Don't Sink, Swim

Synergy Live 2011. Done.

2011-11-29T10:49:00.001+02:00

So I’ve tried writing this post a few times this morning andI get stuck at the same point every time. It’s the point where what I writebecomes so long that I lose your interest halfway, and I fucking hate that, soI will try to avoid doing the same. So here is my take on one of the bestfestivals I’ve been to.

Friday. It wasn’t the greatest day, but once we arrived, allwas better. I had a shady parking (something which become even more important15 minutes later), we hooked up with the mates and proceeded to pitch tents inthe parking lot. In the parking lot? Yes. Because the camp site was far, and weweren’t there to play camp, we were there for rock and roll.

I realised I had not taken our massive tent’s poles along,so my trusted grey spidermonkey served as our camp for the weekend. And let metell you, as a tall guy, my little i10 is actually super comfortable. I’venever slept as late at a festival, until 9AM on Sat morning, and my body feltless broken than usual upon our return home.

And that is surprising, because as was discussed many times throughoutthe weekend, “we didn’t feel that wasted, but we think we’d had quite a lot todrink”. And I think we did, I don’t remember, and I don’t remember because Iwas too busy hanging out with quality people, watching quality music. Fridaynight was stolen, for me at least, by Ashtray Electric.

There was a sense of occasion while they were playing, andwe all noticed. Goeie werk ouens, ek het julle gese daai album is spesiaal.

My second favourite act was Shadowclub who didn’t care abouta few unturned strings, a couple of missed notes or keeping it down. All ofthese things made it more fucking fantastic. Guys, I like your style, and willcertainly be seeing you at many more gigs.

Then Saturday arrived and we were all hungover as hell. Itwas bright; we crashed around, watched some comedy, ate some greasy goods andsipped on fresh cappuccinos. You know, the typical Cape Town festival way.

(this paragraph hasbeen removed to make space for what’s about to follow)

Then a few bands played, and for the most part they weregood, and then Black Rebel Motorcycle Club took the stage. And that’s whenSynergy peaked, at the perfect time, before the weekend’s wave would crash andretreat back into Monday.

Primal in its assault, simple in its complexity andunrelenting in its execution, BRMC’s set took all of us on an unparalleledmusical journey. It flowed, it was alive, and those who were there, we all feltit. I’m rarely quiet when it comes to my opinion on music, however, all Iremember is Dan standing next to me saying “rickbosch is smiling, he’s justsmiling. Fuck, so is Rudi!” And that sums it up perfectly.

I had nothing to say, I couldn’t find the words, it was unusualfor me. In those two hours from when they started to when the encore finished,it was completely heartfelt. From their renditions of the tracks we all wantedto hear, to their appreciation of the crowd and being invited to South Africa,it was real. We were there. It was great to be a part of the crowd and to stillbe glowing about it on Tuesday, that doesn’t happen often.

So you see? Details aren’t what matter when it comes tofestival reports, only two things do. Did you make it home and did you seemusic that moved you? I can happily answer yes to both of those, we even madesome new friends, got smashed with some old ones, and generally just had agreat time.

This was all just topped off with BRMC killer set, and asyou can see, I find it hard to let it go. I want to hold onto that feeling forjust a little longer, they howled and they crooned, they persuaded us to keepwatching, as Robert jumped to the front of the stage smashing his hand onto hisheart while asking “what ever happened to our rock and roll?” and for once, wecould all look around and drink it in, because it was there. It was them, andit was us and all I could hear was rock and roll.

Debut albums - The oft too easy first album

2011-09-30T13:24:00.003+02:00

I've noticed a trend in my listening habits and I think I may be onto something. I love most of my favourite bands' debut albums, it's as if they all have a thread that magically links them together. And I think I've found it.

Bands generally draw heavily from their inspirations on their first albums, I am not going to list all of them here though, because that would just be silly, and it's Friday. Anyway, I think that because those albums are by their definition retrospective, they really do strike a chord with me. If only because it's the same way I look at music.

It's all from somewhere, and I find it more apparent in debut albums. Then comes the "difficult" second album, where the band needs to find its own voice, to drop the comparisons, and I will admit, many pull it off. Then comes the test of longevity, which so many bands fail, hopelessly.

Third albums are killers, they're very difficult to get right and if you don't, then what? My take is just that as musicians these bands grow and the more you grow, the more you want to try new things, it's evolution, but that's also when many bands start losing the plot.

I probably didn't teach you anything, but this train of thought has me going back through all of my favourite bands' debut offerings to see if I spot more of their influences, or themselves (having listened to all their records) on their debut.

And on that note, I will leave you with one question, what do you consider to be the best debut album ever?

rick.
over.

My wish...for an iPhone

2011-09-07T16:39:00.000+02:00

Yes, it's true, I have a wish for an iPhone, however, it's not to own one, it's to school the owners of them that they don't make you cooler. They're like drop-top Ferraris. You can drive that shit with the roof up all day long and no one will think any differently of you, but you put the top down, and you look a doos (this joke is courtesy of Mr Jeremy Clarkson, I'm not that good). This is a fact. No one wants to sit in their i10 at the traffic lights and to the left see a 30-something in their brand new convertible Ferrari. You know what the irony is? Most people who drive Ferraris, especially the drop tops, drive them alone.

I've found a lot of iPhone users to be kind of "hey, look at what my phone can do!" So I will indulge you, blow my mind, and they show me apps. Really, you think your phone's capabilities are determined and best illustrated by the apps you download from your closed source, source?

I may only have a humble HTC Desire, which is rooted, running the very latest version of Android, underclocked and other geeky things that aren't important right now, but the point I'm trying to make is that it's about personalisation, no matter how big or small.

After all, isn't that what a phone is all about, they do tend to act as extensions of our personalities, so luddites, they're mostly Blackberry fans, geeks are Android fanboys and the trendies, well, we all know you want something that looks fabulous, darling.

And the iPhone does, it looks exactly the way Steve Jobs wanted it to look, but I want my phone to look like mine, not like everyone else's. I want it to make my life easier, not bend my usage habits to play by its rules, and if the urge grabs me, I would like to be able to see how its guts work, this is called open source.

If you don't know what open source means, here's a breakdown, in simple English, it's free software that you can do with whatever you want to. Modify it, share it with your friends, read it, it doesn't matter, because it's free and that's the way information should be, free for you to do with as YOU choose, not as you're told.

Android runs on a number of devices (many better than the iPhone, any iPhone), so you have choice, you can decide what works for you, instead of being spoon-fed what Apple deems acceptable. So when you're upgrading next time, don't listen to your friend behind his Instagram camera about how "cool" it is, test some other devices, HTC, Samsung, Motorola all have fantastic handsets, see what fits your needs, and remember, you can find an open source version for Android of pretty much any Apple app imaginable. Fact. (Quick Android tip. Vignette is one of the best camera apps available, for any platform. check it out in the Market.)

The choice is yours, do you want to be part of the iPhone or the future? Decide wisely.

rick.

out.

The Modern Geek

2011-08-10T09:27:00.001+02:00

Gone are the days when Rick Moranis was the shiny embodiment of the word "geek", or "nerd", because as insulting as those titles were while growing up, today, we're all nerd and communicating online is our revenge. These include our lashings out at society's occasional stupidity, the world's issues and of course, personal preference.

I can see you shaking your head right now, "I'm not a nerd" I can hear you think, but I hate to break this to you, you are. Well, that's not strictly true I guess. If you found this post via Facebook, chances are that you're safe, however, if you stumbled upon this post via Twitter, then I'm afraid you may have to face the facts and embrace your inner Urkel.

We're all constantly online, browsing, surfing, chatting, learning, smutting, whatever floats your boat, and growing up, that kind of thing was reserved for the uber-geeks and superhackers. Those guys that hit puberty and moved into their parents' basement to hack the planet. However, technology has moved on, and has given every single person in the world the opportunity to share his or her views on the world, all the time, and to me, that signifies what I am going to start referring to as the "Dawn of the Modern Geek."

You're still not convinced? How many pirated films have you watched? How many albums have you listened to that were downloaded? How many people that you've never met do you talk to on a daily basis? All of these things have contributed to our technology driven society, whether here in Africa or in the "First World."

The stereotypical "nerd" or "geek" wears thick glasses, can barely see and has the high score on "Frogger" or "Pac-Man" at the local arcade, but no more. Now, to be a true nerd, you need to be a luddite, a technophobe, someone who does not dabble online, the tables have turned and the reluctant will be left behind if they do not embrace the tools at their disposal. In a nutshell, you need to be an ignorant fool.

I am very proud of being a geek, I embrace it, now the question is, can you shatter that bubble around you and embrace your fate? It's evolution, our natural progression, we need to adapt to the times and utilise the tools and gadgets at our disposal to the best of our abilities or risk being left behind, alone in a dark corner somewhere on MySpace.

Here's the kicker, if you told me in high school (which ended 11 years ago) that the geeks and nerds would be taking over in South Africa, I would've laughed my ass off, however I think it's true.

It's 2011, and every day we're online, every time we share some of ourselves with the great online information superhighway, we contribute to the revenge of the nerds, we're contributing to the toppling of the "old way" of doing things. We're ushering in a new era, we're spearheading it in fact, and I, for one, think that there has never been a better time to be a geek, nerd or which ever term you prefer, because this is our time, and if you're reading this, welcome to your evolution.

Rick.
Out.

Ashtray Electric - Measured in Falls album launch

2011-06-15T22:25:00.001+02:00

Ashtray Electric launched their brand new album, Measured in Falls on Saturday night at The Assembly and I'm glad to report, it rocked. Now I've seen the four piece a few times and between RAMfest, Assembly's birthday bash and Saturday night, I struggle to pick a favourite performance.

Saturday night started off reasonably slowly, but by the time the band took to the stage, it was packed. I grabbed a seat at the back with a "Twitter BFF", to gain some perspective you see. Our vantage point was perfect for eye gazing and observing, which is why I was there.

The band was as well rehearsed as I've seen them, and it carried the show effortlessly. The familiar, older songs invoked some sort of safety net for the unsuspecting onlookers before the new tracks transformed them to drones in an instant. But then, the inevitable appreciative nods from Cape Town's indie appreciation society. You see in Cape Town that's how it's done, apparently.

I've noticed this weird trend in Cape Town recently. Music fans tend not to get to involved at a show when an artist performs new material. This could be for any number of reasons, but because this is a good review, I will focus on the positive. Because that's exactly how I feel about what Ashtray Electric are doing and because it's true, they were fantastic.

I also think it's because a lot of fans here really watch and digest what bands are doing. Almost like we're all professional critics.

The new songs sound bigger, more bold and, dare I say, more mature? The boys have found their groove on this record and I hope local fans echo that sentiment. The songs are well crafted and Andre's vocals just keep improving.

They are, as with all bands, not for everyone, however, this new album could sway your opinion. So give it a go, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. If you like any kind of indie bands, you owe it to yourself to listen to this album

I had a great night watching them and I'm sure everyone else in attendance did. It is a cliché, but if you weren't there, you missed out, you really did.

The album isn't in stores just yet, but keep an eye out for it, it's going to be one to keep you warm this winter.

Rick.
Over.

I tweet because I'm unhappy and I'm unhappy because I tweet.

2011-06-10T11:45:00.000+02:00

It's very strange how my blog has become a barren wasteland in recent times, but as usual after a slight spurt of posts, none about music mind you, we're back baby! This brings me to the topic of today's discussion, do we tweet because we're unhappy and unfulfilled in our real lives? User patterns lead me to believe so.

It's weird, when I worked in an office full time, I thought about different things I guess. Now that I work from home, for myself, the whole social media-sphere isn't irrelevant, but real life just takes priority and I find it much easier to take a backseat.

What I've noticed is that Twitter's peak times are office hours, when everyone is working. This I have no problem with, my ex-employers were very good about letting us use social media during office hours and I am sure most companies have adopted the same attitude, it's a part of society now, how could they not, right?

It just fascinates me to see people posting around 6 - 10 posts per hour during the week (they are quickly unfollowed btw) during work hours. Now I realise that it takes seconds to post a tweet, but one every ten minutes, that leaves VERY little space for productivity and opens a wide door of annoyance to me, inconvenient. Not that I've become anti-Twitter, completely the opposite, but I've just noticed the patterns and thought the proper thing to do was to share it with you.

What I don't like is how real life somehow plays second fiddle to our online personas, as a good friend always introduces me, "This is RickBosch from the internet." And the fact that people respond to that tells me that social media is the perfect tool for expanding and developing our personal networks, but what about people who broadcast their comings and goings as if they're a news provider?

I am pretty bad when it comes to playing on my phone, however, telling me that you're at the Old BIscuit Mill five times in an hour is just stupid. You're not adding value to anyone's life, not even your own, even though you may think you are. Put down your phone and enjoy a coffee with your friends you anti-social bastard.

I wish I could make huge generalisations regarding this matter, oh wait, it's my blog and I can do whatever the hell I want. I think that people who tweet EXCESSIVELY from work are either stuck in jobs they hate or in professions that are as stimulating as finding parking in Long Street or Hell.

Secondly, if you post EXCESSIVELY during your own time, maybe you should do more exciting things with your time, things that will entertain you long enough to forget about the "e-verse" that is our social networking landscape. It's just a suggestion.

No one really cares that you've just eaten a pie, unless it was off the back of a migrating wildebeest.

Rick
Over.

What your tools say about you…

2011-06-09T16:54:00.000+02:00

As a writer by trade, and passion (fortunately), I find myself thinking about the strangest things at the most bizarre hours. Like last night, I was all tucked up in bed and it struck me like the fright I get every single day when the Noon Gun goes off. (I am not new to the Noon Gun; I’ve just moved a LOT closer to it, gets me every. single. day.) So I was thinking last night, what do the tools you use for your technological fix say about you?

Actually, that’s not exactly what I thought, I thought this. (patience please)

There are two kinds of writers. Those with laptops and those who prefer desktop machines. This is where my dilemma struck, because I have both, and I use both. I thought to myself, “pick one, pick a favourite, get off the fence.” Alas, I could not.

Off the top of my head I can think of a few laptop kind of writers that I’ve seen on the telly. That girl who looks like a horse uses a laptop to do her writing on Sex and the City and I believe the bastard responsible for “XOXO” becoming a socially acceptable phrase also uses one. I can’t think of any others right now, but as you can see, we’re not off to a good start.

Now for the desktop, the old school I believe. Ugh, not much better here to be honest, the one glimmering light is Jerry’s first generation personal computer, which I don’t recall seeing any of the characters use in any of the series, wait, maybe once, vaguely. Ray from Everybody Loves Raymond (kakkest title for a show EVER, for obvious reasons) uses one too, and in an instant all of Jerry's progressive thinking is erased.

Bummer.

So it seems I only have a horse-face, an uppity schmuck, Ray “I have the weirdest voice ever” Romano or Jerry Seinfeld to relate to television characters, pretty damn wild, but help me out can you think of any others?

Speaking of strange, no idea where this post came from, but it seemed important.

Rick

Over.

