Any band that use Arsenal’s finest, Dennis Bergkamp on their Soundcloud page are heroes in my mind. He was clearly one of the best football players in English football during the 90s, along with Colin Hendry (Blackburn Rovers finest, always.) Anyway, my love for football when I was very young was borderline obsessive. Something else took over; for the best I reckon.
The Graftham Water Sailing Club are back with an eerie song that is obviously brilliant, because if it was toss; I wouldn’t write about it. Truly one of the best bands that are in the West Midlands for sure. Kappa Kappa is like their other tracks- haunting and powerful. That’s their thing. Hypnotic and utterly creepy vocals. Think of The Cure circa Seventeen Seconds. I compare most things in life to two records. That one and Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain. If a band or song makes me feel like either/both those records do, then I know I have found something to blissfully and carelessly love.
Also, the enthralling bass-line is captive much like Krimson by Warpaint or say, Lost A Girl by New Young Pony Club. Mix this with the chant like drums, and you have something remarkable.
Kappa Kappa is one of those songs that will take you over in a sinister way; but don’t let that put you off. Some of the best songs ever written have this feel to it, so don’t hide from it. With Christmas approaching (I know, it is shit) ignore those songs with bells jingling and go for the songs that are going to be a menace to your ears, steadily luring you into the unknown.
So go forth and be lured. Devour yourself in something so eerie and divine : https://soundcloud.com/xtxgxwxsxcx/kappa-kappa
We glorify those who do not need it. From footballers that are paid too much money for running up and down for 90 minutes to someone standing in a kitchen on telly for half an hour telling us how to cook the perfect roast potato. Nothing is perfect, so it is wasted watching. We fall for it because it is constantly rammed down our necks. Then we have things such as X-Factor which again, glorifies rubbish. Chances (and money) are wasted on those no one will care about in 12 months time, and that is being kind. Or they become another gimmick that we can do without. Where is the raw talent? Where is the drive? Where is the passion? I’m about to tell you.
Start of 2010 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, if you’ve read anything I’ve written before then you know. It doesn’t need talking about in detail again. She did a fashion show in aid of cancer charities in October last year. I flew over to see her as a surprise, and was greeted with a “OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!!??” I watched her and the others, in awe of their strength and determination to not let some bastarding wanker of a disease ruin them and stop them from living their lives.
I remember going home that evening and my mum telling me about one person in particular that was there. A singer by the name of Kath. I remember her walking up and down the catwalk and mouthing the words to the songs with her daughter by her side. This would have melted the hardest of hearts; it was a beacon of hope and a symbol of courage and also, determination.
I have seen Kath sing a few times with my mum, and every single time I am reduced to a bawling mess. A voice like hers, a personality like hers deserves to be heard and seen by all. This lady goes beyond being inspiring. She’s on a different level altogether. People like her are so so rare, and their fight is something that you cannot help but admire.
When she covers songs, she does what only the best do; she makes it her own. She makes you believe that she wrote the song. One song in particular is her version of Smile. As I’m far too sensitive for my own liking, it does the opposite- it makes me cry. Like a baby. However, it is truly one of the most ethereal things I have ever heard. She makes you believe that she wrote the song, or maybe the song was written for Kath. Maybe she was destined to find this song and just make it her own. Her angelic voice makes you connect with the lyrics more than you could ever imagine connecting to a song.
Recently she went to Abbey Road Studios and recorded a stunning version of the song with the London Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. It is stripped so bare that, as clichéd as it sounds- all you can do when you listen to it is just smile. Smile because someone so wonderful lived out a dream. Smile because although this person is going through hell, they have created something so beautiful. It goes beyond words. I know I dislike the Isle Of Man, but seeing everyone come together for such a brilliant cause is just, well, it leaves you in awe basically. That’s all there is to it.
