Paddy
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:00:58 GMT 1
I wanted to place these somewhere before the site they are on disappears altogether:
The Futureheads - This is Not the World
This, the third album from the Sunderland boys, comes after the creation of their self branded label (Nul Records); after being dropped from 679 recordings.
This is Not the World starts with the energetically pumping Beginning of the Twist, already seen by many as a 2008 classic. The guitar theme continues throughout the album as you would expect, added with simple but catchy lyrics on such songs as Walking Backwards, This Is Not the World and See What You Want to See.
Unfortunately, although it is a very good album, and I’m in no doubts it will sell many copies, there is a danger of too much radio airplay. This could happen to any of the album tracks the guys decide to turn into singles, as every track is very much good enough. They will have very hard choices to make.
But there is still the problem of very similar sounding tracks, with Barry Hyde’s voice becoming monotonous from one track to another, and guitar riffs all joining into one. It needs a subtle change in direction to help it step up from being a good record to something special. It’s a real shame that the variation isn’t there.
Pick of the pops is Walking Backwards and Beginning of the Twist
8/10 - This is still the world, but maybe not as we knew it before!
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:01:44 GMT 1
The Pigeon Detectives - Emergency
This, the second album released by The Pigeon Detectives, named Emergency and released on the Dance to the Radio label. I could easily sum this album up in one sentence... It’s a 4 month album, started in January 2008 and finished in time for a release on the 26th May; but I won’t, and I will continue.
Starting with the first track, the well known This Is An Emergency, already a hit single, reaching a peak of number 14 in the UK charts. Although the intro sounds very similar to Franz Ferdinand: Take Me Out. A jumping and uplifting start to the album from the Leeds guys. From Franz Ferdinand we get a taste of the old album with the intro to I'm Not Gonna Take This which is very much stolen from I'm Not Sorry, except the one difference of being in a different key.
From there on, the album starts to turn into one long song, with the monotone of Matt Bowman. That said until we get to the last track; which turns into a Hidden Track, which sounds like the guys have been asked to sing a random acoustic song, but when they have had about 10 pints beforehand! Very out of key, and as it’s all the guys singing, very noticeable how they cannot all keep to the same key.
There is a glimmer of hope with Nothing to Do With You half way through the album, but that is the extent of the hope. In all, it is a 4 month, rushed album, which needed a considerable length of time longer spent on it.
Pick of the album is This Is An Emergency
3/10 – This is an Emergency!
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:02:22 GMT 1
Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement
Alanis Morissette, singer for near on 20 years and actress, returns with her eighth Album; Flavors of Entanglement, on the Warner Bros. label. With comparisons with Delta Goodrum, Sheryl Crow and the odd occasion of The Rasmus, the album has a lot to live up to.
From the first track, Citizens Of The Planet, there is a dark element to Alanis’ lyrics and vocal, with the single accompaniment of the piano. The album is very listenable, not too dark that it makes you feel like you should kill everything, but she lets the lyrics show us how she has a realistic, yet sometimes slightly negative thinking towards the world and life in general.
Throughout Morissette covers many topics, from the planet to the more upbeat tune of the freedom of the car to escape from troubled life in Giggling Again For No Reason. There is a feeling of many first hand themes and stories within the lyrics, which deepen each song to a personal note.
This is one of those albums which strike no major chord, no real need to listen to, but one you can put on and just listen and relax. With Alanis’ Canadian voice, very thought about lyrics and deep feelings, it just makes you stop and think.
Pick of the pops is Versions of Violence.
7/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:03:03 GMT 1
Coldplay - Parachutes
This was the debut album by the London group Coldplay; released in 2000, two years after the group formed together. This album made many sit up and take notice, the sound hadn’t been done so well by any band other than Radiohead for a number of years.
It is hard to imagine this was a début album, with its solid lyrics, guitar riffs and piano solos. This album cried out experience, it was a full on onslaught and left people open jawed; or at least the people that ‘got’ them. Parachutes begins with Don’t Panic, but the album is jam packed with songs that have gone on to be seen as classic Coldplay tracks; Shiver, Yellow and Trouble to name just a few. All made with their distinctively simple yet catchy and alluring content. The emotions are driven into frenzy with the passing of each track,
This was the marker post for Coldplay; it made them big very quickly, with follow up albums of A Rush of Blood to the Head and X&Y selling in huge amounts. Their latest release once again proves how good Parachutes was, as it borrows heavily from it in its structure.
I’m sure this will be always seen as a classic as much as it is now; it is just one of those masterpiece début albums. You just can’t pick a best track of this album; they are just all so good. Only bettered in my opinion by the second album!
My love affair with Coldplay started when the Parachutes landed.
9/10-Who needs Trouble when you have Coldplay!
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:04:03 GMT 1
Nephwrack - Messiah's Day
A metal band, with a brand new members; it sounds like they need to practise this more, but I don't think I'd say that to their faces! OK... this is better then some other songs by Nephwrack, but my ear's are bleeding after this 5 minute song, from no kind of musical presence. Whenever more then one member sings they are out of time. Go back and start again, then bring out this single again.