On rainy days

2011-05-23T14:42:00.002+02:00

On rainy days I like staying inside, I like listening to good music while sipping on endless cups of coffee, something I can now do at home. I can't fully express how much I enjoy it, but none the less, there have been some new releases recently that I have to talk about.

TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light

If you've read my blog before, you'd know all about my fascination with the New York outfit. They constantly surprise me and can't seem to put a foot wrong, ever. I am already tipping this as my album of the year and if you keep reading, you will understand just how incredible that is, because the competition is pretty stiff.

The album is well sculpted, and Kyp Malone seems to have been given a little more freedom on Nine Types of Light, and the results are ear splitting falsettos, driving guitars and grooves smoother than a 12 year old Jameson.

The Decemberists - The King is Dead

For the past few years, The Decemberists have become more adventurous when it comes to making albums. Colin Meloy has led the band, from Picaresque's fantastic storytelling, to The Crane Wife's unbelievable melodies and of course The Hazard's of Love's complexity, full circle with their latest release.

The King is Dead is a stripped down, Americana singer/songwriter album and the band delivers, like only my favourite tweed sporting ensemble can.

Bon Iver - Bon Iver

I liked the first album, I enjoyed the EP more, then I was given Gayngs' album, Relayted. It changed everything. A band that I liked has crept under my skin and it makes me happy. Vernon's latest album's production is phenomenal, it sounds incredible and the melodies make for an easy listening, yet satisfying experience. I really love this album and I am sure that it will be very popular in the coming months.

The Cave Singers - No Witch

I only discovered this band recently and I must admit that there hasn't been a band which has sunk its teeth in quite as quickly in some time. Most of the music I listen to demands repetition to be fully appreciated, so do The Cave Singers, but the repetitions are significantly less than normal.

Find their music, it'll take to you to brink of breaking out, before crawling back into its hole. It'll tempt you with melody and retract its invitation just to keep you interested. All in all, I am stoked that I found them, they've become a staple. And their new album No Witch is no exception.

Those are my favourite albums of the year so far, although there are a few more deserving of a mention:

The Boxer Rebellion's The Cold Still
Black Pistol Fire's self titled debut
Cake's Showroom of Compassion

Those are my favourites so far in 2011, what are yours?

Rick.
Out

Has the whole world gone crazy?

2011-05-09T14:15:00.002+02:00

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO GIVES A SHIT ABOUT THE RULES ANYMORE? Sorry about the screaming, but I'm afraid the world has done it again. Not that annoying me is difficult, or even complicated, but I am on the verge of dishing out backhands faster than that guy on Kloof Street cycles down the road, backwards.

(Non Cape Town residents, apologies, let me explain. There's this guy and for kicks, he does headstands on his bicycle's seat and rides down Kloof Street. Sometimes backwards, sometimes the right way round, but always at high speed.)

Anyway, since I last blogged, Osama Bin Laden was killed, again, we've been told that Coldplay is coming to SA and I have changed my mind about seeing the Kings of Leon (because I want to support ANY album that has a song as fantastic as Pyro on it, even if it means cringing through the Only By The Night kak). However, none of these things have inspired this post, none of them can hold a candle to how much Twitter is fucking annoying me at the moment.

I love Twitter, I love the Internet and I love networking - socially or electronically. Twitter has gone from being an informative resource to just flat out face-palming in record time. I interact with a small group of people regularly, some whom I've shared beers and good times with, and some who have become e-quaintances, and who I will still share beers and real time with in the future. However, I am convinced that at least 75% of Twitter users are bona fide idiots.

I can't handle the constant brand humping to try and get something free from someone, or the constant self-love/pity parties that my timeline seems to host. I hear what you are saying "Why not just unfollow said annoyances?" and I have, many of them, however, occasionally these idiots will say something that makes me chuckle, encouraging my bad habits of following them for the sake of mocking them. Twitter really brings out my dark passenger.

Which brings me to what annoys me the most about Twitter, which I believe to be the biggest South African cultural phenomenon since Fokofpolisiekar. The guidelines say that you can follow and unfollow whomever you want, to tailor your experience, but how can I unfollow people who's survival in modern society amazes me on a daily basis? How do I look away? How can such narrow-minded, self-centred schmucks not realise how they are the complete opposite of what they claim to be? When did it all go so wrong? So here are my rules for Twitter. Feel free to add some of your own in the comments.

Here they are:

You shall not constantly toot your own horn and claim to be humble.
You shall not badger your followers with you terrible taste in delicacies.
You shall not pretend that being a Playboy Playmate is prestigious, it's still just smut.
You shall not steal other people's tweets (or Facebook statuses) and claim them as your own.
You shall not add your location to your tweets and then complain about privacy.
You shall not post to Twitter from FourSquare, Gowalla or any other location based services while I follow you.

I am no authority, but I felt like I needed a little vent.

My mom always said, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. So I wrote it down instead.

Rick.
Over.

It's certainly been a while...

2011-04-09T08:51:00.001+02:00

Damn, I've been terribly slack at posting recently, but it's been a strange time in my life. But good strange, as you may have guessed, like a Coen brothers movie without the wicked twist.

Here's the low down...

I've become self-employed and am loving it. Definitely the way forward, although I sometimes miss the office banter, but then I simply go outside and do whatever the hell I want and the moment passes.

I've watched a Super15 rugby match in a bar in Kleinmond, it was special. Thanks for making my dreams cone true lads, really, it was emotional and smelt like cheap deo and some broken dreams.

I had another birthday and to celebrate the Alkaline Trio decided to come and play for me at Ramfest. It was awesome.

I am not supposed to have it yet, but the new TV on the Radio, Nine Types of Light and it's a more subdued kind of aural assault. It's fantastic.

I have more time now and have finally arranged my life into some sort of order. Look out for a redesign of my blog and more regular posts.

Hello there Mr Internet, fuck, I've missed you.

Rick
Over.

Don't you just love technology?

2011-02-28T21:12:00.003+02:00

So as you may or may not know, I've finally become part of the smartphone revolution. And no, I didn't get a Blackberry or an iPhone, which are inexplicably the brands of choice when I look around me, I opted for Android and let me tell you, it's even better than I expected.

I'm an unashamed lover of technology and I've never been afraid to admit it. However, my new HTC Desire has already brought out the ubër nerd in me.

I can feel myself becoming one of those people who sit in conversations tapping away at their miniature keypads, because "EVERYTHING MUST BE DONE THIS INSTANT!" I will try my best to avoid this grim, lonely, socially connected, humanly impersonal, technologically inspired brain drain.

I fear I may already have failed though, considering that I'm writing this post from my Desire. I've seen and known about the technology, but being able to experience it first-hand is something that excites me, a lot.
I highly recommend Android and the Desire, so much in fact that I'm actually paying for mine - a labour if love, if you will.

Rick
Over

Posted from my HTC Desire.

Watch this space...

2011-02-16T15:42:00.004+02:00

If you read my blog, follow me on Twitter or have shared some braai space with me then you will know that I think Jack White is the tits. But now the Stripes are no more, but here is the band I think could replace them. They're a mix of Black Keys, White Stripes and early Kings of Leon and yes, they're also only a duo.

Ladies and germs, I give you Black Pistol Fire.

Taste this sweetness and go listen to their stuff.

I think these guys are going to be big.

Here's a really great interview with the band...

Rick.
Over.

Ashtray Electric - AGMP doing his thing

2011-02-16T11:44:00.000+02:00

Here's a brand new look at one of the Cape Town foursome's brand new tracks. For a while I've thought that AGMP's voice is one of the most underrated in the country, here he is, with just a piano. Proving my point.

I can't wait to hear the complete article.

Rick.
Over.

Heartbreak, violence and controlled aggression...

2011-02-10T16:56:00.002+02:00

These, in my opinion, are the three most important traits of Mr Nick Cave. I've long been a fan of his work with the Bad Seeds and in more recent years, Grinderman. During my journey through the musical repertoire of Uncle Nick I also found his work pre-Bad Seeds with The Birthday Party.

I've only read his first book, And the Ass Saw the Angel, and as a writer he's as accomplished as any household name out there, if not as well known. He really is a wizard with words, an evil Gandalf if you will. Before you all comment telling about his second book, I know all about it, I just haven't gotten round to reading Cave's second mindfuck, but I will. Bunny Munroe seems like a dude I would like to get to know.

Cave's musical outputs are however what I want to talk about. The Birthday Party was a noisy, disjointed, post punk ensemble and delivered their music with a ferocity and energy that I've not really encoutered since. Keep in mind that this is from 1982 and from Australia. This is pretty crazy stuff, even I can admit that.

Here you go, Junkyard...

I must admit, I don't listen to the Birthday Party as much, but the Bad Seeds and Grinderman are two entirely different monsters.

From the first time I heard Murder Ballads (his seminal album in my humblest of opinions), I was intrigued by Cave. We share a fascination of the bizarre, the ultra violent and of course, love. Nick Cave writes a lot of love songs, but real love songs. They're twisted, warped and dark, but they're also brutally honest. Just the way I like it. Here's an example...

He's most known for his collboration with Kylie, if I would hazard a guess, but I think Grinderman may have the potential to overshadow his already supreme influence on the creative world. his albums with the Bad Seeds are crammed full of passive aggressive anger and more dark undertones than a Burzum record. However, Grinderman is his release from all of that. It's noisy, messy and crammed full of bad attitude. I can't get enough of it.

Proof for you...

So there you have it. If you like your music / reading matter dark and twisted, without it losing any of it's edge, Nick Cave is your man. He also wrote a film, The Proposition. So I can honestly say that I consider him a Jack of all trades, and he rips every single one to shreds, just like Stagger Lee fucked up that stupid barman. As you can find out below.

Rick.
Over.

An ode to you, Jack and Meg

2011-02-07T15:29:00.002+02:00

I thought I would let the dust settle after the White Stripes’ recent decision to call it a day. They have however been effectively broken up for the past two years and Jack will undoubtedly keep releasing White Stripes material, but seeing as how this is a “goodbye” I thought of ways to pay homage to one of the most important rock and roll bands of the past 15 years.

The White Stripes weren’t to everyone’s taste, and I loved that about them. They divided music lover and appreciators with their minimal sound and “the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. And like that, poof. He's gone.” The White Stripes manufactured an entire persona and look to compliment the band while detracting from the fact that all they wanted to do was write a song as good as Son House's "Grinnin' in your face."

That is how I see the White Stripes, they were retrospective, but they looked at so many things that I love, I couldn’t have hated them. Even if I tried. That is why I thought I would say farewell to the duo from Detroit by using Jack’s own words, mine just aren’t good enough to do their influence on me justice…

“Words that are spoke alone

Phrases you will never hear,

Read it in the newspaper

Ask your girlfriends and see if they know,

You probably won't get what I'm going to do

I'm walkin' away from you

It probably don't make much sense to you

But I'm trying to save you

From all of the things that I'll probably say or do

And right now you could care less about me

But soon enough you will care by the time I’m done

I’m getting lazy

throw me a bone

Is there a way to find the cure for this

Implanted in a pill?

Is it just the name upon the bottle

That determines if it will?

No harm will come of this

one little midnight kiss,

It will not burn

so many lonely days,

I feel like a throw away

well, now it's my turn.

I got a funny feeling

that it's gonna work out,

A mirage, this garage

And a photo montage

And a finger massage from the host

Good lord, good lord

The one I adore

And I cannot afford is a ghost

Is a ghost

Blink, blink at me Rita

Don't you know I'm a bleeder?

And I promised I wouldn't lead her on

But she met me, then led me

And I ate what was fed me

'Til I purged every word in this song. “

And we're glad you got to purge your angst into a fistful of bluesy rock and roll Mr White. So that is my ode to Jack and Meg, but fear not Jack fiends, he’ll never stop producing music. We’ll still get our fix and if the last Raconteurs album, Consolers of the Lonely, is anything to judge his future outputs by, then bring it on. He is, after all, pretty good looking, for a girl.

Rick
Over.

Viper Lounge's Live launch, feat The Pits and Bone Collectors...

2011-01-30T20:00:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of heading out of the City Bowl, which is quite rare for me, to Blouberg for Viper Lounge’s LIVE launch. We rocked up to the venue and an actual biker bar wasn’t exactly what I expected, but, the beers were cold, you could get your paws on a boerie roll and there was rock and roll.

The two bands I want to tell you about were not only both playing with new drummers, but both sounded fantastic with their new skinslappers. Of the two acts I want to tell you about, the Pits were up first.

Sven (guitars, vocals) and Milli (bass) Duncker have been the Pits for the last year or so and until yesterday they had no drummer. Instead, they opted to use a drum machine, but last night, the Pits really became a rock and roll band.

The added dynamic of drummer, Justin, really allowed more freedom to the band. I can’t wait for the next show, I encourage you to tag along if you like any form of rockabilly / punk / rock & roll, for some straight up, foot stomping goodness.

Straight after the Pits, The Bone Collectors took to the stage. Ah yes, the stage…quite possibly the smallest I have seen in a few years, but I am happy to report the bands used it wisely. At some point there was a saxophonist running into the crowd whilst playing a solo and the Pits guitarist was doing his thing on the floor in front of the stage occasionally.

Roland, Rob, Gawie, Ken and the new addition on drums, Gus, strutting on stage, swaggered in the lights which were apparently as hot as a “gorilla’s ballbag”. They delivered a great set and I think Gus’ introduction (to the fans there at least) was a really good one.

After the show Roland did ask me whether or not I missed the nylon string guitar, because he’s shelved it recently and instead plays two marvellous electrics. I have thought about properly and I think the nylon strings helped create a different mood on some of the slower tracks, but for the up-tempo tracks the two electrics work, brilliantly.

Overall, I had a great time, thanks to the Viper Lounge for promoting some underrated local talent, good job to the Green Mamba girls – you nearly got me to have one of those terrifying things, and of course, last but not least, the bands for playing.

So a great day was had by all and next time these two bands play, I will let you know, and think you should come meet me there.

Rick.

Over.

Ps. Sven and Milli, I wasn’t just nice because we’re friends.

Bizarro World is Ordinary

2011-01-27T17:44:00.000+02:00

This year has started off even more bizarre than I could've imagined. Please take note, bizarre isn't bad. Well, not yet it isn't. January is in the books, and things are becoming a little weird. It might be the Captain Beefheart marathon I've been on, that might explain why everything's become slightly disjointed.

As you all know by now, Madiba is in hospital for some check ups, something that isn't all that unusual for a man aged 92. Can I just say Madiba, that if this is your time, go in peace. The inevitable media frenzy will frustrate and hopefully not ruin one of the most significant goodbyes we, as a country, will ever have to say. You did more for humanity than anyone else in history, well, you did more good.

Ons sal jou baie mis, Oom Nelson.

Something else that has tossed January into turmoil is the fact that Liverpool actually won a game, to be specific, two in a row. This makes me very happy, I am an avid supporter and I realise I have just opened myself up to a lambasting from you bastards, but I don't really care. King Kenny is back and we won two consecutive games. Baby steps.

Other than those two phenomenons, I would like to express a sincere message to all people living in two bedroom flats in the Cape Town CBD. "Please move!" This might seem almost uncalled for, but I am getting fed up with rude / uninterested estate agents, Trafalgar is particularly adept at employing pillocks.

