Liam Gallagher is insulted people think his brother Noel Gallagher was "carrying" Oasis.
The singer formed Beady Eye with the remaining members of the 'Lyla' rockers - Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock - when Noel quit the band in August 2009, and admits he was surprised so many people wrote off his chances of musical success without his older sibling.
He said: "I'm insulted that people think Noel Gallagher has been f***ing carrying this band for the last 18 years.
"People were saying [about Beady Eye], 'Oh it's going to be f***ing s**t.' It's like, are you tripping or what?"
The 'Bring the Light' singer is upset some critics and music fans have seemingly chosen sides since the brothers combusted, and he thinks people should give them both a chance on their own.
He added: "The Noel versus Liam thing, I'm a bit saddened by it, that some people feel like they need to pick sides. Like, I wouldn't go and see The Stone Roses and be like, 'I hate John Squire but I'm into Ian Brown,' or whatever."
Silent Stream of Godless Elegy is a Moravian folk metal band from the Czech Republic that was formed in 1995. They won an award in 2000 from the Czech Academy of Popular Music for their album Themes in the "Hard & Heavy" category.
It is the Slavic feelings of ancient longing and melancholy that fuel the fires of passion on the band?s sixth album ?N�vaz?. ?N�vaz? is a traditional amulet made from hair, blackberry leaves, ash and other odd ingredients. Tradition permeates the music of the Moravians by their use of violin, cello, and dulcimer; it also shows in the vocals and choral parts.You can stream the song "Slava" from the album below.
When The Walkmen passed through town last October for a show at the Phoenix, in was in support of their new album Lisbon. They'd obviously performed several tracks from the album although nothing sunk in at the time nor had I ever had a chance to listen to the new album. But the band's performance on Late Night With David Letterman does provide more reason than ever to check the new album out. Performing a song entitled "Juveniles", the song shows a dare-I-say more mature side of the band, showing more emphasis on melody and a cleaner, more succinct approach to their instrumentation. Terrific song. The band has some select US and UK dates coming up over the next several months and then the Primavera Festival in Barcelona, Spain in May - tour dates are posted at the band's MySpace.
ps. You may have noticed my abbreviated blog posts as of late. I plan to keep posting a bit more streamlined at least for now, and saving more detailed posts for concert reviews (when I go to shows, of course). I also hope to get back to posting about more local artists/eventt. Posting (both in content and frequency) will be fairly random but I hope you'll stick around.
Dalriada is a folk metal band from Hungary that was formed in 2003. They were formerly known as Echo of Dalriada until 2007. Their fourth studio album Szelek in 2008 was a chart success in their country, peaking at the second position on the official Mahasz music charts.
The new album looks like very pleasant in the cover, however I expect something very dark and dirty when you talk about metal music !
Product Description For Dalriada - Igeret The roots of the hungarian folk metal band Dalriada reach back to the year of 1998, when forming member and band leader Andras Ficzek starteda heavy metal band in the West-Hungarian town of Sopron. In the following years he gathered several young and talented musicians to follow hisvision of heavy metal combined with death, thrash and most important folk elements combined. After the first years of experimenting, DALRIADAwas formed in Sopron in February 2003 with the intention of combining metal and Hungarian folklore, thus fostering the incredibly rich heritage ofHungarian folk art. Due to the broad range of influences some elements of death and gothic metal found their way into the bands unique style.The word Dalriada is the historical name of the first kingdom of the Scots, but based on some linguistic studies it may have an ancient Hungarianorigin with the meaning of battle-song. In the first years the band called itself Echo Of Dalriada in order emphasize the Hungarian meaning, butat the beginning of 2007 the name was simplified to Dalriada. All the lyrics are in Hungarian and sometimes use the works of the famousHungarian poet Janos Arany. Here again authenticity and their Hungarian heritage is most important to the band. Lyrics and music form an artisticunity.
I always enjoy finding something unexpected. Solo works by ancillary band members in established groups usually yield this feeling. I don't know what I expected from PHIL SELWAY's solo record but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Selway is of course the drummer for RADIOHEAD and although it won't lead him to quit his day job, it certainly shows that the band is not just THOM YORKE and a cast of others.
Selway dips his toes into some Radiohead sounds (albeit from earlier catalogue era work) on "Beyond Reason" but mostly he skews toward hushed vocals and acoustic guitars. Drums are almost non-existent on the record and Selway's vocal style is reminiscent of Luke Haynes of THE AUTEURS slightly British lilt. Lisa Germano's backing vocals waft over several tracks notably in the "The Ties That Bind"and her gentle coos on the singe "By Some Miracle". Lyrically Selway tells tales of overcoming life's maladies by connecting with others. This is most evident on the penultimate track "Don't Look Down" and it's uplifting message of facing fears and taking the challenge of life head on.
As I sit here on a Sunday morning I find that this is the type of record that is perfect for beginning your day. Quiet, musically interesting enough to keep your attention and lyrically imaginative. I look forward to this playing as I read the paper and drink a cup of coffee...
