tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73783477514803260282024-03-14T04:16:57.356+00:00what's wrong with the mainstreamJohn Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.comBlogger655125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-91971535062542372992020-05-15T19:00:00.001+01:002020-05-15T19:00:07.400+01:00Bonus Playlist<div><img alt="No photo description available." aria-busy="true" class="spotlight" height="200" src="https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/97992764_10158088456576011_2932898136961581056_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=4WQt57qmHR0AX-J-Syi&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=7e2064f69b4c2287ced5447aa2d4b79c&oe=5EE29F74" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1c1e21; display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; height: 677px; letter-spacing: normal; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: top; white-space: normal; width: 508px; word-spacing: 0px;" width="197" /></div><div><img alt="No photo description available." aria-busy="true" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/97339138_10158081768151011_7131507145891119104_o.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=Y8kcivh1EcQAX-tCw-T&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=4a97ac97b11c24ef1b121140715d2724&oe=5EE27E54" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1c1e21; display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; height: 677px; letter-spacing: normal; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: top; white-space: normal; width: 508px; word-spacing: 0px;" /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div><div><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div><div>As I'm listening to more music and less podcasts at the moment due to less commutes and more exercise in my garage I've got a bonus <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5SStnXO7yav2oE0zypsrmo?si=MJvgfCYtRNiPJy-acyD7ag">playlist</a> for you.</div><div><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Uptown - Ivory Wave</span><br /></div><div>The above shirts were made by Ivory Wave and sold out straight away with profits going to the NHS. I was not aware of this at all as I listened to their cracking track Uptown. <br /></div><div><br /></div>
Six Days In June - The Fratellis<br /><div>
The more I listen to The Fratellis the more I enjoy them, this is another cracking track, I really must go and see them live, well when I can. While I'm at it, I'm going to bang on again about what an amazing track Me and the Devil is. It's from their Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied album in 2016. Two amazing tracks that you should be checking out NOW!</div><div><br /></div><div>Fatboy Slim - The Snuts</div><div>The next big thing, The Snuts really caught my ear with this one and not because I'm a fan of all things Norman Cook (I am) but this is a great track in its own right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bad Things (That Make You Feel Good) - Mini Mansions</div><div>I've no idea where I came across this song. A rock and pop crossover this fast paced track gets you but there's no one hook apart from the track as a whole. This LA band have had collaborations with bands such as The Kills front woman Alison Mosshart and Alex Turner of The Artic Monkeys (on Vertigo). </div><div><br /></div><div>Hard To Tell You - Modernlove</div><div>This track from Ireland's Modernlove sits perfectly next to a Blossoms track, a catchy pop tune </div><div><br /></div><div>Deleter - Grouplove</div><div>When you look at the number of listens some bands get on Spotify I was surprised by how popular Grouplove are, I'm guessing more in the States. This is another corker of a single from the American band with a slight UK influence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Petty Drone - Mystery Jets</div><div>I'm really enjoying the new material from Mystery Jets, there are at least five quality tracks on their album. There's something about this song, every time I listen to it I find something new. The lyrics are great and something seems to chime with me not matter what mood I'm in</div>"Over-sexed, triple X, baby<br />Under-stimulated<br />Polarized, desensitized<br />And hyper-normalized<br />Stuck inside a simulation<br />Of your imagination<br />You can't cancel, change the channel<br /><div>Or change the station"</div><div><br /></div><div>If You Think This Is Real Life - Blossoms</div><div>Stockport's Blossoms (a wink back to a post from Neil some time back) were the last band I saw live and the title alone gets on any Coronavirus playlist. The album may be middle of the road but it's hit after hit.</div><div><br /></div>
Van Horn - Saint Motel<br />
The band who seem to just write catching tunes with adverts in mind are back again with, yes another catchy tune.<br />
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Come On Out With It - The Airbourne Toxic Event<br />
This isn't my favourite track of theirs but it's good to have them back with some new content. Check out their 2011 album All At Once, it's worth it.<br />
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Rub Some Bacon On It - Rhett & Link<br /><div>
Always good to have a track that makes you smile. These guys would have the coronavirus sorted in two minutes. A guilty pleasure if ever there was one...<br /></div>
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Think - The Magic Gang<br /><div>
I saw these guys live in Bath just before lockdown. Great energy and I look forward to hearing more from them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hannah, You're Amazing - Halloweens</div><div>Halloweens are made up of Justin and Timothy from The Vaccines. Something I did not know. When you're listening to this track imagine if you're called Hannah or you've just fallen in love with someone called Hannah, this would be awesome. Very catchy, shame about swearing as it doesn't help when playing around the little ones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Texas Drums, Pt. 1 - Pottery</div><div>More effing and jeffing in this one. Introduced to me by my good friend Neil, he knew I'd like this. He wasn't wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wonderland - Caravan Palace</div><div>My Sister's favourite band as far as I can work out. They're a French band and this is an excellent release of theirs from 2015.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Love You Give - Vistas</div><div>I thought Like An American was going to be the only track I was going </div><div><br /></div><div>Body Was Made - Ezra Furman</div><div>If you've been watching Sex Education on Netflix you would be aware of the great soundtrack and in particular Ezra Furman who has contributed enough of the tracks to have an album from them. Has he got a track that matches the excellent Love You So Bad? Well nearly with this one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Truly Freaking Out - Tim Kasher</div><div>I'd never heard of Tim Kasher before so when I Googled him and it tried to autocomplete with "Tim Kasher Net Worth" I thought it must be a different one but it turns out he's had successful stints with Cursive and The Good Life - no me neither but they have put out a ton of content so it's more my poor music knowledge I guess. This is his solo material although he originally planned for The Good Life to be a solo project. </div><div><br /></div><div>In My Element - The Clause</div><div>It's no surprise this band were supposed to be supporting the Pidgeon Detectives. The Brummy band have got their catchy guitar riffs down, whether they are different enough from what has come before remains to be seen but I really like this one.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Saturday - Sam Fender</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">From Hypersonic Missiles and swallowing the media pill to this well written track about waiting for Saturday. This must have been a great piece to work on, getting those lyrics down must have been very satisfying.I get the feeling he won't be writing lyrics like this for long:</div><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; direction: ltr; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"Inhabitable hole, skint, living like an animal</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; direction: ltr; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">While they try to take my dole</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; direction: ltr; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Black mold on the wall, must've made a thousand calls to get it sorted</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">But my landlord hates my soul"</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div>Bad Decisions - The Strokes</div><div>It's always nice to have The Strokes back and while I've not been particularly fussed about their other new stuff I have enjoyed this lead single.</div><div><br /></div><div>Caution - The Killers</div><div>Although The Stokes and The Killers amongst others on this playlist don't fit the WWWTM heading, I'm sharing what I'm listening to at the moment hoping you might find some tracks you've missed. This is a classic styled Killers track.</div><div><br /></div><div>OCD - Fitz and the Tantrums</div><div>If you can get past their band name, I think FatT are really good. Somehow I've come up as one of their top 1% listeners or something like that on Spotify. Well they're catchy, I would do wouldn't I?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hanging Off Your Cloud - Courteeners</div><div>I've been waiting for Courteeners to return to form, pretty much since their first album. However I guess they'll never return to the same style but this is quality from the band and I've enjoyed some more off the album. It sticks with you well after it has stopped playing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Autumnsong - The Manic Street Preachers</div><div>I'm not sure how this song passed me by, released back in 2007 but I came across it on Spotify recently and I really like it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pamela - The Kooks</div><div>I was a bit slow to this one, another discovery through Spotify from 2018.</div><div><br /></div><div>Family Tree - Kyle Falconer</div><div>This track from The View lead singer's solo work is so catchy I was convinced it was a cover. I've never looked in to Kyle before but he seems like a proper rock n roll front man, thrown off planes, so drunk he can't continue the bands' sets, it's not really reflected in this song that's for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>John Lennon Is My Jesus Christ - Buzzard <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Buzzard <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Buzzard</span></span></div><div>This track makes me think of my good friend Jim who lives on the other side of the world in New Zealand. He was always a big fan of The Beatles and I could just imagine him enjoying this track.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everybody Talks - Neon Trees</div><div>I discovered this from watching American Pie The Reunion (again), a proper pop song this.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Good Life - Hassahn Phenomenon</div><div>From the closing titles of the same film, I get the feeling this is his one and only break. They've even added the film to the song title. Yet it's only had 62k plays. A good track for spinning or training to. Looking at his Twitter profile he has his fingers in many pies and listening to The Go (feat. Emilio Bucks) he has a broad range of influences with this more like hip hop and closer to Eminem. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<br />John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-43422188947166814002019-12-24T13:28:00.001+00:002019-12-24T13:28:58.343+00:00My Tracks of the Year 2019So I thought I'd do a playlist for the best of 2019. These aren't necessarily the songs released this year but the ones I've been listening to. Check it out on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/62sAMHMBsEC2OEbq2XQB5R?si=2rPEXCWZQfm94JNJC46yHA">here</a>.<br />
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Like An American - Vistas<br />
This Edinburgh band had their first gig outside of Scotland in Sheffield to a sold out crowd. This single grabbed me for some reason.<br />
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Damage Done - Sea Girls<br />
This track starts slowly but by the end I'm not wanting it to end, he even gets me singing "Darnce".<br />
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Hall of Fame - The Howl & The Hum<br />
Sam Griffiths, lead singer and songwriter of the band, grew up in Colchester and then moved to the north in his later teens. The band are partly named after an Allen Ginsberg poem if that means anything to you. This is quite a short track but if you fancy a more epic, slowly building track then check out Godmanchester Chinese Bridge, it's had nearly 6 million streams on Spotify as I type.<br />
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Hypersonic Missiles - Sam Fender<br />
We all need to be reminded of fake news (or propaganda as it was called before social media) and how it can be healthy to be cynical. Sam gives us that slap around the face.<br />
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Better Than Me - Ten Tonnes<br />
This track can hardly be described as being missed by the mainstream, it was played to death on radio but it's great to revisit. G.I.V.E was another track of theirs that I enjoyed.<br />
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The Walker - Fitz and the Tantrums<br />
OK so this is 2013 but it was one of the tracks for the Umbrella Academy and it's awesome. I've played this so much but I've also listened to some of their other tracks. Check out more recent releases All The Feels and I Just Wanna Shine, a belter of a song and anything mentioning climbing mountains gets a massive tick from me.<br />
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Symbols of Joy & Eternity - Sundra Karma<br />
This is just awesome, love it, love it, love it! The way they use the speaking section and then bring the music back in, BOOM!<br />
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Your Girlfriend - Blossoms<br />
As it's the season for unrequited love, or at least in one scene of Love Actually, then this song is perfect, it's a great pop record and the lyrics tell a story. What more can you want. Their follow up single, The Keeper came a close second best.<br />
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Dreamland (feat. Years & Years) - Pet Shop Boys<br />
The best track I've heard from PSB for years, are there two bands more suited to collaborate?<br />
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Arriba (feat. Clean Bandit) - Little Big, Tatarka<br />
Sprint standing up, sprint sitting down, sprint hover. Again! Now die. Why did I suggest this track to our spinning instructor?!<br />
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Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis<br />
Another track from spinning, this one was released a while back, 2012 I think but I wanted to share it with you in case you hadn't caught it the first time around as I've been listing to it loads.<br />
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Love Runs Out - OneRepublic<br />
Another spinning one and this one is 2014, I've got to share it though, what a track.<br />
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Vacation - Dirty Heads<br />
Discovered after I shazamed a fishing programme advert in the middle of the Tour de France. From 2017 for those counting.<br />
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Story Problem - The Envy Corps<br />
I did warn you they weren't all from 2019, this one is from 2007/08 and is a cracking tune. I think I picked it up off Run Fat Boy Run, our go to film to watch the night before a big run. This year it was my wife's first marathon and she certainly hasn't let me forget it!<br />
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Excites Me - LIFE<br />
This is one of my daughter's favourites, she's a bit of a rock chick and asks for it a lot, not just because it mentions dinosaurs either. Check out Bum Hour from their latest album as well.<br />
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Sean Connery - Allez Allez<br />
Meet the groove, the hairy old man. He's not like anybody else.<br />
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Track Suit - Minor Mishap Marching Band<br />
They are a "25 piece renegade brass band from Austin, Texas" and I discovered this track while watching Fargo the excellent TV series on Netflix. Check out the YouTube video of them performing the track <a href="https://youtu.be/Hi_CqJswEhM">here</a>.<br />
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Rabbia e Tarantella (from Inglorious Basterds0 - Ennio Morricone<br />
What a great film and recently watching it again I shazamed this track. I've played it lots since, much to calls from my wife of "are you playing that Nazi music again". It's not Nazi music, it's just a score used in a film!<br />
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Kids Addicted - Red Rum Club<br />
I woke up with this in my head the other day, always a good sign I think.<br />
<br />John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-66049808779260103022019-02-21T19:00:00.000+00:002019-02-21T19:00:09.867+00:00HEYROCCO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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HEYROCCO seem to be a band having fun and keen on enjoying the ride. Miles from home and leaving little ones behind, I couldn't work out whether they were insulting the venue or enjoying it by describing it as a back yard gig. Lead singer Nathan Merli had a real younger brother charm who you could imagine getting away with murder and his big sister always forgiving him.<br />
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Turning to Big Jeff in the crowd (Bristol's finest gig-goer) he proclaims "I love you man" much to Jeff's and all of our delight. "I love you all" he follows it up with. Jeff now has another string to his bow, as well as moshing along at all venues and bands, he now draws. So there he stood in his big frame, a little bit moshing, a little bit singing along, all the while adding to his portrait of Nathan.<br />
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Back to HEYROCCO and as a three piece they were making a lot of noise, drummer Christopher Cool adding backing vocals as well as beats to Nathan's vocals. Cool didn't look like a drummer, he was too clean cut, wearing a suit jacket over his Iron Maiden T-shirt. It was quite refreshing. Like Sean Penn's character in Carlito's Way, he's the one you least expect to go nuts but you get the feeling he enjoys the afterparty just as much as the gig.<br />
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Cool hit the skins big time but I'm not sure his energy was quite matched with the songs and you had this weird contrast of a band giving their all but the tunes coming out a bit downbeat at times. Mom Jeans is a song that stuck with me after the gig and I enjoyed their set. At times it was grungey at other times the vocals were more Semisonic.<br />
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With their set finished, Nathan came in to the crowd to see Big Jeff's drawing, introducing himself and saying hello. I think HEYROCCO are further along their artistic journey than Jeff but they were perfect buddies as the band joined the crowd to enjoy The Lemonheads from the not so active mosh pit. They had charm and style and I look out with interest for their next album, if it's a progression fuelled by their energy and charisma it could be something special.John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-55125298833585843912019-02-19T20:36:00.000+00:002019-02-19T20:36:04.100+00:00A Gig With The Ex<div>
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I came across an ex the other day, not a major flame, not one I think of regularly but an ex all the same. Going by the name of The Lemonheads, they were a band I really enjoyed at a time I was just really getting in to my music. Introduced to me by my two main musical influences at the time, my sister and my mate Michael, It’s A Shame About Ray was a great album and liked by my circle of friends – even Kris who I bet all these years later doesn’t own more than ten albums!</div>
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As with meeting any ex, it was weird to start off with. We’d both changed, I’d lost my hair and he’d, OK he’d still got his full head of hair but he looked older and maybe a bit worse for wear. A towering man, someone still able to pull off baggy clothes, he had a strange presence on stage. With a name like Evan Dando, his name is probably bigger than the band's – the fact that the guy at work knew him but not the band said it all.</div>
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Back to my love of them as a teenager and they were one of the first bands that I worked out that b-sides could actually be good. With my tickets not confirmed until close to the show, I hadn’t done my usual revision of their back catalogue and recent stuff, only having a quick flick through their latest covers album Varshons 2. Released ten years after the first Varshons, nothing had jumped out and grabbed me but I was still looking forward to the gig. Would they play much from It’s A Shame…, would they play the acoustic tracks I liked, would they play much old material at all?</div>
