TRACKS OF THE WEEK 23-08-2015 - The Juan MacLean, Elbow, On An On, Kurt Vile,

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 23-08-2015 - The Juan MacLean, Elbow, On An On, Kurt Vile,

Elbow Kurt Vile On An On The Juan MacLean Tracks of the Week Tune Doctor TuneDoctor

Four riveting tracks to let your hair down to...

London Scouser:-
The Juan MacLean - 'A Place Called Space' (2014)

As soon as I heard this I thought 2 things... Firstly, is this the new Miami Vice theme tune ?? And secondly, this is amazing. It's 8 minutes of 80's sounding electronica and I'm hooked. Part of it sounded familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it... My first guess was LCD Soundsysten (which was incorrect) but after a little googling I did find that John MacLean (not him from Die Hard!!) co-founded DFA Records with James Murphy. The part in question (that I've since worked out is similar to about 5.30 into 'Dumb Disco Ideas' by Holy Ghost!) is repeated a few times throughout this song, but I noticed it at 2.05...

I hope you like it as much as me

Flycasual:-

Elbow - 'Roll Call' (2015)

I don't know why I've become so dubious about a new Elbow release, dismissive even. I've been a long time fan and was always aghast at why they weren't more successful than they were. Of course that deservedly changed and I suppose, pathetically, my attitude towards them too, as everyone jumped on their bandwagon. 'Roll Call', taken from July's four track EP, Lost Worker Bee, is everything I've ever loved about Elbow. Guy Garvey's voice and writing along with the bands musicianship (sounding a lot like their early stuff), cementing why Elbow have been one of my favourite ever bands. 

Elbow.com

http://elbow.co.uk/elbow-unveil-new-track-lost-worker-bee/

SFW:-

On An On - Icon Love (2015)

Close your eyes and try to imagine yourself drinking a cocktail whilst listening to this. I'd take that right now (it's raining cats and dogs here). On an On are a Minneapolis synth-pop trio that first came to my attention back in 2012 with the excellent Ghosts. They've recently released their second album, And The Wave Has Two Sides.  I love the synth bass and catchy chorus and although it does remind me a little bit like Keane, it could nicely fit on my "embers of summer" playlist! Time for another cocktail!

Old Pa :-

Kurt Vile - Pretty Pimpin'(2015)

 

I have been waiting for something new from Kurt Vile his last album Wakin on a Pretty Daze (2013) was one of my favourites from that year. I have to say I was not convinced with this on first hearing. But by the third hearing I was hooked and I just love it. can't wait for the album b'lieve I'm goin down out at the end of September firmly noted on my musical calender.

Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

sfw Pada 00:28 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 19/01/2014 - James Vincent McMorrow, Say Yes Dog, Elbow, Wild Beasts, Breton

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 19/01/2014 - James Vincent McMorrow, Say Yes Dog, Elbow, Wild Beasts, Breton

Breton Elbow James Vincent McMorrow Say Yes Dog Tracks of the Week Wild Beasts

Five tracks that were as warming as a coronal mass ejection..

London Scouser:-
Elbow - 'Fly Boy Blue / Lunette' (2014)

This week I was umming and ahhing over what would be my track when I received a message on my phone via spotify. It told me that a new track by Elbow was available so I clicked on the link and was pleased to hear that they are still capable of knocking out a great song. Guy Garvey's breathy vocals are back with aplomb and I can't wait til March 10th when their new album ' The Take Off And Landing Of Everything' touches down.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Bury's finest are back...

NERD ALERT - Guy Garvey shares his birthday (March 6th) with many well known people, including David Gilmour, Kiri Te Kanawa, Shaquille O'Neal & Michaelangelo as well as myself and Shellhunter !!

Old Pa's Corner:- 

Wild Beasts - Wanderlust (2013)

 

It was nice to hear this taster from the Wild Beast's new album Present Tense (2014). I expected great things from them after hearing their album  Two Dancers (2009) the track  All the King's Men (2009) was in my tracks of the year for 2009. I cannot believe that was 5 years ago and that would make me 5 years retired. Now that is what I call scary.

In between. they have had another album out. Smother (2011) which i seemed to have missed. Looks like 2 for the price of one for me. Catch up here we come.

Flycasual:-
Say Yes Dog - 'A Friend' (2013)

I'm very impressed by the debut four track EP, A Friend, by the Dutch based Electro-Pop trio Say Yes Dog (one member is a Luxembourger the other two are German), which was out Dec 9th last year. Every one's a winner, with elements of Hot Chip and The Whitest Boy Alive, what's not to like, take the infectious, 'A Friend' for evidence. I'm pretty certain we'll be hearing more from these guys. Walkies!?

Listen to the EP on Spotify here..
Go for a walk to Say Yes Dog's website here....

