January 2012
2 posts
The Greatest Album Ever... (in my opinion)
Radiohead – Kid A
For a first listener, I can personally admit the difficulty behind acknowledging such beauty surrounding your ears. But it wasn’t long before I found myself chiseling each diverse sound, whether it was the chiming electronics, the staccato piano loops or the soft pipe organs. Once deep inside this expansive, hypnotic world of Kid A, classifications are no longer a...
December 2011
2 posts
October 2011
3 posts
Album Reviews
Trash Talk – Awake EP (4/5)
Following on from their third album Trash Talk are finding more ways to cram hooks and distinctive details into what, in the past, followed a more specific punk template. Here, the guys nail thrashing pop to their spastic hardcore without loosening the grip around your throat.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Self-Titled (2/5)
Noel Gallagher has only...
Since When Did It Become Okay For Posh to Rock
Historically, rock’s memorable names have been of solid working class stock. All of them intoxicated by the glamour of the street, the authenticity of the shop floor and the romance of poverty.
These working class musicians were often credited (by journalist’s who have never been skint) with having “nothing to lose”, of being wild and untamed, where the industry is cautious and careerist. In...
The Cry Factor (Uni work)
As I watched the latest X-Factor episode, anger and frustration gradually gave way to a sombre, resigned acceptance. It was like experiencing a slow and painful death.
What gets me is how the docile masses continue to lap up this contrived, manipulated shit. It follows the exact same template week in, week out, and yet no one bats an eyelid.
The show went beyond the boundaries of taste and decency...
December 2010
4 posts
anyone that says the beatles are shit are small minded.
cool albums this year
arcade fire - the suburbs
kanye west - my beautiful dark twisted fantasy
enter shikari - tribalism (remix album)
&U&I - kill the man that shot that man
tokyo police club - champ
there are obviously more but i am tired of life at the moment.
cold.
Memories I guess
November 2010
13 posts
Former Ghosts - New Love
New Love, made up with distinctive synth pop stabs and drum machines represents the New Romantic veneer. Frontman Freddy Ruppert has a past predilection for dramatic singing and one would think his vocals would be a perfect match. Unfortunately, he fails with his tendency overemote. Former Ghosts are better served with someone else center stage.
3/10
Ghostland Observatory - Codename; Rondo
If you’re the type who enjoys watching 35 minutes of College Humor clips, Codename; Rondo might be up your alley. Everyone else will just hear 10 songs that fail both as pop and humor. Ghostland Observatory aren’t functioning in opposition to anything.
1.5/10
Weezer - Death To False Metal
The re-release of Weezer’s intriguing prospect that is Death to False Metal isn’t particularly generous. In fact, judging from its wacky title/cover combo. 10-song tracklist, and overall quality, it dubiously reveals an annoying laziness that’s more annoying than any of Cuomo’s “cool dad” humor. It’s clear to see Death to False Metal is a logical follow-up to Hurley.
3.5/10
Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man
Magnetic Mans self-titled album, which appropriately enough is a dubstep supergroup affair of an eponymous record comprising Benga and Skream (the scenes most popular producers.) Having abandoned any pretense at rhythmic tension or novelty, Magnetic Man focuses primarily on its synthesizer melodies. Consequently, this is representing a more enervated and unappealing approach towards...
Stereolab - Not Music
Over the past year and a half, Not Music was pared back considerably. The final version containing buzzing aesthetic into breathless, three-minute pop songs is reminiscent to Stereolab’s previous record. If you can bare your quirky, stylish synth-pop then Not Music is inevitably a must buy.
8/10
Paul Smith - Margins
Although Smiths band (Maximo Park) didn’t quite reach the same level of notoriety as hoped, this sole record is compact with melodic guidance whilst driving Smith as a luxuriant mope. At the same time it provides us with a logical continuation of their bands increasingly flamboyant tendencies.
6.5/10
Tinchy Styder - Catch 22
Last year Stryder’s debut album struck gold, thanks to two chart-topping singles with big choruses. Though he may have since been eclipsed by the equally diminutive Tinie Tempah (who makes a guest appearance), this third outing should still be a success, with its rousing mix of post-millennial disco pop and street-tough rap.
7/10
Weezer - Pinkerton / Deluxe Edition
Within Pinkerton, lead singer River Cuomo preaches a hidden story of his inability to find true love in the midst of meaningless sex. This of course is buried beneath mounds of intense chord sequences and harmonies. Although Weezer never topped Pinkerton in later records, this album still remains as a pop/emo classic of the 90’s.
10/10
Nostalgia
So, Weezer have re-released Pinkerton not long ago, as a deluxe version. The greatest pop/emo album of the 90’s. Approved by Pitchfork. Please listen to it, it will change your life.
We are not the kids we used to be
Alexisonfire - London Forum - 11th November
Opening act The Computers, prove an understandable choice to kick the night off. They’re energy throughout each song is appreciated with gracious applause from the crowd- although the band lacked variety in song structures and chord sequences.
Chickenhawk, fresh of the Australian leg of the Alexisonfire tour, show that while they’re still finding...
I will Lay me down In a bunker Underground I won’t let this happen to my children Meet the real world coming out of your shell With white elephants Sitting ducks I will Rise up