Good Musical Express

New Music - The Shoes and Review of Stay the Same

2011-02-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

The Shoes are a minimalist french dance act, who have in between producing songs for Shakira and being on the BBC sound 2011 list, found the time to record album 'Crack My Bones'.

As well as clearly being influenced by other French bands like Phoenix and Daft Punk they have a big likeness to Calvin Harris. In fact it is eerie how alike the not quite sung, not quite spoken vocals seen on 'Stay the Same' are to Calvin Harris'. These relaxed vocals along with the hazy background synth and the quietly hypnotising drums, create a beautifully chilled sound that will warm the coldest of February evenings.

'People Moving' is another great song offering a slightly different sound. It has a brilliant drum backing and its use of trumpets and unless my ears mistake me, flutes creates a brilliantly funky sound, almost reminisce of Andre 3000's The Love Below.

The Shoes album 'Crack my Bones' is released on March 7th and is available from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crack-My-Bones-Shoes/dp/B004LAVH8Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297641929&sr=1-1

New music - The Babies

2011-02-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

The Babies are a project between Woods bassist Kevin Morby and Vivian Girls songwriter Cassie Ramone. They produce the kind of fantastic hook laden lo fi garage rock that is so abundant in New York at the moment, and they do it very well. The chorus on 'Meet Me in the City' is especially strong and the way its been recorded with the guitar sounding so distant and flitting in and out of the song sounds amazing. The juxtaposition of the male and females vocals sounds good and gives the songs a kind of cool call and answer sound.

Ultimately its nothing new but well worth a listen if your into that kinda thing.

New Band - That Ghost

2011-02-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

More minimalist low fi here with California's one man band That Ghost. The one thing that strikes you is that this sounds effortless, he genuinely sounds (in good way) like he doesn't have a care in the world.

The drums and riff of 'Calls' chime and clash in an almost mesmeric way whilst the lack of polish adds to the character of the song. It sounds so relaxed.

His song 'To Like You' has the sound of a man reflecting, with his crooning of 'I can try to like you' sounding almost Morrisey esque.

That Ghost's (apparently 5th release!) 'Songs Out Here' is released on Two Sylabble Records and is available to pre order now at http://twosyllablerecords.bigcartel.com/product/that-ghost-songs-out-here-pre-order

Cats Eyes - Not a Friend Review

2011-02-10T05:02:00.000-08:00

Cats Eyes are a project featuring Farris Badwan and classically trained musician Rachael Zaffina. 'Not a Friend' could not be more different from either of The Horrors' albums, it instead features Zaffina purring beautifully about a breakup over a slow 50's style doowop background. Rachael Zaffina's classical training is very obvious throughout as Last Shadow Puppets style violins take over from the more traditional guitar noise seen on Primary Colours. A good song, although don't expect it to give any hints to what the new Horrors album will be like.

Introducing Patterns and review of their first EP 'New Noise'.

2011-02-09T16:06:00.000-08:00

Patterns are another great new Manchester based band, who have so far released one EP through influential Manchester fanzine and record label 'Pull Yourself Together'. The EP, aptly named 'New Noise' features four great songs full of spacey Animal Collective-esque loops, dreamlike drones and atmospheric drums.

The first two songs are probably the best. 'Broken Trains' opens with a similar loop to that of Animal Collective's 'My Girls', however the percussion really sets the song apart as it elevates it to a much more epic sound. The second song 'Wrong Two Words' again features similar psychedelic loops whilst also managing to really shows off the lead singers fantastic vocals, and the chorus is actually surprisingly catchy for the type of song.

On third song 'Loop Track' you essentially get what you see, with the same electronic loop being played repeatedly. It's a slow builder, however at around the 2:30 mark when the drums start to get louder the energy created is unbelievable, making it a much better song than it should really have any right to be.

Final song 'Fly To New York' borrows some of The Smiths' classic Manchester melanchony, the wowwow chorus combines beautifully with the backgound drones to create a genuine feeling of sadness.

Its hard to believe that this EP was almost entirely created at the bands home and it makes the songs all the more impressive because of it. 'New Noise' is an impressive EP and shows a band with bags of potential and ideas.

The Strokes - Under The Cover of Darkness Review.

2011-02-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Obviously everyone is going to be reviewing this song right now, so I'm going to keep it short and simple.

