Like a Magic Kiss!

Moon Duo - Mazes & Wooden Shijps - West

2012-01-17T14:01:00.002Z

Ello people... been a while...a long while since I adorned these pages. How are ye all? I'm cool... although I could do with a hair cut MUM!! Anyhoo... On with the witterings.

A pair of lovely purchases these.... apparently these bands have connections.... but hey? whatever. If you like basic (but good) tunes then these are for you. Wooden Shjips use a few more instruments than Moon Duo but the results are similar. Chugging Kraut-esque rock that sets it's sights on whatever is in front of it....And by that I mean it goes. Keyboards pootle away, drums do that bashing rythymically thing and guitars groan and stab in all the right places.

What makes it so much better than a lot of this type of sound is that each tune has a definite idea of what it is doing.... a persona if you like. Need more pointers... Spiritualized go punk. Clinic remove weird masks. Suicide go to the desert and go stoner rock. Stereolab on amphetamines. Some of these comparisons will suit one more than the other but if you like one you WILL like the other.

See here

and

here

Laters...

Have a go on this.....

2011-06-21T10:36:00.001+01:00

Rufus Rates...

2011-06-21T10:24:00.000+01:00

Peaking Lights - 936 - (Not Not Fun)

Ello chaps...
been a while ain't it? Oh well, been busy haven't I? baby stuff. Any hoo, time for the good stuff.

Three words. Kraut rock, dub, post-punk... Or four or five dependin. Let's try some more... Warpaint if they were proper mental!

My dad got this the other week and I haven't had much time for music, but as we were avin our bath the other night he put this on. Wasn't sure what to make of it at first. I thought it was a pair of hipsters trying to make a Lee Scratch Perry record.... It was. I continued to listen with trepidation. Things were looking up as other sounds washed around..... Joy Division here, Slits there, Stereolab under there, Suicide somewhere and Silver Apples up there. All these different sounds could have (and should have) sounded "try hard" but they mesh together beautifully.

Now a lot of people will say it sounds bad, the actual sound of it I mean. It definately is not Hi-Fi enthusiasts test record as it makes all speakers sound well whack. All levels are pushed up so things sound spat out. That is the point though... everything is out there, nothing gets swamped or played over, everything has it's place.

Buy it! but you... Yes you! won't like it though.

Heavy red level bass and not too fussed vocals with wheezing synths may be my bag after all.

L8rs

Rufus Rates RSD

2011-04-18T11:48:00.003+01:00

A year already? Wowzah....

Anyhoo, another year another Record Store Day and it keeps on getting better...

I didn't attend my local shop so I sent him instead. He had to queue too ha ha ha!

His mission was simple "Buy The Smiths 10" or face ridicule. And guess what? he only went and got it didn't he? Hurrah for my old man!!! I'm rather pleased with this even though (as mum keeps reminding me) "We already own it on CD and LP!"

What else? A great looking (if not entirely my cup of tea) About Group album feat that whiny voiced chap from Hot Chip, a Metronomy 7" (nice) and the new Wave Pictures album (signed and that), which is rather ace....

All in all a good day.

I'm popping in later to the wonderful Record Corner to see if anything else survived.

Dad would like to say thanks for biscuits and coffee chaps.

He don't get out much.

Laters dudes....

Rufus Rambles.......

2011-01-25T16:00:00.004Z

Ello peeps.... Back once again to furnish the inside your heads with more musical ramblings. How are we all? Good?

First off. Did you get any these for Chrimble pressies? If no then buy asap...

Twin Shadow - Forget "Lovely melancholic dream pop"

John Grant - Queen Of Denmark " Carpenters sounding sad-man sings beautifully"

Warpaint - The Fool "Tina Weymouth style funkings over gothic hippy jams" good though!

Women - Public Strain "Tres noisy yet tuneful Sonic Youth-ness with added Krautrock"

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest "Dainty avante-indie pop awash with sadness and beauty!"

Marnie Stern - Marnie Stern "Van Halen lunacy meets Lightning Bolt with tunes"

Oooh there was loads weren't there? The National, Arcade Fire, ... loads.

Anyhoo 2011 is shaping up nicely too... James Blake, Elbow, Toro Y Moi, Low Anthem. I cannot wait!!!

The year has started well too with the likes of Anna Calvi.

See yas soon...

Rufus Rates Eno!!

2010-11-15T14:46:00.003Z

Brian Eno

Small Craft on a Milk Sea

Well where do I start? This arrived today and I must confess... I ain't eard anything from this fella before. Dad told me he was in Roxy Music once and I like them so I gave it a go...

The music on this disc sounds all different to each other so I found it a bit weird at first but pretty soon it began to make some sense.

Track one - peaceful

Track two - spooky

Track three - still spooky

Track four - all whisky and bangin (Like it!)

Track five - wheeeee!

Track six - Easter Isand-like doom (A bit Phat Planet too)

and so on....

There is no theme or thread to follow as these were all improvisations (Yeah right!). There are lot's of twangs, bleeps and skips etc as one might expect. It's good too... but not anywhere as exciting as it should be. (Perhaps producing U2 and Coldplay stumps ones creativity a little).