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As I said it was all a bit weird to start off with, they were on stage bang on time, in fact they hadn’t even stopped the warm up music by the time Dando had started playing and the rest of the band were playing catch-up. This quick start didn’t show any sign of stopping as they raced through the numbers and I was soon able to hear songs from my youth. He was certainly going to give us quantity and it was the rest of the band and sound engineer’s job to keep up and try to bring in the quality.<br />
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It was an odd sight to watch, after the opening tracks Evan grabbed himself some extra slack on his guitar lead so that he could get to the back of the stage to grab his bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon. This seemed to cause the rest of the band to raise eyebrows at each other but it didn’t perturb Dando and, just like meeting your ex’s family years after your relationship, it suddenly felt like we were seeing the inner workings of The Lemonheads, with equally awkward moments.</div>
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They have always been Dando’s band and he ran the show that way. Changing the set list at the whim of the crowd or his want, stopping songs suddenly and heading off in another direction without warning. Picking an enthusiastic lady out of the crowd and playing her song request “this one’s for you blondie”. As she successfully requested a second track he got half way through it and then just stopped and said he’d play it when they’d finished the set list. He started playing a cover and the bassist had no idea, turning to the drummer for help, mouthing “what’s going on”.</div>
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It wasn’t a shambles though. Dando did it with the style of an old rocker, pouring his whisky over his head to wet his hair and push it back. It would have been cool if he hadn’t got it in his eye and broke off from playing his guitar to wipe it out with his T-shirt. Looking like a bigger, stronger Iggy Pop, he seemed to grow in to the gig, starting to smile and talk a bit more.</div>
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There was no time for applause between songs and with my favourite tracks, singles, b-sides and album tracks all played they headed off stage for the customary calls for more. They soon came back on but with Mrs Robinson still not played it looked like there was only one way it could go. Of course we should have known there was no chance of that. A few songs played, he put his hand up, signalling what looked like five more minutes. But no. That was it. He turned, walked off stage and the band hurried after him. Another encore? Lights on, music playing. Like the ex heading off that you no longer have a connection with, there was no need for a long goodbye. </div>
<br />John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-6515833637360044812018-12-24T14:16:00.002+00:002019-02-19T20:14:09.261+00:003WTM 2018 PlaylistSo what have I been listening to this year? I'm sure you've all been wondering. Well now you can hear with this great Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/0aXdZNQEzXJMBNLMJQangv?si=CVcdjyl-SYWnqvxsqKgnWw">playlist</a> or <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-2018/pl.u-rbrPFpDZPm">Apple Music Playlist</a>.<br />
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Angry Cyclist - The Proclaimers<br />
The Proclaimers? You bet! Somehow Spotify thought I might like this and they were right. Try it, forget who it's by, if you can, and you won't regret it.<br />
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110 Ways To Make Things Better - Jordan Allen<br />
I still can't get over how much he sounds like the Pigeon Detectives. It was either this track or Synchronised to go on the playlist, I'd listen to all his stuff if I was you.<br />
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Stand Up Tragedy - The Fratellis<br />
The more I hear of them, the more I like them. So underrated after a big hit early on.<br />
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Pressure (feat. UCLA Bruin Marching Band) - Muse<br />
This song is good but add a marching band and it makes it, gives it that something extra that doesn't make it just another Muse track.<br />
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Never Enough - The Hunna<br />
Not their most played track on Spotify, how that is, I have no idea. I loved it from the minute I heard it on the radio.<br />
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Running On Empty - Issac Gracie<br />
Another radio earworm for me. Straight on to a playlist and on constant rotation.<br />
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Harder Than You Think - Public Enemy<br />
The intro music from Channel 4's Last Leg.<br />
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Montage - Andy Hull and Robert McDowell<br />
Say the word "montage" and I instantly think of Team America (f*%£ Yeah). However this is from the eBay advert and Swiss Army Man OST.<br />
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Last Century - The Almighty Rhombus<br />
They've featured previously on the blog so it was great to hear they were back with new material. Check it out.<br />
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Simplify - Young The Giant<br />
I enjoyed their My Body song so much I had to listen to their other tracks to see what else they had to offer. This is pretty good.<br />
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Love Is A Basic Need (Orchestral Version) - Embrace<br />
Another strong track from the boys from West Yorkshire.<br />
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Unbelievers - Ezra Furman<br />
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Seavolution - Tiesto<br />
Tastes change over time but I was certainly surprised to be recommended this by Neil, occasional contributor to the blog. Cracking track though.<br />
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Dished (Male Stripper) - Purple Disco Machine<br />
Keeping the dance music section of the blog going. I'm loving this in my spinning classes at the moment.<br />
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Freaks - Timmy Trumpet<br />
Known as the trumping song in our house, our kids go mental for it.<br />
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You Fine - Saint Motel<br />
Darlings of the advertising world, Saint Motel's b-side is another foot-tapping tune ready to persuade you to use the latest brand.<br />
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The Heart Is A Muscle - Gang of Youths<br />
I'm a bit late to the GoY party but I'm going to do some revision and make sure I'm up-to-date after finding this track.<br />
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No Roots - Alice Merton<br />
As I'm currently doing rehab for my back I'm inclined to sing I've Got No Glutes to this as I try to improve my core (and my glutes).<br />
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You've Got Time - Regina Spektor<br />
Another party I'm late to, not Regina but Orange Is The New Black, the Netflix series that this is the theme tune to.<br />
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Jordan B Peterson's Drinking Song - Akira The Don<br />
When I was stuck in a traffic jam the other week, missing my eldest's parents evening, I started scouring Spotify and somehow I revisited Akira The Don. His (?) Drinking Song has been a favourite of mine for sometime and I was interested what he was up to now. It's a lot of spoken word over backing tracks which work well in the right kind of environment. This one seems to be an update / variance on the original Drinking Song and works for me. Is that Wheels as the backing tune? Try also Any Dream You Wanted.<br />
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Time To Give - White Lies<br />
A return for White Lies and a return to form in my eyes / ears.<br />
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River Thames - MOSES<br />
Thrown up by Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist. Not a bad algorithm that one.<br />
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The Revolution Will Be Digitised - Bibelots<br />
As above, a new discovery for me.<br />
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That's Not Entertainment - The Lottery Winners<br />
I do like discovering new music but it can be work at times, going through a lot of average songs. This was a nice find, it sounds like it should be on the Road Trip soundtrack.<br />
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If you've managed to read this far please take the time to leave a comment or send me a message on Twitter @johnalamb<br />
<br />John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-77878374050697534012018-01-29T19:56:00.001+00:002018-01-29T19:56:33.730+00:003WTM November / December PlaylistSome of my favourites along with contributions from friend of the blog Andy P. As always, available on <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fplaylist%2Fw3tm-nov-dec-17%2Fpl.u-49X2hDZzAA&h=ATPHxtcwksjBVM-brCOuVZ1x0zashZn8RohjZ1mnXASyDTuelVKJ8z_JDiMNyarWq3mQTHvVoIs7-l7TH9bzEelGIgNJxcx90559FnuDojiylym9JomeYKuayjOp_wzMOj2bXr7XUYFZ&s=1&enc=AZM9_HYU3A_kEZfreCBoRbzBZry5BlsXCO44VBn3ImxPyngqka5iLTawhIAijOBEq11z7gG4Wf7RHlZUq00yes0Z">Apple Music</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/1RbXRt3yEzeXAEZfwIG02V?si=VNKVSpX_TS21um18I8n2aw">Spotify</a>.<br />
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Andy's Choices:<br />
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<b>Holly y Su banda - Benji Muji Mau</b></div>
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Not a normal genre that I would go for but just something fun and delightful and a bit different. </div>
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<b>Johnny Flynn - The Landlord</b> - English folk meets the blues. An interesting combination and not quite as folky as much of his other stuff but I think it's my favourite track off his latest album.</div>
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<b>Pearl Love - Shuddering Trains </b></div>
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This is a local (to me anyway) young lady who has a delightfully delicate touch. She has been dabbling with music for a while but this is her first proper release. A great demonstration of how streaming allows new artists to get their music out there in an unhindered way.</div>
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<b>Josh Doyle - Solarstorm</b></div>
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I saw Josh live a few months ago as the support act at a tiny venue and was really taken with his laid back approach. His career has gone through peaks and troughs over time but he just keeps going doing what he enjoys and seems to be somewhat ambivalent to how much commercial success.</div>
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<b>Amy Wadge - One last dance </b></div>
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Amy who? She's a Grammy award winner - still not heard of her but I guarantee you know her songs. Most notably she frequently co writes with Ed Sheeran including "thinking out loud"</div>
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She is a prolific song writer and if you get the chance to see her perform (and she doesn't do very many live dates) she is very entertaining. Many of her songs come about from events in her life - this was one that she wrote about her ninety something year old Grandparents who passed away within a few months of each other.</div>
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John's Choices:<br />
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To start off with I've got lots of old names that have been around a good while and will be familiar to you all but are their new tracks?<br />
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Geronimo - Stereophonics<br />
Stereophonics seems to hit patches of form and then can come up with a dud album or two. Their latest offering certainly seems to be the former, with another strong single from the album.<br />
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The Next Time We Wed - The Fratellis<br />
I think The Fratellis are underrated or maybe it's just me who has underrated them? I absolutely love Me And The Devil from their 2016 album and this track is up there again. Don't be like me and pass them by. You'll regret it.<br />
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Run It Wild - Robbie Williams<br />
I don't listen to commercial radio, so maybe Robbie is getting a lot of air time there but I certainly haven't heard him half as much as I normally would expect. I'm really enjoying his latest material yet on the radio this morning they were playing one of his old tracks. That's WWWTM all over!<br />
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Always Ascending - Franz Ferdinand<br />
You can't miss the distinctive vocals, so it's always going to sound like Franz Ferdinand but the track itself has got an 80s feel to it, maybe even a bit of ELO...<br />
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Nothing To Live Down - Shed Seven<br />
I had to put another Shed Seven track on, their latest album is getting loads of coverage and great feedback from critics and fans alike. This track has been on the 6 Music playlist. People Will Talk remains my favourite track off the album. Well worth listening to for those who bother reading this blurb to go with the tracks.<br />
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Permanent Vacation - The Academic<br />
The Academic are a band from Ireland that have more of an American sunshine band sound to them.<br />
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Love You So Bad - Ezra Furman<br />
Probably my favourite of the playlist but it seems not to everyone's taste. It's definitely worth checking out.<br />
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Holly Wood - Will Joseph Cook<br />
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Miami - Baxter Dury<br />
I found Baxter through a recommendation on Twitter by Reverend and the Makers. He's not one to play in front of the kids but really has something to his music.<br />
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Golden Slumbers - Elbow<br />
You can't fail to have heard this over Christmas, the cover version of The Beatles track has gone down a storm, even in my Elbow-hating-office.<br />
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Out of Her Mind - Cassia<br />
More Vampire Weekend inspired music, seems they really hit a note with some bands.<br />
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New Year - Catholic Action<br />
There's only one time to release this track isn't there.<br />
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Me & You - George Ezra<br />
This original track written especially for the Channel 4 adaptation of the popular book We're Going on a Bear Hunt by George Ezra. It's a lovely, catchy song played at the end of the film.<br />
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Lemon to a Knife Fight - The Wombats<br />
The Wombats were featured in the early days of this blog so it would be rude not to mention they're touring again and have this song out.<br />
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Happy New Year - Big Moon<br />
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Cold Cold Cold - Cage The Elephant<br />
CTE are such a hit a miss band for me. It takes a lot of energy to listen to all their tracks. When I saw this track was on someone's most listened to track of 2017 I had to check it out. It's another winner.<br />
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Ophelia - The Lumineers<br />
As above, I discovered this track from someone showing their most played tracks on Spotify via Twitter.<br />
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I Can't Quit - The Vaccines<br />
The new single from this band that I've followed ever since my good friend Neil introduced me to them. I hope the rest of the album is this good.<br />
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Anyone Knows What Love Is - Irma Thomas<br />
This features on a Black Mirror episode and really brought the whole plot together at the end. The excellent 15 Million Merits is another great track from this episode but sadly it's not on Spotify. It's by Stephen Merits if anyone wants to hunt it down.<br />
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I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Anton Du Beke<br />
Those music snobs out there can move along straight away. However if you like a bit of Richard Cheese or Mike Flowers Pops you may appreciate this swing version of The Arctic Monkeys.<br />
<br />John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-2374923706696384792017-11-04T10:28:00.002+00:002017-11-14T20:45:46.629+00:003WTM October PlaylistJust me (John) this month but I've got a bumper selection of songs for you. A real mix of new bands and old bands returning with new material. Check them out on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-october-17/idpl.u-49JlIDZzAA">Apple</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/5ElgWUNObfbNFc3SWzAB92">Spotify</a> as normal.<br />
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Up All Night - Beck<br />
A few (normal) people on Twitter were saying how good this track so I had a little listen. Not what I would normally expect from Beck but good all the same.<br />
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Rosie - Jordan Allen<br />
What a great find. Sounds like Pigeon Detectives to me.<br />
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Room In My House - Shed Seven<br />
Back with a new album and out on tour again, it seems like all the nineties pop bands are coming up with songs and touring again. It makes it even harder to believe that the music industry is poor. Either that or there isn't any better work out there for musicians.<br />
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Under A Million Lights - Tom Chaplin<br />
More new material from Tom, once of Keane, maybe he's more than a flash in the pan now he's writing his own tracks.<br />
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Take Me Home - Milburn<br />
The brains behind Milburn, Joe Carnall, has been working closely with Reverend and the Makers and I incorrectly credited John McClure with writing Juliet Knows (by RatM) when in fact it was Joe. This track with Joe's original band is not in the same vain but has a nice little hook to it.<br />
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Hourglass - Imitating Aeroplanes<br />
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Tord Øverland Knudsen out of The Wombats is part of this band and it has more of a Norwegian feel than The Wombats do. In fact I would never have put the two together. I enjoyed it nevertheless.<br />
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Can't Do - Everything Everything<br />
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More quality from EE, as I said last month, nothing new in terms of style but great all the same.<br />
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Distance Yourself - Baby Strange<br />
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The lead singer's voice has a bit of the Ricky from Kaiser Chiefs about it.<br />
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Loveblood - Sundra Karma<br />
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Always makes me thinks it is Arcade Fire when it comes on. 100% compliment. I discovered this after featuring one of Sundra's other songs on here.<br />
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New Home - The Bay Rays<br />
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I feel like this has an 70s or 80s rock feel to it but as they're a bit before my time I can't say that for sure. A good, upbeat track.<br />
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Losing Your Love - Paris Youth Foundation<br />
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This Liverpool band have been described as Wolf Alice meets The Strokes by the NME.<br />
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Black Magic - The Amazons<br />
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My daughter was disappointed when this wasn't Little Mix - I wasn't!<br />
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Go - Valley Lodge<br />
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I've got this from Shazaming a football related programme, maybe Final Score on the BBC? It's got a real hook of a riff! UPDATE: It's from the excellent Thrice Champions Podcast, they use it on the intro.<br />
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The Man - The Killers<br />
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I'm enjoying this track from The Killers, quite a lot of synths but that's no bad thing.<br />
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Oxygen - Catfish and the Bottlemen<br />
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I've always enjoyed CatB without me really getting in to them. This suggests to me I should be checking out more of their material.<br />
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Dangerous Day - Space<br />
