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.

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...

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.

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*

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.

losing my head to hollywood

I am a huge Patrick Wolf fan. Have been for quite some time now. His first three albums are just magic in my opinion but I've been listening to his latest single, Vulture and i'm not sure that I really dig it so much...
I don't know, it's just so different and usually I love when artists mix it up a bit and do something they've never done before but I just don't know with this. It could still grow on me but for now i'm just not loving it.
I have hope that Vulture won't neccesarily be representitive of the rest of the album but even if it is I can't bring myself to dismiss it just yet. It's Patrick afterall and he hasn't let me down yet...
I know I just sound like a whinging fan but... actually no buts that pretty much is what i'm doing...
*le sigh*
Still can't wait to hear The Bachelor in it's entirety.

For anyone interesting in checking out the clip for Vulture...

go right ahead.

Wasted and Ready

It's been some time since I've regularly updated this here blog but i'm hoping for 2009 to be a little more productive when it comes to a lot of things really including this space.

My main reason for wanting to write at this exact minute is 1.) I'm at work and therefore have internet access and 2.) I just found out that the lovely Benny Kweller is heading back to Oz for a tour which will not so coincidentally coincide with the release of his brand new Album Changing Horses (due out on Jan 31st).
I must see Mr Kweller live again. I saw him in 2007 and he was magnificent!

Why Carlos why!?

It was almost two weeks ago that the incredible Dirty Pretty Things split. I'm still in tatters. Their sophomore (and now final *cries*) album, Romance At Short Notice only came out a few short months ago. I can't believe I never got the chance to see them live! just makes me too sad.

NME.com had this to say -

Dirty Pretty Things have split up.

In an exclusive statement to NME.COM the four piece – Carl Barat, Didz Hammond, Gary Powell and Anthony Rossomando – announced the break-up of the band that formed in 2005 following the split of The Libertines.

Frontman Carl Barat explained that the members of the band would be pursuing new musical projects, but that these would not involve The Libertines.

"It is with some sadness we announce the farewell of the Dirty Pretty Things," the statement read. "It's been a glorious three years which we all would gladly live out again, but it is time for us to try new things (not The Libertines).

"We are reluctant to give up touring but will give the last waltz everything. We have and are determined to go out as we came in, after which we all have other ventures to be getting on with and splendid future plans.

*le sigh*

reasons why Ezra is love...

music I feel like listening to right now...

frame by frame

I can't seem to stop watching this.

under this weather

this somewhat fearful looking man is the reason I love literature and in turn the reason I love music. He was the catalyst for me becoming the person I am today.

just thought I'd share.

ARGH!

I don't know about anyone else but i'm getting seriously annoyed with the endless and pointless 'news' stories on Pete Doherty. The poor guy can't turn on the tap without it being covered by several hundred newspapers.
It's pathetic.
The most recent story is because of this picture -



It was posted on some dodgy celebrity gossip site, Perez Hilton. And now there are stories all over the place talking about Doherty's "Gay scandal". Including one at nine msn news who I thought were a little more reputable.

The thing that really annoys me about this is no one seems to be doing their research.

For starters these photos were taken way back in 2004 by rock photographer Andrew Kendall and the full series can be found here at his site.

And the man he's kissing who most sources are labelling as 'unknown' or 'unidentified' is actually Peter Wolfe (aka Wolfman), one of Pete's best mates who co wrote 'For Lovers' with him. It wouldn't take much time to figure this out. Just a few well worded searches in google and you'd get all the information you need. It's really not that difficult.

okay i'll stop ranting now. It's just frustrating is all...

Babyshambles - Shotters Nation review

::NOTE:: I wrote this review forever ago (The week it was released actually) but I've been listening to it non stop the past few days so I thought I'd post it here.

As Far as I can tell there are two Pete Dohertys. The most recognisable one, unfortunately, being the drug addicted ex boyfriend of supermodel Kate Moss who has appeared in more gossip magazines then almost anyone else alive today.

The second is Peter Doherty, the poet/musician who spent most of his early life obsessing over the likes of Byron, Keats, Wilde and The Smiths. The second is the kind of person who can find beauty in the smallest of things and wants nothing more then to share it with the world.

Doherty may have lost his way to some extent but the new release from his current band, Babyshambles, is proof positive that he’s slowly finding his way back.

