The Last Shadow Puppets is a side project of Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys & Miles Kane of The Rascals. Following the huge success of their number one album ‘The Age of the Understatement’, I had great expectations for tonight’s gig. I have seen both the Arctic Monkeys and The Rascals live and both are great so I was hoping that tonight would be too.
As the lights started to fade, the conductor strikes up the 16-piece orchestra supporting the lads, violins are playing a little intro as Alex Turner and Miles Kane take to the stage and start blasting out, In My Room, with frantic strings lavishly adding to the excitement.
After a moment pause the lads launch into their first single and the title track from their album, The Age of the Understatement, which sounds fantastic with the orchestra’s backing. This was the highlight for me and I wasn’t alone in this as the crowd showed their appreciation with one of the loudest cheers of the night.
The support of the orchestra added drama and new dynamics to each song, from the sumptuous sounds of Calm Like You to the tenderness of their current single, My Mistakes Were Made For You.
The talented duo also done covers of Nancy Sinatra’s, Paris Summer, and David Bowies, In The Heat of The Morning, which they recorded earlier this year on their 'The Age Of The Understatement EP'. Kane took an effective lead on a cover of The Beatles', I Want You (She's So Heavy), and he also done a great rendition of Leonard Cohen's, Memories.
Although The Last Shadow Puppets was only ever a side project, these talented lads have loads of chemistry on stage it would be a shame if they end the project forever.
Starlet
Monday, 3 November 2008
ALBUM REVIEW: Nitin Sawhney, London Undersound
Nitin Sawhney has himself described this album as an album of collaboration that sets out to explore how "London's heartbeat has changed" since 9/11 and the London bombings of July 2005.
The vivid and descriptive opening track, Days of Fire, was co-written and performed by London singer Natty. The track was inspired by Natty's experience of witnessing the London Bus Bombing. I was very surprised as it is a very easy listen, pleasant, upbeat track although there is a slight grittiness to it.
Hard hitting, Bring It Home, includes vocals from Imogen Heap. The track’s up-beat tempo coupled with Heap’s delicate tones helps illustrate what life might be like in the busy city. While the Paul McCartney collaboration, My Soul is a very moving and poignant piece which is given an Asian edge with backing vocals from Reena Bhardwaj.
The sensual tones and spoken Spanish of Interlude II flow effortlessly into the next track, Distant Dreams. Interlude III brings some classic funky Indian music and vocals.
The tracks seem to flow perfectly from the relaxing piano piece with the most beautiful female vocals, Ek Jaan through Transmission, Last Train to Midnight and the simple, understated instrumental of Firmament.
This is a truly remarkable piece of work which evokes a whole range of emotions as it deals with the change in attitudes on the city of London so perfectly.
Track listing
1. Days of Fire2. October Daze
3. Bring it Home4. Interlude 1 - Ghost Image
5. My Soul6. Interlude 2 – Soledad
7. Distant Dreams8. Interlude 3 - Street Sounds9. Shadowland
10. Daybreak11. Interlude 4 – Identity
12. Ek Jaan13. Transmission
14. Interlude 5 - Tension15. Last Train to Midnight
16. Interlude 6 - Ronald Gray17. Firmament
18. Charu Keshi Rain
The vivid and descriptive opening track, Days of Fire, was co-written and performed by London singer Natty. The track was inspired by Natty's experience of witnessing the London Bus Bombing. I was very surprised as it is a very easy listen, pleasant, upbeat track although there is a slight grittiness to it.
Hard hitting, Bring It Home, includes vocals from Imogen Heap. The track’s up-beat tempo coupled with Heap’s delicate tones helps illustrate what life might be like in the busy city. While the Paul McCartney collaboration, My Soul is a very moving and poignant piece which is given an Asian edge with backing vocals from Reena Bhardwaj.
The sensual tones and spoken Spanish of Interlude II flow effortlessly into the next track, Distant Dreams. Interlude III brings some classic funky Indian music and vocals.
The tracks seem to flow perfectly from the relaxing piano piece with the most beautiful female vocals, Ek Jaan through Transmission, Last Train to Midnight and the simple, understated instrumental of Firmament.