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I was a big fan of Space back in the day and I was interested to hear what new material from them would be like. It's not bad but I'm not jumping for joy just yet. Shared more out of interest than anything else.<br />
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Almost Human - Air Traffic<br />
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Somehow two of my email addresses are subscribed to Air Traffic's mailing list. So I was fully aware they were touring again and they have released this single as part of their tour. Not bad guys.<br />
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Friend of a Friend - Red Rum Club<br />
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Another Liverpool band who are missing a trick if you ask me, if I was them I'd have my logo with the two Rs backwards as a nod to The Shining.<br />
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Detectorists - Johnny Flynn<br />
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The theme tune to the excellent BBC Four comedy written by Mackenzie Crook which he stars in alongside the brilliant Toby Jones. It's a slow moving comedy about two guys who spend most of their time with their metal detectors, making them "detectorists".<br />
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Go Mental - Robbie Williams<br />
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Not politically correct in this time of mental health awareness as my wife tells me but I can't help yelling along as well as joining in on the soul side of the song.<br />
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Holy Mountain - Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds<br />
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I know this song is everywhere but I'm really enjoying it. I was surprised to hear my colleagues don't feel the same, including a long time Noel fan. Is it just me? Comment below to give me your view. The sample is The Ice Cream and their track, The Chewin' Gum Kid.<br />
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Caught By The Wind - The Stereophonics<br />
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I like their latest single and it's great to see them doing so well twenty years and ten albums since they burst on to the scene. Hurry up and wait indeed.<br />
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Warriors - Too Many Zooz<br />
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The latest iPhone advert track, Discovered playing in a subway allegedly.<br />
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One of Us - New Politics<br />
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Danish pop band from Copenhagen, they've been around for years but this is one of their latest tracks.<br />
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<br />John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-23144019709699638512017-09-15T19:00:00.000+01:002017-09-15T19:00:10.595+01:003WTM Latest Playlist<div class="aolmail_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.5467px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; padding: 0px;">
A playlist of what music we have just discovered, new or old, that we feel needs sharing. We hope you find a gem or two. Stream on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-latest-playlist/idpl.u-41yDiDZzAA">Apple</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/5Y2THjPWbrvnIpMj0GkUbJ">Spotify</a> as normal. If someone fancies checking the Apple one and letting me know it works, that would be much appreciated.</div>
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<b>Chris' Selection:</b></div>
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<b>Beehive – Mark Lanegan Band – Gargoyle 2017</b></div>
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I like Mark Lanegan. His voice is a bit like Iggy Pop turned down a notch. Apparently, he can be a bit dour. This puts me a little in mind of House of Love.</div>
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<b>Guns – Broken Witt Rebels – Georgia Pine EP - 2016</b></div>
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Vocally this reminds me a little of Kings of Leon – a great track that skips along nicely. Guitar-based I might add.</div>
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<b>Comeback Kid – Kasabian – For Crying Out Loud – 2017</b></div>
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This was in my playlist of the week from Apple Music and very good it is too. I was mainly drawn to it for the title of the album to be honest – ‘For Crying Out Loud’ is a phrase I might well use in exasperation when a stronger phrase would be more apposite. You tend to know what you’re going to get from Kasabian, and this delivers.</div>
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<b>Arabian Heights – The Afghan Whigs – In Spades - 2017</b></div>
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I’ve never heard of these but they’ve been around quite a bit. They’re an American group who were around in the late 80s and 90s, but then split up. They reformed in 2011. Anyway, this track sounds very polished. I love the guitar playing in it and the general feel.</div>
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<b>Evergreen – The Darling Buds – Evergreen EP - 2107</b></div>
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I used to love The Darling Buds – one of the first indie bands I got into. I saw them play at The Leadmill and remember them coming out and dancing next to us later in the evening. Well this is very much like them – makes me think a little of The Bangles I suppose.</div>
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<b>Teardrops In A Hurricane – Jordan Mackampa – Tales From The Broken – EP – 2017</b></div>
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There’s something about this that reminds me of Black and Gold by Sam Sparro. It doesn’t have quite as strong a beat – but it is a steady and consistent beat. Gorgeous vocals – very laid back.</div>
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<b>Million Dollar Secret – Lucius – Tales From The Broken – EP – 2017</b></div>
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Also quite laid back. Lucius are a 4-piece from Brooklyn with just a couple of Eps to their name. No drums – no guitars. Ambient synthy sounds.</div>
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<b>On Her Journey To The Sun – Rikard Sjöblom’s Gungfly - On Her Journey To The Sun – 2017</b></div>
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Prog rock? Psychedelic pop? Lovely lilting feel and great instrumentalisation with some great solos. Soaring vocals in places.</div>
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<b>Delirium Tremendous – Felix Hagan & The Family – Delirium Tremendous – Single – 2017</b></div>
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Would this be classed more as pop? Who knows? It’s very catchy. In places it makes me thing of Rock Lobster. It is very catchy and probably the track I enjoy most amongst my selections this month.</div>
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<b>John's Selection:</b></div>
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<b>Better - Matthew Ebel - Cognitive Dissonance</b></div>
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Matthew Ebel is a great talent and Cognitive Dissonance is a good album but he and it doesn't know what it wants to be. One second he's Ben Folds (piano, odd swearing, humour), next second he's Dave Grohl (singing style) and then on some tracks he goes all Daft Punk on us. I urge you to listen to the album just to appreciate his chameleon style. In this track he's just Ben and Dave but you get the picture. Will be interesting to see if my friend Spanners likes the track.</div>
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<b>Juliet Knows - Reverend and the Makers</b><br />
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Wisely John McClure has let his pal Joe Carnall (of Milburn fame) sing the lead vocals on this and it lifts it up to the levels it deserves. I'm sure John would admit that he's not the greatest singer out there but what he adds as a front man and lyricist shouldn't be questioned. This is the second single off the forthcoming album that I have already pre-ordered.<br />
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<b>T-Shirt Weather - Circa Waves</b><br />
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This track is a few years old and one I've just discovered - or at least it has now come in to my consciousness. The band, from Liverpool, released their second album last year and are well worth checking out.<br />
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<b>Imagine Life - Thirteen Senses</b><br />
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Another song from the past that I have just discovered. I actually came across this track on a podcast about cycling. I believe a member of the band are really in to their cycling and allowed the excellent The Cyclist Podcast to use their music. The element that got me was the hook that sounds not dissimilar to Arcade Fire's Wake Up although when listening to the track as a whole it's harder to spot. See if you agree.<br />
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<b>Junk Food Forever - The Amazons</b><br />
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Having run out of podcasts and struggling to find anything of quality on my usual radio stations, I turned to Radio 1. Well I was taken back when this quality, guitar based track came on. From Reading and included in the station's "Sound of 2017", they're pretty good!<br />
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<b>Desire - Everything Everything</b><br />
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More of the same from Everything Everything, so much so that I had to check it was a new track. Sometimes we just want bands to give us more of what they do best and EE deliver.<br />
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<b>Bring You Down - The Real People</b><br />
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1995 / 1996 was my era for music, I inhaled every guitar band I came across and loved every minute. So when I came across a band I'd not heard of from that time I had to learn more. This track is great, how did I miss it? It turns out they were big friends of Oasis as they gave them a scouse helping hand when the Mancunian scene was a little less friendly.<br />
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<b>Young Love - The Lottery Winners</b><br />
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This is a pop song that I've had on my playlist for quite sometime, I really need to share it. It's "just" a catchy tune that won't go away. We all know that any song like that isn't "just" anything. Enjoy this earworm.</div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-4628270917042790072017-05-26T19:30:00.000+01:002017-05-26T19:30:25.962+01:003WTM April and May Playlist<div class="aolmail_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
Each month we put forward the tracks we've been listening to. Usually more new music because that's how it goes month to month but if we've found any gems from the past then we add those to. We were aiming for April for this one but it's more like May in the end! Stream on <a href="spotify:user:jonnylambiepie:playlist:4wBdkXOw9Ks7yXJbPI9sDE">Spotify</a> or the not so good <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-april-2017/idpl.ffbf5b3202a041eba505a4284893d5be">Apple Music</a>.<br />
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John's Selection<br />
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Amigo – Chef’Special</div>
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It’s a nice upbeat track that’s a bit Vampire Weekend like. Chef’Special are a band from Haarlem in The Netherlands.</div>
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Shake – The Rassle</div>
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The Rassle are a band we featured a good while back on the back as they evolved out of the excellent The Virgins band (worth checking out Rich Girls if you don’t know that track already). Never hitting the highs of The Virgins, The Rassle have however produced some quality pop tracks over the years.</div>
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The Time I Met The Devil – Brave Giant</div>
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Seems I really like a banjo (or is it a mandolin?) in a song and this rattles along at a great pace. You can’t help put tap your foot.</div>
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Back Then – Formation</div>
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Wow, on a roll this month and really happy with these tracks. This duo are from London and that’s about all I know sadly. They have an album out so I’m off to check that out. You should too.</div>
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Silver Heat – Ten Tonnes</div>
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Ten Tonnes is the alias of a 19 year old and wow, I’m impressed. It seems a really grown up track, I think you’re going to like people.</div>
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(Don’t Let Them Catch You) Crying – Madness (Leo Zero Tufnell Remix)</div>
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This is great, reminds me of the great Abdomo song (No 1 by Grove Armada) that just eats away at you over time and by the end it’s sunk its teeth in to you and won’t let go.<br />
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Chris's Selection<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Whisper I’lllistentohearit – Spoon, Hot Thoughts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">I’m new to Spoon I think, but they’ve been around since 1993 – they’re from Austin Texas. This song is a very open sounding arrangement – guitars, synths, a straightforward drum beat. It perhaps makes me think a little of Arcade Fire.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Wes Come Back – Rodes Rollins – Young Adult EP. I think this young lady is American too and at the start of her career from the look of things. This song is very laid back. It reminds me a little of Underwater Love by Smoke City.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Somebody Better – Black Honey – Somebody Better Single. This is a group from Brighton and a belter of a song – again, they haven’t got much out.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Please Me – Puppet Rebellion – Please Me Single.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Manchester band (who've featured on the blog before - JL). Possibly aimed at a younger audience, maybe not, this is a decent enough song. It puts me a little in mind of Two Door Cinema Club in places.</span></div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-34374764748901338562017-02-28T21:26:00.001+00:002017-02-28T21:26:48.529+00:003WTM February Playlist 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
So each month we choose some tracks that have been hitting the right notes, we then share them as a playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/6Jkrs9jz13Xq3FNCXZZAxy">Spotify</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-february-2017/idpl.94f45f604a0347f0bf8d2112d9046f29">Apple Music</a>. Check 'em out!<br />
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Chris' Tracks</div>
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New Estate – Giant Rooks – New Estate EP – A German Alt-Pop
quintet apparently. Upbeat guitars, synth, piano – vocals hint a little at
Alt-J.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fly-By Alien – VANT – Dumb Blood – I think VANT are
reasonably well known. Probably at the heavy end of stuff that I like, but
good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Lost Sky – Jesca Hoop – in a complete U-turn from VANT –
simple acoustic guitar, light female vocals, plucked cellos? A bit of a folky
feel to this, beautiful and interesting. Great harmonies. Jesca Hoop is from
California, but gave up the California sun in 2008 to move to Manchester (of
all places).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Up to the Surface – Cloud Nothings – Life Without Sound.
Cloud Nothings are an American indie-rock band. This track is OK, but maybe a
bit steady.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Overflow – Ten Fé – Hit The Light. Ten Fé are a London based
act. This track puts me slightly in mind of Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap,
but it’s only a passing resemblance, and probably down to the bass part. Is
there a bit of Ultravox in there?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Six Flags in F or G – Surfer Blood – Snowdonia. Rock Lobster.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Substitute – Billy Bibby and The Wry Smiles. Were the wry
smiles a reaction to the name ‘Billy Bibby’? Who knows? Oh – apparently he used
to be the guitarist with Catfish and the Bottlemen. A pretty good song, all in
all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Evening Prayer – Half Waif – Life Will See You Now. A bit of
an odd one this. It’s a song about a bloke who made a 3-D print of a tumour
he’d had removed. Or more, it’s about the relationship of the songwriter to the
bloke who made a 3-D print of his tumour. I saw someone on line compare to The
Human League in style and it seems a reasonable observation to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dama de Lavanda – The Paperhead – Chew. Well this starts out
with a similar guitar riff to Morning’s Eleven by The Magic Numbers. A bit of
trumpet gives a mariachi feel in places.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John's Selections</div>
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The Kids Don't Wanna Come Home - Declan McKenna</div>
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Winner of Glastonbury's Emerging Talent Award. Brazil was his big hit of the time. I'm off to check it out.</div>
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Fill In The Blank - Car Seat Headrest</div>
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I heard of them through Twitter, I get the feeling that's a strategy rather than by chance.</div>
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Blown Rose - Blossoms</div>
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OK I'm a bit late with this one. I've been listening to it for a while and it's hear for anyone who has caught this emerging band yet.</div>
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Great Pile Of Nothing - Mozes And The Firstborn</div>
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It's got a real feel of American indie, early nighties maybe. However they're from the Nederlands, this is off their second album released in 2016.</div>
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The Walker - Fitz and the Tantrums</div>
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Somehow I've ended up on their mailing list and until now they've not hit the mark. I like this though, especially the whistling. Boom!</div>
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Pentagrams - Deja Vega</div>
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No idea how I stumbled across this track but I know it's not recent, from the end of 2015. Good track though, worth sharing.</div>
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Feeling OK - Best Coast</div>
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I've been listening to this track since April so I don't know how I've passed it up each month, it certainly deserves our attention. It's off their California Nights album released in 2015.</div>
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John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-6322872285758639292017-01-31T13:12:00.001+00:002017-01-31T13:12:34.277+00:003WTM January 2017 Playlist<div class="MsoNormal">
A monthly run down of what we've been listening to. Available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-jan-2017/idpl.dbc35a893ee24b298aeefb23bc545ae6">Apple</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/5yYxILITYzum2JBYVtvBWi">Spotify</a>.<br />
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John's Selections:<br />
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Virgin Suicide – Virgin Suicide<o:p></o:p></div>
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A Danish band who have supported The Charlatans and have
been The Guardian’s band of the week. They’ve got an indie guitar pop sound
with an American west coast feel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Public Display of Affection – EAT FAST<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can't find out much about this band but I don't think that matters. They've got an album out and seem to have their own sound and I like it.<br />
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The King And All Of His Men – Wolf Gang<o:p></o:p></div>
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I like discovering music in different ways and would happily
use Shazam in a cinema if it wasn’t frowned upon. This song was used by the BBC
on their football programme Final Score. Having found Pumpin Blood through the
same programme, they clearly have good taste. I enjoyed finding this the other
day and following it to find Lion In Cages, another quality song by the band.
