Bit of a geeky post this one, sorry! Apple released iTunes 8 last night at an event where the main news was the launch of the new iPods. The usual fanfare and hypefest ensued nobody will be surprised to know. Quite how Apple have got to the point where a new product launch is broadcast as headline news by serious news sources is surely the greatest marketing story of the age. But I digress; amongst the new features on iTunes is the ability to create "Genius Playlists" - by using a database at iTunes central (or wherever) it can suggest a playlist based on any given song. Well almost any given song - it didn't like "Batcat" by Mogwai which is strange given that I bought it from the iTunes store!
Anyway I've been pretty impressed so far. Here is what it came up with this evening...
1) Hoover Dam - Sugar
This was my choice for the starting point. I've been listening to a lot of early 90s American alt-rock lately. For those not in the know, Sugar was what Bob Mould did after Hüsker Dü. They released one classic album Copper Blue which contains this song and was album of the year in NME in 1992.
2) The Silence Between Us - Bob Mould
Not a great jump there really. This is off a sampler for Anti records who put out Mould's recent album, Distirct line. You have to pick and choose with his solo output as he does wonder quite far from the template established with his previous bands, but this is definitely a return the the alt-rock sound he is best known for.
3) The Lung - Dinosaur Jr.
Another classic album, Dinosaur Jr's second - You're living all over me - is the source for this song. Most of their back catalogue has been reissued relatively recently in remastered form and is well worth looking out for.
4) Sitting Still - R.E.M.
Surely they need no introduction? This is from their debut album on IRS, Murmur. A few years ago I listened to all their albums in order and it's fascinating to see the progression. There isn't a bad one from Murmur to New Adventures in Hi-Fi, although they did lose their way a bit after that.
5) Gold Soundz - Pavement
Another classic album, this is from the Desert Origins reissue of Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (although it did appear on the original).
6) Academy Fight Song - Mission of Burma
From the reissue of the EP Signals, Calls and Marches, this wasn't on the original release but made it onto the 97 and 08 reissues...
7) Almost Ready - Dinosaur Jr
Back to Dinosaur Jr, this is from last year's LP, Beyond. This was the album where the original line-up reconvened after Lou Barlow had left to do his Sebadoh thing for much of the 90s. Not quite a return to the scuzzy sound of You're Living All Over Me, it still sounds better than most of the pretenders to the alt-rock crown.
8) Cherry Coloured Funk - Cocteau Twins
A short diversion from the fuzzed-up guitar sounds so far, this is from the Twins 1990 classic Heaven or Las Vegas.
9) Get Ready for Love - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
I just can't seem to get away from Nick Cave on this blog - even random selections include him! This is probably the rockiest song on the Abbotoir Blues disc of the double album with The Lyre of Orpheus and is probably a bit of a pointer as the direction Nick would take with the Grinderman album, and his next bad seeds album, Dig, Lazarus Dig!
10) Mahgeeta - My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket really came to attention here in the UK with Z, but this is from it's predecessor It Still Moves. A lot of people prefer this to Z, I'm not totally convinced...
The next 10:
11) Apartment Story - The National
12) Mr Tough - Yo la Tengo
13) I Could Be Dreaming - Belle and Sebastian
14) Man on the Moon - Sugar
15) Rattled by the Rush - Pavement
16) Respectable Street - XTC
17) Tarpit - Dinosaur Jr
18) Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady
19) Incinerate - Sonic Youth
20) Catapult - REM
Given that I have more Sonic Youth than any of the other bands on the list in my iTunes library, it's a bit of a surprise that I had to wait til song 19 to hear some... But as I said, I like this feature and may blog on it again (I'm quite lazy like that!)
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Liner Notes - Latitude CD Swap '08
So recently I took part in the Latitude forum CD Swap. You'll be pleased to know I received 3 excellent CDs this year, I hope mine found favour. Here are some “liner notes” for mine...
1) There She Goes, My Beautiful World – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.
No surprise to find Nick Cave popping up on any CD I put together – he's now got to the stage where I'm willing to part with my money for anything he does be it Bad Seeds, Grinderman, Films or Books. This is off the double album Lyre of Orpheus/Abattoir Blues which was my album of the year back when it cam out.
This is from his later performance:
2) Life in Jail - Islands
The second Islands album didn't grab me in the same way that the first did, but it's really grown on me. The little twists and turns that marked their debut out are less overt on “Arms Way” than “Return to the sea” but that may not be a bad thing.
