There's something about a woman who can drive a truck... or at least appear to in a music video...
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Thursday, 5 August 2010
5 R.E.M. songs that are hugely underrated!
Thought it was time I injected some R.E.M. into this blog for the simple reason that I managed to buy four of their albums from Amazon Used & New for the grand total of 21p! While I certainly won't complain I'll repay Michael Stipe and co for their many decades service to music by delving into their back catalogue.
Now if you're even slightly aware of R.E.M. you've probably heard 'Everybody Hurts' and 'Losing My Religion'. Now as great as these songs are there is so much more to the band... and let's face it after Simon and the Cowells covered 'Everybody Hurts' earlier this year for the 'Help Haiti' charity, you want to listen to as many songs as you can to hopefully knock that God-awful cover out of your head. (Good cause guys but next time at the very least write something new). In related 'Everybody Hurts' trivia, the Corrs did a fantastic 'Unplugged' version many moons ago. I may have to start a campaign to get those Irish strumpets back in the studio. Love them! But I digress...
Here are a host of R.E.M. songs that you should really take the time to listen to. Some were pretty successful singles while others are obscure gems hidden in the sands of the musical desert that is R.E.M's discography... Ok ok I'll shut up and start!
1. The Great Beyond- from 'Man on the Moon soundtrack' (1999)/'In Time- The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003' (2003)
Ok so in 1992, R.E.M. wrote a song about comedian Andy Kaufman for their 'Automatic For The People' album called 'Man On The Moon'. As well as becoming a huge fan favourite, it also became the name of a biopic on the man starring Jim Carrey at the turn of the millenium. Why is this relevant? Well R.E.M. in response provided this second song about Kaufman for the movie's soundtrack. For me this is probably R.E.M's defining moment and the song that drew my attention to the band. The song encapsulates the philosophy of a truly fascinating character and is a song I truly never grow tired of. It's the most successful R.E.M. song in UK chart history (reaching No.3) and finally took it's place on an R.E.M. album with the release of their greatest hits album 'In Time' in 2003. It is also one of the five songs I'd take with me on a desert island if I didn't have the luxury of an iPod. Simply beautiful.
2. Nightswimming- from 'Automatic For The People' (1992)
One of a couple of songs I've picked from this album and one that often gets ignored compared to the likes of 'Everybody Hurts' or 'Drive'. Nightswimming follows the story of a group of friends skinny dipping late at night. It's packed with feelings of nostalgia and reminiscence that tend to reflect claims that the song draws from the experiences of the band in younger days. The oboe piece towards the end and the string arrangement from Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones only add to an elegant yet striking song.
3. 'Belong'- from 'Out of Time' (1991)
A true hidden gem. On an album that boasts 'Losing My Religion' and 'Shiny Happy People' this song is possibly the most impactful and daring. The majority of the song is in fact spoken word which can more often than not be a huge risk. It is however brilliantly done and contrasts perfectly with the tuneful chorus which is in fact almost a powerful roar rather than a wail. The words have rumoured to be about a woman killing herself and a child but Stipe had regularly denied this. It would be a shame for such an uplifting song to have such a controversial subject manner.
4. Find The River- from 'Automatic For The People' (1992)
The definition of over looked single. Perhaps because it was the sixth single from this album, anyone who was going to hear it had heard it. Either way it's part of the best closing sequence of any album I own. (Man On The Moon/Nightswimming/Find The River) There's an almost melancholy vibe to the song which was released around the time that there were rumours of Michael Stipe having contracted HIV. There definitely seems to be a sense of death or loss within the lyrics of the song but is performed in such a way that it is anything but depressing.
5. Leaving New York- from 'Around The Sun' (2004)
'Around the Sun' was deemed a flop by R.E.M. standards. As we speak the album has only sold as much as some of their biggest albums sold in their first week. Nonetheless the lead single got a bad rap as it as strong as much of their back catalogue. Both a love song to the city of New York and the lamenting of a past relationship, it's easy to resonate with even if you've never been to the Big Apple for that very reason. On an album that will probably be forgotten in years to come sits a single that will hopefully win the battle to stay in our memories.
Try and find the music videos for the singles here on YouTube. It sadly won't let me embed them. Well worth a look though.
Until then...
Sunday, 25 July 2010
I "shit" you not...
Wanna start off with a huge thanks to all the feedback for my last post regarding Gorillaz and their cancelled shows. I've had many compliments and comments both here on Definitive Hysteria and on the Facebook group Gorillaz should be playing in the North of the UK . Hopefully we'll get some answers soon. I read a news item today that made me glad that at least Gorillaz did give us two months notice. (More on that particular news later) It's not unknown for a gig to be cancelled at the last minute or worse still DURING the gig itself. Obviously sometimes this can be due to ill health. Elton John for example had to cancel his Metro Arena gig at very short notice due to influenza last year. It's just the way it goes sometimes. Here are some of the more memorable reasons (some of which are frankly hilarious) that bands and singers have cancelled their shows or in some cases walked off mid-gig.
Guns N' Roses, Riverport Amphitheater, St. Louis, Missouri July 2nd 1991
Where to begin with Guns N' Roses? Axl Rose is synonymous with on stage rants, walk offs and cancellations. This incident known as the Rocket Queen riot however is possibly the most infamous. As the band performed 'Rocket Queen' deep into their set, Axl spotted a fan taking photos, something with which he was unimpressed and well... you can see what he did here...
Yes. So this unfortunately incited the infamous riot as the band refused to go back on. Rose was charged with having incited the riot a year later and paid tribute to the incident with a simple 'Fuck You St Louis' in the liner notes of 'Use Your Illusion I' and 'II' While many were injured, fortunately no one was seriously hurt to the best of my knowledge.
Black Label Society, Manchester Academy, June 18th 2005
10 minutes before Zakk Wylde's group Black Label Society were due to go on stage in Manchester the waiting fans were told that the show was unfortunately cancelled. Why you ask? Allegedly biker gang 'Satan's Slaves Motorcycle Club' had taken issue with the logo used by the band which fans were using as patches on their jackets. The BLS official website posted the following days later:
Scary stuff.
Morrissey, Liverpool Echo Arena, November 7th 2009
Unfortunately getting bottled seems a fact of life for live bands. Here's a hilarious video of Nickelback walking off after getting bottled in Portugal.
If it turns out they were getting rocks thrown at them maybe you can't blame them. But if Daphne and Celeste can survive the barrage of bottles of piss they got at Reading in 1999 then no one has any right to moan over one solitary, non-piss stained bottle. However Morrissey wasn't impressed when a bottle got him perfectly on the head.
