Review: Radio Moscow

Radio Moscow - The Great Escape of Leslie Magnafuzz (Alive Records)
The Los Angeles-based Alive Records have crept up on us over the last few years with compelling releases by the Black Diamond Heavies, Two Gallants, Peter Case and more, steadily establishing themselves as the cutting-edge label for experimental blues. We were mightily impressed with Ron Franklin’s eponymous debut in 2008, and gave an unequivocal thumbs-up to the Welsh duo Henry’s Funeral Shoes’ recent ‘Donkey Jacket’.

‘The Great Escape of Leslie Magnafuzz’, Radio Moscow’s third release on the imprint does nothing to tarnish this growing reputation. Their Black Keys association (Dan Auberbach produced their first album) will do nothing to hold them back, but a better clue to their angle of trajectory is in their US support slot to up-and-coming retro-metallers Graveyard.

The crunching opening chords of ‘Little Eyes’ herald a storming romp through an electric compendium of heavy psychedelia to rival any power combo of the early seventies, all served up with empathy and enthusiasm, and the same high level of inventiveness, which characterises many of their stablemates. If you remember Grand Funk and Blue Cheer with any degree of affection (and you should) this is what they sound like crash-landing in the twenty-first century.
www.alive-totalenergy.com/x/
Neil B.

Review: The Boss Mustangs

The Boss Mustangs - The Boss Mustangs (Spinout Records)
With commendable attention to detail The Boss Mustangs’ first collection of stormin’ stompin’ garage grooves comes packaged in an enigmatic retro sleeve design featuring a naked ginger-haired woman wrapped in the stars and stripes, standing in the grounds of what is probably a trailer park. Topped off with period LP-style lettering and a photo of the band looking like The Seeds (circa ’66), the effect is immediate red alert: don’t expect easy listening. The ensuing sonic assault is well judged. Breakneck-paced fuzzed-up guitars, pounding rhythm section and distorted vocals combine as the vehicle for some of the most in-your-face razor-edged, raw-arsed rock and roll you’ve heard in many a long year; certainly since the MC5, and maybe not even then.

There was a brief period a couple of years back when the Von Bondies, Bellrays, D12 and others promised the return of Nuggets-style visceral punk R&B, but which for the most part fell flat on its faint-hearted face. Certainly the product of that brief interlude can’t be confused with what we have here. This is just way too down and dirty, an album with rare integrity that really does smack you in the guts. Breathlessness and zealous commitment are sustained so effortlessly throughout its ten tracks it’s neither easy nor even pertinent to try and nominate standouts, but if sample you must then have a shot at ‘Dead Society’ or ‘If Your Baby Was My Boss’; ‘White Rose’ has a great solo you’d be a fool to miss out on. But really the whole thing is what you want on repeat to make your flagging Christmas party come alive and roar.
www.facebook.com/TheBossMustangs
Neil B.

LAURA MARLING TO TOUR, AND POSSIBLY GO PUNK...

LAURA MARLING TO TOUR, AND POSSIBLY GO PUNK
Having completed a tour of English cathedrals to promote third album, 'A Creature I Don't Know, folk darling Laura Marling has revealed she'll embark on another live run next year. She has also discussed potential future recording plans, which may or may not involve her plugging in for a noisesome punk LP.

Speaking to The Guardian last week, she said: "I'd like to make music for as long as I can, but I would like to do things a bit differently. I think I might be coming into my electric phase. My first love was punk, and my current love is punk, so maybe there's a punk album coming, though I probably wouldn't do it under my name".

So, getting back to her 2012 tour, there's a chance you'll get to see Gnarling shred at the following dates:

1 Mar: Cambridge, Corn Exchange
2 Mar: Birmingham, Symphony Hall
3 Mar: Bristol, Colston Hall
5 Mar: Gateshead, Sage Theatre
6 Mar: Leeds, Academy
7 Mar: Hammersmith, HMV Apollo
9 Mar: Manchester, Apollo
10 Mar: Glasgow, Academy
11 Mar: Stoke, Victoria Hall
13 Mar: Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall

Source: http://www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk/

OF MONTREAL ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM

OF MONTREAL ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM
Of Montreal have announced that they will release a new album, their eleventh and the follow-up to last year's 'False Priest', in February. Entitled 'Paralytic Stalks', it will be released by Polyvinyl on 6 Feb. You can here a track from it, 'Wintered Debts', below.

And here's the tracklist:

Gelid Ascent
Spiteful Intervention
Dour Percentage
We Will Commit Wolf Murder
Malefic Dowery
Ye, Renew The Plaintiff
Wintered Debts
Exorcismic Breeding Knife
Authentic Pyrrhic Remission

soundcloud.com/of-montreal/of-montreal-wintered-debts

Source: http://www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk/

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE WORKING ON NEW ALBUM

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE WORKING ON NEW ALBUM
Animal Collective's Avey Tare has revealed that the band have begun work on the follow-up to their 2009 album 'Merriweather Post Pavillion' in Tare's hometown of Baltimore, with plans to begin recording in January.

He told 77 Square: "We just finished another two weeks of writing sessions and put together five new songs. We're really excited about this record ... and it's been really fun jamming with those guys again".

The band are also due to play at the Merriweather Post Pavilion venue in Baltimore (I've heard that name somewhere before) this Saturday, where they will be debuting some of the new songs, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Source: http://www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk/

CRAZY ARM DECEMBER UK TOUR

CRAZY ARM DECEMBER UK TOUR

Devonian roots-punk ensemble, Crazy Arm, embark on a short UK stint in December, fresh off the back of their hugely successful tour with Against Me! which saw them play sold out shows in France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and England. The band will be appearing alongside Great Cynics and Smokey Bastard at most of the shows (dates below).

Crazy Arm's second album 'Union City Breath' was released in October of this year. Much like its predecessor, 'Born To Ruin', it has been brilliantly received nationwide and throughout mainland Europe by fans and critics alike. Produced and engineered by Peter Miles (The King Blues, The Computers, Sonic Boom Six), the album is a triumph of punk rock energy, alt. country vitalism and rabble-rousing honesty.

Crazy Arm, properly set up camp in mid-2006. Not easy to categorise, and all the better for it, their sound is an accumulation of decades of influence and inspiration: rooted in hardcore/punk, ‘60s protest folk/country and Springsteen-esque rock’n’roll, combined with a grass-roots political overview that embraces anti-war, anti-fascist and pro-community activism.

December tour dates:
14th – Joiners, Southampton (with Great Cynics + Smokey Bastard)
15th – Star & Garter, Manchester (with Above Them + Great Cynics + Smokey Bastard)
16th – 1 in 12 Club, Bradford (with Random Hand + Great Cynics + Smokey Bastard)
17th – Frog & Fiddle, Cheltenham (with Tall Ships + Jim Lockey + Talons)
18th – Windmill, London (with Above Them + Great Cynics + Smokey Bastard)
20th – The Maze, Nottingham (with Great Cynics + Smokey Bastard)

Reviews for 'Union City Breath':
'Blisters with energy' – KKKK Kerrang!
'You need Crazy Arm' – 5/5 Big Cheese
'A triumph from start to finish' – 9/10 Punktastic
'Delivered with a fired-up passion' – Rock Sound
'Never faltering from the pinnacle it attains from the off' – Punk News
'A patchwork blanket of musical bliss' – Room Thirteen
'This is the band to watch at the moment' – Rhythm Circus
'Supremely confident' – Sputnik Music
'Album of choice to represent Britain on the punk scene' – Alter The Press


website: www.facebook.com/thecrazyarm

Summer Sundae 2012 Update...

Dear All

We’ve been busy planning since the last Summer Sundae Weekender and are now happy to confirm the new dates for the 2012 edition as Friday 17 to Sunday 19 August 2012. We have moved the dates one week back due to the Olympics so please save the weekend in your diaries now.

We’ve also been very busy listening to your thoughts on last year’s festival. Reading your completed questionnaires, comments on social networking sites, and speaking to people directly at the event, we’ve taken a lot on board and wanted to fill you in on some of the changes we’ve decided to make.