Beehive Candy plans to continue to re-upload any missing bootleg concert files, as and when we can, after they are reported, using new file hosts.
The only exception to this is, when we receive formal notification from the artist or their genuine representatives, or if the web sheriff or similar requests us to withdraw the material.
Thank you to everyone who contributes material to this site both directly and through other forums, it is always appreciated.
Some very pleasant emails, and encouraging comments after postings, (just keep them coming), have made re-uploading deleted files seem much less tedious (see what a little gentle encouragement can do!).
Missing Files Reported and Awaiting Replacement:
Alanis Morrisette - Miss Thing 1996.
Please note we have been advised that King Crimson's official agents have asked our file hosts that their material be withdrawn and file links are therefore no longer active, it's their call and we respect any request.
The Oh Land recording was withdrawn after a request from nyctaper, again we respect their hard work and in these troubled times for file hosts and music bloggers a like, would rather work with the artists and their representatives as we continue to promote great music both past and present.
If there are any additional files missing, that you would like made available again, just leave a comment below this article(and only this article), or email beehivecandy at our usual address.
Beehive Candy supportsRadio Caroline - the legendary former offshore free radio station.
Unfortuantely we are unable to re-upload 'Jeff Buckley - Glastonbury' at present and will notify any interested parties if the situation changes.
Background: Cincinnati-based, electronic pop act Dark Colour exploded from the mind of 20-year old singer/songwriter Randall Rigdon. After years of providing ethereal soundtrack work for independent video projects and partaking in friends? frenzied rock experiments, Randall finally set forth on his own full-fledged solo electro project.
With him comes Memories, a ten-track, dance party of an album featuring warming synths, compelling vocals, hard-hitting beats, and an overwhelming sense of chaos. Recorded straight out of Randall's bedroom studio, Memories is an uncontrollable pandemonium that?s reminiscent of 70s disco and 80s synthrock. With influences ranging from the works of Damon Albarn, David Bowie, and even Gregg Alexander, Dark Colour transforms themes of heartbreak and frustration into carefree exhilaration's.
In correspondence to Memories? release, Dark Colour will be taking the music to the stage. Accompanying Randall is a full backing band that carries the same euphoric level of edginess and excitement found on the album. Backing band includes Peter Muller on guitar, Rico Reyes on bass, and Jacob Ewert on drums.
Common comparisons include: Passion Pit, Empire of the Sun, Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, Modest Mouse, The Postal Service, and David Bowie.
2011Candy Says: Upbeat and with hooks that please our ears, the mix between synth and vocals does conjure up comparisons, in this case all good ones. Listen:Be Around. Web: MySpace. ________________________________________
Background: The elusive and talented man behind a long list of film scores and musical projects, Ben Lovett, is unveiling a new opus that spans the country and includes an all-star carnival of contributing musicians, film directors, kids, choirs, and painters.
The Lovett collective are releasing Highway Collection, available March 15th, 2011.
Through a nomadic and exploratory lifestyle, Ben Lovett has created an album of compelling variety, captured in motion, each song brilliantly crafted ?from a different part of another life?, into a diverse philosophy of sound deep enough to sink a ship.
On Highway Collection you find a driving pulse and child-like innocence akin to The Shins, layered with zany and dreamy backing vocals a la The Flaming Lips, floating above the rolling drumbeats of a modernized Strawberry Fields-era Beatles, all led by a constantly evolving voice with an eloquent message of mature and heartfelt universality.
Lovett's eclectic cast of contributing musicians includes members of The Avett Brothers, The Mars Volta, and Cursive, to name a few, additions by Money Mark, Electric Owls, Ponderosa and appearances by talents involved in projects as diverse as the Eels and Spiritualized to Against Me, The Zac Brown Band and the Sonos Quartet.
Ben Lovett has composed original scores for 12 films, including Last Goodbye, starring Faye Dunaway; the Sundance critically acclaimed The Signal, in 2007; and was awarded Best Score in the 2009 Brooklyn International Film Festival for his work in The Last Lullaby. You?ll also spot his name in the opening credits of MTV Films 2010 original movie, My Super Psycho Sweet Sixteen II, having composed the score to both the cult favorite and it?s predecessor in 2009.
Having also produced several acclaimed albums that include Hot Water Music vocalist Chris Wollard?s solo debut, Chris Wollard and The Ship Thieves, and the Epitaph-released Patent Pending (2006) from collaborative project Heavens with Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, it?s no surprise that Ben Lovett?s own debut is a masterpiece of production.
2011Candy Says: I really love the featured song and it's just a taste of some great music, the mood builds from the opening beats as a masterful anthem unfolds. Listen: The Fear. Web:Official. _______________________________________
Background: Forming in the summer of 2010, Vermont?s Chamberlin is ready to release their debut album, Bitter Blood on March 1st via Roll Call Records/EMI. Recorded in Burlington, VT Bitter Blood was produced by Scott Tournet of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, whom Chamberlin will be touring with from January 13th ? February 12th.
