Author Archives: Olivia

FROTH.

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When your mind races and your body feels like it is seizing up, the only cure for this is to listen to music. Aside from cruel diseases, music is a cure. It eases loneliness, it drives away sadness, it can bring joy- it’s more than a cure. It’s everything. It can stop fear momentarily. There is something about it that can make you feel as if you can do anything. The ultimate high.

You find a band sometimes that instantly makes you wish that right now, you were elsewhere. In body you can be in one place, but in mind you are some place else. I suppose it gets messy when your heart gets involved, but I’ll try to avoid that for now. I suppose when you can escape in your mind well…it’s cheaper than an actual holiday. My body hasn’t felt right since I came back from Brussels; I am desperate to go back. Anyway, this is about music- not my desire to go back to Brussels.

Froth are a Los Angeles band that with first listen, you’re going to wish you lived in LA. Although, maybe it is the idea of LA that will lure you in. Froth have got a sound that is found in a lot of bands I love; a typical blissed out Psychedelic sound with 60s Girl Group harmonies. A real Garage Rock vibe is surrounding Froth’s music, and it is so easy to love them on first listen. It’s like seeing a cute puppy for the first time. What  love the most about Froth is that they don’t sound like a band that are around now. There’s a wave of nostalgia in their music that too, is found in a few bands that I am fans of. That’s another reason to love them. Their debut record came out last year (Patterns) and it’s probably one of the most underrated records of the year. Let’s not make the same mistake again. The whole point of making a mistake is to learn from them. Some mistakes are fun to keep on making, so I guess they aren’t really a mistake. There can be beauty in a fuck-up.

I’ve said it about a few bands before, but Froth make the kind of music I wish I could. Their sound is beautifully relaxed with a gorgeous Psychedelic glare. They’ve got a real DIY ethic, and if you’ve got a label like Lolipop Records and Burger Records putting your music out there, it is easy to see why. I’ve read some snippets about Froth, and I’ve read that their live show is something that needs to be seen; as you listen to their music it is easy to imagine what it would be like. Froth are a band for those who REALLY love music, and I’d imagine they would attract a passionate crowd to their shows.

As Summer is faced approaching, the pressure of heading to a beach can be a drag for those like myself who cannot (and will not) part with their black clothing and Docs. How am I supposed to relax when I feel like I am melting? Surely there are better places to hang out? Good luck if you’re in LA. But, I suppose you’d find some place better. My point is, if you dress like me (do people call you a scruff too?!) and you know what the Summer means, then just listen to Froth. Something about their music will make you feel less dreadful about imminent heatwaves galore! There’s only so long you can stay indoors before you totally lose it. Find a tree and just sit under it. Froth are a band that you can just shut off to; there is something really assuring about their music. You feel as if you’ve heard it before, but the truth is- you’ve not heard anything quite like it.

I may never get to visit LA, but I feel like I’m already there when I listen to Froth.

So, if you want some Summertime grooves or something to just soothe your soul, then give Froth a listen: http://froth.bandcamp.com

YOUNG BOYS.

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If a band can make your mind feel polluted and dirty like The Jesus And Mary Chain did, then you know you’ve found a band worth clinging onto. If a band can make you feel as if something is crawling in your brain and trying to get out, turning you into an angsty/irritated mess, then again you have found something to grip onto. Bands like this don’t happen often, especially now and I really should have written about this band a few years ago, but like a dumbass- I forgot. I forget a lot of things, so I’m sorry. I can make up for it now.

Young Boys are an incredible band from New York. Their lust filled, fuzzy songs are what my record collection pines for on a daily basis. They are the kind of band you want to see in a sleazy basement bar, and you leave you are covered in sweat that isn’t yours and you smell of drinks that never touched your trembling lips. Young Boys are the soundtrack to the most sadistic dreams and thoughts you have ever had. They allow you feel something truly dark, and they don’t make you feel bad for feeling it.

