Puzzled

Are You Receiving Me?

2008-05-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

Finished

2008-04-23T14:47:00.001-07:00

I have decided to stop this blog and focus on just one blog which invovle all sorts including Sport, Music, Film, Television etc. There will be a link to the new one shortly, once I have designed it all that. Thanks for reading, it's meant a lot and I hope the new one will be more updated and better. Thank you.

Albums 2008: Part Two

2008-03-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

Wowee it seems all the albums coming out this year are leaking left, right and centre. This blog will not feature any of those albums that have leaked recently, but however a couple of albums which have took my fancy this year and have already been released, or are set to be released very soon.

The Mae Shi - HLLLYH
Moshi Moshi
OUT NOW!

This is the fourth release from the Californians, and out in this country on the always excellent Moshi Moshi. Who with this album have added yet another fine piece of music to add to there already fantastic list of artists. The Mae Shi featured on my blog a couple of weeks ago, and at that point I’d only heard a few songs but now I have heard the full 14 songs from their album wonderfully titled “HLLLYH”. My verdict a couple of weeks ago was that I highly recommend them, my verdict now: I HIGHLY recommend them IF you like a bit screamy vocals, some electronic sounds and some hefty guitar riffs! Why wouldn’t you like that combination? Of course you bloody would, that is why you should purchase this album even if HMV is selling it for £14, the robbing bastards. Get it from Banquet Records for 4 pounds cheaper I say!

Born Ruffians – Red, Yellow and Blue
Warp
26th of May

Born Ruffians are a band I have never featured on this blog for reasons I cannot explain, however let’s just say I was never a big fan to begin with. The EP “Born Ruffians” did not do a lot for me, however new album “Red, Yellow and Blue” hits all the right buttons for my two ears. Released on May 26th according to the official website on Warp Records (!!!, Battles, Maximo Park). So far making connections with Born Ruffians and other bands I’ve found extremely difficult which is definitely testament to Born Ruffians unique sound. Tokyo Police Club comparisons are likely because they are 1. Friends and 2. They are both from Canada. “Barnacle Goose” shows off lead singer Luke’s distinct vocals where as songs such as “I Need a Life”, “Hummingbird” and “Badonkadonkey” provide us with 3 minutes or so catchy pop songs. Born Ruffians aren’t for everyone (but then who is?) however give them a try, give them a chance and you might just be surprised.

MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
Columbia
OUT NOW!

Saved the best till last but how late is this recommendation? Very late is the answer however late publicity for a band is better than no publicity, not that this band has had none. Quite the opposite actually, BBC tipped them for success at the start of the year (although they were number 9 – still very respectful). The album is like nothing released this year, because the influences and sounds that are in each song come from all over the place. You can hear some psychedelic (“The Youth”), some Electronic (aptly named “Electric Feel”), a slice of Britpop, College Rock and the list goes on. Others songs such as “Time To Pretend”, “Kids” and “Weekend Wars” provide us with some blockbusters. Further into the album “The Handshake” is yet another example of the diversity of this band. I know when December comes this album will be somewhere in my top 10 favourite albums of the year, so what you waiting for? Go out now and buy it.

Mystery Jets

2008-02-29T06:45:00.000-08:00

At the tender age of 16 you find that you’re constantly trying to find yourself and a lot of the time this comes through music. At the age of 17 I felt lost, I wasn’t sure who I was and what I enjoyed and disliked. Music came to my rescue admittedly the first band I ever saw was Babyshambles closely followed by The Paddingtons (remember them?). Thankfully the third band I ever saw was the wonderful Mystery Jets, I suppose watching them at the age of 17 was an eye opener and it could be described as a “moment”. Standing inside a sweaty Northampton Soundhaus watching first Larrikin Love (god bless them boys) I decided this was what I liked.

Three years later Mystery Jets return with a second album, a fresh sound and a new line up too (well not new, but now four members of MJ instead of five). I turn 20 in exactly a month’s time (how weird is having 29th of February eh?) Now, the reason I say this is because Mystery Jets new album is of course titled Twenty-One (no connection to me be 20 at all really, oh well).

I am lucky enough to have the sampler of the Mystery Jets new album which comes out in March and you should definitely buy it if you know what’s good for you. Mystery Jets are back and they are back stronger than ever, with Erol producing and Blaine singing as beautifully as ever it is the perfect combination. Although ‘Flakes’ was not released until December time it remains one of my favourite songs of 2007. Hearing that song to end a club night was electrifying and it really did feel like a moment. New single ‘Young Love’ is the best single of 2008 so far, and feels like a summer smash to me. Newly recorded ‘Half In Love With Elizabeth’ does not disappoint either, and new song ‘Girl Next Door’ adopts an 80’s feel to it and is Mystery Jets on the top of their game.

It was always going to be hard to follow up on ‘Making Dens’ but I think Mystery Jets might have produced one of the best second albums (from what I’ve heard so far) I’ve heard in my life time.

Run To Your Grave.

2008-02-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Without me even knowing (and a large majority of people) The Mae Shi have been around for donkeys years, in fact 2002 was the year the band actually formed. They come from Los Angeles, California and have had three albums previous to newest album “HLLLYH” which surprised me. There was me thinking this was a new band – however from what I’ve read the sound has changed dramatically from the earlier albums.

I have only heard songs from the “HLLLYH” (how is that pronounced? I always want to say “Hell Yeah!”). I have no idea how The Mae Shi sounded before 2008 but at times The Mae Shi sound like they are from the future. “Lamb and the Lion” demonstrates the bands at times futuristic sound, and at times the band’s vocals remind me much like Jesse Lacey of Brand New especially in “I Get Almost Everything”.

Brilliantly named “Pwnd” is a song The Rapture would be proud of, and fellow “HLLLYH” album track “Run To Grave” wouldn’t look out of place on any of the three Hot Chip albums. The Mae Shi mix rock and electronic music perfectly, with a slight twist of screamo in there too.

The album which is out now is released on the excellent Moshi Moshi (another Brand New reference) and it comes highly recommended from myself.

The Return of the Mac... British Sea Power Even.

2008-02-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

Firstly, let me apologise for the lack of updates around this place for a couple of weeks. I would try to claim that I’ve been very busy doing University work however that would be a big fat lie (the fattest lie you’ve ever seen). The truth is I’ve not feel very inspired too get back into the blogging mood but that’s all changed now!

So okay now that is out of the way I am going to be doing a few features over the next couple of months focusing on bands returning to our ears and boy there is some great bands coming back. First up is the wonderfully quintessential Brighton-based (originally from Cumbria and West Yorkshire) foursome British Sea Power. Since ‘The Decline of British Sea Power’ dropped almost 5 years ago BSP have proved to be one of the finest live acts around. Not taking anything away from their ability on record too which is pretty spectacular.

Agreed I am one month out because the third effort from BSP came out almost one month ago – so excuse me for this sin. The reasoning behind is that I’ve only just picked up the album titled “Do You Like Rock Music?” The word “Rock” makes me cringe slightly, it reminds me of the rock hand gesture (you know the one) and long greasy hair listening to Guns of Roses. Obviously Rock music has lots of sub genres but the term “Rock” makes me feel slightly uncomfortable for some reason. However if British Sea Power is Rock music, then fuck yeah I love Rock music.

This album is brimming with potential spine chilling live songs (‘Canvey Island’ and ‘Lights Out for Darker Skies’ come to mind). Not forgetting ‘A Trip Out’, ‘Down on the Ground’ along with singles ‘Waving Flags’ and ‘No Lucifer’ as stand out tracks on the album. Yan's lead vocals are pretty special throughout the whole record and make me tremendously jealous of his vocal range and variety. It’s far too early for me to say whether or not this album betters the previous two stunning pieces of work, but either way I am very happy they are back.

British Sea Power – Canvey Island
British Sea Power – A Trip Out
British Sea Power – Waving Flags

Albums: 2008 [Part One].

2008-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

How will 2008 turn out for albums? Last year the biggest shock came from Radiohead who made a major announcement that would shock the music world. Will something as big crop up this year? Only a band like Radiohead would be capable to do such a thing, anyway there are plenty of great records to look forward to this year, and plenty of records to get your grubby mits on.

Sons and Daughters – This Gift
Domino
28th of January

The third album from the Scottish four-piece comes out today, having heard it already it is definitely an album recommend by this blog. Sons and Daughters have never really done it for me with the previous two albums being pretty forgettable. The third album has made massive strides and impressed me a great deal after the first, second and third listening of it. Singles ‘Darling’ and ‘Gilt Complex’ provide great hooks and a lead singer with a voice that is to die for. Other songs on the album such as ‘The Bell’ and ‘House In My Head’ just as good, if not better than the two singles make this album a definite purchase for any fan of sleazy indie rock n’ roll.

Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
XL
28th of January

Debut album from the much talked about New Yorkers, many fans of the band have had the ‘Blue CD-R’ for ages and the track listing hasn’t changed much from that. The exclusion of ‘Boston’ made me sad, however the inclusion of live favourites ‘M79’ and my personal favourite ‘I Stand Corrected’ certainly made up for it. Tipped for big things by this blog this year and last year Vampire Weekend have produced an album to rival any other out at the moment. Listen to the album a few times, because you’ll be extremely happy you did and if you’re a fan of Talking Heads (which you should be) you’ll enjoy this album (there is no guarantee of course).

These New Puritans – Beat Pyramid
Angular Recordings (Part of Domino)
28th January

Domino are on fire today, two cracking albums out in the same day (albeit this one on Angular). This album being my favourite of the two Domino releases, and probably my favourite over the three albums mentioned. On first listen my reaction was “incredible” however after listening again I wasn’t so sure if my first thought was right. Several plays later my gut feeling of “incredible” was correct and These New Puritans have lived up to my high expectations of them. There is not an album out like this, and hasn’t been for a little while – this is an album not catered for everybody’s needs. Then again who cares about everybody? Certainly not me and certainly not These New Puritans. Tracks such as ‘Elvis’, ‘Colours’, ‘Numerology’, ‘Swords of Truth’ and ‘C. 16th’ stand out, although listen to the album all the way through for it’s full brilliance and impact.

Who To Look Out For 08'.

2008-01-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

This is in reply to my previous post (Big In 08), these following bands are ones I really am looking forward to seeing what they do during the coming year. None have an album out yet, and I doubt some of them even have one in the pipe line…

Damn Shames – Scottish trio Damn Shames are getting noticed for the right reasons by many music publications at the moment. I am yet to see them live, but read and hear their live shows are usually quite something. To say I’m excited to hear what they have to offer this year is quite an understatement. I discovered them near the end of last year and have been quite obsessed with ‘Fear of Assault’/’Last Things’ single out on Abeano.

Let’s Wrestle - Second trio of this list, this time hailing from London, NME had them in their “Things for 2008” list last week so they are certainly gaining plenty of attention, about right too. Similarly to Damn Shames I came across them at the end of last year and even got a Let’s Wrestle t-shirt for Christmas from my girlfriend which I was pleasantly surprised about. Don’t expect too much seriousness from Let’s Wrestle when listening to them, in fact don’t expect any. ‘I Won’t Lie To You’ is one of my favourite songs from 2007, Let’s Wrestle are fantastic and I look forward to their EP due out in sometime soon!

