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HUNK!- Dupe I try not to dwell on comparisons between bands but...

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:57:00 -0400

HUNK!- Dupe

I try not to dwell on comparisons between bands but when one comes along and just reminds you of everything you’ve ever liked (ever), it’s hard to ignore that. HUNK! have that kind of sound. When I was originally shown their song “Laidbare”, I thought it was one of Rose Melberg (Tiger Trap, Go Sailor)’s new projects. Then on other material, they jump between Jale, Plumtree, Full Of Fancy, Cub, all effortlessly. That’s not to say that HUNK! are totally like any of the previously mentioned, rather they have bits and pieces that are blended into their own unique sound.

All of this out of a trio from Galway, Kerry and Cork in Ireland. I’m really looking forward to hearing more from them.

This is their first single release, Dupe.

Perfect Pussy- I Not so long ago in 2011, a band called Shoppers...

Thu, 09 May 2013 03:22:00 -0400

Perfect Pussy- I

Not so long ago in 2011, a band called Shoppers released Silver Year, which was one of my favourite things to come out at the time. Unfortunately, not too long after that, they broke up.

Thankfully, it didn’t all end there. Former members of that band have now stepped out under a new moniker, with an even grander sound. There’s still reminders of what once was, mostly in regards to song titles. There’s a familiarity in the vocals, but it’s against a totally new backdrop. This isn’t Shoppers part 2. It’s a big step forward.

This is their first release, I Have Lost All Desire For Feeling.

Amplify Dot- Kurt Cobain I only had to hear this once to have...

Tue, 07 May 2013 04:29:00 -0400

Amplify Dot- Kurt Cobain

I only had to hear this once to have the chorus stuck in my head for the rest of the week. Happy to see Amplify Dot getting more and more attention.

Um, don’t go near the comments, though. Apparently it’s impossible to reference things outside of your musical genre. You’re only allowed to talk about Kurt if you are a flannel wearing guitar playing (white) dude.

The “go out with a bang” line is cheeky but for the most part it is a song about doing a lot in the short time you have.

Also, you’ve got more than enough shitty post grunge bands to choose from if you’d like to argue about who is REALLY running his name into the ground.

OVER AND OUT.

Bis- Kandy Pop Chances are if you’re on this page, you...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:27:00 -0400

Bis- Kandy Pop

Chances are if you’re on this page, you already know about Bis. HOWEVER, I need to post this because a) I’ve somehow gone this long without doing so and b) because they are REUNITING FOR A ONE OFF SHOW IN LONDON IN JULY. Excuse the caps. Here’s the page with the event info. Tickets go on sale at noon tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to get one before they instantly sell out. Fingers crossed!

Love Cuts- I Will Kiss Anyone Twee is at its best when...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:20:35 -0400

Love Cuts- I Will Kiss Anyone

Twee is at its best when it’s slightly shambolic and a bit off. The vocals here are sweet yet there is the tiniest glimpse of sadness involved. The whole thing is shaky and a bit awkward, but it gives a lot of heart to a song that is less than two minutes long.

With an accompanying video like this, you could easily mistake it for some lost raw gem from the early 90’s. It’s not really news that a lot of modern bands are looking to that time for inspiration these days (some are full out ripping off) but when it works, it’s great. This isn’t an homage as it is a continuation.

Love Cuts is a group from Vancouver, BC, Canada.

This is from their self titled EP.

Fiona Apple- I Know I wrote a post on Liz Phair’s Exile In...

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 09:49:40 -0400

Fiona Apple- I Know

I wrote a post on Liz Phair’s Exile In Guyville not too long ago. I quite like the idea of discussing what I consider to be classic albums in terms of female artists. I don’t know if this will be a regular thing, but I’m going to do it again right now.

That said, Fiona Apple has made her way back into reguar rotation for me recently. The album being the one that formerly held a world record for longest title: When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He’ll Win the Whole Thing ‘fore He Enters the Ring There’s No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won’t Matter, Cuz You’ll Know That You’re Right,

The last time I properly sat down and listened to this album would have been well over a decade ago. It was released in 1999, and my older sister was a massive fan of Fiona’s. So much so, that it was probably over a year later that I finally found a chance to pry it out of her CD player and have a proper run of it myself. I would have only been about 14 or 15, but the angst and honesty portrayed in each individual track resonated with me in ways I hadn’t previously felt when listening to any sort of music. I was young, so I couldn’t even comprehend half of what she was singing about, but it felt as if I did.

This was the first time I learned that angry music doesn’t have to be loud. I mean, screaming with a guitar on stage gets the point across too (and is a lot of fun), but you can be just as vengeful with a piano or acoustics.

“Paper Bag”, for example, is a jazzy musical number that sounds safe enough, but is there a more personally insulting line than “I thought he was a man but he was just a little boy”?

Fiona’s lyricism is what makes her so special. It is a rare point of being so deeply personal but still managing to be entirely relatable. The fact that she put this record out at the tender age of 22 is impressive but also depressing when you take its content into consideration.

