Mix tapes and compos
Hes right you know.
I have recently been listening to a CD by a London duo called The Amorphous Androgynous.
the CD is called A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding Inside Your Mind Vol 1 & 2.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monstrous-Psychedelic-Bubble-Exploding-Mind/dp/B002KQ5QZG
What we have here is a mix of 40 odd songs (over 80 if you listen to vol 1 & 2 back to back - which might be a bit much), ranging from 60's contempory jazz, american and british psych, a bit of funk, blues, pop, and another dollop of all things obscure.
Its an extremely interesting mix of music, beautifuly mixed together incorporationg the duos various different tastes aswell as there own music at various points in the mix.
I highly reccommend it if you fancy hearing something a bit different to what you might be used to, or if you have any interest in mixing songs.
Heres a small taster
My point is this. These lot have managed to hone in on what makes a great mix of music. Listening to these compilations you never feel the need to skip through to hear the next song or find yourself becoming bored by the sometimes lengthy mix. Infact, what you are doing is looking forward to the different direction the mix is going to take.
It flows throughout, never jolting between songs in a hap-hazzard way, instead smoothly dancing inbetween songs and sounds constantly keeping you interested, and at its best completely transcends all pre conceived notions you may of had with a mix of songs that features such a varied and wide range of music; it all becomes quite mindblowing!
Making a mix tape, cd, or itunes playlist (tapes - you remember them? i want one) is somewhat of a skill.
You need to remove yourself from what you may consider your favourate songs/bands, this will only blind you from what is important and that is the overall sound/vibe of the collection of songs.
I few things need to be taken into consideration.
The occasion or the person the mix is for should be at the forefront of your mind when you are making it, even if its for yourself. Consider where you will be or what you could be doing when you want to listen to the mix. Consider the type of person and there personality when you are making a mix for someone else - throw in a few suprises but try and keep the songs close to what you know they already like. Also, if you are trying to put a message accross (do you love the girl your making a mix for, is it a mix for a mate for when they go to football...etc) make sure the songs put that message accross.
I think playing to a crowed can be a difficult thing to do. Not being a DJ myself, but by knowing a few people who are, one thing I know is you cant please everyone.
A DJ friend of mine, who shall rename nameless because I dont do plugs, told me he had become sick of people requesting songs.
He was once asked to put on something that this particular punter could "dance to". The vibrations coming out of the speaker at the time? James Brown.
So I can understand his gripe, but I guess the best way of looking at it is you arent going to please everyone with your choice of music - the world is full of idiots, and playing for them in mass numbers must be difficult.
He also told me he became sick of playing the tupes of gigs that required him to play to the numbers, playing the obvious tracks - KoL, Rhianna, Lady GaGa.
I have always thought a DJ would be a great job, but only if you could play the songs you wanted to play!
I would offer that as advice to anyone wanting to make a mix of songs either for themselves or for someone else; if you dont enjoy it while your making it, if you dont really like the songs your including in the mix, then the mix will probably end up a bit crap.
Obviously your not going to put songs in a mix for yourself that you dont particularly like, but if its for someone else or for a party or your putting together a DJ set, try and cater to the audience but dont drift away to far from what you personally like - otherwise whats the point?
The songs need to flow and grab the listeners attention. You can ruin a mix of songs by including the wrong song at the wrong time. This is something I constantly do when I make a mix.
usually when I put a mix of music together its at a social gathering of some sort, whether it be a big house party or just a small group of mates playing street fighter 2 turbo.
I will put a mix together, trying to take into consideration my own set of rough rules but there is usually 1 or 2 songs that when they come on i think "damn, that doesnt fit at all".
Shit happens.
But an easy way around this is by listening back to your mix an hour or so after making it. This will usually give you chance to hunt down any stinkers that you overlooked; "I knew it wasnt a good idea to include a Toto song..."
Like a good a album, a varied mix of songs can put you in a specific "place" while you listen to the music.
And when you have made it yourself, even better.
Can this blog be considered a lesson? A lesson in making a mix tape?
What did we learn? Tapes are extinct.
-C
Heres some music.
A look at some other reviews...
Think I may of poured on the praise a bit to much for the Black Lips album.
"amazing vocal harmonies" - not amazing, its just two of the band members singing to good affect.
But i dont care, it was the albums fault - it puts you in a good mood. Whereas on The Arctic Monkeys album didnt put me in that "place" which is probably why I was so critical of it at times.
