FADED GLAMOUR

Sir Yes Sir

2009-11-19T23:57:00.001Z

Pavement's reunion was understandably pretty big news. But really, we've had our own version all along in the form of Sir Yes Sir.

Formed way back in 2005, they made a minor splash in 2007 (appearing on one of my old podcasts and a couple of other blogs) and to be honest, haven't done much since. Apart from be compared to Pavement by everyone. Things are a-happening soon though. A new EP out on tape and an album (on 12") are dropping. I'll repeat that - an EP out on tape and an album out on 12". I assume they'll be selling tracks digitally otherwise Sainsbury's Basics might be on the menu for the next year. Or maybe I underestimate the markets.

As a taster for the new stuff, I've got 'Have I Hell' to share with you. Sharing is caring. Clocking in at a concise 116 seconds, it's a breathless sprint - bass hitting, guitar chugging, drum pulverising and all in the spirit of 90s American indie rock. Pretty awesome.

SIR YES SIR - HAVE I HELL

So, 2010 - the triumphant return of Pavement..................and Sir Yes Sir. Well, hopefully anyway.

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BBC iPlayer: Good Night, and Good Luck

2009-11-17T13:11:00.001Z

[Watch until 1.14am on Thursday 19th November 2009] (UK users only)

The George Clooney and Grant Heslov combo 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' is in cinemas now and by most accounts is not that great. Therefore, I'd suggest another Clooney-Heslov collab, 'Good Night, and Good Luck', is a much worthier use of your time. Not to mention that it's free, courtesy of our good friends at the Beeb.

The 2005 film, set in the 1950s, covers the journalistic endeavour of news reporter Ed Murrow in taking on US Senator Joseph McCarthy and his spurious accusations that many members of the public were Communists or sympathisers.

Distinctively filmed in a black and white style by Clooney, it features a quite brilliant performance by David Straitharn as Ed Murrow. A performance which embodies the film's powerful drama and merited an Oscar for Best Actor. Straitharn had to settle for a nomination and the film itself gained six Academy Awards nominations, although sadly failed to win in any category. Nonetheless, this is a must see.

In Frank Langella (whose brilliant portrayal of Richard Nixon carried 'Frost/Nixon') and Robert Downey Jr, the film's cast is bolstered even before the knowledge that Clooney also joined in with the acting. In fact, Clooney was willing to mortgage his house to make the film after an injury made him uninsurable. While Murrow is the hero of the film, Clooney is the true hero behind the fantastic 'Good Night, and Good Luck'.

9.5/10

You Animals

2009-11-16T22:14:00.001Z

A couple of years ago, it really looked like Komakino might break through. Appearances on an NME backed tour, tour support for Bloc Party and a hyped single released on Drowned In Sound Recordings were promising signs. Sadly, it didn't quite work out. But there could yet be a happy ending.

After Komakino split, some of the existing members went onto form You Animals. While Komakino were clearly influenced by post-punk (the name was derived from a Joy Division track), they weren't afraid of pop as the brilliant single 'Say Something Else' proved. You Animals have more than embraced that pop-punk side, with hyperactive anthems like 'Theme From You Animals' and debut single 'Halfway To Heartbreak'. They even have a song called 'Your Own Worst Enemy', possibly inspired by the the similarly titled song by American pop-punksters Lit.

They've also rather sneakily plundered the Komakino back catalogue, giving away a re-recorded 'Shotgun Valentine' as a free download. Kicking it old school, one might say. Ironically, this material is more mature and abandons the bouncy enthusiasm of the poppier songs, instead going for an epic Hope Of The States-esque vibe. Although maybe that comparison is a bit too aspirational.

YOU ANIMALS - SHOTGUN VALENTINE

With the band now part of Fear And Records family (joining the likes of Johnny Foreigner, Sky Larkin and Rolo Tomassi) and having gone into the studio with former Forward, Russia! blokey Whiskas, things are looking good for 2010.

The 'Shotgun Valentine' download single also has a b-side, which you can download from Bandcamp.