One of the things a number of you asked us for is a cheaper ticket price. We have done our absolute best to keep our prices right down this year and are pleased to respond with a pledge to sell 2012 tickets at 2010 prices, with a limited number of Early Bird tickets on offer at just £95 for the weekend.

These will be on sale from Tuesday 6 December so make sure you grab one while you can. Please also be advised that due to planned building works at Regent College all camping will be on Victoria Park in 2012, with limited availability. So be sure to reserve your camping spot quickly for next year too.

You also asked us for cheaper tickets for 16 and 17 year olds. In response to this we have created a new ‘Young Persons’ ticket especially for those aged 14 to 17. Priced at just £60 for an Early Bird Weekend ticket we hope that this will make things easier for our younger audience and in particular for families with young adults amongst them.

As well as asking us for changes to the ticket prices and types, lots of you generally thought that we should simplify the ticketing process. So we’re introducing a ‘print at home’ ticket for 2012 which should be much more straightforward. Ticket prices and information can all be found on our website www.summersundae.com

So lots of changes are afoot for next year’s festival, and we hope lots of changes you’ll really like. We very much hope to see you there.

Summer Sundae Weekender.

Tickets: http://summersundae.com/

Review: The Rationals

The Rationals – S/T (Big Beat / Ace)
When, in 2009, Ace Records released The Rationals’ compilation “Think Rational”, there was considerable excitement amongst fans of Detroit rock, though it was tinged with a little disappointment. The 2009 collection compiled their classic late ‘60s singles, rarities and various unissued gems over two discs, but there was no sign of their acclaimed self-titled album issued on the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Crewe label in 1970. Well, Ace have now rectified the oversight, and present the original nine-track album complete with four bonus cuts: the two single versions of “Guitar Army” and “Sunset”, plus “Zip-A-Dee Doo Dah” and an astonishing 11 minute live-in-the-studio take of Willie Dixon and Howlin’ Wolf’s “Wang Dang Doodle”.

The original album’s reputation is well deserved. The mix of covers and their own material hangs together brilliantly, and even R&B staples like “Barefootin’” are freshened up with some properly fuzzy guitars. Original songs like “Deep Red” and “Ha Ha” show a band adept at soulful, futuristic rock and, of course, the infamous “Guitar Army” might have been the antithesis of John Sinclair and the MC5’s literal call to arms, but it’s just as powerful a musical statement, and as fine a slice of garage-punk as you’ll find anywhere, including the Nuggets box. I can’t claim to have been particularly au fait with The Rationals catalogue before I came across this fine collection, but now I’m a certified, card-carrying fan – and I’ve not even had a chance to rave about their fantastic version of “Wang Dang Doodle”…
www.acerecords.co.uk
Rob F.

Review: Kyla P and the Revolving Door

Kyla P and the Revolving Door - Life Lessons (Pt 1 Earth and Fire) (Independent) Kyla Pitruzzello began playing guitar and singing aged 16, but then life went and got in the way. It happens. Now, nearly two decades later, she’s recorded her first album, and I’m sure I wont be the only one who feels like they’ve been missing out. There’s a late ‘70s feel to “Life Lessons (Pt 1 Earth and Fire)” which brings to mind Patti Smith’s “Easter” and “Wave” albums, both in Pitruzzello’s phrasing and the music, including the combination of instruments. Yet it doesn’t sound particularly derivative or unoriginal, perhaps because it seems so out of time, but I suspect the real reason is that Kyla Pitruzzello is a genuine talent.

There are only seven tracks on her album, though it comes in at around 35 minutes, more than enough time to draw proper conclusions. The album begins with seven-plus minutes of “Collide”, with its references to sunrise and as an early opportunity to get to grips with Pitruzzello’s range, it makes perfect sense. “Lost” follows and it’s pacey and urgent with a fine rhythmic thrust. “A Lie” is full of restrained tension, and it’s the best vocal on the whole record, though my favourite track is “Contamination”. It begins with a muffled crowd scene (not unlike Lou Reed’s “Berlin”), before a bass line threatens, like something out of Jeff Wayne’s “War Of The Worlds”, while a simple keyboard loop / hook kicks in. It sounds complicated, but it’s not, and the song, crooned gently is full of hidden meaning and mysterious intent. Fantastic!
http://www.buckmcgrane.com/kyla_web/contact.html
Rob F.

Review: Leonard Emery

Leonard Emery - Always Remember To Kiss Me Goodnight (Independent)
“Always Remember To Kiss Me Goodnight” is Leonard Emery’s fifth album and once past its flowery façade, it offers a generous selection of musical treats. I’ve read others comparing Emery to Randy Newman, and while there are certainly some similarities with the Californian singer-songwriter (they’re also both pianists), when Emory sings, I’m personally reminded more of Leon Russell. Which is no bad thing at all.

Born in Laconia, NH, Emory’s musical education and early career took him to Vienna to study piano, college in Boston, the Navy Music School, session work in LA and five years of special effect work on movies, including Cheech and Chong’s “Up In Smoke” and “The Muppet Movie”. Now back in New Hampshire and concentrating on his solo career, Emery’s songs sound like they’ve lived a life and have got some stories to tell. First track “Don't Push the (Mad) River” is an absolute doozie. With it’s funk guitar, assorted brass and Dr. John / New Orleans inspired rhythm; it couldn’t be more Southern if it was served up with a side order of fried chicken. “The Boy” just about justifies those Randy Newman comparisons, but Emory’s whole approach feels looser and he’s less concerned about scoring lyrical points. “1963” is cut from the same cloth. Together with the fore mentioned “Don't Push the (Mad) River”, “One Life Ain't Long Enough” is a new firm favourite. It releases his inner Kris Kristofferson (we’ve all got one) with an upbeat country rock shuffle and some universal sentiments.
www.leonardemery.com
Rob F.

Green Day Announce Reissues of “39/Smooth” and “Kerplunk”

Green Day Announce Reissues of “39/Smooth” and “Kerplunk”


Multi-million selling and Grammy Award winning rock band Green Day have announced the release of re-issues of their first two classic albums “39/Smooth” and “Kerplunk” on December 20th. Both albums will be available on limited edition black & white vinyl for the first time in over a decade.

The seminal punk rock classic “39/Smooth”, originally released in 1991, will be bundled with the original 7” of the classic songs “1000 Hours” and “Slappy”.

The 1992’s “Kerplunk”, which is believed to be one of the most influential US punk rock albums ever made, will be bundled with the original “Sweet Children” 7” EP. “Kerplunk” will also feature the original version of one of the Green Day’s biggest hits “Welcome to Paradise”.

The reissues are exclusively available through Epitaph Europe’s merchandise company King Roads Merch and can be pre-ordered here: http://www.epitaphstore.com

For more information:

http://greenday.com/

Adele overtakes Amy Winehouse album chart record

Adele's 21 has become the UK's biggest-selling album of the 21st century, overtaking Amy Winehouse's Back To Black.

The Official Charts Company said 21 had sold 3.4 million copies since it was released in January, compared to 3.3 million for Back To Black.

The album been in the top 10 for 45 weeks, including 18 at number one.

Adele's success is not just restricted to the UK. 21 has been the biggest-selling album in the world this year.

Last week, Adele earned six Grammy nominations - including album of the year, record of the year and best pop vocal album.

The singer has also revealed that she's started speaking again following throat surgery in the US last month.

Writing on her official blog she reacted to her Grammy nominations.

"A couple days after finally being able to talk again I'm pretty speechless," she wrote.

"This has been the best year as it is but to end 2011 with this incredible achievement and honour is beyond anything I can express.

"I made the record and you've made it what it's become."

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/16029212

THE RAPTURE ANNOUNCE SHOWS; TWO STANDARD, ONE SPECIAL

THE RAPTURE ANNOUNCE SHOWS; TWO STANDARD, ONE SPECIAL
Having released their first post-hiatus album, 'In The Grace Of Your Love', earlier this year, The Rapture will be stopping by for a two-date UK jaunt next May. But wait, there's more, because the band are also set to play an exclusive interactive London show on 12 Dec.