Speaking of that album, I havent gone back and listened to it much since reviewing it which isnt a great sign.
I was interested to know how it would be seen in the eyes of the "pros". I had a feeling it would split the opinion of fans but really didnt know how the mass media would approach it; could we see a Monkeys backlash? The only way to find out was to have a root around for some reviews.
So this is how both albums ive reviewed this week are holding up with the music press.
Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See
Spin magazine give it a very respectable 8/10 saying they have combined the best of there 2 previous sounds (the punky raw aggression of there debut and the "sludgier" rock of humbug.)
http://www.spin.com/reviews/arctic-monkeys-suck-it-and-see-domino
Both Mojo & Q magazine agree with spin both agreeing with the laters score and deeming the album to be there best since there debut.
Uncut however only score the album a 6, making sure they dont poo-poo it to much and describe the songs as "beautifuly played and produced"
Black Lips - Arabian Mountain
Obscuresound.com have given the album an ok score of 6.5/10 (the .5 isnt really needed is it you picky fuckers?). Although they agree with me that the album is extremely fun and also site "Dont Mess Up My Baby" as the best song on the album, they deem some of the songs to be "filler".
Spin Magazine give the album 7/10, thats 1 less than the Arctic Monkeys for those of you who struggle with numbers. I would of gone the other way round if anyones interested.
"In the hands of dapper producer Mark Ronson, the glibly sloppy, lo-fi brats are almost sculpted into garage-punk sophistication, adding extended psychedelic guitar lines, fleshed-out percussion, even retro-soul sax."
Q mag go one better and deem the album to be a fine collection of raibid pop-punk gems. 8/10
So in summary....both albums are pretty good. Go and get em. Black Lips one is better though. Trust me.
"amazing vocal harmonies" - not amazing, its just two of the band members singing to good affect.
But i dont care, it was the albums fault - it puts you in a good mood. Whereas on The Arctic Monkeys album didnt put me in that "place" which is probably why I was so critical of it at times.
Speaking of that album, I havent gone back and listened to it much since reviewing it which isnt a great sign.
I was interested to know how it would be seen in the eyes of the "pros". I had a feeling it would split the opinion of fans but really didnt know how the mass media would approach it; could we see a Monkeys backlash? The only way to find out was to have a root around for some reviews.
So this is how both albums ive reviewed this week are holding up with the music press.
Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See
Spin magazine give it a very respectable 8/10 saying they have combined the best of there 2 previous sounds (the punky raw aggression of there debut and the "sludgier" rock of humbug.)
http://www.spin.com/reviews/arctic-monkeys-suck-it-and-see-domino
Both Mojo & Q magazine agree with spin both agreeing with the laters score and deeming the album to be there best since there debut.
Uncut however only score the album a 6, making sure they dont poo-poo it to much and describe the songs as "beautifuly played and produced"
Black Lips - Arabian Mountain
Obscuresound.com have given the album an ok score of 6.5/10 (the .5 isnt really needed is it you picky fuckers?). Although they agree with me that the album is extremely fun and also site "Dont Mess Up My Baby" as the best song on the album, they deem some of the songs to be "filler".
Spin Magazine give the album 7/10, thats 1 less than the Arctic Monkeys for those of you who struggle with numbers. I would of gone the other way round if anyones interested.
"In the hands of dapper producer Mark Ronson, the glibly sloppy, lo-fi brats are almost sculpted into garage-punk sophistication, adding extended psychedelic guitar lines, fleshed-out percussion, even retro-soul sax."
Q mag go one better and deem the album to be a fine collection of raibid pop-punk gems. 8/10
So in summary....both albums are pretty good. Go and get em. Black Lips one is better though. Trust me.
The Black Lips - Arabian Mountain
The second of the 2 albums I have championed in the last month or so is the 6th studio album by Atlantas Black Lips. After giving a track by track description of the Arctic Monkeys latest offering, I thought it was only right to do the same with The 'Lips.
Since giving my run down on Alex Turners lot, I have since listened back to it a few times and my opinion hasnt really changed on it. I guess 3 listens of an album is all you need to get a feel for it and offer an opinion. By all accounts this is the number of times most critics will get to hear an album before being asked to write 500 words about it. So that makes me a proper critic? Yeah?
Yeah.
