I like music. How 'bout you?

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Wed May 09, 2007 1:49 pm

The new Manics album, Send Away The Tigers, is far far better than it has absolutely any right to be.

I'm not currently sure if it's actually brilliant, or if I just think it's brilliant because the last few have been pretty lacking.

Nicky's still not quite got the hang of lyrics. Well intentioned but ill-executed politicking ahoy. Sounds really fresh musically, though.

And fun live. Saw 'em in Cambridge last night. Huge points for rummaging through the back catalogue in true "hey, we've got eight albums to mine" fashion.

Born to End! (not that it's anything special, it's just the shock factor)
Freedom of Speech!
Elvis Impersonator!
Yes!
Despair to Where!

They even nearly played Condemned to Rock & Roll. Nothing from Lifeblood, which is probably wise. Though they will insist on trotting out Tolerate.

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Wed May 09, 2007 5:46 pm

Cool, I'll get it then.

Tho I quite liked Lifeblood.

Is the new Arcade Fire worth getting anyone?

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Wed May 09, 2007 8:25 pm

Lifeblood was nice in a chilled synthy Matchbox 20 Radio 2 kinda way. But once you start hammering out Faster, it really doesn't sit well alongside.

Neon Bible is wonderful, yes.

Buy The Hours' album, Narcissus Road, whilst you're at it.

Hound · Post by **Hound** » Wed May 09, 2007 8:55 pm

I also liked Lifeblood! But as a Manics album I can see why it doesn't quite fit. I saw them touring that album twice and none of the songs really worked alongside the older stuff.

Personally I am loving the new Tracey Thorn album - chilled bedroom disco/electronica.

Into The Blue by Charlotte Hatherely is also fantastic.

But my current fave is Ghosts by Siobhan Donaghy.

The band Ghosts, who have a new single out in 2 weeks or so, are also great. Delays style pop music.

It's strange. I'm normally an utter whore for guitar bands, but I am just so ******* bored with most of them that are out there at the moment

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Wed May 09, 2007 9:01 pm

I forgot there was a new Hatherly album out. Oooh.

I went a bit mad over the weekend. Bought the new BRMC, Thirteen Senses, Rakes, Modest Mouse... uhm... loads of other stuff as well... not listened to any of it!

Know what you mean on the guitar band front. Bloc Party's new album is nice, but haven't touched it for a while... new Kaisers was thoroughly disappointing. Arctics album really grew on me after a few listens. Beyond that, the only thing that's really stood out indie wise is The Hours, who are glorious and easily heading for album of the year.

New Editors track is a bit disappointing. High hopes for the album. New Hard-Fi and White Stripes on the horizon, too. And Puressence!

Loved the first single by Ghosts.

LCD Soundsystem's new one's alright. Mark Ronson's album has novelty groove value. Hammering CSS's album from last year, along with (whisper it) the last My Chemical Romance album.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Wed May 16, 2007 12:59 pm

Shanti418 wrote:The new Modest Mouse album is pretty sweet, if you like MM.

Going to see them in a couple of weeks, really hoping that Johnny Marr is touring with them.

Been listening to Interpol's new single a lot, Malcolm Middleton's last album has been on heavy repeat, the Shins, a lot of old Sleater-Kinney, the Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel, Sean Lennon and Death From Above have all been going around and around.

Blacksword · Post by **Blacksword** » Thu May 17, 2007 2:53 pm

Thanks for mentioning the new Manic album Brend. Being in North America I probably would never have heard about it otherwise (I first saw Lifeblood at a used CD store that sets up shop a couple times a year at my university).

Send Away The Tigers is decent, highly reminiscent of Everything Must Go with bits and pieces of some other sound. Not sure if there are any brilliant tracks there either. I'll give it a few more spins before coming to any decisions. "Your Love Alone Is Not Enough" is extremely catchy though.

Lifeblood had some nice moments, and was a different sound - but really if I weren't a Manics fan... But at least you UK lot actually get to see them live.

Oh and I'm glad that James isn't looking as bloated as he was for quite a while

I enjoyed the new BRMC, but that one also too a few spins to warm up to, in large part because I enjoyed Howl so much and was hoping they'd keep a bit more of its sound. But Baby 81 has them doing different kinds of songs than they have usually done, and that's what took a bit of getting used to. A good sign that they've got lots of room to keep growing. There's quite a few really good songs.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:17 pm

KingMob wrote:lot of old Sleater-Kinney

HELLS YEAH!!! What stuff? Pre Dig Me Out? Call the Doctor? self titled debut?