Sadly the London based band split in 2015.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gonna Die Alone – Hanni El Khatib<o:p></o:p></div>
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What a cheery thought. I do like the song though. He’s been
around since 2010 and this is a recent track released in 2016 from the San
Francisco artist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Silk – Wolf Alice<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hadn’t got Wolf Alice before. I’ve revisited their music
on a couple of occasions because of recommendations but still I didn’t get
them. Then I saw the Trainspotting 2 trailer. Music put to images, especially
ones stirring up feelings of nostalgia, wow that’s a great thing in life. Wolf
Alice I get you now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh Mary – Kulashaker<o:p></o:p></div>
This song has been on my Spotify for a while and it’s taken
a while to grow on me. “Oh Mary what have you done?” You’ve given me a new
track to enjoy by a band I used to love.<br />
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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Satisfaction - The Bay Rays<br />
As they supported The Slaves I'm guessing Neil's heard this band already but for those of you who haven't (including me before now) then this band are worth checking out. They're still touring if you want to catch up with them.<br />
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One Drop - Be Charlotte<br />
19 years old and from Scotland. You can tell the later from the music and it works. You certainly wouldn't tell her age from the track. Some real talent right there.<br />
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Good Girls - Crystal Fighters<br />
A band on their third album and they've finally come on my radar. I can't work out if I've just missed everything or they've finally broken through. A bit of both I guess. They sound like a dancey version of Vampire Weekend.<br />
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January 17 – Chris’s Choices</div>
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<b>Drifting Apart – Goan Dogs</b> – Drifting Apart (Single). Haunting, captivating and beautiful (despite the negative theme). I like this song so much that I dare not listen to the other two singles that Goan Dogs have released, if that makes sense.</div>
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<b>Glue Bag Flags – Smoove & Turrell</b> – Crown Posada. A great upbeat soul track.</div>
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<b>Do You Have A Name – Glass Caves</b> – Do You Have A Name (Single) – Pontefract based Alt-Rock with one album to their name.</div>
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<b>Empty Promises – Mainland</b> – Empty Promises (Single) – strong track which sounds very similar to Bloc Party’s Luna with vocals by the singer from The Walkmen – to my mind anyway.</div>
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<b>Terribly So – Howe Gleb</b> – Future Standards. I’m not sure how this crept into my weekly playlist from Apple. Think Leonard Cohen with a jazz/swing feel.</div>
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<b>Diary – Weyes Blood</b> – Front Row Seat To Earth. Clear female vocals over simple piano arpeggios start this atmospheric song off</div>
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<b>Badguys – Christopher Paul Stelling</b> – Badguys (Single). Great track with a quirky time signature</div>
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<b>Pulling At The Grey – Young Romance</b> – Another’s Blood.</div>
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<b>Modern Contemporary – Rainbow Arabia</b> – L.A. Heartbreak.</div>
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<b>The Pact – Puppet Rebellion</b> – The Pact (Single)</div>
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<b>The State I’m In – Josephin Ohm + The Liberation</b> – The State I’m In (Single)</div>
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John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-35617271419817701082016-12-21T19:00:00.000+00:002016-12-23T14:49:24.397+00:00Spinning PlaylistSince April I've been going to spinning classes twice a week. Well in fact I've been going to "Indoor Cycling" as Spinning is a brand and that's probably for the best as the receptionist often confuses Spinning for Swimming. Anyway with three different instructors and many hours on the bike I've built up a list of my favourite tracks to spin to. Listen to it as a playlist or read the text below and combine it with a work out on an exercise bike. I hope you enjoy. Available on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/0C19kRT5UFKPz2FnRdyYHe">Spotify</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/spinning/idpl.f9dab6948fce457ea51df61bd5317b15">Apple Music</a>.<br />
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Thunderstruck - AC/DC<br />
I'd only just discovered this track when shortly after it was introduced as our first track to start off a session. What a track! Get those legs going, get your cadence / revs per minute (RPM) above 120 and get going. The bikes we ride have a brake setting on them, it's essentially the amount of resistance, like gears at some gyms. Get in a low gear and get those legs spinning! Time to get warm.<br />
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Beat It - Fall Out Boy<br />
Steadily increasing the resistance (quarter or half a turn at a time for us) aiming to keep your legs going at the same speed. Another turn and another verse, go, go, go. On the chorus it's great to churn out those kilometres. Just BEAT IT.<br />
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Breed - Nirvana<br />
It would be easy to go for Smells Like Teen Spirit but I've never enjoyed this song so much as when on a (stationary) bike. "I don't care, I don't care" going up a steep hill, pounding your legs, sweat dripping off you, attacking the bike. This track is just awesome. COME ON!<br />
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Cowboy - Kid Rock<br />
Some instructors don't believe in recovery time (Tom) while others build in a quick breather. This is your chance. Sat down, in a low gear / low resistance you can have a minute. With that minute up you'll hear the track change, time for a seated hill climb. Keep adding resistance and keep that RPM at 80. Easy to start with but keep adding resistance and stay seated. Keep it at 80 as long as you can but by the end you should feel like you're riding through treacle. Add more until it's a struggle to stay at 30 RPM.<br />
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Enter Sandman - Metallica<br />
Time to stand up and hit the pedals. Take a small amount off so you can hit that magic 80 again. I never got this track until I exercised to it. Even now while I'm listening to it and writing the post, it's not the same. Listen to it while pedalling and you'll get it. Standing hill climb all the way. Keep that resistance on and don't forget to pull up on one foot as you push with the other (as Andy P, blog contributor is always telling us).<br />
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ABC - The Jacksons<br />
Bit flatter now and a bit of fun. Something that made me smile. In the old days I would have played drinking games with vodka jelly to tracks like this, now I'm wearing Lycra! So each time they ABC you stand up and 123 you sit down. Pay attention now and do it with a smile.<br />
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Give Me Your Love - Sigala<br />
While some instructors like to put on some heavy rock and just go with whatever comes next (Tom), others like a real mix of current, rock, pop and dance (Tara). Not only that but Tara plans the whole session around the tracks with notes. I'm very impressed with the preperation this must take. I'm sure on her notes for this song it probably says "Get some miles in". So with some resistance on, ride like anything and keep your cadence above 100, higher if possible.<br />
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Runnin' Wild - Airbourne<br />
Discovered through spinning class, I love this track. From the hair rock era, it's great. Time to crack up the gears and make it hard. Get out of your saddle as it becomes tough. Time for "No Overtakes". Standing sprints up the hill, stop the other person passing you. Sprint every time you hit the chorus, keep it going, don't let anyone pass you. It should still be tough when you're not sprinting. Out of the saddle all the way.<br />
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Move Your Feet - Junior Senior<br />
One of my suggestions that got added to the class. Back to the flat and time to get those legs spinning again. We want mileage and we want it now. We're getting near the end of the session now so get those Ks on the board and get that average cadence up.<br />
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Voodoo Child - Rogue Traders<br />
Keep that pace up but add a bit of resistance. And again. And again. Keep your pace on the beat. How long can you hold it.<br />
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A-Punk - Vampire Weekend<br />
Andy P enjoyed this track so much at spinning that he bought the album. When you're riding a bike at 7am there are certain songs that just work well, slap you around the face and get your legs going. By now you're feeling it. Don't stop. Time for some seated sprints. 30 second full on with 10 second rests. GO.<br />
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Paradise City - Guns N Roses<br />
"The ultimate Spinning song" as named by one instructor and it's been used by all three instructors at one point or another. With a fair amount of resistance towards the end of the a session its great to crack on and keep those legs going. Go on the whistle (never noticed it in the track before) and get going. When you're hitting the fifth minute mark you're thinking it's near the end but as Amy would shout "PUSH, PUSH, PUSH". How much do you want Axel Rose to shut up and finish the song? Not much? Then you're not pushing hard enough.<br />
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Dance The Night Away - The Mavericks<br />
We don't take ourselves too seriously and I always enjoy the randomness of some of the songs. A warm down song that makes you smile, half in enjoyment, half in disbelief that you're riding a stationery bike, wiping your brow with a towel first thing in a morning. Time to come to a crawl and start stretching those arms and get that lactic out of your legs. Steady as you go. No more kudos to be earned, just bring that heart rate down and dance the night away.John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-25651561918393385222016-11-30T21:11:00.001+00:002016-11-30T21:11:20.533+00:003WTM November 2016 Playlist<div class="MsoNormal">
Adding variety and richness in the blog this month is Andy as he gives us seven tracks for us to check out (we'll call him Andy P as I'm hopeful of another Andy contributing at some point). That should give us a nice round 20 for our playlist this month. On <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-november-2016/idpl.3b393137ef93449b995a4c9e4e2718a7">Apple</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/7hbtSVXTG4aOXXmuT33DoY">Spotify</a> as usual.<br />
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Neil's Choices:<br />
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"Consume or be consumed" by Slaves,featuring Beastie Boy Mike D on some of the vocals, and also his ace production.</div>
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Sounds very much like the BB spin off band BS2000 (if you can remember them?)</div>
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"Popular music" by LIFE - I know John is/used to be a fan of the boys from Hull, well they supported Slaves last night and finished with this one.</div>
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"TCR" by Sleaford Mods - I was going to put this forward for last month's playlist but it was the only track I had so thought I'd save it. You'll either love it or hate it, you'll either think it's clever or rubbish. Marmite music.</div>
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"Way we Won't" by Grandaddy - Yey, Grandaddy are back and they sound as fresh as ever.</div>
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John's choices:<br />
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Stages – The Frank and Walters.</div>
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I knew of The Frank and
Walters just as I was getting in to music in the early nineties. That was the
jangly pop song After All (worth checking out if you don’t know it). This is a
bit heavier I guess and a really strong track.</div>
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A House on Fire – TRAAMS.</div>
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It’s a long one at 8:41 but I
think it’s worth it. TRAAMS are a post-punk band, whatever that means! This
track came out in October to support their tour which has sadly just ended but
I’m sure they’ll be back if this track is anything to go by.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wolves – Pigeon Detectives.</div>
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Especially for Chris and his
love of tracks involving Wolves. Pidgeon Detectives burst on to the scene in
2007 with the excellent Wait For Me album. Excellent live, it’s great to see
them back with their 5<sup>th</sup> (FIFTH!) album. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Can't Connect - Planet<br />
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This band from Sydney are supporting 3WTM favourite British India on their latest tour and have a great early 90s indie feel to them. It's also worth checking out their track Undermine.</div>
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Learning To Fly – Liberty Ship.<br />
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A quick trip to Wikipedia
reveals a request for donations and also details of Liberty Ship, a British
designed boat produced on mass by the Americans during the second world war. The
most ever produced of one boat design in fact. The band however are a four
piece from Sheffield and can only hope to be mass produced (see what I’ve done
there).<o:p></o:p></div>
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and new to the blog this month is Andy P:</div>
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Many thanks to John for the opportunity to add a few guest selections to the blog this month.</div>
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As you may see from the tracks below - my tastes are somewhat eclectic!</div>
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<b>The Hoosiers, Bumpy Ride, Bumpy Ride 2011</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">To me this typifies exactly what's wrong with the mainstream, it's a great song that rarely fails to bring a smile to my face. </span>The Hoosiers stormed onto the scene with Goodbye Mr A and Worried About Ray in 2007. To start with they had lots of promotion and support, but then when the second single from their second album only got to no 11 in the charts, they were dropped <span style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">by their record label</span> l<span style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ike a lead balloon</span>. Fortunately they managed to negotiate to get the master recordings and re-released the entire album on their own label. They have gone on to record and release more new material using crowd funding to cover their costs. </div>
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<b>Christine and the Queens Tilted, Charleur Humaine 2015</b></div>
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Its nice to come across a new release where there is something a little different and engaging about it, quirky even. Christine seems to have found her own sound - its modern and crisp. One of those songs which when you hear for the first time makes you want to listen again and it even has a little bit of French rapping veru Blondie!</div>
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<b>Bastille, Good Grief, Wild World 2016</b></div>
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OK so they are mainstream now - but I have been following these guys for several years and sometimes its annoying when they get too big! They built a huge following via social media and almost constant touring. The vocal is pitched unusually high to suit Dan Smith's voice and I love all the reinventions and cover versions (Other People's Heartache) they've done. Now the long awaited second album has finally arrived (after at least three iterrations of Bad Blood). Think this is my current favourite, it's one of the few (other than Motorhead) that hangs on the bass line - recognisable as soon as you hear it, just love this one</div>
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<b>Travis, Idlewild featuring Josephine Oniyama, Everything at Once 2016</b></div>
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Travis still rocking and enjoying it after 20 years when some of their early contemporaries are have gone on to super stardom, Chris Martin mentioned them as one of his inspirations. Still recording new and interesting material this combines a classic Travis sound with a haunting vocal from the very talented Josephine Oniyama. Saw them live recently and was so impressed with the enthusiasm they obviously still have for recording and performing their music, unfortunately Josephine didn't tour with them because she still needs a day job to pay the bills! </div>
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<b>Catfish and the Bottlemen, Soundcheck The Ride 2016</b></div>
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Really like the feel of this band - melodic but with an edge and they've managed the difficult transition into their second album and kept a lot of that raw feel. Soundcheck the first single from the second albulm just grabs me.</div>
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<b>Paper Aeroplanes, Newport Beach from The Day We Ran Into the Sea</b>-<b> 2009</b></div>
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Definitely not in the mainstream but I do like this type of British folk. I like the soft acoustic tones and harmonies. When I listen to this track it brings back happy memories of family holidays in West Wales and time spent on Newport (Pembs) Beach - some very special spots and the something a bit more laid back and relaxed. It's nice when you can have a very personal connection with a track.</div>
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<b>Gogol Bordello, Wunderlust King Super Taranta! 2007.</b></div>
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Its hard to categories just exactly what this is, but Ukrainian gypsy punk rock its a generally underrepresented genre and this track sums up the energy and enthusiasm that it involves. IMO they are one of the best live acts around with unbelievable energy.<br />
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3WTM November 2016 – Chris’s Selections</h1>
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<b>Weep – Magik*Magik - Makik*Magik</b></div>
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This is the debut album from Minna Choi who put together a group of musicians to produce soundscapes for other artists including Death Cab for Cutie, Sting and Santana among many others. I love the atmosphere of this track – and the whole album is worth a listen and is in a similar vein.</div>
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<b>ClearInsisght – Slaughter Beach - Love/Venice EP</b></div>
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This definitely reminds me of something, but I can’t remember what, and probably something I’ve put on a previous playlist. Synth strings and guitars, what’s not to like.</div>
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<b>Postdoc Blues – John K. Samson – Winter Wheat</b></div>
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I had to include this song because it gets ‘PowerPoint’ into the lyrics. I think it just dropped off the end of last month’s playlist.</div>
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<b>Rise – Cath Tyldesley – Rise</b></div>
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Having mentioned Santana above, this song reminds me in feel to ‘Smooth’ which I happen to think is a good thing</div>
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<b>Learning to Love the Bomb – Laish – Pendulum Swing</b></div>
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Another bounce along upbeat song – I haven’t yet deciphered the lyrics enough to learn why he is learning to love the bomb.</div>
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John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-31284132397045782992016-10-31T21:05:00.003+00:002016-11-02T13:34:32.515+00:003WTM October 2016 PlaylistWe've banged our heads together and as suspected Chris had more songs in his head this month while I wouldn't be cruel enough to say Neil's was so thick that no songs came out! On <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/5E3g2GXLTO3yQiBaGGFVS5">Spotify</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-october-2016/idpl.09877174ec9e42d597ae10e84d132457">Apple</a> as usual.<br />
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Chris:</div>
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<b>3WTM October 2016 – Chris’s Selections</b></div>
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Well, it’s been another bumper month, and rather than keep some for another month, I thought I’d share them all. I’m not certain which five I’d have whittled it down to anyway, but I’m sure I would have managed.</div>
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<b>High Flying Faith – EZTV – High In Place (2016)</b></div>
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I’m really enjoying this song. Its intro reminds me a little of Sick and Tired by The Cardigans which is no bad thing. The chords are actually quite interesting, swapping a major for its minor and a major for it minor, and throwing in an augmented 5<sup>th</sup> for good measure, and that’s just the intro. Vocally, I may be reminded of The House Of Love. I’ve downloaded the album and must have listened to it, but can’t remember much about it now – I must revisit it.</div>
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<b>Orange Flower – Angelica Garcia – Medicine for Birds (2016)</b></div>
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I think she reminds me of Alanis Morissette and possibly a little of Courtney Barnett (but not much). Very basic, but very catchy. The only thing that lets it down as a track is the ‘amusing’ (annoying) conversation after the song has finished.</div>
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<b>Taxi Driver – Pip – Blom – Are We There Yet? (Single 2016)</b></div>
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Ah – now maybe this one sounds a bit more like Courtney Barnett. I think Pip must be fairly new on the scene – she doesn’t seem to have much material out yet. I’ve just looked her up, she’s 19 and from Amsterdam. Again, quite basic, but quite catchy.</div>
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<b>Universe Of Life – Feeder – All Bright Electric (2016)</b></div>
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I really like some Feeder stuff and some leaves me a little cold. This definitely falls into the category of the former. I’m a sucker for songs with James Bond sounding bits in them. I haven’t yet listened to the whole album but think I will on the strength of this song.</div>
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<b>High Tide – Mystery Jets – Bubblegum EP (2016)</b></div>
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This might have been one that I cut from the list if I had to. It would have been a shame though. It’s a great song – maybe it plods a bit and doesn’t have great contrasts to it, but nonetheless, very listenable.</div>
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<b>No Sleep – Twin Atlantic – GLA (2016)</b></div>
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This is from an album that I have managed to listen to a few times, and it’s a good album. So the track starts out with a good old fashioned Led Zeppesque guitar riff, then the singing starts and you think ‘hang on, this is Biffy Clyro’ and not just because of the thick Scottish accent. Scot-Rock – is that a thing? Maybe it is now.</div>
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<b>Juliet – George Cosby – A Savage Kiss EP (2016)</b></div>
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Wow – what a voice. What a song. I’m put a little in mind of Rick Astley, and little in mind of The National (vocally). I’m a bit apprehensive about listening to more by him (not that there’s much out yet) in case it doesn’t come up to this high standard: but if it did …</div>
