Category Archives: Uncategorized

Kaki King.

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…Until We Felt Red is one of the most underrated albums of the past shall we say…decade? Kaki King is one fantastic artist. Not just singing wise (which is used more on her 3rd album) but a brilliant guitarist.

…Until We Felt Red was created all by herself and her own money, and it’s not just an album. It is a work of art that needs to be admired and adored. Kaki King has toured with Tegan & Sara. Her sound is distinctive and her own. You quite simply cannot compare Kaki King to anyone else out there. She is doing her own thing and she is doing it well.

…Until We Felt Red is her 3rd album, and with every album she seems to get better and better.

Music And Gender.

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I write for a new UK based music magazine called Freeq. It launched a few days ago, here’s my article : 

Ladies and gentlemen and all in between, in the next 1000+ words I am going to take you through a journey on gender and that beautiful thing called music. Regardless of the genre you’re into gender plays a role in it..somehow.For years it seems males have had it easy in music whereas females have had to struggle a fair amount.

If a male artist decides to be half naked in a music video, he is seen as some kind of “sex god.” However if a female does it she’s called all names under the sun! Regardless, being half naked will help you sell a few records and if you lose your mind in the process- you’ll probably sell some more.

One of the most important breakthroughs in music is the Riot Grrrrl (girl) Movement which started back in the good ol’ 1990s in America. Bikini Kill and Bratmobile pretty much laid the foundations of this DIY work ethic for female bands. It is evident in bands that are still waving the flag for females today such as Gossip, Erase Errata and Mika Miko. These bands (amongst others) manage to keep a loyal fan base without selling out. Compare their record sales to the Spice Girls or Girls Aloud and it’ll become evident as to why the latter sell more.

The Spice Girls brought the idea of “girl power” with them when they kicked up a fuss in the music industry back in the late 1990s. They were talking about empowering females yet were dressed like hussies, hypocrisy much? The term “girl power” actually came from a Welsh band named Helen Love but was made popular by teen duo Shampoo. The notion of “girl power” between the three bands seems to be quite difficult.

The idea of it all seems to have somewhat died, and let’s be honest now- it’s how it was going to end up. The mixed messages sent can only cause confusion, I mean, surely wearing a Union Jack excuse for a dress and holding up the peace sign whilst shouting “GIRL POWER!!!” is not going to empower females, if anything it will cause embarrassment.In rap music some are under the misconception that women have no chance of being successful within that genre, but there have been a fair amount from the 80s to now that are just as good as the guys.

The most well known female rapper is Lil’ Kim and is the only female rapper to have ever been awarded 5 mics for an album review in The Source Magazine. Although she wears next to nothing, she has influenced a vast majority of female rappers that are around today with her message which pretty much reads as, “whatever the guys can do- I can do just as well” and fair play to her.Rap music is heavily dominated by men, but on the business side Missy Elliott is one to be respected. She has written and produced classic tracks for herself, Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, and Mary J Blige to name but a few. She is also the only female rapper to have six albums certified as platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Will there ever be another female rapper to have achieved that? Let’s hope so because there are loads out there with an insane amount of talent.

Within R&B there are a whole bunch of successful and powerful females, from Aretha to Alicia Keys- this is the one genre that seems to be the most welcoming towards successful women- or just women in general. The Supremes set a high standard for female groups which was embraced by TLC and Destiny’s Child (which are the world’s best-selling group of all time). Beyoncé Knowles (lead singer from Destiny’s Child) is quite possibly one of the most respected and powerful woman in the music industry today. She’s a singer, producer, song-writer, fashion designer- you name it, and she has probably done it. In 2001 she won the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award, and is the second female ever to have done this.

Joan Marie Larkin aka Joan Jett, one of the most influential females in rock music and a fantastic guitarist of course. She has shared stages with some of the biggest names in rock and still does to this day. In 2003 Rolling Stone magazine placed her at number 87 in their list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time. Joan was one of two females in the list, the other was Joni Mitchell who was placed at number 72.

Women like Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde are two icons in this genre- not just for the music they helped create but for the way they delivered it- and the timing too. Moving to the early 90s, and Garbage came on the scene, a successful yet underrated band. If they split up, I probably would cry like a baby and throw some kind of silly tantrum. You know what it’s like to adore a band so much it hurts.

