After the [preview] of Saturday at [Offset], I shall finish the job like the consummate professional that I am. If you'd like a different perspective on who to see, consult Jamila at [FUCKING DANCE] or the esteemed users of the [DiS messageboard]. A real shame that the likes of Grabba Grabba Tape, Voxpop and Dananananaykroyd pulled out but here's some highlights from the Sunday line up:
SUNDAY
Fight Like Apes (Main Stage, 15.00-15.30)
Probably the closest thing to "fight pop" this side of Dananananaykroyd, feisty synth karate rock from Dublin. Responsible for the best lyric I've heard in years: "You're like Kentucky Fried Chicken but without the taste!". Expect me to talk lots more about them.
O.Children (E.C.C, 15.00-16.00)
Previously going by the name of Bono Must Die, O.Children have taken a sinister turn. Probably trying a bit too hard to be like Joy Division but still significantly better than their previous incarnation.
Your Friends Are Architects (Colin's Tent, 15.50-16.20)
I live with three architects in my first year of uni. But anyway, this lot are effectively the less pretentious younger brothers of Foals. Let's hope they can emulate their counterpart's success.
Future Of The Left (Main Stage, 17.30-18.00)
Forming from the respective ashes of Mclusky and Jarcrew, Welsh trio FOTL had much to live up to. And they've done just that, stepping out of the shadow of their former bands with ease. It's just a shame they decided not to make 'Suddenly It's A Folk Song' a single, which would have surely propelled them to minor commercial success.
My Vitriol (Guitar Hero Rock Stage, 20.15-21.15)
A band that killed their own hype by announcing an indefinate hiatus at the height of their powers. Except they didn't. Since returning in late 2006, they've been consistently playing to large audiences and presumably must still have the spark that led them to their initial success.
I'm a bit tired so I'll run off a few names that will probably be worth catching - Hoodlums, Kids Love Lies, Slow Club, Dark Captain Light Captain and Kasms. Also, once again plenty of Keep Hope Inside alumni on offer - Popular Workshop, Operahouse, Hot Club de Paris, Blood Red Shoes and The Maccabees. Then there's Gang Of Four headlining. All in all, if this isn't one of the best festivals of the year, something will have had to have gone seriously wrong.
on Friday, August 29, 2008
Having gone to the now deceased TMF (Thurrock Music Festival, totally unrelated to the crappy music tv channel) a couple of times in the mid-00s, I was excited to hear about the organisers creating a new festival, Offset. Not least of all as it's about 10mins on the tube from where I live (it's in a forest too but I live next to a forest so that has no novelty for me).
While many people lament the constant invention of new festivals, things like Offset and the forthcoming Concrete & Glass festival are useful for lazy Londoners like myself. Also, I had no doubt the lineup would be stellar and cheap, so much so that I invited lots of people to come via the magic of Facebook about 4 months ago. We'll ignore the fact that 99% of them aren't coming. Here's some highlights they'll be missing out on:
SATURDAY
Klaus Says Buy The Record (Colin's Tent, 12.45-13.10) - Jose Vanders' other half and nifty songwriter in his own right, who recently gave away a mini-album.
Pulled Apart By Horses (Main Stage, 13.30-13.55) - Fresh from a vomit-inducing set at Reading Festival, these Northerners have filled the gap that Meet Me In St Louis left on the Big Scary Monsters label nicely.
Thomas Tantrum (Main Stage, 15.50-16.20) - Popjustice and Alphabeat coined the genre 'wonky pop' but if anything, a band like Thomas Tantrum seem to fit the tag better. Disjointed anthemic brilliance.
Ice, Sea, Dead People (New Bands Stage, 17.30-18.00) - Bearing influence from the likes of Kill Kenada and Jarcrew to Fugazi, expect deafening awesomeness.
Glam Chops (Colin's Tent, 19.10-19.40) - Another Eddie Art Brut side project deal, this time with David Devant. Expect the unexpected. Or go see Johnny Foreigner on the main stage instead as they're on at the same time.
Fightstar (Guitar Hero Stage, 21.35-22.35) - After headlining arenas with Busted, Charlie Simpson now headlines a stage at Offset. Worth seeing for more than just novelty reasons.
Chrome Hoof (Last.fm Stage, 22.40-23.30) - Post-metal-orchestral-techno. Or something like that. A band pushing boundaries, certainly.
Little Boots (Girlcore Dance Tent, ?) - Admittedly only a DJ set but former Dead Disco member Victoria Hesketh is impressing in her new solo pop star guise. If you need proof, consult her ace videos on [YouTube].