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<b>Rendezvous Girl – Santigold – 99 Cents (2016)</b></div>
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I think I was oblivious to Santigold, and then on of their tracks showed up during a SongPop game with a girl from New York who I strongly suspect of being a robot … anyway, the five second clip was enough to encourage me to investigate, and it turned out to be a fine track indeed, but two or three years old, so I did a bit of digging and found an album brought out this year – many of the tracks weren’t to my liking, but this is a real gem.</div>
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<b>Sorry People – Savoy Motel – Savoy Motel (2016)</b></div>
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After the main guitar riff, I find my mind saying to me ‘Fame’ from the Bowie song. Both NME and The Guardian are calling these old-school or 70’s based, with good reason. They do it very well though.</div>
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<b>Hello Today – Black Honey – Hello Today (Single 2016)</b></div>
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Who does this remind me of? Is it Republica? Who knows. Cracking little rock song though.</div>
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<b>Spirits – The Strumbellas – Hope (2015)</b></div>
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I’ve got quite a lot to say about this. First things first, it’s from last year, but I don’t think matters too much. My daughter shared a playlist with me (heavily influenced by one of her friends). It was an excellent playlist (for the most part) and this song was on. This particular song makes me think a little of Frank Turner’s stadium anthem type stuff, and it’s got its middle 8 complete with a choir of children singing along and tubular bells in the background, but it’s a great song, and, more importantly, it turns out to be from a great album. Hope turns out to be a gem of an album with quite a collection of quality songs. Have a listen if you get chance.</div>
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<b>In A Black Out – Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam – I Had A Dream That You Were Mind (2016)</b></div>
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Well the initial guitar put me instantly in mind of The Partisan by Leonard Cohen, and listening now to that (which I thoroughly recommend you do) I can see exactly why – the whole song is very much in the same mould, although this one does build a little. Acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, a few backing vocals and a tiny bit of simple drumming in the middle. Very atmospheric.</div>
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<b>Catherine The Great – The Divine Comedy – Foreverland (2016)</b></div>
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(Formerly?) my favourite band brought out a new album, and as with their other releases in the last few years, I bought it automatically, and then only found a couple of songs that I liked immediately. Some of them have grown on me a little, and I’ve now listened to the album a few times now. I also went to see them this month. I was a little reticent about seeing them, having only seen them at Leeds festival years and years ago (2001?) and I’d heard a couple of live recordings which didn’t do much for me. Anyway, it was a great gig, and the six-piece band (including Neil Hannon) gave very credible renditions of some quite complicated tracks. To the track … well this is fairly typical Divine Comedy – good melody, good instrumentation, good lyrics laced with whimsy. What’s not to love about the lyric ‘There were few brainier, just ask the king of Lithuania’?</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">So I've been listening to quite a few bands we already know of this month and I wasn't sure which to include on the playlist so I decided to include them all. Others who have released tracks but didn't make it include Dodgy, Kula Shaker and Green Day.</span><br />
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Take It Out On Me - White Lies</div>
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A return to form with this single from their new album.</div>
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Quicksand - Tom Chaplin</div>
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Formerly of Keane (he didn't write any songs for when they were popular). Popular in our household and thankfully that is "suck" he says at the start and not anything unchild friendly.</div>
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Born In The EU - Spector</div>
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A band I know Chris likes/liked. Topical song for the moment.</div>
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No One Will Ever Replace Us - The Courteeners</div>
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As The Sherlocks have been doing The Courteeners music better than they have recently (see Will You Be There?) I don't think the title is exactly true but it is an improvement on the last album and the other album tracks sound good too.</div>
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Buddy - The Orwells</div>
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Another good indie pop song from this American band.</div>
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Hole In My Soul - Kaiser Chiefs</div>
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Not getting a shortage of airplay but a good pop song from the Leeds band.</div>
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My Body - Young The Giant</div>
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I can't believe Chris has tipped us off on this excellent track and then not added it to his offerings for the playlist. It's such a good tune to train (run / spin) to "My body tells me no, but I won't quit 'cause I want more". Best find of the year for me.</div>
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John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-44149000546759278622016-10-01T23:43:00.000+01:002016-10-02T20:12:57.257+01:003WTM September 2016 PlaylistFor some reason, I've had more tracks than usual present themselves to me this September. Maybe the revised offering from Apple Music which came with iOS10 was something to do with it. I certainly find the weekly 'new music for Chris' automatic playlist to be well worth a listen. Some of these tracks were also left over from August. Anyway ... to the music.<br />
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Here's the link to the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-september-2016/idpl.7f88fc914fa24c789033e3fe83c553c6" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> playlist.<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-september-2016/idpl.7f88fc914fa24c789033e3fe83c553c6" target="_blank"></a><br />
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1. Life Itself - Glass Animals - How To Be A Human Being<br />
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Apple Music informs us that Glass Animals are an intriguing mix of synth pop, indie and hip-hop influences from Oxford. I'm glad they said that because I wouldn't know how to peg them. They perhaps remind me a little of I Monster. I really like this anyway. There's something about the synth sound at the start of the track which reminds me of Yeasayer's I Am Chemistry as previously recommended by Neil.<br />
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2. Limousine - Beach Baby - No Mind No Money<br />
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Wow - this is a great debut album and this track is very representative of the kind of quality on there. I don't now much else about them, but they recently played at Reading and Leeds.<br />
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3. Your Word - Eleanor Friedberger - New View<br />
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Lovely laid back/stripped back song. I particularly like the change to a minor key for the chorus. I seem to think that this too is a good album, but haven't listened for a while. Described as 60's / 70's folk rock.<br />
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4. Loup Garou - Ed Harcourt - Furnaces<br />
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A new album from Ed Harcourt and it is very good. It lives up to the promise of the Time of Dust EP I listened to a lot. This song is about a werewolf (one more for the wolf playlist?) 'Loup Garou' being French for werewolf. It's quite catchy and quite varied.<br />
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5. If I Ever Was A Child - Wilco - Schmilco<br />
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This song reminds me very much of J.J. Cale. Very relaxed and stripped back with a steady driving/shuffling beat. Apparently they've been around for a while (since 1994). I like the album title.<br />
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6. I'm In Love - Teenage Fanclub - Here<br />
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I'm not sure what's going on here, I'm certainly aware of Teenage Fanclub's name, but I don't think I could tell you any of their songs even though they've been going ages. Well this song is just very catchy and quite straightforward. It has a 60s feel to it - great harmonies in the chorus.<br />
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7. Wake Up To This - King Creosote - Astronaut Meets Appleman<br />
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This reminds me a lot of Calexico, recent favourites. Again a great steady driving rhythm. It's also similar to the Modest Mouse - The Ground Walks With Time In A Box (as previously featured by John) although not quite as strong.<br />
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8. Dirty World - The Ramona Flowers - Part Time Spies<br />
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Bristol-based - John, you must have heard of these? Synthy guitar music. Fairly reminiscent of the 80s. I think this is their second album and it is well worth a listen. And what's that I hear in the lyrics? Another wolf reference?<br />
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9.Flow With It (You Got Me Feeling Like) - St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Sea of Noise<br />
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Retro-soul music at its best. This reminds me a little too of Neil's Field Music track 'The Noisy Days Are Over'.<br />
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10. Fugue States - Cold Pumas - The Hanging Valley<br />
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I think I thought this might appeal to both Neil and John. It's the kind of track that I'd probably like reluctantly. Fairly raw sounding.<br />
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11. Can You Hear Me - NGOD - Single<br />
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Well this is a Bradford based band with very little output to their name at the moment. This song is very lively, upbeat and catchy. Just my kind of thing, and anything with the line 'There's always summat going on' has to be worth a listen!<br />
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12. These Words - The Lemon Twigs - Single<br />
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This is a great song. ELO? Beegees? What's that, you want a piano solo followed by a xylophone solo followed by a guitar solo? You've got it! Apparently they're from Long Island.<br />
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13. Coming of Age - Julia Jacklin - Don't Let The kids Win<br />
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This album isn't out, but I bet it will be good. Julia's singing reminds me of Hayley Bonar who I've mentioned previously. Musically, this reminds me a little of She's Electric, and that's no bad thing.<br />
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14. Told You I'd Be With The Guys - Cherry Glazerr - Single<br />
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'I was a lone wolf'! I didn't know that line was in there until writing this just now. Weird. Guitar, drums, bass, vocals. Great track.<br />
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15. Reliance - The Barmines - Single<br />
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Another band with not much out yet. Really good guitar based song driven along by a strong bass-line. It puts me a little in mind of Andreas Johnson's Glorious but with much less instruments.<br />
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16. Nobody's Human - Jessarae - EP<br />
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Young American singer-songwriter. Guitar, kick drum, hand clapping, borderline angry vocals.<br />
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OK - so now on to four tracks from Neil, I won't add any words:<br />
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17. 4 Degrees - ANOHNI - Hopelessness<br />
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18. Tenement Song - Pixies - Head Carrier<br />
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19. Connan Mockasin - The Fat White Family - Breaking Into Aldi (Single)<br />
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20. When You Were Gone - Cool Ghouls - Animal Races<br />
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<br />ShefCrispiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266827457669594270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-20832308415708955032016-08-31T19:00:00.000+01:002016-08-31T19:00:27.473+01:003WTM August 2016 PlaylistHere we go again, another month and another 15 tracks for you to sample. 5 from each of us as we share what is new to us over the past month or so. Not necessarily new releases but songs that we've discovered one way or another. All available as a playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/25q6Goo7V72reop3u7r4Ao">Spotify</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-august-16/idpl.5fda01fcb6c04b03b38bac7d71d618f0">Apple Music</a>.<br />
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John's Selections:<br />
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I Wanna Stay Away - The Black Tambourines<br />
From Falmouth in Cornwall they are a garage band with plenty of noise going on. I like it.<br />
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Told You So - Cub Sport<br />
I hate to say I told you so but I just happened to write a song saying that, many times. As this is coming from an Australian band who had to change their name from Cub Scouts following a legal dispute with Scouts Australia you get the feeling it was karma - they wrote the song in 2012 and changed their name in 2013. Funnily enough they'd never been in the scouts.<br />
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White Heels - Modern Pleasure<br />
Modern Pleasure hail from Leeds and I've had them on my New Music playlist for a while, waiting for the chance to share. Their other track Messina has had a lot more plays.<br />
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Love Of An Orchestra - Noah And The Whale<br />
Early material from Noah and the Whale and certainly not Neil's kind of music (sorry) but having heard it in my local chain pub I though Chris might like it.<br />
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Boys That Sing - Viola Beach<br />
Viola Beach are a band that sadly came to fame in February as they died in a car crash along with their manager. They had a hit following their deaths with Swings and Waterslides. This is maybe the lesser know single that reach number 27.<br />
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Chris's Selections:<br />
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Karma Seeker – VANT – Karma Seeker (Single)</h2>
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I don’t know much about VANT – they are London based and started out in 2013. I don’t think they have any albums out yet, just a few singles to their name. I’m not sure how I came across this – I was probably listening to ‘Rock’ new releases. It’s a good track, but not game changing or anything.</div>
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Watching the Waiting – Wye Oak – Tween</h2>
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Wye Oak are an Indie-folk group from Baltimore. This song is taken from their recent album Tween. I really like it. I’m a sucker for songs with a simple drum beat on each beat of the bar, reinforced with a bass note. This just has a lovely floaty feel to it too – great airy vocals and simple atmospheric backing. Mumford and Sons with a less angst-ridden and female vocal?</div>
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Dancehall Domine – The New Pornographers – Brill Bruisers</h2>
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I suspect that this was played on the ‘Alternative’ radio station on Apple Music, which I’ve started to listening to more now that I’ve upped my data plan and can listen to streaming music on the go. Maybe it reminds me of Primal Scream, but they have so many guises that that doesn’t really say much about it. Oh – they’re Canadian. This single is from their latest album which was released two years ago.</div>
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Avalanche – Bad Sounds – Avalanche Single</h2>
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Bath-based apparently, and fairly new on the scene with little else released (one other single as far as I can tell). How to describe this? Apparently it’s 70s influenced but heading in a Brit Pop direction. I think it’s a great sound with all sorts going on. I wish them success.</div>
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Called you Queen – Hayley Bonar</h2>
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I fell instantly in love with one of Hayley Bonar’s previous tracks having heard it on 6 music and putting on a travel themed CD for our CD consortium. She has recently had a new album out, and this track is fairly representative of the kind of stuff she produces. I have previously compared her sound with that of The Bangles, and I think that stands.</div>
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Neil's Selections:</div>
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<b>Prophets of Rage by Prophets of Rage</b></div>
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I'm generally disappointed by supergroups as they never seem to better the sum of their parts, but when you put Tom Morello's guitar <span style="font-size: 12pt;">and Brad Wilks' drums (both from Rage Against the Machine) together with Chuck D's and B-Real's voice (Public Enemy and Cypress Hill respectively) then you know you're onto something good. I know any resulting album will probably be rubbish, but this song is perfect for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Big Cat by Wild Beasts</b></span></div>
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I've been a fan of Wild Beasts for a while, and I implore anyone who ever gets chance to see them live to do just that - they are great entertainers. I can't quite believe that the band are onto their fifth album, Big Cat is the second single.</div>
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<b>Fill in the Blank by Car Seat Headrest</b></div>
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Another band on their umpteenth album but one I have only just been introduced to, courtesy of Steve Lamacq. Fans of American slacker rock will enjoy this, I think it's very reminiscent of Beck, or the Strokes.</div>
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<b>No Matter Where We Go by Whitney</b></div>
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Don't know much about this band/person (suppose I should do a Google search) but I love the retro cool feel of the song. Think Unknown Mortal Orchestra or Tame Impala, but with a 70s arrangement. Nice summer cruising song.</div>
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<b>Pit Pony by She Drew the Gun</b></div>
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I can't complete a months' selection without including some female-fronted indie rock outfit. It was either these, or The Kills, or Honeyblood's new single, but this won out primarily because I could include the others in a future selection.</div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-7900236019987352202016-07-11T19:00:00.000+01:002016-07-11T19:00:38.417+01:003WTM July Playlist 2016 - New (ish) MusicAfter a rest in June we're back with some more tracks for you to sample. Just me and Chris this month and as you didn't get last month's you can have it early this month!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.6133px;">Chris’s Contributions</span><br />
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Friends – Eliza and the Bear – Eliza and the Bear</h2>
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This song seems to turn up quite a bit, but I can’t remember any of the places I’ve heard it. Great song, even if the appeal is a little obvious.</div>
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Automatic – Wolf Parade – Wold Parade EP 4</h2>
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Another song for the ‘wolf’ playlist. Another upbeat driving rhythm which I tend to be a sucker for.</div>
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Back of Beyond – Band of Skulls – By Default</h2>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">What a great album ‘By Default’ is with a reasonably varied collection of songs. It’s an album I’ve listened to quite a few times, and am actually getting to know. This is one of the catchy best though, but it was tricky to know which track to go for to represent the album.</span></div>
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So We Can Stay Alive – Garbage – Strange Little Birds</h2>
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Garbage are back. I can’t say that I know much of their earlier stuff, only the well-known tracks. Well this is an interesting album – a bit dark/heavy in places, but tempered with the odd major chord and interesting melody. Interesting and well-structured songs, any of a number of tracks could have featured in the playlist.</div>
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Tahabort – Imarahan – Imarahan</h2>
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Who doesn’t like a bit of music from Southern Algeria? OK, so I have no idea what the lyrics are about, but that’s true of a lot of stuff I listen to – not because it’s foreign, but because I don’t put a huge amount of effort into listening to the lyrics. Instrumentally, I love these songs, and have quite easily listened to the whole album a couple of times without understanding a word of what’s being sung about. Their bandcamp page for this track describes their style as ‘hypnotic, sublime jazz, funk desert riffs’.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">John's Contributions</span></div>
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Cut Out Club - Out Of My World</div>
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A band from Tel Aviv that I think I found through Spotify's Discover playlist. It's a playlist tailored for each subscriber and changes each week. What a great idea. </div>
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Sometimes - Oscar</div>
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Taken from his debut album 'Cut and Paste' this a great little pop number from the London based artist.</div>
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Guns - Broken Wit Rebels</div>
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For me they sound like Kings of Leon but what do I know? They will be playing at Tramlines as well as many other dates this month so you can check them out yourselves...</div>
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Fountains Of Youth - Local Natives</div>
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After enjoying their debut album so much they went off my radar when their second album didn't quite hit the same highs. This is their second recent track and I'm enjoying it very much.</div>
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Take It Out On Me - White Lies</div>
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What a great band White Lies are live. The guys voice is just amazing and I like this new track from them. If you haven't been in to them before check out the track Death, I think it's still my most played track on iTunes ...ever!</div>
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Big Quiet - The Dead Ships</div>
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A band from LA that have a great vibe about them. Indie pop guitar just the way I like it.</div>
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The Walls Are Coming Down - Fanfarlo</div>
