Author Archives: Olivia

The Importance of Linda Perry

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Linda Perry

In 1993, a band named 4 Non Blondes came onto the scene with one of the best songs of the 1990s and quite possibly of that year. What’s Up? was played everywhere. Radio stations, television shows and adverts could not get enough of this song.

The band split up shortly after, and in 1996 Linda Perry released her first solo album called In Flight, it wasn’t really successful(it was also self published) but in 2005 it was re-released by Custard Records and Kill Rock Stars (who have previously put out records by Gossip)Linda Perry seems to now be known as one of the best songwriters in music today. She has worked with a whole bunch of people ranging from Alicia Keys to Celine Dion to Courtney Love to Britney Spears. 

This year should hopefully see the release of Courtney Love’s new album, Nobody’s Daughter which Linda Perry has written and produced tracks for. This album could well be one of the best of the year. Both are powerful female musicians with a lot of  musical history (not together) and the ability to write lyrics that will blow you away. They previously worked together on Courtney Love’s 2004 release, America’s Sweetheart.

So why is Linda Perry so damn important? Well, although she has worked with some awful acts who shall remain nameless, she has worked with some fantastic artists too. Linda Perry has quite possibly written at least one song that sums up how you feel. She may not have sang it, but she wrote it. There is no denying how beautiful her singing voice is either. It’s strong, big and powerful. 4 Non Blondes may not have lasted as long as us fans wanted them to, but what came out of it is truly lovely!

She once said Courtney Love should be mentioned alongside Bob Dylan with regard to best songwriters of all time. Although I agree, Linda Perry’s name should be there also.

In Flight was re-released 3 years ago, if you have a copy-treasure it and hold it near. Linda Perry is more than “the one that was in that band that sang What’s Up” and she is more than “the one that Pink worked with.” She’s something a lot of singers aspire to be.   

Lightspeed Champion. Birmingham Bar Academy 18/2/08

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Lightspeed Champion.

It’s a nice February evening in the streets of Birmingham and I’m making my way down to the Academy with my mate when all of a sudden Dev walks past me! The guy is quite tall and yes, he was wearing that hat! The temptation to not steal the hat..I sure fight it!

So, we’re waiting in line to get in, and there is young boy who is the spitting image of Dev. If it was me, I’d probably freak out but hey ho..it’s all flattery!

The first act on are Doncaster trio The Warbirds, clearly a winner because of where they are from (well, my mum would say that anyway) They remind me of Bob Dylan meets The View and passes by The Kooks. Sounds odd yet awful to some, but it works. It really does. They have a killer stage presence which is vital. During one of the songs the singer seems to get a bit of a giggle on, it’s quite cute. They’re an awesome band worth checking out.
Next support act is Semi-Finalists, and Dev provides bass for them which is quite possibly the only highlight of their set. They’re not fantastic but they’re not overly shit. Well, they made the kids dance a little!

After a brief soundcheck, the lights are dimmed and Dev walks back on stage accompanied by some members of Semi-Finalists and an amazing violinist and drummer. The drummer also provides backing vocals. Her vocals are amazing.
Opening up with, Dev’s words, “a song about a prostitute” and it quite fantasticly fantastic!
Most songs are played off debut album, Falling Off The Lavender Bridge including Dry Lips, Tell Me What It’s Worth and Everyone I Know Is Listening To Crunk. The latter Dev labels as being dated due to its reference to mango frescato, The OC and chequered coats. He possess awesome charisma and professional stage presence.
He’s also dead set on bringing back Jim Carey speak, I suppose he could really!

Dev tells us the trouble of Travel Lodge as he woke up this morning with a rash on the side of his face. He says it could be elephantitis, others say shaving rash! Let’s just hope it’s the latter.
The set is ended with 10 minute beauty- Midnight Surprise, well…it’s not really the last track. It is explained that the night before, they played a bit of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ In A Free World.” as a bit of a mess around, so if it turned out awful tonight then Midnight Surprise would be known as the last song. But, although the chosen cover track is a bit over some of the kids heads here it’s still a really cool way to end this memorable, personal gig.
The Bar Acadmey is tiny and everyone is dripping with sweat, and intimate venue with a hell of a lot of character.
There is something so beautiful about acoustic music in a tiny venue. You just know inside that you are witnessing something remarkable and unforgettable. None of Dev’s songs sound the same but they all have wit and meaning. He’s doing something that needs to be done in music right now- he’s sending messages from his heart.
It’s a grand leap from Test Icicles to Lightspeed Champion- both great acts.

Dev’s created the album of the year, and this quite possibly going to be one of the best gigs I’ll attend in 2008.

Cat Power- Jukebox

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I’m not a fan of covers to be honest, however when they are done well my bias somewhat fades.
There’s probably more bad than good covers out there. Hell..even Prince hates them!

Chan Marshall. Cat Power. What can I say about her latest album apart from the fact that it is easily one of or maybe THE best album of 2008. And yes, I do know that it is only January but that doesn’t matter. What matters is how fantastic this album is.
Her cover of the classic New York opens the album and immediately you are taken to another place. Whether it be the dark alleys of New York or the lonely streets of London or even Leeds- Chans voice takes you somewhere special and imaginative. Ol’ Blue Eyes definately isn’t turning in his grave at all.
Her voice hits you in the gut, not just your heart. It is full of emotion and emphasis so you can pick up on how important each word is. Juke box is an important album and you need it- there is not one bad song on this album and I reckon in a few years time it’ll be classed as a classic- just like all of her albums.

Fan favourite Metal Heart makes an appearence on Jukebox. The piano accompanies Chans voice perfectly, then the guitar and drums are introduced to create that wonderful bluesy sound which is Cat Power at her best. Chan is the best at what she does and it is fair to say that she has the best voice out there and if you beg to differ- BRING IT ON!

There is one song on the album that isn’t a cover. Song To Bobby is Chan’s personal tribute to Robert Zimmerman aka Bob Dylan. If I was Bob Dylan and I heard Cat Power had done a tribute song for me- I’d the most happiest and luckiest person in the world.

Aretha, Sing One For Me is out of this world. Quite possibly an album favourite for most, but the whole album is easy to love and treasure. If you’ve had a crap day or you just want to relax- then play Jukebox because it takes you to a place that no other artist can today.

A lot of singers and bands produce at least one weak, shitty album in their career, luckily Chan has never done this and I have firm belief that she never will.

Enjoy!