2010 Album Releases: VAMPIRE WEEKEND - CONTRA

Everybodys favourite indie rockers Vampire Weekend are releasing their sophomore album, Contra on January 11th 2010. They have been described as Ivy League rock since the members of the band met while studying at Columbia University. These must be some reasonably smart guys or they are really good at faking it. Anyways, I loved their self-titled first album particularly 'Oxford Comma' which is just infectious pop/rock.

Contra seems to be more of the same which isn't necessarily a bad thing but can lead to bands being described as boring and non evolving. I believe most bands should evolve and take risks even if it doesn't necessarily pay off but at least they made an effort to do something that will go down in music history as unexpected. Back to Vampire Weekend, I've only heard the first single, 'Horchata' but who knows what the album will be like and I am certainly willing to be proven wrong.

Tracklisting:

1. Horchata
2. White Sky
3. Holiday
4. California English
5. Taxi Cab
6. Run
7. Cousins
8. Giving Up the Gun
9. Diplomat's Son
10. I Think Ur A Contra

Looking forward to it.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Live in Oz

If you missed out on Falls Festival or Sunset Sounds tickets Yeah Yeah Yeahs are doing 2 side shows, one in Melbourne and the other in Sydney and they are all ages gigs except I don't think Under 18s get access to General Admin which is crap in my opinion.

The shows take place...

December 29th 2009 - Melbourne, Festival Hall
December 30th 2009 - Falls Festival, Lorne
December 31st 2009 - Falls Festival, Tassy
January 7th 2010 - Sunset Sounds Festival, Brisbane
January 8th 2010 - Sydney - Hordern Pavillion
January 10th 2010 - Southbound Festival, Busselton WA

Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster and are on sale to the general public Tuesday, November 17th 2009.

Hope to see you all there!!!

Essentials for Spring and Summer

Well it certainly is hot in Melbourne and it's not even officially Summer yet!!! But I still love the long days and pretty floral dresses that come out of the closet. So I just wanted to share with you all my Spring/Summer essentials for the months ahead.

First and probably most importantly is good tunes...top 5 KILLER tracks to party to or chill with friends at a BBQ.

1. LDN - Lily Allen. Oh the joy...Lily at her best, full of cheekiness and sass.
2. Playground Love - Air. This is from the Virgin Suicides soundtrack and if you haven't seen it do because AIR do the whole film score and in my opinion it's a masterpiece.
   
3. Heart of Glass - Blondie. For by the pool whilst sipping long island iced tea. I adore this band for the fact they are considered true nu-wave artists with a sound grounded in punk highlighted with electronica and dance elements.
4. Space Oddity - David Bowie. I feel a sense of peace when I hear this song. This song is for those days when it is just too hot to do anything so you lie down and put a record on and lie as still as possible just taking in the sounds of your favourites. Bowie is perfect for this!
   
5. Walk Idiot Walk - The Hives. What a way to get a party started. I love these guys they just know how to write the perfect song. They also have an amazing sense of style which you know can make or break some bands. Walk Idiot Walk has a great video...love, love the crossword thingy.

Style Guide Spring/Summer

1. Sunnies.
Aside from keeing out the sun and all those UV rays they have become a fashion statement. Now the type you get is solely down to personal choice. However, some styles do look better on certain faces than others. In my case aviators do not look good on me because I have a round face. Therefore, I opt for more squarish styles. I particularly like the Wayfarer style but I am lemming the Wayfarer square in blue or purple. If someone can tell me where I can get them in blue I would be most grateful.

2. Sunscreen

I think in Australia this is pretty much a given as we all know to SLIP SLOP SLAP. Even those with darker skin tones must do this as I have had the unfortunate experience as to not realise that my skin was peeling until after I returned from a weekend away at the beach. Let me tell you not cool.

3. Florals
I say this in reference to clothing. Florals are great as they usually come in bright colors that are often more cooling than standard black. It feels fresh and fun. I, for one am going to go bright this summer with wacky floral skirts. See the 1990s for inspiration.

4. High waisted shorts
I love this look and think that it brings much more class to the whole idea of shorts. In the last 3 days I've seen far too many girls/adults wearing too short denim shorts. It's ok but I've seen enough to last a lifetime, people there are other styles out there that more often than not look better than the denims.

5. Statement Jewellery
I say the bigger the better. Also, you only ever have to wear the one piece as it stands on its own because overdoing it can look a bit craptastic. I wear something similar to the necklace below all the time and I get asked about it quite a lot.
Catch you all down at the beach!

Summer Festivals: Good Vibrations 2010 Lineup

So the weather is better and that means it's that time of year, the release of 2010 Summer Festival dates and lineups. The BDO has already had its first and I decided not to go because there aren't enough bands I wanted to see to warrant the high price of tickets. However, Good Vibrations is looking like a better option for me. I've always assumed that Good Vibrations is a more dance festival and I think it still is mainly but considering the lineup for 2010 I am seriously considering.

Now on to the all important dates:

Sat February 13th - Sydney, Centennial Park
Sun February 14th - Perth, Claremont Showgrounds
Sat February 20th - Gold Coast, Parklands Showgrounds
Sun February 21st - Melbourne, The Nursery Flemington Racecourse

Tickets are on sale now and are $139 for General admin and $199 for a VIP tix. By the way, I have no idea what a VIP ticket includes. Please note there are booking fees when booking online. I'm not sure if you can buy them at a licenced outlet.

LINEUP!!!!
The Killers
Basement Jaxx
Gossip
Friendly Fires
Salt-N-Pepa
Art vs Science
Armand Van Helden
Busta Rhymes
Gym Class Heroes
+ a whole host of others

See here to buy tickets if you are convinced.