'Under the Cover of Darkness' is amazing.
I would have said ''Under the Cover of Darkness' is amazing' whatever they came up with.
Despite this it is actually amazing.
It sounds very dramatic!
The chorus is classic Strokes genius.

Also you can download 'Under the Cover of Darkness for free at The Strokes' website.

www.thestrokes.com/download

Introducing - Mazes and Review of 'Most Days'

2011-02-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

Mazes are a band from Manchester and were appropriately signed during Manchester's In The City festival. Anyone who has been will know that due to the sheer amount of bands that play this festival, this definitely suggests a lot of potential.

They release very lo-fi garage songs and have put out a number of singles on cassette and vinyl, the best of which is a song called 'Most Days'. Its low fi fuzz serves only to highlight the catchy nature of the hooks and rawness of the vocals. It is very reminiscent of early 90's American lo-fi bands, and anyone who has recently listened to bands like Harlem will know what to expect.

They are starting a tour of the UK in April and you can buy their Vinyl (the ones that haven't already sold out) and listen to their tunes at http://mazesmazesmazes.com/.

What will we be remembered for?

2011-02-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

For a while now I have been looking at important musical periods from the past and wondering what my generation will be remembered for musically. It really annoys me when I look at society changing moments like punk in the 70's and think that there is the possibility that as a generation we may be remembered for things such as manufactured pop or landfill indie, especially when there is so much good stuff being created.

Firstly I do believe that a lot of what is being made at the moment is very derivative, with even the most original sounding songs borrowing heavily from other musical genres. I also absolutely do not think that this is a bad thing.

What I think we will be remembered for is the sheer variety of music that is being made and the creativity that this shows. With so much music available from the past and the present, current bands are influenced by an almost unlimited number of bands. I mean whatever your into be it; rock, electro, britpop, shoegaze, hip hop, ska or anything else from a million genres, in about five minutes on the internet you are able to find many many currently performing artists that are writing good music in that genre. Furthermore this has caused a boom in live shows as people are able to easily find music they like and then go and see it.

This in my view has created one of the most exciting times in music, even if you have to look past what is being played on the radio to find it. Yes the charts may be dominated by x factor pop and American R and B, but in a few years most of that will be forgotten, and we will all look back fondly on the different bands that we were so easily able to enjoy.

Glasvegas - Euphoria Take My Hand Review

2011-02-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

Since their first album Glasvegas have been busy living it up in America, replacing their drummer and finding new white clothes for their front man James Allan. Luckily for fans of their debut the white clothes and new drummer have apparently not much changed the style of their music.

'Euphoria Take My Hand' is the first proper single off Glasvegas' new album and it still contains the same wall of sound techniques, deep Scottish accent and big guitar riffs that were so successful on their debut. In fact 'Euphoria' is up their with the best songs Glasvegas have written, which is praise indeed next to songs such as 'Geraldine' and 'Daddy's Gone'.

The only worry is that the sound is such a strong one that for me their debut ended up sounding a bit samey, with some of the songs not reaching the same heights as the early releases. Whilst this could pose a problem for the album, as a single 'Euphoria Take My Hand' is a fantastic song.

James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream Review

2011-02-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

Is it just me that doesn't get James Blake? Ok, 'The Wilhelm Scream' is incredibly original, he seems to have a good voice and good ideas but as music I just dont get it.

'The Wilhelm Scream', like 'Limit to Your Love' sees him sing the same vocals repeatedly and has the same minimalist sound. Only this time he has added some popping sounds to it and a kind of hazy noise comes in at the end instead of the drum bit. It kind of seems like he has been let lose on a computer programme with lots of effects. I mean really what is the point in that pop other that to disguise the lack of actual song.

Maybe what I don't like about it is that he has taken a very dancy sound and its techniques, and created very un dancy songs and for me it doesn't really translate. I mean theres none of the power and energy that was originally in the dubstep scene he came from.

Anyway I actually like 'The Wilhelm Scream' more than I did 'Limit to Your Love' and I'm also pretty sure that in a few months James Blake will be massive and I'll be left eating my words. In fact if The XX are anything to go by I'll probably end up liking it myself after a few months. For the moment though, I just don't get it.

