Tuesday 29 January 2008

Boredoms - Vision Creation Newsun (2001)

First brought to the attention of the world through their support slots with Nirvana, the Boredoms have been part of the fabric of the indie-rock scene for over 20 years now. However, they are still pushing boundaries today and picking up new fans, like myself.
On this album, VCN, they create a hypnotic sound scape which mixes their distinctive tribal percussions with dreamy electronics. My favorite track on the album, (Tilde), starts uses a breaks-y drumbeat to amazing effect, gradually layering the blips and beeps on top. I find they are the perfect accompaniment to work or the such like, as they're probably abit too frantic to totally relax too.
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(picture: http://tirck.blogspot.com)

Also, on the 7th July 2007, the band were once again pushing boundaries with their 77 Boa-drum concert in New York, a spectacle which brought together (you guessed it!) 77 drummers on what looked like a beautiful summers day. Check out this video.

Wednesday 23 January 2008

Pharoahe Monch - Desire (2007)

I'm usually more of a fan of laid back beats, but Desire hits you with it's upbeat mix of styles right from the off and the production is exempt throughout. The Trilogy towards the end of the album, a three section song possibly about the break-up of a love triangle, provides the most jazzy beats in the latter sections. Everything is here in the big melting pot of genre's, a hyperactive nod to Public Enemy on "Welcome to the Terrordome" and more soulful R'n'B styles on track's such as "Desire" and "Push".
While the beats may occasionally be hard to get your head around, the lyrics are pretty much a relentless flow as PM proves his worth and talent. He is charismatic and distinctive, ever evident on Desire.

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Sunday 20 January 2008

Wilco? Recommendations please!

After finally deciding that Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is a classic I have been addicted to Wilco but now I want to know what's best to listen to next? Which is your favourite album and could anyone upload me some?

Thanks,
Josh

Tuesday 15 January 2008

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Rodrigo Y Gabriela (2006)

I'd known about Rodrigo Y Gabriela for a long time before I got hold of this and I have to be honest, I'd put off listening just because I expected it to be so difficult to get into. The truth though, is that I couldn't have been more wrong.
The mix of guitar techniques by the extremely talented pair makes for an engaging and fun listen and the percussive nature of the Spanish guitar really stands out, especially to someone who hasn't listened to much music like this before.
Favorite track would have to be Ixtapa at the moment for the violin solo in the second half, amazing!



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Saturday 12 January 2008

House of Brothers - Deadman EP (2006)

Sweet melodies, lush production and soft vocal that evoke thought's of Iron & Wine are all reasons why this debut EP from 21 year old Sam Jackson is a success. Hailing from my hometown of Nottingham it's a wonder I haven't seen this guy yet, although hopefully I'll be catching him in March where he is on a small UK tour. The title track Deadman is available on a free download from his Myspace and is definitely worth checking out. Be prepared to hear more from House of Brothers very soon!