Sound of The Overground

Bright Eyes return with a free download and new album

2011-01-10T14:07:00.000Z

Excellent news that Bright Eyes are back with a new album (The People's Key) which is all set for release mid February via Saddle Creek Records. From the sounds of the debut track 'Shell Games' we're in for a real return to form.

It seems to fall out somewhere between Digital Ash... and I'm Wide Awake..., which is just fine to me...

Check out the track right here.

We're back... (Eventually)

2011-01-10T14:01:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

Well, after an extended Christmas break we are back and refreshed and ready to re-start posting some new music we like round these parts. Expect a little more action here, once we crank up the motor and get running at full tilt.

In addition to just outright laziness, we have been busying ourselves working behind the scenes on a new (and hopefully) improved facade of the blog which we hope to unveil in the next day or two...

Expect a huge fanfare and a deluge of press coverage...

Either that or a solitary posting and a minor irritation to you readers when you realise you can no longer find anything...

Signing off for just now, but expect to hear more shortly...

In the meantime... a couple of videos to celebrate our return...

Some good stuff that passed us by over the last couple of weeks...

2010-12-23T00:29:00.001Z

Well, let's face it, things round these parts have been a wee bit quiet of late. This has been caused mainly by the fact that 'Proper Work' got mad hectic, baby daughter became increasingly all-encompassing and well, Christmas kinda happened upon me...

Anyways, excuses out of the way, the upshot meant that there has not really been much time dedicated round these blogging parts over the last few weeks, which has meant that we missed out on quite a few decent little single/EP releases...

Here's a quick roundup of what we missed over the last few weeks...

Roman Photos - Decline

Roman Photos come out of Atlanta and play really quite an ambient electro vibe, without sounding anywhere nearly as horrible as that description makes them out to be. They released a 7" on Double Phantom Records and recently had another track released on Josh Fauver's (Deerhunter's) label. For more info and to buy the 7" click here.

The Savings And Loan - Pale Water
The Savings and Loan are a Scottish duo who are making some waves up north. They released their album 'Today I Need A Light' via Song, By Toad Records back in early November. Their sound is quietly dark and is compared to Cohen, National Nick Cave amongst others so you get the jist of what it sounds like. I'm digging it quite a lot at the moment, which perhaps suggests I'm nit quite in the Christmas spirit just yet. Anyways, Have a listen to this track and then go buy the record here via the label for just £8.

Satellite Stories - Mexico
Scandinavian 'Party Indie' anyone? Pretty much ticks all boxes right? So when I stumbled across 'four daring and unsigned satellite heroes from the arctic city of Oulu, Finland' and realised that they were singing a song called Mexico, I just had to give it a wee whirl. Turns out, it's really rather catchy. Party Indie isn't a million miles off, neither is 'What Vampire Weekend's second album should have sounded like'... Check them out here.

Showstar - Building A House

This is a bit of a funny one really as I'm not 100% certain if I really enjoy how belgian-britpop/indie this is or if it drives me a bit crazy. Either way it's eliciting a response of some sorts so that has to be a good thing right? Check out Showstar on their website here.

So what do you make of this little lot? Anything in here capturing the imagination?

Favourite Tracks - Top 20...

2010-12-15T20:17:00.001Z

OK, so we listed out our favourite albums of the year last week, but below we have another list for you, because it's that time of year just now, and everyone loves some list action, right?

I've not obeyed the usual rules of conduct here, in as far as we have some artists here that appear on both album and track lists... but let's face it having a favourite list without the National and Arcade Fire would somehow seem lacking...

1. Ready To Start - Arcade Fire

2. Bloodbuzz Ohio - The National

3. Boyfriend - Best Coast

4. The High Road - Broken Bells

5. Swim Until You Can't See Land - Frightened Rabbit

6. Automobile - Gospel Music

7. Undertow - Warpaint

8. King of Spain - Tallest Man On Earth

9. Girls FM - Happy Birthday

10. Floating Vibes - Surfer Blood

11. Chinatown - Wild Nothing

12. Next Girl - The Black Keys

13. Remember Last Time - Avi Buffalo

14. Thieves - She and Him

15. Blow It Up - The Vaccines

16. Get Some - Lykke Li

17. The Darkness Rises Up - Broken Records

18. A Glamour - Phantom Band

19. Becoming a Jackal - Villagers

20. Never Stops - Deerhunter

So, what do you think? How does your top tracks list marry up? Let me know...

Interview: Frankie Rose (without her Outs)

2010-12-09T22:24:00.001Z

Bursting out from the long shadows of various Brooklyn hipster bands, Miss Frankie Rose finally finds herself fronting up and facing the limelight on her own merit. This year she’s already struck a chord with her excellent 60s-girl-group-cum-garage-pop self titled debut record. More recently though, she’s just announced details of her first tour of the UK which, excitingly, is kicking off tomorrow (dates in full below). Ahead of the tour, we caught up with the former Vivian Girl, Dum Dum Girl and Crystal Stilt to see just what she had to say about life in the limelight and get her thoughts on going it alone as well as hearing what she had to say on some of her favourite records of this year….

Firstly, for the benefit of those less familiar, would you care to introduce yourself and give a reason why people should listen?

I am Frankie Rose. Listen or dont listen. It’s honestly all the same to me!

Good work on the debut album and also news of the first UK tour, where and when was your first live show, what do you remember about it?

My first live show was a generator show in a park in San Francisco. I must have been 20 or something. It was with my first punk band: “Shitstorm”.

What has been the most memorable gig that you’ve played? And how about most memorable you’ve attended?

Watching My Bloody Valentine from backstage last year was pretty incredible.

After playing in the shadows for a few bands in the past, how does it feel to have given up the sticks and finally be out front taking the limelight?

Its been a bit scary, but I get better at it everyday. I’m used to being able to hide. In the front, you just can’t do that, it’s sink or swim.

The album has a lot of high points. ‘Candy’ is my favourite track on there. What is your favourite song on the album and why?

I like the Aurthur Russell cover (You Can Make Me Feel Bad).

If you could have written any song, what would it be and why?
Hmmm. Too many to count.
The record drew lots of Phil Spector comparisons, who would you say are your main songwriting influences?
I wish I could write songs as well as Kate Bush.
It’s just gone Thanksgiving, how did you spend the holiday?
In Spain at the winter Primavera festival.

It’s getting to that time of year again, where we all become fascinated with lists, what are your top three albums of this year?
Tamaryn The Waves
Wild Nothing Gemini
Deerhunter Halcyon Digest

Catch Frankie Rose and The Outs during their brief UK tour:
December
10 – Manchester, St. Philips Church w/Wooden Shijps
11 – Sheffield, The Harley
12 – Glasgow, Nice n Sleazy
13 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
14 – London, The Luminaire “Memphis Xmas Carol” w/ Banjo or Freakout and Elephant

The Top 10 Albums of 2010

2010-12-07T21:36:00.001Z

Well, the temperature has dropped, the snow is out, Christmas ads have been on the telly for at least 3 months, that can mean only one thing... We're in December and the run up to the new year. The time where every man and his dog start to organise things into lists.

