Underrated Albums from 2009

I know it’s over halfway through 2010 and all, but I feel that I’m only just beginning to come to terms with 2009 musically in retrospect. Undeniably, it was a good year for music- even going in, new material by heavy-hitters such as Animal Collective and Yeah Yeah Yeahs had bagsied their rightful places in Top 10 Lists. Yet, the fallout from this was that fresh, new voices and more obscure sounds that were equally worthy of great acclaim slipped under the radar. My end-of-year list has gone through many mental alterations since then- and here are some of the best albums you may not have heard about.

1. POLAR BEAR CLUB- CHASING HAMBURGAfter releasing this near-perfect album, I honestly think PBC deserve to take their rightful place amongst the greatest punk/post-hardcore bands of this generation. The opening track ‘See the Wind’ is an aggressive, visceral hardcore outing with a clear message- expect the unexpected from this band. It proves that they not just capable of the catchy hooks and math-rock riffs fans came to expect of them, but can also compose devastating breakdowns with dexterity. A ferocious and flawless sophomore effort, and one that deserves to be cherished.

2. TURBO FRUITS- ECHO KID

Turbo Fruits is led by ex-Be Your Own Pet member Jonas Stein, and appear to have been judged solely on this. Critics have argued that Stein’s vocals cannot keep up with the brattish snarl of Jemina Pearl (of BYOP), credited the guitar-playing, and dismissed it as a 6/10.
Yet, even when judged against their previous BYOP carnation, Turbo Fruits for me still come up trumps. Comparing ‘Echo Kid’ to Jemina Pearl’s new stuff, you see where the talent lay in Be Your Own Pet- Jemina’s own sound is bland, whereas Turbo Fruits is a frenetic, drug-addled, sun-drenched frenzy.
When judged on their own, you can’t deny the ridiculously brilliant guitars in ‘Broadzilla’, Stein’s Dylan-esque swagger in ‘Get Up and Get Down (Tonite)’, and the stoner-rock poignancy of ‘Mama’s Mad ‘Cos I Fried My Brain’. In some places, the childish lyrics let down the instrumental prowess, but you cannot deny this is a stonker of an album.

3. DANANANANAYKROYD- HEY EVERYONE!There are two things to be said about this band:
1. They’re utterly unique.
2. They’re immense.
What makes them unique? Well, the fact they’ve had to coin a phrase themselves to try and describe their sound is a dead giveway. ‘Fight pop’ is a bizarre mix of twee indie and melodic post-hardcore, and is probably best demonstrated by the fact Dananananaykroyd concerts don’t have Walls of Death, they have Walls of Hugs.
‘Hey Everyone!’ is a boisterous joy ride between chants and screams, melodic even in the face of perfectly-played musical chaos. In certain places (‘Song One Puzzle’, we’re looking at you), comparisons could be drawn with, say, Los Campesinos! ; in others (‘Some Dresses’), the only accurate comparison would be a punch in the jugular. A thrilling and joyous ride from start to finish.

4. BLUE ROSES- BLUE ROSESLaura Groves’ debut album appears to be a reflection on her- dainty, pretty, seemingly romantic. And yet, there’s something in this album- largely consisting of romantic tales and Debussy-esque piano stylings, eloquently accompanied by layered harmonies- that says more. In amongst the tenderness, there’s a sense of playfulness and adventure, a tinge of theatricality- the sort of elements that make this beautiful album stand proudly above many other singer-songwriter works of 2009. Sit back, listen, treasure.

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Playlist 12: Animals

I have to begin this month’s playlist with a little announcement- we’ve decided to cut the playlist count down to 2 a month. We felt four was simply too many, and what with being busy with exams and such at the moment, 2 a month is a bit more flexible. So, this month, the playlist is being commandeered by Chloe and Eileen, and our theme is:

Playlist 12: Animals

Take a walk on the wild side

1. RILO KILEY- Portions for Foxes
To kick us off, a bit of indie-rock lovin’ courtesy of Rilo Kiley. After hearing this song on the first ever episode of Grey’s Anatomy, I had to get my hands on it. Hearing Jenny Lewis chanting ‘Baby I’m bad news, bad news, bad news’ always takes me back to my days of being an orange-haired burnout. Aaw.

2. YEAH YEAH YEAHS- Gold Lion
Seems a little obvious, but how could I not, really? This song is a classic in my books. I’m much more of a ‘Fever to Tell’ girl personally, but it’s impossible not to appreciate the sheer majesty of this song.

