The All England Club

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

2011-11-27T18:15:00.007-05:00

With his solo release Noel Gallagher has brought back to light all of those age old Oasis arguments. There's a basic timeline of how most Oasis superfan's attitude toward Liam vs. Noel goes... At first it is all about Liam. His voice, his look, his style, his swagger. Then you realize the songs that are the grandest, most bombastic and most memorable are Noel's songs, either the ones he sings or the ones that are the most autobiographical. After discovering the b-sides from the first 2-3 records cements it, Noel is now your favorite. But then, after seeing them live, you remember how much of a presence Liam really is, and how the live Oasis experience is always focused on Liam. No matter how little he moved or talked, Noel's witty quips are no contest. So in the end you try to reconcile everything, and settle on the fact that it takes them both to create the magic.

So now, with Beady Eye's debut and Noel's first solo effort, the knee-jerk judgement is easy: Noel wins. Beady Eye's flimsy lyrics and post-modern pastiche melodies are paint by numbers, while NGHFB is pretty much a modern classic. I won't say it's perfect, ("Soldier Boys and Jesus Freaks" and "Stop the Clocks" are definitely filler that should have been scrapped), but song for song there is no contest. NGHFB has much of the best of the last few Oasis records: the "Mucky Fingers" 12-bar blues of "The Death of You and Me," the soaring "Let There be Love" moments in "Dream On" and "Record Machine," and a couple of unexpected rockers including "Stranded On the Wrong Beach" and "AKA...What a Life." Even more unexpected is the fact that for the first time in his career, I can actually say that his lyrics finally caught up to the standard that his melodies have always reached. This debut is at times smart, romantic and utterly compelling in ways Noel's work has never been before.

But now, even while the glow of this record still shines, I am still 100% sure I still prefer Oasis. Not the last few records, but the platonic ideal that is Oasis. Noel's best songs, Liam's best vocals and the brick wall of sound that the best rock band of the last 20 years years produced. But I can wait. Enjoy the freedom, boys, and come back when you're ready.

If I Had A Gun... by noelgallagher

Stream it:
Spotify
Rhapsody

Buy it:
iTunes

Little Barrie + Azari &III

2011-09-05T14:37:00.006-04:00

How about some videos for a change...

Little Barrie for the most part has left me unconvinced up until now, but I randomly came across this track and it was perfectly tailored to my taste. With that tempo and those guitars, it's made for the AEC endorsement.

Azari & III are inspiring in this day and age of mediocre limp dance music. It grooves, it's smooth and it's totally dirty in the best possible ways. Most dance music of late has this antiseptic or unmoving feel. "Manic" is the opposite of all of those things.

And remember you can always go here:
http://www.youtube.com/allenglandclub

The Pigeon Detectives

2011-08-11T21:09:00.004-04:00

The Pigeon Detectives are one of those bands that can't seem to find their place in music. In the UK, they break the top 40 but don't particularly reach chart-topping success. But, while other UK bands this equals US indie cred and critical acclaim, they are both unknown and critically derided as also-rans or simply ignored (also see The Enemy, The Wombats, The Courteeners, Biffy Clyro, etc.). But they continue to plug away and keep putting out catchy, simple, straight-forward poppy rock records, while plenty of lesser bland UK indie bands get both fame and cash in the UK and critical approval in the US. It boggles my mind.

With their latest, Up, Guards And At 'Em!, they cover similar territory to their past exploits with a bit more stark, electronic and direct production. But when it comes down to it, the Pigeon Detectives real strength is proper power pop with perfect short bursts of energy and bouncy lyrical witticisms. This isn't the Libertines or Radiohead, and that's not what they are aiming for. What they aim for and very successfully achieve is closer to The Cars or Cheap Trick or even Fountains of Wayne.

The real problem is that no one seems to want that anymore. For the critics it has to be difficult or pushing buttons or award show ready and ready for adult alternative radio. That's not what this band does. It sounds to me like all they really want to do is kiss your girlfriend, and to me that's the most rock 'n roll reason to put out a record. I do find them lacking a look, a reason to be loved and a sense of danger, but again I don't think this is what they want, so in this case, I can forgive it. Especially because the songs are so well crafted. These songs deserve to be Zac Braff approved movie themes and rom-com anthems. Try to listen to this record and 1. not hum the songs all day and 2. not wish you were at a UK festival yelling the lyrics at the top of your lungs with 30,000 teenagers. I dare you.

What can I say? The Pigeon Detectives by user9583193

Done In Secret by The Pigeon Detectives

The Pigeon Detectives - Lost by Song of the Day

Noel Gallagher

2011-07-25T09:42:00.000-04:00

New song, new video and I approve.

Arctic Monkeys = The Pixies

2011-07-19T21:24:00.004-04:00

I’ll tell you the truth. I have not been shirking my duty of posting to my blog. The point of this blog is mainly for me to weigh in on good or bad music that I am hearing. I want to recommend or warn you about the best or worst that is out there. This, in and of itself, requires that I diligently listen to new music. It's not that I haven’t been doing this. But again, in all honesty, I cannot stop listening to the new Arctic Monkeys. I start other records, but by the time I get near the middle of the any other record, I find myself going back to Suck It And See. Every day, all day. Right now, it feels like a perfect record.

Recently, while discussing the ins and outs of this record with a friend, we came to find that we had both come to the same conclusion. It terms of analogous records released and career trajectory, the Arctic Monkeys were following the path of another one of my beloved bands: The Pixies. And thus it was no wonder that I was so head over heels in love with this new LP. The Arctic Monkeys had finally reached their Doolittle.

Let me break down the analogy. As much as I love other Pixies records, most can agree that in terms of everything they stood for, considering all of their touchstone influences and dissecting each song from beginning to end, Doolittle was the best version of the Pixies. It was the moment when it all came together. The fast surf rock, the loud angry weird punk styling, the wistful light airy dream songs all came together on Doolittle. Add to this the fact that they finally found their mass appeal “pop hit” in Hear Comes Your Man, and you must admit that no matter what the other records brought, the most perfect Pixies are the Doolittle-era Pixies.
And the same goes for the Arctic Monkeys. Suck It and See gives us the heavy Sabbath sludge rock, their brilliant beyond their years lyricism, their smarter than thou punk attitude, and their mortally wounded shattered fragile ego youthful love lost moments that had all come before in each previous record, but now have another level of musicianship and production. Their split personalities had been on show with each successive record, but finally it all stood under one banner in one cohesive breath. And I’ll venture that the Shalalala might be their Here Comes Your Man.

But I'll take this analogy to it's logical conclusion. Let’s look at the other Arctic Monkeys releases under the Pixies rule:

Come On Pilgrim : Whatever People Say I Am,...
Punk rock in its DIY aesthetic, tempo and lyrical nonsense. A reluctant voice for what real kids are doing right at that moment. A voice crying out in the desert of a contextual wasteland of music with no real sense of what the smartest kids in the room already know. A litany of ideas churned out fast and quick, with no remorse or expectations of acceptance.

Surfer Rosa : Your Favorite Worst Nightmare
The statement record to prove that they were the real thing. Still hard and fast, but shined to a glossier finish, as it to prove that a record deal and some plaudits wouldn’t make a difference in either their ire or their attitudes.

Bossanova : Humbug
While the Pixies used this excursion to explore the lush and vast atmospherics of production sonics instead of the gritty sharp surf rock riffs, the Arctic Monkeys used this release to create new version of themselves that few were ready to accept, the heavy sludgy devil’s note rock of Black Sabbath and QOTSA. But both of these records have the same mission of upsetting the apple cart. While their Bossanova-era peers were stripping down indie rock to it’s most lo-fi nadir, the Pixies turned in the opposite direction and softened their edges and create their most textured and lush and sonically cohesive statement to date. Single minded and laser pointed to give a new version of what everyone had come to expect of them. The same is true for Humbug. As their peers went to the freak folk, twee, sunny beach girl group fuzziness, the Arctic Monkeys came back with a vengeance in black leather, heavy riffs and slow pile driver beats. They were no longer the snotty cheeky kids we once knew, they had transformed themselves into the kids with the long hair, the kids who smoked in the bathroom and had made the conscious decision to get their kicks while they were still young enough to enjoy them. (I know there's a bit of a mix up in order of release here but still...)

And finally, we have Doolittle : Suck It And See
The moment when all of the differing versions of each of these two bands came to their necessary convergence. Both are mixed with the best of their selves, the punk, the noise, the lyrics and the aesthetics, as well as the maturity, the mastery and the context. Both of these records were the line in the sand. All that was past was prologue to these LPs, and their arrival made even the previously amazing moments seem like just one step short of this.

Now does this mean that Trompe Le Monde is next and the inevitable demise of the band is imminent? Let’s hope not. But let’s not forget,Trompe Le Monde did have some stellar moments.

Noel Gallagher

2011-07-06T10:37:00.003-04:00

In the interest of time and importance, no editorial on this for now, just the press release:

NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS RELEASE THE ALBUM "NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS" THROUGH SOUR MASH RECORDS/MERCURY ON NOVEMBER 8 IN THE U.S.

Noel Gallagher confirmed today at a press conference in London that his brand new album "Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds" - the first of TWO albums which have recently been completed - will be released through his own label, Sour Mash Records, on October 17 2011 in the U.K. followed by a U.S. release on November 8 2011 on Sour Mash Records/Mercury.

Video from today's press conference at Electric Cinema in Notting Hill will be available shortly on http://www.youtube.com/noelgallaghertv.

The album, his debut as a solo artist, was recorded in London and completed in Los Angeles during 2010 and the first half of 2011. It was co-produced by Noel and David Sardy, with whom Noel has worked previously. It features ten brand new tracks.

Guests on the album include The Crouch End Festival Chorus and The Wired Strings (full list below).

The choice of a single will be decided shortly.

A second album, a companion to the above but as yet untitled, was recorded in the UK this year and is now complete. This album is the result of Noel's continued collaboration with the Amorphous Androgynous, and will be released in 2012.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will tour this autumn, subsequent to the release of their eponymous album.

The track-listing for Noel's debut solo album is:

EVERYBODY'S ON THE RUN

DREAM ON

IF I HAD A GUN...

THE DEATH OF YOU AND ME

(I WANNA LIVE IN A DREAM IN MY) RECORD MACHINE

AKA...WHAT A LIFE!

SOLDIER BOYS AND JESUS FREAKS

AKA..BROKEN ARROW

(STRANDED ON) THE WRONG BEACH

STOP THE CLOCKS

Guests on the album include:

JEREMY STACEY - DRUMS

MIKEY ROWE - KEYBOARDS

MARK NEARY - DOUBLE BASS, SAW, WINE GLASSES, WASHBOARD, ELECTRIC KETTLE

BECCY BYRNE - BACKING VOCALS

JON GRABOFF - PEDAL STEEL

LUIS JARDIM - PERCUSSION

LENNY CASTRO - PERCUSSION

GARY ALESBROOK, ANDREW KINSMAN, TREVOR MIRES - HORNS CROUCH END FESTIVAL CHORUS THE WIRED STRINGS

"Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds" is the first new material from Noel Gallagher for 3 years.

Submarine

2011-05-06T11:59:00.004-04:00

As everyone knows, I am a sucker for everything that Alex Turner touches... Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets, Alexa Chung. So when I heard he was doing the soundtrack for a movie, I was pretty excited. Then I found out that the movie in question was the first outing as director for Richard Ayoade. For those who are not familiar with Mr. Ayoade's work (The Mighty Boosh, The IT Crowd), I'm sad to report that you are missing out. So here's a taste from The IT Crowd.

