Hola
This weeks 5 for Friday has just been inspired by hearing the sublime 808 State on Lauren Laverne's 6 Music show.
So we'll kick off with them and see where we go...
Then we go into the jazz infusioned 'Rose Rouge' by St Germain, I used to DJ occasionally in Glasgow and this always went down well.
As we're going with kind of blissed out, ambient, chilled tunes, this is a real classic from Groove Armada. A hands-in-the-air, hug-your-mates moment.
Ooh the memories of post night clubbing parties...
We'll pick up the pace and bring things forward with 2 Bears and 'Church'. Joe Goddard from Hot Chip at his best.
And how about a bit of Orbital to end - gorgeous bubbling synth sounds.
Friday, 3 February 2012
Monday, 30 January 2012
Happy Monday - the Mondays reform
My Mum got me the Shaun Ryder autobiography for Christmas and I've just finished reading it, just as the Mondays confirm they are reforming for some dates with the Inspiral Carpets.
I find Shaun Ryder hilarious; a complete one off in terms of lyrics, sense of (unique) melody and feel and chemical ingestion.
I don't know what state the reformed Mondays will be in but good luck to them if they do. I don't think I would be parting any money for a ticket.
Anyway, Happy Monday. Lets look back at some of the Mondays finest moments.
24-Hour Party People
Performance
This video always causes me to smile. Performing live on Tony Wilson's OSM, Shaun and Bez are clearly 'loved up' to the max. Ryder is wearing ridiculous glasses but somehow managing to make them look cool. Bez is lost in the music from the start and the onstage chemistry between the two of them during the instrumental is a joy to see; a band cutting loose and loving it. How often do you see that these days? The reverb is cranked up to the max, Ryder spouts gibberish and somehow it all works and sounds like fun.
Wrote For Luck
My favourite Mondays track and my fave video too. If ever a promo video encapsulated what a band is all about then this did. MDMA on film. The reverb on the guitar is there again, the rythm section are locked in a groove and the synths make all the right noises, especially on the Vince Clarke remix.
And you were wet.
But you're getting dryer.
You use to speak the truth.
But now you're clever.
Lazyitis
A beautiful groove and Ryder singing along with Karl Denver, with glorious use of The Beatles 'Ticket To Ride'.
Kinky Afro
If the WFL video encapsulated the band on film, then 'Pills, Thrills and Bellyaches' was the prefect title for a Mondays album, with Kinky Afro being a perfect opener.
Bob's Yer Uncle
Played at Tony Wilsons funeral. Good choice Tony!
Step On
Iconic video of Ryder literally on an 'E'.
Stinkin' Thinkin'
The last 'proper' album before various reformations. I love the groove to this.
I find Shaun Ryder hilarious; a complete one off in terms of lyrics, sense of (unique) melody and feel and chemical ingestion.
I don't know what state the reformed Mondays will be in but good luck to them if they do. I don't think I would be parting any money for a ticket.
Anyway, Happy Monday. Lets look back at some of the Mondays finest moments.
24-Hour Party People
Performance
This video always causes me to smile. Performing live on Tony Wilson's OSM, Shaun and Bez are clearly 'loved up' to the max. Ryder is wearing ridiculous glasses but somehow managing to make them look cool. Bez is lost in the music from the start and the onstage chemistry between the two of them during the instrumental is a joy to see; a band cutting loose and loving it. How often do you see that these days? The reverb is cranked up to the max, Ryder spouts gibberish and somehow it all works and sounds like fun.
Wrote For Luck
My favourite Mondays track and my fave video too. If ever a promo video encapsulated what a band is all about then this did. MDMA on film. The reverb on the guitar is there again, the rythm section are locked in a groove and the synths make all the right noises, especially on the Vince Clarke remix.
And you were wet.
But you're getting dryer.
You use to speak the truth.
Lazyitis
A beautiful groove and Ryder singing along with Karl Denver, with glorious use of The Beatles 'Ticket To Ride'.
Kinky Afro
If the WFL video encapsulated the band on film, then 'Pills, Thrills and Bellyaches' was the prefect title for a Mondays album, with Kinky Afro being a perfect opener.