Elle Milano – I bang on about Elle Milano so much, and I tell people about Elle Milano all the time. I really do adore this band and the sound that they make, and I have done for yonks. I was slightly worried about hearing new material because I thought it would maybe not live up to old stuff, but it certainly did. Then when they become a threesome I was worried it would affect them, but it hasn’t what-so-ever. I am so excited about the album which should be out soon, fingers crossed.

Cut Off Your Hands – Another band I can’t say enough good things about, both live and on record. Terrific live does not really do them any justice; you’d have to go see them to understand how good they are live. The energy that they provide is so exciting to watch and makes you realise how much they love performing. I expect an album out this year and I really do expect good things from the album.

Friendly Fires – ‘Paris’ went down pretty fucking magnificently last year from everywhere and anywhere. They have now become many websites / magazines tip for 2007, although one publication (that will remain nameless, but I bet you can guess which one it was) compared them to Klaxons. Clueless. Friendly Fires are more than a one trick pony though, and I think ‘Paris’ is just a sign of what is to come from these excellent St. Albans boys.

Late of the Pier – There is no way I would’ve been able to miss out Late of the Pier. ‘Bathroom Gurgle’ was my Track of 2007, and if the album is anything like that then it is going to be a killer album and one I can imagine being in Top Lists of 2008. I wait in anticipation, excitement and enthusiasm of how the album will sound.

Video Nasties – I hope there will be an album out this year, currently still unsigned Video Nasties have the songs to put together a fantastic debut album. If Video Nasties can produce anything similar to the Karl Blau E.P then they will unveil a masterpiece upon music fans everywhere.

Johnny Foreigner – After critically acclaimed E.P ‘Arcs Across The City’ Johnny Foreigner have a lot to live up to. They pretty much gained full marks from everyone for the E.P so to follow up with an album as good is some ask for this Birmingham band. If any band can do it though Johnny Foreigner ARE the band to produce the best debut album of 2008. I really hope they will deliver a truly magical album that makes the loudest racket you could ever want to annoy your flatmates with.

Toyko Police Club – I am classing ‘A Lesson In Crime’ as a HUGE E.P therefore they qualify for this list, the album which I think was finished either today or yesterday should be out in the summer (seems ages away). It is a difficult album to release because some fans will want ALL new songs and some fans will want some songs from ‘A Lesson In Crime’ and some new songs. So either way somebody won’t be happy, but Tokyo Police Club are a clever bunch and they will do what they think is right – and until then I wait eagerly to see what the track listing will be.

Black Kids – Finally I end with the most blogged about / hyped band of 2007, which is amazing considering they exploded in about October time across the internet. There WILL be a lot of expectation around an album from Black Kids, and the question is can they cope with the high expectation put on them? Obviously only time will tell, but I personally think they will produce a fantastic album that will live up to the hype given to them. Hopefully they prove me right because I would love to see this band succeed after all the “hype”.

That's it, he says after realising how long this post is. Feel free to agree and disagree with me, opinions are always welcomed and acknowledged by myself.

Big in 08'.

2008-01-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

WARNING: these are not artists I necessarily enjoy however artists I expect to become big this year, perhaps not due to them being particularly good in my opinion. Artists who I can imagine getting on your nerves maybe? Or even artists who will make it for the right reasons? Either way here is a run down of potential artists to make it this year.

Number One: Adele. She had to be number one on this list, pretty much everybody is tipping her to go onto big things this year. BBC had her as number one on their list of “Big in 2008” and with current single doing the rounds on all the Radio stations / Music stations I can imagine Adele becoming the “new” Kate Nash (eww at the sound of that). ‘Chasing Pavements’ is the new single if you didn’t know (how could you not know) and is a not a song I particularly enjoy but do think Adele has a powerful voice.

Number Two: Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong. Once again, not a massive fan of this band or the lead singer (he was on Peep Show and BBC show Tudors). However, I can see them becoming a house hold name in 2008, as big as t’Chiefs? Maybe not. However, the first single ‘Lucio Starts Fires’ is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a long time. Supporting such bands as Babyshambles and Kaiser Chiefs certainly won’t harm their mass appeal.

Number Three: Foals. This is the first band in the list to make it for the right reasons, a band that are doing it for the right reasons, so it appears to me. The album ‘Antidotes’ is out in March and although I don’t expect it to go number one, I can see it become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. I am glad they’ve not included previous hits ‘Hummer’ or ‘Mathletics’ – why you ask? No chance of a re-release for one thing, but also it will mean the inclusion of a different song that we’ve not got a studio version of.

Number Four. The Courteneers. Despite me not liking this band one little bit, you can tell already the masses are going to be on them like flies on shit. JL&TJJJ I agree are catchy there is something about them I just cannot hate, but The Courteneers are just utter toss. New single ‘What Took You So Long’ is being absolutely loved by MTV2 and the music channel NME TV (hahaha) amongst Radio 1 DJ’s. However the song in my opinion is terrible and just epitomises everything that is wrong about them.

Number Five. Black Kids / Vampire Weekend. Okay, so I know this is a bit unfair as the above is two artists. HOWEVER, I am piling them into ‘The One to Make It from across the Pond’ – though I am undecided on which one. I like both, but prefer Vampire Weekend, however I am not sure which one will make it “big” in this country. I guess time will tell!

I am stopping at five, just in case I predict more which don’t happen and I look silly! However, something I stumbled across just now on the internet.

1. Mika
2. The Twang
3. Klaxons
4. Sadie Ama
5. Enter Shikari
6. Air Traffic
7. Cold War Kids
8. Just Jack
9. Ghosts
10. The Rumble Strips

That is a list of who the BBC thought was going to make it big in 2007, quite laughable really. Okay, so Mika was loved by pretty much most Radio stations going and Klaxons did pick up the Mercury Music Award and are now taking over the world according to James Reynolds in this week’s NME. However, the Beeb were pretty wrong about the other 8, and who the fuck is Sadie Ama? Answers on a post card.

Top Albums 2007 [Part Two].

2008-01-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

5. Kings of Leon – Because of the Times

Such a strong third album from Kings of Leon, despite not really liking the last few songs on the album the rest of the album makes up for it. Songs such as ‘My Party’, ‘Charmer’ and the fantastic seven minute opener ‘Knocked Up’ make this album a great record, and live the songs match up to the CD.

4. Twisted Charm – Real Fictional

I’d been waiting for this album for a couple of years, and thankfully when it came it did it did not disappoint. From the opening song ‘Never Grow Old’ to songs such as ‘Layabout’, ‘Socialite’, ‘Cinema’ and ‘Clone Baby’ Twisted Charm have delivered an album to be well proud of.

3. Radiohead – In Rainbows

After seeing Radiohead a couple of years ago at V Festival my appreciation of them as a band went sky high. I listened to albums made over the years but never found “my” favourite Radiohead album. Until this arrived and I found my favourite Radiohead album, this is why it is so high up in this list, from a person who claims “I’m not much a fan of Radiohead”.

2. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver

What, it’s not number one? LCD Soundsystem has been topping charts left, right and centre however not on my blog. Just beaten by Late of the Pier on Tracks of 2007 previously on Puzzled James Murphy and co has just been beaten again on the Albums of 2007. Not that he will care too much / read my blog, but despite being beaten twice on my 2007 lists he should not feel too disheartened. This album is absolutely fantastic, it beats in my opinion previous album and LCD Soundsystem should be extremely happy with this record.

1. Jamie T – Panic Prevention

In my opinion this album did not feature high enough on people’s lists of 2007, so I am giving it the number one album of 2007 on my blog. However it deserves to be there, it isn’t just there because I wanted to be different to everyone else. Oh no, this album is filled with great tracks, anthems is how I would describe some of them and classics is how I’d describe the other ones. Almost a year from its release (January 29th to be exact) this album remains one of my favourite albums of all time. Well done Jamie T, pat yourself on the back from me.

Top Albums 2007 [Part One].

2008-01-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

10. Simian Mobile Disco – Attack Decay Sustain Release

10th place was a close battle between the Simian Mobile Disco album and the Justice Album, and SMD won for me. I can enjoy more of the songs on this album in comparison to the ‘Cross’. Was pleasantly surprised when I got hold of this and it’s an album I can dip in and out of all the time without feeling like I want move the song on to the singles.

9. 1990s – Cookies

Really impressed when I received this record, and what did it for me was seeing them live at Reading last year and realising what a really good band they are. Tight on record and tight live this album and the 1990s are the best things to come out of Scotland last year.

8. The Maccabees – Colour It In

High expectations from me and from critics alike this album did not fail to disappoint. To begin with I found myself not really liking the album, but after a couple of listens I began to love the newly done versions of songs, the inclusion of a few old B-Sides and a couple of new tracks. I am now very excited to see what is next from The Maccabees.

7. Good Shoes – Think Before You Speak

This could’ve been number one on this list, which is the only disappointing thing about the album, is that it could’ve been so much better. However, it is still a strong album and every song could well be a single and I think live is where Good Shoes really show off what a great band they are.

6. The Cribs – Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever

Was not a fan of the album title; however that would not stop me from loving this album. From the very moment I listened to the punk sound of opener ‘Our Bovine Public’ to the beautifully delivered ‘Shoot the Poets’ I was in love with this album. ‘Be Safe’ is an epic song and one that will probably come with me to my grave, The Cribs third album does not disappoint.

My Year In Lists.

2008-01-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

I’ve decided to make a couple more lists before I reveal my top ten favourite albums of 2007 which obviously everybody reading this blog is dying to know.

Top Five Gigs 2007

This is a hard thing to firstly narrow down to five, but essentially remembering the best out of all the gig’s I have been to is the tough part.

5. CSS – Ibiza Rocks (July 07)

To say I wasn’t looking forward to this show is somewhat of a major understatement. There were three major factors: first off the boiling temperatures, secondly CSS not being my most favourite band and finally I felt like an OAP due to being burnt to a crisp a couple of days before. However, CSS put on a fantastic show and despite not being able to more very well they managed to make me dance, a little.

4. Kings of Leon – Birmingham Carling Academy (April 07)

When these dates were announced I was so excited, not making this tour was just not an option. From the moment I got my conformation e-mail through my excitement grew the closer this got. Kings of Leon did not disappoint, they were worth the 30 pounds spent on this ticket – throwing in old classics and new hits the foursome were on top form.

3. The Cribs – Northampton Soundhaus (March 07)

The Cribs return was highly anticipated by just about everyone who cared about good music. Having two ace albums already the question was could The Cribs conjure up a third album of equal ace-ness as the previous two? As already stated on this blog the third album is The Cribs on top form, and this gig was the best I’ve ever seen them. Chaotic as ever The Cribs included the classics and new songs which fitted in perfectly amongst old songs. The Jarman brothers have a sound that is just irresistible to the ears.

2. Foals / These New Puritans – Old Blue Last (October 07)

A free gig involving two great up and coming bands, there was so much right with this night I just couldn’t turn it down. Despite seeing Foals not on form at Scala the night before I was prepared to give them another chance. I am so thankful I did because they were a hundred times better than they were the previous night. Foals that night were well and truly on fire, and These New Puritans although a bad start impressed me more than I ever expected them too.

