NEWS: Reckoner Gets Animated

The indisputable highlight of Radiohead’s In Rainbows has finally been given the visual treatment.

The video for ‘Reckoner’, the latest single to be lifted from the Oxford’s algorithm Kings seventh studio album, was created by competition winner Clement Picon from France.

A budding Spike Jonze, Picon was selected from the four winners who entered the In Rainbows Animated Video Contest. The winner was picked by the members of the band themselves.

In an unexpected turn of events following the band’s rejection of music industry traditions and traits and self-release of the LP, the much anticipated video appeared first on MySpace Music.

In addition the site will also feature the three runners-up in the coming weeks.

This just goes to emphasise that fact that no-one really knows where and wehn Rdaiohead are going to pop up again with more new and exciting material and content.

Fortunately though the band have also posted it on their official website.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: photobucket

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: 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: 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

NEWS: Oberst Streams Entire New Album On Official Site

Bright Eyes star Conor Oberst has made his new, self-titled solo album available to all via a stream on his website.

Conor Oberst will be officially released through Wichita Recordings on August 4 but it is already up on his official website as a live stream for those who’re too impatient to wait a week or two.

A single, ‘Souled Out!!!’, will follow on August 25 as a special one-track 7” with a special etching on the B-side by artist Kaite Murphy, creator of the Grace McSorely comics.

ASAD is told the track will also be made available via all the normal digital outlets.

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

Words: Dean Samways

Image: Google

NEWS: Ben Folds Announces New Album

Ben Folds is going to unleash his rock side with his new long-awaited album.

Out on September 30, Way To Normal is Fold’s third solo long-player as a solo artist and comes as the follow-up to Songs For Silverman.

Folds takes up vocal, piano and, of course, song-writing duties on the Dennis Herring (Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse, The Hives) produced album.

Indie pop starlet Regina Spektor features as a guest vocalist on the album’s first single, ‘You Don't Know Me’.

The new raucous album shouldn’t be assumed to be an ode to divorce following Folds’ own two-year legal proceedings with his ex-wife, as the musician explains.

“The songs are not topical. I was not interested in making a record about the D-word. I got all that stuff out of my system on the last record, which was deliberately stoic. This new album is really about me being free, which is why it feels cathartic and expressive. It's about me coming back to being myself.

"I came out of the courthouse, kissed the ground, and walked straight into the studio. I felt like a bottle of champagne that had been shaken for 18 months and popped open in the studio. That's why this record has so much energy."

Ben Folds has been performing at many summer festivals this year, and will continue to tour Way To Normal worldwide into 2009.

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

Words: Dean Samways

Image: flickr

NEWS: Bloc Party And Sex Pistols In 'Racial Attack'

Reports are emerging today of an incident involving Bloc Party's Kele Okereke and Sex Pistols' frontman John Lydon at a Spanish festival over the weekend.

A fight erupted at the Summercase festival in Barcelona on Saturday July 19th which has now been called an 'unprovoked racist attack' by Okereke.

According to the Bloc Party camp the singer approached Lydon to ask if he would consider reforming one of the his bands, Public Image Ltd.

In a statement Bloc Party claim the punk veteran "became intimidating and aggressive while his entourage responded with a racist tirade including the statement, 'Your problem is your black attitude'."

A fight occurred soon after in which Lydon's entourage were seen by some 50 people to attack Okereke at which point Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs and Foals' Yannis Philippakis stepped in to help the singer.

Other bands who witnessed the ruckus include Mystery Jets, Neon Neon and Har Mar Superstar.

The violence left Kele with severe bruising and cuts to his face and body and a split lip.

Festival security stepped in to neutralise the situation which was later reported to Spanish police. Okereke gave a statement to British police upon returning to the UK.

Speaking to NME.com the Bloc Party frontman said: "It's not an issue of the physical assault, even though it was an unprovoked attack, it is the fact that race was brought into the matter so readily.

"Someone as respected and as intelligent as Lydon should know better than to bring race into the equation, or socialise with and encourage those who hold such narrow-minded attitudes.

"I am disappointed that someone I held with such high regard turns out to be such a bigot."

This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: the Quietus

NEWS: Metallica Artwork Revealed

Metallica have released some of the artwork (pictured above) that is to feature on their forthcoming album Death Magnetic.

The images put up on the Metallica website yesterday depict a coffin etched out of iron filings that have been treated by some magnetic fields from top to bottom, just like those prepubescent primary school science experiments.

The impressive, pristine looking images are a further teaser from the metal behemoths, who earlier this month told fans of an extremely limited and already sought after collectors edition of the new album.

