BBC Formula 1 Theme Tune...

...is going to be The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. Bringing back memories? Well, this version of the opening is from the start of the 1990 season - check it out.




Leigh

U2 "No Line on the Horizon"

I'm going to be straight up here - I'm not going to review the album as I have not heard it and probably may not pick it up; if you hang on for a second, I'll explain.
But first, one must point out that judging from the comments in the linked posts below, a number of U2 detractors and fans completely lost the plot. Some of the sheer vitriol and unconditional love displayed is clearly standing in the lost end of absurdity and is looking in at the rest of us, but if you don't believe me...

On the Record review - Jim Carroll
State.ie review - Johnnie Craig

To be honest, I've no plans to review this at any stage as I simply haven't got the will anymore. U2 at one stage in my life were one of my favourite bands', but have annoyed me a number of times since Pop came out in 1997. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to blather on incessantly about Bono and his publicity train, because what would be the point - I am annoyed that U2 died as a creative force forever when they released the numb sounding All That You Can't Leave Behind in 2000. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb fared little better quality wise and what limited snippet that I have hears off of No Lines... never really engaged.

The best way to describe U2 would be that they are the friend that I used to hang out with at school and have deep philosophical conversations with; but now when I see them, they maybe get a knowing nod or maybe a "hi, what are you at nowadays?" You chat vaguely for a few moments and on passing say that you'll call sometime and have a beer, but you know that it will probably never happen.
There in lies the problem with U2 - they have morphed into a somewhat cleaner Rolling-fucking-Stones and I fucking despise the Stones; surely arena rock at it's most excessive. When watching the Rolling Stones, there is often a keen feeling of disinterest and detachment.

A level of comfort has also seeped in - producing this album are Steve Lilywhite, Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno. It really is unfortunate that both Lilywhite and Lanois peaked some time ago, while Eno's only shining moments in the last few is probably his work with David Byrne, Father Ted, Grace Jones and Massive Attack - is it such a crazy that the production team that the band always turn to have also had their day? There are apparently tracks recorded with Rick Rubin; but unfortunately those tracks were ditched, so we may not not know (until they're leaked) how they may have ended up.

No Line... was also leaked on the web last week, but this all seems a little too much like a shit press jibe to raise even more awareness the album is coming out. This was followed by Universal's identikit call to arms that you really should buy the CD and then maybe you should also buy the special edition CD with bonus tracks and then the CD/DVD package with live material from Croke Park (naturally) and the music videos and then the CD special special edition that has bonus tracks with added material from the Rick Rubin sessions and a vuluptious booklet - then maybe later on, a remastered version will appear to celebrate 35 years of the band (August 2011 to be approximate).
(This has turned into a much longer rant than I had in mind.) So could someone please send my deep regards and apologies to the lads; but I think I'll have to give No Lines... a miss this time out...

Current listening:
Blonde Redhead "Misery is a Butterfly"


Leigh

Suddyn "Dark Lights"

There is a confession to be made before I go on with review: with this EP, I have found myself in the midst of an unknown territory - Anthemic rock.
Generally whenever I listen to any guitar based music, it tends to be along the lines punk, post-punk/new wave, 60's garage - you get the idea - however beyond a smidgen of Muse (and maybe the Killer's debut album), anthemic rock is a bit of a desert land.

Thus, here lies Suddyn with their new EP, Dark Lights of which I was rather kindly given tracks one and two, "Holding Up the Backdrop" and "Generations", to listen in the privacy of my own squaller and upon first listen to "Holding...", it is quite apparent that Suddyn's sound is big. If the band were food, they would be a massive beef-steak with potatoes and gravy. It's been noted on previous occasions that Suddyn would slot in rather neatly with the likes of the Foo Fighters and the Killers and those kinds of comparisons are quite apt and would be perfect support should they ever descend upon these shores again (you know damn well they will).

The EP falls away somewhat with the second track, "Generations". Following on from a meaty opener, this second track sounds quite limp and suffers from some seriously weak mixing and mastering. Rather than letting the levels flow neatly across the EP, the vocals on "Generations" are far too high in the mix and it seems as if a poorly rendered compressor has been layered over the master - the moment the vocals retreat, the instrumentation booms back at the listener in the most unpleasant of ways. My only other quibble would be the backing vocals; with the layers of "ohh-eyy" coming across as slightly cringe worthy as opposed to emotional.
As I stated at the beginning it's not a genre that I'm overly familiar with, but it's an interesting introduction all the same and with regards to musical styles, Suddyn are not going to change the world, but regardless of that Dark Lights is a fine effort all the same.
Rating: 3 out of 5

Current listening:
Boom Bip "Corymb"


Leigh

A House "Endless Art"

I've been looking for this for absolutely ages. Endless Art is easily one of the finest pieces of music to come out of Ireland in the last 25 years, let alone the 1991, with an seriously stunning video to boot.
Dave Couse is still on the go, but I don't know about the other two. In the meantime, apologies for the poor quality, but it is the only copy I could find.