The movie in question is entitled Submarine and will be released in the US on June 3rd. While the trailer could easily be compared to films I dislike (Wes Anderson movies, most yuppie indie pablum), knowing that Ayoade is involved and that Turner was also involved makes me think that this will rise above its peers and deliver something special. I'll update with a review once I get a chance to see the film.

The music is definitely above it's peers. As usual, Alex Turner, has made another instant classic. Lyrically interesting, the EP is very stripped down and simple but immensely enjoyable. There is a great sense of melancholy mixed with some fear and tons of emotion that just oozes with teenage angst that seems to fit the subject matter of the film perfectly, but yet can stand on it's own as another great entry in Turner's increasingly glowing CV. See what you think...

Amazon.com Widgets

Pulled Apart By Horses

2011-05-03T14:46:00.008-04:00

One of the few bands I caught in Austin during SXSW Interactive that I had to talk about to everyone within earshot was Pulled Apart By Horses. I caught them at the British Embassy space and they played right after Jonquil, who, for the record, were depressingly boring, painfully twee and indie in all the worst ways. After Jonquil, I considered leaving the venue for fear that the entire lineup would be similarly boring and toothless. But I stayed and was handsomely rewarded with a blistering set of punk rock music. With a sound that recalls mostly 90s grunge and "alternative" greats like Helmet, The Refused and The Jesus Lizard, as well as a touch of McClusky, this quartet know those who came before them and are dutifully standard bearing for all things punk, hardcore, and rock and roll.

But it wasn't just the music that impressed me, PABH also brought that sense of urgency that I look for in all of my music, no matter what the genre. Blowing the entire PA before even finishing their first song, then proceeding to a 30 minute barrage of stage diving, jumping off the stacks, playing in the crowd, jumping on the bar and simply expressing all the rage and fun that punk rock is meant to be, Pulled Apart By Horses prove that the reports of the death of rock music may be greatly exaggerated. Horray for angry youth and misdirected anger!

Pulled Apart By Horses MySpace

Download I Punched A Lion In The Throat from Mad Mackerel

S.C.U.M

2011-04-20T15:37:00.003-04:00

I have been waiting for a label and release announcement from S.C.U.M since 2008. While The Horrors and Beak> and the like came out with their atmospheric gothic dirge releases, S.C.U.M really floored me with their textures and sounds more than the rest. But then, radio silence. They posted random dates and some signs of life, but nothing official and nothing to make me think that they would actually release anything. The I got news from Mute:

"With a highly anticipated debut album due out late summer, the London based band S.C.U.M has signed to Mute. As a preview, the band is releasing a new track “Summon The Sound” which is featured on Mute’s exclusive Record Store Day vinyl release, Vorwärts."

Finally confirmation that I am not the only person who found this band exciting. So a new song, news of a debut release and hopefully some touring thereafter should see if they can live up to their potential or if I was led astray by the moody lighting and prevailing sense of death. I am a sucker for a prevailing sense of death.

Check out the new song "Summon The Sound"
S.C.U.M - Summon The Sound by Mute UK

White Belt Yellow Tag

2011-04-06T11:41:00.002-04:00

OK enough with the news about bands you already know. Time for band you probably don't know: White Belt Yellow Tag. With members from a disparate British indie family tree (yourcodenameis:MILO, The Cooper Temple Clause) and an even more varied production pedigree (White Lies, Late of the Pier, The Verve, Blur), White Belt Yellow Tag are a unique version of most of the British music I like.

Lead singer Craig Pilbin's vocals are grand and sweet with a dash of Coldplay, Radiohead and the like, while Justin Lockey brings an interesting twist of guitar noise as well as arrangement that swings from Sonic Youth to doves. In the spirit of full disclosure, the drummer for WBYT is my friend Tom Bellamy, formerly of The Cooper Temple Clause, who was chosen (according to him) principally because he is not a drummer. Mashed all together the sound is distinctly British but in no way tired or a retread. In fact, in the current context of British indie it's probably exactly what is missing. WBYT's songs are lush, grand and sweeping with loads of melancholy and emotion and just as many melodies and hooks.

Watch the video, grab a free MP3, and look for their first US EP "You’re Not Invincible" on May 10.

Download "Remains" from their US debut now.

Sons and Daughters

2011-03-29T11:42:00.003-04:00

I woke up to some great news from Scotland... a new Sons and Daughters record is done and ready for release!

I love this band, as longtime readers will know. The descriptions on the Domino site, do give me pause though, as I prefer S&D in their full-on rockabilly speed demon twang, whereas the new record is described more like their slower more deliberate past exploits like Love the Cup and Repulsion Box. And the first sneak peek track, Silver Spell speaks to that. But the good news is that there are also other great descriptions of the new record that have me very interested. "Themes of fairytales, serial killers and witchcraft"? Yes! "If any film represents this record, it would be like Dario Argento’s Suspiria.” YES! I can't wait.

Check out and download Silver Spell at the Domino Records site.

Follow Sons And Daughters on twitter: @SnDloveYou

Glasvegas

2011-03-25T12:23:00.003-04:00

Yes, I am getting more and more excited about the prospect of a new Glasvegas record. Honestly, I am still amazed that they raise so much vitriol from so many, as I thought the first record was a bonafide immediate classic. But I guess my taste is definitely not the norm, so a perfect record in my mind does not make a hit. Nevertheless, the Scottish 4-piece are back, with a new drummer and lead singer James has a new thing for white clothes. Strange and unexpected, but ok.

The newly record is called EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ and will be available digitally on April 5th. The first released track is entitled The World Is Yours. Of course with a sophomore release the band have the usual considerations... sound too similar and people get bored, but sound too different and risk losing your core supporters. With this first track, Glasvegas seem to have toed the line between both of those strategies pretty darn well. There is a sunnier disposition than past tracks and a surprise electronic edge, and the pace is picked up a bit, but the giant chorus and stadium sing along crescendo still prevail, with the usual dose of moodiness and melancholy. I take this as a good sign for the full record.

Download The World is Yours from RCRDLBL now.

Beady Eye

2011-03-07T13:24:00.009-05:00

While listening to Beady Eye isn't a difficult task, passing judgement on it is. It's problematic because I want to avoid my preconceived notions about the members of the band and how that affects the actual songs. But it's impossible to do so. I want to divorce this music from all of the Oasis output that came before it and judge it on it's own merits, but there will always be that nagging feeling...

At it's worst and at it's best, Beady Eye sounds like a trip through the British music canon. In terms of song writing, melody and technical prowess, it's obvious that Same Gear, Still Speeding is a work created by consummate professionals. It's tight and punchy, and plenty catchy. There are some greater than yours singles with swooping moments of grandeur and the sing-along choruses to match.

Overall, though, and this goes very much to my personal taste and preferences, it lacks that killer instinct. It never veers into the red zone. Even with moments like "Four Letter Word," this is not a brick wall of rock and roll intensity. Perhaps it's simply that rock and roll is a young man's game, but vigor is the most glaring missing link here. Any vocal appearance by Liam Gallagher sans a snarl is a missed opportunity and there just aren't enough of those here. I understand that it's a mature record by mature musicians, but that change the fact that when it comes to rock and roll, I prefer mine louder, faster and angrier than than this.

But here's my quick read breakdown of every knee jerk angle re: the New Beady Eye that will come to your mind:

Q. Is Beady Eye better than Oasis?
A. No and that's a dumb question.

Q. Are the other members of Oasis better songwriters than Noel?
A. No, but there are some very very good songs on this record that rival plenty of Oasis' 00s output.

Q. Does it just sound like Oasis 2.0?
A. Not really. The instrumentation and production alone set Beady Eye apart from its predecessor. It's definitely a different sounding band.

Q. Does Beady Eye sound at all like Ride or Heavy Stereo?
A. If you ask that question then to your ears definitely not.

Q. Should I buy this record?
A. Yes. Contextually, this is one of the best rock and roll records out right now. It draws from everything from John Lennon (obviously) to The La's, The Who, Wings, Tarantula-era Ride, T. Rex, and of course the Beatles. It's well retro, but then again, isn't rock and roll?

Arctic Monkeys

2011-03-04T14:01:00.003-05:00

With great excitement and pleasure I present a new Arctic Monkeys song and video...

Chapel Club

2011-02-28T15:19:00.001-05:00

I'm very conflicted about Chapel Club. On the one hand, they seem like nice guys with good taste and playing good solid songs that remind me of other bands I really like (The Mighty Lemon Drops, Longwave, The Stills). The problem is, at least for the US, that I think they are going to suffer the same fate as all of those bands. Much like them, they don't have a particular look. Their sound doesn't fit any underground hip wave of buzz. They have no "thing." They aren't the next Oasis and they aren't the next Libertines.

But they do have songs. And really that's the saddest part. While other bands are getting all of the attention, Chapel Club is making solid rock songs with sweeping crescendos and giant choruses. The songs are catchy and tight, and still have a sense of grandeur. I wish them the best but expect the worst. Please prove me wrong, world.

Download All The Eastern Girls from Billy Suede.

And watch the video too:

Radiohead

2011-02-15T09:11:00.004-05:00

In addition to all of the other greats releasing records this spring, we now have a new Radiohead release to look forward to as well.

Entitled King Of Limbs, it is available for pre-order now and the download portion will be available this week.

No pay what you want experiment. No paradigm shifting. Just another Radiohead release of songs/music.

www.KingOfLimbs.com

UPDATE:
Now with video...

Brother

2011-02-08T00:16:00.005-05:00

Since I have commented on The Vaccines, it's only right that I follow that up quickly with one on Brother.

Splitting British music fans right down the middle, most people think that Brother are either the devil incarnate or the second coming. The critical intelligentsia are dismissing them out of hand as rehashing grave-robbers with no real musical chops but tons of gall and a lot of lip service. Unfortunately for those critics, there seem to be a real market for an Oasis redux act, filming their interviews at a football stadium, claiming they are the only real music in town and insulting other bands with reckless abandon. Claiming their own sound as "gritpop" didn't help either.

But notice that I haven't mentioned much about the music. That's the thing, for the slings and arrows, the music is rarely the real topic, and I think I know why. Brother's songs are... not bad. They aren't great either. They have all the earmarks and swagger, but the things that made Britpop and particularly Oasis so inviting was the sound. Huge loud and imposing while also simple-minded dumb pop music that drives deeply into your brain after one listen. Brother's songs are ok, they aren't offensive, but they aren't inspiring. They might do better with some touring, some punch ups and a good amount of lager and a few more records in their collection. I can wait.

Lykke Li

2011-02-02T17:23:00.005-05:00

Now that I have read a few interviews with Lykke Li, it sounds like she agrees with my assessments of her career so far. While I found her first record pleasant enough, there was always something a bit too pleasant. Pleasant to the point of toothless. There wasn't much to really hang on to or to talk about. it was just nice and inoffensive and simply fit into the landscape of breathy pretty girl singers without much to say. It sounds like she now has beef with her former persona, and is ready to throw the world a curve ball.

And with the her currently ubiquitous single, "Get Some," she has done just that. The mood is edgier, the instrumentation is more immediate and even her hair has taken a turn for the dark side. Which is why I am so intrigued this time out. She doesn't sound like everyone else here. She is taking charge with calm and somewhat lewd assertions and is staking her claim.

Also check out the Beck and Mike D remixes of Get Some.

For an idea as to why she has changed, check the Fader interview.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention this earlier... one of the other reasons I like this song is that it's basically an electro goth remake of KC and the Sunshine Band's "I'm Your Boogieman!" Trade the "I'm your prostitute" line for "I'm your boggie man" and you'll have to admit it's pretty much spot on.