This is a truly remarkable piece of work which evokes a whole range of emotions as it deals with the change in attitudes on the city of London so perfectly.
Track listing
1. Days of Fire2. October Daze
3. Bring it Home4. Interlude 1 - Ghost Image
5. My Soul6. Interlude 2 – Soledad
7. Distant Dreams8. Interlude 3 - Street Sounds9. Shadowland
10. Daybreak11. Interlude 4 – Identity
12. Ek Jaan13. Transmission
14. Interlude 5 - Tension15. Last Train to Midnight
16. Interlude 6 - Ronald Gray17. Firmament
18. Charu Keshi Rain
Friday, 31 October 2008
More Acts for Mencap Little Noise Sessions
Duke Special, Damien Rice, Ladyhawke, Noah & The Whale, Dan Black and Skint & Demoralised have been added to the line-up for this year's Mencap Little Noise Sessions.
This is the third year the event has been held. Acts such as Kasabian, Razorlight, Stereophonics, Glasvegas, Keane, James Morrison and The Fratellis are already on the bill for the charity gigs which take place from 8th – 18th November.
Duke Special will play on the 10th November along with Stereophonics and Seasick Steve. On the 11th November Damien Rice will join Adele's intimate gig with Angus & Julia Stone playing the same night.
Skint and Demoralized will appear on the Razorlight night on the 9th of November and Dan Black joins James Morrison and Katy Perry on the 13th.
Noah & the Whale and Ladyhawke celebrate the end of this year's Little Noise Sessions on the 18th along with The Fratellis and Sergeant.
Over the past few years Amy Winehouse, U2, Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher, Duffy and Lily Allen have performed at the event.
A number of surprise guests will also be performing this year. As with previous sessions which saw impromptu appearances from U2 and Coldplay.
Tickets are available from Mencap's official site.
This is the third year the event has been held. Acts such as Kasabian, Razorlight, Stereophonics, Glasvegas, Keane, James Morrison and The Fratellis are already on the bill for the charity gigs which take place from 8th – 18th November.
Duke Special will play on the 10th November along with Stereophonics and Seasick Steve. On the 11th November Damien Rice will join Adele's intimate gig with Angus & Julia Stone playing the same night.
Skint and Demoralized will appear on the Razorlight night on the 9th of November and Dan Black joins James Morrison and Katy Perry on the 13th.
Noah & the Whale and Ladyhawke celebrate the end of this year's Little Noise Sessions on the 18th along with The Fratellis and Sergeant.
Over the past few years Amy Winehouse, U2, Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher, Duffy and Lily Allen have performed at the event.
A number of surprise guests will also be performing this year. As with previous sessions which saw impromptu appearances from U2 and Coldplay.
Tickets are available from Mencap's official site.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Songwriter to Sue The Hives, Over Allegations of Plagiarism
A Los Angeles songwriter has accussed The Hives, of ripping off one of his songs.
Jason Shapiro claims that the Swedish Rockers 2007 single, ‘Tick Tick Boom’, uses a vocal melody and riff from his song, ‘Why You?’ Which was recorded by American bands The Roofies in 1997 then again by Three Way in 2002.
Speaking to LA Weekly, Shapiro said friends had alerted him to the similarities after hearing The Hives' 'Tick Tick Boom' in a trailer for the film, Get Smart.
To get a second opinion, Shapiro consulted a musicologist before deciding to sue.
Shapiro said "He [the musicologist] said the part in question - the main riff and vocal melody - was very similar and its uniqueness led him to believe it wasn't just a coincidence."Shapiro added: "I absolutely love The Hives and don't feel great about suing a band I love. But I also feel credit is due where it is due if you borrow a riff."
The Scandinavian Rockers have yet to respond to the allegation.
Jason Shapiro claims that the Swedish Rockers 2007 single, ‘Tick Tick Boom’, uses a vocal melody and riff from his song, ‘Why You?’ Which was recorded by American bands The Roofies in 1997 then again by Three Way in 2002.
Speaking to LA Weekly, Shapiro said friends had alerted him to the similarities after hearing The Hives' 'Tick Tick Boom' in a trailer for the film, Get Smart.