Presented by Dell, Intel and Vice Magazine's joint live venture, Noisey, as part of their Special Engagement Concert Series, fans will get the chance to choose the band's encore track, design merchandise for their new single 'Sail Away', and even join them on stage. The entire set will be streamed live on the Noisey website. Details on how to secure entry to that show, which goes off at Rowan's Bowling Alley in Finsbury Park, can be found here: www.noisey.com/
specialengagements

Say The Rapture, in sweet and perfect unison: "Thanks to Noisey, we feel quite lucky to engage in far reaching ways to fans all over the world. This sounds like it should be a damn good concert".

Meanwhile, here are the regular old 2012 dates:

1 May: Oxford, Academy
2 May: London, Shepherd's Bush Empire

Source: http://www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk/

BLONDE REDHEAD ENLIST INTERPOL, DEERHUNTER FOR JAPANESE CHARITY LP

BLONDE REDHEAD ENLIST INTERPOL, DEERHUNTER FOR JAPANESE CHARITY LP
As the Japanese people continue to feel the effects of the natural disasters that befell their country earlier this year, alt-rock trio Blonde Redhead have put together a compilation in support of recovery efforts. Entitled 'We Are The Works In Progress', the album features exclusives and unfinished tracks by the likes of Liars, John Maus, Deerhunter and Interpol.

With proceeds from sales going to Architecture For Humanity and the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, the LP will be the inaugural release on Blonde Redhead's new label, Asa Wa Kuru - Japanese for "morning will come" - on 10 Jan.

As suggested by the album's title, the significance of the incomplete pieces is to symbolise Japan's potential for regeneration. Blonde Redhead frontwoman Kazu Makino, who hails from Kyoto, says this: "Unfinished things often carry more energy... the possibility of it eventually becoming something great is infinite without having to be quite yet".

Tracklist:

Four Tet - Moma
Karin Andersson - No Face
Terry Riley - G Song
Nosaj Thing - Nightcrawler
John Roberts - Berceuse
Blonde Redhead - Penny Sparkle (Drew Brown Remix)
Pantha du Prince - Bird On A Wire
Broadcast - In Here the World Begins
Liars - Drip (Blonde Redhead Remix)
Deerhunter - Curve
Stalactite - Stalagmite
John Maus - Castles In The Gravev
David Sylvian/Ryuichi Sakamoto - Bamboo House
Interpol - Song Seven

Source: http://www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk/

Classic Reviews from the Leicester Bangs Print Archive...

Goldblade – Hometurf (Ultimate)
With these 50 minutes of shit-hot rollercoaster rock ‘n’ roll, Gold Blade kick down the doors and proclaim their genius to the world. Then they torch the joint.

In this time of political shenanigans, singer John Robb owns the sound bite, spitting out the message into the faces of non-believers, and then sticking around to rub it in with a size ten brothel creeper. This is punk rock in its truest form as the band swagger through a set that oozes pure unadulterated exuberance. Think The Clash and the Pistols, think John Sinclair and the MC5, think Black Grape with big fuck-off quiffs, think the Dolls jamming with The Specials and Eek-A-Mouse or, alternatively, stop wasting time thinking up know-nothing comparisons and go buy a copy instead.
LB (1997)

Tarnation – Mirador (4ad)
Tarnation have made a soundtrack for a western that will never be made, which is a shame, because judging it just by the music, it would have been a great movie – though maybe a little slow.

“Mirador” distils the songs and atmospheres from the previous album “Gentle Creatures” to produce an incredibly heady brew. Reminiscent at times to the Cowboy Junkies or The Walkabouts at their most gothic (small “g”), Tarnation has the voice of Paula Frazer to elevate them into another division. Indeed, her voice is absolute perfection and shines like a bright star in this slightly more upbeat collection. Let “Mirador” into your house and your life will be a little better.
LB (1997)

Paul K & The Weathermen – Love Is A Gas (Alias)
“Love Is A Gas”, Paul K’s eighth album, is always an interesting listen. Produced by Mo Tucker, the songs are more accessible than usual, though style wise we go from the phrasing of Townes Van Zandt to the song structure of UK Decay via the pop sensibilities of Matthew Sweet and Stevie Wonder. The latter comes courtesy of a cover of “Jesus Children Of America”.

Paul K pretty much wears his heart on his sleeve. His experiences of drug addiction and life on the streets regularly come through in his lyrics, though they don’t drag the music down. “Love Is A Gas” is a good introduction to the work of Paul K.
LB (1997)

GusGus – Polydistortion (4ad)
When the nine members of GusGus got together to make an art-house movie it seemed that their multitude of talents could also be guided in other directions. GusGus was the result and their debut “Polydistortion” is a sophisticated, though slightly sinister slice of post-Bristol trip-hop.

Hailing from Reykjavik, probably Europe’s coolest pop capital city (in more ways than one), they have a lot to live up to and they just about carry it off. “Polydistortion” has some fine moments, the epic “Cold Breath ‘79” and gorgeous “Why” are prime examples, though there’s a nagging feeling that this is merely a rehearsal for greater things to come.

Fans of the Bristol sound will inevitably lap this up like nectar from a Norse god, and perhaps we have the beginnings here of the definitive sound of young Iceland.
LB (1997)

US COMMENTATORS WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO LAST WEEK'S VAN HALEN ANNOUNCEMENT

US COMMENTATORS WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO LAST WEEK'S VAN HALEN ANNOUNCEMENT
Various US commentators are wondering what is happening with the big Van Halen reunion, because it was widely expected a big announcement would be made at last week's Grammy nominations concert in LA.

Certainly the Recording Academy promised "a special live announcement from a truly iconic group regarding their historic reunion at the Grammys 2012". Not especially cryptic clues on official Grammy tweets prior to the event then suggested that the announcement would be about Van Halen. But no such announcement was forthcoming. Recording Academy chief Neil Portnow said after the big noms show, "in the world of creativity, everything is fluid ... there was the expectation that the artist involved and we would be ready to announce, but the artist was not quite ready".

A Van Halen reunion including original lead singer David Lee Roth has been expected for a few months now, with a tour and a new album, and a possible new record deal with Universal's Interscope. Of course with Roth having separate legal representation to the rest of Van Halen, any deals will take some time to complete, and that the band's big announcement has had to be postponed doesn't mean the reunion is off. Though it does mean there could as yet be legal complications that could hinder the grand plans.

Source: http://www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk/

HAPPY MONDAYS REUNION IN THE PIPELINE

HAPPY MONDAYS REUNION IN THE PIPELINE
The original line up of Happy Mondays are set to reform next year, presumably keen to capitalise on the renewed interest in the whole Madchester thing the Stone Roses reunion will create. Some are suggesting the Mondays may actually support the Roses, while other reports say the band's 1990 album 'Pills N Thrills And Bellyaches' will also be re-released to coincide with the reformation.

Apparently Sean Ryder is close to having all his former bandmates on board, and a meeting to finalise money splits will take place this week. It's thought the whole thing may be filmed for a documentary, which is likely to be a whole lot more interesting that the reunion gigs themselves.

Source: http://www.unlimitedmedia.co.uk/

Review: Foxx On Fire

Foxx On Fire - March Into The Sun (Independent)
If you’d like 'pop-music-on-a-stick', then here it is, all 17 minutes of it, though it seems to tumble past in half that time. A welter of energized instruments surrounds the solid, occasionally high-pitched vocals, and together the voice and cacophonous roar seem to plunge headlong into each tune - with no regard for the safety of the listener. The high point comes at the mid-point of “March Into The Sun”, a five song EP that initially startles, and then errs towards delightful. "Into The Light", is an electric flashgun of sound, brimming with the confidence so apparent on the first two tracks, but with a tasty chorus, reminiscent of the Rare Bird song “Baby Listen”. The whole thing is charged with a youthful energy that reaches out and pulls you in; the sort of thing that you might have seen on TOTP ten years ago. It has 'hit' written all over it, inside and out, like a great indie pop stick of rock.

