Track Listing
1. Easy Life
2. Hang The Noose
3. Twisted Mile
Showing posts with label Woodenbox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Woodenbox. Show all posts
01 June 2012
Friday Freebies
I'd like to start off this weeks post by letting you all know that there won't be a Friday Freebies post next week as I am heading up to Inverness on Wednesday morning for this years goNorth Festival. Instead of sitting in front of my laptop next Thursday night, I will be at the Bloggers Showcase that myself, The Pop Cop and Song, By Toad are putting on. If you're up in Inverness make sure you come along to Blackfriars on Academy St to catch Make Sparks, Sebastian Dangerfield, CD/EX and Yusuf Azak. Right that's the shameless plugging over, onwards and upwards with this weeks Freebies...
Woodenbox
Funnily enough the first time that I ever saw Woodenbox was two years ago at my first ever goNorth, although they played in a tiny wee pub thta was only half filled, they stood out as one of the best things I caught at that years festival. Since then I have seen umpteen times and played their debut album, Home and the Wildhunt an unhealthy number of times. So unsurprisingly, I am really looking forward to hearing their forthcoming EP, 'The Vanishing Act'. If the lead track, "Kings Liar" is anything to go by, then we should be in for a treat. The single is available now as a free digital download from their SoundCloud page. If you want to catch the boys playing live, then you're in luck as tonight in they're at the Doghouse in Dundee, on Saturday night they're playing at the Electric Circus in Edinburgh and on Sunday they're doing two gigs at the Captain's Rest in Glasgow. That'll be an afternoon show which is 14+, followed by an evening show.
King's Liar by woodenboxmusic
The Pictish Trail
As I have said in the past, I am not really a big fan of remixes, but this Becky Becky remix of The Pictish Trail's Of Course You Exist is pretty shit hot. Since I started this blog I don't think I have ever used the phrase, 'proper bangin', but in this case I can't think of a more apt description. As always the track is free to download.
Of Course You Exist (Becky Becky remix) by The Pictish Trail
The Second Hand Marching Band
Good things come to those who wait apparently, in the case of The Second Hand Marching Band that better be true as it feels like we've been waiting an age for their debut album to emerge. Not ones to do things by halves, they have been busy recording, not one, not two, but three albums. One's a happy album, one's a sad depressing one and the other features Benni Hemm Hemm, so that's billed as being the Icelandic album. The first album is due to see the light of day in September, which one it will be is still unclear. However, to get you all in the mood they've posted up a demo track by called Can't Sing, as a free download on their homepage.
Gold Lions
Fans of the Black Keys, Jack White and White Denim take note, as Gold Lions should be right up your street. They've just made their new single 1000 Ships available as a free download on their SoundCloud page, rather ace it is too. With their debut album due out later this year, this Edinburgh two piece are well worth keeping your eye on.
1000 Ships (Album Version) by The Gold Lions
Easter
If you don't listen to the podcast Cloud Sounds, you should as it's fucking ace. Over the past few years, Ted who runs it, has introduced me to a fair number of cracking wee bands. Most recently he's got me hooked on the new Onions album Pleasure Blast, which is one of the best things indie-pop records that I have heard in ages (they're not Scottish, hence the reason why they haven't featured on here...yet). Anyway, I am rambling, sorry, there is a point to this, honest. In his most recent episode he played something from Manchester outfit, Easter. Now this is a band that I have seen Matthew banging on about a fair bit, but I'd never bothered my arse to check them out until now. Basically they've got song called 'Damp Patch' up on their Bandcamp page as a free download, it's taken from their forthcoming album, ''Innocence Man' which is out a week on Monday (11th June). If this tune is anything to go by, then I might well have to invest some pennies when it comes out.
Beerjacket
In recognition of the anniversary of Jeff Buckley's death, Peter Kelly, aka Beerjacket, is giving away a free download of a live version his track Joy For The Sad. The song which was recorded back in 2006 was in part inspired by the early passing of two artists that have were a big influence on Beerjacket's music , Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith. You can also catch Beerjacket live this July as he's going to be headlining King Tut's on the 17th, playing songs from his last album, The White Feather Trail.
Los Campesinos!
The Welsh seven piece are giving-away a free download of a brand new song called “Tiptoe Through The True Bits,” from their homepage.
Profisee
If you were listening to Uncle Vic's show on Monday night you would have had the pleasure of catching Edinburgh MC Profisee in session. If you liked what you heard and you want to hear more, then you're in luck as the Sega Bodega Remix of his track Shake is free to download from SoundCloud.