To get a second opinion, Shapiro consulted a musicologist before deciding to sue.
Shapiro said "He [the musicologist] said the part in question - the main riff and vocal melody - was very similar and its uniqueness led him to believe it wasn't just a coincidence."Shapiro added: "I absolutely love The Hives and don't feel great about suing a band I love. But I also feel credit is due where it is due if you borrow a riff."
The Scandinavian Rockers have yet to respond to the allegation.
Friday, 24 October 2008
Keane's Surprise for Electric Proms
Keane had a few tricks to entertain the crowd at London's Koko last night that included strings, saxophonists and a choir.
The band showcased several songs from their new album as well as reworking some of their biggest hits from Hopes and Fears and Under The Iron Sea.
The crowd showed their appreciation with loud cheers and sing-a-longs to many of the hits from their debut album including Everybody's Changing and Somewhere Only We Know, but most fans pointed to special collaborations on their newest tracks as the high point.
Talking to BBC 6 Music afterwards, Tom said "There are a lot of things on the new record you can't replicate with just the four of you," adding "So it was a great way of being able to indulge ourselves and have that for one night."
Pianist and keyboard player Tim Rice-Oxley told 6 Music after the gig, "You have an idea and you think of getting a few violins, and the next thing you know you've got thirty people running around on stage," adding "It's nice when things snowball like that."
New single Spiralling was buffeted by two saxophonists while the string quartet was used to give extra body and clarity to Love Is The End, which singer Tom Chaplin said he felt summed up the theme of their newest work - love.
The set alternated between old and new tracks, with the musical arrangement changing frequently - Tom played guitar on most of the newer tracks with Jesse on bass, while older numbers gave Tom the chance to play piano while Jesse played backing synths. But the band waited until the three song encore to unveil the choir - which sang on Perfect Symmetry.
The quartet stuck with the habit of finishing the set with Bedshaped, which closed to rapturous applause. Keane's next one-off gig is the Little Noise Sessions at London's Union Chapel on 15th November, which the band played at last year.
The band showcased several songs from their new album as well as reworking some of their biggest hits from Hopes and Fears and Under The Iron Sea.
The crowd showed their appreciation with loud cheers and sing-a-longs to many of the hits from their debut album including Everybody's Changing and Somewhere Only We Know, but most fans pointed to special collaborations on their newest tracks as the high point.
Talking to BBC 6 Music afterwards, Tom said "There are a lot of things on the new record you can't replicate with just the four of you," adding "So it was a great way of being able to indulge ourselves and have that for one night."
Pianist and keyboard player Tim Rice-Oxley told 6 Music after the gig, "You have an idea and you think of getting a few violins, and the next thing you know you've got thirty people running around on stage," adding "It's nice when things snowball like that."
New single Spiralling was buffeted by two saxophonists while the string quartet was used to give extra body and clarity to Love Is The End, which singer Tom Chaplin said he felt summed up the theme of their newest work - love.
The set alternated between old and new tracks, with the musical arrangement changing frequently - Tom played guitar on most of the newer tracks with Jesse on bass, while older numbers gave Tom the chance to play piano while Jesse played backing synths. But the band waited until the three song encore to unveil the choir - which sang on Perfect Symmetry.
The quartet stuck with the habit of finishing the set with Bedshaped, which closed to rapturous applause. Keane's next one-off gig is the Little Noise Sessions at London's Union Chapel on 15th November, which the band played at last year.
Glasvegas for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Celebrations
Scots rockers Glasvegas have been lined up to play the Waverley Stage, on Waverly Bridge at this years Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations.
The Glasgow band are one of the country's most hyped bands of the year.
Fellow Scot, Paolo Nutini has already been announced for the Edinburgh event, he’ll be kicking off the street party at 9pm before racing across the country to also play Glasgow's event.
A statement by Glasvegas said: "It's the perfect way to toast the coming year, celebrating Scottish style."
The full line-up for Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations will be announced next month.
The Glasgow band are one of the country's most hyped bands of the year.