Website // MySpace // Twitter

Channel 4 3D Week

2009-11-15T23:30:00.001Z

I'm not sure how I feel about current 3D televisual material. Sure it's a gimmick but there's something kind of amazing in seeing things pop out the screen (occasionally - Note to 3D people: use sparingly). And of course there's the upcoming James Cameron film 'Avatar' apparently set to destroy all negative perceptions of 3D and launch a new cinematic revolution. Or something.

Seeing as 3D is already having a minor renaissance toward the end of the Noughties, British television channel Channel 4 are having a "3D Week", showing several programmes in 3D. The whole list is here but some choice picks include:

- The Queen in 3D 3D footage of the Coronation?! (Mon 16th Nov, 9pm)
- Derren Brown Presents the 3D Magic Spectacular Gash title but magic's always fun and Derren Brown is usually particularly fascinating. (Mon 16th Nov, 10pm)
- Friday the 13th Part III in 3D Jason's back to kill lots of stupid teenagers. Yawn. Blood spatter might be exciting in 3D though. (Fri 20 Nov, 10pm)

You can pick up a pair of those dodgy red/blue flimsy 3D glasses in your local Sainsburys. But they are free. In case you were wondering, as I was before I went to see Toy Story in 3D, the 3D glasses you get at cinemas are much better and can even be worn on top of spectacles. Anyways, you can see me sporting a pair of the crappy free 3D glasses above. Sexy time.

Oh and if you're puzzled/intrigued/aroused/all three by the moustache, it's Movember and I'm raising money for The Prostate Cancer Charity. Any donations are very much appreciated so please donate away by clicking 'Donate To Me' here.

BBC iPlayer: Starter For 10

2009-11-14T19:35:00.000Z

[Watch until 10.29pm, Mon 16th Nov] (UK only)

'Starter For 10' is the 2006 film adaptation of a 2003 novel by David Nicholls, starring James McAvoy ('Atonement', 'The Last King Of Scotland' and err, 'Wanted'), as Brian Jackson, and Rebecca Hall ('The Prestige', 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona').

It's a coming-of-age film centering around the trials and tribulations of first year university student Brian Jackson's quest to appear on 'University Challenge'. The film covers Brian's romantic misadventures (albeit in a overly familiar manner) and the problems he faces in bridging the gap between social classes. The acting cast, which also includes Catherine Tate, Dominic Cooper and James Corden, provides a snapshot of rising British talent, and rather bizarrely the film was produced by none other than Tom Hanks.

A well acted, reasonably well crafted film. I challenge you not to fall in love with Rebecca Hall.

Clock Opera

2009-11-12T23:11:00.000Z

Guy Connelly could be the new Tom Vek. There I said it. It's quite an odd thing to say seeing as Tom Vek could well come back any moment and blow our collective minds. Anyway, for the time being, Guy Connelly is Clock Opera and that is more than good enough.

Clock Opera have generated a fair amount of A&R buzz over the last few months and well, understandably so. Guy Connelly's creates a mish mash of so many different elements, forming a magical electronica of sorts. Throw in a bit of Elbow, Moby and Animal Collective and you're still not quite there. But almost. Expect Clock Opera on a host of 2010 tips lists. Here's the b-side to new single 'White Noise'.

CLOCK OPERA - ALOUETTE

Preorder the 'White Noise' 7" at Pure Groove, ahead of its release on November 16th.

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Teaser trailers: Kick-Ass & Clash Of The Titans

2009-11-11T01:39:00.004Z

Bit of a double whammy here, in the last couple of hours two biggies have dropped in America. Firstly, the teaser trailer for Matthew Vaughn's comic book DIY superhero film 'Kick-Ass' then one for Louis Leterrier's potential epic 'Clash Of The Titans'. Trailers courtesy of Firstshowing.net.

Kick-Ass

Everytime I read the title I think of the phrase "kiss-ass" which is even worse because I never say "ass" anyway. Arse, all the way. I digress, bad intro. This teaser trailer introduces the concept of Mark Millar's graphic novel - a kid with no super powers, trying to be a superhero. Hopefully, the Comic Con footage will be used in future marketing because those clips were uncompromisingly brilliant. Like the film, I'm led to believe.