It seems pointless to be recommending the main headliners (bands like WIRE and The Young Knives) but I've also skirted past some Keep Hope Inside alumni. If you get a chance, check out 4 Or 5 Magicians, Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man, To The Bones, House Of Brothers and Situationists. And even then, I'm further ignoring the likes of The Victorian English Gentlemen's Club, XX Teens and The Strange Death Of Liberal England - all of whom have had good press. A testament to the line up.
Although Saturday is by far the stronger day, I'll be previewing the Sunday stage later. Also, if you happen to be around Offset and see me (photo in top right hand corner of my homepage but imagine less hair), do say hello!
While many people lament the constant invention of new festivals, things like Offset and the forthcoming Concrete & Glass festival are useful for lazy Londoners like myself. Also, I had no doubt the lineup would be stellar and cheap, so much so that I invited lots of people to come via the magic of Facebook about 4 months ago. We'll ignore the fact that 99% of them aren't coming. Here's some highlights they'll be missing out on:
SATURDAY
Klaus Says Buy The Record (Colin's Tent, 12.45-13.10) - Jose Vanders' other half and nifty songwriter in his own right, who recently gave away a mini-album.
Pulled Apart By Horses (Main Stage, 13.30-13.55) - Fresh from a vomit-inducing set at Reading Festival, these Northerners have filled the gap that Meet Me In St Louis left on the Big Scary Monsters label nicely.
Thomas Tantrum (Main Stage, 15.50-16.20) - Popjustice and Alphabeat coined the genre 'wonky pop' but if anything, a band like Thomas Tantrum seem to fit the tag better. Disjointed anthemic brilliance.
Ice, Sea, Dead People (New Bands Stage, 17.30-18.00) - Bearing influence from the likes of Kill Kenada and Jarcrew to Fugazi, expect deafening awesomeness.
Glam Chops (Colin's Tent, 19.10-19.40) - Another Eddie Art Brut side project deal, this time with David Devant. Expect the unexpected. Or go see Johnny Foreigner on the main stage instead as they're on at the same time.
Fightstar (Guitar Hero Stage, 21.35-22.35) - After headlining arenas with Busted, Charlie Simpson now headlines a stage at Offset. Worth seeing for more than just novelty reasons.
Chrome Hoof (Last.fm Stage, 22.40-23.30) - Post-metal-orchestral-techno. Or something like that. A band pushing boundaries, certainly.
Little Boots (Girlcore Dance Tent, ?) - Admittedly only a DJ set but former Dead Disco member Victoria Hesketh is impressing in her new solo pop star guise. If you need proof, consult her ace videos on [YouTube].
It seems pointless to be recommending the main headliners (bands like WIRE and The Young Knives) but I've also skirted past some Keep Hope Inside alumni. If you get a chance, check out 4 Or 5 Magicians, Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man, To The Bones, House Of Brothers and Situationists. And even then, I'm further ignoring the likes of The Victorian English Gentlemen's Club, XX Teens and The Strange Death Of Liberal England - all of whom have had good press. A testament to the line up.
Although Saturday is by far the stronger day, I'll be previewing the Sunday stage later. Also, if you happen to be around Offset and see me (photo in top right hand corner of my homepage but imagine less hair), do say hello!
on Monday, August 25, 2008
The whole blogosphere imploded at the news that Bloc Party were suddenly releasing an album. Having only announced their intentions on the 18th, the 21st saw their third studio album ('Intimacy') become available for download. Except it had a few tracks missing. Those will appear on the cd version, coming out October 27. In the midst of all that, the band entered Steve Lamacq's Hub (oo err) for a BBC 6Music Session.
The brass heavy 'Mercury' single divided opinion and with previous single 'Flux' in mind, many expected that the new album would be a significant departure from the Bloc Party we had seen in the past. Judging from the tracks on offer currently, that doesn't really appear to be the case with the experimental moments being far from overwhelming.
So you can preorder the cd version for about a tenner on blocparty.com and receive the mp3s now but as I mentioned before the cd will have some extra tracks. Until then, I don't really want to play my cards but let me know what you think so far if you wish.
p.s note the Andrew W.K t-shirt in the photo. Awesome. Oh and if you get a chance, vote for me in the [BT Digital Music Awards]. I promise more exciting/individual posts. Cheers.
The brass heavy 'Mercury' single divided opinion and with previous single 'Flux' in mind, many expected that the new album would be a significant departure from the Bloc Party we had seen in the past. Judging from the tracks on offer currently, that doesn't really appear to be the case with the experimental moments being far from overwhelming.
