Dog is Dead - Christmas Wrapping

WOW!



What a great christmas cover this is! Dog is Dead known mostly for their happy and Chirpy have covered The Waitresses in an equally chirpy way!

Love this!

Smith & Burrows for Christmas No.1

It is pretty much a certainty these days for the winner of X-Factor to be christmas number one.


Millions of people watch the show and millions of people by the song the winner releases - generally a cover! I guess in one way it's good for music that people still buy the music.

Anyway, Tom Smith & Andy Burrows were drunkenly discussing the loss of the true christmas songs one night in a pub and decided that it was time to write a festive album. They wanted to recapture the Christmas from when they were kids.

'When the Thames Froze' captures the side of Christmas that lot's of people have come to forget - being with family and friends. This is why I am a big fan of this song as that is probably my favourite thing about christmas.

Theme Park

A band I recently came across are 'Theme Park'. I have done some reading on them and many people have been comparing them to 'Talking Heads' and I can see where they're making the comparison as the music takes on a similar feel.

Obviously we are currently in a period of music where a lot of the "same" sound is being churned out, but 'Theme Park' are fun, happy, dancey and offer a positive look on the world we currently live in and people will love this once it gets out there, certainly in festival season they will be a hit.

Check out -

My first Coldplay experience

I feel I should start this post by saying that I am in no way a Coldplay 'fan' as it were, don't get me wrong I do like some of their music including the newest album 'Mylo Xyloto' but I definitely wouldn't describe myself as a fan.

This gig has probably done enough to realise that despite what many people might say, Coldplay are a great band. If you haven't seen them live then I would suggest doing so, before it's too late.

I have been to my fair share of gigs some big and some small but this one was the biggest and Coldplay didn't disappoint their fans. The media seem to have a frenzy on Chris Martin's unpredictable personality which leaves many people with a bad opinion of him but lets face it, the media are the cause of many controversies these days and will change a story any way they can to make it sell so who can blame for being a bit sceptical of the media (granted most of the time he doesn't help him self).

Not only was this my first time seeing Coldplay but it was also my first trip to the O2 arena which was just insanely big... Furthermore, whilst walking around the arena to get to our seats we noticed a stage for 'December Sessions' - a gig in a gig if you will.

More importantly, back to Coldplay. Upon entering the arena we were given a rather dubious wristband which would soon play a rather amazing role in the night. Coldplay emerged to an expectant crowd and as soon as the music began everyone's wristbands lit up, flashing in time with the music - a truly spectacular sight.

On stage, Coldplay were surprisingly lively and gave it their all in every song in a set which featured mostly classic songs so even the slightly neutrals would be won over. Not only did they perform the songs to perfection, but there was an amazing stage show to support. Giant balloons were release into the crowd and confetti launched into the air during 'In my Place' on more than one occasion.

Adding to the spectacle during 'Clocks' in the encore there was a fairly impressive laser show to keep the audience fixated on the stage.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the O2 and would like to thank Coldplay for putting on such a fantastic show!

Maccabees vs Frightened Rabbit

Walking in the Air is a pretty famous christmas song that featured in the film The Snowman and I'm sure people have seen these cover versions but just in case I'm going to share them with you.

I guess it's up to you to make your mind up on which one you prefer but I feel each has their own individual greatness.


Maccabees



Frightened Rabbit




Either way you look at it, both covers are great!

Josh T Pearson

Admittedly I hadn't given Josh T Pearson a listen until I saw that he topped the Rough Trade album of the year (which I always find to be a good choice).

Although I understand it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I find this man exceptional. His weary voice speaks of pain and anguish which I think we can all relate to.

The Texas man took a 10 year hiatus after 'Lift to Experience' released just one album but now Josh T Pearson is back doing it on his and his album 'Last of the Country Gentlemen' is certainly a great album from the year 2011.

Bleeding Heart Narrative

Green Man Festival just posted a video of a Bleeding Heart Narrative session from the festival.