Profisee - Shake (Sega Bodega Remix) by Sega Bodega
Ded Rabbit
Edinburgh indie outfit, Ded Rabbit, have a whole host of of free downloads up for grabs on their SoundCloud page.
Dave?
Dundonian three piece, Dave? are giving away a free download of their track Take This Chance on their Bandcamp page.
Drunk Mule
Ah it wouldn't be a proper Friday Freebies post if I didn't have a free track to share with you from those lovely Drunk Mule boys, this weeks new track is called 'Pretty Way Out' and it's another wee belter. Download it for free from their Bandcamp page.
30 May 2012
23 March 2012
Friday Freebies
Kowalskiy
The trouble with writing these Friday Freebies on a Thursday night is that quite often someone posts a cracking free download on the Friday and I don't have time to update the post. This happened last week when my fellow blogger, Kowalskiy posted up his latest free monthly EP, his latest offering was possibly his best to date (do I say that every month?) including tracks from Blue Sky Archives, This Silent Forest, The Sea Kings, The Spook School and my current favourite thing ever - Behold, the Old Bear (who are also coincidentally playing at Stereo tonight). You can download the EP for free from Bandcamp
.
Where We Lay Our Heads
I think I should warn you in advance that the new Where We Lay Our Heads single, Bury You. is one catchy fucking song. Seriously I haven't been able to get it out of my head all week, not that I complaining mind you. You can download the single for free over on their Bandcamp page. If you live in Edinburgh then you catch them playing live along with Letters and Loch Awe at the Wee Red Bar on Sunday night.
Woodenbox
Nothing makes me want to delete an email more than seeing the word 'remix' in the subject header, I have never really seen the point. But sometimes there is the odd exception to this rule as I fucking love the new remix that the FOUND boys have done for Woodenbox's Everyone Has a Price. You can download it for yourself and marvel in it's glory over on SoundCloud.
Everyone Has a Price (Found remix) by Woodenbox band
Happy Particles
If you haven't already checked out Happy Particles debut album 'Under Sleeping Waves', then I would urge you to get that rectified asap, either that or you are already fully aware of just how fucking good the album is. Then either way you should check out the very first demo of the song Rhodia, that band recorded as back in 2009 when they were just a duo, as it's free to download on Bandcamp. You can catch the band playing their first live gig of 2012 next Saturday at the 13th Note, with support from North American War & Olympic Swimmers.
FatCat Demo Compilation
When the label that gave us the Twilight Sad, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Frightened Rabbit and now PAWS, post up a compilation of the best demos that they received recently you can't help but be interested to see what little gems they've unearthed. Find out for yourself what's been exciting them recently by downloading the compilation for free here
Sisterland - New Jersey (Red House Painters) by FatCat Records Demo .
130701
Seeing as we're on a bit of a FatCat trip, you should check out their imprint label, 130701, as they've got a free sampler download up for grabs. Featuring tracks from Max Richter, Dustin O'Halloran, Hauschka and Jóhann Jóhannsson, the compilation can be downloaded in exchange for your email address.
Brazil Exists
Stirling pop-rock outfit, Brazil Exists have posted up a few free downloads on their SoundCloud page. Some of the tracks were recorded with Frightened Rabbit’s Andy Monaghan last year, you can find them here. The band will also be supporting the Frabbit boys on their Highlands & Islands tour of Scotland next month.
Boxcar by Brazil Exists
Greyhound Out Of Mainline
What the world needs now is some incredibly miserable lo-fi shoegaze recorded in someones bedroom and thanks to Greyhound Out Of Mainline that hole has now been filled. He's just released his album, 'Quirky', on limited edition CD-R and as a free download on Bandcamp. If you're looking for something a bit downbeat to take you into the wee hours of the night then you might want to check this out.
Drunk Mule
And so we come to the end of this weeks Freebies, to round it all off we have the kings of Friday Freebies, a free download from those prolific Drunk Mule boys and their new track Forget The Crowds which can be found on their Bandcamp page.
28 December 2011
Scots Way-Hay - The Artists Albums of the Year 2011 (Part 4)
With the New Year fast approaches, here's the last in my series of Artists Albums of the Year for 2011. To finish off the year we have some pretty fine choices from the likes of Aerials Up, Inspector Tapehead, Miaoux Miaoux, Woodenbox, The Seventeenth Century, Edinburgh School for the Deaf, Ghost Pants and Sojourner.
Florida by the Felice Brothers chosen by Ali (Woodenbox)
I was excited for this one coming since yonder is the clock is a mainstay on our stereo. Celebration Florida is a beautiful unpredictable record which keeps throwing new things at you with every listen. It has a real attitude. The standouts for me are ponzi and honda civic which mix up amazing horn parts with modern beats and amazing piano parts. This record will still be a highlight of 2012.
