Surfer Blood

January 2010 saw Surfer Blood release their debut album Astro Coast after much critical acclaim over the bands first single swim in the US, It would be fair to say that the band had a lot of work on to trying and live up to the hype they had previously set themselves.

I stumbled across this album whilst browsing the metacritic website, It received generally favourable reviews and users seem to rate the album also, giving it an average score of 8.6 out of 10. Being a US band the chances of them getting much coverage over here will probably be pretty slim! Isn't the Internet a wonderful tool!

So a little bit about the band, you have to excuse me as I've never heard of them before, and at the time of writing this is only my second listen to their album (their myspace songs had me intrigued). They're a 4 piece band from Florida..... that's all I can find from their wiki page!

So more importantly their music, If you are planning to listen to the band on their myspace then you will see that the band describe themselves as pop. Soon after listening to the album however you will soon see that they're much more like an easy listening yet lively alternative rock band.

You're welcomed into the album with Floating Vibes which gently brings you into what is to follow, powerful and clever lead guitar, deep Kim Deal esque bass and strong Vocals. Astro Coast however is not just a one trick pony, the opening track is a great song and I can understand now the hype behind Swim. There isn't much to criticise about the album, All songs are good on their own merit, perhaps with the exception of Slow Jabroni, Which fills me with no inspiration at all.

That aside though, this album is definitely a success. The band could quite easily have been anxious to try and follow their earlier success with the aforementioned single, however Surfer Blood have reamained calm and produced a successful and solid record. deep bass and catchy guitar riffs will have you singing along throughout the album and playing your air guitar!

You can listen to the whole album here, courtesy of Grooveshark:
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/album/Astro+Coast/3603551

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Surfer Blood - Astro Coast - Twin Peaks

United Nations Of Sound

When you get emails saying "Are You Ready" you get a little intrigued. Well I certainly did and this was an email I receieved from Richard Ashcroft a couple of days ago. I had forgotten I was registered to his website. 2006's album Keys To The World was when I most probably registered my interest.

Upon first visit to the website I learned that Dicky had worked on a song about the short film released in the guardian about sex trafficking (a very brutal, violent and distressing film, personally I don't recommend it. Being the wuss I am I couldn't watch it all).

Another email from Ashcroft arrived yesterday titled "Yes I'm Ready" and now I can tell you what exactly is happening! The Verve split up again sometime late last year, McCabe believed Ashcroft was using the band as a way to relaunch his solo career. It's an interesting thought but someone as influential as Ashcroft I believe doesn't need a resurrection, he's always going to attract the crowds because..... well, it's Richard Ashcroft!

Ashcroft has now formed a new band called United Nations Of Sound. Their first single and taste of what they sound like is called Are You Ready. I've included a link at the bottom of this post.

First thoughts, very Ian Brown and there wouldn't really be a better solo artist to follow for Ashcroft, both were part of very influential brit pop bands.

If that's the direction Ashcroft is set to go down then I am thoroughly looking forward to what this album will bring especially if this song is anything to go by. Radio friendly too, radio one will be most pleased!

Listen to the new single here:
http://www.nme.com/video?bcpid=26429438001&bctid=62165493001


Northern Soul

listening to:

United Nations Of Sound - Are You Ready?

Miike Snow

Ah, bless the Swedish and their quirky spelling. Well, in this case, two Swedish music producers and an American singer/songwriter.

Miike Snow have been together since 2007. The two swedes on board, Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg have worked under the pseudonym 'Bloodshy & Avant', working with the likes of Madonna, Kylie Minogue and have even won a Grammy for a dance remix of Britney Spears' "Toxic". American, Andrew Wyatt is more of an unknown.

I couldn't tell you why it's taken them 2 years to emerge properly into mainstream music. The song 'Silvia' is being banded around the radio airwaves and 'Animal' has featured in an episode of 'Gossip Girl'. You may recognised 'Black and Blue' from a recently Sony advert, so they're getting about a bit.

The album is lovely to put it simply. If I'd bothered to find out about them sooner I think they'd have featured on my albums list 2009.
Have a listen, you may be surprised.

~SouthernHeart
Listening to: Miike Snow - Burial

She Wants Revenge

This blog, whilst about discussing new releases and new artists on the music stage, is also about introducing bands that may not have been heard of before. I think mainly for me it is a chance to talk about bands I discovered and like or maybe even love.

And so I introduce: She Wants Revenge
Another band I found by just looking for them. When I listened to the first couple of songs my immediate thought was Interpol only without the sublime Daniel Kessler. Listening to Justin Warfield you could be forgiven thinking it was Paul Banks in the band - the similarities in range and vocal quality are practically Siamese. Being as unbiased as I possibly can I'd label them a poor man's Interpol, dragging a bit of Ian Curtis along for good measure.

But I listened to more songs off the two album they've released so far and I found a quality in She Wants revenge that doesn't appear in Interpol - they love a bit of dance. I'm not talking trance-tastic but the elements are there. The snappy beats and synths appear every now and then and keep the songs zipping along

The band have had moderate success in America and have had some pretty respectable people involved. In the video for 'These Things', Ms Manson, lead singer of Garbage appears. And the video for 'Tear You Apart', Joaquin Phoenix directed and hey, we know how good he was a Mr Cash. They appear on Timbaland's 2007 album 'Shock Value' which just goes to show their range across music genres.

I'd thoroughly recommend this band to anyone who likes Interpol, or those who think they should like Interpol but somehow can't manage it. She Wants Revenge is a little sweeter on the tongue.

~SouthernHeart
Listening to: She Wants Revenge - Monologue

Lightbody & Buck to make country record

I'm not a massive Snow Patrol fan, I have two albums which I enjoy however I wouldn't go as far as to call me a fan.

But after reading comments today that Gary Lightbody is to produce a country album to be released this year, I sat up and took notice. To add a bit of spice to proceedings; The legend Peter Buck is rumoured to be involved.

Fingers crossed for a great album :)

Northern Soul

listening to:

R.E.M. - Green - World Leader Pretend

Ellie Goulding

I feel compelled to write a short blog about her - if only for the fact she was top of the list by the BBC for artists to watch out for in 2010.

However, I'd like to tow the line with The Telegraph's Neil McCormick. He's wary of her championing by the Beeb because, as he puts it, 'There’s just something wrong about crowning artists before they’ve actually achieved anything, other than getting noticed.'

Too true. I've heard precisely 4 songs by her and whilst they're not too shabby I don't like to plump for her being the next big thing based on that alone. Of course, Florence came out on top last year so who knows.



Under The Sheets is pretty catchy. I would argue some may find her 'quirky' voice a little grating but if people want to look past that, she may become quite successful.

Still, never assume. It makes an ass out of u and me.
The Album Lights is due for release May 2010.

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Ellie Goulding - Under The Sheets

Phoenix

I'll be the first to admit: when it comes to the French I don't usually look to them for good music bands. Some many have know Air and Daft Punk as well as the progressive death mental rock band Gojira but there it ends for me and I suspect a fair few others.

Enter Phoenix. These guys are Grammy nominated so perhaps would a look into. Their debut album United was released in 200o but they remained relatively unknown - well at least to me. It's hasn't been until the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix that I really began to sit up and take notice. Embarrassingly, this is their 4th studio album - I hope there are others out there that have neglected them until now just so I don't feel quite so ridiculous. In fact, with the Grammys only just recognizing these guys in the last year I'd say I wasn't alone.

Anyway, it's a good album. A classical theme runs through it starting with the first track Lisztomania, a reference to the composer Liszt. Wagner and Mozart make appearances throughout the album also, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Catchy guitar riffs and a general feel good, chirpy beat keeps this album punching along in a pleasing fashion. Standouts include 'Lisztomania' and '1901' and probably 'Countdown', also.

It may not be your thing but give it a go it may brighten your day.
~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Phoenix - 1901

Delphic

Delphic are this year set to take the UK music scene by storm. Already they have been nominated by the BBC in their sounds of 2010, coming 3rd out of the long list of 15.

The Manc band demonstrate the ability to mix seamlessly and perfectly that balance of electronica and alternative music which has been a hit over the last couple of years through bands and artists such as Klaxons and La Roux.

With an album released early next week and many journalists tipping them for big things.

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Delphic - Counterpoint

Renegades - Tour

And so it begins...

Excitement

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Phoenix - Fences

Kid British

There comes a time when you listen to music that you don't want to critically assess it, you want to sit back relax and enjoy the music for what it is. Something happy, something catchy, something that will have you dancing and singing along.

Enter Kid British, pop meets ska meets hip hop. Listening to the band it's obvious straight away you can see the similarities with ska bands such as The Specials and Madness, Indeed the second track of their album samples the back drop to The Madness track Our House. You can also make connections to more recent bands such as The Ordinary Boys.

The bands album It Was This Or Football will be released in two parts. The first half was released in July 2009 and the second half is due for release this month. The idea for releasing the album in two halves goes back to the title of the album. The two halves of a football match.

After listening to the first half of the album the second half shows a lot of promise especially if the band can continue to produce similar material to that already released.

Kid British could still a bit unknown to probably make a significant impact this year but catch them when they're hot. There's no doubting the music they make is quite suitable for mainstream commercial radio so it could only be a matter of time before these are hitting the charts and becoming the next best thing.

For those not sure if it will be their thing, the track Elizabeth is a nice entry to the band. Click here to listen.

Northern Soul

Currently listening to:

Kid British - It Was This Or Football - First Half - Elizabeth

Anticipated Albums of 2010 - SouthernHeart

One obligatory music blog post down, another to go.
And so here are a list of bands I am looking forward to releasing another album.
In no particular order because I never do it that way:

1. Arcade Fire: I mentioned this in a previous post so I won't stand on ceremony but suffice to say I want more of what has happened in the past. Expected release date: May 2010
   
   
2. Field Music: I've not known about these guys all that long but I am looking forward to the next installment. The previous 3 albums promised and delivered a lot and so it can only be assumed they'll make it four times lucky. Expected release date: (Measures) February 2010
   
   
3. Minus the Bear: Again, I mentioned this news a while back but boy am I excited. I have nothing but good words to say about this band so once again I am on the edge of my swivel chair in anticipation. Expected release date: April 2010
   
   
4. Interpol: A rush of excitement ran through me when it was announced March 2009 a new Interpol album was being worked upon. I have little detail other than it has to be good. Oh and more Daniel please. Click their website and you'll find the words 'Interpol 2010' emblazoned across your screen. Cue anticipatory dribbling. Expected album release: ? 2010
   
   
5. Laura Marling: Oh yes, I love her and oh yes she's finally releasing a new album. If her debut is anything to go by the second will cling to my heart even hardered. In fact, Goodbye England (Covered in Snow) got me from the first go. (Search it on the Tube, it's all over) Expected release date: (I Speak Because I Can) March 2010

So those are the ones I'm most excited about. There will be others too, or so I'm lead to believe. These include:

• Radiohead
• School of Seven Bells
• Four Tet
  
• Fleet Foxes
• Cat Power
• Charlotte Gainsbourg & Beck
  

...amongst but a few.
Looks like it'll be a good year all round!

~SouthernHeart

Listening to: Laura Marling - Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)

Top 10 albums of 2009 - Northern Soul

Well we are firmly into 2010 now so I guess it's time to announce my top 10 albums of the previous years, I would also like to kill the myth that it was a poor year for music. It has been quite the opposite in fact. We've had some good albums this years some haven't made the list such as The XX, Editors, The Cribs, Julian Plenti & Manic Street Preachers all produced memorable material. But the following in my opinion have made the list certainly for me as the best albums of this year. Enjoy reading and I hope you agree to some extent :)

Thank you and have a happy new year

Northern Soul

10. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
09. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions
08. Doves - Kingdom Of Rust
07. The Rifles - Great Escape
06. The Decemberists - Hazards Of Love
05. The Antlers - Hospice
04. Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose
03. Florence + The Machine - Lungs
02. The Maccabees - Wall Of Arms
01. White Lies - To Lose My Life...



10. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

After two superb albums in Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not and Favourite Worst Nightmare The Monkeys elevated themselves to arguably the biggest band in the United Kingdom. Sold out stadium tours followed and all things looked rosey for the Alex Turners band.

Humbug came along in August of this year and it's an album with a different angle than their previous attempts. Arctic Monkeys have matured as a band and produced a solid album. Whilst I wouldn't say it matches their previous works nobody can argue that Crying Lightening and My Propeller are not as good as any of their earlier tracks. It can at times however, be a difficult album to listen to.

Listen to: The Jeweller's Hand


09. Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions

Biffy Clyro returned this year with their 5th studio album and it didn't disappoint. I'm not really a big fan of the band, This is only the second album of theirs I have owned (the other being Infinity Land from 2004) but the album is brilliant. It gained critical acclaim and went gold shortly after it's release.

Listen to: Mountains


08. Doves - Kingdom Of Rust

For myself, The Doves have always been a band who I've never called one of my favourites but they've constantly been listened to and they've constantly produced good music. This is the bands 4th album now and I like many others have got all 4 of them. A review at the time of the release of the album suggested what I've said above.

The Doves are never going to be one of them bands who will be directly in the spotlight, They just aren't that kind of band. So be it, If they're going to continue writing albums such as this then I'm happy with that.

Listen to: Kingdom Of Rust


07. The Rifles - The Great Escape

One of my favourite bands of the last couple of years. The Rifles are brilliant. Listening to their albums will have you dancing around or if you're more composed maybe a slight nod of the head and a tap of your foot! I've managed to see them 3 times now all at small venues packed to the rafters with their faithful fans. Each time you come out absolutely shattered after jumping about for the whole gig! A true "indie" band.

Listen to: The Great Escape


06. The Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love

Another concept album which I enjoyed this year was from The Decemberists. This story is a little more complex than Hospice however. Hazzards of Love tells a story between a woman named Margaret, a shape-shifter, an evil forest queen and a rake, Strange huh? Definitely! But it's such a great album. Lyrically clever and every song leads straight into the next, no pause between the tracks, The first time I heard this album I had to listen to it from start to finish with no breaks.

It has you in it's grip and it will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to find out what exactly happens! As songs go individually, this isn't a strong album for singles but when they're all together they work brilliantly!

Listen to: The Rake Song


05. The Antlers - Hospice

Before the end of each year I frantically search music websites to see if there are any albums which I haven't managed to listen to. This is how I came accross The Antlers. Hospice is a concept album telling the story of a woman who is terminally ill from bone cancer. As the album goes on Siberman describes the relationships of the woman with herself, her past and her partner who also happens to be the hospice worker taking care of her. I'm not gonna try and rose tint this, Hospice has some quite depressing lyrics but it's the kind of album where you can excuse the lyrics for the beauty of the album as a whole and how Siberman delivers the story.

Listen to: Shiva


04. Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose

Hailing from London Bombay Bicycle club can now fully concentrate on their music! The band have only just finished school in past years gone by music was being fitted around homework and detentions. For a band just finishing their education you'd be forgiven for thinking they're unpolished and raw. However listening to the album, you get the impression of a mature band with a wealth of experience. A true joy listening to this album rock along with Early Contraception Blues or Magnet and appreciate their ability to write a love ballad with Dust On The Ground.

Listen To: Magnet


03. Florence + The Machine – Lungs

Certainly one of this years success stories. Few had heard of Florence or her machine (backing band) The band have produced some superb singles this year in the likes of Dog Days Are Over and Rabbit Heart. But on the album the beauty and strength of her voice is probably more noticeable in songs such as Girl With One Eye and My Boy Builds Coffins. A cover of You've Got The Love was arguably her most successful song this year and again shows how incredible this girls vocals are. The song ends the album unless you have it on repeat. Like me.

Listen to: You've Got The Love


02. The Maccabees - Wall Of Arms

Superb album! What is there to say? It works well both as a singles album or an LP. Love You Better, Can You Give It? and William Powers all would work as superb singles. There isn't really a weak song on the album and plenty of stand out tracks. Every time you listen to Wall Of Arms you will find another song which you will call your favourite, however this will swiftly change the next time you listen the album for another one of their tracks.

It's also nice to see that The Maccabees have stuck to their winning formula of their previous album Colour It In. Another masterpiece from the London band

Listen to: Can You Give It?


01. White Lies - To Lose My Life...

My favourite album of 2009 is White Lies debut album To Lose My Life... It's fair to say the album got mixed reviews in the press but I think it's absolutely brilliant. Farewell To The Fairground is one of my favourite singles of the year as well. It's quite a morbid album especially reading the lyrics “lets grow old together and die at the same time” come from the albums title track. And Is This The Price Of Love Tells the story of a kidnapping and murder. You'd be forgiven this was goth rock but their disco tunes, heavy bass and howling vocals make it one of the happiest murder, death, suicide pact albums you'll ever listen to.

Listen to: Farewell To The Fairground

Top 10 Albums of 2009 - SouthernHeart

Top 10 Albums of 2009 – in no particular order because I can’t decide and I can’t be arsed.

1. White Lies – To Lose My Life

2. Imogen Heap – Ellipse

3. Metric – Fantasies

4. Florence and the Machine – Lungs

5. Editors – In This Light and On This Evening

6. Manic Street Preachers – Journal For Plague Lovers

7. 93MillionMilesFromTheSun – 93MillionMilesFromTheSun

8. The Antlers – Hospice

9. Japandroids – Post-Nothing

10. The xx – xx

Special mention to: Muse – The Resistance

1. White Lies – To Lose My Life

This album I played on repeat so many millions of times I lost count. From the very first moment I heard the first few notes of ‘Death’ I’ll admit I was hooked. I have a thing for voices and Harry McVeigh’s deep rumble is no exception. It’s the kind of voice that gives me shivers and part of the reason the album won’t grow old…for me at least. There is barely a weak track on the album though if I had to pick one it would be ‘Nothing To Give’, for me, it just doesn’t lead on to much.

2. Imogen Heap - Ellipse

I jumped for joy when I read about Imogen Heap’s comments about recording for her new album. It had been 4 years since her previous album and I thought she’d never release another so I was more than a bit happy about the arrival of Ellipse. It’s a good album although I would argue not as good as her second that aside, there are some real gems on it including ‘Bad Body Double’ and ‘Canvas’ as well as the first single released from it ‘First Train Home’. Immi had a lot of work to do to answer her critics and I feel she more than matched their expectations.

3. Metric – Fantasies

If there’s one bad I’d fight tooth and nail to see before I die, Metric would be top of my list. Emily Haines is a beautifully talented lady and although she has an embarked on a solo career for me, she works best in Metric. This was another album that I had constantly on repeat to the extent I dreamt in the lyrics. I can say with confidence there isn’t a track on the album I wish they’d not included – personal favourites include ‘Satellite Mind’, ‘Gold Gun Girls’ and ‘Stadium Love’. This will be a favourite album of mine until I die.

4. Florence and the Machine – Lungs

I think a trend is forming – another album I played too many times and another female artist – maybe 2009 was the year they shone for me. Florence, oh how I wish I could sing as high as you do. Sadly, I can’t and if my car were a living thing, its poor ears would be damaged beyond repair. I think her album struck a chord with me and that’s why it became a firm 2009 favourite. I’ll admit it wasn’t ‘til ‘Dog Days Are Over’ was it that I became a fan – ‘A Kiss With A Fist’ wasn’t something I liked to begin with but continuous listening and it grew to be one of my more favoured songs off the album. My first love however, will always be ‘Hurricane Drunk’ it’s great to yell along to in the car!