I think for years people were chasing Mr Eno (I been reading up see) but now I feel like he's as part of the crowd as anyone.

Generally a worthwhile purchase but like a good pick n' mix... certain bit's are tastier than others.

Here are my faves

here

and here

Rufus Rates!

2010-09-13T14:25:00.004+01:00

Been a while I know....

But I've been on holiday and stuff... Anyhow shut cakeholes because I'm back.

First up.

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Universal... I think...it don't say)

Now i've never heard these before and I have to admit that it wasn't a choice of mine. Father spent about an hour in (whisper it) HMV looking for something to buy. Get this this... he was about to leave with nothing when he remembered that Uncle Nick said this was good so we bought it. And it is very good indeed. Like a steam-punk new wave Roy Orbison. Dad knows more about Arcade Fire than I do and he considers this to be their best album.

First track "The Suburbs" is all rinky dinky piano and travelling Wilburys drums and sets the tone nicely.

Second track sounds like Strokes go Goth which leads us to..... "Modern Man", a fabulous slow-burning earworm of a tune, conjures up the type of modern America that Springsteen left behind years ago. A Lynchian schizoid take on where do we stand in all of this? (If you get my drift).

I won't prattle on about every track on here but there isn't a single duffer amongst em, even though one song does sound a wee bit like Carter U.S.M. ("Half Light II). Heartstrings are pulled and torn as images drift by of a prefabricated, half lit world occupied by the disenchanted and obsolete.

THEN... it's all hope, hope and more hope...."Suburban War" comes on strong with the 12 string Byrdisms. Smiths-esque and Mamas and Papas-y in equal measure....... a beautiful song that makes even my baby hair stand on end, gorgeous and tragic, joyful and tearful. YEAH! the drums kick in, guitars crash. Waves of choirs, strings.... then....................!?

And this is only half way through.

The great success of this record is that at even 16 tracks you don't want it end. There is even time for some disco on "Sprawl II". We enjoyed shaking our rumps to that one, I can tell ya.

Overlong? no.

Samey? no.

Just brilliant.

Simply put.

Album of the year (probably)

And now onto something altogether different and fun.

Tweak Bird - S/T (Souterrain Transmissions)

ROCK! BASS! UGH! DRUMS! all played very loudly.... Zingzilla-tastic! Scared me witless when we first played it.Yes... I may have needed a nappy switch. Sounds like that band with the Nirvana fella in should do.

Stupid and fulla riffs. If Ozzy were californian (I don't know if these are) and 20 odd this is what he would be doing.

Warning.... May also contain freaky sax solos.

(More reason to buy I say)

Little T joins Run D-M-C

2010-08-13T12:07:00.000+01:00

Just as soon as I bust outta here!!!

Rufus Rates...

2010-06-22T12:46:00.005+01:00

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Dirty Shirt Rock n Roll

I needed my lug oles clearing out of all that drippy po faced nonsense that was insulting my ears in recent weeks.... I mean seriously, there was nowt of any much cop really was there? Any hoo I ordered Daddy to the local shops again on the pretence of getting me some fresh air (Yeah right) and we popped into Record Corner again and this is what we bought.

BLOODY BRILLIANT!

Contains all of the greatest bomb blasts on one album from the acclaimed punk blues funk power trio's first 10 years. Afro, Bellbottoms, Wail, Flavor, Futon shed Up (I'm not allowed to call that one by it's real name) and Chicken Dog are all featured on this 22 tracker.

BLOOOOOZE EXPLOSION!

Buy it!

Rufus Rates...

2010-05-10T14:10:00.004+01:00

The National - High Violet
Ello again.

Been looking forwards to this. Just been to shops to buy this month's rate and am so excited I got my grown up to walk a bit faster so we could get home.

The National return with album number 6 and the quality control has been set high. Often compared to Elbow, Interpol and Editors (God knows why) The National are not a cheery bunch, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy their latest offering.

Lyrically there are some puzzling topics on show here but cos I'm only little I don't really know what he's on about.... but if High Violet were a film it would be played by Viggo Mortensen as there is a definite and stoic portrayal of everyday-ness at work here.

From the quietly building chords of Terrible Love; through the haunted calls of "I'm afraid of everyone" on the track of the same name to the knackered fuzz guitar on England a moving yet mournful celebration ensues. The album surprises as much as it sparkles.

All the right ingredients are present.. paranoia, restraint, grace and beauty. Just incredible!

Buy from here to wrap yourself in loveliness.

Rufus rates Record Store Day

2010-04-22T15:07:00.004+01:00

Ello, Long time no see! How time flys...

Anyhoo Record Store (shop) Day came and went and this is what I got.

LCD Soundsystem - Pow Pow

Brilliant! Need I say more. James grumbles dryly over a tightly wound new wave groove; as he always does. This is - was - a ltd one sided 12" which is still available in places. See Rough Trade first me thinks. Got this from Rise in Cheltenham... great shop. Bye bye Badlands.

