I'm looking forward to Saturday's meaning something again. One of the huge mental issues with being unemployed is that weekends blend in with every other day. Don't get me wrong - I am not resting and relaxing while out of work - got a million things on, as well as looking for a job! But, when the weekend comes around, there is great feeling of relief. I want to look forward to the weekend again.
Today I'm going to feature another 5 songs in my old TOP 100 - this week, it's tracks 90-86:
90. Memphis Skyline
Rufus Wainwright
Want Two
I love Rufus's voice when it is deliberately low and subdued like this - his voice blends with the piano so simply and beautifully. I've never seen the Memphis Skyline, but if I should ever fly over it, I will make sure this song is playing on my iPod!
89. You Never Give Me Your Money
The Beatles
Abbey Road
When I get onto top albums, I'll bore you to death about how much I love Abbey Road by The Beatles - to me, it is the finest album I have ever heard. This song stands out, as it builds and builds - from a soft beginning, Paul's voice lifts it, and then you get a crescendo of a finish (with a wonderful harmony of voices with a couple of minutes left)! "One sweet dream, cam true, today"
88. styrofoam
Daniel Powter
Daniel Powter
This is just a wonderfully chirpy pop song - it is OK to like them, I swear! You can't fail to be hooked in by the piano towards the end. There is nothing greatly artistic about this - it's catchy!
87. You're My Best Friend
Queen
Greatest Hits
Appearing in the Menace2Music collab playlist for the second time (one of only two tracks to achieved this so far), You're My Best Friend is a great Queen track. I know Who Wants to Live Forever features very highly, but this one deserves its place too.
86. Sing
Blur
Trainspotting
Great beat, nice harmonies - this is quite a tune. The thing that amazes me about this (and Song 2), is that I've often found people surprised that this is a song by Blur. I'm not sure if they ever released this song (I doubt it) - for me, I hear this, I see the Trainspotting film.
All available tracks have been added to the spotify collab playlist - check them out there!
Thanks for tuning in - look forward to catching-up with you tomorrow to have a little bit of a sum-up, as Menace2Music celebrates three weeks in existence! Hey, our 21st!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Friday, 30 October 2009
What was I thinking, and REM's New Adventures in Hi-Fi
Well, I'm not sure what I was thinking on Wednesday, but I should've reviewed a classic album, and not a reissue!? So, I'll do a classic album today, and then again on Wednesday returning to the programme I set in place?!
Although, in saying that, I'd like to do some OST/soundtrack reviews at some point, and talk about my favourite overall OSTs, and individual tracks - might look at putting something like this together next week - this will include such soundtracks as:
Batman
Spy Game
Indiana Jones
Romeo and Juliet
....and many more!
Well, in a week where they have released another live album (and, according to some of the reviews I have read, a great live album at that), I thought I would look at an REM album as a classic one this week - I have chosen the under-stated New Adventures in Hi-Fi:
As I've mentioned before, I love bands that experiment. To keep your music the same, and not try to branch out and grow, is playing it safe and boring. For me, this is why I never liked bands like Oasis, yet appreciated bands like REM, Radiohead and Dodgy - they weren't afraid of taking risks with their music, however often it might get them into a few creative scrapes!
REM's Monster album is an acquired taste - for me, it grew-and-grew into a better album the more I listened to it. I grew with it, as it was the first REM album that I bought all of the CD singles religiously as they were released (each had a number of live tracks that grew into their own live album). New Adventures was recorded on the road, during the Monster tour.
This album stands out, as REM took a few chances - it sounds distinct enough from Monster, as though this was the album and moves they'd been trying to show-off all the time. It has some absolute classics on it, including one of the finest REM tracks of all-time - Leave. According to Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide:
"Clocking in at seven minutes, "Leave" is the longest track R.E.M. has yet recorded and it's one of their strangest and best -- an affecting minor-key dirge with a howling, siren-like feedback loop that runs throughout the entire song."
The song just picks you up, and chucks you around - it starts off so deliberatly slow, and then drags you into a tornado of sound! When I heard this for the first time, I remembered thinking that I had heard nothing like this from REM before - what, from 1:00 minute in, was acoustic about this?! It was electric (as Monster had been, but this felt like it had structure), and had so much depth. It sounded like Stipe was pained, but was pulling through. I knew from the beginning that I had touched upon a song I would love forever!
If you download three tracks, hit:
Leave (features in my TOP 100)
Bittersweet Me
Be Mine (for me, my second fave on the album - also features in my TOP 100; I love the secondhalf of this song, as the guitar sweeps along - a song I wish to this day that I'd heard live)
I've added the album to the spotify menace2music collab playlist - see the link for this below.
They'll be more to come on REM, as they're in my top bands of all time list, which I feature on a Thursday (a Thursday, dammit - remember Menace!?!).
Have a great Friday - may the weekend, which it looks like is going to be awet-and-nasty one, bring you everything you need, demand, and require! Hopefully, some of it will include music!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Although, in saying that, I'd like to do some OST/soundtrack reviews at some point, and talk about my favourite overall OSTs, and individual tracks - might look at putting something like this together next week - this will include such soundtracks as:
Batman
Spy Game
Indiana Jones
Romeo and Juliet
....and many more!