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This is a track I've had kicking about on Spotify playlists for a couple of months. It's from 2009 so you may be familiar with it already.</div>
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Neon Experience - Junius Meyvant</div>
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As I get to contribute more this month without Neil's additions I get to add another one from Junius. A great soulful voice.</div>
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Poem - She Drew The Gun</div>
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A relatively new outfit, having started as a solo artist in 2013, Louisa Roach has since turned her project in to a band.</div>
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Solitude - M83 </div>
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A French electronic band. How did they get on this playlist. Heard off a work colleague's streaming service is about as random as I get when it comes to discoveries. </div>
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So Natural - North American</div>
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Relaxing, dreamy track. I can imagine listening to this in the sun and it being heaven.</div>
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The Song They Play Everynight - Little Green Cars:</div>
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What's on next?</div>
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"The Song They Play Everynight."</div>
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What is it? </div>
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"The Song They Play Everynight."</div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-83857571611573128092016-06-01T20:31:00.002+01:002016-06-01T21:16:10.680+01:003WTM May 2016 PlaylistHey another month and another 15 tracks for you to stream. Check them out on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/7FZH8skh4DXn0wQEQddQxi">Spotify</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-may-2016/idpl.709ede4e9d9d449d9ee53befe30c71ce">Apple Music</a>.<br />
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Chris's Contributions<br />
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1. RCVR (feat. Debbie Gibson) – Big Black Delta – Trágame Tierra</div>
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I don’t know much about Big Black Delta, but Trágame Tierra is a great album many great tracks, and quite varied in style. OK – so a quick read on Wikipedia reveals that Big Black Delta is a solo project of Jonathan Bates (vocalist/bassist from Mellowdrone) and that this is his second album. RCVR was released in October – if you vaguely like it, it might well worth be checking out the whole album.</div>
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2. Baby Move On – The Hosts – Moon</div>
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Well right from the off, this reminds me of Roy Orbison/Travelling Wilburys. Oh – and they’re from Sheffield. This is their second album, which is full of tracks which sound very much like the kind of stuff Richard Hawley writes.</div>
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3. Victoria – Beverly – The Blue Swell</div>
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What? Another second album! You better believe it. This is another good album and I could have chosen any of a number of tracks – in the end, I went for Victoria which seems fairly representative and is a nice simple, catchy song.</div>
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4. Burn The Witch – Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool</div>
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I’ll state my position on Radiohead – along with many other people, I loved the first three albums. Kid A was then one hell of a curve ball and I put in quite a lot of effort to get to like it, and eventually did. I didn’t then follow up that amount of effort with subsequent albums – they’d gone too far adrift for my liking. So, when news of an imminent new track reached me, I was a little indifferent, but curious. Curious enough to buy it on the day it came out, and this was it. I love it. I love the quality of the sound. As for the album, I get on much better with than with anything else since Kid A and have listened to it a few times now. It asks a bit from the listener, but that’s good.</div>
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5. 1985 – Haken – Affinity</div>
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I’ve had to put a track from the new Haken album. There are pretty much my new favourite band, but that is based mainly on their superb last album (The Mountain) and the Restoration EP they put out over a year ago (I have discussed the superb 19-minute song – Crystallised - from that on this blog previously). I have chosen this track as perhaps the most accessible to people – unfortunately, it’s 9 minutes long and perhaps doesn’t belong on the playlist, but the shorter songs aren’t quite as listenable to as this one. This track does vary enough to maintain your interest. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of prog anyway, honest.</div>
Neil's Contributions<br />
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Stone Roses - All for One</div>
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Ok, so it's not 'I am the Resurrection', but every time it comes on the radio I get a little excited. Doesn't deserve all the criticism it has received, it's still a good rock song.</div>
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Michael Kiwanuka - Black Man in a White World</div>
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Proof that if you hear something enough times then it will stick. Not my cup of tea at all but catchy and melodic.</div>
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Fujiya & Miyagi - Serotonin Rushes</div>
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I've no idea who these guys are, but I'm led to believe they've been around for a long time. This is very cool, and sort of ideal for the build up to Summer. Great bass.</div>
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Lindstrøm - Closing Shot</div>
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Again, another pre-Summer barbeque sound. Sounds like Todd Terje and Daft Punk wrestling in a duvet.</div>
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The Coral - Holy Revelation</div>
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It's just a very good indie pop song.</div>
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John's Contributions</div>
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Come As You Are - Prep School (Nirvana Cover)</div>
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Used on an advert for a video game it can seem a bit of a slow starter but bursts in to life at the end. Stick with it.</div>
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Gold Laces - Junius Meyvant</div>
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"Icelandic Best Newcomer" and what a great voice. He's playing three dates in the UK in September, Manchester, Glasgow and BRISTOL! The little Louisiana. I think I might go along.</div>
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Race of Life - Vangoffey</div>
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Neil introduced us to Vangoffey the other month and I followed the trail to this excellent track. Enjoy.</div>
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There's A Storm Coming - Richard Hawley</div>
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Not sure how I came across this track but it's just beautiful.</div>
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Rock N Roll Friend - Patsy's Rats</div>
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Like Gold Laces, this fell in to my inbox and I thought Neil would like it. Let's hope I'm right.</div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-61423782862545523792016-04-29T14:54:00.001+01:002016-04-29T14:54:07.724+01:003WTM April 2016 Playlist<div class="MsoNormal">
The three of us (Chris, Neil and John) chose five songs that we've been enjoying and share them for each other and readers to enjoy. Comments always welcome as to which ones you've enjoyed and which ones you haven't, reasons why not compulsory. This month's playlist as always is available to stream. Check it out at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-april-2016/idpl.108d5d79674243b9b41474ef56577e1d">Apple</a> or <a href="spotify:user:jonnylambiepie:playlist:0Gynw0udoKn5DYaUAst8os">Spotify</a>.</div>
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Bend with the Wind – Exmagician – Scan the Blue<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think Belfast duo Exmagician are fairly new to the scene,
and I’ve really enjoyed listening to the album ‘Scan the Blue’. This particular
track features an unusual time signature which is either 11/4 or alternating
bars of 6/4 and 5/4 – see if you can keep track of the ‘11’ beats. Aside from
that, it’s a great track too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Far Away – Junip – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
(Soundtrack)<o:p></o:p></div>
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You’ve guessed it – I heard this track whilst watching the
aforementioned film. I really liked it and had to Shazam it. When it turned out
to be a Swedish Folk-Rock outfit, it ticked several boxes on my list of things
I seem to like. Looking into it now – I see that the singer is none other than
José González. I did then download their latest album and it may have featured
in one of my ‘Reviews with a View’ on Strava, but I didn’t like the songs as
much as this one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore – Lucy Dacus – No Burden<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another new artist from Richmond (the lack of further
qualification probably signifies that it’s in London). A great track – I think
which will be up both Neil and John’s streets. I’ve been wrong on that score
before though. I can’t remember much more about the album though, but I imagine
it’s much in the same vein.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Düsseldorf – Teleman – Brilliant Sanity<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Another track from an album which featured on ‘Review with a
View’. I have decided that I should have a rating system for how much a band
sounds like either Franz Ferdinand, Semisonic, or The Velvet Underground as I
have found myself often using these as reference points. Well this song would
have a Franz score of 4/5 for the music and a Semi score of 4/5 for the vocal.
Vocals and music get 1/5 as a Velvet score. This is my favourite track from
their (second) album.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Last Thing On My Mind – The Joy Formidable – Hitch<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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The online review I’ve just read of this album laments on
how their third album fails to deliver on the promise built by the previous
two, but having not heard the previous two, I’m in no position to be
disappointed, and instead am very pleased with it. I’m a bit nervous about listening to their
earlier stuff now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John's choices:</div>
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Happy - Misty Miller</div>
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I'm never sure when I post songs whether everyone is aware of them and it's just me who has finally become aware of them. This song falls in to that category as it's so good surely other people know about it? Misty ticks so many boxes, she's from Wimbledon (my mate supports AFC Wimbledon), she came to prominence playing the ukulele (just like Neil) and she cites Velvet Underground as an influence (and we already know how much Chris likes them).</div>
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Trouble on Oxford Street - Skinny Lister</div>
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If the last track was one I thought Neil would like then this is the opposite but how could I not include it with lyrics like "It went off like Krakatoa, Like Rocky Balboa". A bit ska/folk like it reminds me of Parka who featured on this blog in the past. Released as a single last year it's taken from the six piece's second album. They're based in London.</div>
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No Flavour - Phobophobes</div>
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Another band from London and I've been enjoying this track over the past month or so.</div>
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I've been listening to this one for a while and I'm excited to share this psychedelic rock track from this band showing real promise. </div>
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Rebel - Louis Berry</div>
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Found via Spotify's Discover feature, this soulful number is not by the first African American to practice law in a segregated city in Central Louisiana (you recognised the name too?). This is Louis from Liverpool and he's got quite a bit to say and quite a swagger. I've got a feeling we might here more from him.</div>
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Trust Me I'm A Genius - The Family Rain</div>
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I'm way too late to this party as this is a 2012 release from a band hailing from Bath. However I'm not proud or a music snob, if a songs got to be played, it's got to be played. This is one of those rock, stomping tracks.</div>
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Neil's Choices (words by John):</div>
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Woke up Hurting by Frightened Rabbit</div>
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This Scottish band originally from Selkirk still feel pretty fresh to me despite having been around since 2003. This track is taken from their 2016 album Painting of a Panic Attack</div>
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Under the Sun by DIIV</div>
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Formed in Brooklyn in 2011 DIIV are now on to their second album and this is one of four singles taken from the album.</div>
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Walk among the Cobras by Dan Sartain</div>
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Dan featued on the blog back in 2009 with Replacement Man and recently supported World Record Store Day with this released on 7".</div>
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Cockeyed Rabbit Wrapped in Plastic by Slug</div>
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Slug were formed in Sunderland in 2014 by Ian Black, former member of Field Music. Their EP is available to download now.</div>
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Jessica by NZCA Lines</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NZCA Lines is the one man band Michael Lovett created as his alter ego. Formerly of a rock pop outfit he's taken a new direction with this manifestation. </div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-81283232851383898402016-04-13T23:59:00.000+01:002016-04-15T15:09:41.679+01:00Mid Month BonusA bonus playlist, what's going on? I've had some tracks going around and around in my "assessment" playlist for some time and as they weren't quite making the main playlist (because of familiarity not quality) I thought I'd throw them out there for other people to enjoy. Stream it on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/3ieja2SjTIjSbFdEoBYHLo">here</a>. Update: and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-mid-april-playlist/idpl.90f4f52926dd4f5e8ee0588749068dd0">Apple Music</a>.<br />
<br />
Long Hair - Drowners<br />
<br />
This is taken from the band's 2014 album and is a track I came across searching out new music on Spotify. With a Welsh lead and Americans making up the rest of the band it's got a good mix of musical influences - or so it feels anyway.<br />
<br />
She Chose You - Marrow<br />
<br />
This is the album opener from the Chicago band's 2015 album, The Gold Standard. They are essentially Kids These Days reincarnated - a band who released a couple of albums between 2009 and 2013.<br />
<br />
Don't Fall - Chameleons<br />
<br />
I've only discovered this band because of a friend asking me to go to their gig. They're the forerunners of sounds created by the likes of Editors and Interpol.<br />
<br />
Buckle - We Are Scientists<br />
<br />
The first of a few tracks that are from bands I've mentioned before. Not quite different enough to be on the monthly playlist but certainly worth sharing with you as they've had plenty of plays from me.<br />
<br />
My Type - Saint Motel<br />
<br />
Chris helped me hunt this track down after I'd heard it on an advert for a TV programme. Since then I've not been able to get away from it with it used on various commercials and constantly on my stereo.<br />
<br />
Nothing But Love - James<br />
<br />
The best song off the new album and a single to match the quality off the last album which was James at their best.<br />
<br />
She Changes The Weather - Swim Deep<br />
<br />
The second song to feature from this band and this album on the blog. A beautiful steady piano opening that grows in to itself.<br />
<br />
The Great Defector - Bell X1<br />
<br />
I've never really looked in to Bell X1 before despite seeing their name crop up all over the place. However this track came on my Spotify Discover playlist and I enjoyed it. Reminds me of Tom Petty. The band's name comes from the first plane to go supersonic and they are the band to have the most airplay in Ireland after U2,<br />
<br />
Up & Up - Coldplay<br />
<br />
They are known to their fans for having a really strong song as the last track on their album - Everything's Not Lost, Amsterdam and Til Kingdom Come certainly are. This is no exception and worth checking out if you've not heard it yet. Middle of the road they may be but they do it well.<br />
<br />
Middle Of Nowhere - Hot Hot Heat<br />
<br />
A great pop ditty from the band who brought you Bandages. I recently found out they are still going and have a track out called Kid Who Stays In The Picture. However it is this is a track from 2005 that I hadn't really taken note of that I've been enjoying. It didn't enjoy any success over here but having been used in a US programme, One Tree Hill it seems other people have taken note and it's had over 3 million plays on Spotify.<br />
<br />
Upside Down & Inside Out - OK Go<br />
<br />
I've happily put OK Go in the same pigeon hole as Hot Hot Heat which neither band appreciating that as OK Go are from Chicago originally and HHH are from Canada. I've been enjoying a few of OK Go's recent releases but this one is a bit more experimental and there's something about how he says 'freight train' that's got stuck in my head.<br />
<br />
Free Stuff - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes<br />
<br />
Another band that have featured on this blog more than once and won't need an introduction to some. As they were a band that came to prominence at about the same time this blog got going I've always had a soft spot for them. It was one of the few free CDs I got in the early days and that debut album was a corker. According to wikipedia Alex behind the band benefited from some seed money from Heath Ledger which I thought was interesting. This song was released this year. The other new track, No Love Like Yours is also worth checking out.<br />
<br />
Last Night - The Sherlocks<br />
<br />
If you like The Courteeners then there's a good chance you'll like this Sheffield band who've again featured on this blog before.<br />
<br />
You Are Killing Me - The Dandy Warhols<br />
<br />
A new track from a band I've been following since 1997, they always sit well next to OK Go and Hot Hot Heat. This track was released earlier this year.<br />
<br />
Magnificent Time - Travis<br />
<br />
I didn't know Travis had been back for a while, they released an album in 2013 it turns out. 3 Miles High the previous single to this got quite a bit of play on Radio 2 I'm told. I found it a bit drab but this is a bit more upbeat.John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-60389618564120489902016-03-31T12:58:00.000+01:002016-04-01T09:28:26.170+01:003WTM March 2016 Playlist<div class="MsoNormal">
As usual, three of us choose five tracks we've been listening to recently. Usually new tracks to us but not necessarily recent releases, just songs we'd like to share. Find them on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-march-2016/idpl.e7565d560e8244038edf700af1d0a775">Apple</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/music/playlist/AMaBXym_XSLsmNjSlUbhupLTLKGqiEas7hN7_uNDKINzpVMuhqvyqHNT7D4WtTqjmqiu1BJlDJPRLf-SEuBzZ6YShPAsRGyfIw==" target="_blank">Google</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/69pKSVYyinENGmwmhXzmBK">Spotify</a>.</div>
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Neil's up first:</div>
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Dark Dark Dark - In your Dreams<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is the title music for BBC Three's first online-only
drama, Thirteen (even though they've now started showing it on BBC2). Sarah and
I are quite gripped with it, and the music is very well matched to the
programme. Sort of like PJ Harvey, in a haunting kind of way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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White Denim - Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What can I say about this track, except that it's flipping
ace. Proggy-blues at it's very best, the track wouldn't sound out of place in
between Led Zeppelin and Jackson Browne. The first single off their new album
'stiff', I'm certainly looking forward to getting acquainted with it in the
near future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Courtney Barnett - Elevator Operator<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Observant readers of this blog will realise that Courtney
Barnett's album made it into my top 5 for 2015, and as it was released quite
early in the year then that makes this track almost a year old. However, it has
just been released as a single and is getting lots of airplay on 6music at the
moment. It has a great storyline and Courtney tells it in her classic deadpan
way. I use this blog to chronicle my music of the moment, and this is certainly
bouncing around my head on a very regular basis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hinds - Bamboo<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Another that is getting lots of airplay and is therefore
rattling around my head. I love the surf-charm of the melody, and the apparent
shambolicism of the lyrics. I'm also pretty sure I could play this on my
ukulele too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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ESTRONS - Make a Man<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I went to the Outlines festival in Sheffield last month, an
all-day affair with bands and DJs playing at six venues throughout the city
centre. My friend Andy and I decided that we'd like to catch at least one band
at 'skate central', a stage set up on the roller-hockey pitch at SIlver Blades
- you could hire skates and whizz up and down while the bands were on or, if
you preferred, buy some beer and stand and watch. The first band on were
Estrons, who were very loud and energetic, they struck a chord, even against
more 'established' acts throughout the day (Spring King, NZCA Lines) and for
that they deserve a place on this playlist. After Outlines, they jetted off to
Austen for SXSW as one of BBC Introducing's selections, so we can probably
expect more from them in the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On to Chris's:</div>
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Delete – DMA’s – Hill’s End<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think this is the debut album for this Australian band.
This track is one of the more relaxed from the album, but it builds nicely. I
wouldn’t go overboard about it, but it’s pleasant enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cold To See Clear – Nada Surf – You Know Who You Are<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Apologies again for another track that just OK, and there’s
nothing wrong with this, but there’s nothing particularly new about it either.
Rhythmically similar to Doves ‘Pounding’ in places, but not quite as driving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Slip Into Nevermore – Prince Rama – Xtreme Now<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There’s a lot of Belle and Sebastian in this – vocals
duplicated by male and female singers at the same time. Some of the synth
arpeggios are reminiscent of the 80s. Nice energetic acoustic guitar strumming.
