Now That's What I Call A Music Thread: 2009

[Steeb]

Thank you to Ollie and Liam for leading me to re-realise exactly how fucking immense both TMV's 'Amputechture' and Porcupine Tree's 'Signify' are.

Fucking immense albums - although both are almost too long.

[probablyoliver]

Amp is awful. >_>

[Steeb]

YOU'RE AWFUL :@

Saying that, I still can't get into Bedlam.

[YI]

FUCK YEAH!!!!

Just after announcing details of their upcoming new album Supporting Caste, Winnepeg's Propagandhi have announced several English tour dates to coincide with the release.

April 17, 2009 Sheffield, UK Academy

April 18, 2009 Bristol, UK Fiddlers

April 19, 2009 London, UK Islington Academy

April 20, 2009 Brighton, UK Concorde 2

April 21, 2009 Norwich, UK Waterfront

Sheffield or London, in a heartbeat.

Bah, Random Hand are supporting. Nothing against them per-say, just not the kind of band I'm excited about seeing 3-times (maybe 4 if I go to RBF) in a one year period.

Edited January 15, 2009 by YI

[probablyoliver]

Might as well do these here from now on...

If You Were Going To Listen To Anything II...

I've got some big plans for some big playlists like this in the new year, and if things go to plan, I'm hoping that a lot of them next year will be themed. I've got plans for some ladyfolk, with the likes of Jenny Lewis, Tilly & The Wall, Gemma Hayes, Kelly De Martino and Stars making appearances, there'll be one designed to rock out with some Post-Hardcore beauties like Bear Vs. Shark, Aereogramme, yourcodenameis:milo and Fugazi, then I wanna do an acousticy one with the likes of Arthur Russell, Ray LaMontagne, Sufjan Stevens and Andrew Jackson Jihad making some appearances. But this one is just a mesh of songs, just something to dance about to on Friday nights across the country. It's a bit thrown together, and it's a bit last minute, but it's also a bit good, and I'm hoping you enjoy listening to it just as much as I enjoy putting it together. Happy New Year, everybody, and I hope you all have a fan-fucking-awesome 2009.

Ollie

x

-

1. Say Anything - "Admit It!!!" from the album "...Is A Real Boy" [2004]

- Rule number one of making a mix; start with a belter, and oh my god is this a belter of what. Say Anything are your regular, every-day, cookie-cutter, pop-punk "emo" band, and if it wasn't for Max Bemis' amazing lyrical ability, I doubt you'd be able to separate them from the crowd. As it is, Bemis' vocals and lyrical brilliance push Say Anything past the wailing wall of teenage angst and throw them into the midst of a brutal hatred for peers and parents alike. "Admit It!!!" is the best example of this, and the closing track from 2004's "...Is A Real Boy" is one of the most fantastic and violent rebellions put to record since the cult of emo started twenty years ago. But behind Say Anything's suburban manifesto is a longing, not for equality, but for superiority and acceptance, a concept which seems to be lost in today's "hardcore" scene. What truly separates Say Anything from everyone else is that Bemis isn't the bullied, he's the bully, and it makes for a superb musical dynamic that's not been seen or heard in years.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Reuben, Thursday, Cursive.

2. Death Cab For Cutie - "That's Incentive!" from the album "You Can Play These Songs With Chords" [1997]

- When you think of Death Cab, I've no doubt that you think of their unique blend of baroque style instrumentals and epic vocals, stuff like "Transatlanticism" and "What Sarah Said". Maybe you'll consider their cute, twee-indie style in the form of "The Sound of Settling" or "I Will Follow You Into The Dark". I truly doubt you'd think of this, a two minute, full-on hardcore, guitar driven, angst-filled mosh about self-harm, bulimia and the cult of celebrity, it's different to say the least. Ben Gibbard's vocals aren't epic, they're muffled, lo-fi, haunting and with an added bite that makes him sound more like a sophomore Johnny Rotten than the guy who sang "A Lack of Color". The fact of the matter is that this is rough round the edges, it doesn't sound beautiful, it doesn't sound soulful, it doesn't sound romantic, and so it doesn't sound like Death Cab, it sounds angry and hateful, and it sounds sodding glorious!

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... The Smiths, Brand New.

