LOOMER-Ceiling.

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Being a calm person, I like to listen to music that is aggressive and has the power to make me feel as if my face is going to melt, oh and to also make me feel as if my eardrums are going to explode. I like people to be quiet, I like music to have a message. These ideals cause me problems but when I’m sent music like I am regularly sent- everything seems alright.

Loomer are an Australian band that make music that makes My Bloody Valentine’s return seem almost non-existent. I’m alright with writing that because I love MBV, but I didn’t really fall for their return. I’m still holding out for The Jesus And Mary Chain. Whilst I wait (my patience is being tested) I find new bands to give me that feeling I got when I first heard The Jesus And Mary Chain. As you know, I compare most things to how I felt when I first heard them. It may seem quite strange, but my life revolves around not much- but mainly music for the most part. It’s a constant source of everything, so to me it makes complete sense. I think the only ones who understand are musicians themselves. I love music that feels quite haunting. Quite sinister and as if you are listening to something maybe you shouldn’t be. A sacred experience that sometimes you do not wish to share. But, as I’m stupidly kind I do like to share. So..what about Loomer?

Their debut record is about to come out. Their debut record is as menacing as Psychocandy was. We’re off to an excellent start here. Have you heard Savages debut record? It’s pretty much like that. I wrote about Savages debut here : http://www.musicbrokemybones.co.uk/?p=9270 I’m getting the same feeling. I feel like something quite surreal is happening, and any words to sum it all up would not do it justice. Loomer penetrate the mind with eerie vibes that you just do not seem to get. The end of every song leaves you speechless in the most pleasurable way possible. From listening to Ceiling, I can really understand how Loomer are influencing a new batch of bands in Brisbane who are making similar sounds.

What I’ve really fallen for here is the dreary bass and the hypnotic vocals. The way they go together is unreal. Then you have the drums blistering through and the guitar sounds create a sinister vibe alongside the bass. Everything works so perfectly to create such an intense atmosphere. It is euphoric build-ups galore on this record. Let’s call this one of, if not THE best debut record of 2013. Put it next to Savages, and nothing else is going to matter. Ignore all the hype lists, I’m telling you now that Loomer are the ones you need to pay such close attention to. But, the sad thing is we live in a world where reality shows are the platform for talentless acts to shine, so we miss out on what is truly stunning. Which is why you must always dig deeper. Go to the very core so you find some music that gets you right in the soul.

They have a song called French which lasts over 6 minutes. The last 2 minutes or so is a mind-blowing frenzy. Everything goes wild, and even the tamest of bodies will flail about in such a fashion that can only be described as free. This band will set you free. It may only be their debut, but it honestly has the power to cause the hysteria that The Jesus And Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine did when they came out. If any band can shake up how music is made and WHY it is made, then please please oh please just let it be Loomer.

Every song feels like a rush towards that dark, sinister feeling that you are told to never go near. Loomer rid you of the fear of going into the unknown and just self-indulgently make you completely fall about in it. There is honestly something truly special here that may remain an underground secret but I live in the hopes that someone, somewhere feels the same way I do about Loomer. Maybe in a few years they’ll go down in music history the same way some of the bands I adore have. I have high hopes for them, and maybe not much else. I’m alright with this; there’s power in music.

As the end of the record approaches, you feel as if you have been thrown about by some bloody great bruiser of a person. Audition sways you about; your bones are aching. You are bruised and bloody to the core, and all you feel is the remains of violence. A strange and wonderful experience that you will subject yourself to over and over. Pardon my language, but fucking hell this is brilliant. The record goes really deep and dark. The record takes you to a place no one else will ever take you; you don’t need to hold anyone’s hand for this, go it alone. Go with everything you have. The vengeance Ceiling ensues is hypnotic. Every song places you in the firmest of chokeholds and as you gasp for air, you smirk at how frightfully dark and brilliant these songs really are.

If you don’t feel alive after listening to this, then play it over and over again. Or just keep playing it over and over again anyway.

You can listen to Ceiling here on Lost Race Records bandcamp page: http://lostrace.bandcamp.com/album/ceiling-12

The debut record originally came out on CD back in 2010 but is being re-released on vinyl at the end of the month. Buy the vinyl. Play it loud. Play it ritualistically. Let out the demons and throw your limbs about. Let the catharsis begin, you know it is time.

CROCODILES-Cockroach.