Amy Winehouse, Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, March 2007
A lighthearted one now that doesn't involve riots or biker gangs. Amy Winehouse was scheduled to play two gigs at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in 2007 but axed both shows; initially without giving any reason at all. However a week or so later she revealed the mysterious reason for the cancellation. Transport problems? Nope. Illness? Well sort of but not really. No the reason given was that she 'fell on her face while drunk and damaged her tooth'. No really! "I broke a big tooth. I had a massive gap in the front of my mouth." Amy confirmed. Well I guess we've heard it all now? Not quite my friends...
Kings of Leon, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, St. Louis Missouri, July 23rd 2010,
The very same venue where Guns N' Roses sparked the Rocket Queen riot, the now renamed Verison Wireless Amphitheater in St. Louis played host to Kings of Leon last Friday night. However three songs into the set the band walked off and the lights went up. The show was cancelled. The fans started chanting 'Bullshit' and 'Refund!' As the fans went home and the dust began to settle, Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill tweeted the following, explaining the short set:
I shit you not (get it?) A PIGEON shat in Jared's mouth. Maybe I should be more sympathetic but I find this simply hilarious. Of course it's the venue's fault if they're keeping pigeons in the rafters but as a band surely you toughen up and keep playing. That being said bird shit can be rather toxic so let's hope he's just exaggerating. All I can say is that pigeon obviously has one hell of a shot!
So fear not Gorillaz fans! At least you know before getting to the arena!
(That last photo isn't mine but how great is it?)
Guns N' Roses, Riverport Amphitheater, St. Louis, Missouri July 2nd 1991
Where to begin with Guns N' Roses? Axl Rose is synonymous with on stage rants, walk offs and cancellations. This incident known as the Rocket Queen riot however is possibly the most infamous. As the band performed 'Rocket Queen' deep into their set, Axl spotted a fan taking photos, something with which he was unimpressed and well... you can see what he did here...
Yes. So this unfortunately incited the infamous riot as the band refused to go back on. Rose was charged with having incited the riot a year later and paid tribute to the incident with a simple 'Fuck You St Louis' in the liner notes of 'Use Your Illusion I' and 'II' While many were injured, fortunately no one was seriously hurt to the best of my knowledge.
Black Label Society, Manchester Academy, June 18th 2005
10 minutes before Zakk Wylde's group Black Label Society were due to go on stage in Manchester the waiting fans were told that the show was unfortunately cancelled. Why you ask? Allegedly biker gang 'Satan's Slaves Motorcycle Club' had taken issue with the logo used by the band which fans were using as patches on their jackets. The BLS official website posted the following days later:
"...The BLS Gig in Manchester [Sat 18th] was pulled due to the violent behaviour of the biker gang ''Satans Slaves Motorcycle Club''
Reportedly, The Satans Slaves attacked a dozen fans in Manchester Saturday for simply wearing a BLS t-shirt or an item or clothing with the BLS emblem on. This was apparently due to the fact that the bands logo shares a strong resembelance to that of the emblem of the SSMC.
As a result of this band managers advised fans to remove all items of BLS merchandise clothing.
The situation soon worsened, however, as the Satans Slaves threatened to attack all those present at the gig if it commenced and as a result Zakk Wylde chose to pull the gig for the safety of his fans..."
Scary stuff.
Morrissey, Liverpool Echo Arena, November 7th 2009
Unfortunately getting bottled seems a fact of life for live bands. Here's a hilarious video of Nickelback walking off after getting bottled in Portugal.
If it turns out they were getting rocks thrown at them maybe you can't blame them. But if Daphne and Celeste can survive the barrage of bottles of piss they got at Reading in 1999 then no one has any right to moan over one solitary, non-piss stained bottle. However Morrissey wasn't impressed when a bottle got him perfectly on the head.
Amy Winehouse, Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, March 2007
A lighthearted one now that doesn't involve riots or biker gangs. Amy Winehouse was scheduled to play two gigs at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in 2007 but axed both shows; initially without giving any reason at all. However a week or so later she revealed the mysterious reason for the cancellation. Transport problems? Nope. Illness? Well sort of but not really. No the reason given was that she 'fell on her face while drunk and damaged her tooth'. No really! "I broke a big tooth. I had a massive gap in the front of my mouth." Amy confirmed. Well I guess we've heard it all now? Not quite my friends...
Kings of Leon, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, St. Louis Missouri, July 23rd 2010,
The very same venue where Guns N' Roses sparked the Rocket Queen riot, the now renamed Verison Wireless Amphitheater in St. Louis played host to Kings of Leon last Friday night. However three songs into the set the band walked off and the lights went up. The show was cancelled. The fans started chanting 'Bullshit' and 'Refund!' As the fans went home and the dust began to settle, Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill tweeted the following, explaining the short set:
@doctorfollowill So sorry St. Louis. We had to bail, pigeons shitting in jareds mouth. Too unsanitary to continue.
I shit you not (get it?) A PIGEON shat in Jared's mouth. Maybe I should be more sympathetic but I find this simply hilarious. Of course it's the venue's fault if they're keeping pigeons in the rafters but as a band surely you toughen up and keep playing. That being said bird shit can be rather toxic so let's hope he's just exaggerating. All I can say is that pigeon obviously has one hell of a shot!
So fear not Gorillaz fans! At least you know before getting to the arena!
(That last photo isn't mine but how great is it?)
Friday, 23 July 2010
An open letter to the management and members of Gorillaz
Just to warn you folks there isn't much in the way of music review or such in here, but if you love live music then I suggest you read on as you may find it of interest. I'm going to attempt not to moan or be unnecessarily rude or vulgar because I don't want to devalue the points I'm trying to make.
Earlier this year trip rock 'virtual band' Gorillaz released their third album 'Plastic Beach'. Now to make it clear this album is nothing short of fantastic. It's beautifully composed and flows in a way that arguably no album this year has. In fact I picked the lead single 'Stylo' as my song of the year so far in an blog entry earlier this month. The band announced a UK tour for September and on the basis of this fantastic album I splashed out £100 on two standing tickets. Now £100 is a lot of money but I have a passion for live music and believed that Gorillaz would be worth a £50 price tag based on their work on 'Plastic Beach'.