Clash Of The Titans

I've always had an interest in classical civilisation and mythical tales so I imagine 'Clash Of The Titans' will be quite engaging. The plot summary isn't particularly exciting though - "Follows Perseus and his quest to battle Medusa and the Kraken in order to save the Princess Andromeda." Concise, yes. Thrilling, not so much. But the teaser trailer tries to jam in as much as excitement as it can, like a coked up 'Lord Of The Rings'. I enjoyed most of Louis Leterrier's last film 'The Incredible Hulk' (the Ed Norton version) so look forward to seeing more of what he's done here.

King Charles

2009-11-09T22:58:00.000Z

The musical emergence of King Charles continues to shock/please me with every passing release. Having seen him appear in various guises at sporadic London gigs over the last few years and generally treating him largely as a comedic figure, his debut single as King Charles was surprisingly good. 'Time For Eternity' was like a classical renaissance overdubbed by disturbing spoken word, matched by a fairly peculiar video.

New single 'Love Lust' is even more ridiculous/courageous but, importantly, it is also quite brilliant. The galloping drums, shredding guitar lines, sci-fi sound effects, double tracked vocals and brilliant lyrics ("with a guitar in my hand or a gun in my hand, I'd give it all up for your hand in my hand") make this psychedelic prog-folk ballad one of the singles of the year.

Think Andrew WK meets Mumford & Sons. Actually, there's a good chance that King Charles may well become the British equivalent to Andrew WK. I think this live vid might help envisage that. Regardless, an eccentric icon to thrill us for years to come.

KING CHARLES - LOVE LUST

'Love Lust' is out digitally now and may well be out on 7" vinyl too. Your guess is as good as mine.

MySpace

BBC iPlayer: Kidulthood

2009-11-07T00:11:00.004Z

[Watch (till 11.14pm, Saturday 7th Nov)]

Some claimed that 'Kidulthood' glamourised gun crime. It does anything but. In its treatments of underage sex, drugs and violence, the film demonstrates the powerful consequences that could result. 'Kidulthood' is a gritty tale of teenage desperation, capturing a traumatic day in the life of a group of 15 year old London kids.

Menhaj Huda's compelling direction, the brilliant soundtrack capturing the UK grime zeitgeist of the time and Noel Clarke's writing make 'Kidulthood' a must see for an insight on inner city turbulence.

The Sunshine Underground

2009-11-06T21:56:00.001Z

Back in 2006/7, The Sunshine Underground were banded amongst the "new rave" (eurgh) revolution when really they were simply disciples of The Rapture's dance-punk (slightly less eurgh but still a bit unsavoury) ethos.

After a decent album and many brilliant live performances, they disappeared for a while. This week sees The Sunshine Underground back with a new EP entitled 'Everything, Right Now', lead by the track embedded below, 'Coming To Save You'.

Earlier in the year, I was sent a track from studio sessions with FC Kahuna, which won't be on the album (due out Feb 2010) as it's "too different". While 'From The City To The Sea' may be too different, it's also fantastic and probably the sound that Klaxons are searching for while their second album remains in limbo.

It's a shame then that the band are eschewing that sound in favour of a more elementary approach. Indeed, the best track from the EP, 'Everything, Right Now (Sound Of Sirens)', with its incessant synth line and ethereal multi-layered vocals is closer to the vibe of the FC Kahuna collaboration.

THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND & FC KAHUNA - FROM THE CITY TO THE SEA

Anyway, for me it was always more about the energy of the live shows and the band will be doing some free intimate gigs over the next couple of weeks. More details here.

'Everything, Right Now' is available now at Pure Groove and the band go on tour across the UK in February 2010.

MySpace // Blog

Trailer: Salt

2009-11-05T02:50:00.003Z

Angelina Jolie is increasingly becoming the "go-to girl" for Hollywood action films. After Tom Cruise pulled out of 'Salt', the script was rewritten to situate Evelyn Salt, and not Edwin Salt, as the central character.

In recent years, Jolie has been seen in Wanted, the Tomb Raider films and Mr and Mrs Smith so it's no surprise to see her take a lead role in a big action blockbuster. 'Salt' sees Jolie outed as a Russian sleeper spy who must evade capture to prove her innocence. Basically, she's being Jason Bourne.