Listen on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVgEaDemxjc

Ringo Deathstarr - So High/Weekend Dudes Review

2011-02-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Ringo Deathstarr do shoegaze very well. The incredibly catchy chorus of 'So High' is perfectly hidden behind Jesus and Mary Chain style layers of distortion, whilst the male/female vocals are all very My Bloody Valentine.

B side 'Weekend Dudes' is the quick, punky one. Its screeching feedback is perfectly placed in front of their shouty, angry lyrics. This song seems to have been influenced more by music from across the pond, namely Sonic Youth. In fact you could probably pinpoint it to their song 'Trilogy Part 3'.

It's obviously nothing particularly new, so if you don't like bands like My Bloody Valentine then you wont like this, and if you do like MBV then it could be argued that you have no real reason to listen to it. However I think that even though they are offering nothing new, the fact that it is happening NOW as opposed to 30 years ago, and the fact that they do it very well and that they put just about enough of an original twist on their influences makes Ringo Deathstarr, in my opinion, well worth getting excited about.

The great news is that they are currently touring the UK (unlike MBV, The Jesus and Mary Chain etc) and they are releasing their full length debut album on 14th Feb.

New Music - Dirty Beaches

2011-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

Before any introductions are made about Dirty Beaches I must say that True Blue is a fantastic song. Taken off the upcoming album Badlands it's an incredible fusion of 50's rockabilly and low fi that you should definitely listen to now!

Finished? good, read on.

Dirty Beaches have been around for a while now, they are the minimalist musings of one man from East Vancouver with an obsession for Low Fi. Of his previous releases I personally loved the spacious sounds of Low Rider and White Sand however the overall lack of hooks meant that whilst being some of the most atmospheric music I have ever experienced, it was also quite challenging listening.

This all looks set to change with his upcoming release Badlands. It is his first release that will be widely available, with Vinyl copies even being sold over here in the UK through Rough Trade and Mp3 versions on Amazon (no CDs though which is a shame). Three songs have been released from it so far and there definitely seems to be a slight change in sound, towards songs with, you know, actual tunes and audible vocals and stuff.

Badlands is released on March 29th and can be bought in the UK from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Badlands/dp/B004HL8JYC

Indie is back!

2011-02-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited about 2011. After the most disappointing years of music I can remember (bar of course The Libs reunion and a few of the bands covered on this site) in 2010 it seems that Rock and Roll is finally returning to the public consciousness. Here's what I'm looking forward to most.

The Strokes - Angels. 22nd March.
The five year wait is finally over!

The Vaccines - What did you expect from The Vaccines? March 31st.
Good to see a new band to get excited about.

The Arctic Monkeys
I actually really liked their last album.

Pete Doherty tour and possible libs reunion?

http://www.nme.com/news/pete-doherty/54794. Even some new Babyshambles material would be good. Hard to believe their last album was 2007!

The Horrors

Primary Colours was my favourite album from the last two years.

The Big Pink

6 of the 11 tracks on their first album were near perfection.

Beady Eye

You never know.

Richard Ashcroft – Are You Ready.

2010-07-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

Richard Ashcroft’s music is a bit of an enigma, whilst according the critics his solo albums have been slowly decreasing in quality, his fans always seem as convinced as ever that his music is among the best out there.

I have never been either a massive fan or a massive critic but the first single from his new album is definitely better than expected. Whether this is because of the slightly heavier sound than previous singles such as ‘Music is Power’ or because it is genuinely a better song, there is definitely something about it that seems like an improvement on his previous work.

At times the guitars create a wall of sound type effect, whilst the drums and Ashcroft’s recognisable voice keep on pushing the song forwards. The repetition of ‘are you ready’ may seem a bit much but it does mean you will be singing along by the end of the song.

This is a promising single that gives me a lot of hope for the album.

The Coral - Butterfly House Review

2010-07-07T03:17:00.000-07:00

Wow
This is a dreamy song. It literally sounds like the soundtrack to a medieval myth. The finger picked guitar and vocal harmonies create a magical essence that Merlin would have been proud of.

The main problem with the song though, is that I loved their debut and want every new song to sound EXACTLY like that, which this doesn't.

Actually the heavier ending to this song is really quite good, maybe I could grow to appreciate this new sound.