This is looking pretty good right now and I have to go to at least one music festival this year...its an Aussie tradition so what's it going to be?? Any advice fellow music lovers...

Will update when further acts are announced.

2009 Album Releases: ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN - THE FOUNTAIN

In the past I remembered writing about Echo & the Bunnymen's 11th studio album, The Fountain. I have not actually listened to it yet but I have heard mix reviews about it. I hate reading the reviews before I have had a chance to listen so I think my perspective on it has already been somewhat tarnished. Oh well...let's hope I don't take MOJO's pespective as they have described it as an album of "...middle aged pop-rock".

It also did not shoot up the charts as many expected it to but have a listen to their first single 'Think I Need It Too' below and make your own judgement because I actually like quite like it.





The official tracklisting is pretty close to what I was given and posted in July.

1. Think I Need It Too
2. Forgotten Fields
   
3. Do You Know Who I Am?
   
4. Shroud of Turin
5. Life Of a Thousand Crimes
6. The Fountain
7. Everlasting Neverendless
   
8. Proxy
9. Drivetime
   
10. The Idolness of Gods

Did you catch U2 Live from the Rose Bowl on YouTube?

Hello...me again
I hope you all enjoyed the once in a lifetime live streaming of U2 live from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday L.A. time but Monday arvo Melbourne time. Unfortunately I was not able to catch the live feed but I did catch the first rebroadcast as I sprinted home from work, well as fast as the train could go, to see it. The only problem with the streaming was you couldn't rewind or fast forward but YouTube have been nice enough to put it up as 2+ hr concert that you can pause and restart any time you want. Plus, they also have the individual songs up so you can skip the ones you are not so keen on. See below!

I have to say this was a very inventive thing to do but it also seems like a pretty obvious thing for a band to do. U2 were not only mad enough to be the first to do so but are a big enough band to pull it off with an even larger stage show to make it exciting not only for the 90,000 fans there but for all of us watching on our computers. The concert itself was unbelievable but I have seen enough YT vision to know the band still sound good and roughly what is on their set lists. However, this felt like a concert DVD with professional camera shots but that is not to say that the amateur vision was not bloody brilliant, so fans keep posting your videos please it's just this has a budget and directors etc...
Well watch it and enjoy the U2 extravaganza...
U2 Concert here - No embedding unfortunately.
Have a good rest of the weekend.

2009 Album Releases: EDITORS - IN THIS LIGHT AND ON THIS EVENING

Third album by British band Editors, In This Light and On this Evening is out now and it sounds good!!!! I've always loved their Joy Division-esque sound. I mean I'm a huge fan of the dark and depressing sound and lyrics of The Smiths, obviously Morrissey, Echo & the Bunnymen and Depeche Mode so it goes without saying these guys are high on my list. Their first album The Back Room had success but I think it was An End Has A Start that really exploded in Aus. It seems everyone was talking about 'Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors' at the time. This new one was produced by Flood who has worked with everyone from U2 to Nine Inch Nails and Sigur Ros. I think this definitely rates as a great record but I am a bit disappointed with the lack of guitars as there are more synthesizers this time around. It has taken the No. 1 spot in the UK charts already so hopefully we'll hear about the band coming here for a tour!!!. Also, in case you were wondering I'm voting them for cover art of the year, forget what I said about YYY. It's so simplistic but extremely effective.

Tracklisting
CD # 1
1. In This Light and On This Evening
2. Bricks and Mortar
3. Papillon
4. You Don't Know Love
5. The Big Exit
6. The Boxer
7. Little Treasure
8. Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool
9. Walk the Fleet Road
CD#2 - Deluxe Edition
1. This House is Full of Noise
2. I Want a Forest
3. A Life As a Ghost
4. Human
5. For the Money

Look out for this one it's out NOW!!!

R.I.P. STEPHEN GATELY

R.I.P Stephen Gately

I must admit I was a fan of Boyzone back in the day and I do sometimes go back to their old albums and it does hold up well. I have to say I would rather them and other 90s pop acts over half the crappy R&B Hip Hop stuff with autotune masking the fact they cannot sing for s***!!! So I did feel very sad when I heard the news that he did pass away. It is very unfortunate to lose a guy who seems really down to earth.

Family Outing to IKEA

I know this is supposed to be a music blog but I decided to expand because I do have other interests hmmm....weird how that one works.

I must say this weekend has been relaxing unlike others where I've been too busy to just sit at home and listen to albums. That's my fave type of weekend where I can lose myself in an album or two. Anyways, today the whole family and I headed to IKEA to surprisingly not look at home wares and furniture but to eat in their restaurant. Personally I have come to hate the idea of restaurants attached to massive retail conglomerates due to many bad experiences in the States. However, IKEA has done the impossible made a cafeteria restaurant type thing not only a place with really good food but a good atmosphere as well.

We love Swedish food as my family and I have a personal connection with the country as we all, minus my brother lived there for a year and my Dad even longer. We have many Swedish friends so we have learnt what is good and what is mediocre and thus I am able to report that the Swedish meatballs are AMAZING! Obviously they will not be as good as the ones you can get in a local place in Sweden but here, there aren't any Swedish restaurants as far as I know (if there are any please recommend away).



Back to the topic at hand IKEA have a policy that encourages families to have a good time mixed with Swedish efficiency. Note, the fact that once you finish your meal you take your try with all your plates and cutlery to a rack so employees can do more important jobs than clean up mine and your mess. This is actually followed too. You get refillable drinks and eat in a way that suggests the Swedes have got it right. Are you interested yet??