I have to admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Babyshambles debut album, Down In Albion. The only tracks I really liked turned out to be unreleased demos from Dohertys previous band, The Libertines.

However, the new album, Shotters Nation had me hooked halfway through the first listen. The recordings are cleaner and far better produced. But more importantly the songs have a clarity and honesty which had been missing up until now.

One of the real standouts, 'Delivery', was chosen for the first single release. For me it was one of those all too rare tracks you find yourself utterly lost in, unable to escape and with no real desire to do so. And with lyrics like - “This song might deliver me straight from the harshness of misery,” who could blame me.

Other tracks worth mentioning are 'Un Bilo Titled', 'The Lost Art of Murder', 'French Dog Blues' and 'Deft Left Hand'. All of which scream of the Doherty I feared was long gone.

I’m still not convinced Babyshambles will ever really reach me the same way The Libertines did. Personally I just don’t think Peter Doherty and Carl Barát work as well apart as they did together but I’m looking forward to any and all future releases in the hopes I’ll be proven wrong.

If you’ve yet to discover Doherty’s music then I suggest starting at the beginning but if that seems like too much effort then by all means give Shotters Nation a Spin. It’s quickly becoming one of my favourite releases of the year.

Across The Universe Soundtrack review

The Beatles. What can really be said about them that hasn’t already been said a hundred times before? They were one of the greatest bands of all time. That much is clear.

And I feel I should make it known that when it comes to people covering their songs; songs which I adore, I’m usually against it because they inevitably take away whatever original magic was there, replacing it with something cold and lifeless.

I’ve listened to more Beatles covers then I care to mention and have been continually disappointed. I never thought it would take a bunch of actors to create what I think is the most amazing collection of Beatles covers I’ve ever come across. But somehow that’s what’s happened.

The recent film by director Julie Taymor, Across The Universe, is an amazing movie. Visually gorgeous, fantastic cast, great storyline; however, the thing which makes it special is its soundtrack. The movie is actually more of a musical, with most of the story being told through song. More importantly the songs of The Beatles.

The actual soundtrack album is an incredible double disc package featuring 31 Beatles tracks. Most of which are sung by the core cast. The majority of which don’t consider themselves professional singers. If you listen very closely you might also catch a few guest performances from the likes of Joe Cocker, Bono and Eddie Izzard.

The result is just incredible. The songs have an energy and life to them I think most fans would enjoy. And the arrangements are respectful yet still manage to be innovative.

The standout track for me would have to be the incredible ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ sung as a duo by Jim Sturgess and Joe Anderson. Others I can’t seem to stop listening to include ‘It Won’t Be Long’, ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy), ‘Dear Prudence’, ‘Happiness is a Warm Gun’ and ‘Hey Jude’.

If you’re a fan of The Beatles in any sense then I strongly recommend Across The Universe. Whether you see the film or just listen to the soundtrack I promise you won’t be disappointed. It completely altered my perception of covers. Let it do the same for you.

::note:: So I know I've written a bit of an Across The Universe rant a little further down but I write a weekly album review for a local newspaper and since it was a pretty slow music week I decided to just write up a quick soundtrack review. I'm sure you don't mind.
:)

endless rain into a paper cup

Some albums are like home to me. I listen to them and everything’s okay. I don’t have to worry cause’ I’m safe and secure and just plain happy when I’m in their presence. I’ve never really been like that with movies. They just don’t seem to have the same effect on me.

Of course there are films that I absolutely adore - Velvet Goldmine, The Producers (Gene Wilder version, not the new one…), High Fidelity, Empire Records…

Hmmm just realised that I only listed films with or about music there…didn’t really mean for that to happen. I’m sure I love some other films that have nothing to do with music - can’t think of any right now. But I’m sure they’re out there.

Anyway, not the point. I’ve just never really been that big of a movie person.

Until now.

Wow, did that sound as ominous as I think it did!? Meh, anyhow.

Lost my train of thought again…

Okay I’m back on track. Sorry -

Alright so I saw Across The Universe (a.k.a the best movie ever!) on Friday. Actually I saw it on Saturday as well. That’s how much I loved it.



For anyone who hasn’t heard of the brilliant, Across The Universe, it’s a film by director Julie Taymor and it tells the story of Jude, Lucy, Max, Sadie, JoJo and Prudence.