So you can preorder the cd version for about a tenner on blocparty.com and receive the mp3s now but as I mentioned before the cd will have some extra tracks. Until then, I don't really want to play my cards but let me know what you think so far if you wish.
p.s note the Andrew W.K t-shirt in the photo. Awesome. Oh and if you get a chance, vote for me in the [BT Digital Music Awards]. I promise more exciting/individual posts. Cheers.
on Saturday, August 23, 2008
What. The. Fuck? I go away to Edinburgh (which brought new meaning to the word "wet") then find out one of my favourite bands of the last year or so have packed it in after ONE single. Proponents of BossPop along with fellow Liverpudlians goFASTER>>, Elle s'appelle were one of the most exuberant and amazingly catchy trios about.
Oft compared to Canadian twosome Mates Of State, the thrillingly infectious synth pop of Elle S'appelle saw them release their first (and last) single, 'Little Flame' on the consistently brilliant Moshi Moshi label. And of course, their career defining appearance on KHI podcast #4 [link]. I'd even tipped them for the top this year in my Futuresounds list [link]. Talk about letting the team down. The real shame is that I never saw them live but for anyone like me, at least we can relive the good times via this BBC Radio 2 Janice Long session from earlier this year.
Announcing their split on [MySpace], Andy S'appelle indicated that he would be playing with 28 Costumes for the time being but there was no news on Lucy or Owen's future. Massive lameathon.
Oft compared to Canadian twosome Mates Of State, the thrillingly infectious synth pop of Elle S'appelle saw them release their first (and last) single, 'Little Flame' on the consistently brilliant Moshi Moshi label. And of course, their career defining appearance on KHI podcast #4 [link]. I'd even tipped them for the top this year in my Futuresounds list [link]. Talk about letting the team down. The real shame is that I never saw them live but for anyone like me, at least we can relive the good times via this BBC Radio 2 Janice Long session from earlier this year.
ELLE S'APPELLE - LITTLE FLAME (BBC RADIO 2 SESSION)
ELLE S'APPELLE - REASONS YOUR REASONS YOUR (BBC RADIO 2 SESSION)
ELLE S'APPELLE - MONKEY SHINE (BBC RADIO 2 SESSION)
ELLE S'APPELLE - REASONS YOUR REASONS YOUR (BBC RADIO 2 SESSION)
ELLE S'APPELLE - MONKEY SHINE (BBC RADIO 2 SESSION)
Announcing their split on [MySpace], Andy S'appelle indicated that he would be playing with 28 Costumes for the time being but there was no news on Lucy or Owen's future. Massive lameathon.
on Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Through the magic of the interweb, this is coming to you even though I am not near a computer and instead sampling cultural delights in Edinburgh. I am also quite possibly very wet and cold. Anyways, this post is surprisingly film heavy so check those links out in particular. Also, while I'm here:
EXCESSIVELY AWESOME YOUTUBE VID OF THE WEEK
Frank Turner is releasing stand out album two track 'I Knew Prufrock Before He Was Famous' complete with "Nambucca crew" video. Excessively low budget more like.
PLUGS
The Wackness is hitting UK cinemas on August 29th, with an amazing hip hop soundtrack reflecting the film's mid-90s setting. A cult hit in the making! [MySpace]
Big Scary Monsters, easily one of Britain's best labels, are giving away a free summer EP [BSM]
Melodic piano pop trio Portland Rise release a new digital only EP [indiestore]
As worn by the likes of Mark Ronson and Diplo, pick up a 'Shit The Bed' t-shirt. I normally wouldn't condone such merch but it only costs a tenner [The Fat Club]
BLOGS
i guess i'm floating point us towards thestream of the new Byrne & Eno album. I haven't had a chance to listen to it, let me know if it's a good un [igif]
Torture Garden notes that Radiohead are playing an integral role in the film adaptation of Choke, which is looking quite good by the way [TTG]
Nyevsky Prospect tells us about Panda Magazine and its ace mp3 section. I approve of all things panda related [NP]
Gorilla vs Bear has the whole story on the downloading drama that befell Bradford Cox [GvsB]
MOKB features American Teen, a film festival favourite and our generation's answer to 'The Breakfast Club' [MOKB]
MUSIC
KHI tips for 2007 Pull In Emergency finally release their debut single, a double a-sided 7" featuring the angsty teen anthem 'Why Aren't You Dancing?' [MySpace]
Future popstar Penny Broadhurst has recorded a pretty ace, if a little messy, Jesus & Mary Chain cover, download from [Yourfilehost]. Listen to Penny's own stuff at [MySpace]
Fresh from their appearance on KHI podcast#9, Secondsmile exhibit their more mellow side on impressive album track 'Good Night Sleep Tight' [MySpace]
Northern quirk enthusiasts ultCult unveil a new track, entitled 'Russia' [MySpace]
Skyhorse have produced another eighties inspired classic, with the Talking Heads vs Joy Divison vs The Smiths stunner 'Notions' [MySpace]
AND FINALLY...
