So, just a top 4 this week. Featuring the good (Sweet), the bad (Tony Orlando), and the Ugly (David Cassidly...)
1973
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
1973
As it happens, imeem doesn't have the biggest selling single for 1973. It's not a huge shock, given that he's probably the most disgraced British pop artist of all time.
So, just a top 4 this week. Featuring the good (Sweet), the bad (Tony Orlando), and the Ugly (David Cassidly...)
1973
So, just a top 4 this week. Featuring the good (Sweet), the bad (Tony Orlando), and the Ugly (David Cassidly...)
1973
Monday, 6 July 2009
Unsung: ila'a'noiZe
Winston mentioned this band some time ago, but I'm still miles behind and have only just got listening to them.
ila'a'noiZe (say that when you've had a few) are, in many ways, a standard indie band. Guitar led, the local twang coming through the lyrcis (singing in an accent still being popular). They've got the standard 'slow number' (Neverland); the standard rockier one with a dance beat (OBS) - we've probably heard all the same before.
And that sounds derogatory. But, it's still a format that works. Just a hint of creativity to be subtly different, and providing it's well sung and well written - just like ila'a'noiZe - it's enjoyable club music. The acid test for this sort of music is if, at a dark and dingy venue, you'd find yourself toe-tapping or bouncing around like a crazed idiot or somewhere between the two (depending on your inhibitions). You may not want to buy an album, but they're just there to let you have a good night.
The test is passed. Therefore, have a listen, and see what you think.
ila'a'noiZe (say that when you've had a few) are, in many ways, a standard indie band. Guitar led, the local twang coming through the lyrcis (singing in an accent still being popular). They've got the standard 'slow number' (Neverland); the standard rockier one with a dance beat (OBS) - we've probably heard all the same before.
And that sounds derogatory. But, it's still a format that works. Just a hint of creativity to be subtly different, and providing it's well sung and well written - just like ila'a'noiZe - it's enjoyable club music. The acid test for this sort of music is if, at a dark and dingy venue, you'd find yourself toe-tapping or bouncing around like a crazed idiot or somewhere between the two (depending on your inhibitions). You may not want to buy an album, but they're just there to let you have a good night.
The test is passed. Therefore, have a listen, and see what you think.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
TOTW27:Florence and the Machine - Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)
Last year I mentioned Florence and the Machine several times on this here blog, but there's been a significant absence recently. Although, to be fair, the last time 'Flo' had a single out was at the tail end of last year. Still, time to put that right.
The long, long awaited debut album (by me at least) "Lungs" is due out tomorrow; and the single to 'launch' it (out a few weeks now, Jun 22nd) Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up) is exactly what I've come to love from the crazy group.
OK, so maybe the opening chords remind me of Depeche Mode (see what the harp does there, you'll see why) - but conflicting harps and angelic vocals with the bellowing "Raise it Up" probably hasn't happened in many years either.
I've seen Florence compared to Kate Bush over the past year and a bit, and I think this song is the most similar we've seen - very illustrious company to be compared to. There is no genre the song really fits in, and it's an amazing hybrid on its own.
Great to see her back, and next time I'm in town I'll be visiting HMV to pick up the album to complete the set.
Bubbling Under:
The Virgins - One week of danger
Animal Collective - Summertime clothes (Can anyone else see a similarity to the Guillemots?)
La Roux - Bulletproof
Paul Carrack - Just 4 Tonite
The long, long awaited debut album (by me at least) "Lungs" is due out tomorrow; and the single to 'launch' it (out a few weeks now, Jun 22nd) Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up) is exactly what I've come to love from the crazy group.
OK, so maybe the opening chords remind me of Depeche Mode (see what the harp does there, you'll see why) - but conflicting harps and angelic vocals with the bellowing "Raise it Up" probably hasn't happened in many years either.
I've seen Florence compared to Kate Bush over the past year and a bit, and I think this song is the most similar we've seen - very illustrious company to be compared to. There is no genre the song really fits in, and it's an amazing hybrid on its own.
Great to see her back, and next time I'm in town I'll be visiting HMV to pick up the album to complete the set.
Bubbling Under:
The Virgins - One week of danger
Animal Collective - Summertime clothes (Can anyone else see a similarity to the Guillemots?)
La Roux - Bulletproof
Paul Carrack - Just 4 Tonite
Saturday, 4 July 2009
June Last Chance: Bat for Lashes
I've been able to have quite a selection of tracks shortlisted last month - lots very good and potentially worthy of particular praise. The shorter-shortlist for last chance included Jarvis Cocker, with a particularly retro track; and Dan Black, who hasn't been mentioned for a while, and even though Symphonies does sound a bit like Umbrella -[ella - ella], it's slightly anthemic chorus and ambitious lyrics make it a definite hit.
But, after some thought, Bat for Lashes get the last chance. They've got a fairly unusual genre, that reminds of some early 90s bands - electronic, quasi-dance, but serene and calming. It's music that you can listen to, but you don't need to - it can happen in the background and embed into your subconcious. The latter fact probably explains why it wasn't a TOTW - it was never at the forefront of my conciousness; but with counter-melodies and beautiful singing, it was always worth it.
But, after some thought, Bat for Lashes get the last chance. They've got a fairly unusual genre, that reminds of some early 90s bands - electronic, quasi-dance, but serene and calming. It's music that you can listen to, but you don't need to - it can happen in the background and embed into your subconcious. The latter fact probably explains why it wasn't a TOTW - it was never at the forefront of my conciousness; but with counter-melodies and beautiful singing, it was always worth it.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
TOTW26: A-ha - Foot of the Mountain
Plenty still to chose from this week:
Dan Black - Symphonies
a-ha - Foot of the Mountain
Paloma Faith - Stone Cold Sober
Green Days - 21 Guns
Pussycat Dolls - Hush Hush; Hush Hush [It's piss poor sampling, but it's quite catchy because of the song they've sampled. Annoying]
The one I'm choosing sounds like another Keane single, but pre their Perfect Symmetry album. Instead, it's by yet another come-back band. Foot of the mountain is a simple, well written pop song. Occasionally, you just need that in a song.
UPDATE: Sorry guys, this post was scheduled to appear at 11:17 last Sunday. I've just realised it didn't, so something broke somewhere. Hope you didn't miss it that much!
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
2002
It's not as easy as I thought finding the 5 best selling singles of a given year. Even for a modern year like this, loads of the "Top 5" are just people's opinions. Still, I think that this is right.
What's clear from 2002 is that we're at the start of the reality talent show era. So, we have Gareth Gates crucifying a classic Jimmy Young song and Will Young at the top. Still, at least Will Young is now producing decent-ish records and showing talent. Whatever happened to Gates though? At least Elvis makes it!
2002
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
TOTW25: The Yeah You's - 15 Minutes
Much later than planned, a difficult call to go for a catchy debut single by The Yeah You's. It's a classic pop song, with a familiar sing-along chorus, various themes, building chords and other old-fashioned approaches that'll make it a hit
Bubbling Under:
James Morrison - Nothing Ever Hurt Like You
Benny Andersson Band - Story of a Heart
Bat for Lashes - Pearl's Dream
a-ha - Foot of the Mountain
Take That - Said it All
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