Things are not allowed to tail off either. The ‘70s feel of "Mission Abort" is in a similar tempo, but placed firmly within that particular decade. The final track is a reprise of the first song, the title track, "March Into The Sun", and the band are able to morph it into a prog instrumental, when the opening track is full-on indie pop with a slight, but distinct, ‘60s feel to it. All in all this is one of the very few things that I’ve heard that manages to make today's alt. pop sound danceable, across the decades, but it does need you to approach it with a twinkle of magic retro-dust in your pumps.
http://www.facebook.com/foxxonfire
Kev A.

Review: Joy

Joy - S/T (Folkwit Records)
It's all in the title, folks, and then again... not so much. Less a joyful listen as a deep and brooding LP's worth of tunes. A classic baroque rock 'n’ roll escapade, with an intense power that underpins each and every song. Joy visit all the stops from The Sound to Joy Division; easily as intense as both of these (whilst less indie rock than Joy Division, and less urgent than The Sound could be), whilst tacking on a classical element with Anja Naucler's cello that occasionally takes centre stage. As good as the use of the cello is, and it is very good, reducing Mark A. Huyghens' guitar to background support, it’s the voice of Francoise Vidick, as stern and mesmerizing as I have heard in recent times, which is beautifully equipped to enthrall us all, in much the same way as both Ian Curtis and Adrian Borland were able to in the past. Another aspect of the vocals is the androgynous quality of it, where at times you might just feel all at sea with the 'Boy? Girl? Either? Both?' questions. Or, of course, it may not bother you at all, and just add to the enjoyment.

If there’s one complaint that can be made, it’s that there’s no lighter material on this album with which to contrast these dark noir songs, and perhaps lighten the musical load for the listener. Still, both of the aforementioned bands were able to carry it off with aplomb, so maybe Joy (yep, a bit of a misnomer in one way, a bit of a homage in another) can do the same.
http://www.folkwit.biz/
Kev A.

Review: King's Daughters And Sons

King's Daughters And Sons - If Then Not When (Chemikal Underground)
What a heady mix of songs and styles this smart and beautiful album is. Listening to it makes you triumphantly woozy because you found it first and not one of your mates has a clue what they’re missing - you know exactly what I mean. I was initially transfixed by the sheer beauty of the penultimate track, "Lorelei", an extraordinary piece of music that seems to exist in a mesmerizing haze, and ends in a free flowing, intoxicating jam. Hearing that single track for the first time opened up an album (just eight songs) that will surely prove to be one of the musical highlights of 2011.

It’s a very cohesive mix of varied sounds and tempo. The eight minutes of "The Anniversary" starts with a freewheeling guitar and folk-heavy vocals, before developing a graceful piano led middle section, as the story unfolds, and then the jam begins. It subsides just as readily, without actually disappearing altogether, to allow the vocals to complete the tale with clarity; the last minute and a half, though, again belongs to the free-playing musicians. It’s followed by a weathered instrumental, "A Storm Kept Them Away" - parched rather than drenched – it’s a fluid a piece of Calexico inspired post-rock. "Volunteer" follows, and it’s a slow tempo, deeply pretty song that could happily grace a Jagjaguar release, or feature in the wonderful world of Jason Molina.

“Open Sky” ends the album with a three minute guitar chug, a cross between Neil Young and Red House Painters, with the ghost of Rainer Ptacek in the wings. Before the chug, we have the song, a glowing coal of dark words, sung with a slightly chilling boy / girl harmony. Highly recommended for the lone desert wolf lover, and anyone else, actually.
www.chemikal.co.uk
Kev A.

Silber Media News...

Hello,

I hope all is going well with you. Here we are & it's already December. I've had a pretty rough year, but they are all what I refer to as "first world" problems; you know, there's food around even if I'm eating less of it & there's clean water to drink & I have both eyes & all my fingers & toes. So who am I to complain if some dude wrecks my car or a loved one dies or my computer blows up? It makes me sound like an American or something.

It's December, so we have a new Christmas compilation. It's called "Six Feet Below the Snow" & I'm pretty stoked about it. Goes all over the map genre wise & some stuff is serious with other stuff being dumb fun. Go to

www.silbermedia.com/comps/sixfeet

to listen or download it for free. The artist roster is Charles DeMar, Jon DeRosa, Thorn1, Landerim, Miss Massive Snowflake, Goddakk, Origami Boe, Moodring, Remora, Pacific 231, Sibyll Kalff, Yellow6, Lullabier, Feel No Other, Tony Whitlock, Les Marquises, Løzninger, Electric Bird Noise, Parties, & Drekka with Michael Demery Toran. Also, if you need some of our older Christmas comps (which now somehow is 8.5 hours of music) go to

www.silbermedia.com/christmas

Remora got the remix treatment for the single "My Brother's Guns & Knives" off of "Scars Bring Hope." 13 covers all fairly different from the original & you can listen or get a free download at

www.silbermedia.com/remora/guns.shtml

There's also a video for the album version of the song that was recently featured on Foxy Digitalis that you can check out here -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o67dr8oR-Ek

- it's stop motion of a paper doll fighting bugs & it took me a few weeks to get it done (though a big part was learning the process) so I hope you get a kick out of it.

Rllrbll (formerly Rollerball) has a free EP called "Murwa Mbwa" that is a preview of what they are working on for their album in 2012. I'm never sure how to explain what Rllrbll sounds like, but lately I've been calling them "doom jazz rock" which seems as sensible as anything. The big news is that the producer is Spit Stix of Fear who has previously been a producer for the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers & Nina Hagen. Anyway, listen or download it -

www.silbermedia.com/rollerball/murwambwa.shtml

& then the last in our free releases for this time out is the debut of doomgazers Magi. One guitarist & one drummer making music somewhere between Tribes of Neurot & Neil Young's Dead Man Soundtrack. It's a new project from Brandon Helms of From Oceans to Autumn. Here it is -

www.silbermedia.com/magi/december.shtml

Of course if you dig the free releases, you are welcome to donate some money to keep the series going.

Since the last newsletter I put up a couple new issues of QRD, one interviewing mini-comic creators & another continuing our guitarist interview series. Hopefully I'll get worked up my exhaustive drummer survey soon & I'll be getting some new content to keep QRD going as I'm running low on guitarists to interview that will actually answer 70 questions! -

www.silbermedia.com/qrd

This month's feature release is mwvm's "Rotations" from back in 2007 as we're going to have a new album from mwvm pretty soon. Listen to it on the free stream & of course buy it for $2 off while it's the feature.

www.silbermedia.com/feature

New music coming soon from mwvm, Remora, Brian John Mitchell/Andrew Weathers, Electric Bird Noise, & more. New comics soon too! We'll let you know more next month.

Please mention any of our stuff you dig in your Facebook & Twitter feeds.

Thanks for your interest & support.

hrt
Brian John Mitchell
www.silbermedia.com
www.silbermedia.com/blog
www.twitter.com/silberspy
www.facebook.com/groups/6520079614/
www.youtube.com/user/silberspy

Review: Ike Moriz - Angel Eyes

Ike Moriz - Angel Eyes (Mosquito Records London)
The final album in the “Stardust” trilogy; a trio of albums released by Ike Moriz in 2009 that highlighted his love of the American songwriters of the middle decades of the 20th Century. Based in Capetown, SA, where I imagine he’s a regular attraction at the more sophisticated end of the nightclub scene, Moriz approaches all his recordings with utter professionalism, whether it’s big band balladeering, upbeat indie-pop and glam, or the easy swinging jazz of “Angel Eyes”.

As with “Body And Soul” and “Stardust”, the two companion records to “Angel Eyes”, Willie van Zyl leads the band, British pianist A. McPike provides the majority of the instrumental flare, and Moriz produces. They’re a formidable team, and as with previous recordings it’s easy to be impressed by both Moriz’s performance and the lean, piano-based arrangements. As always there’s plenty of material to rave about, and individual songs that sound perfectly suited to the classic BBC Radio 2 format. Three tracks in, their take on Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh’s “Witchcraft” is outstanding, with Moriz in fine vocal form and McPike expertly dancing around the keys. “Come Rain Or Come Shine” is lazy and languid, with the piano taking on an almost ‘swampy’ mood. “Try A Little Tenderness” became a soul standard in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but it was originally recorded by the Ray Noble Orchestra back in 1932. Here Moriz joins the dots with a nod to both camps, and it’s undoubtedly one of the highlights here.
www.ikemoriz.com
Rob F.