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“You left a trail of scum.”

When one of your favourite bands put out a new song, it certainly improves everything. By everything, I truly mean everything. My life revolves around music so this new song by Crocodiles has made me pretty happy.

Crocodiles pretty much make music that I wish I could make, however I am entirely musically null and void. I cannot do a thing but listen to music and write about it. That’s all I can ever do. So when Crocodiles put their new song up, I just had to write about it. It’s going to be rushed because I have to go out (I know, even I’m surprised I’m going somewhere other than the gym.)

Crocodiles have this ferocious and bloody brilliant rambunctious style that fills you with an Arthur Rimbaud style of rebellion inside. They make you feel as if you’ve discovered something menacing but gorgeous. Cockroach is a prime example of that. Their songs are a mixture of love, devotion, rage and despair. They’ve written some of the best love songs and they’ve also written the best “fuck you’s” of all time. They have a gang feel to their sound which is found in the likes of the New York Dolls to Wu Tang Clan- what I’m getting at is, they make you feel part of something. I’ve been a fan since the start, and how I feel in love with them was as I was trying to fall out of love with a person. They helped and they cured. They do this on a constant basis. They’re the first band I turn to. I play them when I have to walk through hell or when I just need to hear words that make a lot of sense. They’re not just a band.

I was excited when I saw the photos of Brandon and Charles in the studio recording their fourth record, but after hearing Cockroach I have every bit of faith that Crimes Of Passion is going to be the best record of the year. Last year Endless Flowers was the best record I heard, so I am more than willing to declare Crimes Of Passion the same.

They have their signature sound of making you wanting to thrash your body around. Making you nod your head so it looks like you’re about to snap your neck. You just have to play it loud and move in the most ridiculous way possible. Their new record is produced by one half of The Raveonttes (Last Dance is a beautiful love song, go listen) Sune Rose Wagner. Everything about Crocodiles is enough to drag you through the mundane to find your own piece of heaven. Cockroach is going to be an anthem amongst fans. Sung with everything we all have; it’s just excellent.

In a few days they are announcing a tour of Europe and the UK. I’ll be there. Even if I have beg, steal and/borrow-I will be there. Singing the songs that mean the world to me. Cannot wait.

In the meantime you can stream Cockroach here: http://stereogum.com/1354862/crocodiles-cockroach-stereogum-premiere/mp3s/

This is the kind of song to make you not care for anything else in that moment. It will give you that tough attitude you wish you naturally possessed. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t mastered it, Crocodiles will give you the armour you need to act like someone nobody should ever fuck around with. There aren’t many bands who do this, especially now. I’d obviously quite happily write a thousand more words on how excellent this song is, but I think in 3 minutes and 1 second Crocodiles have pretty much justified why you need to pay even more attention to them.

THE RICH HANDS.

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This was meant to be an album review, but for some reason I can’t open the file I was sent. And if I’m honest, I feel uncomfortable reviewing records. I’d rather listen to everything a band/singer has done, and try to write something of worth. If they put everything they have into making a record, then who am I to dissect it and tell you why you should buy it? I’d rather just go through all they’ve done and tell you why they’re great.

Which has led me onto writing about a band called The Rich Hands, a trio from San Antonio who have only been going a couple of years. In some songs they remind you of very early White Stripes, but when you get past that (it isn’t a bad thing) you realise just how brilliant they are in their own right. A typical sound that I adore- full of heart and oozing with such pure rawness. A lot try to emulate this kind of music, but it seems so natural for The Rich Hands to make. They are pure Rock & Roll with a delightful Garage Rock backbone. Garage Rock is the kind of music that always makes you feel more confident than you actually are- much like Punk. It is bold and it is honest. The things we want to be is found in Punk and Garage Rock; they allow us to be tough even when we are the most sensitive of souls. Filling us with bravado as we strut to the rambunctious sounds- just for some time to be oblivious to our own thoughts. Music is the purest of escapes.

The Rich Hands are everything you want your favourite (new) band to me. Their music is delightfully wild and frightfully brave. Their sound makes you feel like you are anywhere but where you are and not in 2013. They take you to the dirtiest of bars and wash your soul clean with their rowdy scenes. Music to lose your mind to and music that just sets you free.