I'm obviously sounding like some sort of advertisement for IKEA and freaky person but more importantly it's about family. Every week we do something together whether it be eat out or take a walk in the park but we bond over food, that's just what my family is like. We catch up on the goss, laugh with, and at each other and plan things all over a meal. It is a time for talk and laughter and IKEA just happened to be the vehicle to let this happen.

So if any of you out there have some time take your friends/family to IKEA for a meal instead of just shopping you won't be disappointed.

2009 DVD Releases: The Killers Live from The Royal Albert Hall DVD1202

How cool does this look...wow can't wait!!!! I know this is no substitute for actually being there but if you miss out on tix or just want to relive the experience then this is for you. I'm a huge fan of concert DVDs but I'm very particular about which ones I get. The band has to not only be good live but have a show that attacks your senses, I'm talking lights, video screens...dancers and other things to make you think beyond the singer/band on stage. The above trailer shows a band in their prime and they seem to have the audience eating out of their hands and I've seen them live and they have all of the above to keep you interested.

I'm a huge fan of these guys as you can probably guess and believe if they keep changing their sound up then music lovers of all types will only benefit. Music journalists love to give them crap but I think they're ambition and sometimes perceived cockiness is good as U2 do it all the time and get away with it and they are definitely not as bad as those Oasis lads. So check this out when Live from The Royal Albert Hall is released on November 10th 2009.

The tracklisting...

1. Human
2. This Is Your Life
3. Somebody Told Me
4. For Reasons Unknown
5. The World We Live In
6. Joyride
7. I Can’t Stay
8. Bling (Confessions Of A King)
9. Shadowplay
10. Smile Like You Mean It
11. Losing Touch
12. Spaceman
13. A Dustland Fairytale
14. Sam’s Town (Acoustic)
15. Read My Mind
16. Mr. Brightside
17. All These Things That I’ve Done
18. Sweet Talk
19. This River Is Wild
20. Bones
21. Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
22. When You Were Young
    

Bonus Features are included too...woooohooo!!!!

Behind the Scenes Doco

Alternate Angles

More stuff...

Tranquilize (Live from Oxegen Festival 2009)

Human (Live from Hyde Park 2009)

Mr Brightside (Live from Hyde Park 2009)

Smile Like You Mean It (Live from V Festival 2009)

When You Were Young (Live from V Festival 2009)

It's all looking really good and guys what did you all think of Muse's The Resistance. Personally, it overwhelmed my senses and I'm still trying to figure it out. But you'll hear more about this in my review.

Edit: The band also have a new track for the New Moon soundtrack, yes do I know its part of the Twilight franchise but more importantly its a new Killers song!!! The new track is called a White Demon Love Song...hmmm. Anyways, you can hear it in a few weeks so you know YouTube that one.

I'm not dead....Summer Festivals: BDO 2010 Lineup 1

Hello fellow fans of music

A few days ago the initial BDO lineup was released and OMG (I've been watching far too much Gossip Girl for some reason) MUSE are headlining. This could be the one for me this year as I've only ever been to one BDO since in previous yrs I've only ever wanted to see 1 or 2 bands but there are a few bands that are making the trip so the $140 price tag might be worth it. I was also a bit bummed that the David Bowie rumour didn't eventuate but it is still good. Although, do I want to wait and see if Muse do any side shows and just spend the $$$ on that, what do you all think? Ok, moving on....

The lineup so far is:

1. MUSE
2. Lily Allen
3. The Mars Volta
4. Ladyhawke
5. Peaches
6. Kasabian
7. The Decemberists
8. Powderfinger
9. Eskimo Joe
10. Groove Armada

+ many more already listed and to come.
The Big Day Out '10 is in:

• Auckland on Fri January 15th
• GC on Sun January 17th
• Sydney on Fri January 22nd
• Melbourne on Tues January 26th
• Adelaide on Fri January 29th
• Perth on Sun January 31st

Tickets go on sale:
Wed October 7th in Sydney
Thurs October 8th in GC
Fri October 9th in Melbourne, Auckland, Perth and Adelaide
Check out the official BDO website for more details.
Some videos below of Muse supporting U2 to get you all excited

U2 The Unforgettable Fire Remastered

U2 are remastering The Unforgettable Fire for its 25th anniversary which I think is their most underrated album especially since the Joshua Tree is really the companion to it and we all know the Joshua Tree is good but not as good as the critics say. Anyways, what is so special about this reissue?? Well...their will be 4 different versions that include B-sides from TUF sessions, live recordings and other goodies.

The 4 versions include:
1. Vinyl album version
2. Standard remastered CD version
3. Deluxe double CD with 36 page book
4. Limited edition deluxe box set which includes the double CD version , 56 page book, 5 prints and a DVD with a making of doco. In case you were wondering I will be buying this one!!!

Rumour has it that this is the tracklisting:

Main Album - I presume this will be all retouched like their other anniversary reissues
1. A Sort of Homecoming
2. Pride (In the Name of Love)
3. Wire
4. The Unforgettable Fire
5. Promenade
6. 4th of July
7. Bad
8. Indian Summer Sky
9. Elvis Presley & America
10. MLK

2nd CD
1. 11 O'Clock Tick Tock (Unreleased)
2. Bass Trap
3. Boomerang I
4. Boomerang II
5. Love Comes Tumbling
6. 60 Seconds In Kingdom Comes
7. The Three Sunrises
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday (Live from Live Aid)
9. Bad (Live from Live Aid)
10. Walk On the Wild Side
11. Ruby Tuesday
12. Satellite of Love
13. Disappearing Act (Unreleased)
14. Yoshino Blossom (Unreleased)

The most interesting thing here is the inclusion of Disappearing Act which was originally started in 1983 with Eno and Lanois and called 'White City' at the time but was revisited again this year. I love how the lads revisit songs that didn't make old albums how fantastic. They played a snippet of it in an interview with BBC radio and you can hear it below. By the way, it's not the greatest quality but it will do.