Surprisingly enough, I am no different and have done just that... So should you be in the midst of putting your Santa list together and looking for inspiration, I'd heartily recommend any (or better still, all of the following records).

Things I've noticed in putting this list together this year:
- British Music is massively under-represented
- It's unsurprisingly guitar based
- There was a lot of synthy type stuff out again this year
- Much of the 'nu-folk' type stuff was really not that great
- January was an unnecessarily strong month for releases

Before we hit the top 10, it's also worth mentioning some other fine records that never quite made the final cut. Some albums I enjoyed this year include:

Goldheart Assembly - Wolves and Thieves, Woods - At Echo Lake, Best Coast - Crazy For You, Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record and Phosphorescent - There's To Taking It Easy... all of whom would definitely have made a top 20 list were I have to have made one...

These, as is customary, are in reverse order, and make up my Top 10 albums of 2010 with a 'twitter friendly' note on why they are so good...

10. Surfer Blood: Astro Coast

Grabbed attention with 'Swim' at the back end of 09. Happily, rest of Astro Coast's surf rock lives up to early hype. More so than The Drums.

Listen: Surfer Blood - Floating Vibes

Watch: Surfer Blood - Swim (To Reach The End)

9. Wild Nothing: Gemini
Wild Nothing picked up on the dreamy shoe gaze sound of 2009 and released an immediate, accessible and, frankly, damn fine album in 2010.

Listen: Wild Nothing - Chinatown
Watch: Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday

8. Deerhunter: Halcyon Digest

Ever prolific Bradford Cox found his old Deerhunter hat + produced an incredible record that's both intimate + anthemic in equal measures.

Listen: Deerhunter - Never Stops

Watch: Deerhunter - Helicopter

7. Midlake - The Courage of Others
How a band from Texas can produce such perfect winter music is baffling. Midlake's Courage of Others is akin to a grandiose audio hug.
Listen: Midlake - Winter Dies
Watch: Midlake - Acts of Man

6. Black Keys: Brothers
This is the White Stripes album that Jack White never made. The Black Keys' Brothers is stripped back, bluesy and, put simply, it rocks
Listen: Black Keys - Next Girl
Watch: Black Keys - Tighten Up

5. Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo
The debut album by teenage prodigy Avi Buffalo provides a healthy dose of musical sunshine. Lyrically foul at times, but musically delicious throughout.

Listen: Avi Buffalo - Remember Last Time
Watch: Avi Buffalo - What's In It For

4. Beach House - Teen Dream
Every spin brings something new. Whether it's heartbreaking lyrics or getting lost in instrumentation Teen Dream has something for everyone.

Listen: Beach House - Zebra
Watch: Beach House - Silver Soul

3. Magnetic Fields - Realism
Realism is a fine return to Magnetic Fields we know and love following the electric Distortion. Merritt's poetic lyrics are second to none.

Listen: Magnetic Fields - I Don't Want To Get Over You
Watch: Magnetic Fields - You Must Be Out of Your Mind (live)

2. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Arcade Fire are a phenomenon, one of only a few bands who are universally adored. This is because they produce music as fine as The Suburbs.

Listen: Arcade Fire - Ready To Start
Watch: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

1. The National - High Violet
How to follow up an album like Boxer? Well you take your time and come up with something even better. Dark and brooding ballads done with impeccable style. The most accessible record of the year and one that does not fade with time. Has been on pretty much constant rotation round these parts.

Listen: The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio
Watch: The National - Terrible Love (Alternate version)

So, there we have it, my top 10 records of this year. You can listen to them all (well most of them - Arcade Fire and Avi Buffalo are not available) via Spotify here.

What you make of this little list? Let me know your thoughts... and your top 10s...

Introducing: Gospel Music

2010-11-28T21:15:00.001Z

Artist: Gospel Music
From: Jacksonville, Fl
Label: Kill Rock Stars / Fierce Panda
Info: Myspace / Official Site

Until now, Owen Holmes is perhaps better known for his bass-work with Black Kids. However whilst awaiting the completion of the notoriously difficult second album, he decided to set out on his own under the moniker of Gospel Music.

Next week, (29th November in UK, 30th in US) he releases his debut EP 'Duettes' through Fierce Panda and Kill Rock Stars in the US. We caught up with Owen to find out a little bit more on his new project.

As the title perhaps suggests, the EP comprises a series of five duets each of which features a separate high profile guest, including notably Traceyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura on lead single 'Automobile'. Watch the video for the track here...

The five tracks on the EP are all relatively short and snappy as well as being extremely catchy. It blends a healthy hint of Magnetic Fields, Jonathan Richman and Moldy Peaches. Needless to say from that, it's a really infectious mix.

When asked how the record came about a self-deprecating Holmes explained "Over the past couple years my songs have stopped being awful, and in maybe February I noticed I had a couple duet-like tunes in the can. I thought it'd be clever to spell the word "duettes," which to me suggests that the songs are short and simple, so I wrote a few more duets, and ta-da."

When prompted on how he decided upon each of his collaborators on the record, (there's additional contributions from SoKo, Shirley Simms of Magnetic Fields, Darren Haymen of Hefner and Cassie Ramone of Vivian Girls) Holmes suggested that he was fairly clear on who he wanted involved from the off and that only one of his original targets had declined his advances. Being the affable chap he is, he refused to name and shame. Holmes recorded his vocals and instrumentals from the EP out of his apartment kitchen in Jacksonville with his collaborators dialling in from afar.

Perhaps one of the most endearing qualities of 'Duettes' comes in the shape of Holmes' lyrics. Describing his songwriting process Holmes said: "Stephin Merritt has said songwriting is all about "the nouns, the beautiful nouns," and I'm inclined to agree. My songs usually start with a kernel of truth — something I'm experiencing, say — that's then embellished or twisted to be more interesting."

Opening the EP with the immortal line 'Baby, I miss the shit out of you' the lyrics span cooking gumbo and home brewing in 'Gamaphobia', learning the works of Tchaikovsky to impress a someone special (yes, he name drops Tchaikovsky in song) and donating to NPR and baking pasta dough in 'Are Your Parents Still Together' the lyrics are perfectly entertaining, diverse and intelligently bittersweet in equal measures.

So what's next for Gospel Music? Well it seems it could get quite lively. There are whispers of a full-length record likely to hit stores early in 2011. This is expected sooner rather than later, or at least once he can motivate himself to write the second half of the album. One of the downsides of having gone solo is that "there's no one else there saying, hey, we've gotta write songs, or practice, or whatever". If that weren't enough there's also the possibility of that elusive second Black Kids album surfacing too.

If that weren't enough Holmes also has plans afoot to to take the Gospel Music on the road. Excitingly shows are being lined up both sides of the pond on either side of the new year. Intriguingly one of his collaborators will be joining him for the shows singing on all the songs. Sadly though his lips again remained sealed for whom the mystery guest would be. Stay tuned for more info a little closer to the time.