This the “crunk section” (whatever that means) done live
3) Sipping on the Sweet Nectar – Jens Lekman
Great album, and an engaging performer live, surely there's room for him at Latitude 2009? I definitely want to see him again, in a show less blighted by sound problems...
Anyway here's the video...
4) After All – The Frank and Walters
One of the most underrated bands of the pre-britpop era, this is one of my favourite jukebox pics as the lunchtime crowd in the Morris will tell you (through gritted teeth perhaps!). Anyway I think they're still going, although perhaps with different haircuts?
TOTP '93:
5) Jaguar Pirates – Jaguar Love
From one of the oldest songs on the album to one of the newest, this is from the recently released debut album from Jaguar Love. I'm not entirely convinced by the album, but I really like the energy of this song.
Live at the 100 club,
6) If the News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It – Broken Records
One of the best new bands of the festival circuit this year, I saw them twice at Great Escape and Latitude, and they were excellent both times. If there is any justice they will go on to big things.
Live at Belladrum:
7) The Mending of the Gown – Sunset Rubdown
Another of the highlights of Great Escape for me, this is great fun live. Definitely a band I would love to see again.
Live:
8) Rainy Night in Soho – The Pogues
Easily the oldest song on the album, this is where the melancholy-meets-hope ethos of the Pogues comes closest to perfection. They're one of my favourite bands and despite being a tad erratic live I'm deeply tempted to go and see them at Christmas in London (wonder which song they'll do???). One of my all time favourite festival memories was seeing them at the Fleadh a few years ago (2002 if memory serves); the best atmosphere for any band at any festival I've been to.If you're at a loose end, look for the rest of the youtube clips from the show below; it's easy to forget just how many great songs they did.
Live at the Town & Country Club:
9) Doin' The Boom Boom – Eli “Paperboy” Reed and the True Loves
One of the highlights of Latitude, there has been a glut of acts doing 60s style soul in the 00s... This lot do it better than any in my opinion. I seldom venture onto the dancefloor, so any band that can keep me there for as long as them deserve a special mention!
Here's them doing it live...
10) The Homeless and The Humingbirds – Alaska In Winter
One of my favourite albums of last year, this is such a good song to lay back and relax to after a bad day at work. recommended live if you get the chance...
The video:
11) I Want You Around – Gideon Conn
A new discovery at this year's Latitude, I caught his set after giving up on a very flat British Sea Power. Very laid back indie/hip-hop track, perfect for a summer festival (well I think so anyway).
Live:
(I love the way the cameraman is swaying to the music!)
12) Winter – The Dodos
This is from one of my favourite albums of the year so far, Visiter (their spelling, not mine). It's the drums that make it stand out from the crowd for me, love the insistent rhythm. If I had any say in the matter, they'd be headlining the Sunrise arena at Latitude next year...
The video:
13) Breaxxbaxx – Land of Talk
Saw these guys supporting Besnard Lakes at London Water Rats and they rocked. It's not easy for a support act to catch the ear, but they managed it. Apparently there's a new album coming in the autumn, this is from their debut, Applause, Cheer, Boo, Hiss
14) Take Me To The Riot - Stars
Another Canadian band, Stars are of my favourite live acts of the last 12 months (seen them twice). This song is something of a live favourite, and comes from their most recent album, In Our Bedroom After The War. Definitely worth buying the album, and seeing them next time they tour.
The Video:
15) Blue Plastic Bags – Malcolm Middleton
Another highlight of this year's Latitude, Malcolm Middleton has had an interesting year, what with all the news interest in his attempt at the Christmas No.1! This is from his most recent album, Sleight of Heart which didn't entirely convince me compared to it's predecessor. Live, however, this song was a lot stronger.
Couldn't find it on Youtube, sorry!
16) Walk in The Park – Oh No! Oh My!
I have to confess to knowing very little about these guys. I read about them somewhere on the interwebs (I forget where) and downloaded a couple of songs and that's as far as I got. I really must track down the album sometime.
Anyway here's them live.
17) The Dandy Cowboys - Soko
Another highlight from this year's Latitude, Soko's set was delightfully chaotic. The only French singer on the CD, this is from what I believe is her debut EP, “Soko not Sokute”.
Not sure what's going on here!
18) Chaviach – Derwyddon Dr Gonzo
Continuing with the Latitude 2008 theme, this band were an unexpected highlight of the Friday. Apparently this song is knocking Chavs which is probably something we can all relate to! Definitely hope they're invited back next year.