MGMT - Siberian Breaks

My local record shop in Godalming (Record Corner) also celebrated RSD too. I popped in on Monday with my Daddy and he got this for me, a lovely marbled blue, laser etched B-side 12". Now, I heard their new album was not sposed to be any good BUT I do like this track. 12 or so minutes of Love influenced psyche. I like it.

The Oscillation - Future Echo

Rough Trade tweeted me yesterday bout this one. I don't know much about these chaps but I know there is a DC Recordings link somewhere. Bloody good Krautrock, drone pop. Seek it out as only 300 from here or here..

Answer to last post was... Sound of Silver - LCD Soundsystem. Who incidently my folks are off to see on Saturday hopefully.

And the winner was....... No-one! (Won't be doing that again will I?)

Rufus Relaxes

2010-03-16T16:45:00.003Z

New Feature...

Guess the mystery album title using the clues in the picture. Like a quiz innit? I'll award a copy of a fine "Sun Mix" compilation that I ran up earlier to anybody who guesses correctly.

Normal service will resume soon! Wanted Coconut by Archie Bronson Outfit.... Daddy needs to get it first.

Rufus Rates...

2010-02-22T10:32:00.002Z

Field Music - Measure -Memphis Industries

Hello again. I'm not too well at the mo... got a poorly tummy and botty thing.

So i'll make this quick.

After hearing the new single I was looking forwards to this one. It is a double album in the truest sense of the word as it has 2 cds with 20 tracks all together. Not sure there is a concept or owt, if there is I can't spot it. It has very prog-pop leanings and a 70's ELO production to it. Takes a wee bit of getting used to but isn't as odd as it may sound.

Every listen helps make more sense of the album. Tis akin to going on a pushchair journey to the shops. I didn't know how to get to the local shops at first but each trip out helps me to know what is coming up. Many twist and turns down different roads and avenues etc. The more I go, the more I know about what to expect. There isn't a duffer on here at all! There are many key changes and time signature changes as one would expect, which all helps to keep you (the listener) on your toes.

Go here to hear.

Very English, very literate but won't be very popular. A shame cos it is ace. Highly recommended if you like a good listen as it might not make much sense at first.

the only downside is the packaging (not a prob if you download). My little hands cannot quite the cds out of the digi pack thingy. Nevermind...That's what grown ups are for.

Rufus rates....

2010-02-15T10:34:00.003Z

Gil Scot Heron: I'm New Here. XL Recordings

Charlie Alex March: In The End. LOaf Recordings

He's says I'm new here...me too, although he looks a little older than me. I was going to rate this a week or so ago but didn't because it came with some listening instructions (and I'm a stickler for doing things properly).

They read:

LISTEN TO IT FOR THE FIRST TIME UNDER OPTIMUM CONDITIONS.Not in your car or on a portable player through a headset. (OK..Dad fire up the separates!)

Take it home. (Check)

Get rid of all distractions, (even him or her). (Seems harsh...Mum! Dad! Be Gone!!)

Turn off your cell phone. (I don't have one)

Turn off everything that rings or beeps or rattles or whistles. (MY TOYS!!!!!)

Make yourself comfortable. (Just had a nappy change so should be ok)

Play your CD. (We're off)

LISTEN all the way through.(Done)

Think about what you got. (Here goes...stick with me)

"There Will Be Blood" is a fabulous film, really engrossing, fantastic performances, beautifully shot and realised. Most grown ups love it, my uncle specially. One of the best films I've seen (Although I wasn't allowed to see the scene with the bowling alley...and I love bowling.Ho-Hum...anyhoo...). My point is this. Will I ever watch it again? Probably not. Tis a fantastic example of how to make a great, great film but I've watched "The Gremlins" loads more; and will no doubt again. Back to those instructions.

Think about who would appreciate this investment. (Not sure really, Fans obviously)

Decide if there is someone to share this with.( Nope)

Turn it on again. (OK but I won't change my mind. EDIT:Nope)

Enjoy Yourself. (You are kidding ain't ya?)

I want to recommend this but alas I cannot . It's pretty difficult for me to rate as he is great and his voice sounds awesome. The sparse (Rubin meets Burial) production really suits the generally down beat and world weary feel of the worthwhile messages hidden within. Go to here to buy if you like to buy... And what do I know anyways. I'm only a baby.

PS. On more positive note daddy tried me on some Charlie Alex March. In particular, a cover of Daniel Jonhston's "True love will find you...". Nice enough. Simply sung with a natty little string arrangement, but the gem is a ditty called "When the clouds clear". Truly special and splendid in equal measure, ambient, woody, home-made, not lo-fi, gorgeous and lovely. This is a fantastic EP and a great taster of what is to follow on his debut (released about now me thinks).

Buy the EP here.

Cannot wait!

Need pocket money...

Shoot! I don't get any!

I MEAN IT!