3. Broken Social Scene - "Almost Crimes (Radio Kills Remix)" from the album "You Forget It In People" [2002]

- It's impossible to dislike BSS, purely because of how musically broad they can be, if they're next album was a series of Napalm Death covers, I doubt I'd be surprised. It's just the way they can switch it up from their brand of twee-indie pop to an 8 minute shoegaze affair before switching the members around and doing something totally eclectic and acoustic. They're just sublime. This is a prime example of their erratic twee, it's fast, it's thumping, the key changes come quick and without minimal effort, the vocals are drowned in whiskey and fighting and the instrumentals are beautiful. Broken Social Scene seem to do the impossible, they move mountains with their music, they're unbelievably good technically and they're one of the greatest bands to step out of Canada since time began, and they do all of this whilst keeping a sense of modest fun. They're not going to take over the world, because they plain don't want to, they blow the minds of those lucky enough to know their names.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... The Most Serene Republic, Los Campesinos!, Patrick Wolf

4. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - "I Wanna Be Young" from the album "Oddities Sodomies Vol. 1" [2008]

- I have no idea how to really explain this one, because it's odd as fuck. Myspace tells me it's 'Freak Folk', and that they've been doing this sort of thing for about 13 years. It still doesn't make any sense. All I know is that it's beautiful, and for some reason I can't get enough of it. It's like a pleasant mix of avant-guarde jazz, shoegaze and totally bizarre folk. It's not glamorous, it sounds dirty and it's not the best track in the world, but for some reason (and this is my own opinion), it drips pure sex appeal. It's like Marvin Gaye on acid backed by a synthesizer, and it's gorgeous.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Fuck knows, a psychiatrist perhaps?

5. The Cure - "The Hanging Garden" from the album "Pornography" [1982]

- So, we all know who The Cure are, yeah? After all, they're one of the most influential bands of the last 30 years. Most remember them for the likes of Boys Don't Cry, Friday I'm In Love and the rest of their post-punk pop affairs that whilst fantastic in their own right, don't really have the substance that the likes of 1982's Pornography does. Back when Robert Smith was a proper goth, he'd record stuff like this, and it was so much better than anything that came before or after it. The Hanging Garden is a four and a half minute tour de force led by war drums and Smith's dreary yet sharp howl. But it's all about the drums. It's simple, just a 6 second repeat loop, but it's so powerful and potent that it encompasses the whole song in a sense of fear that grabs you by the balls and doesn't let go, but the whole song, despite the angry howl and the war drums is a love song, or a song about love, or a song about fucking without love. But hey, it's a Cure song, so it's still open to interpretation.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... She Wants Revenge, Joy Division.

6. Modest Mouse - "Australopithecus" from the album "Sad Sappy Sucker" [2001]

- Consider this an interlude. It's an old Modest Mouse song, 30 seconds long and about nothing in particular, but hey, it's gorgeous.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... The Mountain Goats.

7. Holy Fuck - "The Pulse" from the album "LP" [2007]

- If you can listen to the whole six minutes of this song and keep your foot from tapping, then you're a better man than I am, because this is electronic godliness that makes you want to drop something illegal, get up on your feet and dance like the end of the world as we know it. And what makes this particular track even more amazing, save for the beautiful drum loop, heavy bass and face-melting backbeat is that it was recorded live, and that there was no programming involved whatsoever. Holy Fuck are, when you look at the bigger picture, the finest math-rock musicians in the world right now. Not only are they able to do this sort of thing without the regular techniques of electronica like looping or splicing, but they're so insanely clever about it that they can do it flawlessly, and like I say, if you can tell me that you listened to this without tapping or bopping along then well, I just plain won't believe you.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Do Make Say Think, This Will Destroy You, Have A Nice Life.

8. Frank Turner - "Worse Things Happen At Sea" from the album "Sleep Is For The Week" [2007]

- I have a love/hate relationship with Frank Turner. On one hand, he was the front-man of Million Dead, perhaps the finest post-hardcore band of our generation, a man who's deep hatred for society and capitalism helped him pen the likes of "Charlie And The Propaganda Myth Machine", "Pornography For Cowards" and the sublime "I Am The Party". On the other hand, he then went solo and started to release tripe. The politics were gone, the angst and violence that made Million Dead so brilliant had disappeared and he was more content with ABBA and Queen covers. It was a waste of talent. However, on his first full-length album came this, possibly the most potent break-up song ever. It's heartbreaking, because we've all been in this exact situation, and though Turner may have turned the politics down for it, his lyrical genius still shines through, and whilst he may not be the man he was 5 years ago, he still knows how to write the occasional belter.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Chuck Ragen, Former Cell Mates, Wingnut Dishwashers Union

9. Harlem - "South of France" from the album "Free Drugs!" [2008]

- Dripping in the 1960s, it sounds like something that was recorded alongside Velvet Underground or the b52s, it's certainly not of this millennium. South of France is nothing but a bit of fun. An overriding bass line, infectious guitar beats and a drum loop that sounds more like the crashing of waves than a symbol. The voice of Harlem is what stands out the most, though, the grainy lo-fi wailing's of lead singer (who shall remain nameless because I can't find his name >_>) is beautiful, he sounds desperate, drunk and in the mood for some seriously love. It's a great song from a great album by a great band, and it's well worth a listen.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... your Dad's record collection.

10. Okay - "My" from the album "Huggable Dust" [2007]

- Perhaps one of the most heart-felt and downright cute songs out there, it's certainly one of, if not the prettiest song on this playlist. The voice may not be for everyone, it's somewhat strained and the guy sounds like he may have a mild case of throat cancer, but it's still so beautiful. It's a simple slow song, just your everyday love song. It doesn't stand out from a crowd, but that's only because it doesn't need to. The simple guitar structure complete with the background horn's make it sound as though the subject is in love in ways that just shouldn't be possible, and it sounds glorious. Just sit back and smile at it, because this is one hell of a summer song, and in light of recent weather, it should definitely raise a few spirits. Especially if you're just in love as this guy is.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Modest Mouse, I'm From Bareclona

11. Albert Hammond Jr. - "In Transit" from the album "Yours To Keep" [2006]

- The Strokes going on hiatus may have been the greatest thing to happen to music ever. I mean, The Strokes were a fantastic band (discounting the awful third album), and they were a credit to music, but should they not have gone on hiatus, we may never have got the full joy of the likes of Little Joy and Hammond Jr. This track comes from my pick of Album of the Year for 2006, because it's just so beautiful. The old-school punky drums, the Strokes-esque guitars and Hammond's strained high voice make for a perfect driving record. The synth's in the second half go beautifully with the toe-tapping drums and muffled guitars and the intro sounds like something off the back of a Fall b-side. It's just all round amazing, and definitely one of the most fun three minutes you'll have on this playlist.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... The Strokes, Little Joy, The Fall

12. Cat Power - "Sea Of Love" from the album "The Covers Record" [2000]

I'll admit it was a gamble to go with this after In Transit, because to go from the upbeat mess of Albert Hammond to the minimalistic crooning of Cat Power means that Power would need to have a lot of power to keep momentum going, so thank God she does. Power has a great knack for making cover versions, and this, her version of Phil Phillips 1959 crooner classic is a drastic change from the original. The original (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w5JMQwrhx8Y) is one of the happiest love songs I've ever heard, yet somehow; Chan Marshall manages to take all that joy and turn it into a song for the dead. It's downbeat, it's depressing and it's beautiful. It's only a short song, clocking it at just over 2 minutes, and it's only Marshall, a guitar and some post-production, yet she manages to twist and turn that into an agonizingly beautiful plea for love.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Cocteau Twins, Gemma Hayes, Elliott Smith

13. The Wave Pictures - "Cassius Clay" from the album "Instant Coffee Baby" [2008]

'Indie' has been a dead scene for a few years now, and it seems that every band that waltzes through the pearly gates of Radio One or XFM are doomed for failure, and that's purely because there's nothing original about it anymore. Everyone's emulating the band that came before them (who in turn were emulating The Police), and so every top 40 single seems dangerously similar to the top 40 singles of 2006, 2004 and 2002. On top of that, it'd be plain ignorant of me to say that one band could save the genre, but I genuinely believe that The Wave Pictures are the most capable of the lot. This, the closing song to their most recent release sums up how the indie genre should be, which is extremely bizarre seeing as The Wave Pictures are label-mates with the likes of Kate Nash, Florence and the Machine and Bloc Party. They're rubbing shoulders with the right people, and with enough time, I've no doubt they'll break through that barrier and we'll see just how 'indie' music is meant to be done.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... nothing that the radio tells you is 'Indie'.

Link

Edited January 15, 2009 by Enrico Salvatore Rizzo

[METALMAN]

The live version of The Hanging Garden is fantastic.