2/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:04:45 GMT 1
Pendulum - In Silico
This, the second album released by the Anglo-Aussie band, featuring 5 band members and two MC’s who join in when performing live performances. Released on the Warner music and Atlantic records, it is the follow up of the band’s debut album; Hold your Colour, released in 2005.
From the chart hits Slam and Blood Sugar taken from Hold Your Colour, Pendulum are seen as a drum and bass band. And In Silico is no different, with new chart toppers, Granite and Propane Nightmares. But In Silico has deeper tracks too, such as Visions and Midnight Runner.
The album (only on some) is interrupted never the less by remixes of Propane Nightmare and Granite. This includes a more Electronica feel to the album, yet, spoils very good tracks by the band.
Shame the band can’t get the energy that is created at gigs onto CD. As shown at radio 1’s big weekend, Pendulum are a crowd puller at festivals, but just a little disappointing on CD.
All in all, more drum and bass by Pendulum, sticking to a formula used to great success before, but in the process, becoming the most mainstream D&B artists, with the most sales by a D&B band as well.
If you like D&B, this is right up your street, if D&B isn’t, then I think a detour round it is needed.
7/10-slammed by the remixes!
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:05:25 GMT 1
Smith 6079 - The Sound of Silence
A cover of Simon and Garfunkle's The Sound of Silence. How to remind you of old school bands, this lead singer even has the vocals copying of those days. Although, I'm not too sure about the tempo Smith sing this at, but that is the worst thing I can find.
8/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:06:08 GMT 1
Moby - A Night in NYC
This was a surprise free CD in a major Sunday newspaper, comprising of old album material, remixes, and new material, coming from his new album.
It covers all of Moby’s classic works, including Porcelain, Go, Honey, In my Heart and Lift me Up otherwise known as the current ITV F1 theme tune.
It also includes new material; from the album such as Everyday its 1989, Alice and Ooh Yeah and exclusive to the free CD; highlight]Rockets.
Full of upbeat electronica with characteristic Moby vocals, the album can’t get much better as a compilation of a great artists work.
The new Album was brought out on 12th May 2008, where this free CD was to coincide. For being free, it includes a lot of classic Moby.
9/10-What a great freebie! Buy it if you can.
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:06:50 GMT 1
Foals - Red Sox Pugie
Another Foals record off the Antidotes album; and well I never, more upbeat guitar, drum and vocals. Its run of the mill Foals now, same formula as per normal, yet, just a little less catchy then Cassius and Balloons. Yet,still a good track. It’s a case of good formula, keep using it as it doesn't need changing!
8/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:07:29 GMT 1
South - You Are Here
This album has shocked me. It is South’s 5th album, from forming in 1998 but they have been unheard of in mainstream music to date.
You Are Here is generally a standard pop-rock album. On the whole, it has the feel of a “Ghosts” album, especially with the mellow vocals from Joel Cadbury, unfortunately they fail to bring the album to life. The potential is there for a top album, yet the it remains too samey, and a little too slow. It would therefore fit perfectly onto the Radio 2 playlist!
The intro of She's Half Crazy does bring some life into the mix, it is livelier (though that isn’t hard) and brings a new character to the album.
The next track, There Goes Your Life, has a feel of old bands like The Beatles, although this could be from the mentoring of ex Stone Roses front man, Ian Brown. The Creeping sounds like a cross between Chicago and Radiohead. Near the end, there is a 30 second interlude called Balloons which is very reminiscent of Coldplay's Parachutes material.
You Are Here as an album could easily be picked up from a 1990’s shelf, with a lot of Brit-pop influences.
6/10 Solid, yet not firecatching.
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:08:10 GMT 1
Cage the Elephant - Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant come from Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. They bring Rock and Roll with them to the UK with their self-titled debut album, released on Relentless records.
Cage the Elephant starts with In One Ear, a single brought out earlier this year. Unfortunately it was ignored by the mainstream music industry, so is still unheard of to the masses. It’s an upbeat funky rock tune with a catchy beat and interesting lyrics. On the other hand, this can’t be said for Ain't No Rest For The Wicked which has had chart topping success. Tiny Little Robots has a very White Stripes sound to it, with a heavy drum beat and guitar riffs to accompany the vocals. Lotus is a very much mellower tune, which suits the title perfectly. In comparison to the rest of the album it feels like you’re relaxing next to a pond!
The album follows a similar pattern all the way through, so you’ll either love it or you will want to smash it to pieces! Definitely a grower for me; it needs plenty of listens for you to realise if you like it or not.
Pick of the pops are Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked and Tiny Little Robots.
5/10-The Elephant has escaped.
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:08:41 GMT 1
Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
The fourth single from Vampire Weekend, which is released off the superb self titled album, has the same unique sound which Vampire Weekend have found. Although, what does the title mean?-anyone know what Kwassa means? The unique sound coupled with the random lyrics make for a mysterious single, but the chill factor radiated from the single just makes you not care.
8/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:09:18 GMT 1
The Fratellis - Look Out Sunshine
The second single from the latest album, Here We Stand, has the typically Fratellis upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics. Just one downside, where is the big chorus such as those found on Chelsea Dagger and Henrietta?