Wu Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah makes a cameo in a deleted scene from summer blockbuster 'Iron Man' [/Film]
EXCESSIVELY AWESOME YOUTUBE VID OF THE WEEK
Frank Turner is releasing stand out album two track 'I Knew Prufrock Before He Was Famous' complete with "Nambucca crew" video. Excessively low budget more like.
PLUGS
The Wackness is hitting UK cinemas on August 29th, with an amazing hip hop soundtrack reflecting the film's mid-90s setting. A cult hit in the making! [MySpace]
Big Scary Monsters, easily one of Britain's best labels, are giving away a free summer EP [BSM]
Melodic piano pop trio Portland Rise release a new digital only EP [indiestore]
As worn by the likes of Mark Ronson and Diplo, pick up a 'Shit The Bed' t-shirt. I normally wouldn't condone such merch but it only costs a tenner [The Fat Club]
BLOGS
i guess i'm floating point us towards thestream of the new Byrne & Eno album. I haven't had a chance to listen to it, let me know if it's a good un [igif]
Torture Garden notes that Radiohead are playing an integral role in the film adaptation of Choke, which is looking quite good by the way [TTG]
Nyevsky Prospect tells us about Panda Magazine and its ace mp3 section. I approve of all things panda related [NP]
Gorilla vs Bear has the whole story on the downloading drama that befell Bradford Cox [GvsB]
MOKB features American Teen, a film festival favourite and our generation's answer to 'The Breakfast Club' [MOKB]
MUSIC
KHI tips for 2007 Pull In Emergency finally release their debut single, a double a-sided 7" featuring the angsty teen anthem 'Why Aren't You Dancing?' [MySpace]
Future popstar Penny Broadhurst has recorded a pretty ace, if a little messy, Jesus & Mary Chain cover, download from [Yourfilehost]. Listen to Penny's own stuff at [MySpace]
Fresh from their appearance on KHI podcast#9, Secondsmile exhibit their more mellow side on impressive album track 'Good Night Sleep Tight' [MySpace]
Northern quirk enthusiasts ultCult unveil a new track, entitled 'Russia' [MySpace]
Skyhorse have produced another eighties inspired classic, with the Talking Heads vs Joy Divison vs The Smiths stunner 'Notions' [MySpace]
AND FINALLY...
Wu Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah makes a cameo in a deleted scene from summer blockbuster 'Iron Man' [/Film]
on Monday, August 18, 2008
I'm going to be in Edinburgh for the fringe for most of the week so you may not hear from me till I'm back in the real world. Speaking of the Edinburgh Fringe, my friend Max (previously of shakebeforereading.com fame) is running a related blog, [Meta-Fringe]. And while I'm plugging other blogs in the incorrect area of this post, you may wish to visit my sports blog [Armchair Sports Fan] for irreverent ramblings about the Olympics and what not.
EXCESSIVELY AWESOME VIDEO OF THE FORTNIGHT
I'd link you to Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' video but it's honestly quite awful. A shame as the song is probably pop single of the year. Instead have Ricky Gervais ask Chris Martin some hilariously loaded questions:
PLUGS
Good Weather For Airstrikes is going on indefinate hiatus and instead launching a new record label, whose first 7" is from the pretty ace Passion Pit [GWFA]
I mentioned in May that The Acorn would probably be signed quite soon [link] and they'll be doing a UK tour in September now they've signed to [Bella Union]
This week saw a lot of bloggers get sent a mystery track "by someone English, featuring someone English" and it'll be out soon. One of the main clues is that they're related to Merok Records. [zShare]
Field Music offshot The Week That Was release their quirky debut album this week [MySpace]
BLOGS
Another Form Of Relief has the new Los Campesinos! song that was left off their debut album [afor]
Jamila claims Little Comets are "Newcastle's answer to Vampire Weekend". Not too far off. Find out more at [FUCKINGDANCE]
A new live cut from The National over at [i guess i'm floating]
Illegal Tender gets excited about the new Byrne and Eno collabo-duet-thingie [IT]
MUSIC
Sadly it appears that Keep Hope Inside tips for 2007 Pull Tiger Tail have split, after being massively messed about by label B-Unique [MySpace]
Sky Larkin celebrate signing to Wichita Recordings by releasing the first taste of their upcoming album, Molten [zShare]
Fox Cubs have a couple of new demos up on their [MySpace]
Fresh from a 7/10 NME album review, Hugh of Sportsday Megaphone fame has lots of his recent work up for grabs on his [blog], including a collab with recent KHI podcast featurees Stricken City.
