The Tee Pot : listen

Showing posts with label listen. Show all posts

Sunday, 8 September 2013

A LITTLE BIT OF MONKEY MAGIC

*BIG DRUM ROLL & TRUMPETS ET AL.*

And why is that I hear you ask?

Well it's only because Turner & co are on the cusp of releasing

the hugely anticipated and phenomenal concoction 'AM'.

We've less than 24 hours to go until physical and digital copies of what could quite

possibly be the defining album of the decade (big statement there), according to this week's NME,

which as a mega Monkeys fan I dutifully bought, as expected.

With streams of the album already online, it's safe to say a large chunk of

Britain and the rest of the world have 'got the goods' now, as Turner put it in the sublime

'Do I Wanna Know'. So we can't exactly act surprised when we finally enlighten our lives with

some rather fookin' (they all say it in Sheffield) amazing tunes from a band that can never seem to put a foot wrong.

Even those of us who have resisted giving in to sneak previews of other album tracks,

for example the rather oddly named 'Knee Socks' or on the converse, the rather beautifully named

'Arabella' (a dedication to Arielle Vandenberg perhaps?), have still heard a good quarter of the

songs, with 'R U Mine', 'Do I Wanna Know' & 'Why'd Do You Only Call Me When You're High' (what a mouthful!) all having being released already.

Of course some of us, probably just me, have even restricted ourselves further.

It was only yesterday I gave in to the temptation of listening to 'Why'd You.....' after almost

a month's abstaining from it, which was quite painstaking as I had gone out and bought the single

the day of its release and had to turn down the radio every single time it was on.

That then involved subsequently forgetting to turn the radio back up, surely running up

huge electricity bills for my mother- a nice surprise for the end of the month when the bills come in.

I can only say I did it because I'm getting my copy of 'AM' at the start of this week,

and I will probably know all the words to all the songs by the end of the week.

And by the end of the month I will be completely and utterly satisfied.

By the time I see the Monkeys LIVE IN CONCERT AT SHEFFIELD in November ( I still can't believe

my luck, I really can't), I will be on the biggest high known to humanity.

But by January 2014, I will want more, like the greedy little madam I am.

So I need to drag out and relish 'AM' for as long as humanly possible, because we probably

won't be getting anything else till at least autumn 2015.

But that's okay, because judging by the raving 5 out of 5, 10 out of 10, reviews, we should be on track to be still be raving about 'AM' when we're all old pensioners in the nursing home way over in 2063.

So normally, I would recommend you go buy this album,

but I'm not going to recommend it because I hope you've already got it on pre-order and are sitting at your letterbox waiting like the good little fans I know you are.

You don't need my word to know that 'AM' is truly one of the best things you will EVER HEAR,

and one of the best things you could ever spend 10 quid of your hard earned cash on.

So go, go on into the big wide world and get that Monkey Magic in your life!

STREAM IT HERE:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/id62820413

WATCH THE MONKEYS AT ITUNES AT 7:45PM HERE:

http://po.st/iTunesFestivalAM

DO I WANNA KNOW

WHY'D YOU ONLY CALL ME WHEN YOU'RE HIGH

BUY IT:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/AM-Arctic-Monkeys/dp/B00DKY4LBW

Tuesday, 20 August 2013

SOUNDBITE: BRAND SPANKING NEW AND WELL WORTH A LISTEN.

Now this little quicky is centered around three artists who are still relatively underground

and who I want to point you towards.

Each included on this 'Brand Spanking New' list is well worth a listen, and trust me

I wouldn't put something on this list that is just mediocre.

Nuh-uh. These guys are brilliant, so go revel in the fact that you're

ten steps ahead of the crowd.

Unfortunately I can't provide you with much information, as there isn't bucket loads available,

so it's predominantly key tracks to listen to, just to give you a flavour of each artist and the music they produce.

1) CHURCHILL

Although this five piece have apparently split and are now defunct, they're

still definitely worth checking out, what with brilliant tunes like 'Change' and 'The War Within'.

Slightly Civil Wars-esque, gentle, folky yet powerful, their music is really quite beautiful.

CHANGE

THE WAR WITHIN

___________________________________________________________________

2) OAK TREE SUITE

An up and coming young Australian four piece with a truly fantastic debut track,

'Not Far Away' and more reportedly to come. I really advice you to keep an eye out for these guys.