1. Les Savy Fav – Scala (October 07)

Six months ago if someone would have said this would be my best gig of 2007 I would have laughed in there face. As 6 months ago Les Savy Fav was just a name, a name of a band I never thought I would ever listen to. No idea why I never listened to them, but I didn’t. What. An. Idiot. Thankfully I was there that night in October and so was Tim Harrington and co, to say the night was a riot is probably an understatement. At one point there was 50 people on stage (including me) and someone crowd surfing above those 50 people. Tim Harrington controlled the stage like no other man I’d ever seen, and he did it in a way I don’t think anyone else on this planet could do so. Thank you Tim Harrington, and thank you Les Savy Fav.

Two Thousand And Seven [Part Four].

2008-01-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Finally 10 days into the New Year the top 5 tracks from 2007, probably no surprises but certainly some staggering songs from the past 12 months.

5. Los Campesinos – You! Me! Dancing!

Welsh outfit Los Campesinos have created well over 6 minutes of pure pop gold with this song. Hearing the demo version a long time ago got me into Los Campesinos, one of newest hard working bands around I have no qualms what-so-ever in throwing them in the top 5.

4. Video Nasties – Devil

2007 ended impeccably well for Video Nasties with the release of the ‘Karl Blau’ EP which went down extremely well. I was particularly impressed with it and thought it showed good progression from the early demos which seem so long ago now. ‘Devil’ came to me after a crazy night in which I had to hold somebody’s hair whilst they were sick. If you know the lyrics well to this song, you’ll see why there is a correlation to that story and the song. If not, then you should perhaps listen to the song, its ace I’ll have you know.

3. Vampire Weekend – Mansard Roof

Seeing Vampire Weekend at The Social last year was one of my highlights of 2007, they were fantastic and lived up to my high expectations of them. Despite ‘Mansard Roof’ not being my all-time favourite by VW it certainly deserves to be in the top 3 songs of last year. Wait until you hear this song live, it does not disappoint and nor do Vampire Weekend.

2. LCD Soundsystem – All My Friends

This was so close, so, so close to being number one. I wanted to put it there, I really did. I tried! This song was the best live song I heard over the Reading 2007 Festival weekend, it was the live performance from James Murphy and co which really sold me this band. As soon as I got home from Reading I went out and purchased both albums and listened to them repeatedly. This song stands out from both albums as one of the best songs LCD Soundsystem have come up; a totally epic masterpiece.

1. Late of the Pier – Bathroom Gurgle

Who would’ve thought that Late of the Pier would beat LCD Soundsystem in a Top 2007 list, well in my world they did win the battle, JUST. It was so close, but this song was just my anthem for 2007, it pretty much epitomises everything that is good with music. It also makes me extremely nostalgic about drunken times at University last semester, especially the Hoxton Bar & Grill night which did involve puke, Late of the Pier, Erol Alkan and big bouncers – in that very order. 2008 will be the year of Late of the Pier.

Two Thousand And Seven [Part Three].

2008-01-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

University today involved a lecture on Italian Neorealism and then an Italian film from 1949 called ‘Bicycle Thieves’ and now I have four days off. University life isn’t so hard after all, which should really mean I update my blog a lot due to all the free time, so that’s exactly what I am trying to do. The final 10 of top tracks 2007 is on the agenda today starting with 10 to 6.

10. M.I.A. – Paper Planes
Kala

Admittedly the discovery of my love for this song only came recently but it is that good it goes straight into the top 10 of tracks from 2007. M.I.A. is an artist that I never really “got” until the end of last year, but thankfully I did “get” her and really love this song.

9. Friendly Fires – Paris

Recently given 9 out of 10 by Drowned in Sound which is not easily done, this song really clicked me straight away. It actually reminds me of getting drunk at University last semester in my halls; therefore it reminds me of good times. Friendly Fires are an excellent band both on record and live and I truly expect 2008 to welcome Friendly Fires with open arms.

8. These New Puritans – Numbers/Colours
Beat Pyramid

This duo of songs came out of nowhere to me last October, thankfully they found my ears. The day I received them I heard about a free gig they were doing the very next day, to which I went along to and was furthered impressed by These New Puritans. ‘Numbers’ is my preference personally but take nothing away from the also ace ‘Colours’.

7. Foals – Hummer

This song had to be on this list, but I think Foals are keen to leave this song well and truly in 2007. Not included in the forthcoming album ‘Antidotes’ the band decided against including there first “smash hit”. I believe this to be a good move; we all have this song so there is no need to include it on the album. It also means we will receive a new song rather than this one which we all already know and love. Most importantly it means no re-release of this song, something I would not expect Yannis and co to be interested in, thank God.

6. Blood Red Shoes – I Wish I Was Someone Better
Box of Secrets

‘It’s Getting Boring by the Sea’ grabbed my attention of Blood Red Shoes; however ‘I Wish I Was Someone Better’ made me love Blood Red Shoes. Take nothing away from the first song, I think it is a cracking song but ‘I Wish’ is absolutely fantastic and sits well with the rest of the album which by the way is a stunning debut album.

Two Thousand And Seven [Part Two].

2008-01-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day of lectures and the best thing about today’s lectures was finding out that I could possibly get 5 months off this summer. That IS amazing; top tracks 15-11 are as follows.

15. Bat For Lashes – What’s A Girl To Do
Fur and Gold

Natasha Khan is full of talent and this song just proves this. I didn’t get hold of this album long after it was released but thankfully I did get hold of it. This song stood out like a sore thumb and the video is equally as dark and utterly thrilling. I look forward to what Bat For Lashes can offer in 2008 too.

14. Patrick Wolf – Accident & Emergency
The Magic Position

I think the obvious single to choose would’ve been ‘The Magic Position’ however I always preferred this song. This song brought Patrick Wolf to my attention and for this I am grateful.

13. Bloc Party – Flux
A Weekend In The City (Re-Release)

Silent Alarm was fantastic, one of my favourite albums of all time however ‘A Weekend In The City’ was that tough second album. However ‘Flux’ feels like it should’ve followed the first album, it left me still excited about Bloc Party and hopefully the even more so difficult third album will be similar to this song.

12. Arcade Fire – No Cars Go
Neon Bible

This song had to get in the top 20 because of the live performance of it at Reading festival last year. When they played this song the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and watching Arcade Fire perform was nothing short of spectacular.

11. The Cribs – Men’s Needs
Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever

The Cribs are a rare breed; three albums all as good as each other. Not many bands can say that they have three albums each one different to the other and at the same time as good as each other. Despite the polished sound of this song and album it should feature on many lists of 2007.

Two Thousand And Seven [Part One].

2008-01-08T04:28:00.000-08:00

2007 was certainly a good year for music, the comeback of Radiohead at the tail end of the year was welcomed by everyone. LCD Soundsystem’s album ‘Sound of Silver’ a highlight for many music fans and of course the return of Glastonbury saw 2007 as a good year for music. I expect 2008 to be a lot better with many debut albums set to come out (if not leaked already).

I am a bit late with a 2007 review I know, but I always prefer to be fashionably late, plus December is always a bit hectic and well January is always pretty dull. First up is the top singles from 2007 including 20 to 16. I am only allowing songs that were released in 2007 and only song per artist, which seems the only fair way.

20. Jack Penate – Have I Been A Fool?
Matinee

This is easily my favourite Jack Penate song off the album, unlike the other singles ‘Torn on the Platform’ and ‘Second, Minute or Hour’ didn’t get on my nerves after listening over and over. I mainly blame Radio 1 and in particularly Edith Bowman for this.

19. Noah and the Whale – 5 Years Time

Could’ve been a lot higher in the charts had the songs above it not been so bloody brilliant. This song was one I just could not stop listening to once I’d discovered near the end of 2007. This song is just the platform Noah and the Whale needed to make a name for themselves, and I truly expect 2008 to be a good year for them.

18. Of Montreal – Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse
Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?

Easily the best named song on this list but also a great song which found me really, browsing MySpace like you do someone (I don’t even remember who) had this song as their profile song and fell in love with it there and then. Not hearing anything by Of Montreal before this definitely opened my eyes (ears) to their bizzareness.

17. Cajun Dance Party – Amylase

Cajun Dance Party are set for a big year in 2008, according to The Sun last Friday. I think anyone could’ve told you that though, so well done The Sun. Amylase just clicked with me, more so than ‘The Next Untouchable’ did, Thom Yorke loves this band and so do I.

16. Tokyo Police Club – Your English Is Good

Definitely my favourite Tokyo Police Club song of 2007 and there was many great ones by this band. ‘Your English Is Good’ was an instant hit in my earholes and the album set for a summer release is highly anticipated by myself and many others.

Leaks Galore.

2008-01-04T01:50:00.000-08:00

This here is my first post of 2008 and well it doesn't feel any different posting in 2008 than it did to posting 2007. The last time I communicated via this medium of communication Santa Claus was travelling through the skies, presents were being placed under the tree and the joys of Christmas were upon us. January is the month of depression, the month we realise we ate too much chocolates, stuffing and mince pies over the space of a few days. It's the month we read our bank statements to realise that Christmas has struck not only our bellies but our bank balance too. What could possibly cheer you up after all this gloom?

I have that very answer. I woke up at 4am this morning after dreaming it was December 23rd 2008 (how bizarre) and I as much as I tried I couldn't get back to sleep. The laptop was powered up and my eyes were ready for hours of browsing, upon browsing I discovered a wonderful present. 'Hold On Now, Youngster' the debut album by the fantastic Los Campesinos! I plugged in my new shiny BIG Sony headphones into my laptop and hoped that the album would fulfil their potential as a band. I won't give my opinion yet, as I've only listened once and it was at 4.34am however I will say fans of LC will not be disappointed.

Other leaks over Christmas that have delighted my ears include Vampire Weekend (new versions of M 79 and I Stand Corrected are excellent) and contender for debut album of 2008 (it's early, I know) Blood Red Shoes. Expect a post tomorrow and Sunday with my top tracks, albums and gigs of 2007. Then sadly it it is back to University to get on with my studies for a couple of months before returning home for Easter/my 20th Birthday (very fucking scary).

Dedication Versus Time Loss, Righteousness Over Friends Lost.

2007-12-24T03:24:00.000-08:00

JOHNNY FOREIGNER.

I think it is feasible to say that I have left the best band for this 24 selection of bands till last and I am so glad they are a British band. Johnny Foreigner are cool kids from Birmingham, I think we must praise them for doing so well and being from Birmingham. I mean not a lot of good comes out of Birmingham that often; recently we’ve unfortunately had The Twang who I wish would fall into a big hole somewhere and fucking stay there. Thankfully Johnny Foreigner are NOTHING like The Twang (I thank God for this) and they are amazingly ace, quite the opposite to The Twats. None of the band are actually called Johnny, and none have the surname Foreigner – in fact the three members of Johnny Foreigner are Alexei, Junior and Esmerelda (what COOL fucking names, probably the best named band of all time?)

I fell in love with this band from the moment I heard them, the very song which did it for was ‘Our Bipolar Friends’. A slow start to the song with soft lyrics which reminds me of the lead singer Katie from Sky Larkin but then all of a sudden it “rocks the fuck out” which is how I would like to put it. I will get to see Johnny Foreigner in February along with Los Campesinos (what a night that is going to be) and to say I am excited is quite an understatement. They have just returned from America after recording their much anticipated debut album and I expect Johnny Foreigner too be one of the best new bands of 2008, I think maybe the best.

