Bands That Changed Me: U2

My introduction to U2 was unusual as I was always aware of them. I can even remember seeing the video for ‘Please’ and I had heard ‘With Or Without You’ on the radio but it was not until ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’ came out that I really took notice. As it is with any band that have a long career before I discover them I go back to their early stuff and listen and read what the critics and people say about them. I came to discover that first, U2’s early stuff was f***ing amazing especially their innovative work in the 90s and the fact they make a distinct effort to reinvent themselves with every album. Secondly, they are a band that reflects many of my views on politics, human rights, humanitarianism and social activism. This was the career path that I wanted and still am taking. To put it shortly I became obsessed with their music and their work, not just Bono’s solo efforts to initiate change but the way the whole band have worked on issues and have embedded this within their music. I’m constantly in awe of them! Also, their live shows are out of this world as they have put on some of the most visually stunning tours particularly ZooTV and PopMart. A U2 tour always uses huge screens and they and their production team are pioneers in their ability to design a set that despite the large venues they play has a level of intimacy for fans. I think the heart-shaped pit with people in it and around it on the Elevation Tour perfectly illustrates this.
The band also continues to make improvements so that we get the most value for money and the opportunity to see something new every time they go on tour. I was lucky enough to see them on their Vertigo Word Tour but I would give almost anything to go back in time and see them on the ZooTV and PopMart Tours. Since this is not possible I have to console myself with my ZooTV ‘Live from Sydney’ and PopMart ‘Live from Mexico City’ DVDs. I urge you all to go and get these as they are some of the most brilliant tour concerts ever and even if you’re not a fan you won’t regret it as I’ve converted a few with them. Anyways, they’re also going to be on their 360° Tour this year which is proving to be just as big as their others so keep an eye out for any footage, I certainly am and will post it here!

U2 in my opinion are the last of the great bands in the truest sense of the word as they represent a great unit that all have an equal say in the song writing process, direction and touring. But most importantly they are still relevant and writing great songs whilst being the best live band around today. I have so much faith in them that I have a particular line from 'One' tattooed to me with space to add one more line!

Bands That Changed Me: The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins are the first band I’ve ever truly loved. I think I was 10 or 11 yrs old and I just fell in love with everything about them and thus began my early introduction to the 90s alternative scene. I was very; very young to be introduced to this band and others like NIN and Green Day and I remember my parents being slightly worried but they have always respected my taste and even quite liked some of their stuff. The first Pumpkins record I owned was Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and it wasn’t until much later that I heard Siamese Dream and fully understood the importance of both these albums to alt-rock. I remember being totally blown away by Mellon Collie as it was a double album with a musical feast of different styles and influences. It was hard rock one minute e.g. ‘Bullet with Butterfly Wings’ and the next it was anthematic (this is so not a word) with an orchestra backing e.g. ‘Tonight, Tonight’. The Smashing Pumpkins helped me define what music I actually liked because up until that point my parents were heavily influencing me. This actually turned out to be a great thing because I have them to thank for introducing me to the classics early on; but putting this aside, when you are young you don't want to publicly admit you have the same music taste as your parents. I wanted something to call my own and I found out about the Pumpkins through some of the neighbourhood kids who were a fair few years older than me and immersed myself in their world, alternative rock. This didn’t last long as my teenage years were about conforming because I was basically an American girl returning home to Oz and all I wanted to do was ‘fit in’ and not show my individuality. I was influenced by pop culture of the time and I liked 90s boy bands (some of it I still like e.g. Hanson) but I never forgot my love of rock and the Smashing Pumpkins will be forever part of that. Their albums will get played over and over again for the rest of my life and I'm sad to see the state the band is in now with only Billy Corgan remaining.

