...Like Clockwork? ...more like killer opening lines.

I've been killing the new Queens of the Stone Age record, and the one thing I really love about the album is the lyrics. Then I noticed that the opening line of each track is fantastic. Check it out.

1. Don’t look, just keep your eyes peeled.

2. I sat by the ocean, and drank a potion baby to erase you.

3. I want God to come and take me home, 'cause I'm all alone in this crowd.

4. Gitchy, gitchy, Ooh la la, do run run, you won't get far.

5. Far beyond the desert road, where everything ends up.

6. I never lied, to myself, tonight.

7. Is there anyone out there? Or am I walking alone?

8. It's all in motion, no stoppin' now.

9. Calling all comas, prisoner on the loose.

10. Everyone it seems, has somewhere to go.

They're like little one line poems. I like. A lot.

Music, and how we relate to it

As you may know, I listen to a lot of music, and as someone who listens to a lot of music, I think a lot about the kinds of music I listen to. As I've grown older, my music taste hasn't really changed, and even though I've explored and listened to some new stuff, I am increasingly finding myself completely unphased by "new" bands. I have a bunch of favourite bands that make up my normal listening, and these bands are punctuated by the occasional exploration of some random acts, but in the end, I always end up in my safe place. In my familiar zone, if you will.

This got me thinking, is it because most new music is shit (a completely feasible point of view if you asked me three years ago) or is it perhaps because I am getting older? My answer to this question is what got me writing this post you see, it's because I am getting older. 

A really great example is Brand New. I feel like I went through the first-love heartache with Jesse Lacey (Deja Entendu), followed by the first serious girlfriend and the disintegration of whatever the fuck that turned out to be on The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. Once Jesse and I got over the stupid women we were involved with as younger men, we both obviously found love and started hating other, more worldly things, as can be heard very clearly on Daisy. 

That really is the way I see it. I get it now, I get when my dad used to tell me "you kids and your music", and "when you're older, you'll understand." I do understand, I understand that ageing with a band obviously means that you will be ageing with the material and their inspirations as well, but as you grow with some bands, you will distance yourself from others. 

It's not a case of older music being better, see the new Queens of the Stone Age if you want proof that rock and roll is far from dead, it's just a case of being able to relate to it. That bond is the result of your age and the age of the musician whose music you're listening to being similar. It makes sense that you would identify to music made by someone at a similar stage in their life, rather than with someone who is 10 years your junior and still hasn't had his heart ripped out through his face by a first, or young, love. 

I am not saying you should avoid all bands of which the members are younger, or older, that you are, at all. What I am saying is that if you go and look at your favourite artists of all time, you will likely find some similarities between their stories and yours. 

I think that's how we choose our favourite bands, and the fact that I believe it doesn't have that much to do with the actual music might make me sound a tad nuts, but you know me better than that.

Rick. 

Out.

Ashtray Electric - Measured in Falls album launch

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.

On rainy days

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

Watch this space...

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

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...

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.

My Top 10 Live Albums

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.

One plus one equals duo

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

My shoes require your gaze

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

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...

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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.