You can download the song(s) here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/smile/id586584142?i=586584570
And here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smile/dp/B00AMVZDRM
If you have Facebook, you can join the event page here also: https://www.facebook.com/events/517206194971048/
As of Wednesday, I’ve been told HMV on the Isle Of Man will be selling the single. As I have a Christmas job there, I will be forcing as many people as I can to buy it. If they don’t? Well, what kind of person would they be to refuse.
I don’t download music at all, but I urge you to download this song from the above links and bombard everyone you can think of to do the same. It is for a cause that sadly too many of us can relate to. Besides, it’s about time a Christmas Number 1 had meaning.
Why do the things you ought to when you can be distracted by something else. Something much more pleasurable, it’s just finding it I guess. Naps are good. I went to my room to read earlier, turned out I needed to sleep much more than I needed to nap. There’s no point to this, I’m just rambling on. Because I can; so I do.
Do you dislike modern life? Modern music? Is everything dragging you down? It is a chore isn’t it. I understand, I really do. I’ll make it a tad easier. Here’s a new band that make you feel like you are watching The Gruesomes and Count Five back in 60-something. You okay with that? Good.
Lunatics On Pogosticks not only have an awesome name, but the music they make is going to blow your mind. If you don’t understand or dig garage rock, then you’re missing out. There’s a chunk of you missing out on something just brilliant.
These ruffians from Australia make pure garage rock with this obscure lo-fi feel to it. Yeah yeah, you’ve heard it all before. I know. Except, this time you haven’t. This is different. Yeah, and I know you’ve heard words like this before; but I only back bands I believe in (I’m no John Peel or Lester Bangs, but I wouldn’t sit here and write about something I hated would I.) Lunatics On Pogosticks make music that sends your mind wild and your body into a convulsion like no other. You don’t recover from this, you just go deeper into it by the day. It’s like a sickening form of romance. But this is good for you, and won’t make you throw up. Not like romance does. That’s a different subject matter.
Maggie Cassidy is a gentle ode that you simply must hear. It’s so innocent and pure. Not a typical love song, which is why it is enjoyable. So far I think my favourite is Grief and Noise. Both tracks are taken from their most recent release, Medicine For Da ‘illin which was released 20th October.
Their self-titled EP is louder. More brutal than their latest release, which is probably why I’ve taken to it instantly. It’s much more fuzzy, whereas Medicine is bit more blissed out. Medicine is the longing for the summertime surrounded by friends. The self titled EP is the seclusion and desire to hibernate. I like the summer, but I like hiding out for a while. Both have instantly earned a firm place in my heart.
Bands like this make me excited about music. And as a grumpy bugger, this is something I always search for. Songs like You’re Only A Rebel From The Waist Downwards are just so fucking GOOD. A real, raw basement band that deserve your time. Or maybe you deserve their time. You’ve earned it; you’ve been waiting long enough.
Well into adulthood, you’d think by now I’d understand more and just be more certain. I’m indecisive and I don’t care. I’d rather sit in silence with a book than anything else. I really like the quiet. However there are some sounds that please me. One being the voice of Morrissey. I know I bang on about my love for him, but it’s a love that is ever-growing. A love that goes beyond being love. It is based on an understanding. An understanding that only Morrissey fans can understand. I know a fan is a fan regardless, but I mean the fans that have saved up to see him in the middle of nowhere or have cried in the foetal position whilst listening to I’ll Never Be Anybody’s Hero Now. Or have used Bona Drag as a crutch. Or trust in every word written on Viva Hate.
When I have my daily dose of “I hate my reflection” I think of a Morrissey song to drag me through the day. My thoughts consist of things such as “If I was a dog, what kind of bark would I have?” or a Morrissey lyric. My vacant stares are due to me being preoccupied with daft thoughts, but I am harming no one. I am troubling no one. I have these strange bouts where I just have to write about Morrissey. Of course I listen to him everyday, I just have to. I cannot explain why, but I just have to.