Well, in a week where they have released another live album (and, according to some of the reviews I have read, a great live album at that), I thought I would look at an REM album as a classic one this week - I have chosen the under-stated New Adventures in Hi-Fi:
As I've mentioned before, I love bands that experiment. To keep your music the same, and not try to branch out and grow, is playing it safe and boring. For me, this is why I never liked bands like Oasis, yet appreciated bands like REM, Radiohead and Dodgy - they weren't afraid of taking risks with their music, however often it might get them into a few creative scrapes!
REM's Monster album is an acquired taste - for me, it grew-and-grew into a better album the more I listened to it. I grew with it, as it was the first REM album that I bought all of the CD singles religiously as they were released (each had a number of live tracks that grew into their own live album). New Adventures was recorded on the road, during the Monster tour.
This album stands out, as REM took a few chances - it sounds distinct enough from Monster, as though this was the album and moves they'd been trying to show-off all the time. It has some absolute classics on it, including one of the finest REM tracks of all-time - Leave. According to Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide:
"Clocking in at seven minutes, "Leave" is the longest track R.E.M. has yet recorded and it's one of their strangest and best -- an affecting minor-key dirge with a howling, siren-like feedback loop that runs throughout the entire song."
The song just picks you up, and chucks you around - it starts off so deliberatly slow, and then drags you into a tornado of sound! When I heard this for the first time, I remembered thinking that I had heard nothing like this from REM before - what, from 1:00 minute in, was acoustic about this?! It was electric (as Monster had been, but this felt like it had structure), and had so much depth. It sounded like Stipe was pained, but was pulling through. I knew from the beginning that I had touched upon a song I would love forever!
If you download three tracks, hit:
Leave (features in my TOP 100)
Bittersweet Me
Be Mine (for me, my second fave on the album - also features in my TOP 100; I love the secondhalf of this song, as the guitar sweeps along - a song I wish to this day that I'd heard live)
I've added the album to the spotify menace2music collab playlist - see the link for this below.
They'll be more to come on REM, as they're in my top bands of all time list, which I feature on a Thursday (a Thursday, dammit - remember Menace!?!).
Have a great Friday - may the weekend, which it looks like is going to be awet-and-nasty one, bring you everything you need, demand, and require! Hopefully, some of it will include music!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Thursday, 29 October 2009
ELO, and am I buying CDs for the sake of it on a Thursday???
Howdy from the heady heights of a lovely Thursday! Back from an absolutely lovely afternoon tea, at a swanky, grand 5* hotel, treating my gorgeous, heavily-pregnant wife to an afternoon of leisure!
Have been listening to lots and lots of ELO, but I have to be frank when I say that I am not quite there on writing a piece about them - I want to write as much (if not more) as I wrote about Mansun, and I know I have neither the time or facility to do this as I type right now! So, next week will be ELO week - sorry if you were tuning-in especially for this!
The ELO collab playlist is available to whet your appetite though - check it out:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/4Hfee7VdH1pOsR8tBcLOyo
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:4Hfee7VdH1pOsR8tBcLOyo
Just bought three CDs on eBay - not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I absolutely love soundtracks/OSTs. So, I decided earlier tonight to simply search by the following keyword on eBay "soundtrack", I bid on three and I won all of them:
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (well, we have already had a couple of Bryan Adams tracks on there so far, and this looks mostly score-like)
Stand By Me (definitely worth a listen)
but, the highlight - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (really looking forward to this one!)
I have to ask the question though - am I serious!? Am I buying too many CDs right now, if these are what I'm grabbing for right now?! These cost me, together, £4.49. Good business? Would I pay £1.50 for each of these if I saw them in a second hand music store or charity shop? You know what, I would, so push off - I'm doing the right thing!!!!!
Have a great Thursday night everyone - see you all tomorrow!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Have been listening to lots and lots of ELO, but I have to be frank when I say that I am not quite there on writing a piece about them - I want to write as much (if not more) as I wrote about Mansun, and I know I have neither the time or facility to do this as I type right now! So, next week will be ELO week - sorry if you were tuning-in especially for this!
The ELO collab playlist is available to whet your appetite though - check it out:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/4Hfee7VdH1pOsR8tBcLOyo
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:4Hfee7VdH1pOsR8tBcLOyo
Just bought three CDs on eBay - not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I absolutely love soundtracks/OSTs. So, I decided earlier tonight to simply search by the following keyword on eBay "soundtrack", I bid on three and I won all of them:
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (well, we have already had a couple of Bryan Adams tracks on there so far, and this looks mostly score-like)
Stand By Me (definitely worth a listen)
but, the highlight - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (really looking forward to this one!)
I have to ask the question though - am I serious!? Am I buying too many CDs right now, if these are what I'm grabbing for right now?! These cost me, together, £4.49. Good business? Would I pay £1.50 for each of these if I saw them in a second hand music store or charity shop? You know what, I would, so push off - I'm doing the right thing!!!!!
Have a great Thursday night everyone - see you all tomorrow!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
The Leisure Society (The Sleeper) reviewed, the importance of CDs, and we're almost halfway through the week!