The Rich Hands are releasing their debut record DREAMERS digitally on the 28th May, on cassette on 4th June and finally on vinyl on 9th July all via Fountain Records. You can listen to previous released here on their bandcamp page: http://therichhands.bandcamp.com

DIRTY BEACHES- Workingmen’s Club, Bethnal Green. 13th May 2013.

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This was a long time coming. This was much-needed; it was everything. As you know I’m a massive fan of Dirty Beaches. He manages to unleash every feeling you’ve ever had in his symphonic sounds without you even being aware you were feeling that way. There aren’t many who are this powerful but the humbling thing is, Alex doesn’t even know he’s this powerful.

As soon as Alex picks up his guitar you can see just how quickly he is transported into another world on stage. I was lucky enough to be right at the front, to witness this transformation so close was something incredibly special. It was as if he was taking you with him. For this 50 minute set it was just as if the real-world didn’t matter. Why should it ever matter anyway? We have musicians like Alex who have the gift of taking us somewhere else. Somewhere where it’s okay to harbour ugly feelings or carry an inch of self-doubt or the burning desire of lust. Everything seems alright and nothing seems important when  in this world. Live music is sometimes more powerful than the record.

Alex now plays live with Shub Roy and Bernardino Femminielli (who was also support tonight and is hand on heart, on of the most entertaining singers I’ve ever seen. This guy is a character and you need to listen to his music.) I’d never seen Alex play when he was just on his own, this was my first time and it was mind-blowing. The bond between the three musicians is beautiful. Exchanging hugs after every song was just beautiful to watch- they weren’t just three people playing music to us; they are evidently a family unit. Blistering through the new record (double LP!) Drifters/Love Is The Devil, every song played (sadly they don’t play both records in full-but imagine if they did!) something clicks inside of you. You pick up exactly how and more importantly WHY this record was made. I think everything I witnessed at this gig is going to stay with me for as long as I’m alive. Like I said already, Alex has this power that is unaware of but the beautiful thing about him is how humble he is.

When I was stood at the front, I watched him set up- which is where my photo is from, and it was done with such precision. Even before he started his show, you knew something amazing was going to happen tonight. I’ve been to a lot of gigs, and I’ve never seen anything like this before. I’ve never been to a gig where the crowd (thankfully) just shuts up and stays silent. The silence is the backbone to the awe everyone feels as they stand looking at Alex. His fist-pumps to the music resemble someone who is passionately possessed by the music. Bernardio thrashes about on keys whilst Shub looks relaxed as he hits the drum machine, alternating with the guitar. All three of them drift off into another place; but you know they are heading there together. All in their own time, but they sure as hell get there.

Live music is a healing process. Not just for those who are on stage unleashing their furies, but those who stare on in amazement. I cannot tell you what I had going on in my mind as I watched this show, mainly because I was just in awe of everything before me. Nothing mattered, maybe nothing matters now. It’s about the specific moments that make everything alright. This was one moment where everything felt alright.

At the end of each song, you could see relief on Alex’s face like every song performed was just a release for him.  Anyone who is a fan of Dirty Beaches will know just how important and possibly gruelling it was for Alex to make this double record. To see it live and to truly see how much it means to him was an absolute honour to watch. This cathartic experience is something I think anyone who was here tonight will treasure for a long time, I know I will. You see, Alex’s music goes beyond just being music to me. I didn’t really feel as if anyone else was around me at the gig. I felt like I was just stood in the doorway watching someone unleash all their pure emotions. They knew I was there, and it was as if they knew I felt exactly the same. The sheer power and devotion in Alex’s voice is insane. He can have the most ferocious voice but can break your heart in a delicate note. This happened at the end of the set where he was encouraged by us all to come on for an encore. Something which he didn’t expect, again reinforcing just how humble he is.

I’d waited years to see Alex live. Things always got in the way and it just wasn’t do-able. Having finally seen someone who I regard ever so highly as a true inspiration and probably the hardest working musician around, this gig at the Workingmen’s Club in Bethnal Green went beyond all expectations. I knew I was going to have my mind blown. I knew it was going to be like nothing else I had ever seen- I just didn’t expect the aftermath to fill me with a strange sense of hope. I like to think it is hope. It is hope of the unknown. You didn’t know what Alex was going to do next, and that is exactly why we need more musicians like this. Musicians to lure us in during their live shows in a way on record you may have missed. When I listen to his records (soundtracks included) my eyes remain closed. But live you have to keep your eyes open. You cannot tear your eyes away from the stage. I didn’t care for what anyone else was doing (although the guy next to me with curly hair was really getting into the music, he really felt it) I was just taking everything in.

