Flycasual's Best Of 2013

Flycasual's Best Of 2013

Best of 2013 Flycasual John Grant Kurt Vile Owiny Sigoma Band Queens Of The Stone Age Young Fathers

Another year goes by and I'm entering my 40th year, I should be having a midlife crisis right about now but since I can't afford a Ferrari, I'll stick to blogging. It's been a another fruitful musical year, predominately thanks to my fellow TuneDr bloggers and contributors and for that I'm am eternally grateful.

 

 

Owiny Sigoma Band - 'Lucas Malore'

 

'Lucas Malore' is an ingenious blend of traditional Kenya and dancefloor London, taken from one of my favourite albums of the year, the aptly titled Power Punch, completely addictive and essential listening.

 

 

 

John Grant - 'Black Belt'

 

Witty lyrics, fantastic beat, it's definitely not something I would have expected from John Grant but his Pale Green Ghosts album certainly made my DIY hell just a little bit more bearable earlier this year.

 

 

Q.O.T.S.A. - 'If I Had A Tail'

God knows how many times I have heard this track this year and I still can't get enough. The reason is that it's probably my four and half year old son's most requested track. Whilst he's fixated by the 'vampire hugging' on the album cover, I was captivated by the immaculate drumming and the Rock n Roll swagger from a band on top of their game.

 

 

Young Fathers - 'I Heard'

 

Like Andy Murray in Tennis, Young Fathers were my Scottish musical champions. Releasing two mini albums this year, the Edinburgh trio effortlessly blended the likes of De La Soul and Massive Attack to create their own unique sound. 'I Heard', was one of many standouts, dark, soulful and with the coolest hotel lobby keyboard you're likely to hear this side of Lanzarote. Big ting awaits.

 

 

Kurt Vile - 'Wakin' On A Pretty Day'

 

Undoubtedly my track of the year. Even though it's over 9 minutes long, it's one of those songs you just don't want to end. With Kurt Vile's cool, laid back drawl, it was the perfect soundtrack to a memorable weekend spent with family when the sun finally came out this April.

 

 

 

Subscribe/listen at your pleasure to my best of 2013 spotify playlist here....

 

 

sfw Pada 13:05 2 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 28/07/13 - QOTSA, Willis Earl Beal, James Skelly and The Intenders, Oblivians

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 28/07/13 - QOTSA, Willis Earl Beal, James Skelly and The Intenders, Oblivians

James Skelly and The Intenders Oblivians Queens Of The Stone Age Tracks of the Week Willis Earl Beal

Four tracks that were our royal arrivals this week...

Sfw:-
Willis Earl Beal - 'Too Dry To Cry' (2013)


Chicago singer-songwriter Willis Earl Beal returns in September with a follow-up to his enigmatic debut, Acousmatic Sorcery. The new record, Nobody knows., is the second set from Beal’s 4-album deal with XL. You can hear the Tom Waits/Screamin' Jay Hawkins influence in this soulful blues stomp. Now pass me a drink!

Flycasual:-
QOTSA - 'If I Had A Tail' (2013)

I'm a fan of Queens of the Stone Age and despite rave reviews and claims they've raised the Rock bar, it took me awhile to get into their 6th album, Like Clockwork, released earlier this year. Quite clearly it must have been me but I'm glad I persisted as it really is a fantastic album, particularly the swagger of 'If I Had A Tail', probably one of my favourite songs of the year. I love the drumming on this, a driving beat with the breaks immaculate, simple but effective and as you'd expect from guest drummer Dave Grohl. Honoury 'Queen' Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys also features on backing vocals. A cool video too with the animation courtesy of Boneface, who's Boneface you may ask? Well he's the illustrator who's responsible for the cover art of the QOTSA's latest album. Unremarkable maybe but Josh Homme came across his work on the web and was so impressed by the young UK artist's talent, that he contacted him out of the blue and flew him over to be the band's in-house artist. If you need gardner Josh, give me call, I'm your man.

Shell Hunter:-
James Skelly & The Intenders - 'You've Got It All' (2013)

I'm still reeling from my fabulous experience of Latitude Festival in Suffolk last weekend. I can't recommend it enough. The best concerts were the little surpirse ones that you heard whilst waiting for another band. There we were, waiting for Willy Mason sitting outside the BBC6 Music tent in the sun with delighfully cold drinks when this excellent blues inspired band started up. Thoroughly enjoying their Commitment like sound, I decided to get a closer look. I then over heard 2 people talking that James Skelly was the front man from The Coral...Of course! Now I now why he seemed so familiar! This is the latest single from new album Love Undercover and is a great example of the energetic vibe James Skelly and The Intenders delivers. 



Old Pa's Corner:-
Oblivians - 'I'll Be Gone' (2013)

 

The Oblivians are a Garage Punk band who were popular in the Nineties. They have had several reunions along the way and have reformed to make the album 'Desperation' (2013). 