Locked away in their secluded cabin in Goshen, VT (population 200), Chamberlin has written an album stained with the influence of whiskey-fueled bonfires, harsh winters, and the women that seem to run perpendicular to their lives. From the electric opening track, "Fools" ? a stormy, scathing rebuke of two lovers ? to the resolute, mostly a capella "Sixty Days," the nine songs on Bitter Blood are photographs, or perhaps photograms, of Chamberlin's world, with varying degrees of aperture. Despite its title, Bitter Blood is not without pleasantries. ?Turn Around," the B3-laden third track, may even sound best as a drink-in-hand, late-night back porch sing-along. While first single, ?Dust?, beautifully sums up their musical tenor with heavily percussive, electric guitar laden verses countered by the rim shots and acoustic drop out of the chorus.
2011Candy Says: Sometimes keeping the music stripped back and allowing great vocals and harmonies to stand out makes all the difference as is the case with this song, which is enough for us to want to hear a lot more from Chamberlin. Listen:Dust. Web:Official. _______________________________________
Background: Shayfer James can be described pointedly as a myth in wolf's clothing. Referred to by his rapidly growing group of followers as The Villain King of New Jersey?s underground noirpop music scene, Mr. James is devilishly captivating and deliciously unusual. From the worn bottom of his ripped black boots, to the wrinkled top of his black pinstriped hat, Shayfer James is the portrait of vagabond royalty. A man of bewitching grace, grisly humor, profound story telling, and whiskey-flavored wit. The self defined ?spawn of the elephant and the empress?, Mr. James attributes his musical and lyrical abilities to his early exposure to pipe smoke, demons, and jesters? and his oddly chivalrous nature to his life-long apprenticeship to L.V.S.? (his mother's father).
When Shayfer James approaches the piano, there is a certain power and mischievous charm that surrounds him. A bewitching sense of foreboding builds as his fingers touch the piano, and as he begins to sing, we are immersed in his darkly lyrical and evocative stories. His wry poetry is stitched seamlessly to peculiar arrangements that are simultaneously unsettling and familiar. Mr. James lures us into a devious world where the gods tear wings from angels and every man has a siren waiting to devour him.
Mr. James'?gift for songwriting is singular. The songs on his first full-length album, The Owl and The Elephant range from beautifully sad to frightening and furious, and his performances are tailored to match. His style is theatrical, but never contrived.
2011Candy Says: Shayfer James has a class and style that hits us from the opening notes, this is oh so professional and yet loose and devious enough to please the Beehive big time. Listen:Siren Song. Web: Official. ________________________________________
Background: Once upon a time in the not so distant past, the band The District which comprises of six friends escaped New York City and descended upon Wellfleet, Massachusetts in the dead of a sleepy New England winter to chase ghosts and make a record. Ron Pope, Zach Berkman, Paul Hammer, Will Frish, Chris Kienel, and Mike Clifford wrote songs, drank whiskey, played blues in the middle of the night, and came away with a collection of songs that they decided to christen Wellfleet. The record is bold and evocative of varied moments from American musical history while finding a way to rest squarely in the here and now.
Wellfleet is built on the shoulders of stories about confusion, faith, love, grief, trust, and above all else, hope. It's a record that was brought about by a sense of brotherhood and togetherness. Accomplished on their own - the record marks the reunion of these 6 musicians and close friends. Band member Ron Pope has sold over 500,000 singles on iTunes in the past two years and performed on MTVs TRL. Paul Hammer is one half of the Brooklyn indie group, Savoir Adore, which has developed a strong cult following in both the US and Europe after releasing their debut album on Cantora Records. Zach Berkman was a castmember on MTVs Starmaker and his music has been featured on various prime time TV shows. Furthermore, the band includes the former guitarist of V2's The Rosewood Thieves, Will Frish and solo artists Mike Clifford and Chris Kienel.
2011Candy Says: OK so there is a story to go with this band as you can see from the above promo material we received. Bottom line is always the music which as the featured song demonstrates is spot on. It charms us and conjures up images of the band sat around singing to themselves and enjoying the vibes. Listen: Open Arms and Broken Heart. Web:Official. _________________________________________
Background: Zoey Van Goey are Matt Brennan, Michael John McCarthy, Kim Moore and Adam Scott. Brennan, McCarthy and Moore, hailing from Canada, Ireland and England respectively, formed the initial trio in Glasgow in 2006, with Scott becoming a fullyfledged member in 2010.
In 2009, they self-released their debut album The Cage Was Unlocked All Along securing fans at radio such as 6 Music?s Marc Riley & Gideon Coe and more recently some unlikely airplay from none other than Lou Reed on his NY Shuffle show. The release also stirred up a flurry of press adoration: ?pop that comfortably resists pigeonholing? (The Big Issue), ?our new favourite band? (MusicOMH), "irresistible pop thrills... definitely one of Scotland's finest at the moment" (Sunday Mail) to quote just a few.