They are a band you can imagine that when you see them live, some form of riot will ensue. They are usually the best shows; when your body feels as if something or someone has smacked into it a dozen times and left you wanting more of this fuzzy stuff in your eyes and seeping out to your toes until you feel alive and totally wired. That’s when you know you’ve had a pleasurable outer-body experience. Young Boys thrust upon you decadent feelings and the ability to just launch your body into the nearest wall, just in search of a feeling. But what is in a feeling? If it feels good, someone is gong to tell you it is bad. You tell them to shut up and you play them something by Young Boys.

I’ve cared about Young Boys music for some time now, and I’ve made several attempts to write something about them but always deleted it and left it alone. I don’t understand why now at 10.15pm is the right time to unleash my feelings and thoughts towards their music, but it is better than not doing so.

Their debut record, New York Sun is the kind of record you play whilst walking through the city in the blistering heat. Sure you may hate everything around you, but the pieces of the city that you love- you keep close to you. You don’t want anyone to know of the things you hold sacred. So you go to the spot where you feel at ease, and watch the world pass you by as you listen to this record. That’s probably one of the best ways to enjoy it. Another way of enjoying this record is to play it really fucking loud and flail your limbs about- in private or public. Don’t be shy, just do whatever you want to do when you listen to this record. New York Sun is a record full of dark lust and obscure thoughts. It’s all kinds of perfect with hints of weirdness. Young Boys go to that place where you and others are too scared to go. Ode To Me is a punishment for those who have done wrong. I think it’s my favourite off their record, but I’m more than likely going to change my mind because New York Sun is a brilliant record. A brilliant debut record.

Anyone who talks about this band is going to insist that if you love that Scottish band with two brothers in it, then you will love Young Boys. That’s just a lazy observation and makes me really hate my kind (music journalists) I just wish they would dig a bit deeper or you know, just stop with comparing bands to other bands. Young Boys feel how a New York based band should. There’s this brilliant haunting vibe about them that makes you feel something massively creepy is waiting for you, but when you turn around you realise it is just your mind. So, if you love music that teeters with your mind and just freaks you out- then Young Boys are for you.

Throw on your battered (fake) leather jacket, head out into the sun and feel something strange yet beautiful.

Listen to their gorgeous and depraved sounds right here: http://youngboys.bandcamp.com

This handsome band are coming for your soul.

 

 

PONY TIME.

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Most will argue that Punk is dead. I suppose to an extent they are right, but sometimes you find something that still holds the value of Punk and stays true to the roots of it. One of the most disrespectful things to have come from any of this is the term, “Pop-Punk.” I’m pretty sure Joey Ramone would vomit upon hearing most of the bands associated with this ridiculous type of music. He’d probably shake his head at the sight of that singer from Paramore’s hair. It isn’t a stem of Punk at all, it’s truly awful. But, I suppose I’m in the minority of thinking this. And I’m fine with that.

But, like I mentioned, there are bands that have the roots of Punk about them. Pony Time are a brilliant duo from Seattle. One beats the shit out the drums, the others makes a lot of beautiful fuzzy noise. The vocals are cried out in a true Punk fashion and are meant for sweaty, intimate clubs for you to scream along to.

They’ve been making music for some time now, I thin they started back in 2009. I’m currently listening to the reverb fest that is Go Find Your Own. This record is made up of ear bleeding and skull shattering tunes that will shake up the soul. They’ve got an excellent eerie feel about their sound, as if it should be in some abandoned horror b-movie. Two people are making this sound; just two people. Sometimes you don’t need a gang behind you to make something as brilliant as this.

My attention span is questionable at times, and with their songs being around 2 minutes long- my attention isn’t swayed when I listen to them. They’re another band that make you wish you could pick up a guitar or play the drums, and make your own noise. Pony Time have got this amazing Garage Rock style about them; a true basement band that are playing with sheer determination to be heard. Pony Time are evidently a band that you cannot ignore. Or in my case, a band that I really cannot praise enough.