Are you as excited as I am for The Unforgettable Fire reissue which will be released on October 27th.

Muse at the 2009 VMAs

I absolutely hate the VMA's mainly because the channel that created them continues to pull cheap stunts to get people interested and forget that the M in 'MTV' stands for Music. However, Muse were there and the only thing worth watching really. They put in an amazing performance with 'Uprising' but they were not on the main stage at Radio City Music Hall. There is also an unaired performance of 'The Resistance' which is pretty damn awesome!!!





Enjoy guys!!

Where the Wild Things Are

I don't know how many of you know but the much loved book, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is being transformed into a movie. The trailer has been out for a while and it looks AMAZING. I hope you all get as excited as I did when I saw it and there is also the bonus of director Spike Jonze making great use of Arcade Fire's Wake Up. Check it out below...

Have you heard about The Killers new cover album?

The Killers are apparently releasing a covers album as their follow up to Day & Age. This is an interesting idea as these guys seem to do really interesting things with covers. Also, I've added some vids of the covers they have done at live shows and recorded. But one question remains, what covers should be on this album. I vote for 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' and 'Drive' definitely being on the album and maybe a Pink Floyd one too. What do you think??

Oasis - Are they are aren't they?

Noel Gallagher quit Oasis!! Apparently, but I think it is all but confirmed now that Liam broke Noel's guitar backstage before a festival gig near Paris and thus any further shows have been cancelled with the band no longer in existence. However, given time there maybe news on a replacement but I really don't see how Oasis can go on without the Gallagher brothers together. Noel released an official statement on their website that you can view here. This is all a great shame as they are one of the great rock and roll bands of my time!!!

2009 Album Reviews: LA ROUX

The debut album by La Roux is a winner. It is a triumph of an electro-pop album that is unashamedly full of radio friendly singles. However, underneath the funky beats and coolness is a serious take on relationships that could possibly be reflective of Elly Jackson’s own personal relationships. Songs like ‘Cover My Eyes’, I’m Not Your Toy and ‘Armour Love’ were unexpected on my first listen but are achingly beautiful and ‘Armour Love’ has since become one of my fave songs of the year. Each song is made to be a single and after hearing ‘In For the Kill’, ‘Quicksand’, ‘Bulletproof’ and ‘Fascination’ prior to the album’s release I was pretty sure that those 4 were just the best songs and the rest were going to be duds. I was wrong. There are some great moments on this record and for me the highlight is ‘Colourless Colour‘. I mean c’mon, how can you not like a chorus like,

"...Early nineties decor
It was a day for
We wanted to play
But we had nothing left to play for
Colourless colour
Once in fashion
And soon to be seen..."

I’m glad they are holding out on releasing this as a single (FYI - fourth single is I’m Not Your Toy) because it leaves listeners with room to be surprised when this thumping tune comes on. There are some bizarre moments as evident by ‘Tigerlily’ where there is this odd spoken bit which is very reminiscent of ‘Thriller’. It sounds like they used the same guy as the tone of his voice is practically the same but I doubt it because I think it’s her father. To me, it ruins a perfectly good song. Other cool songs include ‘As If By Magic’ which seems to be an interesting take on a break up song. It’s quite brilliant in that respect and not too depressing. I also must say that I was unaware of the power of Jackson’s voice as every other electro-pop singer (male or female) out there does not have the range she has or the beautiful falsetto. If she was singing in any other style people would be commenting on how great a singer she is but unfortunately the style itself has seen too many with mediocre vocal talent. I am definitely intrigued by her too as she seems to be coming to terms with her sudden rise in popularity as teens want to emulate her style. It is also good to see that a band or duo is able to share equally in the creative direction of the music even though it does seem that La Roux is Jackson.

La Roux is here to stay! This record is not just another of the many electro-pop albums released this year but the pop album of the year and it's synthesizer based which just happens to be right on trend. Also, fingers crossed they take out the Mercury Prize which is handed out in early September. Check out these RAD live performance videos if this doesn't get you hooked to La Roux then nothing will.







Just a reminder I'm also very aware of my lack of posts but I'm working on it with some new and interesting ideas that might get me posting more regularly!!!

2009 Album Releases: MIKA - THE BOY WHO KNEW TOO MUCH

Mika releases his much anticipated 2nd album The Boy Who Knew Too Much on September 21st. The first single is 'We Are Golden' and will be released in early September and looks to be another catchy one with his quirky pop sensibilities stamped all over it. You too can hear it too on his official website www.mikasounds.com. Also, here is the official video for We Are Golden. Sorry about the lack of embedding for the video as its been disabled by his record company.

Tracklisting:
1. We Are Golden
2. Blame It On the Girls
3. Rain
4. Dr. John
5. I See You
6. Blue Eyes
7. Good Gone Girl
8. Touches You
9. By the Time
10. One Foot Boy
11. Toy Boy
12. Pick Up the Off the Floor

Looks to be another poptastic record!!!!