Zoey Van Goey kicked off 2010 by impressing the ever-discerning Chemikal Underground faithful as the label?s newest signing at its 15th anniversary bash. As the year ended they found themselves headlining centre stage at the Belle and Sebastian-curated ?Bowlie 2? All Tomorrow?s Parties festival. And in between they tested out new material at a series of Difficult Second Album Syndrome research gigs in Glasgow.
The title of the resulting long-player, Propeller Versus Wings, has been inspired by Powell and Pressburger's magnificent A Matter of Life and Death, a film with which it shares a sense of romance and adventure. Perhaps emboldened by the addition of the multi-talented Scott (as well as the results of their research), this collection of songs sees Zoey Van Goey displaying a newfound musical confidence, borrowing freely from disparate styles whilst still sounding like themselves, in a fashion not dissimilar to heroes such as Yo La Tengo and The Magnetic Fields.
Thus Propeller Versus Wings swings from the slow burn of opener ?Mountain on Fire? which overflows with a heart-wrenching gentle tenderness that many bands aspire to but very few pull off, to the evocative period jazz of ?My Aviator?; from the Spektoresque piano balladry of ?Escape Maps? to the bubblegum-punk revenge-of-the-nerds tale that comprises ?Robot Tyrannosaur?.
2011Candy Says: Sometimes all you need is great pop music, the sort that delivers on the class of the band rather than just the skills of the studio engineer. Add to that an element of folk and as far as we are concerned you are home and dry. The featured track emphasises the pop aspect you need to grab a copy of the album to see just how good this band is (and they are great). Listen: The Cake and Eating It. Web:MySpace. _________________________________________
Background: Moments before the ball dropped on 2011, New York?s Bodyface dropped their debut album Bias which is set to wind the clock back to the heyday of rock.
A statement against image obsessed scenesters and musical martyrdom, Bias delivers unapologetic punk rock with dance inducing hooks that bitch slap you out of your self indulgent sorrow.
Having formed three years ago, Jared Kerr (Vocals/ Guitar), Roger El Asmar (Drums) and Matt Lyons (Bass) have already toured Europe and in the process gained a reputation for their intensity and command onstage.
Their powerful presence has also extended to the airwaves with 104.3 FM?s ?Out Of The Box? regularly sending the bands song ?Get Away? into the stratosphere.
To hail the release of Bias, Bodyface will embark upon a West Coast tour in early March kicking off in Portland on the 3rd. In the meantime those lucky enough to live in the bands hometown New York can catch them at The UC Lounge Jan 29th.
2011Candy Says: It's rock music. Low hung guitars, plenty of attitude and the tightness of any class punk outfit. Sometimes keeping it simple and streetwise is all you need to dust off your personal air guitar and join in! Listen: Sunrise. Web:Official. _________________________________________
Background: Hailing from the failed steel town of New Castle, Pennsylvania, When Summer?s Gone embodies the spirit of a populace convinced their best days are behind them but still can?t quite give up hope for the future. Dave Graziani handles vocals and guitar while drummer/bassist Chris Lepri provides the rhythmic background that keeps the duo on track. Graziani and Lepri have been friends since high school and have played in numerous bands together and apart over the years. After a decade of dealing with pretentious egos and the writing whims of others, Graziani and Lepri decided to go it alone together, using their close musical ties and shared influences as a springboard to writing no bullshit rock and roll.
When Summer?s Gone was formed in 2007 as a studio project, and debuted to the world on MySpace in 2008. In spite of the lack of live shows, When Summer?s Gone has developed a strong following. The band?s 2009 debut album, December, earned rave reviews, and was referred to as a solid, powerful blend of Alice In Chains, Incubus and Sevendust. Much of When Summer?s Gone?s reputation is based on the juxtaposition of style and intellect; the band blends a working class hard rock sensibility with a story-telling style handed down from Dylan to Springsteen to When Summer?s Gone. In the process, Graziani and Lepri manage to create music that speaks to the first generation who can?t rightfully expect to live better than their parents did. It is this no-nonsense, working-class approach to songwriting that sets When Summer?s Gone apart from the pack. This sound continues and with a bit more finesse on When Summer?s Gone?s newest EP, Matinee.
2011Candy Says: Music that builds as it plays, with the above background info giving more than enough of a hint about where this band are coming from (both literally and musically). Powerful and layered music with enough rock and energy to keep you interested. Listen:Echoes. Web:Official. _______________________________________
Background:Balkans are back at it again. The Atlanta, GA band is releasing the 'Edita V' - 7" on February 22nd and a new self-titled album on May 10th (US, May 9th in the UK), both on Double Phantom Records (Roman Photos, Abby Gogo, Carnivores). A few days ago My Old Kentucky Blog premiered their new video for the b-side "Cave," shot on Super 8 by director Tony Summerlin at a fair in the band's hometown.
