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Bedroom-electronica with an urban-folk slant, this Leeds lot borrow liberally from those Swedish masters of icy dance landcapes, The Knife. And I thought Knife crime was on the wane. Still, when they're this good at impersonations, who can blame them? Perfect winter listening.
Saturday 30 October 2010
You Say Party We Say Die Unveil New Video
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British Columbia dance-punk types You Say Party We Say Die have debuted the new video for forthcoming single 'Lonely's Lunch'.
Shot in Mumbai, the vid shows bizarre gas-masked and boiler-suited baddies chasing an unfortunate victim for reasons I couldn't begin to fathom. Meanwhile the song kinda rocks.
They've also just released a new record, REMIXXXX - full of remixes, no less - and are currently touring the UK.
Check out the video below:
Shot in Mumbai, the vid shows bizarre gas-masked and boiler-suited baddies chasing an unfortunate victim for reasons I couldn't begin to fathom. Meanwhile the song kinda rocks.
They've also just released a new record, REMIXXXX - full of remixes, no less - and are currently touring the UK.
Check out the video below:
Thursday 28 October 2010
Listen Up! No. 66: Mark Ronson and the Business Intl. - The Night Last Night
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I hadn't planned on becoming a de facto PR chief for Ronson's ever expanding Business Intl. empire. However, faced with Record Collection - an album saturated with stylish, groove-endebted contemporary pop classics - I was forced to reconsider my role. This gorgeous collaboration with Rose Elinor Dougall is the record's highlight, her vocal oozing an elegant melancholy which adds a higher dimension to another of Ronson's fine-tuned hit factory staples.
I hadn't planned on becoming a de facto PR chief for Ronson's ever expanding Business Intl. empire. However, faced with Record Collection - an album saturated with stylish, groove-endebted contemporary pop classics - I was forced to reconsider my role. This gorgeous collaboration with Rose Elinor Dougall is the record's highlight, her vocal oozing an elegant melancholy which adds a higher dimension to another of Ronson's fine-tuned hit factory staples.
Politics/Music #4: New New Labour and Brothers in Arms
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Go and check out the PoliticsSlashMusic column in this month's Notion Magazine for a (not very) detailed exploration of the Miliband's infighting and the death of New Labour. And then a few columns of guff about brothers in bands who liked to fight one another, like The Kinks and Oasis. You can thank me later.
The article can be found on page 37 using the Digital Reader at the following link:
http://theenvironment.vfolio.co.uk/notion/67/
The article can be found on page 37 using the Digital Reader at the following link:
http://theenvironment.vfolio.co.uk/notion/67/
The View give away free track
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Scotch indie-disco favourites The View have announced that they will be giving away a brand new song for free this Monday, 1 November.
The track, 'Sunday', will be available to download via their website, www.theviewareonfire.com. It will be featured on their as-yet-untitled new record, which is due to drop this Spring and was helmed by London producer Youth. The band will be debuting tracks from the record when they tour the UK this November and December.
Unfortunately, the new song is so exclusive that not even the usual blogging geeks over at YouTube have been able to rip a copy of it. You'll just have to wait until Monday. In the meantime enjoy '5 Rebeccas', the best cut from their last effort, 2009's Which Bitch?:
The track, 'Sunday', will be available to download via their website, www.theviewareonfire.com. It will be featured on their as-yet-untitled new record, which is due to drop this Spring and was helmed by London producer Youth. The band will be debuting tracks from the record when they tour the UK this November and December.
Unfortunately, the new song is so exclusive that not even the usual blogging geeks over at YouTube have been able to rip a copy of it. You'll just have to wait until Monday. In the meantime enjoy '5 Rebeccas', the best cut from their last effort, 2009's Which Bitch?:
Be a star with cheeky new HP video campaign
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Want to be a star? For those of you who wish you had a bit more glamour and glitz in your lives (who wouldn't?), electronics-wizards HP have the short-term answer. They've cooked up one of those fab video skits where you upload a photo and become the star of said video. You can make your own over at http://www.hp.com/uk/star. In the meantime, here's mine:
What I like best is how they've really captured the essence of my lifestyle. 'Paparazzi catch James Lachno getting cosy with movie star?' Guilty. 'Is James Lachno now half of a new celebrity couple?' Old news. 'Insider reveals shocking truth about James Lachno's romance?' Oo-er. Plus I'm always quaffing champagne in limousines with beautiful people. Or sipping Special Brew on park benches with hobos. Close enough. I think it's the moustache that makes me such a dynamic, popular young go-getter...
Once you've made your own pop the bit.ly link HP kindly provide over to me via email, Twitter or the blog so I can have a good old chuckle at your expense. Or if you're feeling really keen you can go and like HP's Facebook page. Simples.