Apology

Sorry I haven't been around much been a bit under the weather and now on the way to a full recovery. I'm hoping to have the La Roux album review up by Sunday night...
Have a good rest of your Sat night, personally just got back from a lovely dinner in the city so yay for that!!!

MUSE - THE RESISTANCE Cover Art

Hey all....Muse have finally released their album artwork and here it is....

What do you all think...was it worth the wait? Anyways, you can hear full length versions of United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage) and Uprising here. I can't wait!!!

U2 I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight

Please please check this video out from U2's 360 Tour it's UNBELIEVABLE! This just proves that the lads have still got it. The stage design is amazing and they keep doing it over and over again with a show that no one has ever seen before. I mean the progression is staggering from ZooTV to Popmart to Elevation to Vertigo to THIS...bloody hell. They still have the most innovative live shows amongs any band anywhere in the world and manage to put on a rocking show too.

I really hope this turns out to be the official video for this single it's their best concert video yet. Sorry it is linked here as their official site won't let me embed it. Just follow the links its the Live from Barcelona one...enjoy

I'm really hoping this tour comes here but I seriously doubt it. However, there are some amazing videos on the net that make you feel like you are there which is a small consolation. This YT video channel is particulary good. I wish I had the time and could afford to follow U2 around on a world tour when I win lotto that is what I'll do...hehehe

U2006com's Channel

2009 Album Releases: ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN - THE FOUNTAIN

I sometimes wonder what I did without the Google news search function. I love just putting a random band in and seeing what recent news relating to the band come up or whose now talking about them. This is what happened when I was on my way to work one particular day and as I usually do I was listening to my Ipod on shuffle and was very happy to have Echo & the Bunnymen come through my headphones. I was so happy infact that I went on to listen to most of the album on the way back home. Anyways, I was so excited about my rediscovery of Echo I went and Google News searched them and lo and behold they are releasing a new album this year!!!!

'The Fountain' will be released on October 12th and the first single 'Think I Need It Too' will be released on September 28th. There is to be a collaboration with Chris Martin but aside from that it looks to be a cracker as their previous two albums were not as successful as they could of been or probably deserved to be. Unfortunately I don't have an album cover or a full tracklisting. But I do have a few confirmed tracks and four of them are available to listen to on their website so check it out here!!! Please remember the tracklisting is in no particular order. ENJOY!

1. Think I Need It Too
2. The Idolness of Gods
3. Forgotten Fields
4. Proxy
5. Shroud of Turin
6. Life Of a Thousand Crimes
7. The Fountain
8. Do You Know Who I am
9. Drivetime
   

I'll post more details when I get them. Catch ya later...

Hear Muse's United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)

So is everyone excited for Muse's new record 'The Resistance'... Well if you are you will be pleased to hear a track from their new record, United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage). The band were clever in promoting this by releasing it in 6 sections that were only available when you completed some online game on their official website which when put together makes the full song. Anyways, someone kindly put it together for us all to experience. What do you think??



You can download the full song here somehow not entirely sure how their microsite works yet! Happy listening!!!

2009 Album Releases: PEARL JAM - BACKSPACER

Grunge rockers Pearl Jam release their 9th album Backspacer on September 20th. This should be a good one and may I say how FRICKING AWESOME the cover art is, it may just be the best this year and it's not really the official cover. The first single will be 'The Fixer' and the tracklisting is as follows...

1. Gonna See My Friend
2. Got Some
3. The Fixer
4. Johnny Guitar
5. Just Breathe
6. Amongst the Waves
7. Unthought Known
8. Supersonic
9. Speed of Sound
10. Force of Nature
11. The End

It also looks like it pays to pre-order through the band's website as you get different packaging which if you're a hardcore fan like myself you'll love. Ordering mine next week!! Other than that you can listen to 'The Fixer' here and get the latest news on when and where they will be touring for the remainder of the year. It looks they will be Down Under in November this year so that's something for me to look forward to. Will definitely be attempting to get to one of their shows.

Also, I'd just like to say sorry about the distinct lack of posts but its getting harder to do with my job at the moment but I'm going to trial setting aside some time towards the end of the week to blog so you get multiple posts. Who knows if this will work so please be patient!!

See ya later alligators...

2009 Concert Reviews: Yves Klein Blue at Northcote Social Club 10/07/2009

Yves Klein Blue gave a rousing performance at the Northcote Social Club a few Fridays ago in support of their first full length album 'Ragged & Ecstatic'. I have to say I hadn't really heard much of them as I don't really listen to the radio and I usually discover a band via word of mouth or through music magazines. However, a mate suggested going to this and I jumped at the chance as I need to get back into my Aussie music. It was totally worth it!! The gig was sold out so a good solid crowd was there to listen to some great music. They played all their most famous songs including 'Getting Wise' and 'Polka' from the car ad (for those that live in Oz). If I'm talking sound I think they have a bit of Franz Ferdinand thing going with some Cold War Kids in there. The Cold War Kids thing now makes a lot of sense as their record is produced by Kevin Augunas who worked with Cold War Kids. These guys are really something to look out for so don't waste anytime and go check out their work!!!

I have to say I discovered another band, Philadelphia Grand Jury who blew me away and I have to admit I might just like them a little bit more than Yves Klein Blue...sorry I can't help it. You can listen to some of their stuff here. Also, you MUST see them live wherever you are. I can't remember the other support act's name but they were fairly good and I can only describe their sound as power-pop. The venue itself was great...it had a real grunge vibe and I think it can rival some of the more famous Melbourne venues like East Brunswick Club and the Espy.

Anyways, my friends and I were lucky enough to have our photo taken at the gig so their below and click here for the actual gig piccies. It looks good doesn't it...