Sfw:-

James Vincent McMorrow - 'Cavalier' (2013)

James Vincent McMorrow wandered into the Singer/Songwriter scene in 2011 with his fantastic debut album "Early In The Morning" and completely blew me away. He released the "We Don't Eat" E.P. in 2012 but since then he's been a bit quiet. He has just released Post Tropical which features the stunning 'Cavalier'.  For those expecting another singer/songwriter, guitar based album will be a little disappointed as he's gone all James Blake.  Heavy on the Electronica and with a bucket full of Soul.  This track is worth buying the album for alone! It's a Heartbreaker!

Shell Hunter:-

Breton - 'Envy' (2013)

The mad scientists are back with this single released at the back end of last year and was following on from 'Got Well Soon' which I also featured on TOTW. It's got a completely different feel to the electronica for zombies I described there. Positively bouncey and hooray, steel drums! I'm really looking forward to their new album War Room Stories from Cut Tooth/Believe Recordings out on 3rd February. I read that the guys even employed the services of the 44 piece Macedonian Radio Symphonic Orchestra who appear on 5 tracks throughout the album, including this one. Time for another listen, its like having a good mood on tap!

Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

sfw Pada 05:17 3 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 03/03/13 - Fyfe, Elbow, Rick Redbeard, Cat Power, Josephine

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 03/03/13 - Fyfe, Elbow, Rick Redbeard, Cat Power, Josephine

Cat Power Elbow Fyfe Josephine Rick Redbeard Tracks of the Week

Five tracks that were worth an Oscar in our eyes...Got any winners for us?

Shell Hunter:-

Josephine - 'Portrait' (2013)

After a long shift at work being subjected to the thumping repetitiveness that is Kiss FM, I heard this little beauty from John Kennedy's Xposure show which I normally catch at that time of night. In the darkness driving home, I turned it up and the stresses of the day slowly disappeared. By the time the song was over, I realised I had studied the lyrics so hard, I was a bit teary! I haven't been reduced to tears by a song since 'John Taylor's Month Away' by King Creosote (see the song here) last year! I thought Josephine Oniyama sounded slightly like Grace Slick or Joan Baez in the nostalgia that she brings through her voice. Well needless to say, I immediately listened to her album also titled 'Portrait' which was released at the end of last year. I enjoyed it and her voice really took centre stage. She'll be big. Sign up to her mailing list or get news on her current tour with Paloma Faith here.


London Scouser:-
Elbow- 'Running To Standstill' (2009)

Although not a new release, I felt that I had to include it here. It was originally recorded for the 2009 Warchild album Heroes, but has now been included on 'War Child 20: The Best Of' celebrating 20 years since the charity started. A cover of a U2 album track (The Joshua Tree) it gives me absolute chills whenever I hear it. It was my track of the year when it first came out, and thanks to the new album release, I get to hear it again. I dare anyone not to like it.

Old Pa's Corner:-

Rick Redbeard - Kelvin Grove (2013)

This is a version of a Traditional Scottish Ballad  Kelvin Grove and I just love this one by Rick Redbeard from the album No Selfish Heart (2013)

Rick Redbeard’s  aka Rick Anthony, the lead singer with The Phantom Band.  This is his debut solo album and is a collection of beautiful, melancholy, spartan folk, I am enjoying this one at the moment, quality stuff indeed, but an acquired taste I will have to say.  My folk roots shining through.

'Should I fall midst battle's roar, bonnie lassie, O'

Sfw:-

Fyfe - St Tropez (2013)



There is no self-tanning here, just musical sunshine in the form of a tribute to the playground town on the French Riviera. Fyfe is the new solo project of 23-year-old Paul Dixon, who used to record as David's Lyre. With comparisons made with Miike Snow, I can hear a little bit of Two Door Cinema Club, it's worth checking out this and Solace on Soundcloud.

Flycasual:-
Cat Power - Manhattan (2013)

I love New York, I do. Ever since I walked out on 5th Avenue to be confronted by the Empire State Building, I've been smitten. Next week Shell Hunter and London Scouser will take Manhattan for their joint birthdays, which they share on the same day, density or what? I'm green with envy but excited for them at the same time, forgedaboudit. I'm a bit of a late comer to the prowess of Cat Power and 'Manhattan' is the latest single and my favourite track from last year's excellent 'Sun' album. It has also been remixed by DJ Ryan Hemsworth featuring a verse from potty mouth NY rapper Angel Haze, I'm a fan of both but the mix, I feel, takes away the atmospheric 'I'm walking down Broadway in the rain' feel to the original.

I love you Chan Marshall!

Have a read of our other New York Posts here...
Cat Power's website here.

