The Horrible Crowes- Elsie

The Horrible Crowes- Elsie could easily be mistaken for a Gaslight Anthem record, perhaps the reassuring help from his band mates on this album and wife Hollie explains some of the similarities between Fallon’s side project with Ian Perkins.

Similar to Green Day whose American Idiot album tells a lyrical story, Fallon draws from the same semantic fields to illustrate Love and Life. In particular he focuses on the preciousness of time and how this shapes situations and feelings. For instance the concept of changing seasons and natures physical cycle is featured throughout the album, for example on track 6 he mourns the loss of a relationship that ends in the winter “and there was blood on my teeth/ from the long winters here” and still describes his sufferings in spring “See all I can do is think about you/ And miss all your kisses like the spring.” Using seasons as an indicator of time symbolises how easily it can escape you and the immeasurable healing process after a relationship. The intensity of these lyrics are heightened by its symbolism with nature,  the never ending cycle as a metaphor for relationships which begin, deepen and solidify and eventually end.

Fallon continues to focus on memories, he sings “I carry the ghost of my lovers at once” expressing how none of his past lovers have ever left him. Track 5 in particular is very poignant “And I just fell to pieces on the night that you said you were leaving/ You can’t come back from the heart that you left/ So go tell everybody that your man is dead.” In this chorus he is forthcoming about the relationship coming to an end and the difficulty of trying to regain what was lost. I also believe Fallon tries to emphasise the power of the mind that will keep these encounters alive and the everyday triggers that will either haunt or enrich your memories in the future.

‘Go tell everybody’ is the triumph on this album but every song stands alone. I Love that Fallon delves from the same lyrical repertoire, it is particularly comforting as a huge fan of his work and have yet again been left reeling by his vocals.

http://www.thehorriblecrowes.com/

November playlist

Stay Gold- The Big pink
Sunday Girl- Love u More
Monarchy- You don't Want to Dance with me
Joe Goddard- Gabriel
Sbtrkt- Pharaohs
Joker ft William Cartwright- On my mind
WU LYF- We Bro's

Just a taster of a few tracks I'm listening to right now, I particularly love Joker- On my mind. It's had huge airtime on Zane and Grimmy's radio show and I’m sure will be a household track in no time. 

Also worth a listen is Jade Williams A.K.A Sunday girl. The dancers all claimed for whiplash after the making of this Video (joke) but it's worth a watch nonetheless just to see her eccentric outfits and neon pink lipstick. Although I like the song, I have a feeling she is more style over substance. See video below

Marcus Foster- I was Broken

It’s clearly the year for male singer/songwriters, just take Ben Howard, Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Ed sheeran for example who have soared the charts and have sold out tours, is there room for one more?

Marcus Foster’s latest release ‘I was Broken’ features Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame. She is far removed from the harsh northern scenery depicted in the video, but there is no denying she could break your heart as she seductively poses down the camera lens to the lyrics “I was broken/ for a long time/but it’s over now.” The chorus content could easily be mistaken for The Wanted but I don’t mind, what is lacking in lyrical content he makes up for in vocal complexity. In his video every emotion can be read across his furrow brow, I am utterly convinced by him.

Foster has the ‘boy next door’ appeal and just like his contemporaries he would happily wear a hoody and jeans to his next show. Unlike Ed Sheeran who has the lexical range of a dictionary, Foster’s talents lie in his vocal ability to make even the most mundane lyrics have exceptional meaning. He could have easily made it without the aid of Stewart but has arguably fast tracked his career and paved the way for success in the American market.

Tragedy- Pukkelpop

One of Belgium’s most popular festivals was struck by tragedy this year after freak weather conditions caused the death of five people and multiple causalities. Heavy rainfall during the three day long festival caused staging to collapse, crushing festival goers underneath and chaos to those surrounding. I do wonder whether more could have been done as these conditions aren’t unheard of in Belgium where temperatures typically soar above 40oc during the summer season, heightening the expectations of freak conditions.

I experienced these temperatures first hand at rockwerchter festival in Belgium last year only a short distance from Pukkelpop which attracts some of the biggest names in music. In 2010 two stages were shared by the likes of Green Day, Muse, Pink, Rammstein, Pearl Jam and is also why it’s popular amongst locals who substantiate a large proportion of the audience. Belgium as a city had a lot to offer and is possibly the only place I was served cheese as a complimentary side to my beer. I also managed to catch a short leg of the tour de France as well as see Kelly from the stereophonics wondering around cathedral square ahead of his performance at Rockwerchter.