You are born to be some things. You are born into some things. I was born into being a Morrissey fan. I remember hearing the haunting sounds of Johnny Marr’s guitar at an extremely young age, but not really caring for it. I was more interested in the man flailing about on stage with some flowers in his back pocket. Obviously The Smiths split up before I was born, sort of. But I remember seeing an old clip on TV once, and hearing John Peel play a session that The Smiths did for him. Yet, when I heard his solo stuff that was it. I think it was November Spawned A Monster (apt I know) and seeing him thrust about and using a bar of chocolate as a musical instrument just left me in awe. Since that day, I have been in awe of him. Like I said, it goes beyond being love.
I don’t know how I feel about the concept of role models, I really don’t. I believe you should be the one who guides you. Yet we all need help don’t we. Morrissey’s words to me are like what a religious person uses their chosen religious book for; guidance. I have wept to Ringleaders Of The Tormentors more times than I can count. Everyday Is Like Sunday sums up where I sadly live. Suedehead oozes the disdain I feel towards some. To Me You Are A Work Of Art makes me think of the one I am most fond of. Basically, he’s the root connection to most things.
I first saw him live in 2009. First heartbreak, endured a 5 hour train journey to Stirling in Scotland with my mum to see him. The curtain fell and he walked on stage. Tears fell. Proper tears as if someone had told me the worst news possible. They were tears of joy. They were tears of finally seeing the person who saved my life right before me. I’ve seen him four times, and every single time I have seen him the tears started at the same time. Butterflies erupt in my tummy and tears begin to fall as David Johansen (New York Dolls) on the projector screen appears as I know as soon as he finishes, my hero is about to walk onto the stage and save my life once more. There’s consistency, then there’s Morrissey.
Of course I get defensive when someone slags him off, it’s like protecting a family member isn’t it. You don’t take too kindly when someone says ill words about someone who is your true beacon of hope. Yet, if everyone loved him I’d probably be annoyed (as would he I imagine!) When I hear “Oh he is so dull.” It does make me annoyed because if you want dull, I suggest you play Radio 1. That’ll present you with enough dullness to make you sick and shudder at the thought of ever turning your faithful wireless on again.
I Have Forgiven Jesus is a song I frequently turn to. I’m not religious, it is just the words. “Why did you stick me in self-deprecating bones andskin?”If I was ever asked what lyric sums me up, that’d be the one I’d quote. Easily. So true, after all these years and all the songs I have ever heard and will ever hear; this is the line that is etched upon my heart and lodged into my mind more than others. Then again, most of Speedway sums up everything. I guess it depends on the day. Maybe I’d shrug it off and just quote something by Girls Aloud.
I’ve been asked many times, “What would you do if you met Morrissey?” I have no idea. Of course I’d like to think I’d be okay and not cry. Truth be told, I’d probably bawl and just ask for a hug. I’d simply say his songs are my life and just thank him. He’s done so much that words just do not offer enough. Then of course, he’d shyly smile and it’d be awkward in the most delicate way possible.
The world is full of things and people who will test you and push you. The world is made to cause issues and to solve them. People will tell you that you are wrong. Based on life choices and way of living. A swift middle finger salute to them is more than they deserve. Then quote Alma Matters at them; that’ll shut them up.
For those snow filled days or wasted summer days, there is a Morrissey song to sum it up. The love, lust, losses and gains; he’s got a song for it all and then some.
I have written so many words about him and I will never feel they are enough. This is just another outburst of love for the one person who saved me. I’m not sure what he saved me from. Or maybe I am and just don’t feel the need to get THAT personal. I’m not sure. All I know is that he reinforced my love for words. I may never ever get paid to write. And maybe if I was to get paid, it’d ruin my love for it. I’d rather have nothing than be unhappy. It’s better to be without the things that can ruin us. Music saves. Music is everything. As is Morrissey to me (and to others of course.)
This won’t make sense to anyone that isn’t a Morrissey fan, but that’s okay. It was just an outburst of love, as ever.
The best email I’ve received in a long time reads as follows :
“My mum fucking loves my music. She’s never listened to it though. But she loves me. Why am I telling you this? You wouldn’t care at all. It’s 12.30 am on a Monday, I should be in bed. This gum has lost its flavour.”
