love UO I do not mind.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
The Naked and Famous at the Roundhouse
Last Thursday I went to see The Naked and Famous at the Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is most probably my favourite venue in London and I hadn't been there for a little while so I was fairly excited +5.
The last time I had been to The Roundhouse with my chum Toish was for a Kate Nash concert as part of the iTunes Festival - probably shouldn't have admitted that but it was free ok and I was being a good friend! Things got a bit messy that night and predictably a similar occurrence happened last Thursday. Hence my reluctance to write this one up for a while perhaps! -5
Anyway, to focus on the gig... It started well with a couple of the hits in the first few songs. Punching in a Dream and All of This went down a storm and Bells was really good too! +6
We were on the left hand side of the venue towards the back and felt a bit out of the atmosphere. One lady shouted "Come on!" loudly and danced a lot but apart from that we felt surrounded by over-affectionate couples and decided to move -7.
We moved across to the other side and our view and experience improved, with the atmosphere proving to be much better +2. Someone even recognised that we were quite short and pointed out a space further forward that we could move to +5.
There were a few tracks that felt like filler (bit like the album to be fair) but, the gig ended on a massive high with Young Blood . I remember thinking to myself, 'wow this song alone is probably worth coming to the whole gig for' - it was that good. +10
The Naked and Famous explained that they did their first gig in London this time a year earlier and it will be interesting to see them do a gig in a year's time. Are they the sort of band that will last the distance or will they be a one album wonder?
I personally think they can do it and look forward to the next album.
Overall a good gig with decent performances and atmosphere. They just need a couple more Young Bloods.
B
The Roundhouse is most probably my favourite venue in London and I hadn't been there for a little while so I was fairly excited +5.
The last time I had been to The Roundhouse with my chum Toish was for a Kate Nash concert as part of the iTunes Festival - probably shouldn't have admitted that but it was free ok and I was being a good friend! Things got a bit messy that night and predictably a similar occurrence happened last Thursday. Hence my reluctance to write this one up for a while perhaps! -5
Anyway, to focus on the gig... It started well with a couple of the hits in the first few songs. Punching in a Dream and All of This went down a storm and Bells was really good too! +6
We were on the left hand side of the venue towards the back and felt a bit out of the atmosphere. One lady shouted "Come on!" loudly and danced a lot but apart from that we felt surrounded by over-affectionate couples and decided to move -7.
We moved across to the other side and our view and experience improved, with the atmosphere proving to be much better +2. Someone even recognised that we were quite short and pointed out a space further forward that we could move to +5.
There were a few tracks that felt like filler (bit like the album to be fair) but, the gig ended on a massive high with Young Blood . I remember thinking to myself, 'wow this song alone is probably worth coming to the whole gig for' - it was that good. +10
The Naked and Famous explained that they did their first gig in London this time a year earlier and it will be interesting to see them do a gig in a year's time. Are they the sort of band that will last the distance or will they be a one album wonder?
I personally think they can do it and look forward to the next album.
Overall a good gig with decent performances and atmosphere. They just need a couple more Young Bloods.
B
The meaning behind Beyonce
Like every great art, there is often debate about the meaning behind a song.
You often find yourself singing along to a song and then wondering whether you actually got the lyric right because it doesn't make any sense, and what it really means.
That's why I'm really glad that someone has taken time to reinterpret Beyonce songs in a deep and meaningful way*
Check out the full list here but my favourites are probably:
Naughty Girl: Disidentification and the Performance of Female Sexual Promiscuity
Bills Bills Bills: The Dual-Income Model and the Reshaping of the Domestic Sphere
Baby Boy: The Sociocultural Effects of Prolonged Male Adolescence
*It's all just a bit of a laugh really
You often find yourself singing along to a song and then wondering whether you actually got the lyric right because it doesn't make any sense, and what it really means.
That's why I'm really glad that someone has taken time to reinterpret Beyonce songs in a deep and meaningful way*
Check out the full list here but my favourites are probably:
Naughty Girl: Disidentification and the Performance of Female Sexual Promiscuity
Bills Bills Bills: The Dual-Income Model and the Reshaping of the Domestic Sphere
Baby Boy: The Sociocultural Effects of Prolonged Male Adolescence
*It's all just a bit of a laugh really
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Rebecca Black is back!
Wow she looks like she's having lots of fun, I'd like to hang out with her sometime
Sunday, 13 November 2011
The Head and The Heart at The Garage
On Wednesday night I went to see The Head and The Heart.
I'd never been to The Garage for a gig before despite my living proximity to it (not saying exactly where in case stalkers are reading this). I had however been for a comedy night there with Finn from Hollyoaks. Gail Porter was meant to show up but didn't bother :*(
We arrived shortly before the start and managed to find a good spot +1. Only familiar with Down in the Valley I was keeping an open mind and enjoyed the first few tracks, they were upbeat and there was even a tambourine +7.
There was a good atmosphere as the female member hung up her violin and started manically clapping and twitching her head. One lady in the crowd exclaimed "OMG I love her"!