These New Puritans - Hidden

2010-01-12T11:40:00.003Z

Well.... Scared me a bit this. All rigid sounding and spooky words. After the soft classical opening of Time Xone it went all Bang bang. I'm only 5 months old and have not heard anything like this before. If Oliver Postgate made a series about a post-apocalyptic Croydon wasteland inhabited by Flumps.... This is the soundtrack.....but the Flumps would have to die. This is bleak doomy stuff which you could dance to only if you were mental. I'm not really making this sound like a recommendation am I? There is lot's of Philip Glass bits,Talk Talk bits, Burial bits, RZA bits bloody hell... now there are scary older children singing...Is this lift music for the Overlook hotel?

HELP DADDY!

If you like the sound of this go here and have a listen. My daddy thinks this is brill (make of that what you will.

Dad put the F#@k Buttons back on cos that was wicked!

Rufus Rates

2009-11-11T20:15:00.003Z

Subway - Subway 2 - Soul Jazz Records

Good this! Matched my cardigan and everything. Sort of wobbly Kraut, DFA-ish dance stuff. Alright alright...my dad likes this type of thing and I have to say it is not normally my bag but this is different. The music on this disc seemed to have a purpose and direction not usually found on other such stuff like this. My fave track -Simplex- is an analogue fetishists dream (Whoa! what does that mean?) and purveyors of old synths will like to play "Guess the keyboard" while listening.

The only slight downside to this record is the production. As warm and dusty as it is...it's all a bit close together. Now i'm no expert cos i'm only a baby but some distance between the low wobbles and high notes would have been very beneficial and resulted in a more dynamic listen. I also fell asleep by track 5 ..... Not in a bad way! Tis soothing stuff!

Gotta go... I've filled my nappy.

Buy here

Rufus Rates....

2009-09-27T14:13:00.004+01:00

And you will know us by the trail of dead - Source Tags & Codes - Interscope

I recently went through some of my dads' old cd's and came across this. I liked the cover. On first listen I was drawn to the buzz and chaotic melodies....not too far removed from Sonic Youth (Whom I also like). On repeated listening however the likes of Nirvana (obviously), The Van Pelt and also classic 70's British Punk came to mind; all done with a more progressive leaning. I really like it. Like a grunge Muse... not a bad thing in my book.

Buy if you find here

Right I'm off.

Until next time....

PEAS!

The XX

2009-09-05T22:11:00.002+01:00

The XX - XX (Young Turks)

Quick review...

Sparse, soulful, seductive and very simple. Bloody good.

Enjoy it now before it gets played to death.

The beauty of tapes.

2009-04-25T01:22:00.003+01:00

I had a Talk Talk album (Spirit of Eden) recorded on the reverse side of the first Seal album when i was little and the two totally different acts are strangely linked forever more in my mind. Perhaps they should make 2 sided cd's...or not.

Simply because you have to....

2009-02-22T17:38:00.004Z

Disc 1: “This Disc”

Dirty Projectors and David Byrne - “Knotty Pine”
The Books ft. Jose Gonzalez - “Cello Song”
Feist and Ben Gibbard - “Train Song”…….uh oh, Zooey Deschanel better watch out!
Bon Iver - “Brackett WI”
Grizzly Bear - “Deep Blue Sea”
The National - “So Far Around The Bend”
Yeasayer - “Tightrope”
My Brightest Diamond - “Feeling Good”
Kronos Quarter - “Dark Was The Night”
Antony with Bryce Dessner - “I Was Young When I Left Home”
Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner - “Big Red Machine”
The Decemberists - “Sleepless”
Iron & Wine - “Stolen Houses (Die)”
Grizzly Bear and Feist - “Service Bell”… Feist sure is getting around these days.
Sufjan Stevens - “You Are The Blood”

Disc 2: “That Disc”

Spoon - “Well Alright”
Arcade Fire - “Lenin”
Beirut - “Mimizan”
My Morning Jacket - “El Caporal”
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - “Inspiration Information”
Dave Sitek - “With A Girl Like You”
Buck 65 Remix ft. Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti - “Blood Pt. 2″
The New Pornographers - “Hey Snow White”
Yo La Tengo - “Gentle Hour”
Cat Power - “Amazing Grace”
Riceboy Sleeps - “Happiness”
Stuart Murdoch - “Another Saturday”
Andrew Bird - “The Giant of Illinois”
Conor Oberst with Gillian Welch - “Lua”
Blonde Redhead & Devastations - “When The Road Runs Out”
Kevin Drew - “Love vs. Porn”

And it on the fine 4AD label... top!

Here

And it's for a good cause.. Yippee!

Info here

Stupid rules.

2009-02-18T17:26:00.003Z

Check this :-)

Flipping hilarious and infuriating in equal measure.

The white stuff. No...not that silly.

2009-02-06T19:10:00.003Z

UK has snow shocker! We don't know what to do!

God...we're embarrassing.

At least the cats are used to it now.

R.I.P. Lux Interior

It's alive!

2009-02-04T23:16:00.004Z

Revived by Clough Jnr, the mighty Derby County rose again. Party like it's going out of fashion.

Quietly though...it's a week night.

Suitable song vis Hype Machine is this.

Pic from Here.

I've been away but now i'm....

2008-07-07T22:05:00.002+01:00

Back.

Been in a state of stasis recently whilst journeying through the universe of new sounds...some good; but mostly tres ordinary.

My soundtrack has been...
Dalglish - Ideom (recordlabelrecords)

Monolithic, mental, steam-powered, digitally perverse. polanski-esque, menacing trip switch flicked, mice in a machine, rattling...........
. ......
. ...
.
.
.
.
((System off line))

.
.
.
.Normal service will resume asap.

I've been searching through my records and found...

2008-04-19T19:03:00.003+01:00

This! Kings of Convenience - I Don't Know What I Can Save You From (Royksop!? Remix)

And as the weather is warming up (A little) i thought i'd share.

How do!

2008-03-21T12:55:00.004Z

OMD - Dazzle ships

Histrionic singing and glacial synths are my bag. So i got hold of this recently and can't stop playing it.

My dad had a copy on tape when i was little and he really liked it, so i suppose i was a bit put off it due to his approval. It's taken about 25 years for me to finally listen without predjudice (Insert your own Georgfe Michael joke here).

Great electronic melodies with real drums in the mix and some sensitive warbling and radio snippets interspersed (not spelt that before).

Tis like a poppier Kraftwerk.

Or a more mature Fisherspooner.

LCD Soundsystem must have been influenced.

Anyhoo! Have a listen to some other OMD stuff too!

OMD - Electricity

OMD - Messages

Have A Nice Life - Deathconsciousness

2008-02-17T16:32:00.008Z

"Contextually awe-inspiring, a lo-fi masterpiece" according to sputnikmusic.com

"Bloody brilliant!" according to me!

There is a lot i could say about this but....i won't. The music should do the talking for me.
Anyhoo if you like downbeat MBV, Godspeed style Joy Division-esque doom mongering (like i do) buy this.

I did.

From here.

or here.

If you buy the cd you also get a book written by them and some other chap they know.

Have a Nice Life - Bloodhail
Have a Nice Life - I Don't Love

Myspace

I just asked Justice a question..

2008-02-14T15:21:00.003Z

on BBC 6 music radio.

"Dear Justice if i had to buy a cd today, what would it be?"

This was there answer

Sparks - Number One Song In Heaven !?

I know it was Moroder produced but.......C'mon

(Actually tis very good)

Let's wrestle - I Won't Lie To You

2008-02-11T17:01:00.000Z

This is top.

Buy new 6 track cd from HERE

Listen HERE

A Ceratin Ratio Early - Soul Jazz Comp

2008-02-06T10:46:00.000Z

Worth getting cos they is ace!

From Here!

Fluorescent Grey - Gaseous Opal Orbs

2008-02-02T15:13:00.000Z

Right let's get this sorted. I'm not much of a fan of anything that presents itself as "science" as this cos what usually occurs is a terrible Future Sound of London-esque stinker so I was not looking forward to this one due to it's flabby Ufo-Orbish sounding title. I won't tell you the track titles as Pink Floyd may sue.

Also it said in the press release that it should be filed under "Strange Electronic Music" (??!!) or "Experimental" (Double ??!!) What isn't nowadays.

So I took a step back from the tie-dye packaging and dodgy wordplay (Like i can talk) and used my ears.

It's really lovely! It is not experimental cos it ain't improvised. The varied sounds are clipped, stretched and manipulated quite beautifully. The production is excellent and has that Kompact sound (The Field, Gui Borratta etc) though obviously not as kraut. The experience reminds me of Pantha Du Prince and the Animal Collective eating sherbert together with the Gescom crew barging in and necking lots of cheap wine. What a party!!

Lot's of sonic pieces all cleverley stitched together to create a warm, intriguing and rewarding listenable listen.

Fluorescent Grey - Gaseous Opal Orbs : Out 29Th Feb on Record Label Records

Fuck Buttons

2008-01-15T21:30:00.000Z

Fuck buttons? Yes indeed!!! They are freakin top...

Noise beautiful noisy sweet noise. Scarey, sweet and frightening. Comforting and fuzzy. Warm yet cold...very cold, but warm still. Please buy, download...whatever.

I'm in love.

Fuck Buttons was conceived by Andrew Hung & Benjamin John Power in the winter of 2004, Bristol UK.
Initially the group was born as an outlet for their nihilistic-noise tendencies but quickly, the two Fuck Buttons realised they could harness the use of noise as a tool to immerse and evoke. No longer afraid of melody or rhythm, the group started fusing all these elements to the point when drone becomes melody becomes rhythm.

With their electric live performances sealing the notion that the two Fuck Buttons are attempting some kind of transcendence between the listener and the Universe itself, one could easily envisage one’s psyches being shaken by the very rumbles of the earth’s motions.

Tribal beats and subtle beautiful melodies weave amongst contorting Technicolor drone-scapes while preaching distorted-vocals scream for dear hope herself…

Fuck Buttons straddle you between the wall of sound that lies between the beginning of destruction and the end of birth. This grand noise will fondle you into a state of immersed euphoria. From ATP website.

HERE IS A SNIPPET

(Early i Know) Best Christmas album ever?!