If the new album due out sometime in 2008 is anything like the EP ‘Arcs Across The City’ then we are in for a magical, magnificent and mind-blowing record. Drowned In Sound gave ‘Arcs Across The City’ 10 out of 10 (they rarely give this to anyone) and This Is Fake DIY gave it 5 out of 5, so it is critically acclaimed everywhere that matters. NME gave it 7 out of 10, but as I previously said it is critically acclaimed everywhere that matters, and on this NME does not matter, what do they know for fuck sake? They claimed back in January that The Twang would be best band of the year, how wrong were they, the fucking mugs. Johnny Foreigner are immense and I think live they will be something quite special too.

‘Sofacore’, ‘The End And Everything Aft’ and ‘Champagne Girls I Have Known’ are just a selection of brilliant songs from the EP. Every song on the EP has something different and special about it, which it what makes it just THAT good. Johnny Foreigner are the band to see of 2008, get to see them in small venues whilst you still can.

Can't Spell Magick? You're Dead.

2007-12-23T01:23:00.000-08:00

BOLT ACTION FIVE.

Having a proper sleep is something you never really appreciate until you do night shift (sorry that I keep going on about night shift). For almost 10 days I hadn’t had a proper night sleep because sleeping during the day is just not the same. The fact that it is not dark makes it extremely difficult to sleep, along with slamming of doors, hairdryers, dogs barking, Hoover sounds etc are not exactly too pleasing when you are trying to sleep.

Bolt Action Five are an electro/pop/indie/industrial four piece from Holloway, Hackney and Stoke Newington and consist of Tobias, Dan, Ian and Mark.

BAF have been on my radar so to speak for quite a while now, a really long time actually. However I never really listened to them or made any effort to listen to them, so shame on me for doing so. I always heard bad things about them from other people but thankfully I decided to ignored them opinions and make my own opinion of them. My opinion is that they are a tight band who reminds me of a more poppy British Les Savy Fav.

They’ve recently allowed fans to download new demos, and for this I am grateful as the new stuff is sounding really good. Especially ‘Hellsmouth’ which got the repeat treatment on my ipod from my night shift. ‘Face Of The Beast’ got the same sort of treatment one night, I just couldn’t stop listening to it. There was me doing somebody else’s shopping for them having Bolt Action Five on repeat, certainly a surreal image I am sure.

I hope 2008 brings some success for Bolt Action Five, because they appear to be a band who definitely deserve it.

Your Smile Is Fake, And I Like Your Face.

2007-12-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

PETE AND THE PIRATES.

It’s Saturday night and I am in doing my blog, it could be a lot worse I’ve decided I could be about to leave for night shift. However, I am now free of fucking work, I felt like a “fucking” was needed there because work grinds you down, right down! I don’t have to think about it work anymore, well not until I get back to University to find out there is millions of assignments due in. Millions of assignments which will TRY to get in the way of my drinking and dancing routine that I loved so much during first semester.

Onto Pete and the Pirates: they are five boys from Reading including brothers lead singer Tommy and drummer Jonny along with Peter on bass with Peter and David on guitar duties. They have a really loyal fan base in Reading, and during this years Reading festival (which was an anti-climax) they performed on the Carling Stage and I am lead to believe they went down really, really well. I did not see them (I have no idea why not) but did hear they were excellent.

Previous single ‘Knots’ got plenty of plays and reached number 8 in the NME chart which is definitely a good placing for Pete and the Pirates. One thing to make clear, none of the band are pirates however as previously stated they do have a guitarist named Pete(r). I think they should be pirates personally, that would make for an extremely entertaining live show. Imagine them turning up to Reading festival dressed up as pirates, I am thinking the Jack Sparrow type pirate rather than Captain Hook.

Could go on about the name of this band for far too long, so I won’t. Pete and the Pirates make really great pop songs (see ‘Knots’), my favourite song being ‘Come On Feet’ something I often said during this hell week of work when my feet seemed to be crumbling from beneath me. I am not sure this is how the song was written, but I would like to think so. Pete and the Pirates debut album is due out in February some time and the band head out on a UK tour starting in Bristol on the 24^th February and ending on Valentines Day (14^th of February for those who have forgot) in York. Buy the album and see the band on tour, I insist.

Why Not Bathe In A Tub Of Beans?

2007-12-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

THE HORNBLOWER BROTHERS.

Tomorrow morning at 6am will feel like my first Christmas present as I will be free from any work for the Christmas holidays (THANK FUCK). So, three weeks in with only three bands remaining and I have certainly saved some of the best bands till last including this very blog.

The Hornblower Brothers are Nat, Al, James, Gary and Antony and despite the rumours they are not brothers. However they are very talented musicians who make brilliant pop songs that you just can’t help tapping your toes too.

Hailing from Brighton they describe themselves on MySpace as “charmingly shambolic” which I think is very apt. When I first heard them the song I listened to first was ‘Android With A Heart’ and I just kept playing repeat on my itunes. I could not stop listening to it, and even now it is a song which never gets old despite me playing it almost every day. There are other songs too, ‘The Ceiling’ and ‘Like Your Sister’ grabbed my attention immediately too. This is a band who with the right label can go places in 2008.

I can’t put my finger on any comparisons, so I won’t be able to offer you any comparisons of who they sound like, for this I am sorry. However you don’t need comparisons just listen to them and make your own mind up! I am yet to see them live, though I think 2008 will give me the chance to see them live in some capacity.

Living for music, living in a dance. Music for life, those dancing days.

2007-12-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

THOSE DANCING DAYS.

Walking home at 6am in sub-zero temperatures IS NOT fun, despite having about 85 layers I was still freezing. When did it get so cold? I understand it is December, but I mean this morning I think the temperatures would’ve rivalled the Antarctic (seriously). I went to bed at 7am (it was pitch black) and I woke up at 4pm (it was pitch black), so at the moment I am not seeing day light, not that I particularly want to. That is when people come out and annoy me.

It was about time I mentioned a Swedish band on this blog I think and Those Dancing Days have been on my ‘radar’ for quite a while now and I have never really taken them too seriously. In fact to begin with I was never really a big fan of them, but my mind has been changed recently. I imagine if you are put in front of five girls from Sweden it would be hard not to have your mind changed! Obviously that is not the reason I decided that Those Dancing Days were worthy of a second chance in my mind. I listened to them again this week, coincidently it was walking home in freezing temperatures from work, and it really perked me up! I think it actually made me walk home (maybe even skip)!

I jest; I would NEVER skip home from work. Actually, I might skip home at 6am Saturday morning when it is all over! I am going off subject (again), Those Dancing Days released the track ‘Those Dancing Days’ quite a while ago and it never really caught my eye (what a shit cliché, surely it is ears). After re-visiting the song again this week I decided it is an absolutely super catchy pop song with charming vocals. From the sounds from the synth to the simplistic drums and poppy guitar noises this song has just about everything going for it.

Other songs such as ‘Hitten’ and ‘1000 Words’ are evidence that this band has the songs in their locker to become a popular band of 2008.

Do As I Say Do, Not As I Do. You Like Me Most When I’m Least Like You.

2007-12-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

THEORETICAL GIRL.

Welly, welly, welly Christmas is almost upon us and I am getting right into the Christmas spirit, I decided to walk home from work to Christmas classic tunes today. It was nice walking home although it was freezing cold the Christmas songs and lights all around my town were certainly cheering me up.

This blog is inspired by a song I only heard about four of five days ago and since then I can’t stop listening to it. The song in question is ‘The Hypocrite’ by the very talented Theoretical Girl, who is a solo artist originally from Southend (poor her, Southend is a fucking disgusting place). The song is one of my favourites from the year (even though it is out next year), and is evidence of Theoretical Girl’s talents. The lyric “one rule for me, another for you” is something I feel quite strongly about, as I often get that very feeling!

On tour Theoretical Girl is backed by the band The Equations who are three stunningly beautiful girls (Steph on drums, Kelly on guitar and Linda on keyboard). With the backing of this band I think the live shows in 2008 will be really good, and I hope to get along to one, whether it is a support slot or headline one. The single launch on February 5th at White Heat stands out to me, and hopefully I will be attending.

Theoretical Girl is no one trick pony, after hearing ‘The Hypocrite’ I listened to more and ‘Red Mist’ is just as good as the forthcoming single if not better. Her cover of ‘O Holy Night’ on her MySpace is absolutely wonderful and it fills me with the most Christmas spirit ever imaginable, you should definitely go and listen to it. She puts her on spin on the song and makes it quite beautiful, a quality I am finding with all her songs. Most noteably 'The Boy I Left Behind' which is quite magical and just about sums up Theoretical Girl's ability as a song writer and musician.

2008 is the year of Theoretical Girl, and signed to Saliva/XL means she has a strong backing which should equate to great success in 2008.

Melodramatic Popular Song.

2007-12-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

GRAMMATICS.

So, Day 18. Fuck me. That means this time next week it will be Christmas. I hope you all have got your presents ready and wrapped under the Christmas tree (ha, as if). I have all mine purchase but none are wrapped, I really HATE wrapping. I see it as one of the most pointless things, EVER. The person just rips open your hard work, and to all the people who spent lots of effort and time putting silly bows on the presents, why? Someone is just going to rip it off anyway.

Right, away from the tediousness of gift wrapping and onto Grammatics who are definitely not tedious. This foursome hails from the great city of Leeds (shame about the football team though). Leeds has brought us bands like Pigeon Detectives, Kasier Chiefs, Forward Russia amongst others in recent years. Grammatics are nothing like any of the above bands, which is definitely a good thing in my opinion. Grammatics are their own band and described by Drowned in Sound as “fucking special” I think I would go along with that too. They consist of Owen on vocals, guitar and keyboard (talented man). Not forgetting Dominic on drums, Rory on bass and Rebecca on cello.

On their MySpace they describe themselves as “complicated pop music”. Quite a nice summary of their sound – at times they appear to the ears as a pop band. Then all of a sudden the Cello kicks in and the heavy guitars roar and Owen squeal’s and they are not just any other pop band. After first hearing Grammatics, I was a little unsure. I had a discussion with a friend who said “trust me, keep listening and I guarantee you will love them”. Well, I don’t love them (yet) but I certainly have strong feelings towards them.

Newest single ‘Shadow Committee’ is wonderfully crafted from start to finish. B-side ‘Broken Wing’ shows off the band’s versatility and ability to not just be any pop band from Leeds. Grammatics could be an important band of 2008, I very much hope so.

Ipso... Facto... All The Things You Heard About A Boy

2007-12-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

IPSO FACTO.

A had the best night sleep of my life last night, it was amazing. However tonight I will not sleep as easy because I am back on night shift (fun times – and I can look forward to it every night this week). Anyway Christmas Eve is a week today, which means it is the final week of my ‘Puzzled Advent Blog/Calendar’ thingy. This will be a quick one because I have lots to do including: getting a sleep in before my shift tonight, doing some features for somewhere else, wrapping presents, cooking my dinner and just being lazy before I become knackered at work.

Anywho – Ipso Facto I think will be one to definitely look out for in 2008, they are already making people take notice with their beautifully crafted songs and powerful live performances. Ipso Facto in Latin means “by the fact itself” which according to Wikipedia (God) means that a certain effect is a direct consequence of the action in question, instead of being brought about by a subsequent action such as the verdict of a tribunal. Whatever that means, Ipso Facto are made up of four girls: Rosalie (lead vocals and guitar), Cherish (keys and backing vocals), Victoria (drums) and Samantha (bass).