Speaking of Stricken City, if you liked their gutsy girl-led powerpop, you'll probably like My First Earthquake who sent me a pretty funny, innovate email. Nice one. [MySpace]
Why did no-one tell me about the Crazytown vs Len stylings of Iglu & Hartley? Stealing the sunshine of summer 2008. [YouTube]
Jaguar Love and Late Of The Pier both have full album streams over at MySpace [JL]//[LOTP]
AND FINALLY...
I'm being really cheeky and spreading this post out into another one as I'm on holiday. Look out for part 2 in the next couple of days!
EXCESSIVELY AWESOME VIDEO OF THE FORTNIGHT
I'd link you to Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' video but it's honestly quite awful. A shame as the song is probably pop single of the year. Instead have Ricky Gervais ask Chris Martin some hilariously loaded questions:
PLUGS
Good Weather For Airstrikes is going on indefinate hiatus and instead launching a new record label, whose first 7" is from the pretty ace Passion Pit [GWFA]
I mentioned in May that The Acorn would probably be signed quite soon [link] and they'll be doing a UK tour in September now they've signed to [Bella Union]
This week saw a lot of bloggers get sent a mystery track "by someone English, featuring someone English" and it'll be out soon. One of the main clues is that they're related to Merok Records. [zShare]
Field Music offshot The Week That Was release their quirky debut album this week [MySpace]
BLOGS
Another Form Of Relief has the new Los Campesinos! song that was left off their debut album [afor]
Jamila claims Little Comets are "Newcastle's answer to Vampire Weekend". Not too far off. Find out more at [FUCKINGDANCE]
A new live cut from The National over at [i guess i'm floating]
Illegal Tender gets excited about the new Byrne and Eno collabo-duet-thingie [IT]
MUSIC
Sadly it appears that Keep Hope Inside tips for 2007 Pull Tiger Tail have split, after being massively messed about by label B-Unique [MySpace]
Sky Larkin celebrate signing to Wichita Recordings by releasing the first taste of their upcoming album, Molten [zShare]
Fox Cubs have a couple of new demos up on their [MySpace]
Fresh from a 7/10 NME album review, Hugh of Sportsday Megaphone fame has lots of his recent work up for grabs on his [blog], including a collab with recent KHI podcast featurees Stricken City.
Speaking of Stricken City, if you liked their gutsy girl-led powerpop, you'll probably like My First Earthquake who sent me a pretty funny, innovate email. Nice one. [MySpace]
Why did no-one tell me about the Crazytown vs Len stylings of Iglu & Hartley? Stealing the sunshine of summer 2008. [YouTube]
Jaguar Love and Late Of The Pier both have full album streams over at MySpace [JL]//[LOTP]
AND FINALLY...
I'm being really cheeky and spreading this post out into another one as I'm on holiday. Look out for part 2 in the next couple of days!
on Saturday, August 16, 2008
After reports that 2007's inaugural Field Day event was less than pleasurable, I wasn't sure whether this year's all day outdoor extravaganza would be worth going. But it appeared that the organisers were being sincere in their attempts to improve things this time around and the line up was stellar considering a ticket price of under 30 quid. Well, until el Guincho, Dan Deacon, Primary 1, Mystery Jets and Dirty Projectors all pulled out. Nonetheless, I thought it was pretty okay. It was also pretty wet! Cheers to Sam, Craig (Joy-Rides), Ronnie (No Picasso) and various others for keeping me sane.
Turning up at the fashionably late time of 3pm, I missed out on a couple of bands I probably would have seen - Noah & The Whale (I proclaimed my love for '5 Years Time' many moons ago [link]) and Magistrates (do they justify the hype?). Not the best of starts. Anyway, I'll chronicle some of my highlights below:
Wild Beasts - my introduction to Field Day 2008. And an impressive one at that. The pouring rain gave an already off kilter collective an added melodrama.
Laura Marling - this was the first time I'd seen her since one of her very early gigs and while I wasn't blown away, her sound certainly wasn't lost in the vacuous main stage setting.
Les Savy Fav - being unfamiliar with much of this band's music, I wasn't expecting much. But in fact, Tim Harrington et al probably put on the show of the festival bringing a powerful combination of eccentricity and energy to the rain soaked masses.
The Notwist - this is a bit of a mixed bag. I spent half an hour in thrall of their mesmering genre blending set but my interest began to wane so I went to see...
King Creosote - to be honest, I didn't have high hopes of KC but thanks in part to his accompaniment by Pictish Trail, their pleasant folk ditties provided a nice send off for my Field Day experience.