Gospel Music release Duettes on 29th November in the UK, 30th November in the US. Pick up a limited edition numbered 10" copy of the record through Record Drop (Where you get MP3s with your vinyl) or Kill Rock Stars.

Check out the full interview here:

Would you care to introduce yourself?

Owen Holmes — long-distance runner, Democrat, mediocre-but-improving cook, naturalist (in the philosophical sense).

Congratulations on the new EP, it sounds great, How did it come about?

Thank you, Euan. Over the past couple years my songs have stopped being awful, and in maybe February I noticed I had a couple duet-like tunes in the can. I thought it'd be clever to spell the word "duettes," which to me suggests that the songs are short and simple, so I wrote a few more duets, and ta-da.

The new EP is comprised entirely of duets with different special guests featuring on each... How did you choose your collaborators?

It was clear to me early on whom I'd like to have for each one, and lo and behold, all but one singer (not sayin' who) agreed to contribute. It had mostly to do with the nature of each song, as you'd expect. The little stops at the beginning of the verses in "Automobile," for example, reminded me of Camera Obscura's "French Navy," so I went for Tracyanne for that one. I've been a fan since "Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi," which I discovered while "studying abroad" at the University of Edinburgh years ago, so I was happy to see it work out.

How did the recording process work? Did you get everyone in the studio or was it all done in parts in situ? Any tales to tell?

No great stories to tell, though I could say that wiring money to the Glasgow studio where Tracyanne recorded her vocals might have been the most convoluted, Kafkaesque experience of my life. Don't tell her.

My favourite track on the EP is the lead single 'Automobile'. I just can't get it out of my head, it's simple and extremely catchy and your vocal with Traceyanne Campbell's work great together.

What is your favourite track, and why?

Beauty and the beast, right? "Are Your Parents Still Together?" has stood out to me lately. It's like, I don't know what kind of music that is.

Are there any plans to take Gospel Music on the road, if so, where and when? If not, Why not!?

There'll be a handful of shows for this record. No hard dates yet but I'm looking at either side of the new year, both in the US and UK. One of the contributors will be with me, singing on all the songs.

You've got a couple of cracking record labels behind you in Kill Rock Stars and Fierce Panda for this release, so what's in the pipeline for Gospel Music? Any plans for future releases?

I know, right? There'll be a full-length next year, sooner than later — I've got about half of it written at the moment. That album will just be "normal" songs, with maybe the occasional guest.

The lyrics on the new EP are amazing, think that 'Gamophobia' is the only track I know of where I have seen Jesus and Tchaikovsky name checked in the same verse... Have you got any favourite lyrics on here? Can you talk a little bit about your song writing process?

Ah yes, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" is a hymn I sang growing up at church — not sure if it's well-known in your parts. I'm still new at this, but I suppose my favorite lyrics are the most specific ones — about JFK, gumbo, National Public Radio (another American conceit), etc. Stephin Merritt has said songwriting is all about "the nouns, the beautiful nouns," and I'm inclined to agree. My songs usually start with a kernel of truth — something I'm experiencing, say — that's then embellished or twisted to be more interesting. An example from the record would be "I Miss The Shit Out Of You" — the first verse is about my feelings for my girlfriend at the time, but instead of keeping it a straightforward love song, I fictionalized the second verse, wherein my lover says she doesn't miss me quite enough to move to my backwards town to be with me.

Staying with the lyrics for a little longer, they remind me quite a lot of Stephin Merritt of Magnetic Fields with perhaps also a hint of Jonathan Richman and Adam Green thrown in for good measure...
Have you got any particular songwriters that you admire or who have influenced you and your lyrics?

You nailed it with the first two, or at least I'd like to think so. I'm less familiar with Adam Green's work. I started preferring logical lyrics a few years ago — who knew how much harder it is to write a song that makes sense. To that effect, other favorite lyricists include Dwight Yoakam, Lee Hazlewood, Darren Hayman and Cass McCombs.

How does it feel to be out there on your own outwith the Black Kids banner?

That's the catch with a solo project, I'm finding out: you have all the control, and you have all the responsibility. There's no one else there saying, hey, we've gotta write songs, or practice, or whatever. If you don't do it, it doesn't get done, and no one will ever care. At least at first.

What's happening with Black Kids? Last I heard you were recording a second album...?

Yep, still writing #2 back home in Florida. Stay tuned.

Finally, We'd like you to make a mix tape, can you pick five tracks to kick it off?

Here's what I'm digging at the moment:

"A Picture Of Our Torn-Up Praise" by Phosphorescent

"I Can't Talk About It" by El Perro Del Mar

"Just Like A Movie Star" by The 6ths

"Rebel Jew" by Silver Jews

"Jet Plane" by Papercuts

Band of the week: French Wives

2010-11-23T13:43:00.001Z

Artist: French Wives
Label: Unsigned
From: Glasgow
Info: Myspace / Facebook

Fancy a little grand indie that packs a punch? Then why not give Glasgow quintet French Wives a whirl? They have the sort of catchy choruses that will live long in your head and are backed by spiky riffs that are just begging to be played live and loud.

Somewhat surprisingly, they remain unsigned for now, but surely with a couple of nice self-released 7"this is sure to be remedied in the near future. They have also just won the inaugural On The Radar prize for best unsigned act so can;t be long surely?

Have a wee listen to a couple of their tracks here and then hop on over here or here and show them the colour of your money.

French Wives - Give Him America
French Wives - Big Brave Boy
French Wives - Hyndland Weather Bear

Watch a video for their track 'Halloween' here:

What you think?

Review: David E Sugar - Memory Store

2010-11-22T12:14:00.001Z

Artist: David E Sugar

Release: Memory Store

Out: 22nd November

Label: Sunday Best Records

Buy: Amazon / Label

Info: Myspace

When considering a suitably witty and humourous theme to adopt for the review of Memory Store, the debut record by David E. Sugar, there was a certain temptation to meander off down pun lane, making tenuous reference after tenuous reference to one of David E. Sugar's namesakes. However upon visiting his Myspace in preparation, it seems that idea was not overtly clever or unique and has been done before - Damn you Dave Jenkins of IDJ Mag! Damn You!

Euan, You're fired.

There are however some parallels to be drawn between my (somewhat lame) attempt at humour and David E. Sugar's record as both follow paths that have been well tread before. Unlike my effort at humour though, Memory Store's familiarity is not unwelcome and tired.

Sugar's sound has a bit of electro goodness, a splash of indie credibility (hello Rob Da Bank) and a barrel-load of dance-pop fun. It recalls the likes of Tom Vek, LCD Soundsystem, Simian Mobile Disco and at times even dare I say it, Calvin 'Fucking' Harris (I think that's his full name). Having said that, the Harris comparisons, owing to the slightly grating myriad of throwaway 80s computer game-esque blips and bleeps, is perhaps slightly harsh. This record is better than that.