Ashes & Fire by Ryan Adams chosen by Ryan (The Seventeenth Century)
It is no secret among my friends just how much I love Ryan Adams, but it is also well know that records a lot of what comes in to his head, puts it on an album, and releases it. Therefore it's no surprise that since his first release with Whiskeytown, "Faithless Street" in 1996, he has released another 15 albums, along with a selection of EPs and books. So as you can imagine, with that much going on, a lot of the stuff somewhere in the middle gets a bit hazy, especially when only a couple of years ago he had started up some heavy metal project that never seemed to take off.
But to get the point, amongst a lot of crap and some fillers, Ryan Adams always delivers for me, because there's always those 4 or 5 gems per record, at least! But there have been just generally good albums like "Heartbreaker", "Gold", "Love is Hell" and so on, and I will gladly add "Ashes & Fire" to that list...
"Ashes & Fire" is already for me a classic Ryan Adams album as it reminds me of listening to "Heartbreaker" for the first time, with country songs and folk songs, stripped back arrangements for a more intimate feel, I just love it. After thinking in 2009 he had completely packed it in due to a hearing problem, he brought it on home nicely with this record.
The Other Half of Everything by Martin John Henry chosen by Mike (The Seventeenth Century)
I was always a big fan of De Rosa and was sad to see them split having put out 2 really good, strong albums. So when I heard Martin John Henry was releasing a solo record I was looking forward to hearing where he could progress his sound too without the help of his former band mates. On hearing the finished product I was both impressed and surprised. The album contains a wide range of styles from electronic to acoustic based songs. All of these are married together perfectly by Martin's familiar Scots-tinged vocal. What is apparent on this album is that Martin Henry still has an incredible ability to write catchy and interesting melodies. Songs like 'Ribbon on a Bough' and 'Span' are toe-tapping and energetic whilst 'I Love Map' and 'Seventh Song' are both atmospheric and thought-provoking. The haunting 'There's a Phantom Hiding in My Loft' is a perfect album closer that leaves the listener longing to hear more from this extremely talented and prolific songwriter.
The Whole Love by Wilco chosen by Andy (The Seventeenth Century)
Wilco are a strange band, you either don't really get them or are totally obsessed. I'm obsessed. I think they're a band where you don't know what to expect from each record they release. The new Wilco album has a bit of everything: Standout tracks include 'I Might' which is a great rock tune and uses a sample of The Stooges' song 'T.V Eye', the grass root/country tinged 'Capitol City' which echoes back to the bands original roots, the catchy ' Born Alone' and the beautiful finale 'One Sunday Morning' which is a simple, yet inspiring folk lament telling the story of a strained relationship between a father and son that clocks in at around 12 minutes. The melody is so strong though that it could easily go on for longer, a superb ending to one of Wilco's better albums. I don't think they'll ever hit the high points of albums such as Being There or Yankee Hotel Foxtrot but it's up there. It's not a perfect album, but it showcases that the bands creativity and willingness to experiment are still strong, 17 years into their career. I also saw them live at the Royal Concert Hall in October and they were incredible, probably one of the best bands I've seen live. Jeff Tweedy has that ability to draw the audiences attention and Glenn Kotche is an unbelievable drummer – very creative but doesn't overplay.
I also really enjoyed the Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat record 'Everything's Getting Older'. It's a really daring record – there's truly beautiful and thought provoking songs such as 'The Copper Top' as well as filthy, Arab Strap-esque tracks like 'Glasgow Jubilee'. Superb.
Youth Lagoon's record 'The Year of Hibernation' was also a little gem that was released this year. Only 8 tracks long, but every song is a beautifully structured lo-fi pop cracker. Beautiful, simple melodies with Trevor Powers' dream like, soft vocal makes for one hell of a record. He's only 22 years old as well. Bastard.
Constant Pageant by Trembling Bells chosen by Mark (The Seventeenth Century)
I have chosen Trembling Bells - Constant Pageant as my album of the year, I have been following them since i saw them support vetiver in stereo in February of 2009 where they out shone the main act with no space for rebuttal, from then on i have bought all there albums each one a contrast to the next. there latest LP is quite far removed from there earlier material preferring a popier sound but still being true to there alternative roots. the track "otley rock oracle" has the band delving in to a kraut rock style repetitive and extremely interesting song that melts quite naturally to goathland which has the feel of a stately waltz. the closing track on the album is called "new years eve is the loneliest night of the year" is a rousing yet melancholy look at the lonely side of the festive period which was also released on 7" single with one of my greatest influence's bonnie prince billy singing it in December of last year further more it is a great album and i would recommend it to anyone who has lost there faith in Glasgow music.
