This is Happening...

Here's a pair of reviews I did recently for an assignment. The aim was to try and review anything (an album, gig, film or whatever) in two different styles. I decided to review the new LCD Soundsystem album, "This Is Happening". I chose to do a more in-depth track-by-track review for my first piece, and for my second piece I took more of a "history of..." approach.

The shit thing about it was the small word count, but hey.

Here's the first:

New York-based musician/producer/DJ James Murphy’s project, LCD Soundsystem, deliver their third (and final?) LP entitled “This Is Happening”, and it’s safe to say that they will be remembered for years to come. The album opens with the amazing “Dance Yrself Clean”, which lures the listener into a false sense of security with its soft and mellow intro, before slapping them full-on in the face with an electro freak-out that lasts for another 6 minutes. Murphy’s vocals range from gentle croons to insane screams, resulting in a song that sounds like nothing I’ve ever heard before.

After a slightly unconventional start, the album then twists and turns, evolving into a genre-defying collection of 5-9 minute long songs that could only be produced by self-confessed music geek James Murphy. The single of the album is undeniably “Drunk Girls”, a fast-paced glam-pop track that reminisces of early LCD recordings. The song is driven by a chant of “DRUNK GIRLS!” which is curiously similar to David Bowie’s “Boys Keep Swinging”, which says a lot about Murphy’s vast music taste.

“Drunk Girls” isn’t the only song on “This is Happening” that hints at the unique back catalogue of David Bowie, as the utterly beautiful “All I Want” proves. With its droning guitar melody and electronic drum beat, it screams “Heroes” so loudly that any music fan would be a fool to miss it. As a massive Bowie fan, I was understandably over the moon with the direction of the record.

Other highlights from “This is Happening” include: “You Wanted a Hit” (brutally honest lyrics and downbeat with a funky bass line), “Pow Pow” (unflinching disco-funk) and the album closer, “Home”.

For fans of LCD, this is album is nothing less than an absolute delight. I can honestly say that it is one of the best albums I have heard in my entire life. Initially, I had a fear that the album wouldn’t deliver, or fulfil my incredibly high expectations, mainly due to the quality of their award-winning 2^nd album “Sound of Silver”. However, my doubt was smashed to pieces when I listened to the album.

I urge you to buy this record – you’ll be so glad that you did.

And here's the second:

LCD Soundsystem first broke into the music scene in 2002 with the single “Losing My Edge”, which features singer/project mastermind James Murphy boasting about his eclectic interest in music over a filthy progressive electro beat

After garnering attention with their first release there came the debut eponymous album in 2005, which was received with high praise from the critics. An unusual blend of disco-punk and techno, the first LP was only a peek at what LCD was capable of in terms of breaking the boundaries in the music world. The joys of LCD continued in 2007 with the second full-length release, entitled “Sound of Silver”. This album brought LCD ever-so-slightly into the mainstream, even more so than when the massive single “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” came out.

British media (including this very newspaper) praised “Sound of Silver” and it was awarded “Album of the Year” by us, Uncut and Drowned in Sound. So, not bad for a band whose ringleader calls himself “a complete failure”.

Amongst playing DJ sets at trendy New York parties and producing albums for bands on his own record label (DFA Records), Murphy has been a busy bee with the latest release from LCD. Entitled “This Is Happening”, and apparently the last album that will be made by LCD, the record completely dwarfs anything else that has been produced in the year 2010.

Somehow, it manages to expand and improve on the already amazing two albums that have been previously put out by the band. Consisting of layer upon layer of intricate sounds, pushed along by simple and fluid bass lines, the collection of songs prove how much of an individual James Murphy is in the world of music (even though he claims to be unoriginal). If any comparison can be made, the most accurate would be to put Murphy next to the eccentric front man of experimental 80’s band the Talking Heads, David Byrne.

If “This is Happening” really is the last album that LCD will produce, it is a sad day for music. But instead of mourning the loss of a truly original group, join the rest of the fans and celebrate the end of an era by purchasing the latest album, which is released in the UK on Monday 17^th May. If the album doesn’t feed your hunger enough then buy yourself a ticket for the latest tour, which is currently covering the UK.

Teenage kicks...

So, I will be 20 on Friday. Fucking hell, pretty scary stuff really. The end of my teenage years, when its acceptable to be silly and reckless. And then this big fat zero comes along and looks at you with a pair of concerned eyes, almost saying "Right, come on now, stop being the twat that takes his shirt off when he's pissed", etc etc. But let's be honest, things like that aren't gonna change in the next 3 days. Roll on Friday.

