Willis Earl Beal- Evening’s Kiss (video.)

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Willis is probably the best thing that is going to happen to music this year. If you choose to ignore him now, don’t claim to be a fan in a couple of months time when he is huge, okay? Good. Because people like that annoy me. I don’t need to tell you how amazing Willis is, it is pretty much obvious really. His voice is enough to crush the world’s strongest person. He is what the music industry is. America, you got lucky with this one. What has England got? Well, judging by last week’s Brit Awards it is fair to say FUCK ALL. Oh, but I forgot..we can’t have an opinion on that can we. Bullshit. It was fucking stupid and let’s face it, Kate Bush is beyond awards. She doesn’t need your approval.

So, Willis. You need to listen to his music. The video was illustrated and directed by Willis which just shows how amazing he is. He is a TRUE artist, and you just know he will not be compromising who is in order for you to listen to him. The fact he does it HIS way and is real, that makes him accessible and just a pleasure to listen to. I have every bit of confidence that he will have a longer shelf life than most. Much like one of his inspirations; Tom Waits.

Wax Idols.

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Listening to bands from the West Coast isn’t really helping my cause at all. It’s making me want to leave shitty England more than I already do. It’s making me ache for the beaches more than ever. And the dirty bars that play the best Garage Rock I’ve ever heard.

Instead, I’m going to have to settle for grey skies, polluted beaches and listening to bands like Wax Idols in my room. This isn’t what I want. Not now, not ever. Don’t get me wrong, I love Wax Idols, but I want to be listening to them in a better environment.

So, what exactly do you need to know about Wax Idols? Well, I’ve got the time and for some reason, patience to give you their history- but let’s face it, I won’t. Because if I do, I will rant until the wee hours and fall asleep on the keyboard. It isn’t a good look, but I’ve done it more than once. “Errr…Live..do you really need to write that? Now? It’s 3am.” “JUST ONE MORE SENTENCE….” Head on keyboard. I’ve slowly stopped doing this. For the first time in month, I have a stable sleep pattern. What I mean by this is..I cannot stay awake past midnight anymore.

Wax Idols are fronted by the astounding and fucking stunning Hether Fortune, yep THE Hether Fortune. Used to be in one of my favourite bands, Hunx And His Punx (I think you have to be a certain kind of person to “get” and enjoy his music..by this I mean MENTAL.) Wax Idols for me, pick up where Riot Grrrl left off. If it was up to me, it’d still be alive and kicking you in the face. But for some reason, it faded. However, you do still have bands that have that feel to their music. They’re as bold as Bikini Kill and make you want to dance like Le Tigre did..but they have that garage rock sound going on too. Basically, every kind of sound I love is in Wax Idols. This is the kind of band that makes you go so fucking dizzy from shaking your head to the beat. You come close to passing out, but the only way to stop it- is to just carry on. The best way to avoid anything bad, is to just carry on. And do what you do. That’s some sober life advice for you on a Friday night.

Wax Idols are the band you need playing in your bedroom. Whether you just want to scream some brutal songs on your own, or get intimate with someone- whatever. This band is just everything. They hold the power to destroy your eardrums in such a passionate way. I’m going to let them do it. I’m playing them so loud through my headphones, and I don’t care if it stops me from hearing for the bext few hours. This is a good kind of pain..like getting a tattoo (I’d say piercing but I cried when I got my nose pierced.)

In an ideal world, my dream girl would listen to Wax Idols and Gold Sneakers would be our song..but I know it won’t happen. So I’ll just fall in love with the band with every listen and forget any desire of romance because a raw, loud sound holds more meaning to me right now.

 

Spiritualized-Hey Jane.

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I will never ever have a bad word said about Jason Pierce aka J.Spaceman aka Spiritualized. In my mind, he’s a genius. He’s one of the best, if not THE best. I’ve been a fan of his work..since..I really cannot remember. You see, most of (if not all) the older music I like is due to my uncle’s influence. He got me into the Velvet Underground and The Jesus And Mary Chain. He got me into the loud and brutal music that I love, and from that I found my own bands to love. Maybe I should be concerned that most of my love is directed towards music, but then the rational part of me knows that it is totally fine, and my behaviour is normal. To others? Well, forget what they think. It’s important to have something you are passionate about. People will ALWAYS try to take and take from you. So cling onto what matters, and never give yourself away. I think I learnt that from Spiritualized’s music, at a very young age.