Leigh

Ed Furry's Guide to Metal

Leigh

Estelle / The Ting Tings (Brit Awards)

I'm sorry, but this is one of the shittest things I've ever fucking seen/heard. Listen as the every time they change, it grinds to a halt...
Christ on a bike!!




Leigh

The Very Most "Spring EP"

(apologies - this was to be published last week until Blogger.com became a cock)

So this is what sunshine pop/rock sounds like... Over a long period of time, I've questioned band's that have put duff songs as A-sides on EP's/singles and I would like to ask the Very Most that exact question.

It's just that I can't help but feel that Today is Even Better would make a fairly nice B-side, but as a lead song it really doesn't work as it runs along in a very anonymous manner. It is short (a very brief 2'20") and ends rather suddenly leaving this listener thinking that this was a lost opportunity. For a while, there were thoughts that there might be more to it.

If I were to compare the Very Most to anyone, it might probably be Belle and Sebastian or Camera Obscura and it is something that comes apparent on track 2, April is the Kindest Month - now this should have been the lead song. It is a much better effort in every way - the structure is finer and the production is a lot more clued in and unlike the opener, it is not an obvious pop-orientated tune.
This is more intricate, without ever becoming difficult at any stage and represents a band that really have it together - so, why isn't this the A-side?

The EP's third track, The Only Pretty Ring Time ropes in slightly more electronic surroundings to the proceedings and neatly bounces around the boundaries of pop without drawing itself too closely to a formula or becoming to abstract for the casual listener. A Two Week, Springtime, 7th Grade "Romance" closes the EP - it's a nice jaunty instrumental piece and at 1'50" represents a perfect end to the release.

It's hardly awe-inspiring stuff, but it's not a failure by any stretch of the imagination. If anything, it does what it sets out to do perfectly - however, it's just a shame it is let down by a poor opening track. If the first two songs were swapped around in order, the EP would make a lot more sense.
Good stuff, but I can't imagine ever running back for more.
Rating: 3 out of 5


Leigh

Lines Drawing Circles "Thebes"

(apologies - this was to be published last week until Blogger.com became a cock)

Have you ever had that feeling that you have heard something before, but are not quite sure where. I had that feeling when I put on Thebes - the debut single from Dublin based alternative rock band, Lines Drawing Circles.

There's the all knowing guitar line - a tightly choreographed hook if you will - that is reminiscent of the Wedding Present (or possibly even Ash). I can also hear it in the double-tracked vocals followed by the sudden burst of everything else, but then I copped it - Thebes was produced and mixed by Gareth Mannix. This is by no means knocking his production, but sometimes you can tell when a certain person produces a piece of music. In fact if anything, the single sounds great!
I must also point out that Thebes itself is a very good song and as such should be deserving of recognition.

The B-side, Fit to be Tied, is another piece of good alternative rock and while it's hardly groundbreaking stuff, it still manages to sit very nicely opposite Thebes. Also on the LDC's website is the video for Thebes (see below) as well as a link to download the single for free. The video is well made and representative of the sound, but probably needed a little bit of tighter editing, but this is a minor quibble in what is a good effort.
Indeed the entire project is a stellar job all round - I'm still not sure about all the pink though...
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Lines Drawing Circles - Thebes from LDC on Vimeo


Current listening:
Public Image Ltd. "Metal Box"


Leigh

Honda Buyout?

Strange rumours are seeping out of Honda F1 with regards to the teams future. Bosses at the Japanese corporation's headquarters announced in December that they were pulled out of competition with immediate effect and since then there has been a rush to find buyers.
Although no buyer has yet been announced, a number of rumours has developed in the last couple of days to suggest that the teams' problem may have been resolved.

Word began to spread on Friday morning that 2008 GP2 championship runner-up, Bruno Senna (nephew of the great Ayrton Senna) has signed for the upcoming season - which was odd as no buyer had been announced. However, once the news about Senna started to spread, some noise was being made about Mercedes supplying engines and that F1 commercial chief - Bernie Ecclestone - was making no small contribution. The Senna deal would also have Brazilian sponsors lining up in their droves to get their name associated with him and as a result, the 25-year-old may face himself under a level of scrutiny never before seen in the sport - even to the point where it outdoes Hamilton-mania.

The most intriguing thing about a possible buyout is the it might be lead by Nick Fry - the man who in many people's eyes was responsible for Honda's downfall in the first place. Whether he can steer the team in the right direction without Honda's influence remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure - this could be make or break for Honda (or whatever they decide to call themselves in Melbourne).
Should all this talk about a takeover be true, the team will then face an uphill battle to be completely ready for the Grand Prix in Australia in the last weekend in March. There are not many test sessions left and they're going to be readying the cars and systems for the first race around the second week of March. As a result, they have next to no shakedown time and with testing banned during the season, they have next to no time to ready their machine.