Short and to the point. Much like his music. Bowl Cut aka Curtis makes really short songs that frustrate you because they are really fucking incredible, but far too short. Short and bold. Like a dominating ninja. Not sure if that’s even possible. He possess the brave style of the Ramones mixed with the summer feel of Wavves. Basically, he’s bloody amazing.
He’s covered Kylie (Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, excellent cover) and his song, Ecstasy wonderfully reminds you of Last Nite by The Strokes. Curtis is only 17 years old, and he makes music that some artists older than him..well, they fail to make anything as great as this.
Australia is home to many fascinating musicians from Nick Cave to Royal Chant. And now, Bowl Cut. Bowl cuts aren’t good haircuts are they. But, this lad is a great musician. If this is the kind of music that is made out of boredom, then I hope Curtis stays bored for a while. Being young and bored is better than old and bored. At least when you’re young, you can get out. Then again, you can probably escape anytime. It’s just, not many know that do they? They’d much rather be trapped.
He’s got a couple of EPs up on his bandcamp page. Anti-Everything (good title) and Neighbours, which you can listen to here: http://holybowlcut.bandcamp.com/
If you’ve got a good set of ears on you, you too will currently be hating all these Christmas songs that we are plagued with. So go listen to some noisy and passionate sounds. Go listen to Bowl Cut.
Need a new band? Here’s a bloody good one. Jacques Caramac & The Sweet Generation. Brilliant name, brilliant band. From London, Scotland and France. They’re obviously going to be wonderful aren’t they? Of course.
They’ve got a song that I have heard on Marc Riley’s show on 6Music. I always trust Marc’s judgement, and he only plays amazing music. But there was something about Jacques Caramac that stood out for me. I’ve been seeking out a lot of new bands recently, but these guys just have something that is above the others. I hate the word “fun” it’s on a par with “nice.” Dull words with no meaning. And the word “good” just doesn’t do them justice. I love them because they’re like an accessible version of The Fall. Now, The Fall aren’t to everyone’s taste (personally, I love them.) Their jaunty sounds and accent filled vocals (I mean you can understand the vocals) means you just connect instantly.
With such a sweet name (sorry) their music is far from sickly. You can indulge in their music over and over without feeling like you are going to be sick, that’s always a good thing. This is just proper good music that deserves to be massive. The songs need to be chanted back at them. Which you can do so on the 9th January when they play Hoxton Bar & Kitchen in London. You should get yourself down there, free pick ‘n’ mix on the door (not really..I just made that up. But you should still get yourself down there and see them.)
Their debut record is set to be released in April next year, it’ll probably be one of the best things you hear.
Of all the press releases I’ve ever read, I think this piece from theirs is my favourite I’ve read in a long time :
“JC & TSG have now finished recording their debut album (due April 2013), all about searching for a place where life is sweet. Full of songs that are simultaneously buoyant and bitter, and they’ll get you higher than a Kendal mint cake.”
If that doesn’t turn you on, then I have no idea what will.
Basically, if you’re a massive fan of The Fall and Velvet Underground then not only do you have excellent music taste, but you should (hopefully) love Jacques Caramac & The Sweet Generation.
It Takes All Sorts (split with Cadbury’s Voltaire) is out on Everyday Life Recordings.
Today was just another boring day. Then I came home from work and discovered that my favourites, Dee Dee (Dum Dum Girls) and Brandon’s(Crocodiles) single as Haunted Hearts was floating around on the internet. I’m having a moment listening to this. And by that I mean I am currently glad I am not deaf, or dead. This is truly brilliant. And I’m going to try tell you why.
It doesn’t take a genius to realise how important Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles have been to me over the past few years. Crocodiles debut record dragged me through some shit times when it came out. Dum Dum Girls bring out the vulnerable side that isn’t so bad. Both bands have songs that ooze out any love and any frustrations you may carry around. When I hear No Black Clouds For Dee Dee I just automatically think of my girlfriend. When I hear Coming Down, I feel less shit about whatever I see. Although I’m 26, both bands are helping with the pain of growing up.