[probablyoliver]

Every version of The Hanging Garden is fantastic.

[YI]

HOW EVERY FUCKING BAND IN PUNK-ROCK IS CONNECTED: Part 1 (I am not taking into account guest appearences, it's basically bands who share(d) member(s))

Rise Against

RELATED BANDS: 88 Fingers Louie, The Killing Tree, The Falcon, Break The Silence, GWAR, Arma Angelus, Baxter, Only Crime, Nations Afire, Last Of The Believers, The Loved Ones, Zero To Sixty, The Honor System

88 Fingers Louie

RELATED BANDS: Alkaline Trio, Rise Against, Break The Silence, Zero To Sixty, The Story So Far

Only Crime

RELATED BANDS: Good Riddance, GWAR, The Loved Ones, Bane, Converge, Black Flag, Descendents, All, Fury 66, State Of Grace

Arma Angelus

RELATED BANDS: Rise Against, Fall Out Boy

Nations Afire

RELATED BANDS: Rise Against, Ignite, Death By Stereo

Alkaline Trio

RELATED BANDS: 88 Fingers Louie, Slapstick, The Falcon.......fuck it I'm bored now...

...but fuck it would go on for an eternity, basically every fucking band ever can be connected this way, name me two punk rock bands and I bet I could get there with ease (maybe extending it to include guest appearences/producing credits and stuff).

For the 'producing' credits stuff, I don't mean like "shared a producer", I mean say, get from The Smoking Popes to Ryan's Hope, there's a million ways to do it but say;

1) Neil Hennessy drums in "The Smoking Popes"

2) He at one time drummed in "The Killing Tree"

3) Vocalist in the band was "Tim McIlrath"

4) Who sings for "Rise Against

5) Whose founding member was "Dan Precision"

6) Dan Precision recorded and produced "Ryan's Hope's" albums, and according to wikipedia has 'mentored' the band

or you could go

1) Josh Caterer sings for "The Smoking Popes"

2) He was also a member of "Duvall" alongside "Rob Kellenberger"

3) Who was in "Tuesday", fronted by "Dan Andriano"

4) Who joined "Alkaline Trio" while founding member "Glenn Porter" was still on drums

5) Glenn Porter was part of "88 Fingers Louie" with "Dan Precision"

6) Dan Precision recorded and produced "Ryan's Hope's" albums, and according to wikipedia has 'mentored' the band

The Dan Precision/Ryan's Hope link is the only one I can think of at the minute, they're a young band, so there's probably not likely to be more.

Come on, any two punk-rock bands.

Edited January 15, 2009 by YI

[Rich]

I can not wait for the new Marmaduke Duke record now... I have also just ordered the new single on all formats

[Mr Evil Guy]

Might as well do these here from now on...

If You Were Going To Listen To Anything II...

I've got some big plans for some big playlists like this in the new year, and if things go to plan, I'm hoping that a lot of them next year will be themed. I've got plans for some ladyfolk, with the likes of Jenny Lewis, Tilly & The Wall, Gemma Hayes, Kelly De Martino and Stars making appearances, there'll be one designed to rock out with some Post-Hardcore beauties like Bear Vs. Shark, Aereogramme, yourcodenameis:milo and Fugazi, then I wanna do an acousticy one with the likes of Arthur Russell, Ray LaMontagne, Sufjan Stevens and Andrew Jackson Jihad making some appearances. But this one is just a mesh of songs, just something to dance about to on Friday nights across the country. It's a bit thrown together, and it's a bit last minute, but it's also a bit good, and I'm hoping you enjoy listening to it just as much as I enjoy putting it together. Happy New Year, everybody, and I hope you all have a fan-fucking-awesome 2009.

Ollie

x

-

1. Say Anything - "Admit It!!!" from the album "...Is A Real Boy" [2004]

- Rule number one of making a mix; start with a belter, and oh my god is this a belter of what. Say Anything are your regular, every-day, cookie-cutter, pop-punk "emo" band, and if it wasn't for Max Bemis' amazing lyrical ability, I doubt you'd be able to separate them from the crowd. As it is, Bemis' vocals and lyrical brilliance push Say Anything past the wailing wall of teenage angst and throw them into the midst of a brutal hatred for peers and parents alike. "Admit It!!!" is the best example of this, and the closing track from 2004's "...Is A Real Boy" is one of the most fantastic and violent rebellions put to record since the cult of emo started twenty years ago. But behind Say Anything's suburban manifesto is a longing, not for equality, but for superiority and acceptance, a concept which seems to be lost in today's "hardcore" scene. What truly separates Say Anything from everyone else is that Bemis isn't the bullied, he's the bully, and it makes for a superb musical dynamic that's not been seen or heard in years.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Reuben, Thursday, Cursive.