A brief taster...
19) I Wish I Was Someone Better – Blood Red Shoes
Another live highlight of 2008 when I saw them in London, this is probably my favourite song of theirs. It's a long time since I danced as energetically as at that gig!
Live:
20) Barney (...and me) – The Boo Radleys
From one of my all time favourite albums, Giant Steps, I just had to include this song. The Boo Radleys are massively underrated in my opinion, and this is just a brilliant, brilliant song. If any band of this era were to reform and play Latitude next year, it should be this lot... Anyway I'm planning a more in-depth post on Giant Steps at some point.
Couldn't find Barney (...and me) on youtube, but here's another from Giant Steps, Lazarus, at Glasto '94
1) There She Goes, My Beautiful World – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.
No surprise to find Nick Cave popping up on any CD I put together – he's now got to the stage where I'm willing to part with my money for anything he does be it Bad Seeds, Grinderman, Films or Books. This is off the double album Lyre of Orpheus/Abattoir Blues which was my album of the year back when it cam out.
This is from his later performance:
2) Life in Jail - Islands
The second Islands album didn't grab me in the same way that the first did, but it's really grown on me. The little twists and turns that marked their debut out are less overt on “Arms Way” than “Return to the sea” but that may not be a bad thing.
This the “crunk section” (whatever that means) done live
3) Sipping on the Sweet Nectar – Jens Lekman
Great album, and an engaging performer live, surely there's room for him at Latitude 2009? I definitely want to see him again, in a show less blighted by sound problems...
Anyway here's the video...
4) After All – The Frank and Walters
One of the most underrated bands of the pre-britpop era, this is one of my favourite jukebox pics as the lunchtime crowd in the Morris will tell you (through gritted teeth perhaps!). Anyway I think they're still going, although perhaps with different haircuts?
TOTP '93:
5) Jaguar Pirates – Jaguar Love
From one of the oldest songs on the album to one of the newest, this is from the recently released debut album from Jaguar Love. I'm not entirely convinced by the album, but I really like the energy of this song.
Live at the 100 club,
6) If the News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It – Broken Records
One of the best new bands of the festival circuit this year, I saw them twice at Great Escape and Latitude, and they were excellent both times. If there is any justice they will go on to big things.
Live at Belladrum:
7) The Mending of the Gown – Sunset Rubdown
Another of the highlights of Great Escape for me, this is great fun live. Definitely a band I would love to see again.
Live:
8) Rainy Night in Soho – The Pogues
Easily the oldest song on the album, this is where the melancholy-meets-hope ethos of the Pogues comes closest to perfection. They're one of my favourite bands and despite being a tad erratic live I'm deeply tempted to go and see them at Christmas in London (wonder which song they'll do???). One of my all time favourite festival memories was seeing them at the Fleadh a few years ago (2002 if memory serves); the best atmosphere for any band at any festival I've been to.If you're at a loose end, look for the rest of the youtube clips from the show below; it's easy to forget just how many great songs they did.
Live at the Town & Country Club:
9) Doin' The Boom Boom – Eli “Paperboy” Reed and the True Loves
One of the highlights of Latitude, there has been a glut of acts doing 60s style soul in the 00s... This lot do it better than any in my opinion. I seldom venture onto the dancefloor, so any band that can keep me there for as long as them deserve a special mention!
Here's them doing it live...
10) The Homeless and The Humingbirds – Alaska In Winter
One of my favourite albums of last year, this is such a good song to lay back and relax to after a bad day at work. recommended live if you get the chance...
The video:
11) I Want You Around – Gideon Conn
A new discovery at this year's Latitude, I caught his set after giving up on a very flat British Sea Power. Very laid back indie/hip-hop track, perfect for a summer festival (well I think so anyway).
Live:
(I love the way the cameraman is swaying to the music!)
12) Winter – The Dodos
This is from one of my favourite albums of the year so far, Visiter (their spelling, not mine). It's the drums that make it stand out from the crowd for me, love the insistent rhythm. If I had any say in the matter, they'd be headlining the Sunrise arena at Latitude next year...
