NEWS: Cocker Preaches In The City

Music-conference-slash-festival In The City has today announced one of their most exciting guest speakers for this year’s music conference.

Former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker is to appear at the international music convention founded by Tony Wilson, which takes place in Manchester over October 5th, 6th and 7th.

Cocker will take to the lectern on the final day of the event. His lecture will discuss the function of lyrics in modern popular music.

Entitled ‘Saying the Unsayable’, ASAD is told it will be a completely biased and subjective exploration of a selection of Jarvis’ favourite songs on top of a dissection of some of his own lyrics.

He's likely to talk about Leonard Cohen, Pete Doherty, Hot Chocolate, Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Neil Sedaka, Dory Previn, Katerine, Rozalla, Arctic Monkeys plus many more he hasn’t thought of yet. There will also be an in-depth analysis of ‘Louie, Louie’.

Other keynote speakers already confirmed include former Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, UK Culture Secretary Andy Burnham MP and some guy called Sean Adams from some site called Drowned in Sound. Other guest speakers and panelists will be announced over the next few days.

More details are available from In The City’s official website.

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: Google

NEWS: The Futureheads Bootleg Their Own Work

Sunderland’s finest four-piece, The Futureheads, top off a fantastic major-label-free twelve months with a full UK tour.

Not only are they touring, but in a Pearl Jam fashion, the Futureheads are releasing a number of live shows which fans will be able to buy as digital and actual CD albums from The Futureheads’ online store. The first of which, recorded at 2004 Quart Festival in Norway, is already available from this very link.

The tour dates are as follows:

November
29th London Astoria
30th Whitehaven Civic Hall

December
2nd Glasgow ABC 2
3rd Glasgow ABC 2
5th Cardiff Point
7th Norwich Waterfront
12th Sheffield Academy (Pet Sounds)
19th Gateshead Sage
20th York Duchess

Tickets are on sale now.

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: Google

NEWS: Foo Fighters to take ten year hiatus from UK

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl today sugggested that that the band may not be returning to UK shores for ten years.

His dramatic statement comes after the band played two stonking summer shows at Wembley Stadium.

Unfortunately, this means Grohl and the boys may well be on their way to grandfatherhood before we see them grace a UK stage again.

Speaking to BBC 6 Music Grohl said: “After doing Wembley, we shouldn't come back there for, like, 10 years. We're over there every year, every summer, and I think it's time to take a break and come back when people really miss us.”

Elaborating further he went onto say: "It's a funny place being in the band now because we've been a band for about 14 years," Grohl said. "We've gone from playing the Astoria, to playing Earls Court to playing Wembley. That wasn't really the goal but hey, we'll take it."

"We've never really taken a long break," he said. "I think it's time.”

The band have crossed the pond no less than three times in the last three years and were joined by Led Zeppelin on their last night at Wembley.

Here’s hoping they can still rock like Page and Plant in ten years times...

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: Google

NEWS: Watch: Björk & Antony 'Dull Flame Of Desire'

The video for Björk’s next single, 'Dull Flame Of Desire' is now online

Taken from Volta (reviewed) and out on the 22th September the song is a collaboration with Antony & The Johnsons front man Antony Hegarty.

As with everything associated with Iceland’s pop pixie, the video is pretty conceptual.

Three amateur directors were picked from hundreds of competition entrants and given the responsibility of producing a video worthy of the Björk’s prestigious music video library.

The two singers performed against green screen in New York then each director was sent the raw footage to edit and create their piece. The directors were each given their own section of the film to develop how they saw fit. The three parts were then edited together here in the UK to create the final piece.

Watch the video right here, right now:

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: hejhejmusic.com

NEWS: Doherty & Barat Impromptu Reunion

Former Libertines band mates and likely lads Pete Doherty and Carl Barat joined forces once again last night when they performed an impromptu set in London town.

The surprise performance took place at the Prince of Wales pub in Camden where Doherty was playing his own material for an MTV documentary before a gaggle of fans.