3. SIX GALLERY- Edie and the Marble Faun
Ok, so a faun is only half-goat, but after featuring them in the ‘April: A Memoir’ post, I felt like I ought to share a little more of Six Gallery’s wondrous sound with you. Unfortunately they’ve postponed their UK tour, due to losing Dan Francis as the vocalist. They’re training up a new guy, Daniel Erb (of Afortiori), but no news of rescheduling the tour has emerged yet.

4. ROLO TOMASSI- Seagull
A little bit of vintage Rolo Tomassi for you- y’know, back in the days they sounded like Super Mario on acid. Their new album- due out 24th May- is apparently very different to this. A dead giveaway of said difference is the fact it’s been produced by Diplo- yes, that is Diplo, producer of M.I.A and Snoop Dogg. Interesting...

5. BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH- Trinco Dog
So far, we’ve had indie, math rock, and screamo/grindcore craziness- now I’m throwing a little reggae into the mix. Never say my musical tastes aren’t varied.

6. THE BEATLES- Blackbird
You’ve got to love The Beatles- even they can’t decide what their songs are about. Whether you think this song is about the plight of African-Americans, or ‘troubled girls in South America’ (McCartney’s words, not mine), or just a simple story about a classic underdog waiting for his moment to shine, at least we can all enjoy the simple peace of this beautiful song.

7. BILLIE THE VISION AND THE DANCERS- Summercat
A bit of Swedish indie pop silliness to put a smile on your face. I think what I like so much about this song is that anyone who’s ever missed anyone can instantly relate to the chorus of ‘Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, I want to be with you tonight’. Bless.

8. MISFITS- Return of the Fly
I think some people have this impression that music bloggers spend their entire life hunting down and listening to amazing tunes. Whilst it’s true that the best ones do seem to have a knack for spotting the next big thing, I for one have spent pretty much all of this month listening to 70’s horror-rockers Misifts- I’m completely hooked. This song is based on a comic book of the same name- Glenn Danzig, the lead singer, is pretty into his comic books, by all accounts. I think he owns a company who make erotic comic books, which is gross.

9. COCOROSIE- Noah’s Ark
Named as a major influence on The XX, Cocorosie are a female experimental duo, currently residing in Paris. The great thing about Cocorosie is that they are simultaneously really cute and really bizarre- their use of children’s toys in their music, for one, is both baffling and brilliant. They’re an acquired taste, but for those who get into them, it’s easy to see their own brand of subtle genius.

10. JONSI- Animal Arithmetic
Continuing the cuteness, a track from Sigur Ros front man Jonsi’s new album, ‘Go’. Fast-paced, joyous, and pretty damn delightful.

11. BROKEN BELLS- Mongrel Heart
When Danger Mouse (of Gnarls Barkley) and James Mercer (of The Shins) get together, you know something magical is going to happen. Their long-anticipated debut dropped in March, and offered an unusual indie-pop sound-embodied by the random spaghetti-Western style horn section in this song.

12. MINIATURE TIGERS- The Wolf
Question: What’s the best way to get over a really crappy relationship?
Answer: Do as Miniature Tigers do- write an album full of references to wolves, volcanoes, cannibals- and hit TV show Lost. My personal favourite line comes from the track Cannibal Queen: ‘like Nikki and P you could bury me alive’- I’m sure fellow Losties will appreciate that reference.

You can listen to the whole playlist on the little player in the sidebar, so you can listen whilst you browse. Once a new playlist is made, you'll still be able to listen to the whole on this page. Enjoy!

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Song of the Day: Broadzilla by Turbo Fruits

Are you- like me- still suffering relentlessly from the break-up of Be Your Own PET? Do you wake up at night in a cold sweat, wondering when fresh indie-punk-rock tuneage will come to take your cares away?
Fear not, my dears- I have a cure.
Turbo Fruits- a punk trio led by Jonas Stein (yes, the very same Jonas Stein of former BYOP glory), are my new fixation. And, although it hasn't received the mass attention it deserved, there is one track on their 2009 album 'Echo Kid' that has become my summer anthem, and is fast becoming my new favourite song.
It's called 'Broadzilla', and it's 4 minutes and 7 seconds of thrashing, grooving, pyschedelic, punk-rock awesomeness. Hit play. Go on- you know you want to.

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April: A Memoir

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: SIX GALLERY- BREAKTHROUGHS IN MODERN ARTOk, so technically speaking, this album was released in March, not April, but it would actually be a crime not to share this with you. The few who were familiar with Six Gallery before ‘BIMA’ were acquainted with a supremely talented instrumental math-rock band, known for their ridiculously complex rhythmical structures and downright amazing guitar skills. What’s been added to the mix this time around, surprisingly, is a young vocalist by the name of Daniel Francis. It’s a decision that could’ve completely compromised the core sound of Six Gallery- fortunately, it’s allowed them to scale all new heights of genius. Francis’ voice acts as a soothing lullaby when accompanying the fleetingly soft percussion, and as a commanding roar as the guitars rage on in a cavalcade of perfect, delicious noise. It’s difficult to remember as you’re smacked in the face with their sheer musical prowess that this is a debut album- and it’s easily the best debut I’ve ever heard.