2007-11-20T19:01:00.001Z

Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas

Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here

Burial - Untrue - Review

2007-11-04T12:18:00.000Z

Burial returns from the underworld with a new album of excellence; only this time he has brought along the WD40.

I adore the first album and was waiting for this new one with both excitement and apprehension. In this day and age it takes something very special to tickle my fancy (fnar-fnar) and my fancy was tickled even before "Untrue" was available (thanks to the excellent Boomkat website). This album is an altogether much more upbeat listen; the beats are a lot more lubricated than on "Burial" and with this new spokey-dokeyness a less difficult work develops. The filmic vocal clips still permeate the proceedings and cover all in a gangsta Lynchian/Loach vibe. Throughout "Untrue" old skool ardcore's ghost moans mournfully ("Raver") with major chord sweeps filling the chest and lungs of each track, creating a more direct listen ("Near Dark"). Melody is in no short supply and the beats come on like a victorian wind-up dubstep machine. Bullet cases fall from the air onto cold stone floors, vinyl cracks and smoulders amid nostalgic memories of dances less commercial days. There are more vocals on the record but they compliment the sounds perfectly("Untrue"), being used themselves as instruments to add more colour to an already lush pallette. It is a fabulously romantic and welcoming record,one that is difficult to pin down with any real degree of accuracy. The Screamadelica for this generation has just arrived.

All bull-shit aside. This is a fantastic album that is getting better with each listen (Seven now).

BUY IT!

Back to the old routine.

2007-10-16T12:14:00.000+01:00

Been listening to the After Dark comp that lot's of peeps were ravin about. Gotta say i didn't "feel it" (for want of a better phrase). However this little gem did stand out for me. Ital-space-disco? who cares...tis greeeeeeeaaaaat! Buy the 300 only cd from http://www.tropicalcomputersystem.com/ (Only £8 to UK)

Professor Genius-Pegaso

And it get's better...

Professor Genius-Across the Spree

Ta to missingtoof

Rothko Tompkins 1998-2007 RIP

2007-10-15T11:57:00.000+01:00

Bye bye little fella. Sad as it is. We all need cheering up. See here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wffwg7pA0t8

Ho Hum!

2007-09-30T14:57:00.000+01:00

Our cat's gone missing so don't really have a lot say. :-(

Nick Drake - Black Eyed Dog

ta to dukeofstraw.com

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes!!!!!!

2007-09-17T22:08:00.001+01:00

We are Derby, Super Derby, Super Rams! (To the tune of Sailing)

Twee? Indie? Swedish? Too right

2007-09-15T12:17:00.000+01:00

For fans of "Radio Dept" style gayness.

Club8_-_Heaven

Ta! to yellowstereo.com

Reading was cool but....

2007-09-05T19:26:00.000+01:00

I missed these though. GGGRRRRR!

Digitalism_Live_at Pukkelpop

Reading Festival wooliness!

2007-08-27T17:44:00.000+01:00

Story to follow....

Late of the Pier-Bathroom Gurgle

Does It Offend You Yeah-We Are Rockstars (kissy_sell_out_remix)

It all kicks off on Saturday!

2007-08-09T14:46:00.000+01:00

Derby may well struggle this year i feel. Oh well,. I'm sure we'll spring a few surprises though.

Maps - It Will Find You

Daft Punk - Something About Us

Boys Noize - ...and Down

Nu-Gaze! (Copyright that one)

2007-07-22T15:43:00.000+01:00

Old fave
Ride - Leave Them All Behind

New one
Schnauss - Medusa

Velocaraptor Rave-up at O2 Festival, Hyde Park 2007

2007-06-21T20:48:00.000+01:00

The daddy of all performances at this years O2 Festival......Daft Punk! I had my trust camera with me too, luckily. Here are a few more.

Some fit bird in a catsuit!

CSS

A fat guy in a t-shirt!
LCD

Daft Punk again!

Here is an mp3 of it ...

http://rapidshare.com/files/38984727/2007-06-16_20-_20Alive_20at_20Hyde_20Park_20Wireless_20Festival_20-_20Daft_20Punk-www.ump3.de.mp3

It was a good day!

2007-06-01T13:10:00.000+01:00

DJ Mehdi - Signatune (Thomas Bangalter Edit)

Roll on Daft Punk Day (June 16th)

A Day to remember!

2007-05-27T11:38:00.000+01:00

As long as we win!

The National -Fake Empire

Inspect pic for clues.

Soul Jazz needs you!

2007-05-21T18:53:00.000+01:00

Box of Dub (Dub Step & Future Dub)
Buy!

Burial - Unite

www.boomkat.com

How the Strokes should be sounding!

2007-05-07T11:36:00.000+01:00

Yee ha!

The cribs -Men's needs

I want these tees! No 1

2007-05-03T18:51:00.000+01:00

Buy here

What a great year!

2007-04-25T11:53:00.000+01:00

SMD, Justice, Digitalism I don't need to say anymore.....but i will. Hadouken! Pull Tiger Tail, Tiger Force, Lovely Chords. Does this offend you, yeah?