Review: Aaron Stoquert

Aaron Stoquert - Remaining Days (TwinStar Media)
There simply aren’t enough albums being produced that deal with the inevitable consequences of the zombie apocalypse that, if TV, cinema and comic books are to be believed, should be here by next Thursday. I, like many others, rely on pop music to keep me informed of news events - royal weddings and divorces, celebrity diets, impending doom, etc. - so Aaron Stoquert should be applauded for keeping us all in the loop.

“Remaining Days” is the full-length follow-up to the "Run for Your Life" EP, which also dealt with the undead and their peculiar ways. It’s obviously a fascination that runs deep in Stoquert, and he eloquently puts voice to his passion. There’s no shortage of drama, tension or tunes, either. He mostly reminds me of obscure British singer-songwriter Marmaduke Dando, but listening to Gothic folk tracks like “Last Day”, “A Lock for You” and the quite disturbing “Plead No More”, there’s a definite Decemberists influence at play, together with the usual suspects like Johnny Cash, Nick Cave and, if I may be so bold, Roy Orbison.

Considering Stoquert’s unusual obsession, “Remaining Days” is not only remarkably accessible but feels utterly natural. At his core he’s a troubadour, with a mission to entertain, and much like George A. Romero and Robert Kirkman he never leaves his audience behind. It’s really very good, and if you’re partial to the ‘dark stuff’, you should investigate without delay.
http://aaronstoquert.bandcamp.com/
Rob F.

Review: Marian Call

Marian Call - Something Fierce (Independent)
Completely funded by her fans, Marian Call’s third album is a super collection of well-produced jazz-folk-pop vignettes, dealing with all sorts of subjects, approached in all sorts of ways. Apart, obviously, from hearing where the money was spent, those who invest in the physical product (a horrible word, when talking about any form of art) will find themselves in possession of a properly packaged double-disc set, with a 16 page booklet of lyrics and exclusive photos. When most artists and labels, especially independents, are looking to downsize and go the purely digital route, it’s refreshing to come across an artist prepared to push the boat out and compete with the majors - on her own terms, of course.

Over two discs and 19 songs, Call does her thing, which she’s helpfully named “eclectic acoustic folky bebop”. Its mix of idiosyncratic songs and quirky time signatures is certain to raise the occasional smile, though don’t be surprised by the intermittent poignancy. The collection begins with “Good Morning Moon” and it’s a joyous, upbeat launch, which gets even better when the choir of backing vocalists playfully join in. “The Avocado Song” is mostly just Call and a fiercely strummed guitar and harmonica, and is witty, and lyrically precise. “Dear Mister Darcy” is obviously inspired by Jane Austen, and she can be added to a list of topics that includes space shuttle missions, cancer scares, divorce, driving in Alaska and SxSW. I hope “Something Fierce” gets the audience it deserves, and if you’re partial to the records of Rickie Lee Jones, Edie Brickell or even Michelle Shocked, then you should head over to Call’s website where you can hear the whole album before you inevitably purchase.
http://mariancall.com/
Rob F.

Review: Maureen Toth

Maureen Toth - Shine (Spinout Records)
“Shine” is the sophomore album from Maureen Toth, an LA based singer-songwriter, and she dedicates it to her deceased mother. "Mom's Song" is the obvious tribute here, upbeat rather than maudlin, a celebration of her contribution to Ms. Toth's life. And that mood is basically what we get throughout, an overall upbeat affair, but a rather mixed bag of songs. What knits it all together is the production by Bernie Larsen, who’s worked with Toth before, even accompanying her at live shows. He also provides the multitude of instruments that accompany her vocals, as well as adding his own voice to some of the backing. "Let It Shine", with more buoyancy then many a boat, is a spotless example of this mutually beneficial collaboration. I doubt the album would be anywhere near as cohesive as it is without his input; they do compliment each other rather well.

So, how good is it, then, and how successful might Ms. Toth become? Well, the songs are generally a little too lightweight, and occasionally a bit wordy. The lilting melody of "Light Of The Morning" gets almost clogged with the numerous words in some of the lines, at times just about becoming a quick 'reading' of the lyrics. Her voice is pretty good, and it’s enhanced by the settled nature in which the album was made, which gives easy access to the material. Still, in trying to pick out individual high points within the album I could only come up with the Joni Mitchell-esque "Just Like You", which has a great arrangement giving it underlying gravitas, and "Dog", a gentle and simple song, that’s a minor treat for the ears.

I doubt that there are enough extraordinary moments on this album to suggest that you must have it, but there’s probably enough for you to make a note of its existence, and check it out at a later date.
Kev A.

Review: The Venetian

The Venetian - I Wanna Tell you A Story (Independent)
This is The Venetian’s latest CD “I Wanna Tell You A Story” officially released in 2011. He brings to the table a plethora of musical experience that can’t be called into question. His background: originally hailing from Italy now living in the LA area he is clearly no stranger to the Music Business. He obviously knows what he’s doing behind the glass in a studio environment, and probably on a stage. The music can best be described as rock opera.

I always listen to the first piece very, very carefully. It’s what the artists has personally chosen to be the first piece of music to hit your ears. I have to say I was extremely impressed with the opening tracks "Act 1”, “Goodbye” to “Act 2 and “Black Cat” certainly are dynamic numbers which took my full attention right from the start. To be hones, I expected over the top death metal garbage that was extremely predictable and overbearing in nature. What I discovered was quite the opposite. The whole CD is wonderfully simple yet very complex, full of what I would call dark energy, with music that appeals to all the senses. It reminds me a little of a modern day Queen yet The Venetian is a real showman here very much like Alice Cooper or even Kiss. There are some fantastic and melancholy moments on “I Wanna Tell You a Story” which gives the CD a progressive feel. There were also some entertaining moments throughout but also a few pin drop moments too. From top to bottom “I Wanna Tell You a Story” has an extremely refined production with amazing sound quality, first-rate musicianship and top of the line songwriting.

The most amazing thing about this CD is the rock opera presentation. The Venetian has what I call a strong X-Factor component. What is X-Factor – it is the passion within and it’s nothing that can be taught from a textbook or from a musical instructor. The Venetian appeals to both advanced and novice listeners alike. This is harder to do than it sounds – and shouldn’t be strived for, rather it should come just naturally. The Venetian has clearly proven himself worthy of praise with this latest string of songs. There’s nothing more dangerous than a musical savant from Europe armed with a guitar, a gift and a one way ticket to the USA.
Adam Taylor

FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM new album...

FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM
‘CEROMONIES’
Released March 5th, 2012

EMI Label Services in conjunction with Sacred Symphony are proud to announce the release of ‘Ceromonies’, the long-awaited live album and DVD by Fields Of The Nephilim. Subtitled ‘Ad Mortem , Ad Vitam’ (To Death, For Life), this release marks the closing of one chapter in Fields Of The Nephilim’s history paving the way for what is soon to come.

As frontman Carl McCoy says: "The Ceromonies project is about crystallising a point in time which embodies magical moments created by Fields Of The Nephilim. Having focussed on the live elements over the last few years this represents a closure and regeneration. Ceromonies is a representation and remembrance of where the Nephilim is right now, from this point we move forward. We continue to evolve."

Recorded over two sell-out shows at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire, ‘Ceromonies’ features songs from their earliest days such as ‘Trees Come Down’ and ‘Preacher Man’, through a series of undeniable classics including ‘Moonchild’, ‘Psychonaut’ and a rare performance of ‘Celebrate’, whilst taking in the dramatic soundscapes of the mid-‘90s Nefilim incarnation (‘Penetration’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Zoon’), and coming right up to date with the band performing tracks from their most recent studio album ‘Mourning Sun’.

‘Ceromonies’ also includes a very rare live performance of ‘Wail Of Sumer / And There Will Be Your Heart Also’, the thirteen minute, elegiac finale of the band’s landmark ‘Elizium’ album.