Bob's Yer Uncle
Played at Tony Wilsons funeral. Good choice Tony!
Step On
Iconic video of Ryder literally on an 'E'.
Stinkin' Thinkin'
The last 'proper' album before various reformations. I love the groove to this.
Remember Remember at Bar Brel, 29th January 2012
Well that was quite a weekend of music, Admiral Fallow were majestic at the ABC on Friday night and last night I was blown away by Remember Remember playing in Bar Brel. Both gigs were part of Celtic Connections.
I discovered Remember Remember late on last year. How I kick myself for not checking them out before. I've pretty much fallen in love with their album The Quickening that was released on Rock Action Records in the fall of 2011.
So last night Lynn and I headed along to one of our favourite bars in Glasgow last night, calling on the Grandparents to babysit for the second time of the weekend, we need to rebuild the brownie points!
We were early, arriving at Brel for 7.30pm as the tickets had said it was an early show. Remember Remember were still soundchecking so there was time for a beer or two and a catch up with our friend Ceal.
Adam Stearns and the Glass Animals were supporting. The Glass Animals were quite appropriately named, helping Adam to create some fragile harmonies that captivated the Brel audience.
Adam, plus his sister and friend played well, especially considering they are so different to Remember Remember. There were laughs all round as Adam introduced a harmonium that they had bought the day before. Somehow his sister coaxed beautiful sounds out of it.
There was time to grab a quick beer as the conservatory in Brel filled up ahead of Remember Remember. We were standing to the side but a couple sitting in the very front row got up and said we could have their seats. After careful consideration for our ears and how geeky it would be to sit inches from the band (Brel is teeny tiny) we decided to go for it.
Remember Remember is a collective built around the considerable talents of Graeme Ronald (above). There were 6 of them playing at Brel last night, so they ended up having to use some of the floor space for their vast bank of instruments and pedals; Brel's electricity bill may be considerably higher next month!
The set consisted mainly of tracks from The Quickening; openers 'White Castle' and 'Ocean Potion'. Ronald displayed nimble footwork in a square foot of space to switch from playing glockenspiel to guitar, fully utilising his amazing case of effect pedals.
Xylophones plays a huge part in the music of Remember Remember, melodies are picked out before the band slowly but surely take the music and the listener off on a glorious and at times epic journey.
At the back of the stage we had the long haired and bearded drummer who seemed completely in tune with Ronald, responding to nods and hand signals to up the pace or bring it down. To the drummers right was a bank of synths where most of the bass sounds originated from, along with a whole heap of other glorious noises.
At the front of the stage a girl switched from xylophone to keyboards, while the guitarist could barely move to her left due to everything going on around him.
Ronald was at the front with guitar, effect pedals, keys/synths and xylophone and to his right was a guy playing sax and more keys/synths.
'Scottish Widows' started with Ronald gently playing a gentle piano/keyboard riff before swelling into something completely mesmerising. The six piece just seem so i tune with each other, they can take songs to places others can only dream of.
There was an element of humour (as there is at most Glasgow gigs) when Ronald's Mum sitting behind us said that this was her favourite song. It was a nice moment and there was more to come.
'One Happier' is just beautiful. A truly stunning and emotive piece of music. I guess that is one thing that really hit home watching and listening to the band last night; how they can conjure up such emotion without words.
Take 6-minutes out your day to marvel at what must go on inside Graeme Ronald's head to create the layers of beauty that make up this song.
Ronald announced 'John Candy' as the bands final song and the beats started it off, the opening guitar riff was looped before the second started, synths started to bubble and the journey was starting. 'John Candy' is probably my favourite RR song. It teases and eases itself into the groove and it flows superbly; just gorgeous.
The bit around 2-minutes in is epic, particularly in the live environment. Ronald brought some gadget out that allowed him to coax some stunning star kissed sounds out of his guitar and the band just locked in for the ride.
Ronald asked if the band had time for one more and the promoter who was clearly enjoying the show said 'two more'. Ronald replied without missing a beat 'do you know how long our songs last?'