What? Not a single rant about music? No, that first reference to the King of Weird, Captain Beefheart will do. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some stuff to go and do.

Rick.
Over.

Welcome 2011

2011-01-21T15:54:00.000+02:00

I know, it's been a really long time since I've posted anything, and for that I apologise. Did you miss me? I am glad to report that 2011 has gotten off to an absolute flyer for me. Let me tell you what's what.

I've started a brand new job at the same company (I'm heading up our content department), I've bought a brand spanking new car and I generally feel pretty good about the prospects of 2011.

Ramfest is around the corner and as the premier rock and roll festival in the Western Cape, possibly the country (I will get back to you on that once I return from Oppikoppi in August) and I am incredibly stoked with the lineup.

It was early in the 2000's when we heard Alkaline Trio for the first time and they were the perfect band for that period in my life. I mean, I wrote my first car off whilst listening to "Good Mourning" for the first time. Port Elizabeth is not the most glamorous place to grow up, but the Trio made it a little better.

With more scream along friendly lyrics than a Human Rights protest, the Alkaline Trio were the soundtrack to a long period of my life and finally, they're coming to South Africa, and best of all, I only have to drive about 90 minutes to see them.

My favourite Hunter Thompson book, The Rum Diary, also hits the silver screen this year and it's just another reason that 2011 will rock. Death From Above 1979 are also reforming and performing at Coachella, and although I won't be there, it gives me hope for another album. One that will make many Top 10 lists come the end of 2011.

There may even be a new White Stripes album in the pipeline too, so lots to look forward to.

I will be better at posting things this year, I hope, but for now this will have to do.

Rick.
Over.

Help me help you

2010-12-15T16:16:00.001+02:00

The end of 2010 is nigh and as is a blogger custom, Top 10 lists will be coming in out in droves in the next few weeks. I have some time on my hands, so I thought I would bring something to the Top 10 buffet we're about to consume - the Top 10 albums of 2010.

I, however, cannot figure out in which order to place these ten records that brought my ears the most satisfaction. This is not a list of the most technically challenging / commercially successful / easiest listening albums that were released, this is simply a list of ten albums that stuck in the whirlpool between my ears.

So I want you to help me get them in an appropriate order. I do know that you may not know all of them, but this is as good a time as any to listen to something new, no? Here they are, drop me a comment with you contributions, albums you think deserve a spot on this, the holy grail of the weird, wonderful and often benignly boring online publication of mine.

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

I was in a Deerhunter space when I first heard this album, but the anticipation of its release is what got me on Deerhunter again, and it delivered. It still does. Every. Time.

The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

I am a sucker for anything resembling Bruce Springsteen in the least. This album does, but it doesn't. Wonderful for car sized sing-a-longs.

The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Fire and Blood

Possibly the most pleasant surprise of the year for me because of the admiration I have for its predecessors. The EMBD are one of the most underrated bands on the planet in my opinion. This will steal your heart, if it has a little punk in it.

The Black Keys - Brothers

At first I struggled with this album, but it's soulful crooning soon took hold and now this on constant rotation. Dan Auerbach is the man.

Interpol - Interpol

For making that slow, dark records that I've always wanted them to make. It's not haunting as such, but Paul Banks' songwriting and vocal delivery on this album makes the hair on your neck stand up occassionally.

The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards

The supergroup's second album in a year is easier to digest than the first one. It's filthy, bluesy and with Alison Mossheart, from The Kills, on vocals, this fits just the right way.

Liars - Sisterworld

The noisy trio of indie kids returns with another fresh sounding album that had me captivated from the first chorus of the first single, Scissor.

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

The family friendly indie troop from Canada knocked it out of the park on all sorts of fronts with their latest release.

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

A more calculated (intentional pun) album from the mathcore (look at me genre drop as I go) masters, this is a more accessible album, but with a little bit of a sting. Will melt your face.

Les Savy Fav - Root for Ruin

A maniacal return for the weirdo kings of indie. One of the strangest, yet most endearing bands I listen to, this album just really made me fucking happy.

So there they are. Help me decide which one is best. spread the word about the voting, let's crown us a winner. After all, if you don't win, well, you lose.

Rick

Over.

Which album are you?

2010-12-09T09:42:00.002+02:00

It's because of music that I started this blog. Somewhere deep inside, it's what I'm made of, little guitar solos and the bashing of drum kits. Sometimes just a smooth voice will do, on cold days one that's been matured in gin works better. In the summer it needs a splash of rock and roll, regardless of the time of year / day / night, music is a constant presence in my life.

Music helps us all get through the doldrums of our day to day strutting to and from work as well as the racing home on a Friday night to greet the weekend. Now, it may not move you to the same extent as a lighting storm does, but it can help you switch off for a split second in the midst of this entire "life" debacle. And in that brief moment, pictures can jump into focus, instantly.

There are only good reasons for music to exist, even though music often becomes associated with dark days of times past.

"It helps you get away from it all"

Love Won't Save You - Rain Machine

To me, music knows no bounds. We can't stop the juggernaught we've created. My musical education began with Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep, Sabbath, Chris Rea, Joe Cocker, Joe Jackson, etcetera etcetera. Back then, the cars looked as weird as some of the music sounded. They were clunky and heavy, but fuck it, some of them were beautiful, you just have to be selective and follow your instincts.

It reminds me of conversations with my old man about tunes and him unleashing tirades about "your generation this" and "you young kids that." And it's been a few months now, but this year, for the first time, I've noticed me thinking those same things. I'm getting old enough to see the generation gap between myself and the "next" generation and it's a little unnerving, but also gives me this sense of "I know so much crap you still have to learn."

And for someone, me, that really enjoys breathing in the crisp Cape Town air (although any old air will do) that freaked me out a little. Death has never and will never be one of my favoured topics of conversation, countless Seinfeld, Mighty Boosh, Black Books and Family Guy quotes require a lot attention to detail. Get you more laughs too.

Even though death sucks, it's been responsible for some of the most important and significant songs and albums ever recorded. Whether it's the subject matter of a single track, or the inspiration behind an entire album, misery loves company and sadness is the great writing companion.

That's how I see life, it's all one big dress rehearsal before your opening night. When a life ends, an album is born. Which album have you written? I'd like to think mine would be awesome and happy, but I'm pretty confident it would be noisy, hard to digest and appreciated by very few, but that's the whole point of the melodrama.

Write your own album, don't be part of what the world wants you to record.

Rick
Over.

My Top 10 Live Albums

2010-12-03T15:20:00.000+02:00

In my mind a lot can be said about a band and how they perform live. Well, it’s a huge part of being a good band in my opinion. Now I’ve heard some great live albums and I’ve heard some awful ones, but here is a list of my ten favourites. In a very particular order.

10. My Morning Jacket – Okonokos
Jim James crafts wonderful country infused atmospheres and his talent, and vocal ability is proudly on display for the duration of Okonokos. This may not be everyone’s taste, but my respect for the man grew after hearing this, that alone makes it worthy of a spot on this list.

9. The Clash – Live at Shea Stadium
I waited a very long time for a live album that encapsulates the magic that was The Clash when they were on stage. Finally it was released and from the first chords of the, rather predictably, opener, London Calling, you will be hooked. Joe Strummer was a special guy and this performance is a wonderful documentation of The Clash’s ability to grab a set by the bollocks and tear it to shreds.

8. Led Zeppelin – The Song Remains the Same
Musicians and a vocalist doing what they do best for an hour and forty minutes is the easiest way I can summarise this album. Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham were simply showing off on “The Song Remains the Same”. And I’m forever grateful that they did.

7. Jeff Buckley – Live at Sin-é
Sorely missed, he was gone too soon, luckily we have this epic live show to remember him by. It starts with an acapella, foot stomping hand clapping song called “Be Your Husband” and all the way through Buckley displays a comfort and confidence on stage that translates into one of the truly great live albums. R.I.P Mr Buckley.

6. Mondo Cane - Live at Salsomaggiore (bootleg)
This is the only non-official release on the list, and for good reason. This is Mike Patton at his zaniest, a vocalist capable of basically anything and a man with more ideas than the people who think up interesting flavours for ice cream. This is his interpretation of 1950s and 1960s Italian pop music, but as all things Patton, it’s not as straightforward as that. Find this.

5. Joy Division - Les Bains Douches

Joy Division are one of the most important bands to ever exist. Few can claim to be as influential after releasing only two albums and this live album, recorded in 1979 personified Ian Curtis’ on stage presence and the band could not have been tighter. They were a band that only existed in the format we know them for three years. When you think of how many bands use them as a watermark for their sound, it's truly amazing how these guys did what they did. Add the fact that their lead singer was an epileptic and I personally think that this is their highlight. This is essential listening.

4. Stop Making sense – Talking Heads
Simply put, this is the best live show I have ever seen. It’s not a music show, it’s an art piece. Find the dvd, sit back, turn it up and marvel at David Byrne’s genius. Oversized suits, a lounge on stage and a cassette player providing rhythm are but a few things that make this a wonderful record.

3. Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison
The man in black was the man. This is the show that establishes that. His banter is as golden as his flawless performance. And it’s in an actual prison. If that’s not bad ass, then bad ass does not exist. This setlist is hit after hit and I guarantee you that listening to this album only once is not possible.

2. Evan Dando – Live at the Brattle Theatre
Evan Dando was born with an acoustic guitar in his hands. Or that is what legend says, whether true or not, this is a great, if very short at 22 minutes, recording of Dando with an acoustic guitar and an audience. I’ve butchered this album and will continue to do so. Forever.

1. White Stripes – Under Great White Northern Lights
The number one slot on my list is, when you look at my listening habits, rather predictable. It’s not only the newest of the releases on the list, but it’s also hands down my favourite. I will tell you why. Jack White is a visionary, a retrospective visionary, but a visionary none the less. Meg White isn’t the best drummer in the world, but when you put these two on a stage together to play a show, and you record it, fuck, it’s mind bending. From his shriek in “Let’s Shake Hands” (which I posted here), to his heartbreaking vocals in Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”, Jack White is everything a front man should be, an incredible vocalist, a sublime musician and a master conductor. Under Great White Northern Lights is not only an amazing documentary, but a fantastic live album and I think fully deserving of my top spot.

So what are your favourite live albums?

Rick
Over.

Where do you find your music?

2010-12-03T12:19:00.000+02:00

Finding new music, music that will remain on your playlist for a substantial amount of time, is difficult. I know that it is, which is why I generally tend to go backwards to help me move forward. I will obsessively research a band's influences, friends and touring partners to try and find that one nugget that will remain when the rest of the mediocrity has settled.

And trust me, there is a lot of mediocrity out there, but I have said it before, for every band you hear on the radio, there are three better alternatives you've never heard of. I wish people would take more note of those bands. The bands that do it with integrity, the bands that don't cut their hair and tone down their angst levels.

This had me wondering, how do you find your music? I can't say the radio is a resource I use, in fact, besides for the "famous" disc jockeys, I wouldn't be able to name five others. This does not bother me. I don't remember the last time that the radio played and I stopped to ask, "wait, what is this I am listening to?" Okay, I have asked that, but for all the wrong reasons.

The fact that the internet has brought all of this wonderful music right to my doorstep, although South African Concert organisers have yet to manage this, I can't help feeling that I may be missing a trick. I listen to recommendations from people, with varying degrees of success, so if you think I am missing out on anything, drop me a comment and hopefully you can help me find some more nuggets.

Rick
Over.

Get down like animals, bitches.

2010-11-23T12:24:00.003+02:00

So I was at the launch of this video last night, courtesy of @TheFilmo, and I have to admit I am super impressed. With a fresh take on, what in my mind can be a monotonous genre, here they are ladies and germs, P.H.Fat's The Big Five.

Find them on Twitter, SoundCloud and Facebook

Sickness.

Playlists – My Guide

2010-11-19T17:56:00.000+02:00

Making a great playlist is an art, it really is. Now I may not have perfected it, but I would like to get your thoughts on the matter. While sharing mine, of course, whenever lists, playlists or the organisation of music is involved, my mind turns directly to one of my favourite films ever, High Fidelity.

Dick is confused. So is Rob.

There is a wonderful scene in the film adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel where Dick interrupts John Cusack’s character, Rob, while he’s reorganising his record collection. His aprartment’s floor is completely covered in records and Rob couldn’t look more dejected if he tried. The chaos on the floor confuses Dick’s simple mind and he asks Rob how he is sorting his albums, Rob explains the process in the scene, explaining that it’s autobiographical. Have a look, I think it rocks. Basically, the fact that it’s autobiographical makes no difference to me, but I liked the idea of doing it your own way.

This is kind of my approach to making a playlist. I don’t always group similar kinds of music, I like grouping music by philosophy. So bands that are more focussed on the soundscapes they create as opposed to the lyrics that they write. Some are musicians more interested in being musicians instead of writers, that sort of thing.

Creating a playlist that consists of a single genre is reasonably easy, for example, taking all of Jack White or Josh Homme’s projects and slamming them in a playlist, they’ll naturally work, because of the bands’ main creative forces.

Combining genres is a lot more difficult, but it’s definitely not impossible, but the playlists that I find work the best are influence related. Find your favourite bands’ influences, drop them all in a playlist together and I can almost guarantee you musical magic.

So how do you make your playlists, do you group albums or songs? Do you mix genres or play it safe? Let me know, as a music geek, I need to know these things people.

Rick.
Over

The end of a mighty long week

2010-11-19T17:43:00.001+02:00

It's Friday, I'm exhausted and there are 15 minutes left of work for the week. It's been a crazy week, but luckily I have a delightful weekend to look forward to. However, I fear that a deciding factor of my fun levels this evening is just around the corner. Have you ever noticed how your drive home on a Friday dictates the mood you're in on a Friday night? For me it often lasts the entire damn night.

If I have a bad drive home, you know, getting cut off by some schmuck in his expensive car or some jackass driving 50 on the freeway, I get home and need to waste 30 minutes of MY weekend to relax, unwind and refocus myself.

I find listening to good music, which is the norm in my car, helps make best of the lunacy on Cape Town's roads, but just in case, here's my message to all the motorists heading into town around 18:00 via De Waal Drive.

Please don't drive like a doos. Indicate when you change lanes. Give me a gap if I need it. And to the taxis, take a break china, go have a smoke or put some petrol in your vehicle, because I don't want to see you.

I have the BLK JKS to look forward to tomorrow and I would hate to have any bad vibrations this weekend, so let's get it right from the start guys.

Clear the way bitches, Rick's coming home.

Rick
Over.

"Oh, you know, strikes and gutters, ups and downs"

2010-11-11T12:29:00.000+02:00

I looked at my calendar this weekend and realised that in roughly 8 weeks, 2010 will be in the history books. This year has flown by so much faster than any other year I can remember and it’s had its share strikes and gutters. Here’s a list of the good and the bad of this, the whirlwind that was 2010.