The video:
13) Breaxxbaxx – Land of Talk
Saw these guys supporting Besnard Lakes at London Water Rats and they rocked. It's not easy for a support act to catch the ear, but they managed it. Apparently there's a new album coming in the autumn, this is from their debut, Applause, Cheer, Boo, Hiss
14) Take Me To The Riot - Stars
Another Canadian band, Stars are of my favourite live acts of the last 12 months (seen them twice). This song is something of a live favourite, and comes from their most recent album, In Our Bedroom After The War. Definitely worth buying the album, and seeing them next time they tour.
The Video:
15) Blue Plastic Bags – Malcolm Middleton
Another highlight of this year's Latitude, Malcolm Middleton has had an interesting year, what with all the news interest in his attempt at the Christmas No.1! This is from his most recent album, Sleight of Heart which didn't entirely convince me compared to it's predecessor. Live, however, this song was a lot stronger.
Couldn't find it on Youtube, sorry!
16) Walk in The Park – Oh No! Oh My!
I have to confess to knowing very little about these guys. I read about them somewhere on the interwebs (I forget where) and downloaded a couple of songs and that's as far as I got. I really must track down the album sometime.
Anyway here's them live.
17) The Dandy Cowboys - Soko
Another highlight from this year's Latitude, Soko's set was delightfully chaotic. The only French singer on the CD, this is from what I believe is her debut EP, “Soko not Sokute”.
Not sure what's going on here!
18) Chaviach – Derwyddon Dr Gonzo
Continuing with the Latitude 2008 theme, this band were an unexpected highlight of the Friday. Apparently this song is knocking Chavs which is probably something we can all relate to! Definitely hope they're invited back next year.
A brief taster...
19) I Wish I Was Someone Better – Blood Red Shoes
Another live highlight of 2008 when I saw them in London, this is probably my favourite song of theirs. It's a long time since I danced as energetically as at that gig!
Live:
20) Barney (...and me) – The Boo Radleys
From one of my all time favourite albums, Giant Steps, I just had to include this song. The Boo Radleys are massively underrated in my opinion, and this is just a brilliant, brilliant song. If any band of this era were to reform and play Latitude next year, it should be this lot... Anyway I'm planning a more in-depth post on Giant Steps at some point.
Couldn't find Barney (...and me) on youtube, but here's another from Giant Steps, Lazarus, at Glasto '94
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Bon Iver Vs Okkervil River
Just a quick post, but I couldn't let one of my favourite acts cover another of my favourite acts without commenting. Okkervil River have a new album out in September called "The Stand Ins". To launch the associated youtube channel they've asked some of their friends to cover songs from the album (do you see what they've done there etc). One such video is of Bon Iver doing Blue Tulip.
I'll be seeing Okkervil River in November in London, assume they'll be doing their version then! Bon Iver will be over in September. I recommend you go see both bands...
I'll be seeing Okkervil River in November in London, assume they'll be doing their version then! Bon Iver will be over in September. I recommend you go see both bands...
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Forthcoming Attractions
With the summer festival season now over for me, it's time to look ahead at what the final third has to offer...
Gigs
Well so far as gigs go, I've got some real beauties in the calendar. Things are quiet until October when Mogwai are playing London. It'll be the second time I've seen them, reports have been good about the new album, and the supports are pretty special too, Errors (one of the highlights of Latitude) and F*** Buttons.
Then into November which is just outstanding gig-wise. Okkervil River and Mercury Rev inside 3 days in London. Okkervil River were brilliant at Great Escape, and I'm really looking forward to a full length set from them. Mercury Rev are one of my all time favourite bands. I saw them last at Latitude '06, and will be interesting to see how the new material comes across live. Watch out for a piece to mark the 10th Anniversary of Deserters Songs in September...
After then it's down to Brighton for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. As previously mentioned, Nick Cave's slimmed down band, Grinderman, were amazing at Latitude this year, and the full Bad Seeds line-up is a mouth-watering prospect.
Then to round off the month it's I'm from Barcelona who I missed at Latitude 2007 and have regretted it ever since. By all accounts the new album is more "serious" than the first, but I'm still confident off balloon-bouncing fun!
Gigs
Well so far as gigs go, I've got some real beauties in the calendar. Things are quiet until October when Mogwai are playing London. It'll be the second time I've seen them, reports have been good about the new album, and the supports are pretty special too, Errors (one of the highlights of Latitude) and F*** Buttons.
Then into November which is just outstanding gig-wise. Okkervil River and Mercury Rev inside 3 days in London. Okkervil River were brilliant at Great Escape, and I'm really looking forward to a full length set from them. Mercury Rev are one of my all time favourite bands. I saw them last at Latitude '06, and will be interesting to see how the new material comes across live. Watch out for a piece to mark the 10th Anniversary of Deserters Songs in September...