2009 Album Releases: LITTLE BOOTS - HANDS

Little Boots releases her debut album, 'Hands' on June 8th. I'm sensing a theme here as I seem to be talking a lot about female singers who have an electro sound that is reflected in a massive use of synthesizers. However, I think Little Boots is more on the pop side and this record will be just that; a mega pop album for 2009. I think 'Hands' will be welcomed by the mainstream as Lily Allen and Lady Gaga have been whereas La Roux will be limited to a specific audience, a more alternative or hipster crowd. Personally, I like her and I'm always on the lookout for a good pop record as there is so much crap out there...don't get me started on the Pussycat Dolls! Her first single 'New In Town' is a grower and the video is particularly awesome so I have included it somewhere below. If it wasn't clear before it is now, 2009 is the year for female electro-pop/punk musicians that are heavy on the 80s synth sound and all I can say is I quite like this!!! BRING MORE ON...

Tracklisting:

1. New In Town
2. Earthquake
3. Stuck on Repeat
4. Click
5. Remedy
6. Meddle
7. Ghosts
8. Mathematics
9. Symmetry
10. Tune Into My Heart
11. Hearts Collide
12. No Brakes
13. Meddle (Piano Version) Bonus Track
14. Love Kills (Bonus Track)
15. New In Town (No One is Safe Alex Kapranos Remix) Bonus Track
    

Also, click here to download for free an exclusive Little Boots' album minimix featuring tracks from 'Hands'. I downloaded mine but have yet to listen to it so if you get to it before me don't hesitate to comment and tell me about it. By the way, I'm liking artists allowing me to download some of their tracks for free.

2009 Album Releases: THE MARS VOLTA - OCTAHEDRON

Prog-rockers The Mars Volta release their fifth, Octahedron on June 22nd worldwide and in the US on the 23rd. I'm amazed by the fact that these guys have almost released an album every year and they were talking about this record in Jan 2008, the same month they were to release The Bedlam in Goliath. This is so unusual as bands usually focus on one record at a time but these guys have stated that their next two albums have already been recorded. AWESOME for us fans!! I have gained an appreciation for these guys over the years because it is a bit different from other rock bands and nowadays with the onslaught of electro-pop/punk sounding records they are, dare I say it; a breath of fresh air.

This record is supposed to be less heavy than their previous work and Omar Rodríguez-López went so far as to say it was their acoustic album. However, don't expect a typical acoustic record! If you can't wait to hear what they are doing you can get a taste with their first single 'Cotopaxi' below. The sound quality is actually quite good.

Tracklisting:

1. Since We've Been Wrong
2. Teflon
3. Halo of Nembutals
4. With Twilight as My Guide
5. Cotopaxi
6. Desperate Graves
7. Copernicus
8. Luciforms

FYI, I didn't get AC/DC tickets even to the two other shows that were subsequently released the same day. I knew they would sell out quickly and I didn't feel like camping out for them...will only do that for one band and did it once already!

2009 Album Releases: LA ROUX - LA ROUX

La Roux, a British duo that dabbles in electro-pop and synthesizer based music. Elly Jackson fronts the band but she is very much in partnership with Ben Langmaid, co-songwriter. Their style is influenced by 80s music E.g. Depeche Mode and Elly herself has a distinct often outrageous personal style which is increasingly becoming the norm in music and on the High Street. All of you can sample her first three singles below. By the way, sorry about the lack of embedding its been disabled by the record company so you're gonna have to click on the actual name of the song.

Quicksand released December 2008.

In For the Kill released March 2009.

Bulletproof will be the third single and is released on June 15th 2009.


Also, click here and you can download 2 free songs; 'Quicksand' and 'Fascination' so do that while you still can cos’ it won’t be there forever!

These guys have gained a lot of attention this year and have played a high profile UK tour with Lily Allen. Anyways, the music press and everyday music lovers are eagerly awaiting their self-titled first LP on June 29th. Let’s hope it lives up to the hype.

