Why Not Check These Guys Out..

Late Of The Pier
Girls
The Drums




There, three acts you probably haven't heard before, or if you have then you didn't pay attention. Forget about all that hipster bullshit, try to forget they attract that crowd. Late Of The Pier are working on their 2nd album and just released a new single, Blueberry, Girls just put out their debut, Album, recently, and The Drums just released their 2nd single, I Felt Stupid. So, all are pretty exciting, look them up.

Arctic Monkeys 07/12/2009 Mr. Smalls Theater - Pittsburgh, PA

Arctic Monkeys 07/12/2009 Mr. Smalls Theater - Pittsburgh, PA Live review

On December 7, 2009, I made the trek to Mr. Smalls Theater, in Millvale, PA just outside of Pittsburgh. The venue is fairly cramped, with probably around a 750 person capacity, and is actually an old Church. Normally these sort of venues have great sound, and Mr. Smalls Theater might have that one day, but the sound was not the best that night. The crowd was was made up mostly of high school students and under thirty year olds. While in the queue outside a lot of the younger crowd were discussing the band, they didn't even know the albums or band members. While some may be annoyed by that, it seems the band is making new fans with these small US tours. The downside to this is the crowd was incredibly rude and probably the roughest I have ever seen. People were screaming for "Who The Fuck Are Arctic Monkeys", hurting people, and saying some pretty rude things. It seems America has its own lad rock crowd! All that aside, the show was great, and the band played as good as ever.

The set list was great, but I was disappointed they did not play Dangerous Animals and Catapult. They sound checked Catapult for about an hour, constantly chipping away at it and working extensively on the chorus, but it obviously was not ready yet. It was great hearing it, even outside of the venue freezing. Alex was a lot more talkative than I remember him in 2006, and the band all seemed to be in good spirits. The sound was the major drawback during the concert, with the vocals being quiet, and the bass loud. Hopefully Mr. Smalls Theater will eventually learn how to mix live concerts, but the audio was still 75% clear and Arctic Monkeys gave a great performance.

The set list was comprised mostly of Humbug material and older songs which best show cased the bands more elusive and enigmatic personality. Songs such as This House Is a Circus, Still Take You Home, and If You Were There, Beware formed links between the Humbug songs, heightening the dark tense presence of their music. Of course, no Arctic Monkey's concert these days is without their "big hits". Perhaps in a condesending way Alex announced "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" as "for the ladies" in a mock-jock tone. Following that look back at juvenility, the band eased its way into Potion Approaching. At once one of their most sensual at sexual songs, with it lyrics "Holding a token, swollen in size. Potion Approaching, shield your eyes." From there Arctic Monkeys had clearly worked the crowd in a frenzy, and it didn't let up until well after the show had ended.

Perhaps knowing this would happen, the band crafted their set list to include a shift from the faster material into the softer material, and back to their most dramatic songs. Following the end of The View From The Afternoon, perhaps the best song from their debut, the band attempted to ease the tension with recent single Cornerstone. Although Arctic Monkeys continued with some of their most poignant songs, Fluorescent Adolescent and Do Me A Favour, the crowd never slowed down. Although they would be back for an encore, the most exciting moment of night came with The Jeweller's Hands. Slowly working up to a climax of intrapersonal tension, guitars, and some of Matt Helder's most propulsive drumming, the song perfectly encapsulated the concert. After a brief reprieve, Arctic Monkeys returned to the stage to play two final songs, continuing the template set by The Jeweller's Hands, before finally leaving the crowd for a well earned rest. The concert goers however, crammed into the tight walls of Mr. Smalls Theater continued to feed of the shows energy and hung around for awhile. Once outside, I proceeded to head home, whereas many others waited for the band and discuss the concert.


Set list:

Dance Little Liar
Brianstorm
This House Is A Circus
Still Take You Home
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Potion Approaching
Pretty Visitors
If You Were There, Beware
Red Right Hand
My Propeller
Crying Lightning
The View From The Afternoon
Cornerstone
Fluorescent Adolescent
Do Me A Favour
The Jeweller's Hands

Encore:
Secret Door
505

Just for kicks..