The band's forthcoming LP is chock full of the raw, heavy guitar fuzz Balkans have become known for. After releasing several seven inch singles through local labels, they're more than ready to unleash their debut record to the world.
2011Candy Says: We are definitely doing some guitar rock this time around. Balkans up the energy on this song and then duel guitars with some class. No nonsense music and ideal if you are in the mood for a severe rock blow out! Listen:Edita VWebsite:Official. ___________________________________________
Background: Hailing from the romantic landscapes of England?s Devon Hills (loads of hills in Devon, sound more romantic than Plymouth or Torquay though - beehive editor) , The R.G Morrison sound is as sentimental and nostalgic as the antiquated thatched-roof cottage surroundings.
Fronted by indie haven Drift Records and Drift Record Shop founder Rupert Graeme, this four piece began entrenched in the folk roots of Crosby, Stills and Nash, yet the beautifully composed ballads are sung in a humbled and understated whisper akin to Bonnie ?Prince? Billy, while the perfectly harmonized lyrics give a solemn breath akin to Low. Just as you wander into the contemplative songwriting, reverb-rich lines of electric guitar wash through whilst the traditional elements of folk are tweaked with analogue synthesizers, adding a raw and contemporary edge to the intimate sincerity of this ?Cult Balladeer? (Word Magazine).
Having toured across Europe in 2010, playing The Rolling Stone weekender, through Germany supporting John Hiatt, Spain and Switzerland, and fresh off headlining Spain?s Tanned Tin Festival this month, The R. G Morrison are ready to bring their intimate rendition of Lo-fi Americana to North America, with Bonnie ?Prince? Billy drummer Alex Neilson along for the ride to showcase at the 2011 SXSW Festival, Canadian Music Festival, with a quick visit to New York along the way.
With the stand-out success of previous releases ?Learning About Loathing? (Drift Records first release, 2007) and the latest record ?Farewell My Lovely? (Drift Records, in partnership with Loose Music, June, 2010) selling out all beautifully hand-detailed copies in their homeland UK, there?s no doubt that the understated, gritty and glowing talent The R.G. Morrison will be making more than a splash when they cross the Atlantic this March.
2011Candy Says: OK so I am bound to show some favour to a band who originate from the next county to where home is for me these days. Actually no! No favour this is just wonderful music from a superb band who could just as easily come from the over side of the Atlantic. I reckon you will hear more about these folk in the coming months. Listen: Introducing Diamond Valley. Web: MySpace. ________________________________________
Background: When Italy's A Classic Education was in the States for last year's CMJ festival, they popped over to Philly for a Shaking Through session and shared insights into their creative processes along with some new music. Below is what Shaking Through had to say.
They have a name inspired by the school system in Bologna Italy, but we assure you A Classic Education is far more exciting than their namesake. Singer/guitarist Jonathan Clancy and his fearless indie pop outfit bravely came all the way to the Philadelphia to record a session for Shaking Through.
It's not often that music coming from Italy has the ability to take root in the U.S. "We always joke about the fact that being a band from Italy is like starting at a minus 10 points. You have to do that much extra to get to 'zero' to be on pace with everyone else," says Clancy. A Classic Education's humble yet determined attitude make them a perfect addition to Shaking Through, a series created to help establish sustainable careers in music. After a quick listen, you'll know what we're talking about.
The band was selected for Shaking Through by guest Curator Elise Oleksiak of the smart Brooklyn-based music BLOG "Pixelhorse." "I love pop music. I love music that is well written, well composed, well executed..." says Oleksiak. "People need to know their music. People need to hear them and see them!..."
The group recorded "Night Owl", a dreamy love story between a boy and an owl, deftly capturing the band's elegant and soaring pop sound. It's a band favorite for its unconventional song structure: three parts that fail to repeat, all jammed into three minutes. Even without a verse or chorus to be heard, "Night Owl" still holds true to A Classic Education's irresistibly engaging pop sensibility. "I thought this tune would work nice in a studio with a big room sound," said frontman Jonathan Clancy.
Formed in 2007 by Canadian singer and guitarist Jonathan Clancy and his Italian mates Luca Mazzieri and Paul Pieretto, the band has grown to a six piece with the addition of Giulia Mazza, Federico Oppi and Stefano Roveda. They've released recordings on small indie labels Bailiwick, Holiday Records, and recently on California's Lefse Records. Their latest EP, "Hey There Stranger," has Spin Magazine, Gorrilla Vs. Bear, FADER, and Brooklyn Vegan all singing the praises of A Classic Education.
According to the band, it's far more difficult to balance musical aspirations and work in Italy. The members of A Classic Education have a banker, radio manager, photographer, computer programmer and psychologist among their ranks, meaning they had to book vacation time to fly over to the states. In one marathon trip, they recorded their full length in Brooklyn with Jarvis Tavenerie of the band Woods, they played CMJ and drove to Philadelphia to record "Night Owl" at Miner Street.