There’s one chord change in there that I particularly like too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Freak Out – Wintersleep – The Great Detachment<o:p></o:p></div>
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A Canadian band who debuted in 2001 – as far as I can make
out this is their first album and it’s a good one. Lively and melodic with
plenty of guitars in - just my kind of stuff. As a curious aside, this album
features a track called ‘Amerika’ as does another new album this month ‘II’ by
Liima (as reviewed during a recent Strava update)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cry Baby – Cage The Elephant – Tell Me I’m Pretty<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really thought John would feature a track from this album
in December or January, but he seemed to be not too sold on the album. Well I
keep returning to it and enjoying it very much. I find this particular track to
be very catchy – hard not to tap your steering wheel along with it when
driving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now John's:</div>
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Tastes Like Funk - I Set The Sea On Fire<o:p></o:p></div>
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This track really got in my head while I was painting the flat and, as the name suggests, it's a really funky number. I was amazed when I found out this band were from Sheffield! It's got a real American sound to it. They're touring locally at the moment.</div>
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Rollercoaster - Bleachers<o:p></o:p></div>
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A band from New York influenced by the John Hughes films of the 80s - who isn't in one way or another? They've certainly hit the 1980s sound with this.</div>
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The Flying Pyramid - Thousand<o:p></o:p></div>
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What a riff, if ever a track was made to go on an advert then this is it. As far as I can work out they're from France.</div>
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Cold Cold Man : Saint Motel<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think I'm very late with this band and their jangling pop. I've just been going through their back catalogue and I'm very much enjoying this. The band are from Los Angeles and have been going since 2009.</div>
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</div>
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Anticipation : Holy Bouncer<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wow, how much does this sound like Embrace?! However listening to their other tracks that's more a one off than a way of life. </div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-32210552943044389492016-02-28T09:00:00.000+00:002016-02-28T09:00:17.566+00:003WTM February 2016 Playlist As always this month's playlist is available to stream on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/5xFF9799YRbPoN1pBa1yIt">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fmusic%2Fplaylist%2FAMaBXylGgL8MbftWvvAIWmE2bAeAeHI_uMcvQmIpPKcHIz05-VqKyvPx8M3lEtVWuLKk5xzjExA8LFz7lcE_j8hhcPcGtsEdow%253D%253D&h=pAQFViHHW&s=1">Google Play</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-february-2016/idpl.84d673a994704350aecb444a6f5a0147">Apple Music</a>.<br />
<br />
Neil's choices:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ezra Furman - Lousy
Connection<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After a few aborted
attempts over the last year or so, I finally got to see Ezra Furman live this
week. Coming less than a week after a colossal performance by John Grant, the
gig had a lot to live up to, but Ezra did not disappoint. His band, the boyfriends,
were amazing, both with their instruments and with their backing vocals, and
Ezra was triumphant with his soulful fury. This track is taken from his latest
album (released last year).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Steve Mason - Planet
Sizes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A new album from Steve
Mason beckons and this is the first single from it. I was never really into the
Beta Band, but I've been really pleased with Steve Mason's solo stuff (well,
what I've heard anyway).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beirut – Perth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes I wonder if
my musical tastes are changing as I mellow into middle-age and then I realise
that my musical tastes are chosen for me by the music that is fed to me each
day by the radio. This has a classic ear worm organ hook...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Animal Collective –
FloriDada<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">... And here's another
catchy hook that's lodged itself in my cranium as well as my daughter's and my
wife's. Animal Collectives "My Girls" was a real favourite of mine,
this is much more poppy and radio-friendly. I shouldn't like it, but I do. And
I bet you two do too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My fifth song would
have been the most excellent first single off The Wave Pictures upteenth album,
but as they're only releasing it as a very short (1000) run of vinyl LPs then
there's no way it's going to turn up on Google Music (would be interested to
know if you get any joy from Spotify and Apple though?) So, I then moved onto
The Coral (appeared only a few playlists ago, so bad timing), Bob Mould (single
and album not out yet, so not currently available online), and Damien Jurado
(same). Fifth choice (and I was scraping the bottom of the barrel by now) was<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blossoms - At Most a
Kiss</span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If I had a pound for every time someone prefixes the name of this band
with "Stockport's" then I'd have £47.62 by now. A slice of indie pop
that's nice to drive to.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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John's Choices:<br />
<br />
So I could have played it safe this month, James have new material out that I really like, Cloud Cult have a new album out that I've been playing regularly, Hot Hot Heat and OK Go both have songs I've been enjoying. However if you aren't in to those bands yet, I'm never going to get you in to those bands. Try these that I've just been getting to know.<br />
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The Arcs - Stay In My Corner<br />
I've put this in for Neil although he's probably all over them, what with their Black Keys link Dan Auerbach (guitarist/vocalists).<br />
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Richard Lomax - I Cycle<br />
This is my favourite for the month. Anybody who samples a bike noise to set his tune to and makes it work deserves some kudos. I always like it when the artist themselves contact me too, makes me feel like they really care about their music too. Richard is from Manchester and is a pretty prolific writer, having written 52 songs last year. Practice makes perfect.<br />
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Bellevue Days - Ripped Jeans<br />
The guys from Croydon are celebrating the announcement of their inclusion on the DIY and Generator Mapped Out Tour. Pop guitar band that ticks the right boxes for me.<br />
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Infidelity - Mutineers<br />
For a band who claim to have driven their fan base via social media I can't help but feel driven as they've followed me, unfollowed me and followed me again on Twitter. It's worked though as I've now listened to their material. Another Manchester band, this is off their second album or so I can tell from their other vehicle, Facebook.<br />
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Icarus - Vagabond Poets<br />
A footstomping track to end my five. A Scottish unsigned band, or that's what my research tells me. Guess I must have found it on Spotify then.<br />
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3WTM February 2016 – Chris’s Choices</div>
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Hmm – I think this has been a good month for ‘Prog’. I would share a Steven Wilson track from his new album (4 ½), and it would probably be ‘Don’t Hate Me’ – all 9:35 of it, but he’s not into streaming services, so it won’t be available to you, and so it won’t make its way onto this month’s playlist. However, the prog gods have been generous this month and I think I should make mention of Dream Theater’s ‘The Astonishing’. It is a concept album (which I like) it is a double album (over 2 hours in total) and it has been produced on a big scale (with a full orchestra and choir in places). It tells a story of a future in which there is no music, save for that made by machines, but a hero comes along to bring song to the lives of the repressed masses. It is generally very good, but a bit cheesy in places. It won’t feature on my playlist this month, but ‘The Gift Of Music’ is a fairly representative track which sets the scene for the rest of the album.</div>
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So – enough about what I’m not putting on, and on to what I am putting on.</div>
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‘Swimming Horses’ by The Mute Gods from ‘Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me’ (2016).</div>
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The Mute Gods are a recently formed outfit consisting of various talented musicians who have been doing the rounds for a while including Nick Beggs (the bassist from Kajagoogoo) who wrote most of the material.</div>
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‘2013’ by Sunflower Bean from the album ‘Human Ceremony’ (2016)</div>
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This is a good album of jangly guitar tunes. Sunflower Bean are a new band from Brooklyn. This probably isn’t the best track on the album, but is good and I’ve chosen it because it links with one of Neil’s tracks from last month which was taken from an album called 2013, despite being released in 2016. In fact, listening now, I think ‘Come On’ would have been a better selection and certainly up Neil’s street, but I’m sticking with ‘2013’.</div>
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‘Sauna’ by Gazebos from ‘Die Alone’ (2016)</div>
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This is probably in a similar vein. Gazebos are another new act – this time from Seattle. I’ve not yet heard the album all the way through.</div>
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‘You and I’ by Margaret Glaspy (single) (2016)</div>
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Margaret Glaspy doesn’t have a huge amount of material out on Apple Music – 7 tracks – 5 from an EP in 2013 and then two from her recent single. Apparently she’s got an album coming out in the summer. Anyway, this track is fairly raw, straightforward (drums, bass, single guitar from what I can hear) short and catchy.</div>
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So … to redress the balance, another long track …</div>
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‘Future You’ by LNZNDRF from ‘LNZNDRF’ (2016)</div>
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OK – so this is an instrumental track. I’ve chosen it again because of a link with one of Neil’s track. LNZNDRF (my fingers have trouble typing that) are a side-project comprising members of The National (Devendorfs) and Beirut (Lanz). This album is just out and features 4 instrumental tracks and 4 vocal tracks. Again, I’ve not listened to it all yet, but what I have heard is very good. This track is a builder and is the opener to the album.</div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-73152724703845299442016-02-26T11:56:00.000+00:002016-02-26T11:56:27.217+00:003WTM - Albums of the Year 2015<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; line-height: 15.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We've tried to put together our favourite albums of the year highlighted by a track so you get it all neatly packaged in to a playlist.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; line-height: 15.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Neil's Top 5 (well 6 but you'll see why)</span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; line-height: 15.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; line-height: 15.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit" the debut album by Courtney Barnett.</span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; line-height: 15.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15.36px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had quite a bit of anticipation for it's release, having been impressed by the earlier single 'History Eraser' and whilst there was initial disappointment of that song not being on the album, that was quickly dispelled by the quality of what was on there. I really like her deadpan delivery and the lyrical content of her songs. The album reached No.16 in the UK charts. The song I would choose for the playlist is the third single from the album "Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Chris</span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" style="font-size: x-small;">I think I listened to this album a couple of times and really enjoyed it. I can picture myself now mowing he lawn with it playing in my ears. Really like it.</span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">John</span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" style="font-size: x-small;">I thought the album was so-so on the first few listens I had but having really enjoyed this track and letting the rest of the album play I might need to revisit.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.36px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">"The race for Space" by Public Service Broadcasting.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15.36px;">The next one on the list was also hotly anticipated, and was my first download of a new album in 2015. I had their first album and wondered how they could possibly follow it, as they'd covered subjects as diverse as Spitfires and overnight mail trains on it, but when I found out that it would be a concept album about the space race between the United States and Russia I was very excited. 'Gagarin' was released and it did not disappoint, and then when I finally got chance to listen to the album in its entirety I thought it was just fabulous - very evocative and so well put together. The song I would choose would be "Go!", the second single from the album and probably the most radio-friendly after Gagarin.</span><br />
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Chris</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="_5yl5">Loved the album, and 'Go' is up there with my favourites on there. It isn't in my top 5, solely because I suspected it would be in yours, but in truth. It would probably be my top album of the year.</span><span class="_5yl5"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" style="font-size: x-small;">John</span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" style="font-size: x-small;">The Gargarin track blew me away after you pointed it out, I even made my wife listen to it in the car which is a rare occurrence now everything has to be child friendly when we're together. Go is good and again I need to list to this album more. I also enjoyed tracks off their first album.</span><br />
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Green Lanes - Ultimate Painting<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.36px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.36px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.36px;">The third album is by a band that I only just discovered this year. Ultimate Painting released "(I've got the) sanctioned blues" in the summer and I quickly went to find out more about the band. I could get my hands on their first album (which was a very good listen) but when the second album followed a few weeks after then it did not disappoint. Very much my kind of slow, lethargic rock with cool lyrics, I've chosen the album opener "Kodiac" as the track for the playlist, which would incidentally have been my "brown mammal" track had that particular theme been chosen for the work CD...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15.36px;">John</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15.36px;">Very relaxed American style music. New to me, I shall check it out.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.36px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">"Are you Satisfied?" by Slaves.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">The fourth one is probably my favourite of the year, full of raw energy and simplicity. Every song by them I heard was greeted with a big grin so when the album was released I knew that it would be right up my street, and it's always nice to find songs that you like even more than the ones you thought you liked the best, if you know what I mean. This album really is all killer, no filler. When I saw them at Tramlines in July, they really lived up to the album too - they could be my new favourite band.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;"><br /></span></span><span style="line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">John: S</span></span><span style="line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">nap. I've really enjoyed this album, they featured on the blog back in March and were great for running to this year. When you're digging in there's nothing like The Hunter to kick in and make you feed off the pain "your tired and aching and the pain won't go away". </span></span><span style="line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">"The Tarn Machine" by The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican</span></span><span style="line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15.36px;">OK, I don't think you'll find my final album choice on Spotify or Apple Music, so I have a reserve album in place, but would like to record the fact that "The Tarn Machine" by The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican really was one of my albums of the year, in terms of listens but also in terms of sheer determination in the face of adversity. In order to keep busy during a year where the band couldn't continue with their incessant touring because of ill health, they took to the studio and produced some of their best work to date. The album is full of black humour and reflects the place that they were (in particular front man Scott Doonican). My favourite track is "Frisky in the jar", a true story of Scott and Amanda's visit to the IVF clinic, and if possible I can add a link to the bandcamp version of the track should it be acceptable. The album didn't chart, and comedy folk is not to everyone's taste, but the triumph of the record begs some recognition.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">"Grey Tickles, Black Pressure" by John Grant</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">So, the final choice would be my wife's favourite album of the year and therefore well listened to by me. It's funky, dark, amusing and well put together, and I think I'll choose Sarah's favourite track "Voodoo Doll" to put on the playlist - a real interesting concept of a song and very catchy. The album reached No. 5 in the UK chart, and rightly so.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">John's Top Four</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">Mirrors - Reverend and the Makers</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 15.36px;">This will be no surprise to people who know me or who read the blog. I've liked this Sheffield blog ever since Neil introduced them to me many years ago. However their last album didn't receive the amount of plays of previous albums and I hadn't been too hopeful for this release. Yet there seemed to be something different afoot. The Rev (Jon McClure) was talking about it being something special, something without synths, that people within their camp were describing it as the best work they'd done. I've become sceptical over the years about this kind of hyperbole. I've heard The Killers exclaim the next album will include the best song they've ever written, The Foo Fighters say that everybody who has listened to the album has been in tears. Yes you've guessed it, those albums were absolute stinkers, the worst of both their careers. However the Rev is different, he's not a born salesman like most US celebrities are or come across as being.</span></span><br />
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So the album itself is a journey or so I'm told. However that's not the beauty to me, it's the mix of catchy "bangers" mixed with more complex, lyric rich tracks that have graced previous albums but never in such quality and quantity. So do they still write guitar pop songs? They sure do but no with more depth and variety. Like the joy of feeling the seasons change you can experience different types of songs through the album yet it still feels as a piece of work when listened together.<br />
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I've already featured a lot of their material on this blog but so I'm going to choose a different track to share, Blue - a banger of a pop song that didn't even make their live set when I saw them.<br />
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Vaccines - English Graffiti<br />
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This is another band I have been a fan of for some years and was (I think) again introduced to them by Neil. I had the joy of experiencing this album like a debut album, drip fed a few tracks before being let loose of the full long player. While not reaching the same heights as their previous album, make no mistake this is a cracking album and will be stripped of tracks to go in to various playlists on my phone. 20/20 is a strong pop single from the album although I would probably say album opener Handsome is my favourite as the song pops in my head all the time. However I've had Handsome on a 3WTM playlist before so try 20/20 on for size.<br />
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Muse - Drones<br />
<br />
Looking at my choices I think we my friends could probably have written this post for me and I think that shows how much I need to widen the amount of albums I listen to and the type of bands. However this is the strongest Muse album since Black Holes and Revelations and possibly of all time? The track I particularly enjoyed from day one is Revolt which sounds very much like The Killers from their early days.<br />
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Slaves - Are You Satisfied (see Neil's listing).<br />
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Chris’s five picks from 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">I thought it would be easy to choose five songs which
represented 2015, but it wasn’t – two or three were obvious – I almost included
a couple of John and Neil’s songs (honourable mentions go to Modest Mouse – The
Ground Walks with Time in a Box, and Public Service Broadcasting) but I didn’t.
I also didn’t want my five tracks to be regurgitations of things I’d already
written about, but some of that has been unavoidable, but there are also a
couple of tracks and groups that I haven’t previously talked about. Anyway, on
to the tracks …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Belle and Sebastian – The Everlasting Muse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">This is probably not the most instantly likeable song on
their album ‘Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance’ (which is excellent), but is one
that has made an impression on me. There are sometimes songs that have an extra
appeal – there must be a good phrase to express what I mean, but I don’t think
I’ve quite found it yet. Anyway, I love the bass sound in this track, the
melody, but the best bit for me is the change of tempo and feel in the chorus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John: My favourite track of the five you've selected Chris.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">The Unthanks – Madam<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">This song came on the radio (6Music) on my way home from
band one evening and I found it instantly captivating. I had to find out more
about it – and haven’t shared it yet. The only thing is, I’m not sure how
broadly it will appeal, but there you go. The album (Mount The Air) is
beautiful, and very much in the same vein as this song. Apparently they
specialise in Northumbrian folk music – my knowledge of the various types of
folk isn’t very comprehensive, I must say. I tend to like mellow music, but
would normally steer clear of adding such a track to a playlist, but felt it
should stay as it is definitely from an album that has impressed me this year.