Hey Jane is incredible. As I love Jason’s work so much, I really wouldn’t have an issue with saying, “You know? I’m not fussed on this.” It’s Jason at his most glorious, and at his euphoric best.

http://soundcloud.com/spiritualized

There are so many reasons as to why I love his music. The main being how the harmonies just float right through you, and make you feel like you are floating towards something. I would’ve made a horrific pun with reference to one of his records, but I don’t feel like being that person today. I’ll save it. Hey Jane is nearly 9 minutes of pure elation. It just builds and builds. It is just like a hymn, but without the religious connotations. Which is just utterly perfect.

If you’ve never listened to his work before..where have you been? Also, start with this. Start with the more upbeat tracks. However, my favourite will ALWAYS be the painful, Broken Heart. Saddest song ever written? Hell yes. It is so sad, and you feel yourself crumble as you hear the pain and despair in his voice. You connect. It’s been a long time since I’ve had my heart metaphorically broken, but when I listen to this song- I feel like I’ve had my heart ripped out of my chest. It is painful. We’ve all been there, and the way Jason describes it is so bloody accurate.

Anyway, if you’re a fan of Spiritualized, you will love this. You have no choice because you know Jason is one of a kind, and that’s how you like it.

Naked On The Vague.

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Thankfully, Naked On The Vague are no longer a two-piece, as I probably would’ve had to tame my love for The Kills in order to love them as much. They’ve added two more members, so I can go back to loving them with all I have. Which, I guess is a lot. More than I should? I don’t care. Some people just do not get what it is to love a band with all you have. It is almost as if your heart beats in time with their drums, and your soul sings and comes alive to the singer’s voice. There’s always a hint of romanticism in what I write, I like to try make it subtle but some bands just make you drag it all out. Naked On The Vague are clearly having a positive effect on my ears.

Punk, they say is DEAD! It’s okay because some things..and some people who are dead are better than what is alive. For instance, Tupac is the greatest rapper, and nobody alive is better. Punk is the best genre to have ever existed, nothing after it has ever meant much. You see? Good. Maybe Punk is dead. You know what I hate? People that call Blink 182 and bands like that Punk. Joey Ramone would be spinning in his grave. There is fuck all Punk about bands like that, but twits like to ruin what was good don’t they. Anyway, with that outburst I’m over it. I’ve got Naked On The Vague to make up for it.

Call it Punk if you want to, call it whatever you want- just do not use any negative words. Maybe I’ll hunt you down if you do. I jest, I don’t have it in me to do such a thing. Unless you’re Alison Mosshart..then I’ll hunt you down, and just ask for you to love me. I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t see how beautiful she is. Where am I going with this? I have no idea. Back to the music.

Naked On The Vague have that amazing early sound of The Cure and Siouxsie to their music, so I guess they’re not really Punk..they’re just fucking amazing. Why bother with genres when you can just say..”I like it” or “I don’t like it.” To Hell with labels! Denounce them and use them no more! But, you probably will. They’re as noisy as fellow Australians, Chicks Who Love Guns, but are tamer on the ears. However both are equally loved by me..and it’s a lot of love, you know that.

Naked On The Vague have supported the likes of Zola Jesus and Thee Oh Sees, and yes two acts I happen to love ever so much. It’s not like I’m trying to inflict my own personal opinion upon you, I just want you to listen to Naked On The Vague. That’s all 😉

Another thing that caused me to fall in love with them is that in some tracks, they have that dark, haunting feel that is found in Bauhaus (yes, another favourite of mine.) They’re dark, raw and noisy- so basically everything I love really.

Case Studies.

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My ability to be distracted from what I should be doing is just fucking awful, but I like to think I compensate for it by doing something I enjoy. What I mean is, right now I should be writing for a job but I’ve opted to write about Case Studies because I feel it is more beneficial for anyone/everyone if I do that. I have no idea how or why this works, I’m just going to go with it. I’m better at writing than I am with applying for jobs, obviously. If only I could make a living from this…clinging onto the dream with all I have by the day.