Their bandcamp page is full of records that you can stick on repeat until the early hours. If my neighbour starts being obnoxiously loud again, I’ll turn the volume up. Garage Rock will always beat shitty Dance music. Pony Time’s ferocious sound is enough to make you want to throw your body about in a non conventional and unapologetic fashion. They’re pretty much everything I want a band to be. They send you off on a glorious lucid trip as you lose yourself perfectly in their music. Music is the perfect thing to forget everything to. Sometimes we don’t want a daily reminder of how shitty things can be, so you stick your favourite record on and it is all okay for a while. That’s all you need sometimes.

Can Drink 100 Wine Coolers (for even the title alone) is probably my favourite Pony Time record. I guess it is because you get a real feel for a band with their first record. The three that I’ve listened to have all been a step up from the last, but still have that punchy feel about them. Pony Time are another band that reinforce my idea that duos are the best. They play a little bit harder and louder; Pony Time sound like a band that really come alive when you see them live. I have no idea if they have any plans to play the UK, but if they do- I hope they play a creepy and small venue for a handful of bodies to sweat and thrash about to furiously.

You can listen to Pony Time’s music here: http://pony-time.bandcamp.com

BAD GRAMMAR-Forced Fun.

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Everything sucks. But mainly because I’m no longer in Brussels. I went there on Saturday until Monday, and I had a delightful time- but people in Brussels aren’t fans of my kind. My kind being…vegetarians. Sorry about me and my lack of desire to eat a dead animal. It’s been 11 years nearly, I’m not going to change my ways. Luckily, I know the French word for “cheese” so I was alright. Brussels is a place I’d happily return to and stay there. I’ve decided it is now my favourite place, and every day I will dedicate 5 minutes to quietly sulk about the fact that I am not there. It’s worse when you’re unemployed isn’t it.

So I might as well write about a record that adds a bit of joy to my day now it is out.

Forced Fun by Bad Grammar is made up of a handful of songs that make you feel like you’re being satisfactorily beaten up. They leave you battered and bruised with their unapologetic and ferocious vocals; courtesy of Ben. Lucy’s drumming makes you pretty much disregard any other drummer you’ve ever heard. They’re the band that you need to listen to if you’re wanting to start your own band and make a racket. I really love the title of the EP. I think most of us can relate to being forced to enjoy ourselves. Hanging out with people who know someone you sort of recognise, if you squint slightly. Urgh..no thanks. Can I just stay at home with my books? I can’t? Fuck you, I can.

Forced Fun is the best EP of the year. Right next to it is the new Brown Brogues one, but I’ve already gushed about how awesome it is. Now it is Bad Grammar’s turn. A fine Mancunian band that no one could get bored of listening to. The EP opens with Stay Toned. Play it whilst you sweat it up at the gym. Just play Bad Grammar at the gym or go for a massive run whilst listening to them. Exercise to these wonderful tunes. Or you can stay at home and break stuff to it. Go for the latter; add some rebellion to your life.

Miley Serious is a delight of a song. It’s pun o’clock with this band. They’re bloody brilliant. See, I first heard about them when I saw them live and when the first time you hear about a band is at a live show, it kind of makes you love the band more than you would than if you heard them on record first. If you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand what I mean. I’ve just gone round the houses to try make my point again. The EP is about 15 minutes long (maybe a bit less) and as someone with a questionable attention span, I can safely say that this EP is just an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Weekend Dad is my favourite Bad Grammar song, and it’s my favourite of theirs to watch live. It’s under 3 minutes of sheer angst in the most glorious fashion. It’s the breakdown towards the end of the song that has a brilliant lo-fi/Garage Rock feel to it. Think early Wavves. Bad Grammar have made their own sound which is like nothing else, and I know so many people say this about other bands but you can always find some fault in their cheap declarations. I’m rarely right, but I think I am with this one. It’s a sound that you won’t find in piss ridden alleyways or arenas, or even lurking in your local. It’s a sound that has quite simply, come from two incredible musicians who deserve a wealth of success.