Strikes

Actually blogging
My missus, Dani, starting her clothing label, Heroine (find it on Twitter as well)
Jack White
Spencer Krug
Son House
Inception
CBD living
VIP weekend at Rocking The Daisies
The Football World Cup
Liverpool 2 – 0 Chelsea
Under Great White Northern Lights
New Macbeth’s
For Jacques – Finally getting those Air Force One’s
Getting a promotion at work, Content Manager now kids, get it right.
For Sven and Milli – The Pits playing gigs.
For Sieg – FINALLY moving to Cape Town from Pretoria
Making new friends online, still a concept that boggles my simple mind.

Gutters

The theft of my beloved Xbox
Me washing my iPod
Liverpool being kak
Terrible bands touring South Africa
Not qualifying for the second round of the World Cup. Bafana we still love you lots.
For Louis – Province not winning the Currie Cup

That is all I can think of for now, but I may or may not add some more to the list at some point. Overall the year has been a pretty even blend of good and bad, but I’m smiling more than frowning and the beers are still flowing regularly, so who’s to complain?

Rick
Over

Halloween at the Turtle

2010-11-01T15:17:00.003+02:00

It’s been a while since I’ve really looked forward to a gig, but thankfully, this past Saturday night finally arrived after months of waiting. It was at the Purple Turtle and the line-up consisted of Machineri, The Bone Collectors and The Great Apes. The prospect of these three bands destroying what little stage the Turtle has to offer was just what I needed.

Machineri got the ball rolling and between lead singer, Sannie Fox and guitarist Andre Geldenhuys, they made me want to drink all the bourbon ever produced. Their songs gallop like crims running away from the cops while smoking a bowl. Her drawls and screams were fantastic and she uses her very strong voice extremely well, I would’ve preferred a little more variation though. It felt, at times, as if they’d just played the song they were busy with, but overall, I think they’re pretty neat.

Then it was time for my favourite live band in Cape Town. The Bone Collectors are what would’ve happened if Tom Waits and Elvis had a baby. And that baby was spoon-fed speed. Their set is full of dark drama, it’s more than just getting up on stage and delivering their songs, they put on a show, and they’re an act, not a band. As the party was Halloween themed, they all rocked the pale face, dark eyed look or as lead singer, Roland Hunter dubbed it, “we’ve come as emo pandas this evening.” Their set, in my mind, was over before it began and just like the last time, I was blown away. If you’ve not seen these guys, you really should.

After the Bone Collectors it was time for the Great Apes to do as they please. And they felt like rocking the knees off the Purple Turtle. Lead singer, Yusif struts and shakes on stage like a fully clothed Iggy Pop, owning the crowd, his microphone and since I saw them at Ronnies Sex Shop last December for a good friend’s 30th, his voice has improved tons. He sings, shouts and smiles from his gut and the band is all the better for it. The drummer, Jaeken also deserves a mention, because there are few that can slap skins the way he does, maybe putting a shirt on wouldn't be such a bad idea either, some of us have beer bellies dude.

Guitarists Pienaar and Antonie completely annihilate the notion that there are no more rock and roll guitarists in the country, admittedly, I may be alone in that belief. Bassist, Jacques, came on stage rocking a blue Mexican wrestling mask and decided it was his job to shout at the crowd in between songs, and they weren’t the ramblings of a mad man either, he made sense, telling people to buy the band shots. Just the way things should be. Their version of The Animals' Mad Again, absolutely blew me away. As with the Bone Collectors, these guys need to be seen live.

So kids, next time, screw the Three Arts, Assembly, Mercury and any other venue where the Apes or Bone Collectors aren’t playing, because as I said before, if you were at another show on Saturday night, you were in the wrong place.

Rick
Over.

Give me three minutes of your time.

2010-10-25T17:26:00.002+02:00

Here's something I recorded with my mate Sven from The Pits. He did the bass and vocals, I played the guitar.

Untitled #1 by rickbosch

Hope you like it.

It's rough, but that's how we roll.

Rick
Over.

Let's Shake Hands

2010-10-21T16:31:00.001+02:00

Just because I fucking love this. Too much some would say.

Rick.
Over.

The Blues - I've got 'em bad

2010-10-18T17:57:00.002+02:00

You've heard this countless times before, but the blues are the roots of the wonderful tree that is rock and roll. All of the bands that we listen to were influenced by someone from a previous decade. Radiohead were influenced by Jeff Buckley. Buckley in turn was influenced by Jimi Hendrix and Hendrix was influenced by B.B King, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Albert King and Elmore James. Blues men.

Every decade someone does something special and this progression started way back when under a tree planted in America's deep south. The blues comes from a place so untouched and unreachable that it delivers, in my opinion, the clearest and most honest music. Topics covered include everything from pain, to longing, to heartbreak and even optimism but the original songwriters weren't writing about fictional events. Their pain was real, they used their voices tremendously and only needed acoustic guitars (occasionally a piano) to blow minds. None of these fancy gadgets and gizmos modern musicians build empires with.

Son House - Grinning in your face

Skip James - The devil stole his woman

The list of blues musicians is endless, however, two of my favourites are Son House and Skip James. (For more info about the blues, how it's played, song structures, etc head over here.) I am much more concerned about when and where modern music became so dull, uninspired and predictable. That, however, is another rant for another day. For now I would like to do my best to get all of you to listen to some of the blues.

I think everyone should listen to the blues at least once. I am not talking about putting it on in the background while having a nap, I mean you should get some headphones, find this album, grab a few beers, push play and turn the volume right up. Son House captures more emotion in his voice than *insert crappy pop band name here* could in an entire career. A career likely to span three albums; the critically adored debut, the difficult second album and of course, the third and final offering, *aforementioned crappy pop band's* Greatest Hits. Pfft.

I want longevity, I want something that I love now and I still will in 10 years, one of modern society's biggest downfalls has to be our demand for instant gratification. Everything has to happen now, we have to be in touch all the time and if we can't text whilst sat waiting at the red traffic lights, well then that's just an absolute disaster. And that is part of what gives me the blues. Our desire to live in an alternate reality more than in our actual lives isn't necessarily growing, but it is worrying.

My post about being inspired was a short prequel to this, because beautiful, memorable moments happen in real life. I cannot explain how annoyed I get when I look around at restaurants and EVERYONE is on their smart phone of choice, regardless of their actual, human companions, missing out on real moments. In case you haven't noticed, weeks are flying by even faster than before, and THAT is what gives me the blues, we're losing touch with reality.

Luckily, I have the blues to listen to and you know what, it never disappoints. The pioneers of the blues did more than make music, and give birth to what would later become rock and roll, they provided an outlet, a medium for us. A medium that allows us to "unplug", sit back, enjoy an icy beverage and appreciate the magic of America's deep southern roots. Best of all, it's good for sharing. In real life.

Rick
Over

Where do we find inspiration?

2010-10-12T15:28:00.003+02:00

Where do we, as a modern society, find inspiration? People will give you many clichéd responses to this question, "in every day life", "the great outdoors" and "love, heartbreak, personal experiences, etc", but I beg to differ. I will admit that these play a role in getting the juices flowing, but they won't deliver your masterpiece. I have always struggled to answer this question and I recently had one of those moments, you know, the one that switches a light on inside, creating order in the chaos.

This happened during "Under The Great White Northern Lights" when Jack White said, "Inspiration and work ethic, they ride right next to each other. I mean, not every day you’re going to wake up and the clouds are going to part and the rays from heaven are going to come down and you’re going to write a song from it. I mean, sometimes you just get in there and force yourself to work and maybe something good will come out of it. "

I've never thought of it like that. I've never connected being inspired with hard work, but it's true. It's the way I work and I needed someone else to point it out to me because I could never place my finger on it. (It did make me feel a little stupid to be perfectly honest) I have to sit down, put some music on and make myself write. Occasionally it'll work, other times it won't, but when I get it right, I can feel it, and when I don't, well, I move on and just try a little harder next time.

So when you feel like being creative, don't wait to feel inspired, just sit down and force yourself to create, the result will be something original. Regardless of what it is, a sandwich for your boyfriend, a song, a poem perhaps, the medium is irrelevant, but force yourself to create and the results may just astound you.

Rick.

Over.

Daisies...rocked.

2010-10-10T12:49:00.001+02:00

We just got back from Rocking the Daisies and I figured, let me write this before catching up on my sleep and generally recovering. I was lucky enough to win some VIP tickets and accommodation thanks to José Cuervo and we took full advantage of margaritas, Cuervo black shots and the stretchers provided by the Kreef Hotel. So, let me begin by saying, I loved the weekend, overall it was fantastic, it was no Ramfest, but I had a fantastic time.

Friday we arrived, headed to the Cuervo deck, slammed some shots and made our way to hook up with our mates. Friday night's line up was mediocre at best with New Young Pony Club headlining and I think I speak for everyone when I say that their drummer was by far the best part of the show.

Saturday we watched some comedy, Rob van Vuuren, Paul Snodgrass and Melt Sieberhagen had our hungover asses in stitches. In the afternoon I had my turn at hosting a party on the Cuervo deck, which was gate crashed by some celebs which I will not name, the margaritas flowed, the shots sunk and our batteries recharged for what was the highlight of the weekend, Boo! and Springbok Nude Girls playing back to back. They didn't disappoint. I did however lose my hoody during the Nudies finale of "Bubblegum on my Boots", but I figured, one hoody sacrificed to the festival keepers is fair game.

I will say that the general camping areas bogs smelt like the shit they contained by Saturday afternoon, something the Rocking the Daisies crew have to solve. As I mentioned, the lineup wasn't great and besides Boo! and SNG, Joshua Grierson was to my taste the highlight. I loved his show first thing on Saturday morning and if you've not seen him, go. Now.

Thanks for a great time Rocking the Daisies and to the bitch who slapped me mid-stroll, get stuffed douchebag.

Rick.
Over.

Rock and roll, a summer sport

2010-09-28T10:04:00.002+02:00

The city is heating up nicely and with that comes a shift in my listening habits. For now the indie bands I love so dearly will take a backseat while the sun is out. Besides, they prefer it indoors anyway, my rock and roll doesn’t. It prefers the sunshine, beers outside and slapping meat on a fire. That shift, and an increase in an already significant braai schedule, has propelled me back towards the root of the problem, the cause of it all, my kings of rock and roll.

Rock and roll in its all its glory is the medium that facilitates the communication of individuals’ grievances, heart breaks and anger in a musical form. It’s offered us comfort in knowing that others out there may have gone through the same dark days as we once did.

So, in true Don’t Sink, Swim fashion, here are four musicians whose projects provide the cornerstones to my perfect summer soundtrack, because every house needs four walls.

Jay Reatard

I have mentioned his death before, but this is when Reatard’s departure will be missed more than ever. There is no new Reatards album to add to the already epic collection of his catalogue. A garage punk in its truest form, thank goodness he made as many awesome albums as he did. Bands you can find him in are Reatards, as Jay Reatard, Terror Vision, Bad Times, Angry Angles and Lost Sounds. Catchy as fire and frantic as the scramble to try and extinguish it, this is essential listening.

Jack White

Yes, I recently watched “It Might Get Loud” and it started this whole damn change in listening habits, but no, The White Stripes aren’t a new band to me. Since the first time I heard “De Stijl” in my native PE of all places in 2001 (first year), I’ve been a fan. Through sound changes, Jack growing as a songwriter and his mad screams, The White Stripes have always enjoyed air play in the summer. There’s no new work coming out any time soon from what I can tell, but with an impressive back catalogue, Detroit’s finest have more than enough variety to keep me entertained. Check out the Dead Weather and Raconteurs too, they’re not as good as The White Stripes, but should still feature on summer playlists, mostly because both have “JACK WHITE WAS HERE” watermarks.

Spencer Moody

Not as prolific or a one man operation as the other three, Moody has two projects that I really enjoy and I couldn’t survive without them. The Murder City Devils were my “American” rock and roll band while I was in England. They were my escape from the swarms of UK indie bands. Not that I don’t like those indie bands, but when the sun is shining man, The Murder City Devils make everything taste better. Moody’s vocals are husky, alcohol soaked groans and very few vocalists are as much fun to listen to.

Josh Homme

Anything “Ginger Elvis” touches turns to fiery goodness. Responsible for some of the best riffs I have ever heard, with Queens of the Stone Age, Homme is quite possibly my favourite guitarist…ever. Playing an electric guitar the way we all want to, damnit, he should’ve replaced The Edge in that documentary! Homme is a very prolific songwriter and recording artist, check out his Dessert Sessions, Eagles of Death Metal (yes, I know he plays the drums for them occasionally, but I think they’re fantastic), Kyuss and of course, Them Crooked Vultures.

These four guys really capture everything I believe rock and roll to be. Honest, angry, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, never dull. So how about you give me some bands to look out for. I’d love to know what you guys are listening to this summer.

For now, I will leave you with some summery thoughts…

“Rejoice, we made the right choice, if there’s something wrong with it, they’ll find it, I say, let ‘em have it. I’ve got a preacher’s mouth and a rock and roll heart.” – Dear Hearts, The Murder City Devils.

Rick.
Over.

One plus one equals duo

2010-09-26T19:19:00.002+02:00

This weekend I finally watched the documentary film, "It Might Get Loud". It's a documentary that gets the opinion of three very influential guitarists on the greatest invention since the wheel, the electric guitar. You know by now that The Edge from U2, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and the brains behind The White Stripes, Jack White, are the three dudes that sit around talking axes.

I was a little sceptical at first, because I have to be honest, there are very few things I dislike as much as U2. Although the Edge brought some neat ideas to the table, Jimmy Page plays "Whole Lotta Love" and the Edge and White try and fail to look cool while admiring the master's magic while he smashes the table that The Edge filled with effects. I must admit though, Jack White is the highlight of the movie and all rock and roll fans need to watch it. Soon. But that led to this post, I put the White Stripes on and wondered, rock and roll duos. Who are my favourite three?

I can't pick a favourite, so in no particular order:

The White Stripes - Everyone knows them, a lot of people love them and it's really not hard to. The endearing duo of Jack and Meg White produce catchy, angry and energy filled records for us to enjoy. Big guitar riffs, face melting solos and primal drumming are the essence of the White Stripes and I know I said I don't have a favourite, but just because Jack White has the coolest guitars around, I think I have to get off the fence and call them my favourite of these three duos.

The Black Keys - Another band that has recently become more well-known, thanks in no small part to their lastest album, "Brothers". Although it's still not grown on me as much as the phenomenal "Rubber Factory" and "The Big Come Up", The Black Keys play a stripped down, big sounding brand of old school blues and rock and roll. Dan Auerbach makes his guitar cry, he plays with all of his soul. If Jack White brings the bourbon, Auerbach provides the scotch.

Two Gallants - A little more unknown than either of the previous bands, the Gallants shouldn't be overlooked. Crafting epic tales of travelling, heartbreak and anger in the most beautiful manner, Two Gallants will steal your heart. Perfect melodies, cleverly crafted songs and a very talented storyteller howling the vocals as if his life depended on it ensures that Two Gallants are a must hear for all fans of rock and roll.

Those are my three favourite rock and roll duos, and make no bones, I love music obscure and arty as well, but in the end it all comes down to rock and roll in its most honest and vulnerable. After all, a set of drums and an electric guitar is all that you really need.

