Hello everyone, my name is Dan, and I have never listened to Paul Simon.
And now time to justify myself... Actually I can't. The guy's a legend, and there is a reason for that, unfortunately, until now, it had passed me by.
Glasto' has a long tradition of getting some of the very finest acts from years gone by to perform on the Sunday. Last year it was Ray Davies, and the year before that? Tom Jones. I'm ashamed to say that I saw neither, but won't be missing Mr Simon.
I think I never really gave him a chance because of Watership Down. Everyone, ever since I was young, raves about this film, where I (and heartless/soul-less/whatever else) it may make me, don't like it at all. Bright Eyes obviously still gets played a lot because of that, and I think that was why I never really got into him. I know that was back when Art Gartfunkel was still playing alongside him, but still, that's what happened.
Then of course came the other 'big one', You Can Call Me Al, which brings me to another confession. Until approximately one week ago, I couldn't stand that song either. Whether it was to do with having to see Chevy Chase on the video, or the association that my brain creates between that track and tacky disco music, I have always just despised it. But as I said, that was then, and this is now.
Actually, that song, brilliant though it is, bears very little resemblence to the rest of the songs on here. Whereas that is pop music at its very, very best, the remainder of the album has a huge African influence. For reasons that I've already gone into, I couldn't tell you if that is just what he is like, or whether it's specific to Graceland, but it's really cool, in it's own unique way. A little jaunt around Wikipedia is interesting on the subject actually, but I'll let you check that out for yourself, if you so wish. But, if you are a lover of this album, don't bother, just enjoy it for what it is, avoid the scandal!
Graceland is another obvious highlight, and it's not hard to see why it picked up a trolley load of awards on it's release, it's not as catchy as the big hit, but it's certainly as good.
All in all, I'm a bit disgusted with myself for never having heard any of this before, with the obvious exception, but that's all going to change in the near future (or at least in the day or two between this challenge finishing and the actual festival starting - all the bits where I'm not on a plane anyway).
I've no pun this time, no funny pay off. All I will say is, if you are like me and haven't heard this album before, go and get it. If you have, stick it on, right now.
And PLEASE check out Rachel's effort today. She is a big, big fan of this, and has what sounds like a great story to tell you all. She's over here.
And that's me done again. Nine down, 51 to go.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
When I'm Dreaming of Them - #8 The Coral - Butterfly House
Another day, another album. Well, that is how this whole thing works, pay attention now.
And on we go, to The Coral's latest album, Butterfly House.
It seems like a lifetime ago that the Liverpool band hit the big time with Dreaming of You, the song that almost everyone will have danced and had a singalong to at some points in their lives. If you haven't, you probably shouldn't be reading this blog anyway, but I'll let you off, just make sure you check it out as soon as we are done here.
So, the new album. Does it have anything on it to match that epic t.u.n.e? Frankly, no, no it does not, but that isn't to say that this isn't a good record, it is, but when you release a single of such quality, it becomes something of a yardstick to measure everything else against. And it's quite the track to live up to.
There's nothing particuarly wrong with Butterfly House, but I can't say that it's the most inspiring listen that I'll ever have, in fact, it's not even the best listen that the Challenge has seen so far. It's just a band making good, solid music, without ever really being too risky.
Musically, most of it is pretty gentle, which I didn't expect, although I didn't approach it really knowing what I was going to come across. It sounds very polished, and I imagine it was in production for a fair old while. All of the sounds fit together nicely and such, I just wish they had cut loose a bit more.
I am actually, strangely, reminded of the War of the Worlds soundtrack when I listen to this. No, there is none of Richard Burton's narration, but a couple of songs seem to bring Forever Autumn to mind for me. Don't ask why, there is probably no logical explanation, and I'd be surprised if anyone at all agreed, but then again, I have always been a bit 'special' like that.
I don't really know what else to say about this one. I haven't really gone into great detail about any of the tracks on Butterfly House, but then again, I didn't find much to go into detail about on here...
I'll almost certainly still be there when they are playing at the festival though. Even if I have to stand through 45 minutes of pretty non-descript songs, it will all still be worth it when they crack it up to 11 and blast out Dreaming of You. The point of looking at this album wasn't to delve into the past, but up until they hit the stage at Glasto', I'll be Dreaming of That.
And on we go, to The Coral's latest album, Butterfly House.
It seems like a lifetime ago that the Liverpool band hit the big time with Dreaming of You, the song that almost everyone will have danced and had a singalong to at some points in their lives. If you haven't, you probably shouldn't be reading this blog anyway, but I'll let you off, just make sure you check it out as soon as we are done here.
So, the new album. Does it have anything on it to match that epic t.u.n.e? Frankly, no, no it does not, but that isn't to say that this isn't a good record, it is, but when you release a single of such quality, it becomes something of a yardstick to measure everything else against. And it's quite the track to live up to.
There's nothing particuarly wrong with Butterfly House, but I can't say that it's the most inspiring listen that I'll ever have, in fact, it's not even the best listen that the Challenge has seen so far. It's just a band making good, solid music, without ever really being too risky.
Musically, most of it is pretty gentle, which I didn't expect, although I didn't approach it really knowing what I was going to come across. It sounds very polished, and I imagine it was in production for a fair old while. All of the sounds fit together nicely and such, I just wish they had cut loose a bit more.
I am actually, strangely, reminded of the War of the Worlds soundtrack when I listen to this. No, there is none of Richard Burton's narration, but a couple of songs seem to bring Forever Autumn to mind for me. Don't ask why, there is probably no logical explanation, and I'd be surprised if anyone at all agreed, but then again, I have always been a bit 'special' like that.
I don't really know what else to say about this one. I haven't really gone into great detail about any of the tracks on Butterfly House, but then again, I didn't find much to go into detail about on here...
I'll almost certainly still be there when they are playing at the festival though. Even if I have to stand through 45 minutes of pretty non-descript songs, it will all still be worth it when they crack it up to 11 and blast out Dreaming of You. The point of looking at this album wasn't to delve into the past, but up until they hit the stage at Glasto', I'll be Dreaming of That.