The EP ends with their new single, Temper Temper. The EP starts loud and ends loud. It is a riot for the ears that you cannot ignore. They’re playing The Old Blue Last on 29th April. It’s free; come on down! Their live shows are something else, and they have this infectious energy that is equally evident on record. In the past few months I’ve written about Bad Grammar a lot, but when you find a band you really believe in- why on earth should you shut up about them? I’m possibly repeating myself by stating how brilliant Ben and Lucy are.

So, I suppose all you can do is buy their EP from here: http://flatpackrecs.bigcartel.com/product/bad-grammar-forced-fun-pre-order Go on, treat yourself.

Buy it. Play it constantly and as loud as you like. Go see them live.

LOU REED- Sally Can’t Dance.

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“On a standard New York night
Ghouls go to see their so called stars.
A fairly stupid thing
To pay 5 bucks for a 4th rate imitators.”

 

I had this bright idea to go through every record by The Cure once and to write about them. I figured I’d do the same for Lou Reed, then realised it just wouldn’t work. I can’t dissect every solo record he made and figure out what they mean to me. It’d be boring for the poor sod who reads it, so I’ll spare them. I’ll go into a few records, the ones I know I can write about. I’ll start with Sally Can’t Dance because for reasons that aren’t too clear, it’s the only Lou Reed record I’ve been playing constantly for the past week or so. In fact, he’s the only person I really want to listen to. That’s not a bad thing, it’s perfectly fine with me.

Sally Can’t Dance is Lou’s fourth solo record and I’m pretty sure it is the first one that has no songs by The Velvet Underground on, and is also the first solo record of his to be recorded in America. It still has a typical Berlin feel to it though, he stays true to his weird and wonderful lyrics with a Funk based groove. The best thing about Lou Reed is that nothing in particular influenced. On some of his solo records you can get a Gospel feel coming through, elements of Disco and Glam Rock are in a lot of his songs. He took bits and pieces and created something truly inspirational.

Firstly I want to get into the song, Billy. The sax on it is ridiculous; it fits perfectly with Lou’s storytelling and stripped back feel to the song. It is the perfect. Billy shows just how perfect Lou’s writing was. He was a true storyteller; some fact, some fiction. You believed and hung onto his every word because it offered some kind of understanding in a cruel world. His songs have always had a flamboyant kick to it, and his strut on stage was a billion times more sassier than anyone elses. Maybe it was his blonde locks that brought this out of him.

Sally Can’t Dance is probably as flamboyant as Transformer. I know everyone says Transformer is probably his best solo record (I won’t dispute this ever) but it has seriously got some tough competition against Sally Can’t Dance. Sally Can’t Dance is everything a Rock record should be. It’s in your face, it is lyrically disturbing at times and more importantly, it’s a Lou Reed record. Lou Reed makes me wish I was born decades earlier so I could have experienced it all when it was happening. Imaging roaming the streets of New York, and this was what you and your pals were spending your days listening to. Instead, it is 2014 and I’m doing it alone because I don’t know anyone else who loves him. But I don’t mind, at least nobody is interrupting the music for me.

Lyrically, my favourite song from Sally Can’t Dance has to be Ennui. When Lou does bitter and angry, he does it better than most. He’s really digging into this person in such an unforgiving fashion; he’s really calling out this person. We all know of someone who is like this; they want people to fawn over them, they want everyone to love them and to be around them- but you really cannot see why anyone would give them the time of day. The most interesting people have nothing to say because they are watching. Conversation isn’t always needed, and silence is a beautiful thing. Not talking is wonderful.