Over.
Rick

Review | Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

2010-09-21T13:04:00.001+02:00

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

If you've been following my blog, you will know that I've recently been obsessed with Deerhunter. I like to refer to them as 'My Bloody Valentine 2.0'. A shoegaze band for us young ones. I compare the two because of their similar songwriting processes. Lyrics aren't very important to either band and it's all "stream of consciousness" writing.

I've been waiting for the new Deerhunter for months now and finally, I've got it. Let me start of by saying, Deerhunter has always confused me a little, but only because of the huge variety of musical directions and variations their albums offer, but their new album, Halcyon Digest, screams of a band that has found its feet. It's slipped into a pair of Air Force One's and has taken to kicking ass and leaving names, because names are irrelevant.

The album starts out with a the minimalistic "Earthquake" and it took me a little by surprise, because Deerhunter are fantastic at creating wonderfully layered musical, but by the item "Don't Cry" starts I'm smiling. It's a wonderful poppy ditty that is about is traditionally "indie" as I've heard that band.

"Revival" is a more typically Deerhunter track, with long build ups, tons of layers, but it's more melodic than expected, yet again, another good surprise. "Sailing" is my least favourite track on the album, it's very bare, but very haunting, but one trend I am noticing is Cox's more adventurous and fleshed out lyrics.

When "Desire Lines" starts, the album changes, it takes off and it's because that is where guitarist Lockett Pundt's songwriting comes to the fore. It's a hypnotising, textured post punk masterpiece and after my first listen, this was the track I listened to on repeat.

"Basement Scene" and "Fountain Stairs" could be songs off Deerhunter's magical "Microcastle", but luckily for us, they're not. They're slow, hypnotic and brilliantly constructed and also serve as the perfect prelude and sequel to the one track I heard off the album before it was released, "Helicopter". This song defies explanation, Cox's clear vocals are clean, undistorted and the melody makes me want to go and lie down on the grass, turn it up and forget about the world.

"Coronado" surprised me the most on the album though. With Julian Casablanca'esque vocals, this jangly number begs the question, "why don't all songs have a saxophone in them?"

The final track on the album completes what I think to be Deerhunter's coming of age album. "He would've laughed" is a poignant track dedicated to Cox's dear friend (and personal punk rock hero), Jay Reatard who died earlier this year. The song is so well crafted that after four minutes, it descends into a self destructive, stripped down and vulnerable Cox paying tribute to his friend. This song is 7:29 long, but it could've 70:29 for all I care. It's phenomenal and the perfect way to end what I consider to be front runner for album of 2010.

Over
Rick

Smoke

2010-09-21T10:59:00.002+02:00

It's a cold, miserable night at the southern tip of Africa and the only thing keeping me from choking is the thick cloud of smoke surrounding me. I stare out across the city and her lights remind me of sitting in a plane, stuck in a holding pattern before landing at Heathrow. The city looks alive, bursting with promise, opportunity and despair. From my perfect vantage point, I look out across the bay and smile at the hundreds of little red and white lights as they skilfully avoid the bigger, much brighter yellow ones.

Then the air becomes hazy and the crisp, clear lights become blurred and for a brief moment, I feel like one of them. The stale whiskey taste lingers long after another drag of my cigarette is exhaled, but for some reason, I feel brighter, things are clear. Although her lights seem to be dimmed, I know it's simply a front, she's alive down there. She never sleeps, like me.

We have a lot in common you and I, it's like I've known you my whole life.

Over

Rick

Review | Interpol - Interpol

2010-09-13T18:02:00.003+02:00

Interpol - Interpol

I think it's quite fitting I do my first proper review on here on Interpol. Mostly because I adored their debut "Turn on the bright lights" and follow up "Antics". Unfortunately I only got into their previous effort, "Our love to admire" a little later, but I was right on time for their fourth and latest release, the self titled "Interpol".

From the album's opening "Success" it grabs you by the throat without letting go. However, it's grip isn't vicious, it soft and gentle, just like Paul Banks' gentle baritone drones. The album feels different to its predecessors, but in a very good way. The band suffered a significant loss when Carlos, the bassist, left the band. The "Memory Serves" starts and I melt. A soft and gentle tug at your throat to get you a little closer to Paul Banks and his demons.

Of which there are many. "Lights" is possibly my favourite of the entire album, see the video here. I don't really know what to say about this, except that it may just be the best song, from a songwriting point of view, the band has ever recorded. Strong claim, but break it down to the song's nuts and bolts and it has it all. It's phenomenal.

"Summer Well" is what I consider the most "old Interpol" sounding track on the album. The slow build up, the frantic, yet controlled break out and Banks' extended wails that guide the pounding bass line and hypnotic drums. The album gently pushes you away, but it's allowed to, because it makes you feel safe enough that it will reel you back in. Barricades is "full speed, half blind, full tilt, declined" and will have you tapping your feet more than a Filipino Box Spring Hog.

The album carries on growing through "Always Malaise (The Man I Am)", "Safe Without", and "Try It Out" and the whole time you will sense something is coming. "All of The Ways" is a big sounding slow ballad, it could end the album, but this album is crafted far too beautifully for that to happen.

"The Undoing" does exactly the opposite of what it says. It ties this marvellous effort together. All in all I think this has a very good shout at album of the year and I highly recommend it for Interpol fans and non-believers alike.

Over.
Rick

My shoes require your gaze

2010-09-10T16:45:00.001+02:00

Deerhunter. No, not the fantastic film, but the band, I discovered them about two years ago, but until recently I hadn't really given them the attention they deserve. Now I am hooked. Bradford Cox, the mastermind behind the band creates more than songs, he creates soundscapes, soundspheres, little planets bursting with sounds for your ears to explore.

Bradford Cox

The band is from Georgia and completely defies characterisation. But not in an "I would like to rip my eardrums out with pliers" kind of way, more of a "is that indie? is that shoegaze? is that noise?" kind of way. Deerhunter were quite obviously influenced by band like My Bloody Valentine, The Birthday Party (on the older records), Stereolab, Echo & the Bunnymen and Bowie, but the way they blend these together leave me astonished.

Their first album, with one of the most abrasive titles ever, "Turn it up faggot" sounds like a band trying to find its feet and struggling with its own demons. This anger and angst is what reminds me of Nick Cave's first band, The Birthday Party, and that aggression spills over halfway onto their second album, the phenomenal, Cryptograms.

The album comes at you like driving hail, attacking from all angles, but fear not, once "Providence" starts, it's all mellow, easy and hypnotic. But in my opinion, while all of their stuff up to Cryptograms is fantastic, Microcastle is where Deerhunter really found their feet and Cox found his songwriting niche.

A collection of mid tempo ballads, broken up with ambient magic, Microcastle is an indie work of art. The album leaked two months before its release date and that resulted in an entirely different story, for the geeks, here is the low down. Basically, the band then wanted to reward fans who waited for the album to be released by recording another album, Weird Era Cont. And I would just like to thank them for that. It's brilliant. In effect these two serve as one of the best double albums possibly ever.

So, if you want some rock/ambient/interestingly hypnotic music to spice up your life, Deerhunter is your band. Honestly, get Microcastle and Weird Era Cont. If you dig em and want more, find the rest, but those two should be your starting point. If you enjoy the weirder stuff, check out Cox's solo project, Atlas Sound. Equally as magical and fantastical, if more introspective than Deerhunter.

Their new album is due for release on September 28 and I hope some of you will be listening to it with me. Halcyon Digest is bound to be brilliant, if the tracks I've heard are anything to judge by.

"So long to the days you grow sad of, and if I try but found not much for you to hold, the more you hold, the more you feel alone and wait, till you can wait. So long to the days you come to know, so you had to get there on your own to wait to grow old, you're waiting to grow old." - Neither of Us, Uncertainly - Deerhunter.

And life my friends, is way too short to not have Deerhunter in it. Even if you don't like meat.

Over

Rick

Volume III

2010-09-06T17:58:00.000+02:00

So indie is in the mainstream now. Which results in the next part of my underground theory. Does becoming more famous affect the music negatively? And, quite possibly the most famous of all musical clichés, "I think the earlier stuff is better."

This is completely explainable by the way. Most of the time, when a band releases a debut album, it is on their own steam. This album when then become really popular, or maybe the second one will be. Then the band will be discovered by some record label trying to make a quick buck from it and kids, this will upset you. Because I have two examples. And I am pretty sure you're not going to like them.

Kings of Leon. Youth and Young Manhood was released and delivered 46 minutes worth of whiskey soaked southern drawl, set on fire with an energy hotter than a tight pair of leather trousers. I remained a fan, up until the release of "Only By Night". Where's the fire? Besides into all the sex that the band have been having with the hoards of groupies they gathered from the album? The spark disappeared and it hurt my feelings, it made for pretty dreary listening as well.

Muse is another great example of what I refer to as "The Decline." Showbiz and Origin of Symmetry were musically extraordinary, then came Absolution and Black Holes & Revelations which weren't too bad if I am honest, but then The Resistance happened. And all my respect for the band nearly vanished. I still have not managed to listen to the entire album.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is how an indie band becomes a mainstream band under normal circumstances, they change their style to be more "acceptable", but luckily, that is changing. Indie bands are being recognised for their musical prowess, or perhaps the world has grown tired of all the bollocks. Either way, I like the fact that it's all a lot more transparent now, it does make my life as a self confessed elitist a little harder, but what kind of prick would I be if I didn't enjoy a challenge?

Over
Rick

Part Deux...

2010-09-06T17:32:00.000+02:00

I'm stoked that my earlier post garnered as much attention as it did, simply because this is exactly the kind of thing that I let occupy my thoughts for days on end. In the first post of this series, which it has become, I said that I think the underground is dead. Now, without getting to existential on all of you lovely people, I don't really know if that is true.

I mean, the bigger the tectonic plate, the bigger the cavern beneath it, right? I think the underground in it's traditional sense is for all intents and purposes, dead. It has instead transformed, like some hideous moth, to a fat worm with more heads than Medusa's do.

There are more genres than ever before, many of them complete crap in my opinion, which if you remember cannot be wrong. But I think once one delves into the "World of a Thousand Genres" there is some gold to be found. However, the underground isn't a single room full of music. The underground is a host of small caves scattered along the way, each room offering listeners something new, something exciting and sometimes it may even be terrifying.

This is where it gets a little more tricky. Exploring these caves has also become easier than wondering Cape Town's streets on Street View. So all of a sudden, is the "mainstream" in the minority? It could be possible, especially when I look at something like The Arcade Fire's splendid, Rococo sporting, album The Suburbs. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Albums Chart in the USA. Vampire Weekend's album, Contra was the first independently released album to top the charts upon release and that in itself is quite a fucking feat.

Think about it, no other indie bands have been able to do that. I love the Arcade Fire, I unfortunately - for them - dislike Vampire Weekend a lot. But the fact that these two could beat out Radiohead in the first week of album sales, tells me that the tide is turning. The time for thoughtless, mass produced music will continue, but fear not, we're winning. The good stuff is making it into the bigger picture.

The underground as one entity frightened me, but it's much easier to deal with in these little caverns. Maybe you'll find some gems, quite often you won't, either way, half the fun is the search anyway. But more on that next time. Feel free to use the below forum (comments section) to tell me what you think...

Over
Rick

Long live the underground.

2010-09-06T13:29:00.000+02:00

Writing a blog post is a strange sensation. I still don't really know if what I am doing and writing is actually contributing positively to society, or actually contributing at all. I mean, we all have opinions, and because they're opinions, they cannot be wrong. They can be different, but never wrong.

It seems that every blogger, including me, covering the topic of music strives to be an individual, some succeed, some of them fail, but regardless of their success rate, each music writer is an elitist. Whether they like to admit it or not. Music fanatics are weird things, we're not built like everyone else.

This brings me to what I wanted to rant about. I think the world's done a flip-flop, a topsy turvy, yes people, the world has officially gone tits up. I think the underground has gone mainstream. And I blame the Internet. Although, I also thank the Internet profusely.

The World Wide Web has brought music from anywhere imaginable right to all of our doorsteps. I think that so many people subscribe to the ethos of "being an individual" that it's become the mainstream. It's become the norm, nobody wants to be like anyone else, except for those people who aim to be like some flavour of the week jackass in designer heels or a popped collar, but more importantly, it's true, the underground is dead. Long live the underground.

It was so easy to be a musical elitist back then, finding something good that no-one had ever heard of wasn't too difficult if you knew where to look. But now, everyone is always looking and people, like me, are recommending you bands that aren't mainstream, we're spreading the word and shedding a little light on something people may not have had any insight into 5 years ago.

Fuckery, it was us. We perpetuated this, we took the underground and sacrificed it for our own satisfaction. We told the world about bands that were never meant for mass consumption. I am a little sad about the underground being dead and all, although, as resources increase and the Web grows, the underground could just be buried a little deeper than I am currently aware of.

However, if it's still out there, trust me, I'll find it. For now though, I will bid you adieu old friend. It was always a pleasure. Consider yourself saluted.

Over

Rick

Electro, poof

2010-08-29T21:36:00.004+02:00

That is what Howard Moon calls Vince Noir at the start of the epically funny, The Mighty Boosh Live show at Brixton Academy. One of my favourite anti-climatic moments of those splendid two and a half hours or so. Watching my dvd again recently made me pretty happy to realise, that an "electro poof" is not something I can be referred to.

Electronic music, at the right time and in the right place, can be fantastic, but very rarely is it something that makes it's way onto my playlist. There are a ton of "new rave" and electronic indie bands, and yes, I listened to some CSS, Klaxons, MGMT and Foals, but they never really stuck. I knew there were guys doing fantastic thing with electronics though, like TV on the Radio, Grizzly Bear and Menomena, but overall, I was never drawn to the dancy side of indie.

Until now. Handsome Furs consists of two people. A husband and wife, kinda like my friends, The Pits (who are a lot more punk rock, but married none the less). Handsome Furs are Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry, and they are catchier than frostbite in the "blinding whiteness of the Tundra". Which is ironic, because they're from Canada. Dan plays guitar for Wolf Parade - a main victim of my recent obsessive listening - and he also shares singing duties with Spencer Krug. For those of you who know Wolf Parade, he does the vocals on "The Same Ghost Every Night, This Heart's on Fire, Fine Young Cannibals and the fantastic "Yulia". He delivers the husky ying to Spencer's whiney yang.

He also happens to be a pretty good guitarist, he does all of the vocals and helps programme the drum machine. Perry is in charge of the synthesisers and also helps with the drums. I've watched a couple of their videos recently and she has to be the bounciest person, ever. They've released only two albums to date, Plague Park and Face Control. They are both fantastic.

The songs are simple, poppy and very, very catchy. The most perfect timing ever, Radio Kaliningrad just started playing. I did post it for all you lucky people this week, but you know what, I'm in a giving kind of mood, so please, if you didn't this week, listen to it now.

What a great way to end a great weekend. Some happy, bouncy music that doesn't make me want to be sick all over my precious keyboard. Handsome Furs are the real deal, they're a guitar and a synthesizer, a dude and his wife, that can make the thought of prancing around on stage, as an electro poof, bearable and extremely desirable. Come to think of it, knowing I will never be as cool as Vince Noir actually upsets me.

Damnit Sunday.
You win again.
you.win.again.

