Martina Topley-Bird QUIXOTIC. Independiente
Under the surface of the UK’s personality and manufactured pop-dominated music industry, there exists genuine and real talent. Over the last month, Rachel Stevens (formerly from S Club 7) has dominated TV and Radio airtime, and as a result has secured herself the number 2 position in the singles chart. She has mimed her song on each and every occasion during numerous ‘live’ performances. In sharp contrast, talented Mercury Music Prize nominated Martina Topley-Bird has being ignored by the broadcast media. It’s perverse in the extreme, especially in view of the quality of her debut solo album.
Read more 
Willis COME GET SOME. 679 Recordings
I usually read the accompanying PR blurb when receiving albums to review, especially in the case of a new artist. It’s even possible to find a grain of truth in the script, and just occasionally, something said by the artist that generates interest. In the case of Willis, talking about Justin Timberlake, “I’m not into Enid Blyton pin-ups but those NERDS are very infectious.” I sense integrity, individuality and humour with this lady that fuels my need to listen to her new album, quickly…. I perhaps should also mention that Willis, from Feltham, London, has served her time singing with bands and has been looking for a recording home for herself and her self-penned songs. I’m pleased she’s found one.
Read more
John Cale HOBO SAPIENS. EMI
I’ve seen John Cale perform live twice in my lifetime. The first was back in 1999 when he played five separate and very different sets at an Irish music festival. I approached him for an interview but was politely refused. The second time was later that same year when he was interviewed at the In The City music industry event in Liverpool. I made sure that I sat under his nose with my mini disc recorder ready and primed. I thought, ‘Got ya Johnny boy…‘ Cale has a certain formidable presence and a mind that’s as sharp as a razor. He’s a musical vagabond whose etchings tend to look more forward than backward. When Cale plays, you listen. And that’s precisely what I did with his first studio album in seven years.
Read more
Mountaineers MESSY CENTURY. Mute
How many unsigned and competent local rock bands in your neck of the woods? If you’re into music, then you probably know of dozens. It’s the same here in Wrexham where we have at least 3/4 bands that could end up being signed one day. But it’s unlikely. Why? Well, the Mountaineers are a local band from just outside of Wrexham town, and their debut album is an object lesson in how to get signed. There are two key reasons: they sound distinctive, original, and they have songs, good songs. And that’s why so many bands die on the vine. They may be more technically skilled; have a better lead vocalist or better bass or rhythm section. They may sound as tight as a duck’s arse. But without a ’sound’ and without songs they’ll end up in next year’s Cadbury fruit and nut bar.
Read more
The Stands Live
The Stands: Cream Tangerine: Five Leaves Left
Read more
Carina Round THE DISCONNECTION
If you ever meet Carina Round you’ll be struck by her beauty, and mesmerised as she looks straight into your eyes. Watch a live performance by her and you’ll be taken to another place by her passion, expression and skill. In summary, she connects, and in a way few artists can. So there’s a strong of element of irony in the title of an album that has the power to bury itself deep inside your soul. And it’s been a tough challenge to meet, and perhaps beat, the quality of her debut mini-album, THE FIRST BLOOD MYSTERY. It garnered some of the best critical acclaim I can remember in its year of release, and rightly so.
Read more
Ibanez Tubescreamer
Of all the pedals ever made the Ibanez Tubescreamer has probably found it’s way onto more pedal boards than any other stompbox, particulaly in the ubiquitous TS9 version. That it maintains a quiet signal whilst boosting the level, has super natural sounding distortion and the fact that many notable guitarists have been fans, most famously Stevie Ray Vaughn, have all added to the legend of the unit. When I personally have been on low budget tours where backline is provided by the venue or support band I always carry a TS9 and can vouch for it making even the most mediocre solid state amp sound acceptable. But there are many who feel originals are now ridiculously overvalued, particularly in TS808 guise (the SRV favourite), and cite the original Boss OD1 or Pearl OD 05 as much better value.
Read more
Vintage Bargains, The Les Paul Deluxe
Until a few years ago Les Paul Deluxes were regarded as cheap, utility only, generic Les Pauls. Nothing special, just workhorses. Then the early Goldtop versions started to catch on with collectors. The rest of them, however, still fall into the vintage yet affordable, underrated classic bracket. You love them or hate them, especially the pick-ups. I fall into the former category (although a Custom is still my weapon of choice). Billy Duffy often harangues me about what I see in them, clearly falling into the latter. Rick at New Kings Road Vintage Guitar Emporium tells me both Noel Gallager and the guitarist from Travis have recently bought Deluxes from him.
Read more
Turin Brakes ETHER SONG. Source
The band’s first album disappointed but my hopes were lifted when I saw the band perform live at the Witnness Festival in Dublin. The songs from the album came alive with the band’s obvious passion and skill. With Coldplay still thriving on the back of one great pop song, this band is their equal but needs the songs to really break through. This I feel is a better album and illustrates more accurately the true nature of the band. It still lacks the ‘instant hitmaker’ but there’s a consistency in pace and mood which I’m attracted to.
Read more
Nick Cave NOCTURAMA. Mute
Nick Cave remains a bit of an enigma for me. I’ve seen him perform both one of the finest and one of the worst live performance I have seen. I’ve heard Cave albums that have been both supreme and mediocre. I like him best when’s he’s playing with the guys from the Dirty Three; there always seems to be more drama, passion and excitement. I’m often disappointed when he plays with his Bad Seeds band (although it does include Dirty Three fiddler Warren Ellis). However, I’m pleased to report that this album doesn’t disappoint.
Read more
|
|
DPK: Digital Press Kit |
Shakenstir Photo Supplement |
Bellowhead 2010 |
|
|