Then the band stepped in to replace U2 as headliners at Glastonbury. People scoffed that they weren't a big enough band to headline the Pyramid Stage. I simply told them that I had faith that they would eat their words. After watching their Glastonbury performance on BBC2 and 4 I was extremely excited for the show. Their performance was musically flawless. Not only that but Damon Albarn had stepped out of the shadows of his cartoon 'virtual band' and was performing the songs exposed to the music world. While in London last week (after winning iTunes Festival tickets) a friend told me he was jealous that I would get to see two members of the Clash onstage at the Gorillaz show (Mick Jones and Paul Simonon make up part of the live band at the upcoming shows as well as at Glastonbury in June). This certainly seemed to be gearing up to be a must see show.
A world tour was announced yesterday (22nd July). Hidden amongst all the new dates and news (including a new show in Brighton) read the following:
Read that first sentence again. Due to new tour routing? What exactly does that mean? Are the North East of England and Scotland closed in November? Motorhead among others have announced full UK tours in November so that can't be it. As of writing Gorillaz have no scheduled dates in September up on their website. They have however announced North American dates for October. It's probably facetious of me to ask if the band are walking/swimming to America and need the month head start. However there has been no reason given for the move other than 'new tour routing'.
Now obviously I understand that schedules can change and bands often need to reschedule or even cancel dates and tours. U2 as we mentioned earlier had to pull out of Glastonbury this year which I imagine was just as horrific for them as it was their fans. But in nearly every instance where something like this happens (and it is sadly often due to ill health) everything is done to reschedule dates. It just seems to me in the heat of all this exciting world tour news that the band and their management seem to have forgotten that there's actually human beings north of Manchester. Now the music business seems to have this form of geographical amnesia too as many bands and artists proudly proclaim their massive UK tour will call at... London, Manchester and Birmingham! Newcastle has always been a great city for live music. Just think back to well before my time when venues like the Mayfair were still around. Don't forget about Scotland either. That's not just a city you music types. It's a whole country! Places like the Barrowlands Ballroom ooze music history out of their pores. Yet these cities often get left out by the biggest live acts.
Many bands get it right. Kiss for example announced the big three and a scattering of other dates late last year. The band however listen to where the fans want them to play and added several more dates to their 'Sonic Boom Over Europe' tour including Newcastle and Sheffield. They didn't need to reschedule (although I understand this is sometimes a necessity) and they didn't need to cancel any shows. They simply made the tour longer. The resulting gig at the Metro Radio Arena last May was THE best show I've ever seen in that venue.
So why have Gorillaz chosen to cancel dates? Are any of the band members ill? It doesn't appear so but I'll happily give my apologies if this is the case and wish them a speedy recovery. Some have speculated low ticket sales for the Glasgow and Newcastle shows as a reason. To be honest we'll probably never know if that is the case but I don't believe that to be the case. Ticketmaster have offered refunds or tickets to the nearest show in... Manchester including National Express coaches to and from the show. While I am appreciative of Ticketmaster's attempts to help disappointed fans it seems all in vain. So now if I want to see Gorillaz I have to pay for my coach and possibly even a hotel on top of the initial £50 for a ticket. Would it be worth it to see their live show? Very probably but it's something I'm not prepared to do.
If the suspicions of both myself and the many fans who bought tickets to the Newcastle and Glasgow shows (as well as Milan. Poor guys there doesn't appear to be any Italian date at all!) are correct then we've been passed over for the promise of greater things elsewhere on tour. Simply put because the band are playing America, Australia and Hong Kong among others they don't need or even want to play here. Perhaps that's a slightly over emotional response but there will be many many fans who feel this exact way. My friend Mark who was due to come to the Newcastle show with me called the band 'money hungry'. Some of the comments from fans on their Facebook page echoed similar sentiments. (If you see your comment on here and want it taken down do get in touch)
As of writing there is no apology for the cancelled dates on their site. Just the paragraph I quoted before. So what happens now? Well for those who do get to go in November I hope you have an awesome time. I still believe that they will put on an amazing show but the lack of thought to their Scottish, Italian and Northern English fans would make me think twice about ever going to see them live.
This link is a Facebook group set up by those who would have been attending the cancelled dates. Please join even if you aren't a fan of Gorillaz but are a fan of live music or are still going to a rescheduled date. I don't expect them to play. I would however like them to explain themselves and tell the truth- even if that is as ugly as we all think it is.
Cheers
Earlier this year trip rock 'virtual band' Gorillaz released their third album 'Plastic Beach'. Now to make it clear this album is nothing short of fantastic. It's beautifully composed and flows in a way that arguably no album this year has. In fact I picked the lead single 'Stylo' as my song of the year so far in an blog entry earlier this month. The band announced a UK tour for September and on the basis of this fantastic album I splashed out £100 on two standing tickets. Now £100 is a lot of money but I have a passion for live music and believed that Gorillaz would be worth a £50 price tag based on their work on 'Plastic Beach'.
Then the band stepped in to replace U2 as headliners at Glastonbury. People scoffed that they weren't a big enough band to headline the Pyramid Stage. I simply told them that I had faith that they would eat their words. After watching their Glastonbury performance on BBC2 and 4 I was extremely excited for the show. Their performance was musically flawless. Not only that but Damon Albarn had stepped out of the shadows of his cartoon 'virtual band' and was performing the songs exposed to the music world. While in London last week (after winning iTunes Festival tickets) a friend told me he was jealous that I would get to see two members of the Clash onstage at the Gorillaz show (Mick Jones and Paul Simonon make up part of the live band at the upcoming shows as well as at Glastonbury in June). This certainly seemed to be gearing up to be a must see show.
A world tour was announced yesterday (22nd July). Hidden amongst all the new dates and news (including a new show in Brighton) read the following:
Due to new tour routing the Gorillaz live shows at Glasgow SECC on September 8th, Newcastle Metro Arena on September 11th and Milan Forum on November 19th are to be cancelled. The Gorillaz “Escape to Plastic Beach” World Tour will now sail into Dublin on the 11th November, Manchester on the 12th, London on the 14th and 16th, Birmingham on the 17th, with a last show in Brighton on the 18th before heading to Berlin (21st), Antwerp (22nd), Paris (23rd) and then “down under”.
Read that first sentence again. Due to new tour routing? What exactly does that mean? Are the North East of England and Scotland closed in November? Motorhead among others have announced full UK tours in November so that can't be it. As of writing Gorillaz have no scheduled dates in September up on their website. They have however announced North American dates for October. It's probably facetious of me to ask if the band are walking/swimming to America and need the month head start. However there has been no reason given for the move other than 'new tour routing'.