You will note the lack of bass and the production certainly fits the garage bill. It is all a little bit fuzzy but the melody shines through. But I just love the driving energy of the track and I have played it loads this week.

'Thats Rock 'N Roll as we get Old!'

Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist

sfw Pada 03:24 3 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 21/04/13 - Kurt Vile, Queens Of The Stone Age, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Besnard Lakes

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 21/04/13 - Kurt Vile, Queens Of The Stone Age, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Besnard Lakes

Kurt Vile Queens Of The Stone Age The Besnard Lakes The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Tracks of the Week

Four tracks...that picked up Maggies funeral

Sfw:-
Queens of the Stone Age - My God Is The Sun (2013)

Queens of the Stone Age are back with their no nonsense Rock. This track features on their new album, ...Like Clockwork, which is released in June. ...Like Clockwork sees the welcome return of Dave Grohl (drums) and also features contributions from Trent Reznor, Elton John, Scissor Sisters' Jake Shears, Alex Turner, James Lavelle and former QOTSA members Mark Lanegan and Nick Oliveri. RAWK!!

Flycasual:-

Kurt Vile - 'Wakin on a Pretty Day' (2013)

This is an absolutely stunning song from Kurt Vile's equally sensational album, 'Wakin on a Pretty Daze', released earlier this month. It's on heavy rotation at the moment and this, the first single from it is currently my record of the year. It just reminds me of a great few days with the folks in Brighton and the wonderful weather we finally had this weekend. I dismissed him last year, foolishly it seems despite rave reviews and on this performance I will be checking out his back catalogue, to see what I've been missing fo sho'.

What a lucky boy I've been, three incredible albums all in the space of a month, John Grant, Owiny Sigoma Band and now Kurt Vile.

Kurt Vile's website here....

Shell Hunter:-
The Besnard Lakes - 'People Of The Sticks' (2013)

There's nothing more enjoyable than picking up a copy of Metro on the Tube whilst on your way home from London the morning after the night before and the hour long journey seeming like only a few minutes. I was flicking through the music section and saw a mini interview with the lead singer from Bastille saying he was really into The Besnard Lakes at the moment. I had seen the name around quite a lot and the first time I read it, I did a double take as I thought it said The Barenaked Ladies! I decided to give them a whirl and I've been genuinely impressed. Its ideal for the sunny weather and milling around the garden as I did yesterday afternoon. Canadian husband and wife tag team formed the band back in 2003 and now have 4 albums under their belt as well as numerous film scores. On first listen I got dreamy hints of Echobelly or even Mazzy Star and I know I'll be playing new album 'Until In Excess, Imperceptible UFO' frequently this summer. 

London Scouser:-

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - 'Let The Day Begin' (2013)

I was a big fan of BRMC when they first came on the scene with excellent tracks like 'Spread Your Love' & 'Love Burns' but after their debut album I stopped giving them my full attention. I next saw them pop up in the 'Don't watch with your Granny' film 9 Songs. Fast forward a number of years to 2013 and I was looking on Spotify at their 'What's New' option and I saw that they had a new album out so I thought what they hey, let's give it a try. Immediately I was drawn to the second track. I don't play guitar but I imagine if I did I would enjoy the riffage of this. (sfw please confirm or deny). Initially I wasn't aware that it was a cover (did I mention I like covers ??) I don't know the original or the band whose song it is. I've since found out its by The Call and their lead singer is the dad of BRMC's lead singer. So I guess at least the royalties stay within the family.

Old Pa's Corner :-

Old Pa's is currently on holiday and notoriously doesn't play well away from home. This time round he's struggling with his new Nexus and as a result of being incompetent with new technology, is unable to provide us with a track.

Checkout previous Tracks of the week here

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

sfw Pada 06:43 3 Komentar

Queens of the Stone Age - No one knows

Queens of the Stone Age - No one knows

Give me a guitar QOTSA Queens Of The Stone Age

GIVE ME A GUITAR!! When you really want to run really fast on the spot!

QOTSA recently competed with Beyonce for Glastonbury's Sunday night slot, whereas Beyonce's press machine caught the headlines, QOTSA hit the Glastonbury crowd with a B52 carpet-bomb of guitar riffs and pure macho rock. In tribute to this, here's "No one knows" from 2002's "Songs for the deaf".  I just love the fact that Dave Grohl played drums and became a "member" for this album. Hearing Dave Grohl's different drum solo's at every pre-chorus are worth a listen alone! Most of their songs revolve around a raw guitar riff, heavy bass melody, loud drums and the almost angelic voice of Josh Homme.  I salute your Goblet of Rock Mr Homme!

...more Give Me A Guitar!

sfw Pada 09:48 2 Komentar