Explosions In The Sky ALL OF A SUDDEN I MISS EVERYBODY. Bella Union
Mogwai have tried to communicate tangible emotion via instrumental rock albums, but with minimum success. The Dirty Three (also a Bella Union act) succeed like no other band in vocalising with instruments. Explosions In The Sky is one of a few overseas acts (mostly Northern American) who are beginning to close in on the Dirty Three in their ability to communicate a whole range of emotions with instruments, and this album is an excellent example. The band (like D3) is at home in the live arena but the challenge always is to translate the sonic dynamism exhibited on stage to the shallow grooves of a CD. It took just one listen to confirm that if you want to hear what a live performance is like from this very special band, it’s here…
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The Hours NARCISSUS ROAD. A&M Records
The Hours are Anthony Genn and Martin Slattery. Last year Jarvis Cocker described the band as follows: “They understand what music is for – it’s for human beings to communicate with other human beings. It’s that simple, it’s that important. Let them into your life. You won’t regret it.” After listening to this debut album I tend to agree but would add just a couple of things to Cocker’s succinct recommendation; the music has to be melodically accessible and lyrically right. The Hours is indeed the complete package, and this is a highly accomplished debut album.
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The Shins WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY. Transgressive/Sub Pop
Oh I get worried when PR material emphasises that a band is loved by the Natalie Portmans of this world. My heart sinks when I read that a band has re-invented pop… Ultimately one has to ignore the hype, listen and assess on the merits of the record.
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John Cale CIRCUS LIVE. EMI
In 1999 I attended a 10 day outdoor music festival in County Cork, Ireland. It’s where I first saw John Cale who played five very different sets and I wished that I could acquire an album that reflected this artist’s eclectic musical nature, preferably in live performance. Well, here it is in the shape of a double album that covers a wide spectrum of Cale’s music. If you’re a Cale fan, you really do need this album.
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Holly Throsby UNDER THE TOWN. Woo Me!/Spunk Records
This is the second album from young Australian singer/songwriter Holly Throsby, and one that took several listens to fully appreciate its many attractions.
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Earlies THE ENEMY CHORUS. Names
This is the second album from this USA/UK foursome and follows on from their excellent 2004 full-length debut THESE WERE THE EARLIES. THE ENEMY CHORUS is full of contradictions; it’s bold yet friendly, it’s adventurous yet familiar, and it possesses a soft outer sonic coating but delivers hard, uncompromising messages. Suffice to say that the band’s invention, distinction and authority have produced an even better album the second time around, and it deserves your attention.
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ONCE Wins At The 2007 Sundance Festival
ONCE Wins The World Cinema Audience Award For Dramatic Film at the SUNDANCE FESTIVAL
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Phil Campbell JOY. Safehouse
I always need a really great new record to get my music reviewing juices pumping again at this time of year. And this is it! Phil Campbell came to my attention when my son handed me a music magazine cover-mount CD back in 1997 which included a song by Campbell called ‘Hope, Faith And You.’ I was blown away by the song and the performance, eventually acquiring the full album FRESH NEW LIFE a few weeks later. It was quickly added to my list of favourite/best albums ever. A year later I starting writing about music and tried to trace Campbell but to no avail – he had disappeared along with his fabulous album. It took me nearly three years to find him playing with his band White Buffalo and he told me his story during an interview that took place soon after I found him. White Buffalo released two superb albums before the band split and Campbell eventually recommenced a solo career playing many gigs in and around London. This is therefore his second solo album and in my book it’s set to join his first album in my list of best ever albums.
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