Klaxons - Flashover Review

2010-06-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, nu-rave probably the lowest point of noughties indie is back as The Klaxons, the flagship band of this disappointing genre, have returned with a new song. Firstly its still awful, the guitar could have been lifted from pretty much any of their old songs and the initial vocals sound almost exactly like the ones on Its Not Over. Just before the end there's a quieter piano bit which just screams 'WE HAVE MOVED ON' without actually adding anything to the song.

On the plus side if you still like their old stuff then you will like this. Unfortunately for them New Rave stopped being popular about three years ago, and since then the kids have grown up and realised how bad it actually was.

2AUMFBQD8D3J

Invisible Elephant - The lights Go Out Review

2010-06-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been getting massively into genres like shoegaze, noise and basically anything with feedback in it and interesting ways of playing guitar. Bands like My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, The horrors, Ride and obviously the fathers of it all The Velvet Underground have been fascinating me with the way they can create good songs from what seems to be essentially just noise. This has lead me to attempt to find new upcoming bands that sound similar and maybe even take it in new directions.

Created by one man from Blackpool, Invisible Elephant's debut Ep The Lights Go Out is influenced by many of the bands mentioned whilst still having its own unique sound.

The most interesting feature of this album is the juxtapositions of sounds used. Hazy, melodic guitar riffs are frequently transformed into screeching feedback whilst traditional drum beats and chants are intertwined with futuristic space sounds. This creates an eerie almost otherworldly sound that in terms of genre is almost unidentifiable.

The vocals are also used to good effect, barely audible most of the time they are instead used to create a dreamy sound that complements the songs perfectly.

This album is available on a pay what you want system at http://invisible-elephant.bandcamp.com/.

John Barnes Rap

2010-05-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

John Barnes, one of my favorite ever rappers, has remade his biggest hit for a mars bar advert. I think the lyrics really make a good point about society and obviously his dancing is legendary.

COME ON ENGLAND!

Listen to this now!

2010-05-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

In relation to the last post, here's a quality Joy Division cover of number one long song Sister Ray. There's something about the drumming thats amazing, Stephan Morris creates a brutal beat that seems determined to keep the rest of the band in order. The lack of organ is also interesting and this coupled with the fact that it was recorded live means the song has a harder, more simple sound.

Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vUNddDbJ-k

Songs Longer Than Your Average Song.

2010-05-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

There’s something special about long songs. It could be the freedom it gives the artist, allowing them to move away from traditional structures, it could be the narrative lyrics and the long instrumentals or it could be the satisfaction you get when you finish listening to one. Whatever it is your life will definitely be improved by listening to them.

The long song that got me started, think of it as the entry drug, the no strings attached free trial or the sample you get offered in supermarkets, was Knocked Up by Kings of Leon. This is undoubtedly one of the coolest sounding songs ever and the lyrics and bass combine perfectly. The most striking thing about this song is the sense it gives you of actually being in the song. Next time you’re driving on a sunny day wind the windows down, put this song on and shut your eyes (don’t shut your eyes) and you will see what I mean.

The long song that got me truly hooked was When the Music’s Over by The Doors. Whilst the closer from the first album ‘The End’ seems to get all the hype due to it being used in Apocalypse now I think this song is FAR better. This song has everything from the psychedelic organ intro, to the quiet poetic bit in the middle and the screamed finale.

Blue Monday by New Order offers something a bit different to all the other songs on this list. Not only a dance song it was also, unlike any of the other songs mentioned here, a massive chart success. When I listen to it I still can’t believe it came from the guys that did Joy Division, which shows how talented they were. The riff is so incredibly simple and the lyrics are pretty much the same throughout, but this simplicity is what makes it such a classic.

This leads us to what is by far the most epic long song ever; Sister Ray by The Velvet Underground. The Velvet Underground could easily have a list of their own, songs like Heroin and The Gift are all amazing songs that clock in at over seven minutes, however the sheer inventiveness, debauchery and even noise in Sister Ray set it apart from the others. The album version lasts over seventeen minutes and other versions last up to an astonishing 38 minutes. This leads to much of the song being completely improvised and the frantic final few minutes feel like a battle between guitar, drums and feedback before the band someone manage to pull it together for one final verse. Stories about how the sound engineer was so shocked during recording that he walked out give you an idea of how controversial and original it would have been at the time and I fully believe that it is still unlike anything else today.

