the man with a plan

A while ago I came across Pulp's seminal 1995 album, Different Class in limited edition form. I of course was obliged to buy it straight away since in my clear insanity I didn't actually already own the album in any capacity.

Pulp are one of those bands so easy to love but so easy to over look. But over look them I will no longer do. Jarvis Cocker, quite frankly, rocks my socks. Pulp were (and are) amazing but it's his solo works that really get under my skin.

In fact Angela is probably one of my favourite singles of the year. Besides, if there were ever a time to become smitten with Mr Cocker now would be it. It seems that this most incredible of men is involved in just about every kind of project you can think of right now. He's everywhere. And I intend to enjoy it while it lasts!

The only thing I won't be able to enjoy/take advantage of is his trip to Australia as in my broke state I can not afford the simple joy a ticket to one of his gigs would bring. Alas I will just have to surfice with the Jarvis in my head. Not that I mind. He's pretty fabulous.

linger

Ridiculously excited round about now!

Was just on the Spoon website and as it turns out they put up a free download a few weeks ago and I didn't know about it.

But that's all rectified now. The track is an a Capella version of The Ghost of You Lingers. Such a gorgeous song in general and this version is simply incredible.

Spoon would have to be one of my all time favourite bands. Britt Daniels can do no wrong.

If you for some reason haven't heard of Spoon then I don't know whats wrong with you...Get out there and give them a listen. You can hear their stuff on myspace, their official website (www.spoontheband.com), lastfm and numerous other places I'm sure.

I plan on spending the day lapping up the goodness that is Spoon and if you have any sense, you will to.

Happy listening!!!

many sides of the wolf

I've been quite the Patrick Wolf fan for some years now. I jumped on the bandwagon a bit before the Magic Position days, so I still had a bit of history to catch up on.

I honestly can't think of another young musician who inspires such change and diversity of image and style.

Wolf's career is such that you can almost see him evolve musically from child into man.

The lovely Patrick's physical image is as ever changing as his music, altering from album to album.

When Patty first hit the scene he looked a little something like this >>

He was a sweet faced innocent with pale blonde locks and a violin. though, once you listened to the sometimes sinister often disturbing lyrics of his debut album, Lycanthropy, it became apparent that this boy was only innocent in looks. To be truthful, I wouldn't of had it any other way.

After a short break the boy wonder hit us hard with possibly my favourite of his albums, Wind in the Wires. This time Wolf was sporting dark locks which more than suited the dark and haunting themes of his sophomore release. If you haven't heard the track Tristan then I don't think we can be friends...

When it came time for the release of the third studio album Patrick had changed form yet again, all-be it somewhat more dramatically. The Magic Position was and is Wolf's most optimistic and altogether pop album to date. To show this, his hair once again went under the dye. This time it was a bright glorious red. >>

And when it comes to this years release, The Bachelor, things seem to have come full circle, the blonde has reappeared. The darkness has reappeared but he is by no means repeating himself. The constant changes more then ensure that his music and he himself never appear stale or repetitious.

Patrick Wolf is a true original. Something more than a little hard to find these days. His music is infectious, smart and affecting. Everything that he is and everything that he does is worth it's weight in gold. At least in my over stated slightly dramatic opinion. Mr. Wolf is a legend in the making and I for one am glad I'm strapped in for the ride.

FEATURE ALBUM REVIEW - JULIAN PLENTI :: IS SKYSCRAPER

New York City, one of the ever present hubs of creative culture. It was in this city of decadence that Paul Banks, under the pseudonym, Julian Plenti began to write way back in 1996. Almost immediately he made a name for himself through solo acoustic shows. The future looked bright for Mr Plenti but, as it turned out it was bright in a way he had not yet conceived of. The pull of group performance got in the way of his solo endeavors. And thank god it did because with out that diversion the world would never have known the music of Interpol.

However; now, thirteen years later, Banks has returned to his roots with the release of a solo album, once again under the guise of Plenti.

The debut LP, Is Skyscraper is a everything one might expect from a solo Paul Banks and at the same time is sure to offer its fair share of surprises. The record is a mix of old and new songs, all done in a way which both captivates and delights.

Don't get me wrong. Is Skyscraper is far from a perfect album, it's not without its faults but upon first listen the enthralling nature of something so familiar yet so tantalizingly different is nothing is not an experience.

I have to admit I was expecting something a little more stripped back and traditional then what turned out to be the reality of the project. Many tracks incorporate an orchestral quality, with the use of string and horn sections. The depth that it adds came as a pleasant surprise, made better by the subtlety of the mixes.

Stand out tracks include the first single lifted from the album, 'Games For Days' as well as 'Only If You Run', 'Fun That We Have', 'Girl On The Sporting News' and ' On The Esplanade'.

If you're a fan of Interpol then obviously this album is worth your time and undivided attention. If not then it just might be different enough to catch your attention anyway. What have you got to loose? I say give it a go. Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper. Worth a Spin.

Beck Does Lou

The ever ambivalent Beck Hanson has a new website Beck.com and since it's not got a great deal of content at this particular point in time, he's taken to putting up videos of interest. Which at the moment consists of a fantastic and respectful cover of The Velvet Undergrounds classic song, Sunday Morning. I more then recommend you giving it a listen for yourself. I find it absolutely enchanting but I'm a fan of both Beck and The Velvet Underground so I encourage you all to make up your own mind.

Happy Listening.
xx

The Resistance

Muse fans look out! Details about the new album have finally been released. Release date is September 14.
The much anticipated album was recorded in Italy and is set to blow the socks off their previous efforts. Or so is the rumor.
Muse will be touring around the UK at the end of the year for anyone lucky enough to be over there in about November.

delayed days

Klaxons have been rumored to be bringing out a new album since late last year but things just seem to keep getting delayed for the boys.
It's now been confirmed that the lads are happy to wait until early 2010 to get their sophomore album out and into the public's CD players and ipods.
Apparently the lads have near 30 songs to play around with but their lack of a competent producer has left them wanting to bring out the revolutionary album of early 2010 as apposed to late 2009. So while Klaxons fans are left hanging on for that little bit longer at least they know it'll be worth the wait. I for one can't wait to see what they come up with.