Now obviously I understand that schedules can change and bands often need to reschedule or even cancel dates and tours. U2 as we mentioned earlier had to pull out of Glastonbury this year which I imagine was just as horrific for them as it was their fans. But in nearly every instance where something like this happens (and it is sadly often due to ill health) everything is done to reschedule dates. It just seems to me in the heat of all this exciting world tour news that the band and their management seem to have forgotten that there's actually human beings north of Manchester. Now the music business seems to have this form of geographical amnesia too as many bands and artists proudly proclaim their massive UK tour will call at... London, Manchester and Birmingham! Newcastle has always been a great city for live music. Just think back to well before my time when venues like the Mayfair were still around. Don't forget about Scotland either. That's not just a city you music types. It's a whole country! Places like the Barrowlands Ballroom ooze music history out of their pores. Yet these cities often get left out by the biggest live acts.
Many bands get it right. Kiss for example announced the big three and a scattering of other dates late last year. The band however listen to where the fans want them to play and added several more dates to their 'Sonic Boom Over Europe' tour including Newcastle and Sheffield. They didn't need to reschedule (although I understand this is sometimes a necessity) and they didn't need to cancel any shows. They simply made the tour longer. The resulting gig at the Metro Radio Arena last May was THE best show I've ever seen in that venue.
So why have Gorillaz chosen to cancel dates? Are any of the band members ill? It doesn't appear so but I'll happily give my apologies if this is the case and wish them a speedy recovery. Some have speculated low ticket sales for the Glasgow and Newcastle shows as a reason. To be honest we'll probably never know if that is the case but I don't believe that to be the case. Ticketmaster have offered refunds or tickets to the nearest show in... Manchester including National Express coaches to and from the show. While I am appreciative of Ticketmaster's attempts to help disappointed fans it seems all in vain. So now if I want to see Gorillaz I have to pay for my coach and possibly even a hotel on top of the initial £50 for a ticket. Would it be worth it to see their live show? Very probably but it's something I'm not prepared to do.
If the suspicions of both myself and the many fans who bought tickets to the Newcastle and Glasgow shows (as well as Milan. Poor guys there doesn't appear to be any Italian date at all!) are correct then we've been passed over for the promise of greater things elsewhere on tour. Simply put because the band are playing America, Australia and Hong Kong among others they don't need or even want to play here. Perhaps that's a slightly over emotional response but there will be many many fans who feel this exact way. My friend Mark who was due to come to the Newcastle show with me called the band 'money hungry'. Some of the comments from fans on their Facebook page echoed similar sentiments. (If you see your comment on here and want it taken down do get in touch)
"Gutted you've cancelled your Glasgow gig. How come you didn't schedule new gigs around your confirmed ones? Shame on you. No i wont be paying another £ 64 pounds for me and my partner to travel by coach to the MEN. I already travelled to Birmingham in March to see you guys. Totally disgusted!"
"This is what you get when you don't download your music and buy it legally, so much for supporting the artist. I think I'll spend my money on more worthy things than the Gorillaz machine."
"Glasgow cancelled? Bastards. No way I'm getting on a "discounted" bus to bloody Manchester. And if it's cos of low sales what the fuck do you expect when you're charging £50 a ticket for all standing!!"
As of writing there is no apology for the cancelled dates on their site. Just the paragraph I quoted before. So what happens now? Well for those who do get to go in November I hope you have an awesome time. I still believe that they will put on an amazing show but the lack of thought to their Scottish, Italian and Northern English fans would make me think twice about ever going to see them live.
This link is a Facebook group set up by those who would have been attending the cancelled dates. Please join even if you aren't a fan of Gorillaz but are a fan of live music or are still going to a rescheduled date. I don't expect them to play. I would however like them to explain themselves and tell the truth- even if that is as ugly as we all think it is.
Cheers
Monday, 19 July 2010
5 Artists the charts refuse to tell you about!
Ok so I've clearly had some sort of aneurysm as I've just heard the latest 'single' from Jedward. Jedward for those who don't know are the frightening spawn of Louis Walsh who appeared on last year's X-Factor. Now I'm not one of those people that disses the X-Factor. I think it can make great television. In fact every year I spot someone on the show who has actual genuine talent and follow it through hoping they'll win only for them to end up 5th or something shortly before Christmas. Now I don't vote so maybe I shouldn't complain but something like Jedward (who incidentally look just like Scratchy off that old Saturday morning show Scratchy and co) belong on ITV1.
While I find Leona Lewis whiny, JLS utter pants and Alexandra Burke a product of her own surname I concede that for the most part they can at least sing... a bit. Jedward however can not. Yet they decide to 'sing' "All the Small Things", "Teenage Kicks" and "You've Got To Fight For Your Right To Party" on their new album! That's right, the two annoying lads (who are admittedly doing masterfully with their 15 minutes of fame) have covered the Undertones and the BEASTIE BOYS(!!) on their debut album. I also have a sad feeling it will do very well for itself too.
Now the album charts for the most part I have faith in. Amy Macdonald's albums do much better than her singles do (a review of her iTunes Festival gig is coming soon) while AC/DC are guaranteed a number 1 album simply by putting their name on something. The singles charts are another matter. The age of the download means we don't have the bus journey to town to realise our idea to buy the new Professor Green single is simply asinine. It just takes one click on iTunes and that annoying little wigger works his way up the charts. (No. 5 people!!!) With that in mind I don't listen to the charts like I used to as a kid. Not being restricted to listen to what you've forced Scott Mills to play is quite a cathartic feeling. With that in mind here are five artists that at least for now the charts won't tell you about. Usually I'd post a video of each band but I'm going to let you seek these guys out for yourself. Hopefully you'll thank me.
Now in no particular order...
Black Stone Cherry
Genre: (According to Wikipedia) Southern rock, hard rock, heavy metal
Albums: 2- Black Stone Cherry (2006) Folklore and Superstition (2008)
I caught these guys supporting Def Leppard and Whitesnake on tour back in 2008. They could be the most hard working band in rock today. They seem to be constantly touring and since that first time I have seen them a further two times. A lot of hard rock bands today either have the talent but not the hooks to lure you in or can write a catchy song but can't match it with any substance. Black Stone Cherry "rock tasty abs washer board style!" (Copyright Jack Black) and are going to be massive. This is fact. Their drummer John Fred Young could be the best drummer since Dave Grohl while singer Chris Robertson actually sings with passion and feeling. Catch them when they inevitably tour next year after their third album drops.
