Back in 2006 the then-little-known Brooklyn-based quartet Grizzly Bear released Yellow House. A singular mix of folk, chamber music and psychedelica, it appeared on many of that year's best of lists and has subsequently grown in stature.
Veckatimest (named after an island off the coast of Cape Cod) already one of the more anticipated albums of 2009, sees Grizzly Bear at their most mature, focused and dynamic, a joy to listen to even as it explores dark, disjointed places.
This is a band at the top of their game and their confidence shows on the first track, Southern Point with a nervy, urgent, epic feel that nods to Radiohead. It's followed by stand out single, Two Weeks, a cleverly constructed song with a sunny, rhythmic bounce more catchy and immediate than anything the band has done before.
After the first two poppy tracks the album slows down, starting with the ethereal, All We Ask, a perfect union of classic soul and folk. This is followed by Fine For Now, where Rossen’s vocals are strained and hushed and Bear’s drums predatorily tick around the vocals before the vast arrangements turn into full-on rock-outs.
The gorgeous Cheerleader is an almost 5-minute track that features a guest vocalist, the Brooklyn Boys’ Choir, strings and flutes, yet still manages to sound restrained, unforced and even intimate. Dory is a gracefully psychedelic, spine-tingling ballad.
Ready, Able is another of the band’s tightly-controlled experiments in noise and song construction. Followed by a pair of very quiet, slow tracks that make room for While You Wait for the Others, a triumphant and melodically cacophonous pop masterpiece an exploration of the band’s quirky take on gut-wrenching folk.
Starting with an idyllic valley of string lines, saxophone, and clear guitar chords, I Live With You, broadens the group out into a more anarchistic noise bringing the album to its proper climax just before the quiet piano-led track, Foreground.
Veckatimest has an unbelievable clarity of sound and vision, vocals are sharper and more complex, arrangements are tighter, and production is more venturous and lyrics more affecting.
Track listing:
1. Southern Point
2. Two Weeks
3. All We Ask
4. Fine For Now
5. Cheerleader
6. Dory
7. Ready, Able
8. About Face
9. Hold Still
10. While You Wait For The Others
11. I Live With You
12. Foreground
Sunday, 31 May 2009
ALBUM REVIEW: Kasabian, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum is the much-anticipated 3rd studio album from indie rockers Kasabian. The album takes its name from a mental institution built in Wakefield, West Yorkshire in the 1800's.
Since their stunning self-titled debut album in 2004 the band have gone from strength to strength which resulted in their second album, Empire, peaking at number one in 2006.
For their latest offering, the band recruited American hip hop and electronica producer Dan ‘The Automator’ Nakamura, best known for his work on the first Gorillaz album. Two years in the making, the album is a crafted blend of rock and dance, glimmering with newfound electronic and funk influences.
Some of the tracks may sound familiar. Anthemic opener Underdog is used in the recent Sony Bravia ad featuring Brazilian football genius, Kaká, and along with chaotic turbo-charged, Vlad The Impaler has already been released as digital downloads. The raucous, Fast Fuse may be familiar to millions of gamers as it’s featured on FIFA 09, whilst the western-tinged track, Fire is the album's lead single.
Thick As Thieves is a laid-back, slow tempo track. Where Did All The Love Go? is a string-laden epic with vocal harmonizing, electro keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, demonstrating an almost fragile, sensitive side to the quintets playing.
Swarfiga, is a bass-heavy, snare drum-supported instrumental track, whilst the dark, electro undertones of single 'Fire' soon erupt into an edgy, dance chorus.
Kasabian’s break from producer Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Editors) proves a good move for the band. The West Ryder, producer Dan the Automator brings a welcome edge to Kasabian’s sound. Whilst never dismissing their indie guitar roots, Kasabian have successfully embraced new ground with their third album.
The hip-hop-influenced beats and an emphasis on cranked up keyboards and distorted guitar adding a confident, funky edge to make an impressive third album that sets itself apart from the band’s previous work.
Track listing:
1. Underdog
2. Where Did All The Love Go?
3. Swarfiga
4. Fast Fuse
5. Take Aim
6. Thick As Thieves
7. West Ryder Silver Bullet
8. Vlad The Impaler
9. Ladies & Gentlemen (Roll The Dice)
10. Secret Alphabets
11. Fire
12. Happiness
Since their stunning self-titled debut album in 2004 the band have gone from strength to strength which resulted in their second album, Empire, peaking at number one in 2006.
For their latest offering, the band recruited American hip hop and electronica producer Dan ‘The Automator’ Nakamura, best known for his work on the first Gorillaz album. Two years in the making, the album is a crafted blend of rock and dance, glimmering with newfound electronic and funk influences.