This album seems to focus on a relationship that is unfortunately too common, the kind that is poisonous but addictive. It also deals with mental health and the effects it can have on the matter.

“Fast As You Can” is a really good example. Most of the song is about pushing somebody away before they get to learn about your personal demons. On the other hand, it also deals with the desire to give in to them.

“Get Gone” is towards the end of the album and sees a moment of clarity. It’s all about finally realizing that this person is bad for you, and you might not always make the right decisions, but ultimately you know that you deserve better.

Listening to this album again in my 20’s gives it a completely new face. I am no longer a teenager romanticizing the situations she sings of, I am a woman who has dealt with them. I can now understand where the pain in her voice comes from, and it makes the songs all the more powerful.

“I Know” is the closer of the album and is on my Favourite Songs Of All Time list. It is probably the most mellow track on the album but is by no means soft. I don’t really need to explain what it’s about as it tells itself. Still, it sums up everything I love about her songwriting. My favourite part being in the last line, where you’re left to complete it yourself: “It’s okay, don’t need to say it…”

So Young- Crushin’ London (Ontario, Canada!) rock and...

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:25:00 -0400

So Young- Crushin’

London (Ontario, Canada!) rock and roll. This band have been playing together for a little while now, but this is their debut recording.

So Young is fronted by Paterson, who has been heavily involved in the city’s music scene for the better part of a decade. In fact, she used to put on concerts in her living room, hosting a number of established and soon-to-be well known names. In early days, she could be found in various venues with not much more than an acoustic guitar accompanying her unique vocals. She also played cello in Olenka & The Autumn Lovers. As someone who has always been associated with folkier roots, it’s a dramatic but welcome change to see her front this sort of outfit. It seems as if she has finally found the sound most suited to her. It’s like all of those years were like practice building up to this.

Considering this is the first release, it might be worth paying attention to this band. They could very well be on to something good here.

Very Happy- Cats, Cats, Cats Not to be confused with similarly...

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:22:00 -0400

Very Happy- Cats, Cats, Cats

Not to be confused with similarly named NY band Very Okay, Very Happy are a pop punk outfit from Philadelphia. At their most positive, they are relatable to bands like Full Of Fancy. On the other end of the spectrum, such as on “Angry Swan”, they seem closer to Desaparecidos. The whole record is full of fun, catchy hooks fronted with passionate vocals. Even when the subject matter is about stray felines.

From the album All The Times.

Overweight Pooch- Queen Of Rap Real name Shatonya Davis, she...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:36:19 -0500

Overweight Pooch- Queen Of Rap

Real name Shatonya Davis, she named herself after a childhood nickname. I’m going to guess it wasn’t complimentary, so that is pretty much the greatest middle finger you could give to your detractors. This woman’s material involves a great deal of self awareness but also exudes confidence.

Not to mention, she really was an awesome MC. The whole record is really obviously of its time (1991) but this was a great era for women in hip hop. It is just a shame that she only ever put out one album.

Again, this is from her only release, Female Preacher.

Hopie- Be A Lady Despite the vintage sounds and looks here, the...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 03:13:48 -0500

Hopie- Be A Lady

Despite the vintage sounds and looks here, the lyricism is a more modern take on what it is to “be a lady”. It’s less about the old school style its aesthetics are based on, and more a call out on girl hate.

Hopie has a really distinctive voice, but musically she seems to jump between quite a lot of styles. It is done in such an effortless way that no two songs sound the same, but it’s still clearly her.

This is from the album Dulce Vita.

A year ago today was my first post! This Sunday is the party, at...

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:49:00 -0500

A year ago today was my first post! This Sunday is the party, at the George Tavern (closest tubes Shadwell & Whitechapel). Free entry, and open to everybody. I will be bringing along all sorts of records to play, so let me know if you have any requests. X

Rich White Ladies- White Powder Perm Finally some new material...

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:42:25 -0500

Rich White Ladies- White Powder Perm

Finally some new material from this collaboration! It’s just as sinister sounding as their first release but this time its accompanying video looks like something Chris Cunningham would do.

colourmewed: Hey babe, I know you love girlbands so I put loads...

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:43:45 -0500

colourmewed:

Hey babe, I know you love girlbands so I put loads of girlbands on… aaaand it’s at this really nice theatre.

Lineup includes my band Colour Me Wednesday, excellent and imminently massive The Tuts, supergroup Perkie and the Perkettes and something fresh, acoustic duo Damsel (not the country one from America, another one)!

And I think I’ll get some sweets and then you can eat sweets. Maybe fruit too cos that’s healthy right? Anyway, click here to get to the facebook page, click here to get to the theatre website. It’s all ages, attendees under 16 get a free lolly cos kids love lollies I know what the kids like.

The theatre that’s in Ickenham, Hillingdon, London, UK can be accessed from Picadilly, Central, Metropolitan and Overground lines.