After then it's down to Brighton for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. As previously mentioned, Nick Cave's slimmed down band, Grinderman, were amazing at Latitude this year, and the full Bad Seeds line-up is a mouth-watering prospect.
Then to round off the month it's I'm from Barcelona who I missed at Latitude 2007 and have regretted it ever since. By all accounts the new album is more "serious" than the first, but I'm still confident off balloon-bouncing fun!
Friday, 8 August 2008
Latitude Sunday
After the quiet Saturday, Sunday is the complete contrast with by far the strongest line-up for me. We start with Joanna Newsom who plays an hour and a bit of delightful music, utterly charming the obelisk arena crowd. Playing a variety of songs both old and new, solo on harp or piano she is quite possibly the best opening act ever on the main stage at latitude.
Perhaps understandably things take something of a dip after that with neither Satin Peaches nor Those Dancing Days doing much to impress. Better are American alt-rock survivors Nada Surf although they struggle with the sound, particularly the bass player who gets quite annoyed. I must confess to not knowing much about them, but will definitely be exploring further.
It's then back to the uncut tent for Patrick Watson who plays a set drawn heavily from his recent album, Close to Paradise. Live the songs take on a whole new dimension as he layers in feedback and effects, playing around with an extensive array of pedals. I'm not sure I like him live as much as on record, but nontheless another good set.
Things then step up a gear on the main stage with the Breeders. I must confess to a degree of sentiment here as when I was a teenager Last Splash was one of my favourite albums. Their subsequent albums, after a not insubstantial hiatus, haven't excited me to quite the same degree but live the recent material is imbued with a warmth not to be found on CD. It helps that the sisters Deal are in high spirits, joking with each other and bantering with the rest of the band. It's the songs from Last Splash that get the best reaction from the crowd, but they also do songs from all three other albums; and a couple from Kim Deal's other, other band The Amps. A band that I was somewhat nervous about seeing, given my fond memories of them in the early 90s, they definitely seem to be back on the right track.
If the Breeders were one of my favourite bands of the early 90s, then Nick Cave in any of his many guises is one of my current heroes. His Grinderman outfit are up next. Playing mostly songs from their debut album, together with a couple of newer songs they are probably the highlight of the entire festival for me. Regular Cave sidekick Warren Ellis sets the tone as he batters a solitary cymbal with a pair of maracas. Midway through the set the wind gets up, blowing the rain and dust into a maelstrom, but Nick Cave is its equal as a force of nature as he stands legs apart on the edge of the stage, hair blowing out behind him seemingly challenging the weather to do its worst. An absolute triumph, and I can only hope that Cave is back with the Bad Seeds next year.
Interpol are one of those bands that have never done it for me so I foresake their headlining slot for The Tindersticks in the Uncut Tent. As the rain begins to bucket down I think I made the right decision, particularly when they begin to play. As expected their setlist drew heavily from recent album, the hungry saw, although a smattering of early songs also go down well. Perhaps a bit too low-key to be the perfect ending to the festival, but pretty close.
So how did this Latitude compare to the previous two? Pretty well all things considered. As I said at the start of the write-up, I arrived with relatively low expectations as there were few must-see bands on the line-up. There were enough stand-outs (notably Grinderman and Eli 'Paperboy Reed) and new discoveries (Derwyddon Dr Gonzo, Gideon Conn) to keep me interested, not to mention the many other attractions on offer!
Perhaps understandably things take something of a dip after that with neither Satin Peaches nor Those Dancing Days doing much to impress. Better are American alt-rock survivors Nada Surf although they struggle with the sound, particularly the bass player who gets quite annoyed. I must confess to not knowing much about them, but will definitely be exploring further.
It's then back to the uncut tent for Patrick Watson who plays a set drawn heavily from his recent album, Close to Paradise. Live the songs take on a whole new dimension as he layers in feedback and effects, playing around with an extensive array of pedals. I'm not sure I like him live as much as on record, but nontheless another good set.
Things then step up a gear on the main stage with the Breeders. I must confess to a degree of sentiment here as when I was a teenager Last Splash was one of my favourite albums. Their subsequent albums, after a not insubstantial hiatus, haven't excited me to quite the same degree but live the recent material is imbued with a warmth not to be found on CD. It helps that the sisters Deal are in high spirits, joking with each other and bantering with the rest of the band. It's the songs from Last Splash that get the best reaction from the crowd, but they also do songs from all three other albums; and a couple from Kim Deal's other, other band The Amps. A band that I was somewhat nervous about seeing, given my fond memories of them in the early 90s, they definitely seem to be back on the right track.