This is the first time the band will of worked with a producer, in this case its Mark Ronson. Not Rick Rubin, Jack White or Josh Homme. No, its the super slick Mark Ronson of Amy Whinehouse fame (Back In Black was the album that lead them to him).
Early signs have been good with the promise of more fuzz and a cleaner sound which is to be expected when working with someone so polished.
So here we go, The Black Lips - Arabian Mountain
Family Tree
Things get underway with a this little number - the sound of Wreckless Eric featuring on a Quentine Tarantino film. At least thats what it sounds like to me. Excited by that? You should be - Its a rip roaring start to the album. The Lips are back.
Modern Art
The first track that we heard before the albums release Its been knocking about for a few weeks now. Xylophones and a theremin feature in the brilliantly memorable chorus. You turn around and you don't know where you've been/You look up at the glass dome and the room beings to spin/Let's go out and find the ocean 'cause I think we need a swim/Turn around, start it over, let's begin
Spideys curse
A song about spiderman by the sound of the lyrics. There is a hint of xylophone in the back ground underneath a beautful lead riff. Its a lazy, almost sigh of a song that highlights the softer side of the band. If they ever had one...
Mad Dog
Sounds restrained with a lazy sax offering a simple hook that the song is based around. Nice vocal harmonies that are cleaner than on other 'Lips albums. This is a clear indication of working with an actual producer.
Mr Driver
This one sounds like its barely holding on. Imagine being far to whacked out and barely being able to make sense of reality but somehow managing to saunter accross the dancefloor without falling over to offer some "abstract" dance moves that just about come off. Thats this song. Its so close to stopping in its tracks and falling to the floor in a drunken drugged out mess, but it marches forward like the devil posessed. Emily Mackay from NME wrote, I swear one of the lines is “my pecker’s long/Got me feeling strong/When I sing this song and I smoke this bong.” I really hope I’m right.
I think she is. Which is brilliant.
Bicentenial Man
A sense of fun creeps back in here with a toe tapping beat that moves the album along nicely. Another example of Ronsons influence is on show here with clean and definate vocals that are instantly singable. My only critisism here is the song isnt long enough. The Lips have never outstayed there welcome when it comes to track length but at 2.19mins I felt as though there was another minute of music here that was missed out on. However, the 2.19min we do get is a surftastic boogie thats will get anyone moving.
Go Out And Get It
The fun continues here, its nothing other than that - dumb fun. I again have to concur with Emily in that this is sounding like a great summer album.
Raw Meat
Half way through the album and the fun continues here. A chorus made up simply by a band member half whistling half screaming interrupted occasionaly by "oh babys". And before you know it, its over. 1.48 min of flower punk energy.
Bone Marrow
Wow, Mark Ronson is all over this song. It works fantastically, the simple clap that gives us our beat is joined by a throbbing bass and some lovely lead guitar. This could be a single and actually do well which is not something this band has ever been about! A theremin, which has popped up a few times already on the album rears it summery head again and the song is finished off by some "uh oh ohs" and then its gone. Awesome.
The Lie
Sounds almost like Stairway To Heaven until it kicks in and we have another toe tapper which they all seem to be in there own way. Unlike the previous 4-5 songs, this one is a little darker like the first few tracks but you cant help nodding your head stamping your foot along to these songs. And whats this, a guitar solo? A proper one, one that isnt just part of an on going chorus, this is actually a fully blown solo/wig out that sees out the final minute of the song thats not to disimilar to Bring It On Down by Oasis.
Time
This song is so close to a West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band (yeah theyre a real band) song that ive had to go and dust it off so you can hear it.
Again, the song is quite restrained for the 'Lips. The dirt from there previous albums has gone and what we have now is a cleaner, more precise record than anything theyve done before. Dont see this as a bad thing, there instrument work and harmonies are probably more powerful for this reason and the songs are given a bit more space to move around in. Such as the ending here, instruments are stripped away and we are left just with the beat which leads us into the next song perfectly
Dumpster Dive
Exile On Main St Rolling Stones here. Honky tonk piano and some very Jagger esq singing propells this 2 min ditty forward. Like nearly all the songs here its gone in an instant with another little 15-20 second ending that was dusted with some nice productional touches siuch as the small stabs at piano keys that beautifully see out the song.
New Direction
They definately havent gone in a new direction! Here we have another prime example of the 60's garage rock influence that you swear you have heard before. FUCK ME this is a fun album.