When they come back in March for a US tour and an appearance at SXSW, they'll certainly have to tie up lose ends with work. Regardless, they're excited to be back in the U.S. playing music. "It'll mean giving up secure jobs and lives! But we like that idea."
2011Candy Says: If you cant be bothered to read through the above background on this band then just listen to the featured song. Then see if you don't read up on them. 'I Lost Time' is just one great song in every aspect - loving them. Listen: I Lost Time. Web: Official. ________________________________________
Background: Seattle-based sci-fi pop band Hotels, one of KEXP?s ?top discoveries? of recent years, are back with a new single. 'The Bat Watusi' is a pace-quickening taster of the delights in store on Hotels? new album, On The Casino Floor. The noir-punk track is Hotels at their most lithe and propulsive, with an insistent rhythm section, sci-fi synths and unashamedly rocking guitars. The song repeatedly strips itself back to a muscular yet dreamy core, only to build into a tight celestial rock frenzy.
On The Casino Floor sees Hotels take their addictive and singular meld of post-punk, shoegaze rock and cinematic pop and launch it into outer space. The band has managed to leap headlong beyond the consummate songcraft of acclaimed sophomore album Where Hearts Go Broke into the creation of a wildly inventive and immersive song-suite. The concept album?s seven masterful cuts tell the story of a secret agent, his former mentor and current arch-nemesis, and a nefarious prince?s plan to destroy Earth during the grand opening of the universe?s only outer space casino complex...
?Hotels fuse elements of new wave, goth, and surf so seamlessly that genre tags will be the last thing on your mind when you hear their bittersweet, atmospheric pop songs? ? Time Out New York
?With angular guitars, sober vocals, omnipresent synths, and a taste for the cinematic, Hotels come off like the ultimate ?80s soundtrack band, something akin to a cross between the dreamy haze of M83 and the angst garage rock of The Strokes? ? PopMatters
2011Candy Says: As those of you that read the detail on Beehive Candy will know, I have tremendous respect for Seattle's KEXP. So as 'a top discovery' of the station in recent years these guys slapped the personal radar good and proper. I am still not sure what sc-fi pop is but I have been reminded of why I respect KEXP. Hotels are exceptional and lets not forget this is about them and not the radio station. Superb band!
Listen:The Bat Watusi. Web:Official. ________________________________________
Background: Columbus based Max Sollisch is Dolfish and he is releasing his debut EP 'Your Love Is Bummin' Me Out' on Indiecater this Valentine's day. As well as being available digitally the EP will also be released on cassette tape.
'Your Love Is Bummin' Me Out' contains 5 tracks and is all over around the eight minute mark. We think you'll be completely smitten by Dolfish at that stage though because pithy bittersweet tales rarely sound this good. Your Love Is Bummin? Me Out is Indiecater?s third physical release and because everyone knows CD?s are dead we decided to release it on cassette as well as our default digital delivery. Everyone who buys the cassette (?8 which includes worldwide postage) will also get a digital copy for when they ditch their walkman. For those of you who prefer to shop from us over the iTunes of this world you will be rewarded with the full artwork and lyrics in your digital bundle!
2011Candy Says: Oh just go and buy this! We are in a state of being blown away and don't want to spoil the moment by writing anything else whilst listening. Listen:Your Love Is Bummin' Me Out. Web: MySpace. ________________________________________
Background: Peter and Jo went to high school together outside of Boston, trading home recordings and exploring rooftops. After graduation 2007, they finally got together in an attic to write and record a huge collection of very strange pop songs on a cassette four-track. Then they went off to colleges on opposite coasts, and so much for the band, until, a year later, Peter dropped out of college and moved back to Boston.
The Great Valley recorded their reunion tape Sophia?s Skull/White Gloves in another attic, eating only pumpkin and coconut products, sleeping during the day, and recording through the night. Jo went back to nearby Bard College and Peter moved into the Spookcat House in Jamaica Plain with the members of Prince Rama and Quilt. The Great Valley started playing through the Boston house show circuit and quickly earned the tag line ?Halloween Every Night? and a reputation as the spookiest, most mysterious pretend-pop band on the block. They founded Spooky Town Records in 2009 to release their split LP with Prince Rama Divine/Journey, and a bunch of material from other weird pop groups around Boston.
Over the next year, The Great Valley toured up and down the east coast and molded all of their spookiness and their inverted 60s pop influence into the five songs on the Holiday, Holinight EP. The EP was recorded by the band on a bunch of analog equipment from the 80s (SPKY TWN Studios) and released as a free download in the summer of 2010. Jo perfected his drumming-while-keyboard-playing trick and Peter plugged his guitar into an octave harmonizer so that, despite being a duo, the band could reproduce the lush arrangements of their recordings live.