I've really been trying to expose myself to more new music, and I think I've been doing well lately. I've found some bands I overlooked and that I now find myself really getting into. I have always been a cynical child, but it seems like there is way more good music coming out lately than in the last decade. Anyway, here is a run down of some artists I'm listening to at the moment.

1. Wild Beasts
2. Lightspeed Champion
3. Portico Quartet
4. Field Music
5. Hurts

Wonderful Life

I highly recommend checking out this band, Hurts, comprised of Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson, from Manchester, England. Hutchcraft and Anderson were both previously in two promising indie bands, Bureau and The Daggers, but are now signed to Biff Stannard's new Sony subsidary imprint, Major Label. Check out their myspace for their upcoming single Wonderful Life (1.11.09). The other great news is they are supposedly finishing up their debut album for release next year.

P.S. - I hope they come to the USA sometime next year too.

http://www.myspace.com/ithurts

http://www.nme.com/news/nme/48606

http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=15&p=7390&more=1&c=1

Hmm.. Live Monkeys

Anyone care to give me a donation of $150 so I can go see Arctic Monkeys in Chicago? Haha. No, it is okay, really, I will be fine.

If you can, go see them when they play the US in December, they are a great live band.

In Loving Memory Of A Name?

The truth that XTC will never be again is beginning to sink in, as they become the sort of thing their song In Loving Memory Of A Name spoke of- a thing of the past. Even with the news of XTC reissues coming*, it is hard not feel the loss of new material from the members of XTC. Oh well, maybe Colin Moulding will eventually make that solo album?

*Thanks to MaxPower33 from the XTC Back Porch forum for the link to the article about the upcoming XTC reissues. Link here - http://www.thedailyswarm.com/headlines/xtc-getting-reissued-along-secret-side-project-dukes-stratosphear/

If you do not listen to XTC, what are you, living under a media manufactured rock? Listen now, anything they did is classic!

Can You Ceeee Me

The three C's of Humbug,; Crying Lighting, Cornerstone, and Catapult. Brilliant.

To The Top Of The Toppermost

Remember when The Beatles used to say that? Not to anyone outside the band of course, but John to Paul? When Arctic Monkeys first because popular I was convinced they were the next The Beatles. Of course, that is impossible, but damn if they have not become an incredible band. They are a shining example of a brilliant band in an era full of lazy, mediocre rock bands who are oddly popular. How many bands put out three records, three non-album singles, and an E.P. in roughly 3.5-4 years? Not to mention Alex Turner's solid side project, The Last Shadow Puppets. Not many bands still make good b-sides, it appears to be a tradition that is quickly disappearing in the digital age. Even Oasis have put out sub par b-sides in recent years. Not Arctic Monkeys, their b-sides are as good as any of their album tracks, sometimes even better. Then you get those tracks that aren't released, or carry over to future releases, such as Secret Door. With the release of Humbug it sounds like Arctic Monkeys took the time to refine, expand, and improve on their sound and songwriting. Their melodies and arrangements are better than ever, and Alex Turner is growing as a lyricist, trying new things and writing better pieces. Go out and listen to their upcoming single, Cornerstone. It expands on previous releases such as No Buses and The Bakery, and appears to show a great confidence in the band by putting the track on the album and releasing it as a single. Where Arctic Monkeys really shine however is the b-side Catapult. They manage to Merge the sound of their all their work together into 3:28 of brilliance. The band really comes together on this track, with some of the tightest arrangements on Arctic Monkeys song yet. Arctic Monkeys are one of the only bands it seems who understand the importance of a good arrangement and flow in a song. Have you heard some of their contemporaries songs? Some are choppy. Not Arctic Monkeys. They know how to write, perform, and record a perfect song. If you have not heard their new single, or album, go check them out and give them time, you won't be sorry you did.