However, there was a lull as the band performed some slower songs and lots of chatter in the crowd. It got to the point where it was a bit rude -4. It also got really hot and I even thought the guitarist had removed his top but I was wrong. cwelton laughed at me -0.5.
The tempo crept back up and there was some good chemistry on stage between violinist and lead singer - love story? I even got overexcited and clapped before the song had finished -3.
The gig finished and I'd had a fun time largely due to some rib-tickling quips from @cwelton and a handful of good songs from the band. It was a good sized venue and awfully convenient so hopefully I shall return there soon.
B-
I'd never been to The Garage for a gig before despite my living proximity to it (not saying exactly where in case stalkers are reading this). I had however been for a comedy night there with Finn from Hollyoaks. Gail Porter was meant to show up but didn't bother :*(
We arrived shortly before the start and managed to find a good spot +1. Only familiar with Down in the Valley I was keeping an open mind and enjoyed the first few tracks, they were upbeat and there was even a tambourine +7.
There was a good atmosphere as the female member hung up her violin and started manically clapping and twitching her head. One lady in the crowd exclaimed "OMG I love her"!
However, there was a lull as the band performed some slower songs and lots of chatter in the crowd. It got to the point where it was a bit rude -4. It also got really hot and I even thought the guitarist had removed his top but I was wrong. cwelton laughed at me -0.5.
The tempo crept back up and there was some good chemistry on stage between violinist and lead singer - love story? I even got overexcited and clapped before the song had finished -3.
The gig finished and I'd had a fun time largely due to some rib-tickling quips from @cwelton and a handful of good songs from the band. It was a good sized venue and awfully convenient so hopefully I shall return there soon.
B-
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Friendly Fires 'Hurting'
New vid from Friendly Fires for 'Hurting' - quite fun.
Pala has been a slow grower but I now like it lots and lots.
Pala has been a slow grower but I now like it lots and lots.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
For the very first time
New bands to me that I liked listening to today:
Family of the Year
Free download of 'St. Croix' here Ta!
Tribes
Free download of 'Nightdriving/Useless God' here Ta!
Sissy & The Blisters
Must be pretty hipster doing a gig at beyond retro (not the best sound I warn you)
Family of the Year
Free download of 'St. Croix' here Ta!
Tribes
Free download of 'Nightdriving/Useless God' here Ta!
Sissy & The Blisters
Must be pretty hipster doing a gig at beyond retro (not the best sound I warn you)
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Real Estate - It's Real
Really nice tune and video from Real Estate via RobDaBank. A particular gem for dog lovers.
Will be checking out their new album Days - hopefully "It's Real" is a good indication of what awaits!
Will be checking out their new album Days - hopefully "It's Real" is a good indication of what awaits!
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Laura Marling at Westminster Central Hall
On Wednesday night I went to see Laura Marling at Westminster Central Hall.
I had seen Marling very briefly once before when she performed a song with her pals The Pins at The Hawley Arms earlier in the year/last year (can't really remember) and was looking forward to it, though not blown away by her new album "A Creature I Don't Know"
There was no beer -4 points and no support act -2 points, so straight into Marling.
The venue was pretty unusual and good, as we were told by LM, it was the only venue not a cathedral on the tour, but still really nice. +7 points.
"Ghosts" went down very well with the crowd. One geeky looking lady started getting really into the gig and headbanging, which made me laugh quite a lot +10 points.
Marling was endearing in between songs, blushing the same colour as her jumper at the applause as she joked after "Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)". I didn't like her jumper though -1 point.
She also got her band involved, with each member revealing a fact about the venue (mostly researched on Wikipedia by the sounds of it). It was entertaining and I noticed that one of the band members was quite attractive. +2 points.
The headbanging continued and was accompanied by some swaying which got a bit annoying as I had to move about a bit too in order to see (I'm pretty short) -6 points. It also got really hot -9 points. I then chuckled when I realised that in fact it wasn't a woman headbanger but actually quite an effeminate man. +1 point.
I was enjoying the gig but I was starting to feel that some of the songs were a bit samey. Luckily Marling turned it around with some whistling. First it was regular whistling, then through the teeth. An underrated talent +7 points.
Before we knew it the gig was coming to an end, with Marling explaining that they don't do encores and they are starting a an anti-encores movement. She teased "If you don't like encores, then this is the penultimate song. If you do, then this is the last song".
Overall I thought it was a nicely thought out gig in an unusual venue, bit dull in parts but Marling is a very talented lady with a lovely voice. She also has a cool first name.
A-
I had seen Marling very briefly once before when she performed a song with her pals The Pins at The Hawley Arms earlier in the year/last year (can't really remember) and was looking forward to it, though not blown away by her new album "A Creature I Don't Know"
There was no beer -4 points and no support act -2 points, so straight into Marling.
The venue was pretty unusual and good, as we were told by LM, it was the only venue not a cathedral on the tour, but still really nice. +7 points.
"Ghosts" went down very well with the crowd. One geeky looking lady started getting really into the gig and headbanging, which made me laugh quite a lot +10 points.