I almost opted instead for another song from the album ‘Magpie’ which is hauntingly
beautiful and melancholy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Eaves – As Old as The Grave<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Blimey – well, this kind of falls into the same category as
the previous track. I haven’t mentioned the ‘What Green Feels Like’ debut album
produced by Eaves (Leeds based Joseph Lyons) on the blog, but it has been one
of my firm favourites of the year. Again a very folky feel to the whole album
which is well worth a listen. Apologies for another downbeat track, but I feel
I need to include it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Calexico – Falling From The Sky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">OK – I’ve already blogged about this track earlier in the
year, but I love it, and the album, and the band. For me, one of the high
points of 2015 musically was finding these. I suppose I could also have gone
for ‘Miles From The Sea’, which was on my short list of tracks for the
‘Hydr8ed’ CD compilation, but I think ‘Falling From The Sky’ is better suited
for bringing the mood back up. ‘Edge Of The Sun’ is another great album from
2015.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Running With The Wolves – Aurora<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Again – another track that I mentioned earlier in the year,
but I’ve decided to include it for several reasons: Aurora is in the spotlight
at the moment having provided the music for the John Lewis advert; it is a nod
to my seeming obsession with ‘wolf’ songs this year; and finally, it is a track
that I have played many times without tiring of, and is from the Scandinavian
camp I seem to like so much.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-89351679927904709242016-01-31T12:39:00.000+00:002016-01-31T12:39:09.756+00:003WTM January 2016 Playlist<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">We're back already with another five tracks each that we've been listening to over the last month or so. Some may be new releases or just songs we've only just discovered. As it's January you've even got a bonus track to listen to. Comments as always more than welcome. Stream at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-january-2016/idpl.3b03027a66c7472aaba918d441d6adf7">Apple</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/music/playlist/AMaBXynZSmzP_pQAKTKnhTUOCeV8pHRi20NsuedvJQe7BAwXy44OyVqHHGK23rFQiXmf1CDzfkXS98YvRDnfVmCFrRDOBAuDHA%3D%3D">Google Play</a> and <a href="spotify:user:jonnylambiepie:playlist:4XUmGKVjAcbxLhVBMsNHHr">Spotify</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Chris's 5:</span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Sara Hartman –
Monster Lead Me Home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Debut single
from a New York singer/songwriter. A good song with a decent beat, but nothing
really sets it apart from others of its ilk.</span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Bas Jan – Sat
Nav</span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Where to pigeon-hole this? Bas Jan is apparently the latest
creation of Serafina Steer – and that doesn’t help me much because I’m
completely ignorant of her work. Some really nice wailing guitar in it. It’s
reminding me of something but I don’t recall what. I don’t know – have a listen
and help me out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Future
Islands – Seasons (Waiting On You)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">I’m not quite
sure how this came into my radar – it’s from 2014 and I’ve been trying to go
for brand new stuff – maybe it was on the ‘Alternative’ radio channel on Apple
Music (which I’ve spent quite a bit of time listening to). These are an
American synthpop act. Nothing wrong with this track, but I wouldn’t give it 5
stars either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Daughter – Numbers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Another
female vocalist which reminds me of other things - probably Eliza Shaddad as
featured on last month’s playlist among them. Atmospheric. Sparse in places.
Quite rich in texture in others. I haven’t got around to listening to all of
‘Not to Disappear’ yet.</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;">Panic At The Disco! - Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time</span><br />
<span style="background: #fefefe; color: #373e4d;"></span><br />
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<span style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #373e4d; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Well I think these are fairly mainstream or popular anyway
in America, but I’m not going to let that put me off. I first came across these
a couple of years ago via the excellent ‘Vices and Virtues’ album (check out
The Ballad Of Mona Lisa if you get chance) which was also much liked amongst
friends. I very eagerly awaited their next album as their back catalogue had
failed to impress quite as much, and when ‘Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die’
came out in 2013, it too was a disappointment. So it was with some trepidation
that I listened to ‘Death Of A Bachelor’, but I was pleasantly surprised this
time – more of a return to the album I loved previously (but not as good).</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<br />
Neil's 5:<br />
<br />
Good News - Bloc Party<br />
There was a point in January when I thought my 5 song choices for this playlist would read like a 'look who's made a comeback' list. Save for this track by Bloc Party and Mystery Jets, who you'll read about later, the others have since fallen by the wayside, however I believe that like the Mystery Jets, this Bloc Party 'comeback' has got all the hallmarks of a classic and deserves to be talked about among all the new stuff.<br />
<br />
T.I.W.Y.G - Savages<br />
You can't beat a bit of all-girl post punk rock, and this latest offering from Savages has me thinking of Metric and Operator Please.<br />
<br />
I am Chemistry - Yeasayer<br />
This blog has championed Yeasayer almost since their inception in 2006 (2080 appeared on one of John's playlists that preceded this blog) and it's great to see them back with their radio-friendly experimental american pop.<br />
<br />
How to Recognise a Work of Art - Meilyr Jones<br />
Meilyr Jones is the next talented singer/songwriter to emerge from Wales. Ex-frontman of Race Horses, he has released his debut album this month along with this single. In his own words “I wrote the song about the preposterous world of art collectors, the panic of what is popular, what will succeed, telling people what to like, and what to eat, and the recycling of pop culture."<br />
<br />
Queen Bitch - David Bowie<br />
No January playlist can be allowed to be published without a homage to the star, the icon and the change agent that was David Bowie. Almost everything that I listen and have listened to has been influenced by him. I used this song on this blog to <a href="http://whatswrongwiththemainstream.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-birthday-bowie.html" target="_blank">celebrate his 65th birthday in 2012</a>, it still is one of my all-time favourite songs, from his 1971 album Hunky Dory.<br />
<br />
John's 5:<br />
<br />
Ode to Anthony H. Wilson<o:p></o:p></div>
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This track was a number one hit in the UK for physical sales
so you may all know about it but in the age of digital downloads you may not. Mike
Garry and Joe Duddell combine on this charity single as a tribute to former
Factory Records owner and general entrepreneur Tony Wilson. He passed away in
2007 leaving a legacy behind him that spanned nightclubs, record labels,
television and radio. The poet Mike Garry approached Joe Duddell (a conductor
of some stature having worked with New Order, James and Elbow fame) with his
poem about “Mr Manchester” and Duddell added the beautiful backdrop to his
words.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You Stole The Sun – Twisted Wheel<o:p></o:p></div>
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This track has been my soundtrack to December and January as
I decided whether or not to include it in one of the monthly playlists. Twisted
Wheel have appeared on the blog before, back in 2008 and I found this gem when
trying to find out what they’ve been up to recently. Sadly they split up in
2014 and this is from their first stock of songs back in 2008.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Get Low – Stornoway<o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s something about checking out a band years on from
when you first heard them. It’s like meeting up with an old friend and seeing
how they’ve changed – although you don’t tend to celebrate the failures so much
with bands, it’s usually more a miracle if they’re still going. Named after the
Scottish coastal town they’re actually from Oxford. They just wanted a name
that seemed remote. Back in 2009 they released the wonderful Zorbing and while
they don’t seemed to have travelled far from their original roots they are
still going strong with this track released in 2015.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Midnight at KOKO – Fake Club<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fake Club are a five piece, all female band formed in
London. They supplied the soundtrack for 2013 film Powder Room which was a
British film which spent most of its time in the toilets of a club. It wasn’t
well received. This track however is great and deserved a better film.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chasing The Tail Of A Dream – The Coral<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had quite a few tracks vying for my final selection, I
could have gone for quite a few American bands that I’ve featured on the blog
in the past, OK Go, Hot Hot Heat, The Dandy Warhols but in the end I decided to
choose a track that might please the pallet of my fellow bloggers more. This
latest single from The Coral is a bit of a change in direction in my opinion,
certainly a long way away from the jangly tones of Dreaming of You. ‘Chasing’
has been followed up by Miss Fortune and this is of a similar vein. If you like
‘Chasing’ check it out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Telemere – Mystery Jets<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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It nearly kicked off in the blog head office as we all tried
to claim Telemore as ours for this month’s playlist. As our parents took it off
us exclaiming “if you can’t play nice none of you can have it” we decided on a
compromise, we would have it as the 16<sup>th</sup> track. There for everyone
to enjoy. Mystery Jets are a band that have been around for a fair while and I
was introduced to them by Neil singing as he rode beside me through the rain in
the Lake District. Despite this (winking emoji Neil, remember no more fighting
at HQ) I still love the Two Doors Down track from 2008 and it made me listen
with intrigue to their latest album. What a cracking album. Neil agrees.
However I’ll leave you with the words of Chris “This was released as a single
last month ahead of the album release this month. Apparently a ‘Telemere’ is a
‘region of repetitive nucleotide sequences at each end of the chromosome, which
protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration of fusion with
neighbouring chromosomes’. Atmospheric and a steady grower. Representative of
the album itself – worth a listen.”<o:p></o:p></div>
John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378347751480326028.post-2741698122841619782015-12-29T21:39:00.001+00:002015-12-29T21:41:22.477+00:003WTM December 2015 PlaylistAgain this month we have a collaboration between the three of us (Neil, Chris and John). If you enjoy the new style please leave us a comment, share with your mates or send us cash. We're not fussy. You can as before stream the playlist on <a href="https://play.google.com/music/preview/pl/AMaBXykLWf-i__-1zt1ywEnSrOdv45lcZTlZPc7buWazgCCHEzuiddF6jY2ar3tYKjwJGlYlxwGNVyj45fXP5dsKLiDmwR-8fw==">Google Play</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/playlist/3wtm-december-2015/idpl.d25f0e2e1a8f48da94dc1d5042252e77">Apple</a> & <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/jonnylambiepie/playlist/6lHsIePR28ANV8OXbtSIEX">Spotify</a>.<br />
<br />
John's:<br />
<br />
Hot Coals - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros<br />
<br />
Now bear with this one, it's a bit slow to get growing, grating even at the start but is the long, whimsical kind of track that I'm hoping Chris and any of our readers may enjoy. If you're the kind of person who needs to be won over in the first minute this isn't the track for you. The piano on it is just beautiful and doesn't really start until nearly three minutes in. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros appeared on this blog back when their debut album was released - and what an album that was. I wouldn't have been able to guess it was them on this track based on that first album and so this really requires a listen with fresh ears.<br />
<br />
It such a grower that even though I've written this while listening to it I cannot turn it off and move on to the next track until it's had its first full play.<br />
<br />
The Big Blue - SULK<br />
<br />
This band remind me of The Seahorses a bit and coming across this release from 2013 has been a real joy. It takes me back to 1990s indie and listening to other tracks from their album Graceless I can hear elements of The Stone Roses (on Back In Boom) and looking at the production influences they've had on that first album. They've had people who have worked with Pulp, Whitelies, Suede, Ride and Elastica. Check out the album if this is your cup of tea, new album out in March 2016.<br />
<br />
We Can Do What We Want - Drenge<br />
<br />
Knowing that they hail from the Peak District was enough to get me into this band and yet I'm late to the party. After all, our own Schonberg (Neil) gave them a mention for their quality debut in 2013. This is taken from their new album and is a real foot-stomper.<br />
<br />
A Bar In Amsterdam - Katzenjammer<br />
<br />
I was recently handed a CD at a Christmas curry night out of this band's set-list when a friend went to see them. Having an early start the next morning I popped it on in the car and it certainly got me going. He said they were fantastic live.<br />
<br />
Waiting Around For Grace - Pond<br />
<br />
What a terrible name but I guess they're saying their music is a diverse as the life you find in a pond. This track really kicks in after a minute gets lost about three minutes in and resets.<br />
<br />
Neil's<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">1. The Noisy
Days are Over - Field Music<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">The
triumphant return of Field Music, with their irregular time sequences and
Steely Dan-esque quirky prog rhythms.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Chris: OK – well I like this a lot. I might have to revisit Field
Music, because on the strength of this, I don’t know what I didn’t get into
previously. Fairly long and samey in structure. 4.1/5<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">John: 80s feel for me and while it's not quite a cow bell, </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">satisfies</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> the Will Farrell in me. Two minutes too long though.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">2. Wide Open
- The Chemical Brothers (featuring Beck)<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">The first of
two collaborations this month. I found myself singing along to this track
before I knew who it was. Beck does a great job of enhancing classic chilled
out Chemical Brothers beats.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Chris: I really like this one too 4.25/5<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">John: I wouldn't have placed this as a Chemical Brothers track and I don't think it's the Beck element. It's them at their chilled out best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">3. The Zoo -
Fews<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">This reminds
me of mid-noughties indie rock, it wouldn't have been out of place on an early 3WTM playlist from 2005.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Chris: And
this one. There’s a very 80’s alternative feel to it. 4.25/5<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">John: Wow we are going chilled out Neil. Flows over you nicely and the riff works great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">4. Shut 'em
Up - The Prodigy and Manfred Mann vs. Public Enemy<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">The second
collaboration, classic Public Enemy lyrics scoured over equally classic Prodigy
beats, with a Manfred Mann sample thrown in for extra epic anthem-ness.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Chris: And then this happens. The Manfred Mann bit is great, and then
the rest of it kicks in – I try not to award less than 3/5, but I’m going for
2/5 – I like the picture of the fox though.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">John: Love it. Can just imagine running to it, BOOM!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">5. Be Right Back, Moving House - <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Ghostpoet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">This one has
grown on me over the last month or so, and if you can get over the slight
affectation at the end of each line, I'm sure it'll grow on you too.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<u5:p></u5:p><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Chris: I
listened to the Ghostpoet album when it came out and liked it, but decided it
was one that I wouldn’t listen to all the way through again – it is good to
hear isolated tracks from time to time though, and this is a great example of
that. I’m going to go for 4/5 which matches the number of your tracks that I
really like this month.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">John: A track with depth for me and grows nicely over the six minutes. Leaves me wanting more at the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">3WTM December
2015 playlist – Chris’s bit <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Grimes –
Flesh Without Blood – Art Angels <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">This was on
my shortlist a while back, but I never got around to including it. I don’t know
much about Grimes. Apparently she’s Canadian and has a variety of influences
including genres I’m not particularly keen on. The album is OK, but I’m not
hugely sold on it, but this track is very catchy. At a guess, I would think
that it might be more John than Neil, but I could be wrong. <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">John: Not my cup of tea sadly. Heard the hype about the album and checked it out. It's nice enough but is the side of female vocals I'm not too keen on. Neither pretty or melodic enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">King Gizzard
and the Lizard Wizard – Bone – Paper Mâché Dream Balloon <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Again, I was
thinking about this track last month. It has a very retro hippie feel to it and
I think it might appeal to … Neil? It is very happy. The album it’s from is
pretty good, and has songs with a similar vibe on it. They are Australian.
Wikipedia helpfully inform me that one of the genres they might be assigned to
is neo-psychedelia. <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">John: Gotta love that neo-psychedelia!? Upbeat pop on this one, checking out some of their other tracks I guess I can get the psychedelia tag a bit more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Eliza Shaddad
– Wars – Wars (single) <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Not much to
say about this really. I really like it, she seems to be another new artist with
not much back catalogue. This month’s shortlist contained several songs from
different acts that could all sit convincingly aside this on an album (to my
ear at least). <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">John: A bit more my thing with sultry tones over indie beats.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">Spring King -
Who Are You? – Who Are You (single) <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">This is a
cracking song which I would imagine has global appeal. Oh! Apparently the first
ever band ever played on Apple Beats radio … and oh no! This song has been
Annie Mac’s Radio 1 hottest record, so maybe this belongs on a
‘Whatsrightwiththemainstream’ blog. <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">John: It was on my list but you got in there first. Full throttle music, bet they're good live.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">The Drink –
The Coming Rain – Capital <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u5:p></u5:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">OK, so this
is the track I intended to feature last month, but I did a quick scan of the
album and picked another (fine) track instead. I don’t want this to slip
through the net though, so it’s another instance of a band featuring two months
running. <u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="color: blue;">John: Nice melodic backing with Simon and Garfunkel vocals sung by The Bangles. That's what it sounds to me anyway (refer to their cover of Hazy Shade of Winter).</span>John Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12428976613645243385noreply@blogger.com2