Brandon and Dee Dee are evidently the best couple in music. You don’t need to have a brain like Einstein to know how much they adore and love each other, just listen to their songs. So when they make music together, the love is still going to be there, right? Of course.
I cannot tell you enough how excited I am about them making music together as Haunted Hearts. I really can’t. Imagine if they toured together and brought it to the UK. I am writing that in the hopes they see this, and do it. It’d be like that time I saw Morrissey for the first time and felt life make sense for once.
Brandon’s vocals are caressed gently by Dee Dee, which are both hypnotically intertwined which just catapults you into a state of bliss, and of course ; love. The way they sing “tie me up” and “tie me down” is just so utterly divine.
There are so many things I could say about this song, but all you need to know for now is that it pours out the purest sense of devotion. Devotion in a way that most wouldn’t understand. Music is the foundation and glue to most of the best things in life. This is a beautiful moment in music, and I honestly cannot wait for the record. I think I’m going to just be a recluse for a while when it comes out. Just to deal with how beautiful it is going to be.
You’ve obviously heard Blank Girl by Dum Dum Girls and Brandon, right? It’s on the I Will Be record, and that again just shows how they make such beautiful music together. Not forgetting their Christmas song, Merry Christmas Baby (Please Don’t Die.)
The single is out on the 5th February on their label, Zoo Music. Which although is a bit after Valentine’s, would still make a good present (that’s a hint..a massive hint.)
I feel I should give you 5 reasons as to why this song is nothing short of perfection, so here it goes :
Their vocals together is like a dream. You know how some things in life are just meant to be? Well, that’s the case here. This had to happen, sure it took a while. But it’s happened. Proof that you’ve got to wait it out, and the good will come. So yeah, the vocals are stunning.
The guitar makes you feel like you’re on a trip. You’re floating off into the sun with the one you love with you and nothing really matters. And why should it, when you have the one you adore with you. It warms your bones.
You can keep hitting repeat and you find different things to fall in love with. I’m on my tenth listen I think. I don’t plan on stopping until it’s time to go to bed.
It’s an unconventional love song, and they are ALWAYS the best kind.
It makes you want to write your own masterpiece and dedicate it to the one you adore.
So there you have it. Another ramble as to why I love a song more than I love some things. I don’t care. This has brightened up my dull Monday. I know most are going to say this songs sounds a bit like The Jesus And Mary Chain, but to be honest it sounds like two people who are in love, making incredible music. And guess what? That’s exactly what it is!
The darkness is better than daytime. I don’t really like daylight. I don’t like things shining brightly in my eyes, yet I hate sunglasses and in the summer, I just squint and go partially blind. My eyesight is awful at the best of times. It makes everything much more interesting. Sometimes.
My thing about the dark, is for a while (when I was a child) I was terrified of it. Then I grew out of it, and it became something that didn’t trouble me anymore. I don’t mind it getting dark at 4pm, it doesn’t bother me. I think I enjoy it more than still seeing everything clearly at 8pm you know? Sure the summer is nice, but I just like the dark. I like listening to certain bands when everything is dark; inside and out. For example, I cannot walk about in the daytime listening to Burial. It has to be dark out. I have to either be on the bus home or just lying in complete darkness. The music he makes creates something in your mind like no other. Seventeen Seconds by The Cure (their best record) is not a record I can listen to during the daytime either. It has to be pitch black, just to get the true and tense atmosphere of the record.
I can listen to the likes of Beach House, Warpaint, Morrissey, Captain Beefheart anytime. It doesn’t have to be light or dark. It can be anytime at all. Warpaint aren’t a band I feel I can sit and listen to with anyone else around. Maybe because if the person didn’t like them or get it, I’d be a bit (a lot) distraught. Aside from Stars, I can listen to Warpaint anytime.