The Great Valley found a new home for SPKY TWN Studios in an abandoned house in Tivoli, New York, where they wrote and recorded their newest full-length In the Silver Dream. The album spins the spooky duo in a new carnivalesque direction with synthesizers and pitch-bent guitars and broken, enigmatic double crooning. Released on pink vinyl in January 2011 by the band?s own SPKY TWN RECORDS. The Great Valley is currently working on a hot new surprise at home in Tivoli. They both plan on graduating from college in a few months.
2011Candy Says: Interesting final track for this round up. The Great Valley seem to have loads going on within this song, that it took a second listen to take it all in. As lovers of music that takes us in an alternative direction and delights us at the same time, consider it job done in this case. (we reckon you will give it another listen to). Listen:Tall Smoke. Web:Spooky Town. ________________________________________
Last week, I interviewed Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum before their benefit concert for Musicians On Call at City Winery. Hillary filled me in on the story behind one of the songs she wrote, Sara Evans' latest single, "A Little Bit Stronger." A very personal song, she said it's a track that means more to her now then when first written.
For the complete article, visit The Boot. Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with Lady Antebellum in the upcoming weeks!
Lush stood out amongst the band’s of the shoegazer movement. They took cues from the Cocteau Twins, but added a lot of dense guitar sounds, aided, appropriately enough, by Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins. They went on to make a series of fine records. If there was a shoegazer pinup girl, it had to be Lush’s Miki Berenyi. Berenyi’s voice, alone or in combination with Emma Anderson, helped the Lush sound, well, Lush. In honor of Ms. Berenyi’s birthday, please grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up.
To say 2010 is Lady Antebellum's year would be an understatement. The trio kicked things off in January with the release of their sophomore album, Need You Now, and a Grammy win for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group under their belt. The nominations continued, as the band has five nods at both the CMA Awards and American Music Awards next month -- tying them with the number of nods Eminem received for the latter awards show.
I chatted with Lady A's Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley at their recent benefit performance in New York about success, songwriting (they've already begun penning a follow up to Need You Now) and why you should put that phone down at "a quarter after one." What is your songwriting process like?
Dave: If anything, it's really musical. We start a lot with melodies and instrumentation and trying to figure out good melodies for verses and choruses. We get to lyrics sometimes second, so we'll start humming a melody, finding something, and see where the music takes you as far as lyrics are and what you want to say and go from there. We love great melodies and great songs that have great hooks and melodies, so we start a little bit more on that side as opposed to other people that start more lyric-based. Sometimes we'll do it the other way.
For my complete interview with Lady Antebellum, visit The Boot.
Liam Gallagher has said he wants his new band Beady Eye to be more successful than The Beatles.
The singer once claimed he wanted to be more famous than Oasis but now he's told NME that he's setting his sights higher.
'I want to be as a big as The Beatles. F*** being as big as Oasis, man, you know what I mean?'
But the star wasn't getting too cocky - he admitted that it probably wouldn't happen.
'I want to be bigger than The Beatles. That's what we're dealing with and whether we do or not - and we probably won't - but who cares?
'It's just the f***ing name of the game. Yes, we want to sell a s**tload of records, play stadiums and inspire s**tloads of kids over the f***king universe. Deep down that's what I wanna do...but not just yet.'
Gallagher also used the interview to mouth off against The Strokes and Elbow.
Liam rubbished The Strokes' frontman Julian Casablancas for acting like it was a 'chore' for him to be in the band.
He also attacked Elbow saying they had a 's**t name for a band'.
'That's like calling yourself The Chins or The Knees or something!'
Eleven Dollar Life - Shatter The Silence [EP]2011, EDL Publications
Chicago's club scene might never be the same. Eleven Dollar Life have become the mavens of Chi-town over the past few years, graduating from the small stages they haunted from inception in 2003 as 4 Orange to the largest venues in town. With a dynamic and eclectic stage show and the electric personality of front man Bryan Pray, Eleven Dollar Life mixes a 1990's alt-rock sound with blazing pop sensibilities. Eleven Dollar Life's latest EP, Shatter The Silence, captures the unbridled energy and charisma that the band brings to the stage on CD and download for the entire world to hear.
Opening with "Wisconsin", Eleven Dollar Life shows just how easy it is to combine big hooks, an acoustic arrangement and punk energy. Pray rules the roost on the mic, as he waxes poetic about oversaturated populations and a lack of jobs. This is by far one of the catchiest songs of social conscience you've ever heard. "Zee" was written by a friend of band as a remembrance of his hard partying days on the rave scene. There's a distinctive 1970's vibe here, fed by the virulently danceable disco beat. "Suitcase" sounds finds Eleven Dollar Life sounding a bit like Jason Mraz. It's a fun listen that will get stuck in your skull, but the emphasis here is definitely more on sound than coherence. Eleven Dollar Life closes with "Relief", a document of the attempt to get in closer touch with yourself. The fluffy, mostly-acoustic arrangement is appealing, but the song is symbolically less complex than it wishes to be, an allegory, of sorts, for the lyrical intent sewn into the music.