FILM OF THE MONTH: KICK-ASS
It was one of my ‘Could-Go-Either-Way’ film picks, and it definitely went in the right direction. What I wasn’t expecting, though, was how dramatic this film was. When watching the trailer, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were about to watch a comedy film- well, you’re not. As well as feeding the more violent appetite in turns both bloody and brutal, it would take an audience with a heart of stone not to be touched (or slightly disturbed) by the father-daughter relationship between Big Daddy (Nicholas Cage) and Hit Girl (the talented Chloe Moretz). If you’re looking for something light-hearted, this potentially isn’t the film for you- but if you’re looking for violence, kick-ass stunts, laughs, sex, bazookas, and maybe a tear or two, you’re onto a winner.

TV SHOW OF THE MONTH: GLEE (MADONNA SPECIAL)
I'm doing it a little different this month when it comes to TV- why? Because I can. Instead of a show as a whole, I'm zooming in on just one episode and I'm doing 'Glee' again. Why, you might ask once more? Because it was fucking AWESOME. Last week’s episode saw the cast turning to the pop goddess that is Madonna and I don't think anyone in the whole world cannot appreciate that pointy boobed, trend setting, leotard wearing, gyrating wizard of music. With amazing renditions of Marge's best loved hits including 'Like a Prayer', 'Express Yourself' and 'Like a Virgin', it was an almighty hour's TV to behold. I got very excited. However, the cherry on top of this momentous episode had to be Sue Sylvester's copy of the almighty 'Vogue' video. Watch it below- enjoy!



FASHION DESIGNER OF THE MONTH: LEWIS

It’s pretty difficult not to fall in love with Lewis’ Spring/Summer collection just for the pictures- bright, gorgeous images that capture all the fun of the fair. But the collection itself is just as playful- by turns both delicate and bold, capturing the pastel shades of ice cream with clashing block colours straight from the big top. Not only that, but the collection taps into the floral trend, and the sudden vintage fetish that’s swept the high street. It does come at a price- each piece costs upwards of $200- but still, we can dream, can’t we?

POSTS OF THE MONTH
Spotify Discoveries- Chloe shares some hidden musical treasures discovered through Spotify.

5 Male Artists I Have A Man Crush On- In this post, Charles finally puts rumours of his sexuality to bed. Expect naked pictures of Kevin Barnes, and footage of Ryan Dicks ‘Ridin’ tha Chillwave’. Whatever that means.

The Sex Playlist- Our most viewed post this month (wonder why) featured Eileen discussing the dirty and depraved depths of her musical tastes. Giggidy giggidy.

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5 Chicks in Bands That Are Cooler Than You

Following on from Chloe's and Charlie's list of gay crushes, I thought it might be nice to talk about the ridiculously cool/sexy chicks who don't take centre stage. They spend every day on tour cooped up in vans with a bunch of sweaty dudes, and don't even get the credit of front women such as Emily Haines or Hayley Williams in similar set-ups.

ANISSA RODRIGUEZ- EYES SET TO KILLHardcore band Eyes Set to Kill started life as an all-girl band. These days, the majority of the band are guys. Not only must bassist Anissa co-habitate with three broody-looking dudes with asymmetrical haircuts, but she also faces constant upstaging from her sister, lead singer Alexia. Seriously- if you type ‘Anissa Rodriguez’ into Google Images, it says ‘Did you mean Alexia Rodriguez’?
Yet, Anissa if definitely the cooler Rodriguez sister, because she’s smokin’ hot and has a dog who wears sunglasses. What could possibly be more awesome, really?


JONIE BROECKER- TELEKINESIS!Keeping up the theme of sibling rivalry, Jonie plays bass for indie rocker Michael Benjamin Lerner (aka Telekinesis!), whilst her brother David plays electric, acoustic AND bass. Blatantly the favourite child.
Yet, you know in ‘Juno’ when she wants her bastard spawn to be adopted by someone ‘with a cool Asian girlfriend who rocks out on the bass guitar’? Well, that’s pretty much Jonie in a nutshell- and she does it all in cute vintage attire. So, if the whole touring thing leaves her feeling lonely, there’s always a 15-year-old irresponsible pregnant rock fan somewhere ready to give her some babies.