I’ll tell you why I love Case Studies as best I can. I’m not sorry if I stop making sense and ramble. I never am. One of my favourite singers of all time (apart from Morrissey) is Townes Van Zandt. I love the pain that came through in Townes’ music. I loved how he was so open with his songs, even the covers- he still made them is own. I loved his endearing drawl in his voice. I just loved all he was, no singer has ever really mastered that kind of tone. Until now.

Case Studies is truly like nothing I’ve ever heard before. I think I’m slowly accepting that America is pretty much the home to amazing music, and if anyone wants to help me out and get me there so I can experience it FULLY..I’d be forever grateful. I’d send you a postcard and a trinket. Case Studies creates music that is just so beautiful. Jesse Lortz is an INCREDIBLE musician that I firmly suggest you read up about if you’re not familiar with him. He’s just a fantastic artist..he is his art. He is so perfect. That voice, jesus christ.

I know I love music that most would just dismiss as “noise” and it does piss me off, because it has more substance than most stuff around but hey, it happens. I’ll keep it all in my heart and echoing in my ears. Case Studies is such a wonderful project. The lyrics on these songs are enough to tame a wild heart and break a strong person.

“Ask me how straight is the line that I walk,  like an arrow that’s flying straight to the sun.  Don’t ask me ’cause I’ll only lie yeah, don’t ask me ’cause I’ll only lie.  Well, I’d tell you the truth but you know in your heart it’ll only make you cry.”

Lies is one of my favourite tracks off the record (The World Is Just A Shape To Fill The Night.) I love how sleepy Jesse’s voice sounds. The lyrics are painfully honest- he’s an honest liar in this song. At least he knows his faults, you can’t hate on a person if they own if to their faults. Things like this make you believable. When you can be this real and honest in your lyrics (and life) you become a person that others will feel some connection with. Maybe they’ll want to change your ways, but don’t let them- because then you’ll be the worst kind of liar.

Most of the songs on this record were recorded in a cabin, which as daft as it may sound, makes you feel like you are there in the cabin with Jesse and all those involved in the record sat around a fire singing these songs. Sure there are some songs that may sound a bit dark and haunting. But overall, this record has such a homely and comforting feel to it. It feels like it is nursing you back to good health, and gives you strength. Not all of us are rocks, and most that act tough are sometimes the most weak. This record embraces all the qualities that make us human. There is no shame in being a mess, there is also no shame in being tough. There is shame however, in covering up all you are in order to impress. I think this is why I am single hah.

As a debut record as Case Studies, it is a body of perfection. To find any fault in it would make you foolish. Just like to not listen to this record would make you foolish. I know it is one I will keep going back to when I just need something I cannot get from a person or a book. It just offers you so much more than you thought a record could, and that..that is what makes an artist stand out from all the others.

Pati Yang-Wires And Sparks.

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If Robyn, Bat For Lashes, Lykke Li and The Knife got thrown together and formed some kind of musical offspring- you’d get Pati Yang.

“Wires And Sparks is like a postcard. It’s about that moment when you realise you can’t live without someone but you can’t be with them either; you have to make a choice. It’s about a break up, and how it hurts but you know it has to. This moment has got to be honoured, cherished as the end is a part of it. It has its meaning, weight and beauty. And even though you can’t think straight from the pain of it, you can embellish it.”

That’s Pati touching on what the new EP is about. Don’t worry, this EP isn’t as whiney as a certain person’s record that has won every award possible. It isn’t an annoying record, and honestly if I didn’t read up about the record, I wouldn’t have realised it was such a painful record. I would’ve just made up my own meaning. But hearing it as what it is, just makes you connect more with the record even more. It’s been a while since I’ve felt what she is describing, and I find it hard to imagine myself feeling that way about anything..or anyone. I guess I’ve taught myself to be stubborn and immune to any form of pain due to..well, you know. Then you have records like this. It just sends you to the very core of heartbreak and abandonment. Two feelings nobody ever wants to feel again once they have felt it. But trust me, when you’ve felt it more than twice it stops getting to you. I don’t mean it in a bitter way at all. I don’t have it in me to be a bitter person. I just don’t see the point. Wish the ones that do you wrong well, and move on. The alternative is being a self-indulgent mess. That has never appealed to me.