Days by Real Estate chosen by Nicholas (The Seventeenth Century)
It is easy for fresh faced bands to suffer from the dreaded 'Second Album Syndrome', symptoms include chain smoking, Ren and Stimpy blood shot eye balls, severe sweating (that turns my curly locks into a Sly Stone afro) and a stressful sprawl of lyrical flimflam that I pass off as music. However, the boys from the New Jersey band, Real Estate, are an exception from this unfortunate standard.
They released 'Days' in October this year through Domino Records, and compared to their self-titled debut album, they've flourished from the lo-fi 80s pop band feel (Felt, The Go-Betweens, The Chills and the like) into their own form of stoner surf rock, but still maintaining the roots of their influences.
Martin Courtney's chilling vocal takes a more prominent place as a distinct melody maker for the band, with a soothing Kelvin Shields touch but with a ghostly Mark Kozelek twist to muster feelings of nostalgia that makes you sit-down-and-sigh rather than get-up-and-go. The opening track 'Easy' does just that, a great opening hit, fitting for any day regardless of the weather, which is what the whole album seems to incline. The instrumental track 'Kinder Bluemen' stands out as a more wintery dream , perfect for your typical December Scottish weather or an emotional O2 advert.
My favourite track has to be the hazy 'Green Aisles', which I think should have been placed neatly in the middle of the album, because it expresses the reminiscence at its best, like the 'days' when your BMX was your best friend and being covered in muck and dog shit. It's what you want to smile and look back on. But coming from Wishaw, my fondest memory was being chased by 2 grown men called Razz and Purp, but Real Estate capture their fond memories from their hometown better than how I ever could.
Wild Flag chosen by Grant (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)
I like the Wild Flag record because you never really get enough chances to hear women of a certain age having fun in music. Women usually drop or are dropped by the wayside or are bent into a paraody of some benignly, demented witch or else sexually aggressive and more cod-sophisticated facsimile of their younger imagined self. You never seem to hear a gang of women, as apposed to girls, cracking opening some cans, having fun and making a deadly and life affirming noise. They also remind me of Slumber party and a bit of the Organ, two great touchstones.
The Eno record with the poet guy was great when it was great and when it was bad it plunged the utter depths of middle England smoking a spliff while cleaning away the dinner party dishes. How can you close your eyes and see Angels on one track and Jamie fucking Oliver on the other? However `pour it out` was my song of the year.
936 by Peaking Lights chosen by Jamie (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)
I thought long and hard about this, as there has been so much good this year - Balam Acab, Police Acadmey6, L.W.H, The Soft Moon, Lorelle meets the Obsolete, ICEAGE. Nothing very mainstream, that's not to discount it, but there's been nothing of note, it seems to be moving at glacial pace into the realm of the bland.
My album is 936 by peaking lights.
It's not an immediate album, rather one that eventually ends up worming it's way in after a lot of plays. What was an early evening listen bled through to the morning,to the afternoon, until it was almost ubiquitous.
I have also loved pretty much everything the Captured Tracks label has released this year too
$o$ by Die Antwoord chosen by Alex (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)
Album of year - real estate - days or ducktails - arcade dynamics, blood orange - coastal grooves.
MikoJohn Maus - We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves
Ashley - Vivian Girls - Share The Joy. Really though, I have been listening all year to the Die Antwoord album even if it is from 2010.
Diaper Island by Chad Vangaalen chosen by Paul Carlin (Ghost Pants)
All the best things come from Canada. I swear it's true. Chad VanGaalen is one of those things. Diaper Island arrived as spring was, well, springing and completely knocked my socks off from the first listen. It's the most cohesive-sounding album CVG has ever made and owes a fair bit to 'Public Strain' by Women (which CVG produced) in that it's stark, awkward and clanging. The songs, however, are some of the sweetest this man has ever written. CVG has such an ear for melody and an incredible sense of space. It's a wonderful record and, in Peace On The Rise, he wrote what is probably one of my favourite ever songs. All of Chad VanGaalen's records are sprawling, delightful and diverse. What he brought to the table with Diaper Island, however, was an ability to control the dark and light in his music and it's barely left my stereo all year.
Snowglobe EP by Jesca Hoop chosen by Grant (Sojourner)
Much like the e.p i’ll keep this short and sweet. When i went to see the Eels earlier in the year i found myself listening to a woman who had lovely hair and a lovely voice. This woman was Jesca Hoop. Subsquently i listened to her Snowglobe release and i througholly enjoyed it. I won’t go into too much detail about every song and the like but the whole thing has been recorded very well and sounds fantastic .The first track ‘City Bird’ is a great opening track to the e.p and the rest plays through with ease and no unnecessary production. I should have been listening to her years ago. Hopefully it will be your cup of tea as well.