The title track is a straight up sassy number. If it doesn’t make you want to flaunt whatever goods you are blessed with, then you’re probably listening to something else.  It starts off sounding like a Reggae number, and then just turns into this flamboyant sass-fest. You can’t get enough of it. The repeat button takes a right old bashing when you stick this record on. But the song isn’t about some girl named Sally that can’t dance. Read the lyrics- it is littered with references to drugs, rape and death. Painful topics that Lou exposed in a way no one else has ever done. Read the lyrics, and you’ll see it is a tale of what he was seeing. Quite possibly what New York was like back then. The song oozes wild bouts of depravity (I don’t mean this with reference to rape, I mean the decadent life that “Sally” led.) Maybe it’s about Edie Sedgwick, many have said that it is. Lou made you think, and that’s why I love him. One line from him could spiral your thoughts out of control then right back to a solid state of being. He even talks about his stay in a psychiatric hospital on Kill Your Sons, which is probably one of the most gut-wrenching songs I’ve heard by Lou. He had this way of really getting to the core of a feeling and exposing to you the truth of it all. Kill You Sons is all truth.

Sally Can’t Dance is a dark record. I’m not sure if it is Lou’s most sinister work, all I know is that a lot of the songs justify the common belief that he was pretty much, the best song writer of all time. He always made you feel like he was singing these songs to you- just you and him in a room. He was telling you these wild stories, and letting you in on the things he witnessed and the things he felt. He was a true wordsmith, and I think anyone that listens to him is often left wishing they could write something as captivating as he did. We can all do it, in our own way. Maybe we won’t show it to the world like Lou did, but the desire to do so is there. That’s powerful enough. Baby steps.

He can express the dark side of life in songs like Sally Can’t Dance, he can then reflect on a friendship in Billy and he can also be the most sarcastic of them all with songs like N.Y. Stars. N.Y. Stars is a nod to being bored with everything and everyone. The lack of depth in others has proven a way to be successful, but don’t buy into it. Listen to what Lou is saying here- don’t sell yourself short and don’t fucking dumb yourself down to please others. If you have to do that to keep people around, then please let them go and strike out on your own.

Sally Can’t Dance is a proper Rock & Roll record, what came after this was a record of feedback and beautiful noise. Were people ready for Metal Machine Music? I don’t know if the world ever was, but damn….it was glorious noise.

HAUNTED HEARTS-Initiation.

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How I’m supposed to not be biased when writing this review is beyond me. I’m unsure how to detach myself from the love I have for Crocodiles and Dum Dum Girls in order to write something that make sense. But, I’m not proper music publication so I guess I can say what I want and be as biased as I like.

Firstly, this record sounds NOTHING like I was expecting. It’s really really odd and it feels like David Bowie and Jason Pierce got it on, and made something truly mind-blowing. I mean, of course this record is going to be perfect you know? That’s because both front two of the best bands around (and most hardworking.) If you look at DDG and Crocs tour schedule, you’ll probably be left wondering when they have time to think let alone sleep. But you don’t get to be the greatest band around by sitting on your tush.

Initiation makes you feel like you’re in space and on acid. I’ve never been to space nor have I have ever dropped acid (or any other drug, but I don’t hold militant views.) Being sent the promo is pretty much the highlight of my week, and no doubt I will be playing this all the way to Brussels this weekend. It’s got a spacey European feel to it. It’s just an excellent record from start to finish.

It opens with the seductive Initiate Me; and I’m sure if the likes of Alfred de Musset, Baudelaire and the rascal that was, Marquis De Sade were still alive they’d probably be listening to this record and fully enjoying the seductive nature of this record. What is brilliant about the record is that, it sounds nothing like their own bands. Go into it blind and pretend you’ve never heard of either band to really get this record.

The record was made in the winter of 2012. All they had for company was themselves, books, Motown and Krautrock. Personally, I see nothing wrong with this. If anything it would be quite heavenly. There’s a lot of love, lust and desire on this record. It’s beautifully perverse at times, and if you can’t be decadent in your art then what is the point?

I really love Dee Dee’s voice on Love Incognito; her voice has a bit more bite to it than on a DDG record, but her distinctive sound remains throughout. She’s got the kind of voice you wish you had, she truly shines on this song. You can’t help but wish you witnessed some of the recordings of this record. Love Incognito is probably going to be the song that I’ll play to death before moving onto the final song, Bring Me Down.