Some of the tracks may sound familiar. Anthemic opener Underdog is used in the recent Sony Bravia ad featuring Brazilian football genius, Kaká, and along with chaotic turbo-charged, Vlad The Impaler has already been released as digital downloads. The raucous, Fast Fuse may be familiar to millions of gamers as it’s featured on FIFA 09, whilst the western-tinged track, Fire is the album's lead single.
Thick As Thieves is a laid-back, slow tempo track. Where Did All The Love Go? is a string-laden epic with vocal harmonizing, electro keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, demonstrating an almost fragile, sensitive side to the quintets playing.
Swarfiga, is a bass-heavy, snare drum-supported instrumental track, whilst the dark, electro undertones of single 'Fire' soon erupt into an edgy, dance chorus.
Kasabian’s break from producer Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Editors) proves a good move for the band. The West Ryder, producer Dan the Automator brings a welcome edge to Kasabian’s sound. Whilst never dismissing their indie guitar roots, Kasabian have successfully embraced new ground with their third album.
The hip-hop-influenced beats and an emphasis on cranked up keyboards and distorted guitar adding a confident, funky edge to make an impressive third album that sets itself apart from the band’s previous work.
Track listing:
1. Underdog
2. Where Did All The Love Go?
3. Swarfiga
4. Fast Fuse
5. Take Aim
6. Thick As Thieves
7. West Ryder Silver Bullet
8. Vlad The Impaler
9. Ladies & Gentlemen (Roll The Dice)
10. Secret Alphabets
11. Fire
12. Happiness
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Morrissey Cancels Another Gig Due to Illness
Flamboyant singer Morrissey has been forced to cancel yet another gig after doctors warned he must not sing.
Event organisers said the former lead singer of The Smiths, who recently turned 50, would not be appearing at London's O2 Academy Brixton tonight, Thursday 28th May due to a throat illness.
"Morrissey is on continued doctor's orders not to sing, to ensure a complete recuperation," concert organisers said in a statement.
The singer previously cancelled shows in London, Salisbury and Birmingham.
Event organisers apologised to fans for the latest cancellation and advised them to hang on to their tickets and await further details about rescheduling the dates.
For more information go to: www.morrissey.com
Event organisers said the former lead singer of The Smiths, who recently turned 50, would not be appearing at London's O2 Academy Brixton tonight, Thursday 28th May due to a throat illness.
"Morrissey is on continued doctor's orders not to sing, to ensure a complete recuperation," concert organisers said in a statement.
The singer previously cancelled shows in London, Salisbury and Birmingham.
Event organisers apologised to fans for the latest cancellation and advised them to hang on to their tickets and await further details about rescheduling the dates.
For more information go to: www.morrissey.com
Depeche Mode Cancel London O2 Show
Depeche Mode have been forced to cancel their London show this weekend.
They band were due to play at London's O2 Arena on Saturday 30th May but due to frontman Dave Gahan's continuing illness they are unable to perform.
Depeche Mode's performance at the Pinkpop Festival in Landgraaf, Netherlands on Sunday 31st May has also been cancelled.
A number of shows on the bands ‘Tour of the Universe’ have been postponed since Gahan fell ill just before going onstage in Athens on May 12th.
In a statement the band said: "Dave Gahan sincerely thanks his fans for their support, understanding and patience.”
Adding: “Depeche Mode deeply regret any problems or inconveniences the cancellations and postponements may have caused."
In a further statement regarding the rescheduling of the other cancelled European dates they explained Gahan's condition further: "On May 12th, lead singer Dave Gahan suffered a severe bout of gastroenteritis, leading to his hospitalization and the cancellation of the Athens concert.While in hospital, further medical tests revealed a low grade malignant tumour in Dave's bladder, which has since been successfully removed.
At doctors' orders Dave Gahan must take a break until June 8th, to ensure that he makes a full recovery."
The London O2 show will be rescheduled for a later date, details are expected to be announced shortly.
For more information on rescheduled dates, go to: www.depechemode.com
They band were due to play at London's O2 Arena on Saturday 30th May but due to frontman Dave Gahan's continuing illness they are unable to perform.
Depeche Mode's performance at the Pinkpop Festival in Landgraaf, Netherlands on Sunday 31st May has also been cancelled.
A number of shows on the bands ‘Tour of the Universe’ have been postponed since Gahan fell ill just before going onstage in Athens on May 12th.
In a statement the band said: "Dave Gahan sincerely thanks his fans for their support, understanding and patience.”
Adding: “Depeche Mode deeply regret any problems or inconveniences the cancellations and postponements may have caused."