Errrmmm... You What? - #7 Wild Beasts - Two Dancers
Well, this is interesting. I have to admit that up to now, while I haven't exactly raved about everything that we have listened to, at least I've known what was actually going on. Until now. Until Wild Beasts. Until Two Dancers.
I can't say that I've listened to the band in the past. I am aware of them, but only because they are from Kendal, the same place as a good friend of mine.
To be honest with you, I almost didn't get to write this article, as I very nearly turned the album off during the first track. It's not like me to give up on music, I'm very tolerant of a lot of things, and will do my best to try, but I couldn't even take this seriously. But, persevere I did, and so here I go...
The album starts with a track called The Fun Powder Plot. I can see why the boys in the band thought that this was fun, but I have wracked my brain for almost nine hours now to work out how to describe the sound of this opening song. The best that I could manage? It sounds like Kate Bush singing in a washing machine, well, except it's a guy singing. The tune itself is quite good, but his falsetto voice just confuses. And the lyrics are somewhat crazy. Infact, I recommend that everyone listens to this track, I can't do it justice by trying to describe it. I'll must say that it's odd, if I'm being nice, and, if I'm not being, then, well, I won't not be, not just yet.
My problem with Wild Beasts is I imagine they would be good if I could tolerate the singer. He has a good voice when singing what I would call 'normally', but I can't take him seriously the rest of the time. To me, this comes across as a bit of a comedy album, which I'm almost certain it's not meant to be. Or maybe it is, maybe it's just a little too clever for me, and that's what's putting me off. Or not, I honestly don't know.
Infact I think that trying to work out what it is might be where I'm stumbling for no reason, but try as I may, I just can't listen to it at face value without trying to analyse it, it's just too damn strange not to. Third track All the Kings Men would be great if the vocals were like the verses all of the way through, but we are contstantly reminded by high-pitch squeals that this is Wild Beasts, and not just any old band. I suppose that their success in being unique would explain their popularity, but it's not for me.
Rachel on the other hand is a big fan of this, be sure to catch her thoughts on it here.
Strangely, I think I'd quite like to watch this band at the festival. I imagine they will draw a hugely varied crowd, from the cool youngsters who know that NME told them to come see the Kendalites, to 'smoke' hazy revellers who will sit back and just enjoy the sheer madness of it all. Hmm... Maybe I will, although I'll be part of the other crowd, the one standing and staring at the stage, without a clue what is happening.
I can't say that I've listened to the band in the past. I am aware of them, but only because they are from Kendal, the same place as a good friend of mine.
To be honest with you, I almost didn't get to write this article, as I very nearly turned the album off during the first track. It's not like me to give up on music, I'm very tolerant of a lot of things, and will do my best to try, but I couldn't even take this seriously. But, persevere I did, and so here I go...
The album starts with a track called The Fun Powder Plot. I can see why the boys in the band thought that this was fun, but I have wracked my brain for almost nine hours now to work out how to describe the sound of this opening song. The best that I could manage? It sounds like Kate Bush singing in a washing machine, well, except it's a guy singing. The tune itself is quite good, but his falsetto voice just confuses. And the lyrics are somewhat crazy. Infact, I recommend that everyone listens to this track, I can't do it justice by trying to describe it. I'll must say that it's odd, if I'm being nice, and, if I'm not being, then, well, I won't not be, not just yet.
My problem with Wild Beasts is I imagine they would be good if I could tolerate the singer. He has a good voice when singing what I would call 'normally', but I can't take him seriously the rest of the time. To me, this comes across as a bit of a comedy album, which I'm almost certain it's not meant to be. Or maybe it is, maybe it's just a little too clever for me, and that's what's putting me off. Or not, I honestly don't know.
Infact I think that trying to work out what it is might be where I'm stumbling for no reason, but try as I may, I just can't listen to it at face value without trying to analyse it, it's just too damn strange not to. Third track All the Kings Men would be great if the vocals were like the verses all of the way through, but we are contstantly reminded by high-pitch squeals that this is Wild Beasts, and not just any old band. I suppose that their success in being unique would explain their popularity, but it's not for me.
Rachel on the other hand is a big fan of this, be sure to catch her thoughts on it here.
Strangely, I think I'd quite like to watch this band at the festival. I imagine they will draw a hugely varied crowd, from the cool youngsters who know that NME told them to come see the Kendalites, to 'smoke' hazy revellers who will sit back and just enjoy the sheer madness of it all. Hmm... Maybe I will, although I'll be part of the other crowd, the one standing and staring at the stage, without a clue what is happening.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Glasto' 60 Day Challenge - The List
Evening all.
So, what with the Playstation network being down and my personal details currently being handed to every Nigerian Lottery correspondent, penis enlargement agency and online dating service in the world, it would seem I have plenty spare time to enrich your lives with the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge list. Here, you will find every album that Rachel and myself are going to cover during the course of our little adventure.
If you think that there would be better albums suited to the artists in question, please let me know via the comment box, on Twitter or Facebook, by no means is it set in stone, but I have often chosen an album that I think the band will be playing a number of songs from. For example, we shall be covering Build a Rocket Boys! by Elbow. Now you may think that their debut album was better than this, and you may be correct, but this is their latest offering, and it has been met by outstanding critical acclaim, they are touring the album now, so it seems likely that they will be playing a fair share of tracks from said offering. The same goes for U2, as good as some of their albums may be, the Joshua Tree is jam-packed with class, so that is what we will tackle. Suggestions are though, of course, welcome.
So here we go. The list, in all of its shiny glory.
