Lady of the Sunshine – Smoking Gun
Angus Stone has left his sister Julia behind, for this, his first solo album, that aims to reveal the side of Angus only seen when he stubs or toe or can’t find his keys. For, yes, this is darker, more contemplative and brooding than his day-to-day fair, as his press release proclaims in the opening paragraph. Who can argue with such thoughts when the man can make “Jack be nimble” sound more sinister than Omar Little telling you your last rites with a shotgun in your face? (more…)
So what to talk about in this edition of music news? Brian Wilson mauling a pigeon? Lolly’s comeback? 50 Cent’s album of Gil-Scott Heron covers? No! None of these things, because none of these things happened! Not one. And if you think one did, you’re crazy. Crazy like a Fritzl. Anyway, here are some things that did happen, plus some amusing comments to go along with them. How about that? Yeah, I thought you’d be happy. (more…)
Michael, thinking of what could have been.
Just when you thought it was all over for good, music news has returned to EML! And contrary to unpopular (to me) belief, the reason for a lack of such news updates is not because of my laziness and the pressure of full-time education, full-time work, traveling to America and watching The Wire. No, it’s because absolutely nothing has happened in the music world these past few months. Nothing! If you think anything did, you imagined it. Probably in vivid detail, with all the beautiful colours and sounds you’d expect, but it didn’t happen. Things are happening now though. Big things. Exciting things. Incandescent things. And so, as is my duty, here are those things in word form. Enjoy! (more…)
Morrissey – Years of Refusal
And the Morrissey myth continues. It’s a myth that, like Lost or elderly relatives, is becoming increasingly hard to pay attention to though. From a vivid first chapter, all starry-eyed, floppy haired and so easy to relate to (you know, if you were one of those kids), pages were turned with eagerness past the emotional peak of The Queen is Dead, and the maturity of Vauxhall and I, with subsequent maudlin middle age making that resurgence of You Are The Quarry so hopeful. (more…)
Pucking hell, it's Hockey!
When the British think hockey, they picture muddied knees, waterlogged pictures and lethal sticks. When the Americans think hockey, they picture the scrape of the ice, missing teeth, and lethal sticks. Now, when the music lover thinks Hockey, they should now picture sharp guitars, feisty bass and the most explicit yelp in dance-rock since James Murphy. There’s probably lethal sticks in there somewhere too. Hockey are from Portland, Oregon, and embody the carefree, creative nature of their home city, intent on making their own unique brand of dance-rock as interesting and fun as possible. Singer and guitarist, Ben Grubin explains all after a bully-off. (more…)
V V Brown – Leave!
The world’s still in love with a strong female vocal. Forget the decline of Winehouse, and look to Duffy’s storming of the Brits, Adele’s U.S. success and the on-going love for the only slightly irritating Ting Tings. Is there room for any more?
Well, hopefully. Certainly when someone as good as V V Brown crops up, I’m sure everyone else wouldn’t mind squashing up a bit to let her through the door. She came to out attention on Jools Holland, and ‘Leave!’ is as bright and purposeful Motown influenced pop as you could hope for in this day and age. That’s one Grammy for 2010 in the bag.
Release Date: 02 Mar
8.9/10
Sneaky Sound System – I Love It
It’s a single that broke all records in their native Australia, spending a terrifying 73 weeks on the Australian chart. And from a country that can boast Sleepy Jackson and Avalanches to its name, they know a good thing about dance pop.
A familiar fuzz bass and tight drum loop pattern sets the rhythm for Connie Mitchell’s elegant, pure-pop vocals that would easily win X Factor if Mitchell ever wanted to throw away all credibility for a shot at fame and money.
On the evidence of this though, they’ll both come her way anyway. Yes, I do love it. TM
Release Date: 02 Mar
7.4/10
Who Made Who – The Plot
Denmark’s latest musical impact on the world, Alphabeat, excited all who listened with infectious, unashamed pop that sought smiles regardless of any care for cool or respect. Their compatriots, Who Made Who, are less of a fascination though. (more…)
The Bishops – For Now
Sadly not Harold from Neighbours finally unleashing his masterful tuba skills on a wonderfully welcoming world, The Bishops are instead three of your usual indie sorts from London, now on their second album since their 2002 formation. (more…)
Butcher Boy – A Better Ghost
Buoyed in America by the fleeting fame that comes from having a song played over the ending montage of emotion and contemplation of a high-budget drama drama, as each character suffers the realisation that life in such a show may be pretty but it blows, Butcher Boy returns with a single of similar subtle brooding.
Taking tips form Lloyd Cole, this is sweet acoustic Glasgow, flecked with sprinklings of clean electric guitar for melodic affect. The violas are no surprise too, but are no less welcome assuring a class already offered by the claming lilt of a refined Scot. Next stop, Grey’s.
Release Date: 23 Mar
7.6/10
