Is This It?

We all have those friends in life who after a while we drift away from, its not that you've fallen out but just you go one way and they the other. You often bump into these people from time to time and intend to meet up yet it never happens, this happened to me last week in a centra. The person in question was Jay-Z, not actually the man himself but he was playing on the radio and I overheard his latest creation Young Forever, an up-to-date version of that classic Forever Young, you see what he did with the title there! Anyway over the last number of years I havent got round to listening to his last few efforts like the American Gangster album or the Blueprint 3, from which Young Forever is taken. I have to admit after having a very good relationship with Mr Carter, Jigga, Hova or whatever he wants to call himself (the man has more names than a Brazilian footballer) it soured after his duet with Linkin Park, I shuddered after they remixed Encore one of my favourite songs from the Black Album and others which I wont name *cue tear rolling down face*. This collaboration really tested me but I got through it and decided that we all have our crosses to bear, we all make mistakes. So I walked about the centra and couldn't really hear it so I ended up hovering over a speaker on the roof which was just above some beans so it was a) a perfect cover to listen to said song and b) they actually had a really good deal on. To sum up I wasn't too happy and so it has brought me to this grave decision... After many years and some great albums the relationship I have had might be coming to an end, ive decided to give the Blueprint 3 a good go and hopefully my faith will be restored and all will be forgiven. First strike Linkin Park, strike two Young Forever, third strike Blueprint 3?

To be continued....

She & Him - 'Volume Two' (2010)

1. Thieves

2. In the Sun
3. Don't Look Back
4. Ridin' In My Car
5. Lingering Still
6. Me and You
7. Gonna Get Along Without You Now
8. Home
9. I'm Gonna Make It Better
10. Sing
11. Over It Over Again
12. Brand New Shoes
12. If You Can't Sleep

Finally. Yes finally, I got my hands on 'Volume Two'. She & Him's 'Volume One' was released in 2008 and received both positive reviews in the press but also great support from me. So, it was a long anticipated wait for 'Volume Two'. Zooey (Deschanel) and M.Ward are back as the sweet duo making time-warped classics that will leave you feeling like you are listening to music from the 60's. An era Zooey is clearly a fan of.

The one thing that stands out on this album compared to 'Volume One' is Zooey's voice. Prior to this is always seemed somewhat broken, but always worked with the style of music. Before she was an actress turned singer while now she seems to have taken the singing crown. The overall production sounds better and more professional, but never losing the feel of the previous album. Zooey once again takes the song-writing mantle, bar a few covers in the album, and M.Ward accompanies the vocals beautifully as always with his soft guitar and piano.

The album opens with 'Thieves'. Immediately I was amazed by the difference in the opening to 'Volume One' where the vocals took centre stage and let the music come in. With 'Thieves' we are treated to some lovely uplifting guitar from M.Ward and shortly after Zooey joins in with the noticeably better voice than prior. The song is a warming introduction to the album and perfect for a summer afternoon. First release from the album 'In The Sun' follows and, with a little backing vocals from the Tilly and the Wall gang, sounds wonderful. Another upbeat summery song with piano (and various other instruments I can't fully decipher) layer the song together and make it the obviously single choice. 'Don't Look back' and 'Ridin' in My Car' (NRBQ cover) are next and would also be single contenders. Upbeat numbers which really capture the 60's summer feel with M. Ward even contributing some vocals in the process. We are treated to some mandolin in 'Lingering Still' which has Zooey singing in a more similar style to the first album, with a real country feel to the song. 'Me and You' is a downbeat number with slow strings, steel guitar and deep harmonies from M.Ward in the background. 'Gonna Get Along Without You Now', a Skeeter Davies cover, shows exactly the style I would associate with the band. Early 60's doo-wop music. 'Home' seems to be over-crowded with too many instruments during the verses but the choruses change into something music better with the guitar and mandolin sandwiching it all together well. 'I'm Gonna Make it Better' has the feel of the first album with lovely strummed guitar and some little solos on the pedal steel guitar. More doo-wop sounds from Zooey and shows this is the type of song to suit her well. One of my favourites on the album is the next song, 'Sing'. The voice I expect to hear on this album, good backing vocals and softly strummed guitar. 'Over and Over Again' fits in well with the end of album getting closer. Lots of piano on this one providing an upbeat number with backing vocals a plenty. The album ends with 2 slow songs, 'Brand New Shoes' and 'If You Can't Sleep'. As on the previous album it seems like a fitting way to end with Zooey's vocals taking centre stage and the softly playing music in the background to play it out.

I thoroughly enjoyed this album, but feel I was always going to. Fans of the first album will love this one also, as it is much the same. Credit though should be given to Zooey and M.Ward for keeping the feel of the first going. The vocals have been improved and sounds as new and fresh as before, whilst maintaining that 60’s feel. With summer fast around the corner, this is an album to have playing whilst driving down the coast in the sunshine. I now just hope that they don't take so long making 'Volume Three' as they did this one!

Hai Ho, it's Spring

So, not overly in the mood to be bigging up, or slating, any album at the moment. However, there are some tunes which are making my walks to work in the morning all the sweeter.

Here is a little play-list to put a Spring in your step:

The Replacements - "I Will Dare"
Gorillaz - "Stylo"
The Radio Dept. - "Heaven's On Fire"
Devendra Banhart - "Baby"
The Tallest Man on Earth - "You're Going Back"
Washed Out - "New Theory"
Pantha Du Prince - "Stick It To My Side"
Delorean - "No Name"
Talking Heads - "Naive Melody"
The Drums - "Submarine"
Memory Tapes - "Graphics"
Portugal. The Man - "When the War Ends"
Darwin Deez - "Up in the Clouds"
The Postal Service - "Clark Gable"

Now go and download these. You know you want to!

The xx - 'xx' (2009)

1. Intro
2. VCR
3. Crystalised
4. Islands
5. Heart Skipped a Beat
6. Fantasy
7. Shelter
8. Basic Space
9. Infinity
10. Night Time
11. Stars


During the summer of 2009 I was getting excited about the forthcoming, annual trip, to the Electric Picnic festival in Co. Laois. As per usual I was waiting to hear of additional bands being added to the line-up as the date grew closer. Up and coming band of the time, the xx, were announced to the bill so thought I would check them out. This album was the result, and what a pleasure it turned out to be.

Their performance at the Picnic was not the greatest. A small(ish) crowd, in a tent, mixed with the fact that they were playing at 4pm. And when you hear this band you will realise this is not the setting in which their music and stage presence would be ideal. The gig more recently in Belfast was much more suitable. A typical cold winter's night.

So, the xx. A band which consist of 3 members (which used to be 4) from South London honing from the same school which brought the world Hot Chip, Burial and For Tet. Alumni the school should be proud of. The band makes their atmospheric music with a bass, guitar, drum machine and sampler.

As mentioned this album is most suited to a dark and dreary day/night. Not that it's miserable but due to nature of their music. The song 'Intro' opens the album well with a build up of the band's sound. Romy and Oliver (guitar and bass respectively) collaborate in a vocal harmony towards the end of this one and continue to do throughout. The vocals are carried out very well across all songs by essentially having the duo sing back and forth to each other, in a somewhat musical conversation. They usually then join again at the choruses when the song all comes together. Stand out tracks on the album include 'VCR', which contains some lovely xylophone samples and rhythmic bass, first single 'Crystalised' with its slow paced minimalist verses and loud noisy choruses, 'Heart Skipped a Beat' which feels like the album's romantic piece with a superb finale of bass, picked guitar and drums mixed into one, 'Basic Space' which is my favourite track on the album with its slow introduction which turns into a beautiful atmospheric piece, and 'Night Time', the upbeat number on the album with fast drums beats, guitar picking after yet another slow build up. The other songs on the album are not bad as such, but simply not as good as the others. 'Islands' is also up there with the best but the likes of 'Fantasy', 'Shelter' and 'Infinity' are harder to like for me. They are much slower and darker than the other tracks so are more suited to a time of relaxation. 'Fantasy' in particular is certainly one to test the bass handling capabilities of your speakers, headphones and ears.

A thoroughly enjoyable album and probably most enjoyable when either walking home in the rain, or sitting at home with the lights turned down and a bottle of the finest red wine by your side. With intense bass throughout it is probably recommended that you have either a good set of earphones or stereo. It is one to sure annoy housemates/neighbours at loud volumes. With as strong as album as this I feel this is it will hard to top with a follow-up. Saying that I look forward to it with anticipation none the less.

The Tallest Man on Earth - 'The Wild Hunt' (2010)

1. The Wild Hunt
2. Burden of Tomorrow
3. Troubles Will Be Gone
4. You're Going Back
5. The Drying of the Lawns
6. King of Spain
7. Love is All
8. Thousand Ways
9. A Lion's Heart
10. Kids on the Run


I first got wind of the Tallest Man by conducting some research into who was playing Primavera last year and stumbled across a brief synopsis of him on the website and thought id have a look. On first listen to his myspace page I heard the gardener and was instantly hooked like the first time you tried Sunny D, well for me anyway (before the whole turning children orange incident). I managed to get a few good listens to Shallow Graves before the trek over to Barca and he became one of the main artists who I looked out for on the programme. As he came on stage I was amazed by his vocals and the brilliant way he plucked the guitar to an inch of its stringy life while having a forty mile stare that even Clint in his heyday would have been proud. During the set he played a song called the King of Spain and the crowd went mad, not only because it is a great song but because to this Catalan crowd mentioning that your not from Madrid always adds on some bonus points, by the end of it I reckon they would have installed Mr Matsson and deposed King Juan Carlos at any moment. After the festival I got home and listened to Shallow Graves to death and making it one of my favourite albums of 2009, even though it was released the year before. Since then ive been putting it on every so often making sure not to get album-weary and im glad to say its still a grower.

Do you ever get the news that an artist or a band have a second album coming out say in a matter of six months to a year and this excitement builds yet only to get disappointed from the initial brilliance from the first? Well this didn't happen with the Tallest Man's second effort, 'The Wild Hunt'. Just as I was going about my business the news came to me like a bolt from the blue that his second album was out and so I had to get my hands on it. Questions starting going about my head, will it be the same as the first, will he go a different direction like using penguins in the chorus or an Obo solo, what will it be like?? and so with some trepidation I slid on the earphones to findout....

Glory, with sunlight and angelic voices from the heavens I was delivered a masterpiece. From the first listen, yes the first listen I knew it was better than the first, this man, ney genius has been able to replicate what he made on the first album yet go one better. To begin 'The Wild Hunt' is cheery, upbeat and is a great intro, next up the 'Burden of Tomorrow' a bit slower yet more of the same. 'Troubles Will be Gone' is similar to the previous album with some very good plucking with lyrics that string along almost as quick. The outstanding track of the album has to go to 'You're Going Back' with the brilliant line, 'you said driver, please....don't go that....fucking way' almost screeched, I reckon one for the live set to sing along to. 'The Drying of the Lawns' is a bit of a sombre affair but lines up 'King of Spain' really well, the fastest song on the album and second to 'You're Going Back' for singability. The next few tracks bring the pace a bit down yet individually are very good to standalone by themselves. Ill finish off with the last song 'Kids on the Run' which only has a piano that brings to the fore his vocal and lyrical ability.

To sum up its my album of the year so far and I reckon may stay there for the remaining three quarters unless he makes a third of course, depending if he can get the penguins in tune. But a superb second album and ill be looking forward to seeing him again, if I was Juan Carlos id be looking over my shoulder right about now.

Zola Jesus - 'Stridulum' EP (2010)

1. Night
2. Trust Me
3. I Can't Stand
4. Stridulum
5. Run Me Out
6. Manifest Destiny

With a cover that looks like a mix between something by Andrew W.K and the gimp suit from 8mm, I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. Zola Jesus, the stage name for 20 year old American Nika Roza Danilova (good American name), is a singer songwriter set-up but not the traditional acoustic guitar and high pitched vocals. This little EP is dark, twisted and plagued with deep vocals, beats and piano.

The EP opens with 'Night', a dark introduction to what's on offer. Voices layer over the dark beat before Nika's vocals come in. With a voice very similiar to Natasha Khan (of 'Bat For Lashes' fame) they work well. Long periods of drone sounds, mixed with a progressive big beat build up the song well but never climaxes to anything majorly stunning. Next up is 'Trust Me', a song I feel very similar to 'Daniel' (again, by 'Bat For Lashes'). Vocals start straight away and the song continues to come together with the loud bass beat and drones. The vocals work very well again and hold themself well when holding long notes, words and the phrase 'I told you to trust me'. 'I Can't Stand' starts much more upbeat than previous and the loud drum beat is accompanied by long sustained vocals with periods of string instruments (possibly violin) present. Being the longest track on the album this one seems to stand out most on the EP as it seems to be the most complete song. Title track 'Stridulum' follows next. The loud drum beat continues throughout as before and the vocal chords are stretched to their limit with long sections up and down the scales. Eerie sounds linger in the background providing a haunting environment. The song ends with a long sample piece, which I can't help but feel like filler material to me. 'Run Me Out' takes a while to get started. A long introudction, with some double bass and haunting voices, is followed by slow progressive vocals which then gradually builds up louder and louder. Operatic vocals in the background are then joined by big beats and voilin as the song goes towards a finale. To which it then ends. Last song 'Manifest Destiny' follows as the others did prior. This time more strings are present, sustained vocals and muffled beat. The song, on various ocassions, feels like it is going to break into a full operatic experience but the chorus is as exciting as it gets before coming back down to the level listened to throughout the EP.

Not a bad EP, and worth a listen. Although I do feel like time has been wasted on this one. Each song is similar in both structure and story. For the entirity of most songs I felt I was going to be treated to something magical at the end, only to be disappointed each time. The song would either build up and come back down again, or simply end. There is no doubt that Nika has a wonderful voice, and it does work with the music. Sadly the music isn't up to scratch. 'Bat For Lashes' fans will like this one more than likely. I've had enough though.

Four Tet - 'There is Love in You' (2010)

1. Angel Echoes
2. Love Cry
3. Circling
4. Pablo's Heart
5. Sing
6. The Unfolds
7. Reversing
8. Plastic People
9. She Just Likes to Fight

With the recent change in weather and spring in the air ive been able to shake off those winter cobwebs and take to walking places a lot more. When listening to new music I always find it best on a trek, whether it to work, uni or any other place my mood is often dictated by what im listening too, im sure its the same for other people, who knows how the battle of Waterloo may have worked out if the French Legion had Ministry of Sound Tall Paul mix in their ears, we could all be Francophiles by now. Anyway with the sun on my back ive been able to get my way round Four Tet's 'There is Love in You' and I must admit I couldn't have picked a better album to crack into the plus temperatures with.

Before listening to the album I did a bit of research to see what I was letting myself in for and I was happy to discover that Four Tet has recently collaborated with Burial, one of my favourite Dubsteppers from the last few years so I prepped myself to see if There is Love could come up to the standard as Untrue, a very hard task indeed granted this was his fifth studio effort.

First up 'Angel Echoes' which as the title suggests is a nice intro which combines an angelic voice and a nice looping beat along with chimes, a song which im sure could be used to temp sailors into rocks a la the Siren myth. After this 'Love Cry' is a 9 minute epic which comes into itself with a really good beat, somewhat reminiscent of LCD's Get Innocuous, a good track for someone attempting to run a leg in the upcoming marathon. The third and fourth are good in themselves but nothing to the substance of the others, the fourth song, 'Pablo's Heart' is only 11 seconds long, a link into the more upbeat second half. The fifth track 'Sing' is the standout song on the album, its lively and picks up the tempo just at the right time, not that im one to dismiss an album on the basis of the first few songs but it made me turn the dial on the pod just up a bit more. On 'Plastic People' I can see the Burial influence as it is the perfect Dubstep song with claps, more chimes and the underlying bass, don't take my word for it listen to it and you'll see what I mean. Lastly 'She Likes to Fight' and im assuming its post fight is the best way to end the album, slow, melodic and it reminds me of coming home at the end of the day and putting my feet up in front of the fire and falling asleep, perfect.

So my pre-conceptions of another Burial were wrong but im glad as a copy is never going to match the original but Tet has done something completely different, he hasn't made a Dubstep album but used simple beats with one or two additives to make a very very good album and my hat is tipped. I was very impressed by There is Love and maybe if the French army had this album in their ears all those years ago I would want to sit down, take it easy and look at the nice Belgian countryside instead.

Check out some Four Tet here: www.myspace.com/fourtetkieranhebden

James Yuill - 'Turning Down Water For Air' (2008)

1. You Always Do
2. Left Handed Girl
3. No Pins Allowed
4. This Sweet Love
5. Head Over Heels
6. Ghost
7. No Surprise
8. Over The Hills
9. How Could I Lose
10. She Said in Jest
11. Breathing In
12. Somehow

I first came across James Yuill whilst listening to A-Trak's 'Infinity + 1' album. Contained at the end of the compilation was 'This Sweet Love', the stand out track from 'Turning Down Water For Air'. The version I speak of was a remix by Prins Thomas but takes nothimg away from the original. It merely brought the work of this man to my ears.

So, James Yuill. A one man band from London creating music with his acosutic guitar, laptop and synth. Otherwise known under the oddly named folktronica. Stories of James' personal life are ever present throughout his music, and this album is no different.

The album opens with the acoustic only number 'You Always Do' with his personal ode to Marion , asking 'won't you stay?' A nice introduction to the album ahead. Next is 'Left Handed Girl' where we first hear the samples, synth and intricate picking of the acoustic to accompany the sounds. A structure we hear very much throughout the rest of the album. More romance in this song when he speaks of 'I'm your right handed man, and you're my left handed girl.' 'No Pins Allowed', similar in sound to the previous song but with more beat to the song, has a bit more angst when speaking of what I can only assume is the trials and tribulations of young marriage.'This Sweet Love', is up next. This song is a particular favourite of mine, bringing out my soppy side. The song in itself starts off with a little guitar riff looped over and then introduces a beat which continues on throughout the song. James uses his voice wonderfully in this song and when the synth 'solo' comes in, you can't help but feel happy about yourself. Some nice xylophone action comes into the next song 'Head Over Heels', although I am not sure exactly what he is trying to say with this one. A bit darker than the other tunes, especially with the added voices during the song. 'The Ghost' seems to speak of a break up with James asking when he will see his children lying in his arms. A bit teary but a great tune. 'No Surprise' is the upbeat number on the album with big beat, same style looping guitar riff and good vocals to accompany it all. The xylophone solo towards the end is also a pleasant extra.The album seems to speak of both heartbreak and what if? So when 'Over the Hills' comes in it sounds upbeat and happy talking about running around with his children. Somewhat the opposite of what was mentioned in 'The Ghost'. More acoustic in 'How Could I Lose'. It starts with guitar, bringing in the ukulele, cello and then layering it all together to create quite the heartfelt number. 'She Said In Jest' is a sad song talking about things going wrong and what can only seem like an argument ensuing afterwards. Slow acoustic followed by a fast moving drumbeat makes up this one. 'Breathing In' is a slow acoustic number with a nice beat in the background, with some added piano, speaking of the waiting for someone to come back to him. The album finishes with 'Somehow', a lovely acoustic duet with female accompaniment. Not the happy ending we were hoping for, but somehow (no pun intended) a romantic sounding song which is actually pointing out someone's flaws.

All in all a lovely album for a quiet day. Whether you are feeling blue or happy, this album will have something for you. I am not sure how long James can carry this style of music without bringing something/someone else in, but for now I will continue to enjoy what work he has. The album is basically as story of all emotions love has to offer or throw at us.

Local Natives, 'Gorilla Manor', (2009)

1. Wide Eyes
2. Airplanes
3. Sun Hands
4. World News
5. Camera Talk
6. Cards and Quarters
7. Warning Sign
8. Who Knows Who Cares
9. Cubism Dreams
10. Stranger Things
11. Sticky Thread

Gorilla Manor is a sterling good effort from the 5 piece based in L.A. On first listen they reminded me of French Kicks and slightly like Vampire Weekend without the Afro contributions. To be honest its quite hard to distinguish a lot of the indie bands at the moment as the last number of years has provided a deluge of this type but if these guys were about 2-3 years ago they might of made a bigger impact, and they still could.

After my initial listen to the first few tracks I was very impressed with the beginning of this album but unfortunately I have to admit the last few were a bit of a struggle, not that its a bad thing as they could be growers but they didn't standout like the opener 'Wide Eyes' and the second 'Airplanes' which had some very good drumming as im a sucker for a good beat. In the fifth song 'Shape Shifter' I found the albums anthem which started off low key with an excellent piano section and then the rest of the group came together to combine with a great sing-along chorus, I tried to hide this walking down the Ormeau road but when it hits you you have to go along with it. Overall ill not say too much more as the last four of five songs didn't strike me at first but who knows I could literally be singing the praises of this band once again.

Check out some of their work, www.myspace.com/localnatives

Two Door Cinema Club - 'Tourist History' (2010)

01. Cigarettes In The Theatre
02. Come Back Home
03. Do You Want It All
04. This Is The Life
05. Something Good Can Work
06. I Can Talk
07. Undercover Martyn
08. What You Know
09. Eat That Up It’s Good For You
10. You’re Not Stubborn


Not being the biggest fan of local music, apart from friends who play in the scene, I am surprised I would take to a band like Two Door Cinema Club (or TDCC for short). In fact, this album has almost been listened to death by myself considering its 'official' release was only on Monday past. So, three guys from mighty Co. Down making super-poppy upbeat electro indie without a drummer! Surely this cannot be true. Well blink again, it is. Kitsune, the ever popular French indie label, took them under their wing, threw them into a studio beside Duran Duran and bam, 'Tourist History' was born.

A few songs remain from their 2009 EP 'Four Words to Stand On' including 'Cigarettes in the Theatre', the album's opener, 'Do You Want It All' and the new single 'Undercover Martyn'. At first I was a bit disppointed with the over production, or so it seamed, on the tracks I already knew. But it wasnt to be long before it grew on me to be my favourite album this year.

The band is a 3-piece without a drummer. A feat which I feel works well for them. Less touring equipment, for a start, along with the ability to create their own synth bits and drum loops before adding the guitars, bass and vocals over the top. Each song on the album seems to consist of a relatively similar pattern; big beat in the background, fluent bass line, rhythm guitar and the frequent twangly guitar and synth. A formula which I for one certainly enjoy. TDCC have fallen into, where many others have failed to do so, a genre which is at it's most popular. Indie dance music at it's best and would certainly work well on a night out on the town.

Anyway, the album is full of great songs. 'Undercover Martyn' will sure to be most popular with the added fact there is now a video to accompany it, that and the ridiculously catchy chorus (to the basement anyone?). 'This is the Life' and 'Something Good Can Work' are firm favourites of mine with more catchy choruses and excellent ccompaniment guitar riffs. The bass on 'Something...' is probably the best, and most original, throughout the album. There are, as always, a few fillers on the album such as the final tracks 'Eat That Up..' and 'You're Not Stubborn' but its fine with me. Every album has them, and generally its not until major amounts of listening they stand out to you. All in all, a great album when listened from cover to cover. If you take to it once, you will hooked until you can't listen to anymore.

I never thought i'd see the day when I would big up some local music. But fair play to these guys.....they have done well and I think they will go far. Well, at least until the genre fades away which may not be too long away.

So Long Old Friend

An Ode to a Vaio:

Goodbye old friend you have done me proud
From the pol to the fire we have followed the crowd
You were shiny and bright and almost brandnew
From a good friend we started anew
Ill remember the good times and the bad
The time you stalled and I got mad
Your pixels kept me warm through the winter gloom
Staring at your face while I ate a bloom
Ill be getting a new pal but your keystrokes will never fade
Go on old friend to the place where you were first made