SANDY MIRANDA- FUCKED UPPrimary reason why Sandy Miranda is cool? Well, aside from the fact she has the most perfect ‘girl-next-door-in-a-B-movie’ name ever, she’s also in hardcore punk band Fucked Up, who are so utterly destructive it’s a wonder they’re still together. She also happens to collect vintage dresses, be a pretty good photographer and have really cool glasses. Worship her.

VICTORIA ASHER- COBRA STARSHIPIt really is a wonder why Cobra Starship had to rope tone-deaf twiglet Leighton Meester into their ‘Good Girls Go Bad’ video when they had this sexy chica in the band. Aside from being gorgeous, she also plays the keytar. Yes, really. She also directs music videos and adverts, and studied film at NYU. A pretty cool cat, all in all.

KIM GORDON- SONIC YOUTHMadonna got you thinking that 50-somethings must automatically be seriously un-cool? Trust me, Kim Gordon will change your mind. I’m sure she needs no introduction as the painfully hip bassist and occasional vocalist of noise rock group Sonic Youth. Yet, on top of that, she’s a director, actress, and artist. And she has a daughter called Coco, which fucking rocks.

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Playlist 11: Sex

So, for this month's playlist, we've decided to trawl our music libraries for the very best songs about, umm, sex. It may be a little risque, but it's the subject of alot of very awesome songs. So, here goes nothing:

Playlist 11: Sex Look! Gummy Bear Porn!

1. JULIETTE AND THE LICKS- Hot Kiss
‘Ooh, your little girl wants to f-f-f...’
Because is there any better way to kick off a super-naughty playlist than with the gravelly-voiced Juliette Lewis’ sexual fixation?

WARNING: The content from here on in gets a little blue. Giggidy giggidy.

2. DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979- Sexy Results
‘Woman friend, take me to the bedroom, let me show you how I am full grown’
Because is there anything more dirty than that bass playing? Also: don’t watch the video if you’re easily weirded out-it features a woman who has mouths for nipples. Kind of like in Angela Carter, only that was eyes for nipples. I digress...

3. HOT ACTION COP- Fever 4 Da Flava
‘Do you think that I get some, chicky chicky, maybe just a little finger sticky sticky’
Because as depraved as the lyrics may be, this is fast becoming one of my favourite songs of all time. And because it was on the soundtracks for ‘Grind’ AND ‘American Pie 3’- y’know, the one with the wedding, where Stifler eats dog poop. God, those films are classy.

4. BIKINI KILL- Anti-Pleasure Dissertation
‘How punk-fucking-rock my pussy smelt’
Because the lyrics are ridiculously vaginal. And (more than) slightly off-putting, but very, very sexual.

5. MELODY GARDOT- Lover Undercover
‘Come to your lover undercover and I will turn your mood around’
Because despite the song being about having a secret saucy affair, Melody Gardot still manages to keep everything PC and above-board. She’s a classy dame, with an incredible voice.

6. THE DARK HORSE PROJECT- Dark Horse
‘You want it and you ride and you ride and you ride your way out of me’
Because this song is so sensual, and so underestimated. I truly love it- and it has such filthy undertones, I kind of want to blush.

7. SOHO DOLLS- Stripper
‘You get me girl when you're nervous and when your hand is in the thong.’
Because who can resist a little bit of lady-lovin’ from everyone’s favourite kinky burlesque group (so-called because the lead singer gets her tits out all the time). WARNING: the spoken-word in this song will make you feel like you called an upmarket Soho sex hotline. Seriously.

8. FUCKED UP- He’s So Frisky
'He's frisky for you!'
Because the only thing that could possibly make this pop classic (originally by Dolly Mixture) any better is if it were sang by a big hairy man. Wish granted.

9. BRAZILIAN GIRLS- Don’t Stop
‘Don’t stop, just keep on going, until I come’
Because it’s so filthy, yet so beautifully sung. Oh Brazilian Girls- I never know whether to be in awe or slightly uncomfortable.

10. HEAD AUTOMATICA- Cannibal Girl
‘Cannibal girl, you’ve been eating me alive.’
Because it’s important to remember sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. Like when you get second-degree burns on your Johnson, for instance. You may also find interesting to know that I have a recurring dream where I do a weird suggestive tap dance to this song.

11. THE DONNAS- Take It Off
‘Stop staring at my D-Cup; don’t waste time, just give it to me’
Because I don’t care if they hardly ever receive any good press, I freakin’ love The Donnas. I get the whole ‘harking back to the Golden Age of rock n’ roll’ thing, I do. Sex seemed to be alot more prolific then.

12. STARS- The First 5 Times
‘Now I’ve got to ask you more one thing: keep doing that forever’
Because sometimes sex and love get caught up in one glorious, snuggly mess. Aaw.