Top 5 Acts Of The Year

1. Manic Street Preachers
2. Arctic Monkeys
3. Kasabian
4. Julian Casablancas
5. The Horrors

"In that moment poetry will be made by everyone."

Category: Review
Artist: Kasabian
Album: West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

...so goes the sample at the beginning of West Ryder/Silver Bullet, from the film La Jetee/Sans Soleil- and they couldn't be more dead on. If there was ever any doubt that Kasabian were a lad band, or just shit, it is forever dispelled by West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Never has an album captured both the feeling of the 60s pyschedelic landscapes and modern society so well before. People will slag Kasabian off saying they are a poor mans Primal Scream on a Madchester nostalgia trip, or they're just Oasis Mach II but they are wrong. So wrong are they that I wonder if their brains are merely burnt up like over used appliances because they keep spitting out the same review every album. What I am saying is most people do not give things a chance and simply buy into whatever they hear. Stop here if you think I am, or Kasabian are, full of shit- or keep reading.

West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum is supposed to be a concept album, but as per usual it sounds more like a brilliant collection of songs that relate to each other thematically more than a story. This does not detrack from the album in any way, and if Vlad The Impaler was removed the pysch vibe would flow on uninterrupted I believe. On this album Serge Pizzorno's songwriting on is at its most phenomenal and accomplished yet. Songs such as Fast Fuse and Take Aim are built off of Pizzorno's brilliant riffs and wonderfully rephrased chorus, but he now splices short catchy bridges and pre-chorus that leave you wanting to hear more. He is like a modern Jagger/Richards- not only goes he have the smart riffs but the brilliant songs the support them.

It is easy to think this is all Serge's show, but the other members of Kasabian; Tom Meighan, Chris Edwards, and Ian Matthews, are essential to the sound of the band. Tom is easily the best frontman and vocalist of this era. Not only does he have the voice containing the fautless range and unique delivery, but he has the look, moves, and attitude as well. Chris and Ian are undoubtly the best rhythm section in rock at this time. Chris' bass lines are always melodic and tasteful and Ian's drumming sounds like no one else- it's powerful, driving, and groovier than anything from the 70s.

Now, a quick track by track and we are done!

Underdog
It may be their best album opener yet, and it is hard to beat a track like Empire! Anyone thinking Club Foot was their best tune will dig this- it takes Club Foot and makes it look like a baby. Carried along by the heaviest riff in their cataloge, a fantastic guitar solo, and one of Serge's best melodies ever it gets in your head and does not leave!

Where Did All The Love Go?
This is the sound of Kasabian beating Oasis at their own game. Probably the most meaningful lyric on the album and one of the best chorus Serge has ever written. It is pure rock n' roll backed up by a beautiful melody.

Swarfiga
A haunting and sparse instrumental with some understated keyboard and guitar. That is pretty much it as far as the sound goes, except it has a tight groove. It works perfectly as an album piece, bridging Where Did All The Love Go? to Fast Fuse. I could not picture it happening any other way.

Fast Fuse
You have heard this one before, but not in this much clarity. I was afraid it would come out sounding weaker than the demo, but it sounds amazing. It retains the power and rough attitude of the demo, but sounds bigger. I am glad they kept the intro!

Take Aim
It opens with some suprisingly beautiful strings and then launches into a masterful blend of world music, pyschedelica, and westerns. Serge sings this one and it works wonderfully with his rough vocal capturing the feeling of the song perfectly. According to Serge it is about game shows or something like that, but it feels like a western outlaw ode.

Thick As Thieves
This is easily Serge's best acoustic song yet, and it has some lovely lead guitar work too. I do not think I have ever connected with a Kasabian song like I have with this one, it captures how I feel about being part of this generation but not really being belonging to it.

West Ryder/Silver Bullet
This song does exactly what a title track should; capture the sound and feeling of the album but also sound amazing. For me it embodies the sound of West Coast pyschedelica but modernized. A love song of sorts, it seems very sensual, yet sweet. At the moment it is my favorite track on the album, I just love the verse riff and dramatic chorus.