NOT FAR AWAY

___________________________________________________________________

3) SHEPPARD

The second Aussie band to feature on this list, six piece Sheppard hail from Brisbane

and there brand new single 'Let Me Down Easy' has already gone platinum in Austrailia.

So when I say 'underground', with this band, it's more, 'we're yet to here them in the UK', and judging by the success in their native land, it seems inevitable that we'll be seeing Sheppard sweep upon our shores in the not too distant future.

Their music is summery, retro-esque, very gorgeous and refreshing too.

Nothing out there quite like it, so take a listen...

LET ME DOWN EASY

___________________________________________________________________

4) TWENTY ONE PILOTS

An American duo making poetic, unaplogetic, quirky, unique, catchy music that takes

rap and pushes it in a completely new direction that could be name indie-electro rap, if it were to have

a name. Slightly reminiscent of Darwin Deez, they're heading to Reading & Leeds this weekend and I'd definitely recommend checking them out if you have the chance. These guys are good.

HOLDING ON TO YOU

GUNS FOR HANDS

___________________________________________________________________

5) TWIN WAVE

A Brooklyn based synth and pyschadelia loving quintet with a new brand

of electro-synth sound that is strangely relaxing and chilled and very catchy.

Really nice guys, good music, indie-esque image, what's not to like?

RELAPSE

___________________________________________________________________

Monday, 19 August 2013

SUMMER SOUNDTRACK 2013

-WARNING, THIS IS A LONG POST! ( But it's interactive now, so I think that makes up for it)-

Hola my lovelies.

I'm back, having indulged in a cute little two week break (finally) that has temporarily satisfied

my need for travel, sun, hot weather, swimming pools and complete and utter relaxation.

Needless to say, I only got back on Saturday and I'm already craving a holiday

(preferably the beautiful Barcelona or basically anywhere in Europe will do just fine).

But never the less, I'm thankful I got the chance to go and now my fun is over,

the hard work shall begin...

So today's post is aptly called 'SUMMER SOUNDTRACK 2013' and it's basically

my ideal soundtrack for this summer, which I would like to share with you.

And don't you worry, the idea for this post was not conceived on a dull, oppressive, thunderous day

up/down (depends where you live) here in the land locked confines of Derby.

No, no, the idea came about whilst cruising down a gorgeous tree lined road

on a bright, sun streamed, summers day in Devon, on route to the beach.

Perfect.

So with that inspiration in mind, let the soundtrack begin...

1) ARCADE FIRE

So first up is Arcade Fire, who I've been listening to a lot lately and as with the Arctic Monkeys, I've found myself jumping on the bandwagon five years after it's left the station.

But oh well, who cares, they're great, and the euphoric essence of three key tracks led me to purchase

2011's 'The Suburbs' within the week, which is very unlike me.

I can't tell you how impressed I am by this band, and I can't deny that a secret part of me wishes I was a part of it all, the eighth member.

Their music is perfect all year round of course, but I've found that summer especially suits their energetic, powerful, hypnotic, beautiful sound, especially when you're jetting down the road with the sun in the sky or soaring across the world in an aeroplane.

Get Arcade Fire blasting out your speakers, it's what their music was made for.

My three key tracks are:

1) READY TO START

2) REBELLION

3) WAKE UP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zdNdjF-htY

__________________________________________________________________

2) VAMPIRE WEEKEND

Next is NYC's own Vampire Weekend, a band whose music could quite possibly be the audio representation of summer. If you're in the mood for indulging in music that seems to have been dipped into a pot full of summer, Vampire Weekend are your go to band.
Recent release 'Modern Vampire of The City' is jam packed full of summery tunes that will take you from the early surf mornings when the sun is beginning to rise to nights spent parting on the beach below the moonlight.
Of course 2010's 'Contra' is also full of some true classics, so for ultimate Vampire Weekend appreciation, make sure both these albums are prominent features in your music collection this summer.

My five key tracks are:

1) DIANE YOUNG

2) COUSINS

3) UNBELIEVERS

4) WHITE SKY

5) STEP

__________________________________________________________________

3) THE BEACH BOYS

These cheeky American chappies make up one of the most universally known and adored quintets,

enjoying years of success due to their effortless harmonizing striking a chord amongst millions worldwide.