Checkout previous Tracks of the week here

Listen & Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist

sfw Pada 02:00 5 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 12/08/12 - Bob Dylan, Bloc Party, Elbow, Mumford & Sons

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 12/08/12 - Bob Dylan, Bloc Party, Elbow, Mumford & Sons

Bloc Party Bob Dylan Elbow Mumford and Sons Tracks of the Week

The Olympic games are over but don't be sad...before you go to Nando's to celebrate, rejoice with these four winners. 

Old Pa's Corner:-

Bob Dylan - Early Roman Kings (2012)

'In their shark skin suits'

  

Well here it is!  the first taste of Mr Bob Dylan's new album  which will not be released until September the 11. The Album is called Tempest and this song is called Early Roman Kings.  There is a great buzz about this album, I have read nothing but great things. There is even a 45 verse, 15minutes song about the Titanic ('The Titanic sails at dawn') called Tempest. There are are all sorts of rumours flying around as you would expect from a Dylan album. Tempest was the last work by Shakespeare, ('Shakespeare he's in the alley, with his pointed shoes and his Bells') could this be Dylan's last album?  Well, it will be until he does another.

Anyway to the track itself. It really is no new ground and it is done in a straight blues format. But I like the feel, there is definitely an enthusiasm there and the production sounds spot on . Even the raspy old voice sounds pretty good too. I don't think I can remember looking forward to a new album by Bob with so much anticipation. I want to hear the album now....I can't wait!!    'Blazin' the Rails'.

Shell Hunter:-

Bloc Party - 'Octopus' (2012)

Welcome back guys! By the time I considered myself a fully fledged fan of Bloc Party, the band dispersed. At least I had Kele Okereke's solo stuff to pasify me. A liked the more electronic approach the group had adopted with singles such as 'Flux' so when I heard this, I immediately liked it. The distorted guitar made me imagine a little sheep with a machine gun and if a song can generate images like that for me, it's got to be a winner! It's also got a great mini 'Van Halenesque' guitar solo in there amidst their indie-tastic signature sound. The single was out back in July but the album 'Four' is due out on 20th August. Fans should quickly click onto their site www.blocparty.com and sign up, as tickets to their gig on 22nd February 2013 at Earl's Court will be available exclusively to members (15th August) 2 days before general release (17th August). Hurry!!

Sfw:-
Mumford & Sons - "I will wait"

Mumford & Sons have just release the video for their latest track "I will wait" - which surely must have been filmed by Bradley Wiggins - and features on their new album 'Babel' (out in September).  The track picks up where their debut album left off with yet more foot-stomping folk.  It's probably just me, but every time I hear them I want to drink Cider, which is surely not a bad thing?

Flycasual:-

Elbow - First Steps (2012)

So it's over now and I just don't know what to do with myself. It has been a magnificent, memorable and truly inspirational couple of weeks. Captivating, from Dressage to Boxing with many unforgettable moments too numerous to mention, Mo Farah's being my particular highlight. 

I'm obviously feeling unusually sentimental but It has also been nice to surf a wave of pride and optimism for a change and I just hope when the euphoria subsides there'll still be some of that good feeling left which can be put to good use (as well as the Olympic village), hmmm.....I doubt it. 

A bit slow off the block I guess but I belatedly found out that Elbow had done the official theme for the BBC's Olympic coverage. Obvious really as the orchestral backing, percussion and gospel choir all bear the hallmarks of their epic sound befitting of such an occasion. Even poking fun of themselves by stating that they wanted to compose something completely over the top. 

I have been a fan for years but love them or hate them, there's no denying Elbow's, or Guy Garvey in particular, song creating talents. Despite their success and inevitable criticism as a result, Elbow have not diluted their sound which made them so endearing in the first place. 

If you can't be arsed with Elbow, check out the breathtaking animated opening sequence for the BBC's Olympic coverage. That and the soundtrack made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Bring on the Paralympics!!

Check out the making of 'First Steps' here.....

Heard any new music recently? Let us know!  

While you are at it Check out our Spotify Playlist or other Tracks of the Week

sfw Pada 01:54 4 Komentar

TUESDAY BLUES! Elbow - Jesus was a Rochdale Girl

TUESDAY BLUES! Elbow - Jesus was a Rochdale Girl

Elbow Tuesday Blues

Elbow - Jesus was a Rochdale Girl (2011)

The wind & rain is currently lashing at the windows, the coffee's poured, the toasts in the toaster, my wife's off to work, a thousand things to do.... but first, listen to this. It features on Elbow's latest album "Build a rocket boys!" and caught me the first time I heard it. Whether it's the broken piano melody, the heartbeat bass drum, the rhythmic guitar strumming or just the list of things that Guy Garvey sings about, it just makes it sound so hypnotic - then 3 minutes later it's over, I wake up from the trance, and get back to today's tasks!

...I've got the Tuesdays blues, because Saturday is so far away (get more here)

sfw Pada 22:00 8 Komentar