Vlad The Impaler
The only song I would have left off the album, even though it is a brilliant piece of electronic, venomous, dirty rock n' roll. It has one of the most infectious grooves I have ever heard. Easily the craziest and most modern moment on the album. Do you think it makes Primal Scream cry at night?

Ladies & Gentleman (Roll The Dice)
Kasabian could have taken a number of directions for this song, but I really love what they have done with it. It has a subdued vibe to it and the tastiest guitar parts on the album. I feel like the music and instrumentation capture the feeling of the lyrics perfectly.

Secret Alphabets
Definitely the most pyschedelic track on the album, it has a very spiritaul feel to it. The interplay between the verse and chorus is great. The verse feels like a man on a journey of enlightenment, and the chorus seems like spirits speaking to the man, guiding him. Serge sounds great on vocals again.

Fire
As a lead single I was unsure of it, but after some time with it it feels like a perfect choice. It heralds the new direction Kasabian are taking, while retaining some of their older elements. It is tracks like these that bands often struggle to make because they retain old fans and make new ones. The highlights of the song for me are the pre-chorus after the final verse and the backwards guitar moment near the end of the song.

Happiness
The best closing track Kasabian have ever made, easily, even though Tom should have sang it. Serge sounds great on the other tracks he sang, but I feel he holds this one back. That is not to say he does not sound good, he does. The song builds beautifully, going from a sparse verse, to a ghostly church choir backed chorus, and to a powerful gospel-esque bridge. It ends the album on a very positive, calm note, and really does make you feel happy.

A few small things here or there, but overall a near faultless album. It deserves this score.

5 Out Of 5!

Check It Out:
http://blog.kasabian.co.uk/

Links:
La Jetee/Sans Soleil - http://www.criterion.com/boxsets/77
Kasabian News/Resource Site - http://www.sergepizzorno.com/

Born With A Fast Fuse!

Category: News/Review
Arist: Kasabian

I'm so excited about this that I can't keep quiet. A couple of new album tracks from Kasabian's upcoming album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum leaked, album opener Underdog and lead single Fire (radio rip). Kasabian have never sounded so powerful as they do on Underdog, Fast Fuse, and Vlad The Impaler. They stomp along with thick, heavy grooves and fuzzy electronics that make you want to move like you're possessed. From the first sounds of Underdog you know this is the band Kasabian have always said they were. It has the groove of Kasabian and the edge of Empire. Fire on the other hand is a great song that takes on a hushed vibe that wasn't presented live. It has a different energy than the live version we've heard, but it builds into one of Kasabian's more melodic songs. Seeing as Fire is a radio rip it will propably sound much better once we get a higher quality version. I recommend you check Kasabian out live because that's where it's happening. This is how music should be made in 2009, everyone should open their ears and listen to Kasabian, because they've all been put to shame. These tracks are pretty easy to find, so I don't see any need to post them. Go now!

5 Out Of 5

Check It Out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZi2JClrjec

All The Those Little Wishes

Category: Review
Artist: XTC
Album: The Big Express

Once upon a time, XTC were an 80s band before trying to become a 60s band. During that time, they put out a little album called The Big Express. Easily there most overlooked and 80s sounding album, it is worth continued listens. I'm serious, you might hate it at first even if you love XTC, but you must keep listening! There are weak moments, questionable sounds, and some awkward songs but it is a good album regardless.

The first thing you have to prepare yourself for is the Linn Drum, a very dated sounding drum machine from the mid 80s. Some people feel this adds to the concept of the album, the train vibe, etc, but I think it sounds cheesy. Once you get past that, and the sub-par mix, you find some very good songs. The only song that really doesn't work for me is All You Pretty Girls. Yes, it was a single and most people probably dig it, but the foreign sounding guitar figure and over the top 80s sound turn me off. It is an okay song, but the weakest moment on the album in my opinion. The only other real moment of weakness is the various cheesy sounds on Shake You Donkey Up. Yes it is a good song, but the whips, yelping, and violin render a lovely little tune into a cheesy cartoon song.