Triple J's Hottest 100 Of All Time

Alternative radio station Triple J has compiled the hottest 100 songs of all time as voted by the public. This is always interesting as everyone has different tastes and even for myself my fave songs of all time change on a weekly basis and even daily if you can believe it.

I am surprised that the Beatles only had three songs in the Top 100 (A Day In The Life, Hey Jude and Come Together). Unfortunately, Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit topped the list and I can't say I rate this song that highly but I can understand why it did get the #1 stop mainly because of the demographic of Triple J listeners. But I'm very pleased that Joy Division got the #4 spot as people forget how important they are to current rock music particularly the crop of bands that are rising through the ranks. Interesting fact: the last time this sort of thing was held by TJ, 1989 to be exact 'Love Will Tear Us Apart was voted #1...yay

Anyways, you can browse the list yourself here and see where your fave band or song appears on the list, if it does at all. Please discuss what's missing from the list in the comments and there I will tell you which one of my favourites have been left out!!! By the way, did I tell you I f***ing hate these lists as I'm always somewhat dissapointed. Sad face...

2009 Album Releases: MUSE - THE RESISTANCE

One of my favourite bands Muse release their fifth studio album, The Resistance on September 14th. I've heard things is gonna be mega with a huge sound that is part electronica and part symphony!!! I can't wait as I've adored their past work and they are one of the most innovative bands ever. Also, see them on tour if you can as they are AMAZING live and they will be touring this year with U2 in September and on their own. I have a feeling this could be it and knock off Yeah Yeah Yeahs It's Blitz! as my album of 2009!

Tracklisting below and I will post the album cover as soon as I get it.

1. Uprising
2. Resistance
3. Undisclosed Desires
4. United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)
5. Guiding Light
6. Unnatural Selection
7. MK Ultra
8. I Belong to You (+Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix)
9. Exogenesis: Symphony Part I (Overture)
10. Exogenesis: Symphony Part II (Cross Pollination)
11. Exogenesis: Symphony Part III (Redemption)

That's it for now...

2009 Album Reviews: GOSSIP - MUSIC FOR MEN

Gossip’s fourth release Music For Men exceeds my expectations and to all those critics that say they are a one-trick pony get over it!!! I’m also in awe that this is a Rick Rubin record; it’s kinda different to what I thought I would hear with him at the helm of this particular band’s album. ‘Dimestore Diamond’ has a sultry and sexy sound that has been completely derived from the bass line. The subject matter is seemingly about vanity and women’s sexuality and how they individually express it or it could be about hookers...who knows. The first single, ‘Heavy Cross’ delves into a dance driven pop beat that is not only catchy but slightly different from the masses of dancey songs that have been released lately. I have to say the melody itself could have been written by YYY’s and appeared on their record, It’s Blitz! but the vocal qualities of Beth Ditto and Karen O are very different. However, I wouldn’t mind YYY’s covering this one just to see what the result would be.

The next few tracks continue with that bass line and a bluesy vocal but what stands out is that each song holds its own. Take for example ‘8th Wonder’ which is more rock based than say ‘Love Long Distance’ which is sampling with synthesizers and sequencers. The whole tone of ‘Love Long Distance’ is far more restrained as Beth just sings it and does not just belt it as she does on ‘8th Wonder’. The interesting use of percussion to create a unique rhythm makes ‘Pop Goes the World’ a fabulous party song and every time I hear it I feel like getting up and having a good ole’ dance, of course this is in the privacy of my own home. ‘Vertical Rhythm’ has a bit of a similar feel to ‘Heavy Cross’ which makes it lose some points in my books but don’t let that dissuade you as it still is a great song in its own right. I adore ‘Men In Love’ what a brilliant tune and I can gather a gay/lesbian rights theme through it. I mean the line “...men in love, with each other. Hey!...Shame, shame, shame...” says it all. I can’t help but ask if this is a somewhat autobiographical or personal song for Beth but who really cares its F***ING AWESOME. By this point in the album I have to admit that I’m kind of hearing some of the more boring aspects of the record. ‘For Keeps’ didn’t inspire me and I don’t think I would have noticed if it was missing from the album altogether. ‘2012’ feels like some of their work on 'Standing In The Way Of Control' but there is a particular few lines that I think are genius and just gets me.

“...a tragedy brings misery
misery loves company
company is misleading
I’ve made it this far...”

The last 3 tracks maintain the same course as there is no slowing down for the listener. The momentum is always there and the second last track ‘Four Letter Word’ could be the best on the whole record. I adore the use of keys and the subdued use of bass which is so present on the rest of the album. The only thing that I really question is the ordering of some tracks as it seems this song could be better suited further up but maybe it’s a conscious effort by the band to create a feeling. Closing with ‘Spare Me From the Mold’ is perfect as the intensity here balances that sexy opener of ‘Dimestore Diamond’.

This album shows the rise and rise of Gossip, a band worthy of the success they are receiving and I’m definitely considering it in my top 5 albums of 2009. They aren’t big here but that is about to change as they entered into the Australian album chart at number 13. This is huge for a band that many of my mates know nothing about. Fingers crossed they tour here and I’ll finish by saying if you like Gossip’s previous work you will definitely feel this. For all those new listeners get Music For Men as it is totally worth your hard earned money.

Remembering Michael Jackson

Well I haven't posted about MJ and I am pretty sure everyone from here to Timbuktu has but I do feel I should since his stuff is legendary.