Recommended tracks: Blind Man, Maybe Someday, Soul Creek
2. Kate Voegele
Genre: Pop, rock, folk-pop
Albums: 2- Don't Look Away (2007), A Fine Mess (2009)
Many teenage girls- or 24 year old men who'll refuse to admit it- may recognise this lovely lady as Mia Catalano from ultra addictive cheese fest 'One Tree Hill'. Well guess what? All the songs Mia/Kate sings on the show are hers; and by hers I mean actually written and recorded by her. Over in America, 'One Tree Hill' has helped Kate shift a decent number of albums and at least gain her some notoriety. If you haven't seen her on the show (and why aren't you watching?!?) Kate sits comfortably between the likes of Sheryl Crow and Vanessa Carlton in your CD collection. Her music is easy to relate to and won't have your mum/significant other/dog screaming "Turn that racket down!!" Catch Kate on the new series of 'One Tree Hill' when it starts in America in September or catch the current one on E4. I'm sure she's working on an album as we speak.
Recommended: Kindly Unspoken, Manhattan From The Sky, Chicago
3. Steel Panther
Genres: Glam metal, Hard rock, Heavy metal
Albums: 1- Feel The Steel (2009)
Spinal Tap on the Sunset Strip. Do you miss the days of Motley Crue, Poison and Skid Row? Yeah I do too. Well Steel Panther bring back glam rock and metal in the most outrageous possible way. This isn't just some nostalgia act. Steel Panther take the art of parody to new heights but crucially love what they're mocking and are a ridiculously talented group. Names of songs include; 'Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) and 'Party All Day (Fuck All Night)' which gives you an idea of what you're letting yourself in for. Download their cover of 'I Want It That Way' (yes by the Backstreet Boys) off iTunes now and prepare to feel the steel!
Recommended: Death To All But Metal, Community Property, Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)
4. Marion Raven
Genres: Rock, Pop-Rock, Alternative, Post Grunge
Albums: 2- Here I Am (2005), Set Me Free (2007)
Marion's probably best known for collaborating with the legend that is Meat Loaf on 'Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose'. Their version of 'It's All Coming Back To Me' reached Number 6 on the UK singles charts but Marion's solo stuff hasn't really made an impact over here. A couple of friends of mine said they thought she sounded like Avril Lavigne which I'm still not sure was a compliment. Her material obviously isn't as grandiose as Mr. Loaf but is catchy and shows promise. Look out for her new album 'Nevermore' due out at some point this year.
Recommended: Heads Will Roll, Set Me Free, Here I Am
5. Rock Sugar
Genres: Hair metal/Pop music mashup (really!)
Albums: 1- Reimaginator (2010)
Take a metal song like 'Enter Sandman' and sing the lyrics of 'Don't Stop Believin' and you have Rock Sugar. The songs they meld together are often inspired. The band's backstory explains that the band were stranded on a desert island in 1989 with a CD player, plenty of batteries and the CD collection of a 13 year old girl. While some of the 80s songs they cover weren't huge hits over here they're done with such conviction that it still works. Once you hear this album you'll never hear half the songs in the same way ever again! Plus the lead singer used to voice Wakko from Animaniacs!!
Recommended: Don't Stop the Sandman, Shook Me Like A Prayer, I Love Sugar On Me
Well writing this has calmed me down somewhat. Amy Macdonald gig review coming soon... promise!
While I find Leona Lewis whiny, JLS utter pants and Alexandra Burke a product of her own surname I concede that for the most part they can at least sing... a bit. Jedward however can not. Yet they decide to 'sing' "All the Small Things", "Teenage Kicks" and "You've Got To Fight For Your Right To Party" on their new album! That's right, the two annoying lads (who are admittedly doing masterfully with their 15 minutes of fame) have covered the Undertones and the BEASTIE BOYS(!!) on their debut album. I also have a sad feeling it will do very well for itself too.
Now the album charts for the most part I have faith in. Amy Macdonald's albums do much better than her singles do (a review of her iTunes Festival gig is coming soon) while AC/DC are guaranteed a number 1 album simply by putting their name on something. The singles charts are another matter. The age of the download means we don't have the bus journey to town to realise our idea to buy the new Professor Green single is simply asinine. It just takes one click on iTunes and that annoying little wigger works his way up the charts. (No. 5 people!!!) With that in mind I don't listen to the charts like I used to as a kid. Not being restricted to listen to what you've forced Scott Mills to play is quite a cathartic feeling. With that in mind here are five artists that at least for now the charts won't tell you about. Usually I'd post a video of each band but I'm going to let you seek these guys out for yourself. Hopefully you'll thank me.
Now in no particular order...
Black Stone Cherry
Genre: (According to Wikipedia) Southern rock, hard rock, heavy metal
Albums: 2- Black Stone Cherry (2006) Folklore and Superstition (2008)
I caught these guys supporting Def Leppard and Whitesnake on tour back in 2008. They could be the most hard working band in rock today. They seem to be constantly touring and since that first time I have seen them a further two times. A lot of hard rock bands today either have the talent but not the hooks to lure you in or can write a catchy song but can't match it with any substance. Black Stone Cherry "rock tasty abs washer board style!" (Copyright Jack Black) and are going to be massive. This is fact. Their drummer John Fred Young could be the best drummer since Dave Grohl while singer Chris Robertson actually sings with passion and feeling. Catch them when they inevitably tour next year after their third album drops.
Recommended tracks: Blind Man, Maybe Someday, Soul Creek
2. Kate Voegele
Genre: Pop, rock, folk-pop
Albums: 2- Don't Look Away (2007), A Fine Mess (2009)
Many teenage girls- or 24 year old men who'll refuse to admit it- may recognise this lovely lady as Mia Catalano from ultra addictive cheese fest 'One Tree Hill'. Well guess what? All the songs Mia/Kate sings on the show are hers; and by hers I mean actually written and recorded by her. Over in America, 'One Tree Hill' has helped Kate shift a decent number of albums and at least gain her some notoriety. If you haven't seen her on the show (and why aren't you watching?!?) Kate sits comfortably between the likes of Sheryl Crow and Vanessa Carlton in your CD collection. Her music is easy to relate to and won't have your mum/significant other/dog screaming "Turn that racket down!!" Catch Kate on the new series of 'One Tree Hill' when it starts in America in September or catch the current one on E4. I'm sure she's working on an album as we speak.
Recommended: Kindly Unspoken, Manhattan From The Sky, Chicago
3. Steel Panther
Genres: Glam metal, Hard rock, Heavy metal
Albums: 1- Feel The Steel (2009)
Spinal Tap on the Sunset Strip. Do you miss the days of Motley Crue, Poison and Skid Row? Yeah I do too. Well Steel Panther bring back glam rock and metal in the most outrageous possible way. This isn't just some nostalgia act. Steel Panther take the art of parody to new heights but crucially love what they're mocking and are a ridiculously talented group. Names of songs include; 'Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) and 'Party All Day (Fuck All Night)' which gives you an idea of what you're letting yourself in for. Download their cover of 'I Want It That Way' (yes by the Backstreet Boys) off iTunes now and prepare to feel the steel!