I was not at Green Man but I sure as hell am going to go next year, just have to deal with the heavy commute to Wales. Im sure it's worth it though, it really looks like an amazing Festival!

I did however manage to see Bleeding Heart Narrative at Truck Festival and after one too many local Oxford ales it was more than welcome to be able to sit, relax and listen to some beautiful music with a hint of folk.

Having been around since 2008 im almost ashamed to have not heard of nor seen them sooner, they were certainly one of my Festival highlights of the summer.

Forest City Lovers

Yet another exceptional band to come from Canada!

Forest City Lovers are headed by Kat Burns who possesses a sweet and gentle voice and the sound is quirky as well as innocent. I'd have to describe this band quite simply as cute.

Even more reason why Canadian Folk-pop is the best.

Dry The River

Following the news yesterday that 'Dry the River' are set to release their debut album, I felt the compulsory need to listen to them as much as possible!



So much good to say about this band, roll on the 5th March!

Admiral Fallow and Frightened Rabbit

I just realised I was selfish in not sharing this on here.

Some of you may have already seen it but for those of you who don't know, this is Scott from Frightened Rabbit and Louis from Admiral Fallow performing 'Don't go Breaking my Heart' together, I really wish I was there!

Do the Scottish really know how blessed they are to have two great bands in their country and also such an amazing accent!

Black Books (The Band)

Another band that I recently found are 'Black Books'.

The five piece band from Austin Texas have an EP out called 'An introduction to'

They possess a folky yet electric sound. Well worth the listen. Remind me of mix up of Death Cab for Cutie and Groove Armada.

Here is 'The Big Idea'

It's that time of the Year

As the new year is approaching most people have been busy compiling their top ten albums of the year.... I am finding it very difficult!

I can only say of a few bands that I know will make it into the top ten at the moment.

How does everyone do it...

Hopefully I will have a list ready before 2012

New Discovery!

I am determined to make more new discoveries.

Seeing as it's coming up to the end of the year and soon to be 2012 which of course is when the world will end I feel I should be finding new bands for next year.

Today I found someone who I had heard quite a lot about but only listened to recently.

Dan Mangan is certainly pleasing my ears. Granted he has done quite a bit since 2007 but a friend of mine today told me to listen to him and I thought it was about time. Hailing from Canada he provides a charismatic Folk sound that I am a sucker for!

Not only does he possess a hauntingly honest voice but the use of strings in the songs as well as electric guitar creates quite a fresh sound.

Favourite song of the new album 'Oh Fortune' is probably 'Post War Blues' and here it is:-



Enjoy x

Wild Beasts

So, I'm going to see Wild Beasts in a month or so and I realised I hadn't really listen to the new album... Well, now I am!

Its better than I was expecting and I really like the subtlety of it.

Wilderness of Manitoba

The other day, I stumbled across this band on Twitter (of all things).

Immediately I fell in love with them.

The only downside is I can't find anywhere to buy the CD for a reasonable price and my spotify plays are going to run out soon :(

Art Burt - Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms

Last night I made the dangerous commute from Southampton to Portsmouth for the good cause of seeing Art Brut.

Having not seen them since Glastonbury 2009 I was pretty excited to say the least.

Eddie Argos proved he still has what it takes, jump kicking along to songs and even entering the crowd to make everyone sit down whilst he told us about Modern Art.

I know some people who aren't fans of the newest album but I for one am.

Truck Festival review for MiddleBoopMag

Here is the link to my review of Truck Festival!

Great Festival and I discovered many bands!

http://middleboopmag.com/music/live/truck-festival-oxfordshire-22nd-24th-july

Personal Highlight for me was definitely Bellowhead on Friday night!

Kings Of Leon

Recently too many people have been slating Kings Of Leon, which, in my opinion is mostly just down to the fact that NME has done so and that they "sold out" with 'Sex on Fire'.

I think if everyone stood back and looked at things properly... First two albums they were amazing. They had two albums full of great songs, now they have one big song/ album everyone thinks they are shit. Not really fair, I still love their early songs!