Listening to this EP..it feels like you are floating away from heartbreak. It doesn’t make it seem so bad at all to have your heart ripped out. Sure at the time, you just want the world to leave you alone and/or you want to leave the world. You have to go through the bad stuff in order to appreciate the good when it comes.

Wires And Sparks is a euphoric piece of art that makes you close everything off, in order to connect with every single beautiful word that pours out of Pati’s mouth, so gently. Her sheer fragility in her voice reminds me so so much of Natasha Khan (Bat For Lashes) and on the track, Breaking Waves when she hits the high note she reminds me of one of my true loves- Kate Bush. She tugs at your heartstrings much like Kate Bush does. This is such a gorgeous EP, and I feel truly honoured to have been sent it for review.

What I love about Wires And Sparks is how it sounds so painfully dark and eerie but it has such a vulnerable quality to it that could probably break the hardest of hearts. You may think you’re made of stone, but Breaking Waves may just cause you to fold. My personal favourite off the EP is Take A While. It’s 6 minutes long, and has such a hypnotising build-up. I always love that in a piece of music. I don’t care what genre it is. If you create an intense atmosphere in your music, I will probably love you.

The titled track off the EP is so beautiful. You feel like you are feeling everything- that’s pretty much a standard for every track on the EP if I’m honest. I know a lot always look for a fault in a record so they can balance it out, but I really cannot find anything. I wasn’t looking for anything negative to pick up on. I suppose it could be longer? But no, it’s just perfect the way it is.

The EP comes out 9th April, and if you have even half a brain-cell, you will buy it. The EP is produced by Joe Cross (he produced Hurts debut record.) However the most important thing you need to know about Pati is that she has supported one of the best and most influential bands of all time (I’m not just saying this because I’m a huge fan of the band) -DEPECHE MODE!!!! Pati is an acclaimed artist in her own right, but hopefully this EP will be the one that makes YOU listen, if you haven’t heard any of her work before.

I could probably whack out a few more hundred words on this EP, but all you need to know is that it is bloody brilliant and is out 9th April.

R.I.P. Christopher Reimer

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One of the best guitarists around, from one of the best bands around sadly passed away in his sleep last night.

This is a huge loss. Women’s music was (and still is) truly phenomenal. Just listening to their music..it’s obvious that they had something over most bands around. Of course, they’re another fantastic band from Canada.

You never know what to say when something like this happens. You feel stupid because you’re upset over the passing over someone you’ve never met. But, you still feel the loss..and you just don’t know what to say. I have no idea what to say at all. It won’t bring him back, it won’t change a thing.

All I can say is, Rest In Peace Christopher. You’re going to be so fucking missed.

” …they won’t grow again. Led to final peace and this diluted stream. They don’t break for them.”       

Rich Stephenson.

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After last nights disgraceful Brit awards, I felt the urge to just give up on believing in the UK music industry. If you look at it, you will see how awfully predictable it is. How the hell can you pick Adele over Kate Bush? If it wasn’t for Kate Bush, half these “artists” wouldn’t be around. Respect your elders, or more importantly- recognise that Kate Bush is THE ONE. That’s all there is to it. Don’t get me started on a bunch of teenagers with zero talent getting an award either. I’d love to rant about this, but I’d probably offend some jumped up arse who actually believes that X-Factor is important to the music industry.

I’ve just come home from unleashing some of this rage at the gym. I had some rage whilst I walked home, so I listened to Cold Cave and felt a wee bit better. I had a cup of tea and checked my email. What do I find? A lovely email from a chap called Rich Stephenson. As I read his email, I thought “To hell with what these mainstream wankers force upon us- I am sticking with the wonderful and unknown. At least it is honest.” Most of the music I listen to is strange, passionate and true. Rich Stephenson is another name I am happy to add to that list.