Of course one of the major reasons behind their success is the fact that these guys,

as the name suggests, literally promote summer. No forget that, they are summer.

Mention The Beach Boys and you instantly think of sunshine, ice cream, surfboards and of course,

the beach. And who doesn't want to think of all those things.

So to inject a dash of old school summers and the nostalgia it brings with it, make sure to

get some Beach Boys classics.

My four key tracks are:

1) SURFIN' USA

2) CALIFORNIA GIRLS

3) GOOD VIBRATIONS

4) I GET AROUND

__________________________________________________________________

4) BEN HOWARD

If you're in the mood for a summe sound that is quintessentially English and has the connotations of a quintessentially English summer, Ben Howard is your man. Hailing from the south west shores of Devon, Ben's folk-esque, laid back beauties are what you want to be listening to, especially if you're

spending your summer upon UK soil. This winner of two BRIT awards is a musician you can put your trust into- he knows what he is doing, and if you haven't been able to escape to the sea, Ben's music will bring the beauty and freedom of Devonshire beaches and seas to you.

My three key tracks are:

1) OLD PINE

2) ONLY LOVE

3) THE WOLVES

__________________________________________________________________

5) KINGS OF LEON

The American quartet are hot on the heels of a new album release, 'Mechanical Bull', and although they may not be an obvious band to relate to summer, these guys do have a knack at producing and crafting classic, summer infused anthemic records that have been defining summer for millions for at least the last five years.

Their music really does seem to go hand in hand with summer.

It's like a musical memory card, with people attaching Kings of Leon songs to key summer moments in an attempt to remember them in a deserving and nostalgic way. A way that will generate and match the memory and the feelings that go along with it.

So with that being said, here are some suggestions...

My five key tracks are:

1) SEX IS ON FIRE

2) RADIOACTIVE

3) SUPERSOAKER

4) BACK DOWN SOUTH

5) FANS

____________________________________________________________

6) JACK JOHNSON

Jack Johnson is a man who seems to live and breathe summer.

A talented surfer (of course) and Hawaii born, his idyllic beach dwellings seem to have proved very inspirational in terms of his music making, and his gentle, relaxed yet upbeat tunes

are more than essential in any summer soundtrack. Although less active in the music scene over the latter years, Jack has made some real summer gems that will go down as classics for years to come.

My four key tracks are:

1) UPSIDE DOWN

2) BETTER TOGETHER

3) YOU AND YOUR HEART

4) YOU AND YOUR HEART

__________________________________________________________________

OTHER ARTISTS

And now for a few other key artists & tracks...

7) DOG IS DEAD

(AKA. Nottingham'a finest, along with the mighty Mister Bugg)

1) TALK THROUGH THE NIGHT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZTLJP74bLg

2) TEENAGE DAUGHTER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0hR70lBNgw

3) GLOCKENSPIEL SONG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqhLynJBw20

__________________________________________________________________

8) THEME PARK

(a trio typically found dressed in Hawaiian shirts)

1) MILK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M3LUhnj0AE

2) JAMAICA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjoCAu8HPMw

3) TONIGHT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YlBwcLJnAE

__________________________________________________________________

9) PALMA VIOLETS

(Indie-Roc's newest bad boys)

1) BEST OF FRIENDS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjit0AuZNiE

2) WE FOUND LOVE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co5XsEmo2ug

3) STEP UP FOR THE COOL KIDS

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

__________________________________________________________________

10) THE VACCINES

(Fuelling summers since 2010)

1) TEENAGE ICON

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEgVwKkU3R0&list=TLjoQlPNHj0MM

2) IF YOU WANNA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJI90478MTE&list=TLhGw-Yp0XY_g

3) WETSUIT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY4J3sVMmN0

4) I ALWAYS KNEW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84no_HITKFo&list=TL36gPJAdjHMA

5) NO HOPE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_3eEPpmKwE&list=TLfE_aiQnOo08

__________________________________________________________________

And that's that for now.

Of course there are many, many more artists and songs that can be added to this soundtrack,

many more, but these are 10 key ones to get you going and 10 that have featured prominently in my summer so far.