In a spectacularly melancholy move to win over the new-age digital loving music fans Metallica announced they are going to release Death Magnetic in a special coffin boxset when the album hits the shelves later this year.

The coffin release will include the full album, a CD of demos, a DVD 'making of' documentary with never before seen footage, an exclusive t-shirt, a flag (randomly), guitar picks and a poster along with a collector's card containing an embossed code to redeem a free download of a special European show happening in September.

The statement giving the details of the coffin box on the Metallica website also said the band were in the process of finalising the artwork at the moment.

Have a gander just below for the new Metallica video for 'The Day That Never Comes':

This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: the Quietus

NEWS: Brian Jonestown Massacre Each Other?

Yesterday the NME reported on a somewhat chaotic end to Wednesday’s Brian Jonestown Massacre gig.

The show is said to have come to an abrupt conclusion after an argument broke out between lead singer Anton Newcombe and guitarist Frankie Emerson.

After police were called and rumours of knife injuries sustained by Emerson began to circulate, the label and management of the band today released a statement announcing that no such events occurred.

The statement read as follows:

“There was no knife or knives involved in any shape or form in this incident. The cuts to Frankie Emerson were caused by some glass splinters.

“Emerson’s injuries were superficial to his arm and stomach and he was treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London. These injuries were caused by horseplay by the band in their own changing room after the gig.”

Whether or not the injuries were caused by glass or "horseplay" is still up for debate as the announced remains somewhat shady with these details.

“Anton Newcombe was questioned at Kentish Police Station to help the police with their enquiries and was released with no charge or caution. Frankie Emerson did not press any charges on Anton Newcombe.

“Any comments by anyone within or outside the media to the contrary are completely false. The band will continue with their successful European tour.”

The London Forum gig on July 16th may have started well but it soon descended into some pretty laughable scenes inner-band dysfunction.

Apparently an inebriated Emerson swung a microphone in a fit of showmanship and damaged it during the evening.

Newcombe reacted by telling him, in front of the crowd, that he would have to pay for the broken equipment to which Emerson responded by sarcastically blasting "testing, one two, one two" into the mic before the band’s encore.

Drummer Joel Gion attempted to settle matters by saying goodnight to the crowd but Emerson trumped up again shouting: “Don't shut front of house man, you fucker.”

After returning to complete the encore the alleged confrontation took place backstage, and police were called to diffuse the situation. No arrests were made and the band is continuing on their UK tour.

A label spokesman played down the incident, declaring: “These things do happen on tour when the band are tired and been away from home too long.”

Brian Jonestown Massacre video to ‘When Jokers Attack’ can be watched below:

This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: the Quietus

NEWS: McCartney Sings ‘Happy Birthday Israel’

Hamster king of the City of Culture Paul McCartney looks set to make history once again by playing a gig in Israel, 43 years after The Beatles were banned from performing in the country.

In 1965 the biggest band in the world was famously turned away by the then education minister of Israel, who believed the band’s music might corrupt the nation’s youth.

Earlier this year McCartney, fellow Beatle Ringo Starr and the relatives of George Harrison and John Lennon each received letters of apology from Israel’s ambassador to Britain, Ron Prosor.

The letter read: “There is no doubt that it was a great missed opportunity to prevent people like you, who shaped the minds of the generation, to come to Israel and perform.”

This comes five years after McCartney made history by performing in Moscow’s Red Square, the first time any Beatle had been allowed to play in the Russia since the Soviet regime banned the group.

A date for the gig has not been revealed but it is understood that the former Wings frontman will appear in the Middle East before the year is out.

In other McCartney news, Liverpool’s famous son has faced opposition to his appearance in Quebec this weekend. McCartney is to play an event celebrating the city's 400th anniversary, but members of the grumpy French-descended community have got in a huff about the "Canadianisation" of the event. The city was under French rule until it was captured by General Wolfe in 1759, and there has been a strong movement for independence from Canada ever since.

McCartney plays ‘Back in the USSR’ for the people of the former USSR below:

This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: the Quietus

NEWS: Eno And Byrne Join Forces Once Again

Magic musical partnership Brian Eno and David Byrne have delighted fans by announcing they are once again working together on a new studio album. This will be preceded by three US tour dates.

According to Billboard, the song-writing duo has already started work on the new album, their first since 1981's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. As yet untitled, the LP will be released later this year.

David Byrne is expected to self-release the project once it is completed.

The tour, billed ever-so-succinctly as 'The Songs of Talking Heads' David Byrne and Roxy Music founder Brian Eno', will feature songs from Eno-era Talking Heads.

