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
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
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
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
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
Saturday, April 11, 2009
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
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
Friday, April 10, 2009
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!
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!
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