I probably learnt more from this show than anything else. Put everything you have into something; that’s all you can ever do. It doesn’t matter if not everyone likes it because there will always be a handful of people who do.

SAY LOU LOU-Julian (video.)

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My favourite twins (I don’t have a list of favourite twins, I just really love Say Lou Lou) have released the video to their new single, Julian.

Last night when I was on the long journey back from seeing Dirty Beaches, I listened to Julian on repeat. It made this lengthy tube journey less boring. I took in the dark sky that was fluttered with street lights. Everything seemed beautiful. This song is beautiful, and the video brings out the pain that is in the song and also the vulnerability in it. It’s a stunning love song. The video shows the song in a different light, but by no means does it take away the sentimental value of the song. It’s equally as gorgeous as the song.

 

THE BEDROOM HOUR-Themes EP.

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“You’ll scare everyone you ever loved away.”

The Bedroom Hour are from Hillingdon. I once got on the tube to Uxbridge rather than where I was meant to be going- I panicked and probably sent a dramatic text to my girlfriend who then told me to get off at the next stop and she’d get me. That stop was Hillingdon. I like to think this story has some importance. Maybe a lesson. Who knows. Always check where the tube goes. Although sometimes, it is nice to get lost. Speaking of getting lost….

I love The Bedroom Hour for many many reasons. The main one being their music makes you feel like you are getting lost in the comfort of your own mind. I can’t list all of the reasons, but most of them are found in their new EP which is called Themes and is out 17th May- a week today. As I listen to it, my love for them and music with such passion is recoiled. Everything about them is distinctive. Stuart’s vocals are unlike anyone elses- there is a lot of fragility in his vocals which makes you believe in every single word he sings. Personally the song that does it for me is Tyrannosaur; I love the purity of the lyrics. Lyrics are a huge thing for me which is another reason as to why I love The Bedroom Hour.

Last year I said that the EPs that came out seemed to be better than the full length records that came out. There is something quite sacred about an EP. Maybe it’s because the time you have with it is so short; you can either play it over and over out of frustration of wanting more or you remain patience. I cannot do the latter. I’ve never been able to do the latter, I never will. Themes is a perfect example as to why I simply cannot do that.

When I wrote about The Bedroom Hour last year I said they had healing powers. The healing is in every part of their sound. From the vulnerable vocals to the dreamy guitar strums. Everything is gentle. The bass line sways you. The keyboards ease you. Everything takes you on some kind of journey that is full of love. They portray the kind of love that most of us want; unconditional. X Marks The Spot is a prime example of this. It’s the kind of love song that Richard Hawley would enjoy. I say this because that man has written some of the greatest love songs ever. X Marks The Spot is one of their older songs, and I’m really happy it is on the EP because it is such a gorgeous song.

The Bedroom Hour make music that you wish to hear in awkward moments to make everything they easier. They are like a sigh of relief, a form of understanding in a world full of misunderstanding and judgement. They’re a delicate 5 piece who aren’t afraid to be so heartbreakingly honest with their music. If you cannot be true to what you do, then don’t do it- because no one will believe you. And we all want to be believed in any way we can. Fortunately The Bedroom Hour do it in a way that is so pure and magnificent. I’ve not heard many EPs this year, but they have Themes to seriously compete against. I compared The Bedroom Hour to a more gentle version of Spiritualized last year, I think Themes justifies my declaration. They do what Jason Pierce does- easing the heart and making you feel alright with what you feel.

SAVAGE SISTER.

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Amidst my daily emails of job rejections and doctors in Ghana asking me to transfer money to them (it’s spam, I don’t have ties to any doctors) I was sent something I actually wanted to read. Another band has got in touch; every time this happens I question why me they ask. I’m just someone who really loves music and writes as a fan. I think I answered my own question there. Anyway, moving on.

Savage Sister are like that dream you once had and continuously try force yourself to have again and again. You force yourself to remember certain parts as you are drifting in and out of sleep. Their dreamy vibe will appeal to those who adore the likes of Tamaryn. They just make music that is so pure and entirely perfect for the soul. You could listen to Savage Sister, and be having the worst day imaginable but there is something about this duo that just fills your bones up with so much hope. We need more music to do this. I guess this is why you could regard listening to the likes of Savage Sister as a sacred experience.