13. THE BEATLES-Come Together
‘Hold you in his arms yeah you can feel his disease’.
Because it’s THE SEXIEST SONG OF ALL TIME. It properly gets me every time- that month or so where this song was on every advert for ‘Beatles Rock Band’ was not a good time for me. If you want to seduce me, stand outside my window playing this. I fully give my guarantee I’ll throw myself naked out of my window at you.
DISCLAIMER: This is unlikely, for health and safety reasons.

I’m having a few internet problems, but I’ll try and get a listenable version of this whole playlist up soon, so you enjoy it all, preferably with a lover ;) Read More......

Eileen's Top 10 Albums of 2009

Throughout the month, we will each be bringing you our Top 10 favorite albums of 2009. Up first, Eileen:

10. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest
This is an album which will no doubt be cropping up time and time again in lists such as this. It is clear from the off how meticulously executed this album is, how painstakingly the Brooklyn-based quartet have strived for perfection, in what appears to be largely a collection of love songs (certainly the case in ‘Two Weeks’, ‘I Live With You’ and ‘All We Ask’). But then, the album in places seems effortless, with something about it that seems to ooze nature- particularly apt, considering ‘Veckatimest’ is an uninhabited island off the coast of Massachusetts. The whole thing leaves me slightly confused, but in a very good way.
MP3: Southern Point

9. Grammatics- Grammatics
One of the most promising first albums I’ve heard in a long, long time. I think what makes this album a stand-out work for me is the sheer ambition- the soaring highs of ‘The Vague Archive’, the magnificently composed breakdown in ‘Relentless Fours’- which you simply don’t see in other fledging musical acts. A bit of a triumph.
MP3: The Vague Archive
8. dredg- The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion
And now for something totally different- some high-concept art/alt-rock, largely inspired by ‘A Letter to the Six Billionth Citizen’ by Salman Rushdie. Yes, I know- and it’s actually good! Although dredg are always a breath of fresh air, they’ve basically followed the same basic backbone as their previous El Cielo- soaring rock ballads interspersed with short, experimental ‘jousts’, as their bassist put it. Maybe not quite as successful as El Cielo (giving that it doesn’t feel that original anymore), but still a top record.
MP3: Ireland

7. Manchester Orchestra- Everything to Nothing
One of the only albums this year that I’ve genuinely been anticipating that has proved better than the act’s previous material. 'Mean Everything To Nothing' has the same triumphant melodies and quiet, introspective periods as 'I'm like A Virgin Losing a Child', but is bolder, better and carried out with a little more finesse. Andy Hull's vocals, in particular, have ripened considerably. Top stuff.
MP3: I've Got Friends

6. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion
Ok, so you’re probably sick of hearing about this album by now, but how could I not? It is brilliant, afterall. Usually, experimental albums are musical marmite- some love them, some think they’re unbearably pretentious and just random noises that a child could’ve bashed out with a toy xylophone. But on the whole, MPP has received wide-spread praise; a fitting testament, I think you’ll agree.
MP3: Brothersport

5. Neko Case- Middle Cyclone
As I’m writing this, I’m smiling. Why? Because ‘Middle Cyclone’ is so much fun! A country album that never takes itself too seriously, but has moments of rare and brilliant beauty. Not my usual cup of tea, but I love it.
MP3: This Tornado Loves You


4. Bat for Lashes- Two Suns
Before you push the ‘play’ button on this one, get ready to be dragged by your heartstrings into Natasha Khan’s mystical world of surrealism and romance, all capped off by breathtaking vocals. Magnificent.
MP3: Glass

3. Alexisonfire- Old Crows/ Young Cardinals
I’d never really given hardcore/post-hardcore a chance before this year, but I’m so glad I warmed to it. It’s often considered to be a genre with little in the way of artistic accomplishment, but albums such as ‘Old Crows/ Young Cardinals’ explode such stereotypes. Principally based around the contradiction of beauty with violence within the modern world, Alexisonfire take us on a journey through the beautiful and the depraved- as well as a few chantable choruses thrown in for good measure.
MP3: The Northern



2. Patrick Watson- Wooden Arms
I probably use the word ‘beautiful’ too much. But when I call this album ‘beautiful’, I express the utmost admiration for the humble, the intricate and the heart-warming composition of ‘Wooden Arms’. It’s an album to fall in love with, time and time again, and I’m in complete disbelief that it hasn’t received more acclaim.
MP3: Wooden Arms