Avi Buffalo - Thekla 11th July

Thekla has been known to be host to some great things over the years. Some big names have stopped through on their way up and this could potentially be one of those gigs.

With support from Tripwires – one of the coolest looking bands around and Admiral Fallow, who delivered catchy, bouncy flute and clarinet backed up with subtle Scottish vocals creating a similar sound to that of Frightened Rabbit, although softer.

Taking to the stage minus a set list, Avi Buffalo were almost making it up as they went along, treating the crowd as they played a mixture of new and old songs. Starting with new single ‘How Come’ we got a taste of the latest from the band. Constantly communicating with the crowd with his admirable sense of imagination Avi Zahner kept the entertainment up in between songs while he thought of what song to play next. Although hard to keep up with the names of the new songs they were certainly well received by the crowd as Avi Buffalo continued in a similar style to what we are now familiar with and although all good, from these new songs the particular stand out was ‘A Place To Be’.

As the performance went on lead man Avi’s movement increased in schizophrenia as he thrashed around on his guitar in a lively manner to almost every song, creating intense noises with his pedals at the end of most songs. One of the older songs from the first album, ‘What’s In It For?’ provided a sing-along moment for those in the crowd familiar with Avi’s work.

After a brief absence from the stage, we were treated to an “encore” if you like. Featuring two older songs, first of which ‘Summer Cum’, which saw Avi perform on his guitar by himself to then be joined by his band. The final song of the night, ‘Remember Last Time’ was truly special. Avi’s eyes stared forcefully through the faces of the audience as he moved around eccentrically and aggressively creating music that put many into a trance, as they fixated on the band.

Avi Buffalo’s performance was simply fantastic and was wonderfully supported by Admiral Fallow.

http://www.southsonic.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1827&Itemid=68

One reason I love 6 Music

They played this song by Mew this morning. Wouldn't get the mix of music on any other station.

Glastonbury - my Saturday

http://middleboopmag.com/music/live/glastonbury-festival-pilton-somerset-saturday-25062011

After taking a battering from the rain the day before I was overly relieved to wake up and get out of my tent to dry weather. After traipsing through the wet, soggy mud down to the pyramid stage Stornoway were the first band of the day. Having seen them play the year before at the Park I was quite intrigued to see them on the bigger stage. Keeping fully interacted with the crowd, Brian Briggs joked and told stories in between songs and the set was well received. Featuring a wide range of instruments they even made use of a piece of wood and a saw during “Here comes the blackout”. Leaving on the final song, I soon made my way up to the Acoustic stage to catch Benjamin Francis Leftwich, whose new album comes out in July. The wonderfully decorated acoustic stage proved a great backdrop for an intimate performance. “Pictures” and “Atlas Hands” being the two stand out songs.

During a rare break in my daily schedule, I decided to take a wander around the Circus fields to see some of the different things on offer from Glastonbury. There is certainly plenty to do; the only problem was, not having enough time to do it all. Next up was “Those Dancing Days”, this was a bit of a gamble as I was giving up seeing “The Gaslight Anthem” and am not too familiar with TTD but made my way to the park stage. I wasn’t disappointed with what I saw, energetic, synth-pop goodness provided by the five girls from Sweden. I decided to stick around to see Graham Coxon to see some aggressive punk-esc rock and roll, the crowd by this time increasingly growing in anticipation of the special guests coming up later on (which was to be Pulp).

The evening plan was set in stone, Horrors, Friendly Fires, Battles and to finish Wild Beasts. Having never seen The Horrors perform live before I was very excited to get the chance. Grungy and mucky the band entered the stage in front of a packed John Peel tent. Performing some new and old songs The Horrors were well received by the crowd who sang along throughout the set. Seemingly “Who Can Say” went down well.

Not able to stick around for the whole set I rushed off to Friendly Fires. Struggling to see a way through I settled for a spot near the back. Despite the distance from the band the atmosphere was still electric with everyone in sight dancing and singing along. New songs and old receiving the same response, Friendly Fires certainly seemed to be the highlight of many people’s day.