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What I like best is how they've really captured the essence of my lifestyle. 'Paparazzi catch James Lachno getting cosy with movie star?' Guilty. 'Is James Lachno now half of a new celebrity couple?' Old news. 'Insider reveals shocking truth about James Lachno's romance?' Oo-er. Plus I'm always quaffing champagne in limousines with beautiful people. Or sipping Special Brew on park benches with hobos. Close enough. I think it's the moustache that makes me such a dynamic, popular young go-getter...
Once you've made your own pop the bit.ly link HP kindly provide over to me via email, Twitter or the blog so I can have a good old chuckle at your expense. Or if you're feeling really keen you can go and like HP's Facebook page. Simples.
Sponsored Post
Monday 25 October 2010
Listen Up! No. 65: The Walkmen - Blue As Your Blood
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The New York quintet prove two things with new record Lisbon - firstly, there is life after 'The Rat', it's just taken them six years to come to terms with it. Secondly, 'singer' Hamilton Leithauser can, er, 'sing', which adds an agreeably tender slant to the band's lived-in approach to melody. Things are looking up then.
Here's one of the best cuts from Lisbon, 'Blue as Your Blood':
Here's one of the best cuts from Lisbon, 'Blue as Your Blood':
Saturday 23 October 2010
Listen Up! No. 64: Young Rebel Set - Measure of a Man
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Anything that manages to sound like Suggs' cover of 'Cecilia' and Deacon Blue not only deserves a pat on the Ricky Ross, but is probably also worth a listen. Go on then.
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Seefeel announce first record for 15 years
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Seminal Warp favourites Seefeel have released deatils of their first new record for 15 years, set to drop on 7 February 2011.
The band, who according to Warp co-founder Steve Beckett were the first signing to the label "who had guitars", reunited in the studio after playing the Warp 20th anniversary bash in Paris last year.
The new record, which is to be self-titled, is the band's first since the sprawling electronica of third album CH-VOX hit the shelves back in 1996.
Have a listen to their initial 'comeback' single 'Faults', which was released earlier this year.
The band, who according to Warp co-founder Steve Beckett were the first signing to the label "who had guitars", reunited in the studio after playing the Warp 20th anniversary bash in Paris last year.
The new record, which is to be self-titled, is the band's first since the sprawling electronica of third album CH-VOX hit the shelves back in 1996.
Have a listen to their initial 'comeback' single 'Faults', which was released earlier this year.
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Miles Kane single Inhaler and first ever London show
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Former Rascal and bonafide Alex Turner chum Miles Kane has announced his first ever London solo show.
The gig will take place at the Monto Water Rats Theatre in Kings Cross on November 23, following dates in the likes of Liverpool and Manchester earlier that month.
The gig will coincide with the release of his new single, 'Inhaler', which not only drops the day before, but also reminds me quite a lot of forgotten 60s proto-punks The Monks. Which can only be a good thing:
The gig will take place at the Monto Water Rats Theatre in Kings Cross on November 23, following dates in the likes of Liverpool and Manchester earlier that month.
The gig will coincide with the release of his new single, 'Inhaler', which not only drops the day before, but also reminds me quite a lot of forgotten 60s proto-punks The Monks. Which can only be a good thing:
Magic Kids add new date to UK tour
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Beach Boys soundalikes Magic Kids have added an extra date to their forthcoming UK tour, which kicks off tonight in Oxford.
The quintet will be touring their excellent debut album, Memphis, which excited me enough to blog about it a a month or so ago.
They'll now be playing two nights in London, having added a show Upstairs at the Garage on October 27 to warm up for their show at the Lexington the following night.
Here's another reminder of why you should go and see them. Magic (oh yes he did)!
The quintet will be touring their excellent debut album, Memphis, which excited me enough to blog about it a a month or so ago.
They'll now be playing two nights in London, having added a show Upstairs at the Garage on October 27 to warm up for their show at the Lexington the following night.
Here's another reminder of why you should go and see them. Magic (oh yes he did)!
Listen Up! No. 63: Emanuel and the Fear - Jimme's Song
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Hotly-tipped New York City eleven-peice (yes, eleven) Emanuel and the Fear offer up another slice of ochestral rock 'n' roll with this special live version of 'Jimme's Song'.
Their debut record Listen has had critics on both sides of the pond salivating at the pristine orchestral flourishes, and this version brings a welcome touch of the good ol' fashioned wig-outs to the table. Highly recommended.
They're also touring the UK in October and November. I'll be in the front row playing the air violin if you want to come say bonjour.
Their debut record Listen has had critics on both sides of the pond salivating at the pristine orchestral flourishes, and this version brings a welcome touch of the good ol' fashioned wig-outs to the table. Highly recommended.
They're also touring the UK in October and November. I'll be in the front row playing the air violin if you want to come say bonjour.