The title of this blog relates to the film About A Boy (what a brilliant Hugh Grant film it is), you know the one with the Skins boy when he was a geeky little 11 year old (oh how it changed). Anyway Ipso Facto have been pigeon holed to The Horrors ‘scene’ (there is one?) I have no idea why (erm, probably the haircuts / dress code). They sound NOTHING like The Horrors, we all know what The Horrors sound like and they are the opposite sound. I mean one band is full of girls one full of males (so there is a direct opposite with vocals), Faris screams and lead singer of Ipso Facto Rosalie has a melodic voice. Two pretty big differences I’d say so don’t look into the Horrors comparison at all. Ipso Facto are their own band and have their own sound, a sound which I very much expect to be big in 2008.

Don't Be Shy, Don't Be Bashful.

2007-12-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

HATCHAM SOCIAL.

I have now completed 3 night shifts in a row (10 mother-fucking hour night shifts I’ll have you know). Something I realised as I was stacking cereals is how expensive cereal is! One particular box was TWO POUNDS NINETY FIVE! For 375g of cereal, what a bloody rip off. Okay, this is what working nights brings you to (getting aggressive about the price of cereal).

On to things more on topic and definitely more worth talking about: Hatcham Social. Hatcham Social are from The Island of Dr. Moreau, United Kingdom according to their MySpace. It sounds like an amazing place, and one I would like to visit, if people there look and sound like Hatcham Social then it can’t be half bad! Of course they are not from this made up town, two parts of Hatcham Social (the Kidd brothers) are from Wales and one part is from Cricklewood (drummer). They grew up around people who loved drum n’ bass and house music, but thankfully they ignored these genres of music and moved away from that crap.

Hatcham Social consist of Finnigan Kidd, Tobias Josef Kidd and Dave Javu – quite a selection of unusual yet brilliant names (well Dave isn’t very unusual, is it?) I saw them a few weeks ago at Durrr and they were quite marvellous, I thought they were better than the headline act (Cazals – and for me to say that is a big compliment as I fucking love Cazals).

‘Til The Dawn’ is a poppy Orange Juice influenced track, and is my favourite song by Hatcham Social, however ‘In My Opinion’ is another strong song that is heavily influenced by the quintessential English sound that they go for. I don’t expect Hatcham Social to be big in 2008; but I expect them to produce some brilliant songs and hopefully a wonderful debut album.

She Starts Monday, She Started In My Team.

2007-12-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

goFASTER>>

NIGHTS. IS. KILLING. ME.
I. HATE. IT.

goFASTER>> are fun. They are a fun band from Liverpool and they have four members including Rich, Chris, Murphy and Ian. They make music which is fun (I don’t want to over use that word too much, but I can see it happening). Obvious comparisons come into my mind like Hot Club De Paris (the Liverpool sound HCDP is famous for, goFASTER>> certainly have too). Another band who shares a similar is the brilliantly wonderful Elle S’appelle who I have mentioned before on this blog and are a band I expect to make it big in 2008.

goFASTER>> write songs about Preston and Chantelle, Heather Mills and Paul McCartney, day jobs, daytime television and sexually transmitted diseases. All things I think that are important to us in some way or another (STD’s more for some than others I predict). Anyway all issues which are important to us! They don’t take themselves too serious thankfully and make music which is highly addictive.

Songs such as ‘NHS Dentist’, ‘She Starts Monday’ and ‘Magazine Addiction’ all proving that this band have great potential to write some brilliant pop songs. 2008 could be a good year for Liverpool with the return of Hot Club De Paris the emergence of Elle S’appelle and hopefully success of goFASTER>> (football wise I can’t see it being a good year for Liverpool, but that’s another matter).

I shall be attending the London leg of ‘Boss Pop Tour’ at the Barfly with Elle S’apelle and goFASTER>> on February 22^nd. You should also attend this tour if it comes to a town near you. If it doesn’t there are such things as trains, buses, cars, walking, running, planes and so forth – so no excuses not to get one of these fabulous events.

Sometimes I Am Too Shy To Talk To You

2007-12-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

STRICKEN CITY.

Well, my first ever night shift has resulted in my hands being ripped to absolute shreds. Who would’ve thought that lifting cans of beans and jars of curry would cause so much pain? Never did I imagine how much they would make me suffer for 10 hours, but my god they did make me suffer! Oh well, only two more to go then finally a night off!

I found Stricken City the other day somehow, not sure how – I think I noticed them on the Mystery Jets poster for their London gig with Friendly Fires and Holy Hail. I then decided to listen to them – thank God (thank you) that I did listen because I certainly don’t regret listening to them one single bit. I know I also say “my favourite this” and “my favourite that” but Stricken City ARE my favourite band with a lady as a lead singer at the moment (how can I say this? Blood Red Shoes?)

Stricken City came to me as a nice surprise; I have to admit when I was typing them into Google I wasn’t expecting much (because I didn’t really like the name). Thankfully they made me forget my disliking of the name, I mean who cares about a name of a band eh? As long as the music is brilliant then who cares? And well, Stricken City certainly do make pretty fucking spectacular pop music if I say so myself. Fronted by the irresistible Rebekah Raa (what a cool name) along with Ian (guitar), Espen (bass) and Kit (drums) Stricken City could well be your new favourite band of 2008 (they might not be – obviously).

Stricken City are about beautiful melodies and simple bass lines that make you tap your toes and they make me feel nice and warm inside (which helps this time of year doesn’t it?) Song ‘Better As A Girl’ got voted in the top 10 of songs by Loud and Quiet magazine of 2007; not sure I really agree with this (so many amazing songs in 2007 plus ‘Five Metres Apart’ is better). With many people taking notice of Stricken City I expect them to come of age in 2008 (not literally, in music terms of course).

I Drink Till I'm Sick

2007-12-13T05:58:00.000-08:00

THE ANSWERING MACHINE.

I am now back home in my lovely house with my family (which is brilliant, so far) unfortunately being home means that I have to go back to work. I am doing Thursday, Friday, Saturday night shifts (10pm till 8am – OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!) I won’t be able to upload any songs from now on as I have to use the home computer which has none of my songs on it and we don’t have wireless at home (something I am working on).

The Answering Machine are my favourite band from Manchester at the moment, I remember the first time I heard them about this time last year I immediately thought of The Strokes. However, since then I have changed my opinion of that comparison and now don’t think The Strokes comparison is quite justified when listening to them. I hate answering machines, they are a pain in the arse – our answer phone at home is so annoying, we always have stupid messages on it from banks and it is usually a computer leaving a really long message and pronouncing our names wrong.

Anyway The Answering Machine are a four-piece from Manchester, they are Martin on vocals and guitar, Patrick who plays guitar, Gemma on bass and finally Ben who thumps the drums. Newest single ‘Silent Hotels’ is a dead ringer to the Los Campesinos song ‘You! Me! Dancing!’ well the intro of ‘Silent Hotels’ and about one minute thirty seconds into ‘You! Me! Dancing!’. Despite this huge likeness it is a brilliant pop song which does borrow from Los Campesinos but ultimately is different due to the contrasting vocals of the two bands.

‘Oklahoma’ was the very first song I heard oh so long ago, and it was the song which made me want to listen more to The Answering Machine. ‘Your Home Address’ is yet another song which made me feel rather passionate about this band, I can imagine many people have heard The Answering Machine I just hope they get some success in 2008; because they really do deserve it!

Am I Good, Am I Bad, Am I Beautiful?

2007-12-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

FLASHGUNS.

I am now officially done with University work; I finished my last assessment today at 12.30pm after doing an exam on Early Cinema and Soviet Cinema. Of course I was the first to leave the exam, I’d quite frankly written as much as I wanted to say about the topic (how much can you say about Early Cinema for fuck sake?) So, anyway I am going home in about 5 hours, which I really can’t wait for, although I start back at good old Sainsbury’s again tomorrow (ohh the memories, ohh the fun, ohh the laughter).

Anyways, I discovered Flashguns through a combination of them adding me to MySpace and reading Jamila’s wonderful blog (FUCKING DANCE). They are a quartet from London (via Brighton) and they consist of Sam, Giles, Olly and Ollie. Obvious influences include The Maccabees, The Smiths and Interpol, and when listening to Flashguns these influences are definitely apparent in their music. ‘Locarno’ is quite wonderfully poppy and it is a song which you just can’t get out of your head after a few listens.

My favourite song is ‘Good Witch/Bad Witch’ which resembles a Bombay Bicycle Club sound, although with a different twist (a twist a very much like and prefer to BBC – although BBC are excellent too). Flashguns write chaotic dark songs, and despite still being at boarding school they sound as tight as The Horror’s jeans.

Flashguns could well have a very good year in 2008, they may not but I am pretty sure at some point in the future this band will emerge and you will love them.

Flashguns – Locarno

Flashguns – Good Witch/Bad Witch

Keepsakes.

2007-12-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

SKY LARKIN.

Really I should be revising for my Film Studies exam on Wednesday; however I am rubbish at revising and find revising at the last minute (aka 20 minutes before my exam) is always best. I don’t actually think that, it’s just what usually happens from my past experiences of exams (and I’ve done a fucking lot of them unfortunately). Anyway back to the blog and day 10 is a band who are really, really good (honest, I love them).

Sky Larkin consist of lead singer Katie who also plays guitars and keyboard, Nestor who thumps the drums and last but not least Douglas who pounds notes from the bass. They are currently un-signed (not for long I don’t think) and they are from Leeds (via Glasgow and London). They make delightful pop music which you can dance your little socks off too.

Think Long Blondes, minus two members (preferably the two girls who appear not to do much in the band) and then you ALMOST have Sky Larkin. I say almost because to me Sky Larkin are slightly different and from what I’ve heard/seen so far slightly better too, certainly live. Obviously there is a slightly difference in sound too because of the lovely keyboard noises Sky Larkin make but also the difference in accents from Katie Larkin and Kate Long Blonde, I’m more of a fan of the first Kat(i)e.

Anyways, they are one of my favourite bands from 2007 and want them to succeed in 2008! I think they will, they have the songs to do so along with really good live shows in their locker. I’d recommend listening to ‘1 of 2’, ‘Somersault’ and previous single ‘Molten’ if you’ve never listened to Sky Larkin but other tracks such as ‘Young Lungs’, ‘Keepsakes’ and ‘Delivery’ are equally as good if not better! Backing up my previous statement about them having the songs, they have great songs in abundance.

Sky Larkin – Delivery

Sky Larkin - Somersault

Let's Kiss Like We Use To

2007-12-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

WHITE LIES.

Unfortunately, this blog is only going to be a short one. This is due to my pounding headache, hung over feeling and also because I am going to Transparent in a few hours.

White Lies are a five-piece from London who are yet to make their live debut, however you might recognise the voice from somewhere if you listen to their myspace. I’m guessing that you’ve realised it is the lead singer from Fear of Flying, if not then I have just informed you. I always thought on record Fear of Flying were really good and the two singles ‘Routemaster’ and ‘Three’s A Crowd’ were strong releases.

However, when I saw them live supporting The Maccabees and also when supporting Jamie T there was something missing from their live shows. They didn’t really cut the mustard live as the saying goes. I am more excited about White Lies, just from their one song and I expect a lot more better things to come from them.

‘Unfinished Business’ at times throughout the song reminds me of Interpol, but not as sinister or dark as Interpol. The song is packed with quivering guitars, sharp lyrics and the organ opening is something quite spectacular.