The Vaccines

2011-01-27T13:00:00.004-05:00

I had been planning to do a quickie post about 8-10 new bands that I have been checking out but then figured I have the time to do individual posts bout them, so why not take the time and do right be each of them.

I'll start with The Vaccines. yet another victim in the UK crush of immediate hype, the resulting backlash and the inevitable stateside launch. The funny thing is that for these guys, it's all happened in a matter of about 4 months. I won't go into the merits of the hype, or the reasons (or merits) of the backlash. Instead, I'll just give you my take as I caught them live last week here at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC.

The songs are pretty well-crafted, and they excel when they stick to the 2 and a half minute pop song. They are capable enough players, with the drummer really standing out oftentimes, which is always nice to hear. It's good to see basic simple rock songs being played quickly with a sense of urgency, and with little to no noodling and spells of introspection.

The problem comes in the other areas of rock that they (admittedly) are just not interested in. They have no look, there is no sense of danger in the band's persona, and are overall just nice boys. (Check out this quick interview with them from Live4Ever for more on this). Now I am not asking that they be Oasis or the Sex Pistols, but with the energy and songwriting chops, I just wish they'd spend a month or so locked in a studio with Graham Coxon to figure out how to be a proper nice boy, yet dangerous, rock and roller.

Check out the video for the single that won me over in the first place:

Jamie XX + Adele & Gil Scott-Heron

2011-01-24T10:00:00.005-05:00

As I mentioned before, I found 2010 to be a pretty miserable year in music. Luckily, it seems like 2011 might have a chance at blowing last year away in just the first few months. Coming very soon will be new records from the following:

Arctic Monkeys
Glasvegas
The Duke Spirit
The Streets
Sons and Daughters
Beady Eye
The Strokes

Now, that is just an amazing line up with some fabulous pedigree and a very good chance at some great music. In fact, this gem has already made its way to the stores/charts:

Adele- Rolling In The Deep (Jamie XX Shuffle)

In one fell swoop, Adele and jamie of the XX have beaten almost all of 2010's releases. Bodes well for the next 12 months, methinks.

But that also got me thinking about another Jamie XX release coming in the next month. Gil Scott-Heron's 2010 record is getting a full remix treatment by the UK's latest most sought after producer. And from what I have heard, it seems destined to cement 2011 as Jamie's year.

Top 10 for 2010 +1

2011-01-14T11:46:00.005-05:00

2010 was not a great year for music. I freely admit that I have slacked in listening to as much music as I should have, and admit that my daily listening shifted from music to more podcasts. But when going through other people's top 10 lists, I just do not see much that I missed out on. In fact, whereas I usually have trouble cutting my list down to 10, this year I struggled to even think of 10 records that I felt were worthy. Really this should be a top 5-15 instead of a top 10, but it's a yearly tradition so here we go:

1. The Crocodiles- Sleep Forever
2. Paul Weller- Wake Up the Nation
3. Tame Impala- Innerspeaker
4. Karen Elson- The Ghost Who Walks
5. Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster- Blood and Fire
6. Scissor Sisters- Night Work
7. Thee Oh Sees- Warm Slime
8. Delphic- Acolyte
9. Hurts- Happiness
10. Junip- Fields

And as a +1, if The Black Belles had a full release and not just a single, they probably could have taken the top spot. Just a guess, but I just love them so much that I am willing to go out on a limb on this one. Thank you, Jack White, for the Black Belles, my favorite band of 2010.

The Like

2010-06-04T15:40:00.007-04:00

I saw The Like a couple of years ago and I was not impressed. I think that for the most part Mark Ronson has produced their new record and for the record I think he's actually very overrated, and a bit of a follower rather than a creator. And maybe the commenter on this Refinery 29 article is right and these gals are poseurs who just have good stylists. I have no real issue with them being famous progeny, and them being well-heeled and well-to-do (Joe Strummer was an ambassador's kid, ya know), but the whole LA retro scenester thing I find much more damning. So I am loathe to recommend this, but... look at them. I'm a sucker. I know this. Bangs, false eyelashes, mary janes and Mary Quant and I'm smitten. But I do have standards and it takes more than that to convince me to recommend them here.

The thing is, the new single... it's great. It puts the Pipettes to shame, and really has to make Duffy and Kate Nash cry. It's got much more shimmy and shake and really takes out the twee that seems to ruin most of the music that reaches for this era. The thing about girl groups is the fact that they were inherently pushing the envelope by simply being on stage. There's inherent danger in them, at least in the best ones. More like the Shangri-las or even Tuscadero, The Like know how to make you think that the quiet ones are perhaps the wildest ones. Maybe it is too overproduced and too professional, as compared to folks like Dum Dum Girls and The Splinters, but when I listen to those bands I keep thinking that they are confusing "lack of singing/playing ability" for "lo-fi." The Like sound like they aren't just trying to be better, they just are.

Get some free music from The Like at RCRDLBL.com: http://rcrdlbl.com/artists/The_Like/music

And barring all of the stuff in my first paragraph, when it comes down to it, great rock and roll both sounds AND looks good. And right now, The Like look and sound good to me.

The Like - He's Not A Boy from Downtown Music on Vimeo.

Get free music from The Like at RCRDLBL.com

Daisy Lowe

2010-06-04T15:37:00.002-04:00

I found this today. This video changed my life.

Daisy Lowe Dances In Underwear For Esquire (VIDEO)

Brakes

2010-05-18T00:49:00.003-04:00

Let's get back to the England part of the All England Club for a bit...

Brakes (aka BrakesBrakesBrakes in the USA) are a side project/super group consisting of members of The Electric Soft Parade and British Sea Power. Now, while I don't dislike either of those bands, I also don't love either. The thing is, I don't even love Brakes, but every once in a while, I find one song in particular that stands out so much that I feel the need to point it out. Which is not to say the record isn't worth checking out and buying, it has some great moments, but this track in particular is the reason to care.

It's not brand new, the record meanders a lot and isn't great from start to finish, but there is absolutely no denying how great "Don't Take Me To Space (Man)" really is. It's grand, it's larger than life, it's anthemic and it's a perfectly crafted rock music moment. It's the kind of power pop song you wish all of your favorite bands had written. It's the kind of song you dig out to play for people, who will inevitably love it as well. And it's songs like that that deserve your attention, no matter how old or overlooked they might be by everyone else.

Brakes- Don't Take Me To Space (Man)

Ringo Deathstarr

2010-05-07T10:59:00.003-04:00

Ringo Deathstarr. Ringo Deathstarr? OK, obviously the name is horrendous. It's hard to get over how bad the name of this band is. But once that enormous hurdle is overcome, you can probably get a really great listen out of this Austin band.

Compared to most bands trying to mimic the sound of this same era, RDS are leaps and bounds ahead of the pack. All of the things the pretenders get wrong, RDS get right. The song tempos are slow but insistent, the bass is heavy and motoring, the ethereal female vocal tracks are breezy but lush. They seem to have listened to the shoegazer canon in a deeper more contemplative way than most of their contemporaries.

This might also be their biggest problem, though. Upon my first few listens, I love that tracks evoke JAMC, Lush, Chapterhouse, The Red House Painters, Slowdive and the like. I love that sound, and this band nails it. But I am not sure that, in the long run, Ringo Deathstar have done enough to make me like them in particular. This might be decided by time more than anything else, and I am hopeful that with more time, I will find something in RDS songs that I can't find anywhere else. But if you simply want a new band that sounds like other bands you may already love, this is a great option.

Audio Bullys

2010-04-23T00:04:00.005-04:00

I get very fed up with dance music very often. Deep in my heart I love it so, but in the real world, the music most people love/play/champion is simply not up to snuff. I think that compared to most genres, creating good dance/electronic music requires the most background and perspective of what has come before and what is really worthwhile. Of course it's all relative, but it's my blog so there.

I can't say I have had much enjoyment of many of the most recent trends (mash-up Brazilian baile funk, Baltimore house aka clown music, neo-"Daft Punk Live" rehash, etc.), so I have recently been losing faith again. But as with everything, as long as keep an open mind, something comes to save the day. In this case, it was the latest Audio Bullys. While this track could be rehash of 90s big beat, breaks, UK hip hop, etc., what I think really stands out about the track is the pacing and restraint. ABs seem to understand the perfect length of time between a chorus, a break and a drop. Instead of going for the jugular the entire time, the tracks builds and sways and still stays the course long enough to keep you interested. The tropes are there (the high pitch crescendo, the drop, the cut up breaks), but these guys know enough to put them in the right places and when to be coy. They get it.

Thank you Audio Bullys for making me want to dance again.

Audio Bullys- Only Man (Reset! Remix) at RCRDLBL

Vote for me

2010-04-06T19:11:00.001-04:00

Do a brother a favor and vote for me: Fred Perry "Your Stories"

Get Him to the Greek

2010-04-06T11:02:00.005-04:00

Russell used to be my little anglophile secret. Then he blew up and I felt more and more like I had lost a prized treasure. But every time I watch the trailers for his new movie, I laugh.

Delphic

2010-04-05T21:04:00.006-04:00

I have a penchant for all things Mancunian, so when I read that the BBC's number one band for 2010, Delphic, I was pretty sure I would be on the bandwagon soon. And I was right. Now I read that my pals at Dangerbird Records here in the US have signed them! So expect this record out in the US sometime this year for all of us to enjoy.

The immediate thoughts that spring to mind when listening to Acolyte are: late era New Order, late 90s Primal Scream with a softer touch, a more feminine and radio friendly Klaxons, Underworld with a penchant for radio more than the dancefloor, an androgynous and cold version of Depeche Mode's artier moments, These New Puritans without the art grant focus.

Reducing Delphic to peer comparisons, though, might make you think that they are just followers, which is not true. What makes their debut such a success is that it is at once reminiscent of past faves, but also sounds fresh. As with much of the stuff I post here, what I really love is that after two listens, you will find yourself humming these songs; it is instantly compelling. This record could easily be four to five singles deep. It is radio ready and could very easily catch fire. If there is any justice in the world, you will hear this music in commercials, movies, and in the real world.

Jack Penate

2010-02-08T21:59:00.005-05:00

Here's another early 2009 release I finally got around to listening to that I regret not giving the time earlier. Jack Penate's second release is similar to many hit indie US acts I hate, yet somehow it finds a way to be endearing, catchy and interesting without getting ruined by it's trendiness.

First for the problems... Those festive and currently ubiquitous samba drums. In and of themselves, the beats are not bad. In fact, I think everyone loved them so much in the doves "There Goes The Fear," that they have now become the go to sound to make plain indie songs sound active. Unfortunately, everyone is doing it.

But again, taken outside of the current trends, there really is something here. Whether he's channeling the singalong moments of Travis/Badly Drawn Boy or the Cure's Robert Smith's moody range, Jack is making great songs. No one is going to confuse Penate for a crooner, but that's also part of the charm. There's a sense of the shambolic here, and matched with the frenetic pace, and the subject matter of love and romance, the listener finds him/herself rooting for Jack to get the girl. This might make the songs sound cloying, but again, as with the drums, there is a deft touch here that keeps the songs from the areas Coldplay seem to wander into too often. Even when the pace slows, the production value and the inherently strong songs keep things on point. While Penate's debut leaned a bit too folk for me, this second release has really impressed.

The Howling Bells

2010-01-25T21:45:00.001-05:00

One of the main problems with music being reduced to electronic files is that in a silly slip up or simple misplacement, loads of sings can be lost or at least forgotten. Which is not to say I'm against music as easily portable data, but it makes one have to be that much more vigilant. Unfortunately, The Howling Bells fell prey to my lack of vigilance. I've had this record for a while but it somehow hadn't made it onto my iPod. Another blogger's "'best of' mix' reminded me of them again, so I remedied the situation and am richer for it.

