Jamie Coles Blog

Switzerland, Bristol and an artsy look into life

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Recently I've taken a few weeks out for work, relaxation and reflection.

Firstly, in the middle of August I traveled for 24 hours and a many hundreds of miles to reach St Prex in Switzerland where I was working as a sound recordist for a documentary about the St Prex Classics festival. Not only was I recording interviews with members of the public but also with big names in the classical music world such as Philipe Jaroussky, Jérémie Bélingard and the rock star of the festival, Nigel Kennedy. In addition to this I was recording concerts, jams and rehearsals; a real learning curve but an opportunity that I took advantage of and achieved some good results.

The festival itself was in the beautiful town of St Prex, on the shore of lake Geneva, with some beautiful scenery; timeless buildings, vineyards, and of course the glimmering lake in the sun. One of the highlights of the trip was traveling out into Lake Geneva on a yacht where an upcoming violinist performed for us in the sun with nothing else to be heard except for the water lapping the yacht and the sound of live classical music.

After two long but very enjoyable weeks we traveled back to the UK where I then headed off for Bristol to visit my uncle and his family. I had a great time absorbing what is an incredibly cultural city. The creative community there is huge and the city itself is so inspiring. A particular highlight was wandering Stokes Croft, which recently became infamous for it's people burning down a Tesco but also where the likes of Banksy and Massive Attack came from. It is also a part of the city where there are free shops, squats and "people's" art galleries which have been setup in an almost anarchic manner but benefit the local community. It's such an inspiring area to see that the people themselves have made a claim and taken it for themselves in a completely selfless manner. I recommend that you visit there.

A brand new mix!

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:02:00 +0000

A lot more commercial than some of my other mixes but still upbeat and dancey. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand (Afrojack Ducky Remix)
Benny Benassi - Satisfaction
Afrojack - Take Over Control
Mini Viva - Left My Heart In Tokyo (Chris Lake Remix)
Dub Pistols - I'm In Love (Foamo Remix)
Deadmau5 & Wolfgang Gartner - Animal Rights
White Lies - Farewell to the Fairground (Yusek Remix)
Paul Johnson - Get Get Down (Laidback Luke Remix)
Lady Gaga - Just Dance (SPKR Ninjaz Remix)
The Black Ghosts - Anyway You Choose to Give It (Fake Blood Remix)
D.I.M & Tai - Lyposuct (Noob Remix)
Axwell, Ingrosso, Angello & Laidback Luke - Get Dumb
Florence & The Machine - Drumming Song (Boy 8 Bit Remix)
Laidback Luke & Diplo - Hey!
Tiga - What You Need (Zombie Nation Remix)
Sebastian Ingrosso - Kidsos

Big ol' electro mix by Jamie Coles

Some new music for your tastebuds

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:54:00 +0000

As you all know I am a keen fan of new, underground and unsigned music and so I have several things to share with you today.

The Wax Dramatic

The Wax Dramatic are a very contemporary sounding band from the wonderful city of Nottingham with a seamless blend of electronic synth meets indie guitar rock. The vocal talents of frontman, Toby Curson are strong and as powerful as a singer twice his age. They have the big upbeat sound that you can't help but nod along to and both tracks on their release (below) are well worth the listen, downloading and listening to again.

Check out their Facebook page for some live tracks and info and catch them at Glastonbudget in Leicestershire on May 29th.

Latest tracks by The Wax Dramatic

City Reign

The next band I want to introduce you to hail from Manchester and go by the name of City Reign. They're completely more of a guitar band featuring driving drums, shimmering guitars and clean-cut vocals. A twangy guitar melody ornaments the singing and provides a musical blend of instrumental harmonies with the smooth singing of Chris Bull. The songs are written well and have a fimilar, early nineties feel of the likes of Dinosaur Jr with the driving rhythm and softly overdriven guitars.

Have a look at their blog for news and gigs and have a listen to their music below!

Latest tracks by cityreign

And finally...

Some clever folk from Nottingham have got together and explained in this brilliant video (courtesy of WAITT unsigned) why we need to support local, unsigned and upcoming music. Very bloomin' true!

Have a look

I AM THE UNDERGROUND from WAITT Unsigned on Vimeo.

Memories

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:17:00 +0000

A tape recorder similar to the one I used

As a child I had an old tape recorder with a microphone which I inherited from my Grandpa. I used it to record my voice over and over again. Eventually, I tried to copy how the news readers on the television and radio talked and made up my own news reports about the goings on of the cat or my Mum and Dad. Then, one day, I saw my dad copying a CD onto a tape to play in the car and suddenly I had the knowledge to record myself a radio show with music.

Wow!

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:31:00 +0000

On set of Bare Stage

Hi all!

