The king is dead...
Yes, I'm not going mad, I know Elvis died back in 1977 but on about the King of pop, Michael Jackson who unfortunately passed away on 25th June 2009. Although the eccentric star hasn't always been the public's favourite celebrity; he is possibly one of the most influential artists of the past century and this is a major achievement.
I'm not a fan of Michael Jackson himself, but the music he produced over the years, the iconic moonwalk and memorable music videos are what won him all this respect and credibility as a pop star. Starting a music career from a young age with the Jackson five he's always remained in the limelight, especially as a young and attractive man. Sadly as the years whittled away he became more peculiar and felt it necessary to change himself physically, looking less and less like the handsome black man he once was. It's true to say that is bizarre lifestyle has possibly created a warped image of him as far as media portrayal is concerned due to his extravagant Neverland ranch and criminal trials that have faced him over the years.
As the creator of the best selling album of all time with sales of Jackson's 'Thriller' album being 57 million copies Michael Jackson won't be forgotten. He'll go down in history with the likes of Elvis Presley and John Lennon and other majorly influencial artists who tragically died young.
26/06/2009
Song of the day, Elvis Costello, Pump it up
Elvis Costello; producer, singer and song writer. As a musician he may not be everyone's cup of tea but he certainly has a likeable personality (ignoring the racist comments once made about soul legends James Brown and Ray Charles) with his unusual dancing in the video of 'Pump it up' which is the song of my day. Although the main riff may have been ripped off by Rogue Traders it still remains to be amazing despite their horrendous efforts with it.
So, basically this is a little encouragement to go and listen to Mr Costello today if not one of the best albums he has produced (The Specials- The Specials).
Elvis Costello; producer, singer and song writer. As a musician he may not be everyone's cup of tea but he certainly has a likeable personality (ignoring the racist comments once made about soul legends James Brown and Ray Charles) with his unusual dancing in the video of 'Pump it up' which is the song of my day. Although the main riff may have been ripped off by Rogue Traders it still remains to be amazing despite their horrendous efforts with it.
So, basically this is a little encouragement to go and listen to Mr Costello today if not one of the best albums he has produced (The Specials- The Specials).
22/06/2009
Marmaduke Duke- Duke Pandemonium
Marmaduke Duke Are Causing Pandemonium
Being a fan of 'indie' I've become accustomed to slightly obscure names and slightly bizarre songs however little compares to what I heard when listening to the debut album from Marmaduke Duke.
In case you've missed out recently Marmaduke duke are a Scottish duo rock alternative band consisting of Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro and JP Reid of Sucioperro. Having listened to the bands the tracks from Marmaduke' couldn't be more different from the previous works from both band members.
When trying to define how the album sounds I became stuck for words. It's honestly like nothing you will have heard before; it's most definitely what itunes describes it as; 'alternative'. Each track develops perfectly from the one before demonstrating sheer craftsmanship from both members of Marmaduke Duke especially if you consider how different the tracks are from their previous work. Reviewing this album is a difficult task as I find little meaning in any song, just seems to be nonsense to me however at the same time it makes perfect sense as each song has a catchy rhythm. On the first listen you become so intrigued as to what the next song will sound like that it is really quite a pleasure to listen to.
The best tracks would have to be the first single, 'Rubber Lover' and 'Erotic Robotic'. 'Erotic Robotic' seems like a great party tune sounding slightly like a warped Justice or Simian Mobile Disco.
This album is definitely worth a buy even if it's just to try out as I sadly don't think it will be for everyone.
In case you've missed out recently Marmaduke duke are a Scottish duo rock alternative band consisting of Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro and JP Reid of Sucioperro. Having listened to the bands the tracks from Marmaduke' couldn't be more different from the previous works from both band members.
When trying to define how the album sounds I became stuck for words. It's honestly like nothing you will have heard before; it's most definitely what itunes describes it as; 'alternative'. Each track develops perfectly from the one before demonstrating sheer craftsmanship from both members of Marmaduke Duke especially if you consider how different the tracks are from their previous work. Reviewing this album is a difficult task as I find little meaning in any song, just seems to be nonsense to me however at the same time it makes perfect sense as each song has a catchy rhythm. On the first listen you become so intrigued as to what the next song will sound like that it is really quite a pleasure to listen to.
The best tracks would have to be the first single, 'Rubber Lover' and 'Erotic Robotic'. 'Erotic Robotic' seems like a great party tune sounding slightly like a warped Justice or Simian Mobile Disco.
This album is definitely worth a buy even if it's just to try out as I sadly don't think it will be for everyone.
6/10
12/06/2009
Jack Penate- Everything Is New
Jack Penate- Everything Is New
Since the days of 'Matinee' Jack Peñate (pronounced pen-ya-tee) has successfully grown as an artist, maturing his sound and refining it to make something different. 'Matinee' was released back in October 2007 by a younger Jack whose heart was devoted to London. Now older and wiser and with more travel experiences to inspire him, he's come back with an album which reflects his development in a charming and positive way. Still creating tracks with contagious riffs, catchy lyrics and the sound of the summer in most tracks, Jack Peñate's new album 'Everything is New' is sure to be a winner this summer.
Again like 'Matinee', the album features a variety of tracks, those livelier and some more tranquil making this album perfect to listen to anytime. 'Be The One' demonstrates Jack Peñate's ability to create an adorable track about someone that 'could be the one' and that Jack has grown up and moved on from the days of declaring his love of London as he did in previous single 'Torn on the Platform'. The middle of the album picks up the pace with newest single 'Tonight's Today' and 'So Near' with the repetitive lyrics that are impulsive and you will uncontrollably sing by the end of the song. There's a carnival vibe about the exciting music, adding colour to his album.
