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[Young Turks: 2009]
The Xx are four 19 year olds from London. Yeah 19, WTF. So after I got past their over-achieving ways I found myself listening to one of the best debut albums of 2009. For those who need a reference point the Xx have a sound reminiscent of early portishead and Joy division but then there are the two vocalists. Romy Croft’s graceful vocal licks and Oliver Sim’s understated mellow tones randomly take turns with each verse. And when they decide to come together in harmony with such effortless ease it borders on some wonderful-kind-of-lazy.
Then there’s the beats. Jamie Smith the man behind this creates minimalistic noise drawing from contemporary hip hop , dub and electro. These elements are used sparingly along with the planned placement of silence to create a beautifully effective laid back sound.
It’s funny this album never really gets out of the one gear, it starts as it finishes, but lucky for us the whole album is a climax in itself.
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[Juicy Turnip: 2009]
There’s something deliciously warm and fuzzy about discovering a special singer-songwriting treasure. Fergus Brown kind of gives us that tender feeling inside. His debut record ‘Burgers Frown’ (we do love a spoonerism) is a collection of sweet acoustic pop ditties full of clever lyrics (with songs like “Cecelia Later” and lovely album opener “Nerds In Love” showing off his obvious knack and appreciation for words). Single, “Hot Kisses, Cold Tiles” - one of Album of The Week’s favourite tracks in the year of new music - is infectious, jump-on-your-bed pop joy – “hot kisses, lying down on the cold, cold tiles” – pretty sexy too once you actually take notice of the words. Fergus has one of those beautifully simple voices - really easy to listen to, with a nice understated soul vibe that sustains through each word and song on the album. Think Jens Lekman, The Whitest Boy Alive and Tunde Adembimpe from TV On The Radio. The record has a real DIY, genuinely “indie” production feel too – live hand claps, basic beatboxing, and (in the track “Little Verse” in particular) what sounds like one of those miniature pianos that are the perfect size for a spider monkey to play?
Album of The Week saw Fergus Brown perform at The Spectrum in Sydney on 23 October. He was joined by band members Holly - multi-instrumentalist/back up singer/beatboxer extraordinaire; Carlos Adura on drum kit – (moonlighting from his usual outfit Deep Sea Arcade, a band to watch out for); and the bass player whose name we’re unsure of, but my sister has a big crush on him. The tunes worked really well in the small venue and Mr Brown’s music definitely belongs in a more intimate club setting than an expansive arena. The tunes translated effortlessly from the record to the stage, and the band had an obvious connection that you could hear in the way they played and could tell from the comfortable interaction onstage. There seemed to be a real feeling of romance amongst the audience members too - which is probably a good way to describe Fergus Brown’s record: romantic. And sincere and also a little cheeky. The encore was a song whose lyrics were 70% made up by the word “vagina” sung in earnest chorus by everyone onstage. Fantastic. Lovers of offbeat acoustic pop music, get acquainted with Fergus Brown.
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[Satellite Star Records: 2009]
Dear The Marches,
Sorry for the delay.
You generously sent us your album many months ago and, rudely, we haven’t posted anything about it yet. There are many reasons why this isn’t cool.
Firstly, because we are keeping songs like your excellent Beck-like neo-funk track “Bad Touch” to ourselves and thus from the public at large. That is insensitive and selfish. PS we love Beck. We also really like “So Ill” – a great track and one of the album highlights.
Secondly, we’ve been spruiking a lot of (albeit amazing) albums that stick firmly to a specific musical genre. Not you though. Your album has far-reaching dynamics and takes you through a crazy trip of funk, motown, electro, big band-soul and rock n roll. It’s like what the fly on the wall must see at an eighteen hour party: the build up, crazed highlights, chill out segments, outrageous peaks, casual sex, the moment someone gets thrown in the pool… The epic journey of a weird David Lynch-ish partay.
We’re also sorry we haven’t had the opportunity to see one of your live shows yet. From all reports, a night out with The Marches is a damn fine night out indeed: dancing, disco balls, trumpet fanfares and such.
Anyway, we hope you forgive us. We look forward to hearing from you. Please write back – and send more cds.
Apologies again.
All the best,
Album of The Week.
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It’s hard to find anything more validating in this world than having a song written expressly about you. Here’s a little list we’ve compiled of some of our Favourite Songs With Peoples Names In The Title.
Alison – Elvis Costello
He’s always been pretty tight-lipped about the identity of the song’s namesake, but there’s no mistaking the fact that this soul-soaked ballad of regret is the Elvis Costello version of an apology. Apology accepted. (Gentlemen: take note.)
Angie – Rolling Stones
Rumoured to have been about Mick’s relationship with David Bowie’s then-wife Angie, the desperation in Jagger’s vocals is so poignant and the heavy acoustic guitar strums weigh on your shoulders like a falling wall. The lyric “Angie… I still love you baby” still makes karaoke-goers everywhere clutch the microphone sorrowfully, bowing their head, eyes closed.