Tracklisting:

1. In For The Kill
2. Tigerlily
3. Quicksand
4. Bulletproof
5. Colourless Colour
6. I'm Not Your Toy
7. Cover My Eyes
8. As If By Magic
9. Fascination
10. Reflections are Protections
11. Armour Love
12. Growing Pains (UK Bonus Track)

Bands and Artists to Watch: Howling Bells

(UK Album Cover)

Aussie band Howling Bells have been gaining international attention as the support act for Coldplay on the 2009 North American leg of their Viva La Vida tour. They also toured with The Killers and gave an impressive set at the V Festival this year that had Brandon Flowers singing their praises.

The history of the band is actually really interesting as they are made up of the remaining members of another fairly famous Aussie band, Waikiki who broke up in 2003. They moved to the UK to record their first album, Howling Bells which was released in 2006. They gained positive reviews for their first release and continued to move forward with the release of their second record, Radio Wars in February of this year.

Now...onto sound. You all are probably wondering what type of music do they play and who can they be compared to? Well, it is safe to say these guys (and gal) are in the genre of indie. However, there is a departure from first to second album. The first is more atmospheric and subtle in many ways . It sounds a bit like The Velvet Underground whilst Radio Wars is definitely more mainstream but this is not bad as I think they have just grown in their songwriting and worked with the right people. Anyways, you can judge for yourself.

Here is 'Low Happening' from their self-titled first album.


Now listen to 'Cities Burning Down' from Radio Wars.


I think the key to their recent success has been lead singer, Juanita Stein's sultry, yet not too retro sounding voice e.g. Duffy, Gabriella Cilmi etc... This will set her and the band apart from other singers and bands with female lead singers.

Radio Wars Tracklisting:

1. Treasure Hunt
2. Cities Burning Down
3. It Ain't You
4. Nightingale
5. Let's Be Kids
6. Ms. Bell's Song/Radio Wars Theme
7. Golden Web
8. Into the Chaos
9. Digital Hearts
10. How Long
11. To L.A. (Hidden Track)

There is also a Limited Edition version which has a bonus live CD.

Well go to your nearest record store and pick up a copy and I'll be keenly watching how they are received by the masses while they are on tour with Coldplay!

Listening to...

Sorry guys for the delay on the weekly tunes I've been very slack on that front. I'm actually listening to loads of different stuff but the album that is really getting to me is Regina Spektor's Begin To Hope. It hasn't been on high rotation until recently and since hearing about her new release I am immersing myself in her world. Also, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Sigur Rós is being played a lot around my house.

Anyways, you know the drill, samples of the songs below are on your right for your enjoyment.

1. The World We Live In - The Killers. This is the 3rd single for Europe and Australia whilst A Dustland Fairytale is the tune for the US market. This is a great song on its own but is often overshadowed by many of the other songs off Day & Age.
The video for 'The World We Live In'

Also, here is the band performing 'A Dustland Fairytale' on the Late Show with David Letterman with a full orchestra. This is an absolutely beautiful arrangement and if there is one thing you do this week it should be watching this.

2. On the Radio - Regina Spektor. Wow! It's so stunning and it plays well at dinner parties. There is this line that always gets me "...It feels a little worse than when we drove our hearse...right through the screaming crowd..."
3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles. This is so beautiful it makes my heart ache. It has to be my favourite Beatles song EVER. I know a lot of people can't pick their fave and they are right there are so many songs that are worthy but this one is so special to me that I want it tattooed to me.
4. Fidelity - Regina Spektor. I told you I was listening to a lot of Regina Spektor lately. This song makes me feel light and happy and it has the ability to put me in a good mood almost immediately.
5. Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This is pure dance-punk heaven for me! This band just keep getting better and better and they have managed to change their sound in a way that fits seamlessly with their previous work. The best line from this song and possibly the whole album is "Off with your head, dance until your're dead..." It sums everything up about It's Blitz!.

That's it folks!

2009 Album Releases: PLACEBO - BATTLE FOR THE SUN

Placebo release their 6th studio album 'Battle For the Sun' on June 8th (worldwide) and on the 9th in North America. There are going to be new sounds on this record and supposedly is a heavier record than 'Meds'. The first single 'For What It's Worth is available on Itunes now and check out the video here...