In a further statement regarding the rescheduling of the other cancelled European dates they explained Gahan's condition further: "On May 12th, lead singer Dave Gahan suffered a severe bout of gastroenteritis, leading to his hospitalization and the cancellation of the Athens concert.While in hospital, further medical tests revealed a low grade malignant tumour in Dave's bladder, which has since been successfully removed.
At doctors' orders Dave Gahan must take a break until June 8th, to ensure that he makes a full recovery."
The London O2 show will be rescheduled for a later date, details are expected to be announced shortly.
For more information on rescheduled dates, go to: www.depechemode.com
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Morrissey Forced to Cancel Gigs
Morrissey has been forced to pull more gigs because of an ongoing illness, it has been revealed. Just days after returning to the stage to mark his 50th birthday with a homecoming set in Manchester.
The former Smiths frontman cancelled his appearance on Monday, 25th May, at Salisbury City Hall and tonight's show (Tuesday 26th May) at the Troxy Ballroom in Mile End, east London.
A spokeswoman for the music icon - this week labelled the "greatest lyricist of his generation" - revealed that he was told to pull out of the concerts on doctors' orders.
"Morrissey is on doctor's orders to postpone the show, to ensure a complete recuperation," she said.
"Event organisers would like to apologise to fans for the disappointment and are working to reschedule this show, so advise ticket holders to hang on to their tickets." She added.
The cancellations are not the first on the 50-year-old's world tour with shows at the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Academy called off whiles an appearance on Later… With Jools Holland was also scrapped.In addition, it was also revealed that gigs which were recently cancelled at Birmingham Academy and Royal Albert Hall will be rescheduled on October 23rd and October 26th respectively, as part of a small October tour.
Original tickets for the rescheduled dates remain valid.
The full October dates are:
Friday 23rd Birmingham Symphony Hall (rescheduled)
Saturday 24th Swindon Oasis
Monday 26th Bournemouth Opera House
Tuesday 27th London Royal Albert Hall (rescheduled)
Thursday 29th O2 Academy Leeds
Friday 30th Sheffield City Hall
The former Smiths frontman cancelled his appearance on Monday, 25th May, at Salisbury City Hall and tonight's show (Tuesday 26th May) at the Troxy Ballroom in Mile End, east London.
A spokeswoman for the music icon - this week labelled the "greatest lyricist of his generation" - revealed that he was told to pull out of the concerts on doctors' orders.
"Morrissey is on doctor's orders to postpone the show, to ensure a complete recuperation," she said.
"Event organisers would like to apologise to fans for the disappointment and are working to reschedule this show, so advise ticket holders to hang on to their tickets." She added.
The cancellations are not the first on the 50-year-old's world tour with shows at the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Academy called off whiles an appearance on Later… With Jools Holland was also scrapped.In addition, it was also revealed that gigs which were recently cancelled at Birmingham Academy and Royal Albert Hall will be rescheduled on October 23rd and October 26th respectively, as part of a small October tour.
Original tickets for the rescheduled dates remain valid.
The full October dates are:
Friday 23rd Birmingham Symphony Hall (rescheduled)
Saturday 24th Swindon Oasis
Monday 26th Bournemouth Opera House
Tuesday 27th London Royal Albert Hall (rescheduled)
Thursday 29th O2 Academy Leeds
Friday 30th Sheffield City Hall
Friday, 22 May 2009
Edwyn Collins Celebrates Comeback With Ivor Novello Award
Scottish singer-songwriter, Edwyn Collins celebrated his comeback by winning an Ivor Novello Award yesterday; telling the audience “It’s great to be back”.
The former Orange Juice singer and solo star won The Ivors Inspiration Award at the suave industry ceremony held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
The Edinburgh born musician known for hits such as Rip It Up and A Girl Like You suffered a near fatal double brain haemorrhage in 2005. Doctors thought he would never return to live performances following several brain operations.
Although his recovery has been slow it has been remarkable and he returned to live performing following the release of his critically lauded album Home Again in 2007.
Collins, who plans to mark his recovery by appearing at this years T in The Park, said afterwards that he had never won a prestigious Ivor, "It's fantastic news" He added.
The Ivors are internationally respected for honouring excellence in British music writing. They are judged and presented by the writing community to outstanding songwriters and composers.
Elsewhere, Elbow won two awards for best contemporary song and best song musically and lyrically, which meant disappointment for warehouse worker Nick Hemming, his track, The Last of the Melting Snow, was nominated for best song.
Tribute was also paid to Vince Clark for his Outstanding Song Collection, while Massive Attack were recognised for their outstanding contribution to British music.