Bring Me Down is a gentle love song that is just 5 and a half minutes of Brandon’s voice really getting to you. What I truly love about this record is the way their voices work together. If you go back to DDG’s debut, I Will Be you will hear just how divine their voices are together on Blank Girl (I hope they play this at their London show.) When Dee Dee’s voice comes in on Bring Me Down it adds a more angelic feel to it. Bring Me Down feels like a hymn for lovers, it is truly a gorgeous song and a perfect one to end this remarkable record on.

Up Is Up (But So Is Down) has got to be that Summertime song we all seek out. It’s got that sunset feel to it, as you head into the dusk with the sun blinding you less and less, and you become less stuck to your (fake) leather jacket. It’s just a stunning hazy track to dream to, you’ll have no problems with shutting the world off to this one. I love the way they sing, “She’s gonna love you until she’s dead.” A simple statement of romanticism.

Something That Feels Bad sounds totally different. It’s a fixed up version of what we heard last year, but still as gorgeous. I love the line, “You can tie me up if I can tie you down.” It’s the ultimate decadent love song. Why settle for typical and conventional when you can have something like this?

Initiation isn’t a record that’s going to just please fans of Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles, it’ll move those that really really love music and are bored of the mundane drivel that some outlets project to us. Everything about this record is just really strange and magical. It’s a love filled record which exploits all the things that I want a record to sound like. Initiation is a flawless work of art that you can tell was made with love and care.

I’ve failed at not being biased or putting aside my admiration for them both, but what’s the point in not writing like a fan? I can’t pull a record apart and tell you why it sucks. I can only tell you why I love it so. The alternative however, is if you buy the record for yourself on 27th May. You’ll probably get what I’m trying to say, maybe I’ll work out what I’m trying to say.

But here’s to Brandon and Dee Dee; a beautiful couple who have put out one of the year’s finest record.

CHEESUS CRUST RECORDS.

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“IN CRUST WE TRUST“

 

I’ve always wished I was the person who could express their ideas clearly and make them happen. I wish I was the kind of person who had started their own record label and backed a load of bands that just wanted to be heard. Instead, I just write words about them instead. Maybe one day I’ll get it together, but I’m 27- I’m pretty sure I’m just too old to do that sort of thing. But, I know it is better to try and fail miserably than to just not bother at all.

There are some labels which I use to find new music, and have backed for quite some time now. From Sacred Bones to Art Fag to Soft Power; they all offer something that I am just excited to hear. They all champion the weird and wonderful, something which the airwaves are really too keen on, but they will be one day. They are like a specialised radio show at unholy o’clock.

A couple years ago I wrote about a band called Beach Skulls who are a feel-good summertime kind of band. They’re everything I love about music, and all I look for in a band. They’re on a label that really back music like this and they are Cheesus Crust Records. They are the sunshine amongst the typical dull English weather. They’re a label that aren’t afraid to put out music that is weird and wired. They’re just bloody brilliant.

A DIY ethic approach to music is something which I think should always be praised. The bands/singers on CCR aren’t afraid to be different and to make music that some may turn their nose up at. Hell, most turned their noses up at Punk and look at how influential and vital it became. CCR have a solid line up on their label. Ivan The Intolerable has something about Mark E Smith about him and Beach Skulls just make me wish I was in a band. Beach Skulls were the first band to release anything on CCR, and they really are a band that have a defining sound about them.

CCR is just one guy from the North of England who is passionate about music, and at the moment are just putting releases out on cassette. The bands they have are equally as passionate as music- it’s sort of infectious in a way. The bands they have are super talented and you know there is no compromising going on in order for them to make their music. Something which larger labels should probably take note of.

CCR have listed many reasons as to why cassette is such an important way of hearing music; and of course much like vinyl- the sound on cassette is nothing like what you hear on CD or MP3. It has a beautiful sound to it, much like vinyl. Vinyl has the crackling, cassette has a similar distinctive sound. Timeless and powerful, like your favourite song.