1. As Cities Burn- Hell or High Water
Yes, my album of the year is ‘Hell or High Water’. There’s something about the circularity of this album that beguiles me to no end- indeed, the rolling currents of the sea are a recurring motif, and several of the songs bear the lyrics ‘round and round we go’. But As Cities Burn definitely aren’t walking in circles- they’re headed firmly in the right direction. Although their last album, ‘Come Now, Sleep’ received considerable acclaim, for me there was something overdone about it- the introduction (‘Clouds’, in which we hear several people’s views of God set to music) and the finale (a 14-minute marathon, Timothy) in particular, seemed as though they could do with toning down. What follows, ‘Hell or High Water’, has all the same triumphant, guitar-swelling peaks, but the quieter moments are brooding, brilliant and just as enjoyable. Nothing here seems overworked- there’s just the right balanced of nature and nurture. It’s an album that takes my breath away every time I hear it. Truly, truly brilliant.
MP3: Pirate Blues

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Playlist 7: White Christmas

Only 19 days left until Christmas, and I've yet to start my Christmas shopping. Oh dear. I really should get more organised...

But how about you- are you feeling festive? If you're not filled with seasonal euphoria quite yet, never fear- I have the answer. This month's playlist is bound to inject a little holiday spirit into your cold, Scrooge-esque heart...

Playlist 7: White ChristmasA list of our festive favorites to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Track Listing:
1. FLEET FOXES- White Winter Hymnal
2. A FINE FRENZY- Let it Snow
3. THE WATER BABIES- Under the Tree
4. STARS- What the Snowman Learned About Love
5. MEW- Snow Brigade
6. JULIE DOIRON- Snow Falls in November
7. FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE- Valley Winter Song
8. CASIOTONE FOR THE PAINFULLY ALONE- Cold White Christmas
9. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS- Snow (Hey Oh)
10. SLOW CLUB- Christmas TV
11. THE VEILS- Sit Down by the Fire
12. THE POGUES- Fairytale of New York
13. DODOS- Winter
14. BRAND NEW- Oh Holy Night
15. JIMMY EAT WORLD- Christmas Card
16. BLINK 182- I Won't Be Home For Christmas
17. RAMONES- Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight)
18. PATRICK WATSON- Fireweed
19. BEACH BOYS- Little Saint Nick
20. SUFJAN STEVENS- That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!
21. THE PIPETTES- A Winter's Sky

You can listen to the whole playlist on the nifty little I-Pod below. Enjoy!

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Playlist 6: Day and Night, Pt. II- Night

So, when we decided on the theme for our first group playlist, we came up with 'Day and Night'- seems oddly appropriate with the clocks going back last month, afterall. But what we found when we actually came to choosing our songs was that we simply had to many songs to choose from. So, we've split our playlist into two- you can listen to the first half here. So, may I present to you:

Playlist 6.5: NightThe shadowy underbelly of this month's playlist

Tri's Picks:
1. ARCADE FIRE- Wake Up
2. THE POSTAL SERVICE- The District Sleeps Alone Tonight
3. PASSION PIT- Sleepyhead
4. IMOGEN HEAP- Goodnight and Go
5. TEGAN AND SARA- Night Watch

Eileen's Picks:
6. GRAMMATICS- Shadow Committee
7. TILLY AND THE WALL- Rainbows in the Dark
8. PEARL JAM- All Night
9. DOLLY MIXTURE- Whistling in the Dark
10. MUSE- Darkshines
11. THE PUPPINI SISTERS- Soho Nights
12. KAY HANLEY- Cellars by Starlight
13. YEAH YEAH YEAHS- Date With the Night

Chloe's Picks:
14. LAURA MARLING- Night Terror
15. THE DYKEENIES- Feels Like Sleep
16. BAT FOR LASHES- Moon and Moon
17. TURIN BRAKES- Dark on Fire

Charles's Picks:
18. 65DAYSOFSTATIC- Drove Through Ghosts to Get Here
19. BJORK- All is Love
20. MEANWHILE, BACK IN COMMUNIST RUSSIA...- Anatomies
21. SIGUR ROS- Hún Jörð
22. MONO- The Battle to Heaven

You can now listen to the whole playlist on the nifty little i-Pod below. Enjoy!

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Art of Rock

If you, like me, love exploring the connection between music and art, 'Art of Rock' (which is currently at the StolenSpace Gallery, London) is not to be missed. Each piece from the exhibition was inspired by a track from Green Day's latest offering, '21st Century Breakdown'- admittedly, not my favorite Green Day album, but a pretty awesome concept for an art show nonetheless.
Featuring art from Ron English, Will Barras, Christian Guémy (who's the dude behind '!Viva La Gloria!', above) and Chris Stain, amongst others, the show will be running until the 1st of November. Find out more here >>>

MP3: Green Day- Viva La Gloria

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Review: Eastpak Antidote Tour

I. GHOST OF A THOUSANDI'd love to grace you with a review that sung the praises of this band, and whole-heartedly agreed with Kerrang (who gave them 5 K's on their live performance). Unfortunately, I can't.

Firstly, because I got horribly lost on the mean streets of Birmingham, and missed a large portion of their performance. Luckily, one of the Street Team found me and escorted me and some other kids to the O2 Arena- post-hardcore fans aren't great with directions, it seems.
Secondly, what I saw sounded reasonable- the band attacked the stage with a suitable amount of gusto, and the sound they made was pleasing, if a little shambolic in places. But that's as far as it went- they haven't quite found that fine line between unbridled rage and musical finesse. I do have high hopes for their future, mind.

II. FOUR YEAR STRONGAs this motley crew of big, beardy types descend upon the stage, you think you know what to expect. Screaming (lots of it), raging guitar solos and lyrics that can go from nought to riot in sixty seconds. Well, you'd be wrong.
Four Year Strong have a strange yet enchanting blend of pop punk and hardcore that you'd never expect from such hairy chunks of masculinity. And from the general nods of approval emanating form the slightly nonplussed audience, it was a sound they were working. This is definitely a band I'll be checking out again soon.

III. ANTI-FLAGAppearances were once again deceptive with Anti-Flag- for such weedy looking dudes, they sure are furious about something.
You always know what you're going to get with Anti-Flag- angry, political tracks- and with tracks such as 'Turncoat' and 'The Press Corpse', they didn't disappoint in that respect. The music itself has alot to be desired- nothing spectacular, nothing amiss- but what I found most off-putting was their rapport with the crowd. They stressed- between every single bloody song- how they were all about peace and love, and how they would remember this night for the rest of their lives, and how stupid the government was, and how they wanted everyone to go in the circle pit. Seriously, give it a rest.
They did get a bunch of people on stage, which I thought was quite nice of them, but I know there were those who'd argue they'd paid to see Anti-Flag, not to see some kids get up on stage and sing Anti-Flag. Matter of taste, I suppose.
Reference must of course be made to their drummer, who is up there with the scariest dudes to ever have lived- he just looks so demented. He has that crazy look in his eyes- the look that says 'I've definitely worn a straight jacket at some point in my life'. Yikes.

IV. ALEXISONFIREThe main event- and I wasn't disappointed.
I was a little confused when they only set up three stands- I thought there were five guys in Alexisonfire? Of course, my naïveté was soon put right- the fourth guy up front, bassist Chris Steele, had no stand, due to the fact he couldn't stand still for more than two seconds. He bounded around stage in a state of insanity for the entire performance, in a whirlwind of his own sweat and saliva. He went absolutely mental, and so did the crowd- I must admit I was happily dragged into the furore, pulling shapes like I was demented- even being slammed into the railings by a tidal wave of Dallas Green fan girls didn't dull my appetite for frenzy.
This pandemonium was matched by the rest of band, who not only managed to command the stage with manic prowess, but also deliver soaring, clear vocals, and guitar playing to a standard I have yet to see matched in a live performance.

All in all, pretty damn awesome. I you're considering going to this concert, you should definitely pick up a ticket: you won't regret it.

MP3: Alexisonfire- This Could be Anywhere in the World

Photo of Alexisonfire courtesy of martybell on deviantART

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Song of the Day: Valentine by The Crowns

Paloma Faith.
Ellie Goulding.

Just two of the names that I tipped for the big time only a few months ago, and I've heard both of them of Radio 1 this week. But, I'm not here to gloat- I'm here to share with you my next slice of fresh aural goodness- The Crowns. What first springs to mind when you hear Amsterdam? Windmills? Tulips? The Red Light District? Well, soon enough, I feel the indie-rock tunes of The Crowns could be up there on that list.
The Crowns, like so many before them, are a Myspace phenomenon. However, unlike many before them, they didn't rest on their laurels and wait for a record company to latch onto the hype; they released their self-titled album off their own back. A bold move, but in the days where record companies so often taint records with over-production, it may be a wise move too.

FUN FACT TIME! Not only is 'Valentine' the name of one of their songs, but it is also the name of the lead singer, whose bio states:
'Valentine is best known for being the inventor and world champion of extreme yodeling. Some 20 years ago, after a failed career in Japanese sumo wrestling, Valentine became a recluse in the Swiss Alps. Solitary, yet greatly inspired by traditional Swiss clothing and cuisine, Valentine laid the groundworks for extreme yodeling. Valentine is 23 years of age and can be seen on ESPN hosting the show Yodel or Die.'
Don't you feel enriched by that nugget of knowledge?