Following hot on the heels of October’s sold-out Brixton Academy show, which not only had queues of devoted fans stretching around the building for hours beforehand desperate to get in, but saw the band deliver an incredible set of old and new to rapturous acclaim, ‘Ceromonies’ is a breath-taking document of Fields Of The Nephilim’s musical dominance over metal, gothic and industrial music for the past three decades.

As a visual document, the DVD captures the true essence of the band, bringing the ritualistic nature of their live show to the screen and demonstrating the quite remarkable power of their performance. Beautifully edited and directed by Carl McCoy at his visual production company, Sheer Faith, it is a striking example of why this most elusive and mysterious of bands has been revered for so long.

The double-CD set – only the second live album the band have ever released and a perfect companion to its live predecessor, 1991’s legendary ‘Earth Inferno’ – is a sensory treat; the enormous sound and brooding instrumentation of the band bursting forth from the speakers, crowned with McCoy’s haunting incantations and tour-de-force vocals.

‘Ceromonies’ is released as a 3-disc digipack, featuring the double CD live album and DVD, a two-disc vinyl album and a digital download album featuring the bonus track ‘Last Exit For The Lost’. Full tracklistings are below.

Fields Of The Nephilim will be touring internationally throughout 2012 including some very special performances to be announced in the coming months.


‘CEROMONIES’

DIGIPACK

CD 1: Ad Mortem
1 Shroud
2 Straight To The Light
3 From The Fire
4 Penetration
5 Shine
6 Wail Of Sumer
7 And There Will Your Heart Be Also
8 Trees Come Down
9 Psychonaut

CD 2: Ad Vitam
1 Intro (Harmonica Man)
2 Preacher Man
3 Moonchild
4 Requiem
5 Xiberia
6 Zoon (Wakeworld)
7 Mourning Sun
8 Celebrate

DVD:
1 Shroud
2 Straight To The Light
3 From The Fire
4 Penetration
5 Wail Of Sumer
6 And There Will Your Heart Be Also
7 Trees Come Down
8 Moonchild
9 Psychonaut
10 Mourning Sun


DOUBLE VINYL
VINYL 1: Ad Mortem
1 Shroud
2 Straight To The Light
3 From The Fire
4 Penetration
5 Shine

6 Wail Of Sumer
7 And There Will Your Heart Be Also
8 Trees Come Down
9 Psychonaut

VINYL 2: Ad Vitam
1 Intro (Harmonica Man)
2 Preacher Man
3 Moonchild
4 Requiem
5 Xiberia

6 Zoon (Wakeworld)
7 Mourning Sun
8 Celebrate

DOWNLOAD
Album 1: Ad Mortem
1 Shroud
2 Straight To The Light
3 From The Fire
4 Penetration
5 Shine
6 Wail Of Sumer
7 And There Will Your Heart Be Also
8 Trees Come Down
9 Psychonaut

Album 2: Ad Vitam
1 Intro (Harmonica Man)
2 Preacher Man
3 Moonchild
4 Requiem
5 Xiberia
6 Zoon (Wakeworld)
7 Mourning Sun
8 Celebrate
9 Last Exit For The Lost (bonus track taken from Mera Luna Festival 2008)

News from The Well Wishers...

Six months in the making and it’s almost here!!

The brand new platter from the Well Wishers is due to hit stores on January 24.
Just posted today is a listening station at Bandcamp where you can preview the
entire album … as well as snag a free download of the first single “Escape The Light”.
Please take a listen!

Preview the new Well Wishers album “Dreaming of the West Coast” here:
http://thewellwishers.bandcamp.com/

Recorded with the invaluable drumming assistance from my old Spinning Jennies
band mate Nick Laquintano, Dreaming of the West Coast features 12 spanking new
tracks of full-bodied, shimmering power pop… as well as a reverential cover of an
obscure song from the 60s mod band The Smoke (see if you can guess which track!)

Just in time for the holidays…I will have a pre-order site up in a few weeks where you
can order the album directly, along with a bonus WW or Spinning Jennies album of your
choice. Stay tuned…

thanks for listening,
Jeff Shelton
THE WELL WISHERS
www.facebook.com/thewellwishersband
http://thewellwishers.bandcamp.com/

Review: Simon Finn

Simon Finn - Through Stones (10 to 1 Records)
Simon Finn’s 1969 release, “Pass the Distance” is a long since deleted and highly collectable piece of acid folk. After moving to Canada in 1974 he spent a three decade musical hiatus writing books and songs, as well as teaching karate and organic farming, before re-emerging onto the music scene in 2003, after contact was made by David Tibet, to work with Current 93.

“Through Stones” marks his sixth post 2003 release (in which time there have been just as many reissues of “Pass The Distance”).

On “Through Stones” the tone is world-weary and dark, and Finn writes of death, decay, regret, the passing of time and injustice in highly philosophical and expressive poetic style. His guitar, keys and vocal are generally accompanied by violin, cello, flute, clarinet and accordion, from Joolie Wood, which lends either a traditional Celtic sensibility or hints at a haunting, droned paganism. Together with occasional drums and electronic experimentation (“Strict Straight and Gorgeous” and “Live in a Barn”) they offer further hues to Finn’s broad palette.
www.simonfinn.co.uk
www.10to1records.co.uk
Willsk

Review: C Joynes

C Joynes - Congo (Bo’ Weavil Recordings)
C Joynes is a finger-pick guitar player from Cambridge. Following in the footsteps of 2009’s “Revenants, Prodigies & the Restless Dead” he continues to engage the use of antique, obscure and homemade instruments, experimental recording techniques and occasional playing of a few others to explore melodies and music of variable origin.

His style is a collision of an early blues tradition with medieval folk, tribalism, metaphysics and the enlightening, meditative power of the drone. The tunes range from the Celtic paganism of “Stout Mr. Jemmy Hurst” and the pastoral bluegrass of “The Linden Tree” to the complex African polyrhythm of “The Running Board (Thanet to Dogon)” and Raga re-interpretations, with “World of Kobu” being based on parts of Ravi Shankar’s soundtrack to Satyajit Ray’s “The World of Abu”.

Furthermore the Appalachian, banjo led “Joseph in the Sea of Corn” and the dark, drawn and world weary “And the Moon was Full and Round” are ancient and atmospheric whilst “Crows on the Sandpile No. 1” vies ragtime blues against reverberating psychedelic organ to mesmeric effect. All in all, another commendable outing from Joynes.
www.myspace.com/cjoynes
www.boweavilrecordings.com
Willsk

Review: Omar and the Howlers

Omar and the Howlers - Essential Collection (Ruf)
Although the Mississippi-raised, now Texas-based, Omar Kent Dykes has led the Howlers in some form or another since the very early seventies, Ruf’s thirty-track two disc retrospective, ‘Essential Collection’, concentrates on the period 1991-2007. This takes us from the three piece outfit that rocked the Paradiso on four blistering live tracks cut there back in the day, through a series of experimental permutations, to collaborations with Jimmy Vaughan from their recent Jimmy Reed tribute album.

The first side is broadly presented as a ‘Greatest Hits’ package, later versions of earlier favourites such as (the topical again) ‘Hard Times in the Land of Plenty’ and (the Fogerty-indebted) ‘Mississippi Hoodoo Man’ joining songs from later studio albums such as ‘Muddy Springs Road’ and ‘Boogie Man’ where the sound of the basic blues trio is fleshed out with a second guitarist and occasionally keyboards, to good effect. The second disc highlights Omar’s own personal choices and sees him showcasing some of his more eclectic efforts, including a couple of songs from the 30’s flavoured, jazz-influenced ‘Swingtime’, and a closing rendition of Willie Dixon’s ‘Built for Comfort’, claimed as a personal statement, and featuring Magic Slim.

His vocals and guitar playing remain effortlessly top class across a full range of smouldering slow-burners, Bo Diddley-esque groovers, steamy swamp rockers and engagingly eccentric diversions, begging the question as to why the man doesn’t have a higher profile among UK-based blues fans.
www.rufrecords.de
www.omarandthehowlers.com
Neil B.

Classic Reviews from the Leicester Bangs Print Archive...