First up SORRY I've not posted in a while I wasn't being lazy, just busy! Really busy!

I'll be sticking up a mix soon so please don't loose faith!

Also take a look at the lovely Lucy Harding's new blog her blog really puts mine to shame!

Bye for now

Red Nose Day

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Do something funny for money...

... sad thing is there's nothing funny about the cause it's for.

There are some sad videos on BBC 1 tonight but one really got to me; there were four children but only three oxygen pumps. The doctor had to chose which child wouldn't get a pump and subsequently die.

This shouldn't be happening in such an advanced world that we're living in.

Please give whatever you can

http://www.rednoseday.com/

Album Review

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:38:00 +0000

Yuck - Yuck

I’m not old enough to remember the likes of Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins or Sonic Youth but I sure am a fan of the late ‘80s, early ‘90s grunge music which stands firmly as an important part of music history, a fact which has been enforced recently by a fresh, new band with a haunting ‘90s grunge revival sound.

The band, astonishingly, are from London and go by the name of Yuck. Born out of Daniel Blumberg and Max Bloom’s collective musical talent which was first showcased to the world in the band, Cajun Dance Party in 2008 (a band which sadly fizzled out after a lonely album, leaving behind heartbroken fans and disappointed critics alike) Yuck have brought the lo-fi, grungy sound that every teenage Nirvana fan born too late (like me) has had lacking from their life.

Their sound is something of power and drive with strong rhythmic basslines, something any Dinosaur Jr fan would recognise, glimmering guitars, reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins’ 1979 or Tonight, Tonight. The vocals, on the heavier songs, sound distorted, as if recorded on a vintage microphone and are edged right down into the instruments at some points getting lost in the music, think Gouge Away or Wave of Mutilation by Pixies. The quieter, gentler, lullaby-ish tracks evocative of the distant, haunting vocals and melodies of Elliot Smith or the gentler Radiohead tracks.

It is, of course, unfair to compare Yuck to such notable bands but observing these likenesses is an inevitable part of experiencing their music as they take us back to a rosy-romantic time of angst, melancholy and straightforward, durable, hardwearing music (much like the clothes).

Yuck’s self-titled debut album opens with the powerful and beautiful Get Away; thudding drums are the driving force of the track with a resonant guitar riff and those vintage, broken microphone sounding vocals that sooth the overdriven bass line. It has a fun, driving around in summer with the windows down and the music up loud type feel that evokes the nostalgic sensibility encouraged by the next 13 tracks. The Wall is it’s follow up, keeping with the hurtling feel of the first track and that warm, wistful sound drawn from their late-‘80s and ‘90s influences. These two tracks start the album with such energy and simplicity that take us, without hesitation, into the rest of record (if you weren’t already convinced).

The sound that Yuck have adopted is clearly not an attempt on new, innovative or revolutionary but what they do demonstrate is strong songwriting and variety; Georgia has that distinct grungy Seattle noise but it has a freshness that gives it such strength as a solid track for release.

Other notable tracks are Suck, a melodic guitar piece with beautiful vocal hooks, Stutter and Rose Gives A Lilly, all stripped back, restful tracks that draw on the delicacy and emotion that can be evoked from crafted songwriting.

Yuck are a great band who show that you don’t have to be different to make a difference, I just hope they can keep the raw, awry affection and driving spirit needed for 20 more years of teenage angst.

Four stars!

Enter '2Deth'

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:43:00 +0000

I came across this on Archibold Flamingo's new blog (visit it)

2Deth is a producer and synth player in The Wax Dramatic (Facebook page here) who have been making some noise in the Nottingham music scene for a little while now.

Anyways, he's been producing his own electro/dubstep type music and remixing his band's tracks too! He's absolutely awesome and I felt compelled to share.

So here are some of 2Deth's tracks, particularly check out his remix of Shining Light and Expectations and his remix of Mumford and Sons' Little Lion Man
Latest tracks by 2deth
His music is powerful and original and I genuinely look forward to hearing more from him in the future.

The Infinity Chilli

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Hi,

A little bit different from what I usually post but I saw this and HAD to share.

This video of a guy eating the Infinity Chili, allegedly the world's hottest measuring a Scoville Rating of 1,176,182, measuring 1,172,682 above tabasco sauce and just under 824000 below pepper spray.

I actually feel for the guy, he looks like he's going to die and one point and like he's tripping for the rest. All self inflicted of course so you can't be too sympathetic!

You can buy the chilli, a plant to grow them or the sauce from Fire Foods here

And here's a BBC news article about the man growing them.