Noc-A-Homa
Massive chorus for this one, lifts the song in a big way and could be somethin else live. I hate to use the pun, but they have knocked a hommer here...
God, I hate myself for saying that.
Dont Mess Up My Baby
"You smoked all my dope, chased a rainbow & then you sang a song....You drank all my beers, picked some flowers and things were going strong..."
This song is actually beautiful. the closest thing they come to to previous songs such as "I'll be with you". Amazing vocal harmonies going on during the chorus. One of the highlights of the album for sure.
You Keep On Running
Last song on the album and all the fun thats gone before is completely evaporatesd by some vintage 'Lips psych. A sprawling 4 minute trip to the depths of despair is unleashed on us like a nasty trip.
This was recorded using a real human skull (a mic was put inside the skull to create the spooky effect - seriously).
Its like being at a party thats passed you by to quickly and before you know it its the end of the night and the mother of all come downs kicks in while you notice the bird you like has fucked off with your best mate and as the lyric goes "...there is no where to hiiiiiiiide".
VERDICT
This is a seriously fun album full of memorable harmonies and choruses that stay with you long after the albums finished.
Its solid from start to end, so solid infact that its difficult to pick out stand out tracks. As soon as you think to yourself "that one, thats my fave" the next song quickly comes along and makes you rethink things!
I dont think The'Lips should worry about working with a producer anymore because this is a big big success.
On first listen the lads have given us something seriously good to brighten up our wet summer.
Since giving my run down on Alex Turners lot, I have since listened back to it a few times and my opinion hasnt really changed on it. I guess 3 listens of an album is all you need to get a feel for it and offer an opinion. By all accounts this is the number of times most critics will get to hear an album before being asked to write 500 words about it. So that makes me a proper critic? Yeah?
Yeah.
This is the first time the band will of worked with a producer, in this case its Mark Ronson. Not Rick Rubin, Jack White or Josh Homme. No, its the super slick Mark Ronson of Amy Whinehouse fame (Back In Black was the album that lead them to him).
Early signs have been good with the promise of more fuzz and a cleaner sound which is to be expected when working with someone so polished.
So here we go, The Black Lips - Arabian Mountain
Family TreeThings get underway with a this little number - the sound of Wreckless Eric featuring on a Quentine Tarantino film. At least thats what it sounds like to me. Excited by that? You should be - Its a rip roaring start to the album. The Lips are back.
Modern Art
The first track that we heard before the albums release Its been knocking about for a few weeks now. Xylophones and a theremin feature in the brilliantly memorable chorus. You turn around and you don't know where you've been/You look up at the glass dome and the room beings to spin/Let's go out and find the ocean 'cause I think we need a swim/Turn around, start it over, let's begin
Spideys curse
A song about spiderman by the sound of the lyrics. There is a hint of xylophone in the back ground underneath a beautful lead riff. Its a lazy, almost sigh of a song that highlights the softer side of the band. If they ever had one...
Mad Dog
Sounds restrained with a lazy sax offering a simple hook that the song is based around. Nice vocal harmonies that are cleaner than on other 'Lips albums. This is a clear indication of working with an actual producer.
Mr Driver
This one sounds like its barely holding on. Imagine being far to whacked out and barely being able to make sense of reality but somehow managing to saunter accross the dancefloor without falling over to offer some "abstract" dance moves that just about come off. Thats this song. Its so close to stopping in its tracks and falling to the floor in a drunken drugged out mess, but it marches forward like the devil posessed. Emily Mackay from NME wrote, I swear one of the lines is “my pecker’s long/Got me feeling strong/When I sing this song and I smoke this bong.” I really hope I’m right.
I think she is. Which is brilliant.
Bicentenial Man
A sense of fun creeps back in here with a toe tapping beat that moves the album along nicely. Another example of Ronsons influence is on show here with clean and definate vocals that are instantly singable. My only critisism here is the song isnt long enough. The Lips have never outstayed there welcome when it comes to track length but at 2.19mins I felt as though there was another minute of music here that was missed out on. However, the 2.19min we do get is a surftastic boogie thats will get anyone moving.
Go Out And Get It
The fun continues here, its nothing other than that - dumb fun. I again have to concur with Emily in that this is sounding like a great summer album.
Raw Meat
Half way through the album and the fun continues here. A chorus made up simply by a band member half whistling half screaming interrupted occasionaly by "oh babys". And before you know it, its over. 1.48 min of flower punk energy.