I'll come right out and admit the overwhelming similarity between The Howling Bells and The Cardigans. From the timbre of the lead singers' voices to their beauty, as well as the meter of the songs and some of the lyrical content, the similarities cannot be ignored. I will give the Swedes the upper hand though, because of their knack for stamping each release with a distinct flavor and sound that made each record totally unique and yet almost always a success.

The Howling Bells do not have that sense of artistic flourish yet, but what they do have is a warm, inviting and attractive sensibility that is worthy of your attention. Their lack of experimentation does tend to leave me a bit less than lovestruck, but I'm definitely interested. perhaps the sound is a bit late 90s but with all of the reunions and the like, there don't seem to be many acts making this kind of music right now, so The HBs are a welcome change. It feels as though, The Howling Bells have a sound in mind and will make that sound, no matter what is de rigueur. There is cooing sensuality, but it's never sappy, and the songs are first and foremost considerably "catchy" rather than some grand brooding of the moment allusion. Besides another AEC fave, The Duke Spirit, this feminine take on rock/pop is wanting right about now. Bat For Lashes, Florence and the Machine, Marina and the Diamonds and the like all seem to be channeling Fleetwood Mac or Kate Bush. The Bells seem to avoid those currents and keep on their own course. And hopefully that course will bring their third record (due out later this year) as a fully fledged vision of who they are and what they sound like, sans the hippest of now.

DJing this weekend!

2010-01-15T16:08:00.007-05:00

It's been awhile but I am dusting off the vinyl for a shared DJ set this weekend. It's on Sunday night, but Monday is a holiday, so what better way to enjoy the extra weekend night?!

I'll be guesting at Mr. B's Hideaway // Sunday Nights at Madame Geneva NYC. Expect an evening of gin-centric cocktails & British inspired beats -
SKA, ROCKSTEADY, ROOTS, DUB, REGGAE, 2 Tone

This Sunday's line up featuring DJS -
DJ Cockfosters (ALL ENGLAND CLUB)
Ben Velez (OTAKU)
imelectric (Ladies Lotto)

8pm-12am

Madame Geneva
4 Bleeker Street
(behind Double Crown)

AEC video playlist

2010-01-12T15:01:00.002-05:00

I have been coming across some new videos in a newly inspired bout of music searching that has come with the beginning of the new year. Check out what I have been checking out at The AEC YouTube Playlist.

I'll probably have more to say about the Jack Penate and the Delphic soon. But make sure you check out the trailer for the Creation Records documentary. Looks so cool.

The AEC Top 10 for 2009

2010-01-04T21:54:00.005-05:00

I feel no obligation anymore to make these top 10 lists every year (no deadlines, no place to have them printed), but I still feel personally compelled and since some folks are inevitably going to ask, I therefore give you the All England Club Top 10 Albums for 2009

The Arctic Monkeys- Humbug
The Big Pink- A Brief History of Love
The Horrors- Primary Colours
LaRoux- LaRoux
Morrissey- Years of Refusal
the morning after girls- alone.
Esser- Braveface
Julian Casablancas- Phrazes for the Young
Zomby- Where were you in '92?
The Drums- EP

Honorable mentions:
The 1990s- Kicks
Junior Boys- Begone Dull Care

And that's the way I saw 2009.

The XX

2009-12-27T22:22:00.004-05:00

Time for another band that's been tipped by many as tops for the year, The XX.

Lots of folks lump these Londonites with The Big Pink, but I think that does a disservice to both. There may be some similarities, but they are somewhat limited. Where The BP are pop songs under a sludge of effects, or harder edged codeine-fueled anthems, The XX are, in a word, "sparse." Yes they are dreamy and have spacey ethereal moments, but what they have really brought to the table is a discreet sense of emptiness. And while this sensibility is very "post-punk," coming from The XX, in 2009, there is also a sense of freshness. The three-piece leave well enough alone, and don't overstretch things, just to create a false sense of earnestness.

But as they live by the sword, they also die by the sword. At times, the emptiness leaves the listener a bit cold, and often, even after repeat listens, it's hard to remember hooks are moments that you want to bask in again. It's not forgettable, but it's not memorable either. At first, I couldn't understand why the record left me a bit colder than I thought it would, but then I saw them live. The problem live, which I think may also have to do with the record, is that there is very little behind the songs in terms of emotion, fear, anger, loss or destruction. Even with the bands they were inspired by (Portishead, Echo and the Bunnymen, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Mazzy Star) there was a front of stage sense of something. The XX have not found their thing yet, but hopefully, in time, they will.

Arctic Monkeys

2009-12-23T16:01:00.004-05:00

Been meaning to throw this video up on my YouTube Channel. After the weird grandeur of "Crying Lightning," I really love the punk rock reaction of the Arctic Monkeys next video, "Cornerstone." Simplicity delivers.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AllEnglandClub

AEC YouTube Channel and Izza Kizza

2009-12-15T11:53:00.003-05:00

I realized that I post a good handful of videos here, and sometimes I forget to psot good stuff here, but I'm favorite-ing things on YouTube all the time. Therefore, I decided to bust out a whole AEC YouTube Channel. I'll to write a little bit about videos more often here, but you can always go through, and check this channel in case I missed posting about something. So every now and again, check here for videos when you are bored:

http://www.youtube.com/AllEnglandClub

It all started with Izza Kizza.

When I saw Izza Kizza's "Ooh La La" video on Subterranean earlier this month, my first thought was that it reminded me of OutKast. Which is not to say that it sounds just like OutKast but more in the sense of, if OutKast were to put out a record now, I hope it sounds kinda like this. And of course there's a reason for this, it's a Timberland project. And God knows I love me some Timmy. So check out the video, the record's not out til February, though, so the video will have to suffice. You can grab a download of another track from the forthcoming record at Izza Kizza's official site.

More editorial on the other videos soon, I promise.

The Big Pink

2009-12-12T14:21:00.005-05:00

In a recent interview, The Big Pink were asked about the bands that influenced their debut. All of their choices were respectable, but that they gave a nod to Ministry really stood out for me. This is mainly because it showed me the difference between them and most of the other neo-shoegazer bands of late. What they, and Ministry (and other bands of which The Big Pink is reminiscent, like the Verve, Chapterhouse, Love And Rockets, or Curve) understood was that no matter what the tempo of the music, there has to be a sense of danger making it compelling, especially if you are making somewhat dark music. The sense of the ominous and a sense of urgency seem to be what many new bands are missing. Not so with The Big Pink.

And that's why I love this record. It's underlying melodies make it extremely listenable and require repeats, but that's not to say it's a simple record. A Brief History of Love is also paced well, which accents the moodiness of the record, without sacrificing the darkness and gothic nature of the whole work. There are enough symphonic moments to make the debut seem grand and festival ready, but there's enough texture and space to justify a long focused headphone listen as well. But it all comes down to the songwriting, and this is where The Big Pink excels. The songs are big, catchy, dark and simply rock and roll the way it was meant to be. This might be a contender for my record of the year.

Grab "Dominoes" and "Too Young To Love" at:
Ultra8201

Arctic Monkeys

2009-12-01T23:32:00.003-05:00

I have yet to weigh in on the new Arctic Monkeys. Honestly, I wanted to give it some time to sink in before I made a decision, especially because it is such a departure and is a complex record.

With Whatever People Say..., the Arctic Monkeys came out as the sassiest, most whip-smart Brits in years. They were brash, snotty and judgemental, but 100% real. With Favourite Worst Nightmare, they broke into different musical personas, proving they could pull off love songs, urgent rock riffs, and still retaining the crown for the sharpest tongues in the UK.

So as their next move... they go metal? Well, it's perhaps not straight metal, but the Sabbath riffs are there. The guitar solos are there and so is the "devil's note." Sure, Josh Homme's production added some of this to the brew, but my thinking is that Alex and crew are just making their rounds through their influences and seeing what, in 2009's music landscape, is sorely lacking and filling that gap. And God knows we are all lacking in some heavy rock. But since the quartet are smart enough to know better than to simply nick songs with reckless abandon, they instead have fused this with their own sound, and, of course, the Alex Turner mind-spinning lyricism. I have poured over the lyrics to this record endlessly, just as I did with their first two releases, and I don't think I'll tire of this one either. With songs about love, sex, drugs, and overall reckless abandon, they understand and deliver what rock and roll has always been.

Julian Casablancas

2009-12-01T00:10:00.005-05:00

Other than Nick, each member of the Strokes has released a solo record. While each was enjoyable, Julian Casablancas's effort wins.

Fab's Little Joy was fun and so very spring/summery. Albert's records have been smart, but a bit spark-less. Nickle Eye was surprisingly solid, but a bit morose and very much a lo-fi "bedroom" effort. Julian's solo debut takes Fab's route of reinvention and runs with it. Upon hearing the first tones of the single, I knew I was in for something completely different. When I heard "11th Dimension," I thought Julian was trying to bring back Shannon/Lisa Lisa era freestyle. But just going electro dance would be too simple. Phrazes for the Young hits country notes, electric organs play a significant part, as do waltzes and piano bar ballads. And of course, as with all of the others' efforts, Julian is still a Stroke, and these songs still evoke that spirit. But this time out, it's the perfect balance. Just enough of the old, the new and the different. Well done, Mr. Casablancas.

Plus, I also love the graphical allusion made with that pic above.

Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions

2009-11-21T10:02:00.003-05:00

I was never a Mazzy Star apologist. I know plenty of folks who are, but to me the band was all promise and very little delivery. In fact, their lack of output has made people protest their greatness way too much in my opinion (same with MBV... they are great but they ain't THAT great, calm down people). So with the rest of the reuniting 90s bands, so returns Hope Sandoval.

And, well, she still hasn't converted me. It's all well and nice and breathy and just dark enough, but I'm still not convinced I should care too much. I mean I get it.. she's attractive and smart and arty. But between the forgettable songs and the onstage tantrums, I just can't see the whole thing being worthwhile. At least Cat Power puts out good records often. Feel free to disagree.

The Cinematics

2009-11-13T17:08:00.002-05:00

I haven't really followed The Cinematics career too closely, but they seem to cross my radar every so often. When I do check their music out, I don't fall in love, but I'm also not turned off.

I think they have talent, and they do have it in them, but most often most of their music gets lost in a post-Interpol haze. Their latest effort has plenty of that as well, but, fortunately for me, I liked it enough to listen to the entire record. By doing so I was pleasantly surprised to find s few songs with more of an Echo and the Bunnymen and/or Edwyn Collins feel. This gives the record a bit more of a sheen of interest than usual, and I definitely recommend "Love and Terror."

The White Room

2009-11-08T20:45:00.003-05:00

Figured I could take a break from the new music and give you an oldie.

I had never heard of this compilation before, but it was released in 1996 by Q magazine and sounds like something the 96 version of myself would have died for. So does the 2009 version of me to be honest. Can't get much better than this tracklisting:

David A. Stewart and Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side
Oasis - Good to Be Free
Edwyn Collins and Bernard Butler - A Girl Like You
Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher - Talk Tonight
Sleeper - Inbetweener
Bobby Womack and Jeanie Tracey - It's All Over Now
Ray Davies and Damon Albarn - Waterloo Sunset

Enjoy.

http://beatoasis.blogspot.com/2009/09/va-white-room-album-1996.html

Free Energy

2009-11-05T07:59:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure I can put my finger on why Free Energy fills the same spot in my mind as other American/East Coast bands like The Strokes and The Virgins, but there's definitely some tonal or melodic common thread here.

