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

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?
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Favourite Tracks - Top 20...

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...
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Interview: Frankie Rose (without her Outs)

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

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The Top 10 Albums of 2010

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...
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Introducing: Gospel Music

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
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Band of the week: French Wives

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?
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Review: David E Sugar - Memory Store

Artist: David E Sugar
Release: Memory Store
Out: 22nd November
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

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