Recommended: Death To All But Metal, Community Property, Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)
4. Marion Raven
Genres: Rock, Pop-Rock, Alternative, Post Grunge
Albums: 2- Here I Am (2005), Set Me Free (2007)
Marion's probably best known for collaborating with the legend that is Meat Loaf on 'Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose'. Their version of 'It's All Coming Back To Me' reached Number 6 on the UK singles charts but Marion's solo stuff hasn't really made an impact over here. A couple of friends of mine said they thought she sounded like Avril Lavigne which I'm still not sure was a compliment. Her material obviously isn't as grandiose as Mr. Loaf but is catchy and shows promise. Look out for her new album 'Nevermore' due out at some point this year.
Recommended: Heads Will Roll, Set Me Free, Here I Am
5. Rock Sugar
Genres: Hair metal/Pop music mashup (really!)
Albums: 1- Reimaginator (2010)
Take a metal song like 'Enter Sandman' and sing the lyrics of 'Don't Stop Believin' and you have Rock Sugar. The songs they meld together are often inspired. The band's backstory explains that the band were stranded on a desert island in 1989 with a CD player, plenty of batteries and the CD collection of a 13 year old girl. While some of the 80s songs they cover weren't huge hits over here they're done with such conviction that it still works. Once you hear this album you'll never hear half the songs in the same way ever again! Plus the lead singer used to voice Wakko from Animaniacs!!
Recommended: Don't Stop the Sandman, Shook Me Like A Prayer, I Love Sugar On Me
Well writing this has calmed me down somewhat. Amy Macdonald gig review coming soon... promise!
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Korntastic! 10 Essential Korn tracks. Rejoice!
So nu-metal pioneers KoRn have just released their latest album 'KoRn III: Remember Who You Are' and it seems that they have done just that! It's much more akin to their now classic debut album 'KoRn' (There is no KoRn II for anyone who thinks they're missing an album) and is a huge return to the cathartic, angry despair of their earliest work. I'll be sure to review the album here too but for anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of listening to JD and the gang (or you're just giddy with excitement) here are my Essential 10 KoRn Tracks along with some fucking awesome videos!:
1. Here To Stay- from 'Untouchables' (2002)
The lead single of the first KoRn album of the new millennium and it's an absolute barn burner! It's the song that got me into the band and marked an industrial slant becoming a part of their sound. The established themes are there; regret, anguish and as ever a truly visceral anger. As Jonathan Davis sings "This shit's gone way too far!" you can't help but feel energised while lyrics such as "So I take my time, guiding the blade down the line/Each cut closer to the vein" show that this song is anything but throwaway.
Link
2. Freak on a Leash- from 'Follow The Leader' (1998)
If you've ever heard a KoRn song it was probably this. The song that defined how nu-metal should sound even if the band did try to shake off that particular tag. Hinted at being about "the mixed blessings of fame" the song became an MTV mainstay thanks to what is arguably the greatest music video of the nineties. (below) The scat refrain in the middle followed by all hell breaking lose on the word 'Go!' make this song not only an essential KoRn song but essential metal full stop.
3. Thoughtless- from 'Untouchables' (2002)
The second single from 'Untouchables' boasts some vintage JD moments including lyrics such as "So why the fuck do you make fun of me!" The aggression with which it's delivered takes it beyond a plea or a question. The song's defiance is perhaps it's greatest quality. "I will not be drowned by your thoughtless scheming" isn't simply a wish. It's a promise.
4. Falling Away From Me- from 'Issues' (1999)
This particular song premiered on an episode of 'South Park' (KoRn trivia fans) and conjures up images of helplessness, panic and anxiety. It would be the perfect soundtrack to a panic attack as it oozes the desperation felt in such a situation. It's telling therefore that the song is about domestic abuse. A setlist mainstay for the band it is certainly one to seek out.
5. Tearjerker- from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
A huge change of pace for the band. While the themes are familiar; loneliness, despair and isolation, the song for the most part is solemn, restrained and hauntingly beautiful. Tucked away at the end of the album and never released as a single it is certainly a hidden gem. The phrase "Saturated Loneliness" stayed with me for days.
6. Daddy- from 'KoRn' (1993)
Another one tucked at the end of an album, this time their debut effort. Admittedly this song isn't for everyone. Not because of it's length but because of it's difficult subject matter even by KoRn's standards. Hearing JD sob towards the end of the song is uncomfortable at times but only showcases the raw emotion of the entire album.
7. Blind- from 'KoRn' (1993)
The debut single. Not much to say here. Just listen. Particularly the rousing cry of "Are you ready?!?" at the start. Clearly none of us were.
8. Twisted Transistor- from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
A change of pace in some ways for the band. "Don't give up, because the music do" is more uplifting than "Something's raped and taken from me" but the track is one of KoRn's catchiest and no doubt introduced them to a new group of fans. (KoRn Trivia here is that the song was used as the theme song for WWE Taboo Tuesday 2005. FACT! Look it up.)
9. Comin Undone Wit It- Original track from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
While the original track is more akin to what you expect from KoRn, this mash-up of 'Coming Undone' and 'Lean Wit It Rock Wit It' by Dem Franchize Boyz is simply inspired. Rarely do mash-ups work this well. "KoRn and the motherfucking Franchize Boyz!!". Classic!
10.Oildale (Leave Me Alone)- from 'KoRn III: Remember Who You Are' (2010)
After what some deemed a poor effort (Their 2007 untitled album), fans were hoping for a return to form. Once they heard this they realised the time had come. Crunching guitars, pounding drums and a huge chorus of 'Why don't you just leave me alone?' heralds a vitality and urgency missing for years.
And if you haven't head your KoRn fill yet, check out this performance uploaded by the band on to Myspace as they perform tracks from 'KoRn III' inside a crop circle. KoRn amongst the corn if you will... ... ok I'll get my coat...
Click here for 'KoRn: The Encounter' on Myspace!
1. Here To Stay- from 'Untouchables' (2002)
The lead single of the first KoRn album of the new millennium and it's an absolute barn burner! It's the song that got me into the band and marked an industrial slant becoming a part of their sound. The established themes are there; regret, anguish and as ever a truly visceral anger. As Jonathan Davis sings "This shit's gone way too far!" you can't help but feel energised while lyrics such as "So I take my time, guiding the blade down the line/Each cut closer to the vein" show that this song is anything but throwaway.