Battles showed off some exceptional musical talent during their set on John Peel, almost hypnotising the crowd with the pacey, energetic and emphatic drumming. The whole set seemed to blend into one as they left little gaps between each song.

Originally planning to see Wild Beasts, I decided to see something different and took up the chance to see Chemical Brothers. Not realising I knew half as many songs as I did, I was overwhelmed with the music and impressive visuals on show, the two combining to create a memorable headline performance. “Block rocking Beats”, the final song really emphasising the lights and wall of sound created.

Avi Buffalo

Just over a year ago I saw Avi Buffalo for the first time. In about a weeks time I will see them again in Bristol. I CANNOT wait.

This song in particular was sensational live.

Glastonbury Discovery

So I went to Glastonbury for my third year in a row... One of the best things about Glastonbury is the fact that you can find many new bands on some small secluded stages.

The first band for me to discover was "Mad Dog Mcrea", Irish folk, with foot stomping consequences! The flute playing is amazing.




Also, I was lucky enough to stumble upon this next band whilst looking for food after Morrissey's set. I ended up staying for the whole performance as it was amazing. The band is called "Molotov Jukebox", they managed to get the small crowd (which grew bigger) dancing from start to finish with some very upbeat and lively music combining an accordion, violin and trumpet. Thats what I like to see!

Middle Boop Mag

First Review I did for Middle Boop Mag,

Vandaveer

http://www.middleboopmag.com/music/albums/vandaveer-dig-down-deep-supply-demand-music

Glastonbury

So, it's Glastonbury very very very soon.

I am super excited to see TV on the Radio as I have never had the chance... Should be an impressive set!

Horses Shoes.

Found "Horses Shoes" a while ago so feel they deserve a little mention.

I really like this music. So mellow and "gazey".

A Genuine Freakshow

WOW.

Last night, in support of Cats and Cats and Cats I was stunned and overwhelmed with A Genuine Freakshow's sublime performance.

It's an over used term in my opinion mostly because of how much Jo Whiley used to say it to EVERY live lounge performance but I literally had goosebumps from start to finish...

The whole performance was tight and powerful. The instrumentals in particular providing the most memorable inspiration.

Lovely song. Sad Video..

The Wave Pictures - generally known for quirky guitar riffs, but, here is a different one which possesses a gentle sound.

Such a sweet love song.

Modest Mouse.

Best. Band. Ever.

Songs to suit every mood.

I hope America appreciates having them on their land.

Generation Music

When we look back at different era's of music, we associate each decade with a certain style of music. 50's was rock n roll, 70's was Punk etc. Was it the case back then that everyone liked the same genre of music and therefore dressed the same?

It seems whenever you talk to someone about their era of music from when they were young, that they are proud of it, proud to have been there when it was all happening.

The worrying thing for me is that what does our generation have to show for it in terms of music? As far as I can work out it completely varies from person to person but for me this era will be defined by dubstep. Dubstep seems to be the biggest thing music wise right now. I know plenty of people who totally dislike dubstep but it seems the majority do. Does this mean I will be associated with "The Dubstep Era"? I hope not!

Some people who I talk to about the music they listened to when they were growing up tell me that they weren't interested in that scene or that music and that they listened to other music. Yet when you read about that era all you hear is that people were all doing the same thing.

It certainly isn't the case in this era so I hope we don't all get labelled as part of "The Dubstep Generation"

The Mountains & The Trees

About a month ago, I was very lucky to have the chance to put on The Mountains & The Trees for an intimate gig in Southampton at Guava - formerly Hamptons.

Not only was the performance perfect and very gratefully received by the welcoming and silent crowd, but the weather was somewhere near perfect. It might seem odd to mention the weather for an indoor gig but as Guava has the windows behind the stage it adds to the atmosphere. On this particular May evening we had a thunder storm which just complimented the atmosphere created by Jon Janes (TMATT).

Since the gig his album has been played regularly by myself.