I also caught bits of Tuung (much more excitable than I had previously envisaged, 6/10), Lightspeed Champion (nice enough but nothing special, 5/10), Telepathe (pretty static, 4/10), The Mae Shi (entertaining but spent 20 minutes fucking around before they started so 5/10) and Jeffrey Lewis (7/10, seemed good from the toilet queue!).
Some lessons to be learnt for next year - employ more helpful staff, tell people in the toilet queues that you don't have to queue up for male urinals and put A4 updated stage time lists near to the respective stages (or in fact, anywhere at all). Pretty simple things that weren't managed well. Overall, it was a decent event and had the weather been better and acts not dropped out, I would probably be raving about it. Thus, I have high hopes for 2009's Field Day. Don't let the team down, guys.
In other festival related news, my Offset festival ticket came through the post the other day! Having been to the organisers' previous TMF events, I have no doubt that this will be one of the festivals of the year. Buy a ticket now and perhaps expect a KHI preview post soon.
Turning up at the fashionably late time of 3pm, I missed out on a couple of bands I probably would have seen - Noah & The Whale (I proclaimed my love for '5 Years Time' many moons ago [link]) and Magistrates (do they justify the hype?). Not the best of starts. Anyway, I'll chronicle some of my highlights below:
Wild Beasts - my introduction to Field Day 2008. And an impressive one at that. The pouring rain gave an already off kilter collective an added melodrama.
Laura Marling - this was the first time I'd seen her since one of her very early gigs and while I wasn't blown away, her sound certainly wasn't lost in the vacuous main stage setting.
Les Savy Fav - being unfamiliar with much of this band's music, I wasn't expecting much. But in fact, Tim Harrington et al probably put on the show of the festival bringing a powerful combination of eccentricity and energy to the rain soaked masses.
The Notwist - this is a bit of a mixed bag. I spent half an hour in thrall of their mesmering genre blending set but my interest began to wane so I went to see...
King Creosote - to be honest, I didn't have high hopes of KC but thanks in part to his accompaniment by Pictish Trail, their pleasant folk ditties provided a nice send off for my Field Day experience.
I also caught bits of Tuung (much more excitable than I had previously envisaged, 6/10), Lightspeed Champion (nice enough but nothing special, 5/10), Telepathe (pretty static, 4/10), The Mae Shi (entertaining but spent 20 minutes fucking around before they started so 5/10) and Jeffrey Lewis (7/10, seemed good from the toilet queue!).
Some lessons to be learnt for next year - employ more helpful staff, tell people in the toilet queues that you don't have to queue up for male urinals and put A4 updated stage time lists near to the respective stages (or in fact, anywhere at all). Pretty simple things that weren't managed well. Overall, it was a decent event and had the weather been better and acts not dropped out, I would probably be raving about it. Thus, I have high hopes for 2009's Field Day. Don't let the team down, guys.
In other festival related news, my Offset festival ticket came through the post the other day! Having been to the organisers' previous TMF events, I have no doubt that this will be one of the festivals of the year. Buy a ticket now and perhaps expect a KHI preview post soon.
on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Skinny, white Londoner covering his polar opposite The Notorious B.I.G? Blasphemy? No, an act of bravery and genius.
Now I don't have much love for Biggie Smalls but 'Hypnotise' is pretty cool and the video (check the embed below) is a cinematic masterpiece compared to the typical performance video I see these days. But Dan Black utterly transforms the track - recycling the beat from 'Umbrella' and adding ethereal samples from John Carpenter's 'Starman' soundtrack. Dan's despairing vocals mean 'HYPNTZ' isn't just an homage to Biggie but instead a glowing tribute. A beautiful, timely reminder of The Notorious B.I.G's legacy in the hip hop world.
Apparently 'HYPNTZ' will be coming out as a self-released single at some point, we can only hope it gets the exposure it deserves. In the meantime, Dan will be playing some dates soon, undoubtedly dropping this stunning cover while showcasing his own material.
August: 21 - YOYO, London. 27 - Gold Dust, London. 28 - Adventures In The Beetroot Field, London
September: 05 - Mucha Marcha, London
Now I don't have much love for Biggie Smalls but 'Hypnotise' is pretty cool and the video (check the embed below) is a cinematic masterpiece compared to the typical performance video I see these days. But Dan Black utterly transforms the track - recycling the beat from 'Umbrella' and adding ethereal samples from John Carpenter's 'Starman' soundtrack. Dan's despairing vocals mean 'HYPNTZ' isn't just an homage to Biggie but instead a glowing tribute. A beautiful, timely reminder of The Notorious B.I.G's legacy in the hip hop world.