Which is not to say they sound exactly like either of those bands. I'd say even with some commonalities, Free Energy still sounds fresh and unique right now. Obviously, the 80s synth sound isn't unique. But Free Energy isn't bringing it o you with an electro dance beat. These synths are more Hall and Oates than Missing Persons, and are much more about having a good time than rocking the house. Obviously, other alluring factors for me are the power pop lyricism and melodies. In my opinion, the more bands we can get that evoke Cheap Trick, Sloan or the Webb Brothers, the better.

And on top of all this, they are on DFA. Proof again DFA has very very few missteps.

Julian Casablancas

2009-09-22T09:42:00.005-04:00

Not totally sure how I feel about this song yet. It's different enough from the Strokes to be worthy of being a solo effort, but still toes the line with all of the other Strokes members' solo efforts in that they all seem to be the softer poppier side of the boys. Can't one of them at least come out with a really weird, arty, hard rock effort? Mr. Valensi, you're our only hope.

London/LES Swap finale party

2009-09-13T11:24:00.003-04:00

Just fyi, I'm DJing today. For more details see Wishyouwerehereswap.com

And, no, I am NOT a London DJ. It's an understandable mistake though.

Imelda May and Tom Allalone and the 78s

2009-09-09T00:28:00.003-04:00

It's been a bit so I will give you 2 for 1.

It's an understatement to say that I am well excited about the fact that these two acts are coming out of the UK at about the same time. Could this be a movement? A trend? Eh, probably not, but I will enjoy them while I can.

Imelda May is Dubliner with sass and pipes, as well as a striking look and a fabulously rich musical vision. The look and all that still take a back seat to the songs, and that's probably why she's been lauded so much in Ireland and the UK, and why she was hand-picked by Jools Holland to appear on his show. That was her first major TV exposure and she hasn't stopped since. I'll be seeing her next week, and will report back but if the video is any indication, I'll be pretty happy. Anyone who's bio includes the following quote is a-ok in my book: "My brother was a mad Elvis fan, and I found a tape in his room with Elvis, Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent. I thought the music was fantastic."

On the masculine flipside is Kent's Tom Allalone and the 78s. Some day I hope someone describes me as follows: "Allalone is equal parts teen idol, rebel and vaudevillian in performance; Eddie Cochran and Joe Strummer rub shoulders with Buster Keaton to create an embodiment of the lovelorn childish bravado." Until then, I can bask in TA&78s glow.

They actually toured with Imelda May recently and I first cam across them as they were originally slated to pay SXSW earlier this year. Their songs vary a bit more stylistically than Miss May's, mainly in that they veer into Elvis Costello radio pop territory or even jazz croon, but still carry the same rockabilly punch and run attitude. They too are dapper dressers as well, which is just another bit of icing.

The Drums

2009-08-18T14:51:00.003-04:00

A few years back, there was a band called Elkland. The members were all from the US, but somehow they were able to perfectly channel the best of the A-ha, Erasure, Bronski Beat, etc. Their best track, Everybody's Leaving, could easily have been mistaken for an original 80s synthpop lost gem. Luckily, although some time has passed, the members have not all gone on to coulda-been/shoulda been status. The lead singer has re-emerged with a new band: The Drums.

The Drums' first single, (video below) "Let's Go Surfing," is out now and it is a bonafide earworm. Much like Peter Bjorn and John's "Young Folks," the track utilizes the power of the simple whistle as its real hook, and then proceeds to bores its way into skull. But unlike PBnJ which aged particularly quickly, the rest of this track is so well crafted that I can't see that happening here. For me, this track is so formidably based in the art of a simple rock song, that it just stands up much better. It doesn't rely so heavily on the strength of the instantly recognizable whistle, but instead takes it's real strength from the rest of the song's clean and straight forward pop music craftsmanship. More reminiscent of the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson than their common indie rock peers, The Drums could actually be one of 2009's greatest newcomers.

Maybe Elkland's demise was worthwhile after all.

Download "Let's Go Surfing" and other tracks at RCRDLBL now.

Radiohead

2009-08-17T12:15:00.002-04:00

Just a heads up, there's a new Radiohead song available now as a free download from the w.a.s.t.e. site. I just grabbed it, but have yet to listen. Figured I'd tip you off anyway though.

Radiohead- These Are My Twisted Words

Major Lazer

2009-08-06T00:35:00.006-04:00

It's been awhile since I have posted a hate post. Let's do that now.

I figure I should note this one as you probably hear it out and about, and it's gotten plenty of attention. It's been kicking around awhile, but I am just getting around to posting.

Just reading the "bio" on Major Lazer, makes me cringe. And, correct, I am not a fan of most of the people involved with the project (Diplo/Mad Decent), but even looking at this track from a simple musical perspective, it just doesn't jive. The homages/allusions are at best obvious, and at worst trite. Worse than that, because of the attempts to pull from immediate touchstones like Lil Wayne's "A Milli" as well as the base levels of dancehall, and the necessary Hot Female vocal (by very current still, Santi of Santigold), all make this an effort in laziness. And it's this laziness that I think will also doom this track to very poor aging. Listen to this in a year and tell me it stands the test of time. I'm going with probably not.

Major Lazer- Hold the Line (DJ Edit)

Add to all of the above, the video which looks to mimic all of the French pop art Ed Banger cover art, and it just all smells of a half-hearted pastiche trying to cash in on anything that people who are just outside of the loop won't know any better than to like.

Give me Ce'cile's "Hot Like We" over this any day.

His 'n Hers

2009-07-31T11:38:00.001-04:00

For any Austin/San Antonio readers, my pals have just begun a new britpop/indie night in Austin. These folks were past partners/co-founders of the AEC, so they obviously get the vote of confidence. The next event is this Saturday, so make sure you check them out. Should be a gas.

His 'N Hers

Chairlift

2009-07-21T14:49:00.005-04:00

Chairlift is another band that I am somewhat reluctant to like/approve of/recommend. I am not head over heels for their debut, Does You Inspire You?, but I do find it somehow captivating. Or at least worth a few listens.

I first heard of them due to the lead singer's involvement in a Mountain Dew sponsored release collab with Flosstradamus (a duo I do not particularly endorse/like). I didn't particularly enjoy the track, but I found her intriguing. So, yes, it prob has plenty to do with Caroline Polachek's looks. Sue me.

So when I finally heard a song from her real band, "Evident Utensil," I was set to dislike it as well. When I didn't find myself automatically turned off by it, I decided to give Chairlift another chance. So then I heard "Bruises." Again, not bad.

Now, there are areas of the record that are less than stellar, but there are things about it that do ask for repeat listens. It's simple lyricism sometimes swings from child like curiosity to obvious rhyming dictonary stabs. The music can at times be a bit too twee for it's own good, but at times the vocal cadences and electronic odddities make it more interesting most. At times they lean a bit too MGMT, which I find atrocious, but lots of folks love it, so that's anoher reason I figured it worth mentioning.

I will recommend that you give them a few listens, and you'll probably hear it around, so this way I just beat you to the "who sings that song...?" question you were probably going to ask in a month or two.

the morning after girls- alone

2009-07-14T14:29:00.005-04:00

So the time has finally come... the first full LP release by the morning after girls has finally hit the virtual shelves. I ask that you buy it. Not just for me, not just for the band, but really, for yourself. It's worth it. It's cheap. And it's terrific.

Buy it now:
the morning after girls- alone

Lily Allen

2009-07-14T14:18:00.005-04:00

I do love me some videos. And I do love me some Lily Allen. As much as I love Lily Allen, I have found the last record a bit drab, good but not great. But her newest videos are killing it. Please to enjoy:

Lily Allen- 22

And also check out:
Lily Allen- Fuck You

Oasis, Webley, July 11, 2009

2009-07-13T16:31:00.001-04:00

So here's what I did on Saturday...

The Noisettes

2009-07-06T23:31:00.005-04:00

I am torn about the new Noisettes single/video. When I saw them a few years ago, one of the things that excited me about them, was their punk edge. They were a bit noisy and in-your-face, and really demanded attention. With this new single, the sound has totally changed.

I don't want to be the kind of fan who requires that a band stand in place and rehash the same sound over and over again. But I do fear that this new direction is calculated, and maybe even "suggested," more than organic. In the post Winehouse/Duffy/Adele world, this might have been the big reach for the brass ring.

Luckily, the song is pretty good, and it's definitely catchy. So, it's not a total loss. But I reserve the right to give it a jaundiced eye. See what you think...

Blonde Acid Cult/Calypso

2009-07-01T00:44:00.004-04:00

This is an American band. I know what the hell am I thinking?!? But, as I am going to London next week to see Oasis at Wembley (jealous much??), I should hopefully come back with a gaggle of new UK bands to chat about, so why not try to give you some NYC fun before that.

Honestly, I have been meaning to post about this band since the fall. And honestly, I totally avoided listening to this band. I had assumed lots of stuff about them because of who is in the band and things that were associated with that. I was wrong. Once I finally listened I was smitten. I think a listen will explain it all:

SHAKE IT LOOSE / BLONDE ACID CULT / DIR. LANCE DRAKE from LLOYD'S SECRET PARTY on Vimeo.

There have been line-up changes, and it sounds like they have a new name/project (Calypso), but I will still keep an eye on these guys. Of all of the NYC bands, these are about the only ones I give 100% approval.

The 1990s

2009-07-01T00:27:00.004-04:00

Before I even get to this band, realize that there is another band that might confuse things. Here, I'm lauding The 1990s, not the 1900s. The 1900s are from Chicago, the 1990s are from Glasgow (so obviously, they are better).

Now, I won't say this band is going to change the world or even change your life. But honestly, like many of the bands I dig, the thing they do best, is be British (Scottish to be exact). What's particularly good about that in The 1990s case, is that they run the gamut of UK genres and eras and still kinda nail them all. It's a fun record with highly enjoyable moments, and had this band come out in the 1990s, they would have been total mixtape staples in my book. They can pull off Blur, T. Rex, the Dandy Warhols, latter day Suede and even a dash of The Strokes. Pretty nice mixture.

What I particularly like about their new record, Kicks are the glam moments. I would love it if there were some glam revival and everyone starting churning out T Rex stomp-alongs.

Eugene McGuinness

2009-06-23T12:03:00.003-04:00

So there's no real reason for me to like Eugene McGuinness. When I listen to his music and see him, my first reaction should be to compare him to Vampire Weekend, Beirut, etc., but I HATE those bands. The safe, nice boy, NPR friendly, bland-tacular music has just worn me out. But, somehow, Eugene McGuinness sounds different to my ears. Maybe its just because he's a Brit. Sometimes that's all it takes.

Clipse and Kanye

2009-06-22T17:09:00.002-04:00

Right off the bat, you should know I hate Kanye West. And not just because he's pompous. I dislike him because he has no flow. I hate him because he is seen as this trendsetting harbinger of all cool things to come, when in fact he's a late bird to almost everything. His taste is kinda crap, and so is his body of work. And yes that includes his production efforts.

Problem is, I love Clipse. And that love cannot be diluted, even with a Kanye guest spot.

Here's their new song, from their forthcoming Til the Casket Drops...

Buy the morning after girls

2009-06-20T18:16:00.004-04:00

So after a long wait, the morning after girls finally officially released some new music. This should have come out a month or so ago, but there were some technical difficulties. Humbug. But it's a great taste of the full record to come in a month or so and it's only $2. So please buy it.

But after all the trials and tribulations, there's finally music for you to buy and listen to and fall in love with.

Please to enjoy:
the morning after girls- the general public EP

And while that's downloading, check out some pics of them taken by the fabulous Piper Ferguson.