I hope you enjoy and MAKE SUMMER 2013 A GOOD'UN alright?

(and remember, as Baz Luhrmann once said, always wear suncream)

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

STARS ALIGN FOR KODALINE

So lately, I've been falling even more in love with a certain band that goes by the name of Kodaline. The Dublin natives have been making waves since 2006, previously under the name '21 Demands', but it is in the last couple of years that everyone has begun to take note.

I can honestly say I've never heard a sound quite like theirs. Of course there are parallels with other artists, however Kodaline seem to have harnessed a sound that is distinctly their own. It's a very beautiful yet powerful one, softly sung words, lyrics that sing of an innocently wonderful kind of love, or desperation, and longing of the heart.

I get emotional every single time I watch one of their videos.
They're one of the only bands I've come across that genuinely seem to want their video to tell the story of the song they're telling, all so that you as the listener can understand and appreciate the music more so.

It's actually kind of annoying how good they are at evoking your emotions when you really didn't want them to be evoked. I sit there, hypnotized into sadness and anger and happiness over the course of four minutes and then when the video stops, I just want to grab a Kleenex and take a minute to compose myself whilst crying 'that was so beautiful' in a melodramatic fashion.

Of course listening to Kodaline also conjures up a tidal wave of emotions and seems to send you into a trance like state where it is impossible to do anything except stare out of the nearest window and let the lyrics create a series of pictures and thoughts in your mind.
Their songs are like snapshots of life, love, moments, struggles and I swear they are wizards of music or something along those lines because ever single song is so well crafted.
It's like they're telling you a story that they have created through the forms of video, imagery and of course, music and I've never heard an artist do it as beautifully as Kodaline do.

I imagine that they sit there, in the studio, and know exactly how the song should sound and will sound and how to get that sound. It's the only conclusion because all the layering of vocals, guitars, drums, sound effects, riffs, lyrics creates perfect songs, time after time.
They truly are masters of their craft.

It can surely only be a matter of time before the world really notices Kodaline and the success they deserve comes running their way in a Usain Bolt like fashion.

With the release of their debut album 'In A Perfect World' on March 25th and a tour under way, Kodaline will only add to their already growing fan base and the hype will build as everyone wants a slice of the Kodaline cake, just to throw in a food related metaphor there for you.

If you haven't already heard any music of theirs, here is your playlist:

1) All I Want

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtf7hC17IBM

2) High Hopes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4povfmX144

3) All My Friends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yemmh3bSWfE

4) Lose Your Mind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3U_x781-24

5) Perfect World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL8pbQBhwO0

6) The Answer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XhSMKL8jqI

FULL PLAYLIST: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtf7hC17IBM&list=PLJJ2XVSdsukwgA4w6jbhipH_O-avcYjBp&index=1

KODALINE HOME PAGE: http://www.kodaline.com/home

KODALINE TOUR DATES: http://www.kodaline.com/events

Sunday, 16 December 2012

THE FORGOTTEN BEAUTIES

So I gave you a brand new playlist update yesterday, oh yes, and I think it's safe to say there were some corkers on there. Personally, I have been quite taken by Haim- what beautiful music!- and I think I'll be departing on a voyage of Haim's back catalogue within the next coming days and you're all free to join me.

Now the reason for this next post is because in the 24 hour period between this post and the last post, I have discovered a few more beauties/ corkers/ whatever adjective floats your rowing boat and I just couldn't wait till my usual update day to tell you about them.

I have the patience of an atomic bomb. ie, it really isn't that long.

So I'm going to get stuck in there....

1) FOREVER BY HAIM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEwM6ERq0gc

I really don't know how it's possible not to like this song. It's so simple and laid back constructed using a classic formula and yet it sounds so unique, new, original. 'Forever' has you questioning why there is such a strong force pushing music into dubstep/ electronica, why does a song need a dubstep influence in order for it to make an impact, in order for it to be classed as 'good', in order for it to sell. I understand that for some artists, it enhances their music and they have the ability to use dubstep and electronic mavericks well, but when it's used by a pop artist, on a pop song, you can't help question why? Was there any need?

Because the Haim sisters are showing that there's still life in the stripped back approach to music, where all you need are a guitar, a beat and a voice.