Don't let this turn you off, there are many great moments to keep you coming back. The other two singles, Wake Up and This World Over, are two of XTC's more interesting singles. Album opener Wake up has some great choppy guitars, but it sounds like an unfinished melody. While the single edit of This World Over chops of the awkward a capella intro, and even though the song is still covered in dated 80s synth sounds the melody is saves it. The albums strength lies in its album cuts with the off kilter lounge sound of I Remember The Sun, the atmospheric keyboards of Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her, Kiss Her, and the vibrant I Bought Myself A Liarbird standing out brightly. Check this one out, and if you already have, put it back on and try to let it sink it.

By the way, the added b-sides, Red Brick Dream, Washaway, and Blue Overall are brilliant cuts that should have made album. I recommend them over the singles.

3.5 Out Of 5


Check It Out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQbFPNbxenE

Happy Easter!

Category: List

I hope everyone is having a lovely Easter Holiday! Today, because it is Easter and I'm a lazy bum, I'm just going to list some of my favorite Colin Moudling penned tunes. Even if he isn't making music these days, it is nice to know that the other half (formerly) of XTC is still around. Whether you're a casual listener or a die hard fan, I recommend you spin to these songs around a few times!

1. Grass
2. Vanishing Girl
3. Generals And Majors
4. Runways
5. Making Plans For Nigel
6. The Meeting Place
7. Fly On The Wall
8. In Loving Memory Of A Name
9. Wonderland
10. Didn't Hurt A Bit

How To Go From 3rd Rate To 2nd Rate

Category: Review
Artist: The Horrors
Album: Primary Colours
Release Date: 5-4-09

I've recently had the opportunity to listen to The Horrors new album, Primary Colors. I will admit they have become a "decent" band, but I don't think they're anything special. Unless you think special is being slightly better than the rest of the shit out there today. If you can get past the ghosts of The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, and Joy Division that creep up all over Primay Colors then you will enjoy it- or you'll realize the melodies aren't always fully formed and are buried beneath all that nice atmosphere. Most of the album is an excersize in style and atmosphere, which the aforementioned bands did better and with stronger songs, but that doesn't make it a bad album.

I want to give this album three stars so badly, but what these boys have done is still enjoyable regardless of pop melodies. Style and sound does amount to something, and they've got both. The songs are better this time around, yes, but they are still not brilliant. The best thing about this album is where the band succeeds they sound great, and when they don't succeed they still sound good. There are moments, like the bass in Mirror's Image, the intro to Scarlet Fields, and the first guitar break in Sea Within A Sea that are beautiful. There are moments like the spoken word break in Who Can Say and the weak Three Decades, but they derail the album. Even if The Horrors are playing cut and paste with the sounds of old, they do it well.

I think the album is far from perfect, but I see a bright future for this band if they continue to improve like this. In an age where no one can write a good hook or sing I'll take The Horrors. If you dig what you hear from it, then go buy it. It probably sounds great when you're driving alone at night.

4.5 Out Of 5

Check It Out
Sea Within A Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7WAHnZPIX0

Presenting..

The Seaside Circus! It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Here at this lovely establishment you will find all the musical things that tickle my fancy, ha! That includes, but is not limited to, reviews, news, essays, lists, and all sorts of other musical tidbits. Seeing as today is the grand opening, I'll spare you a full dose of me! Instead, here are a few recommendations for you to go along with the begginning of warm weather!

1. The Beach Boys - Sunflower
Coming out after the end an era of love, Sunflower perfectly captures the sounds of summer and the 60s, rolling them into one of the finest pop albums ever.

2. XTC - Nonsuch
If Skylarking is a full summers day concentrated into a tasty bite size serving, Nonsuch is pure summers joy distilled into some of the most beautiful music ever made.

3. New Order - Power, Corruption, & Lies
This album is boiling over with something strangely summery and confident that even the darkest tunes make you feel like it's warm outside.

This is it folks! See-ya!