Unfortunately newspapers have been plagued by tragic stories, the most recent at Pukkelpop this year and those trampled to death at Germany’s love festival the year before. Let’s hope the muddy condition of Glastonbury is all that graces the front pages in the years to come.

V 2011- Hurts

After watching the highlights on channel 4 it made me sit back in awe, although not a lot was happening on stage a haunting atmosphere especially during their hit single ‘Wonderful Life’ was undeniable. It’s strange to think how they achieve this when Hutchcraft and Anderson are practically inactive on stage, yet the combination of subtle instrumental from the orchestra, Anderson on piano and impeccable vocals proved to be the winning formula. The only notable activity was the sporadic movements of the dancers placed at either end of the stage, dressed in lace with slicked back hair, they reminded me of the iconic females in Robert Palmer’s video ‘Addicted to Love.’

Unlike so many bands that tend to overwork their performance for a festival crowd, Hurts have done the opposite, stripping it bare and allowing the musical and vocal talent to shine. In interviews with the Northern pair they can appear awkward and unnatural in front of the camera and the composition of their performance perhaps reflects their modest and somewhat timid personalities. They sure know how to dress though and give Plan B a run for his money in the dapper-ness stakes.

The Flaming Lips-Primavera Sound Festival 2011

New Video- The Gaslight Anthem- Bring it On

If anyone asked me what's my favourite band? Without a doubt its the Gaslight anthem. If you had read my previous blog I try to explain how difficult it is (for me anyway) what I love about a particular band. I remember reading an album review, bought it online and I solidly listened to sink or swim for six months straight- end of, that’s where it all began, three albums and an EP later, watching various live performances in the UK and Europe and my love remains. My most memorable moment was watching The Gaslight Anthem at Glastonbury on the John Peel stage in 2009 with Itch Fox lead singer of King blues, three days without a shower and sweating profusely.

New single Bring it on taken from their latest release American slang is one of the more definitive tracks of the album. I think the concept of the video is weak and uninteresting, the sweeping camera is juxtaposed with still life images and the band performs in an abandoned warehouse. What interested me most was the actors look of despondency and one very familiar face, Dave Hause. Better known for his solo work of late, he is also the lead singer of the loved ones accompanied by Chris Gonzalez (Bass), Dave Walsh (guitar) formally of the Explosion and drummer Mike Sneeringer. The explosion broke up in April 2007 after being dropped by Virgin records and two albums releases, all members have gone on to join new projects. The video captures the song meaning well, Fallon sings “Wait a minute/ Wait a minute/ Wasn’t I good to you” questioning his part in the breakdown of the marriage leading to an acceptance that the other party has moved on to a new relationship “If it’s better than my love/ Go on and take it all”

Brian Fallon is currently on tour with Dave Hause, Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music and Dan Andriano from Alkaline Trio. The revival tour begins in Bristol on 27^th September, I’ve got tickets…..more importantly have you?
http://www.therevivaltour.com/

Single I can’t get enough of…..Foster the people- Pumped up Kicks

It’s had lots of airtime yet I never tire of this track. The band was recently interviewed on Radio 1 by Greg James after he employed two listeners as the president and vice president of bumdancery on the show after they made a video to this song. The video by these chaps is posted below but im sure you can imagine it’s content, perhaps I should make a tribute  to this clip as everytime I listen to this track I cannot help but shake my bootay either.

Album I can’t live without- The bouncing Souls- How I spent my summer vacation.

 

Doc Martins- 'With Souls Bouncing' how the band name originated

 

Formed in 1987, the Bouncing Souls have a discography spanning 24 years and 8 studio albums. The third track on the album True believers is easily the standout single with its simple AB rhyme and  punk inspired Woah’s in the main chorus combine to create a truly catchy record. The lyrics focus on the importance of friendship especially in this track and Manthem written about the friendship between Greg Attonito, the lead singer and the bassist Bryan who have been friends since childhood. Unlike many artists whose sole focus is romantic love, The Bouncing Souls decide to centre on an association that can be just as consuming, a relationship between friends.