'Goodbye Little Town' is certainly a song which I can relate to and I think many people will be able to. The only video version I can find on Youtube is of a session...just need to wait 40 seconds, but then it's oh so good!



A song from the album that I am thoroughly enjoying at the moment is "Minimum Wage Lovers" possibly the best and most suitable student love song?



Enjoy x

Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Really been getting into Bejamin Francis Leftwich today...

Heard him a while ago doing a live session for Mark Riley on 6 Music, after seeing he was playing Green Man Festival I have started listening more intently so to speak!

I hear a similarity to Bon Iver and City & Colour. Most people I know who like City & Colour generally like him because of 'Alexisonfire' so would probably not admit to liking BFL...

Now all I need is my Green Man ticket!!

Sasquatch

I want to go to this. Next year...if I save a lot of money...maybe?

http://sasquatchfestival.com/


Few photo's from this year's festival are up on NPR's website, looks like the perfect place for a festival. Damn you Seattle!

http://www.npr.org/series/136238533/live-from-sasquatch-music-festival?ps=mh_frimg1


I WILL GO!

New Bright Eyes

So, its taken me a while to get hold of Bright Eyes new album....

I must say, I wasn't really sure what to expect but I am really enjoying the album.

Conor Oberst still has his genuine and almost quivering voice with a more fuller sound from the instruments!

I really want to know where the sampled voices come from though....I'm assuming it's something from Scientology......?

One of the songs that really stood out to me for having a bit of a different sound was "Jejune Stars"

Film Soundtracks

For me, a good film is made better by the sound track.

A few films that I have seen recently with great soundtracks are:


1: Away We Go - I watched this film on the basis that John Krasinski was in it, (seeing as I am a bit of an American Office geek...)

A featured artist in the Soundtrack is Alexi Murdoch, what a wonderful musical backdrop Alexi and his music add.




2: Garden State - A film I watched after hearing it had a good soundtrack and I was certainly not dissapointed.

Alexi Murdoch featured yet again as well as The Shins and Iron & Wines cover of Postal Service - "such great Heights". People who moan about covers annoy me. This is a great cover.




3: Once - such a cute film about a busker in Dublin. It's quite a sad yet warming ending somehow!? The soundtrack is from lead actor Glen Hansard's band 'The Frames'.

The Wave Pictures

I had the fortune of seeing The Wave Pictures recently at Southampton Joiners. It was an amazing show, showing off in my opinion some sophisticated ad interesting song writing as well as some intricate and tight instrumental performances on all instruments. David Tattersall in particular impressing with his guitar skills.

One of the more catchy numbers of the evening for me was "Little Surprise"

Chilling to The Low Anthem

Nothing beats doing nothing and listening to The Low Anthem.

On those long days where I find myself with nothing to do I personally love listening to The Low Anthem, story telling folk at it's best.

The First album has some real smooth songs on it and "Senorita" is one that has really started to grow on me.

This band deserve a lot more recognition!

BATTLES

Today I have been listening to Battles... Very much a band that I knew of but maybe didn't listen to as much as I should have as I am fully loving the album "Mirrored" and certainly the song "Atlas".

Ones imagination can go wild listening to this song!

DCFC "Codes and Keys"

So happy to have purchased Death Cabs newest album today!

I'm sure like most people I had streamed the album online when it was released on npr's website but now I actually have the album all to myself and it is superb!

The album has so many good songs, too many in fact so I can't actually choose a favourite!

"Doors Unlocked and Open" is one of the ones to have made a good impression on me today so here it is:

I'm Back

So, it's been a while since I last posted any blogs. I thought the summer would be a good time to do this.


A while ago I discovered Neutral Milk Hotel, obviously they have been around for a while but it was the first time I had heard them following a Last.fm recommendation. Understandably "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" was the stand out song from the band. I then found a fantastic cover of this song from the fantastic Fanfarlo. They don't really change much in the song but the unique voice of Simon Balthazar really compliments the song. I have been listening to it non-stop ever since finding it and felt it was the sort of thing that should be shared with the world. Here it is: