New Eels Track Gets A Good Response

As I've mentioned Eels a few times on here before I thought I'd mentioned he's got a new track out and a new album to follow. Sadly I haven't got a track I can post for streaming but it is being streamed here http://soundcloud.com/vagrantrecords/eels-peach-blossom and you can pre-order the new album here http://eelstheband.com/stores.php. Don't get too carried away though it's not out until 15th February.

Album of the Year? Call The Doctor - Hands Will Shake

We've featured Call The Doctor a fair few times on this blog in the past and now they've put down on vinyl (or download depending on your age) their work over the years. As their record sleeve says "Hands Will Shake is the product of 4 recording sessions with 5 producers over 2 years...". It really is an album that shows their range and how they've matured as a band. The album nods to the past with live favourites such as For Your Leisure which has a real home recording feel to it and progresses to what I feel is the clear stand out track in Stood Beside Her. This track surely shows that a lot has happened since the band formed with a real emotional element to the track.

I strongly recommend you buy the album, in fact I implore you to buy the album. Back the little guys that are out there making awesome music. Schonberg rated this as his favourite album of the year so far not so long ago - and he's met Steve Lamacq don't you know!

Buy download, buy hard copy.

The Courteeners New Album

If you've read this blog over the past few years you will know I'm a big fan of The Courteeners. So it was great news to hear they have recorded their new album and it will be out in February. All they are allowing us to hear at this point is a snippet of the first single off the album. I'm reserving judgement until I hear more of their new material. The single Lose Control will be out 28th January with the Album 'Anna' out 4th February.

The 1975

This band's photos made me laugh. You can just hear the photographer saying, "right to look cool, two of you stand straight up and two of you look away from the camera". It must be hard taking photos of a band and make them look different than the million that have gone before. At least the photographer shaking his head and adding dandruff to the shot brought something else to the piece.

Anyway the music is what we're all about and this was Zane Lowe's hottest thing since the last thing or something like that. Check it out it's pretty catchy.




UPDATE: Last minute arrival in my inbox today (9th Nov) is this remix which you can download...

Whatever happened to Pushboxer?

OK, so if you're wondering who Pushboxer are then you're probably not wondering what happened to them but they were featured on this blog back in 2009. A lifetime ago in music and so they've done well to be still around in some form or other. They are now called Flutes and despite the name there's no flute I can hear on the track. They still have the same dark broodyness of Pushboxer but I'm guessing it's mainly a personnel change. Check out their track below.

It's Been A While

Sorry folks it's been a while but hey I've had a half marathon to train for and the small matter of a second daughter arriving. You'll be pleased to hear I got a new personal best - at the half marathon, the baby is of course in equal first place with her sister.

Anyway enough about me, I'm sure you just come for the music. First off Frankie and the Heartstrings have a new single out and best off all it's a free download at their web site. I Still Follow You doesn't break any new ground but is a better representation of the band than the last single.

Little Comets - Language Is Over

I always think of Little Comets when the clocks go back (One Night In October) so I was pleased to hear they're still around and making music. In fact I've got a video of their single to share with you and a free acoustic download.

White Light Parade - New Album

I was really excited to hear the other day that White Light Parade have a new album out soon. The main reason I was excited was that I didn't know they'd had a debut album out already! I quickly ordered the last album and have now got myself clued up on their progress since I saw them live years ago. At the time I saw them live I bought a four track EP and I really enjoyed 'Wait For The Weekend' which I have since learnt later became a single. They also had their 'Riot In The City' track feature on Grand Theft Auto IV. To give you a guide to their sound, I guess they most closely resemble Hard-Fi but at times can sound a bit heavier, especially on the 'Riot In The City' track.

Below is a remix of their new single which you can download now.

Free Download From Reverend and the Makers

I'm pleased to hear that Reverend and the Makers are back and they're even giving away a track as a freebie. The album proper is out on the 18th June and the lead single from the album Wrestler was out yesterday (11th) although I was struggling to find it on iTunes. I've ordered the deluxe album from our favourite tax dodgers at Amazon.

On a separate note it was good to catch up with my old friend Matt at the weekend who said he's read the blog for years. So even if you don't comment, hello to you dear reader.

Cosmo Jarvis New Single and Album

It doesn't seem five minutes since I bought Cosmo's last album "Is The World Strange or Am I Strange?" and now I receive the news that not only does he have a new single out in July but the album is going to follow it days later.

Single 'Love This' (above) is out on the 2nd of July and album 'Think Bigger' is out on July 9th. It seems that Cosmo has listened to my review as the new album is less of a mashup of styles and is more down the "singer songwriter template tinged with alt-country". I'm not sure I wanted him to head down the alt-country route more but let's see what he's got.