This was actually out in 2004 and there's a new album in the pot
which you can get preview download tracks from at their website. In
case you've somehow missed Wilco, they've been around a while and
"progressed" from alt.country to an interesting and thoughtful
mix of close-by-the-mic vocals and guitar to weirded-out beat
rockscapes that stay on the alt side of the road as opposed to
disappearing into the neverland of trendy clubism.
Trabant is an Icelandic band named after an East German
car that is apparently no more. The game is political
satire with a high energy pop-synth backing. These two
tracks do zip along pretty good with interesting breaks and
changes.
The DVD features a couple of live clips of the band as
well as studio cuts. There is quite a strong element of cabaret
in the first track with the lead singer getting around in his
y-fronts and generally extending the song for a long time.
For this track you should be in a hot, sweaty room, and be
a little drunk as well. There are also band still photos and bio
information on the DVD.
We've included this demo because they do have a website
that you can check out and because it's coming up to
Christmas ... normally we listen to demos but for review, the
track/s must be available to the public.
Little Man Tate hail from Sheffield in England and produce
really nicely crafted rock with some grit to it. And if you're
a fan of Northern Soul, this isn't it but there are faint
stylistic traces there. If you're not a rock fan we don't
imagine this will win you over but if you happen to be in
a pub they're playing in maybe ...
Jamie Lidell has been described as "British music's best kept secret,
about to be unleashed" and is gaining a reputation as a highly creative
and extrovert performer, using various styles whilst maintaining a
definite 60s soul feel at the heart of it. His single "Multiply"
contains four different mixes of the title song. The first is "Radio
Edit", presumably for radio and is in the traditional R&B style, the
second is entitled "Herbert's Hoedown Bump" with a distinctly modern
adaption of the American dance with drum effects akin to those of
eighties power ballads. The third ("Hot Chip's Mouth Remix") is a more
obscure-sounding dance version, that wouldn't sound out of place in a
nightclub. The fourth ("Gonzales - Multiply (in a minor key)") is my
personal favourite, strictly "unplugged" with a wonderful blues bar
piano accompaniment (although I'm still not entirely convinced that it's
minor!).
Having never heard him before, I would recommend anyone to buy this or
any of his other releases as he shows that he can perform in any style
and as a result has something to please everyone.
(M. North)
We have quite a bit of background on this group
in interviews and even a slice of a recent live gig on podcast.
On a recent tour they were, with the addition of
a drummer, a five piece, while on this five track EP they
are a four piece with interesting textures and a general
spaciousness. Generally, the pieces develop slowly with
voice, cello, and FX laden long guitar lines (plus guest violin on two
tracks) taking you along on small, almost orchestral journeys.
In a way, it is modern chamber music: modern in its timbre and
modern in its sensibilities. And "chamber" in its intimacy and
historical connectiveness.
(thunderfinger)
Sweet tones, a softly crooning voice, and an orchestral
background might seem just right for some circumstances
but somehow take on an ironic or kitch component when they
come from someone like Mute, even if the publishing is owned
by BMG.
The second track, "I'm Absolutely Hank Marvin", starring
the Hank himself, absolutely underlines the kitch feeling.
Both are nice tracks though, and Hank's slow tunefulness
could have you smooching in a corner somewhere.
(thunderfinger)
Goldfrapp, Number 1, Beautiful
Goldfrapp are the fantastic English duo who have taken electronic music
mixed with voice to the highest levels of classic pop/alternative music
to date. Their previous albums; Felt Mountain and Black Cherry, were
both nominated for two of the most prestigious awards - Mercury, and
Brit respectively.
This latest single, Number 1, blends perfectly that age-old sound of the
electronic synthesiser, beautifully voiced by the gorgeous Alison
Goldfrapp. When I heard this music a few old names came to mind;
Chemical Brothers, and Madonna. A strange combination I know, but I
think you will know what I'm getting at.
The second item on this single is the B-side 'Beautiful'. Rachael
Stevens comes to mind with this one. That tension in the voice creating
that unmistakable seductive, chocolaty sound of hot, steamy...indeed! On
one level I prefer the feel of this track to the previous. The beat is
stronger, and it really leads you to her as she pulling you in on an
invisible string. I did once hear someone say that B-sides are the best
- well I won't go that far just yet.
Number 1 is definitely a feel-good song over seductive so has the
advantage as an 'any moment song'. It will keep you up if you are, and
pick you up if you're down.
(E Walton)
This is a good-natured romp which might have been
done by Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. It's
that sort of style -- retro, with well-crafted parts and
delivery and little stories told over the top.
The fiction is that this is all from a land called
Portlandia -- a place where global sentiments, easy to
understand lyrics and power chords might not draw out
our deepest emotions.
(Dr Boots)
Catskills Records are one of those interesting smaller
labels that put out a reasonable variety of stuff rather than just
stick to a very narrow road. On here we have Husky Rescue,
Ch3vy, Hardkandy, Bushy, Nylon Rhythm Machine, Aldo Vanucci,
Pepe Deluxe, and Black Grass. It's definately worth a look
and a listen if you're into things that are a little off the
beaten commercial path but like reasonably normal listener
accessibility as well.
This is pretty cool: Fast-paced, with broken beats and ever
changing textures along with a sort of minor interval quasi-
sadness about it. Actually, it's quite frenetic and well
suited to dancing for those who are untroubled by breaks and
changes.
Another thing I liked about it was the full spread of
sound from the tops to the bottoms. This gives a nice wide
open feel that contrasts nicely with the minor intervals
and vaguely dark feel of the notes themselves. The textures
used include FX-laden drum sounds, synth, and occasionally,
voice.
The fact is, this CD is ten years old. This was Richard D. James's
(aka Aphex Twin) first flutter with breaks and the original releases
had become very rare and sought after by collectors. So, here's
a second chance.
(Dr Boots)
Mstation Pop etc Commentary, Reviews
pre Dec 04 reviews are here
Thu, 01 Dec 2005
Wilco, a ghost is born
LP, nonesuch
www.wilcoworld.net
Trabant, Maria and Pump You Up
single
DVD, Southern Fried
Little Man Tate
4 track CD, demo
www.littlemantate.co.uk
Jamie Lidell
"Multiply"
CD, Warp Records
Hush the Many, Mind the Spawl
EP, Handspun Records dist by Cargo
Richard Hawley, Coles Corner
Single, Mute
Goldfrapp, 2 Track single - 'Number 1' with B-Side 'Beautiful'
CD, Mute Records
Decemberists, Sixteen Military Wives
Maxi CD single, Rough Trade
various, Catskills Sampler Volume 5
LP, Catskills Records
AFX, Hangable Auto Bulb
LP, Warp