Eleven Dollar Life certainly has the "IT" factor. Vocalist Brian Pray grabs your attention early on and holds it with a voice you can't quite pull yourself away from. The musicianship here is top notch, and Shatter The Silence seems likely to build on an already burgeoning fan base for Eleven Dollar Life. Right now Eleven Dollar Life is one lucky break away from the big time. They may still be growing as artists, but they are ready for the spotlight any time it should happen their way.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about Eleven Dollar Life at www.elevendollarlife.com or www.myspace.com/elevendollarlife. Eleven Dollar Life's Shatter The Silence [EP] is a promotional sampler for the full-length album of the same name due out shortly. Keep checking Eleven Dollar Life's website for availability.
Today is December 6, 2010 and my little blog "The Doctor Is In" is joining everyone in the campaign drive against child violence. YUP!! This is "The Dr. Stirring Rhod Way" of relieving some of my childhood memories via these classic JAPANESE ROBOT CARTOONS shown here in MANILA back in the late 70s via "GMA 7 (Where You Belong)". It's still not "KAPUSO" theme okay. He He He!! So KABAYANS and FOREIGN VISITORS of my humble blog, get ready for another trip down memory lane back to circa 1977-1979 where these cartoons were shown here in the PHILIPPINES. Well, there were a lot of JAPANESE CARTOONS that invaded the Philippine Shores back in 1977-1979 but for now I decided to focus on the FIVE MAJOR ONES that were big here in MANILA back on those times and were shown by GMA 7 namely MEKANDA ROBOT, DAIMOS, MAZINGER Z, U.F.O. GRENDAIZER, and VOLTES V. That was everyday ROBOT DAY indeed from MONDAYS to FRIDAYS and of course this blogpost of mine didn't include SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS and ROBOTS of other T.V. Stations. Even though It was not the 80s, definitely PINOY NEW WAVERS would recall all of this Five Cartoons. During those days when you read the Philippine Issues of T.V. TIMES you'll get to see all the schedule of these robot shows from different channels. Mind you, there were no CARTOON NETWORK back then and CABLE T.V. were considered for the rich people. So the main T.V. channels really made our lives who don't have cable T.V. like me easier since we got to watch them in an accessible way. Unfortunately, the Late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos banned these Cartoons due to the issue of violence being shown by these shows. Hmmmp? I still find the new ANIMEs more violent than those we had before. Talking about the drive against Child Violence and the Issue of Violence as a ground for all JAPANESE CARTOONS being banned by the Late President Marcos in 1979. YUP!! You got it right guys, ALL OF THEM including those shown on other T.V. stations were removed from the Philippine Television World. My generation was deprived back then to see the final episodes of these JAPANESE CARTOONS. Waaaaahh!! Some of us even saw their endings decades after. Wheeeew!! I guess that's life!! MEMORIES INDEED!!
Here's the usual p.m. schedule on GMA 7 back on those times:
MONDAYS 5:00 : Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko 5:30 : MEKANDA ROBOT 6:00 : GMA News
TUESDAYS 5:00 : Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko 5:30 : DAIMOS 6:00 : GMA News
WEDNESDAYS 5:00 : Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko 5:30 : MAZINGER Z 6:00 : GMA News
THURSDAYS 5:00 : Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko 5:30: U.F.O. GRENDAIZER 6:00: GMA News
FRIDAYS 5:00 : Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko 5:30 : VOLTES V 6:00 : GMA News
I uploaded all VIDEO CLIPS of all INTROs of all Five Robots directly here in Blogger to help you rekindle those days when we were still kids who love watching these shows on T.V. When all these cartoons were banned, I remember GMA 7 replaced the timeslot with a sort of FANTASY Serye entitled "PRINSIPE ABANTE" that starred the Late BERT "Tawa" MARCELO. YUP!! PRINSIPE ABANTE was shown from MONDAYS to FRIDAYS replacing these Five Robot Shows.
Although some of them had their re-runs on Philippine T.V. in the late 90s, still the best years were back on those days when they were very new and that was the 70s. I was just glad to be part of that generation!! I can still remember that the "ANG DATING DAAN" portion of "BUBBLE GANG" gag show was the one that sparked the return of these robot shows when the "VOLTES V theme" was used as their entry song back in the late 90s. ALIEN? ALIEN!!!!!!
MEKANDA ROBOT
DAIMOS
MAZINGER Z
U.F.O. GRENDAIZER
VOLTES V
I do hope you ENJOYED again another trip down memory lane with me. THANKS AGAIN for dropping by!! I'll leave you with my ultimate closing song coming from VOLTES V entitled "I WANT MY FATHER" in English. That's all folks!! I hope we will all continue our drive against child violence!! TAKE CARE EVERYONE!!