The day after my birthday brings LCD Soundsystem LIVE at the lovely venue that is the Academy, and I can't stress how amazing it will be. After getting into them heavily in 2007, they've become one of my favourite bands of all time. And with their newest album being utterly ridiculously amazing, the gig should be a treat. I can't wait to see James Murphy's sweaty unshaven face screaming down the mic - what a man.

British Sea Power played at Moho last night, and even though I was stood at the back with Ross sweating out the weekend's excess, I still thoroughly enjoyed the set, which included my favourite song "Apologies to Insect Life". The sound was a bit shit for the first half, with the bass completely dominating the vocals and guitars, but it got better and better as the night went on. And the guys at the front looked like they were having a good time, so fair play to them. Definitely a band I would see again, but in better circumstances.

Aaaand while we're on the topic of gigs, I saw my new favourite band (for now) a few weeks ago at the Deaf Institute. The Strange Boys, a 4 piece from Austin, Texas, are basically fucking amazing at what they do. They sound like they walked right out of the 60's, playing a mix of fast-paced garage/rock'n'roll and soft, soulful blues that displays singer Ryan Sambol's unique southern drawl in all its glory.

Therefore, his vocal style drawing comparisons to Bob Dylan is inevitable, but in current musical times comments like these are totally irrelevant, due mostly to the fact that the Strange Boys are so original and refreshing against a backdrop of boring and generic indie bands. Not since the Turbo Fruits (from Nashville) came along has a band stuck with me as long as the Strange Boys, and both bands have proved that the South of America is a force to be reckoned with. So, for anyone who loves old school rock'n'roll awash with intelligent and poetic lyrics, check out the Strange Boys. Trust me, you won't regret it.

As I always seem to say, I am going to keep up with this blog and update it as often as possible. Maybe turning 20 years old will give me a kick up the arse and motivate me to write write and write even more. Here's hoping so...

Peace, love, sweat and stage invasions.

As much as January is a shitty month, mine ended rather well with two great Adam Green gigs which were some of the best shows I've ever witnessed. The words "crowd interaction" are an understatement with Adam Green, who threw himself over the barrier and onto the audiences' arms as many times as there are metal studs on his sexy leather jacket. Performing a variety of songs from his 6-album back catalogue, it was every AG fan's dream as he went from parading around the stage as the frontman to grabbing his acoustic guitar and playing some tender solo songs.

For a man who used to look every part the indie/folk twee pop singer, Adam Green's appearance has changed significantly as he now resembles a doomed drug-addled rock star, skinny in weight and pale-faced. With his hair cut now quite short he doesn't look that much different to Lou Reed or Pete Doherty, both notorious smackheads. But despite the apparent trouble with drugs, he still gives it his all on stage and for £10 its probably the best I've spent in a long long time. He was as brilliant in Manchester last night as he was in Leeds the night before, and after a great 6th record he's fully justified why I'm so infatuated with him.

Love you till I'm 99...

Firstly, I am a very lazy bastard for not updating this blog in months, and after much self-degradation I have re-taken the helm and will continue my duties...

In the time that has passed since I last updated this blog, I have listened to lots of beautiful music and seen a handful of great gigs, such as Julian Casablancas, Modest Mouse and Julian Plenti. With all them resulting in brilliant nights out, it makes me happy that there are more gigs on my calendar. The one that stands out for me most is the lovely Adam Green, a man who I adore more than what is probably deemed as normal.

With 5 amazing albums under his belt, he has recently released a 6th, titled "Minor Love", and is about to embark on a UK tour to promote it. Myself and my dearest Ethan are going to the Cockpit in Leeds on Jan 31st and then to the local leg at the Club Academy in Manchester the day after, and after seeing him live 3 times previously, I'm really excited about what are almost certain to be fucking amazing gigs.

With that to look forward to, I'll come back to Adam's latest LP, one that is slightly shorter than his past efforts, but packed with songs filled with passion and a little more serious and soulful than his usual material.

One of his main strengths is his warm and baritone voice, which he puts to use as he croons through his sometimes nonsensical little tunes, either winning over the listener with his romanticism or just totally putting them off, as several of my friends have mentioned (wankers).

Its apparent that the man is usually fuelled on class A drugs, as his live performances show (there is a LOT of crowd interaction), but these songs display much more of a relaxed and reflective side to the singer/songwriter. Very Lou Reed-esque (as ever!) they are the kind of songs that you can listen to with a cup of tea and a cigarette as opposed to a bottle of whiskey and a joint (see "Drugs" from 4th album "Jacket Full of Danger").