I know people who find new music and daren’t share it with others- as if they own the band. What a silly way to be. You see, as I listen to Savage Sister, whilst it remains feeling quite sacred, I truly want others to listen to them and feel the same way I do. Michael and Chloe make music that just fills you up with such positive energy and so much love. They sway your body so gently (in a Warpaint kind of way) and soothe your soul. Their music comes from a place that is pure and heavenly; I cannot thank them enough for emailing me.

They have a light take on the Shoegaze style; meaning they aren’t too heavy and the bass doesn’t rupture your eardrums. They mix it with a generous dose of dreamy vocals and enlightening guitar strums. They honestly take you to some place wonderfully magical. I remember when I first heard Tamaryn and Warpaint; I continuously searched for that feeling ever since. In this case, it found me.

The glorious Tiger Lamp (which you can listen to here: http://savagesister.bandcamp.com/track/tiger-lamp-2) is a song you should play as the sun goes down, and you are left alone with nothing but whatever is going on in your head. It projects clarity back into your life and gently guides you where you need to go. Tiger Lamp is everything I love about music. I simply cannot put it into words, all I know is that I feel a sheer sense of joy as I listen to Savage Sister’s music.

The Chicago based duo are set to release their debut record in June, and going by what I have heard so far I think it is going to be one of the best things to happen this year. Favourite new duo? For sure. If I was musically inclined, this is the kind of music I’d make. I love how they place the listener in a dream-like state. Sometimes it is the best way to be. The vocals conjure up a trance-like being. To find fault in them would be entirely foolish, as would ignoring them. A glorious band who evidently make music from the heart and with so much soul.

 

SAY LOU LOU-Julian/Fool Of Me.

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My obsession with my favourite twins has catapulted. This is delayed. So very delayed. I think it’s because I am still hooked on Maybe You. Part of me didn’t want to let that song go. I didn’t want to love another song as much as I loved Maybe You, maybe I couldn’t.

Turns out I could. Turns out I can. And I do.

I’ll start with the B-side to Julian first. Fool Of Me features the insanely talented Chet Faker (listen to his music if you don’t know.) Fool of Me is incredibly haunting and so beautifully melancholic. It has such sadness to it that just causes your heart to ache and break; even if you feel perfectly fine. I think this is why I adore Say Lou Lou. They manage to make such beautiful music, but it contains so much sadness. I remember when I first heard Maybe You and it was the sheer delicate tones of the music that got me hooked. Fool Of Me has done exactly the same. Fool Of Me touches on the painful aspect of love, something that may or may not happen to us all. If it’s happening to you, then this song is going to rip you apart. Say Lou Lou’s vocals on this is just..I just wish there was a word to describe it. I don’t think there is a word good enough. The pleading the pours out in the lyrics is so gorgeously heart-breaking, you cannot help but feel some sort of attachment. Or maybe that’s because I am far too sentimental for my own good. The last-minute of the song feels like some kind of awakening; as if you were waiting for this moment. With their delicate voices and Chet’s handsome vocals, Fool Of Me is just divine. As sad as it is, it is easily one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a long time. The pain that is in the words that Say Lou Lou sing is enough to break the hardest of hearts. As you listen to the song, you realise that no one else but Chet could feature on this song. Sometimes the saddest of songs are the best ones.

The single, Julian is nothing like Fool Of Me. Julian is pure devotion to the one you love. Doing all you can to get the one person you love to you. Mending their heart and getting them across the border. That is true love. What I adore about Say Lou Lou is how they are so delicate with their music. The lyrics are full of care, and even when about pain- still full of love. It is like they could never be mad at anyone because they love them so much. I think we all strive to be like that, but I suppose at times it could be hard. I’m far too soft, so I wouldn’t know. All I know is that Say Lou Lou are the epitome of being in love. Their music just pours out love. Their music makes you feel like you are in love, even if you’re not. There is something about Say Lou Lou that makes them so sacred. Listening to them is a pure experience, but sacred at the same time. This is how I felt when I first heard Warpaint. Say Lou Lou have a dainty vibe about them; you must listen to them with the utmost care. Say Lou Lou will get you through any trails and trauma you may face. It is almost as if they fill you with reassurance. You may feel utterly dishevelled but they manage to make you feel alright.

