Politics/Music #6: Jekil and Hide

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Party politics and rock ‘n’ roll. East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet. Of course, I’m not intending to singlehandedly disregard and henceforth abolish the rich heritage of political rock and roll, but where parties are involved the motives, ways and means can turn sour. Imagine my surprise then to read that the Scottish National Party’s new year gift for the nationalist masses north of the border was a song specially commissioned by the party to boost the adrenalin levels at its conference back in October; now available on iTunes and other digital outlets. The song in question? A re-working of ‘Let’s Work Together’, originally committed to tape by beardy boogie-bluesmen Canned Heat and later popularised via the pastel suit and penny loafers of Bryan Ferry. The band in question? Unheralded Scottish pop-rock irrelevancies Jakil – “one of the best young bands in Scotland” according to the SNP, along with... you know... and er... Oh.

This article was written for Notion magazine. Go here to read the rest (page 25 of the digital reader).

Album Review: Banjo or Freakout - Banjo or Freakout

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 Yet another autonomous bedroom-introvert negotiating the psych-ambient divide under an unfathomable nom de guerre might not set the pulses racing, so Banjo or Freakout’s Alessio Natalizia at least has the good sense to have a mildly diverting back story. He grew up in a small medieval Italian town called Vasto. He started playing classical guitar at 8. He listened to Italian artists Claudio Rocchi and Alan Sorrenti – unlikely to figure on the average Spotify playlist. Perhaps the beaming coastal sun, Adriatic waters and unheralded musical preferences could engender something memorable and unique?

This review was written for Notion magazine. Go here to read the rest (page 91 of the digital reader).

Independent Record Store Treasure Hunt

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Two of the most fun things one can get up to on a lazy Saturday afternoon - with your pants on, anyway - are visiting one of the few remaining independent record stores, or going on an elaborate treasure hunt for awesome prizes. Imagine our delight then, to find out that the cheerful directory-specialists over at Yell (that's like a digital Yellow Pages for those of you reading in black and white or watching on VHS) have organised a treasure hunt in the UK's indy record stores. About ruddy time.

We all know that independent record stores have hit hard notes in the age of austerity. What were once the feeding grounds for thousands of wannabe John Cusacks with an encyclopaedic knowledge of tropicalia, no wave, or jazz-dubstep (ok, I made the last one up) have now, for the most part, become grimly boarded-up reminders that those who still have any money choose not to spend it on CDs.

Me? I still get excited about rummaging around for that first vinyl pressing of Bowie's Space Oddity with the blue cover and '(Don't Sit Down)' at track 3. In this instance, the Golden Ticket you'll be looking for is a copy of (fictional) '90s dance thumper 'Pulse & Thunder' by Day V Lately. Nevermind the ruse, whoever put together this little gem certainly listened to their fair share of Grace, plus a sizeable dose of Shamen for good measure.

Have a sneak peak below:



The folks over at Yell reliably inform us that the best way to locate your local independent record store is using their Yell app for Android and iPhone. There are ten copies of 'Pulse and Thunder' hidden up and down the country, and £10,000-worth of prizes to be won. Sounds like a win-win situation to me...

Check www.facebook.com/yell for you terms and conditions et cetera...

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Album Review: Wye Oak - Civilian

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Baltimore, Maryland duo Wye Oak’s first two records, 2007’s If Children and 2009’s The Knot, sounded like a band with the all the tools required to be master-sculptors or their art, but one lacking in the requisite experience – and often direction – to fashion something truly worthy. Although their enviable ear for a hook was plainly manifested, the songs’ attempts to subvert de rigueur ‘trends’ overcompensated. Mix introverted folk-sprawl with hootenanny freakouts? That’ll show ‘em! But it was too much, too often; thrilling on an artificial level, without having the artifice to craft something with lasting appeal beyond the live performances for which they were famed. However, their apprenticeship served and with new UK label City Slang affording them a shot at reinvention, Civilian succeeds by playing it straight.

This review was written for Notion magazine . Go here to read the rest (page 90 of the digital reader)

Album Review: Gruff Rhys - Hotel Shampoo

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Ever wondered what the Super Furry Animals get up to on tour? The sex, the drugs? The indie rock ’n’ roll? Well, according to SFA frontman Gruff Rhys, the one boundary of decadence most often pushed is the pilfering of vast quantities of hotel toiletries. Such was the childlike enthusiasm and wonder with which Rhys approached professional touring after the band signed with Creation in 1996, he’s been collecting hotel shampoos as mementos ever since. But what to do with your haul when there’s only so much hair to wash? Of course! Build a miniature hotel out of them and then name your third solo album after it. He’s a peculiar fellow...

This article was written for TheLineOfBestFit. Go here to read the rest.