5. Editors – In This Light and On This Evening

I don’t care what anyone else says, Tom Smith does not sound like a poor man’s Iain Curtis and I will fight anyone who takes me on. With this album I think Editors defied people to hate them, to become annoyed at them and certainly a lot of people do and will continue to. Me, I love them even more. This album has been labelled as ‘dark’ and ‘brooding’ but I find it more uplifting and insightful of the Editors’ sound. It took me 3 or 4 listens to become really hooked but after that there was no looking back. I first heard ‘Papillon’ on the radio and I practically weed my self with excitement. I’ve always harboured a secret love for the synth-tasic 80s genre so when they pumped up on this record I barely contained myself. The boys are back in town.

6. Manic Street Preachers – Journal For Plague Lovers

This is quite a poignant album – lyrics, the fated Richey Edwards wrote before he mysteriously disappear in 1995 are used on this album and I’d go as far to say it is way up there as a contender for album of the year. I’ve always loved the Manics but never in epic proportions. They’ve always just ‘been there’ and I’ve happily listened to 90s classics ‘La Tritesse Durera (Scream to a Sigh)’ and ‘Kevin Carter’ and whilst this album doesn’t scream (pardon the pun) out hits such as that I really appreciate the more mature sound. This hard, aggressive album appeals to my edgier need of sound. I adore down to the ground ‘Jackie Collins Existential Question Time’. I love it when a song catches you on first listen, you know then it’s the sign of good times ahead. The title track gets me air drumming in epic proportions – if only you could see…second thought, better you can’t.

7. 93MillionMilesFromTheSun – 93MillionMilesFromTheSun

Ignore the stupid band name and album title, shoegaze is the name of the game with this band. Having been lucky enough to catch them live, at a small intimate gig in the upstairs room of a pub, the bass throbbing my ears and chest I can say without doubt I’ll listen to these guys with a smile on my face. I was blinded by the lights and dizzy new heights at their gig – no need to see their faces its all about the music. Who cares if one some may blend into another; they create an atmosphere you’ll find yourself lapsing into each time you listen. Pure magic.

These next entries were late runners in my list – mixed it up a good’un!

8. The Antlers – Hospice

It’s not often I come across albums I can listen through the entire way with goosebumps on my arms and a tingle up my spine – this is a definite exception. One listen done and I’d already purchased the album in CD form it’s that good, kids. Prologue beckons you in with an eerie expression on its shadowy face and you don’t quite know where you’re going. The tone of this album is pretty horrific – the story behind a little worse still but it’s beautiful in an utterly strange way and there’s no getting away from it. Stand outs for me include ‘Bear’ and ‘Wake’ but there are no ‘bad’ tracks for the entire 52 minutes the album plays. I’ll keep my eye on these guys; they’re not to be overlooked.

9. Japandroids – Post-Nothing

Nothing like a little bit of raw, rough and ready noise to get the foot pounding. I like these dudes because there’s no..wait for it…pretention about them. (God, I hate that word.) What you hear is definitely what you get. I know next to nothing about them but that’s fine because I know that I like them. You find your ears getting pounded by sound but there’s no protest back because it’s wonderful.

10. The xx – xx

I’m pretty certain this band features heavily in ‘tipped for 2010’ lists. So yeah, I’m jumping on the bandwagon but only because I’m cool. Well also, it’s a great album. Sadly, Baria Qureshi left the band this year and personally she’ll be sorely missed. It was mainly her as an addition that made me like the album, her backing vocals worked well. But hey ho, onwards and upwards and I just hope her departure doesn’t affect the band too much. As for the album, the only justice I can do is say ‘have a listen’.

The special mention goes to: Muse – Resistance

Now, this isn’t really a favourite album of mine in 2009; sad but true. I felt I should put it in here as I was highly anticipating it and to be honest, great albums of 2009 have been more than a little thin on the ground. Sorry boys but this disappointed me quite a bit. Surely there are gems on it, well, a gem to defend your honour but the more I did the more I was left feeling not so excited about The Resistance. Give me some more Origins of Symmetry or Showbiz fantastic-ness. Yes yes, I know bands progress and their sounds changes but c’mon boyos it is all fancy-pants bravado and silly over the top strutting around. No me encanta.

And there you have it. Not a bad year for music you may or may not agree. Let’s hope 2010 brings us more joy and delights. And Daniel Kessler videos.