Debra – Beck
It’s no secret that one of our writers has more than a passing interest in the multi-talented guero from LA. Beck’s classic three-way proposition (delivered in Prince-style falsetto no less) speaks for a generation of men who dream about reaching the ultimate sexual summit: nailing two sisters at once. I seriously hope they said ‘yes’...
Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac
One of Stevie Nicks’ most haunting vocal performances in a song about a medieval witch she read about in her “mystic” phase. I totally effing hate medieval times – serfs, moats and all that shite... but Rhiannon sounds like an outrageously flighty temptress and the way Stevie sings it is wrenching. Italicise that: wrenching.
Hey Lloyd, I’m Ready to be Heartbroken – Camera Obscura
With one of the most wistful, sweet voices available to your ears, Camera Obscura’s TracyAnne Campbell sings the all-too-familiar tale of unrequited love: it's hard to see heartbreak coming sometimes when you're lost in romance. We hear you, sister.
Sweet Jane – Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground song that people who don’t like The Velvet Underground actually like. There’s something very pure and uncomplicated about the lyrics and the three-chord guitar riff (that is being strummed somewhere in the world by novice guitarists this very minute). Sometimes the plainest Jane can be the most beautiful.
Eddie You Should Know Better – Curtis Mayfield
Ever listened to ‘Super Fly’? No? You really mean that? – No??
Sigh. Get on it then! The soul record by the amazing Mr Mayfield is as all-time as it gets. Poor Eddie... he should have known better, baby.
Kim & Jessie – M83
The impossibly (and yet somehow possibly) beautiful M83 used otherworldly shoegaze/electronic magic to create one of our favourite tracks on the list. Beautiful, lush, exquisite, French… Damn. M83 – also known as the incredibly talented Anthony Gonzalez - has openly professed his inspiration came from Tears For Fears tune “Head Over Hills” – and Kim & Jessie was a result of wearing his influences well and truly on the sleeve. Gorgeous.
John I’m Only Dancing – David Bowie
Rad Bowie tune from his homo period (after his infamous interview during which he outed himself), where the narrator (presumably DB himself) soothes his jealous boyfriend, John, after being spotted dancing with a girl. Ironic…
William, it was really nothing – The Smiths
From sexually ambiguous Bowie to the sexual certainty of Morrissey. This is one of The Smiths great B-sides where Moz implores to the William of the title “How can you stay with a fat girl?”
Michael – Franz Ferdinand
Another gay-theme. Hands down the best Franz Ferdinand tune available to your ears with Alex Kapranos at his most haughty. Michael is sexy, Scottish, a little bit punk and outrageously good for the dancefloor. The song’s not bad either. (titter titter).
Gloria – Them
G. L. O. R. I. A…. Van Morrison might be a deranged, bad-tempered, ugly little man, but by gosh he could write a rock n roll song. Just try to avoid getting the mental picture of him pleasuring Gloria…
This list could have gone for miles, we realised once we got started.
A few other Songs With Peoples Names In The Title that we love like nobodies business include:
Amelia – Cocteau Twins
Kelly Watch The Stars - Air
Bennie and the Jets – Elton
Elizabeth on the Bathroom Floor – Eels
Sheila Take A Bow- The Smiths
James – Camera Obscura
Roscoe – Midlake
Making Plans for Nigel – XTC
Stella Was A Diver and She Was Always Down – Interpol
And a whole heap of Tom Waits songs.
Remind us of the ones we’ve forgotten – especially your own special namesake songs.
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[Modular: 2001]
Like a gust of arctic breeze through the Maldives, the Year 2001 saw the release of the most cool and elusive record releases of the decade. Packed with over 3000 samples it had an indefinable voice, but one that somehow managed to connect to a huge crossover audience. The recipe was a diverse mix of live instruments, turntables, live vocals and, of course, licks pulled from Madonna to Raekwon to Rogers and Hammerstein. The results? An exciting, at times beautiful, evocative, amusing and highly danceable opus – the perfect party soundtrack and a cinematic escape via a narrative of sounds, beats, melodies and voices.
Kicking off with the single of the same name, “Since I Left You” is an enigma of a debut record that sounded like nothing else we had heard. From the stunning electro-infused lounge track ‘Electricity’ that feels like a romance under a star-filled sky, to ‘Frontier Psychologist’ – a fusion of vocal samples, sound effects and a country n western loop, to ‘Flight Tonight’ which surges with hip hop beats and electro explosions – “Since I Left You” feels both nostalgic and futuristic at the same time.
If you haven’t discovered this brilliantl album yet, there’s no time to waste: Get thyself to the record store and purchase. And, for the rest of us, let’s hope the rumours about the Avalanches’ second album are true: it’s coming to a store near you by the end of this year. Fingers tightly crossed.
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[Swami/Wichita: 2009]
Mariachi El Bronx are the South-of-the-Border alter ego of fantastic Los Angeles band, The Bronx. Earlier last year while recording their third punk rock release ‘The Bronx’, they switched styles and concurrently recorded a mariachi style album and thus Mariachi El Bronx was born. According to the band, this record was inspired from growing up in LA and being inadvertently exposed to its strong Mexican culture especially the Mariachi sound.
