Rufus Rates... MBV

My Bloody Valentine - MBV

About bloody time! 

I have been waiting 3 and a half years for something new from Mr Shields and it was worth it... My dad has had to wait slightly longer mind. A great listen this which throws up a new sound on every listen. Had it playing around our gaffe since Sunday and it gets better each and every play. A couple of tracks light? maybe... but hey who cares?

Vinyl ordered... time to buy a new stylus! 

Moon Duo - Mazes & Wooden Shijps - West

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.....

Rufus Rates...

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

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.......

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!!

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

here

and here

Rufus Rates!

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

Just as soon as I bust outta here!!!

Rufus Rates...

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...

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

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

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...

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....

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

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

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....

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

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.

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.