Silkworm – Developer (Matador)
Seattle based Silkworm’s fifth album is the eagerly awaited follow up to 1996’s “Firewater” and it won’t disappoint. Silkworm has a sound that’s reminiscent of nearly every important American guitar band of the last 20 years, but which belongs completely to them. Imagine “Crooked Rain” Pavement with Tom Verlaine on lead, or a merge of ’77 period Talking Heads with a late period Minutemen twist and you’ll probably have no idea what I’m going on about.

Standout tracks are the opener “Give Me Some Skin”, the hard but brittle “Never Met A Man I Didn’t Like” and the giggly “Goodnight Mr. Maugham”. Musically it’s top notch from start to finish, grabbing your attention from the get go and never relaxing its grip. A really fine record.
LB (1997)

Matt Keating – Killjoy (Alias)
Singer-songwriter Matt Keating’s latest album is a fine collection of dark songs with emotional twists. The subject matter of the lyrics range from a nervous breakdown in “The L Word” to the extreme right wing threat in “While We Fiddle”. In between, relationships are put under the spotlight in what seems to be a very personal way.

Most of the tracks appear fairly raw, recorded on an 8-track machine in Keating’s own basement. That doesn’t take anything away from the album. On the contrary, it adds an earthiness that helps give gravitas and depth.

All in all, a good solid record, and if you like the idea of someone who could be the missing link between Leonard Cohen and Paul Westerberg, it might just be the record for you.
LB (1997)

Cubanismo featuring Jesus Alemany – Malembe (Hannibal)
Mix salsa, Cuban pop and jazz with a touch of New York bop, and it’s a sure way to get your feet moving and a smile on your face.

With Cubanismo’s self-titled debut from last year, bandleader and trumpeter Jesus Alemany revealed what a fantastic feel he had for his music and the resulting worldwide sales were fully deserved. “Malembe” like its predecessor, demonstrates Alemany’s sense of tradition with rhythms employed that date back to the ‘50s. Vocals are handled by Rojitas, a rising star of Latin music and is only one of the well-known names collaborating on this recording.

Long may Alemany continue to make records that sound this good and hopefully some dates in the UK soon.
LB (1997)

Lenny Kravitz accepts French honour...

Lenny Kravitz has been presented with one France's highest cultural awards.

Culture minister Frederic Mitterrand made the musician an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters at a ceremony in Paris.

He told Kravitz, whose hits include Let Love Rule and Are You Gonna Go My Way, "you freed yourself of the barriers between black and white sound".

The star said he got his first break at a French music festival in 1989.

The Trans Musicales festival in Rennes transformed his career "overnight", he told the Associated Press news agency.

"I know it sounds like a fairy tale but it's true," he said.

He added that he was "particularly touched" to be decorated in France, a country that believed in him when he was misunderstood at home.

"In my early days, it didn't work at all in the United States but that night triggered everything, as if all the good energy was concentrated here."

Inter-racial issues

The star has a long association with France, living in the country several months of the year and recording tracks at the Chateau des Condes, a castle located abut 100km from Paris.

He also wrote and produced French star Vanessa Paradis' self-titled 1992 album, which spawned the international hit single Be My Baby.

Kravitz's albums regularly chart in upper reaches of the country's top 100, his latest album peaking at number seven - much higher than it managed in either the US or UK.

Called Black and White America, the record tackles inter-racial issues - in particular those faced by his black mother and white father in 1960s New York.

Other people to be inducted into l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres include Paradis, Martin Scorsese, Bob Dylan, George Clooney and Super Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15981419

The Modern Ovens Return!

British Sea Power’s Jonathan Richman tribute band are making a rare London appearance on 5th December at Klüb Gütenberg, the new monthly night of words and music co-hosted by Rough Trade Books and the Quietus website. The Modern Ovens feature members of British Sea Power, the Brakes and The Tenderfoot and are an invigorating salute to the songs, style and ice-cream fixations of Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers.

Klüb Gütenberg
Monday 5 December
The Old Queen’s Head, 44 Essex Road, London N1 8LN
7.30pm to 11pm
Tickets £8 in advance from HERE and £10 on the door.

The bill in full:
The Modern Ovens.
Professor Tim Birkhead with a talk on birds and sex.
Andrew Harrison talking on the rock/food nexus.
Roy Wilkinson reading from his book Do It For Your Mum, out on Rough Trade Books.
Turntable selections from Ian Harrison of MOJO magazine and Earl Brutus.

Buzzcocks Orgasm Addict Poster...

More BUZZCOCKS News...

BUZZCOCKS SHOWS WILL CHART THEIR CAREER IN REVERSE
Buzzcocks have confirmed that they'll play their two scheduled dates next May - at Manchester Apollo (25 May) and Brixton Academy (26 May) - 'Back To Front'. That is, both sets will begin with the band's newer material and present line-up, before tracking back to their early work and origins.

For the second phase, current members Steve and Pete will rejoin former drummer John Maher and bass player Steve Garvey to play songs from the bands' United Artists era. As previously reported, the show will then close with a further reshuffling as Pete, Steve, and John reunite with former frontman Howard Devoto to run through Buzzcocks' debut EP, 'Spiral Scratch'.

George Harrison Book News...

GEORGE HARRISON'S SISTER TO PUBLISH BOOK
Louise Harrison, sister of late Beatle George, is to publish a book about her brother in order to "get the truth out" and debunk the "garbage [that] has been written about George and The Beatles".

She told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: "So much garbage has been written about George and The Beatles. I think it's my duty to get the truth out. Half of the stuff has been written by people who spent maybe an hour on a plane with The Beatles. There's been all kinds of myths and fantasies written about them. At least I have some facts to go on, because I was there - from even before they were The Beatles".

With the book now mostly written, Louise Harrison apparently hopes to have the book published within the next two years.

EARTH Dates:

The second half of the Angels of Darkness/Demons of Light is at hand and Earth are ready to unveil it on the highways and byways of the UK and EU...

Sat 3-Mar UK Bristol Arnofini Gallery
Mon 5-Mar UK Dublin Button Factory
Wed 7-Mar UK Manchester Ruby Lounge
Thu 8-Mar UK Edinburgh The Caves
Fri 9-Mar UK Leeds Brudenell Social Club
Sun 11-Mar UK London Union Chapel
Mon 12-Mar UK Brighton The Haunt

Recorded in the same two week session as produced the first part, Angels of Darkness/Demons of Light II carries on in the freely improvised/folkloric vein of the title track from the last release. Tape was rolled and spontaneous composition occurred.

The line-up again consists of Adrienne Davies on drums and percussion (on this release there is more percussion of all sorts), Lori Goldston returns on cello, and Karl Blau plays bass. This marks the first time the band on the record has toured outside of the US west coast in preparation for the album. As with the first part, it again has truly amazing artwork by Stacey Rozich (see sneak preview below).

Many have found this half more hopeful and less dark and death oriented than previous work. Song titles include 'Sigil of Brass', 'His Teeth Did Brightly Shine', 'Multiplicity of Doors' (A Waltz!), 'The Corascene Dog', and 'The Rakehell'.

Angels Of Darkness/Demons Of Light II is ultimately a completely unanticipated direction for Earth, and a very welcome one at that.

Southern Lord will be releasing the record in February.

The next year will see much touring from earth and some startling solo endeavours from Dylan Carlson. Stay tuned for more information...

VERONICA FALLS announce Spring 2012 tour...

VERONICA FALLS

New UK/EU tour dates for Spring 2012 announced

Download exclusive mixtape

“A gloriously morose blend of melancholia, gothic gloom and a set of tuneful, snarling post punk pop nuggets” – Rough Trade #6 Albums of the Year

“Completely inescapable” – Loud and Quiet, #13 Albums of the Year

“Veronica Falls (are) among the best of ‘em” – The Fly, #19, Albums of the Year

October saw the long-awaited release of Veronica Falls’ self-titled debut album on Bella Union, and very special it was too – a beautifully concise collection of brilliant yet blighted pop songs, like Beat Happening with a dark mind, or the Pastels after the werewolf’s bite. The record quickly found admirers both here (Loud and Quiet, the Guardian, Times Review) and in the US (with Pitchfork saying it was like “the ghosts of pop past conjured convincingly and intimately enough to feel like flesh and blood”), with the record even making many end of year lists, including Rough Trade, Loud and Quiet and The Fly.

