Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Julian Plenti - Is Skyscraper review


New York City, one of the ever present hubs of creative culture. It was in this city of decadence that Paul Banks, under the pseudonym, Julian Plenti began to write way back in 1996. Almost immediately he made a name for himself through solo acoustic shows. The future looked bright for Mr Plenti but, as it turned out it was bright in a way he had not yet conceived of. The pull of group performance got in the way of his solo endeavors. And thank god it did because with out that diversion the world would never have known the music of Interpol.

However; now, thirteen years later, Banks has returned to his roots with the release of a solo album, once again under the guise of, Plenti.

The debut LP, Is Skyscraper is a everything one might expect from a solo Paul Banks and at the same time is sure to offer its fair share of surprises. The record is a mix of old and new songs, all done in a way which both captivates and delights.

Don't get me wrong. Is Skyscraper is far from a perfect album, it's not without its faults but upon first listen the enthralling nature of something so familiar yet so tantalizingly different is nothing is not an experience.

I have to admit I was expecting something a little more stripped back and traditional then what turned out to be the reality of the project. Many tracks incorporate an orchestral quality, with the use of string and horn sections. The depth that it adds came as a pleasant surprise, made better by the subtlety of the mixes.

Stand out tracks include the first single lifted from the album, 'Games For Days' as well as 'Only If You Run', 'Fun That We Have', 'Girl On The Sporting News' and ' On The Esplanade'.

If you're a fan of Interpol then obviously this album is worth your time and undivided attention. If not then it just might be different enough to catch your attention anyway. What have you got to loose? I say give it a go. Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper. Worth a Spin.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

F**K FOREVER

At the moment I am feeling something akin to a bad mother. Don't get me wrong I'm not actually a mother I have no children and no desire for them at this point in my life but I've been neglecting to listen to music as much as I normally would in the past few months. This is mostly because I've moved in with my boyfriend and don't have quite as much free/alone time as I use to. Not that I'm complaining I'm loving the change it's just that I need to get back in touch with the songs and artists I've been without.
In order to begin to do this I've started to rebuild my relationship with my ipod. Already I'm beginning to feel better and more like myself. My favourite playlist (Dirty Shambled Libs) is once again receiving the attention it deserves. Things will be back as they should in no time.




also... if anyone's wondering about the title of my blog (a babyshambles track) it's only reasoning is because I'm using my F**K FOREVER canvas bag today. Which I adore by the way. And in a completely unrelated tangent, I'm also wearing my Maximo Park shirt which I'd sort of forgotten I owned...

Sunday, May 10, 2009

slapped by that slapper

Anyone who knows me knows that Peter Doherty is something of a god to me so thank goodness he never fails to disappoint. The amazingly beautiful solo album Grace/Wastelands came out this year and to be honest he surprised me with just how good it is. To be fair a lot of the songs have been kicking around for quite some time but who cares when they're as brilliant as they are. There's no real reason for this post. Simply the fact that i was watching the clip for last of the english roses on the tube and decided to share it on here.


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Sell Out or Get Out (?)

I'll never understand how bands with such promise can fail so drastically. I remember way back in 2004 when this incredible new band hit the scene. They were quirky, they had energy. They were what i'd been waiting for. The excitment was uncontainable. They were The Killers back in the days of Hot Fuss. Still one of the great debut albums of our time.
Unfortunatly their music has since been on a gradual decline. The once great group are now nothing more then pretencious wank. It pains me to even think about what they could have been.
I know it may seem controversial to have such opinions on these popular giants of the music world but pass me the shot gun, these working ponies have gone lame.

*apologies for the rant but one of their new and impossibly dull tracks just came on the radio and I felt the need to comment*

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Crunch

Just watched the new Kasabian film clip for Vlad The Impaler
SO FREAKIN' GOOD!

It stars Noel Fielding and is directed by Richard Ayoade. Brilliant.