If the Breeders were one of my favourite bands of the early 90s, then Nick Cave in any of his many guises is one of my current heroes. His Grinderman outfit are up next. Playing mostly songs from their debut album, together with a couple of newer songs they are probably the highlight of the entire festival for me. Regular Cave sidekick Warren Ellis sets the tone as he batters a solitary cymbal with a pair of maracas. Midway through the set the wind gets up, blowing the rain and dust into a maelstrom, but Nick Cave is its equal as a force of nature as he stands legs apart on the edge of the stage, hair blowing out behind him seemingly challenging the weather to do its worst. An absolute triumph, and I can only hope that Cave is back with the Bad Seeds next year.
Interpol are one of those bands that have never done it for me so I foresake their headlining slot for The Tindersticks in the Uncut Tent. As the rain begins to bucket down I think I made the right decision, particularly when they begin to play. As expected their setlist drew heavily from recent album, the hungry saw, although a smattering of early songs also go down well. Perhaps a bit too low-key to be the perfect ending to the festival, but pretty close.
So how did this Latitude compare to the previous two? Pretty well all things considered. As I said at the start of the write-up, I arrived with relatively low expectations as there were few must-see bands on the line-up. There were enough stand-outs (notably Grinderman and Eli 'Paperboy Reed) and new discoveries (Derwyddon Dr Gonzo, Gideon Conn) to keep me interested, not to mention the many other attractions on offer!
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Latitude Saturday
Saturday is the quietest day for yours truly, bands wise. Time is spent in the Literary, Film and Caberet tents sampling some of the other delights Latitude has to offer... learning to play the ukelele in under an hour, hearing poetry about drugs and watching a film about... well I'm not entirely sure as I missed both beginning and end!
So far as bands go I start off with French songstress Soko who is delightfully ramshackle. With backing from Johnny Flynn and the drummer from his band she sings songs which mostly seem to be about failed romances and how much she likes peanut butter.
Next up is Malcolm Middleton. His former band, Arab Strap, are long time favourites of mine and his solo work has also been regulars on the stereo round these parts. With a tight backing band and playing songs from the last 3 albums his set is one of the highlights of the weekend. Blue Plastic Bags from the recent album "Sleight of Heart" is a standout.
After ten minutes of Elbow frankly I'm bored so I head over to the Music and Film tent of Mark Lamarr's God's Jukebox evening which turns out to be one of the best evenings of any of the 3 Latitudes so far. Not just the bands, but the music played in between which keeps me dancing into the small hours.
First on is Pete Molinari who mixes rock n roll with early Dylan to good effect. After a set drawn almost entirely from his most recent album he finishes with a cover of Folsom Prison Blues which goes down a storm.
Next up is The Heavy an energetic funk rap crossover act, seemingly at odds to the rest of the bands on. They seem to have a lot of fans in just to see them and the tent is full of people having a great time...
Midnight hits and the third act comes on, R&B revivalist James Hunter. Less energetic than the Heavy, Hunter and his band keep people dancing with their bluesy soul.
The highlight of the evening for a soul fan like me comes with the next act, Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves. Great soul with more than a nod to legend James Carr they blow me away with some of the best grooves heard in many a year. Despite having not had a beer since the start of the evening (beer or water!) I'm still dancing throughout and really I can pay no higher compliment.
So far as bands go I start off with French songstress Soko who is delightfully ramshackle. With backing from Johnny Flynn and the drummer from his band she sings songs which mostly seem to be about failed romances and how much she likes peanut butter.
Next up is Malcolm Middleton. His former band, Arab Strap, are long time favourites of mine and his solo work has also been regulars on the stereo round these parts. With a tight backing band and playing songs from the last 3 albums his set is one of the highlights of the weekend. Blue Plastic Bags from the recent album "Sleight of Heart" is a standout.
After ten minutes of Elbow frankly I'm bored so I head over to the Music and Film tent of Mark Lamarr's God's Jukebox evening which turns out to be one of the best evenings of any of the 3 Latitudes so far. Not just the bands, but the music played in between which keeps me dancing into the small hours.