1. Crystal Fighters - Star of Love
2. Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws
3. Tame Impala - InnerSpeaker
4. Dan Mangan - Nice Nice Very Nice
5. Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now
6. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
7. Wild Beasts - Two Dancers
8. The Coral - Butterfly House
9. Paul Simon - Graceland
10. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
11. The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?
12. Glasvegas - Euphoric /// Heartbreak \\\
13. KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope
14. Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - Angles
15. Cold War Kids - Mine is Yours
16. U2 - The Joshua Tree
17. Eels - Beautiful Freak
18. Hurts - Happiness
19. Don McLean - American Pie
20. John Grant - Queen of Denmark
21. Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
22. Queens of the Stone Age - Rated R
23. Laura Marling - Alas, I Cannot Swim
24. The Kills - Blood Pressures
25. Professor Green - Alive 'Till I'm Dead
26. The Naked & Famous - Passive Me, Agressive You
27. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
28. Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
29. Deacon Blue - Raintown
30. Tinie Tempah - Disc-overy
31. Jimmy Eat World - Jimmy Eat World
32. Primal Scream - Screamadelica
33. Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi
34. Cage the Elephant - Cage the Elephant
35. Battles - Mirrored
36. Plan B - The Defamation of Strickland Banks
37. Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
38. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys!
39. Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts
40. Jessie J - Who Are You
41. White Lies - To Lose My Life
42. Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
43. Morrissey - Vauxhall and I
44. The Streets - Original Pirate Material
45. Pendulum - In Silico
46. Paulo Nutini - Sunny Side Up
47. Stornoway - Beachcombers Windowsill
48. Example - Won't Go Quietly
49. Everything Everything - Man Alive
50. Cherry Ghost - Beneath This Burning Shoreline
51. Beyonce - I Am... Sasha Fierce
52. Ke$ha - Animal
53. The Bees - Free the Bees
54. Cee Lo Green - Lady Killer
55. Noah & the Whale - Last Night on Earth
56. The Chemical Brothers - Dig Your Own Hole
57. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
58. Emmy the Great - First Love
59. The Go! Team - Rolling Blackouts
60. Yuck - Yuck
So there you have it, the (for now) definitive list for the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge. The only thing left for me to ask is would people prefer for this to all be a proper website? Rather than just a rolling blog? And if so, can anyone offer me any advice on making one? I'd much rather the blogs by me and Rachel be in one central point, I'm just not overly technical.
Ok kids, bye for now, and as I said, if you have any thoughts, make yourself heard!
So, what with the Playstation network being down and my personal details currently being handed to every Nigerian Lottery correspondent, penis enlargement agency and online dating service in the world, it would seem I have plenty spare time to enrich your lives with the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge list. Here, you will find every album that Rachel and myself are going to cover during the course of our little adventure.
If you think that there would be better albums suited to the artists in question, please let me know via the comment box, on Twitter or Facebook, by no means is it set in stone, but I have often chosen an album that I think the band will be playing a number of songs from. For example, we shall be covering Build a Rocket Boys! by Elbow. Now you may think that their debut album was better than this, and you may be correct, but this is their latest offering, and it has been met by outstanding critical acclaim, they are touring the album now, so it seems likely that they will be playing a fair share of tracks from said offering. The same goes for U2, as good as some of their albums may be, the Joshua Tree is jam-packed with class, so that is what we will tackle. Suggestions are though, of course, welcome.
So here we go. The list, in all of its shiny glory.
1. Crystal Fighters - Star of Love
2. Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws
3. Tame Impala - InnerSpeaker
4. Dan Mangan - Nice Nice Very Nice
5. Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now
6. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
7. Wild Beasts - Two Dancers
8. The Coral - Butterfly House
9. Paul Simon - Graceland
10. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
11. The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?
12. Glasvegas - Euphoric /// Heartbreak \\\
13. KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope
14. Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - Angles
15. Cold War Kids - Mine is Yours
16. U2 - The Joshua Tree
17. Eels - Beautiful Freak
18. Hurts - Happiness
19. Don McLean - American Pie
20. John Grant - Queen of Denmark
21. Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
22. Queens of the Stone Age - Rated R
23. Laura Marling - Alas, I Cannot Swim
24. The Kills - Blood Pressures
25. Professor Green - Alive 'Till I'm Dead
26. The Naked & Famous - Passive Me, Agressive You
27. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
28. Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
29. Deacon Blue - Raintown
30. Tinie Tempah - Disc-overy
31. Jimmy Eat World - Jimmy Eat World
32. Primal Scream - Screamadelica
33. Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi
34. Cage the Elephant - Cage the Elephant
35. Battles - Mirrored
36. Plan B - The Defamation of Strickland Banks
37. Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
38. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys!
39. Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts
40. Jessie J - Who Are You
41. White Lies - To Lose My Life
42. Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
43. Morrissey - Vauxhall and I
44. The Streets - Original Pirate Material
45. Pendulum - In Silico
46. Paulo Nutini - Sunny Side Up
47. Stornoway - Beachcombers Windowsill
48. Example - Won't Go Quietly
49. Everything Everything - Man Alive
50. Cherry Ghost - Beneath This Burning Shoreline
51. Beyonce - I Am... Sasha Fierce
52. Ke$ha - Animal
53. The Bees - Free the Bees
54. Cee Lo Green - Lady Killer
55. Noah & the Whale - Last Night on Earth
56. The Chemical Brothers - Dig Your Own Hole
57. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
58. Emmy the Great - First Love
59. The Go! Team - Rolling Blackouts
60. Yuck - Yuck
So there you have it, the (for now) definitive list for the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge. The only thing left for me to ask is would people prefer for this to all be a proper website? Rather than just a rolling blog? And if so, can anyone offer me any advice on making one? I'd much rather the blogs by me and Rachel be in one central point, I'm just not overly technical.
Ok kids, bye for now, and as I said, if you have any thoughts, make yourself heard!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
My head's in a spin - #6 Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
Before we started the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge, I thought I was a bit of a music buff, only a little bit, but still, I seemed to know more than most of my friends. It seems now that I have just been keeping the wrong company. How else could I have avoided Biffy Clyro for so long??
Like everyone else I'd heard bits, caught Bubbles when Radio1 played it 73 times a day, but never really gave them a chance after that. I realise now that was a huge mistake.
Right from the off, Only Revolutions grabs hold of you, and it's quite the little adventure from then in. Every song on here has something different to offer, and when the tracks are good, they are really, really good. I often thought that Biffy might be some kind of Scottish Kings of Leon tribute act, but there is none of that recent smuggery that has encompassed the KoL here, just good, old-fashioned rock.