Then it was time for Ronald's parents to join in, almost doing the introduction for him when Ronald said 'we'll do songs in one, 'Fountain' and 'Mountain'' and his Mum said 'these are off the first Remember Remember album'. His Dad then joked that they would have to sit further back next time. It was a lovely warm moment that the audience enjoyed.
And so it ended, a show that I can put money on being in my top 5 shows of 2012 and January isn't even over yet. Remember Remember are an exceptional band with unbelievable talent and vision. I look forward to seeing them again and hearing some new tunes from them in the future.
I discovered Remember Remember late on last year. How I kick myself for not checking them out before. I've pretty much fallen in love with their album The Quickening that was released on Rock Action Records in the fall of 2011.
So last night Lynn and I headed along to one of our favourite bars in Glasgow last night, calling on the Grandparents to babysit for the second time of the weekend, we need to rebuild the brownie points!
We were early, arriving at Brel for 7.30pm as the tickets had said it was an early show. Remember Remember were still soundchecking so there was time for a beer or two and a catch up with our friend Ceal.
Adam Stearns and the Glass Animals were supporting. The Glass Animals were quite appropriately named, helping Adam to create some fragile harmonies that captivated the Brel audience.
Adam, plus his sister and friend played well, especially considering they are so different to Remember Remember. There were laughs all round as Adam introduced a harmonium that they had bought the day before. Somehow his sister coaxed beautiful sounds out of it.
There was time to grab a quick beer as the conservatory in Brel filled up ahead of Remember Remember. We were standing to the side but a couple sitting in the very front row got up and said we could have their seats. After careful consideration for our ears and how geeky it would be to sit inches from the band (Brel is teeny tiny) we decided to go for it.
Remember Remember is a collective built around the considerable talents of Graeme Ronald (above). There were 6 of them playing at Brel last night, so they ended up having to use some of the floor space for their vast bank of instruments and pedals; Brel's electricity bill may be considerably higher next month!
The set consisted mainly of tracks from The Quickening; openers 'White Castle' and 'Ocean Potion'. Ronald displayed nimble footwork in a square foot of space to switch from playing glockenspiel to guitar, fully utilising his amazing case of effect pedals.
Xylophones plays a huge part in the music of Remember Remember, melodies are picked out before the band slowly but surely take the music and the listener off on a glorious and at times epic journey.
At the back of the stage we had the long haired and bearded drummer who seemed completely in tune with Ronald, responding to nods and hand signals to up the pace or bring it down. To the drummers right was a bank of synths where most of the bass sounds originated from, along with a whole heap of other glorious noises.
At the front of the stage a girl switched from xylophone to keyboards, while the guitarist could barely move to her left due to everything going on around him.
Ronald was at the front with guitar, effect pedals, keys/synths and xylophone and to his right was a guy playing sax and more keys/synths.
'Scottish Widows' started with Ronald gently playing a gentle piano/keyboard riff before swelling into something completely mesmerising. The six piece just seem so i tune with each other, they can take songs to places others can only dream of.
There was an element of humour (as there is at most Glasgow gigs) when Ronald's Mum sitting behind us said that this was her favourite song. It was a nice moment and there was more to come.
'One Happier' is just beautiful. A truly stunning and emotive piece of music. I guess that is one thing that really hit home watching and listening to the band last night; how they can conjure up such emotion without words.
Take 6-minutes out your day to marvel at what must go on inside Graeme Ronald's head to create the layers of beauty that make up this song.
Ronald announced 'John Candy' as the bands final song and the beats started it off, the opening guitar riff was looped before the second started, synths started to bubble and the journey was starting. 'John Candy' is probably my favourite RR song. It teases and eases itself into the groove and it flows superbly; just gorgeous.
The bit around 2-minutes in is epic, particularly in the live environment. Ronald brought some gadget out that allowed him to coax some stunning star kissed sounds out of his guitar and the band just locked in for the ride.
Ronald asked if the band had time for one more and the promoter who was clearly enjoying the show said 'two more'. Ronald replied without missing a beat 'do you know how long our songs last?'