First on is Pete Molinari who mixes rock n roll with early Dylan to good effect. After a set drawn almost entirely from his most recent album he finishes with a cover of Folsom Prison Blues which goes down a storm.
Next up is The Heavy an energetic funk rap crossover act, seemingly at odds to the rest of the bands on. They seem to have a lot of fans in just to see them and the tent is full of people having a great time...
Midnight hits and the third act comes on, R&B revivalist James Hunter. Less energetic than the Heavy, Hunter and his band keep people dancing with their bluesy soul.
The highlight of the evening for a soul fan like me comes with the next act, Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves. Great soul with more than a nod to legend James Carr they blow me away with some of the best grooves heard in many a year. Despite having not had a beer since the start of the evening (beer or water!) I'm still dancing throughout and really I can pay no higher compliment.
Monday, 4 August 2008
Latitude Thursday + Friday
So then, my third Latitude and the one that had (for me) the weakest line-up on paper...
Things did not get off to a particularly promising start - delays getting into the carpark and then into the campsite. Normally they happen like clockwork, but it seems like a lot more people have decided to arrive early on the Thursday this year. Still, not to worry, friends met and tents up we settle back for a beer or two and let the festival begin!
Opening the Friday on the Sunrise stage is Godwits who appeared to be absolutely petrified at the size of the crowd as they start. Despite the singer admitting his nerves they improve as the set wears on but never really manage to shine.
After a quick beer break we catch the second half of Rosie and the Goldbug who played some energetic indie pop accompanied by dancers dressed as gold bugs (do you see what they did there, etc?) and are a lot more livelier than Godwits.
Next up is one of the highlights of the first day, Broken Records who have improved on the Great Escape show we saw in May. They seem more confident than before and the result is a more powerful performance. Single "If the news makes you sad, don't watch it" is one of many highlights and if these guys don't make it to near the top of one of the main stages next year then the world is truly a cruel place.
Slow Club, by contrast, seem a little subdued compared to their Great Escape gig so we head off to the lake stage for Derwyddon Dr Gonzo who by some margin are the most fun band of the weekend. With a horn section dressed as superheroes (except one dressed as a nurse, for some reason!) and the rest of the band in a variety of different fancy dress outfits their welsh ska/funk gets a good sized crowd dancing along despite not knowing any of the words. Recent single Bwthion/Chaviach gets a good reception (and gets purchased by me on my return home!).
After that it's off to the main stage for Aliens who faff around a lot, play Robot man for about 15 minutes and don't play happy song... could have been good but aren't. Beth Orton is next on and does well despite playing a fair amount of new songs. Swears a lot too...
British Sea Power follow Beth and despite the addition of a Bulgarian choir they just don't recapture the energy of the Canvey Gig. It's hard to say why, but the band just never seemed to get going so I leave a little early and head for the lake stage.
..where I find Gideon Conn rapping away. I arrive just as he finishes my favourite song of his, I want you around, but the rest of the set is of a consistantly high quality with his witty lyrics and funky beats going down very well.
A quick bite to eat later and I head to Julian Cope who produces perhaps the most frustrating set of the festival (or indeed any festival)... comes on late, then after a slow start is just beginning to hit top form when he runs out of time... hopefully next time he'll be given a bit longer!
Leaving frustration behind I head back to the lake stage for the headliners, Errors who put on a suitably intense show. The usual description of them is a more electronic Mogwai which seems to be fair. I'll be seeing them supporting the aformentioned Mogwai in October so will say more then, except to add I'm looking forward to the support acts almost as much as the headliners for that gig (I did say almost!).
Franz Ferdinand headline the main stage but are hampered by poor sound in the back half of the arena so after hearing most of my personal favourites I head to the poetry tent when the rain arrives...
Things did not get off to a particularly promising start - delays getting into the carpark and then into the campsite. Normally they happen like clockwork, but it seems like a lot more people have decided to arrive early on the Thursday this year. Still, not to worry, friends met and tents up we settle back for a beer or two and let the festival begin!
Opening the Friday on the Sunrise stage is Godwits who appeared to be absolutely petrified at the size of the crowd as they start. Despite the singer admitting his nerves they improve as the set wears on but never really manage to shine.
After a quick beer break we catch the second half of Rosie and the Goldbug who played some energetic indie pop accompanied by dancers dressed as gold bugs (do you see what they did there, etc?) and are a lot more livelier than Godwits.