I'm not all that familiar with director Phillip Noyce's work but I'm always interested in whatever Liev Schreiber's involved in and a big shout out for Chiwetel Ejiofor appearing in a summer blockbuster.

Kurt Wimmer's involvement is what makes me tentative about this film. While Equilibrium was fantastic, he also made Ultraviolet, which I remember watching and thinking that it could well be one of the worst films ever. I think Brian Helgeland came onboard at a late stage to tweak Wimmer's script as well, and his track record is also inconsistent, although his work on LA Confidential far outweighs any failings.

For a teaser trailer, the film looks quite promising and has a strong portrayal of (far too thin) Jolie as a lead. The film drops on July 23rd 2010 in the USA, who knows when for the UK.

Nominated In The Record Of The Day Awards 2009

2009-11-03T12:51:00.004Z

Rather remarkably I was nominated not once, but twice, in the influential Record Of The Day's 2009 Awards list. Admittedly, that's because they made a mistake and added both 'Keep Hope Inside' and 'Faded Glamour' but still being nominated at all in the Best Blog category is pretty amazing.

I'm not above pity votes so bearing in mind that I'm up against blogging powerhouses like Pinglewood and 20 Jazz Funk Greats, help a brother out please. For more details and to vote, visit Record Of The Day. Also, send me an email if you do vote, I have some blogging ideas and you're probably the type of person who I'd like to involve.

Cheers.

Trailer: The Cup Of Tears

2009-11-03T01:04:00.006Z

Now, I was going to make this post about the new 'Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time' film but while that looks better than expected, it didn't particularly engage me in any real manner. Instead, I'm going to post about a trailer that is both breathtaking and utterly confusing at the same time.

The Cup of Tears film trailer. Dir. Gary Shore from Gary Shore on Vimeo.

'The Cup Of Tears' may be stylistically reminiscent of South-East Asian cinema, reminding me more of Stephen Chow's bonkers pastiche film 'Kung Fu Hustle' than the likes of 'Crouching Tiger...' etc but it's actually directed by an Irishman. And apparently made in Ireland too.

This is Gary Shore's second feature film and he takes what appears to be a samurai revenge story and transposes it into a '300'/'Sin City'-esque cinematic backdrop. Except there's one bit of the trailer that's in space. A SAMURAI FILM IN SPACE?! The finished producT may very well be style over substance but that's ambition for you. The film drops sometime in 2010.

[via Twitchfilm.net]

Swim Until You Can't See Land

2009-11-01T23:58:00.001Z

Frightened Rabbit are probably one of my top 5 favourite bands. Over the course of their two studio albums, they've demonstrated the wonderful Scottish melancholy that sets in when it seemingly rains all the time. Or maybe that's just been my several unlucky experiences in Scotland.

A new album is on its way, preceded by the 'Swim Until You Can't See Land' single. The horns and string arrangements give the single a wonderful richness but I can't help feeling that it's a little tepid in comparison to Frightened Rabbit's previous output. It's a decent effort but I'm hoping there'll be a bit more bite to the album.

The signs aren't great, though. In a MySpace blog post, they describe the single as "summing up the record". In effect, I'm asking the band to be a bit more passionately miserable. Is that an oxymoron? Maybe I mean miserably passionate. Either way, fairly shameful on my part.

Perhaps of more pressing interest, the band are playing a secret gig at The Lexington in London on the 6th. Tickets are being sold online from 9am on Monday 2nd Nov. That's tomorrow folks. Set your alarms. If like me you are sadly preoccupied at that moment in time, you can imagine what it'd be like from this clip on the BBC2 Culture Show. I've ripped the mp3 below.

FRIGHTENED RABBIT - SWIM UNTIL YOU CAN'T SEE LAND (LIVE ON THE CULTURE SHOW)

'Swim Until You Can't See Land' is available to preorder now at FatCat Records prior to its 16th Nov release.

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The Times They Are a-Changing

2009-11-01T11:11:00.000Z

In Michael Bay's 'Bad Boys 2', Martin Lawrence drops the unforgettable line SHIT JUST GOT REAL". It seems appropriate to recall that dialogue today as Faded Glamour v2.0 (Keep Hope Inside v54533.0) kicks off.