This is a great album. Hearing the opening track "Cell Mates" initially grabbed my attention and is the standout, but the remaining tracks are just as captivating. Matt Caughthran showcases his vocal diversity and had me trying my best to sing along to each chorus. And what I assume are the traditional mariachi sounds of trumpets, guitars and Vihuela come across incredibly smooth and extremely cool. Look, I don’t know sh*t about mariachi music nor could I pretend to (like I usually do) but it certainly sounds like The Bronx have pulled it off and with summer around the corner this could be the perfect soundtrack.
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The definition of Festival … a day or time of celebration, marked by feasting, ceremonies, or other observances; a periodic commemoration, anniversary, or celebration; a period or program of festive activities or entertainment; gaiety; revelry; merrymaking.
A periodic anniversary….tick
A program of entertainment…ummm…tick? If you forget about The Living End being cut short due to “wind” difficulties, and the Toothfairies being a no show due to illness
A celebration marked by feasting; gaiety; merrymaking….ummm perhaps not…. unless your idea of feasting is defined by the consumption of meatball subs from subway or Dagwood dogs… and your definition of gaiety involves paying $5 for water on a day when the temperatures rose to high 20s.
Despite my scorn,kudos must go to the organizers who managed to turn around last year’s disorganized complain-fest into a smooth running well-oiled machine. They seem to have learned from their mistakes even responding with a statement of Having spent 6 months making sure the event is a much better experience for all concerned. The event will remain 18+ and you will not be checked all day for ID. There will be 3 bars spread out around the site (two 30m wide and the other 15m wide). You will be able to drink everywhere.
There were more bars, less lines and smarter policies including trading empty cans for money off drinks… and the weather gods shined upon the 2009 Sounds of Spring festival - turning last year’s rain bath into a distant memory as sunny sunny skies prevailed throughout the day.
Five stages were spread throughout Brisbane’s RNA show grounds: The Triple J Big Top had a laidback spacious feel, the Main Arena gave you a chance to soak up some rays and felt just like the Gold Coast Big Day Out, the Zebra Top were for those hardcore dance fans, the Time Off Stage attracted an older crowd with its serene garden-themed setting and Club Trash was an intimate confined stage randomly thrown in the middle.
Sounds of Spring drew a younger crowd than we expected - but perhaps that was from the spillover of Parklife fans who missed out on tickets to that sold out event… Parklife and SOS being on the same day… stuff up by the event managers or clever marketing ploy?..who knows?
After the Fall rallied the angst ridden teenagers early in the day with a big turn out to see them play some of their punky rhythms. ‘Sunshine Towers’ got the kids on their feet and the set continued with high energy bass pulsating tunes from their latest album ‘In Exile’ being pumped out for their 40minute slot.
I then rushed over to the see the Toothfairies belt out some favourites, but were surprised to be supplied Melbourne-based multi-piece The Gin Club as last minute replacements. The shady Time Off stage was a cool change to the beating heat of the Main Arena and the slow tunes that the 3 guitars, 1 keyboard and 3 singers were soothing the audience with was a lovely start to the day.
Local band Mexico City had a country rock feel but seemed to miss out on the crowds due to the awkwardly placed Trash Stage. Highlights included the lead vocalist Adam Toole surprising AoTW with his echoes of Caleb Followill’s pipes and the sweet touch of a big lovely old electric guitar on stage.
Nineties rock band Nancy Vandal (who hail from ‘Planet Sex’?) started their set with a personalized spin on AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds. The saxophone, trombones, bass, drums, trumpet all sharing the stage created an aural sensation for the audience however this big band feel still could not wipe the thought away that Nancy Vandal are a akin to a poor man’s Living End. No real charisma, just big noise.
Next up: Midnight Youth’s Mars Volta-esque stage persona and lyrics. The lead singer Jeremy Redmore has a really impressive voice and the band just seems to mesh so well it seems like they’ve been playing together since infancy. This young New Zealand band just seemed really happy to be playing and gave everything they had to belting out hits from their The Brave Don’t Run debut album.
Announcing that they were an optimistic band with an optimistic website entitled www.roottheband.com.au, Root! set off with some funky country and western tunes and looked the part with all members donning cowboy hats. Highlights included joking that they felt like old fathers waiting to pick up their sons in Birds of Tokyo and belting out I Wish I Was Tex Perkins (which was a hit with the older audience).
Let’s face it, Kram will never gain the popularity of his former band Spiderbait, and seeing audience members more interested in guessing what a passing sky-writer was scrawling confirmed this. He busted out a drum laden aggressive set with lots of showmanship and swearing, however Kram also pulled out some sweet slower tunes which were not all about the drums. It’s a massive call to say this… but his voice was Bob Dylan-esque and the keyboard based tunes were not half bad. Maybe he needs to stick to this in future.
Sounds of Spring was characterized by young rock and punk heads, extreme heat, overpriced drinks, good tunes and saliva-inspiring Dagwood dogs… all in all not a bad day out, but if Splendour in the Grass is the BMW X5 in this scenario, Sounds of Spring is an early model VK Commodore…it gets you to where you want to be but it aint pretty!
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[Young Turks: 2009]