OOh and a few more too (although quieter)

Loney Dear, Coco Rosie, Mr Hudson & the Library etc

Digitalism - Magnets Thnx to La New Shit

Muse - Knights Of Cydonia (Simian Mobile Disco Remix) Thnx to Good Weather For Airstrikes

Rest In Peace!

2007-04-14T14:12:00.000+01:00

Kurt Vonnegut (Nov 11th 1922 – April 11th 2007)

Modest Mouse - Gravity Rides Everything

Thanks to hype Machine

Going underground!

2007-04-04T11:36:00.000+01:00

I don't usually follow so closely. I was caught red-handed this time!

Wedding Present - Falling (Twin Peaks Theme)

To my friends!

2007-03-23T20:57:00.000Z

I love you all!

Gui Boratta - Beautiful Life (Chromophobia - Kompact)

Nice and easy!

2007-03-17T14:01:00.000Z

Hot Chip - I Can't Wake Up

Beautiful British Springtime Cometh!

2007-03-15T20:57:00.000Z

The orb - Little Fluffy_Clouds_(Cumulo_Nimbus_Mix)

A lovely day (not)

2007-03-03T00:28:00.000Z

At least we won 5-1! 5-1!

Check this..

Junior Boys - In the morning (hot Chip Mix)

Life Just Got Better!

2007-02-26T21:00:00.000Z

Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat tis hot to trot.

Ta to "Give up now blog!"

H!

2007-02-24T12:00:00.000Z

Hadouken! That Boy That Girl

Not a happy bunny!

2007-02-18T12:47:00.000Z

Nuff said!

That's not logical Captain!

2007-02-17T11:05:00.000Z

Mr Tamborine Man

Breathe in and hold!

2007-02-15T10:27:00.000Z

07 is shaping up nicely isn't it. If not, give it time and all will fall into place.

Seriously!

The new Ed Banger compilation is out too (cue much rejoicing and panic internet purchasing)

Vicarious Bliss - Limousine
SebastiAn - Greel
Justice - Phantom
Uffie - Dismissed
Klaxons - Golden Skans To Interzone

And breathe out! Ahhh that's better isn't it?

Still here!

2007-02-08T20:54:00.000Z

Not that anyone gives a s**t!

Dextro - Consequence Music

The Iron Man - Ted Hughes

Field Music - Tones of Town

Life is nice!

2006-12-14T09:01:00.000Z

Got a new job that starts in Jan!

New LCD Soundsystem out in the new year!

Soon be Christmas!

So it is a good time to write a list folks, a list for Mr Clause...

1.Tussle - Telescope Mind (Dubby DFAesque funk ambience)

2. Fujiya & Miyagi - Transparent Things (Neu ((not rave)) pop)

3. Hot Chip - The Warning (obvious really)

4. Mike Monday - Smorgasbord (Mylo + 10)

5. Zero DB - Bongos Bleeps & Basslines (Jazzy and full-on)

Heres a pressie to you too!

Little Donkey mp3 - A boy least likely too

I hope everybody gets what they need this Christmas!

Peace out!

A white belt speaks

2006-12-07T12:26:00.000Z

The great James Murphy on "Sound of silver" leak (via DFA forum)

"it has nothing to do with sales to me. it has everything to do with the fact that i haven't even gotten the record to my family or the band yet, and that's not cool. i didn't put the record out. it's not out, and it's out. and i don't get to spend any time with it before it goes out into the world."

My advice to everyone is...

Wait until that baby is born.

You get me?

A mix!

2006-12-06T15:46:00.000Z

Adam (k7!) and Joey G (Hot Chip) made this....mix!

Found it on music for robots. Tis dirty n ting, get me?

What i want for Christmas is...

2006-11-23T12:19:00.000Z

Confused?
Go here www.boomkat.com/article.cfm?id=3

Radio Dept - Pet Grief

2006-09-25T16:35:00.000+01:00

From Radio Dept's label.

The Radio Depts first album, »Lesser matters« was called "a minor classic" by NME and voted one of the 10 best albums of the year in the same magazine. Now the very much anticipated follow up »Pet grief« is finally here. You'll hear from the very first chord that you're listening to The Radio Dept......

"Whoa i don't agree wit the rest so I'll take over now"

Yep! It is top! A sort of indie-pop pet shop boys record. Nostalgic and sad, in a "I want to be sad" way. There are elements of the more lovley New Order tracks (Regret etc). And it also contains my single of the year (Worst Taste in Music). It really is a decent record. Perfect for train journeys or remembering that mistake you made in life gone by.

Space sounds and Ital dance origins ahoy!

2006-09-20T09:20:00.000+01:00

To demystify a myth is cool! So here goes.

In 2004 Aphex Twins Rephlex released an album by Black Devil called Disco Club, a re-issue of a long lost supposedly italo-disco classic from 1978. Given its absurdly modern sound many doubted its authenticity, some even suggesting that it was a collaboration between Richard James and Luke Vibert.