Over
rick

Two thirds almost down, 2011 rapidly approaching. Flippit.

2010-08-22T12:03:00.004+02:00

So the year is flying by faster than enclosed stink, and I realised this morning that I’ve not posted a half yearly “let’s examine Rick’s world over the past three months” post. I will instead endeavour to summarise the last five months, that is the last time I posted a “wrap up” of any sorts. It has been a strange year, bizarre occurrences constantly boggling my mind, new music occasionally dazzling me and all the while, Cape Town becoming a bigger part of my existence.

So as regular readers will know, we were robbed earlier this year, but luckily I've started getting back onto the technology wagon, although I did manage to wash my iPod amidst an epic hangover last Sunday. So if anyone feels like buying me one for Xmas or just because, that would be sweet. For now I am making do with a 1 Gig iShuffle, a purple one, it does the job, but finding the right song to start your day on, especially for a music nut like me, is pretty damn difficult.

So what bands have come to the fore during the last five months of the year? I don't really remember, because these past few months have been absolutely manic. Luckily I have Last.fm to help me remember, the charts don't lie.

Soooo, apparently I've been super duper indie the past six months, TV on the Radio, Sunset Rubdown, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, Wolf Parade, My Morning Jacket, The Black Keys, The Cramps, The Decemberists, Iran and Elliott Smith.

Besides three of these bands, the others have been in my collection for years, Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade and Iran however, have not. So this post will now take a turn towards what you all know has been coming, music. More importantly, one of the most, in my humblest opinion, important songwriters in recent memory.

I've raved about Spencer Krug in a couple of posts, thinking that I've done a whole post on him and I haven't. Very strange considering he's been responsible for my score of 2010. His bands have been on constant rotation, although I have not been as one track minded as usual, his efforts have stuck. I think if I could be in a band, we'd sound like Sunset Rubdown and Wolf Parade's bastard children. A little indie, a little noisy, but always sincere.

Krug's lyrics are pretty obscure, his stories fantastical, and his voice, regardless of the tempo or mood of the music can deliver as much angst, pain and joy (often all at once) as you are ever likely to hear. I love the fact that while he delivers these wonderful stories, he still manages to experiment with a wide variety sounds and instruments. Too many bands focus on one or the other, lyrics or music. And depending on the band and their sound, that is okay, but mostly bands fail in one of the departments, that however doesn't make them bad bands, it just doesn't make them great. Something I think both Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown are. I hope Krug continues to release records while becoming the next Robert Pollard.

As the year carries on, we need an album of the year, my top ten for 2010 so far would be...in no particular order...

Wolf Parade - Expo 86
Menomena - Mines
Liars - Sisterworld
The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Blood & Fire
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Les Savy Fav - Root For Ruin
Against Me! - White Crosses
Band of Horses - Infinite Arms
The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

If you can get hold of any (or all) of these, do. It's been a great year for music. I don't have anything smart to sign off with, I also realise that their are no links in the post, but think about it, when you read your favourite book, did it have links in? No it didn't. Exactly.

Over.
Rick.

Les Savy Fav - The funnest band you've never heard of...

2010-08-19T10:33:00.001+02:00

So I got my grubby little paws on the new album from one of my favourite indie bands. Les Savy Fav play a brand of rock and roll that might not appeal to everyone, but put it on at a party and no one will complain. I think they're phenomenal, they melt your face then croon you to sleep 10 minutes later.

That is why I am making "Root for Ruin" my album of the week. I generally just change the picture and the links, but not this time, this time I will send a shout out to the band that have succeeded in giving me aural pleasure, over and over again.

This is why they are too awesome for my lame words...

Over

Rick

Being spoilt for choice is a good thing...right?

2010-08-17T16:12:00.000+02:00

So let me begin with my customary, "I've been such a crappy blogger recently" bit. I don't know, just haven't felt really inspired, but today is the day. And you are in for a treat. I have this theory that Sweet Chilli Sauce is the perfect metaphor for the changes that have been happening over the past few years in the music world.

How ridiculous does that sound? Well, to be honest, it sounds as insane as the damn stuff tastes. I like sweet chilli sauce, however, I prefer a spicier alternative. I like my curry ring-stingingly hot and that is again, similar to the kind of music I enjoy. A little weird, a little stingy but always sincere.

Think of 10 years ago, there was no *insert trendy mainstream indie band name here*, Muse had just become famous and the other 10 million "indie" bands were sitting at home wondering which routes their young lives would take. This is very similar to sweet chilli sauce when you consider that when I was growing up, there were 4 condiments to choose from, mustard, chutney, mayonnaise and of course, All Gold Tomato Sauce. That was it, no frills, no fancy, just the basics.

Nowadays a trip to the supermarket entails standing in the condiments aisle utterly baffled by the sheer amount of things I can choose to drench my food in. Just like going to a record shop and trying to pick out a new band that might blow you away. Granted, the internet has become a fantastic medium for sampling music before investing, but you get the idea.

You have all those choices, but still feel slightly unsure about which one to pick, because you might like it on a sandwich today, but what about tomorrow? Will you actually finish the bottle or will it become yet another fridge door relic to be disposed of months after the sell-by date? Will you one morning wake up and think "shit, is there any of that garlic-infused-tomato-chutney-with-the-chunky-green-bits-in left?" Or will you not even venture into such crazy territory?

I suggest that you do. There are literally hundreds of bands producing records today, far too many for a music junkie like me to ingest in a lifetime and that leaves me with a slight bitter taste in my mouth. (Not too dissimilar to that time I had that sauce that sucked)

Although, choice is generally a good thing, I don't know, maybe I just miss the good old days when your 5 - 10 favourite bands could keep you entertained because you had no idea about the myriad of other bands out there that might be more to your taste. But our ignorance was bliss, the innocence is over, now the selection is epic. Now take your regular listens, let's call them salty cracks, and venture into the abyss that is the internet, let's call it the supermarket, and find something that suits your palette.

Sweet chilli sauce revolutionised our taste buds over the past 10 years or so, and finding a new band that you truly love could do exactly the same thing to the way you listen to music.

Over.
Rick.

My Tennessee Fire is well and truly lit

2010-07-30T17:31:00.002+02:00

Jim James

If you follow me on Twitter, you would’ve noticed me raving about My Morning Jacket like a rabid dog during the last week or so and this is me completing the cycle. Jim James is one of my favourite songwriters at the moment. He writes straight, to the point and using his Kentucky charm, delivers his music with a distinct southern flavour.

My Morning Jacket delivers blows of anxiety and heartbreak that are wrapped in gentle vocals, tons of reverb and haunted atmospheres, all in all, a fantastic package. James is the main songwriter of the Louisville outfit and I like to think of him as a modern day Neil Young.

He delivers his vocals with control, poise and really hits the high notes. He doesn’t muck about when it comes to those high notes. As girly as the falsettos may be, James compensates for this by playing his Flying V and generally looking like one of the Hell’s Angels from Hunter S Thompson’s novel. Mostly because of his huge beard, or handle bar moustache or whatever facial hair he is in the mood to rock that week.

I know that My Morning Jacket isn’t for everyone, but it sure is for me. I think they are one of the most original and refreshing bands currently releasing albums. Check out their double live album, Okonokos, it is one of the best live sets I’ve heard captured on record and when My Morning Jacket play live, the calmness disappears, the layers are stripped and James thrives in the spotlight.

Delivering the songs that you can almost determine which instrument it was written on. Their albums are very well produced and because of the contrast they offer when playing live, My Morning Jacket are truly the complete package.

People use the term “saviours of rock and roll” far too loosely in my opinion, because there is no need for rock and roll to be saved, it’s doing just fine. However, if anyone deserved some sort of “Hey, you guys are just the tits!” award, I would have to give it to My Morning Jacket. They’ve made country / folk music something special, something complex and memorable and if you can, listen to “It Still Moves”. It will move you.

Over

Rick

Blame Canada

2010-07-21T18:07:00.002+02:00

Over the last couple of weeks I have been delving into a music scene that is so interwoven that distinguishing individual participants is virtually impossible. I say virtually because there is one great divider between the three gentlemen I am about to enlighten you to, their voices. If you like sugary sweet, always perfect and super-produced music, this might not be for you. Just like Canada isn't for many Americans, or something.

"Stop talking about Canada you cryptic fool and give me some damn context!" Okay, okay, here it is. I am currently obsessed with Canadian indie bands involving Spencer Krug, Carey Mercer and Dan Bejar. Krug is responsible for the genius that includes Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown, Mercer heads up Frog Eyes and Blackout Beach and Bejar fronts The New Pornographers and Destroyer. Together these three form Swan Lake and all of it is awesome, all of it is extremely different to anything else that you have heard.

Striking a balance between being experimental and pleasing melodies, these three combined are sublime, but I think they're even better solo. Now, I am no musical oracle (a snob is what I am accused of most), but honestly, for lovers of indie, there is at least one of these bands that you will listen to and adore. Now, I've raved about Spencer Krug in a previous post, so this time I will tell you a little more about Carey Mercer.

He's the awkward lead singer of Frog Eyes and I must say, he intrigues me. He has a very similar vocal style to one of my favourite "avant garde" bands', vocalist, David Thomas from Pere Ubu. Pere Ubu is without a doubt one of the zaniest, yet enjoyable bands I've ever encountered and The Modern Dance is firmly on my "Have to listen before you die" list. So do it. Find it, or find me and we can explore the insanity together. If Neutral Milk Hotel and Pere Ubu had a jam session, they would sound like Frog Eyes.

But back to Carey, he warbles, he shrieks, he falsettos and he croons all while doing some fantastically mental things with his guitar. I would recommend starting with Frog Eyes if you want to listen to some of Mercer's madness, his Blackout Beach is a little more unpolished, a little nastier, a little more up my street.

So to end this, screw Canadian haters, I don't know many (Canadians or haters, but I am sure they're out there), because they have some damn fine musicians that are doing something different and you know what, they're damn splendid. I'm tired of over-produced, underwhelming indie, the genre offers all the freedom in the world, yet bands all sound the same. Guys, I think you might be missing the point, but even if what you produce is shit, if you trying, you have my vote.

Who's the Boss?

2010-07-10T10:36:00.003+02:00

When I was younger, a lot of my old man's music sounded archaic, old fashioned and just downright lame, but as the wheels have turned, I'm starting to see things a little more clearly.

Bruce Springsteen is the Boss. His songs are rife with emotion, heartbreak and angst, an angst that I may have been too young to understand, but I get it now. He sings as if his heart might return when he puts enough emotion into his songs and from a writing perspective, well, he might just be untouchable. His understanding of melody and tempo make me want to pick up my guitar again. Keep it real Mr Boss.

One of my favourite Springsteen songs.

Another artist I've come to admire a lot during the past two or so years is Mr Elvis Costello. With his husky voice, indecision about his accent and general disregard for album artwork, few bands stack up to what "The Other Elvis" has done. My Aim is True could be one of the best debut albums of all time and this proves it.

The strange thing is that as much as I love these bands now, I disliked them when I was younger. Mom loves Springsteen, I never did, but thanks Mom, and once again, you were right. I am starting to understand why some music is timeless and some is just pointless. I get why so many artists do what they do for many many years and some disappear into obscurity after two albums. I could try and explain it to you, but this is not the correct medium for that. Meet me for a beer somewhere, we'll talk good music, hate on shitty pop stars and nurture the bastards behind our eyes.

Over

Rick

Indie’d

2010-06-29T15:23:00.002+02:00

I have long been a huge indie music fan and it’s been a while since I’ve found a new one I think is any good. So I started delving backwards and I found bands like Sonic Youth, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr. and Guided By Voices. Lifter Puller, Silver Jews and my latest addiction, Built to Spill are other older indie bands that to me define the word.

Listen to Built to Spill and you’ll hear Death Cab for Cutie in the 1990’s, delve a little deeper and Stephen Malkmus’ bizarre melodies will leave your jaw on the Pavement at how good these guys were. But at the moment it’s all about Doug Martsch. He is one of those musicians involved in everything; Treepeople was where it all began.

More punk than his later efforts, Treepeople would be great for any pop-punk or punk rock fan, it’s great summer music, sort of how the Descendents always put a smile on listeners’ faces. After Treepeople Martsch established Built to Spill and have been releasing albums ever since.

His pop-sensibility and willingness to solo for 5 minutes at a time make him an indie musician for the ages in my opinion. Martsch writes some of the best ditties and easy to listen to indie rock and without him Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie would’ve sounded entirely different.

So if you like either of those bands, check out Built to Spill, especially the album ‘There’s nothing wrong with love’. It’s just brilliant. Martsch is also involved in a band called the Halo Benders with Calvin Johnson. I’ve not listened to them as much, so shall reserve an opinion for now, from what I have heard though, it is great, more acoustic, but still great.

Built to Spill are one of the greatest indie bands of our time and will provide the perfect soundtrack to most days. Indie’d.

Over.

Rick

ps. enjoy this track, 'Big Dipper' is definitely one of my favourites.

Something for the winter...

2010-06-14T10:31:00.001+02:00

This post is a follow up to my previous post regarding winter music. Winter in Cape Town is well and truly here and the firmer its grasp, the more I learn about what works during when the sun’s rays are less effective. Just for the record, everything is going pretty well my end and while the following music may seem sombre, introspective and downright destructive, it works, I promise.

If you follow me on Twitter, I am sure you’ve noticed me posting about Elliott Smith during the last two weeks or so. I am actually listening to Elliott while writing this and the more I listen to his sad songs, the more I wish he was still writing them. His sadness and the demons that plagued him sure makes for great listening and great listening make me incredibly happy. This is in stark contrast to Elliott Smith’s story, which is one of the saddest ever told. Honestly it is. Drug abuse, rocky relationships, Elliott lived the clichéd troubled rock star life and like so many before him, it eventually caused his demise.

His songs all have dark undertones, kind of what it would have sounded like if Bob Dylan’s wit and Leonard Cohen’s heartache hung out for a night shooting up smack over couple of bottles of red wine. Smith died from stab wounds to his chest, however, who administered them is still a mystery. It was October 21, 2003 when his flame was finally extinguished by two stab wounds to the chest. He’d had an argument with his missus and she’d locked herself in the bathroom. Apparently she heard him scream outside and when she opened the door there he was, knife still in his chest. Whether Elliott’s demons finally caught up with him or whether it was simply a fight gone horribly wrong, it robbed us of one of my favourite songwriters.

Smith delivers his vocals softly, gently and very emotionally over his acoustic guitar and occasionally his piano. His ‘suicide note’ read: “I’m so sorry – love, Elliott. God forgive me.” Listening to his music inspires me; it makes me want to inspire you, but most of all it makes me smile. That might seem a little contradictory to the tone and message behind it, but out of his great sadness he’s managed to bring me great joy. I can always turn on an Elliott Smith album and after a couple of songs I realise that regardless of what is happening in my own life, it’s not that bad, it really isn't.

I will leave you, fittingly, with a lyric written by the late, great Mr Smith. It’s from one of my favourite songs he wrote, simply called ‘No Name #1’:

“And when I go, don’t you follow, leave alone, you know you don’t belong here, slip out quiet, nobody’s looking, leave alone you don’t belong here.”