I'm eagerly awaiting the new Marilyn Manson and Silverchair CDs. lolol

Has anyone heard the new NIN? How is it?

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Fri May 18, 2007 2:17 pm

I'm still stuck on Jackson, and his album Bad. I've been looking to replace it with Dangerous, but haven't had the opportunity yet.

Especially the song, "Man In the Mirror" really spoke to me there. Makes you think about what you've done with yourself and your life.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Sat May 19, 2007 7:56 am

Predabot wrote:I'm still stuck on Jackson

Careful who you tell about that, there are paparazzi everywhere these days.

Dig Me Out and the first S-K album. One Beat as well, come to think.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Sat May 19, 2007 3:23 pm

KingMob wrote:Dig Me Out and the first S-K album. One Beat as well, come to think.

Sweet. I've been mostly AHOTBO lately.

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Sat May 19, 2007 3:38 pm

I saw the Frames' lead singer, Glen Hansard, last night, doing a solo show with Marketa Irglova. Fantastic (and free). He's just as dreamy in person.

This is one of their many good tunes:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=h0mxCAblqdk& ... ed&search=

Blacksword · Post by **Blacksword** » Sat May 19, 2007 4:16 pm

I'll probably pick up the new Modest Mouse album - though I'm gonna nick my friend's copy first.

One of the most interesting albums I've come across lately was a git from a friend: Beirut - Gulag Orkestar. A mix of early 20th century orcestral styles, Eastern Europeanish with modern bits, great music to relax to and really drink in.

And I've finally come to a verdict on the new Manics album: Not Brilliant, but Very Good. Most enjoyable and entertaining album since Everything Must Go. There's some recycled stuff, most notably a lot of Indian Summer (Nicky said straight out that that more or less reused the drums from A Design For Life) and one or two lines. The band is clearly enjoying itself, and we finally get the guitar riffs from James that we've been waiting for for ages. Imperial Bodybags is simple, but the no one other than the Manics could have you cheerfully singing along it's lyrics, and the rocakabilly verses are awesome. Rendition is also great, with a bit better writing and really great verses. There are a few flat spots in the lyrics as there always with Nicky, but as long as you aren't looking for another Holy Bible (which is a once in a lifetime album) you shouldn't be too disappointed.

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Sat May 19, 2007 5:22 pm

Blacksword wrote:The band is clearly enjoying itself

This is exactly the opinion I've come to on it. Okay, it's not technically or lyrically brilliant... but there's just an overwhelming feeling of fun coming off it.

My hope going in was that the solo projects that Nicky and James did had helped get some of the downbeat maudlin stuff out of their system, and it definitely seems to have done the trick.

Agree about the lyrics. "I sound like a liberal" is the sort of dodgy thing that only Wire would even contemplate actually sticking in a track. But yeah, the enjoyment just shines right through. I love Autumnsong (just for the ridiculousness of a track with the chorus "baby, what you done to your hair?") and Imperial Bodybags. It's mint. Like I said, a lot of my initial praise for it stems from the shock of them actually coming out with something this good... yeah, it's not superb, but it's definitely going to land in my top 10 come the end of the year.

Thinking it over, Know Your Enemy could have been this good if they'd just chopped it down a lot. Alternatively, chopping it down could have resulted in Lifeblood. Definitely a lot of confusion on that album... but, as I said, solo projects maybe cleared their heads.

Really like the new Modest Mouse album, too. Some really good stuff on it.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Sun May 27, 2007 1:31 pm

Well, the Modest Mouse gig was last night, and it was really great. They played most of the last two albums, which seemed to pretty much hit the spot for everyone in the crowd; it certainly suited me fine. Johnny Marr was with them, and he wasn't a let down at all, the opposite.

Incidentally, the Crimea were the support, a band I would have known nothing about if not for Denyer's pimping.

Went to see King Creosote midweek, looking forward to his new album.
Dug out the Dead Kennedys the other day...