Apparently 'HYPNTZ' will be coming out as a self-released single at some point, we can only hope it gets the exposure it deserves. In the meantime, Dan will be playing some dates soon, undoubtedly dropping this stunning cover while showcasing his own material.
August: 21 - YOYO, London. 27 - Gold Dust, London. 28 - Adventures In The Beetroot Field, London
September: 05 - Mucha Marcha, London
on Monday, August 04, 2008
So I'm still pretty bummed about my friend dying so this a day or so late. I was going to come up with some funny introduction but it somehow doesn't feel appropriate anymore. Anyways, I made a new podcast recently, check that out [#9].
EXCESSIVELY AWESOME YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE FORTNIGHT
The new Gnarls Barkley video is a little bit odd. And deep. And graphic. But mainly odd.
PLUGS
2008 "Nationwide" Mercury Music Prize nominees have been announced. Bookies install Burial as favourite to win [MMP]
MC Lars + Comic-Con = bit weird [YouTube]
Domino Records are going to be giving away mp3 downloads as part of their new digital service [TheDownloader.co.uk]
Dirty Zine interviewed Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchinson outside the recent Transparent takeover at White Heat (I was at the gig - it was good) [DIRTY]
BLOGS
If you thought that 'Paris' was a flash in the pan then the new single from Friendly Fires will give you a pleasant surprise [BigStereo]
New Joanna Newsom over at new blog Now It's Overheard. Show it some love. [NIO]
Another Form Of Relief sees Kotki Dwa as a Great British Hope [afor]
Jay points us to three interesting performance vids of Frightened Rabbit over at [clickyclicky]
Ohh! Crapp has cool electro covers of Seven Nation Army and Smells Like Teen Spirit [Ohh!C]
Unkut has an unreleased version of 'Scenario' by A Tribe Called Quest featuring verses from De La Soul among others [unkut.com]
MUSIC
Chirpy Liverpudlians goFASTER>> remind us they still exist by putting a new track on their [MySpace]
preview tracks from the Noah And The Whale album via a [fancy widget]
Just missing out on being video of the fortnight is the new Richard Ayoade-Vampire Weekend effort, 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa' aka 'The O.C Musical' [MySpace]
The Streets give away new track 'The Escapist' iN lieu of the forthcoming new album [myfreedownload.co.uk]
Joy-Rides unleash new recordings 'Bishop Of Southwark' and 'Destiny Of Shops', full of their usual chutzpah [MySpace]
Johnny Foreigner eventually get around to showcasing (again) the new video for September single 'Salt, Peppa & Spinderella' [Vimeo]
AND FINALLY...
Forget Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys and Jack White team up to take on the new Bond theme tune [The Guardian]
EXCESSIVELY AWESOME YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE FORTNIGHT
The new Gnarls Barkley video is a little bit odd. And deep. And graphic. But mainly odd.
PLUGS
2008 "Nationwide" Mercury Music Prize nominees have been announced. Bookies install Burial as favourite to win [MMP]
MC Lars + Comic-Con = bit weird [YouTube]
Domino Records are going to be giving away mp3 downloads as part of their new digital service [TheDownloader.co.uk]
Dirty Zine interviewed Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchinson outside the recent Transparent takeover at White Heat (I was at the gig - it was good) [DIRTY]
BLOGS
If you thought that 'Paris' was a flash in the pan then the new single from Friendly Fires will give you a pleasant surprise [BigStereo]
New Joanna Newsom over at new blog Now It's Overheard. Show it some love. [NIO]
Another Form Of Relief sees Kotki Dwa as a Great British Hope [afor]
Jay points us to three interesting performance vids of Frightened Rabbit over at [clickyclicky]
Ohh! Crapp has cool electro covers of Seven Nation Army and Smells Like Teen Spirit [Ohh!C]
Unkut has an unreleased version of 'Scenario' by A Tribe Called Quest featuring verses from De La Soul among others [unkut.com]
MUSIC
Chirpy Liverpudlians goFASTER>> remind us they still exist by putting a new track on their [MySpace]
preview tracks from the Noah And The Whale album via a [fancy widget]
Just missing out on being video of the fortnight is the new Richard Ayoade-Vampire Weekend effort, 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa' aka 'The O.C Musical' [MySpace]
The Streets give away new track 'The Escapist' iN lieu of the forthcoming new album [myfreedownload.co.uk]
Joy-Rides unleash new recordings 'Bishop Of Southwark' and 'Destiny Of Shops', full of their usual chutzpah [MySpace]
Johnny Foreigner eventually get around to showcasing (again) the new video for September single 'Salt, Peppa & Spinderella' [Vimeo]
AND FINALLY...