We might film it so you should come so you can say “I was there!” (no one will believe you though)

Anyway, BUY A TICKET RIGHT NOW AND SUPPORT A LOCAL COMMUNITY-DRIVEN GIG ORGANISED BY THE BANDS THEMSELVES RATHER THAN LIKE MONTO OR SOMETHING and there’s only like one man gonna be onstage, take that patriarchy! AND ALSO WHILE YOU’RE HERE IN HILLINGDON YOU COULD BE LIKE FUCK YOU TORY COUNCIL, TRYING TO RUIN EVERYTHING, WE’RE STILL COOL! yeah.

Love from Jen

Everyone should go to this! There was a similar event last year and it was such a great night. I am really excited that they’re doing it again! I can not say enough about how good this line-up is!

You Me & Us- Steve Holt! Fuzzy pop from a duo in Bermuda...

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:33:00 -0500

You Me & Us- Steve Holt!

Fuzzy pop from a duo in Bermuda Dunes, SoCal. I am not the first person to say it, but I can’t avoid mentioning how much the vocals remind me of Jenny Lewis. Musically they’re not as similar, as the songs are typically limited to two minutes or less and seems to be closer to garage revival, or maybe shoegaze if it spent some more time in the sun.

Admittedly, when it came to choosing a song to post here, I am always going to be in favour of an Arrested Development reference. Four more years!

This is from their EP, Paperweights.

The Breeders- Do You Love Me Now? I have more than likely...

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:29:00 -0500

The Breeders- Do You Love Me Now?

I have more than likely already posted this one before, but that’s alright, because this is very important.

The album “Last Splash” is twenty(!!) years old this year and to celebrate, the band will be performing it in full at a few UK/Ireland dates!

I got to see them in Toronto back in 2008 and it was undoubtedly one of the best concerts I have ever been to.

This is one of my most favourite songs of all time but was not on the set list that night. This time around it’s guaranteed. Amazing.

Mélissa Laveaux- Postman Considering earlier material by this...

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 07:28:27 -0500

Mélissa Laveaux- Postman

Considering earlier material by this woman was quite folky, it’s really interesting to see her taking a more experimental route. Fuzzy guitar, a ridiculously wonky rhythm and great use of a cowbell.

Mélissa was born in Montreal and had her musical beginnings in Ottawa, but is now based in Paris. She comes from a Haitian background and although a lot of her material is English, she often writes and performs in Creole.

You should definitely check out her cover of Elliott Smith’s Needle In The Hay.

This is from her brand new album, available later this month, Dying Is A Wild Night.

Sand Witches- A Stranger Broke My Finger, But You Broke My...

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:41:00 -0500

Sand Witches- A Stranger Broke My Finger, But You Broke My Heart

Punk trio from Bloomington, Indiana. While they may have a song about their adoration for the finer things in life (pizza) this track has a bit of a different turn. In fact, there’s something really melancholic about its sound. Punk rock is typically a lot of fun, but everybody gets down on themselves sometimes. It’s nice to hear about it outside of your more typically acoustic fare. This is still full of shouty, pissed off vocals, but it’s got a lot more guts to be this personal.

Taken from their cassette release, Take Me Too Your Pizza Leader.

Click on the hastily made cartoon cake for more information!...

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:27:00 -0500

Click on the hastily made cartoon cake for more information! Bring friends!

Also, if you have zines or would like to make any song requests for the night, please get in touch.

Colleen Green- I’m Leaving It Up To You Colleen Green is a...

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:32:54 -0500

Colleen Green- I’m Leaving It Up To You

Colleen Green is a solo artist currently based in Oakland, California. The sound of her bedroom recordings ranges from fuzzy pop punk to swooning ballads and a lot more in between.

This is a cover of the 1957 song, originally recorded by the Don and Dewey duo. It feels like it could have been right at home on the Twin Peaks soundtrack years ago, as the vocals remind me a lot of Julee Cruise.

This is from her Green One EP.

Liz Phair- Fuck and Run The majority of the point of this place...

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 08:03:00 -0500

Liz Phair- Fuck and Run

The majority of the point of this place is to find and share new artists. However, it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted about what I consider to be classics.

Liz Phair’s Exile In Guyville is twenty years old this year.

My first listen was when I was about 16. I had never heard a woman sing about sexual experience and romance in such a realistic manner, in that the two don’t always go together. On some tracks, such as “Flower”, she is aggressive and forward about her desires, in a way I hadn’t previously known in this kind of music. On others, such as “Canary”, she longs for a relationship outside of something merely physical. Overall, the whole album is a refreshing answer to your more typical portrayal of love in pop music. It’s totally awkward and at times, it doesn’t feel that great.

This is such an important album, especially when it comes to subjects previously considered taboo amongst female musicians. It is justifiably considered to be a staple in anyone’s record collection. I still can’t get over the fact that it’s twenty years old.