Maybe he never belonged, it seems that his demons were too strong, but you were wrong about one thing Elliott. You may not have belonged, but we noticed you leaving.

Over.

Rick

My head hurts… what comes next?

2010-06-04T09:45:00.003+02:00

Everyone, except the teetotal, will know the feeling. A pounding head, submitting to the fact that you have to get up and face the world, but finding a soundtrack seems impossible. This is a dilemma I am sure every person with a hangover has had to overcome – if not, please continue reading for a more detailed analysis of my thinking processes. Now I write this because of the brutish bastard I had behind the eyes this fair morn. He was about 6 ft, made of solid amber and kicked like a full grown Jager, he was a true bastard.

When one awakes from a drunken slumber (or half slumber in my case last night) you feel energised and strangely, the world doesn’t seem such a terrible place. However, don’t let this fool you for a second – it’s the booze delivering its swan song, its last hoorah if you like. Once showered, cleaner and fed the dark haze will start to set in. Then you have to go outside and face the day. Selecting the right choice of music on the drive to work is critical most days, but even more so when the wine-demons have you in their claws. DO NOT FUCK THIS UP; your day is at stake.

Generally I opt for something lively, something with a big old’ pair of shiny bollocks. This morning I opted for some Wipers because I firmly believe they are the most underappreciated and perpetually neglected punk band, ever. Greg Sage wrote music fuelled by more angst than Kurt Cobain needed to pull the trigger in his bathtub or wherever it was that he decided to save music.

Once at your desk / cubicle / office the real battle begins. I contemplated a couple of things before deciding, no, wait, I’m pulling the wool over your eyes here... I knew before I got there, I needed Slayer. I needed it badly and I needed it loudly. Slayer went down an absolute treat, but then the aggression and third cup of coffee’s effects begin to subside and alternate measures were needed.

I decided to dabble in some My Bloody Valentine, but it strangely doesn’t cut the mustard. (At which point I make a mental note to have a boerie roll for lunch later) Then the hunt begins, I need something smooth, something melodic, something classic. I scroll up and down through iTunes and then he jumps out at me like Ziggy Stardust’s spiders from Mars, of course, it makes so much sense, Lou Reed. “Yes!” I think to myself.

Then comes the lunch break, what you do during lunch is also critical, don’t eat healthy, don’t starve yourself, head for the greasiest and fattiest meal you can conceive. It will help. Bacon has been proven to be a great hangover cure, so find yourself an all-day breakfast joint and tuck in, you’ll be glad you did.

After lunch you will feel a lull in your energy levels, this means you need something that will motivate you, something to help you over this stupid self-inflicted hump. The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster playlist almost starts glowing at this point, there is only one way out now, there is only one thing to do. From the top I go. Turn of shuffle, select “Celebrate your Mother” and we’re off.

This band never stops amazing me and how they aren’t a household name in alternative music circles is beyond me. They are everything that an alternative band should be, they even used to tour in a hearse, with flames painted on its side. If that doesn’t scream rock & roll, nothing ever will.

Then the work day is over and it’s time for the quick drive home and the writing of this blog post. Lou Reed’s Hanging Round (the acoustic version) spurs me over De Waal drive, I shout at no one, there is no traffic and suddenly the day doesn’t seem so bad. Although I am exhausted, the day was a success, my soundtrack was solid and I think that is why the bastard behind my eyes couldn’t get the better of me. Not today buddy, not today.

Over

Rick

My journey home last night.

2010-05-28T14:35:00.000+02:00

I drove home last night and it was fucking bucketing down. At the traffic lights I realised I needed petrol or would potentially have to make an awkward "Please come get me" phonecall and being a man, I thought, fuck that. So I went to the nearest Engen, drew some bucks and popped some gasoline in my car's tank.

Then the shit really hit the fan. To get home the normal way I had to make a right out of the petrol station, but because of the weather and everyone's forgetting how to drive I could not. Alas, I made a reluctant left, knowing that the simple act of going to the "other right" would cost me 15 minutes and plenty of hairy moments on my drive home. Why hairy I hear you screaming at the screen? Well, because I then have to drive past 3 additional intersections, big ones, in the pissing rain. It was like movie rain. And my lights only work on dim (setting lower than normal) and brights. I turned on the brights, I am sure people didn't like it.

I nearly got hit by a truck crossing over three lanes and during my evasive manoeuvre I nearly took out some poor idiot on a motorcycle. "Jesus", I thought, "why the fuck would you get on that two-wheeled coffin in this madness?" and the thought quickly slipped my mind, because biker got left behind and I continued home. After the additional intersections the drive went smoothly and got home in no time. Traffic out of town was horrific, I pointed and laughed at the swine caught in it! "Fucking swine!" I said.

It's almost time...

2010-05-25T17:39:00.000+02:00

I’ve long been fascinated by American Football. I like the ferocity, I like the 120 (on average) explosions per game when the 22 guys on the field attempt to rip each other’s faces off. Its intensity is not too different from our rugby and I have recently watched a couple of football themed, based on true events, kind of movies. This got me thinking about cultures, lifestyles, struggles and conquering insurmountable odds.

I went to school in rugby country. I did not play rugby. This was frowned upon and I had earrings and was from the “city”. Needless to say, I was a bit of an outsider and I liked it. High school was awesome; the way people carried on about rugby however, was not. It was all that mattered. The only achievements recognised were those achieved by the first rugby team.

This reminds me of Friday Night Lights, a film (and television show more addictive than Nik-Naks) that depicts the struggles of a small Texas town and its football team. It’s not all that different to Somerset East, the little town where I spent those five glorious years. There was abundant racism, obvious favouritism and a sense of unrivalled pride. I hated rugby, and if the Boks aren’t playing I still don’t care much for it, but when our team ran out onto the field the stands would erupt and for those 60 minutes we were all one team. We felt every tackle, we cheered every point and we did all this on a Saturday. Madness I tell you.

This got me thinking about the World Cup and the struggles we’ve been through together in this country to have gotten to this point. Folks, in case it hasn’t sunk in, we’re hosting a World Cup. Never have we seen this kind of exposure, never has the magnifying glass been closer. It’s so close that I can smell my hair singeing.
We’ve overcome immense tragedy and injustice to be where we are and I truly believe that when it’s all said and done we’ll be a better nation for it. We pioneered some pretty insane concepts and did some awful things to good people, but now, when the world is watching we need to step up. We need to show that we’re not just some little country at the southern tip of Africa.

This is the calm before the storm, we’re on the stands and the first team is in the change room chanting away. We’re all waiting, we’re all anxious and the anticipation is deafening. When the tournament kicks off the stands will erupt, the lights will be brighter than ever and for those 30 days the World Cup will be the only thing that matters. Just like a Friday night in American High School football or a Saturday afternoon in the “Platteland”.

Time will stand still and when we collectively exhale when the insanity comes to an end, the world will be blown away.

Love Turns To Hate, but not when these guys are involved.

2010-05-19T14:13:00.000+02:00

I just got this new Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster album, Blood & Fire, and my brain is practically splattered all over my desk. It's incredible. I love these guys, they've toned it down a bit, but they've lost nothing. Check this out if you don't believe me...

Something small to nibble on

2010-05-13T17:57:00.002+02:00

I know I've not posted in a while, but we were robbed, see the post below and work has been super busy, but I will try to keep you hungry dogs (both of you) satisfied. For now, here's the Velvet Underground saying shit in a way I could only dream of...

Over.
Rick

Dear robbers, Fuck you.

2010-04-30T15:46:00.001+02:00

Cape Town is an awesome place to live. Until you get a phone call at work, “Rick, we’ve been robbed, they took everything.” Now ‘everything’ is a little extreme considering they only took our high end electronics, laptops, Xbox360, fuck off big TV, you know the drill, but it was all the nice stuff. That is the way my three day week started – on a major bummer. This is my message to the badly-bred swine that carried our shit out the front door on Wednesday morning.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for being considerate enough to visit us while we were at work. I don’t deal with awkward situations very well, and bumping into you could’ve been more awkward than being caught ‘on the job’, by your mum. This would most likely have involved violence, being Africa and all, so I am glad we avoided that. I don’t like fighting and my witty (yet scathing) remarks would’ve done little, but more likely no, damage.

Secondly, fuck you, and not in a polite “oh ha ha” kind of way -in an abrasive, angry and downright loathing kind of way. I am not sad that you stole our shit, I am angry. I worked damn hard to save enough cash for those little dashes of luxury and leisure and you waltz into the house, in broad day light, and decide what I get to keep? Who the fuck do you think you are? I am pretty sure not even your mother loves you.

And that sucks for you, because mums are awesome. They spoil you, they make sure you never feel alone or kak and you, you second hand slab of incest and illiteracy, have none of these things, but touché douche bag, because you have my Xbox360. Or at least you did.

Thirdly, to the guy that buys it, that console is the tits, be nice to it, because I am sending 9 different kinds of bad karma its way. So sit well back, you never know what could happen. And I doubt I can be held responsible for min-bullets. Last time I checked they were untraceable.

So that is my ranting and raving done, time to get on with shit you know. It’s a bummer and it makes me so angry, but at least there are some positives to take from this (two years ago there is NO WAY I would’ve said that) and lessons have been learnt, so kids, learn from mine.

Don’t buy stolen shit. You fuel the fire that is my inconvenience.

Over
Rick

Consider the bar raised…

2010-04-20T17:28:00.001+02:00

I have been meaning to gush to all of you about this for some time and this is as good as any. I believe that TV on the Radio have taken the bar set by indie movers and shakers, like Sonic Youth and Radiohead and put in on the top shelf, far away from prying little fingers. There are few bands who can claim to be as diverse, unique or simply entertaining as TV on the Radio and my admiration for them is boundless.

Lead singer, Tunde Adebimpe, all round genius, Dave Sitek and guitarist Kyp Malone create some of the most memorable and mind-blowing melodies / harmonies and general genius seemingly at will. Every album since Malone joined (Sitek and Adebimpe only released one album with a collection of home-recordings)the band has been a step forward, stagnation is not something TV on the Radio have ever heard of. They will mesmorise you, they always do. Their music washes down like a smooth whiskey, served just as you like it. Yes they are labelled as “experimental, indie, post punk, etc etc”, but let me tell you this, it matters none.

TV on the Radio are a truly unique and original music offering, they’re more than a band, they’re a benchmark. I tried to figure out different genres that they incorporate, but I cannot, that is because I believe they've done what so many only strive to do, be truly original, they've created something new, something important.

They’re the milk in my coffee, the jump in my step and they can be the bitter after taste left by heartbreak – all in a single track. They are in my opinion the most important band of the 2000’s, simply because of the effect they will have on music going forward. This is a fact. There are many, many good indie bands, Interpol, Les Savy Fav, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr., Bloc Party, Built to Spill, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, you see what I mean, but TV on the Radio stands out above that crowd and that, my friends, is quite a clusterfuck of talent and awesomeness.

So just put some TV on the Radio, because as the name clearly states, it’s visual stimulation for your ears.

Pure genius.

Over.
Rick

Warm music for cold nights

2010-04-20T09:30:00.001+02:00

I must first admit, I don't post enough. I want to post more, but, you know. So here it is, my next instalment. I've run this theory by a couple who all agree, because I honesty would like to know if I am really that sad a music nerd that my listening habits coincide with mother nature's cycles? What got me thinking about this was strangely enough when I turned on the latest Liars album, Sisterworld.

Liars being a band that I have, admittedly struggled to get into. I got into them a couple of years ago, and I loved them at the time. Noise rock was my choice of melody, it seemed apt. Then, low and behold, this year rolled along and it struck me like a lighting bolt (after much listening to Kyp Malone's first band, Iran), I need more noise, I need a little less happy, a little more angsty, maybe even downright angry. This, all the while, taking place while mother nature decides to drop her skirt over the sun for a couple of months. So winter sends my listening habits into the awkward spaces within the uncharted territory that is chaos and dark places.

There are people in this world that aim to make noise beautiful, and because I love the genre so much I won't even mention the not-so-good ones, many of them succeed. Turning sheer dissonance and mayhem into a tangible, oft catchy, melody or rhythm. These people folks, are the ones bending the rules. It shouldn't be pretty, but somehow, it is.

Sonic Youth are a prime example of being able to produce sheer dissonance and two minutes later erupting in a freight train, crammed full of consonance. The album (which I am sure some of you know, yes, you dude) delivers a noisy right jab but the kicker is when it hits a second time, this time it's the left uppercut, and it's brutal. Well, that's not strictly true in the case of Daydream Nation. It's mellow, it's gentle, it's an unbelievable indie album, use it, don't use it.

But this isn't a post about bands you've never heard of, this is a post of how the winter makes me listen a little deeper. In the summer the music is generally reasonably upbeat and not as 'tricky' to get into. Simple melodies. Nothing like driving along on a hot summer's day (although, if you know me,you'll know, I am not the biggest fan of the heat) blasting some Queens of the Stone Age, Talking Heads or The Gaslight Anthem in my little metal box, that works, sometimes...

In the winter, it gets darker, the music slows down; partly because the faster the music, the faster I drive, and in the winter people here in Cape Town, drive REALLY badly in the wet, so one takes measures. Suddenly I crave a little bottled up pocket full of pure insanity or despair. I know you might hear it and only hear noise or sadness or gloom or 'depressing', and that's cool to, but I just find it odd that for some reason my appetite resorts to gnawing on an old silver fork, right between the molars, that racket it sends shooting down you spine, in which ever form presents itself.

I think it very strange, but it's the way I was built I guess. So if I could be so bold as to ask that you try to listen to only one of these album I am about to list, please, I shall owe you one. You might like it, you might not, but give it a bash. Okay, I feel like a bigger music nut than I ever imagined, so I shall sign off, to cold nights and red wine.

The list I promised...

Tom Waits - Closing Time
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
Liars - Sisterworld
The Mars Volta - Deloused in the Crematorium / Amputechture
Rain Machine - Rachine Machine (I know, I know, but it's that good!)
Heavens - Heavens
Jeff Buckley - Grace
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
Brand New - Deja Entendu

There you go....I hope you enjoyed this post, because I am freezing my ass off.

Over.
Rick

Some mad, and beautiful lyrics...

2010-04-15T14:48:00.000+02:00

I love The Mars Volta, always have and I always will, I think. Although, this song off the debut really does send shivers through me.

"Just as he hit
The ground
They lowered a tow that
Stuck in his neck to the gills
Fragments of sobriquets
riddle me this
three half eaten corneas
who hit the aureole
Stalk the ground
Stalk the ground
You should have seen
The curse that flew right by you
Page of concrete
Sting walks crutch in hobbled sway
Auto-da-fé

A capillary hint of red
Only this manupod
Crescent in shape has escaped
The house half the way
Fell empty with teeth
That split both his lips
Mark these words
One day this chalk outline will circle this city
Was he robbed of the asphalt that cushioned his face
A room colored charlatan
Hid in a safe
Stalk the ground
Stalk the ground
You should have seen
The curse that flew right by you
Page of concrete
Sting walks crutch in hobbled sway
Auto-da-fé
A capillary hint of red
Only this manupod
Crescent in shape has escaped

Pull the pins
Save your grace
Mark these words
On his grave

You should have seen
The curse that flew right by you
Page of concrete
Sting walks crutch in hobbled sway
Auto-da-fé
A capillary hint of red
Everyone knows the last toes are
Always the coldest to go."