Now if those names are sounding at all familiar/suspicious to you then it’s with good reason as all of the characters are named after Beatles songs. Because the film is actually a musical and the story is told basically through Beatles songs.

Now if this is sounding somewhat lame to you then I’m not explaining it right because it is incredible. I was actually a little dubious at first because I adore The Beatles. They were the band that made me realise what music could be, what it is meant to be. And I’m sure they did that for a countless number of people but I have to say that without them I wouldn’t be a music Journo, I wouldn’t be at uni and I wouldn’t have the wonderful friends I have now. In fact I’d probably be working retail, bored out of my mind and listening to Justin Timberlake or someone else equally horrendous.

But yeah, suffice to say I was worried. I’m usually not a fan of people covering songs that I adore since they inevitably stuff it up. But I was just beyond impressed. The casting for ATU was amazing. The core group was incredible. They all were not only beautiful actors but they had incredible voices and just brought both the story and the songs to life.

I was basically in awe from the very beginning. It starts with Jude (played by the incredibly handsome Jim Sturgess) sitting on a beach in Liverpool. He looks into the camera and starts singing Girl. One of my favourite songs. I couldn’t help it, this huge grin took over my face and I was in love (with the film by the way, not Jim/Jude. Although he is lovely).

It’s been such a long time since a film has effected me so emotionally. I was invested from the very start smiling and laughing (and curbing the urge to sing out loud) and then it got to the part where Let It Be is played. Now I won’t say what’s happening during this sequence for those of you who haven’t yet seen it but lets just say - I burst into tears. I was a mess.

Seriously, it was awful. I was just so emotionally engaged and that really took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting to be so moved by the film as a whole but I was.

There are at least three scenes that bring a tear to my eye (not always because it’s sad…I’m a happy crier. Annoying, I know.) and countless others which have me laughing out loud.

The entire experience was simply excellent. I can’t recommend this enough. It’s just pure brilliance.

Favourite music sequences include - I Want You (She’s So Heavy), Dear Prudence, Hey Jude, With a Little Help from My Friends, Revolution and All You Need is Love.

Favourite Characters would have to be Jude and Max hands down. Even though I really do love them all.

And The all time best quote ever would have to be when Max is trying to talk his way out of the army -

“I’m a cross-dressing homosexual pacifist with a spot on my lung.”

Pure brilliance. Max is my hero.

Now I know there is so much more I want to say about this film and with more clarity then I’ve managed so far but I’m far too tired to make sense right now so it’ll have to wait til later.

Cheers and go and see the film right this instant or at least rent/buy it when it comes out on dvd!

punctured bicycle on a hillside desolate

There is something so satisfyingly comfortable about a good cup of coffee. The way it warms you up and calms you down. Just perfect. The only thing more perfect is hearing a song that you absolutely adore when you’re not expecting it.

I was doing some last minute Christmas shopping, feeling utterly frazzled and just about ready to give up when I walked into a store that was playing ‘This Charming Man’ by The Smiths. A huge smile spread across my face and I could feel every muscle in my body unclench. It just completely relaxed me. I stopped what I was doing, closed my eyes and let Morrissey’s gorgeous voice wash over me.

I most likely looked like a crazy person but I really don’t care. It was exactly what I needed. When it comes down to it I guess it was exactly what I always need. Music. It just makes every aspect of my life better, clearer and more fun.

Just needed to get that out…

Brilliant Fanzine - Then Comes Monday review

Indie pop in the 90’s was a thing of beauty. Sweeping melodies, full and luscious sounds. The kind of music you could easily get lost in. So few bands seem to be able to capture that same feeling anymore. At least not without making it seem overtly cheesy and over-produced.

One band that appear to be soldiering on in the same vein are Melbourne based five piece, Brilliant Fanzine. The recent release of their debut full length album, Then Comes Monday does much more then make me nostalgic for those times. It opens up a world of possibilities.

Then Comes Monday is a fantastic mixture of new and old sounds, seemingly drawing influences from almost every era, coupling them with their own unique stamp, making for a gorgeous experience of an album.

When talking about stand out tracks it’s difficult to bypass the first single from this record, ‘Change For You’. This one song encapsulates their sound in a way that’s hard to ignore. It’s beautifully sincere vocals and understated beats pull the listener in from the get go, demanding attention in such an unpretentious way that not loving it, isn’t even an option.