Cheesus Crust Records are the label that you would want to go to put your music out. They back the bands that need to be heard, and know exactly how to get them heard.

You can listen to their back catalogue right here: http://cheesuscrustrecords.bandcamp.com

 

*Artwork by Sian http://sianmorrell.tumblr.com/

THE VELVET UNDERGROUND-Loaded.

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“Oh, I do believe
If you don’t like things you leave
For some place you’ve never gone before.”

 

All I want to do is listen to Lou Reed. All I want to do is listen to him so much it stops his death being true. A stranger’s death should not do this to me or anyone. But it has, and if I could make sense of why my brain is thinking this way and transporting it down to my heart, then I’d be really thankful of that. I’d like some understanding, but I know I’m not going to get anywhere with it. So all I can do is listen to his voice in any way that I can. Just to take in his words and to get some understanding from it all.

The past few days I’ve gone back to listening to Loaded. I always thought their first record was the one I adored the most, I really thought I had made a solid decision for once. But hey, I was wrong. I’m alright with that.

For me, Loaded is something else. There’s something about that record which is stronger than the others. Maybe it is stronger because there is no way you can tell that this band were once influenced by Andy Warhol. Sure the songs are more accessible than the likes of Heroin or Venus In Furs (but don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like those songs, or VU in general.) Loaded is full of songs that make you move in the most sassy way possible. Lou’s voice just makes you strut in the most flamboyant way possible. He embraced everything that is deemed as “weird” but on Loaded it seems more tame. For some, this may be shying away from all the Velvets were, but you must remember that they were a band that were ahead of their time. No one has ever come close to what they did, and still manage to do even though….well, you know.

Who Loves The Sun is a heartbreaking but beautiful sang by Doug Yule. Nothing matters once you’ve had your heart ripped out. No other songs sums it up more than Who Loves The Sun. However for me, the song that really does it for me is Rock & Roll. Rock & Roll sums up perfectly what it is like to fall in love with a song, and to then fall for the band behind it. It conjures up memories of falling in love with your favourite band(s) all over again as you listen to it. When I hear it, I just think about staring at that poster of Lou Reed and of Nick Cave on my uncle’s bedroom wall when I was about 3 or 4. I remember being in awe of them both, little did I know what would happen about 10 years later. I always think “Her life was saved by Rock & Roll” to be one of the most accurate lyrics ever written. I guess it’s probably because I feel it was written for me, I’m sure others feel exactly the same when they hear it.

I adore Lou’s vocals on this record. When he goes high and love on Cool It Down, and does something really gnarly with his voice on it. I think this just shows how brilliant he was as a vocalist. Sometimes he sounded bored on some songs, and that’s what lured you in. You wanted to see it all like he did, but obviously for the most part his voice just took you over with how sincere it was. His lyrics are a guide for life, and on Loaded it shows just how to have fun and to embrace every little thing that you can.

Loaded is a record that is pretty much taking over my mind at the moment. It’s the only thing I want to constantly listen to, and you know it has the greatest love song on it, right? I Found A Reason is a hopeful love song- especially if you’re hopeless like myself. I just love everything about it. I love the innocence to it, and in some respects you can say this about a few songs Lou Reed wrote (both with the Velvets and solo.) His innocent and vulnerable way with words just showcases how much of a genius he was, and his words are what he will always be remembered for. I Found A Reason is that one song that just captures everything love is. It doesn’t have to be in a romantic sense, if you don’t want it to be. It can be about finding a friend that finally gets you. Or maybe the whole song is a few minutes of irony, who knows.  But dear reader, if you happen to find a friend who really gets you. Like really fucking gets you, and doesn’t mind that 3am phone call when your brain won’t turn off- then please hold onto them. Even if you have a weak grip. They will probably turn out to be the best pal you ever had, and you went about everything in the wrong way. Because that is what you do.