Then again, doing a little research, I shouldn't be surprised that this album is so good. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize (although that's a hit-and-miss yardstick of quality), and went platinum soon after its release.
The band has the ability to skip from heavy rock to something altogether more tender with ease. The Captain is a fantastic opening track, combining huge guitars with Simon Neil's surprisingly soft Scottish-twanged vocals. Undoubtedly, if he wanted to rattle up a screamo song, he could, but also has the ability to sound... well... nice? The Miracle is a perfect example of it.
Elsewhere, Bubbles, the track that Radio1 tried to kill by playing so much still stands out as a highlight, while second track The Golden Rule combines elements of 90s rock such as Less Than Jack, with a little bit of Rage Against the Machine and finishes sounded like a Bond theme tune. And if a band is good enough to combine those three elements, then they're alright in my book.
Getting further into the album, it's almost impossible not to enjoy songs called Booooom, Blast & Ruin and Whorses.
This is also the kind of record (calling albums records automatically makes you cool) that you could listen to anywhere, at any time. Feeling a bit down? Sorted, bang this on and it'll perk you right up. Getting ready to go out? Sorted, bang this on, it'll have you singing along and dancing like a bellend before you go. Sat at work? Sorted... Well, you get the picture.
So... My thanks go out to the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge once more for throwing me up some quality new tunes, and ensuring that when Biffy hit the main stage at the festival, I’ll be bang in the middle of the crowd, singing along and dancing like afore mentioned bellend.
Oh, and the list? On it's way...
Like everyone else I'd heard bits, caught Bubbles when Radio1 played it 73 times a day, but never really gave them a chance after that. I realise now that was a huge mistake.
Right from the off, Only Revolutions grabs hold of you, and it's quite the little adventure from then in. Every song on here has something different to offer, and when the tracks are good, they are really, really good. I often thought that Biffy might be some kind of Scottish Kings of Leon tribute act, but there is none of that recent smuggery that has encompassed the KoL here, just good, old-fashioned rock.
Then again, doing a little research, I shouldn't be surprised that this album is so good. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize (although that's a hit-and-miss yardstick of quality), and went platinum soon after its release.
The band has the ability to skip from heavy rock to something altogether more tender with ease. The Captain is a fantastic opening track, combining huge guitars with Simon Neil's surprisingly soft Scottish-twanged vocals. Undoubtedly, if he wanted to rattle up a screamo song, he could, but also has the ability to sound... well... nice? The Miracle is a perfect example of it.
Elsewhere, Bubbles, the track that Radio1 tried to kill by playing so much still stands out as a highlight, while second track The Golden Rule combines elements of 90s rock such as Less Than Jack, with a little bit of Rage Against the Machine and finishes sounded like a Bond theme tune. And if a band is good enough to combine those three elements, then they're alright in my book.
Getting further into the album, it's almost impossible not to enjoy songs called Booooom, Blast & Ruin and Whorses.
This is also the kind of record (calling albums records automatically makes you cool) that you could listen to anywhere, at any time. Feeling a bit down? Sorted, bang this on and it'll perk you right up. Getting ready to go out? Sorted, bang this on, it'll have you singing along and dancing like a bellend before you go. Sat at work? Sorted... Well, you get the picture.
So... My thanks go out to the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge once more for throwing me up some quality new tunes, and ensuring that when Biffy hit the main stage at the festival, I’ll be bang in the middle of the crowd, singing along and dancing like afore mentioned bellend.
Oh, and the list? On it's way...
Better never than late? #5 Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now
I don't know Caitlin Rose, I probably wish that I did, she sounds lovely, honestly she does, and I think that's the problem here.
I had never listened to Ms Rose before today, but she was next up on the hallowed list, so listen I did, and I'd love to be able to engage your eyes with a majestic tale of how her music moved me into rattling up a magnificent blog about this album, but I can't. I really tried to like it, really tried, but in the end I just gave up and went back to Dan Mangan.
You see, I think the problem may be that Caitlin Rose sounds too lovely. Well, a mixture of that I the fact that I just don't have any interest in her blend of country and folk. It's not that I can't appreciate this for a nice piece of work, I just didn't like it. Plain and simple. Bad reviewer I may be, but I (hopefully) have plenty of time to rectify that over the next 55 albums.
I think also that Ms Rose's lyrics kind of put me off too. Second track Own Side sees her questioning how she is going to manage after her lover has moved on. Who will want her now that she is second hand goods, that kind of thing. I don't know, maybe I was just over tired when I gave this a listen, and the rational part of me says that I should go back and give it another go, but most of me is just looking forward to tackling something else tomorrow, something with a bit of life to it.
And there lies the problem with this album really, although it sounds all lovely and nice, there isn't really anything that jumps out and says 'listen to me', it's just, well, pretty I suppose. And while I, like most people, can appreciate superficial beauty, if it has no substance, then I'm not interested. I can see why Caitlin Rose is popular, and she is a far cry from the other female singer-songwriters out there such as Lily Allen and Kate Nash (I can't comment on Adele, I'm yet to hear a song by her), but I'm afraid that I'm just not impressed.
As you will have gathered by now, thanks to five days of 'reviews', I'm not exactly the number one music critic on the planet, but I know what I like, and unfortunately, this ticks none of the necessary boxes.
As a sorry for the poor quality of this, I'll pop the definitive list up tomorrow, so you the reader(s?), Rachel and myself will be able to see what we have in store. Please be sure to check out Rachel's efforts on this album by the way, it provides an excellent read, you can go grab it here.
And that's me for another day. Do me a favour, if you do read this, leave a comment or message me on Twitter - @daninfrance. It would be fascinating to see if anyone does.
I had never listened to Ms Rose before today, but she was next up on the hallowed list, so listen I did, and I'd love to be able to engage your eyes with a majestic tale of how her music moved me into rattling up a magnificent blog about this album, but I can't. I really tried to like it, really tried, but in the end I just gave up and went back to Dan Mangan.
You see, I think the problem may be that Caitlin Rose sounds too lovely. Well, a mixture of that I the fact that I just don't have any interest in her blend of country and folk. It's not that I can't appreciate this for a nice piece of work, I just didn't like it. Plain and simple. Bad reviewer I may be, but I (hopefully) have plenty of time to rectify that over the next 55 albums.