I'm just sad to hear someone with such an incredible talent has left this world and wasn't always know for this but rather his mess of a personal life and being off in fantasy land half the time. But it is good to hear people playing MJ tunes and artists paying tribute to him and what he did for popular music. You have to remember he still has the highest selling album of all time.

Check out U2 doing 'Angel of Harlem' on the opening night of their tour with a special something for all you MJ fans. R.I.P. Michael.

I'm Still Alive

Hello All...I am alive and I'm still working on a few reviews but the last 2 weeks have been extremely busy with job interviews and a few other things. Be on the look out for a review of Gossip and Wilco's latest...both awesome albums!

Green Day 21st Century Breakdown Australian Tour

Green Day will tour down under at the end of the year. I am surprised they are coming so soon but they have a pretty massive fan base here so I guess they're capitalizing on that. I have to say I've always been a bit wary of bands that have been in the indie/punk or whatever scene and then suddenly become commercially successful. However, in the case of Green Day I think they deserve it and I'm impressed by how many youngsters (I guess 16 and younger...btw this makes me feel really old) have taken to their old stuff and know more about their history and music than me.

I don't think 21st Century Breakdown has been as MEGA as American Idiot but I do think that American Idiot was perfectly timed for the band as it fitted right into pop & political culture of the time. I will be honest with you I haven't heard the whole of 21st Century Breakdown only the two singles and the B-side but when I do I'll definitely tell you what I think!

Well the shows for this year look to be only one per major capital city but it seems there is room for more if they do so sell well. I doubt I'll be going to this one since I saw them in 2005 on their American Idiot World Tour. They were great live and it was made even better by the fact that the last Melbourne show was the official end of the worldwide tour for AI so it was pretty special. However, I don't think I'm willing to part with my $ for this one.

DATES
Friday December 4th: Perth, Burswood Dome
Sunday December 6th: Adelaide, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Tuesday December 8th: Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Friday December 11th: Sydney, Acer Arena
Monday December 14th: Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena

Tickets go on sale through Ticketek tomorrow the 25th of June to the 26th for the Presale. Please visit the above link for further details as you have to get a special code for it and the time tickets go on sale differ from city to city. Tickets for the general public are on sale on July 1st @ 9am. Happy ticket buying!

Complete & Utter Randomness

I couldn't wait to tell you all this but Gossip's latest album Music For Men is UNBELIEVABLE!!! I will review it later but wow... I just had to get that out there and don't listen to the haters.

2009 Album Releases: AIR - LOVE 2

French electro-ambient duo Air release their latest album, Love 2 on October 6th. This will be their first full release since 2007's Pocket Symphony. Also, worth nothing is that they have chosen to release a digital single 'Do the Joy' on July 7th whilst a traditional first single, 'Sing Sang Sung' will be released on August 25th. Interesting... Anyways, hopefully its good because one of my fave songs and videos is by this band.

Tracklisting

1. Do the Joy
2. Love
3. So Light is Her Footfall
4. Be A Bee
5. Missing the Light of the Day
6. Tropical Disease
7. Heaven's Light
8. Night Hunter
9. Sing Sang Sung
10. Eat My Beat
11. You Can't Tell It to Everybody
12. African Velvet

Bands and Artists to Watch: Noisettes

Noisettes are one of the most amazing bands I have never heard of until someone, you know who you are demanded I YouTube them. The singer and bass player Shingai Shoniwa has one of the most unique voices out there and when I did eventually YouTube them I was immediately drawn to their cover of ‘When You Were Young’ by The Killers. It was stunning and once I got to their original stuff I was completely blown away. I’m now officially hooked!!! I want to get their first album and all their EPs too....ohhh and I wouldn’t mind seeing them live.

I wonder how I missed them as they’ve been around in terms of favorable coverage by music mags and supporting some big acts like Muse, Bloc Party and Babyshambles and yet they only formed in 2003. I’m looking forward to getting ‘What’s The Time Mr. Wolf? (2007).

Here is a lovely taste of their work courtesy of YT

2009 Album Releases: BLUR - MIDLIFE: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BLUR

This is only a compilation album but it has been built up as a catch-up record for casual listeners who may have missed out on Blur's illustrious career and the importance of them and the whole Britpop thing to music. By the way, don't you think the album title is amazing and makes perfect sense. The focus of this paricular compilation is their recording career highlights as opposed to their previous one, "Blur: The Best Of..." (2000) which was primarily about their commercial hits.

This is a brilliant idea and good marketing as they are currently on tour for some small shows before they headline the big-MOMMA Glastonbury. I look forward to reading reviews of their shows and see if they can still bring it live.

Tracklisting:
Disc 1:

1. Beetlebum
2. Girls & Boys
3. For Tomorrow
4. Coffee & TV
5. Out Of Time
6. Blue Jeans
7. Song 2
8. Bugman
9. He Thought Of Cars
10. Death Of A Party
11. The Universal
12. Sing
13. This Is A Low

Disc 2:

1. Tender
2. She's So High
3. Chemical World
4. Good Song
5. Parklife
6. Advert
7. Popscene
8. Stereotypes
9. Trimm Trabb
10. Badhead
11. Strange News From Another Star
12. Battery In Your Leg

"Midlife..." is OUT NOW!!!

The Circus Starring Britney Spears Live in Oz...

Britney is finally doing a full tour here in November and yes, I remember when she first arrived on the pop scene and was perceived as an innocent girl singing pop tunes when in fact they are layered with double meanings. Who could have guessed the rollercoaster career she has had?? Anyways, I was never a fan but now I can appreciate her songs as just catchy little pop songs, nothing more, Also, they often translate to amazing covers e.g. Travis' version of Hit Me Baby One More Time and Lily Allen's Womanizer.