I for one am happy that somewhere out there, we have a complete polar opposite to the current dubstep/ electro/ techno reign. I fully support the new approach to music where we can achieve all these wonderful, unique, extra terrestrial sounds and mash them all together to create music that seems to be delivered from another stratosphere or existence.

But deep down I'm a guitar and vocals kind of girl; I love the 'sit down with a guitar and let yourself go' approach, and that's what Haim embrace, it's what they're about, and they do it so well.

It's a familiar, nostalgic kind of pull and yet it's so new and refreshing.

So jump on the Haim bandwagon now because I promise you, you won't regret it.

2) STAY BY RIHANNA FT MIKKY EKKO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq6hKc2SHlo

Following on from what I said above, can you understand how excited and relieved I was when I heard Rihanna's new song, 'Stay'? In this day and age, we are inclined to expect a new Rihanna track once a month, every month and I don't know about you but I can only take so many 'Only Girl In The World's or 'We Found Love's before I want to tear my hair out in frustration. It all sounds the same, it has no meaning, no soul, just manufactured pop that follows the same formula every single time.

As Rihanna's success evolved to meteoric heights, her approach to music changed along with it.

We used to get a mixture of pop, soul, R & B, hits like 'Unfaithful', 'Umbrella', 'Take A Bow' and the pop records only dabbled in electronica and to great effect, as seen in records like 'Disturbia'.

But somewhere along the line, Rihanna lost the soul and R & B and embraced pop and that was when Rihanna the artist became Rihanna the brand. An individual to a creation that is shoved in front of your face wherever you may go, or blasted into your ear drums on an all too regular basis.
I missed the old Rihanna, the Rihanna with soul, self-respect, innocence, the Rihanna who didn't need the provocative clothing or over produced dance tracks to be successful.
Where did she go?
Well I'm pleased to say she's wasn't erased completely, no, that Rihanna was still there and I don't know if this is a one off but anyhow, we finally have that Rihanna back, at least for now.
Her new song 'Stay' is the epitome of soul, emotion, feeling, passion; a slow ballad with vocals that ache of experience, longing, truth. Each line has meaning and the slow tempo means the message is delivered to the full extent. This is a record you can take something away from, it strikes a chord within, it resonates with you.
Unlike 'SNM' where one can't really relate to being whipped with a chain, 'Stay' relates to anyone who has ever loved another, and I think almost everyone can hold their hand high to that.
This is a song worth hearing.

3) KARMAGEDDON BY DOT ROTTEN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4RHabjap-s

Now here is an example of when dubstep and electronic/ techno is used properly.
In 'Karmageddon', artist Dot Rotten uses those beats as they were meant to be used, he adds to his vocals so that the message they are singing translates, he mixes in swirls and waves of electronic riffs to add power to the song. It just works so well. And it's refreshing to hear a rapper with vocals about world peace and honest love instead of the many Jag's and Lamborghini's in his crib or the 'hoes' he's got falling at his feet because he's just that cool, standing there with wearing a thick, luminous gold chain, trousers sliding down past his designer knick knacks.
'Karmageddon' is a fantastic song firstly for the musical technicality and the way it's used to build up the song in to something magnificent and secondly, for the lyrics that actually mean something.
Combine them together and you have a real corker of a song.
Dot Rotten isn't a well known rapper, he's best known for hits like 'Overload' and 'Are You Not Entertained' that were taken on board and broadcast by Radio One to successful acclaim, namely being hailed one of the best new artists in 2011.
He's talented in the way he can create a catchy hookline, match it with the perfect beats and accompany the two with lyrics of substance. Plus he has a name that plays on the infamous and beloved 'Dot Cotten' from classic soap EastEnders.
Dot Rotten hasn't had his true breakthrough moment yet, but with songs so good, surely it can only be just around the corner? Every song he releases is snapped up by Radio One, winning him a series of new fans every time, and each song is slightly different but with the same Dot Rotten blue print re-worked into something new. I for one don't know why he hasn't made the big time yet, but with every song being such a corker ( it's the word of the day), it can only be a matter of time before one of his fabulous creations blasts onto the bigger scene and sends seismic rolls across the land.
And like the title suggests, I think karma just might play in his favour.