In My Earz pt.3

I'm just getting back into this again so hear is another update on my favourite songs of the moment.

Cut Copy - Lights and Music is from the album "In Ghost Colours" which has been on repeat for me over the past 2 weeks. Amazingly produced album and something a little different from my normal taste. Expect a review soon!

John Frusciante - Murderers was shown to me by Shaun, my housemate, and is an amazing song. I think it's on some skate video for Lakai too, not that I know much about skating!

Finally, I have this song, Bon Iver - Lump Sum, which I haven't been able to get out of my head. I know I am not telling anyone anything new when I say this guy has an amazing voice but I do think this song highlights it perfectly. Here is another version done live for US radio:

Explosions In The Sky - The Rescue (2005)

The Rescue is a unique record and project in a world where music is increasingly dominated by pressuring labels, pandering bands and consumers for whom an album is only as good as it's first listen. Recorded at, guitarist/bassist, Michael James' Austin house, The Rescue is the band's attempt at compiling a whole album of new material in two weeks, with the first 8 days dedicated to specific songs and the remaining time to mastering those tracks, a task which was also done by the band. With what sounds like a tiny amount of time, especially for a band who claim "it can take us months and months and months to write even a song", many artists would struggle without the tricks of their super producer and session orchestra but Explosions In The Sky still manage to produce something that is interesting, captivating and above all, refreshing.

Of course there are highlights and my personal favourite is the drum and bass led "Day Five" which is the band's attempt at writing "the saddest dance record in the world". The eventual sound is not so much one of sadness but more one of optimism and growth as the initial groove is layered upon with the addition of trademark guitar work and a simple, but effective, piano part. The band claim that this track has the most individual instruments they had ever recorded on a track to date but by no means does the song sound overdone as the contrary is true. The clarity of all parts is what makes this song sound so good.



Other highlights include "Day Two" where the band did the old switcheroo and changed instruments as well as the very odd choice of adding vocals! This results in a classic Explosions style build up coupled with some haunting choral vocals, very much like those heard on the Panda Bear album from last year.

This album is a chance for the band to take risks and experiment in genre which, while different, is often badly done by many bands. What Explosions In The Sky have achieved here is to break down the mystique's of song writing and produce a mini-album which is, not outstanding, but a very fun and interesting listen.

And there is more, it's all available for free here!

Saul Williams Poetry

This deserves a mention, even though it is another art form in itself.

Mogwai - Mr Beast (2006)

Mogwai are a band that I had ignored for some time as I stuck with my oh-so-reliable Explosions in the Sky and blinkered myself from the big scary world that can be "Post Rock". The thing about Mogwai that I never realised is, they aren't really that "Post Rock". They don't differ in a "16 minute long feedback epic" (see Boris or Godspeed) kind of way but instead in a way that means they just happen to write more interesting melodies, arrangements and songs than most British bands. Sorry Coldplay. They write the kind of music that conjures up anger about inferior bands, say, the Ting Tings. If Mogwai we're a steak, the Ting Tings would be a party sausage. No substance and supported by a little prick, sorry, I mean stick. Anyway, I have digressed.

Mr Beast is the bands 5th studio release and while not always critically acclaimed, contains enough stand out material to keep a wide eyed new fan like me entertained. The album is a dynamic and exciting listen with each track retaining enough stand alone value to shine individually. My personal favourite, "Acid Food", is a beautifully subtle song with it's steady beat and wondering bass providing the platform for truly stunning guitar work. However simple at times, the guitar harmonies are just perfect.

In contrast, the following track, "Travel is Dangerous", highlights the switches in style that the album takes by providing a brooding 4 minutes which explodes in aggressive fashion before simmering down again. Underneath the melodies and vocals lies a tight and interesting rhythm section which coaxes you through the opening bars and beyond.

The rest of the songs ebb and flow like the two highlighted with particular mention to the piano led opener, "Auto Rock", and the grand closer, "We're no Here". If you have even a bit of time for some intelligent and moving music, try Mr Beast. It will satisfy your hunger!

Mogwai - "Acid Food"

Vessels - New material

A while back I attended the Live at Leeds festival and discovered local experimental-rock band, Vessels. Thanks to Ben from Cuckundoo Records I now have a single and it is seriously impressive. I mean, seriously.

'A Hundred Times In Every Direction' is best described as a journey. There are subtleties here I never realised in the live setting and I can already see the progression the band is making. Bands like Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky have pushed themselves further into the record collections of the average muso and people are no longer scared of those long and intelligent song structures that such bands bring to the table.

Vessels manage to pack a lot into their 6 minutes and 24 seconds but this isn't one of those 'epic' songs that really leaves you waiting too long. It hits the spot, right from the first bar. Beginning with light percussion and subtle noodling the track explodes around the 90 second mark. Hello Deftones fans. I think I've found something. After we're gently eased out of the madness, the real genius begins. Harmonised vocals, a beautiful lead melody and the super technical rhythm section is tight as always. I have to say, the vocals remind me a little of Biffy Clyro circa 'Infinity Land' but this is by no means a bad thing.

Anyway, this is a really promising song from a band that needs attention. Make sure you check them out or see them live in the coming months. Check the label page for gigs and the new album.

Vessels - 'A Hundred Times In Every Direction'

Richard Hawley

Recently, I have been listening to the albums 'Late Night Final' (2001) and 'Coles Corner' (2005) a lot. I cannot get enough of his classic voice and the lush arrangements. The latter album gained a, rather late, nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2006 but the award in question was won by the Arctic Monkeys, then fresh faced and new on the scene. Hawley's fellow sons of Sheffield were quick to make a nod of respect his way with Alex Turner announcing, in his acceptance, that Hawley had been 'robbed'. Enough of the interesting facts though, here is a track from that album. Remember, Alex Turner likes it!



Richard Hawley - "The Ocean"

Independant 20th July

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/does-the-world-need-another-indie-band-870520.html

Matthew Bayly

Here is a short film on our friend Matt Bayly, credit to a guy named Shane Chapman. Check out his myspace too.

matthew christopher bayly - short music promo (preview)

Bullet For My Valentine - Hearts Burst Into Fire

Is this like the most perfect recent metal song? Why do I love it so??

*horns*

I am 19.

So, this week I turned 19 and I am now in reflective mood. What is different? Can I provide enough tenuous links in this to music? Am I 'blogging'? Yes!

Firstly, I am one third of Big Elephants, a radio show on LSRfm which will hopefully be returning for it's second spell in September. We play music like this;

Bright Eyes - "Four Winds"

Meanwhile, I listen to more 90's Alternative American Music than previously. WHO CARES!? No-one, and they never really did. That's what makes 90's Alternative American Music good, and special. Case Study;

Sunny Day Real Estate - "Theo B"

My pre-requisite for friends has changed. Previously, they could be anyone. Then they could be anyone with suitable music taste. Now they could be anyone again. Anyone who listens to this cannot afford to be choosy;

Paramore - "That's What You Get"

I still love this album;