Top 10 for 2008

2009-06-20T18:05:00.005-04:00

I have meant to post this for months (obviously). But I would be remiss to avoid posting it altogether. So here it is, my Top 10 records from 2008:

Glasvegas- Glasvegas
The Duke Spirit- Neptune
Be Your Own Pet- Get Awkward!
Sons and Daughters- This Gift
Santogold- Santogold
Elvis Costello and the Imposters- Momofuku
The Enemy- We'll Live and Die In These Towns
Coldplay- Viva La Vida
The Roots- Rising Down
The Last Shadow Puppets- Age of the Understatement

If you don't already have all of these, you should remedy that right now. 2008 was actually a pretty great year for music, and I was very happy to find that it was difficult narrowing it down to these 10. But each of the above records really delivered, and are still in heavy rotation even now, half way thru 2009.

Check the comments

2009-06-17T16:55:00.002-04:00

From now on, please check out the "Comments" section for each post. I'm just saying.

Esser

2009-06-16T12:06:00.003-04:00

So I saw Esser last night here in NYC. I had heard of him and read about him, but something had kept me from checking him and his tunes out before. My bad.

After watching the video, if you know me, you'll understand why I dig it so much... the Fred Perry, the rest of the outfits and obviously his hair?!

AEC Monthly Missive (missed)

2009-06-09T16:44:00.007-04:00

So I submitted an AEC Monthly Missive that didn't run in TheTripwire. But I don't want it to totally be for naught. So I'll print it here instead. Some of this stuff I may have covered here before, and some of this might even be a bit out of date by now as well, but hopefully you will still enjoy.

Welcome back to another installment of the AEC Monthly Missive. One of the things we struggle with each month is where to draw the line. We want to keep everyone up to speed on things we see and hear from the UK, but we don’t want to bore you with bands/music/news, that you may already know about. We’d love to be strictly for the “headz,” but we are also here to help teach the uninitiated. So this month, we figured we would split it up.

For those in the know already, some of these releases/ bands might be old hat. But in case you don’t know them, here are some current basics that folks are chatting about.

La Roux- We sadly missed her NYC appearances a few weeks back, but we have honestly been impressed by La Roux. She walks the line of pop and critical darling carefully, and in the end, the tunes stand up to inspection. We had the feeling it would be all hairdo and major label bluster, but we were wrong. Quicksand will be a 2009 staple.

http://www.laroux.co.uk/

Bat For Lashes- We dug BFL last record and tour, but Natasha Khan has since added Charlotte Hatherley of Ash to the live band! The tunes are still solid and the live show is getting loads of praise. This will be the band your parents will hear about by the end of the year.

http://www.batforlashes.com/

The Horrors- We admittedly disliked the Horrors debut. For our taste, they just seemed to be lacking the bite, and even the bark, and basically only had the fur and the howl. But the band had Portishead’s Geoff Barrow produce their latest record, and it seems that he has had a serious impact. Much tighter sonically, spacious and cooler, the Horrors just might be able to deliver on their earlier promises.

http://www.thehorrors.co.uk/

Jarvis Cocker- Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker has always been a great personality. His music has also always been insightful and smart and cutting, but rarely has his work been considered “rocking.” He just changed that. Jarvis’s new song, “Angela,” proves he can rock with the best of them, pulling out his best mod stomp to date. If this is what we can expect from his next LP, we absolutely can’t wait. Get the track free at his site now.

http://www.jarviscocker.net/

The Specials- Reunions are so de riguer, and often from acts that haven’t even waited long enough to make us want them back. Not so in the case of the Specials. The reunion has caused plenty of noise overseas and folks are freaking out (including Fred Perry: http://www.fredperry.com/thespecials/) Playing all the old tunes at small venues and still killing it live, we can only hope they make it to our shores for a few dates.

http://www.thespecials.com/

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As much as the above acts already have plenty of attention, we think we should spend sometime on folks that are so far under the radar as well.

Big Pink- “On 4AD, and produced by Alan Moulder.” In theory, that’s usually enough to win us over, but The Big Pink also have great tunes. Dark, loud, noisy and smart, we have the feeling this release could be a big difference maker this year.

http://musicfromthebigpink.com/

Tom Allalone & the 78s- Most folks know we have a serious penchant for pure and simple rock and roll. Obviously, so do Tom Allalone &the 78s. They’ve got great outfits, great hair and flawless rockabilly, straight outta Kent. Check out the first single, “Hell Hath No Fury” and the new record, Major Sins Pt. 1, just released in the UK last month.

http://www.tomallalone.com/

God Help the Girl- Stuart Murdoch is not an unknown, but the leader behind the iconic Belle and Sebastian camp has a new project that is still flying below the radar. His new project is called God Help the Girl and won’t be released until late June, but is worth seeking out right away. It’s shimmering 60s pop feel is balanced by it’s heady fake movie soundtrack concept keeps it brainy and interesting.

http://www.godhelpthegirl.com/

The Enemy- For some reason, this trio has somehow slipped the American anglophile consciousness. We saw them last year, and their Jam/Oasis/Clash style blew us away. Tight musicianship, great stage personality and plenty to say as well, these Coventry boys just released their sophomore effort in the UK. Hopefully they will have a chance to hit the States this time with a bit more support.

http://www.theenemy.com/

Dizzee Rascal- On these shores, Dizzee had his moment but has since been somewhat forgotten. We just heard his new single, “Bonkers,” produced by Armand Van Helden, and were immediately reminded how great he can be. The rhymes, attitude and raw sounds are all there, and immediately beg for the track to be heard thru giant bassbins. Straight up CHOON.

http://www.myspace.com/dizzeerascal

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And finally, The Mighty Boosh has finally made it to the US.! Adult Swim has picked up the insane show, and thankfully given us something to do late on a Sunday night. There’s no point trying to explain the “plot” of the show, but if you are into the Adult Swim vein of comedy, and are a fan of such bands/musicians as Razorlight, The Horrors, Towers of London, Gary Numan, and Roger Daltrey, then this is the show for you. Obviously we love Noel Fielding (close friend of Russell Brand’s), but we also must admit that we have a total soft spot for Bollo the gorilla and Naboo the Enigma. Don’t ask, just watch.

http://www.adultswim.com/shows/themightyboosh/indexpage.html#episodes

Til next time.

Another AEC missive

2009-02-21T11:53:00.003-05:00

So this is what I have been working on (instead of doing this blog). Hopefully, this will tide you over.

The All England Club Monthly Missive- February

AEC Monthly Missive on The Tripwire

2009-01-16T15:47:00.002-05:00

Just keeping you abreast of my writings... the latest AEC Monthly Missive has gone up at the Tripwire. Check it out for a quick catch up on what I have been digging, but expect more stuff here soon. Promise.

The All England Club's Monthly Missive- January 2009

#10 for 2008- The Last Shadow Puppets

2009-01-09T16:36:00.004-05:00

I have often lamented the lack of great film themes in the last 20 years. When's the last time you remembered a "theme" from a movie. There's no Close Encounters or Bridge On the River Kwai or even Midnight Express level theme music in movies anymore. The Last Shadow Puppets make movie music, sans the movies.

What makes the Last Shadow Puppets great is the fact that I could never have expected this from Alex Turner. As much as I love Arctic Monkeys, the only person I actually thought might be able to save the movie theme was Jack White (and he kinda failed in his 007 attempt). Instead, young Mr. Turner took a turn from his bratty rapscallion AM persona and created grandiose spacious themes instead of bombast. And he pulled it off. The Age of the Understatement is aloof, adult and smart with a sense of romance and wistfulness.

Coming soon...

2009-01-09T16:30:00.003-05:00

I am still lacking in the updates and all that. I have about seven new things to talk about, so I'll post those in the next few days, promise.

Included in those will be my top 10 for 2008. Instead of just listing them, I may do individual posts but the thing is, most of the stuff I loved in 2008, I already posted on here. So I will have to find new things to say about them and new songs to give you. So it may take a little time, but it will also make it a bit more worthwhile of a read.

So basically, you have lots to look forward to.

Monthly column

2008-12-02T01:01:00.002-05:00

So it may seem like I haven't posted in awhile. I did post something, but it was removed by the mighty all seeing blogger machine. So it hasn't been as long as it seems.

To tide you over until I finish compiling my "Top 10 of 2008," I figured I should point you to my most recent Tripwire piece. It's a new monthly column, so expect this to be a recurring post. Enjoy.

All England Club's Monthly Missive

Reverend and the Makers

2008-09-21T22:31:00.003-04:00

As you all know, I am a big Arctic Monkeys fan. I have also posted about AM's lead singer Alex Turner's side project, The Last Shadow Puppets. Now for another related act: Reverend and the Makers.

Also from Sheffield, R&tM have basically been a vehicle of Jon McClure (the Reverend) and a revolving cast of "makers." Alex Turner can even be heard on some of their early demos. Musically similar to the AM and LSP, R&tM add a touch more politics, some spoken word poetics and lawlessness to the mix. Add some dance music styling and you get a raucous good time. At times, McClure's voice reminds me of latter day Ian Brown, especially during the more downtempo moments. Unfortunately the only NYC date they had scheduled was canceled. And so I wait...

The full record, The State of Things, is a a bit uneven, but overall it still gets a 7. The songs below get 8s.

Reverend and the Makers- Heavyweight Champion of the World
Reverend and the Makers- Open Your Window

The Dandy Warhols

2008-09-02T16:57:00.004-04:00

Here's another Tripwire review...

The Dandy Warhols- Earth To The Dandy Warhols..." gets a 6. But "Mis Amigos" gets an 8. I love the Dandies when they make big dumb pop songs.

The Dandy Warhols- Mis Amigos

The Okmoniks

2008-08-20T00:39:00.004-04:00

Now that one of One2ten's favorite bands has gone the way of the dodo, we have to find a new punk rock girl singer good times party machine. Ask and ye shall receive... The Okmoniks.

While BYOP was chanelling the punk rock ethos of everything from the Circle Jerks to Sonic Youth, The Okmoniks are mining more pop treasure troves. But don't let that make you think these kids are bound for Avril territory. By pop, I am talking more Tuscadero and the Hi-Fives and the Donnas (when they were good). They wail on the Hammond organ in a Jonathan Fire*eater way but turn it to "super fast" from the get-go. It's music that begs you to clap along and shake and shimmy. It evokes girls I call "hairdos," wearing great shoes, vintage dresses and carrying a box of vintage rock and roll 45s. And to me they, just like the Okmoniks, define a good time. Throw this on, on Friday at 5pm and let the party begin. The Okmoniks Party Fever!!! gets a 10. Yep, a 10.

The Okmoniks- Teenage Timebomb
The Okmoniks- It's Not You

And go here for some more Okmoniks downloads: RCRDLBL.

Thanks Carbomb.

The Duke Spirit

2008-08-09T18:24:00.003-04:00

Usually the first time I see a band's live show will indelibly mark my opinion of them. Thereafter, even if people tell me otherwise, I find that my initial opinion was spot on. This was not the case with The Duke Spirit. I saw them at a SXSW about 4 years ago (at the behest of friends) and was soundly unimpressed. I hadn't heard much about them of late, and just randomly heard that there was a new record coming out at the beginning of the year. I was on a concert roll at the time so I bought tickets, expecting to be soundly unimpressed again.

But lo and behold was I ever wrong. The first time I saw them this year (in February) I was beyond impressed. Leila Moss, DS's lead vocalist, was completely different. She had grown to own the stage and had a great deal of rock and roll attitude that had before been sorely lacking. But as easy as it might be to pin all of the new found awesome on her, the boys in the band were different as well. It was as if they had finally come to grips with what it means to be in a rock band. There was no fear and a palpable sense of confidence from the guitars and drums, and it seemed like they were having fun with each other, the songs, and the idea of rocking.