Loaded is a proper Rock & Roll record. They’ve got the riffs that make you wish you could play the guitar, they’ve got the songs that just move you- in body and mind. It’s a fantastic record that I still think isn’t given as much attention as it rightfully needs. I’m all for people saying that the Velvets first record was a stroke of genius, because it really is. But the thing is with Loaded, it is a record full of hidden beautiful moments that you pick up on when you have it playing over and over. I don’t know if it is actually possible to pick a favourite record by them and to stick with it. Maybe next week I’ll go back to declaring their self-titled record as their best work, but that just shows how brilliant The Velvet Underground were. Every record sounds different and is a step up from the last.

For me, I’ll always regard Lou and Mo Tucker to be two of the best at what they did..do..did. I’m not sure what tense to use anymore because the past tense just doesn’t sit right with me. Mo’s relaxed (yet furious when needed) drumming really fits with Lou’s soothing voice. If it was just those two making music, I still have every bit of confidence that they would have been the best band ever. When you listen to the music they made with each other, you can hear how they brought out the best in each other.

If you’ve got this far, I hope it makes you go and play Loaded in full. It’s just a romantic and perfect record. It is timeless and the lyrics are full of beauty. I just really miss Lou.

HAUNTED HEARTS-Johnny Jupiter.

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FINALLY Dee Dee and Brandon have released the video to Johnny Jupiter. It will leave you wanting a silver leather jacket (fake one though, harming animals is disgusting) and it will also make you feel as if you’ve taken something. The video is directed by the super talented Scott Kiernan.

The video to Johnny Jupiter makes you feel as if you’re on some wonderful lucid trip. Music is that powerful, and please shun anyone who doesn’t agree with that. Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t love music.  Johnny Jupiter is taken from their record, Initiation which is out on cassette via Dream Recordings and via their own label Zoo Music on 27th May. Zoo Music is responsible for some amazing releases, so after you’ve pre-ordered it via iTunes (you also get Johnny Jupiter immediately when you do this), you should probably head over to the Zoo Music website and pick up some other records. Treat yourself.

Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles are doing a few shows together in the UK at the start of May, and Crocodiles are doing their own tour mid-May. I’ll be seeing them 3 times in the space of 2 or 3 weeks. If I had the funds, I’d probably do the whole tour but the universe hates me at the moment.

Last year they put out Something That Feels Bad Is Something That Feels Bad, I got myself a copy. I’ve only played it two or three times. I don’t want to ruin it. Fortunately that is going to appear on the record, and the track-listing for Initiation is as follows:

01 Initiate Me
02 Up Is Up (But So Is Down)
03 Something That Feels Bad Is Something That Feels Good
04 Johnny Jupiter
05 House of Lords
06 Love Incognito
07 Strange Intentions
08 Bring Me Down

I think they’ve already put out Initiate Me and House Of Lords for streaming; I’m sure I’ve heard them?! Either way, I’m going to put this record right next to Too True by Dum Dum Girls as records of the year. Morrissey can go as my number 3 when it comes out. No other records are going to matter this year really.

Watch the video to Johnny Jupiter, and allow yourself to be sucked into this decadent and mysterious psychedelic underworld courtesy of Brandon and Dee Dee.

GIRL TEARS-Candy Darling.

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Girl Tears are pretty much the only band from LA that you need to be listening to (oh and Roses too, listen to them.) Girl Tears make short, aggressive songs that make you hit that repeat button as many times as you desire. They’ve got the attitude of Punk secured perfectly.

Candy Darling is taken from their addictive debut, Tension which is out now on Lolipop Records. The trio are now back at home after hitting SXSW with their unapologetically ferocious songs in the blistering heat.

Girl Tears make you wish you had some musical talent. They’re songs last about a minute, and it sounds just right. Others may struggle to do this, but it’s no thing for Girl Tears. I just really love their sound. It’s rough, distorted and enough to burst your eardrums if you play it at the right level.

Check the new video:

I just wish I had the money to bring these guys to the UK because there are some dark, sweaty, intimate venues that need their sounds to vibrate the floor and to cause some kind of riot. Can someone make this happen please?!