Monday 18 October 2010
Klaxons New Single and Extra Tour Dates
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Klaxons return to boost the lukewarm reception to their sophomore record Surfing The Void with new single 'Twin Flames'.
Unfortunately, they're as shoddy at finishing videos in time as they are at producing second albums - which is a shame as the track is head and shoulders above the rest of the dross they've served up recently.
While they wait for the acid comedown to complete work on the real vid, here's a clip of them playing it on Jools Holland instead:
They've also added extra November tour dates at the Junction in Cambridge (17th) and O2 Academy in Oxford (18th), incase anyone was interested.
Unfortunately, they're as shoddy at finishing videos in time as they are at producing second albums - which is a shame as the track is head and shoulders above the rest of the dross they've served up recently.
While they wait for the acid comedown to complete work on the real vid, here's a clip of them playing it on Jools Holland instead:
They've also added extra November tour dates at the Junction in Cambridge (17th) and O2 Academy in Oxford (18th), incase anyone was interested.
Sunday 17 October 2010
Sean Lennon project debuts new track
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The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger, the musical collaboration between Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl, have premiered new track 'Jardin Du Luxembourg' over on Stereogum.
The dreamy acoustic number features nods to 60's folk-pop and the unmistakable hint of father John's voice in Sean Lennon's vocal delivery.
Orginially released as a Mark Ronson-produced 7 inch, the track has now had a gentler makeover for the duo's forthcoming album, Acoustic Sessions, which will be released on 26 October.
Pop over here for the streamed track. Meanwhile, enjoy the clip of The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger's 'Lavender Road', below:
The dreamy acoustic number features nods to 60's folk-pop and the unmistakable hint of father John's voice in Sean Lennon's vocal delivery.
Orginially released as a Mark Ronson-produced 7 inch, the track has now had a gentler makeover for the duo's forthcoming album, Acoustic Sessions, which will be released on 26 October.
Pop over here for the streamed track. Meanwhile, enjoy the clip of The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger's 'Lavender Road', below:
Live Review: The Joy Formidable at Koko, Camden, 14 October 2010
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Live review of The Joy Formidable headlining the NME Radar Tour at Koko in Camden on 14 October 2010 for Subba-Cultcha.com.
If the ever-expanding number of NME tours tells us one thing, it’s that the demand for seeing bands work their magic in the live arena has never been greater. We’re constantly told that it’s touring, not record sales, that is keeping all but the very highest echelons of the music industry afloat. And who better to cash in than the NME? Their flagship NME Awards tour has long been a bastion of saleable yet credible guitar music and even better value, whilst the NME Radar tour has, since its 2005 inception, proved a perfectly-pitched arbiter of ‘who’s next’ for the indie masses. One need only look at the previous headliners such as La Roux (2009), Crystal Castles (2008) and Maximo Park (2005) to know that get it right more often than not. Now even the Radar tour has a sister-site to boost even lesser known acts, the so-called ‘Autumn Radar Tour’.
However, despite the tour’s track record, there’s a murmur of suspicion amongst tonight’s assembled throng that this year it might not come off for headliners The Joy Formidable. Anyone who has seen the band in pokier surroundings – such as an incendiary show at the Camden Barfly last December – will know that despite their simple guitar-bass-drums ensemble, the trio have always been able to hold their own (and then some) in the noise stakes. But that was in 300 person venues. The cauldron-like Koko, with its rising stories and deep, dingy pit of a central dancefloor could be a much more taxing engagement.
If the ever-expanding number of NME tours tells us one thing, it’s that the demand for seeing bands work their magic in the live arena has never been greater. We’re constantly told that it’s touring, not record sales, that is keeping all but the very highest echelons of the music industry afloat. And who better to cash in than the NME? Their flagship NME Awards tour has long been a bastion of saleable yet credible guitar music and even better value, whilst the NME Radar tour has, since its 2005 inception, proved a perfectly-pitched arbiter of ‘who’s next’ for the indie masses. One need only look at the previous headliners such as La Roux (2009), Crystal Castles (2008) and Maximo Park (2005) to know that get it right more often than not. Now even the Radar tour has a sister-site to boost even lesser known acts, the so-called ‘Autumn Radar Tour’.
However, despite the tour’s track record, there’s a murmur of suspicion amongst tonight’s assembled throng that this year it might not come off for headliners The Joy Formidable. Anyone who has seen the band in pokier surroundings – such as an incendiary show at the Camden Barfly last December – will know that despite their simple guitar-bass-drums ensemble, the trio have always been able to hold their own (and then some) in the noise stakes. But that was in 300 person venues. The cauldron-like Koko, with its rising stories and deep, dingy pit of a central dancefloor could be a much more taxing engagement.