Sugar is at his best when combining elements of indie and dance and mashing them together in one joyous oh-my-god-I-can't-control-my-feet mix, see the infectious lead single 'Party Killer' , 'Something New' and 'Cambridge Suns'. Where Sugar is at his most surprising is when he puts the dance beats and blips to one side and plumps for a softer, more melodic approach on the ridiculously catchy single 'Flea Market'. This, for me at least, is the standout track on the record.

This is the second single release from the album and for me is the clear highpoint of it. Watch an (unofficial) video for the track here:

Perhaps as you's expect of a record from Rob Da Bank's Sunday Best label, the production of Memory Lane is top notch. Sugar seems to effortlessly strangle various aged Nintendo products and eek out their sound effects all the time whilst laying down a wealth of excellent guitar loops and (almost) annoyingly infectious beats that are sure to get even the most miserable folk's feet tapping.

If there is to be any criticism of the record it would fall at the lack of differentiation between tracks on Memory Store. Taking 'Flea Market' out of the equation the tracks have the tendency to flow from one to the next perhaps a little too easily to the extent that things get a little 'samey'. Some may put this down to excellent sequencing but for me things get a little too repetitive and the punchiness of the tracks in their own right are somewhat lost as a collective.

That being said though, with Memory Store, David E. Sugar has produced a really solid album that offers a fun alternative to the wealth of Mumford-esque folk that is clogging the airwaves. Definitely worth checking out.

7/10

Originally written for The 405

Video of the Week - Gospel Music

2010-11-15T13:32:00.001Z

Artist: Gospel Music
Video: Automobile
Label: Fierce Panda / Kill Rock Stars
Website: Myspace

Gospel Music (Owen Holmes) release the debut track from their forthcoming EP 'Duettes'. The track is called 'Automobile' and features a wonderful Super-8 type video that was directed by Alan Del Rio Oritz who has worked quite a lot with St. Vincent of late.

The track also features the vocal talents of Traceyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura and is indie-twee sweetness that recall the better Moldy Peaches tracks.

Have a watch of the video here:

AUTOMOBILE by GOSPEL MUSIC from Triad Publicity on Vimeo.

I'm loving this a lot. What are your thoughts?

Telekinesis announce new album (with new MP3)

2010-11-10T23:46:00.001Z

Michael Lerner, aka Telekinesis, has announced this week that they are releasing the follow up to their self titled debut record through Merge Records. The new album, '12 Desperate Straight Lines' is out in February. Given that we're already adding to the hyper perhaps gives some indication of the anticipation levels that are mounting round these parts on this album.

Have a listen to the first track from the album 'Car Crash' which comes via Spin Magazine.

Telekinesis - 'Car Crash'

What you think of it?

Music With Mabel: feat. Elvis Costello

2010-08-02T13:28:00.001+01:00

Mabel this week made her music video debut to the sounds of Elvis Costello's 'Pump It Up'...

What you think?

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone

2009-03-20T11:58:00.003Z

My regular commute into work is not fun, i'm not going to lie to you. The London Public Transport system (and the personal hygeine of its customer base) leaves quite a lot to be desired...

But , like this morning, when you find yourself on a less than rammed train, on a Friday morning, with the springtime sunshine beaming through the windows and Casiotone for the Painfully Alone's rendition of 'Born in the USA' etching it's way into your brain from your ipod, things just seem that little bit brighter.

Go on, give it a whirl... click here and you too can enjoy the joys of Spring(steen).

Trotter's Top 10 of 2008 - A riposte!

2009-03-05T22:12:00.013Z

Well, as ever Keith manages to astound me with his taste. For a man who’s trousers were all a-quiver to My Bloody Valentine, having no less than 5 outright pop tunes in your singles of the year is almost insanity, particular low points for me were the inclusions of Duffy; Adele and Sam Sparro.

Whilst I agree that 2008 may not go down as another 1969; 1977 or even 1994 in music, I think that there were actually quite a few shining beacons that were uncovered and in actual fact quite a lot of new music coming to the fore. Anyway, perhaps not as all-inclusive as yours (no Duffy et al in here) but here’s my efforts… (sadly no Youtube links due to firewalls at my work preventing me access but I’m sure you can muster that yourselves…

******************************************************************************************

My top 10 tracks of the year (abiding by the normal rules) I think are actually pretty difficult to get down as most of the music I have been listening to is all on the albums of the year, however here goes…

10: Los Campesinos – You Me Dancing!
This is just too catchy not to be included. Yes they are Welsh, but look past that for a bit and it’s worthwhile!

9: Ting Tings – That’s Not My Name

Yep I know…. 2008’s ‘Foundations’. Yes it was overplayed. Yes it became annoying; yes she looks likea Primark mannequin and yes, he’s instantly forgettable, but I think it’s still worth a mention

8: Death Cab for Cutie – I Will Possess Your Heart

This was the standout song on what was a real grower of an album. Bit of a corker this one really and clocking in at about 8 and a half mins – top value for your 79p itunes credit in these credit crunch times.

7: Elbow – Grounds for Divorce

Almost disqualified from this list as the album so nearly snuck into the top 10. A worthy Mercury prize winner and a couple of really outstanding tracks on what was a good little album

6: The Raconteurs – Salute Your Solution

No end of year list would be complete without a little something from Jack White and so here it is… under his Raconteur guise this track was (i think) the second single off their second album. Decided against the Bond collaboration with Alicia Keys, though that itself ended up growing on me too, tho not to the extent that it deserves a place on this list.

5: Sarah Silverman / Jimmy Kimmel -(Two links) I’m F*ckin Matt Damon / I’m F*ckin Ben Affleck

OK bit of a change in direction with this, not an actual single, more a couple of moments of TV genius from Saturday Night Live. Brought to UK life through Youtube.

4: British Sea Power – Waving Flags

Another track that is only just eligible. One of the standouts from the quite terrific British Sea Power album (Do You Like Rock Music) from this year. Quality single, quality album, terrible band name…

3: Noah & The Whale – 5 years time

Just lovely really. Simple and catchy, and features a performance from Laura Marling on the ukulele. Though quite why he sings in a Cornish accent when he’s from London I don’t know (not my assertion but still true).

2: Santogold – LES Artistes

This is a bit of a strange one for me. I really, really liked this track, for the main reason that I was convinced it was Tegan and Sara for long enough. Then I realized it wasn’t and was quite impressed. Shame that she only went and did a moby and that all of her other tracks want to make me go out and buy hair products; ipods; cars etc…

1: Black Kids – I'm not gonna teach your boyfriend

Such a pity that the rest of the album couldn’t hold up to this level of quality. This was the single that got them hours of airplay and was a cracking summer jingle. Also a great silent disco track at Benicassim.

**********************************************************************************

Now onto the albums, and the more I think about this list, the more difficult it gets to pull this together really and more difficult it is to rank them.