On a bored cold winters night I was on the hunt from some good auld irish music to soothe my soul... and that I found. Villagers, just one Conor O Brien's latest album 'Becoming a Jackal' is a masterpiece in itself.
Bored of a similar sound that seemed to be seeping out of every radio station I found comfort in this unique gem. Playful lyrics, haunting piano, random sporadic sparseness (Track 5: HOME) and a strange comforting eerieness puts this album into its own mini genre. Conors fragile vocals make you belive you really are apart of his ghost like adventure from start to finish, similar to that of 'Bright eyes' or 'Elliot Smith'. A truely unique piece of music.
Thurston Moore by Demolished Thoughts chosen by Chris (Inspector Tapehead)
Build a Harbour Immediately by Adam Stafford chosen by Julian (Miaoux Miaoux)
This record really knocked me out. It distills everything that was great about Adam's work in Y'all Is Fantasy Island, and splices it with his live-looping prowess to amazing effect. It's like a pop record that slowly melts and disintegrates - kicking off with awesomely catchy 'Fire and Theft', but by the time you get to 'A Vast Crystal Skull', you're seriously questioning your perceptions of reality and space-time. A huge progression for Adam, and as an album and artistic statement, it's unbeatable this year.
Thurston Moore by Demolished Thoughts chosen by Chris (Inspector Tapehead) There have been quite a few albums that have captured my imagination released this year, but none more so than the latest release from Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, which still blows me away each time I hear it. As an album it hangs together beautifully, with the same sparse arrangement of guitar (6-string and 12-string), double bass, violin and harp used throughout. A drum kit is heard only once, with subtlety and to great effect towards the end of album opener ‘Benediction’, which is about as perfect a ‘Side One Track One’ (to use High Fidelity parlance) as you’ll ever hear. Those familiar with Sonic Youth who haven’t heard any of his solo material to date may wonder how this stripped-backed instrumentation will suit Moore’s noisy avant-garde sensibilities. Most of the album is in fact quite serene if a little brooding, but at times he’s managed to channel that same intensity into these full-on folk-ish songs without ever having to reach for the distortion pedal(s), making it reminiscent of Sonic Youth without ever sounding much like Sonic Youth. The instrumental second half to ‘Circulation’ is a perfect example of how you can grind out that tension through writing alone – it’s a persistent cycle of well-worked discords built up on guitar and violin which occasionally but briefly resolve onto a major chord, providing some very sweet moments in the midst of a disorientating sequence. It’s a really breathtaking passage of music. Many songwriters will tell you that what they’re trying to achieve with their work is a balance of being simultaneously listenable and original, familiar and unfamiliar. It’s a tricky thing to pull off, but with ‘Demolished Thoughts’ Thurston Moore has given us nine songs that are often catchy but most assuredly far-out. It left me with the feeling that it could only be made by someone of his vast experience.
Interestingly he is helped along the way by producer Beck ‘Beck’ Hansen, who gives the album a lush, detailed and spacious sound which fits the tracks. Along with his other production job this year (‘Mirror Traffic’ by Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks), Beck is proving himself to be quite a distinguished producer. Both albums sound quite glossy but still have a lot of character, which is some feat.
My other favourites from this year include the releases from the aforementioned Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, Vetiver, Jonny, Jonnie Common, City Center, Ry Cooder, Mist, Julian Lynch, Los Campesinos! and Gruff Rhys.
Build a Harbour Immediately by Adam Stafford chosen by Julian (Miaoux Miaoux)This record really knocked me out. It distills everything that was great about Adam's work in Y'all Is Fantasy Island, and splices it with his live-looping prowess to amazing effect. It's like a pop record that slowly melts and disintegrates - kicking off with awesomely catchy 'Fire and Theft', but by the time you get to 'A Vast Crystal Skull', you're seriously questioning your perceptions of reality and space-time. A huge progression for Adam, and as an album and artistic statement, it's unbeatable this year.
Florida by the Felice Brothers chosen by Ali (Woodenbox)I was excited for this one coming since yonder is the clock is a mainstay on our stereo. Celebration Florida is a beautiful unpredictable record which keeps throwing new things at you with every listen. It has a real attitude. The standouts for me are ponzi and honda civic which mix up amazing horn parts with modern beats and amazing piano parts. This record will still be a highlight of 2012.