Friday 15 October 2010
Carla Bruni Cover of Bowie the Worst in Pop History?
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Carla Bruni's cover of Bowie classic 'Absolute Beginners' is one of the "worst covers in the history of rock" music, according to Telegraph critic Jean Daniel Beauvallet.
The French rock writer goes on to say: "I find the cover insignificant, a rush-job, badly recorded and badly produced as if done between a cigar and a glass of eau de vie".
Bruni joined musicians such as Duran Duran and Devendra Banhart in tackling Bowie for covers album We Were So Turned On: A Tribute To David Bowie, the proceeds of which are going towards War Child.
Normally we'd say Beauvallet's review is mean-spirited, given the cause. However, in this instance we can confirm that Bruni's cover is complete and utter cack.
See for yourself:
Carla Bruni - Absolute Beginners
The French rock writer goes on to say: "I find the cover insignificant, a rush-job, badly recorded and badly produced as if done between a cigar and a glass of eau de vie".
Bruni joined musicians such as Duran Duran and Devendra Banhart in tackling Bowie for covers album We Were So Turned On: A Tribute To David Bowie, the proceeds of which are going towards War Child.
Normally we'd say Beauvallet's review is mean-spirited, given the cause. However, in this instance we can confirm that Bruni's cover is complete and utter cack.
See for yourself:
Carla Bruni - Absolute Beginners
Harper Blynn Announce New EP
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Brooklyn indie-rockers Harper Blynn have released details of a new 5-track EP set for release in October.
The shaggy-haired quartet recorded the as-yet untitled EP at Ben Folds studio in Nashville, Texas. It will feature recorded version of tracks such as Models and Dancers and Bound To Break, both of which have been doing the rounds during their recent live sets.
Here's a taster of what to expect, and an example of their fan-ruddy-tastic live shows:
The shaggy-haired quartet recorded the as-yet untitled EP at Ben Folds studio in Nashville, Texas. It will feature recorded version of tracks such as Models and Dancers and Bound To Break, both of which have been doing the rounds during their recent live sets.
Here's a taster of what to expect, and an example of their fan-ruddy-tastic live shows:
Video Exclusive: Mark Ronson - Somebody To Love Me
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Impeccably bequiffed tastemaker Mark Ronson has premiered the video for new single 'Somebody To Love Me'.
Featuring songwriting/performance credits from a high calibre coterie of supporting artists, including Boy George and Jake Shears, Ronson's latest would-be smash further hones his connoisseurs ear for danceable hits.
This one adds a dash of afrobeat-ish rhythmic shape to the usual dose of 60's soul and radio-savvy pop formula for which good ole 'Ronners' is known.
Here's the vid:
Featuring songwriting/performance credits from a high calibre coterie of supporting artists, including Boy George and Jake Shears, Ronson's latest would-be smash further hones his connoisseurs ear for danceable hits.
This one adds a dash of afrobeat-ish rhythmic shape to the usual dose of 60's soul and radio-savvy pop formula for which good ole 'Ronners' is known.
Here's the vid:
FHM After Dark Special
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Listen up men! FHM are once again spreading their exquisite taste in women, culture and the finer points of modern life with a brand new After Dark Special issue. This month's essential reading features an exclusive 16-page 'sexy vampire' showdown, covering the hottest totty from the current craze of vampire-related TV and film.
Ever wondered what 'Twilight' goody-two-shoes Angela Webber (Christian Serratos) looked like after hours (or, er, 'after dark')? Or 'True Blood' exotic dancer Natasha Alam? Well, luckily FHM have deemed it necessary to expose the vampire vixens' dark sides. And I mean really expose. They're so on the ball that they've even got Diora Bird from the latest vampire flick, '30 Days of Night: Dark Days', looking splendidly candid. Who said vampires were scary?
FHM - After Dark Special - out now
Now, you might think the whole vampire 'thing' is for teenage girls or creepy old men. And you'd be right. Luckily you won't be bored to tears with the finer details of tedious pseudo-moral quests and 3-way lover's trysts. Instead you'll be fed on strict diet of semi-clad vampire vixens in a variety of seductive poses. We wouldn't expect any less from the mag whose watershed Gail Porter moment still gets us all misty eyed and nostalgic. Oh, and there's not a Robert Pattinson in sight.
In addition to the above there will also be the usual range of excellent articles, comment, fun and whatnot. They don't just cover the babes - there's plenty on fitness, fashion, music, film, health and games, all written in a style funnier than the Chuckle Brothers on laughing gas.
Resistance is futile, so head over to their website to buy FHM now or, if you want a taster, see exclusive content on Diora Baird.
And there you were thinking all I ever did was listen to ridiculously obscure music and twiddle my moustache...
Sponsored Post
Listen up men! FHM are once again spreading their exquisite taste in women, culture and the finer points of modern life with a brand new After Dark Special issue. This month's essential reading features an exclusive 16-page 'sexy vampire' showdown, covering the hottest totty from the current craze of vampire-related TV and film.
Ever wondered what 'Twilight' goody-two-shoes Angela Webber (Christian Serratos) looked like after hours (or, er, 'after dark')? Or 'True Blood' exotic dancer Natasha Alam? Well, luckily FHM have deemed it necessary to expose the vampire vixens' dark sides. And I mean really expose. They're so on the ball that they've even got Diora Bird from the latest vampire flick, '30 Days of Night: Dark Days', looking splendidly candid. Who said vampires were scary?
FHM - After Dark Special - out now
Now, you might think the whole vampire 'thing' is for teenage girls or creepy old men. And you'd be right. Luckily you won't be bored to tears with the finer details of tedious pseudo-moral quests and 3-way lover's trysts. Instead you'll be fed on strict diet of semi-clad vampire vixens in a variety of seductive poses. We wouldn't expect any less from the mag whose watershed Gail Porter moment still gets us all misty eyed and nostalgic. Oh, and there's not a Robert Pattinson in sight.
In addition to the above there will also be the usual range of excellent articles, comment, fun and whatnot. They don't just cover the babes - there's plenty on fitness, fashion, music, film, health and games, all written in a style funnier than the Chuckle Brothers on laughing gas.
Resistance is futile, so head over to their website to buy FHM now or, if you want a taster, see exclusive content on Diora Baird.
And there you were thinking all I ever did was listen to ridiculously obscure music and twiddle my moustache...
Sponsored Post
Thursday 14 October 2010
French Horn Rebellion Announce New EP and Video
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Synth-pop duo French Horn Rebellion have released details of a brand new EP, This Moment, which will be released on 22 November by Once Upon A Time Records.
The EP will feature 'This Moment' as well as new track 'Last Summer', plus remixes of the former track by hip East Village producer Kap10Kurt, amongst others.
There aren't any UK tour dates in the offing at present, but we can only hope.
Here's the video for 'This Moment', which Time Out described as "a disco-tinted patchwork of psychedelic yacht-rock with big pop pretensions." Couldn't have put it better myself.
The EP will feature 'This Moment' as well as new track 'Last Summer', plus remixes of the former track by hip East Village producer Kap10Kurt, amongst others.
There aren't any UK tour dates in the offing at present, but we can only hope.
Here's the video for 'This Moment', which Time Out described as "a disco-tinted patchwork of psychedelic yacht-rock with big pop pretensions." Couldn't have put it better myself.
Free Game: 56 Sage Street
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A free game? From a high street bank? Apparently those cheerful money-lending types over at Barclays don't just give me free money at the back-end of my student account then (thanks guys), they also commission very playable office time-wasters such as 56 Sage Street.
This isn't your average stick-men playing 'cricket' against the backdrop of child's MS Paint drawing though, it's a proper full-on Sims meets Grand Theft Auto concept. With a bit of Oliver Twist and a healthy dose of sound advice thrown in for good measure.
The basic premise is as follows:
Two weeks ago a fresh-faced kid arrived in the city with £4 and a headful of dreams. What they found was a tough, uncompromising place and one night a wrong turntook them into trouble. The dream of making it looked like it was over. But someone had seen what had happened. His name is Mr C. the self-made, millionaire owner of the 56 Sage Street Empire. With only weeks to live, he’s searching for a successor. If our hero can prove their worth to him, their dream of making it might just become a reality.
Sounds corny, right? But in fairness, they've done a rather excellent job of molding the graphics to the progress from rags to riches of your earnest protagonist, meaning the city itself ends up being fairly fun to navigate around. You might start off on a dingy council estate approximating a grim corner of forgotten East London (which reminded me of this for some reason), but play your cards right and you'll soon end up in the more salubrious surroundings of the 'Art Gallery', or indeed the bank!
In the meantime, you'll be learning how to make friends and influence people, all in an attempt to con some old codger out of his empire, or something. Plus you'll be learning the occasional handy life lesson, like don't borrow money off dodgy street lenders. Oops. Which all makes for a rather excellent lunchtime diversion, or alternatively a means with which to fill another vacant student afternoon after finishing your 4 hours lectures for the week and before you start boozing.
Here's the trailer:
You can check the game out for yourself at http://www.56sagestreet.co.uk/. Just clear your schedule for a few hours.
Sponsored Post
A free game? From a high street bank? Apparently those cheerful money-lending types over at Barclays don't just give me free money at the back-end of my student account then (thanks guys), they also commission very playable office time-wasters such as 56 Sage Street.