I think also that Ms Rose's lyrics kind of put me off too. Second track Own Side sees her questioning how she is going to manage after her lover has moved on. Who will want her now that she is second hand goods, that kind of thing. I don't know, maybe I was just over tired when I gave this a listen, and the rational part of me says that I should go back and give it another go, but most of me is just looking forward to tackling something else tomorrow, something with a bit of life to it.
And there lies the problem with this album really, although it sounds all lovely and nice, there isn't really anything that jumps out and says 'listen to me', it's just, well, pretty I suppose. And while I, like most people, can appreciate superficial beauty, if it has no substance, then I'm not interested. I can see why Caitlin Rose is popular, and she is a far cry from the other female singer-songwriters out there such as Lily Allen and Kate Nash (I can't comment on Adele, I'm yet to hear a song by her), but I'm afraid that I'm just not impressed.
As you will have gathered by now, thanks to five days of 'reviews', I'm not exactly the number one music critic on the planet, but I know what I like, and unfortunately, this ticks none of the necessary boxes.
As a sorry for the poor quality of this, I'll pop the definitive list up tomorrow, so you the reader(s?), Rachel and myself will be able to see what we have in store. Please be sure to check out Rachel's efforts on this album by the way, it provides an excellent read, you can go grab it here.
And that's me for another day. Do me a favour, if you do read this, leave a comment or message me on Twitter - @daninfrance. It would be fascinating to see if anyone does.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Finally... One that I like #4 Dan Mangan - Nice Nice Very Nice
First things first, this wasn't meant to be as late as it is, but a busy day at work and a mind-mashing episode of Doctor Who have bumped it back in the schedule a little bit, tie in the hangover and... Well, you get the picture.
So the epic Glasto 60 Day Challenge reaches only its fourth day, and I have finally found an album that I am more than happy to heap praise on, and may have also just found the first artist that I'm planning on seeing at the festival, thanks to this little soiree into the music world.
Dan Mangan, for me, is in the same vein as yesterday's offering Tame Impala, I'd heard of him, but had never heard anything by him. I'd like to think that I might have at some point if it wasn't for this whole challenge, but there is a very real possiblilty that I wouldn't have, which justifies what Rachel and myself are doing, and proves (and if it's only to me, that's fine), that when I came up with this idea, I was onto a winner.
So, Mr Mangan, where to start? I think mentioning that the Canadian singer-songwriter is only the same age as me is as good a place as any. For a singer to have such maturity in his voice, if not always in his lyrics, at such an age is a magnificent thing, and I'm sure its a subject that we'll discuss further down the line, as I have the list of albums, and know full well that Laura Marling is on there.
The album itself is very much in the alternative folkpop genre that has become so popular recently in the music world. Whether Mumford & Sons gave a new lease of life to the genre is debatable, as the band generally polorise opinion these days, but a world with Dan Mangan in it is a much better world to live in.
Folk may be slightly inaccurate actually for the opening song on here, Road Regrets, as lively guitars and drums accompany Dan while he engages us from the start, and a female backing joins him on the chorus. Lovely stuff. The backing on choruses continues throughout the album actually, and everytime it adds something to the sound, it's a great addition to every song that features it.
I won't give you a track-by-track breakdown here, I don't think that many people enjoying something that just ploughs over everything that happens across an album, but I will say that there is very little here not to enjoy. Track four, Sold, is a jaunty, fast-paced folk song with a fantastic chorus that builds and builds, before giving the illusion that the track is finished, and relaunching into its fun melodies, accompanied by Mangan's excellent voice. If I was to say that the last 30 seconds of this song has someone clapping the beat, you may start to understand how much fun it is.
The fun doesn't continue throughout the album though (although Some People is a fantastic jolly up that makes my mind picture a barndance, clasping arms and dancing in circles). As well as jolly, Mangan is equally adept at emotion, and can conjure up a love song as well as most people. Fair Verona is a fine example, and featuring brass instruments can only make a song more romantic (horns that is, I don't suppose it works with a trombone). Other tracks feature delightful violins, and a simplistic take to percussion really feels at home here. Snare drums are replaced with bongos, and everything sounds exceptionally gentle, yet crafted to perfection with it.
I'm sad to leave this album behind actually, as we haven't fared so well in the challenge so far, and this has definitely been the pick of the bunch so far, hopefully we will throw up some more gems in the next 56 days, I'm pretty sure we will.
So... There you have it. Thank you Dan Mangan, I can't praise you enough for this quite brilliant album, and I will certainly be coming to see you at Glastonbury after hearing this. You're right, it is very nice.
So the epic Glasto 60 Day Challenge reaches only its fourth day, and I have finally found an album that I am more than happy to heap praise on, and may have also just found the first artist that I'm planning on seeing at the festival, thanks to this little soiree into the music world.
Dan Mangan, for me, is in the same vein as yesterday's offering Tame Impala, I'd heard of him, but had never heard anything by him. I'd like to think that I might have at some point if it wasn't for this whole challenge, but there is a very real possiblilty that I wouldn't have, which justifies what Rachel and myself are doing, and proves (and if it's only to me, that's fine), that when I came up with this idea, I was onto a winner.
So, Mr Mangan, where to start? I think mentioning that the Canadian singer-songwriter is only the same age as me is as good a place as any. For a singer to have such maturity in his voice, if not always in his lyrics, at such an age is a magnificent thing, and I'm sure its a subject that we'll discuss further down the line, as I have the list of albums, and know full well that Laura Marling is on there.
The album itself is very much in the alternative folkpop genre that has become so popular recently in the music world. Whether Mumford & Sons gave a new lease of life to the genre is debatable, as the band generally polorise opinion these days, but a world with Dan Mangan in it is a much better world to live in.
Folk may be slightly inaccurate actually for the opening song on here, Road Regrets, as lively guitars and drums accompany Dan while he engages us from the start, and a female backing joins him on the chorus. Lovely stuff. The backing on choruses continues throughout the album actually, and everytime it adds something to the sound, it's a great addition to every song that features it.