I just saw them again with Supergrass last week, and it reminded me that I had been planning on posting about them for months. Mainly because they were again superb. The size of the venue did not hamper the performance at all, and in fact, proved to me that they could really fill an even bigger stage with the appropriate rockness if need be. With a great new record and some great touring experience under their belts, I am hoping that the Duke Spirit continue to impress.

Their new record, Neptune, gets an 8.5. Their live performances get a 9 and the songs below get 9s a well.

The Duke Spirit- You Really Wake Up the Love in Me
The Duke Spirit- Into The Fold

The Black Ghosts

2008-08-02T18:45:00.003-04:00

Time for another linked review. Follow the link below for my review of the debut LP by the UK's Black Ghosts.

The Black Ghosts at the Tripwire.

All in all it's an enjoyable ride, but probably about a 6.5 on the one2ten scale.

Try the Damon Albarn guest track for starters...

The Black Ghosts- The Repetition Kills You

Then go for the Olivia Newton-John cover...
The Black Ghosts- Physical

the morning after girls

2008-07-27T14:20:00.001-04:00

And another thing... just thought you folks might want to know that the morning after girls have posted the first bit of music from their new record this week. Check it out at their myspace page.

Adele

2008-07-26T17:57:00.004-04:00

Instead of making you wait forever for the next post, I think I should also tag other pieces I write around the web, and re-purpose them here for our enjoyment. Let's start with my review of Adele's, 19. If I had to give a on2ten, I'd say it's a "at first glance" 6, with a longer term 8.

Adele- Chasing Pavements
Adele- Tired

And grab that Strokes cover mp3 for Last Night on the Tripwire page, it's good.

For even more about her check her site.

The Last Shadow Puppets

2008-07-19T14:04:00.005-04:00

I realized today that I bought 2 copies of The Last Shadow Puppets, The Age of the Understatement LP in the last month. I liked it so much I bought it twice! That's a pretty resounding endorsement.

It's not like there was much of a doubt, though. I have sung the praises of the Arctic Monkeys enough here, but here we go again. LSP is a side project for Alex Turner (lead A. Monkey) and his partner Miles Kane, who has a band called The Rascals (more on them in a later post). They are old friends and decided to put out a record together. And while, of course, there are plenty of AM touches on the record, the inspirations for this record go much farther and wider. Imagine the AMs doing a Morricone spaghetti western soundtrack or a Hitchcock thriller. The sounds are grandiose and dramatic and very lush, as is the instrumentation. This ain't no British indie duo, but more like two young composers trying their hand at mixing pop music with an epic sensibility.

The record is a strong 7, but the single below is a strong 9.

The Last Shadow Puppets- The Age of the Understatement

Plus I love the record cover:

The Virgins

2008-07-15T21:13:00.003-04:00

I saw the Virgins on the Nylon tour earlier this summer with One2Ten faves, Be Your Own Pet, and was pretty impressed. The songs are very Elvis Costello pop and the guys seem to really know how to whip the young girls to a nice froth. Good stage presence and good songs.

Now they have taken it to the next level with what might be the best video I have seen in years. Please note for all non-NYC residents, this may not translate as easily. Let me explain... on NYC public access for about the last 30 years, one of the few things you could count on was Robin Byrd. She brought to the airwaves something everyone wants: strippers. (Yes, she had to fight the law and she won, but that's a much bigger story.) To this day, if you want to see some great early 80s strippers, male or female, all you have to do is tune into channel 33 late night and you can get your fill. It's quite entertaining. It seems that the Virgins agree. To get the full extent of the awesome-ness of this video and its origins, watch this first: Robin Byrd

Then watch this:

And the song rules too. I give the following track a 7.5:
The Virgins- Private Affair

Santogold

2008-07-14T00:02:00.003-04:00

Ok so I have been lacking, again. Please forgive me. I'll do a bunch of posts in a row just to make up for things. The good thing about the time away is that I have plenty to post about. Let's start with something you may have heard, Santogold.

Santi is a gal who has been thru the music industry system (she did A&R), and realized she could do just as good if not better than mostof the stuff she had to listen to day in day out. And I agree with her, as her record is definitely going to be on my top 10 for 2008, guaranteed. I heard so many folks talk about her ripping off M.I.A., and I had enough personal issues with the fact that she had been a Fader cover girl, but yet, when it came down to it, the record rules.

It bounces from ska to new wave to art rock to pop dance candy, and in the end, it also ends up being wholly original. Yes there are MIA tinges on certain tracks, and even some Gwen Stefani touches, but the record stands totally on its own merits and deserves all of the accolades it gets. I give Santogold an 8. Here's a remix and a non-album cut that you might have heard in a beer commercial.

Santogold- L.E.S. Artistes (XXXchange Remix)
Santogold- Creator

Be Your Own Pet

2008-04-13T16:42:00.003-04:00

When I first heard and met the kids in Be Your Own Pet, I was somewhat torn. I loved their attitude, energy and all around vibe. Wise beyond their years about punk rock, but still snotty and distrustful (in a good way), the BYOP kids were the punk rock I felt was missing nowadays. The problem was, in the end, their songs just didn't stand up to scrutiny. The songs were always energetic, but usually missing that catchiness that makes punk so delicious.

Looks like that's finally been remedied. A friend said its a consequence of turning 20 years old, and that could likely be it. In addition, they have toured plenty, been under the tutelage of Thurston Moore and I'm sure have just devoured so much music in the last 3 years that this was an inevitability. Whatever the reason, I'm floored by the change. I saw this video on Subterranean and listened to the record this week and am now plying this track on repeat. Still.

The Kelley Affair gets a 10.

Be Your Own Pet- The Kelley Affair

Sons and Daughters

2008-03-31T23:18:00.004-04:00

I have known about Scotland's Sons and Daughters for awhile and have always enjoyed their tunes. In fact, "Dance Me In" has been an All England Club staple for a long time. But as much as I enjoyed their past output, I have never really been moved to actually make an effort to hype them to friends and family until now.

"What's the difference now?" you may ask. Well, in a phrase, S&Ds got teeth. The dark brooding country-tinged murder ballads of their old records have now been injected with some punch and some fury. Much like past releases, their latest, This Gift, still recalls the likes of Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, but this time out they have a dash of rockabilly and swagger that was absent before. Maybe its a dash of girl power in the writing or just upping the amps to eleven, but this is not the brooding Sons and Daughters of old. And it's not just in the lyricism. While the dark lyrics also bleed into more angry and fervent territory, the real change here is the sonic power they generate, especially from the guitar licks. Much like I mentioned in the 2 Lone Swordsmen and Arctic Monkeys posts, looks like we might be seeing a resurgence in the UK of reverb and fuzzbox rock riffs again.

For those playing at home... This Gift gets an 8, the tracks below gets a 9.5 and a 9, respectively, and their live show gets a 10. Go buy this record NOW. You will thank me later.

Plus they are pals with Franz Ferdinand boys, so that's a pretty solid seal of approval.

Sons and Daughters- House In My Head
Sons and Daughters- Gilt Complex

Oasis

2008-03-25T10:18:00.003-04:00

So the tour dates are beginning to show themselves...

http://virginfestival.ca/toronto/

Expect an MSG show as well. Hives might be opening. Yeah, the mutherfuckin' Hives and fookin' Oasis.

Duffy

2008-02-25T15:23:00.004-05:00

So when it rains, it pours. Amy Winehouse found a way to hit it big in the US, so now of course all the labels are going to strike it rich again in th aftermath. Plus, I'm sure many folks are trying to find a new one once the old one wears out, and that looks like it may happen any day now.

Duffy is that second chance. And no slight to her, as she does have a great voice and her own schtick as well. Think more Dusty Springfield than Motown. And she has this video:

I love it. Mainly because I am enamored with the idea of the Wigan Casino (youtube that and see what I mean) and all in all the song is well written and fun. Good song (a strong 7) and a fun British rock history checking video (a f'n 9.5) and for now, Duffy you have my attention.

Duffy- Mercy

Supergrass

2008-02-17T13:30:00.004-05:00

As much as I want to think that I am open to artists changing their sound and maturing, there are some bands that I want to remain in one spot. Supergrass to me should always embody fun and silliness with a catchy sugar pop center. This is not to say that I don't respect their more serious outings, but when it really comes down to it, I go back to I Should Coco way more than Road to Rouen. I can't help it, good for you boys for making serious records, but I want the fun.

With their new single, "Diamond Hoo Ha Man," they show they can still deliver on that front as well. Fun and raucous and oh so rock, which for me is a stellar combination. This track gets an 8.5 and I can't wait to hear the rest of the record.

Supergrass- Diamond Hoo Ha Man

The Raveonettes

2008-01-28T21:24:00.002-05:00

There always seem to be bands that have good songs but rarely have the wherewithal to produce a fully realized album. 10+ songs of consistently pleasing tunes seems to just elude these acts and usually leaves them seen as "also rans." Case in point: The Raveonettes.

With all the right touchstones (Phil Spector's 60s girl groups, girl/boy vocals, The Jesus and Marychain), The Raveonettes records simply seem to fall flat. Other than 1-2 memorable moments, each of their records left me a bit cold. Loved the idea but the execution lacked any real conviction. No cutting edge, not enough sex appeal, not enough "F off!" attitude, and not enough leather to really deliver on the promises. A few gems every time, but never a full record. They basically left themselves ready for a really good greatest hits record.

But with their latest, Lust Lust Lust, Sune and Sharin finally found a sweet spot. It's not one particular victory here that makes LLL a better record than their other outings. It's a bit of everything, tighter song writing, more noise, a bit less reliance on their influences as well as honestly having fun with all the preconceived notions. Somehow they finally got it right and I applaud them. Lust Lust Lust gets an 8. And "Dead Sound" in particular gets a 9.

The Raveonettes- Dead Sound from Lust Lust Lust
The Raveonettes- Little Animals from Chain Gang of Love
The Raveonettes- Love In A Trashcan from Pretty In Black

Also check out this great acoustic version of "Dead Sound" from the Black Cab Sessions. (Thx to Christen for the heads up on this one.)

The Plastiscines

2008-01-24T00:29:00.000-05:00

I want to love The Plastiscines more than almost any other band ever (look at that pic?!?!). I want to love their music, become their number one fan, buy all their t-shirts/merch, see all their shows and follow them all around the world. But that ain't gonna happen.

Much like the Long Blondes, they have all the earmarks of a band I'd love. The Plastiscines similarly mine the right canon of tunes as well, with a penchant for poppy sing-along punk and sassy Runaways style 80s rock. But when it comes down to it, the tunes just don't have "it." They don't grab you and shake you, they don't stick in your brain at all and when it comes down to it, the eyeliner and bangs just aren't enough. Their debut, LP1, gets a 5. The following song is the best one of the bunch,so it gets a 6.5.

The Plastiscines- Pop In, Pop Out

There are a few of these young French bands that have emerged in the last year, so far I have not been blown away, but I might re-visit the topic if it gets big enough to inform you about it. So far the jury's still out.

Burial

2008-01-03T00:07:00.000-05:00

This won't be one for everyone, but for some it should be a godsend.

Back in the day, I dug d'n'b. I also had a 2-step/garage moment as well. And obviously, I have kept my ears open to all of the permutations of UK hip hop before and since. But honestly, in the last few years, nothing has really excited me. Even of the newer styles, grime had some bright spots, but the dubstep world had bored me. That is, until I was urged to listen to Burial.

The problem is there isn't much I can tell you about Burial. He/she is a reclusive producer, who does very few interviews and takes no pictures. All we know is he/she is from the UK and knows this music. He/she distills all of the best from the above genres and makes something completely fresh. It's atmospheric, dark, rhythmic and 100% British. I have a taste for this kind of thing and it's the perfect progression from the 90s. If you don't know much about the above genres, let me know and maybe I'll put together a primer for you.