When Barat strolled out on stage though the congregation couldn’t believe their luck.

The cockney couple performed classics from their days as leaders of The Libertines, including 'Don’t Look Back Into The Sun' which transformed into a rendition of Oasis’ 'Don’t Look Back In Anger'.

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: blogs.guardian.co.uk

NEWS: The Rapture Mix Tapes

New York post-punk partiers The Rapture are releasing a compilation LP of inspiring tracks gummed together with their own finest DJ glue.

Released on October 20th Tapes is the latest in the DJ Kicks series which has seen contributions from Hot Chip and Four Tet in the past, delivering their own brand of mixtape mastery.

According to the press release:

Tapes is a treasure trove of rare grooves and cult classics spanning three decades, from the late 1970s to 2008. One key thread running through the mix is the evergreen sound of the New York underground, epitomised by classic tunes like Vaughan Mason & Crew’s 1980 disco-rap milestone ‘Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll’ and the irresistible beat-pop ditty ‘I’m An Indian Too’, recorded in 1979 by East Harlem’s Don Armando and his Second Avenue Rumba Band. NYC’s latest clubland stars also make their mark, from neo-disco supergroup Arcade Lover to hip-hop DJ Frog’s dazzling robo-funk alter ego, Dances With White Girls.

There’s also a selection of European-grown talent crammed into the tracklist too but the overriding influence is clearly 80s disco and hip-hop.

Of course a heavily influenced back catalogue like The Rapture’s is expected to be as eclectic as Winehouse’s taste in illegal substances so it’s only natural to expect a few unfamiliar names alongside golden roller-disco oldies.

The proof is in the pudding as they say so have a gander below for the full tracklisting:

Tracklist:

1. The Undisputed Truth - “Earthquake Shake”

2. Ghostface Killah - “Daytona 500”

3. Junkyard Band - “The Word”

4. The Bar-Kays - “Holy Ghost”

5. Vaughan Mason & Crew - “Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll”

6. Northend - “Tee´s Happy”

7. Don Armando´s Second Avenue Rumba Band - “I´m An Indian Too”

8. Martin Circus - “Disco Circus”

9. Arcade Lover - “Fantasy Lines”

10. Thomas Bangalter - “Club Soda”

11. Kiloo & Phonique - “The Passion (Phonique Mix Down)”

12. Armand Van Helden - “Flowerz”

13. Cajmere feat. Dajae - “Say U Will”

14. Syclops - “Where´s Jason´s K”

15. DJ Mujava - “Township Funk”

16. Donk Boys - “Cpstyre”

17. Dances With White Girls - “Everybody´s Got To Make A Living”

18. Alter Ego - “Why Not?!”

19. Paul Johnson - “Get Get Down (Extended Mix)”

20. Kid Crème - “Austin´s Groove”

21. Richie Havens - “Going Back To My Roots”

22. Galaxy 2 Galaxy - “Afro Arps And Minimoogs (S2)”

For more information visit these websites:

www.therapture-tapes.com

www.myspace.com/therapture

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: Press Pack Shot

FEATURE: How great is the BBC?

This feature was posted on Drowned in Sound:

DiS was surprised and excited to hear news that the BBC are working on a project to make all their glorious audio and video music content available to download.

The download service being developed by BBC Worldwide will offer streamed and paid download material from it's vast music archives.

This is a very exciting prospect. All the Peel sessions, Led Zeppelin's performance on the Old Grey Whistle Test, grunge hammered out on Top Of The Pops direct to your computer's video library.

With potential to be bigger than the iPlayer, DiS is naturally gagging with excitement. Details of the launch date have not yet been made available but that's not gonna stop us celebrating the news of this new music download service.

So in anticipation we thought we'd raid the YouTube archives and bring you some BBC music highlights that have inspired, awe struck and left DiS generally motived to keep pushing the good musical word.

Have a look below and see what you think of our selection. If you have any better ideas post them below and we'll soon let you know if you're right or wrong.