Bone Marrow
Wow, Mark Ronson is all over this song. It works fantastically, the simple clap that gives us our beat is joined by a throbbing bass and some lovely lead guitar. This could be a single and actually do well which is not something this band has ever been about! A theremin, which has popped up a few times already on the album rears it summery head again and the song is finished off by some "uh oh ohs" and then its gone. Awesome.
The Lie
Sounds almost like Stairway To Heaven until it kicks in and we have another toe tapper which they all seem to be in there own way. Unlike the previous 4-5 songs, this one is a little darker like the first few tracks but you cant help nodding your head stamping your foot along to these songs. And whats this, a guitar solo? A proper one, one that isnt just part of an on going chorus, this is actually a fully blown solo/wig out that sees out the final minute of the song thats not to disimilar to Bring It On Down by Oasis.
Time
This song is so close to a West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band (yeah theyre a real band) song that ive had to go and dust it off so you can hear it.
Again, the song is quite restrained for the 'Lips. The dirt from there previous albums has gone and what we have now is a cleaner, more precise record than anything theyve done before. Dont see this as a bad thing, there instrument work and harmonies are probably more powerful for this reason and the songs are given a bit more space to move around in. Such as the ending here, instruments are stripped away and we are left just with the beat which leads us into the next song perfectly
Dumpster Dive
Exile On Main St Rolling Stones here. Honky tonk piano and some very Jagger esq singing propells this 2 min ditty forward. Like nearly all the songs here its gone in an instant with another little 15-20 second ending that was dusted with some nice productional touches siuch as the small stabs at piano keys that beautifully see out the song.
New Direction
They definately havent gone in a new direction! Here we have another prime example of the 60's garage rock influence that you swear you have heard before. FUCK ME this is a fun album.
Noc-A-Homa
Massive chorus for this one, lifts the song in a big way and could be somethin else live. I hate to use the pun, but they have knocked a hommer here...
God, I hate myself for saying that.
Dont Mess Up My Baby
"You smoked all my dope, chased a rainbow & then you sang a song....You drank all my beers, picked some flowers and things were going strong..."
This song is actually beautiful. the closest thing they come to to previous songs such as "I'll be with you". Amazing vocal harmonies going on during the chorus. One of the highlights of the album for sure.
You Keep On Running
Last song on the album and all the fun thats gone before is completely evaporatesd by some vintage 'Lips psych. A sprawling 4 minute trip to the depths of despair is unleashed on us like a nasty trip.
This was recorded using a real human skull (a mic was put inside the skull to create the spooky effect - seriously).
Its like being at a party thats passed you by to quickly and before you know it its the end of the night and the mother of all come downs kicks in while you notice the bird you like has fucked off with your best mate and as the lyric goes "...there is no where to hiiiiiiiide".
VERDICT
This is a seriously fun album full of memorable harmonies and choruses that stay with you long after the albums finished.
Its solid from start to end, so solid infact that its difficult to pick out stand out tracks. As soon as you think to yourself "that one, thats my fave" the next song quickly comes along and makes you rethink things!
I dont think The'Lips should worry about working with a producer anymore because this is a big big success.
On first listen the lads have given us something seriously good to brighten up our wet summer.
The Arctic Monkeys - Suck It & See
After several months of mentioning the forthcoming release of Suck It And See on this blog, I thought I should discuss what im hearing seeing as I am currently listening to it.
I listened to it earlier, and it sort of passed me by, now its got most of my attention so a track by track discussion is in order.
Recorded in LA, this is the Monkeys' second "American" album after Humbug was recorded out in the Joshua Tree desert. This is something that has rattled some of the UK fan base (the hardcore knuckle draggers anyway, the people who buy 2 records a year, one of them being Now Thats What I Call Music vol 892).
I couldnt care where its recorded. As long as it sounds good...
1 - Shes Thunderstorms
Interesting start, in that its quite an understated opener. Will be a grower (much like the album after another listen). The song has a familiar feel to it that i cant quite put my finger on. There is a 90's Britpop and a west coast american rock feel to the song. This is something that runs through out the entire album which is why certain songs, such as this one, sound familiar after only 2-3 listens. Its a nice enough start but the song never really takes off.
2 - Black treacle
This sounds like it could be an old Blur b-side. The chorus soars quite nicely but even the bouncy rhythem of the bass cant help the rest of the song from dragging its heals. Not that its a bad song per say, its just a bit pedestrian. That chorus though - *swoon*.