2. Death Cab For Cutie - "That's Incentive!" from the album "You Can Play These Songs With Chords" [1997]

- When you think of Death Cab, I've no doubt that you think of their unique blend of baroque style instrumentals and epic vocals, stuff like "Transatlanticism" and "What Sarah Said". Maybe you'll consider their cute, twee-indie style in the form of "The Sound of Settling" or "I Will Follow You Into The Dark". I truly doubt you'd think of this, a two minute, full-on hardcore, guitar driven, angst-filled mosh about self-harm, bulimia and the cult of celebrity, it's different to say the least. Ben Gibbard's vocals aren't epic, they're muffled, lo-fi, haunting and with an added bite that makes him sound more like a sophomore Johnny Rotten than the guy who sang "A Lack of Color". The fact of the matter is that this is rough round the edges, it doesn't sound beautiful, it doesn't sound soulful, it doesn't sound romantic, and so it doesn't sound like Death Cab, it sounds angry and hateful, and it sounds sodding glorious!

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... The Smiths, Brand New.

3. Broken Social Scene - "Almost Crimes (Radio Kills Remix)" from the album "You Forget It In People" [2002]

- It's impossible to dislike BSS, purely because of how musically broad they can be, if they're next album was a series of Napalm Death covers, I doubt I'd be surprised. It's just the way they can switch it up from their brand of twee-indie pop to an 8 minute shoegaze affair before switching the members around and doing something totally eclectic and acoustic. They're just sublime. This is a prime example of their erratic twee, it's fast, it's thumping, the key changes come quick and without minimal effort, the vocals are drowned in whiskey and fighting and the instrumentals are beautiful. Broken Social Scene seem to do the impossible, they move mountains with their music, they're unbelievably good technically and they're one of the greatest bands to step out of Canada since time began, and they do all of this whilst keeping a sense of modest fun. They're not going to take over the world, because they plain don't want to, they blow the minds of those lucky enough to know their names.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... The Most Serene Republic, Los Campesinos!, Patrick Wolf

4. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - "I Wanna Be Young" from the album "Oddities Sodomies Vol. 1" [2008]

- I have no idea how to really explain this one, because it's odd as fuck. Myspace tells me it's 'Freak Folk', and that they've been doing this sort of thing for about 13 years. It still doesn't make any sense. All I know is that it's beautiful, and for some reason I can't get enough of it. It's like a pleasant mix of avant-guarde jazz, shoegaze and totally bizarre folk. It's not glamorous, it sounds dirty and it's not the best track in the world, but for some reason (and this is my own opinion), it drips pure sex appeal. It's like Marvin Gaye on acid backed by a synthesizer, and it's gorgeous.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Fuck knows, a psychiatrist perhaps?

5. The Cure - "The Hanging Garden" from the album "Pornography" [1982]

- So, we all know who The Cure are, yeah? After all, they're one of the most influential bands of the last 30 years. Most remember them for the likes of Boys Don't Cry, Friday I'm In Love and the rest of their post-punk pop affairs that whilst fantastic in their own right, don't really have the substance that the likes of 1982's Pornography does. Back when Robert Smith was a proper goth, he'd record stuff like this, and it was so much better than anything that came before or after it. The Hanging Garden is a four and a half minute tour de force led by war drums and Smith's dreary yet sharp howl. But it's all about the drums. It's simple, just a 6 second repeat loop, but it's so powerful and potent that it encompasses the whole song in a sense of fear that grabs you by the balls and doesn't let go, but the whole song, despite the angry howl and the war drums is a love song, or a song about love, or a song about fucking without love. But hey, it's a Cure song, so it's still open to interpretation.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... She Wants Revenge, Joy Division.

6. Modest Mouse - "Australopithecus" from the album "Sad Sappy Sucker" [2001]

- Consider this an interlude. It's an old Modest Mouse song, 30 seconds long and about nothing in particular, but hey, it's gorgeous.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... The Mountain Goats.