This isn't your average stick-men playing 'cricket' against the backdrop of child's MS Paint drawing though, it's a proper full-on Sims meets Grand Theft Auto concept. With a bit of Oliver Twist and a healthy dose of sound advice thrown in for good measure.
The basic premise is as follows:
Two weeks ago a fresh-faced kid arrived in the city with £4 and a headful of dreams. What they found was a tough, uncompromising place and one night a wrong turntook them into trouble. The dream of making it looked like it was over. But someone had seen what had happened. His name is Mr C. the self-made, millionaire owner of the 56 Sage Street Empire. With only weeks to live, he’s searching for a successor. If our hero can prove their worth to him, their dream of making it might just become a reality.
Sounds corny, right? But in fairness, they've done a rather excellent job of molding the graphics to the progress from rags to riches of your earnest protagonist, meaning the city itself ends up being fairly fun to navigate around. You might start off on a dingy council estate approximating a grim corner of forgotten East London (which reminded me of this for some reason), but play your cards right and you'll soon end up in the more salubrious surroundings of the 'Art Gallery', or indeed the bank!
In the meantime, you'll be learning how to make friends and influence people, all in an attempt to con some old codger out of his empire, or something. Plus you'll be learning the occasional handy life lesson, like don't borrow money off dodgy street lenders. Oops. Which all makes for a rather excellent lunchtime diversion, or alternatively a means with which to fill another vacant student afternoon after finishing your 4 hours lectures for the week and before you start boozing.
Here's the trailer:
You can check the game out for yourself at http://www.56sagestreet.co.uk/. Just clear your schedule for a few hours.
Sponsored Post
New Video: Kate Nash - Later On
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Kate Nash has released the video for her latest single, 'Later On', which is due to drop this Monday, 18 October.
The track is a slight departure from her usual mockney piano-pop formula, featuring twinkling electronic peeps 'n' whirs and framed by fuzzy atmospherics. Just don't waste your time with the lyric sheet.
The track is a slight departure from her usual mockney piano-pop formula, featuring twinkling electronic peeps 'n' whirs and framed by fuzzy atmospherics. Just don't waste your time with the lyric sheet.
Wednesday 13 October 2010
Free Track: Stereolab - Sun Demon
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Stereolab are giving away new track 'Sun Demon' as a free download. It's bright and bouncy, with just enough circling kaleidescopic queasiness to make it unmistakably Stereolab. That, and it's all framed by Laetitia Sadier's vocal, which rather gives the game away.
The original run 'downloaded' out, apparently, but you can take your pick over at Soundcloud.
Meanwhile, if instant gratification is your thing then here it is:
09 - Stereolab - Sun Demon by statemagazine
The original run 'downloaded' out, apparently, but you can take your pick over at Soundcloud.
Meanwhile, if instant gratification is your thing then here it is:
09 - Stereolab - Sun Demon by statemagazine
Skinny Lister Tour, Single and YouTube Video
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Floppy-haired accordion-experts Skinny Lister have announced details of a new single and an October tour of the UK.
The single, 'Kite Song', is out on the 1 November, and the band will be playing a celebratory show that night at Enterprise in Camden.
The full tour dates can be found here. Meanwhile, here's a slightly bizarre homemade YouTube video with more tour details:
The single, 'Kite Song', is out on the 1 November, and the band will be playing a celebratory show that night at Enterprise in Camden.
The full tour dates can be found here. Meanwhile, here's a slightly bizarre homemade YouTube video with more tour details:
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Under the Radar Indie Labels
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Guest blog on 'Under the Radar Indie Labels' for Virgin.com/music...
As another week of the X Factor bites the soporific dust, in its wake 21st century music aficionados could be forgiven for feeling a little left out.
Simon Cowell owns the airwaves; High Fidelity-esque niche independent record stores continue to close at an alarming rate. Oh, and Phil Collins is back in the top five of the charts. These are dark days, are they not?
Well, actually no. The charts may seem like a watered down recreation of a Friday night playlist at a cheap club, but that hasn’t stopped independent record labels springing up left, right and centre to get great underground music out into the public domain.
Some of our best loved bands of the past decade – from British Sea Power to Best Coast – have been housed by efficiently run and artistically fertile ‘indies’. Beyond these, however, there exist scores of tiny labels who put out records purely as a labour of love. Here are a few of the best under-the-radar UK independent labels you might never have heard of...
Read the rest of this blog at Virgin.com/music
As another week of the X Factor bites the soporific dust, in its wake 21st century music aficionados could be forgiven for feeling a little left out.
Simon Cowell owns the airwaves; High Fidelity-esque niche independent record stores continue to close at an alarming rate. Oh, and Phil Collins is back in the top five of the charts. These are dark days, are they not?
Well, actually no. The charts may seem like a watered down recreation of a Friday night playlist at a cheap club, but that hasn’t stopped independent record labels springing up left, right and centre to get great underground music out into the public domain.