Now, following sell out shows across the UK, the band are planning a string of live dates across the country and in Europe early next year, beginning with Brussels and taking in UK dates in Norwich and Leeds. Also, to celebrate a triumphant 2011, Veronica Falls’ bassist Marion has also compiled a very special mixtape of her most cherished tracks, which you can download here: http://soundcloud.com/veronica-falls/marions-mix-1/s-uCFRH

In her own words:
“This may not be a mix to do Hornby’s Rob Fleming character in “High Fidelity” proud, but these songs are a collection of my all-time favourites. They take me back to key moments in my life, happy or sad and reflect on the different places I have lived and some of the people I met along the way...”

“Veronica Falls” is out now on Bella Union

UPCOMING LIVE DATES:

JANUARY//
5 // MUNICH, Feierwerk (Queer Beats Festival)
6 // VIENNA, Brut (Queer Beats Festival)
7 // BERLIN, Hau 2 (Queer Beats Festival)
12 // ROTTERDAM, Rotown
13 // GRONIGEN, Eurosonic Festival
14 // UTRECHT, Ekko
27 // NORWICH, Norwich Arts Center
28 // LEEDS, Brudenell Social Club

MARCH//
8 // LIVERPOOL, Leaf
9 // MANCHESTER, Deaf Institute
10 // GLASGOW, Stereo
11 // YORK, Stereo
13 // BRIGHTON, Haunt
14 // LONDON, Scala
19 // BRUSSELS, Ancienne Belgique
20 // BREMEN, Lagerhaus
21 // HAMBURG, Molotow
23 // COPENHAGEN, KB18
25 // GOTHENBURG, Henriksberg
26 // OSLO, Bla
28 // HANOVER, Mephisto @ Faust
29 // STUTTGART, Merlin
30 // MILAN, Plastic
31 // VENICE, Moon Club

APRIL//
2 // ZURICH, Mascotte
3 // LYON, Le Sonic
4 // METZ, Les Trinitaires
5 // PARIS, La Fleche D’Or

MAY//
31 // BARCELONA, Primavera Sound Festival

JUNE//
8 // PORTO, Primavera Sound Festival

www.veronicafalls.com // www.bellaunion.com

MOONJUNE NEWS: Happy 60th Birthday, Jaco...

Happy 60th Birthday, Jaco...
TRIBUTE to JACO PASTORIUS (Dec 1, 1951 - Sep 21, 1987) cd: GOSPEL FOR J.F.P. III (featuring over 60 musicians)
An uplifting proclamation of JACO PASTORIUS' musical doctrine: a modernized viewpoint consisting of bop-induced piano jazz; thrusting, bass-heavy funk; jazz fusion, spiced up with a taste of the Caribbean and South America; and much more. With this release, Jaco's Gospel is preached by over 60 world-class musicians, resulting in an intriguing, truly globalized perspective of his enduring legacy. Featuring such diverse modern day jazz luminaries, over 60 jazz and fusion legends, band mates and colleagues of the legendary electric bass virtuoso and innovator Jaco Pastorius. Among this this list of luminaries are: Alex Acuña, Carles Benavent, Charles Blenzig, Delmar Brown, Hiram Bullock, Kenwood Dennard, Hugo Fattoruso, Michael Gerber, Gil Goldstein, Danny Gottlieb, Billy Hart, Toninho Horta, Bireli Lagrene, Armando Marçal, Marcus Miller, Bob Mintzer, Othello Molineaux, Jorge Pardo, Felix Pastorius (Jaco’s son), John Patitucci, Mike Stern, and many, many more! this critically-acclaimed tribute is much more than a rehash. The various artists extract the late legendary bassist's respective compositions' inherent attributes, only to reshape rhythms and melodies that form a collection of unique, nouveau interpretations ... the ultimate tribute to the ultimate bassist.

MOONJUNE NEWS: COPERNICUS "Live In Prague! Live" (DVD/NTSC - all regions)

COPERNICUS "Live In Prague! Live" (DVD/NTSC - all regions)
In 1989, after the release of the album "Deeper", COPERNICUS received many requests to appear live in cities in Europe -- including Moscow, Sopot, Prague, Vilnius and Berlin. It had received a lot of attention from the press and got tremendous radio airplay. This was a time of heightened tension in many countries, separated from the rest of the world by their mostly totalitarian regimes. This concert footage documents the entire experience at Prague's Slavia Stadium. For the nine thousand fans, it was a rewarding experience. COPERNICUS and the audience interacted in an extraordinary manner. The effects of COPERNICUS' songs such as "The Authorities" and "White from Black" and others were visibly a big blow to the audience eager to absorb more of COPERNICUS' lyrics and the gripping original music performed by those musicians -- which included Larry Kirwan of Black 47 on keyboards, guitar and vocals, Mike Fazio on guitar, Thomas Hamlin on drums, and Dave Conrad on bass. The use of split screen technology with footage from separate sources heightens the experience that one almost feels that he is right there at the mixing board watching every move from the stage and from the audience's point of view. This video certainly is a document from the time when bands would go out and venture into these far away places. It is worth its price in gold.

MOONJUNE NEWS: BORIS SAVOLDELLI "Insanology" (cd)

BORIS SAVOLDELLI "Insanology" (cd)
This is the reissue of Boris' breakthrough first solo release, originally distributed only in Italy, in 2007. "An arresting mix of painstakingly overdubbed vocals, human beatbox effects, African-inspired choral music, plus the odd visit to the world of Jimi Hendrix (an extraordinary version of 'Crosstown Traffic'), Insanology is a largely solo album (although two tracks feature tasty contributions from guitarist Marc Ribot) featuring the quite remarkable Italian vocalist

Boris Savoldelli. A quick (although lazily inaccurate) way of describing some of this music would be to suggest that it sounds as if Ladysmith Black Mambazo had adopted the techniques utilised by Bobby McFerrin in his solo live performances, but Savoldelli is a genuine original, wholly in command both of his material (self-penned, save for the aforementioned Hendrix piece and 'In the Seventh Year' by Mark Murphy and Uli Rennert) and of the various electronic gizmos (the back cover shows Savoldelli's foot pressing an FX pedal) with which he creates his 'choirs'." - Chris Parker, Vortex Jazz, UK

Orchestra Of Spheres: Live Dates...

Orchestra Of Spheres
‘Nonagonic Now’ out now on Fire Records

!LIVE DATES!
06 Dec 2011 London Victoria Dalston (free entry show)
07 Dec 2011 London Scala w/ Caribou
11 Dec 2011 Minehead ATP Festival (curated by Caribou)


Playing House parties, dance parties, DIY shows and opera houses, Orchestra Of Spheres have built a reputation for creating innovative, boundary-pushing music and performances.

Now their cosmic dancing sound, pieced together on homemade instruments, is available on record as 'Nonagonic Now', allowing everyone to ride on the psychedelic primary school disco delight that is Orchestra Of Spheres in the comfort of your own universe. Just watch out for the co_ee table. Although distinctly their own, the band’s sound draws on infuences far and wide, with echoes of African rhythms, free jazz textures, electronic dance music, krautrock and Indonesian gamelan music. ‘Nonagonic Now’ was recorded at the fittingly named Frederick Street Sound and Light Exploration Society, a venue run collectively by the band and others in the Wellington creative music scene. Creative and exploratory it certainly is, to a dazzling level matched only by the sequins and shine of their radiating costumes.

If Orchestra Of Spheres illuminate themselves as a stellar, cosmic form, this record is grounded to this earth by a strong rhythmic force, which pumps continually from the opener ‘Hypercube’. Setting a subconscious canon for the rest of the album that weaves in and out of tracks, it emerges in hypnotic guise on ‘Rotate’ and as space funk on ‘Hypersphere’. Orchestra Of Spheres are clearly not afraid to experiment with ‘Ulululu’ mixing homemade snare heavy beats with the classic psych sound only New Zealand can produce.

www.firerecords.com