Hopefully we will get a lot more from White Lies in the New Year, fingers crossed!

White Lies - Unfinished Business

Planets Over Planets, Slowly Dancing With The Sun

2007-12-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

EMMY THE GREAT.

A cold, cold horrible rainy Saturday afternoon would usual equate to a gloomy and depressed feeling inside. However, I feel quite happy this I think this is due to the ridiculous amounts of The Shins I have been listening to this morning. Now, Emmy the Great has perked me up quite a great deal, so much so I decided to do my next blog on her.

Emmy the Great (full name Emma-Lee Moss) is a singer-songwriter from London via Hong-Kong. She writes beautiful folk-pop songs with clever lyrics and is probably my favourite female solo artist of the year. This year has seen the emergence of Kate Nash as the biggest British solo female artist (thanks to that fucking mind numbing song, you know the one). I was never a fan of Kate Nash (admittedly I liked Caroline’s a Victim) and didn’t think much of her album, I just don’t get her and her voice. However Emmy the Great is well… great. Completely opposite to the style and sound of Kate Nash (and in my opinion twice the singer-songwriter Kate Nash will ever be).

2008 looks like it could be another year of emerging female artists from these shores (Laura Marling and Adele come to mind). I just hope that Emmy the Great gets the recognition she rightfully deserves, however I think she will be over shadowed by the two previous female artists. However, hopefully Emmy the Great will prevail and get the fame she definitely deserves.

As previous mentioned her songs are simply perfectly beautiful, ‘Atoms’, ‘Paper Trails’ and ‘Secret Circus’ are just several examples. Although, my favourite song is ‘Canopies and Grapes’ which does seem to be everybody else’s too. Emmy the Great is exactly what the name suggests, and I’m expecting more from her in 2008.

Emmy the Great – Atoms

Emmy the Great – Canopies and Grapes

I Won't Lie To You, I Can't See If Things Are Getting Any Better

2007-12-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

LET’S WRESTLE!

LET’S FUCKING WRESTLE!

Day mother-fucking-seven! Oh yes, a whole week so far and I think I’m doing pretty well (considering I never thought I’d post every day with my lazy work ethic at University). I actually have done all my University work a week before the deadlines (wow, oh my god, unbelievable etc). So now I look forward to a weekend which starts tomorrow night with Black Kids at Push and ends with Black Kids (and more importantly Roast Dinner) at Transparent.

The seventh blog is about Let’s Wrestle who I discovered a few backs, downloaded a few demos (like you do) but actually did not get round to listening to them (shame on me). However, the last few days they’ve been doing the rounds on my itunes so decided they deserved a place on my blog type advent calendar type thingy.

Let’s Wrestle are a three-piece, and they are WPG (wtf?) on lead vocals and guitar accompanied by Mike on bass and finally Louis banging the drums and they are from London. They don’t appear to take them selves too seriously; however they’ve managed to make pretty good songs even if about some of the strangest subjects (i.e. ‘I Wish I Was In Husker Du’ and ‘Song For Abba Tribute Record’). “This is the death of an indie-pop; I wish I was in Husker Du” a line which stands out in ‘I Wish I Was In Husker Du’.

However, the new single ‘I Won’t Lie To You’ is a great love song and a song which really reminds me of The Cribs (especially the vocals). However my favourite song has to be ‘Lets Wrestle’ which is obviously about Wrestling (ohh the memories), though a piss take on Wrestling; I am not ashamed to admit I loved it at one point in my life, then I realised how immature and homosexual (I am not homophobic) it actually was.

At times they sometimes remind me of Art Brut (particularly with the tone of the songs). So think of a mix of The Cribs and Art Brut and you have yourself Let’s Wrestle.

Let’s Wrestle – ‘I Won’t Lie To You’

Let’s Wrestle – ‘Lets Wrestle’

Come Back To My House.

2007-12-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

VIDEO NASTIES.

Bloody hell, day 6 of this thing already! Christmas certainly is creeping up on us very quickly. This means old St. Nicholas will be dusting down his trusty sleigh and all that jazz – yeah like I believe in him. Anyways this post will revolve around a band I am still yet to see despite my love for them growing stronger and stronger as the year has passed.

Video Nasties are probably the best unsigned band around, (along with The Futureheads – however the circumstances are obviously different). I realised the other day I had them tagged on my itunes as ‘The Video Nasties’ when I think it is in fact just ‘Video Nasties’ as seen on the Karl Blau EP (which by the way you should all buy; because it is sheer brilliance). The new EP is my favourite thing they’ve released thus far, and considering how highly I rated the ‘I Wanna’/‘The 3 New Ideas’ single says a lot!

Demos including Riot Gear, Accessory (my favourite Nasties song), Plus One and The Heartaches show us just how potential these boys have! Supporting Kaiser Chiefs the Tuesday just gone at Birmingham NIA definitely says a lot about the confidence of the band! I expect them to get big (I just hope not as big as that though!)

I can imagine live (especially in London) crowds go wild for them (in a similar way Good Shoes blew up in London more than other city). I didn’t want to mention Good Shoes really, because I have read a lot of people compare Video Nasties to Good Shoes; although I think this is a poor comparison as in my opinion they have different sounds. You can make your own mind up on that however. Talking of live, as mentioned previous I am yet to see them live (grrr) despite trying not once, but twice! The first time I was sick in Tottenham Court Road tube station onto a McDonalds bag (I tried so hard to get it into the bag). Despite this I recovered and made it to Astoria 2 as it is now called – however bouncers prevailed yet again (claiming my girlfriend was on drugs so they wouldn’t let her enter) so we didn’t see them. The second time was no fault of anyone really, I’d planned to see them at the Barfly with Jakobinarina but of course they cancelled that tour (which I was gutted about as it had Johnny Foreigner too).

Once upon a time I didn’t like Video Nasties (my god, what an idiot). I am not sure what I was thinking in that period. However, thankfully I saw the errors of my ways and realised that I loved them, lots. The only thing I regret so far from being in London is not seeing them live, but I expect to see them lots in 2008 – and I expect more people to hear more of them in 2008 too!

Video Nasties – Accessory

Video Nasties - Riot Gear

Beef Jerky Has An After Taste!

2007-12-05T15:54:00.001-08:00

OPERATOR PLEASE!

Okay, so this post is a little late (well very late, this is due to me watching rubbish programmes on channel 4 about billionaire’s, also football manager distracted me, yet again) so anyway I apologise if this seems rushed or whatever, it probably is.

This blog as you can tell from the title is all about Operator Please, them Australian little gems. If you’ve not heard of them yet I think it is about time you get listening to them. They are definitely for fans of Be Your Own Pet (and of course people who don’t like BYOP too – idiots). At times I’d describe them as more pop than BYOP are, and the albums of the two are very different in vocal and genre really. BYOP is a fast packed album full of snappy pop-punk songs with vocals which scream “GO FUCKING MENTAL” at you. On the other hand the Operator Please album is a lot more poppy and it makes me want to dance around like an idiot (only if I’m drunk).

I got the chance to see them at Reading, I’d never seen them before and in fact I only knew one song (yes that one about Ping Pong). However, every other song sounded just as good as that one and I was fascinated by the Violin player and by the fresh faced of them all. I wanted more from them, for some reason or another I never got another chance until Push last Saturday and they were on top form yet again. I don’t remember much from their set if I’m honest (this is what happens when you drink lots, although I recommend it). However, one thing I do remember is giving the lovely drummer who looks about 12 (he probably is) a peg (I know that sounds odd, but a man was giving pegs out in Astoria 2).

So right yeah, a few basics about the band: they are from Australia, they have an album called Yes Yes Vindictive which is currently out in Oz. However, I am not sure of the release of it here but I am sure most of you have it anyway (illegally or legally). They are a five-piece consisting of vocalist and guitarist Amanda, drummer Tim, Sarah on keyboards, bass player Ashley and finally the great Violinist Taylor. Some of my favourite songs from the album include ‘Leave It Alone’, ‘Cringe’, 'Just For My Seconds' and ‘Ghost’ however the album is packed full of little gems (I like this term for this band). You should definitely make time from your life to get involved with this band some way.

Operator Please – Leave It Alone

Operator Please – Zero Zero

Rocks and Daggers

2007-12-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

NOAH AND THE WHALE.

Right, personally I prefer Noah and the Whale however I’ve seen Noah & the Whale and it really bugs me when songs by them are tagged as Noah & the Whale. ANWAY, its day four of my lovely advent calendar of music; this means only three weeks until Christmas! I am so excited about Christmas (probably the most I have been since I was a small child and got the Action Man Scuba Diving Set along with a Lego Castle)!

Right, back to the topic of Noah and the Whale, they are currently impressing music fans across the country on tour, of course not all music fans because some people like shit music and won’t go see Noah and the Whale. However, all the cool people will see Noah and the Whale on tour and they are the people who really matter. I believe there is only two dates left (Oxford and London) so if you are able to get along, I would HIGHLY recommend it. Noah and the Whale have been in my earphones for quite some time now, I first fell in love with them when I heard ‘5 Years Time’ which if you haven’t heard is probably one of the best summer songs I have heard, despite its release after summer (released on the great Young & Lost).

They certainly are no one trick pony though, ‘Rocks and Daggers’, ‘Jocasta’ and ‘Beating’ provide us with absolutely amazing songs. I would describe Noah and the Whale as folk indie music; their songs are soft in sense of vocals and music. Often a female’s voice can be heard in songs (I believe it is the highly talented Laura Marling) she compliments the songs wonderfully especially in ‘Beating’.

Noah and the Whale are tipped for big things in 2008; and any band which includes xylophones in their music deserves success!

Noah and the Whale – Rocks and Daggers

Noah and the Whale - Jocasta

Believe Your Own Hype. Always.

2007-12-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

ELLE MILANO.

Elle Milano is (now) three-piece from Brighton and they make music which can be described as art-rock. Heavy guitars and screaming vocals are what Elle Milano is about. Don’t be worried by the screaming vocals, I don’t mean screaming as in Gallows. Just a scream now and again, I’ve heard that horrible genre given to Elle Milano beginning with an E. Emo. Yes. I can’t see the emo in Elle Milano (I can see Help She Can’t Swim, but they aren’t emo) but then again I am not emo so perhaps I don’t know what emo actually is.

Anyway that’s quite enough of emo’s, focus back onto the brilliant Elle Milano. Once upon a time they were four-piece, however they lost guitarist Alex and are now just a three-piece however I understand they are looking for a new guitar player. The Elle Milano catalogue is absolutely massive however live they don’t play certain songs anymore, for reasons only they know. Previous songs such as ‘Ringtone Advertising Director’, ‘Melanie You’re Melting’ and ‘Private Thoughts’ that don’t appear on the live shows showed so much promise from Elle Milano when I first heard of them. They went extremely quiet for so long (due to University) but did release the magnificent ‘Swearing’s For Art Students’ which contained ‘Men Are Bastards’, ‘Believe Your Own Hype. Always’, ‘Amphetamine Skyrocket’ and ‘Swearing’s For Art Students’. This EP showed so much potential and got me so excited about them that I couldn’t contain myself.

