Today's the day...

An annual event where Europe decide to point and laugh at the world of popular music as it's developed across the 20th century. We'd have hoped that this would have failed to make it into the 21st century, but sadly it's made it - and it's even lost it's cynical charm...or has it?

Oh, I haven't spelt it out yet for those who need a little help - it's the Eurovision Song Contest of course. Those who can't stomach the jockular attempts at music for the first 15 hours, could tune in for the last hour (or if they were forced to endure the derogatory harmonies, casio quality production standards of the worst of every nation that's not actually in Europe but some broadcasting union which 'makes it alright' for them to be there) - to watch the politically charged voting.

Hilarious in itself, either the concept that Greece voting for Cyprus, but giving nothing to Turkey actually stems from some political order - how foolish we'd look in post atomic horror, if it the documentation was discovered that the Earth's surface had been 98% decimated because France wasn't happy with it's nil points from Spain one year.

However, even that's spoiled by phone in votes - instead of a panel of judges in each country (who gets that job?!) - we leave it to the ill-informed public (and their own political agendas) to decide. Of course, these days we can doubt whether these votes themselves were actually counted - who was to get the glorious douze points was decided by this secret panel of wise broadcasting officials beforehand. It's great to leave public opinion to make the call these days - it'll be well worth seeing if Austria's entry, Josef - racks up a good score for his entry "Let's go down to the cellar".

On to your ear saving moment - this is one of those events where for some reason - the United Kingdom isn't broken up into it's deconstituted components - quite probably because in this individual case, Scotland doesn't give a ****.

So I leave you with the freshly recorded version from the Americana influenced supergroup (whom you'll all hate by the end of the year after they're doused in NME hype - but who cares anyway) - Glasvegas - Think the Jesus & Mary Chain fronted by a Joe Strummer lookalike who grew up with the Proclaimers!

Glasvegas - Geraldine

The letter A

In considering starting this new blog, I knew that I'd need something more than just the TOTW and then Unsung every other week.

Obviously, I've got album and gig reviews - with a number of contributors also adding their own reviews (if you want to join in - drop me an e-mail - link on the main blog). However, they're going to - by their very nature - be somewhat haphazard.

So, another feature needed to be created.

And, thinking that a fortnightly feature can last a year by looking at the 26 letters of the alphabet, I thought that was a reasonable place to start.

Songs beginning with the letter "A". There's lots of them, I'm sure - but a few that immediately spring to mind.
I think some of them couldn't be considered as the 'best'. Such as the mellow sounds of Belle & Sebastian. I think it's brilliant - but does everyone? Will it be memorable in several years?

It's got to be long-term stamina that must be considered. Songs that we're still able to sing years after they were released.

Songs by the like of Pink Floyd...

However, it's also worth thinking about 'cover' versions. If they're good songs, people will want to sing them. And whilst people have covered Another brick in the wall, none were that popular. On the other hand, Maria Carey covered Against all Odds, and it didn't do that badly in the charts. Perhaps wrongly in my opinion though...

So instead, I'm looking at Willie Nelson. Always on my mind was covered by, among other, Elvis. It's impossible to say which is best of the two version - they're both fantastic.

Talking about Elvis, can I also throw Are you lonesome tonight into the mix?

However, I think Herman Hupfield's song - as famously sung in Casablanca by Dooley Wilson might be the most covered. It's certainly the oldest (1931). And as far as I'm concerned - the best song beginning with "The letter A" (sounds a bit like Sesame Street this feature actually, doesn't it?)

But, what do you think? I've missed out a large number of tracks for good reason - either they're crap, or I can't remember them!
If you agree with As Time Goes By (or something else mentioned) cast your vote. Otherwise (and I'm sure there'll be a few), make a comment below..

If you're reading this via RSS, you might not be able to see the flash 'mixtape' with audio clips of the songs mentioned. So, for full details, I'm afraid you'll have to click though. You may also not be able to see the voting box - so two birds, one stone, click and have a look!

Technorati Tags: Belle & Sebastian, Pink Floyd, Phil Collins, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Billie Holiday, Dooley Wilson

For a fortnight's time - and the letter "B" - suggestions for tracks greatly appreciated by e-mail. Help point out those I might have missed...

Amplive: Rainydayz

For my first album review, I think it's only fair that I look at an album that everyone can listen to - without needing to venture out to the shops. More to the point, without paying anything either.