There are also a lot of honorable mentions to those which never quite made the final cut but are still worth a look. Raconteurs (Consolers of The Lonely) knocked out a good one this year if wailing guitars and generally noisy merriment is your bag of mince; Death Cab For Cutie (Narrow Stairs) and Elbow (The Seldom Seen Kid) as per The Raconteurs were both mentioned above and both deserve the praise they get. Similar cap doffing goes in the direction of Tilly and The Wall ‘O’; Vincent Vincent and The Villains ‘Gospel Bombs’; Magnetic Fields ‘Distortion’ and Jenny Lewis’ “Acid Tongue” which were all fairly spectacular…

Now, Like Keith mentioned before, Fleet Foxes (Fleet Foxes) and also Bon Iver (For Emily, Forever Ago) are two that I have come to late on and to be honest haven’t given enough time for them to warrant a place on the top 10 but they are both growing on me by the day, and given their lofty positions on just about everyone else’s top 10s they may both prove to be a couple of dubious omissions. The opening track to Fleet Foxes could have made the top 10 singles, such is the strength of that.

However the top 10 for me…

10: White Rabbits – Fort Nightly

Strictly speaking this was a 2007 (US) release, however January 08 saw Phil release this through Fierce Panda so figured that it qualified just fine. A cracking debut album and “Kid on My shoulders” is a standout track. They were quite terrific live at the borderline too.

9: She & Him – She & Him

This album is just so… pretty… and perfect… it probably should have got higher than 9 really. M Ward and Zooey Deschanel have put together a quite stunning debut. I never actually realized that I really liked music with a country twang… I was wrong; very wrong. AND it’s the girl from ELF the movie!!!

8: Kings of Leon – Only by The Night

Mega, I think is probably the word for this band. Their rise to pop popularity has been staggering this year. They have achieved something that only (I think) Dave Grohl has managed before them – to get everyone to like them. Nobody has anything bad to say about this band. Even the usually gobby Liam Gallagher could only muster that he thinks they are releasing too many albums too quickly… The singles on the album are very strong and have made them a regular player on all playlists across radioland and seeing them selling out huge stadiums all around. The rest of the album is actually just as strong, especially after a few listens.

7: Glasvegas – Glasvegas

The second of the self-titled albums in the top 10 and the 3^rd debut record – who said it wasn’t a good year for music? Yes, it’s very Jesus and the Mary Chain but since when has that ever been a bad thing? Some really terrific tracks in here with the exception of the spoken word “Gonna Get Stabbed” which is truly horrific (the demo version was much better). May have made it a few places higher in the list had lead singer, James Allen realized that sunglasses were an outdoor accessory and one used mainly during hours of daylight.

6: Margot & The Nuclear So & So’s - Animal / Not Animal

Yes you read that right… this band are called Margot & The Nuclear So & So’s. After seeing the name I was compelled to find out a little bit more on them and what I uncovered was great. Simple as that. They actually released two records this year at the same time (Animaland Not Animal are two separate entities with some crossover in terms of different versions of songs. Animal is my favourite but thought I’d couple them both in here together).

5: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Dig Lazarus Dig!

I’ll admit it, until this album came out my knowledge of Nick Cave was pretty patchy. Though this album was on constant play on my ipod for months when it came out. So many good tracks on it and easily the most accessible Nick Cave album for quite some time. The title track was a great single and a good starting point for anyone who hasn’t heard it. Had the rather strange scenario of watching them play HMV on Oxford St too – Rock and Roll!

4: Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst

Bright Eyes’ boy wonder just keeps churning out these amazing albums and his Mystic Valley Band have helped him record another cracker, this time under his own name. Recorded in a cave in Mexico (seriously) this album also features a track where the percussion comes from everyone stamping on wooden floorboards (a la Tilly and the Wall). Not a bad track on there and again one that has been on constant rotation in the Mackay household this year.

3: Frightened Rabbit – Midnight Organ Test

Following on from their 2006 Sing The Greys album Selkirk’s Frightened Rabbit released Midnight Organ Test which got rave reviews and loads of airtime in the states yet was somewhat muted over here. Not too sure why really - though they did spend the majority of the year slogging their way around the states so maybe that has something to do with it. It’s a really strong album with top tunes - The Modern Leper and Floating in the Forth are good starting points. Still available in small venues near you in 2009.

2: Ra Ra Riot – The Rhumb Line

After seeing them support the editors and Biffy Clyro last September in a pub in Portland I fell for this band. Having overcome the loss of one of their founding members this year they released The Rhumb Line on Barsuk (always a good signal). Whilst they draw a lot of comparisons to Arcade Fire – mainly cos there is a lot going on when they play and there’s fiddles involved - I think that there’s more to Ra Ra Riot than being a second rate Arcade Fire. Tracks like “Ghost Under Rocks”; “Each Year” and “Dying is fine” are most awesome in their very own right and definitely stand up. A worthwhile runner up this year.

1: Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend

We got there in the end! And both arrived on the same verdict!

The publicity machine that brought us the Vampire Weekend album meant that they were everywhere this summer, this was something to behold. A-Punk their first single from the album (that I was aware of) was so catchy it couldn’t help but get stuck in your head, leading with a shouty ‘Hey! Hey!’ chorus the NME went mental. Vampire Weekend are the new Strokes yadda yadda yadda… well I’m not too sure about that – a bit early to tell, but they followed up with a load of other great tracks on the album (Mansard Roof, Oxford Comma et al) and quickly filled out all small venues on the live circuit. Whether they are ready for Brixton/Ally Pally and the inevitable festival headline slot in 09 as yet; I’m not convinced, but as a debut this was a cracking place to start.

Well there you have it. That’s what I think… for what it’s worth…

Edit: Since originally writing this in December i have invested a fair amount of time with both Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver and can confirm my suspicions mentioned earlier... They would both find a top ranking position in my top 10 of 2008 if compased today! Alas, that was't the case!

The blog is back... with a timely top 10 of 2008!

2009-03-04T13:51:00.000Z

Well, better late than never, it's here, a review of 2008.

On the day that ITV announce just how badly they did in 2008 i'll post my round up of what i thought was up to much in 2008 in music.

Firstly by way on an intro to this, my pal Keith always sends round 'Trotter's Top 10s' each year (and 2008 was no exception)

There are a couple of rules that need to be adhered to... Artists can only appear in each list (Album/Single) once - ie can't be in both lists.

So with this in mind here's Trotter's Top 10s...

My thinking is that in May/June i'll redress this list to see if my top 10s stand the test of time (i'm not so convinced)

2008 - Trotter's Top 10s

2009-03-04T13:45:00.000Z

**Disclaimer - the following words and thoughts are those of one Mr Keith Trotter and do not relfect that of the blog author***

OK, so here's Keith's top 10s... To quote:

Now then,

Oh what a year, one that we’ll look back on as the Golden Age of Modern Music where the artform transcended what had gone before and grew into….aw, course it wasn’t!!!! Bit of a damp squib really.