Its been a mellow start, Alex Turners croon remains, but this time surrounded by 60's jangle rather than 70's heavy metal.
3 - Brick By Brick
Things are picked up with Brick By Brick. This has got some really mixed reviews from fans/trolls on the interweb. It sounds like an aggresive surfer theme tune, for people to surf aggresivly to. Possibly. And there is another chorus that soars along in a simple catchy kind of way. Alex Turners delivery of the chorus is one of the only times he removes himself from his new crooning vocal style he developed on Humbug. All of a sudden its that sheffield chav from 5 years ago, and its nice to hear
4 - Helicat spangled shalalalala
Worryingly sounding like "arena rock" in the same ilk as the more recent KoL shit. Unlike KoL though, there are some interesting lyrics. Not so much modern day city life poetry we have come to expect from Turner, more like throw away gems such as "give me another fuckin shalalalala.."
Maybe theyre not taking themselves too seriously? So far the whole album has felt light and fun.
I get the impression Turner has grown tired of writing about standing in line at chip shops after a night out in Sheffield. I also get the impression hes sick of people constantly praising him for his use of lyrics. Its as if hes gone into the album sessions with the mentality of "i couldnt give a shit what anyone thinks, im going to talk cod shit for a bit because its a bit of fun".
I dont think these songs are to be taken to seriously or heavily analysed. The album title suggests Turner and the band have made an album they know isnt going to be everyones liking, especially hardcore fans of the first 2, but they dont really give a shit what me and you think.
And for that I salute them.
5 - Dont sit down cos ive moved ya chair
Wow, this knocks ya socks off after the first 4 songs have scurried off. Its a heavy fucker.
That origional riff is extremely similar to heavy psych bands of today such as ones mentioned on here, Black Angels & Blue Angel Lounge.
It spits venom at you for 3 beautiful minutes then disapears. Lovely.
6 - Library Pictures
Another song full of random almost abstract lyrics about curly straws, dog shit rock n roll and an entire 10-1 countdown. There is a lovely change midway through with alex turner singing those lazy lyrics in a lazy croon - gives everything a very laid back fun feel even when the song is bookended by quite an aggresive punk song.
7 - All my own stunts
They have some pretty bad ass grooves popping up all over the album, unfortunatly they can get lost in amongst the numerous changes in direction. This song could of benefited from someone just whispering in the ear hole of Alex, "mate, focus on that riff. This one doesnt need a change up for the chorus, just keep it grooving". That doesnt happen. Instead someone has said "shoehorn in as many changes in direction as possible because that will please everyone."
Should of called me. I would of told him what to do.
Half way through and so far we have had a mellow start followed by a rip roaring second act, but the whole thing seems slightly scattered. The easy going vibe is often disturbed by a sudden change in direction that sounds slightly forced to incorporate everything they came up with during the recording.
8 - Reckless serenade
this is the start of the second half of the album. After a mellow start and then an aggresive change in direction this is change back to the mellow 60's sound, but its far more instant than anything else on the album other than maybe dont sit down..
Its meandering jangle and discreet vocal harmonies are extremely easy on the ear. Its sort of like listening to floursecent adolescents not so chavvy mate.
9 - Piledriver waltz
This song featured on the Submarine ost but as a far more stripped down acoustic version. I thought the added production might ruin it - Im undecided on that after 2 listens, but its still i lovely song to melt the hearts of gimps everywhere.
It really is nice, the chorus is positivly gorgeous, and the lyrics are instantly lodged in your brain box. I wonder what was up with the waitress?
The images it creates are no longer of rainy sheffield however. Instead its an american diner at the heartbreak hotel. I wonder what the hardcore english fans will think of this? Oh, theyve sold out. Gone american. Thats probably what some will think. The rest of us can just enjoy a great song.
10 - Love Is A Laserquest
Best name ever. Best song on the album if you like pretty boring songs
11 - Suck It And See
I dont know about this...
Its nearly great but then isnt. There are some nice hooks and some hum-able harmonies, but this song and quite alot of the album sounds like a poor mans asteroid4 which is a band that has mastered this particular sound. Although I admire The Monkeys for attempting to change there sound, for me they have held onto there past work to much for this to work consistantly.
Where as the lyrics have a dont give a shit atitude, I feel that this wasnt entirely the case in the studio. I could be wrong, but this song atleast feels over cooked.