7. Holy Fuck - "The Pulse" from the album "LP" [2007]

- If you can listen to the whole six minutes of this song and keep your foot from tapping, then you're a better man than I am, because this is electronic godliness that makes you want to drop something illegal, get up on your feet and dance like the end of the world as we know it. And what makes this particular track even more amazing, save for the beautiful drum loop, heavy bass and face-melting backbeat is that it was recorded live, and that there was no programming involved whatsoever. Holy Fuck are, when you look at the bigger picture, the finest math-rock musicians in the world right now. Not only are they able to do this sort of thing without the regular techniques of electronica like looping or splicing, but they're so insanely clever about it that they can do it flawlessly, and like I say, if you can tell me that you listened to this without tapping or bopping along then well, I just plain won't believe you.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Do Make Say Think, This Will Destroy You, Have A Nice Life.

8. Frank Turner - "Worse Things Happen At Sea" from the album "Sleep Is For The Week" [2007]

- I have a love/hate relationship with Frank Turner. On one hand, he was the front-man of Million Dead, perhaps the finest post-hardcore band of our generation, a man who's deep hatred for society and capitalism helped him pen the likes of "Charlie And The Propaganda Myth Machine", "Pornography For Cowards" and the sublime "I Am The Party". On the other hand, he then went solo and started to release tripe. The politics were gone, the angst and violence that made Million Dead so brilliant had disappeared and he was more content with ABBA and Queen covers. It was a waste of talent. However, on his first full-length album came this, possibly the most potent break-up song ever. It's heartbreaking, because we've all been in this exact situation, and though Turner may have turned the politics down for it, his lyrical genius still shines through, and whilst he may not be the man he was 5 years ago, he still knows how to write the occasional belter.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Chuck Ragen, Former Cell Mates, Wingnut Dishwashers Union

9. Harlem - "South of France" from the album "Free Drugs!" [2008]

- Dripping in the 1960s, it sounds like something that was recorded alongside Velvet Underground or the b52s, it's certainly not of this millennium. South of France is nothing but a bit of fun. An overriding bass line, infectious guitar beats and a drum loop that sounds more like the crashing of waves than a symbol. The voice of Harlem is what stands out the most, though, the grainy lo-fi wailing's of lead singer (who shall remain nameless because I can't find his name >_>) is beautiful, he sounds desperate, drunk and in the mood for some seriously love. It's a great song from a great album by a great band, and it's well worth a listen.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... your Dad's record collection.

10. Okay - "My" from the album "Huggable Dust" [2007]

- Perhaps one of the most heart-felt and downright cute songs out there, it's certainly one of, if not the prettiest song on this playlist. The voice may not be for everyone, it's somewhat strained and the guy sounds like he may have a mild case of throat cancer, but it's still so beautiful. It's a simple slow song, just your everyday love song. It doesn't stand out from a crowd, but that's only because it doesn't need to. The simple guitar structure complete with the background horn's make it sound as though the subject is in love in ways that just shouldn't be possible, and it sounds glorious. Just sit back and smile at it, because this is one hell of a summer song, and in light of recent weather, it should definitely raise a few spirits. Especially if you're just in love as this guy is.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Modest Mouse, I'm From Bareclona

11. Albert Hammond Jr. - "In Transit" from the album "Yours To Keep" [2006]

- The Strokes going on hiatus may have been the greatest thing to happen to music ever. I mean, The Strokes were a fantastic band (discounting the awful third album), and they were a credit to music, but should they not have gone on hiatus, we may never have got the full joy of the likes of Little Joy and Hammond Jr. This track comes from my pick of Album of the Year for 2006, because it's just so beautiful. The old-school punky drums, the Strokes-esque guitars and Hammond's strained high voice make for a perfect driving record. The synth's in the second half go beautifully with the toe-tapping drums and muffled guitars and the intro sounds like something off the back of a Fall b-side. It's just all round amazing, and definitely one of the most fun three minutes you'll have on this playlist.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... The Strokes, Little Joy, The Fall

