Vitamin C

So Flea has released an EP, and i forgot about it, because i wasn’t that bothered, until now. Just listened to it and was left with my jaw hanging open. What’s happened? Why doesn’t he do more of this?? This may not appeal to the majority RHCP fan base, but that’s because its awesome.

This is mainly instrumental and with good reason. The EP is made up of various soundscapes, which Flea describes as soundtracks to my annoyance. Look at the cover, its a brilliant representation of the music inside. Beautiful piano, with soft textures and the warmth of a double bass.

Think: Brian Eno, Nicolas Jaar, John Frusciante

Do not think: This like RHCP or this is Flea!

Stumbled across The Liminanas during the highly addictive, and time wasting website, Facebook. To my pleasant surprise the music filled me up and I sunk in to a more comfortable position and listened. 

The soothing sounds of tremolo guitars comfort  whilst the bass and drums set a solid groove that stays consistent to the end. (depending on your definition of consistent) The vocals seduce you into a sense of relaxation, though i feel that they are darker than they sound (many lyrics are french). The first 4 tracks give a good feel of what the band are all about, and though i really enjoy the sound it does get a bit sameiee. 

If you like this and haven’t listened to Velet Underground go and do it. ESSENTIAL.

White Noise- An Electric Storm

This whole album is a the represents a huge change in how popular music could be created, not just its use of ‘3D’ stereo, but the heavy use of sampling. The track featured, your hidden dreams, is a classic 60s style pop track and influence can be heard from artists such as The Beatles and The Moody Blues. But as well as this the use of samples and synthesizers marks an entrance of more experimental styles combining with popular music. 

The soundscapes of the track make you feel as if your on a different planet experiencing something supernatural, or on a journey. The music gives a sense of nostalgia, though I’ve never hear it before. Much like the feeling of hearing music from a classic game again, such as music of game Phantasy Star on the Sega Mega Drive.

The influence of this album can instantly be heard in artists such as AIR and Zero 7. A brilliant addition to my music library, highly recommended if you like ’60s English pop.

‘Wives, Beards, Denim’ is the most recent album out of Australia from Pond. Album title and name give a great impression of what’s to come, music that explores the strangeness within reality.

The album kicks off with a Fantastic Explosion of Time starting with a brilliantly simple guitar until the band swarms in to give a psychedelic feel. The band continues with this theme with influences from Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd, and Thee Oh Sees. As the album progresses the band explores different areas in rock, with some tracks drawing similarities with the stomp of Meg White, while others showing the same textures as Tame Impala. This isn’t a surprise though as the drummer/ producer of the album is Kevin Parker, songwriter and general music wizard of Tame Impala.

It is the music exploration is also the downfall in their greatness. The album seems not quite to settle at points, and because of this the album feels long on continuous listen. I look forward to hearing this band progress with more focus, and we can definitely hope for something truly great.

As of the brilliant success of PIE and VINYL, many vinyls have been purchased which involves a reminder of my love for some classic albums. It also means I am now broke.

KID A is one of the many purchases made when visiting, and it’s a brilliant album. Vinyl brings out the the intimacy of the music, with Thom’s vocal sounding full of emotion. The rhythm of the electronic instrumentation sounds delicate and detailed.

As soon as ‘Everything in its right place’ starts you a transported to a different world. Its worth listening to this album in the dark, really loud, to emphasise this. As the album continues it does not disappoint. The soundscape consistently changes to keep the listener interested, such as the powerful bass line of the ‘National Anthem’ to the evolving synths in ‘Motion Picture Soundtrack’.

Though the album is absolutely fantastic, a different Radiohead album would be recommended if its your first listen of the band. Just because it is one of the more abstract and electronic albums. Definitely recommended if your interested in that sort of thing.

So records are back in fashion?! Good, because everything about the vinyl experience is better. Dynamics, rhythm, and depth. PLUS you get a to experience the artwork in detail also. If you are interest in music as an art-form vinyl is supreme. If you just want to bang on a tune that you can dance to stick with your iPod.

Furthermore, music should be a communal experience. It brings people together emotionally. Your music says a lot about who you are, like it or not. Which is also an experience you get when eating together, with family and friends. Therefore it would not be such a bad idea to combine the two. In fact its brilliant. Which is why Steve and Rob have quickly become reputable figures in Portsmouth.

If you like music and pie, there is not a better place to be. Follow the link.

TAKE IT FROM THE MAN - BJM

The Brian Jonestown Massacre is one of the greatest bands of the last 20 years. If you don’t believe me listen to ‘Take it from the man’ their 1996 album. The album has a feeling from a different era, and influences from though out the 60s can be heard. There is no point in naming them because BJM has a completely unique sound.

This band may not be new, but they are well worth checking out. When listening to them you feel like you are listening to a human, a soul. This is frequently missed on most records. Particullarly major lable records. ’musicians’ worry to much about  cleanliness and perfection, and too frequently the most important part of music is missed, emotion.

BJM capture the essence of their music perfectly. This is often overshadowed by Newcomes previous anics at shows. An awesome band that is essential to listen to.

Did you want to listen to a new aggressive punk band that aren’t boring? Got just the thing. The Cellar Family are a brilliantly horrible 3 piece from Oxford. The guitar has a horrible sound, that fits the music, and can be compared to Mclusky. The vocals of this track are my favourite bit. A melodic and aggressive style, that is full of anger. Combined with the recorded harmonies, the vocals add an unusual dimension to the song. Bass lines weave between the guitar and the drums, adding a brilliant groove and anchoring the track.

The best part of The Cellar Family is that it reminds you of other great bands, and yet remains completely different. I can’t wait to see them live, hope they don’t disappoint.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cellar-Family/199481533395218?sk=wall&__adt=2#!/pages/The-Cellar-Family/199481533395218?sk=info

don’t cry by Yosuke Yamaguchi

strange how art can change you view on a situation

(via drawgabbydraw)

How many musicians can be defined as genius? Not many in my eyes, but Ilhan Ersahin comes close. This song is nothing new, but it is fantastic from the song and through to production. I lost myself in this Voodoo, a sign that this is a need to buy album. Reminiscent of jazz artists Magma, and chill out band Cinematic Orchestra.

This may not be anything completely new, but what is?

Fantastic