18 months later everyone was wondering what was happening, then the announcement of a new single made me enthusiastic once again. ‘My Brother, The Astronaut’ is much like the ‘Swearing’s For Art Students’ EP, it contains that snarl and sarcastic tone of voice and heavy riffs. It made me thrilled about this band (again) and new demos such as ‘Carousels’, ‘Stepkids in Love’ and ‘Curiosity Killed the Pop Star’ provide me with excitement about the future of this band. With an album expected in the New Year (January 2008 has been touted as the date) I think 2008 will be a BIG year for Elle Milano.

Elle Milano – Carousels

Elle Milano – Curiosity Killed the Pop Star

Operator! Get Me The President Of The World! This Is An Emergency!

2007-12-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

TOKYO POLICE CLUB.

Right, so it’s the second day of my proverbial advent calendar. I know typically you open your little window in the morning however I was still in bed due to a massive hangover thanks to Push last night.

Okay, what’s better than peeling back the window on your calendar and discovering a chocolate shaped candy cane? I can think of one thing at least: discovering a new band that you fall in love with instantly. This is the feeling I had when I first came across Tokyo Police Club about a year ago, therefore this feature on them comes a bit late I guess. However, the famous old cliché is better late than never.

Tokyo Police Club consists of Dave Monks, Josh Hook, Graham Wright and Greg Alsop. They are described as art-rock, Tokyo Police Club hail from Canada and have been dubbed as the “Canadian Cribs” along with many comparisons with The Strokes. Both comparisons valid however I think Tokyo Police Club differ to both bands and have their own unique style. The use of catchy striking guitar riffs, wonderful keyboard noises added with Dave Monks interesting use of vocals Tokyo Police Club are one of my favourite bands of 2007, and a band I expect to fulfil their potential with an amazing album in 2008. The album is being recorded as I type this blog, after two successful EP’s (A Lesson in Crime and Smith EP) along with a great single ‘Your English Is Good’. I expect big things from the album; I just hope they don’t ruin previous songs which a lot of bands have a tendency to do.

I have yet to see them live after missing their set at Reading; however I’m told the live shows are tight and explosive. Tokyo Police Club are a band I hope will accomplish many great things in the next 12 months.

Tokyo Police Club – Box

Tokyo Police Club – Your English Is Good

Things Sound Better Louder

2007-12-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

The above statement is something I truly believe in.

Throughout December I am going to be posting everyday running up to Christmas Day (with obviously no post on Christmas Day, as I’ll be filling my face with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and nut roast, ha). I’ll be promoting bands that I am very much enjoying at the moment. You could say it’s an online advent calendar in the medium of music/bands!

The first instalment of this wonderful idea comes from a band that goes by the name of Damn Shames. They consist of Matthew (Vocals and Guitars), Simon (Vocals and Guitars) and Jacob (Bass) and come from Edinburgh. My first listen of them was only yesterday morning, but they have been on repeat since that very moment.

They have just recently signed to Abeano (Part of the impressive XL), they release new single Fear of Assault on 3rd of December! Apart from what I have mentioned I know very little about them! Not that it matters a great deal, as I’ve heard enough from only three songs to be very excited about. New single Fear of Assault is about being scared of chavs on buses, apparently and it’s a noisy post-punk track that you just can’t help playing over and over and over (you get the picture). However, the b-side Last Things is my preferred track, bursting with brilliant lyrics and catchy guitar riffs. It’s currently my favourite song and most listened to of the past day, so it comes highly recommended from me!

Expect more tomorrow from me (depending on hung over I am from Push tonight)!

Damn Shames – Last Things

Damn Shames - Dancing in the Aisles

Alive. Just About.

2007-11-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

I am alive, been a bit disappointed with my lack of action on this here medium of communication this month. However, it has been due to hospital visits (alcohol WILL be the death of me), returning home, essays, lectures, gigs, drinking and you start to get the picture. Probably won't update for a little while either, due to more work and looming deadlines along with group presentations and film exams! Gahhhhhhhh!

I have plans to update in December, so until then, keep well.

O.M.G

2007-10-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

To follow on from my blog about The Cribs, they are supporting The Sex Pistols on four (sold out) dates of Brixton Academy!!!!!!! That is fucking mental! 85 quid a ticket! That's all, plus Halloween is overrated - back to Football Manager 2008 which certainly isn't!

Saturday Night, Facts Of Life.

2007-10-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

THE CRIBS.

Right, basically decided to leave some of the new stuff I’ve loved behind and dedicate a blog to the boys from Wakefield. The last time I saw them live was in May, and my god it was fucking mental (aren’t they always you ask?) Well yes, they are however this gig was at Astoria so it was mental on a bigger scale. Not. Good.

Anyway, I miss them so much live because in my opinion they are the best British live band there is at the moment (despite never winning awards for "Best British Live Band" which Kasabian or Muse ALWAYS win, errr why?) Also one of the best modern British bands there is. Also, three fucking outstanding albums and not many bands can say they have had that. All three albums are different, and brilliant for their own reason. I can’t really think of many songs I dislike by them (which is no mean feat considering the amount of songs they have).

A lot of people have put them down because they have become “mainstream” now, but I think the values as a band have always remained the same throughout the three albums that have came out. It’s just now more people like them, what’s wrong with that? Good on them for getting people to like, they haven’t changed the way they act to get people to finally realise how good they are. So yeah Ryan has a celebrity girlfriend (Kate Nash if you didn’t know, ha) but so fucking what? He hasn’t done a Preston and wrote an album on her (not yet anyway, haha) and he doesn’t try to appear in every rag in the country.

Anyway, personally my favourite album is the new one (oohhh controversial). Seriously though, I can listen to it on repeat all day and love every single song because they are all different in there own way. The other two albums are just as amazing too, and you need the first two before you listen to the third (in my opinion). Then you can realise the progression as a band that they have made.

Any who, this blog was somewhat inspired by the announcement of there “Cribsmas” tour. Which if you are unaware of what I’m talking about; it’s a three day tour (in Leeds at the Brudenell Social Club). Each show is dedicated to one album, so on the 19th you get “The Cribs” in it’s entirety along with b-sides etc from the time. On the 20th you get “The New Fellas” in full along with other releases and b-sides and finally on the 21st its “Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever” along with the new single (Don’t You Wanna Be Relevant?)

What a brilliant idea and one I am going to try and get myself too (unless they announce a similar one in London). I have even looked up prices to a Premier Inn and everything. You can get a three day ticket to this tour for a mere 30 pounds, or alternatively choose a show that you want to go to and pay £12.50 for the one you want.

The Cribs – Major Titling Victory
The Cribs – I’m Alright Me
The Cribs – Another Number

Oh yeah, Happy Halloween and all that jazzzzzzzzz.

These Expectations..

2007-10-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

UTAH RANGERS. ELLE S’APPELLE. FRIENDLY FIRES. CUT OFF YOUR HANDS!

Okay, I have gone a bit blog crazy today mainly due to my lack of updates as of late (this is due to a lot of gigs and a lot more alcohol with not much studying). On Thursday night (October 25th) I saw a lot of bands which spread over two gigs however I am only going to mention the four I enjoyed.

First off was Utah Rangers who are Emil and Kristoffer from Sweden and between them they play “the guitar, the drums, the synthesizers and the microphones”. Which I think is pretty impressive for two of them! With only 646 friends on MySpace Utah Rangers are not very known, but I hope to change that with lots of promoting them. I think they are magnificent and love the sound the two of them make. Check them out on MySpace (www.myspace.com/utahrangers).

Utah Rangers – Theme Song

Elle S’appelle is a band my friend Jamila (see her blog “Fucking Dance” on my page) recommended to me. For that, I thank her lots because they are super-super-super! From Liverpool (don’t hold that against them) they epitomise pop and remind me a bit of Hot Club De Paris (I love them so much). They are different in there own way to HCDP however being similar to Hot Club is never a bad thing! They are set to hit the country next year along with mates’ goFASTER>> so check them out in a town near to you. Listen to them and support them by visiting the MySpace (www.myspace.com/ellesappelleband).

Elle S’appelle – Little Flame

Friendly Fires are a band I’d never seen before, heard lots about but never got round to chance of seeing them. I am so glad I now have! They are amazing and live they are even better than what they are on record, I think one of the best new bands I’ve seen since being in London (and I saw Les Savy Fav on Monday). Choruses brimming with melody and verses to sing along too Friendly Fires are definitely a band I shall want to see again very, very soon! Check them out on MySpace (www.myspace.com/friendlyfires).

Friendly Fires – Paris

Cut Off Your Hands were the last band I saw of the night, and wow the best band was definitely kept till last. We jumped in a taxi from Hoxton and headed off to the Buffalo Bar where Cut Off Your Hands were playing a rare UK show (they are from New Zealand and don’t make it here much). I saw them briefly for one song on Monday night at Scala before Les Savy Fav came on and rocked the fuck out. However this was the first time seeing them ‘properly’ and wow I want to see them again. The lead singer is so energetic you just can’t keep your eyes off him throwing himself across the stage and into the crowd too! They have the songs to back up the front man’s charisma and energy too. “Expectations”, “You and I” and “Still Fond” being my favourites, you should make sure you see this band whenever they come to your town. Foals are big fans of them too, which is of course another reason why you should check them out (www.myspace.com/cutoffyourhands).

Cut Off Your Hands – Still Fond

Sticking Fingers Into Sockets.

2007-10-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

LOS CAMPESINOS!

On Tuesday (October 23rd) night the ULU welcomed Welsh outfit Los Campesinos, along with You Say Party! We Say Die! The seven piece Cardiff based band signed to the absolutely sublime Wichita Records (Les Savy Fav, The Cribs, Bloc Party, Simian Mobile Disco etc) recently and have an album out due in 2008. You Say Party! We Say Die! On the other hand are more established and I’d highly recommend purchasing the album ‘Hit the Floor’. If you like your girl bands then you will fucking love You Say Party! We Say Die! They are one of them bands who don’t really get enough mention then they deserve, so make sure you buy their records!

Getting to see Los Campesinos was a treat for me because I’d waited so long to see them and wanted to see them for even longer! They certainly didn’t disappoint and I love the energy they have on stage, and this comes also comes across in the songs too. I love the vocals of Los Campesinos, and the switch between female and male vocals is something rare at the moment. As a band just make a good noise, a good ‘feel factor’ noise and are a band that excite me with every release they have. “We Throw Parties”, “You! Me! Dancing!” and current single “The International Tweexcore Underground” are definitely good examples of this high energy music they make.

Live they are fun, noisy, entertaining, bouncy, animated (there are so many other adjectives I could use) and just generally fucking ace! If you haven’t seen them yet, you should definitely do it very soon because I can see them getting bigger and bigger and bigger (you get the picture). Buy the album which comes out in 2008 too, because I can imagine it will be fan-bloody-tastic.

You Say Party! We Say Die! – Midnight Snack
Los Campesinos! – Frontwards
Los Campesinos! – C Is the Heavenly Option

Astronauts And All Foals..

2007-10-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is a review of a gig I went to a few weeks ago (yes it's late, but I wanted to update my blog as it's been a little while).

Old Blue Last is certainly not my favourite venue, if you ever go there you will find out why. However These New Puritans and Foals are definitely two of my favourite bands at the moment which is why I found myself standing in a room with sweat dripping from the walls, ceiling and my head.

TNP came on first gloomy as ever, however there wasn’t much to be happy about for them with the crowd not even clapping after songs. Fuck them though, TNP make brilliant dark garage music and lead singer Jack provides a front man full of charisma. With songs such as forthcoming split single “Colours”/“Numbers” and previous single “Elvis” they are a band who can go places.

