It was a sad day for music fans yesterday, as REM – masters of their trade for 31 years – announced their untimely split. My first introduction to the band was around 1994-1995. I was 13/14, and working diligently at Martins the Newsagent. One Saturday morning, as we loaded the Saturday papers with their weighty [...]
Another year’s Mercury Music Prize winner has been announced and this year, a very worthy winner has been chosen. PJ Harvey’s album, Let England Shake, was by far the stand out album. Lyrically, it’s not the most uplifting of albums. Far from it – it describes the realities of war vividly. In many ways it’s [...]
I first started writing this blog in April, then work got in the way. Prior to my Glastonbury summary – which was excellent – I thought I’d post my long-promised thoughts on the King of Limbs first. It’s been a while since I first listened to The King of Limbs. In the time that’s passed, [...]
Monday 14 February. Valentine’s Day. Lovers around the world showing signs of affection and buying gifts. This was also the day that Radiohead chose to share their latest present with their milions of adoring fans. Their long awaited eigth album – The King of Limbs – will be making it’s overdue appearance imminently. This Saturday, [...]
I’m sure this is a regular occurence amongst music lovers. They listen to album, decide they don’t like it and resolve never to play it again. It’s happened to me a few times – after all, there’s no shortage of exciting new music to listen to – but today, prompted by one of my work [...]
A timely moment in music, this one. Sadly, the mighty I Am Kloot didn’t win the Mercury Music Prize this year. Their magnificent latest album, Sky at Night would have been a very worthy winner. It’s full of heartfelt, descriptive songs that are drenched with emotion, from despair to optimism. At least the Mercury Music [...]
This week’s moment in music is one that recurs for me quite often. Whether it’s REM, The National, U2 or Radiohead, going back and discovering a band’s back catalogue when you’re late on the bandwagon can be very rewarding. Take the National for example. Contrary to seemingly popular opinion, their breakthrough album Alligator was actually their [...]
One thing I like about being an avid devourer of music is anticipating new releases. Two bands’ efforts I’m really looking forward to that are coming out soon are I Am Kloot and Arcade Fire. I Am Kloot, for those of you that aren’t in the know, are a delightful three piece from Manchester. They [...]
I had a particularly fruitful radio-listening session last week, listening to Marc Riley’s show one weeknight. His is a show I listen to rarely, but when I do tune in, I always remember why I like it. Beautiful playlist and insightful anecdotes. Anyway, on to the subject of the of the post. Tim and Sam’s [...]
Last week, on a ridiculously long commute into work (three and a half hours.. thanks First Capital Connect), I rediscovered the Manic Street Preachers’ Gold Against the Soul. It’s a fine album, decorated with jewels like Sleepflower, La Tristesse Durerra and Roses in the Hospital. Rediscovering it after at least a three year hiatus was [...]
Musings on moving moments in music.