Both songs have the capability to reduce the listener to tears for different reasons. Fool Of Me, because it reminds you of a pain you once felt. Julian, because it reminds you of the one you love and all you want to do is love and protect them for the rest of your life. Say Lou Lou are a stunning duo, and because they are twins they have a bond that is stronger than most. I’ve yet to see them live but I reckon they’d just leave you in awe; more than they do on record. I still stand by they are one of the best new bands around. I think I declared that when I heard Maybe You. I’m not easily swayed, so I am sticking with this.

DIRTY BEACHES-Drifters/Love Is The Devil.

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I find it quite difficult to write about a band or singer after I’ve interviewed them; especially after I think I’ve exhausted everything I could possibly say about them. Then the sensible part of my brain kicks in and makes me realise I could quite happily go on and on about my favourite music until the end of time.

I think it is fairly obvious how much I love Dirty Beaches. His music has provided a familiar sense of tranquillity and acceptance. The acceptance comes from me; hard work I know. But it has to be done. His music is nothing short of genius. His music is nothing short of sheer perfection. Every note, every word, every little detail is just divine. I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. His B-sides have blown my mind and his soundtracks have made me weep. So what on earth has his new two record done to me?

Drifters is the vocal album. Drifters is the one I’ll be playing when I’m wandering around with no concept of home, finding a sense of it in Alex’s music. Love Is The Devil is the one I will play when I cannot sleep. The instrumental album is the one to soothe the soul. The vocal is the one to wake it up. If you really want to shake things up, alternate the songs you listen to. One from Drifters, then one from Love Is The Devil. Or you could just listen to the records one after another to truly see where Alex is coming from.

I’ll mention Love Is The Devil first because I feel this is the one that’s going to stir up some crazy feelings for anyone that listens to it. When I heard the title track I pretty much had the same reaction that everyone else did. Yeah, this sensitive soul right here cried. I cried because you could truly feel pain in the music. Words were not needed. Sometimes words are the worst thing; they can do more harm than good. There aren’t many musicians that can make an instrumental record with so much emotion. So much intensity and a raw delight to it, yet remain so delicate. This is why I believe Alex is from another world, he must be. I know I keep saying he’s a genius but, he truly is. The way he can create so many emotions in just one song and keep it consistent all the way through just leaves you in awe. From this record, my heart firmly belongs to Alone At The Danube River. I shut my eyes as I listened to this one and I was anywhere but here. That’s the best place to be. I get a lot of escapism from Alex’s music, and as someone who cannot stand where they currently live (its okay, I’m moving to London in a few weeks, finally!) music is the truest form of escaping the mundane trials of everyday life here. His music just takes me to another place. I place I suppose I can call home. I’ve wandered around places at night on my own listening to his music, and it always feels like an outer-body experience. Love Is The Devil is more than just an instrumental record; it’s a journey deep into the soul. A journey you will not forget once you are guided through it by Alex.

Now let’s get into Drifters.

Drifters opens with the killer Night Walk. This is a song you will strut along the streets late at night to. It has this insanely 80s beat to it mixed with something sinister. Like a vengeful menace on the prowl. Something is lurking and is coming for you. A menacing vibe to sift in and out during Drifters, and for the most part you can really see why Alex has made soundtracks. Drifters feels like it would be perfectly placed in a horror or thriller film. The 10 minute Mirage Hall is my favourite from Drifters. You see, I have a huge weakness for songs that last over 5 minutes. I love music that just seems to go on forever yet still manages to fill you with excitement as you are taken on a journey through the singer/band’s mind. The last track, Landscapes In The Mist is full of ethereal moments that make you pause before you listen to Love Is The Devil. Part of you thinks, “Maybe I should play Drifters one more time.” You know you must carry on, but then you find yourself at the end of Love Is The Devil going back to Drifters and playing both records on a constant loop. This is how you know you are listening to something truly spectacular.