The Mars Volta are one of my favourite "winter" bands. Yes, I have seasonal bands that I listen to. More on this in another post...soon. I promise.

over.

A quarter down, three more to go…

2010-03-31T16:51:00.001+02:00

It’s the end of March. That is really hard to believe seeing as it feels like just yesterday I was extremely hungover after an all night binge drink in “The Loft”. There was Jagermeister, whiskey, free fireworks around the bay and the Eagles of Death Metal. Quite a bit has happened since then, here’s a brief breakdown.

We moved to town. This has been a very positive thing; albeit terrible for the old bank balance, however, let no one bullshit you, living in the Cape Town CBD is without a shadow of a doubt where it’s at. Except for the wind, now I could bitch and moan about the wind in Cape Town forever, but I won’t, because I am sure you know all about it.

Other than the brutal summer (and the bliss of the decline into winter) and the sleepless nights, things are sweet as to be honest. Now, let’s get down to what I generally lean towards writing anyway, music. I have received quite a bit of new stuff the last couple of months.

Here are some highlights:

Dead Man’s Bones

Possibly the most surprising of the lot, but my goodness, the album flows effortlessly and spinning it from start to end is as easy as eating a cheese croissant. Unless you happen to be lactose intolerant, then I would compare it to drinking a glass of chilled water on a hot day in the Karoo. When you have time, you can choose - watch “The Notebook” to see Ryan Gosling’s talents or you could put this album on and listen to them, I would recommend the latter.

The Dillinger Escape Plan

The new DEP album, Option Paralysis is the perfect blend of technical musicianship, brutality and melody without being too soft to offend or drive away the “I preferred their first album” fans. I am one of these people more often than not I am afraid, but don’t be surprised if this is the album that gets DEP noticed. “Widower” is an epic piece of music, a must hear.

Those Poor Bastards

I must confess something else, I have become a fan (not on Facebook though) of True Blood. The missus loves the show and I finally decided to give it a go. It’s bloody, there are naked chicks covered in blood, fang-bangers and vamps (with fangs Twilight fans), what is not to like. Well, maybe Bill, harden the fuck up Bill. But I digress, this got me listening to the theme song writer, Jace Everett’s music and it got me curious “is there more dark country music out there?” I am happy to report that there is. Those Poor Bastards are a “gothic country” band and they sound like the lovechild of Nick Cave and Johnny Cash. They make great use of atmosphere and some of their tracks are truly terrifying. This is not for everyone; I know that, I just really enjoy them.

Spencer Krug

I am MASSIVE fan of TV on the Radio and am always on the lookout for similar sounds and artists, Wolf Parade is as close as it gets for me, in terms of songwriting ability. That is how I found Spencer Krug’s genius. He is the brains behind Wolf Parade, but also performs with Swan Lake and his of course, my favourite of his projects, Sunset Rubdown; one of, if not the dirtiest band name of all time. It’s a blend of crafty songwriting, whiny vocals and just general enjoyment. I am glad I finally listened to last.fm’s recommendations and if you like indie music, this is definitely something you want to look into.

Those are some of the bands I have been into and I even managed to drop in a mention for True Blood, result. I will also admit that I recently watched “New Moon”. If I can learn one thing from this blog post it would be this -Why do the vampires in the Twilight series not have fangs? No one wants to be an ‘I-don’t-die-in-the-sun-I-sparkle-but-have-no-fangs-banger’, being a good old fashion ‘fang-banger’ is so much better. No?

What makes a real man Mr Lebowski?

2010-03-20T18:16:00.002+02:00

There are countless films about women, discussing things of the heart, endless shopping sprees and gossiping about potential partners, but the bigger picture actually looks at what it is to be a woman. I don't know what makes a woman, mostly because I'm not one. Biologically women are very different to men, but both require certain traits to divide the sexes. Men need to be manly, girls need to be girly, or you might turn heads for all the wrong reasons. However, in my short existence I have noticed how the rules are changing.

As women become more independent, although 'become' is probably the wrong word, because if you show me a women that doesn't strive for independence, I'll show you a man who looks forward to doing the dishes. The divide between the sexes has become blurred in a society where all things are (or should be, we're evolved beings aren't we?) tolerated. Things still make me shake my head and wonder how the individuals emitting them chose their styles and mindsets, and what on earth influenced them to make the decisions they have.

So that brings me to my question, what does make a real man?

As a fellow much wiser than myself once wrote for a film,

"Is it being prepared to do the right thing, whatever the cost? Isn't that what makes a man?"
"Hmmm... Sure, that and a pair of testicles."

Technically my friend the Dude was right, a pair of testicles does make a man, but so does watching a bit of sport, drinking beer with your friends and discussing things that come to mind, whether you've thought it through or not. Putting another slab of red meat on the braai, pouring yourself another whiskey and sitting down to watch the late game on a Saturday. We go to music shows, we watch chick flicks with our girlfriends / partners / wives without expecting them to sit through the latest 'skop, skiet en donner' with the most realistic and gory special effects 'ever'.

We're simple creatures, we don't need much, an occasional smile, a surprise cup of coffee or a pre-rolled cigarette when you get in after a long day at the office, these things will suffice. Pampering a woman is a given lads, this is not optional. Don't treat them like you would one of the boys, Jagermeister might not be her drink of choice. Let her choose her own poison, unless she opts for a Jagermeister, and if she does, count your blessings my friends.

Thing is, I believe a 'man' is someone that embraces all the things our modern society has to. Go along to Fashion Week, go see the latest Hugh Grant film on a Saturday afternoon and stop round the pub on your way home for a pint or two and the last 15 minutes of the game. Take her for that bunny chow she proclaims to 'never eat', she'll enjoy it, because let's face it, bunny chows are the bollocks. (And yes, you do get vegetarian chows.)

So why not go and do something you wouldn't normally do with a lady friend? That readers, is what I think makes a man, someone that can compromise, someone that can surprise and of course a pair of testicles. This too ladies, is not optional, literally or figuratively speaking.

over.

Cape Town - The Home of Summer

2010-03-09T16:31:00.001+02:00

I’ve been bad the last week, I was on leave and didn’t update my blog once. Not once. Weak effort I think, but that sort of leads up to what I would like to write about. Cape Town, why are you so sticky? The streets are filled with scantily clad, shiny people (mostly women, because here in the South, we men keep our shirts on when moving around town, well, some of us do) and right behind the shiny folk you will more often than not find some not-so-shiny people lurking, I like to refer to these scoundrels as the gawkers.

Regardless of all this madness on the streets, Cape Town is a great place to be during the summer. It’s hot as all hell, the beer is cold and tourists stumble around awkwardly while trying to avoid touching anything or anyone because for some inexplicable reason sunscreen doesn’t seem to work on them. This amuses us endlessly, so please pay me no mind, sunscreen is a myth. They scuttle around the waterfront and are easier to spot than an elephant (of any colour) in your bed.

But besides the red tourists, the shiny people and the gawkers, this has been a good summer if I am honest; it’s not quite over is it thought? It’s still hotter than a habanero out there and I didn’t even have a December break , but our offices are air-conditioned and that worked pretty well. I’m not for one second implying that I would rather work than be on holiday, but it wasn’t the worst compromise I’ve ever been part of, not even close. That involved a man, some broken dreams and a fucking big chip on a monkey’s shoulder.

Over.

Die Antwoord. It's time I broke my silence.

2010-02-25T14:06:00.002+02:00

I think it's rather fitting that the first piece I write on here is about what has become a phenomenon I want no part of. Why is that fitting do you ask? It's fitting, because it's ironic, I think Waddy Jones is a musical saviour, a visionary, but this time his vision and my better judgement aren't on the same page. Actually, we're not even in the same book.

I understand that Die Antwoord is a novelty act, I understand that they're poking at a variety of South African cultures and sub-cultures. Waddy has been responsible for some of the most innovative and interesting albums to ever come from SA. Think Max Normal's Songs From a Mall and Contructus Corporation's Ziggurat, those albums were sublime, but his latest bores me.

I've heard these beats before, I've heard him use the timings and rhythms before, I want something new, Waddy has always managed that, all he's managed this time is to use old beats and say "poes" a lot more. One aspect of Die Antwoord that I do like is the fact that they're a flash in the pan, they'll be forgotten in the not too distant future. I believe music should make you feel something when you listen to it, not induce laughter, which is what Die Antwoord does.

His lyrics are still scathing, angry, angsty (please make us a punk record Waddy) and clever as usual, but something feels like it's missing. I would like to see them use the publicity they've gotten from this to best effect. "And what would that be then Rick?" I hear you mumbling, well, make a serious record, conquer the world, make some money and become as famous and successful as I've always wanted you to be. Not too much to ask is it?

What are they "die antwoord" for? No reason that benefits me. But, what are the "die antwoord" to? Waddy's financial struggles and for that sir, I salute you.

over.

Some Raisins?

2010-02-24T16:33:00.000+02:00

I know this is another video and I promise, I am going to write something proper soon. This just started playing and I had to share it, because Dinosaur Jr shreds. Like tuna and dolphin grinders that make your tuna-mayo mix. Savages. But seriously, J Mascis is the man.

over.

This is only a test.

2010-02-23T11:32:00.004+02:00

Just setting up some things on my blog...Testing the waters...but I'll share a little something with you in the meantime....

Over.

The album that could change your life

2010-02-23T11:01:00.003+02:00

Now, I am a self confessed music junkie and a friend of mine recommended this album to me and it has not been out of rotation since...Ladies and gents, from TV on the Radio, Mr Kyp Malone's solo effort, Rain Machine. Thank me later...

over.

The best band in SA right now- BLK JKS

2010-02-23T10:53:00.003+02:00

So I ventured to the Purple Turtle this weekend to watch, what is in my opinion, the most exciting South African band in recent memory. Blk Jks do everything their way, they do it the South African way and it makes me smile. A lot. This is their first video...

Over.

2010, you cheeky bitch.

2010-02-22T22:52:00.000+02:00

It’s true, another year has come and 2009 has gone. 2009 was a year full of ups and downs, good music and bad but mostly, it was just another year. It wasn’t particularly memorable, but it also wasn’t immediately forgettable. It was somewhere in between. It was basically like getting slapped with a well moisturised hand, if you know what I mean.

I learnt a lot about myself last year and I am dead set on applying all these wonderful new findings to my life this year. Fuck, what schlep, don’t mind my ramblings, let’s get down to brass tacks here, let’s delve into the world of music, well, Rick’s world of music in 2009.

There were a couple of really memorable albums released last year, but before I tell you how much I loved some of them, I would like to just say that Jay Reatard died this week, it is incredibly sad, he was a true punk rocker. He hated his band members, fired them often, he punched his own fans, but he believed in the magic he created with his guitar and my goodness, he will be missed. Dearly. Be good Jay and try not to punch your fellow fallen musicians, although you could sock Bono one when he finally arrives and give Ian Curtis a big hug from me. Sentimentalities are out of the way, let’s do this.

2009 gave us new Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth albums, two of my all time favourite bands and I am happy to report that their efforts were solid and entertaining and I will keep listening to them. That is the only test of a good album isn’t it? If you can keep listening to it, longevity is what the “experts” call it I’ve been told. If you are into noisy indie and solos that will melt your eardrums, then Dino’s Farm is a must hear. They are awesome, you don’t agree? Fear not, I might have something up my sleeve that you might agree with, or not, I never can tell what will spew forth next.

Okay, let me get this out, I am one of the 90’s babies, that just loves Evan Dando, if you don’t I can dig it, but you really should give Evan another shot. The new Lemonheads album, Varshons, was released this year as well and it was a solid effort, although I am slightly disappointed that it consisted of other people’s music, but it’s Evan Dando and he can do very little wrong in my eyes. Well, except for agreeing to be on the same bill as Ray Phiri at last year’s Grahamstown Festival here in South Africa. But other than that, Evan is golden.

I was also pleasantly surprised this year by a South African band…you better believe it, BLK JKS can make some groovy and arty indie with the best of ‘em. If you haven’t yet, do it, go and listen to After Robots, it is a great alternative listen. It really is just incredible and these guys restored my faith in the South African music scene that I think has become a little stale, but that is another story for another day, this is going to be a positive post, because 2010 is all about being more positive for me. I get called a cynic and negative rather often, so sod it, let’s look on the bright side.

And you will know us by the trail of dead also released a new album, it was a solid effort, I enjoyed it a lot, the same goes for the new Jarvis Cocker, Kevin Devine and The Decemberists. Jay Reatard recorded and released his last album, Watch Me Fall, and although it’s not my favourite of his, it demonstrated his willingness to try new things, clean up his sound and the album, a poppy blend of straight up punk / garage rock really made me appreciate him even more. A seriously talented guy died, the world should wear black. For a week or something, I am, but only on the inside considering the scorching temperatures that have been plaguing Cape Town.

Another of my favourites released an album this year and Brand New’s Daisy, didn’t disappoint, it’s angry, angsty and Jess Lacey clearly does not give two flying fucks what you think about it. Brand New make music for themselves, luckily we agree on that, so I loved the album, but it wasn’t the best this year in my opinion.

So that only leaves one more album to mention and it is in my opinion the album of the year, possibly the last two years, Them Crooked Vultures’ self-titled effort just blew my mind. Absolutely destroyed my headphones and got me bouncing around in my seat at work as if I had just taken some speed, it is a masterpiece. It has it all, josh’s sultry vocals, John Paul Jones slapping the living daylights out of his bass and Dave Grohl doing what he was born to do, which is play drums with Josh Homme.

“Shut the hell up man!” I hear the Foo Fighters fans screaming, now do yourselves a favour and listen to Queens of the Stone Age’s Songs For The Deaf and Them Crooked Vultures and compare it to ANY of the Foo Fighters albums. My point has been made.

So all in all we got a lot of new music last year and I can’t wait to see what we’ll be treated to, although I have discovered so many older bands that just rock the fuck out of everything this year that even if we only get one new good album this year (please let it be the Alkaline Trio one *crosses everything*) then there is more than enough old stuff to keep me going.

My favourite discoveries of last year would have to be Fatso Jeston, Thin White Rope, Brant Bjork (basically the Desert Rock scene from Palm Desert, because they all just rock out, it’s too cool) and of course, my new love, Wipers. Greg Sage wrote music for me, they’ll pick you up, kick you about a bit and then put you down, gently, because they wouldn’t want to hurt you. They were kind like that. And on that note I shall sign off, it’s been a long rant, I hope you liked reading it, because I always enjoy writing.

“ Let's get just a little too loud
That's the way I've seen it written by the clouds
but I'm so far away
Thought you said I would never get hurt
Then what am I doing crawling in the dirt
Wait a minute
So just give me a little smile
Nothing’s ever gonna change our style ”

- Wipers – Wait a Minute

If you need a motto for the year, use this, thank me later.

“No sympathy for the Devil, keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

- Dr Hunter S. Thompson