I have no doubt she will draw a large crowd to her Down Under shows and I won't be going but maybe some of you guys in the blogosphere want to so here are the details...

November 6th: Perth, Burswood Dome
November 11th: Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
November 12th: Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
November 19th: Sydney, Acer Arena
November 20th: Sydney, Acer Arena
November 24th: Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Tickets will be available through Ticketek on Monday June 29th to Wednesday July 1st for the Visa Entertainment Internet Pre-sale and Friday July 3rd for the General Public.

Tunes for Winter

Hey lovelies

I hope all that live in Oz had a wonderful long weekend as I did and weren't too cold! I don't know where all my readers are from but here this past weekend in Melbourne it has been bloody freezing, rainy and winter has only officially started a few days ago. But that didn't stop me as my family had a small gathering at our house for an umbrella-less evening of wine, takeaway pizza and movies including my all time fave Empire Records. However, that got me thinking about songs that make you feel warm on the inside like when you walk into a room with a fireplace going after you've come in from the cold or just feel like winter. This was not as easy as it seems as I've been thinking about this all weekend and I finally came up with 5 songs.

1. Helpless - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. This is a pretty sad song but to me it has a quality to it that reminds me to rug up. I always bring out my Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young collection in winter as it feels like the most appropriate time for songs with darker subject matter and beautiful harmonies.
2. Skinny Love - Bon Iver. For basically the same reasons above except that I've only known about this guy for no more than 8 months.
   
   
3. Next Year - Foo Fighters. You might be suprised to know that this is possibly my favourite Foo Fighters song of all time. Dave's voice is amazing on this and the whole album and I'm particuarly fond of this because the Foo are not too heavy. I know they can rock out but I like their softer side better.
   
4. Warwick Avenue - Duffy. I think I added this one on the list because of the video which shows a cloud and somewhat cold London (I think...)
5. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley. A great party song for any season really but when you can't be at a bar or club you may as well pump it out your stereo at home which in my case is surround sound with extra bass.
   

Everyone look to your right!!!

2009 Album Reviews: YEAH YEAH YEAHS - IT'S BLITZ!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ sound keeps evolving which I value very highly in a band as without it bands’ albums get boring, repetitive and predictable for audiences and critics. No band or artist should ever stay the same!!! Anyways, Yeah Yeah Yeahs manage to show off a less heavy sound and a more dancey-electronica based record on their third album, It’s Blitz! which I welcome for reasons above. I think the line “Off with your head...Dance ‘til you’re dead...” from ‘Heads Will Roll’ pretty much sums it all up...

For me, this is just what I have been waiting to hear this year without consciously knowing it. As soon as I heard the first single, ‘Zero’ I knew I would love the album and they manage to reach some extraordinary heights with this one while still maintaining YYYs distinctive style. The full on dance songs ‘Zero’, ‘Heads Will Roll’, ‘Soft Shock’ and ‘Dull Life’ are progressive songs that are full of great hooks and melodies but they are not lacking an emotional intensity to them. In fact the whole record has an incredible heart to it that sets it apart from every other dance-punk/pop album that has and will be released; and that’s saying something considering the amount of synth-based albums that will be released this year alone. There are songs that are less full on but still manage to keep the synthesizer as the main instrument of choice e.g. ‘Runaway’, ‘Dragon Queen’, ‘Hysteric’ and ‘Little Shadow’. These tunes helped me question what a dance song should be as previous dance songs even within the alternative genre often (not always) sound similar but these just sound different in every way. I’m particularly partial to ‘Runaway’ and ‘Hysteric’ for some reason but it will change again and as soon as I get over how overplayed ‘Zero’ is. I can’t go on without mentioning the drums on this record...Brian Chase does an amazing job! The drum parts have depth and are innovative that allow a dancey sound to become more present. As you can probably tell I play drums and I always listen closely to the drums on any record and this is by far the best I’ve heard all year.

I would also recommend you all go out and buy the Deluxe Edition as you get some amazing acoustic versions which in my opinion are just as good as the ones that appear on the standard release. I always find it interesting to see how bands do their own songs in a stripped back environment and YYYs give it to us in a way that makes the song feel new again but this has a lot to do with the fact that the 4 acoustic songs don’t have a synthesizer in sight.

This is a BLOODY FANTASTIC ALBUM and if you haven’t got it well you’re missing out. This is some of Yeah Yeah Yeahs finest work and hopefully they will continue to change it up and they will be recognised by all as the great band they have always been and still deserve to be. By the way, in case you were wondering if I had to rank as of now, my current list of albums of 2009 this would top it and I doubt anything that is to be released will come close to this. Happy Listening Everyone!

2009 Album Releases: GOSSIP - MUSIC FOR MEN

One of my fave bands the Gossip are releasing their fourth studio album, 'Music For Men' on June 22nd and is produced by uber-producer Rick Rubin. This band have an amazing rock sound infused with a bluesy vocal by none other than the fantastic Beth Ditto. I am eagerly anticipating this one and if the single is anything to go by it's going to be one of my albums of the year.

The vid for first single, Heavy Cross...


Tracklisting:

1. Dimestore Diamond
2. Heavy Cross
3. 8th Wonder
4. Love Long Distance
5. Pop Goes The World
6. Vertical Rhythm
7. Men In Love
8. For Keeps
9. 2012
10. Love and Let Love
11. Four Letter Word
12. Spare Me from the Mold

It's looking to be a good last half of the year with some really decent albums set to be released!

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!