Chris Leo's Vague Angels

This track reminds me of Chris Rea's Road To Hell. A great driving tune with a bit of South American influence I feel. It really is quite something and came from nowhere. Thanks to http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/ who have let me post it for free download.

MP3: So Lonely - Chris Leo's Vague Angels

Jal & Schonberg in Sheffield Music Scene This Month

I've written about one of my favourite unsigned bands, Kalenko, in this month's Sheffield Music Scene but not only that but, occasional writer for 3WTM, Schonberg has also written for the online magazine as he covers Pygmy Globe Trotters new album. Check out our reviews on pages 144 and 214 respectively.

Tom Williams & The Boat - New EP

I'm a bit slow on passing this one on to you. Tom Williams and The Boat released a new EP at the start of the month. You can stream the EP below and download the title track See My Evil below. My favourite however is Get Older which has a real feel of Eels' Soul Jacker to it. Check it out.

Wild Beasts

You may or (more likely) may not remember that Wild Beasts featured on this blog a while back thanks to the Dancing Bear who helped me out with the end of the month playlist at the time. Well I came across another track of theirs the other day at Likesounds. Give it chance, it starts off slow but grows to be something really strong that reminds me of The Pale.

MP3: Hooting and Howling - Wild Beasts

Talking of bands we've mentioned before, you can buy Yes Cassette's single Animal and Gods on iTunes now...

White Lies: White Lies Return With 'Ritual'

This whole blogging on your mobile phone thing doesn't really work does it. Discover something interesting and click "share this" or whatever it says and all you get is a link put up as a post. That's not really adding to the reader's experience is it? Anyway excitement is in the air as White Lies: White Lies Return With 'Ritual' queue lots of people scouring the internet for any leaked tracks. They leaked very few when they were unknown, I don't think it's going to change now, sadly. If you do find any keep it to yourself, and send me a private email...

What's Wrong With The Mainstream September '10 Playist

I found this art here entitled fosil_rock.jpg surely it should be a rock tape!? Anyway, what a perfect image for this month's playlist which is turning in to a bi-monthly event. So here's the best of the past two months, as I can longer use my iPhone in the car without it blowing up (I'm on my third iPhone in three months) I haven't got much comment to go with the tracks as I haven't listened to them as much as I usually do.

The Naked and Famous are releasing this single as a limited edition 7" vinyl via Neon Gold record label and they are starting to make some waves in the UK. Check them out.
MP3: Young Blood - The Naked and Famous 

Dead Sons new band who have a mature sound that reveals their past - the five members have been in previous bands,  think The Last Shadow Puppets and you won't be far off. I think I discovered them through Sheffield Music Scene.
MP3: Temptation Pool - Dead Sons

Rock music with a drum machine, Drift Run are tipped for big things.
MP3: Addiction - Drift Run

The Vaccines are another band just making their way in to the big wide music world but have previous form within their ranks.
MP3: If You Wanna - The Vaccines

I don't remember where I read it but I'm told that Jay Jay Pistolet is in The Vaccines, he used to go it alone with his acoustic guitar.
MP3: Hooked Up On Us - Jay Jay Pistolet

Philadelphia Grand Jury or the Philly J's as their promoter, I'm assuming fondly, refers to them are doing pretty well in the southern hemisphere and are nominated for the AIR Awards (Australian Independent Records). We've been going on about them for a while on this blog. Are you readers enjoying their music? Let us know, just click on the comments link at the bottom of the post.
MP3: Save Our Town - Philadelphia Grand Jury

I've written an article for next month's Sheffield Music Scene about their new single Littlest Pleasures, it's coming out the end of October. In the meantime enjoy the b-side from the band that describe themselves as “Unbelievably Russian with Romantically Sinister Tendency”.
MP3: Lights Out - Kalenko


This track really reminds me of The Levellers, I especially like the marching beat drumming throughout. This is a different track from the one I posted by The 48ks earlier in the month.
MP3: Falling Down - The 48ks

Catchy, geeky, pop music. Nuff said...
MP3: Things I Shouldn't Tell You - Cancel The Astronauts

Sounds like Marina and the Diamonds, getting lots of radio attention in the UK.
MP3: Prisoner - The Good Natured

This track really gets in with the rhythm of your heart with vocals that go at the same pace. The Spies have a dark, sinister name, this track might just match that name.
MP3: You've Got Some Nerve - The Spies

Tomorrow sees the Walk The Line Festival kick in to gear for its second year and I thought I'd introduce you to a couple of quality acts gracing the festival. First off are The Strange Death of Liberal England. These are quite a find, I was introduced to them through a video of their current single Rising Sea. While I'm not able to bring you that track as a download, the band have given me another nautical themed track that I'm pretty confident equally shows off their prowess.
MP3: Lighthouse - The Strange Death of Liberal England

Last of all is Luke Leighfield. He has a great picture on his MySpace of him looking geeky surrounded by some fit young ladies. Made me smile. Anyway back to his music, bit of a self confessed Ben Folds fan as far as I can work out. This is the title track from his album which you can get free from his bandcamp site. Sounds good to me Luke...
MP3: Have You Got Heart? - Luke Leighfield

British Sea Power - Zeus

British Sea Power seem to have been around for years yet I have only got in to them recently by discovering great tracks like Waving Flags and Please Stand Up. Now while I wouldn't agree with the comparisons that point readers in the direction of The Cure, Arcade Fire and Joy Division, I find it hard to give you any better reference points (explaining why I have repeated those comparisons). All I can say is that they have swirling guitars and understated vocals that draw you in and have you singing along despite not really being sing-along songs. Anyway the lead track from their Zeus E.P. is available for free download, if you like this definitely check out the other tracks I mentioned.

MP3: Zeus - British Sea Power

Cancel The Astronauts

Cancel The Astronauts are indie pop in a can and I like that. Maybe a bit geeky but hey I'm sat at my computer writing a blog so there's definitely a bit of geek in me. I'll be interested to see what more CTA have got in the locker, perhaps the next Wombats?

You can buy the Edinburgh band's EP, Funny For A Girl on their Bandcamp site.

MP3: Things I Shouldn't Tell You - Cancel The Astronauts

Ladies and Gentleman I think we have some talent on our hands

The Good Natured are happy for me to post this b-side. Well I'm certainly happy to oblige. The Good Natured, aka Sarah McIntosh, is certainly a talent to watch and judging by the fact we get a video with the b-side suggest someone else thinks that too.

MP3: Prisoner - The Good Natured

Indra - The Lonely Kings

OK, OK, it's not the normal cup of tea for 3WTM followers, but if you do happen to enjoy a bit of grunge-based rock 'n' roll then maybe this is for you. Indra are relatively unknown outside of their native South Yorkshire, but as far as nu-grunge goes they're pretty decent.

If you like this, then get over to their myspace page to hear more...

Before Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros there was...

Ima Robot and the band are back with a new album. Alex Ebert, lead singer of ESATMZ, fronts Ima Robot and, as you've heard his voice before, it gives Ima Robot a familiar feel. I think I stated at the time that the ESATMZ had created an album with variety across it and this track just adds to that mix.

I was given a link to the video below and it's a great watch, skateboarding and pyrotechnics set to music by Ima Robot. The film is great in itself but keep watching as there is a "making of" section at the end which is nearly as good as the main film itself.



MP3: Ruthless - Ima Robot

The 48ks - Flick 'em the V's

From Donny (Doncaster to pretty much everyone outside of South Yorkshire) and a band with a surprising description on their MySpace. Now before I tell you what their site says I should point out I like this band, I downloaded their free EP, thank you very much and as the MP3s weren't labelled with the bands name I actually went to the effort of reminding myself of who they were. Now I'm lazy and if I didn't like the track I wouldn't have bothered. However the description on the MySpace did not match my experience. Words like "original", "fresh" and "contemporary" are certainly not how I would describe this band. They're a good old fashioned rock n roll band, I can imagine hearing them in a pub and parting with some cash as their catchy tunes got straight in my head. On getting home I would have been pleased with my purchase. As I've got the tracks for free they've managed to endear themselves to a tight Yorkshireman. Check them out. Download the whole EP from their MySpace and remember they're The 48ks.

MP3: Gotta Get Out - The 48ks 

Better Than The Drums

Surfer Blood are better than The Drums. That's what a comment said on a blog I visited recently and I think it's pretty spot on. I then heard the track on the radio and surfer music it really is . Warm sun with a breeze. Head on over to Daytrotter where they did a session recently. There are four tracks for you to enjoy.

Just Dropped In My Inbox - Muse's Tour Support

Muse are back in the UK for a few dates and if you're on their mailing list like me you would have received this:

"Over the next two weeks, Muse return to the UK to play three massive shows! First up it's Manchester's LCCC this Saturday (4th September) and then next weekend the band play two nights at London's Wembley Stadium (10th and 11th September).

And of course at each of these three shows Muse will be joined by some excellent support bands - Lily Allen, Biffy Clyro, Editors, The Big Pink, White Lies, Band Of Skulls, I Am Arrows, Pulled Apart By Horses and White Rabbits.

We thought you might like a taster of these supports, so a selection of the bands playing have very kindly donated us a track each for your listening pleasure."

CLICK HERE to download the MP3s now.

Save Our Town - Philadelphia Grand Jury

The Philly Jays are heading back to Oz after a successful UK tour and now they're letting Save Our Town losse on the world and touring Australia to back up the single. It's more quality from the band featured before on Whats Wrong With The Mainstream.

MP3: Save Our Town - Philadelphia Grand Jury

PS. The end of month playlist will be back at the end of September.

If You Wanna - The Vaccines

On the 18th August Zane Lowe had this track as his "Hottest Record".

"Tonight's HR is an instant vintage classic. And also, the first recording we've ever heard from this band. Talk about setting the bar high! The Vaccines 'If You Wanna' is like some long lost pop gem but instead heralds something new & exciting..."

Forward to 27th August and it drops in my inbox, sometimes it's great writing a blog. Sadly there was little other information than that but it's all about the music, right?

MP3: If You Wanna - The Vaccines

Some Great News

Remember the good old days when you used to get something exciting in the post, well those days are gone but they have been replaced by the wonders of email. Just the other day I got an email through from the gentlemen above. The Jones, who we've covered a few times before, have ditched Atomic and have signed to CaraL Management. They've not been doing this totally in the quiet, they announced in March that they were still together and working underground but now it seems they're ready to face the world. I've no news on new material but here is a box.net link to The Girl Is Like A Gun, my favourite track that I still listen to on a regular basis. Think early Muse with a Leeds influence.

MP3: The Girl Is Like A Gun - The Jones

Two awesome bands in one song

So if you wanted to get me really excited you'd tell me that the band who recorded my most played album of the year had covered a song of my favourite album of last year, oh and that they'd done a decent job. You can tell where I'm going with this can't you, I'm no mystery writer that's for sure. So all I need to do is hand over the weapon that is Mumford and Sons singing White Lies brilliant song Unfinished Business and let the track do the rest.

MP3: Unfinished Business (White Lies Cover) - Mumford and Sons

Bristol v Sheffield - Two Bands Of Tomorrow?

Just over a year ago I got a couple of golden ticket "pass-outs" from my then pregnant wife to see two bands I really wanted to see, Kalenko and Call The Doctor. They were playing in their local city of residence music festival in Sheffield (Tramlines) and Bristol (Harbour Festival) respectively. In fact on the bottom photo of Kalenko you can me and Schonberg if you look closely. Anyway a year has passed, my wife gave birth to a beautiful girl, the bands have both been working hard and as they have just played the festivals I thought it was time to catch up with them and see how it's going. You'll have to excuse Rob's (CTD) sense of humour it's obviously a defence mechanism against Elliott's good looks.

Hit play and listen to these tracks as you read the interview below:

MP3: Lights Out - Kalenko
MP3: For Your Leisure - Call The Doctor

You’ve just played Tramlines / Harbour one year on since I last saw you, how’s the last year been for you?

Kal:
The last year has been steadily progressive. We've worked hard at our sound and set list. We consciously aimed for a more instantaneous live show; the key to converting an audience into a fan base is the first few songs. Last year, our first few songs would set the atmosphere, which is great if you have 45 minutes. But with the standard 30 minute sets we get asked to play, it is paramount that we capture peoples attention early on and hold it throughout.


CTD:
ITS BEEN GREAT, SINCE WE LAST PLAYED WE RECORDED A MINI-ALBUM, DID A COUPLE OF TOURS, PLAYED WITH BAND OF SKULLS, FOXY SHAZAM AT THE BARFLY, AND SHONEN KNIFE AT THE THEKLA, SORTED A DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR THE RECORD WITH GLASSTONE, RELEASED IT, PLAYED MORE GIGS AND THEN LAST FEW MONTHS WE'VE BEEN STARTING THE SONGWRITING PROCESS AGAIN. WE JUST GOT BOOKED AS MAIN SUPPORT FOR OASIS' REFORMATION TOUR IN 2012



How was the festival compared to last year? Do you think the festival as a whole has improved?

Kal:
I think Tramlines is the best thing Sheffield has to offer. The buzz on the city streets in incredible, and it's important for the local venues to keep supporting the local talent. We see it as the one chance of a&r coming to us, instead of us travelling down to them.


CTD:
THERES MORE GOING ON THIS YEAR, ITS EXPANDED TO CASTLE PARK. WE PLAYED THE SAME VENUE BUT MUCH HIGHER UP THE BILL AND HAD A REALLY GOOD AUDIENCE, THERE WERE ROUGHLY 13,024 PEOPLE WATCHING US IN THE LOUISIANA - 1 IN, 1 OUT. GOOD TIMES.


What’s been your best moment from the last twelve months?


Kal:
Our best moment was being picked up by Tom Robinson on BBC 6Music. We got played as unsigned band of the week, which really boosted us to push things forward. We had some interest following that, and plan to chase that up in the coming months, with our first single release.


CTD:
I THINK GAINING A FEW GENUINE FANS FROM PLACES AS FAR FLUNG AS MEXICO, SWEDEN AND AUSTRIA. PEOPLE THAT WE DONT KNOW CHOOSING TO BUY OUR MUSIC IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU CAN HAVE. WE HAD ONE GUY


You’ve written a few tunes in the last twelve months, how has your music progressed?


Kal:
Generally, i think we have refined our sound. It is satisfying to know that our earlier songs still stand up to the new material. We feel that our early songs seem more like the album tracks - a little more experimental. The latest material seems much more upbeat, without losing that sinister nature for which we have become known.


CTD:
WELL ITS GOING TWO WAYS AT PRESENT, WITH SOME POPPIER SONGS (THAT STILL ROCK) AS WELL AS SOME TRACKS THAT DONT FOLLOW THE TRADITIONAL VERSE-CHORUS-VERSE-CHORUS-BRIDGE-DOUBLE CHROUS SONG STRUCTURE. GOT SOME DRUM AND BASS AND DUBSTEP REMIXES IN THE BAG TOO. OUR DRUMMER IS REALLY INTO DISNEY SO WE ARE GONNA BE INCORPORATING SOME FAIRY TALE MAGIC INTO THE NEXT ALBUM IF HE GETS HIS WAY


If you were signed by a major label tomorrow would the whole band be up for it, would you quit your jobs?

Kal:
That's what we're in it for. Unfortunately, the way the industry is heading, it looks more and more like bands have to fund themselves while writing, recording & touring. If someone offered us something that enabled us to quit our jobs, then I would envisage a big leap forward in the calibre of product we create.


CTD:
HELL YES.

Talking of jobs, what are you doing to pay the large costs of being in a band?

Kal:
All of us have office jobs. Our Jonny (drums) used to work in a bar, but we convinced to get rid of that to make time for the band.


CTD:
WE'RE ALL DOCTORS OF SORTS. WASN'T THAT OBVIOUS ALREADY? (A vet's not a proper Doctor is it now Rob, I don't want you to come running if they shout "Is There a doctor on board?" - Jal)

You’ve built up a good following, what now, what will get you that break through?


Kal:
It was unnerving when our uni friends slowly migrated elsewhere. Conversely, it feels good when we win over new fans now - we've progressed past the 'friends and family' fanbase...although not exclusively. Our following is still growing, and we look to really push things over the next few months, to gather a bit of steam. It is important not to forget the brand away from the music - 'Sheffield's best Russian band' is something we hope people will remember.


CTD:
THIS INTERVIEW I HOPE


For bands who are trying to make it, what have you learnt along the way?


Kal:
Do something different; Unfortunately, it isn't all about the music.


CTD:
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE JAEGER-BOMBS ARE NEVER A GOOD IDEA BEFORE YOU PLAY.


Finally, what do you predict for your band in the next twelve months?


Kal:
Continued record label interest would be nice, and a few more high profile shows. We intend to move things down to the capital for a few weekends, as we've yet to explore the sights and sounds of London. All in all, continued support from people like yourself, (flattery always helps - Jal) and eventually people in high places will come around to Kalenko's way of doing things.


CTD:
MORE TUNES, MORE GIGS, MORE FESTIVALS, MORE DISNEY AND MORE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE J-BOMBS OF COURSE




So there you have it. Kalenko plan to release a single in October so we'll be getting behind that nearer the time. Call The Doctor's mini album is available from HMV.com

Something a bit different

boyChild is lucky, I left his tunes on Soundcloud playing again and again. Normally I would have killed this track after one play but I didn't. I'm not sure boyChild will actually feel that lucky just because I like his track and am sharing it with you guys but here goes anyway. It's an instrumental piece, a dark piano track with, wait for it, more programmed drums. This isn't the way I intend to head with this blog it's just what's popping up in my inbox at the moment. Adding the strings and it's something you find yourself depressed with and enjoying at the same time.

MP3: Salad Days - boyChild

Coming At You Tonight - Quick Tip

The Ultimate Battle of the Bands

Well that's what Legion of Many are calling Sky 1's new show Must Be The Music. Then again they would, they're on it tonight. Not only that but playing bass for them is none other than Pete "Mighty Rufus" Atkinson. To prove the point, the American based band are playing Pete's abode, Bristol next Friday 20th. Hope it goes well tonight Pete.

Something Special from Sheffield

I spent a lot of time on Wednesday searching for a Sheffield band that I could get behind. I got frustrated by a lot of mediocre bands that hadn't found their sound yet. A lot of the demo quality music I listened to offered nothing new, in fact they didn't even offer a good version of old stuff. Eventually I came across a band I liked but then I couldn't get you a track cleared for posting, on I searched. Some time later and much later than I planned to be still looking I came across Driftrun. This four piece from South Yorkshire add a touch of drum and bass (yep, the description nearly put me off too) to the traditional guitar sound and show how mixing genres can work. If you've been reading this blog for a while I would describe their sound a bit like Humaniser, a Manc band with an electronic influence. I got in touch with the band and thankfully Chris Goodyear, the guy behind some of the vocals, guitar and in charge of programming, got back in touch with this track, my favourite off their MySpace. Addiction moves on at a fair lick, the vocals from lead singer Rich Gill are Richard Ashcroft esq at time and it has a real fast driving song feel to it. Comments are always appreciated.

Driftrun's coming up adventures:


"30th August - weston party - an outdoor music event being put on by us featuring seven Sheffield acts including us.
2nd October - headlining mainstage at corperation
6th November - O2 academy - charity gig"

MP3: Addiction - Driftrun

Friends to the rescue!

A few weeks ago I was feeling pretty bored with some of the music around at the moment, so sent out an appeal to some friends (including JAL) to recommend me some albums. Following a mini-shopping spree on Amazon, I thought I'd share three of the best with you:

XX- The XX

What's that about not judging a book by the cover? When I heard the band's name and saw the black cover, I presumed some kind of My Chemical Romance spawn, but couldn't have been more wrong. The Mercury Prize nominated three-piece from London have produced a stunning début album, with the easy 'Intro' being followed up by 'VCR' and 'Crystalised', the stand-out tracks. If I had to compare them to another group, they're soft vocals and steady beats would edge me towards Massive Attack...

Hombre Lobo - Eels

From the first few beats of this 'concept' album, you know you're back listening to Eels. The rough voice of E echoes throughout 'Prizefighter', transporting you to a car with the roof down, road-tripping across America. 'In My Dreams' follows shortly after, (with a familiar nod to to 'Mr E's Beautiful Blues), before the drum-led 'Tremendous Dynamite' claims it's crown as the lead album track.

MP3: Tremendous Dynamite - Hombre Lobo

Brothers - The Black Keys

Several albums in, and The Black Keys have broken away from being the band that makes songs for TV and Film. This is an album that gets your toes moving, as 'Everlasting Light' kicks in and instantly engages. The Bluesy two-piece are often compared to the White Stripes, but if you want a hint of The Jimi Hendrix Experience thrown in for good measure, 'She's Long Gone' will be the track for you.

Music To Wake Up To

OK, so I've taken the plunge and bought myself an iPhone. Then I discovered I can't easily create ringtones AND even more importantly, I can't have Mr Burns exclaim it's 'Excellent' when I get a new text. However I have finally managed to change my Alarm so it wakes my up with The Boo Radleys and the album version of Wake Up Boo! For those of you unaware of this version it's a softly, softly approach. So if you need a megaphone to get you out of bed this probably isn't the ringtone / alarm for you.

M4R: Wake Up Boo! - The Boo Radleys

3WTM July Playlist 2010

Oh yes, it's back and it's a thing of beauty. The end of month round up, the essential sync for your iPod, the food rations for your ears, iiiiiits the What's Wrong With The Mainstream playlist. Originally put together for Schonberg as a CD and then jumping on to the interweb as a blog, the playlist is designed to be downloaded as a whole, listened to several times and then pick off your favourites to add to your own playlist. Go ahead, cherry pick my beauties...

With all songs directly hosted you should be able to click the play symbol next to each song and listen to them as you download.

Stars

Releasing their fifth album Stars are no stranger to the music world but I'm not ashamed to admit I've only just been introduced to them. On this track the female vocals certainly remind me of Black Kids. The Five Ghosts is out now.

MP3: We Don't Want Your Body - Stars

Hugo

Hugo's blues sound isn't new but it's not many artists who can do it this well. We posted his cover of 99 Problems just the other day so I'd show you what he can do when he's writing. Not bad Hugo, not bad.

MP3: Bread & Butter - Hugo

Anja McCloskey

Tinker on those ivories in the right way and you've got me. Anja is from Haunted Stereo who we wrote about a while back and this is her debut release on her own. I think this is the start of something really good, come on Anja live up to your potential. We just need some nice strings now.

MP3: Ivory - Anja McCloskey

Cha-Cha

Mix the Kooks with The Virgins or Hockey and you've got Cha-Cha. That's either your thing or it isn't...

MP3: The Fellowship - Cha-Cha

Steel Train

Somehow I managed to post the wrong track when I wrote about this band. I post a different track by them. I should have actually posted this track that was the one used in the video. It's a Bullet of a pop song - can I get any more lame?

MP3: Bullet - Steel Train

The Whigs

If you bothered downloading the three tracks that The Whigs were giving away then you would agree that it's difficult to separate which one is best. I'm enjoying them all and I'll be ordering it as soon as I've finished this post. You should too.

MP3: Hundred Million - The Whigs

Jeremy Messersmith

I was drawn to this song for its cover art, not usually the way I discover music but I knew what kind of feel it would have. Folk music singing about graves, not a revelation but disappointing when it's anything else.

MP3: Organ Donor - Jeremy Messersmith

William Fitzsimmons

Raised by his two blind parents would probably make your ear more acute than the next man's, this is a remix, I don't normally post remixes but I think this is worthy of your attention. He's got a beautiful sound but this remix definitely adds to it.

MP3: So This Is Goodbye (Pink Gater Remix) - William Fitzsimmons

Hot Hot Heat

Posted earlier in the month, a freebie from the band. There are two reasons bands give tracks away i) because no one will buy it ii) because they've got a sound they think everyone should hear. I'd put this closer to number ii.

MP3: Zero Results - Hot Hot Heat

School of Seven Bells

Best song of their new album, always welcome on my iPhone.

MP3: Windstorm - School of Seven Bells

Aerial

If The Cribs were from Scandinavia

MP3: Master Vacant Dreamers - Aerial

Bishop Morocco

Having listened to the album after my previous comments, the album is closer to Joy Division than Stone Roses. For me this is the best song on the album.

MP3: Last Year's Disco Guitars - Bishop Morocco

Jubby Taylor

Sheffield product Jubby Taylor gets his acoustic guitar out and plays a cheery song about life being heavy like the weather. Add a bit of Badly Drawn Boy esq strings and you've got something.

MP3: Hell Down Here - Jubby Taylor

Paper Swords

I've probably not given their album enough chance yet to comment on it. This track stands out but is that because I already knew it. As we all know that can often be the case so all I will say is that I really like this track, I love how the drums kick in after two minutes and it has a gradual build after that, nothing much at first, an instrumental section and then, after another verse the instrumental kicks in again. The instrumental swallows you and it could go on way past its 6 minutes for me. I posted about this on the 16th of June but as I didn't do an end of month playlist for June I'm putting it in this one instead.

MP3: Winter - Paper Swords

Trances Arc

I'm still enjoying this one, I hope you are too.

MP3: Boom City - Trances Arc

The Honey Pies

The retro blues start nearly makes me skip this track, jump to 15 seconds in and I remember why I like it. You can tell I'm from the CD / download generation, no time for intros.

MP3: Sex Wax (demo) - The Honey Pies

The Knocks

This track doesn't really fit with the other tracks on this playlist and so any normal person would drop it but that's not we're about here. I like it, I think you might too. They've got some new stuff out but this is my favourite so far.

MP3: Blackout - The Knocks

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

We've written about this lot before here and they are/were kindly giving this track away for free - it's worth having too.

MP3: Higher Than The Stars - The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

J Roddy Walston & The Business

Find of the month and Jools Holland will probably wet himself when he hears this. I don't think it will be long before they're invited on Later... The label hope they will "do a Kings of Leon", having listened to the album the only comparison I can see is on track "I Used To Did" although I think they were meaning more success wise than sound. Kings of Leon with a piano? Kind of but not really. You tell me.

MP3: Don't Break The Needle - J Roddy Walston & The Business

99 Problems - Hugo

If BRMC and Kasabian did a cover together and they covered Jay-Z then it might sound a bit like this...

MP3: 99 Problems - Hugo

Sacreligious Lullaby

Or so it was titled when I downloaded it. The actual name of the track is Hell Down Here and it's by Jubby Taylor. From Sheffield, Jubby was brought in to this world by a midwife with a speech impediment who introduced the baby to his parents declaring "here's chubby Taylor", "Jubby?" his parents asked and from there it stuck. Of course that is a complete lie but I wasn't supplied the song with any more information than "Sacreligious Lullaby.mp3 I thought we'd share this with you - hope you enjoy!".

The fact that Jubby is from Sheffield isn't a lie and the track is certainly worth listening to.

MP3: Hell Down Here - Jubby Taylor

Brave Man's Death - J Roddy Walston & The Business

It sucks being a record promoter, well I think it must. At times you must be pushing a band you don't like, you don't believe in and they probably think the world owes them a number 1 record. I guess that's why you can't believe a thing they say. Occasionally you come across a good promoter, one that only sends you decent stuff, give you mp3s to post instead of just a link to YouTube and they introduce you to someone good who you've not heard before. Enter J Roddy Walston and the Business' promoter who is 'proud' of the album they have produced. I would be too.

Brave Man's Death has got balls, it sounds like an American band who's been on the razz with Paolo Nutini. J Roddy sounds like a man who has travelled far to get away from his roots but they've followed him everywhere and made him the man he is. The album's out in a few days time, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a slow grower in terms of chart success and then all of a sudden people will declare J Roddy Walston & The Business an overnight success.

MP3: Brave Man's Death - J Roddy Walston & The Business

Trances Arc - Boom City

An excited drummer and whoa, whoas end what is an exciting rock song. It may be nothing especially new but it's enjoyable as Trances Arc take you on an interesting journey through 90s guitar and vocal sounds. The track doesn't sound old just a bit familiar, I like it. Their self released "TA" album should be a good listen.

MP3: Boom City - Trances Arc

Celebrations

Happy birthday to my wonderful sister and congratulations to Billy from The World Forgot on tying the knot. I was going to post this quality song (that I grabbed off Neon Gold) at some point so I guess this is as good a reason as ever...

MP3: Confetti - 1,2,3

Taking the blog upmarket

Time for a 3D TV
Watch the ad...

I'm not saying that we're normally low brow at What's Wrong With The Mainstream but I thought I'd bring a bit of classical music to your ears. This piece has been used constantly during the world cup to promote a little know brand called Sony and their 3DTVs. Money wasted if you ask me but what do I know about marketing?

MP3: Clog Dance - Peter Ludwig Hertel

Aerial - Master Vacant Dreamers

When I heard this track the other day "finally" was the shout as I'd found something worth listening to in my inbox. After wading through endless number of remixes and reggae bands I was happy to hear this track from Swedish indie band Aerial.

Aerial have stated their influences amongst others as Pavement, Animal Collective and The Flaming Lips. I think they've got a bit of The Cribs about them and basically just aren't like the other pap I have to wade through. Jump to the top of the queue Aerial, you're on next...

MP3: Aerial - Master Vacant Dreamers

Friday Cover Special

As it's Friday I thought I'd post a couple of covers to keep you entertained. Two of them were sent to me by Schonberg, ocassional writer (hint, hint) for What's Wrong With The Mainstream. I'd been singing the lyrics for the first one without knowing what song it was and then out of nowhere Schonberg's CD pops up and has it on. The second track I got from The World Forgot wrote about back in April. The third track is cause we all like a sing-along every now and then, after all what's wrong with the mainstream? Wait is that a question or a statement?

MP3: Enjoy The Silence - Nada Surf (Depeche Mode cover)

MP3: Kids - The Ooaks of Hazzard (MGMT cover)

MP3: Bad Romance - Lissie (Lady Gaga cover)

Fieldview Festival / OST - Promises

I've been contacted by OST (Old School Tie), terrible name, can't think why they abbreviate it. Anyway, they grew up not far from Bristol and they run their own festival called Fieldview Festival. So if you're at a loose end this weekend you could pop over and see the band. They've given me Promises to stream and the b-side "Wasteland" for a free download.

"Wasteland" is a strong track for a b-side and shows the band have potential as a middle of the road guitar band. "Promises" adds to that sound, bringing an 'ambient dance' vibe to their music (their words not mine) and it works. It takes them from pub band to something more advanced, I wait with interest to hear what more they've got.

MP3: Wasteland - OST

Bishop Morocco - Last Year's Disco Guitars

So we're on a roll with this whole posting thing and I think the blog might claim that it's back and properly open for business. I'm quite excited to bring you this, I think the duo have really captured a sound of the past in a track that harks back to the time of The Stone Roses. Not surprising really as they had the skills of Martin Hannett who produced Joy Division and The Stone Roses. Bishop Morocco have added a bit of their own to that sound with syths but I'd certainly be interested to hear the rest of the album - they are releasing it in the States on the 12th of September. I've asked for a copy, we'll have to see if they send it me...