Ashes & Fire by Ryan Adams chosen by Ryan (The Seventeenth Century)It is no secret among my friends just how much I love Ryan Adams, but it is also well know that records a lot of what comes in to his head, puts it on an album, and releases it. Therefore it's no surprise that since his first release with Whiskeytown, "Faithless Street" in 1996, he has released another 15 albums, along with a selection of EPs and books. So as you can imagine, with that much going on, a lot of the stuff somewhere in the middle gets a bit hazy, especially when only a couple of years ago he had started up some heavy metal project that never seemed to take off.
But to get the point, amongst a lot of crap and some fillers, Ryan Adams always delivers for me, because there's always those 4 or 5 gems per record, at least! But there have been just generally good albums like "Heartbreaker", "Gold", "Love is Hell" and so on, and I will gladly add "Ashes & Fire" to that list...
"Ashes & Fire" is already for me a classic Ryan Adams album as it reminds me of listening to "Heartbreaker" for the first time, with country songs and folk songs, stripped back arrangements for a more intimate feel, I just love it. After thinking in 2009 he had completely packed it in due to a hearing problem, he brought it on home nicely with this record.
The Other Half of Everything by Martin John Henry chosen by Mike (The Seventeenth Century)I was always a big fan of De Rosa and was sad to see them split having put out 2 really good, strong albums. So when I heard Martin John Henry was releasing a solo record I was looking forward to hearing where he could progress his sound too without the help of his former band mates. On hearing the finished product I was both impressed and surprised. The album contains a wide range of styles from electronic to acoustic based songs. All of these are married together perfectly by Martin's familiar Scots-tinged vocal. What is apparent on this album is that Martin Henry still has an incredible ability to write catchy and interesting melodies. Songs like 'Ribbon on a Bough' and 'Span' are toe-tapping and energetic whilst 'I Love Map' and 'Seventh Song' are both atmospheric and thought-provoking. The haunting 'There's a Phantom Hiding in My Loft' is a perfect album closer that leaves the listener longing to hear more from this extremely talented and prolific songwriter.
The Whole Love by Wilco chosen by Andy (The Seventeenth Century)Wilco are a strange band, you either don't really get them or are totally obsessed. I'm obsessed. I think they're a band where you don't know what to expect from each record they release. The new Wilco album has a bit of everything: Standout tracks include 'I Might' which is a great rock tune and uses a sample of The Stooges' song 'T.V Eye', the grass root/country tinged 'Capitol City' which echoes back to the bands original roots, the catchy ' Born Alone' and the beautiful finale 'One Sunday Morning' which is a simple, yet inspiring folk lament telling the story of a strained relationship between a father and son that clocks in at around 12 minutes. The melody is so strong though that it could easily go on for longer, a superb ending to one of Wilco's better albums. I don't think they'll ever hit the high points of albums such as Being There or Yankee Hotel Foxtrot but it's up there. It's not a perfect album, but it showcases that the bands creativity and willingness to experiment are still strong, 17 years into their career. I also saw them live at the Royal Concert Hall in October and they were incredible, probably one of the best bands I've seen live. Jeff Tweedy has that ability to draw the audiences attention and Glenn Kotche is an unbelievable drummer – very creative but doesn't overplay.
I also really enjoyed the Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat record 'Everything's Getting Older'. It's a really daring record – there's truly beautiful and thought provoking songs such as 'The Copper Top' as well as filthy, Arab Strap-esque tracks like 'Glasgow Jubilee'. Superb.
Youth Lagoon's record 'The Year of Hibernation' was also a little gem that was released this year. Only 8 tracks long, but every song is a beautifully structured lo-fi pop cracker. Beautiful, simple melodies with Trevor Powers' dream like, soft vocal makes for one hell of a record. He's only 22 years old as well. Bastard.
Constant Pageant by Trembling Bells chosen by Mark (The Seventeenth Century)I have chosen Trembling Bells - Constant Pageant as my album of the year, I have been following them since i saw them support vetiver in stereo in February of 2009 where they out shone the main act with no space for rebuttal, from then on i have bought all there albums each one a contrast to the next. there latest LP is quite far removed from there earlier material preferring a popier sound but still being true to there alternative roots. the track "otley rock oracle" has the band delving in to a kraut rock style repetitive and extremely interesting song that melts quite naturally to goathland which has the feel of a stately waltz. the closing track on the album is called "new years eve is the loneliest night of the year" is a rousing yet melancholy look at the lonely side of the festive period which was also released on 7" single with one of my greatest influence's bonnie prince billy singing it in December of last year further more it is a great album and i would recommend it to anyone who has lost there faith in Glasgow music.