MP3: 'Valentine' by The Crowns

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Playlist 5: True Colours

Yes, I've (finally) got around to making another proper playlist- try not to faint with shock. I'm sure you anguish at being left without new muisc for so long will dissolve in a frenzy of aural excitement as soon as you hear this playlist- it's a corker, if I do say so myself.
Y'know how it is with me buy now- a little old, a little new, a little indie, a little jazz, and, this month, a surprising amount of rock. Check it out:

True Colours

A playlist filled with songs about every colour under the rainbow.

Tracklist:
1. French Navy- Camera Obscura
2. Red Right Hand- Arctic Monkeys
3. Purple Haze- The Jimi Hendrix Experience
4. Pot Kettle Black- Tilly and the Wall
5. Behind Blue Eyes- The Who
6. Black History Month- Death From Above 1979
7. Black Hole- Be Your Own PET
8. Green Knight- Memory Tapes
9. Black Tongue- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
10. Brown Eyed Girl- Van Morrison
11. Pink Bullets- The Shins
12. Pirate Blues- As Cities Burn
13. Purgatory Blues- Juliette and the Licks
14. Orange Spider- mewithoutYou
15. Grass is Greener- Dolly Mixture
16. Red and Purple- Dodos
17. Seein' Red- Unwritten Law
18. Red Tide- Neko Case
19. Red River- The Walkmen
20. Whitewash is Brainwash- Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly
21. Wine Red- The Hush Sound
22. Your Heart is as Black as the Night- Melody Gardot
23. White Unicorn- Wolfmother

Listen to the whole playlist on the nifty little I-Pod below. Enjoy!

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10 Songs of the Week

I'm getting worse and worse for posting, though not through choice. I've only been back at college for a week, and I'm already bogged down with essays and reading lists and all sorts. I guess this is sort of one of those years where I have to work, lest I risk messing up my future.
Ho hum, enough with the negative stuff- how have you all been? All slowly getting back into the swing of things after the holidays, I suspect. I'm having a bit of a musical week, by which I'm meaning to shitloads of music, not that I'm rockin' out to the Sound of Music, or anything. So, I thought it would be nice to share with you what's goin' on musically with me as of late:

THE WHO, 'BABA O' RILEY'
'Who's Next' has easily one of the best album covers of all time, and is one of the best albums of all time as well. Baba O'Riley is very, very high up on my list of ultimate tracks to play air guitar to alone in my bedroom. The Who also provide all of the theme tunes for CSI, and I do love a good bit of CSI.

MARIANA'S TRENCH, 'ACADIA' I just remembered the guitar solo on 'Acadia' reminds me of 'Baba O' Riley', for some strange reason. I still don't think 'Masterpiece Theatre' is a patch on 'Fix Me', but they're still seem like a pretty cool bunch of dudes, so ho hum.

ALEXISONFIRE, ANYTHING, EVERYTHING, JUST GIVE ME ALEXISONFIRE QUICK!
(BUT MAINLY 'THIS COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD')
I'm going to see them in concert in October! Win! I also like to imagine what would happen if Alexisonfire and Marianas Trench got into some Canadian-rock-band-battle-to-the-death. Alexisonfire would easily win- it would be a bit of a massacre, actually. Any member of Alexisonfire could snap the rather effeminate Josh Ramsay (lead singer of MT) like a twig. No offence to Josh- he just seems like he'd benefit from a good square meal.

CITY AND COLOUR, 'AS MUCH AS I EVER COULD'
My Alexisonfire binge just sort of merged into a City and Colour binge. I think I gravely underestimated 'As Much As I Ever Could' in particular.

THE CURE, 'JUST LIKE HEAVEN'
Ooh, I love The Cure. It is a pity that all decent bands from England have been and gone, though. Our music scene is a little lacking in comparison at the moment.

NEKO CASE, 'PRISON GIRLS'
'Middle Cyclone', the album this song is from is easily my favorite of the albums that I reviewed on Song by Song. All of the songs are also alot of fun to sing along to, particularly 'People Got a Lotta Nerve'- on the count of three, 'I'm a man-man-man, man-man-man-eater!'

THE BEATLES, 'PAPERBACK WRITER'
You may notice an old-English-band theme to my current musical taste. I don't know, maybe I'm going to patriotic. For some reason, there's this massive taboo about people listening to '1'- what, just because it's basically a compilation of their famous songs, I'm not allowed to listen to it?

BAT FOR LASHES, 'MOON AND MOON'
Since viewing her performance at the Mercury Prize Awards, I can't stop listening to her. Her strangely hypnotic voice gets me every time.

AS CITIES BURN, 'PETTY'
Still my album of the year thus far. Truly stunning. Enough said.

JOY DIVISION, 'LOVE WILL TEAR US APART'
A truly immense song. Have you watched 'Control', the biopic about them? That too is immense, and so visually beautiful. Go buy it, now.

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