Forget Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys and Jack White team up to take on the new Bond theme tune [The Guardian]
on Saturday, August 02, 2008
Pretend Welsh seven piece Los Campesinos! have announced details of a new album, due out in October?! Their debut album 'Hold On Now, Youngster...' was only released in February so they are being eager beavers. Here's what they had to say:
Los Campesinos! are very happy to announce the release of a new record. Coming on October 13th is 'We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed': ten brand new tracks recorded in Seattle from June 12-23rd with our dear friend Mr John Goodmanson (Blonde Redhead, Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, Wedding Present, Wu Tang) and mixed immediately after at Monnow Valley in Wales.
And despite 'Hold On Now, Youngster...' being only 5 or so months old, LC! wanted to emphasise that this is no post-album cash in.
It's no B-Sides and rarities or "songs that weren't good enough to be on the album cobbled together with some remixes and field recordings of Cardiff's indie scene"; it's ten all-new tracks that none of you have ever heard before.
So the tracklisting looks like this:
1. Ways To Make It Through The Wall
2. Miserabilia
3. We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
4. Between An Erupting Earth And An Exploding Sky
5. You'll Need Those Fingers For Crossing
6. It's Never That Easy Though, Is It? (Song For The Other Kurt)
7. The End Of The Asterisk
8. Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown # 1
9. Heart Swells/Pacific Daylight Time
10. All Your Kayfabe Friends
ALSO...
News to come shortly on a tour featuring the best line-up to grace these (UK) shores since the NME one with Andrew WK!
Love, as ever, LC! X
As far as I'm aware, none of the songs have been previewed live yet so should be exciting to get those first listens in. People (i.e Drownedinsound.com messageboard folk) are hinting at No Age and Times New Viking as supports, which wouldn't surprise me at all. In celebration of the news, I've got an Usher vs Los Camp mash-up which has been on repeat for weeks on my computer. [The Hood Internet], who are both prolific and brilliant, have mixed 'Love In This Club' with Los Camp album closer '2007, The Year Punk Broke (My Heart)' to surprisingly ace effect.
USHER VS LOS CAMPESINOS! - THE YEAR THIS CLUB BROKE (MY HEART)
n.b this post is dedicated to an old school friend of mine who I just found out has passed away. I'm pretty gutted but I hope he would have liked this track. 2005 cricket tour wouldn't have been the same without you and it was a pleasure to have known you. RIP Mitesh Patel (1988-2008).
Los Campesinos! are very happy to announce the release of a new record. Coming on October 13th is 'We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed': ten brand new tracks recorded in Seattle from June 12-23rd with our dear friend Mr John Goodmanson (Blonde Redhead, Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, Wedding Present, Wu Tang) and mixed immediately after at Monnow Valley in Wales.
And despite 'Hold On Now, Youngster...' being only 5 or so months old, LC! wanted to emphasise that this is no post-album cash in.
It's no B-Sides and rarities or "songs that weren't good enough to be on the album cobbled together with some remixes and field recordings of Cardiff's indie scene"; it's ten all-new tracks that none of you have ever heard before.
So the tracklisting looks like this:
1. Ways To Make It Through The Wall
2. Miserabilia
3. We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
4. Between An Erupting Earth And An Exploding Sky
5. You'll Need Those Fingers For Crossing
6. It's Never That Easy Though, Is It? (Song For The Other Kurt)
7. The End Of The Asterisk
8. Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown # 1
9. Heart Swells/Pacific Daylight Time
10. All Your Kayfabe Friends
ALSO...
News to come shortly on a tour featuring the best line-up to grace these (UK) shores since the NME one with Andrew WK!
Love, as ever, LC! X
As far as I'm aware, none of the songs have been previewed live yet so should be exciting to get those first listens in. People (i.e Drownedinsound.com messageboard folk) are hinting at No Age and Times New Viking as supports, which wouldn't surprise me at all. In celebration of the news, I've got an Usher vs Los Camp mash-up which has been on repeat for weeks on my computer. [The Hood Internet], who are both prolific and brilliant, have mixed 'Love In This Club' with Los Camp album closer '2007, The Year Punk Broke (My Heart)' to surprisingly ace effect.
USHER VS LOS CAMPESINOS! - THE YEAR THIS CLUB BROKE (MY HEART)
n.b this post is dedicated to an old school friend of mine who I just found out has passed away. I'm pretty gutted but I hope he would have liked this track. 2005 cricket tour wouldn't have been the same without you and it was a pleasure to have known you. RIP Mitesh Patel (1988-2008).
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