There was a time when it’d just be men who would get on a stage and bare their soul and pour their heart out. Now, we have strong females such as Cat Power (words cannot express how beautiful her music is), Kaki King, India Arie, Bat For Lashes (most definitely robbed at the Mercury Music Awards last year) and Amy Winehouse.Yes, you can say whatever you wish about Amy Winehouse but she has one of the strongest voices in the UK. I just want to make her a cup of tea and tell her everything will be alright. But alas, I can’t do that.

If musicians want to be taken seriously then being half naked or lip synching all the time is not really going to gain any respect- you’ll just be laughed at and the 15 minutes of fame will quickly disappear. Musicians just don’t last as long as they used to, and it’s a shame.

Without taking gender into consideration, not many of the bands/singers around now will have an impact like Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson or Billy Bragg. Maybe it’s the way they are managed and promoted now? Who knows.All I know is this, there are enough female fronted bands to compete with male fronted bands. So stop selling out and start speaking up- but not like the Spice Girls. Oh no no no. Girl Power was a misleading idea that turned into a marketing strategy, and the Riot Grrl Movement should have lasted longer than it did.

Thank goodness we have Gossip to keep the DIY work ethic alive. When they perform live it is just like watching your friends band rehearse in a garage. It’s beautiful, honest and raw. I could be biased because I love that band a hell of a lot, but hey- you know it’s true.There are enough male fronted bands that have made history, it’s about time female fronted bands came forth and make history. Or, we could all come together over tea and biscuits to make sexism in the music industry history.

 The link for the magazine is :  http://www.freeqmagazine.com/Freeq%20Pilot%20Issue.pdf 

The Subways. The Sugarmill, Stoke-On-Trent. 18/2/08

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Billy Lunn in crowd. 

 

 I think the vast majority of people that attended this gig are in shock that such a big band chose to play a one-off gig in Stoke-On-Trent, but why the hell not! Stoke crowds are awesome!The support act were alright. I can’t remember the name of them, but they sang songs about biscuits, new shoes and green bottles. 10 of them in fact..green bottles that is. They all had perfectly straight hair, as a female I envy the fact that their hair goes straighter than mine. Bastards! Good band though, even if the singer did wear a cardigan without a t-shirt showing his hairy chest.Before The Subways come on, the PA system is blasting out Arctic Monkeys’ Brianstorm track, and yes everyone in The Sugarmill shouts out “BRIAN! Top marks for not tryin’ “ One of the many highlights!We are told this gig is being filmed, and for some reason the cameramen have decided to risk their lives by going into the crowd with the cameras.

After various chants (including Stoke football chants), Josh, Charlotte and Billy walk onto the stage greeted by what can only be described as mass hysteria. If I was them, I probably would have pissed myself- but that probably says something about me…oh….Anyway, back to the gig. They open with new song California and play a mix of new and old songs from Young For Eternity. The second song they play, Oh Yeah is beyond amazing. Billy places down his guitar and jumps into the crowd. This is not the first time he does this during the gig. He climbs onto the balcony, walks round and dives into the crowd. He does this twice. The guy is mental. The whole band play quite mentally actually. It’s clearly one of the best gigs that has ever been played at The Sugarmill and one of the best ones I’ve been to. I’m pretty sure I’ve said that about every gig I’ve been to…apart from when I saw the Backstreet Boys. I don’t talk about that though.

The gig ends with Girls and Boys, which was played earlier in the set(it’s the new single and us lot being filmed is the video) and Rock & Roll Queen, which of course for one last time causes everyone to go bananas.So many people are lifted over the barrier by the bouncers tonight including a girl in heels and a dress.The pit seemed like some kind of pub fight, yet if you fell down some gentle soul would pick you up. Bless them!The Subways have played stadiums and tiny venues like The Sugarmill, next month they are playing some small venues too. But I doubt it’ll be for long.Judging by the new material played, the second album will not go on its arse. It’s produced by the legend that is Butch Vig and the tracks are just amazing.

Playing Young For Eternity after tonight will mean that little bit more, it’s definitely one gig the 200+ that were there will never forget.
 

 

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!