The Tracklisting is as follows:

1. Kitty Litter
2. Ashtray Heart
3. Battle For the Sun
4. For What It's Worth
5. Devil In the Details
6. Bright Lights
7. Speak in Tongues
8. The Never-Ending Why
9. Julien
10. Happy You're Gone
11. Breathe Underwater
12. Come Undone
13. Kings of Medicine
14. In A Funk (Japanese Bonus Track)

Also, the promo video for 'Battle For the Sun' is here. I actually like this better than 'For What It's Worth'.


Looking forward to this one!

2009 Album Releases: REGINA SPEKTOR - FAR

Sorry about the lack of posts over the last few days I had a massive government interview today and was spending most of my time preparing for it and stressing over it. It's went well so I should be back to posting daily.

Well to mark my return I have chosen Regina Spektor who is a singer-songwriter from NY but was born in the then Soviet Union and is Jewish. She has a really interesting background that you should all read about. I must admit she is amazing with an interesting voice that reminds me of Björk with hints of Portishead. Her music crosses almost all genres including folk, punk and classical which is not surprising considering she is classically trained on the piano. I would rank her up there with the the best singer-songwriters around, female or male. I am just in awe of her ability to write great songs and music and that is why I'm so excited for her fifth album, Far which is released on June 23rd. The first single 'Laughing With' is available to buy as a digital download now! By the way, don't you love the album cover I think it suits her.

Tracklisting:

1. The Calculation
2. Eet
3. Blue Lips
4. Folding Chair
5. Machine
6. Laughing With
7. Human Of the Year
8. Two Birds
9. Dance Anthem of the 80s
10. Genius Next Door
11. Wallet
12. One More Time With Feeling
13. Man Of A Thousand Faces

Hear the single, 'Laughing With' and 'Blue Lips' on her MySpace page. You'll love it.

Wilco (the stream) Available now!

We all know that bands and their record companies for that matter fear albums being leaked on the Internet. U2 had it happen several times during the course of the making of No Line On the Horizon and in one case it was due to Bono's over-exuberance. Anyways, back to Wilco their album, Wilco (the album) was leaked on the Internet a few days ago so the band decided to do a very brave thing stream it on their website for free. The band requested that this be referred to as Wilco (the stream) and best of all they understand the reasons we would download the leaked copy in the first place. I think that speaks to their respect for the fans. Anyways, listen to it here...
Wilco (the stream)

Also, I have the album cover pretty interesting, huh?!?!

2009 Album Releases: THE DEAD WEATHER - HOREHOUND

I already posted about the Jack White (The White Strips & The Raconteurs), Alison Mosshart (The Kills), Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs) and Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) super band. However, I now have the album cover and tracklisting.

1. 60 Feet Tall
2. Hang You From the Heavens
3. I Cut Like a Buffalo
4. So Far From Your Weapon
5. Treat Me Like Your Mother
6. Rocking Horse
7. New Pony
8. Bone House
9. Three Birds
10. No Hassle Night
11. Will There Be Enough Water?
    

There is also confusion about Horehound's release date as their official site says it will be released on July 13th in Europe and July 14th in North America...question, when is it released in Oz, but many other websites and mags suggest it's still June 9th. I'm leaning towards believing their website as that's the band's method of getting news to the public. They will be touring in support of this album with a full US tour and one UK show.

Check out the video for their first single 'Hang You From the Heavens'.

2009 Album Releases: MIKA - SONGS FOR SORROW EP

MIKA IS BACK. His EP features 4 new tracks and will be releasing a full length LP later in the year. I will keep you updated with this as soon as I get word. Mika's Songs For Sorrow EP is released as a limited edition (songs plus a high quality 68 page book and specially commissioned artwork from some of Mika's favourite artists) on May 25th with the standard version available on June 8th and is almost exclusively available on his official website MikaSounds. Also, you can hear both 'Lady Jane' and 'Lonely Alcoholic' on his site, what do you think? Is it too repetitive or is the future for him looking brighter than ever? So get yourself there pronto!