How I spent my summer vacation is one of my favourite releases and has a lot to do with these lyrics “It was a darkness all my own/ a song played on the radio/ but it went straight to my heart/ I carried it with me/ until the darkness was gone” from the track Private Radio. The lyric describes the effect music can have on an individual and the healing qualities it can posses. I have been reading a book by Jodi Picoult called Sing you home about a music therapist using music to help provide solace for burn victims and hospice patients. It also explores the idea that there is no proven reason that individuals feel the desire  to sing, dance and tap their feet along to a beat, just like I can’t explain easily why the Souls music really touches me. All I do know is the combination of uplifting melodies and lyrics about lasting  friendships goes a long way to explain why I feel inspired about the music this band have produced.

Hailed as Australia’s equivalent to Glastonbury, Good Vibrations better known as Good Vibes to locals is famous for its bad weather and this year was no exception.

Wellies and rain macks are essential so in many ways Good Vibes is a lot like any other UK festival, but there are some major differences, for starters the temperature. Whereas at previous festivals I have worn three layers and a cagoule, I opted for denim shorts, a tank top and a thin plastic coat, the type that can only be purchased at theme parks and lasts for the duration of one rowdy mosh pit.



Me with my bum in the air and friend Liz outside a nando's stall

 Then there is the size of the festival, GV has three stages compared to its UK counterpart with four large main stages and hundreds of smaller set-ups and activity based stalls. The length of time is also disappointing as no camping is available and festival goers are encouraged to the after show party at a nearby club venue. There are four shows across Australia in Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast and Melbourne and very expensive at $160 for a ticket (around £90) but despite these shortcomings the acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop, Fenech-Soler and Kelis made up for it. Headliners Faithless and Friendly Fires also shone on the day unlike the sun but there is nothing like a bit of hot, spicy chicken at a nando’s food stall whilst watching Ludacris to shake the rainy blues away.

 

We are the Ocean - Go Now and Live

Dan Brown- Screaming vocals

Liam Cromby- Clean vocals, Rhythm guitar

Alfie scully- Lead guitar

Jack Spence- bass guitar

Tom Whittaker- drums, percussion

The second release from We are the Ocean, Go Now and Live does exactly what it says on the tin. The final track ‘Before I die’ vocalist Brown and rhythm guitarist Cromby take it in turn to sing ‘Take the time to enjoy the moments/Don’t waste your life/Next thing its all over.’

The band has taken a more mature approach to the composition of their eagerly anticipated second album. They have ditched the bleached blonde hair and the screamo vocals in favour of Brown’s grovelly, rich vocal tone. Even the lyrical content of their tracks ‘How do I explain how I feel?/ Every time I do there’s no one to turn to so why do I even try?’ to the video for The Waiting Room solidifies their transition from teenage upstarts to respected musicians. The video is not over complicated by a storyline and instead focuses on the band performing as a unit. Every word is executed by Cromby with such emotion I cannot draw my eyes away and is a sign that the band truly believe in the music the are producing.

It’s not going to be an album that will stay in my CD player for long, but worthy none the less.

The Team I'm supporting......

St Pauli FC from Hamburg, Germany has a large cult following despite quite modest success on pitch. They have a large and loyal fan base not only are they the first German team to officially ban right- wing nationalist activities but the fans have a strong influence into club making decisions. The fans are responsible for the team’s unofficial emblem, Alex Rosamilia, guitarist for The Gaslight Anthem regularly wears a cap with the punk inspired skull and crossbone design which has become an iconic image for the club.
The Gaslight anthem are not the only band to support the club, Californian band Bad religion have been following for years and they’ve even played a charity match against St Pauli’s third team in 2000. Georg Holm, bassist of the Icelandic band Sigur Ros and Editors guitarist and synthesiser player Chris Ubanowicz have also been known to wear the unofficial merchandise. St Pauli also take influence from their rock musician fans as they open their home matches with 'Hells Bells' by AC/DC. 



Alex Rosamilia wearing St Pauli FC cap


It is no coincidence that punk bands have been associated with St Pauli as they both share anti-racist, anti-fascist and anti-sexist ideologies. It may explain why the club has the highest female fan base in all of German football. In a world of sport that is plagued by hooliganism I am glad there is a team as popular as St Pauli who proudly adopts a set of values which may change the face of football and an epic soundtrack to go with it.