Album Review

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Chase & Status - No More Idols

Chase & Status have already been very significant in 2011 for me. For starters, they brought in the year at Nottingham’s Rock City when they played the 2011 countdown which was something very special; to be surrounded by great friends in your favourite city, your hometown no less and with some great music pumping very loud (how I intend to start every year for the foreseeable future).

Then, on the 31st of January, they released No More Idols, their second album of which three of their songs had been released as singles before the album had, clearly showing the distance they have come since the release of their 2008 debut album, More Than Alot (they rereleased in 2010 with new songs such as Nneka’s Heartbeat and Saxon).

No More Idols features an array of artists including Plan B (who they had already worked with), Tinie Tempah, Clare Maguire and notably Dizzee Rascal. It is, however, important to note that these artists aren’t just name drops to give the album credibility, each one brings with them something to contribute to the album, they appear as guest artists, collaborators rather than lent vocals to a redundant track.

The album has fifteen tracks (plus a minimix on the deluxe edition) for your pleasure with recognisable singles such as Let You Go, Hypest Hype (featuring Tempa T) and End Credits (featuring Plan B) from the Harry Brown (2010, directed by Daniel Barber starring Michael Caine) soundtrack.

It is something of a cyclonic album as it whisks up genres from drum n bass to dubstep whilst infusing hip hop, grime and indie too. This album explodes in your ears giving you punches of fast and slow, upbeat and melancholy and powerful and delicate. It insights feelings of acid house parties in the nineties, drum n bass raves in the naughties and a mixture of dance music elements that are new and pioneering.

A clear highlight of the album is Heavy featuring Dizzee Rascal, a return to his drum n bass MCing roots which he works so effectively to create vocals for a high end dance track. Chase & Status draw from the jungle style drum n bass which recent artists of the genre seem to have left behind as well as incorporating more contemporary bassline and grime elements to create a strong, British electronic sounding track.

Other strong tracks include Brixton Briefcase featuring CeeLo Green which sounds more like the early, darker, Gnarls Barkley tracks rather than the newer, happier sounding CeeLo. Flashing Lights has strong production influence from the impressive drum n bass artist, Sub Focus creating a solid, liquid-style drum n bass track. A personal favourite on the album is Fool Yourself featuring their good friend, Plan B as well as Rage; it’s a high impact, supersonic, pumped up dance track which uses a solid drum n bass beat with a contrasting vocal hook which seems designed intentionally for club style dance music.

The album on the whole is strong and powerful but seems to be unrefined slightly on a couple of tracks and for that reason I’m giving it 4 out 5 stars. However, if you haven’t already, go out and get this album!

Album Review

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:26:00 +0000

The Streets - Computers and Blues

In 2002 one man changed the British musical landscape forever; scarring it, remolding it, evolving it into his own. This man was Mike Skinner, better known as The Streets.

Nine years and four albums on, The Streets release their fifth and final album, Computers and Blues. A momentous and sad time for British hip hop signifying, for some, the end of a beautiful time of partying, casual drug use and lager drinking. For others, as with Mike Skinner, a time for change and redirection in life, nearly a decade is a long time in anybody’s world.

The album, from track one to track fourteen (sixteen if you got the deluxe version like me) is fantastic, it can be listened to as a whole without ever having the itch to touch the skip button, if anything, you don’t want it to end. It’s one of those albums that ceases to become boring, even on the third play in a row it’s still throwing out little nuggets of lyrical genius, musical seduction and new angles on songs that you hadn’t twigged on the last two listens.

Computers and Blues has Skinner’s unique musical, vocal and lyrical features; the quirky hip hop rhythms, the spoken word poetical mastery which connects him fully to his audience and his unique outlook on life. He touches on subjects that we all can relate to; Facebook relationships, nights out and the pains of relationship deterioration. His songs are stories, philosophy and projected wisdom collected throughout his life and guarantees that his listeners cling to every word.

The album touches on sensitive subjects which a lot of The Streets’ original fans (the 2002 listeners) who have grown up with Skinner will be able to relate more so than perhaps his newer listeners. Blip On A Screen, first heard on Zane Lowe’s show back in 2009 is clearly about a tender moment (and rightly so) in his life when his girlfriend, music producer Claire Le Marquand was pregnant with their first child. He speaks to the unborn child, he worries about his competence as a father, the uncertainty of the future and “what you will grow to be”.

In We Can Never Be Friends he talks about the falling apart of a couple and how differing needs can not only ruin a relationship but a friendship too. The chorus, “we can never be friends, one wants to stay together, one wants it to end.” speaks such truths and everybody at least knows someone who has been in the situation if not experienced it first hand.