1. At The Drive 'One Armed Scissor' (Jools Holland 2000)

No-one was expecting At The Drive-In (pictured above) to incorporate a piece of seating furniture so creatively into the performance. This one track set was ground-breaking and sent jazz-grunge shockwaves far beyond television centre. Watching it back again it hasn't lost any of it's aggression and appeal.

2. Blur 'Universal' (Glastonbury 1998)

One of many Glastonbury performances you could pick from the Beeb's extensive annual coverage of the festival. The song's explicit optimism struck a cord with everyone in the audience both in the field and the armchair. This track especially seems to marry the message of every Glasto undeniably well.

3. Nirvana 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' (Top Of The Pops 1991)

Probably one of the funniest clips you'll see in the list. Kurt can already be seen giving fame the cold shoulder here as he refuses to tow the TOTP party live and perform conservatively. He deliberately puts on a Morrissey-esque low voice to either poke fun or entertain. Either way his efforts to fail failed as The Observer newspaper listed the performance as the third greatest in the programme's history. Amazing!

4. David Bowie 'Fame' (Bowie at the Beeb 2000)

The thin white Duke returned to his old stomping ground just days after his incomparable headlining set at Glastonbury 2000. The exclusively recorded intimate gig would be the blueprint for other, more contemporary performances from The Streets and Coldplay's outdoor show at Television Centre (youtube). This was easily the best time to see the most influential man in rock do a unbelievable greatest hits set.

5. The Maccabees 'First Love' & 'Latchmere' (BBC Collective 2007)

Bringing us bang up-to-date and coincidentally with a bunch of lads much loved by DiS are The Maccabees. The band performed in 2007 as part of the BBC Collective Sessions, a culture magazine that was available on the website (bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/). Unfortunately closed now but that doesn't mean we still cannot adore the amazing sound and visual quality of the magazines extensive archives. This is what live music should sound like.

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: Google

Videos: YouTube

NEWS: To The Bones Release Album, Single & Video DIY-Style

DIY music may have had a massive boost from Radiohead this year but it's still alive and well at grassroots level.

Black leather clad Bolton rockers To The Bones (pictured above) release their debut album Duke Type A on 29 September although that's not the story. On the same day they'll release the single 'Rex' through Medici Records.

The label had a very humble birth not long ago when Conor McGloin, the head of the imprint and formerly of Kinesis fame, decided to use the rest of his student loan to fund the band's forthcoming releases, tour and video. And with some success to.

To The Bones are about to embark on an 11 date tour in and around the releases and the video to 'Rex' looks as professional as anything Coldplay could throw at you.

Filmed during a house party, it cost nothing to make hiring only one cameraman, four lights and got every drunk for atmosphere.

They must be doing something very right for their high octane riot rock, endorsed by Manics and Idlewild producer Dave Eringa, has been deemed fit for a showcase slot at Manchester's music industry do In The City at the beginning of October.

You can watch 'Rex' below but the list of tour dates are as follows:

• 10th September - London Notting Hill Arts Centre
• 19th September - Grimsby The Matrix Club
• 3rd October - Bolton Kico Club
• 7th October - Manchester Cellar Vie (In The City Showcase)
• 9th October - Basingstoke Light Lounge
• 10th October - Oxford The Wheatsheaf
• 11th October - Chelmsford Barhouse
• 16th October - London The Metro
• 17th October - Brighton The Freebutt (w/ Killa Kenada/The Horse)
• 24th October - Derby The Venue
• 31st October - Salisbury The Barn

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: BBC

NEWS: The Stills hit UK with new album & tour

Glorious Canadian pop rockers The Stills have announced a handful of UK live dates for November this year.

The tour will coincide with the UK release of the quintet's third LP Oceans Will Rise. In shops on 20 October through Arts & Crafts the statement from The Stills' press people insist the 'new album showcases a reinvigorated band armed with a razor-sharp sense of melody and a wholly rejuvenated sense of itself.' DiS agrees.

Only a couple of months ago the band found themselves opening for Paul McCartney at the Quebec City 400th Anniversary concert in front of quarter of a million people so this mini-tour is sure to bring them back down to Earth.