Over the course of the last two years or so, I've really developed a passion for film. As with music, I'm no practitioner. I have no real aspirations to become a film maker, a screen writer or anything like that. I just like films.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting some film bloggers. After that, I genuinely thought that this film blogging lark was something I could do. The following people have inspired me to get on with this: Peter and everyone at Slashfilm.com, the dudes on the Slashfilmcast, my good pal Katie at The Stories That Really Mattered, Alex at Firstshowing.net, Dennis and his menaces at ThinkHero and David at Heyuguys.co.uk. And obviously all the brilliant people involved in making films.

I will be writing a bit about film and maybe even TV, if I can be bothered. Largely, I won't bother with film news but I'll probably link to a couple of things. I'll drop some new trailers. Maybe I'll review films. Maybe I'll just moan. Regardless, it will be something different than what I've done for the last 3 and 1/2 years. The music posts will still appear.

And by way of showing you how both music and film can be intertwined to stunning effect, here are the opening credits from this year's 'Watchmen' film. A beautiful juxtaposition of Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are a-Changing' and Zack Snyder's envisioning of the alternate future presented in the graphic novel.

In conclusion, Faded Glamour is now a music AND film blog. Do stick around, this is one of many new ideas I've got for the blog. The first step toward world domination. Indeed, the site's also undergone a facelift as well. So we're now on Faded Glamour v3.0 I guess.

Yeasayer New Material

2009-10-31T22:57:00.000Z

The wondrous Brooklynites Yeasayer have returned to give us a taster of what album two, 'Odd Blood' is going to sound like. And it's brilliant!

Building around the "Stick up for yourself son, never mind what anyone else has done" refrain, it's pretty much what Passion Pit would sound like if they covered Prince. An amazingly dynamic psychedelic pop extravaganza. The new album can't come soon enough, quite frankly.

YEASAYER - AMBLING ALP

'Odd Blood' will drop in February 2010. In the meantime check out the ltd ed deals (including t-shirts and 12" vinyls) that Yeasayer are doing for the 'Ambling Alp' release here.

Website // MySpace

4 Or 5 Magicians

2009-10-27T23:55:00.002Z

Is it any coincidence that on the same day that the free London Lite newspaper called 4 Or 5 Magicians an "emo band" they're also closing down?*

I guess they can be a bit whiny but musically, it's more like a Best Of for early 90s American indie rock. And if anything Dan Ormsby is a lyrical hero. "I wasted my youth playing cricket, pinned all my hopes on a lottery ticket" opines Mr Ormsby on 'Forever On The Edge', one of the gems from the debut album out this week.

The self-deprecating album title of 'Empty Derivative Pop Songs' is another reason why 4 Or 5 Magicians are better than your band. Maybe not cleverer (potentially minor commercial suicide) but better. Impressive use of alphabet spaghetti on the album artwork though. The band gave away album track 'Nice Little Earner' recently and I've upped the mp3 below.

4 OR 5 MAGICIANS - NICE LITTLE EARNER

Buy 'Empty Derivative Pop Songs' from Smalltown America.

Website // MySpace // Twitter

* sorry, if you lost yr job. The Evening Standard is actually worse.

Field Music return

2009-10-25T23:55:00.000Z

While we sadly waved goodbye to The Rakes, a new dawn approaches. The return of Field Music. While the North East may be more famous for producing Maximo Park and The Futureheads in recent years, some say it's actually Field Music that should be attracting the plaudits.

Admittedly, that's a relatively small group for the time being and may even be smaller than in years gone by following a brief sabbatical by the band from 2007 or so onward. Since then, different members have been part of different projects, most notably School Of Language and The Week That Was. But now they're back and ready to follow up their last album, 'Tones Of Town', which Drowned In Sound gave 10/10. TEN OUT OF TEN! It's not a ten for me but an enjoyable romp nonetheless.

To whet prospective appetites, the band are giving away a couple of new songs before their new DOUBLE album (that's right, a gazillion tracks) drops in February. Maybe forgetting the quality not quantity rule but obviously eager to get the songs out there.

FIELD MUSIC - EACH TIME IS A NEW TIME

Download the other track, 'Measure' on the Field Music website, where their November tour dates are also listed.