Then it was time for Ronald's parents to join in, almost doing the introduction for him when Ronald said 'we'll do songs in one, 'Fountain' and 'Mountain'' and his Mum said 'these are off the first Remember Remember album'. His Dad then joked that they would have to sit further back next time. It was a lovely warm moment that the audience enjoyed.
And so it ended, a show that I can put money on being in my top 5 shows of 2012 and January isn't even over yet. Remember Remember are an exceptional band with unbelievable talent and vision. I look forward to seeing them again and hearing some new tunes from them in the future.
2012 - the year of Hot Chip?
2012 is shaping up to be an incredibly busy year for Hot Chip.
Following on from hit singles and critical acclaim for songs like 'Over and Over', 'A Boy From School', 'Ready For The Floor' and 'One Life Stand', the band will release their fifth album later this year.
In anticipation, the collective have already been confirmed as headliners for Camp Bestival and the Hollywood Bowl. It doesn't stop there.
In an incredible burst of productivity the band have several 'extra curricular' activities hapening, starting with the release today of 'Be Strong' by 2 Bears, a side project for Joe Goddard.
Joe had a great end to 2011 with the release of the single 'Gabriel' (featuring Valentina), with the track making many end of year 'Best Of's'.
'Be Strong' is released today via Southern Fried Records. It has been picking up outstanding reviews, expect one from me in the near future. I'm listening to a stream on The Guardian website just now and it sounds typically fresh, funky and euphoric, taking in a variety of influences. I don't know who is guesting on the track 'Time In Mind' but it sounds like a great summer single, while other tracks are set directly for the heart of the dancefloor. Closing track 'Church' is on my stereo right now - it is an anthem. I am currently contemplating the bundle with tshirt, tea towel and ping pong bats; however I think I'll just go for the CD from Mono with my birthday vouchers.
“thumping album of proper house music” (Word)
“a really beautiful work of art about love and unity” (Annie Mac)
“one of the most anticipated albums of 2012″ (The Observer)
It doesn't stop there; New Build featuring Al Doyle and Felix Martin from Hot Chip are set to release their own album 'Yesterday Was Lived And Lost' at the start of March, taking it on tour including a date at Captain's Rest on the way.
Check out the album and more details HERE
With a Camp Bestival headline slot already confirmed and a prestigious Hollywood Bowl show in the diary for September, Hot Chip clearly mean business.
Lead singer Alexis Taylor had this to say to the NME
"We're really happy with how it's going. We're trying to build up a good batch of songs before we get too excited about finishing the album... We want to keep going and try out as many different things as possible, so we've got the best album we can make."
I'm only just checking out the 'extra curricular' activities (as Hot Chip refer to their side projects) and if the friends have kept their best work for Hot Chip then we could be in for astonishing tunes.
Following on from hit singles and critical acclaim for songs like 'Over and Over', 'A Boy From School', 'Ready For The Floor' and 'One Life Stand', the band will release their fifth album later this year.
In anticipation, the collective have already been confirmed as headliners for Camp Bestival and the Hollywood Bowl. It doesn't stop there.
In an incredible burst of productivity the band have several 'extra curricular' activities hapening, starting with the release today of 'Be Strong' by 2 Bears, a side project for Joe Goddard.
Joe had a great end to 2011 with the release of the single 'Gabriel' (featuring Valentina), with the track making many end of year 'Best Of's'.
'Be Strong' is released today via Southern Fried Records. It has been picking up outstanding reviews, expect one from me in the near future. I'm listening to a stream on The Guardian website just now and it sounds typically fresh, funky and euphoric, taking in a variety of influences. I don't know who is guesting on the track 'Time In Mind' but it sounds like a great summer single, while other tracks are set directly for the heart of the dancefloor. Closing track 'Church' is on my stereo right now - it is an anthem. I am currently contemplating the bundle with tshirt, tea towel and ping pong bats; however I think I'll just go for the CD from Mono with my birthday vouchers.