The three dates will take in Atlanta on September 20th then the Austin City Limits Festival in Texas on September 26th before finishing up in California on October 4th.

A truly classic performance of Eno-produced ‘Life During Wartime’ from the Talking Heads’ movie Stop Making Sense is waiting just below:

This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: the Quietus

NEWS: The Hoosiers Blast Kings Of Leon's Dancing Abilities

The Hoosiers (above) have attacked Kings of Leon (below) for ‘not putting on a show’ when they headlined the Glastonbury Festival last month.

The music press was full of praise for the blues rockers after their Pyramid Stage set on the Friday night, but The Hoosiers' Irwin Sparkes believes they could have danced a bit.

Talking to The Daily Star, the frontman said: “I saw them at Glasto and they are good but they just don’t put on much of a show.

“You want something personal because you know they do it every day – you want them to make it feel special for you.

“We did some dances on stage at Glastonbury. We like to put on a bit of a show.”

Make your own punchline up: here...

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

Words: Dean Samways

Images: Google

NEWS: Glastonbury vs. Lollapalooza

The Godfather of muddy summer shindigs Glastonbury could get a new competitor as reports out this morning claim Perry Farrell is considering bringing his Lollapalooza festival across the pond.

The former Jane's Addiction singer has said he’s been approached with offers to make the famous US music gathering international. Speaking to NME.COM he also revealed the three-day Chicago festival will have new elements to it when it when things kick off on August 1.

“Lollapalooza is one of the historically great festivals in this country. Over there [in England] they have Glastonbury - it's actually older than Lollapalooza. I love the competition. I love the idea that OK, you've got Glastonbury, let's see what we can do to make our Lollapalooza fantastic.”

Taking an entire festival overseas is no mean feat, and Farrell is under no illusions as to how demanding the mammoth task ahead of him will be.

“I'm in negotiations right now with a few other locations, some of them overseas, and we'll see how it goes. I look at Lollapalooza as an incredible party machine and you have to go where you can put on the best party."

On more immediate matters Farrell spoke of the latest addition to the Chicago Grant Park outing; a shaded “club area” where punters will be able to enjoy a bit of a dance, a drink and watch some live music.

“It'll have booze and seating and an authentic club sound and feel. It's a place where you can get out of the sun, grab a drink and get a taste of dance culture. And I'll be doing a live electro set there with my Satellite Party posse.”

The once travelling music carnival which has now found a permanent home in Chicago features an impressive line-up this year. Radiohead, Rage Against The Machine, Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails, Wilco, The Raconteurs and Gnarls Barkley are all set to make an appearance, with Farrell particularly looking forward to Kanye West’s set.

“This year Kanye West has had a bit of controversy going on with his live sets, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing him hit the stage and rock the city of Chicago.”

To see The Raconteurs perform ‘Level’ at last year’s Lollapalooza divert your gaze below:

This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: the Quietus

NEWS: The Manics Come Home

Former glam slut punks the Manic Street Preachers have announced a special homecoming gig as a warm-up to their Reading and Leeds festival appearances.

The trio will be playing the Newport Centre on Thursday 21st August.

Close to their childhood home of Blackwood, Caerphilly, the show is a rare chance to see the stadium rockers in a space barely big enough to swing a Cuban dictator.

Tickets for the night will be available from 9:30 on Friday July 18 from via the See Tickets website. You can also snap them up directly from the Newport Centre on 01633 656757 or 0871 200 260.

Tickets are £25.00.

To rediscover why you once loved this band click below:

This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.

Words: Dean Samways

Image: the Quietus

NEWS: Future Of The Left Extend Their Summer Road Trip

Angry Welsh rockers Future Of The Left have expanded their upcoming UK tour by adding two new dates in London and Newcastle.

The DiS favourites will call at London Proud Galleries on July 25 and Newcastle’s Head of Steam on August 16.

The tour dates are as follows:

• 25th July - Proud Galleries, London
• 11th August - Lousiana, Bristol
• 12th August - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
• 14th August - Belsonic Festival, Belfast
• 15th August - Captains Rest, Glasgow
• 16th August - Head of Steam, Newcastle
• 19th August - Forum, Tunbridge Wells
• 20th August - Water Rats, London
• 22nd August - Reading Festival
• 23rd August - Leeds Festival
• 30th August - DETAILS TBA, Sheffield
• 31st August - Offset Festival, London

Watch 'Lord Hates A Coward' by Future Of The Left performed at last year's SXSW festival below:



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

Words: Dean Samways

Image: Google