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:01 pm

Okay, just got The Cinematics' album. Gooooood stuff. The sort of stuff that you can't describe without using words like "epic" and "sweeping". Very powerpoppy... a bit U2, a bit Editors, a bit Puressence. Saw them supporting Editors a couple of years ago, and definitely as good as I remember.

Also recommend the Blood Arm's album (Lie Lover Lie) off of last year - a bit like if you took Franz Ferdinand and We Are Scientists and wrapped them up in a big bundle of sleaze.

Yayness.

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:59 pm

Anybody else like Iron&Wine? Or am I getting old?

Hound · Post by **Hound** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:31 am

Listening to the new Editors album' And End Has A Start'. It's more varied than 'The Back Room', but perhaps lacks its urgency. I think it will be a grower. There is a track called 'Spiders' which is fantastic.

Ghosts' album is also great. Relentless chirpy pop music. I'm sure everyone will be sick of them by the end of the year.

Also loving 'The Girls' by Calvin Harris

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 12:06 pm

Hound wrote:Also loving 'The Girls' by Calvin Harris

Whenever that's on, all I can hear is "My name is Calvin Harris and I am gay but can't admit it."

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 1:14 pm

Just checked out the Stills. Fantastic. Like Interpol one better.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 11:02 am

sprunkner wrote:Anybody else like Iron&Wine? Or am I getting old?

I listen to Iron&Wine on occasion.

Does anyone else use one of those online agregator things like last.fm?

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 5:00 pm

I just got the In the Reins ep. Definitely a different sound with Calexico. It took me a while, but I'm even warming to the mariachi singer in the first song.

I just checked out last.fm. Looks interesting.

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:08 pm

Hound wrote:Listening to the new Editors album' And End Has A Start'. It's more varied than 'The Back Room', but perhaps lacks its urgency. I think it will be a grower. There is a track called 'Spiders' which is fantastic.

It's glorious. It's the sort of album that the words "epic", "sweeping" and "immense" were made for. Though it's taken a few listens.

I thought that it lacked a bit of the urgency, but after a couple of spins, Bones has more than enough just on its own.

Only problem I've got is that a lot of the tracks are about a minute or so longer than they need to be, meaning that as a whole it tends to go on a bit and get a bit exhausting to listen to.

The title track and Escape the Nest are possibly my faves on it.

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:02 pm

Its better than the first album I reckon. I'm actually pretty pleased with myself: ordered it online then read a bad review of it before it arrived. Turns out the album is good and Q Magazine is full of crap.

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:58 pm

I loved the first album, but I wasn't fond of the last track... it falls into the Hot Fuss trap of "really should have finished with the track before."

I've really gone off Q of late anyway. Any act that wasn't about in the 90s gets ignored until they've been selling shedloads for ages. Their coverage of Editors was part of why I stopped buying it. Seeing them in the "new to Q" feature being plugged as "look what we found!" when I'd seen them live months beforehand and had the album about half a year was just galling.

[/maybe slight exaggerations, but general gist]

Went to the Wiki earlier to check what the next single'll be... was stunned to see Q gave it 2 stars. Bastards.

Post by **spiderfrommars** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 10:18 pm

Brendocon wrote:"new to Q" feature

Latest one had CSS. Where have Q been the last 6 months? Up Oasis's arse?

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:59 pm

Well, finally got ahold of the Jackson Dangerous album. And... I can't but help feel a little bit disappointed. It's as if the fun in Michael is gone..

I've heard that there's quite a few that consider the Dangerous album better than Bad, and I have to disagree. Bad had more of an edge and a memorability to it than Dangerous, but with that said: Black & White is pretty darn spiffy.

The actual packaging and all the extras, artwork and such tho..! Those are super topnotch!

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:39 pm

spiderfrommars wrote:
Brendocon wrote:"new to Q" feature
Latest one had CSS. Where have Q been the last 6 months? Up Oasis's arse?

Oh that's awesome. I felt embarassingly late to the CSS party when I got the album in March...

An early draft of my post before actually said "they need to realise not all of us sit around killing time waiting for the new Oasis album anymore." Or are they wanking over Radiohead this week?

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 11:11 am

Heard this track last night on Radio One. Robyn: With Everyheart Beat.
pretty cool.

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:25 am

Shanti418 wrote:The new Modest Mouse album is pretty sweet, if you like MM.

And if you do, you should check out Wolf Parade.