Tracklisting is as follows:

1. Blue Eyes
2. Lady Jane
3. Lonely Alcoholic
4. Toy Boy

AC/DC BLACK ICE WORLD TOUR 2010

Aussie rockers AC/DC return to their homeland and NZ for their first time since 2001. They will hopefully be playing a good mix of old and new stuff. They will be debuting songs from their 2008 release Black Ice (their first in over 8 years) which I can honestly say I was not very impressed with. Anyways, this is going to be a massive tour and the dates are as follows for 2010:

January 30, Wellington, venue TBC
February 6, Auckland, venue TBC
February 11, Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
February 18, Sydney, ANZ Stadium
February 25, Brisbane, Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre
March 2, Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
March 6, Perth, Subiaco

The dates are quite far apart which suggests that more will be added as one Melbourne date is just not enough as far as I'm concerned. Rumour has it there will be a show at Uluru.

Wolfmother will be supporting which is the perfect opportunity to showcase songs from their new album 'Cosmic Egg' which is released in September of this year. Also, it will be interesting to see them live with their new lineup. Let's hope 'Cosmic Egg' is a success because anything less will prove that Andrew Stockdale walking out on the original band was an epic failure. Back to Acca Dacca, tickets will be reasonably priced at $99 and $150 so you better get your act together when tix go on sale on Monday, May 25th at 9am through Ticketmaster!

See you all there!

2009 Concert Reviews: Little Red at Hi-Fi Bar 8/5/09

I can honestly say that Little Red is one of the most unique bands out there. First, there is no official lead singer as it rotates among three talented guys. There are five members and they all sing harmonies except the drummer who is extremely entertaining as it is with his Ringo Starr head bob. Second, their energy feeds off into the crowd which makes for a great time for all and vice versa. Third, they have the talent to be a much bigger band so commercial radio and TV play LITTLE RED NOW!!

Before the gig really started my friend said she did not expect the crowd that were there but I knew differently as Little Red appeal to the hipster and retro crowd. By the way, there is nothing wrong with hipster gear and those that like retro clothing as I like some of it. The Hi-Fi Bar is a classic Melbourne venue, one I’ve been to many times even for underage gigs so I definitely love it and will continue to go there until I decide to stop going to gigs or leave Melbourne. The first support band, Young Lovers were really decent. They have a pretty straight forward indie-rock sound that is similar to the Britpop of the 90s and most importantly after the gig I felt they complimented Little Red’s 60s/70s-ish sound. I’ll probably be down at JB to buy their EP because I think they have a future worth watching. The second act, Ground Components was different to say the least. These guys combine rock with an interesting use of Latin conga and bongo drums, keys and standard guitars and drums. The music is fantastic but the vocals are strange and that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad as it just left me perplexed. The lead singer does a lot of screaming which does not match the style of music they play and I have to admit when I first heard them play I knew it was going to be good but then the singer started and my friend and I both gave each other confused looks. He has some Peter Garrett dance moves which were great as at least he and the rest of the band gave a lot. Also, I should say the guitarist broke his foot and played the entire show in a chair...good one as I can imagine how uncomfortable he was.

Now onto the main event...Little Red. As soon as Ground Components finished their set much of the crowd left the bar and moved to the pit and surrounding area. My mate and I found a good spot and hung out for the start. As I said before they certainly know how to put on a good show and I think they were excited to be playing their hometown crowd. They showcased tracks from their LP, Listen to Little Red and some new tracks. I like the fact that they appreciate good music and I adore most music from the 60s so this appeals to me on a personal level. There is also a bluesy feel which was particularly evident in the live setting and some of the new songs. The crowd was also really into it and many people knew the words to all the song (minus any new ones) and enthusiastically responded to any crowd participation initiated. For the last song before the encore Ground Components and I guess a couple of both bands’ friends joined Little Red on stage in a mass of dancing and other randomness. Little Red’s set ended with a new song and a classic so we could all go home happy.