These are but a couple of the songs on a truly brilliant album, other highlights include Omg, about Facebook statuses, Soldiers and the latest single Going Through Hell with such great lines as “I won’t say a word until I walk a mile in your shoes, but when I’m a mile away I’ll utter what the f*** I choose, in my nice new shoes.”

Ultimately this album is incredibly close to perfect. The Streets end it all on a high despite the fact I’m left begging for more.

See The Streets official website, http://the-streets.co.uk/ for Cyberspace and Reds, a whole album of unused material featuring the likes of Kano, Wiley and Wretch 32.

RTS Student Awards Best Fiction

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:58:00 +0000

On Monday 24th of January we attended the Royal Television Society Student Awards as our film, Play Nice had been nominated for the 'Best Fiction' award.

Cynical as we are, we didn't expect to win and so turned up in jeans and tshirts; everyone was else was wearing a suit or smart clothes.

Radio presenter, Andy Crane presented the awards and very much to our shock (and our tutors who were also there) we won! He had our picture taken with the suits and received a certificate (soon to be framed) and a lovely chunk of glass that Sammy ran off with!

Full list of nominations and winners at the award is here

and the film is below

Shot on the Canon 7D.

Synopsis: Two brothers play a game of war. A game that soon becomes a reality.The imagination of children brings us closer to the ones we love.

Directed by Samantha. R. Deas
Written by Simon Keegan
Produced by Jamie Coles
1st Assistant Director: Richard Addlesee
Director of Photography: mariusz Scislowicz
Runner,Loader. Stills: James William Raynard

Film made as part of 'directing actors for film' module. Bolton University. Media, Writing and Production.

Snow!

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:50:00 +0000

Been at my friend's house for about 4 hours, all of the curtains were closed so I couldn't see out.

Before I left for my friend's house there was barely a sprinkling of snow and when I their house to come home it was like this!!!

That's a good six inches of snow in about four hours!

This Week's Top 5 (according to and listened by me!)

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Another week flies by and to be quite honest I'd like to recall some events that have happened but I'm not entirely sure where the week has gone.

On Wednesday we went to XFM's Winter Wonderland, an indie music festival featuring such artists as The View, Everything Everything, Mystery Jets, Bombay Bicycle club and The Wombats. A great night was had by all with festivities including free tequila (which as we know is an evil drink).

Not much movement in This Week's Top 5 (according to and listened by me!)

In reverse order...

Number 5
The Constant - I Blame Coco (Island)

Down to fifth this week! Still a sublime album but not as heard as much as the first few weeks of owning it.

See the full album review here.

Highlights include Self Machine, Party Bag and It's About to Get Worse.

Number 4
Rock and Roll EP - Frank Turner

I feel a bit cheeky about this one as it's a singly and not an album but still, all six tracks are brilliant.

In true Frank Turner style this is classic, catchy, folk songwriting with an acoustic punky edge. I Still Believe is such a catchy song and has such a ballad, anthem feel to it which makes you just want to sing along.

Rock & Roll Romance is one of the beautiful songs both musically and lyrically which really shows off Turner's power for original and thought provoking songwriting.

There are only six songs on the album and I strongly recommend you listen to all of them, this is a great selection of music which show off the true power of Frank Turner. If you like this go out and listen to everything else he ever made.

Number 3
Rave Digger - Danny Byrd (Hosptial Records)

Sitting comfortably in third place and still deservedly residing in the top 5 Rave Digger is a fantastic album full of life, energy and hype.

We Can Have it All recently made it to Radio 1's "A" playlist (and rightly so).

See my full review of the album here

Highlights include Ill Behaviour, Tonight featuring Netsky and We Can Have it All.

Number 2
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West (Mercury)

Yes I'm as shocked as you are to see this one charting and sitting here at number 2! It was one of those albums that I tried to avoid because honestly, Kanye is a tool but I just couldn't keep away from it, it was drawn to me.

People said "you really should give it a listen" and to be fair, I hadn't even given it a change but like I said: Kanye is a tool.

That being said, it doesn't change the fact that this is a phenomenal album both musically and lyrically. Kanye has been reborn, this is the best work he's ever produced!

If you haven't already (and I can't believe I'm saying this) get this album in your life!

Highlights include Monster featuring Jay Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj (she's all over everything) & (shockingly!!!) Bon Iver. The Amazingly melodic Blame Game featuring John Legend (another one who's starting to get around) and my personal favourite, So Appalled featuring such greats as Jay Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz, & The RZA.

FANTASTIC HIP HOP ALBUM!

Number One
The Hits Collection, Vol. 1 - Jay Z (The Island Def Jam Music Group)

Remaining at number 1 Jay Z's best of is really tearing it up and the hiphop loving in my headphones is big right now.

After Zane Lowe played the Black Album a couple of weeks ago on his Radio 1 show from start to finish as a part of his Masterpieces feature the hip hop legend has been on my mind and fortunately (and perhaps coincidentally) he has just released his best of album.

Filled with classics such as Encore, 99 Problems and Death Of Auto-tune this album is great for Jay Z lovers, hip hop lovers and music lovers alike.

Check Back next week for next week's Top 5
and see last weeks here

Amazon.co.uk Widgets

Sunday Essay Writing Procrastination

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:45:00 +0000

I really should be writing this essay about social networking and the ever changing users and uses of the internet but I just made a great essay writing playlist and I thought I'd share it with you.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Greatest Hits (whole album)
The Shins - Caring is Creepy, New Slang
Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #2 (Laika), Neighborhood #3 (Power Out), Neighborhood #4 (Kettles), Rebellion Lies, Une Annee Sans Lumiere
Radiohead - Karma Police, Bullet Proof... I wish I was, Let Down, No Surprises
Pixies - Debaser, Here Comes Your Man
The Breeders - Cannonball
Smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock, Tonight Tonight, Today
Foo Fighters - Monkey Wrench, Everlong, No Way Back
REM - Ebow The Letter, New Orleans Instrumental no.1

Wearing my essay writing hat

The Verve - Drugs Don't Work, Love Is Noise
Elliott Smith - Bottle Up and Explode, Pitseleh, Needle In The Hay
Sonic Youth - Superstar
The Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight, Nothing Better
Bon Iver - Skinny Love, For Emma
Bloc Party - Modern Love
Coldplay - Sparks, Green Eyes
The Raconteurs - Hands, Yellow Sun

According to iTunes that's 3.5 hours worth of music so I'll stick it on random and let it play out then add more if I need.

So as you can see some fairly laid-back, slightly grungy, easy listening for a wintry Sunday afternoon of essay writing.

But oh no! What's this - Lucy's just come home with a copy of A Nightmare Before Christmas - Christmas themed procrastination!!

Hopefully I can prolong the switching on of the telly to get as much of this essay done as is possible!

Not A Radio Show ep.1

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Well here it is, my first ever podcast!

It's just under 25 minutes of music and a little bit of me talking about the music I love and what I grew up with and the first CD I ever bought(which is pretty embarrassing).

Enjoy!

A Brand New Mix

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:34:00 +0000

I feel bad for the lack of posts and the late top 5 this week so here's a mix to compensate.
7 Dec 2010 mix by Jamie Coles
Tracklist:

Ducksauce - Barbara Streisand
Fake Blood - Fix your Accent
Major Lazer - Pon De Floor
Alex Gaudino - I'm in Love
Example - Love Kickstarts Again
Riva Starr - I was Drunk
Black Ghosts - Anyway you Choose to Give it (Fake Blood Remix)
Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - Great Britain
Jack Beats - Revolution
Tensnake - Coma Cat
Herr Styler - Snow in Paris
Party Harders & The Subs - Pope of Dope
We are Terrorists - Western Spaghetti

This Weeks Top 5 (according to and listened by me!)

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Busy bloomin' week! Doesn't seem like five minutes ago since I was posting last weeks top 5!

Since then I've been working as boom operator on Snow Globe, written a script and I went to see both Rhod Gilbert and Billy Bragg in the same week.

Also, a film I worked on as producer and sound recordist, Play Nice, has been nominated for a regional award which I'm really really chuffed about.

Busy bloomin' week but good bloomin' week.

Really sorry it's late - better late than never! (not a slippery slope I intend to embark upon.)

This weeks top 5........

Here we go, in reverse order...

Number 5
Everything In Moderation - BYOB (Loaded Records)

Down one place into fifth this week BYOB's Everything in Moderation is still tearing it up in the top 5.

From the same vein as Example Everything in Moderation takes instrumental melodies with hints of drum n bass, hip hop and dubstep and combines melodic singing with rapping.

Using electronic instruments, electric guitar and synths BYOB is looking to be something big with a remix of The Stranglers' Peaches and an original track, Save My Life remixed by J Majik and Wickaman (surely a sign for greatness).

Highlights include Chillin, Save My Life (J Majik and Wickaman remix) and One Way Road.

Number 4
The Constant - I Blame Coco (Island)

Down two places this week! Still a sublime album but not as heard as much as the first few weeks of owning it - I Blame Coco's The Constant comes in at fourth.

See the full album review here.

Highlights include Self Machine, Party Bag and It's About to Get Worse.

Number 3
Rave Digger - Danny Byrd (Hosptial Records)

Sitting comfortably in third place and still deservedly residing in the top 5 Rave Digger is a fantastic album full of life, energy and hype.

We Can Have it All recently made it to Radio 1's "A" playlist (and rightly so).

See my full review of the album here

Highlights include Ill Behaviour, Tonight featuring Netsky and We Can Have it All.

Number 2
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West (Mercury)

Yes I'm as shocked as you are to see this one charting, especially at number 2! It was one of those albums that I tried to avoid because honestly, Kanye is a tool but I just couldn't keep away from it, it was drawn to me.

People said "you really should give it a listen" and to be fair, I hadn't even given it a change but like I said: Kanye is a tool.

That being said, it doesn't change the fact that this is a phenomenal album both musically and lyrically. Kanye has been reborn, this is the best work he's ever produced!

If you haven't already (and I can't believe I'm saying this) get this album in your life!

Highlights include Monster featuring Jay Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj (she's all over everything) & (shockingly!!!) Bon Iver. The Amazingly melodic Blame Game featuring John Legend (another one who's starting to get around) and my personal favourite, So Appalled featuring such greats as Jay Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz, & The RZA.

FANTASTIC HIP HOP ALBUM!

Number One
The Hits Collection, Vol. 1 - Jay Z (The Island Def Jam Music Group)

Remaining at number 1 Jay Z's best of is really tearing it up and the hiphop loving in my headphones is big right now.

After Zane Lowe played the Black Album last Tuesday on his Radio 1 show from start to finish as a part of his Masterpieces feature the hip hop legend has been on my mind and fortunately (and perhaps coincidentally) he has just released his best of album.

Filled with classics such as Encore, 99 Problems and Death Of Auto-tune this album is great for Jay Z lovers, hip hop lovers and music lovers alike.

Check Back next week for next week's Top 5
and see last weeks here

This Weeks Top 5 (according to and listened by me!)

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:45:00 +0000

It's been a busy week for me; a lot of University work as deadlines are approaching, I'm currently working as boom operator on set of Snowglobe and my laptop broke on Thursday!! It was a nightmare, the keyboard stopped working; I think I deleted something vital to make it work by accident. Thank goodness for the good people at Apple who fixed it up without losing any data and replaced the keyboard and cover for me too! Thank you Apple!

As for this weeks top 5........

Here we go, in reverse order...

Number 5
Addicted to Bass Winter 2010 (Ministry Of Sound)

Always good to keep the MOS compilations on the list and (it might just be me) but their releases seem to get stronger!

Still sitting comfortably at number five, this album sees some very generic drum n bass, bassline and dance come together with some more underground tracks.

Look out for the more underground stuff as a lot of the more generic tracks are in my cd collection from years ago.

The CD is (as usual) a mixed one but see the download for individual tracks.

Highlights include Gyptian's Hold You (Shy FX Edit), Ill Behaviour by Danny Byrd, Bar9's remix of Kickstart by Example and Splendidub by Riva Starr.

Number 4
Everything In Moderation - BYOB (Loaded Records)

Down one place into fourth this week BYOB's Everything in Moderation is still tearing it up in the top 5.

From the same vein as Example Everything in Moderation takes instrumental melodies with hints of drum n bass, hip hop and dubstep and combines melodic singing with rapping.

Using electronic instruments, electric guitar and synths BYOB is looking to be something big with a remix of The Stranglers' Peaches and an original track, Save My Life remixed by J Majik and Wickaman (surely a sign for greatness).

Highlights include Chillin, Save My Life (J Majik and Wickaman remix) and One Way Road.

Number 3
Rave Digger - Danny Byrd (Hosptial Records)

Down yet another place this week though still deservedly residing in the top 5 Rave Digger is a fantastic album full of life, energy and hype.

We Can Have it All recently made it to Radio 1's "A" playlist (and rightly so).

See my full review of the album here

Highlights include Ill Behaviour, Tonight featuring Netsky and We Can Have it All.

Number 2
The Constant - I Blame Coco (Island)

After knocking Danny Byrd's Rave Digger off of the top spot this cracking album falls down one place into second.

The Constant is played a lot in our house and it is truly a great album.

See the full album review here.

Highlights include Self Machine, Party Bag and It's About to Get Worse.

Number One
The Hits Collection, Vol. 1 - Jay Z (The Island Def Jam Music Group)

A new entry at number one Jay Z's hits collection soars high above the rest to show how hip hop is really done.

After Zane Lowe played the Black Album last Tuesday on his Radio 1 show from start to finish as a part of his Masterpieces feature the hip hop legend has been on my mind and fortunately (and perhaps coincidentally) he has just released his best of album.

Filled with classics such as Encore, 99 Problems and Death Of Auto-tune this album is great for Jay Z lovers, hip hop lovers and music lovers alike.

Check Back next week for next week's Top 5
and see last weeks here

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Millenial Tweet

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:05:00 +0000

So the thousandth tweet came and went today and sadly it was all wrapped up in the passion of the student demos again today.

The tweet was

RT @flayman When police use riot control tactics, a riot is what they're going to get. This is not a coincidence. #demo2010

Powerful, relevant and passionate. Maybe I should have just tweeted @darrylmorris .

Thanks to everyone who got in touch with suggestions. Don't forget you can contact me here.

Hey hum. Only 971 tweets until the big 2000.

the 1000th Tweet

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:40:00 +0000

So I'm coming up to my 1000th tweet (I need to be careful not to waste it on a throwaway tweet to someone like @darrylmorris - that would be annoying) so what shall I post?
Meaningful and insightful?
Poetical and inspirational?
I'll have a think.
In the meantime suggestions on the back of a postcard (or email, tweet or facebook) see the contact page
Thanks
Jamie x

This Weeks Top 5 (according to and listened by me!)

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:54:00 +0000

Here we go, in reverse order...

Number 5
Addicted to Bass Winter 2010 (Ministry Of Sound)

Always good to keep the MOS compilations on the list and (it might just be me) but their releases seem to get stronger!

This album sees some very generic drum n bass, bassline and dance come together with some more underground tracks.

Look out for the more underground stuff as a lot of the more generic tracks are in my cd collection from years ago.

The CD is (as usual) a mixed one but see the download for individual tracks.

Highlights include Gyptian's Hold You (Shy FX Edit), Ill Behaviour by Danny Byrd, Bar9's remix of Kickstart by Example and Splendidub by Riva Starr.

Number 4
Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man (Columbia)

Magnetic Man's self titled album remains in the big top 5 but moves down another place making way for BYOB's new entry.

It's a great album making an interesting use of instruments, melodies and beats featuring some great, upcoming artists such as Katy B, and Sam Frank and some veterans too including Ms Dynamite and John Legend.

Highlights include Getting Nowhere featuring John Legend, I Need Air featuring Angela Hunte, Flying Into Tokyo, which has an amazing melody and Perfect Stranger featuring Katy B.

Number 3
Everything In Moderation - BYOB (Loaded Records)

Released in October 2010, this album seemed to slip passed me which is unfortunate as it's an absolute corker!

From the same vein as Example Everything in Moderation takes instrumental melodies with hints of drum n bass, hip hop and dubstep and combines melodic singing with rapping.

Using electronic instruments, electric guitar and synths BYOB is looking to be something big with a remix of The Stranglers' Peaches and an original track, Save My Life remixed by J Majik and Wickaman (surely a sign for greatness).

Highlights include Chillin, Save My Life (J Majik and Wickaman remix) and One Way Road.

Number 2
Rave Digger - Danny Byrd (Hosptial Records)

Down one place this week though still deservedly residing in the top 5 Rave Digger is a fantastic album full of life, energy and hype.

We Can Have it All recently made it to Radio 1's "A" playlist (and rightly so).

See my full review of the album here

Highlights include Ill Behaviour, Tonight featuring Netsky and We Can Have it All.

Number One
The Constant - I Blame Coco (Island)

I moved this up to number one this week knocking Danny Byrd's Rave Digger off of the top spot.

The Constant is played a lot in our house and it is truly a great album.

See the full album review here.

Highlights include Self Machine, Party Bag and It's About to Get Worse.

Check Back next week for next week's Top 5
and see last weeks here

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Mutated Music - Part 1

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:57:00 +0000

This is the start of a series of posts which I hope to eventually compile into a book haha! Or maybe just one big post :)

Music is something that is both reflexive and conscious. It inspires, discourages and creates (all at the same time). One track spawns two more equally the same and equally different. Then, in turn, these two tracks spawn two more equally the same and equally different tracks. And from that first, original track we now have seven tracks all equally similar but equally different yet the further along the chain we go, the further from the original track they are and are, therefore, more equally different.

Or equally more different.

It's like genetics, evolution and family trees all rolled into one. There are of course mutations and I believe that it's these mutations which are significant. Songs that sound so familiar but so original. Songs that are forever fresh and spawn a new breed in music. And so, I name this article;

Mutated Music

And today's track is...

Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles

Okay, so perhaps too obvious for the first part but this (let's be honest) well-ahead-of-it's-time track uses so many concepts of electronic music, dance music as well as innovative use of instruments, recording and vocals.

A lot of the instruments and certainly the drum sequence sound like samples, machines and synthesis but we have to remember that in this early time of tape loops, reverb and reverse this was a pioneering way of music production and showed John, Ringo, Paul and George's creativity (and recreational drug use) at it's best.