I won't give you a track-by-track breakdown here, I don't think that many people enjoying something that just ploughs over everything that happens across an album, but I will say that there is very little here not to enjoy. Track four, Sold, is a jaunty, fast-paced folk song with a fantastic chorus that builds and builds, before giving the illusion that the track is finished, and relaunching into its fun melodies, accompanied by Mangan's excellent voice. If I was to say that the last 30 seconds of this song has someone clapping the beat, you may start to understand how much fun it is.
The fun doesn't continue throughout the album though (although Some People is a fantastic jolly up that makes my mind picture a barndance, clasping arms and dancing in circles). As well as jolly, Mangan is equally adept at emotion, and can conjure up a love song as well as most people. Fair Verona is a fine example, and featuring brass instruments can only make a song more romantic (horns that is, I don't suppose it works with a trombone). Other tracks feature delightful violins, and a simplistic take to percussion really feels at home here. Snare drums are replaced with bongos, and everything sounds exceptionally gentle, yet crafted to perfection with it.
I'm sad to leave this album behind actually, as we haven't fared so well in the challenge so far, and this has definitely been the pick of the bunch so far, hopefully we will throw up some more gems in the next 56 days, I'm pretty sure we will.
So... There you have it. Thank you Dan Mangan, I can't praise you enough for this quite brilliant album, and I will certainly be coming to see you at Glastonbury after hearing this. You're right, it is very nice.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
And So It Continues... #3 Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
Hmm... For the third day running, I really hoped that I would come across an album that I would like. The first two days have thrown up offerings that I haven't really had opinions on either way, and today, again, unfortunately, it's the same situation again.
In the spirit of the challenge, I have never heard Tame Impala, I've heard of them, but never heard what they are all about.
On first listen, it seemed it could one of two ways. There was a chance that some Secret Machines-like psychedelic heavy rock may be on its way, but unfortunately, it went the other way, and sounded a lot like Crocodiles.
The band, I suppose, are some kind of psychedelic, shoegazing affair, and if some of the things I have read are to be believed, they are also masters of Australian rock. I would have to say that if this is what the land down under has to offer, I'm happy enough to postpone my visit.
Opening track It's Not Meant to Be suggests what's going to be happening for the rest of the album really, with its floating, echoing lyrics not really grabbing attention over feedback-heavy guitars and a surprisingly enthralling drum beat.
Moving into track two, we have more of the detached vocals, and I doubt that its only me that can hear a bit of a Beatles sound in here. Not good Beatles by the way, drug-fuelled Beatles perhaps, but not good.
As this whole challenge is about going to Glastonbury, I really don't know how the band are going to sound on stage, when the use of the echo button on the sound desk will become even more apparent, and to be honest, this has put me off going along to find out. I think that I would like them if they went in a different direction with the vocals, and had something that was quite cutting, instead of floating by, then they could be quite good, but until then, they just aren't.
The final track sums it all up for me really, it's called I Really Don't Mind, and that sums up my thoughts to this album, again... I don't mind it, but it doesn't do anything for me at all. It's background music, and little else. I can see me going along to see them at the festival if I'm full of booze and fancy sitting down, but apart from that, I'm out.
Shall I finish off with another corking pun? Ok, Tame Impala are, to be fair, tame.
Be sure to check out Rachel's blog too please - it's over here... http://rachel-blog-a-ball.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-3-tame-impala-innerspeaker.html?spref=tw
In the spirit of the challenge, I have never heard Tame Impala, I've heard of them, but never heard what they are all about.
On first listen, it seemed it could one of two ways. There was a chance that some Secret Machines-like psychedelic heavy rock may be on its way, but unfortunately, it went the other way, and sounded a lot like Crocodiles.
The band, I suppose, are some kind of psychedelic, shoegazing affair, and if some of the things I have read are to be believed, they are also masters of Australian rock. I would have to say that if this is what the land down under has to offer, I'm happy enough to postpone my visit.
Opening track It's Not Meant to Be suggests what's going to be happening for the rest of the album really, with its floating, echoing lyrics not really grabbing attention over feedback-heavy guitars and a surprisingly enthralling drum beat.
Moving into track two, we have more of the detached vocals, and I doubt that its only me that can hear a bit of a Beatles sound in here. Not good Beatles by the way, drug-fuelled Beatles perhaps, but not good.
As this whole challenge is about going to Glastonbury, I really don't know how the band are going to sound on stage, when the use of the echo button on the sound desk will become even more apparent, and to be honest, this has put me off going along to find out. I think that I would like them if they went in a different direction with the vocals, and had something that was quite cutting, instead of floating by, then they could be quite good, but until then, they just aren't.
The final track sums it all up for me really, it's called I Really Don't Mind, and that sums up my thoughts to this album, again... I don't mind it, but it doesn't do anything for me at all. It's background music, and little else. I can see me going along to see them at the festival if I'm full of booze and fancy sitting down, but apart from that, I'm out.
Shall I finish off with another corking pun? Ok, Tame Impala are, to be fair, tame.
Be sure to check out Rachel's blog too please - it's over here... http://rachel-blog-a-ball.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-3-tame-impala-innerspeaker.html?spref=tw
Friday, April 22, 2011
And So It Continues - #2 Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws
So... After the hectic and franklly baffling offering from Crystal Fighters yesterday, comes an altogether calmer effort in the shape of Bombay Bicycle Club's second studio album, Flaws.
And... (prepare yourself for a cringeworthy pun), in my eyes, this album is full of, you've guessed it, flaws.
Now I do of course recognise that whatever I say means nothing to anyone of importance, however, it has just been nominated for an Ivor Novello award. Some of the biggest names in music have taken this trophy home with them in the past, and I honestly don't see what this album has done to be held in such high esteem.
I feel that I have missed out somewhat, as from my little bit of research I have learned that the band took a massive sidestep in their musical style to bring out this release, moving from guitar thrashing rock to acoustic folk, so perhaps fans of the band would appreciate this more, however, to me, it's a sound that alot of people have already done, and have done it better.