I should attempt to write a review on his single, Dust Storm. But I don’t want to. I want to tell you why you need to listen to his music. Sure, go ahead listen to the song here : http://soundcloud.com/rich-stephenson/dust-storm You don’t need me to tell you just how beautiful it is. You really really don’t.

I love any singer that just doesn’t give up, and keeps going- even when it’s all a bit shit. I admire that in a person too. If you can keep hold of your dreams and never compromise yourself and art, then I will think you are a good person. This just shines through in Rich’s music, so perfectly. In the email he sent, he said :

“I called off a session at the Royal College of Music Studios as, quite frankly, my recordings in my flat (with mandolins recorded in my wardrobe) were better.”

Having this independent and DIY approach to music is lacking right now. It seems to be about who can sell the most records and win the most awards rather than doing what you want, and reaching people’s hearts.

On thing in particular that did it for me is the fact that Rich has supported one of my favourite bands, and one of the best UK bands- The XX. Pretty cool, right? Rich has also supported We Are Scientists and has written tracks for E4’s Skins. How someone who has done so much is unknown is beyond me. I don’t get it, but he’s happy enough.

“I’m currently on my last legs: I’m independently releasing tracks, run out of finance – but wouldn’t want it any other way.”

How many other bands or singers would think the same way? Not many. Having this independent ethos is fading, and we cannot let it happen. Us true music lovers need to stick together and support talent like this. STOP illegally downloading music and go to your nearest record store and PHYSICALLY buy the music. Tell others about what you’ve bought. Champion local bands, go out of your way to find someone unsigned. This is why I love music, because you can do it. You CAN make the difference. This is why I keep at this blog, because I want to help artists like Rich. Maybe just one person will read this, and tell someone about him. For most it may seem like nothing, but it helps. It really does help.

Oh, and Rich is Yorkshire lad too. So, I will obviously have more love for him than most. You can listen to a recent BBC Introducing session here : http://soundcloud.com/rich-stephenson/bbcintrosession02-12

TEENS.

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Where do I start with this? I mean, from the first listen, the first yell..I knew I was about to listen to something that would grab me by the neck, and shake me. Throttle away TEENS, I am ready for this.

If it sounds like it could be a garage band, then there is huge chance I will love them. Throw in some surfer-pop and/or lo-fi sounds, and I will love it even more. Music that makes me feel like it is Summer is just fine.

I’m just an idiot who fucking loves music. Music like THIS. Music that makes me glad I’m not deaf, you know? I just love how lo-fi it is. It sure as hell makes you picture your very own California dream. Although, the band are actually from Idaho..I think? Someone correct me if I am wrong, please.

So the songs are short- big deal, just means you can keep on hitting repeat over and over. Until your body hurts from dancing and your head feels like it is going to fall off due to intense head shaking. Standard dance move? Oh no doubt.

You stream (and buy) their music from : http://teens.bandcamp.com/album/teens Obviously I’m going to advise that you do so. It’s just bloody good. The kind of music you yearn for on those boring Friday nights where everyone else seems to want to go to some horrific nightclub that plays shite music. You know the kind. Where people act drunk after one drink, fools. Fuck the drink, just get involved with the music.

Die With You and Golden Years are, right now my two favourite off the record. You know I’ll change my mind as soon as I publish this. TEENS are an easy band to fall for, you don’t want a soft landing. It’d ruin the experience.

Crocodiles- Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9)

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Crocodiles! I bloody love them. For many many reasons. I love the distorted, reverb sound. I love the lyrics- I just love THEM. So much. They look like a band you could just sit with in a dirty bar and discuss everything and anything about music. And probably life too. My love for them started in 2008, when I first heard Neon Jesus..I was just overwhelmed by what I was hearing, and of course I instantly fell in love.

I don’t want to ramble on about how perfect their new track is, but I am confident that going by this single- the new album Endless Flowers (out 4th June) will more than likely be one of the best this year. Every record by Crocodiles is a large part of my heart and life. They’re just perfect, and you can hear that perfection shining through in the new song.

Have a listen : http://soundcloud.com/souterraintransmissions/sunday