Though on his second album and having developed as a musician, Jack still hasn't strayed far away from the theme of death which featured on his first album with tracks like 'When we die'. Although on this album in 'Let's All Die' it doesn't have the same calm tone in which 'When we die' had, it's more about celebrating the death of someone and the achievements they made as death is inevitable and the most certain thing in people's lives. Though this sounds like a depressive theme, Jack has approached it in a manner which makes death seeming something glorious as he has a sounding beat behind him as he chants 'Let's all die [...] out of the womb an into the doom.'. The final track, 'Body Down' is perfect in its positioning; calming in comparison to the rest of the album it brings a beautiful album to an equally beautiful closing.
Since the days of 'Matinee' Jack Peñate (pronounced pen-ya-tee) has successfully grown as an artist, maturing his sound and refining it to make something different. 'Matinee' was released back in October 2007 by a younger Jack whose heart was devoted to London. Now older and wiser and with more travel experiences to inspire him, he's come back with an album which reflects his development in a charming and positive way. Still creating tracks with contagious riffs, catchy lyrics and the sound of the summer in most tracks, Jack Peñate's new album 'Everything is New' is sure to be a winner this summer.
Again like 'Matinee', the album features a variety of tracks, those livelier and some more tranquil making this album perfect to listen to anytime. 'Be The One' demonstrates Jack Peñate's ability to create an adorable track about someone that 'could be the one' and that Jack has grown up and moved on from the days of declaring his love of London as he did in previous single 'Torn on the Platform'. The middle of the album picks up the pace with newest single 'Tonight's Today' and 'So Near' with the repetitive lyrics that are impulsive and you will uncontrollably sing by the end of the song. There's a carnival vibe about the exciting music, adding colour to his album.
Though on his second album and having developed as a musician, Jack still hasn't strayed far away from the theme of death which featured on his first album with tracks like 'When we die'. Although on this album in 'Let's All Die' it doesn't have the same calm tone in which 'When we die' had, it's more about celebrating the death of someone and the achievements they made as death is inevitable and the most certain thing in people's lives. Though this sounds like a depressive theme, Jack has approached it in a manner which makes death seeming something glorious as he has a sounding beat behind him as he chants 'Let's all die [...] out of the womb an into the doom.'. The final track, 'Body Down' is perfect in its positioning; calming in comparison to the rest of the album it brings a beautiful album to an equally beautiful closing.
The Album art work (above); a simple black and white photograph relecting the simplicity of Jack's music however the music on his album is much more colourful and vibrant in comparison.
Jack Peñate's album 'Everything is New' will be available from the 22nd June and is definitely worth buying.
Rating: 8/10
04/06/2009
The Marquee
The Marquee
The Marquee may have only been gigging for just over a year but the four lads from Wolverhampton have already made a brilliant impression upon the local music scene. With a slight ‘punk rock’ sound they produce catchy tracks and perform them with passion making them ones to watch out for as the live performance out does what they record. Drawing influences from The Clash, The jam and The Ramones is directly reflected in what they produce as they create an unpolished sound.
With all members being in their late teens and three members going to university in autumn, it will be good to see if the guys can keep it together as it would be a shame to lose a young band with massive capabilities.
Checking them out would be a wise thing to do today, so head over to their myspace to check for upcoming gigs and new tracks: http://www.myspace.com/themarqueemusic
The Marquee may have only been gigging for just over a year but the four lads from Wolverhampton have already made a brilliant impression upon the local music scene. With a slight ‘punk rock’ sound they produce catchy tracks and perform them with passion making them ones to watch out for as the live performance out does what they record. Drawing influences from The Clash, The jam and The Ramones is directly reflected in what they produce as they create an unpolished sound.
With all members being in their late teens and three members going to university in autumn, it will be good to see if the guys can keep it together as it would be a shame to lose a young band with massive capabilities.
Checking them out would be a wise thing to do today, so head over to their myspace to check for upcoming gigs and new tracks: http://www.myspace.com/themarqueemusic
01/06/2009
The bird I rescued this morning
Yes, this has nothing to do with any band or journalism but I feel the need to tell people at the good deed of today.
My cat caught a bird this morning, and I thought it was dead as I just saw it in the garden but it blinked at me. So I got a tea towel and picked it up and nursed it a bit before calling my mum to ask for her advice in which she told me to put it in the utility and close the door so it can fly if it wants or if it sadly dies it won’t be pestered by the cats. Doing as I was told I got it some water after having set it down in the utility. As I returned the bloody thing flew at me then kind of ended up on the floor.
Now when I just went back in to see how it was I couldn’t see it but now I’m afraid that it will fly at me again so I don’t want to have a proper look for it now. I think I will be brave and go and see where it is, it’s probably dead now poor little birdie. When I picked it up and stroked his (yes, I’ve decided its a boy) little head he had a cut on the one side of it :(
My cat caught a bird this morning, and I thought it was dead as I just saw it in the garden but it blinked at me. So I got a tea towel and picked it up and nursed it a bit before calling my mum to ask for her advice in which she told me to put it in the utility and close the door so it can fly if it wants or if it sadly dies it won’t be pestered by the cats. Doing as I was told I got it some water after having set it down in the utility. As I returned the bloody thing flew at me then kind of ended up on the floor.
Now when I just went back in to see how it was I couldn’t see it but now I’m afraid that it will fly at me again so I don’t want to have a proper look for it now. I think I will be brave and go and see where it is, it’s probably dead now poor little birdie. When I picked it up and stroked his (yes, I’ve decided its a boy) little head he had a cut on the one side of it :(
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