It's actually an album that's been in the news a bit. Amplive decided to take Radiohead's new album In Rainbows, and have some creative remixing and sampling to make his own 8-track album.

Radiohead initially objected - but an agreement was reached, and it's out there for free download.

I don't mind saying that I'm not the biggest fan of the entire remix idea. So, I listened to the tracks with a bit of trepidation. And, I'm afraid to say, I've not been overly convinced. Take Nudez. I think the best part of the source track, Nude, is that it's so sublime. It takes me away into a strange and distant land whilst listening to it. By remixing it, all of those wonderful qualities are immediately removed - even though Radiohead themselves encouraged people to remix it.

Thankfully, there's still some tracks I can definitely appreciate. I think Video Tapez nicely twists Videotape - adds a beat, and intersperses original rapping. No, I don't like rapping, but I can appreciate it. Conversely, All I need is completely different different to the original - taking into a completely different genre. But, it's still recognisable, which is nicely done.

It's definitely not the sort of thing I'd pay for, but for a free download - well worth the experience; and can help you perhaps widen your musical experience.

Raindayz is available now for free download here.
Amplive, Radiohead

The Devil's Poison

Asp Bites' Tunes of the Week 2008 - #20

I'm mindful that next week is Eurovision week. Sadly (or perhaps thankfully), I'm away in the caravan - so won't be at a Eurovision party as was the case last year. Unless they plan something in the circuit bar - so youtube might not be safe from my dancing yet. I might, however, now that I have Musical Bites available, do a Eurovision feature if I watch the show. To get you in the mood therefore, it is worth looking at the British entry. Infinitely better than Scooch, Andy Abraham's Even if is a good song on its own merits. I like my soul - and indeed anything with a good beat - so I don't feel guilty about enjoying this. It's not overly catchy, and doesn't stand a chance of winning the ESC as we're not called Britiainia, but it would be nice if it did anyway...

I've only heard The Boat Song by Jeremy Warmsley the once, but it immediately appealed. It's being released on June 2nd as a double-A side with a cover of New Order's Temptation (there's a sample of it on his myspace, it sounds decent on its own), and it's great little ditty of a song. A bouncy little duet, but Warmsley isn't afraid to build the tension by pausing in the song. I can't actually remember the last time I heard a on the popular radio stations with a pause in it - it shows that he's not afraid to do something different. Have a listen - it'll put a smile on your face.

I've mentioned Hot Chip in the past, but so far they've never been a TOTW (looking at the nice long list). One pure thought was released last Monday, and I don't think it's as 'in your face' as some of their other tracks. Which is good, it makes pleasant background music. It also means it's less noticeable though - and it's a bit in a class of its own (See Chart Blog), so swings and roundabouts.

I could make similar comments about Radio Heart, released by the Futureheads on Monday. Perhaps with Hot Chip they're going to be bands who often get mentioned, but there's nothing "stand out" enough to make it as a TOTW. Radio Heart is, in many ways, the same as all their other stuff. It doesn't make it a bad track, and I enjoy listening to it. But that's all.

Quick honourable mentions to Guillemots (Falling out of reach) once more, and the soulful melancholy beats of Rihanna with Take a Bow (out on Monday). TOTWs though go to a couple of female artists. Again. There's a theme developing here - but I've said it before, there's lots of good female artists around at the minute.

Amy MacDonald is so good I've even bought her album. Poison Prince is out on Monday - it's energetic, well sung, harmonised - and very enjoyable. Chart Blog suggests that she's not getting a proportional amount of praise considering other female artists. Personally, I like her more than most.

I could probably exactly the same about Devil's Beat by Sandi Thom - also out on Monday. Great beat, and lyrics that at first glance don't fit the tune. I can see this style of music dropping out of favour soon - some already think it's all the same mediocrity. For me though, I'm still bouncing along to it. Therefore, it's good enough to warrant being a TOTW.

(NB - I would like to post in the official video, but Sony BMG don't want to let me or anyone else embed their videos. Bit pointless, you can just click on the link, it's not like it's stopping piracy. Go sort please!)

In a change to the published listings

Sadly, no guest unsung this week as was planned - I'll try and get that sorted for a fortnight's time instead. As an alternative though, there's still plenty of bands that I'm keen to mention, so there's nothing lost!

I feel that Apollo Bay is a bit hit-and-miss. The first track on his myspace, Broken Song a Future Past starts with some bewildering humming and no real tune. I could easily have stopped right there, just as others felt:

"The first tune, Home, almost had me switching off, as it begins with ameturish noises and a melody that sounds so many people who buy a synth and think they can become Soft Cell."