“thumping album of proper house music” (Word)
“a really beautiful work of art about love and unity” (Annie Mac)
“one of the most anticipated albums of 2012″ (The Observer)
It doesn't stop there; New Build featuring Al Doyle and Felix Martin from Hot Chip are set to release their own album 'Yesterday Was Lived And Lost' at the start of March, taking it on tour including a date at Captain's Rest on the way.
Check out the album and more details HERE
With a Camp Bestival headline slot already confirmed and a prestigious Hollywood Bowl show in the diary for September, Hot Chip clearly mean business.
Lead singer Alexis Taylor had this to say to the NME
"We're really happy with how it's going. We're trying to build up a good batch of songs before we get too excited about finishing the album... We want to keep going and try out as many different things as possible, so we've got the best album we can make."
I'm only just checking out the 'extra curricular' activities (as Hot Chip refer to their side projects) and if the friends have kept their best work for Hot Chip then we could be in for astonishing tunes.
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Admiral Fallow at the ABC Glasgow, 27th January 2012
Last night Admiral Fallow turned in a majestic performance at the ABC in Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections.
There was an air of anticipation surrounding the sold out performance, a homecoming if you will.
It was my birthday so I had the day off, spending a great morning and afternoon chilling with Zoe before heading into town to meet my mate Colin in the Variety Bar at 5pm. The tunes were as good as always and I felt pissed after two beers - must be my old age!
Lynn and Lorna joined us and we also met our friends Harri and Steve who were out for the night.
Catching up soon with good company in good surroundings soon led to us deciding not to get some food as we stayed in the Variety, missing the first band of the evening - Chasing Owls.
We did ensure we were in for FOUND - one of Lorna's fave bands. The ABC was already busy and it wasn't even 8pm.
FOUND didn't really do it for me. I think their music didn't really transfer to a venue of ABC's size. Lorna loved them though. Colin and I marvelled at the synth/keys old skool Slazenger jumper!
Admiral Fallow appeared on stage to a huge roar and proceeded to play a spell binding set.
As I said, I was rather drunk so I can't remember the exact order of the songs, so I am hoping that the setlist online HERE is correct.
'Old Balloon' is possibly my favourite Fallow song. Melodic, building nicely and becoming epic. The lyrics are beautiful, they really do paint a picture. The end of the song really picks up the pace and it was amazing how at ease the band looked on stage.
I did wonder at one stage how many people in the audience had seen Fallow singer Louis Abbot playing in the pubs of Glasgow over the last few years. He and his band have really built up a loyal grass roots following and it was out in force at the ABC last night.
The sound was superb last night and the band seemed to revel in it; the sound, venue and crowd.
The close harmonies between Abbot and the gorgeous Sarah Hayes were spine tingling throughout the show.
The sense of occasion was rammed home when giant confetti cannons went off towards the end of the gig. Everything came together for Admiral Fallow last night, the result of a good few years hard work mixed in with exceptional talent.
The band have just announced that they will be playing the Barrowlands in December. I am getting my ticket now.
There was an air of anticipation surrounding the sold out performance, a homecoming if you will.
It was my birthday so I had the day off, spending a great morning and afternoon chilling with Zoe before heading into town to meet my mate Colin in the Variety Bar at 5pm. The tunes were as good as always and I felt pissed after two beers - must be my old age!
Lynn and Lorna joined us and we also met our friends Harri and Steve who were out for the night.
Catching up soon with good company in good surroundings soon led to us deciding not to get some food as we stayed in the Variety, missing the first band of the evening - Chasing Owls.
We did ensure we were in for FOUND - one of Lorna's fave bands. The ABC was already busy and it wasn't even 8pm.
FOUND didn't really do it for me. I think their music didn't really transfer to a venue of ABC's size. Lorna loved them though. Colin and I marvelled at the synth/keys old skool Slazenger jumper!
Admiral Fallow appeared on stage to a huge roar and proceeded to play a spell binding set.
As I said, I was rather drunk so I can't remember the exact order of the songs, so I am hoping that the setlist online HERE is correct.
'Old Balloon' is possibly my favourite Fallow song. Melodic, building nicely and becoming epic. The lyrics are beautiful, they really do paint a picture. The end of the song really picks up the pace and it was amazing how at ease the band looked on stage.