A lot of new music has come out this year so far, but none have offered what Alex has. He’s created a soundtrack to daily life with these two records. He’s easily made the best two records you will hear this year, you cannot deny him of that. Listening to both records, I’ve developed more respect and admiration for what Alex does. This is a person who truly has music in their blood; that they just HAVE to make music. And it is his sheer passion for music that makes you fall so easily for his music. I cannot favour one record over the other because both are so different yet equally perfect. Both records conjure up different emotions yet provide the same source of comfort. I hope a lot is written about both of these records because they are something that just cannot be ignored. What stands out in both records is the labour that has gone into making them. Anyone who is a fan of Alex knows exactly how hard he works and how much he puts into his music. I think this is something that plays a massive part in being a fan of his music. He’s constantly putting music out, but not in an overbearing way. He leaves you wanting more, and with a back catalogue that is more impressive than most- he can easily add these two records as his best work to date, as clichéd as it sounds. I hope someone who isn’t familiar with his music stumbles across Drifters/Love Is The Devil and develops a lasting obsession. I hope they listen to it and find the pieces of themselves that have been missing for some time.

Whilst most are set on creating a summer-vibe record, Alex keeps you in comforting darkness of the harshest of winters. The loneliness that may enrage you is slowly disappearing, because you realise that someone else gets it. Someone else is unleashing all you feel- with and without words. That is why these two records are not only extremely important but also incredible.

“I was dreaming in my dreaming, of an aspect bright and fair. And my sleeping it was broken, but my dream it lingered near.”

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I wandered around Soho on Friday afternoon to find a record shop. This record shop has had every single record I’ve ever wished to own. I’ve only ever been in with a friend (she knows the way round and when with another person in a record shop, I do not spend as long in there.) So I wandered around for what seemed forever. I knew I was lost, and I loved every minute of it. I didn’t care that I didn’t know where I was because I knew I’d eventually stumble upon this record shop. I found it eventually. I had to walk up that sex alley to get there. I kept my eyes on the ground for a bit, then realised I was amongst curious tourists who were falling in and out of the shops selling various (and probably questionable) things. I didn’t care, I just wanted to find this record shop.

I walked in and went towards the 7″ singles. For some reason I’ve recently started buying more of these than I have of LPs. Maybe it’s because I now have Psychocandy on record so I no longer seek out looking for much (if I tell myself this then my addiction to buying records will seem less of a problem.) I’ve found a few gems on 7″ from The Walker Brothers to The Shangri-Las. Somehow when you see they are only 50p, you pile the records into your arms like a greedy swine at an all you can eat buffet. I’ll take music over food any day. Even though I’m chubby; I can survive without food but not music.

I must have been in the shop for close to an hour and a half. I realised I had friends to meet. I also realised I forgot the way to Tottenham Court Road station. I went for the fool-proof route: GO THE WAY YOU CAME. Always. If I wasn’t in a hurry, I’d have tried to discover shortcuts and new places to ramble. I was sensible, but the hour and a half I spent in the shop I was anything but. I found Safe As Milk for the extremely pricey £25. I did some maths in my head (never a good sign) and I had about 3 in my hand that came to under £20 but I was desperate for this Captain Beefheart record. I was painfully sensible. I put it back so I could afford to buy my girlfriend and I dinner later on. I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t approve of me buying her dinner and I declined anything for myself as I had bought a record. Being sensible is never fun, but sometimes you must do it.

In the end I bought a 7″ of The Jesus And Mary Chain and also a copy of their third record, Automatic. I’ve not played it yet but I’m sure I’ll be doing so soon. TJAMC have become the most important band in my life. They went from being a dormant love to a dominating passion that is uncontrollable. I don’t wish to control it nor do I ever want to tame my love for music.

Something else also happened on that Friday.

I was sat in a pub with a group of people I really cannot be without or be away from.  Turns out that this pain of being away from them is soon to pass as I’m going to FINALLY move to London in about a month. I own nothing and I have nothing so I will want for nothing (except for a job of course.) States of bliss occur in small things. From finding records you’ve been searching for to being in the company of those you love beyond words. Everything felt alright on that Friday. Even when Amy and I got on the tube leaving James behind, only to find we got on the wrong tube and had to pull him off the tube he got on after us so we could get on the right one together. You find happiness in the things and people that matter. Happiness is not going to be found in the form of money. It is in time, in places and in people.

I played Psychocandy on my record player the other day. I stared at the splattered vinyl (the one from Record Store Day) and was just in awe of everything that was happening. The sound was beautiful and the artwork was stunning.

There was no real point in this, but I learnt one thing from typing this up- it is incredibly annoying and a bit difficult to type this when attached to a blood pressure monitoring machine/contraption. More than anything though, it is massively distracting. And with that, I am going to listen to the new Dirty Beaches record(s).