Currently watching:
Formula 1 "1989 Mexican Grand Prix"


Leigh

The Pop Group "She is Beyond Good and Evil"

Now that Blogger.com seems to be working properly, i can finally get down to business (again). I have always felt that late 1970's post-punk/new wave (whatever you want to call it) was one of the most exciting times in music during the 20th century and few bands captured the energy of the period quite like the Pop Group - whom I am unashamed to say are one of my absolute favourite bands of all time.

Although not on their 1979 debut album, Y, the Pop Group's most famous song - "She is Beyond Good and Evil" was released shortly before the LP and has been included in recent re-release onto CD - buy it here.
To be honest I have witnessed an awful lot of dreadful home made music videos on YouTube, but earlier on today I came across this absolute gem of a video. It feels like it could be a video for Justice (or someone of that ilk) and although it shouldn't, it bizarrely sits well with the Pop Group. Kudos too for the fact that it all done in one single take.

The Pop Group "She is Beyond Good and Evil (Fan Video)"





...and what kind of host would I be if I didn't show you the original video of the single.
The Pop Group "She is Beyond Good and Evil (Official Video)"





Leigh
(reviews for the Very Most and Lines Drawling Circles later - I swear!!)

Fighting with Wire (Camden Barfly, Feb 9th)

Jesus, what a shitty night - I mean piss-pot shitty!! “There’s going to be a lot of rain…” I have absolutely no problem with that, but did the BBC Weatherman have to smile like a lobotomised fucking cat when he said it?

Ughhh… anyway, I'm here to catch Fighting with Wire at the Camden Barfly in London - one of many venues in London that have that slightly dingy Whelan’s feel only without the tradition - it is a high class Eamonn Doran's basically. The Barfly is also much crapper in terms of sound. No matter who is on or who is manning the desk, the sound always seems to swing violently from deeply muffled to painfully sharp. More than anything, it is just another symptom of the sick case of franchised rooms, complete with their hip clientele and their sponsored lifestyles endorsed by the NME and XFM, etc... Yes, that (e)N(e)ME (sic).

But enough of my meandering bullshit - what of the bands..? Hold Fire opened and were... quite good, although hardly the most challenging of groups. In 25 minutes they ripped through some jaunty and well composed British Pop/Rock (nee Indie) in a fairly confident manner and although there were nice for a fun listen, they could have been any London band right now - the only downer point was the lead singer's guitar was clearly (and painfully) out of tune halfway through every song.

Anyhoo, thereafter I went downstairs and in my quest to a responsible adult (i.e. - I'm penniless), I decided against alcohol and went for a pint of blackcurrant and lemonade. £3.60 - Camden Barfly, you can fuck right off!!

Ten sweet minutes later, a discovered was made. It turns out that the following support act - the New 1920's - are one of the shittest bands I've ever fucking heard... really. Just imagine a crap Rage Against the Machine and then imagine a crap Hardcore Punk band and the imagine being shot in the head (you get the idea). Someone whispered beforehand that the singer digs confrontation - different singer. Every conceivable pose and strut was thrown and not in a subtle or intelligent way.

(Fuck off! Needed a pint - it was cheaper than a mineral. I don't get that at all.)

The final support act of the evening were Irish act La Faro - and they rawk. I mean, they really rawk. Rawk is not something I normally go for, but they were quite possibly the best fun I've had at a gig in a really long time. Put simply, it was barrage of bass and riffs - absolutely fucking loved it!!

Admittedly I initially went to this with the intention of seeing Fighting with Wire, but by the second song I was so knackered and aurally blunted that I just went home. They were probably pretty good, but I guess I’ll just have to find out another time. On reflection, the main disappointment of the night was the incredibly subdued crowd. The gig was fairly full, but there was a severe lack of atmosphere in the place - but it's not the first time I've experienced that in the Barfly.

Current listening:

Neu! "Neu!"

Leigh

Blogger.com...

...has been knackered all weekend for some reason. Shit will be back later.
Leigh

Snow

Snow is everywhere. No, not cocaine; but real life snow. Hoopla!! Although I did not believe it could stick, it looks like this is going to - which means that getting to work this week should take an extra hour or so.

...because in London, everything stops when the temperature drops below 4 degrees centigrade.

Everything!!

Unfortunately my trip to see Finnish alt-pop/folk last night also got knackered by the coldness and the self-tiredness. Loving my headwreck right now...

Currently watching:
...something on television. I'm too tired too even check out what it is, but there is sound and there are pictures and right now, that is good enough for me.


Leigh