Nick Cave, I can listen to him constantly. Grinderman, The Bad Seeds, The Birthday Party. Any of it, all of it at anytime. Much like Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. Most get lonely at night, but when you listen to certain songs you can feel lonely right there and then. Or maybe, you feel less alone. Music is such a powerful thing, and it can take you anywhere. It goes with you everywhere. I go to music before I go to a person. It is like a reference point or something. I’m not sure. This is so so badly written, and maybe I should say sorry. But I cannot say sorry if I am not. Do what you want.
The night-time is the perfect time to fix everything. Some fuck things up at night-time. You can do both. In whatever order you wish to do so. No one’s going to judge. And if they do? Whatever. Who cares. See, the night-time can also make you rant can’t it. Or maybe that’s just me.
I seem to be growing tired of writing. I have no idea why I do it. It’s not like any good comes from it, or anyone sees it or whatever. I do it, I suppose because a small part of me thinks I must. I probably shouldn’t. I’ll drag the writing about a bit longer. We can only go so far.
As it’s dark outside, thankfully; maybe these songs will indulge you in it a bit more.
So any band that has a song called, Can You Really Trust A Man Who Thinks Matt Damon’s Really Cool? must be special, right? Of course.
I’ve got a thing for Scottish musicians. It all started when I was 10 years old in 1996 and I saw Shirley Manson on my TV screen. I was hooked and obsessed. I still feel the same. I also feel the same way about The Jesus And Mary Chain and Camera Obscura. I don’t know how to just simply love music. It becomes part of me, and takes over my life. I can control it. For now. Thing is, if it spirals out of control, I won’t exactly care.
So, The Spook School. Again, another bloody brilliant band that arte releasing something through Soft Power Records. They’ve got a delightful 5 track EP coming out soon called I Don’t Know, You Don’t Know, We All Don’t Know The Spook School. Try saying that after a few glasses of whiskey.
What I was immediately drawn to was how delicate their vocals are. Sort of like The Moldy Peaches (I firmly believe everyone needs to experience Adam Green live.)
Take the song, Something. It is just under 2 minutes and it oozes so much sadness and vulnerability. Then you have songs such as I Don’t Know that are so bold. They have a unique way of luring you in. I’m not going to try to lob them into some genre because they go beyond that. All good music goes beyond being just another name to throw about in certain genres. I cannot find a word, there are no words. They make heartbreaking, beautiful music. They have the sadness (Something) of Camera Obscura and the innocence of someone who has never watched one of those dodgy films on BBC2 late on a Saturday night. You know the kind that I mean.
In short, and obviously it takes me a while to get there because I’m fond of a ramble, The Spook School are one of Scotland’s finest and for the life of me, I don’t get why they are currently unsigned. You know what, FUCK YOU X-FACTOR for polluting the masses with utter tripe. Shove it. I’m backing the underdog, at least I can believe in them.
That’s all there is to it really. That label are responsible for a lot of great music this year, so here’s another band that are nothing short of brilliant.
HUNK are another fine Irish band. They are three wonderful souls from Dublin that make a lot of noise. Except the noise creeps up on you. You see one of their songs, Hold Out starts quite tame. Then suddenly, not even halfway through, it just smashes you in the face. It takes you by surprise. So what you have to do is go back to the start again just to appreciate it- shock free of course. You wait for that drop to kick in just before it gets you right in the chops. It’s bloody wonderful, and from then on..well, that’s it really. Everything you knew before is suitably wank and this is all you need. Basically. I know I should be more “polite” with my words or whatever, but I had no idea. I just didn’t. And the word “wank” is a strong word to use to describe things isn’t it? I’ll stop before this goes somewhere I don’t want it to.
Dupe is another song by them that makes you want to dance. Now, excuse me, but when I say “dance” I do mean flail your gorgeous limbs about and just hope for the best. Be careful who you hit in the face. You may end up just hitting yourself. I’ve done that a few times. I don’t really dance. I like to sit and listen. I’m good at sitting and listening.
Their debut cassette is out on the 17th December through of course, the wonderful Soft Power Records.
Beat In My Bones. 