The dates for The Stills November UK tour are as follows:

• 25th November - London Cargo
• 26th November - Manchester Night & Day
• 27th November - Glasgow Stereo
• 28th November - London Koko Club NME

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: BBC

NEWS: Elbow React To Mercury Victory

Every media outlet, not just music publication, has been reporting on Elbow's triumph last night in the race to become the Mercury Music Prize winners last night during a swanky ceremony in London town.

Going somewhat against the grain of previous winners, Elbow's victory is already proving extremely popular across both critical and fan-o-spheres.

After being handed the award for 'Album Of The Year' Elbow frontman Guy Garvey (pictured above) said, "This is quite literally the best thing that has ever happened to us."

"It feels great, very unexpected. I suppose you could look at it in the same way that certain Bedouin tribes look at a bowl of milk. It's something that doesn't occur very often, and it's so much sweeter for it."

Despite the mickey taking, Garvey is said to be genuinely grateful and quite taken a back by the band's achievement.

"Having said that, it's been a long time that we've been doing it and this is a cause for celebration. I'm just so very proud that we've been working together this long - to this end. We really wanted this"

'The Seldom Seen Kid', the band's fourth album was quoted by the Chair of Judges, Simon Frith, as "an album of epic songs, rooted in their locality, a switchback of emotions rooted in the everyday, the sound of musical ambition perfectly realised. Elbow’s album is triumphant, heartbreaking, unerringly melodic and life-affirming.”

Highlights from the evening's events will be broadcast by BBC Two on Friday 12 September. The programme will feature the live performances on the night from nominees The Last Shadow Puppets, Adele, British Sea Power, Neon Neon, Laura Marling and winners Elbow.

To watch Elbow perform on the night cast your eyes beneath:

This news story can be found on Drowned in Sound with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: BBC

NEWS: Britney Rules While Brand Appals At The MTV VMA 2008

Cast to the background of the Spears/Brand/promise ring hype that lavished the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night was the small victory for Britain’s The Tings Tings.

The terrifically tuneful twosome from Manchester pipped Coldplay and Cowell-backed behemoth Leona Lewis to take home the ‘moon man’ for Best UK Video.

Jules De Martino and Katie White were also nominated against Duffy and Estelle but won the award for their single 'Shut Up And Let Me Go' (a video that looks a lot like ‘Seven Nation Army’ to the author).

They’re minute contribution to the evening’s lip-syncing success was cast into the shadows by Britney Spears as she took her first baby steps back into the limelight after the world last saw her being bundled into an ambulance and her children ripped from her then ample bosom.

Other moments of interest came when Russell Brand, the evening’s host, decided to take the opportunity to call on America to elect Barak Obama President and then rip the piddle out of promise rings and the virgins who decide to their lilywhite innocence on their sleeve.

Wet, Christian, homeschoolers The Jonas Brothers, who performed on the night, are proud wearers of promise rings (made infamous by the organisation The Silver Ring Thing) and appeared to take grave offense when Brand sordidly declared he was looking to collect all three pieces of jewelry from the three before the night was through.

On learning the error of his ways the camp cockney duke of homoeroticism apologised and carried on with the show, a spectacle and preceding line of gags a lot funnier than Jamie Foxx’s Busta Rhymes impression.

The rings indicate to the outside world that the owners are against pre-martial sex and have been the subject of much controversy in the US, not least for cashing in on the middle American belief system (this link is a parody of the extremist Christian religion, Westboro Baptist Church).

Britney took away three gongs (Best Pop Video, Best Female Video and Best Video) for 'Piece Of Me' and thanked "God first and foremost for just blessing me like this".

She must be oblivious to the fact that the world has seen her go from pop princess to drug addled divorcee in a matter of months. Not exactly a blessing some might say.

Have a look at Russell Brand's hilarious 'digging-himself-outta-the-hole-he-just-dug' post-show interview below:

Words: Dean Samways

Image: Mirror.co.uk