Some of our best loved bands of the past decade – from British Sea Power to Best Coast – have been housed by efficiently run and artistically fertile ‘indies’. Beyond these, however, there exist scores of tiny labels who put out records purely as a labour of love. Here are a few of the best under-the-radar UK independent labels you might never have heard of...
Read the rest of this blog at Virgin.com/music
Sunday 10 October 2010
Interview: Gang of Four
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Go and check out my interview with post-punk legends Gang of Four for my politicsSLASHmusic column in Notion magazine...
http://theenvironment.vfolio.co.uk/notion/64/ - Page 40 of the Digital Reader
http://theenvironment.vfolio.co.uk/notion/64/ - Page 40 of the Digital Reader
Interview: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
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Some words I did for Spoonfed.co.uk after a chat with SSLYBY...
Being as easily amused as small child at Christmas, I’ve always tended to love bands with faintly amusing names – ‘The Yummy Furs’ (snigger), ‘Japandroids’ (guffaw), ‘Roy Division’ (somebody stop me). Presumably the exact same strand of my uncomplicated DNA encourages a partiality to hummable, easily digested power-pop.
Imagine then how palpably excited I was upon learning that Springfield, Missouri tykes Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin had returned with a brand new record, the ripsnortingly catchy Let It Sway. Excited enough to hunt them down and ask them about it (and a bunch of other things), that’s how.
Important matters first: what’s in the name? I’m sure you get this one a lot.
We were teenagers. We thought it would be good idea to have a really long band name. Boris Yeltsin was in the news a lot because everyone was making fun of his alcoholism and political ineptitude. We used his name without thinking anything about it. He was a terrible president, so I'm sure we've offended a lot of people.
You guys are originally from Springfield, Missouri – is there much of a burgeoning indie scene there? Do you think you found it tougher not being East or West coast boys and tied to a big city?
In the 1950s there was a nationally televised music show in Springfield called The Ozark Jubilee. Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash appeared on it regularly. Also, Jonathan Richman recorded an album here with a Springfield band called the Skeletons in the '80s. It's called 'Jonathan Goes Country' and I recommend it highly.
Anyway, I think the internet makes it somewhat irrelevant where you're from. My life has been too busy lately to think about the scenes in Brooklyn and LA. I'm sure they have cooler jeans, but mine were really cheap...
Read the FULL INTERVIEW here
 |
| They are firestarters, twisted firestarters |
Being as easily amused as small child at Christmas, I’ve always tended to love bands with faintly amusing names – ‘The Yummy Furs’ (snigger), ‘Japandroids’ (guffaw), ‘Roy Division’ (somebody stop me). Presumably the exact same strand of my uncomplicated DNA encourages a partiality to hummable, easily digested power-pop.
Imagine then how palpably excited I was upon learning that Springfield, Missouri tykes Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin had returned with a brand new record, the ripsnortingly catchy Let It Sway. Excited enough to hunt them down and ask them about it (and a bunch of other things), that’s how.
Important matters first: what’s in the name? I’m sure you get this one a lot.
We were teenagers. We thought it would be good idea to have a really long band name. Boris Yeltsin was in the news a lot because everyone was making fun of his alcoholism and political ineptitude. We used his name without thinking anything about it. He was a terrible president, so I'm sure we've offended a lot of people.
You guys are originally from Springfield, Missouri – is there much of a burgeoning indie scene there? Do you think you found it tougher not being East or West coast boys and tied to a big city?
In the 1950s there was a nationally televised music show in Springfield called The Ozark Jubilee. Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash appeared on it regularly. Also, Jonathan Richman recorded an album here with a Springfield band called the Skeletons in the '80s. It's called 'Jonathan Goes Country' and I recommend it highly.
Anyway, I think the internet makes it somewhat irrelevant where you're from. My life has been too busy lately to think about the scenes in Brooklyn and LA. I'm sure they have cooler jeans, but mine were really cheap...
Read the FULL INTERVIEW here
Thursday 7 October 2010
YouTube Pull Lola Dutronic Video
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Internet overlords YouTube have pulled the latest Lola Dutronic video from the site, according to reports (i.e. an email in my inbox).
Baffled PRs over at Red Star Digital Music, who manage Lola, say "mild nudity" is the reason the video for 'Whisper' has been given the heave-ho.
"YouTube should get with the program", they add. Since I have no idea what 'getting with the program' means, I couldn't possibly comment. All I will say is that it does seem somewhat over the top considering some of the utter filth which goes unchecked on the site.
Those feeling risque (it's really not that bad at all) can head over to Vimeo for a gander.
Internet overlords YouTube have pulled the latest Lola Dutronic video from the site, according to reports (i.e. an email in my inbox).