12. Cat Power - "Sea Of Love" from the album "The Covers Record" [2000]

I'll admit it was a gamble to go with this after In Transit, because to go from the upbeat mess of Albert Hammond to the minimalistic crooning of Cat Power means that Power would need to have a lot of power to keep momentum going, so thank God she does. Power has a great knack for making cover versions, and this, her version of Phil Phillips 1959 crooner classic is a drastic change from the original. The original (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w5JMQwrhx8Y) is one of the happiest love songs I've ever heard, yet somehow; Chan Marshall manages to take all that joy and turn it into a song for the dead. It's downbeat, it's depressing and it's beautiful. It's only a short song, clocking it at just over 2 minutes, and it's only Marshall, a guitar and some post-production, yet she manages to twist and turn that into an agonizingly beautiful plea for love.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... Cocteau Twins, Gemma Hayes, Elliott Smith

13. The Wave Pictures - "Cassius Clay" from the album "Instant Coffee Baby" [2008]

'Indie' has been a dead scene for a few years now, and it seems that every band that waltzes through the pearly gates of Radio One or XFM are doomed for failure, and that's purely because there's nothing original about it anymore. Everyone's emulating the band that came before them (who in turn were emulating The Police), and so every top 40 single seems dangerously similar to the top 40 singles of 2006, 2004 and 2002. On top of that, it'd be plain ignorant of me to say that one band could save the genre, but I genuinely believe that The Wave Pictures are the most capable of the lot. This, the closing song to their most recent release sums up how the indie genre should be, which is extremely bizarre seeing as The Wave Pictures are label-mates with the likes of Kate Nash, Florence and the Machine and Bloc Party. They're rubbing shoulders with the right people, and with enough time, I've no doubt they'll break through that barrier and we'll see just how 'indie' music is meant to be done.

If you were going to listen to this, you should also check out... nothing that the radio tells you is 'Indie'.

Link

Wave Pictures/Ariel Pink/Okay/BSS/Cure/Harlem

[LittleDaniel]

So, I'm going to see Los Campesinos tonight, anyone seen them live/have opinions on them?

Yeah, this is mainly to brag, can't wait for the show!

[Turbo Yannis]

Speaking of which, We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed turned out to be alot better than I thought.

Really changed my opinion of them (Y)

[LittleDaniel]

After listening to "Hold On Now Youngster," "Sticking Fingers in Sockets," and "We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed" today to psyche myself up, I find "We Are..." to be my least favorite release from them, but it has my favorite song, "Miserabilia." I just think it loses something towards the end, while I love "...Youngster" all the way through.

[probablyoliver]

Los Camp are amaaaazing live. They're just so much fun, and I can't think of a more fun live band out there right now. Maybe Architecture In Helsinki circa 2005, but these days they're not worth a damn.

[LittleDaniel]

Greaaaaaat show. Even without the violinist(who couldn't come on the tour due to illness).

Edited January 16, 2009 by LittleDaniel

[tristy]

YOU'RE AWFUL :@

Saying that, I still can't get into Bedlam.

That's funny, because out of all the TMV albums, I think Bedlam is probably the best. Amp is probably the worst, but even their worst is still alot better than the best of some bands out there.

Bedlam was probably my favorite album of 2008, actually.

[ROC]

LC is coming around my corner of the woods around Friday or so. And I'll annoy the fuck out of everyone I know to go to it.

[Turbo Yannis]

Do do do do do do do do, you'll never know, I'm after you.

What a fucking tune.

[YI]

Quality tune, fucking awful album. That and the title-track were the only songs worth shit on it. The "Tip Of The Iceberg" EP really renewed my faith in the band, fucking BRUTAL (for New Found Glory at least). Was kind of obvious they weren't going to stick with that style for the new album, but "Listen To Your Friends" is really growing on me, they've got some gang vocals in there, so that's something at least. Oh, their hype video for the new album is fabulous;

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xH3Eliu7Mn0

EPIC!!!

[YI]

:::THE WEEK:::

TOP 5 ALBUMS:

1. "STAY HOME" by TRANSIT ( - | 2nd week)

http://www.myspace.com/transitma

This 7-track EP once again stays top of the list for the week. I've found a new love for "Outbound", which is primarily acoustic, I was unsure on it at first but it's really grown on me this past week. Still haven't checked out the album they released last year, it's on my to-do list.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Stay Home", "Riverside", "Nameless (Songs To Static)" and "Stays The Same".

IF YOU LIKE: "Polar Bear Club", "A Wilhelm Scream", "Lipona", "The Swellers", "Hot Water Music" etc.