Website // MySpace

Tubelord

2009-10-19T00:22:00.001+01:00

Following up recent single 'Propeller', Kingstonians Tubelord dropped their debut album 'Our First American Friends' this week. And taking a leaf out of Roald Dahl's book, they're running a "golden ticket" comp.

If you're one of ten lucky people to find a "golden ticket" in your CD, then you can go to five Tubelord headline gigs of your own choosing. And they're pretty ace live too, if their recent Offset Festival performance was anything to go by. The album is similarly ace, a math-pop-post-hardcore-screamy-dreamy odyssey.

'Our First American Friends' can be had with any of the following thrown in - a ticket to their upcoming London gig/a t-shirt/an acoustic album. But all those deals are ending very soon so get on this at the speed of surround sound.

Check out a session version of 'Feed Me A Box Of Words' below (sadly left off the album) and have a bonus slice of that acoustic album I mentioned above, which actually sounds pretty amazing.

TUBELORD - FEED ME A BOX OF WORDS (BBC RADIO 1 SESSION)
TUBELORD - NIGHT OF THE PENCILS (ACOUSTIC)

Tubelord are currently touring the UK. 'Our First American Friends' is free to listen at we7.com and can be purchased for a bargaintastic price at Banquet Records.

Website // MySpace // Twitter

The Drums EP

2009-10-17T14:58:00.000+01:00

Summer 2009 saw everyone in the blogging world get carried away with American duo (/quartet/possibly sextet, if you count the backing singers) The Drums. Even Boy George thinks they're great. And understandably so, The Drums have somehow made the quest for pop perfection a credible, exciting proposition.

The hype generating 'Let's Go Surfing' was a bodacious statement of intent and this week's 'Summertime' EP (out on the forever brilliant Moshi Moshi label) follows through, with its wonderful mix of new wave, post punk and Shangri La-esque stylings. Finally, a buzz band that delivers. Sexy time.

THE DRUMS - LET'S GO SURFING (XFM XPOSURE SESSION)
THE DRUMS - MAKE YOU MINE (XFM XPOSURE SESSION)

Buy the 'Summertime' EP by The Drums from Moshi Moshi. They're also playing a handful of tourdates around the UK this month.

Website // MySpace

Kids Love Lies

2009-10-15T22:22:00.005+01:00

1, 2, 3, 4 summers ago....wait, that's wrong. Last summer at the brilliant Offset Festival, I had the pleasure of catching south London post punk power poppers Kids Love Lies. They've been busy since then.

This week sees the release of their second single proper, 'Under The Bed', following up the riotous 'Count In My Head', complete with ace video. At its heart, 'Under The Bed' is a tender ballad. But slapped all over it is their usual feverish brand of spiky pop, taking on the frenzied nature of Fight Like Apes and the early anthemic infection of The Maccabees.

With any luck, Kids Love Lies will be part of the new wave of edgy pop to dominate the British music scene. A band seeping with passion and a suitably enigmatic frontwoman to match. And suitably foxy. An NME cover surely awaits. First, the NME. Then the world.

KIDS LOVE LIES - UNDER THE BED (BBC INTRODUCING SESSION)
KIDS LOVE LIES - CHIMERA (BBC INTRODUCING SESSION)
KIDS LOVE LIES - HEX (BBC INTRODUCING SESSION)
KIDS LOVE LIES - COUNT IN MY HEAD (BBC INTRODUCING SESSION)

Buy 'Under The Bed' from Cherryade Records here or iTunes.

MySpace // Twitter

Mumford And Sons Album

2009-10-11T23:58:00.002+01:00

Earlier this year I mentioned Mumford & Sons as one of my tips for 2009, uploading a BBC Radio 1 session to boot (which has seemingly been recycled by a gazillion other blogs). This past week saw the release of their debut album, 'Sigh No More' which has just charted at #11 on the UK album chart. Not bad for Laura Marling's old backing band.

"Their epic country sound can be both mellow and intense, a majestic cacophony emboldened by Marcus Mumford's rich vocals"

The album continues along a similarly triumphant theme, a powerful collection of emotional taut songs. A band that truly fulfilled their early promise without compromise. Listen for free at we7.com and have a free download of the recently re-recorded 'Sister', courtesy of Music Glue.