Link
2. Freak on a Leash- from 'Follow The Leader' (1998)
If you've ever heard a KoRn song it was probably this. The song that defined how nu-metal should sound even if the band did try to shake off that particular tag. Hinted at being about "the mixed blessings of fame" the song became an MTV mainstay thanks to what is arguably the greatest music video of the nineties. (below) The scat refrain in the middle followed by all hell breaking lose on the word 'Go!' make this song not only an essential KoRn song but essential metal full stop.
3. Thoughtless- from 'Untouchables' (2002)
The second single from 'Untouchables' boasts some vintage JD moments including lyrics such as "So why the fuck do you make fun of me!" The aggression with which it's delivered takes it beyond a plea or a question. The song's defiance is perhaps it's greatest quality. "I will not be drowned by your thoughtless scheming" isn't simply a wish. It's a promise.
4. Falling Away From Me- from 'Issues' (1999)
This particular song premiered on an episode of 'South Park' (KoRn trivia fans) and conjures up images of helplessness, panic and anxiety. It would be the perfect soundtrack to a panic attack as it oozes the desperation felt in such a situation. It's telling therefore that the song is about domestic abuse. A setlist mainstay for the band it is certainly one to seek out.
5. Tearjerker- from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
A huge change of pace for the band. While the themes are familiar; loneliness, despair and isolation, the song for the most part is solemn, restrained and hauntingly beautiful. Tucked away at the end of the album and never released as a single it is certainly a hidden gem. The phrase "Saturated Loneliness" stayed with me for days.
6. Daddy- from 'KoRn' (1993)
Another one tucked at the end of an album, this time their debut effort. Admittedly this song isn't for everyone. Not because of it's length but because of it's difficult subject matter even by KoRn's standards. Hearing JD sob towards the end of the song is uncomfortable at times but only showcases the raw emotion of the entire album.
7. Blind- from 'KoRn' (1993)
The debut single. Not much to say here. Just listen. Particularly the rousing cry of "Are you ready?!?" at the start. Clearly none of us were.
8. Twisted Transistor- from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
A change of pace in some ways for the band. "Don't give up, because the music do" is more uplifting than "Something's raped and taken from me" but the track is one of KoRn's catchiest and no doubt introduced them to a new group of fans. (KoRn Trivia here is that the song was used as the theme song for WWE Taboo Tuesday 2005. FACT! Look it up.)
9. Comin Undone Wit It- Original track from 'See You On The Other Side' (2005)
While the original track is more akin to what you expect from KoRn, this mash-up of 'Coming Undone' and 'Lean Wit It Rock Wit It' by Dem Franchize Boyz is simply inspired. Rarely do mash-ups work this well. "KoRn and the motherfucking Franchize Boyz!!". Classic!
10.Oildale (Leave Me Alone)- from 'KoRn III: Remember Who You Are' (2010)
After what some deemed a poor effort (Their 2007 untitled album), fans were hoping for a return to form. Once they heard this they realised the time had come. Crunching guitars, pounding drums and a huge chorus of 'Why don't you just leave me alone?' heralds a vitality and urgency missing for years.
And if you haven't head your KoRn fill yet, check out this performance uploaded by the band on to Myspace as they perform tracks from 'KoRn III' inside a crop circle. KoRn amongst the corn if you will... ... ok I'll get my coat...
Click here for 'KoRn: The Encounter' on Myspace!
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Half-Way House
Evening folks! Being we're officially past the half way mark of 2010, I thought I'd have a look back at some of my favourite tracks from this year so far. So without further ado, here are my personal Top 5 songs of 2010; and no Justin Bieber in sight. (I'm still not entirely sure who he is)
5. Ghost: Slash feat. Ian Astbury
The opening track on Slash's debut solo effort. Slash decided that rather than take the mic himself he would collaborate with a revolving door of vocalists for the album ranging from Motorhead God Lemmy to Black Eyed Pea Fergie. After much thought however I picked this collaboration with Cult singer Ian Astbury and fellow GN'R alumni Izzy Stradlin. The song was originally intended for Velvet Revolver before the group's ugly split with Scott Weiland but still sounds vital and current performed by both Astbury and Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy who is performing it during Slash's current world tour.
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4. Los Angeloser- Meat Loaf
'Hang Cool Teddy Bear' has been called Meat Loaf's best album in 20 years and in some ways it's hard to disagree. What is certain is that it's arguably the first time since the 1986 pop rock of 'Blind Before I Stop' that he hasn't tried to follow the Jim Steinman formula. 'Los Angeloser' is a prime example. The closest you'll get to hearing Meat Loaf rapping... hopefully.
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3. Spark- Amy Macdonald
Let's face facts. Amy Macdonald was THE best thing about 2007. Her debut album 'This Is The Life' tore it's way to the top of the charts and I took great joy in playing tracks from it when I briefly presented on Durham FM. Her new album 'A Curious Thing' is more polished and grand with the maturity and great songwriting that we've come to expect. If 'Spark' is any indication, Amy will be around for years to come. (Look out for my gig review of Amy at the iTunes Festival in a couple of weeks)
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2. Do-Wah-Doo- Kate Nash
I understand this is likely an unpopular choice as Kate Nash is the UK music scene's equivalent of Marmite. Her new album 'My Best Friend Is You' demonstrates a struggle between the piano driven pop of her first album and the emergence of a courageous and daring artist. 'Do-Wah-Doo' has some serious 60s vibes going on with one of the catchiest choruses you'll hear in the charts this year but still quintessentially Nash.
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1. Stylo- Gorillaz
'Plastic Beach' is the undisputed album of the year so far. Who would have thought in the days of 'Park Life' and 'Country House' that Damon Albarn would be producing such beautiful and thought provoking music years later? To be honest this was a toss up between 'Stylo' and their current single 'On Melancholy Hill' but it's the AMAZING cameo from Bobby Womack that takes this song to the next level. Plus any song with Bruce Willis in the video needs at least a mention.
Thoughts? I'm off to watch 'Uncle Buck'!
Mike :-)
5. Ghost: Slash feat. Ian Astbury
The opening track on Slash's debut solo effort. Slash decided that rather than take the mic himself he would collaborate with a revolving door of vocalists for the album ranging from Motorhead God Lemmy to Black Eyed Pea Fergie. After much thought however I picked this collaboration with Cult singer Ian Astbury and fellow GN'R alumni Izzy Stradlin. The song was originally intended for Velvet Revolver before the group's ugly split with Scott Weiland but still sounds vital and current performed by both Astbury and Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy who is performing it during Slash's current world tour.