Once you've had a listen to this brilliant piece of music head over to your Chemical Brothers collection (or see below) and have a listen to Let Forever Be as it (though clearly a tribute) is undeniably similar and featuring Noel Gallagher on the vocals how much more Beatles can you be.

This track certainly anchors us in terms of this feature, musically to the world and looking back, in my opinion, to the birth of looped, sampled and electronically adjusted music.

Let the geeks prove me wrong.

The album, Revolver by the Beatles which features Tomorrow Never Knows is a great album and definitely worth a listen.

Keep locked for more and check here to contact me with your choice of mutated song.

Album Review

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Logistics - Spacejams (Hospital Records)

For those of you who don't know, I genuinely believe that Hospital Records, as a label, are responsible for some of the best electro, dance and drum n bass artists in the world and are therefore responsible for some of the best tracks in the world.

Their latest release, Logistics' Spacejams is no exception. It takes some of the best tracks of Logistics' six year stint with Hospital and compiles them onto this decisively selected album.

The album spans Logistics' releases looking back to 2004's Spacejam EP which makes up the first four tracks of the album, Kaleidoscope being one of my favourites and one regularly heard when I put on some drum n bass.

We then move forward to some of '05 and '06's releases such as Summer Sun; the mighty Blackout, in my opinion a pioneering track for drum n bass as we know it and Colour Wheel.

The CD also offers two collaborative tracks featuring two of Hospital Records' greats, Cynatific and London Elektricity. The Cyantific track, Flashback features a great synth melody and hook as well as driving a killer beat and bassline.

Other highlights include The Trip, perhaps a more laid-back, melodic but still banging track all the same which promises to take us on a trip "a journey full of sound and beats," and it sure delivers. Krusty Bass Rinser is a heavy track with a dirty, distorted bassline with a massive breakdown and drop which is guaranteed to get your blood pumping.

The all-embracing album shows of Logistics artform in an almost exhibition like way and there is certainly plenty to appreciate.

Hats off to Hospital Records.

This Weeks Top 5 (according to and listened by me!)

jammcy@hotmail.co.uk (Jamie Coles) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:33:00 +0000

I feel a little bit lazy with this weeks Top 5 and it's not my fault! Album releases over the last week have been slow and nothing has really gripped me (other than I Blame Coco's The Constant of course).

So here we go, in reverse order...

Number 5
Addicted to Bass Winter 2010 (Ministry Of Sound)

Always good to keep the MOS compilations on the list and (it might just be me) but their releases seem to get stronger!

This album sees some very generic drum n bass, bassline and dance come together with some more underground tracks.

Look out for the more underground stuff as a lot of the more generic tracks are in my cd collection from years ago.

The CD is (as usual) a mixed one but see the download for individual tracks.

Highlights include Gyptian's Hold You (Shy FX Edit), Ill Behaviour by Danny Byrd, Bar9's remix of Kickstart by Example and Splendidub by Riva Starr.

Number 4
MOS Sound Presents Mixed - Scratch Perverts (Ministry of Sound)

Scratch Perverts are undoubtedly pioneers of the compilation mix, notorious for their collective DJ battles and competition style; they hold two consecutive World DMC Team titles, Plus One's World DMC Champion and World Vestax Champion titles, Prime Cut's back to back World ITF Scratching crowns among other titles and held highly as prestigious DJs.

This CD is a powerful compilation of hiphop, dubstep, grime and dance mixed seamlessly in the typical Scratch Perverts style.

Highlights include Jack Beats' Revolution, Hold On by Rusko & Amber Coffman and Innocence by Nero.

Number 3
Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man (Columbia)

Magnetic Man's self titled album remains in my chart and having been listened to more this week it bumps up to knock out Floorfillers 2010 and Kings of Leon's Come Around Sundown (which to be honest I found a little samey although still an enjoyable listen).

It's a great album making an interesting use of instruments, melodies and beats featuring some great, upcoming artists such as Katy B, and Sam Frank and some veterans too including Ms Dynamite and John Legend.

Highlights include Getting Nowhere featuring John Legend, I Need Air featuring Angela Hunte, Flying Into Tokyo, which has an amazing melody and Perfect Stranger featuring Katy B.

Number 2
The Constant - I Blame Coco (Island)

So I bumped this one up a place on the list as it's regularly residing in the cd player in my house.

See the full album review here.

Highlights include Self Machine, Party Bag and It's About to Get Worse.

Number One
Rave Digger - Danny Byrd (Hosptial Records)

Again hitting at number one, the latest creation from the music producing genious that is Danny Byrd.

See my full review of the album here

Highlights include Ill Behaviour, Tonight featuring Netsky and We Can Have it All.

Check Back next week for next week's Top 5
and see last weeks here

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