Next up is one of the highlights of the first day, Broken Records who have improved on the Great Escape show we saw in May. They seem more confident than before and the result is a more powerful performance. Single "If the news makes you sad, don't watch it" is one of many highlights and if these guys don't make it to near the top of one of the main stages next year then the world is truly a cruel place.
Slow Club, by contrast, seem a little subdued compared to their Great Escape gig so we head off to the lake stage for Derwyddon Dr Gonzo who by some margin are the most fun band of the weekend. With a horn section dressed as superheroes (except one dressed as a nurse, for some reason!) and the rest of the band in a variety of different fancy dress outfits their welsh ska/funk gets a good sized crowd dancing along despite not knowing any of the words. Recent single Bwthion/Chaviach gets a good reception (and gets purchased by me on my return home!).
After that it's off to the main stage for Aliens who faff around a lot, play Robot man for about 15 minutes and don't play happy song... could have been good but aren't. Beth Orton is next on and does well despite playing a fair amount of new songs. Swears a lot too...
British Sea Power follow Beth and despite the addition of a Bulgarian choir they just don't recapture the energy of the Canvey Gig. It's hard to say why, but the band just never seemed to get going so I leave a little early and head for the lake stage.
..where I find Gideon Conn rapping away. I arrive just as he finishes my favourite song of his, I want you around, but the rest of the set is of a consistantly high quality with his witty lyrics and funky beats going down very well.
A quick bite to eat later and I head to Julian Cope who produces perhaps the most frustrating set of the festival (or indeed any festival)... comes on late, then after a slow start is just beginning to hit top form when he runs out of time... hopefully next time he'll be given a bit longer!
Leaving frustration behind I head back to the lake stage for the headliners, Errors who put on a suitably intense show. The usual description of them is a more electronic Mogwai which seems to be fair. I'll be seeing them supporting the aformentioned Mogwai in October so will say more then, except to add I'm looking forward to the support acts almost as much as the headliners for that gig (I did say almost!).
Franz Ferdinand headline the main stage but are hampered by poor sound in the back half of the arena so after hearing most of my personal favourites I head to the poetry tent when the rain arrives...
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
2 Gigs with Bon Iver
By some margin Bon Iver is my band/singer/album of the year. My iTunes "Most played" tells me, the t-shirt I wear repeatedly tells me, the fact that I've paid to see him twice tells me. Alright so the first time he was only the support act to Jens Lekman (I say only, they seemed to get just as much interest, if not more, as the headliner). But it was still a fantastic gig (Jens was excellent too, if a little hampered by a dodgy PA).
The second time I saw them was just out of this world. The venue was a bit different, St Giles' church London. Now I like churches (I spend a lot of time in them one way or another), I like the aesthetics, I like the acoustics, particularly the older churches which were built in a time before amps and screeching PAs. Alright so the church didn't have a bar... no worries, just pop to the Samuel Smiths pub next door between the bands (believe me, even if there was a bar, you wouldn't be popping out during Bon Iver's performance).
According to the aforementioned play-count I've listened to "For Emma..." over 30 times, but live and with the other members of the three piece that Bon Iver are at present, they acquire a new dimension with electric guitar solos that don't go over the top, with 3 part harmonies that take the vocals to another level, with.... well with everything you could hope for to make for a special evening.
The closing song was a bit special too. Justin announced that they would be doing the final song in the midst of the crowd, without amps or mics, so all three come out into the centre of the church and with only camera flashes for illumination sing an absolutely spine-tingling performance of the album's title track.
The second time I saw them was just out of this world. The venue was a bit different, St Giles' church London. Now I like churches (I spend a lot of time in them one way or another), I like the aesthetics, I like the acoustics, particularly the older churches which were built in a time before amps and screeching PAs. Alright so the church didn't have a bar... no worries, just pop to the Samuel Smiths pub next door between the bands (believe me, even if there was a bar, you wouldn't be popping out during Bon Iver's performance).
According to the aforementioned play-count I've listened to "For Emma..." over 30 times, but live and with the other members of the three piece that Bon Iver are at present, they acquire a new dimension with electric guitar solos that don't go over the top, with 3 part harmonies that take the vocals to another level, with.... well with everything you could hope for to make for a special evening.
The closing song was a bit special too. Justin announced that they would be doing the final song in the midst of the crowd, without amps or mics, so all three come out into the centre of the church and with only camera flashes for illumination sing an absolutely spine-tingling performance of the album's title track.
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