8/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:11:02 GMT 1
David Jordan - A Place in my Heart
Some say the David Jordan is the next Prince, yet after the very catchy Sun Goes Down single I thought he was more suitable for Eurovision. Anyway, A Place in my Heart is definitely a Prince similarity, and I think he may be trying to copy Michael Jackson with the dancing in his video! Back to the single... it is catchy, but slightly too high pitched for my sensitive ears!
5/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:11:37 GMT 1
The Automatic - Steve McQueen
The return of The Automatic, can they recreate a single such as Recover or Monster? Well, yes. Yet another catchy, upbeat and chart topping single, well that’s my prediction.
7/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:12:23 GMT 1
Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong - Lucio Starts Fire (Full Release)
Ok, this has been released before, but only as a limited edition vinyl. Away from this little fact, what a brilliant single, even band. Very bubbly, up tempo and captivating lyrics. What else do you need from a so called “Indie band”? This may be the kick start to the bands career. Although a higher chart placing than 93, as achieved by Lonely Buoy, is their first target.
10/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:13:06 GMT 1
Hamfatter - What Part Of Hamfatter Do You Not Understand?
Hamfatter... now where have I heard that name before? Yes, they were the band Peter Jones invested in on Dragons' Den. They have to be praised for trying a new approach for finance and publicity, and it seems to have worked. But, and there is always a “but”; this is not their first album, it is actually their third album, so it’s not like they are novices! It is very remarkable that they have not been talent scouted before now really!
This is also the second release of What Part of Hamfatter Do You Not Understand?, the first edition was with more tracks and a different album cover, which shows where the first part of the finance went, into a new album cover and a brand new song: The Girl I Love (début single off the album reaching number 71 in the charts). This starts the album off, with a steady beat, building up to a much synchronised single. This is a good example of the very ear pleasing vocals of Eoin O’Mahony and the backing vocals of James Ingham. In contrast, the elder single, Sziget is a lot faster tempo, has more complicated lyrics and is much more active, just proving the easy execution of many styles performed by the band, which some bands just don't have the talent to successfully achieve. And even within this one single, there are many changes of style with a more melodic ending, which is very tuneful.
Moving on, Karma sees another change in style yet again, which fits perfectly with the bands talent, and, if anything, is slightly hip-hop. This is followed by a very mellow track, 21st Century Sex, the intro of this very reminiscent of a Sigur Ros track. I could continue with every track, because they are all different in very big ways, yet all sound so excellent. Somehow, Hamfatter have achieved a very unique sound with many variations.
What part of Hamfatter do I not understand? The part where people have pulled them back for trying and achieving something new within the music industry. It has worked, and it should be applauded. With this album, it has also happened to the correct band.
Pick of the pops are… all of them. The only down point which stops the album getting full marks is the shortness; at less then 40 minutes long.
9/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:13:48 GMT 1
The Verve - Forth
Who? The Verve? Who are they? Thought they’d long gone with the memories of The Drugs Don’t Work and Bittersweet Symphony . These hits were set to be the only major lasting legacies from The Verve, but alas this is no more. They are back with Forth and the début single off the album Love Is Noise and what a mixed bag it is.
The album starts with Sit And Wonder, which kind of stereotypes this album, you sit and wonder where the hype has come from. Yes, a solid single, but it is dull. Love Is Noise comes next and is definitely the pick of the crop, even if the backing vocals are compared to monkeys by some!
Skipping to track five, Numbness is basically telling you how your mind is after hearing the last 2 singles, and this single really isn't much better. I have a feeling that The Verve are trying to copy Radiohead with this album, yet a very poor attempt at it.
It’s not until the two bonus tracks at the end (Mover and Chic Dub) that there is some life injected to the album. It gets a bit more enthralling, yet by this time you will have fallen asleep!
It is a very disappointing album, from a very experienced band. The music is actually ok, yet there is no life, no thrill and no real want to listen to it. It is just very tedious, uninteresting and more then anything, dull. I'm sorry to say it, but The Verve should have stayed in retirement! Hopefully they'll go back to sitting back and relaxing with their hot cups of coco and let go of the 1990’s.
Pick of the pops… Love Is Noise and Mover.
4/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:14:27 GMT 1
Black Tide - Shout
Oh dear. Ok, I know metal isn’t my all time favourite genre, but, the title tells you what this song is… someone thinking they’re cool by shouting down a mic. No idea what the lyrics are, if there are any! But I’m sure metal heads all round the country are loving this single.
2/10
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Post by Paddy on Jul 17, 2011 17:15:01 GMT 1
Alphabeat - Boyfriend
Right, the next Alphabeat single is this the fourth in four months! They just keep coming, we might hear the whole album by Christmas at this rate. Although I’m not actually moaning, on CD they are very good, however, I didn’t think they were anything special when they performed live a few weeks ago. Anyway, Boyfriend is another very simply entitled track from these Danish europop artists, yet it is so catchy. It looks like Alphabeat fever may continue this month.
9/10
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