New Blur Song Review!

2010-04-18T04:47:00.000-07:00

Hey!
It's the moment we have all been waiting for, the review of the new blur song! First impressions are good, describing an ordinary day in Damon's life it has a very relaxed sound with the drum beat and guitar riff combining perfectly.

Occasionally the song breaks down into an almost alarm like sound which disrupts the flow a bit, but then when it builds up into Coxon's guitar solo it all becomes OK again. Overall it is a great song (around four out of five) and definitely makes you want more.

Also it is available to download for free at Blur's website, how nice of them.

New band - The Lost Knives

2010-04-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!
Just some totally rad new band I thought Id tell you about.. They're called the Lost Knives and their myspace describes their sound as 'Apocalyptic pop'. Im talking about the kind of music Roland Emmerich would have made if instead of directing multi-million pound blockbusters such as Independence Day, he had been in an indie band. Their best songs 'Out of touch' and 'She's not you' show a lot of potential and are recommended for anyone into the likes of Interpol and Joy Division.

Check them out!

To hear the new Blur album, vote Tory. To see the Oasis renunion, vote labour.

2010-04-09T13:04:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody!
Blur have announced today that they are releasing a BRAND NEW song in celebration of record store day. We haven't heard it yet here at GME but we're very confident it will be up to scratch and worth every moment of the seven year wait since their last single.

Whilst this news will obviously bring up the old questions about a new album/tour, this reporter thinks the pressing matter is whether it is just a mere coincidence that Blur seem to be on the brink of a full reunion, whilst at the same time the Conservative government seems to be on the brink of taking control at Downing Street?

Look at it this way; Blur's first single 'She's so High' was released in 1990, EXACTLY the year that John Major first took charge, then releasing the seminal album 'Parklife' in 1994, around the time that Major's government was at its strongest. Oasis on the other hand, having been beaten to number one by Blur’s 'Country House' in 1995, recovered spectacularly by selling out two dates at Knebworth at a time when Labour’s fight was at its strongest and mere months before Tony Blair took charge of parliament.

Once Labour gained control Blur entered in to a steady state of decline eventually splitting in 2002, whilst Oasis released album after album, happily surviving under a Labour government.

Fast-forward to 2009 and Oasis’s dream starts falling apart. A fan punches Noel in the face in

Canada

, whilst Liam, realizing the inevitable starts to form a back up plan in the shape of fashion label ‘Pretty Green’. Meanwhile Blur, completely out of the blue, announce that they will reform for the summer. Blur’s reunion is successful and two months later Oasis split up. In the political side of things Labour look increasingly like they will lose out to the Conservatives at the next election.

Now in 2010 Oasis are still no nearer to reforming whilst Blur are recording new material. So, are Oasis and Blur somehow connected to Labour and the Tories? Or is it just a substantial yet meaningless coincidence? Either way here at GME we advise that to here more new Blur material vote Conservative, whilst to get the chance to see Oasis again, vote Labour.

Libertines Renunion

2010-04-08T15:05:00.001-07:00

Hey loyal readers!
Obviously the most important news this week involves the election. The election of the reunited Libertines as being the best (currently performing) freaaking band in the world that is. Im sure your all as excited as I am at the thought of the surely inevitable warm up gigs, whilst Carl's admission that "we're going to write" is almost one Easter gift to many. I think we all now know how Mary Magdalene felt at this time of year around 2000 years ago.

GME Weekly top ten!

2010-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hey readers!
Its the moment we've all been waiting for, the FIRST EVER Good Musical Express weekly top 10.

1. The Libertines-Cant Stand Me Now
2. The Velvet Underground-Heroin
3. The Velvet Underground-I'm Waiting For The Man
4. The Doors-People Are Strange
5. The Strokes-Take It Or Leave It
6. The Velvet Underground-Some Kinda Love
7. The Zombies-She's Not There
8. The Cribs-Another Number
9. The Kinks-Lola
10. Sonic Youth-Silver Rocket

The Velvet Underground have stormed the charts this week with a grand total of three songs in the top ten. Does this make them the best band ever? Or does that honour go to the highest charting band The Libertines? Or is this all wrong and is some other band the greatest ever? Either way these ARE the best songs you could possibly listen to this week. Remember to log in next Thursday for next weeks top 10!