Baffled PRs over at Red Star Digital Music, who manage Lola, say "mild nudity" is the reason the video for 'Whisper' has been given the heave-ho.
"YouTube should get with the program", they add. Since I have no idea what 'getting with the program' means, I couldn't possibly comment. All I will say is that it does seem somewhat over the top considering some of the utter filth which goes unchecked on the site.
Those feeling risque (it's really not that bad at all) can head over to Vimeo for a gander.
Listen Up! No. 62: No Age - Valley Hump Crash
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Having finally got around to throwing this acclaimed LA duo's sophomore effort, Everything In Between, I was hit with two waves of aural stimulation. The ramschackle riffs 'n' drums of the pithier numbers, such as lead single 'Glitter', got me hooked. But it was the hazier efforts, mixing equal parts jangle-pop, shoegaze and dreamy sound collages which kept me hitting repeat play on the stero. This one crystallises a sound founded on stolen ideas but welded into something magnificently unique.
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Live Review: Placebo at 02 Brixton Academy, 28 September 2010
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Some words I did on the Placebo show at 02 Brixton Academy on 28 September 2010 for Subba-Cultcha.com...
It’s hard to believe that Placebo first surfaced back in 1995, some fifteen years ago. Back then, even as the young whippersnapper that I was, their punky, angst-ridden slant on the alternative-rock scene grabbed me immediately. I should have been 16 and into marijuana and perfectly executed misery; I was 9 and interested only in music which sang in my ears. I remained a committed disciple from Placebo, their striking debut, through the more sombre Without You I’m Nothing and production-heavy (and occasionally awful) Black Market Music. However, just as I approached my supposed years of ‘teenage angst’, shifting musical allegiances and a slightly protracted period of inertia from the band saw my interest wane, singles aside.
It’s hard to believe that Placebo first surfaced back in 1995, some fifteen years ago. Back then, even as the young whippersnapper that I was, their punky, angst-ridden slant on the alternative-rock scene grabbed me immediately. I should have been 16 and into marijuana and perfectly executed misery; I was 9 and interested only in music which sang in my ears. I remained a committed disciple from Placebo, their striking debut, through the more sombre Without You I’m Nothing and production-heavy (and occasionally awful) Black Market Music. However, just as I approached my supposed years of ‘teenage angst’, shifting musical allegiances and a slightly protracted period of inertia from the band saw my interest wane, singles aside.
Listen Up! No. 61 - Hollerado - Americanarama
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Being a lo-budget Ok Go might be a gas, but what happens when you run out of zany-video money? Write some songs?
Heavenly Sign Sea Of Bees
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The lovable rogues over at Heavenly Records have unveiled their latest signing, 25 year old Sacramento singer-songwriter Sea of Bees.
Kudos to Heavenly, because by the sounds of it she's got the twiddly guitar-chops and ethereal vocals thing honed into a perfectly marketable art-form.
Here's a taster:
Sea Of Bees "The Woods" from Riot Act Media on Vimeo.
Kudos to Heavenly, because by the sounds of it she's got the twiddly guitar-chops and ethereal vocals thing honed into a perfectly marketable art-form.
Here's a taster:
Sea Of Bees "The Woods" from Riot Act Media on Vimeo.
Sunday 3 October 2010
Listen Up! No. 60: Fujiya & Miyagi - Ventrilloquizzing
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Moodier than ever, Brighton electro-glumsters Fujiya & Miyagi's fourth full lengther, Ventrilloquizzing, looks poised to inject an air of vaudevillian menace into the South Coast's indie scene. Unfortunately you'll have to wait until 17 January to hear it. Here's a taster.
Saturday 2 October 2010
Listen Up! No. 59: Joy Formidable - I Don't Want To See You Like This
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Having produced one of my favourite records of 2009, I'm understandably cheered that this Welsh trio are back with a, er, 'formidable' new single. The sound shows development, with a more spacious, atmospheric approach softening the edges of the raw, distorted intensity of their aforementioned debut. Fans of their astounding early live performances need not fear though, as the breakneck drumming and quiet-loud-quiet formula remain enough of incentive to see how they'll tear the new tracks up on next month's NME Radar Tour.
Friday 1 October 2010
Listen Up! No. 58: The Daredevil Christopher Wright - Stewardess
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Folk-rock devoid of both the cabin-fever presciousness of Bon Iver (who produces, incidentally) and the straw-hats 'n' banjos faux-authentic posturing of the Brit nu-folkers. Plus a beautifully shot vid. They still can't resist having ridiculous beards, mind.
The Daredevil Christopher Wright - “Stewardess” - official video - Sophie's cut from sofilms on Vimeo.
The Daredevil Christopher Wright - “Stewardess” - official video - Sophie's cut from sofilms on Vimeo.
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