Duff(y) year all round – so for those of you set to complain about the forthcoming quality of the Tens do bear in mind I can only work with what I’m given. In fact, if the musical output were to be graded on ‘strongly like’ to ‘strongly dislike’ it would result in a ‘neither’ response (or simply ‘meh’ – and yes, I said that last year too). Some pretty good stuff but hardly anything to shout about from the rooftops (which I suppose is just as well cos my internet connection doesn’t stretch that far).

Obviously you can tell me what gems I’ve missed to put me right – Fleet Foxes? Crystal Castles? Neon Neon? None of which I own so can’t be in my faves list can they? Usual ‘rules’ apply – only one entry in both lists to encourage variety. And if you want to see an example of what happens when you don’t apply that rule just read the NME’s ridiculous Top 50’s – 3 of the Top 5 singles being by the same artist who also get the best album. Shows just how much a clique it must be at the NME these days – almost makes you feel sorry for Johnny Borell! Hyperlinks to youtube in bold underlined.

Gig (and return) of the year was definitely My Bloody Valentine. Made my trousers tremble – and not in an x-rated way, you smutty devils – but in a ‘reverb and feedback’ way (obviously!?!?)

On we go then…..

First those damnable singles (or ‘tracks’ as the youngsters call them nowadays as they speed past on their downloadable hoverskates)…..

Honorable mentions to We are Scientists After Hours (any band fronted by a Keith has to be given some credit), Mystery Jets Two Doors Down, Alphabeat Fascination (melts even the most hardened of cynics’ hearts before killing with saccharine) and Katy Perry’s Hot ‘n’ Cold (for sheer factory-fabricated devil-created pop majesty but with minus points for the ridiculous first single keeping her out of my top ten).

10) Gabriella Cilmi Sweet About Me

Well we just don’t have enough young, female, singer-songwriters around at the moment do we? With a tongue in cheek approach that isn’t just put there to shock (i.e. Katy Perry) and a raspy voice to authentically stand out from the crowd.

9) Bloc Party Talons

Normally I’m very much a ‘like it or don’t’ guy when it comes to bands – even overlooking poor albums by favourite bands by finding some excuse for the poor dears. But Bloc Party I really can’t decide on. Last year’s ‘Flux’ was awful, their first single this year wasn’t much better (Mercury) and I began to think their ‘dancey-indie’ direction was just doomed. And yet they release this cacophanous, end of the world cracker and I’m back to undecided again. Overall, better that they’re trying something different and sometimes failing than becoming the Pigeon Detectives – I really need say no more.

8) Girls Aloud The Promise / Sugababes Girls

Couldn’t have a Top Tens without somehow managing to mention Queen Cheryl of Cole after her barnstorming year can I? I almost felt sorry for Dannii who quickly went from ‘fresh young thing sat next to that Osbourne harridan’ to ‘obnoxious foreigner daring to criticise Cheryl’s acts whilst not cracking her face’ on the X Factor. But, we’re here to talk music aren’t we? GA’s comeback single was a corker – completely manufactured but covering all the bases as well as ever. Anyone wanting an insight into the production factory that scientifically creates their monster hits could do worse than read a recent Franz Ferdinand interview (they were going to have their new album produced by the same team, which I thought would have been awesome) where they talk about researchers listening to radio every hour of every day and noting down playlists and ‘trends’. I’d like to think that was all done in some sort of workhouse setting.

And I can’t credit GA without also applauding the genius of their rivals’ production company who covered a tune used all year to advertise Boots’ products and then sold it back to Boots to use their version on the ads. Proof that capitalism will survive any recession.

7) Oasis I’m Outta Time

I had this one up my sleeve since I first heard it a few weeks ago and was thinking ahead to all the ‘No, Oasis can still put out some great stuff’ arguments with y’all. But then it’s in every other man and his dog’s Lists of the Year as well which I’m well annoyed about – so boooo! Liam’s voice hasn’t sounded so emotive for years and there’s not a Noel backing vocal to spoil it either.

6) Kaiser Chiefs Never Miss A Beat

Now listen, Keane and Coldplay didn’t make my top tens even though they both put out decent enough albums so I’m allowed one ‘indie-lite’ crowd-displeaser aren’t I? Catchiest chorus all year and one that’ll stick in your head until you give in and start doing choreographed moves like the bemasked young reprobates in the video. All together now…‘What do you want for tea? I want crisps!’

5) Estelle American Boy

Probably ‘man on the street’s single of the year and I can’t blame’em really. Out-US’ing her American counterparts by chatting up their fellas. Wasn’t even spoilt by Kanye West so that shows you how good it was. Estelle then went on to dis all her UK soul contemporaries so clearly spending time with Kanye taught her something.

4) Hercules and Love Affair Blind

Putting Anthony (..and the Johnsons) together with Euro-influenced US house and Turkish horns probably wasn’t the natural career progression you would have thought of but this tune was top notch. Intriguing video too – matching the song perfectly. Smoke machines are back!

3) Ladyhawke My Delirium

Have I mentioned the 80’s were big this year? At least this harked back to ‘good 80s’ rather than ‘evil 80s’ (see Iglu and Hartley for enough evidence of that Starship-copying, they-won’t-notice-if-we-rap-over-it tosh). This track was more on the rocky side than the rest of her album – so think more Joan Jett than Stevie Nicks and you’re probably onto something. Great video too – you never do get enough watercolours on television do you?

2) Sam Sparro Black and Gold

‘Hypnotic’ sums this track up – at least it must be as I couldn’t stand it when it first came out but then it somehow just got under the skin. One of a slew of 80’s revivalist tunes but by far the best. Word of caution though, the album has one hit wonder written all over it, so save those credit crunched pennies people!

1) Adele Hometown Glory

Shivers down the spine time, haunting piano coda, amazing vocals with real heart and soul and Alison Moyet’s chavvy child scores the single of the year. Now if only she’d let someone else co-write and she’d be able to follow it up. Youtube have removed the naughy ‘s***’ swearwords and rightly so, so don’t go complaining about me to the Beeb. I’ve never even spoken to Andrew Sachs.

Now let’s have a gander at those long players….

10) Duffy Rockferry

Halfway through the year this wasn’t going to be anywhere near my top ten because I’d grown completely sick of the ironically-titled ‘Mercy’ but going back over it again you can see why she was so hotly-tipped in the first place – even if she does sound like Lulu in a Dusty Springfield wig. In fact it’s really disappointing when you get to track seven and you realise Mercy hasn’t been on yet and then you hear it. Clearly she wasn’t going to leave it off now was she? But it’s Rockferry, Warwick Avenue and Stepping Stone that show just what a soulful, impassioned voice she has and must have Amy reaching for the crack pipe. Just don’t do a duet with Tom Jones – please!!