Days by Real Estate chosen by Nicholas (The Seventeenth Century)It is easy for fresh faced bands to suffer from the dreaded 'Second Album Syndrome', symptoms include chain smoking, Ren and Stimpy blood shot eye balls, severe sweating (that turns my curly locks into a Sly Stone afro) and a stressful sprawl of lyrical flimflam that I pass off as music. However, the boys from the New Jersey band, Real Estate, are an exception from this unfortunate standard.
They released 'Days' in October this year through Domino Records, and compared to their self-titled debut album, they've flourished from the lo-fi 80s pop band feel (Felt, The Go-Betweens, The Chills and the like) into their own form of stoner surf rock, but still maintaining the roots of their influences.
Martin Courtney's chilling vocal takes a more prominent place as a distinct melody maker for the band, with a soothing Kelvin Shields touch but with a ghostly Mark Kozelek twist to muster feelings of nostalgia that makes you sit-down-and-sigh rather than get-up-and-go. The opening track 'Easy' does just that, a great opening hit, fitting for any day regardless of the weather, which is what the whole album seems to incline. The instrumental track 'Kinder Bluemen' stands out as a more wintery dream , perfect for your typical December Scottish weather or an emotional O2 advert.
My favourite track has to be the hazy 'Green Aisles', which I think should have been placed neatly in the middle of the album, because it expresses the reminiscence at its best, like the 'days' when your BMX was your best friend and being covered in muck and dog shit. It's what you want to smile and look back on. But coming from Wishaw, my fondest memory was being chased by 2 grown men called Razz and Purp, but Real Estate capture their fond memories from their hometown better than how I ever could.
Wild Flag chosen by Grant (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)I like the Wild Flag record because you never really get enough chances to hear women of a certain age having fun in music. Women usually drop or are dropped by the wayside or are bent into a paraody of some benignly, demented witch or else sexually aggressive and more cod-sophisticated facsimile of their younger imagined self. You never seem to hear a gang of women, as apposed to girls, cracking opening some cans, having fun and making a deadly and life affirming noise. They also remind me of Slumber party and a bit of the Organ, two great touchstones.
The Eno record with the poet guy was great when it was great and when it was bad it plunged the utter depths of middle England smoking a spliff while cleaning away the dinner party dishes. How can you close your eyes and see Angels on one track and Jamie fucking Oliver on the other? However `pour it out` was my song of the year.
936 by Peaking Lights chosen by Jamie (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)I thought long and hard about this, as there has been so much good this year - Balam Acab, Police Acadmey6, L.W.H, The Soft Moon, Lorelle meets the Obsolete, ICEAGE. Nothing very mainstream, that's not to discount it, but there's been nothing of note, it seems to be moving at glacial pace into the realm of the bland.
My album is 936 by peaking lights.
It's not an immediate album, rather one that eventually ends up worming it's way in after a lot of plays. What was an early evening listen bled through to the morning,to the afternoon, until it was almost ubiquitous.
I have also loved pretty much everything the Captured Tracks label has released this year too
$o$ by Die Antwoord chosen by Alex (Edinburgh School for the Deaf)Album of year - real estate - days or ducktails - arcade dynamics, blood orange - coastal grooves.
MikoJohn Maus - We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves
Ashley - Vivian Girls - Share The Joy. Really though, I have been listening all year to the Die Antwoord album even if it is from 2010.
Diaper Island by Chad Vangaalen chosen by Paul Carlin (Ghost Pants)All the best things come from Canada. I swear it's true. Chad VanGaalen is one of those things. Diaper Island arrived as spring was, well, springing and completely knocked my socks off from the first listen. It's the most cohesive-sounding album CVG has ever made and owes a fair bit to 'Public Strain' by Women (which CVG produced) in that it's stark, awkward and clanging. The songs, however, are some of the sweetest this man has ever written. CVG has such an ear for melody and an incredible sense of space. It's a wonderful record and, in Peace On The Rise, he wrote what is probably one of my favourite ever songs. All of Chad VanGaalen's records are sprawling, delightful and diverse. What he brought to the table with Diaper Island, however, was an ability to control the dark and light in his music and it's barely left my stereo all year.
Snowglobe EP by Jesca Hoop chosen by Grant (Sojourner) Much like the e.p i’ll keep this short and sweet. When i went to see the Eels earlier in the year i found myself listening to a woman who had lovely hair and a lovely voice. This woman was Jesca Hoop. Subsquently i listened to her Snowglobe release and i througholly enjoyed it. I won’t go into too much detail about every song and the like but the whole thing has been recorded very well and sounds fantastic .The first track ‘City Bird’ is a great opening track to the e.p and the rest plays through with ease and no unnecessary production. I should have been listening to her years ago. Hopefully it will be your cup of tea as well.