All I have to say is if this is what Melbourne and Oz, for that matter is producing then there is nothing to worry about. Enjoy all the photos!
This particular photo is credited to © 2009 herve photographic at FasterLouder.com.au as my bestest mate and I were lucky enough to be photographed for the website above. There are more photos from this particular gig and many others under the Photos link plus news on the latest gigs happening around Oz.

Photos © 2009 music=love

U2's New Video: MAGNIFICENT

The video for one of the best songs off No Line On the Horizon, Magnificent has been released tonight (Oz time). Wow it's beautifully shot!

CHECK IT OUT HERE

No Doubt Reunited On The Today Show

No Doubt have have finally returned for their first televised performance in 5 years on the Today Show. I feel a great affinity for this band as they were a part of the soundtrack to my teenage years and one of the few rock bands with a female lead singer that really held her own. On the Today Show they performed old hits 'Spiderwebs', 'Don't Speak' and 'It's My Life' which definitely made me feel all warm and gooey inside and you can get the same feeling by viewing these videos.







Also, the band will be appearing in an episode of Gossip Girl and will be on American Idol May 6th. Check it out live if you can but I'm sure it will be all over the net soon after so no need to worry about missing them!

2009 Album Releases: KASABIAN - WEST RYDER PAUPER LUNATIC ASYLUM

So Kasabian are back and will release their oddly titled third album, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum on June 8th 2009. Supposedly, this is the name of a real mental institution. I don't have a tracklisting but as soon as I get it I will post ASAP but I do know that the first track off it will be 'Underdog' and there will be a duet with actress Rosario Dawson called 'West Ryder/Silver Bullet'.

The first single 'Vlad the Impaler' was available for free download from their website on the 31st of March. However, it stopped being available on April 3rd but you can still see the video here:



The next single is 'Fire' (officially released on June 1st) and they did it again by releasing another amazing video. Both 'Vlad the Impaler' and 'Fire' have interesting story based videos rather than just performance videos that many other rock bands tend to favour. The music video avenue has gone through what I see as a huge downturn because chart topping singers and band's videos tend to dominate music channels even though their videos are essentially horrible. The less mainstream artists that produce the great videos never get the airtime they deserve e.g. Sigur Rós. Well enough of the ranting check out the video below, tis' THE BEST!!

2009 Album Releases: WILCO - WILCO (THE ALBUM)

I'm very excited for this release and to get you all in the mood...here is Wilco performing Wilco (the song) at a Barack Obama rally in 2008. It looks like this song will be appear on the new one....whooohoooo, can you tell I like it?



Ok, now moving on to the main event Wilco will be releasing their aptly named Wilco (the album) on June 30th 2009. Can I just say what a brilliant album name!! The tracklisting is as follows:

1. Wilco (the song)
2. Deeper Down
3. One Wing
4. Bull Black Nova
5. You And I
6. You Never Know
7. Country Disappeared
8. Solitaire
9. I'll Fight
10. Sonny Feeling
11. Everlasting Everything

I cannot contain my enthusiasm as I type this and on June 30th I will go ASAP, work permitting to JB to get it. I'm also looking forward to their album cover as they always have such visual covers, I'm thinking 'A Ghost Is Born' in particular. I will without a doubt be reviewing this, so that is something to look out for.

One last thing, please give me some feedback on what albums (recent or oldies) you want me to review. It will be incredibly helpful to me to get a sense of what you want to read about.

Cheers guys!!

Technical Difficulties

Hey all

I've got word that some of you using Internet Explorer keep getting an "Operation Aborted" message and can't access my blog. Well I googled the problem and supposedly it has to do with my Followers widget so I took it down for the time being. I really want to put it back up as its good advertising so it will be back up tomorrow.

So please follow this advice:
1. Use Firefox which I use anyways and therefore didn't notice the problem in the first place. Firefox is better anyways so try it out it's more user friendly!
2. Upgrade to IE8 which is available now.

Sorry about that!!