Herve- Together

I instantly loved the track and video intrigued me but I had a vague feeling I’d heard this song before.

As I was watching one clip caught my eye, it was over in a split second but rewound the television for a second and third look. The skydiver bore an uncanny resemblance to my buddy Roger who I met travelling in Australia. I instantly signed onto facebook and posted the video on his wall. He responded a few hours later replying ‘you found me, it was filmed for the video two years ago’ which explains one thing… How I may have heard the track before. At this point several of our mutual friends had commented, we all met on a three day sailing trip around the Whitsunday islands off the coast of Queensland, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef and playing drinking games in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

None of us were surprised as he’s an extreme sports enthusiast who had the funniest and strangest stories to tell. I strongly believe in the saying ‘ Life is about the people you meet’ because even across the other side of the world this video with little Roger’s head being blown off has managed to make me smile.

New Music

Listening to the same music and Sick of it All? Find Replacements for your old music….here’s a few easy ways to find Brand New artists…

1. Watch BMX/Skating videos either on youtube or extreme channel. Not only will you learn a few new tricks but the tracks are listed on screen.
2. Plan B pick up free music magazines which you can find in record stores
3. Or the next show you go to, turn up when doors open and check out the support acts.

So don’t be a Radiohead and go and discover The Unseen artists out there!!

My Spotify Playlist

Enjoy..............

http://open.spotify.com/user/cswain1986/playlist/3kE1qlFyY8rKhaeNGqgNMW

Single of the Week

My single of the week is by Glasvegas, Euphoria take my hand. When I first heard this track I swapped radio station and never thought about it again. It was only when I caught the video halfway through and mistook them for a slightly trendier Manic Street Preachers that I suddenly took notice. In this track there is a fine line between a song that has been modified by special effects to make it sounds like you're in a lucid state of mind as the track title suggests and the lead singer being violently throttled. Although I agreed with the latter in the beginning as does my dad who walked into my room and asked "What the fuck is this, dinners on the table" to the way you perceive the track after a few listens.

So the advice I give to you is to persevere and now I'm off to persevere with the rest of the back catalogue

The Vaccines- What did you expect from the vaccines?



The Vaccines Debut album



The Vaccines are:

Justin Young - Lead Vocals

Árni Hjörvar - bass

Freddie Cowan guitar

Pete Robertson- drums

Bargain buy from HMV for £5.99 the new album from The Vaccines- What did you expect from the vaccines?. Released on March 14th I wonder what to expect from a band that formed in the summer of 2010 with sold out UK tours and supporting the likes of Arcade Fire and Mumford and Sons.

I first discovered The Vaccines on Jools Holland and was instantly attracted to Justin Young's relaxed, nostalgic tone and the band's nonchalant attitude on stage. At some points you wonder if Young has recorded the album two feet away from the microphone especially on tracks such as 'Blow it up.' The whole album offers a mixture of upbeat instrumentals combined with confessional lyrics and has a real sense of beginning, middle and end. This is not only represented in a candid account of life after a difficult break-up but also musically with a punchy start, a solid fluid centre and on the final track an angsty crescendo.


The band's writing style is similar to singer/songwriter Frank Turner who with more poetic flair offers a frankness (sorry) about topics of rejection, finding love and loosing friends. The Vaccines also take a personal approach to writing especially in track such as 'Lack of Understanding' and 'Post Break up Sex' as Young writes 'I can't believe you feel good from post break up sex.' The simplicity of the lyrics is one of reasons this track is my favourite on the album. The vulnerability of the words suggests it has come straight from Young's diary unlike mainstream artist Rhianna, somehow I find it difficult to believe that she enjoys whips and chains as much as she claims on her top ten hit S & M.


My only criticism would be of the first track 'Wreckin Bar.' It's a potentially good starting track and introduces the album well but at the same time I feel it could be tweaked into an amazing song in its own right, especially as the album itself is 33.17 minutes long. But I'm not going to dwell on this as I love all 1 minute 24 seconds of it. It is obvious they are a band who love and take influence from some of their favourite artists such as Beach Boys and openly admit "none of us listen to much contemporary music" and who blames them when we have to listen to songs about S & M....no thanks.
www.thevaccines.co.uk