2. "DEAR JOHN" by LONEY, DEAR ( n/a | 1st week)

http://www.myspace.com/loneydear

Loney, Dear is a Swedish indie-pop artist. His tunes are beautiful atmospheric pop songs mixing together acoustic instrumentation, electronics and string sections. It's all very beautiful on the ear, I could definitely see this being one of my favourite albums of the entire year.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Summers", "Everything Turns To You", "Harm" and "Airport Surroundings".

IF YOU LIKE: "Jens Lekman", "I'm From Barcelona", "Jose Gonzalez", "Arcade Fire" etc.

3. "WORKING ON A DREAM" by BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN ( n/a | 1st week)

http://www.myspace.com/brucespringsteen

Generall when it comes to older artists, anything 'acceptable' they release is heralded as an amazing album. The Boss, however, continues to actually churn out amazing material. It's 25 years since he put out the anthematic "Born In The USA" and he's still releasing brilliant material. It's the quieter tunes where he continues to stand out here, which is what I always prefer him for. I wasn't massive on "Magic" (although it was solid), this is a definite improvement.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Life Itself", "The Wrestler", "What Love Can Do" and "The Last Carnival".

IF YOU LIKE: "Tom Petty", "Tom Waits", "Frank Turner", "Lucero", "The Gaslight Anthem" etc.

4. "REFORMATION" by LUCCA ( v:2 | 2nd week)

http://www.myspace.com/djlucca

Catchy melodies, a little bit of weirdness, but at the end of the day it's IDM at its best, as it is very much "dance music". I'm not sure how long it will survive in the top of my list, especially given its length, meaning it can be a bit of a chore to listen to, but it's great to just pick a few songs out of.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Crank", "Teleport", "Woodblocker" and "Bodydance".

IF YOU LIKE: "Aphex Twin", "Clark", "Paul Van Dyk" etc.

5. "GO LUCKY" by TALK LESS, SAY MORE ( n/a | 1st week)

http://www.myspace.com/talklesssaymore

FREE DOWNLOAD

#5 was originally going to be Fever Ray, but I've decided to give this a pimping because he needs it. This was technically released late December last year, but that's technically 2009 to me. He's released it for free, and it's an absolutely breathtaking release, so many quality tunes. It sounds like the fella from Bloc Party singing over Thom Yorke, "The Eraser" style tracks. Brilliant. I find myself singing "The Battle of Borodino" to myself a lot.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "The Battle of Borodino", "See You In The Morning", "All Dressed Up Like Love" and "Up Close, Far Away"

IF YOU LIKE: "Thom Yorke", "Fever Ray", "Electric President" etc.

OTHER NOTABLE RELEASES FOR THE WEEK:

"Fever Ray" by Fever Ray

"Operation Stackola" by Andrew Jackson Jihad [EP]

"Noble Beast" by Andrew Bird

"Common Existence" by Thursday

"Neon Creeps" by O Pioneers!!!

"Grand" by Matt & Kim

"Sinking In Mirrors" by RickoLus [EP]

"Adult Nights" by Wild Light

"Animals In The Dark" by William Elliot Whitmore

"Rules" by The Whitest Boy Alive

"ONANI (Practise Makes Perfect)" by Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio

"Think Hardcore, Play Pop Punk" by Caleb Lionheart [EP]

-------------------------------

"The Music Makes Me Sick" by It's A Musical (v:from #3)

"Tonight: Franz Ferdinand" by Franz Ferdinand (v:from #4)

"To Lose My Life" by White Lies (v:from #5)

RECORDS I CAN'T WAIT FOR:

"Supporting Caste" by Propagandhi

"Spring Tides" by Jeniferever

"Prototypes & Painkillers" by Strung Out [b-sides collection]

"The Hazards of Love" by The Decemberists

"Grace/Wastelands" by Pete Doherty

GIGS NEWS:

26th March - Pete Doherty @ Academy (on sale Friday)

26th January - Static Thought @ Trillians

8th February - The Gaslight Anthem w/Frank Turner and Polar Bear Club @ Shepherds Bush Empire

6th May - This Is A Standoff w/Laughing In The Face of..., Newbridge Downfall and Tripdash @ Independent

+ Propagandhi and This Town Needs Guns are touring (seperately), am going to try and catch them if at all possible

FITTY OF THE WEEK:

Marina (of "Marina & The Diamonds")

Edited January 18, 2009 by YI