Other note worthy tracks include the already much loved, ‘One in 10,000’ (which also appeared on their 2005 EP of the same name), the Pavement-esque ‘When it’s Through it’s Gone’ and the cheery, ‘Come Up and See Me’. Which is followed by the track ‘Smile’… makes me wonder if maybe it’s meant to be a subtle reference to the 1975 hit ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)’ by Steve Harley and the Cockney Rebels. I’m probably reading too much into it but still, something to think about.

If well constructed, honest pop songs are your thing, then don’t hesitate. Brilliant Fanzine is well worth your time. Then Comes Monday is bound to be remembered as one of the truly great Australian indie pop records. Don’t get left behind.

The Wombats proudly presents A Guide To Love, Loss and Desperation Review

Liverpudlian indie pop trio, The Wombats have just released their new album, A Guide To Love, Loss and Desperation.

It’s a bit fuzzy as to whether or not this should be referred to as their debut record or not. I mean they did after all release a full length album in 2006 called Girls, Boys and Marsupials but it was only in Japan…I guess it depends on your point of view really.

Whether it be debut or sophomore is besides the point when it comes down to it. However you look at it, it’s brilliant. Without a doubt one of my favourite albums of ‘07.

The Wombats themselves only met in 2003 when frontman, Matthew Murphy and drummer, Dan Haggis were both enrolled at Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute Of Performing Arts. This meeting could have easily been the beginning of a boring cliché of a story but thankfully, The Wombats quirky, fun and original sound ensures that nothing about them is even remotely dull.

For a band with such a short history they certainly are managing some fantastic things - several EP’s, two LP’s (technically), several high profile support slots including Kaiser Chiefs and Babyshambles and their very own indie dance floor anthem with ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’.
There’s no doubt about it this band are making and impact and fast. And its really not hard to see why.

This would normally be the part of the review where I list my ‘stand out tracks’ but it’s difficult when the whole album’s a stand out. If I really had to choose though It would be hard to go past ‘Lost In The Post’, ‘Here Comes The Anxiety’, ‘Backfire At The Disco’, ‘Moving To New York’ (even though I actually prefer the version on Girls, Boys and Marsupials), ‘Little Miss Pipe Dream’ and of course ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’ because it’s literally impossible to sit stay still while this song is playing.

Okay, I know that was a lot of songs but I told you it was difficult. Actually I think I showed a fair amount of restraint by not just copying down the entire track listing.

If my near nauseating amount of gushing hasn’t already convinced you that The Wombats are your future favourite band then their music will. Give A Guide To Love, Loss and Desperation a spin. Hopefully you’ll love it as much as I do.

You Talk A Good Game

2007.

What can I say? It's been an amazing year for new music. I tend to think that most years but I think it's especially true this time.
I was going to attempt to make a list of my top 20 albums but that proved far too difficult so instead I present you with a top 10, that's in no particular order as i'm too damn indecisive. Followed by other note worthy releases of the '07.
here we go...

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TOP 10

I'll Be Lightning - Liam Finn

The Ides - frYars

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon

A Guide To Love, Loss and Desperation - The Wombats

The Magic Position - Patrick Wolf

Time On Earth - Crowded House

Messages - To My Boy

Shotters Nation - Babyshambles

Cassadaga - Bright Eyes

Wait For Me - The Pigeon Detectives

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Other Brilliant Albums...

Free School Milk - Tiny Dancers

Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside - The Vasco Era

Teenager - The Thrills

Ten New Messages - The Rakes

These Things Move In Threes - Mumm-Ra

Colour It In - The Maccabees

Hats Off To The Buskers - The View

Because of the Times - Kings of Leon

Easy Tiger - Ryan Adams

Strange House - The Horrors

No Fighting In the War Room - Harrisons

Tones of Town - Field Music

Favourite Worst Nightmare - Arctic Monkeys

Control - Goodbooks

Myths of the Near Future - Klaxons

Go! Go! Go! - Bit By Bats

Future Suture - Ned Collette

The Return to From Black Magick Party - Pop Levi

Wincing The Night Away - The Shins

Give 'Em All A Big Fat Lip - The Whigs

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Wow, didn't realise there was so many. And I bet I've forgotten at least one or two albums that I really should have included but there you go. My favourite albums of 2007.

Any you haven't heard be sure to check them out. Every single one of them is a keeper.

Cheers.
L.