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4. Los Angeloser- Meat Loaf
'Hang Cool Teddy Bear' has been called Meat Loaf's best album in 20 years and in some ways it's hard to disagree. What is certain is that it's arguably the first time since the 1986 pop rock of 'Blind Before I Stop' that he hasn't tried to follow the Jim Steinman formula. 'Los Angeloser' is a prime example. The closest you'll get to hearing Meat Loaf rapping... hopefully.
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3. Spark- Amy Macdonald
Let's face facts. Amy Macdonald was THE best thing about 2007. Her debut album 'This Is The Life' tore it's way to the top of the charts and I took great joy in playing tracks from it when I briefly presented on Durham FM. Her new album 'A Curious Thing' is more polished and grand with the maturity and great songwriting that we've come to expect. If 'Spark' is any indication, Amy will be around for years to come. (Look out for my gig review of Amy at the iTunes Festival in a couple of weeks)
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2. Do-Wah-Doo- Kate Nash
I understand this is likely an unpopular choice as Kate Nash is the UK music scene's equivalent of Marmite. Her new album 'My Best Friend Is You' demonstrates a struggle between the piano driven pop of her first album and the emergence of a courageous and daring artist. 'Do-Wah-Doo' has some serious 60s vibes going on with one of the catchiest choruses you'll hear in the charts this year but still quintessentially Nash.
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1. Stylo- Gorillaz
'Plastic Beach' is the undisputed album of the year so far. Who would have thought in the days of 'Park Life' and 'Country House' that Damon Albarn would be producing such beautiful and thought provoking music years later? To be honest this was a toss up between 'Stylo' and their current single 'On Melancholy Hill' but it's the AMAZING cameo from Bobby Womack that takes this song to the next level. Plus any song with Bruce Willis in the video needs at least a mention.
Thoughts? I'm off to watch 'Uncle Buck'!
Mike :-)
Monday, 28 June 2010
Album Review: Kate Nash: My Best Friend Is You
Released: April 19, 2010
Charts: 8 (UK)
So you win a Brit award after a rather successful debut album. What do you do next? Rather than take the oft-travelled route of going straight into the second album, Kate Nash wisely sat out for a while and watched the world go by. Some say that you have a lifetime to write your first album and only a few pressure filled months to write your second. Kate Nash decided to take that step back and live life, hoping the music would come to her. What comes from ‘My Best Friend Is You’ is that the music did just that.
The opener ‘Paris’ is bold and confident and shows that Nash still has plenty of the wit and observational humour that her first album was littered with. What’s immediately apparent however is a sense of maturity. ‘Kiss That Grrrl’ and the aforementioned ‘Paris’ have much more going on than Kate’s piano. There is a true sense that she has taken her time to make sure these songs sound just as she wants them rather than a paint by numbers approach that would have been much easier. Fans of the Kate of old will love ‘Don’t You Want To Share The Guilt?’ A good half of the song is a revealing monologue about Nash’s inner thoughts and feelings. It’s just the sort of thing that her detractors hate but she seems to get away with quite convincingly.
However there is almost a schizophrenic feel to the album in some places. It is obviously that Nash’s influences for ‘My Best Friend Is You’ are ranging from 60s girl groups such as the Shirelles right through to Sonic Youth. While the single ‘Do Wah Doo’ is ridiculously feel good and accessible, a track like ‘I Just Love You More’ will surely divide her fanbase. It certainly takes a couple of listens but comes out the other side. If anything the track and the album as a whole is an example of climbing out of your comfort zone and trying to experiment, something that should absolutely be commended when it works on tracks like ‘Take Me to a Higher Plane’
Sometimes however it can be a complete misstep. ‘Mansion Song’, a spoken word piece is simply weird as Nash talks about how much she wants ‘to be fucked and rolled over’. All of this while an opera singer wails in the background. It’d be nice to say I knew where she was going with this one but I didn’t. Never mind eh? However ‘Later On’ brings the album back on track with a 80s synth feeling and a ridiculously catchy chorus, something she seems to be getting very good at crafting. Finishing with a comfortable sounding ‘I Hate Seagulls’ we’re right back with ‘Made of Bricks’ era Kate Nash again. It’s almost as if this album is a battle between what Kate Nash thinks her fans would like to hear and what she wants to record. The production by Bernard Butler makes it flow far easier than it should; that and Kate’s obvious confidence in the material. It makes it a fun album to listen to and proves that like any good artist, Kate Nash isn’t going to stand still. Hopefully the third album will be more of the same time… or rather something completely different.
7.5/10
Best track: Later On
"Oh Herro!"
Here's a big welcome to my brand spanking new blog 'Definitive Hysteria'. I'm basically gonna use this blog to write about music and my general musings. What makes me so qualified to rabbit on about music on this very page? Well everyone has the right to an opinion and our opinions on music bring up furious debate.
When I was 17 I did album reviews for my 6th form newsletter and despite rating a Dido album 5/5 (I had a crush on a Dido fan at the time), people seemed to not only look forward to what I have to say but seemed to view my opinion as important! Although it's been a long time since then I've started reviewing albums again, originally with an idea of setting up a website full of them (which might still happen). I'll make sure to put some of them on here for you to look out. There's some pretty good albums out this year so far and it'll be a good opportunity to bore you all with how much I love my favourite albums!
Without being too pretentious about it music is a very important part of my life. I still remember the first time I heard 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and what I was doing. I love the feeling I get when 'Ecstasy of Gold' plays out across a field before Metallica come out. I can even tell you the first song I played on my short lived radio show in 2007. Everyone has stories like this. This blog will probably be all about this sort of thing and the music I love. If you don't like it, go pester someone else!
Mike :-)
When I was 17 I did album reviews for my 6th form newsletter and despite rating a Dido album 5/5 (I had a crush on a Dido fan at the time), people seemed to not only look forward to what I have to say but seemed to view my opinion as important! Although it's been a long time since then I've started reviewing albums again, originally with an idea of setting up a website full of them (which might still happen). I'll make sure to put some of them on here for you to look out. There's some pretty good albums out this year so far and it'll be a good opportunity to bore you all with how much I love my favourite albums!
Without being too pretentious about it music is a very important part of my life. I still remember the first time I heard 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and what I was doing. I love the feeling I get when 'Ecstasy of Gold' plays out across a field before Metallica come out. I can even tell you the first song I played on my short lived radio show in 2007. Everyone has stories like this. This blog will probably be all about this sort of thing and the music I love. If you don't like it, go pester someone else!
Mike :-)
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