12 - Thats where your wrong
Another lovely guitar hook to kick off the last song on the album but it then starts to sound like The Charlatans song, Oh Vanity.
Its quite a weak end to the album in that it doesnt leave you wanting more or give you any reason to go back and listen to it again.
So thats Suck It And See after 3 listens. A nice, but slightly underwhelming trip through the bands current influences which seem to be West Coast 60's rock.
Its not the album it promised to be and I have no doubt it will split fans opinion. The interesting thing will be what the critics do with it. Since there first album they havent really come under much scrutiny from the british media which is strange when you consider the bands attitude towards them.
Will they go for the laid back hazy sound, or will it be passed off as a lazy attempt at 60's pop that falls flat?
For me its a mixture of everything I have said. Some good. Some average. Some bad.
Its nice, but nothing really more than that. It simmers, it never boils. And that could be its downfall.
However, it is raining right now. Maybe the sun needs to be shining to apreciate this more.... Maybe we should all move to LA?
I listened to it earlier, and it sort of passed me by, now its got most of my attention so a track by track discussion is in order.
Recorded in LA, this is the Monkeys' second "American" album after Humbug was recorded out in the Joshua Tree desert. This is something that has rattled some of the UK fan base (the hardcore knuckle draggers anyway, the people who buy 2 records a year, one of them being Now Thats What I Call Music vol 892).
I couldnt care where its recorded. As long as it sounds good...
1 - Shes Thunderstorms
Interesting start, in that its quite an understated opener. Will be a grower (much like the album after another listen). The song has a familiar feel to it that i cant quite put my finger on. There is a 90's Britpop and a west coast american rock feel to the song. This is something that runs through out the entire album which is why certain songs, such as this one, sound familiar after only 2-3 listens. Its a nice enough start but the song never really takes off.
2 - Black treacle
This sounds like it could be an old Blur b-side. The chorus soars quite nicely but even the bouncy rhythem of the bass cant help the rest of the song from dragging its heals. Not that its a bad song per say, its just a bit pedestrian. That chorus though - *swoon*.
Its been a mellow start, Alex Turners croon remains, but this time surrounded by 60's jangle rather than 70's heavy metal.
3 - Brick By Brick
Things are picked up with Brick By Brick. This has got some really mixed reviews from fans/trolls on the interweb. It sounds like an aggresive surfer theme tune, for people to surf aggresivly to. Possibly. And there is another chorus that soars along in a simple catchy kind of way. Alex Turners delivery of the chorus is one of the only times he removes himself from his new crooning vocal style he developed on Humbug. All of a sudden its that sheffield chav from 5 years ago, and its nice to hear
4 - Helicat spangled shalalalala
Worryingly sounding like "arena rock" in the same ilk as the more recent KoL shit. Unlike KoL though, there are some interesting lyrics. Not so much modern day city life poetry we have come to expect from Turner, more like throw away gems such as "give me another fuckin shalalalala.."
Maybe theyre not taking themselves too seriously? So far the whole album has felt light and fun.
I get the impression Turner has grown tired of writing about standing in line at chip shops after a night out in Sheffield. I also get the impression hes sick of people constantly praising him for his use of lyrics. Its as if hes gone into the album sessions with the mentality of "i couldnt give a shit what anyone thinks, im going to talk cod shit for a bit because its a bit of fun".
I dont think these songs are to be taken to seriously or heavily analysed. The album title suggests Turner and the band have made an album they know isnt going to be everyones liking, especially hardcore fans of the first 2, but they dont really give a shit what me and you think.
And for that I salute them.
5 - Dont sit down cos ive moved ya chair
Wow, this knocks ya socks off after the first 4 songs have scurried off. Its a heavy fucker.
That origional riff is extremely similar to heavy psych bands of today such as ones mentioned on here, Black Angels & Blue Angel Lounge.
It spits venom at you for 3 beautiful minutes then disapears. Lovely.
6 - Library Pictures
Another song full of random almost abstract lyrics about curly straws, dog shit rock n roll and an entire 10-1 countdown. There is a lovely change midway through with alex turner singing those lazy lyrics in a lazy croon - gives everything a very laid back fun feel even when the song is bookended by quite an aggresive punk song.