Flaws sounds to me like what Mumford & Sons could have come up with in their spare time, if they were a bit bored and couldn't really be arsed trying. I don't want to come down too hard on the band, but... Well, actually, I do. That's the whole point of this.
The album just floats by really. I found myself enjoying Ivy & Gold, but had to wait until track four to find something that even nudged my attention, and even then I think that was only my memory telling me that I'd heard this before. The rest just sauntered on by without me really noticing. On first listen, I tried to pay attention but was distracted by anything and everything that I passed by in town, my little grey cells were just desperate to be entertained. When I got home and decided to sit and listen intently to it, I woke up on the floor just as the last track was finishing.
I want to go into detail about the rest of the album, but I honestly don't know what to say. There is a lovely duet on there, but I can't offer much more... I just found nothing to interest me here.
So, again, onwards and upwards for the future... Two down, 58 to go.
Make sure you head on over and catch Ms Ball's thoughts about this one - it is, as ever, excellent...
http://tinyurl.com/3zbjcgr
P.S If anyone actually does read this, would you prefer to see the full list of 60 now, or keep them coming as a surprise on a daily basis?
And... (prepare yourself for a cringeworthy pun), in my eyes, this album is full of, you've guessed it, flaws.
Now I do of course recognise that whatever I say means nothing to anyone of importance, however, it has just been nominated for an Ivor Novello award. Some of the biggest names in music have taken this trophy home with them in the past, and I honestly don't see what this album has done to be held in such high esteem.
I feel that I have missed out somewhat, as from my little bit of research I have learned that the band took a massive sidestep in their musical style to bring out this release, moving from guitar thrashing rock to acoustic folk, so perhaps fans of the band would appreciate this more, however, to me, it's a sound that alot of people have already done, and have done it better.
Flaws sounds to me like what Mumford & Sons could have come up with in their spare time, if they were a bit bored and couldn't really be arsed trying. I don't want to come down too hard on the band, but... Well, actually, I do. That's the whole point of this.
The album just floats by really. I found myself enjoying Ivy & Gold, but had to wait until track four to find something that even nudged my attention, and even then I think that was only my memory telling me that I'd heard this before. The rest just sauntered on by without me really noticing. On first listen, I tried to pay attention but was distracted by anything and everything that I passed by in town, my little grey cells were just desperate to be entertained. When I got home and decided to sit and listen intently to it, I woke up on the floor just as the last track was finishing.
I want to go into detail about the rest of the album, but I honestly don't know what to say. There is a lovely duet on there, but I can't offer much more... I just found nothing to interest me here.
So, again, onwards and upwards for the future... Two down, 58 to go.
Make sure you head on over and catch Ms Ball's thoughts about this one - it is, as ever, excellent...
http://tinyurl.com/3zbjcgr
P.S If anyone actually does read this, would you prefer to see the full list of 60 now, or keep them coming as a surprise on a daily basis?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
It Has to Start Somewhere... #1 Crystal Fighters - Star of Love
And so it begins, 60 albums in 60 days, and to truly embrace the spirit of the adventure, the first offering is from a band that I know absolutely nothing about.
Crystal Fighters' debut album Star of Love is, well, a bit odd. The band aren't to be confused with Crystal Castles, nor are they anything like the Foo Fighters, but I suppose if you were to combine the two then, no, I don't think I've ever heard anything quite like this before, and am still unsure as to whether I think that is a good or bad thing...
The album kicks off with an audio attack on the senses in the form of Solar System. It wouldn't be out of place in the kind of club that I haven't been in since I was 18, and certainly isn't in keeping with my recent musical tastes, but that's not to say that I don't like it. It grabs your attention with its pulsating electro bassline, although to presume that we were about to tuck into a record of similar tunes couldn't be further from the truth. This could be labelled as many things, and I suppose a record company blurb would come up with 'eclectic'. I'd probably veer more towards schizophrenic, bordering on fully blown psychotic, but for all its twists and turns, it somehow works.
Moving into the following song, delicate Spanish guitars are quickly replaced by a bassline that the kids would call 'phat', and the repetitive lyrics keep your attention for absolutely no reason. The distant sounding vocals somehow compliment the bass nicely, and again, I'm left wondering how, and why I like this music.
Things do, however, get even stranger from here on in. Everyday is again fillled with an electro beat, but seems to have some grunge guitar riff built in, with a distressed vocal over the top. The relentlessness of the first couple of tracks hasn't calmed down in the slightest by now, but it will, soon enough.
If you visit Rachel's blog on the same album (and I sincerely hope that you do, these are running in tandom, get yourself over there, she is, in my eyes, a much more enjoyable read) then she mentions the song Plage. It's an odd one indeed, and as she says, doesn't sound like it should even be on the same album. It's summer in a song - "Do you want to go to the plage with me" - and probably the most enjoyable song on here, which begs the question as to why the rest of the tracks have to be so crazy, when the band are perfectly cabable of making such good songs. But there you go, they have a record deal, and I'm sat on my sofa.
At Home is another cracking song, big vocals and fun sounds, but is totally let down by I Love London, which may be the worst song I've ever heard. If a track was ever created specifically for clubbing types 'darn sarf', then this is it. Can I see huge groups of drug-addled partygoers loving this and cheering everytime she claims to love their city? Yes. Would I ever like to hear this song again? No. It's, in a word, shite.
The rest of the album throws up variations on the above songs. I've listened to this all the way through three times now and the problem is, I just don't know how to feel about it. I could gush on and on about a brilliant album (just wait until we reach Elbow), and I'm even more at home ripping into something that I don't like, but with this I honestly have no idea. It could offend my musical senses, but it doesn't quite manage it, and at the same time, when I find myself quite liking it, I can't see me putting it on again in the future.
So there you have it, one done, and absolutely no opinions offered. Bet you're glad you read all the way to the end, yes? I promise it will be a better read in the future ;)
Oh, and Rachel's blog, get yourself there now please. Thanks
http://rachel-blog-a-ball.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-1-crystal-fighters-star-of-love.html #glasto60daychallenge
If, by any chance anyone wants to get in touch, leave some comments, or catch me on Twitter @daninfrance - or Rachel @Rachel_Ball ... just make sure you use the hasgtag #glasto60daychallenge
One down, 59 to go. Onwards and upwards kiddies.