Burial's second record was released this November and only missed making my top 10 for the year because I still hadn't spent enough time with it. But, right now, Burial's Untrue gets a 9.8.

Burial- Ghost Hardware
Burial- Archangel

St. Etienne

2007-12-14T12:13:00.000-05:00

And now for something different...

I am a big fan of St. Etienne. Besides writing catchy tunes and having a brilliantly lovely front woman, they seem to be so very well read. I find that less and less these days, so it's particularly fascinating when smart folks do different things. It seems that they have partnered with film director Paul Kelly (they have worked with him a bit in the past) on some short films about London's disappearing cafes. Each is short, somber, poignant, and a bit sad. My fave is #3, but that's because I love greasers. I give these short films a 9.5.

I am not sure what they are for or where they can be seen, but lucky for you they are on Youtube. Please to enjoy.

Top 10 for 2007

2007-12-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

Every year I am asked by someone to make my top 10 list, so I planned ahead and already have it ready to go. Please to enjoy:

Arctic Monkeys- Favourite Worst Nightmare
Lily Allen- Alright Still
LCD Soundsystem- Sound of Silver
Klaxons- Myths of the Future
The Rapture- Pieces of People We Love
The Long Blondes- Someone To Drive You Home
The Cooper Temple Clause- Make This Your Own
Two Lone Swordsmen- Wrong Meeting II
New Young Pony Club- Fantastic Playroom
Aesop Rock- None Shall Pass

One that almost made it in but is too new to me is Burial's Untrue. More on that one in my next post...

Two Lone Swordsmen

2007-12-09T10:43:00.000-05:00

So there's this English guy named Andrew Weatherall. If you know who he is, the you probably know that I worship him. If you don't know who he is, you probably know some of his work. He's had a hand in some of the greatest records of the last 20 years and is still influencing bands like Primal Scream to this day. I won't go into his past much here, you can read about him in the above links. For now let's focus on Two Lone Swordsmen.

The great thing about 2LS (and Weatherall) is that they never put out the same record. The sonic textures may have some similarities, but the songs are from a brand new point of view and even musical background. 2LS's last record (From The Double Gone Chapel) was a punk-funk, sexy electro record with industrial leanings (I give FTDGC a 9). This time out the electro is there, and Wrong Meeting 2 is definitely danceable, but this time out, the angle is much more rock and roll, if not rockabilly. In fact, if you were to meld all of the last 3-4 Primal Scream records together into one, you'd get something very close to this. It's industrial, it's dance, it's rockabilly sneer and it's funky. There are plenty of atmospheric tracks and less grinding rock in the mix as well, with 2LS not forgetting their dub past, but it's still perfectly cohesive. And it's a solid 9 in my book.

Below is my fave track on Wrong Meeting 2. I think's it's obvious why, with lyrics like this: "The angel on the left said beware of her advances, but the demon on the right seen the way that she dances."

Two Lone Swordsmen- No Girl In My Plan

PS Extra super scene points if you can tell me where they got that cover image. More proof of how much Weaherall rules.

Kylie Minogue

2007-10-09T00:26:00.000-04:00

It is absolutely no secret that I love Kylie. I have always loved Kylie, but seeing her a few years ago live in NYC cemented her in my mind as one of the greatest pop stars in the world. She delivers. She also cemented her position in my mind as the world's hottest pop star from behind. But I digress.

So I have been patiently awaiting Ms. Minogue's return to the spotlight after her bought with cancer. Luckily the trials of illness have done very little to dampen her spirit. She's back with another dancefloor filler. No over the top theatrics though, just another song you'll want to hear a million times and will dance alone to in your underwear. Break out the robot dance. Kylie's new one gets an sexy electrotastic 8. And this isn't even the single!

Kylie Minogue - I'm in the Mood for Love (Demo)

She was also involved in one of the greatest commercials ever. Lingerie + mechanical bull + Kylie + The Hives = Magic.

Radiohead

2007-09-28T10:05:00.000-04:00

Because I know you care...

Radiohead LP 7

What that means, I have no idea. But I guess we'll know tomorrow.

UPDATE:
NME: RH site a hoax

UPDATE:
Pre-Order the new Radiohead now! For free...?

Ian Brown

2007-09-20T00:09:00.000-04:00

Ah can't get better than this... britpop royalty and politics.

The thing about Ian Brown is that he has never pulled any punches. He knew the Stone Roses were the greatest band ever, and said so. He talks lots of sh*t, but he's always ready to knock the tar out of anyone who stands against him, not matter how big they are. (Check the video proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pf1rMtEqo0) And he keeps that trend going here by going after political targets.

Besides his running his mouth, he has also been putting out consistently good if not great solo work and he's got another one that just came out. I don't have the whole record yet, but this track gets an 8.5. Bold faced and a bit of a tirade against the US involvement in Iraq, Ian still has something to say. And he's gonna say it. With a good beat.

Also check out his solo greatest hits collection, The Greatest. I give that an solid 8.

Ian Brown- Illegal Attacks

M.I.A.

2007-09-08T13:36:00.000-04:00

I would rarely recommend that someone download only select tracks from a record. This is mainly because you never know when the initial "bad song" on a record could end up being your favorite years later. So even at first glance, a weak track might be great in retrospect. So I usually say, just get the whole thing.

This is not the case with the new M.I.A. I won't go into my love hate feelings about MIA much, but I have usually been on the fence with her and most of her music. Good beats, annoying lyrics. Her persona has been a bit more of a focus for articles than her actual music, which isn't her fault per se, but it's hard to ignore. In other words, I'm not a huge fan, but always interested.

On her new record, MIA again makes me have to battle with the contradiction. There are tracks that I think are great and there are tracks that are awful. Painfully awful. So the new record, Kala gets a 6. The track below being the best. Of course, it's the one track produced by Timbaland. Of course.

Avoid "Jimmy" at all costs. Unless you love dancing at Euro clubs, wear too much cologne and still love OMC's "How Bizzare." Now that I said that, it will be a hit. Just watch.

M.I.A.- Come Around

The Long Blondes

2007-08-14T21:58:00.000-04:00

It took me a while to finally get around to listening to The Long Blondes. I think if anything, they looked too perfect for me to not look at them with a bit of a jaundiced eye. Too pretty, too British, too well dressed. But I finally broke down. Maybe I was afraid that they were all blondes. Thankfully they are not.

Now I can't say they are as perfect as I feared. But they are definitely worth a listen. They move around the sounds of influence well (everything from Elastica to Dancehall Crashers to Saint Etienne to girl group 60s cheerleader rock) and keep you guessing a bit. I don't think all of their experiments work per se, but again, they could do a lot worse.

And of course, if you name check Anna Karina in a song, you have already won me over.

The full record is worth a listen, so I'll give it a 7. These two tracks though get 8.5s.

The Long Blondes- Lust in the Movies
The Long Blondes- Separated By Motorways

Another blog

2007-08-13T00:31:00.000-04:00

I know this doesn't count as a post, but I figure you might enjoy this as much as I did. You like Oasis, Ride, the Verve, Radiohead or the La's? Check out:
ocstwosway

He gets a 9 outta 10.

The Gossip

2007-08-05T18:01:00.001-04:00

I can't believe I have yet to post a Gossip song. A thousand pardons.

I have been fan of the Gossip for a while now, and actually interviewed them once (although the story got killed and never got into print). They are one of those few bands that has it all: a interesting back story, great personalities, great unique tunes and actually have something to say about the world around them. All in all they are 100% worth listening to. And here are four reasons:

1. The band was started by two kids from Searcy, Arkansas, who moved out to Olympia, Wash. to find a better existence. Fat, gay, weird, nerd, etc. didn't win them lots of favor in Ark. No offense, Arkansas.

2. They have stuck to their indie guns since the beginning. I don't know if they are being sought after in the US by majors, but they have finally taken off in the UK and are tabloid darlings now with a top 10 record, Standing In The Way Of Control. They have gone from down home lo-fi punk rock spiritual to dance rock post-punk/funk, but they began on Kill Rock Stars and are still there.

3. The band has politics and touts them all the time. But for them it's not about manifestos and sloganeering, it's really all about how they live their lives. Be it gay rights, or DIY aesthetics, or the reality of society's patriarchal views of women, they talk about it because they live it.

4. They cover my favorite Aaliyah song.

The Gossip get a 10.
Their album Movement gets a 9.
The follow up, Standing In The Way of Control gets an 8.5.
The Aaliyah cover gets a 10.

Here are four more reasons:

The Gossip
Night (from Movement)
Standing In the Way of Control (from Standing In The Way Of Control)
Standing in the Way of Control (Le Tigre Mix)
Are U That Somebody (Aaliyah cover)

Robyn

2007-07-29T19:22:00.001-04:00

This one goes out particularly to Anthony.

Back in the day, when pop was just starting to devour the whole music world of the 90s, before the umbrella car assaults and the like, one record came out and was quickly forgotten. It was on a major label in he US, had a small radio/video push but fizzled out. "Do You Know What It Takes" by Robyn went by the wayside and came back to eerily haunt us as Mandy Moore's first hit, "Candy." (That's just speculation on my part, but I always thought they had lots of similarities.)

Well Sweden's Robyn didn't go away, we just don't get to hear from her much Stateside. I just read that she's got a new record out in Europe soon and that reminded me that I may not have told you about how great her tunes still are. Chappelle's Show allusions, Missy Elliot-esque video, dirty rhymes and a delicious sugar pop center makes "Konichiwa Bitches" another Robyn great and a 9 on my scale.

(Somehow blogggers went crazy about this track a year or two ago. I still can't explain it cuz none of them even mentioned "Do You Know.")

Robyn- Konichiwa Bitches (Alt Mix)

Robyn- Do You Know What It Takes (Dee's Full Mix Edit)

The All England Club

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Little Barrie + Azari &III

The Pigeon Detectives

Noel Gallagher

Arctic Monkeys = The Pixies

Noel Gallagher

Submarine

Pulled Apart By Horses

S.C.U.M

White Belt Yellow Tag

Sons and Daughters

Glasvegas

Beady Eye

Arctic Monkeys

Chapel Club

Radiohead

Brother

Lykke Li

The Vaccines

Jamie XX + Adele & Gil Scott-Heron

Top 10 for 2010 +1

The Like

Daisy Lowe

Brakes

Ringo Deathstarr

Audio Bullys

Vote for me

Get Him to the Greek

Delphic

More videos

Jack Penate

The Howling Bells

DJing this weekend!

AEC video playlist

The AEC Top 10 for 2009

The XX

Arctic Monkeys

AEC YouTube Channel and Izza Kizza

The Big Pink

Arctic Monkeys

Julian Casablancas

Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions

The Cinematics

The White Room

Free Energy

Julian Casablancas

London/LES Swap finale party

Imelda May and Tom Allalone and the 78s

The Drums

Radiohead

Major Lazer

His 'n Hers

Chairlift

the morning after girls- alone

Lily Allen

Oasis, Webley, July 11, 2009

The Noisettes

Blonde Acid Cult/Calypso

The 1990s

Eugene McGuinness

Clipse and Kanye

Buy the morning after girls

Top 10 for 2008

Check the comments

Esser

AEC Monthly Missive (missed)

Another AEC missive

AEC Monthly Missive on The Tripwire

#10 for 2008- The Last Shadow Puppets

Coming soon...

Monthly column

Reverend and the Makers

The Dandy Warhols

The Okmoniks

The Duke Spirit

The Black Ghosts

the morning after girls

Adele

The Last Shadow Puppets