9) Ting Tings We Started Nothing

Success story of the year, without a doubt. Cracking singles, perfect pop and a great look equals number one status but also equals critics turning their backs. If they hadn’t been quite so successful with ‘That’s Not My Name’ then I’m sure they’d still be adored but sadly you can go from unknown to famous to riding the backlash wave in less than a year round here. Again, some dodgy album tracks – notably ‘the one where I compare myself to a fruit machine’ (Fruit Machine) and ‘the one where I compare you to a traffic light’ (Traffic Light) take the shine off what is otherwise pop gold dust. See also Shut Up and Let Me Go

8) MGMT Oracular Spectacular

MGMT were the first of the ‘hot new bands’ to break at the start of the year and deservedly so with the brilliant Time to Pretend about the ridiculous excesses of a pop star lifestyle. Quirky, ‘throwback yet looking forward’ in the same way as the Klaxons were the year before, though this time it was to the psychedelic ‘60’s rather than the psychedelic ‘90’s. Great singles but some of that impact was lost on a bit of an overblown album to be honest. Not that they’ll be bothered. The NME clearly love them as they gave them single and album of the year. See also Electric Feel

7) Glasvegas Glasvegas

Self-titled debut ahoy! This one definitely was the ‘one I was waiting for’ perhaps moreso that any other this year – mainly due to the hype that was generated by their deserving singles and the feeling that they really would be ‘an album band’ with quality and depth as well as heart-breaking singles. It didn’t quite work out that way however as there’s a sense that (and this isn’t the first time I’ll say this) you feel they could have done with a bit more ‘quality control’. It’s all the more maddening when they are able to release a Christmas album a few short months later – if only they’d picked the best out the two then they may have been higher. Certainly they produced some of the best lyrics of the year full of heartache, loss and longing but underpinned with that old faithful of uplifting musical backing (sound of Motown TM) just every so often it can teeter over into self-indulgence. Daddy’s Gone got all the press but it’s Geraldine that’s my favourite. And their drummer doesn’t sit down – class!

6) Goldfrapp Seventh Tree

What to do when your second album is heralded as being a complete u-turn on your equally heralded debut? Do the same again with your third. This time the hard, sexy, Germanic electronics of Black Cherry were replaced with gentle, airy, acoustic guitars and songs about Caravan Girls, images of Timotei-fresh summer meadows and big frocks. Never did it seem a Madonna-like ‘change to the next demographic’ marketing ploy but a heartfelt ode to a summer that never really arrived. I have to admit I hadn’t really given this much of a listen prior to my trip to Yosemite this year, but it soundtracked the amazing landscapes perfectly and probably kept us awake enough not to drive off the edge of a few big cliffs. I guess that’s good enough reason for it to be in the list. Another is anticipating whatever Allison Goldfrapp will do next. See also A&E and Caravan Girl

5) Santogold Santogold

I was going to try and review this without resorting to what every other reviewer did and say how ‘uncategorisable’ Santi White’s debut was. But, it’s true dammit. There’s the Missy Elliott influences in the production, Pixies in the guitar lines and simply anyone you care to mention on vocals. Best comparison is to say that listening to the album is like having half of your cd collection on shuffle, which you could say for an album is a bad, disjointed thing, except she also co-produced it. I’m not even ashamed to say I bought it after I heard ‘Creator’ advertising hair gel on telly. Bought the cd, didn’t buy the gel! Take that ‘The Man’! Comparisons to M.I.A. are unfounded and lazy but let’s compare shall we? See also L.E.S. Artistes and Lights Out

4) Friendly Fires Friendly Fires

Another self-titled debut I hear you moan. Hurrah! This was one of those rare albums of 2008 that actually made you feel…better. Uplifting, electo-pop with a brain – they get the ‘white boys who funk’ award graciously handed to them from Hot Chip. ‘Jump in the Pool’ has that cool, refreshing vibe to it that makes you want to jump in a pool and ‘Paris’…well, just makes you want to fly to Paris. Good job they didn’t have a secret track called Cut off your Ears I guess (well, they may have, but I haven’t found it – probably just as well really).

3) Kings of Leon Only By the Night

Er, hang on, didn’t you guys just have an album out last year? Trotter’s Top Tens needs variety you know, can’t you wait until January 2009 and I’ll promise you a slot then? What? The record company and the band want to cash in on all the momentum that coming third in last year’s list has generated? Well, ok. I can’t blame you really.

There’s some bands that you want to see succeed on the big stage because they’re just meant to be there (Muse being another one) and others that you want to hang onto in your little ‘indie-world’ and hope that Football Focus and X Factor don’t get their hands on them. KoL have just outgrown indie though, mainly as Caleb’s voice grew stronger, Nathan’s guns got bigger and everyone’s hair got shorter. Part of me though, just wishes that they’d hung on that bit longer and made this the best album of the year and not a ‘three quarter great, one quarter so-so’ one. Opening tracks Closer, Crawl, Sex on Fire and Use Somebody (even though I think that track could do with a bit more ‘oomph’ in production) surely make up the best album intro of the year and the final track Cold Desert is just the best thing they’ve ever done. There’s a haunting, edgy quality to even their most ‘stadium’ of leanings that still makes them an exciting proposition (who I finally got to see live this year). As for making their perfect album and getting to No. 1 on the list? Well, maybe next time lads.

2) Foals Antidotes

Foals were touted as one of the ‘ones to watch’ at the start of the year and yet found the Observer writing in their 2008 roundup ‘nothing in Foals’ math rock background suggested their convulsive debut would be among the highlights of the year’ (er, except they were in your ‘class of 2008’ feature 11 editions earlier – so go have a word with your editor (if you have one). Ahem!

Maybe everyone should have guessed Foals weren’t going to do the obvious when they left the very singles off the album that had gained them the ‘ones to watch’ reputation. Jerky, complex, far from instant but therefore all the better for it and not without some great pop moments. It’s also standing the test of time despite coming out at the start of the year. They also have that effortless gang mentality going for them that means you just want to be let into their little clique and hold your bass up by your armpits and face stage right. See also ‘Olympic Airways’ and ‘Balloons’

1) Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend

Just…joyous. And essentially number one because unlike most other albums this year this one held together throughout and sounded as if they’d cared about every track not just three quarters of it.

And in a cynical, depressing, credit-crunched world we can all do with a bit of cheering up, can’t we? So stop questioning why a bunch of preppy young Americans would create an album with Caribbean and Afro-beat guitars and rhythms and just enjoy it. Besides, anyone who can call their opening tracks Mansard Roof, Oxford Comma and A-Punk and write ‘Why would you lie about how much coal you have? Why would you lie ‘bout something dumb like that?’ (I haven’t the faintest!) deserves to be number one. Oh, and nice picture of a chandelier on the front too.

You know what, I’m not going to do a Worst of the Year – weather’s miserable, economy’s down the pan and I think we should all just end on a high note don’t you?

Here’s the Video of the Year that actually manages to capture 2008 in a nutshell. Scrilla!

Now show me yours!!!!

Jeez... reading some of that again, it's a wonder that i am friends with this fella...

Where have all the proper pubs gone?