MP3: Last Year's Disco Guitars - Bishop Morocco

Scoundrels

My inbox is already bulging to its max and then Scoundrels' PR fills it with big names that have something to do with the band - they know Madonna's cleaner or something. Anyway they sound alright and so rather than fill my post with name checks I don't really understand I thought I'd just tell you that they're a band from London who have a bluesy feel with a slight hint of Ocean Colour Scene.

They're giving this track away, so I am too...

MP3: Just Can't See It Through - Scoundrels

Young Heretics - Risk/Loss

Whatever it is that keeps making me think of Garbage (the band) when I listen to Young Heretics is not a bad thing. I'd describe them as a Garbage for 2010 but I don't think the comparison is that close. Perhaps it's just her voice but I like it and I don't tend to steer towards many female voices. To describe their sound they have piano and strings but a heavier sound too. Bones of a Rabbit (which I've been sitting on a while, sorry) sounds a bit like a track that just got missed off the Matrix soundtrack. It's a bit lighter than the tracks on the soundtrack but could equally sit beside them in another film. I might post Bones of a Rabbit if I get clearance for it (Krissy?).

They're currently touring Australia if that happens to be in your neck of the woods.

MP3: Risk/Loss - Young Heretics

School of Seven Bells

There's something magical and maybe even slightly mythical about identical twins. So many people dress the same and act the same that we often forget how individual we are until we see identical twins. It's no surprise then that Alejandra and Claudia Deheza produce quite unique music, the drive for identical looking people to create something unique must be quite high. Formely in a band called On! Air! Library! they met other band member Benjamin Curtis of Secret Machines when they were all supporting Interpol. They named themselves after a mythical (there's that word again) South American pickpocket training academy. If all the above hasn't got you interested in hearing what they sound like I haven't done my job properly.

I'm lucky enough to have been sent the album to preview and I will come to that when I've given it the proper attention it deserves however you can listen to it yourselves as they are streaming it on their website now and you can preorder the album if you like it. It's out on July 13th. To give you a taster here's a quality track that I know already deserves your attention.

MP3: Windstorm - School of Seven Bells

La Roux - In For The Kill (Skream Remix)

My boss talks about work all the time, he'd talk 24/7 if he could. He only reads business books and only listens to business on the radio. Don't get me wrong it's not a bad thing, his enthusiasm is great and sure makes the days flyby. It turns out he did use to have a life outside of work (he's only a few years older than me) and he liked his dance music. In fact every now and then the radio gets switched over to a music radio channel and he absorbs whatever's on.

He told me about this remix, I was not impressed and when it got to the end on YouTube I went straight to turn it off, only it hadn't finished, it was just a pause in the song. My boss then told me how La Roux had sorted this mix out especially for a gig in New York and this was to be last track played before the DJ came on. As it reached the pause before it kicked in again the DJ thought that was his cue and came straight in, the mix went to waste...

Anyway I thought you might want to witness the one and only time Dubstep makes it on to What's Wrong With The Mainstream. Well there aren't any plans for more.

MP3: La Roux - In For The Kill (Skream Remix)

Cloud Cult New Album

I really should tell you about these things a bit quicker like Billy does and he posts songs, which I'm not going to do. I'm not very good am I really? I've ordered their new album though and it's a secure connection now so I don't have to worry about my credit card being cloned now (which it was last time). Anyway the money goes straight to the band rather than waiting until it comes out everywhere else in September and giving the money straight to The Man.

Jal - a retired musician?

I think I might have mislead someone or some'body', either that or I'm being scammed, I can't work out which. According to guidetoartschools (dot) com I'm a retired British artish and I'm number 49 in their top 50 Rockin' Music Blogs by Real Muscians (how embarrassing it must be to be number 50). Thanks for the link Nathan but I feel like a fraud, my name's not really Jal and I'm no retired artist or am I...

Bullet by Steel Train

Rick Moranis does not carry any stature in his films, always playing nerdy, geeky, vunerable characters so imagine my difficulty in taking a band serious that has Rick for their lead singer. Well, Steel Train have got his doppelgänger leading the line for them and yet I still watched more. I don't know what made me watch the video in the first place, I can't be bothered normally and usually just delete any emails that are titled "New video from....". Something kept me hooked, there's something about the quality of the video (resolution rather than creativity) and the title "Harvey's Kitchen:Steel Train" that kept me watching. I saw this quite a while ago and left it in my inbox for when I had time to share it with you. Hope it was worth it.

MP3: Bullet - Steel Train