- Rick Fulton, Daily Record

Then you can contrast that with songs like I feel Disaster, which is dark and mysterious - and very enticing. Think with Me shows good vocal talents; whereas Untitled is certainly a good song (simple, smooth, and meaningful), but I think the wrong voice is singing it. If Anthony Hegarty was singing it instead, it's quite possible I'd love it.
I'd say it's worth a listen at the very least - it's clear that there's a talented producer and songwriter behind the work. However, I'm afraid it's not album-buying stuff because the quality does vary to such an extent.

I referred back to my Commodore64 with reference to Late of the Pier in the last TOTW. With Crimewave Remix by xcuse.fi!ippa, I'm reminded instead of jumping on toadstools with my Gameboy.
As far as I can tell, they're not as much writers but more 'mixers'. Which isn't something I've ever featured on 'Bites before, but that's because I tend to class such music as secondary to the song itself. Maybe it's because I don't recognise most of the tunes, but on this occasion I have to say I liked it. OK, Diamonds to Interzone is obviously based on Atlantis to Interzone by the Klaxons, but even that's enjoyable - and is less of a mix but more of a basis as an individual approach to the same beginnings.
For some reason, they've listed themselves as "indie" - but the style of music to me seems more 90s dance. Dance music isn't the sort of thing I listen to, but after several cheeky vimtos it is this sort of music with a good beat that'll get me to the dance floor (that and cheeze). So, my test for "Is it good dance music?" is "Could I see myself getting carried away in the atmosphere at a club with this as the music?". For xcuse.fi!ippa, the answer is yes.

Luckyhorse remind me of a band or two - but I can't quite put my finger on it (any ideas?). It's nice, simplistic, country-based guitar music, and it couldn't offend anyone. Dignity is the main track, and what I heard on Tom Robinson's Introducing show - and it's definitely good stuff. Sit back and enjoy it during the pleasant weather.

Finally this week, I want to mention another "Introducing" artist. Roxy Rawson has a very similar vocal style to a lot of the female singers that are proliferating the charts at the minute. However, unlike most, you can hear her singing. Her songs include her and her violin. The Independent on Sunday (no less) has described her as "bewitching". I couldn't agree more. An established artist who perhaps is happy staying under the music radar. Which I think makes it even more special to listen to.

Comma, then space

Asp Bites' Tunes of the Week 2008 - #19

After my exams in June, I'll be watching the Zutons perform in Delamere forest as part of the "Forest Tour" musical events. Well, I say watching, I'll be on SJA duties - but I'm still looking forward to it. Always Right Behind You is the first single of their latest album (physical release May 26th), and proves that watching them live will be worthwhile.

Falling out of reach is what I would consider to be more 'classic' Guillemots than (TOTW 13) Get over it. It's smooth, melancholy, and a potential TOTW before it's release on May 26th.

Another former TOTW - TOTW7 as it happens - is Beth Rowley. On May 19th, So Sublime will be available for purchase - and it's catchy with a decent 'bounce'

Two songs though that really are having the implantation effect, which is brilliant, so they can be the TOTWs

I can't stop singing the latest from Vampire Weekend, Oxford Comma. I'm not entirely sure what it is about the song that I simply adore. It builds perfectly, has a nice instrumental - musically it's a brilliant little song, and it's out on the 26th.

With pure retro though, Space and the Woods is by Late of the Pier. It's another I first heard on Roundtable, and commented then I think it was the tune to a game on my Commodore 64. I know a lot of people think that this 80s Retro is getting a bit lame. However, like all things, when it's done well, it's worth listening to. And I really think this is. 19th May release for it

Just a quick one

Asp Bites' Tunes of the Week 2008 - #18

No time for a full detailed analysis of the charts this week, instead, imagine it's an awards show.

The nominations are:
Duffy - Warwick Avenue (23rd May)
Kylie Minogue - In my arms (5th May)
Yael Naim - New Soul (5th May)
The Script - We Cry (28th April)
Sara Bareilles - Love Song (14th May)
Neil Diamond - Pretty Amazing Grace (Home Before Dark album released 12th May)
Royworld - Dust (11th May)
Cajun Dance Party - The Race (21st April)
Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes (27th April)
Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma (26th May)

And the winners are:


Two female singers - Duffy and Sarah Bareilles

Also, it's now May, so April's last chance winner goes to this one:
Infadels - Make Mistakes