23 December 2011
Festive Freebies
Frightened Rabbit
Just when I thought I had this weeks Freebies post all finished up cropped two free tunes from two of my favourite bands. First off we have the Frabbit boys with their new Christmas tune, Cheap Gold which you can download for nowt from their Soundcloud page. The band have also just announced that they'll be playing at the HMV Picture House in Edinburgh on the 10th of February. Tickets for the gig are on sale now.
The Twilight Sad
The other surprise freebie came from Kilsyth's finest sons, The Twilight Sad, who have also decided to share a wee Christmas present with us all. For reasons that are explained in the link below, they've decided to record a version of INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart". To find out more and download the track for free just head here.
Woodenbox
I'll warn you now, if you're not a fan of Christmas songs, then you might want to give this weeks freebies a very wide berth. If like me, you're a sucker for alternative festive tunes, then you're going to love this weeks post. First up we have a festive offering from Woodenbox (they've dropped the Fistful of Fivers bit), they've written a festive tune wittily entitled The Christmas Song, which is pretty fucking ace, you can download it for free from their Bandcamp page.
Zoey Van Goey
You might remember a few months back that Zoey Van Goey had a wee launch night for their remix EP launch. At that time the only way to get hold of the songs was on a limited edition CD that was only available at the gig. Now that the CD's are all gone, they've decided that as a special Christmas gift to us all they've made the tracks free to download on their bandcamp page.
Washington Irving
We really do have Christmas tunes a plenty this week, here's some more festive renditions which Washington Irving recorded on a tape deck in one of the bands room a couple of years ago.
The Stormy Seas
Another band getting well and truly into the festive spirit are Edinburgh outfit, The Stormy Seas who have just posted up their very own festive tune, The Christmas Before Last, for nowt on their Bandcamp page.
Café Disco
If you haven't check out the Pop Cop blog this week, then you really should as he's got a cracking wee feature on a band called Café Disco. He's just helped to fund the recording of a new song from band, which is now being given away exclusively on his site. I think it's a cracking wee tune, but even if you don't like it, it's worth reading just for the crazy scheming behind it all.
Kowalskiy
I appreciate that I'm a bit late with this one, but last week my fellow blogger Kowalskiy released his lastest monthly EP. Signing off the year in style, his eighteenth release features free tunes from Now Wakes The Sea, Wiredrawn, a cover of CYHSY from Reverieme, The Strangers Almanac and as if that wasn't enough there's also an exclusive track Happy Particles.
Coat Hooks!
You might remember them as Andrew Lindsay & the Coat Hooks, but since the addition of Sunshine Social multi-instrumentalist Nav Noorbakhsh their sound has changed somewhat, so they're now the Coat Hooks! They have an EP out in January, plus they're also playing at Tut's New Year's Revoloution gig, ahead of all of this they've made their new song, "Popcorn Blues", to free download here.
The Recovery Club
It feels like ages since we last heard anything from The Recovery Club, so their interpretation of the Christmas classic Silent Night came as a nice surprise. You can download this tasty wee treat for nowt on their Bandcamp page.
Fat Janitor
If you like your music to be noisy as fuck, then you're going to love Fat Janitor. I don't know too much about the band, aside from the fact they're from Glasgow and they'll make your ears bleed. You can download their self titled 7 minute song for nowt on their Bandcamp.
Bronto Skylift
While we're on the subject of noisy bands, that noisy as fuck duo the awesome Bronto Skylift have stuck up their track Cobblepot for free download on SoundCloud.
SubPop
Those lovely folk at SubPop have postted all of their free MP3s from the year that was 2011 all in one place handy place. For free tunes from band like the Head & The Heart, Dum Dum Girls, Vetiver and Fleet Foxes, just head here.
Drunk Mule
Hey you didn't think a week would go by without a freebie from the Drunk Mule kids did you?! This week offering is called 'I Built A Death Ray', if you still miss the Aliens (the band) then this might be up your street.
Lykke Li
It's been a pretty good year for Lykke Li, so as a wee treat to us all she's decided to give something back in the form of a free download for the “Lost Sessions,” which features some alternate takes for Wounded Rhymes cuts.
DOLFiNZ
Noisy two piece, DOLFiNZ have just announced that they'll be releasing a split single with PAWS some time in the new year. Sweet. Until then you can fill your boots on their Facebook page where there a whole load of free tunes up for grabs.
TheMirrorTrap
Last but not least we have a free tune from Dundee outfit The Mirror Trap who've posted up a free download of their track 'Broken Crown' for nowt on their Bandcamp page
29 November 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)