Jun 13, 2007
Oh er missus, a bit of 69
As eclectic a mix of genres as you're ever likely to hear. From
unashamedly pop to something most unusual for me - a bit of
electronica by way of a fair bit of really rather interesting
music.
Music from UK, California, Wales, Texas, Colorado and New York this
week. Every one well worth listening to. Yes, I mean really
listening to!
Tight convoy of bicycles.
Rocket Boy - Industrial Salt
(UK)
Great harmonies.
After the success of their first album, A Pocket Full Of Magnetic Letters and a
number 3 single in Japan, Hayley Bonnick and Alex Stamp and the
band have spent a while gigging across the UK as Industrial
Salt.
Sick of a UK music industry dominated by Simon Cowell, the girls
have sought a different route to the top. The songs are written and
produced by former Kajagoogoo guitarist Steve Askew and
his former band-mate Nick Beggs. The first territory to release
their material was be Japan, in 2005. Once they have established a
name for themselves in the hearts and minds of the Japanese, they
hope to forge their way home, westward in a blaze of glory.
After 3 successful Japanese tours, they returned to the studio and
have now finished recording their second album, 'Trash Pop' from
which that track is taken.
www.industrialsalt.com/
Playing for fun - Rademacher
(California, USA)
The ghosts in Rademacher's machine come not from gadget wizardry
but from the group's Fresno forefathers, Pavement. There are hints
of Stephen Malkmus brightening the corners of frontman Malcolm
Sosa's quirky delivery -- although Sosa's a bit more of an earnest
soul. They have a steady stream of gigs on their MySpace page,
mostly in California and a few forays out to Seattle, Portland and
Salt Lake City in the next month.
http://myspace.com/rademacher
Evil clown - The Passive
Aggressives (California, USA)
Melodic sounds draw the listener in, a voice coos and then the
hammer comes down. Its a sound not easily defined; maybe it can be
called "happy hardcore", "libido rock" or another term never heard
before - but the Bay Area based quartet's debut, self-titled EP is
like nothing currently out there.
Hating on the Bush administration and Republicans in general is
quite in vogue now. So "Evil Clown" isn't a real surprise
lyrically, especially from a band from the lefty San Francisco Bay
Area. But this funky quartet bounces and weaves from cliches with
their bass-laden alternative rock sound. You can tell this is one
helluva good live band as their songs just jump right out of this
album. The group isn't putting up a facade; this is the real deal
and I love it.
- J-Sin (Smother Magazine)
www.thepassive.com/
www.myspace.com/aggressives
It started with a mix - Los
Campesinos (Cardiff, Wales)
One of Pete Cogle's favourite bands and I just love this very short
track.
Los Camesinos started off as the brainchild of Neil Campesinos! As
he and Ellen and Ollie Campesinos! began 'jamming' in Ollie's
bedroom. Soon after, Neil and Tom became friends thanks to one
overhearing the other's conversation about The Decemberists. Tom
modestly brought some awesome song writing ability to the band.
The first track I played way back You! Me! Dancing! - has just been
released by Wichita Recordings
www.wichita-recordings.com/
www.loscampesinos.com/
www.myspace.com/loscampesinos
Podcasters Dream - If (Texas,
USA)
Trained in classical guitar, self-taught drums & percussives.
In the 90's, trained under known pro's and active in live sound. In
production since 2003, now with a formidable body of truly
beautiful ethereal & dance-groove work that carry you into the
inner sanctum of your most vivid imaginings.
http://soundclick.com/ifusa
The Weather Machine - Signal to
Noise (Colorado, USA)
From the Front Range, Boulder, Colorado quartet Signal to Noise"s
album Kodiak on Eyeball Records.
"Kodiak is packed tight with 10 stellar tracks. From the gigantic
sing-along choruses of songs like "Radiation" and "To the Bitter
End (I'll be With You)" to cow-bell tinged rockers like "The
Weather Machine" and bitter-sweet ballads like album closer
"Firework Sky", Kodiak brings listeners on a high-altitude
chair-lift ride that doesn't let up until its final note."
www.myspace.com/signaltonoise
Some shitty band
Just a test posting on the PMN, it's mercifully short but I hope it
makes an interesting addition to the mix. Should you wish, you can
buy it from the PMN. You'll not be surprised that this is a Suffolk
'n' Cool Firstplay!
Harmonica - Kickstart (New
York, USA)
One of two cracking tracks from Kickstart that I have lined up for
you.
Kickstart makes their mark with strength of heart, not style. Eric
and company put every scrap of themselves on the table and let it
ride in three minute bursts. The gravel voiced singer spits tales
of a well-worn life, love gone bad, moments of transcendence and
bouts with the bitter truth.
Sexy, gutsy and irresponsibly loud, Kickstart have been together
since 2003, playing contagious bare-basics rock and roll that gives
you the chills. Legendary DJ/scenester/artist BP Fallon describes
the band as carrying "the true heart of rock'n'roll in their
collective chests."
For Kickstart fans throughout New York and the UK nothing could be
closer to the truth. This band exudes authenticity, and they boast
the fuck-all attitude, sound and most importantly, the songs to
back up BP's claim.
www.kickstart.tv/
www.myspace.com/kickstartrocks
A departure from the normal show next week - special feature on
Alastair Artingstall.
Some insights into writing, recording and life on the road.