Crystal Fighters' debut album Star of Love is, well, a bit odd. The band aren't to be confused with Crystal Castles, nor are they anything like the Foo Fighters, but I suppose if you were to combine the two then, no, I don't think I've ever heard anything quite like this before, and am still unsure as to whether I think that is a good or bad thing...
The album kicks off with an audio attack on the senses in the form of Solar System. It wouldn't be out of place in the kind of club that I haven't been in since I was 18, and certainly isn't in keeping with my recent musical tastes, but that's not to say that I don't like it. It grabs your attention with its pulsating electro bassline, although to presume that we were about to tuck into a record of similar tunes couldn't be further from the truth. This could be labelled as many things, and I suppose a record company blurb would come up with 'eclectic'. I'd probably veer more towards schizophrenic, bordering on fully blown psychotic, but for all its twists and turns, it somehow works.
Moving into the following song, delicate Spanish guitars are quickly replaced by a bassline that the kids would call 'phat', and the repetitive lyrics keep your attention for absolutely no reason. The distant sounding vocals somehow compliment the bass nicely, and again, I'm left wondering how, and why I like this music.
Things do, however, get even stranger from here on in. Everyday is again fillled with an electro beat, but seems to have some grunge guitar riff built in, with a distressed vocal over the top. The relentlessness of the first couple of tracks hasn't calmed down in the slightest by now, but it will, soon enough.
If you visit Rachel's blog on the same album (and I sincerely hope that you do, these are running in tandom, get yourself over there, she is, in my eyes, a much more enjoyable read) then she mentions the song Plage. It's an odd one indeed, and as she says, doesn't sound like it should even be on the same album. It's summer in a song - "Do you want to go to the plage with me" - and probably the most enjoyable song on here, which begs the question as to why the rest of the tracks have to be so crazy, when the band are perfectly cabable of making such good songs. But there you go, they have a record deal, and I'm sat on my sofa.
At Home is another cracking song, big vocals and fun sounds, but is totally let down by I Love London, which may be the worst song I've ever heard. If a track was ever created specifically for clubbing types 'darn sarf', then this is it. Can I see huge groups of drug-addled partygoers loving this and cheering everytime she claims to love their city? Yes. Would I ever like to hear this song again? No. It's, in a word, shite.
The rest of the album throws up variations on the above songs. I've listened to this all the way through three times now and the problem is, I just don't know how to feel about it. I could gush on and on about a brilliant album (just wait until we reach Elbow), and I'm even more at home ripping into something that I don't like, but with this I honestly have no idea. It could offend my musical senses, but it doesn't quite manage it, and at the same time, when I find myself quite liking it, I can't see me putting it on again in the future.
So there you have it, one done, and absolutely no opinions offered. Bet you're glad you read all the way to the end, yes? I promise it will be a better read in the future ;)
Oh, and Rachel's blog, get yourself there now please. Thanks
http://rachel-blog-a-ball.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-1-crystal-fighters-star-of-love.html #glasto60daychallenge
If, by any chance anyone wants to get in touch, leave some comments, or catch me on Twitter @daninfrance - or Rachel @Rachel_Ball ... just make sure you use the hasgtag #glasto60daychallenge
One down, 59 to go. Onwards and upwards kiddies.
The Glasto' 60 Day Challenge - Them's the Rules
Now then, well, I haven't done this before, but now seems as good as any time to start.
So, thanks to Mr Michael Besch, I once again have a ticket to the greatest music festival in the world, and in the build up to it, have decided to listen to a band a day - all of whom will be performing - and let you lucky folk know my thoughts on it. Alongside my good friend Rachel Ball, it's one album a day, for the next 60 days.
Worst case scenario? No-one cares what we write, but we get to listen to an album a day, many of which we won't have heard of before, maybe pick up a new favourite band along the way, and generally broaden our musical horizons.
Best case scenario? A few people are inspired to give our reccomendations a listen, we maybe gain a bit of a following, Lauren Laverne gets us on 6music a week before the festival and Emily Eavis throws a couple of backstage passes our way. We can all live in hope can't we?
So, the rules...
1) One album a day, to be listened to on the day of review.
2) Can be a straight review, or of course if it is something we are familiar with, a few emotions and stories may wing their way in there.
3) If you decide to join in, or are inspired to try out any of the music that we look at, please buy it legally. The music industry is struggling enough, we don't want any piracy in our town thanks.
Other than that, all I have to say is, let the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge begin.
I'll be back later with number one of the albums, and will stick up a link to Ms Ball as soon as I know it.
(P.S This all looks a bit amateur, I'll sort it out as soon as I understand it all/have time.)
So, thanks to Mr Michael Besch, I once again have a ticket to the greatest music festival in the world, and in the build up to it, have decided to listen to a band a day - all of whom will be performing - and let you lucky folk know my thoughts on it. Alongside my good friend Rachel Ball, it's one album a day, for the next 60 days.
Worst case scenario? No-one cares what we write, but we get to listen to an album a day, many of which we won't have heard of before, maybe pick up a new favourite band along the way, and generally broaden our musical horizons.
Best case scenario? A few people are inspired to give our reccomendations a listen, we maybe gain a bit of a following, Lauren Laverne gets us on 6music a week before the festival and Emily Eavis throws a couple of backstage passes our way. We can all live in hope can't we?
So, the rules...
1) One album a day, to be listened to on the day of review.
2) Can be a straight review, or of course if it is something we are familiar with, a few emotions and stories may wing their way in there.
3) If you decide to join in, or are inspired to try out any of the music that we look at, please buy it legally. The music industry is struggling enough, we don't want any piracy in our town thanks.
Other than that, all I have to say is, let the Glasto' 60 Day Challenge begin.
I'll be back later with number one of the albums, and will stick up a link to Ms Ball as soon as I know it.
(P.S This all looks a bit amateur, I'll sort it out as soon as I understand it all/have time.)
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