Fellow Scot, Paolo Nutini has already been announced for the Edinburgh event, he’ll be kicking off the street party at 9pm before racing across the country to also play Glasgow's event.
A statement by Glasvegas said: "It's the perfect way to toast the coming year, celebrating Scottish style."
The full line-up for Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations will be announced next month.
Friday, 17 October 2008
Chance for Unsigned Act to Open Hogmanay celebrations
In partnership with Winterfest Glasgow 2008, King Tuts Wah Wah Hut has announced ‘The Road to Hogmanay’ initiative.
The Road to Hogmanay is a fantastic opportunity for unsigned music in Scotland, giving a unique chance for Scottish bands and musicians to showcase their talents at The Big Stage on George Square and King Tuts Wah Wah Hut as part of Glasgow’s Festive and Hogmanay celebrations.
Three showcase slots have been booked for the Big Stage on George Square on Thursday 27th November, Thursday 4th and 11th December.
The public’s favourite from these showcases will be invited back to kick off Glasgow’s Hogmanay party on George square in front of a crowd of 15,000 revellers.
The public’s second favourite will be offered another ultimate gigging experience, playing the King Tuts Wah Wah Hut Hogmanay Celebrations!
The Road to Hogmanay is a chance for bands and musicians to share the stage with Paisley star Paolo Nutini in front of a huge George Square audience.
All submissions will be listened to by an expert panel of music and media industry delegates, who will decide which bands and artists will be showcased at the Big Stage! It will then be up to the public to decide which band kicks off the George Square Hogmanay party on December 31st 2008. Which ever band is the public’s second favourite, will headline King Tuts Wah Wah Hut’s Hogmanay celebrations! Geoff Ellis, of DF Concerts, said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for Scottish bands to gain amazing exposure in front of a world-renowned Scottish audience and to really kick off the New Year in style.
"As support for live music in Scotland continues to grow, this is a unique chance for Scottish music lovers to support the talents of local musicians.
Events Manager for Winterfest Glasgow, Colin Hartley said: "Over the years Glasgow's Hogmanay has showcased the very best in Scottish talent and I'm sure that we will discover the next big thing as this competition heats up.
"Sharing a stage with Paolo Nutini is a pretty good way to ring in the bells."
The deadline for band submissions is the Wednesday 5th November.
For more information go to www.kingtuts.co.uk/roadtohogmanay/
The Road to Hogmanay is a fantastic opportunity for unsigned music in Scotland, giving a unique chance for Scottish bands and musicians to showcase their talents at The Big Stage on George Square and King Tuts Wah Wah Hut as part of Glasgow’s Festive and Hogmanay celebrations.
Three showcase slots have been booked for the Big Stage on George Square on Thursday 27th November, Thursday 4th and 11th December.
The public’s favourite from these showcases will be invited back to kick off Glasgow’s Hogmanay party on George square in front of a crowd of 15,000 revellers.
The public’s second favourite will be offered another ultimate gigging experience, playing the King Tuts Wah Wah Hut Hogmanay Celebrations!
The Road to Hogmanay is a chance for bands and musicians to share the stage with Paisley star Paolo Nutini in front of a huge George Square audience.
All submissions will be listened to by an expert panel of music and media industry delegates, who will decide which bands and artists will be showcased at the Big Stage! It will then be up to the public to decide which band kicks off the George Square Hogmanay party on December 31st 2008. Which ever band is the public’s second favourite, will headline King Tuts Wah Wah Hut’s Hogmanay celebrations! Geoff Ellis, of DF Concerts, said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for Scottish bands to gain amazing exposure in front of a world-renowned Scottish audience and to really kick off the New Year in style.
"As support for live music in Scotland continues to grow, this is a unique chance for Scottish music lovers to support the talents of local musicians.
Events Manager for Winterfest Glasgow, Colin Hartley said: "Over the years Glasgow's Hogmanay has showcased the very best in Scottish talent and I'm sure that we will discover the next big thing as this competition heats up.
"Sharing a stage with Paolo Nutini is a pretty good way to ring in the bells."
The deadline for band submissions is the Wednesday 5th November.
For more information go to www.kingtuts.co.uk/roadtohogmanay/
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