The Real Story is stranger still. Although credited to Joachim Sherylee and Junior Claristidge with executive production by Jacky Giordano,(who were library writers apparently)the album is actually the work of obscure French producer Bernard Fevre known only for his incredibly rare electronic masterpiece The Strange World of Bernard Fevre and the even rarer Earthmessage, as sampled by the Chemical Brothers on Got Glint? For Their Surrender album.

here is a link to a Bernard Fevre collection.

Lovely lovely Charlotte Gainsbourg!

2006-09-14T19:02:00.000+01:00

Ah!

Buy her new album "5.55"

Why? Cos it is top!

Arthur Russell!

2006-09-12T18:39:00.000+01:00

He was a talented chap wasn't he?

So much so that the lovely DFA have agreed (And done) production of some of his unmastered tracks. Go to hype machine and get "Springfield" (If it's still there. If not drop me a line.

BUY_ Grizzly Bear- Yellow Road.

WHY?_You'll see.

A video that is good even if the song...........?

2006-09-10T17:11:00.001+01:00

Isn't.

Top Cat is on telly at the mo. It's good isn't it?

What do i know?

2006-09-08T09:35:00.000+01:00

Nothing it seems!

UNPOC album "The 5th column" is very good though!

And tell me is it worth getting the new Grizzly Bear album?

Mercury Music Update!

2006-08-09T14:02:00.000+01:00

I put money on

Hot Chip at 16-1 in the end.
and
Guillemotts at 5-1

Go on you Hot Chippers!
Make me rich!!

P.S
I bet Muse get it B******s!

Get get get!

2006-08-09T13:54:00.000+01:00

Anything by

Love(see pic)
E.S.G
13 & Ghost
Broadcast
M Craft
TV on the Radio
Joan as Police Woman

Go here for examples

http://hype.non-standard.net/

Arthur Lee is free!

2006-08-08T10:20:00.000+01:00

R.I.P

Arthur Lee, singer and guitarist of the influential 1960s band Love, has died in Memphis at the age of 61 following a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia.
A Memphis native who called himself the "first so-called black hippie", Lee formed Love in Los Angeles in 1965.

The multiracial band recorded three groundbreaking albums that fused rock, blues and psychedelia - the self-titled Love, Da Capo and Forever Changes.

In the 1990s Lee spent time in prison for illegal possession of a firearm.

But the singer made a triumphant comeback in 2002, touring the US and Europe with a new version of his classic band.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela

2006-07-24T12:27:00.000+01:00

In this heat, this makes sense!

Ta ta!

What about me!

2006-07-20T09:39:00.000+01:00

I feel this (No not the picture!) should have been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize too!

This first album on Kode9’s Hyperdub label comes from the mysterious Burial. On this self-titled CD debut, Burial carves out a sound which sends the dormant slinky syncopations of uk garage, via radio interference, into a padded cell of cushioned, muffled bass, passing through the best of Pole’s Berlin crackle dub.Burial explores a tangential, parallel dimension of the growing sound of dubstep. Burial’s parallel dimension sounds set in a near future South London underwater. You can never tell if the crackle is the burning static off pirate radio transmissions, or the tropical downpour of the submerged city outside the window. In their sometimes suffocating melancholy, most of these tracks seem to yearn for drowned lovers. The smouldering desire of ‘Distant Lights’ is cooled only by the percussive ice sharp slicing of blades and jets of hot air blowing from the bass. Listen also for a fleeting appearance from Hyperdub’s resident vocalist, the Spaceape unravelling his crypto-biography. In its loud quietness, Burial takes his kitchen crackle aesthetic neither from the digital glitch nor merely a nostalgia for vinyl’s materiality. Instead, as ‘Pirates’ suggests, Burial crackle mutates the tactile surplus value of pirate radio transmissions. Burial’s mix is haunted. Echoed voices breeze in and out, on road to another time. Pirate signal from other frequencies steams in. A tidal wave of noise submerging all but the crispest syncopations. The noise is not violent, but caressing, tickling, exciting the ends of your nerves. Seducing you in. And bbrreeaatthhee!

Go to boomkat.com or amazon.co.uk to buy!

It's that time of year again!

2006-07-19T10:41:00.000+01:00

Mercury Music Prize!

This is the shortlist, who will win?

Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Ballad Of The Broken Seas
Editors - The Back Room
Guillemots - Through The Windowpane
Richard Hawley - Coles Corner
Hot Chip - The Warning
Muse - Black Holes And Revelations
Zoe Rahman - Melting Pot
Lou Rhodes - Beloved One
Scritti Politti - White Bread, Black Beer
Sway - This Is My Demo
Thom Yorke - The Eraser

I placed a bet last year and won, but it is not as obvious this year.
I think it is out of Guillemotts (Ace!), Hot Chip (Also Ace!) and Muse (Last track of album is top!)

discuss.

What's that smell?

2006-07-19T10:31:00.000+01:00

Hello!
Not too sure as what to do with this page! Anyhoo i am sure i'll have fun trying to find out! Could do with a lick of paint mind you, perhaps some pictures on the walls. All in good time though, all in good time.

First things first! Where did I pack that kettle?