Marling was endearing in between songs, blushing the same colour as her jumper at the applause as she joked after "Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)". I didn't like her jumper though -1 point.
She also got her band involved, with each member revealing a fact about the venue (mostly researched on Wikipedia by the sounds of it). It was entertaining and I noticed that one of the band members was quite attractive. +2 points.
The headbanging continued and was accompanied by some swaying which got a bit annoying as I had to move about a bit too in order to see (I'm pretty short) -6 points. It also got really hot -9 points. I then chuckled when I realised that in fact it wasn't a woman headbanger but actually quite an effeminate man. +1 point.
I was enjoying the gig but I was starting to feel that some of the songs were a bit samey. Luckily Marling turned it around with some whistling. First it was regular whistling, then through the teeth. An underrated talent +7 points.
Before we knew it the gig was coming to an end, with Marling explaining that they don't do encores and they are starting a an anti-encores movement. She teased "If you don't like encores, then this is the penultimate song. If you do, then this is the last song".
Overall I thought it was a nicely thought out gig in an unusual venue, bit dull in parts but Marling is a very talented lady with a lovely voice. She also has a cool first name.
A-
Rediscovering Black Cab Sessions
Haven't perused this site in a while but noticed a new video posted by Eat Your Own Ears on the ol' Twitter of Zulu Winter.
Billed as "Presenting the best bands in the most iconic vehicle in the world", there are some corkers here, especially loving Lykke Li "I'm good, I'm gone"
Enjoy.
Billed as "Presenting the best bands in the most iconic vehicle in the world", there are some corkers here, especially loving Lykke Li "I'm good, I'm gone"
Enjoy.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Duck Sauce 'Big Bad Wolf' video
Wow this video is immense - funny, disturbing, I'm pretty taken aback. Watch it. Nice tune too.
Duck Sauce 'Big Bad Wolf' from Somesuch & Co. on Vimeo.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Miles Kane at Electric Ballroom
Tonight I went to see Miles Kane at the Electric Ballroom in Camden.
My experiences of the Electric Ballroom to date have been a grimy night out 5 years ago and a Man Like Me gig, neither leaving me with fond memories.
I wasn't over familiar with Miles' work but had read a few good reviews of his recent album and following some last minute Spotify research I was quite looking forward to it.
We arrived to no entry queue and went to get a can of Red Stripe. Longish bar queue -9 points. We missed the support band Folks unfortunately (heard they are good, maybe I'll go see them at The Lexington soon) and went to settle in the crowd.
We thought we had a good spot but then unfortunately a man with a bad ponytail stood in front of us. -5 points.
Miles came on stage and we could see through a gap next to ponytail man. His stage presence was great (Miles, not ponytail man) and the lighting really added to the atmosphere +10 points. Sound was also good and could only occasionally hear some of the crowd's sub par singalongs. +4 points.
Overall the crowd were decent, only a few cups splashing drops of beer were thrown -2 points and not many giants at all +8 points. There was one quite fat man with dodgy hair who was a bit over enthusiastic with his girlfriend but we moved away quickly -0.75 points.
I was impressed with Miles' performance - he had great energy, interacted with the crowd and seemed genuinely pleased to be there, exclaiming "I know it's a Tuesday night, but let's blow this fucking roof off!" Ending with "Come Closer" then an encore of "Inhaler" the atmosphere was happy and left us liking Miles. +22 points.
Overall the gig was better than anticipated and Miles can't help it if some of his fans have bad hair.
B+
My experiences of the Electric Ballroom to date have been a grimy night out 5 years ago and a Man Like Me gig, neither leaving me with fond memories.
I wasn't over familiar with Miles' work but had read a few good reviews of his recent album and following some last minute Spotify research I was quite looking forward to it.
We arrived to no entry queue and went to get a can of Red Stripe. Longish bar queue -9 points. We missed the support band Folks unfortunately (heard they are good, maybe I'll go see them at The Lexington soon) and went to settle in the crowd.
We thought we had a good spot but then unfortunately a man with a bad ponytail stood in front of us. -5 points.
Miles came on stage and we could see through a gap next to ponytail man. His stage presence was great (Miles, not ponytail man) and the lighting really added to the atmosphere +10 points. Sound was also good and could only occasionally hear some of the crowd's sub par singalongs. +4 points.
Overall the crowd were decent, only a few cups splashing drops of beer were thrown -2 points and not many giants at all +8 points. There was one quite fat man with dodgy hair who was a bit over enthusiastic with his girlfriend but we moved away quickly -0.75 points.
I was impressed with Miles' performance - he had great energy, interacted with the crowd and seemed genuinely pleased to be there, exclaiming "I know it's a Tuesday night, but let's blow this fucking roof off!" Ending with "Come Closer" then an encore of "Inhaler" the atmosphere was happy and left us liking Miles. +22 points.
Overall the gig was better than anticipated and Miles can't help it if some of his fans have bad hair.
B+
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| Slightly blurry, semi-artistic I reckon |
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