MUMFORD & SONS - SISTER (NEW VERSION)

Buy 'Sigh No More' at Amazon in ltd ed digipack or on iTunes etc.

Website // MySpace

Fanfarlo Debut Album

2009-10-04T23:58:00.002+01:00

The past week saw indie/folk/twee/all of the above Londoners Fanfarlo finally release their debut album, 'Reservoir' on physical formats. It had been available to download since around July, leading some commentators to suggest that it should be nominated for the 2009 Mercury Music Prize.

Aside from the fact that I'm fairly sure it wouldn't qualify for the Mercury due to not having been physically released, I have to concede that I was a little disappointed with 'Reservoir'. Sure, it hit all the expected notes - combining moments of melancholy with times of vibrant euphoria and generally, the overwhelming sense of musical accomplishment. But it had something missing. Perhaps that something is the brilliant 'Sand And Ice', left off the album for unknown reasons. The more I think about it though, the album feels a bit too long rather than having something overtly lacking. And there was me thinking "too much Fanfarlo" wasn't possible.

Do I regret having such high expectations for what remains a fantastic band? Not at all. Maybe I'll tweak the tracklisting and chop a couple of songs off and make it into the irresistable album I had hoped for. Judge for yourselves with the album streamed above (courtesy of clashmusic.com) and from the BBC 6Music radio session below.

FANFARLO - COMETS (BBC 6MUSIC SESSION)
FANFARLO - DROWNING MEN (BBC 6MUSIC SESSION)
FANFARLO - FIRE ESCAPE (BBC 6MUSIC SESSION)
FANFARLO - HAROLD T WILKINS (BBC 6MUSIC SESSION)

'Reservoir' is available in various packages at fanfarlo.com, where you can also find details of their current UK tour.

Website // MySpace

Blue Roses Session

2009-10-01T19:58:00.001+01:00

Once upon a time Blue Roses was Laura Groves. Not that Blue Roses isn't Laura Groves anymore. Laura Groves was simply Laura Groves back then. Back when Blue Roses was just Laura Groves, I put the wonderfully magical 'Does Anyone Love Me Now?' on one of my podcasts (remember them?!).

Since then, she signed to XL, put out an eponymous debut album and one of her music videos was quite remarkably featured on Kanye West's blog a few days ago. Sadly, no-one has used the "IM'MA LET YOU FINISH BUT BEYONCE HAD ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS OF ALL TIME" line in the comments. Missed opportunity.

With Blue Roses, Alessi's Ark and Theoretical Girl each producing solid debut albums and pushing forward the UK folk "scene" in 2009 with their differing avant garde ways, it will be interesting to see which direction each artist will turn to next. With Laura recently stepping into the studio with the superb Grammatics, her next move seems promising.

BLUE ROSES - DOUBTFUL COMFORTS (BBC 6MUSIC SESSION)
BLUE ROSES - I AM LEAVING (BBC 6MUSIC SESSION)
BLUE ROSES - GREATEST THOUGHTS

Blue Roses is touring with Wild Beasts across the UK at the moment and her debut album is £8.49 at Piccadillyrecords.com or on iTunes etc.

MySpace // Website // Twitter

DARTZ 2005-2009

2009-09-29T23:55:00.000+01:00

"DARTZ were a Math rock group from Middlesbrough...." begins the obituary on DARTZ's (old?) website, before proceeding to explain what DARTZ, Middlesbrough and math rock are all about. I won't bother regurgitating the information - mainly because they have, with what appears to be judicious copy and pasting of Wikipedia. What I will say though is that DARTZ were good, and at times great. See brilliant singles 'Once, Twice, Again!' and St. Petersburg' for evidence.

I sadly missed their final gig in Kingston the other night but I trust it was a fitting farewell for an underappreciated band. They lost an exclamation mark along the way and are survived by a debut album, 'This Is My Ship', released on Xtra Mile.

DARTZ - THE END, MOVING ON

"Don't forget us". We won't. Goodbye DARTZ.

MySpace // Last.fm