“I want your babies” someone shouts at Yannis as he and the rest of the band set up there own equipment, scared he continues setting up. Fresh from appearing on a 10 minute Skins “E4 Special” and of course touring up and down the country Foals prepare to sweat there proverbial tits off.

Opening with the usual duo of “XXXX” and “French Open” Foals have only just started, “Cassius” the third song provides us with the first drip of sweat from Yannis on to his microphone. It’s getting hot up in here! Despite the sticky conditions Foals continue to “rock out” on stage and tear into “Olympic Airways” followed by a crowd pleasing “Balloons”.

“Hummer” of course ends the set, not without the guitarist falling flat on his back after attempting to crowd surf.

Hummer - Foals

I'm So Distracted..

2007-10-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

This update is a bit late admittedly however better late than never is what I always say! I saw Blood Red Shoes this time last week (well not at this exact time obviously), they were brilliant. No. They were AMAZING. At Reading I stood there watching them thinking “my god, why have I not latched onto this band yet”. However better late than never (ha) and now I am in love with them, the drummer is fucking frantically fast and just amazing. He pounds them drums so hard I worry about the sticks snapping. The girl is pretty bloody good too!

The gig was at Bush Hall which I’ve never been to before, it’s a lovely venue and looks like a theatre. First on was Tinseltown, who I have mentioned previously on my blog – I definitely think they have a lot to offer as a band however some songs were a bit flat live. Saying that I think they have some great songs so still think they can change my opinion of them live!

Elle Milano were next up on stage, and as expected they were ace. I’ve seen them twice since being in London and they have never let me down. I expect big things from them for the rest of this year and next year, with the album out in the New Year, 2008 must be the year for them. All the new songs sound just as good as the old ones, and the old ones sound just as good as they did two years ago, if not better.

Blood Red Shoes blew the two previous bands away though (hence why they were headlining, duh). They make music which is loud, hard, fast and in your face! Just how we want it really! They also have the vocals to back up the music, with both members: Laura-Mary (Guitar) and Steven (Drums) singing it just compliments the great noise they make. I can’t get enough of this band, I can listen to the songs all day long and just tap my foot away to every beat and chord, and they make me want to rock out (insert rock hand symbol here).

If you’ve never seen Blood Red Shoes, you should definitely go see them even if you’ve never heard one song before because I guaran-damn-tee (as The Rock would say) it that you will fucking love them.

Blood Red Shoes - ADHD
Blood Red Shoes - Stitch Me Back

You're So Old Street

2007-10-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

Apologises for the lack of updates, I had lots of stuff pencilled in to write about however my lectures have been really heavy (ha). No that’s a complete lie, although I’ve been busy running around several parts of London seeing some great bands.

Tinseltown are definitely a band I am passionate about, which is why I am going to do this little feature on them. They are a five-piece from London with Romily Alice (Vocals) fronting the band they are blessed with one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. They combine piano along with bass, guitar and drums pretty fucking brilliantly.

A female lead singer is the must have thing at the moment (Beth Ditto, Kate Jackson, Love Foxxx, her from New Young Pony Club, Laura Mary-Carter from Blood Red Shoes etc). Tinseltown have not any front-woman in Romily they have someone who possesses style, sex appeal and a pounding voice. Girls will love this band, and boys will love Romily (and the band)!

They are currently unsigned however I don’t think it will be too long before we see this band snapped up by a label. They’ve got some real killer songs my favourites include Skeletons, Café Kick and Old Street. You can catch them this month in London with Blood Red Shoes (amazing) at Bush Hall or supporting Cajun Dance Party however I am pretty sure that is sold out. Not to worry though, I am pretty sure they will be doing lots of dates real soon (especially in London). Tinseltown could just be your favourite new band…

www.myspace.com/ilovetinseltown

Tinseltown – Old Street
Tinseltown - Skeletons

What's Your Favourite Number?

2007-09-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

.. And what does it mean?

These New Puritans are brothers Jack (Vocals/Guitar) and George (drums) along with Sophie (Keys) and Thomas (Bass). They are from Southend and are signed to Angular, which is now apart of the brilliant Domino (Animal Collective, Franz Ferdinand, Sons and Daughters, them Arctic Monkey boys and many more).

Anyway, These New Puritans describe themselves as "Big Beat/Shoegaze/Live Electronics" however if you're a fan of The Fall or Sonic Youth this band could be for you. If you don't like The Fall or Sonic Youth then this band could still be for you, they are not your typical generic "indie" band. The music is complex and the lyrics are not always straight forward to understand, but I think if you give them a chance you'll fall in love, quick. I certainly did.

For some reason they have been likened to The Horrors, I have no idea why (I think it is lazy journalism because they are both from Southend). Do not listen to that comparison, they are nothing alike, These New Purtians are much better (although The Horrors album is very good). They've drawn Klaxons comparisons from that rag (NME), the only reason for this is because they supported Klaxons. I can't really compare them to anyone (which is a good thing nowadays), however I think you can hear The Fall influence in a lot of the songs including the new single Colours/Numbers, saying that there are parts which are not like The Fall at all.

The album (Beat Pyramid) was pencilled in to come out November 5th, however I have heard its been pushed back to January. However the single is out soon from not many record stores, but if you find it, BUY IT! They are touring in October starting on the 12th of October in Leicester and ends on the 29th of October in Bristol and features a date in the London ICA on the 25th October. Some dates are lucky enough to have support from the brilliant Ox. Eagle. Lion. Man.

www.myspace.com/thesenewpuritans

These New Puritans - Colours

These New Puritans - Numbers

Find Yourself A New Boy

2007-09-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Late of the Pier are on the cusp of becoming the must see band around town, having said that best wait till they finish touring with Hadouken (yuck). I almost saw them once in Hoxton however due to a mixture of vomit and to quote the bouncer on the night “undermining him” I did not see them. Despite my efforts to get into the venue along with the help of Erol Alkan it was not to be in Hoxton.

Roll on 24 hours at Fabric well known for its all night / early morning dance parties, Late of the Pier were scheduled to play and this time I was there to see them. Now there is no better band to kick start a party than these boys, as soon as they hit the room they controlled the stage and crowd. Ripping into ‘Broken’ the whole room was dancing to the first 60 second intro. “Didn’t sleep last night, couldn’t come down” I don’t know about last night, but I don’t imagine too many people in that room could come down that night, but that’s just the nature of fabric.

“Space and the woods” is the perfect party anthem; it has all you’d ever want from a song: great beats, killer bass-lines and lyrics that you just can’t help screaming back. Late of the Pier continue to pull out the brilliant beats and impressive songs from their extensive back catalogue including “Random Firl”, “A heartbeat a flicker a line” and “VW”.

‘The Bears are coming’ has just everything good about it, from the great chorus to the obscure sounds it just about epitomizes what Late of the Pier are about. They don’t take themselves too seriously but they certainly have putting on a great live show high on the agenda. Of course they end with the new single ‘Bathroom Gurgle’ which is just about the best song to be released this year. “Put your hands on your waist line and move your body to the bass line” Sam shouts, and it’s exactly what everybody does.

Late of the Pier - Random Firl

Late of the Pier - VW

New Shiny Start

2007-09-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

I now own a laptop, which hopefully means I'll be updating this so far poorly updated blog a lot more. It's a shiny dell laptop, which cost me four hundred pounds! Getting your own computer is liking having a lock on your door, it means no more snooping around my files and music from certain family members. Oh yes.

I start university in a exactly 7 days, in fact this time next week I'll be moved into my new room and will be starting my new adventure. It's scary yet at the same time really exciting, especially as I'll be in London.

Ox. Eagle. Lion. Man. Have took my listening pleasures today, I never really gave them much of a chance, because in Les Incompetents I always preferred Billy's voice, however I think Fred is a great front man. They have some really great energetic songs yet at the same time being dark. The album titled Fatherhood/Motherhood is out on November 12th on the ever brilliant Transgressive. They are always doing gigs in London, so I shall definitely try to catch them at some point.

Ox. Eagle. Lion. Man. - Stories We Told
http://www.myspace.com/oxeaglelionman

Over and out.

Reading Volume 3

2007-09-04T02:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday:

Late of the Pier; a great band that I expect to see a lot more in the coming winter months. definitely a great start to sunday morning.

New Young Pony Club; on record they are pop-tastic - however live i think they lack something. the crowd were pretty shit too, left after ice cream (when they finished with the get go)!

Operator Please; didn't really like them that much before seeing them, definitely a band i want to see again. just for the violin player! quote of the weekend was during their set from the bloke beind me "corr that bass player is pretty fit" - his mate responded "that's a bloke" i couldn't stop laughing.

The Maccabees; really good, i only saw four songs in the nokia tent - but they were very good although orlando's new hair is shit.

Jamie T; i didn't enjoy it as much as i'd hoped because the tent was too packed and full of cunts. he was on form as usual though.

CSS; great festival band, great live band.

LCD Soundsystem; a great band to end the weekend on, my highlight of the weekend - just for "all my friends" which was amazing live - spine chilling.

Reading Volume 2

2007-09-04T02:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday:

Good Shoes; probably one of the best performances i've seen from good shoes, and i've seen a lot. they played nazanin half way through the set (never done that, ever?), it was a good shake up of the set list. wished they'd played some new stuff, but you can't have everything i suppose.

Nine Black Alps; i only saw a few songs, but they were pretty energetic - the new ones sound a bit too much like the old ones for my liking (aka Burn Faster).

Foals; Amazing. Simply amazing. I must see them again soon.

Bloc Party; it's the fourth time i've seen them, easily the worst i've seen them too. really boring, the new songs just don't cut it live (with the exception of a couple like hunting for witches and the prayer).

Arcade Fire; Oh yes. Simply breathtaking.

Hot Hot Heat; a better version of the kooks/pigeon detectives/kaiser chiefs etc. really fun live, they surprised me.

Reading Volume 1

2007-08-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

Friday:

The Long Blondes; they were the very first band I saw, and despite the main stage being too big for them they seemed a lot better than the previous year. The songs sounded a lot more perfected, but I just can't get into them live, Kate tries to control the crowd however like last year this year the crowd didn't seem that interested. A much better band on record - this is still my view 18 months after first seeing them.

Blood Red Shoes; One of the highlights of Friday, and of the weekend. I only knew one or two songs prior to arriving in the Carling Tent, however they really impressed me. The loudest two-piece you'll ever here, I definitely want to see them again!

199os; Another band who I thought were excellent, they have some great songs and Jackie the singer knows how to get the crowd on his side. Indie pop at it's finest.

Maximo Park; Another Reading Festival, yet another boring Maximo Park performance. They were boring last year and yet again they bored me. Even a few of the old classics seemed drab, I'd imagine them to be better in a smaller venue. Shame.

Interpol; One of the biggest disappointments of the weekend, I love them so much I was hoping to be enthralled by them, however I struggled to enjoy their set. Which is such a shame because I think they have so many great songs.

Kings of Leon; They never ever disappoint, the best live band touring at the moment, the REAL headliners of Friday night - which was exactly what half of the crowd thought, due to their departure before Razorshite appearing.

Brand New; The last band of the night, this band was not my choice for the record - it was my girlfriends. I'm glad I saw them because they are great live and definitely a good act to end the day on.