Legendary soul singer Smokey Robinson picked up the special international award, the only prize given to non-British musicians.
Winners of the 54th Ivor Novello Awards are:
Best Contemporary Song: Elbow, Grounds for Divorce
Album Award: The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing
Best Television Soundtrack: Wallace and Gromit (A Matter of Loaf and Death)
Outstanding Song Collection: Vince Clarke
The Ivors Classical Music Award: James MacMillan
Best Selling British song: Coldplay, Viva la Vida
Best Song Musically And Lyrically: Elbow, One Day Like ThisBest Original Film Score: Jonny Greenwood, There Will Be Blood
The Ivors inspiration award: Edwyn Collins
PRS for music most performed: Duffy, Mercy
Songwriter of the year: Eg White
The special international award: Smokey Robinson
The academy fellowship: Don Black
PRS For Music Outstanding Contribution To British Music: Robert Del Naja & Grant Marshall (Massive Attack)
The former Orange Juice singer and solo star won The Ivors Inspiration Award at the suave industry ceremony held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
The Edinburgh born musician known for hits such as Rip It Up and A Girl Like You suffered a near fatal double brain haemorrhage in 2005. Doctors thought he would never return to live performances following several brain operations.
Although his recovery has been slow it has been remarkable and he returned to live performing following the release of his critically lauded album Home Again in 2007.
Collins, who plans to mark his recovery by appearing at this years T in The Park, said afterwards that he had never won a prestigious Ivor, "It's fantastic news" He added.
The Ivors are internationally respected for honouring excellence in British music writing. They are judged and presented by the writing community to outstanding songwriters and composers.
Elsewhere, Elbow won two awards for best contemporary song and best song musically and lyrically, which meant disappointment for warehouse worker Nick Hemming, his track, The Last of the Melting Snow, was nominated for best song.
Tribute was also paid to Vince Clark for his Outstanding Song Collection, while Massive Attack were recognised for their outstanding contribution to British music.
Legendary soul singer Smokey Robinson picked up the special international award, the only prize given to non-British musicians.
Winners of the 54th Ivor Novello Awards are:
Best Contemporary Song: Elbow, Grounds for Divorce
Album Award: The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing
Best Television Soundtrack: Wallace and Gromit (A Matter of Loaf and Death)
Outstanding Song Collection: Vince Clarke
The Ivors Classical Music Award: James MacMillan
Best Selling British song: Coldplay, Viva la Vida
Best Song Musically And Lyrically: Elbow, One Day Like ThisBest Original Film Score: Jonny Greenwood, There Will Be Blood
The Ivors inspiration award: Edwyn Collins
PRS for music most performed: Duffy, Mercy
Songwriter of the year: Eg White
The special international award: Smokey Robinson
The academy fellowship: Don Black
PRS For Music Outstanding Contribution To British Music: Robert Del Naja & Grant Marshall (Massive Attack)
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Depeche Mode Cancel 3 More Shows
Depeche Mode have been forced to cancel a further three more European dates on their "Tour of the Universe", to allow frontman Dave Gahan to recover from illness.
The frontman was recently hit by a bout of severe gastroenteritis, forcing the cancellation of a number of European shows earlier this month.The following additional shows have been cancelled:
23rd May Warsaw, Poland, Gwardia Stadium
25th May Riga, Latvia, Skonto Stadium
27th May Vilnius, Lithuania, Zalgiris Stadium
A message on the bands official website advised fans to retain their tickets and wait for further news with regard to either new rescheduled concert dates, or their final cancellation.
The statement added "Doctors have advised that more time is needed to allow singer, Dave Gahan, to fully recover from his recent illness and ensure that the tour can resume shortly."
"Depeche Mode apologises to all their fans for this inconvenience and wish Dave a speedy recovery."
To visit the official Depeche Mode website, go to: www.depechemode.com
The frontman was recently hit by a bout of severe gastroenteritis, forcing the cancellation of a number of European shows earlier this month.The following additional shows have been cancelled:
23rd May Warsaw, Poland, Gwardia Stadium
25th May Riga, Latvia, Skonto Stadium
27th May Vilnius, Lithuania, Zalgiris Stadium
A message on the bands official website advised fans to retain their tickets and wait for further news with regard to either new rescheduled concert dates, or their final cancellation.
The statement added "Doctors have advised that more time is needed to allow singer, Dave Gahan, to fully recover from his recent illness and ensure that the tour can resume shortly."
"Depeche Mode apologises to all their fans for this inconvenience and wish Dave a speedy recovery."
To visit the official Depeche Mode website, go to: www.depechemode.com
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