7 - All my own stunts
They have some pretty bad ass grooves popping up all over the album, unfortunatly they can get lost in amongst the numerous changes in direction. This song could of benefited from someone just whispering in the ear hole of Alex, "mate, focus on that riff. This one doesnt need a change up for the chorus, just keep it grooving". That doesnt happen. Instead someone has said "shoehorn in as many changes in direction as possible because that will please everyone."
Should of called me. I would of told him what to do.
Half way through and so far we have had a mellow start followed by a rip roaring second act, but the whole thing seems slightly scattered. The easy going vibe is often disturbed by a sudden change in direction that sounds slightly forced to incorporate everything they came up with during the recording.
8 - Reckless serenade
this is the start of the second half of the album. After a mellow start and then an aggresive change in direction this is change back to the mellow 60's sound, but its far more instant than anything else on the album other than maybe dont sit down..
Its meandering jangle and discreet vocal harmonies are extremely easy on the ear. Its sort of like listening to floursecent adolescents not so chavvy mate.
9 - Piledriver waltz
This song featured on the Submarine ost but as a far more stripped down acoustic version. I thought the added production might ruin it - Im undecided on that after 2 listens, but its still i lovely song to melt the hearts of gimps everywhere.
It really is nice, the chorus is positivly gorgeous, and the lyrics are instantly lodged in your brain box. I wonder what was up with the waitress?
The images it creates are no longer of rainy sheffield however. Instead its an american diner at the heartbreak hotel. I wonder what the hardcore english fans will think of this? Oh, theyve sold out. Gone american. Thats probably what some will think. The rest of us can just enjoy a great song.
10 - Love Is A Laserquest
Best name ever. Best song on the album if you like pretty boring songs
11 - Suck It And See
I dont know about this...
Its nearly great but then isnt. There are some nice hooks and some hum-able harmonies, but this song and quite alot of the album sounds like a poor mans asteroid4 which is a band that has mastered this particular sound. Although I admire The Monkeys for attempting to change there sound, for me they have held onto there past work to much for this to work consistantly.
Where as the lyrics have a dont give a shit atitude, I feel that this wasnt entirely the case in the studio. I could be wrong, but this song atleast feels over cooked.
12 - Thats where your wrong
Another lovely guitar hook to kick off the last song on the album but it then starts to sound like The Charlatans song, Oh Vanity.
Its quite a weak end to the album in that it doesnt leave you wanting more or give you any reason to go back and listen to it again.
So thats Suck It And See after 3 listens. A nice, but slightly underwhelming trip through the bands current influences which seem to be West Coast 60's rock.
Its not the album it promised to be and I have no doubt it will split fans opinion. The interesting thing will be what the critics do with it. Since there first album they havent really come under much scrutiny from the british media which is strange when you consider the bands attitude towards them.
Will they go for the laid back hazy sound, or will it be passed off as a lazy attempt at 60's pop that falls flat?
For me its a mixture of everything I have said. Some good. Some average. Some bad.
Its nice, but nothing really more than that. It simmers, it never boils. And that could be its downfall.
However, it is raining right now. Maybe the sun needs to be shining to apreciate this more.... Maybe we should all move to LA?
Charlie Sheen makes a song
"Winning", the new song by Charlie Sheen featuring Snoop Dogg & Rob Patterson (the guitarist from Filter) went online last night.
I actually enjoyed it! Much like I have enjoyed everything Charlie Sheen recently, but its quite difficult to pin point where exactly he features on the song...
Maybe he was to busy smoking, because according to Mr Dogg he was to busy doing that to even have time to win.
And yes, that Carmen Electra at the start of the song.
I dont know why I like it, Snoops rap isnt exactly vintage and its full of auto tune.
Maybe its the image in my head of Charlie Sheen running around the recording studio off his barnet on "winning". I bet it was him who included the tiger roar at the start, cos of the tiger blood fiasco....clever.
Quincy Jones aint got shit on Charlies production skills.
I actually enjoyed it! Much like I have enjoyed everything Charlie Sheen recently, but its quite difficult to pin point where exactly he features on the song...
Maybe he was to busy smoking, because according to Mr Dogg he was to busy doing that to even have time to win.
And yes, that Carmen Electra at the start of the song.
I dont know why I like it, Snoops rap isnt exactly vintage and its full of auto tune.
Maybe its the image in my head of Charlie Sheen running around the recording studio off his barnet on "winning". I bet it was him who included the tiger roar at the start, cos of the tiger blood fiasco....clever.
Quincy Jones aint got shit on Charlies production skills.
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