Standout moments from "Minor Love" are, in my opinion: "Buddy Bradley", "Stadium Soul" with its tender and simple bassline, and "Lockout". Album closer "You Blacken My Stay" is a great way to end the record, and whilst it isn't filled with singles it still has "What Makes Him Act So Bad" which turns out to be nice little rock'n'roll song that you wouldn't be surprised to hear on the radio.

To be honest it was always going to be a biased review as I glorify the guy to a colossal extent, but I fucking love him so fuck it. A must for fans of Adam Green, but otherwise this one will just pass by relatively unnoticed.

WOW!...

The Flaming Lips are no strangers to albums filled with experimental landscapes of sound. In fact, most of their career revolves around trippy, unique music, ranging from the euphorically happy to the dark and the bleak. The band, now a 4-piece, is held together by founding member/zany ringleader Wayne Coyne, who sings and plays guitar.

Live performances involve the frontman emerging from an alien mothership and descending into (or should that be onto?) the crowd in a large bubble, as well as lots of confetti, lasers, fake blood and other theatrical gimmicks that work ever so well with the incredible cosmic sounds the band create. Anyway, this isn't a history of "The Flaming Lips", this is a little review of their latest double album, entitled "Embryonic".

Having only listened to odd song from the band over the last few years, I've always been intrigued by them and their quirky nature, but still haven't found the right time to explore their rather large back catalogue. Thanks to "Embryonic", this task is something that I will certainly be embarking on at some point in the near future.

The record has the feel of a concept album, reiterating themes of paranoia, science and space throughout the songs and also referencing each other at times. But it leaves you wondering, what the fuck did I just hear? (in a good way I must add). I must have listened to it in its entirety about 6 or 7 times now, and I simply cannot get enough. After each rendition it still puzzles me and makes me want to listen to it again. And again.

The truth is, you could spend a long time dissecting the songs and analysing the lyrics to find a true and deeper meaning of what the whole thing is about. Or you could just light a joint and lie in bed, in utter wonder at such a beautiful and atmospheric collection of songs.

Highlights in my opinion include "Evil"; a slow one that sounds like it came straight from Bowie's "Low" and "The Ego's Last Stand"; a mini-epic driven by heavy bass and featuring a total freakout. Upon listening, "Embryonic" appears quite apparent to be the work of a band that include ex-heroin addicts who admittedly tripped out on LSD in their earlier days. Maybe this explains the fact they have hardly ever had any mainstream singles, except perhaps "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" and "The W.A.N.D" from their last LP "At War With The Mystics".

This band seems destined to be what they've always been: a rare and extraordinary case of what can happen when a bunch of weirdos get together and plug in their instruments. Truly a cult group, they continue to blow my mind with the material I have heard so far, and I am excited about the forthcoming day when I have a Flaming Lips binge and tear through their discography. Final verdict on "Embryonic": BRILLIANT.

9/10.

And it rained all night and washed the filth away...

Hats off to Thom Yorke for making some amazing new material for our delicate ears to celebrate. After the brilliant simple electronic debut "The Eraser" in 2006, Thom's concentration was on his work with Radiohead, with a smashing LP and tour of the world. But now it seems that his attention lies with some more lovely solo stuff. Well thank you Thom, because I love it.

Getting together with bass magician Flea (wow), long-time friend/collaborator/producer Nigel Godrich, drummer Joey Waronker and Mauro Refosco of the band Forro In The Dark, Thom's plans are to use the supergroup for material that he has written himself. Such as the two new songs that appeared on the internet recently, titled "FeelingPulledApartByHorses" and "TheHollowEarth" respectively. Which are both fucking awesome, might I add.

So anyway, listen to the new songs, they're on Spotify which surely everyone has by now. And for further interest, Thom and the band played live at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday and Monday of last week. A good handful of HD videos from the "rehearsal" gig at the Echoplex have been surfacing on YouTube, below is one of my favorites. A very helpful girl has added them all to her blog, click here to have a peek.

As a massive Radiohead and Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, I was blown away by the videos and if you watch them you'll see why. Seeing Thom and Flea onstage together is truly special.
So fingers crossed that the band will come to England to showcase their shit. Again, thankyou Thom Yorke, for well, being Thom Yorke.

Urban tea party...

I've created another blog as a side-project, but I'm gonna keep on top of it so that its ongoing and current.
Its called "Urban Tea Party" and its all about me and my friends. Hope people like it. If they don't, who gives a fuck? I copied the format, i.e. the notes/captions from Adam Green's blog, but everyone loves a bit of inspiration.

Here's the link: http://www.urbanteaparty.blogspot.com/