2008-02-13T11:33:00.000Z

OK, so I am Scottish, which means I like a drink... and after the recent fire in Camden and the flames wrecking the celebs favourite watering hole, pubs have been all over the news...

Whilst the Hawley Arms was invariably rammed with people wanting to catch a glimpse of Borrell, Fielding, Winehouse et al it was actually a half decent boozer. This fire, whilst also decimating the livliehood of all the market traders who had previously survived being turfed out by camden council in their bid to remove the character of Camden Town in knocking down the stables, it's a blow to everyone as it means that another pub has disappeared. This had me thinking, where are all the good proper pubs going?

To me this is a worrying trend that is becoming increasingly evident.

I left my current job yesterday (22nd feb) and for this I was asked to decide on a location to have a bit of a leaving do. Whilst scanning potential venues across West London (I work in Kensington) it really struck me just how few pubs there actually are around these parts that I would want to spend any real time in. Within a mile or so of my work there are probably 20 drinking establishments - only four of which i would classify as a pub. The rest are members only bars, cocktail bars, tapas bars or just shit bars. Of these pubs 2 are too small (you can only get about 10 people in them - the Elephant and Castle and Churchills), one has toilets akin to those in Trainspotting (Greyhound) and the other, well it's nigh on impossible to get a drink in there (Builders Arms) - you've more chance of dying of thirst before you're going to poison your liver (especially on a Friday)...

As such the do was held in a very nice and spacious 'bar' (not pub) with a wide selection of ales and lagers (The Britannia)... not to mention a privelege club and wine list - not really the staple diet of what I would call a pub i.e. there are not too many blokes reading the Racing Post supping a half with whisky chasers.

Now this is perhaps not a massive shock given the location of deepest darkest Kensington. With it's neighbours of Notting Hill, South Kensington and Knightsbridge the locals are more the Mahiki set than Mackay set if you get my drift, but even looking further afield this trend continues...

Thinking of decent pubs within old london village, for every 'Ship' or 'Fox and Firkin' there must be 10 slug and lettuces... the number of pubs is simply dwarfed by the number of all pervasive Gastro 'pubs'... Quite frankly this is not good enough. But how did this happen?

The odd thing is that nobody i know really likes these types of bars. And they are bars, they are not pubs... there is a difference... Pubs are dark and dingy, bars are bright and airy... Pubs have small frosted windows, bars have giant full sized windows. Pubs menus consist of nuts and crisps maybe extending to a beer and a burger. Menus in bars include salads with pinenuts and crispy lettuce. Pubs are good, bars are not.

Everyone always says they would rather be in an 'old man boozer' which has a bit of character and a bit of atmosphere - not something you can really enjoy in a soulless pitcher and piano. Whilst this may well have something to do with the people that I hang out with, I can't really believe that anyone prefers these bars... though i do concede that their toilets are generally a damn sight more usable.

I think that it's time for pubs to make their comeback... for old man boozers to rise out the ashes again and impose their all round dingyness and soggy beermats to one and all.

Bring back the boozer... now let's go for a drink.

Twee as F**ck

2008-02-11T14:03:00.000Z

Friday night...
The Buffalo Bar
Highbury, London

After a couple of post work pints we headed our way up to the buffalo bar on Friday for the twee as fuck night. I was really looking forward to a nice twee-fest in a suitably grungy venue as i hadn't been gigging for quite a wee while... This and also Meg seemed to be promoting the night in cartoon format... see below...

~Normal Meg~ ~Cartoon Promo Meg~

On arriving at the venue clad in my finest acrylic blue cardigan (at 9.20pm) I was met with the Buffalo Bar's queuing system which truly is a joy to behold. Those with pre printed out tickets filtered through on the left of the door (and invariably went straight in) those of us without stood on the right out in the cold without sight of a toilet or a pint.

I know what you're thinking - i'm just bitter as i hadn't been organised enough to print out a ticket beforehand for myself, and of course you're absolutely right, no matter, the line was still unnecessarily prolonged and there was me being all environmentally friendly and thinking of the twees... (sorry)

The whole queue was made a whole lot worse by the fact that the off- licence across the road was calling out to me boasting of all the alcoholic goodness that it could offer... Of course this then threw up a tricky wee judgement call:

1. Do I jump out of the line, run across the road and stock up on a carry out - running the obvious risk that the non-moving line would magically start shifting and we'd get to the front before finishing our magic elixir and have to bin the haul

2. Do I stay put hoping that someone else would run the gauntlet and we would then magic our way in quickly to be greeted with the delight of a free cupcake on entry.

3. Do I continue to stand in line and wait for the obligatory 45 minutes freezing my nuts off whilst a collection of victoria line trains spew out passengers all mystically clutching their pre-printed tickets and swan their way straight in. Who says the tubes never run? they bloody well do when you don't want them to.

Anyway after negotiating the queues and getting in just missing out on the winter den (and the cupcakes) we witnessed Leichtenstein whilst stocking up on booze who to be honest pretty much passed me by.

Then on came Ipso-Facto who pretty much knocked my socks off with a cracking set. Their performance was cut by a quartet of Karen-O/Brian Jones-esque bowlcut clad lasses dressed in what could only be described as Twee as f**k garb (or vaguely amish garb depending on your view). Either way they were definitely worth the entry fee and most definitely worth checking out.

So why not do so... here...

Looks as though they will be hitting the road and visiting an establishment near you soon. Pay them a visit. Go on...

All in all it was a good night and worth a look if you can remember to print off your ticket beforehand - next month Bricolage are playing so definitely worth a looky-see for a night of twee... The Twee as F**k night website can give you all the details you need for next time round.

What do you mean you don't know Bricolage - you should! There a nice wee Scottish band who are worth a listen. Find them here...

For now...

E.x

I am not Spartacus, I am Euan Mackay

2008-02-11T11:33:00.001Z

Well, eventually I gave in and decided that I would start a blog. Meg (below - she's my better half) has been on at me for a while saying that i should do it, and so eventually i caved.

Well here we go... here's the first post...isn't this exciting? no? oh... well i guess that i had better try a little harder then... bear with me though i'm still getting used to all this.

To be honest I'm hoping that they will pick up from here, once i really decide what I am going to scribe about... though as a heads up i think it'll probably try write about music - what i'm listenting to at the moment, my thinking on some new releases and my reckoning on gigs i've been to. I might also have my say on movies too, though this remains to be seen and i'll probably do some filler blurbs on the general goings on in my little world...

hopefully this will prove to be of interest to some folk, though it may well just end up being a bit of a dear diary event for my own benefit and eventually peter out when i realise nobody cares and i tire of documenting my somewhat drab diary...

Anyway on a positive note, I'll try to keep it going as long as possible and keep it as interesting as possible with posting new material whenever possible...

If anyone does read this, then please feel free to leave any feedback as i am a newbee at this blogging lark so any hints and tips on how to make it nicer for anyone else would be taken on board...

for now...

E.
x