'Cause sometimes it's like trying to breathe through a pillow,
Trying to dance on the tightrope in the pouring rain.
Sometimes it's like, like you're treading on egg-shells,
Trying to floss up your top-set with a rusty chain.
It's all because of you (x6)
I did wonder at one stage how many people in the audience had seen Fallow singer Louis Abbot playing in the pubs of Glasgow over the last few years. He and his band have really built up a loyal grass roots following and it was out in force at the ABC last night.
The sound was superb last night and the band seemed to revel in it; the sound, venue and crowd.
The close harmonies between Abbot and the gorgeous Sarah Hayes were spine tingling throughout the show.
The sense of occasion was rammed home when giant confetti cannons went off towards the end of the gig. Everything came together for Admiral Fallow last night, the result of a good few years hard work mixed in with exceptional talent.
The band have just announced that they will be playing the Barrowlands in December. I am getting my ticket now.
Friday, 20 January 2012
Five for Friday 20/01/12
Reach for the tissues for this one, I don't think I have listened to it for 4-years. I had it on my nano when I was travelling, I love the different voices and opinions, the soothing synthsm, the 'bow bam ba bow bam' backing vocals. Funny at times, very moving at others.
Beautiful. The bit at the end sends a shiver down my spine.
Hey, what can I say? I am a romantic.
We'll go on a love theme this week and lets move forward with this outstanding song and performance by Al Green.
How cool is Al Green? The feeling and flow of this song is just stunning.
When it comes to love songs the duets between lovers Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell are hard to top. This must be as close to perfect as you can get. Check out the Funk Brothers instrumental version of this tune too though - schweet!
The Bee Gees have some amazing songs. I have fond memories of a post club party back at my mate Phil's and our friend Fraser taking over the decks and playing loads of Bee Gees tunes at some ungodly hour and us all just singing along and dancing.
This is heartbreaking at times, the production and musicianship are outstanding, the lyrics and vocals just keep tugging at the heartstrings.
The Beach Boys have written some amazing love songs and this must rank up at the top of them. The lyrics are so simple yet so meaingful, sublime.
The Beach Boys version is on their Holland album. Dennis Wilson version would also re-record it for his stunning solo album Pacific Blue. Teenage Fanclub's Norman Blake also has a version here.
Beautiful. The bit at the end sends a shiver down my spine.
Hey, what can I say? I am a romantic.
We'll go on a love theme this week and lets move forward with this outstanding song and performance by Al Green.
How cool is Al Green? The feeling and flow of this song is just stunning.
When it comes to love songs the duets between lovers Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell are hard to top. This must be as close to perfect as you can get. Check out the Funk Brothers instrumental version of this tune too though - schweet!
The Bee Gees have some amazing songs. I have fond memories of a post club party back at my mate Phil's and our friend Fraser taking over the decks and playing loads of Bee Gees tunes at some ungodly hour and us all just singing along and dancing.
This is heartbreaking at times, the production and musicianship are outstanding, the lyrics and vocals just keep tugging at the heartstrings.
The Beach Boys have written some amazing love songs and this must rank up at the top of them. The lyrics are so simple yet so meaingful, sublime.
The Beach Boys version is on their Holland album. Dennis Wilson version would also re-record it for his stunning solo album Pacific Blue. Teenage Fanclub's Norman Blake also has a version here.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Lightships - Two Lines
Lightships is the new 'solo' project by Gerry Love from Teenage Fanclub.
The first leak of his new material is 'Two Lines' accompanied by a beautiful video.
On first listen this is just classic Love, settling into a gorgeous groove (especially in the closing instrumental), delicate vocals and harmonies, a gentle beat, brilliant guitar playing and a lovely feel to the production.
I can't wait for the album.
The first leak of his new material is 'Two Lines' accompanied by a beautiful video.
On first listen this is just classic Love, settling into a gorgeous groove (especially in the closing instrumental), delicate vocals and harmonies, a gentle beat, brilliant guitar playing and a lovely feel to the production.
I can't wait for the album.
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