I was planning to review the reissue of Madness' One Step Beyond, but it is not on spotify yet. So, instead, I have had a listen to a local band hitting the big time - The Leisure Society, and their early reissue of this year's album - The Sleeper.
Comparing this band to Fleet Foxes (as Q magazine have done, see November 2009 issue) is fair, but there is a bit more to this band. Orchestration, sweet guitar riffs (see A Short Weekend Begins With Longing), and heart-warming vocals (We Were Wasted) a-plenty!
I definitely think this album is worth a good listen - it's a friendly album, welcoming you in with open arms. If you're a fan of this folk-indie cross over, you will definitely find a song or two on here for you.
I had a very interesting discussion last night about the importance of listening to CDs themselves, more. Have I embraced the digital revolution a little too much (adoring spotify, and owning three iPods)? Have I forgotten the magic of putting a CD in a CD player and listening to ensuing liquor of sound? I admit that I wasn't terribly proud of myself to say such things as "I couldn't remember the last time I played a CD in a CD player" - now that is pretty poor!!!
But, without spotify, I wouldn't be able to do this blog! Yes, I buy a fair amount (I estimate around 7-12 CDs per month enter these premises, much to my wife's frustration), but I couldn't buy everything I like or listen to - I'd be bankrupt within a couple of months! Spotify allows me a huge amount of freedom to listen to music as it is released, the artist is still paid as I listen, and I'm committed to acting like the kind of consumer they want - I listen on spotify, and if I like it, I buy or download it!
But, today, I'm going to put a CD in a proper CD player and listen for the difference. Play a CD from start to finish on my stereo downstairs, and let the music flow over me. Mmm, but what to listen to? I'm thinking classics, guitar, harmonies. I'll fill you in tomorrow.
So, we're almost halfway through the week - had a nice trip to London yesterday with the iPod on shuffle, but also listened to Muse's new album - The Resistance - and thoroughly enjoyed that!
I hope the week is going well for you - let music mould it a little, at least!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Comparing this band to Fleet Foxes (as Q magazine have done, see November 2009 issue) is fair, but there is a bit more to this band. Orchestration, sweet guitar riffs (see A Short Weekend Begins With Longing), and heart-warming vocals (We Were Wasted) a-plenty!
I definitely think this album is worth a good listen - it's a friendly album, welcoming you in with open arms. If you're a fan of this folk-indie cross over, you will definitely find a song or two on here for you.
I had a very interesting discussion last night about the importance of listening to CDs themselves, more. Have I embraced the digital revolution a little too much (adoring spotify, and owning three iPods)? Have I forgotten the magic of putting a CD in a CD player and listening to ensuing liquor of sound? I admit that I wasn't terribly proud of myself to say such things as "I couldn't remember the last time I played a CD in a CD player" - now that is pretty poor!!!
But, without spotify, I wouldn't be able to do this blog! Yes, I buy a fair amount (I estimate around 7-12 CDs per month enter these premises, much to my wife's frustration), but I couldn't buy everything I like or listen to - I'd be bankrupt within a couple of months! Spotify allows me a huge amount of freedom to listen to music as it is released, the artist is still paid as I listen, and I'm committed to acting like the kind of consumer they want - I listen on spotify, and if I like it, I buy or download it!
But, today, I'm going to put a CD in a proper CD player and listen for the difference. Play a CD from start to finish on my stereo downstairs, and let the music flow over me. Mmm, but what to listen to? I'm thinking classics, guitar, harmonies. I'll fill you in tomorrow.
So, we're almost halfway through the week - had a nice trip to London yesterday with the iPod on shuffle, but also listened to Muse's new album - The Resistance - and thoroughly enjoyed that!
I hope the week is going well for you - let music mould it a little, at least!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Funeral Singers (Califone) and what can a Tuesday bring?
Hi everyone,
Today's new track is Funeral Singers by Califone - you can feel this song slowly build, strumming guitar.
Although this isn't the happiest of titles or subjects, the harmonies build and build to a frame an elegant, and powerful song. Let it not be forgotten that Arcade Fire built a whole album out of Funerals. Here is Califone's attempt at the same.
Short entry today, as have a million things on! I'm hoping my Tuesday is going to bring good news - keep your fingers crossed for me!
Feel the love, feel the music - listen to something new today, it'll be fun!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Today's new track is Funeral Singers by Califone - you can feel this song slowly build, strumming guitar.
Although this isn't the happiest of titles or subjects, the harmonies build and build to a frame an elegant, and powerful song. Let it not be forgotten that Arcade Fire built a whole album out of Funerals. Here is Califone's attempt at the same.
Short entry today, as have a million things on! I'm hoping my Tuesday is going to bring good news - keep your fingers crossed for me!
Feel the love, feel the music - listen to something new today, it'll be fun!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Monday, 26 October 2009
Dan Arborise (album: Of Tide and Trail), and a Monday can be great!
Good afternoon from Menace2Music!
Going to start with the new album of the week - Dan Arborise's Of Tide and Trail:
I put the album on shuffle on spotify, and hit the final track of the album first - Feet In The Sea Head In The Stars. I want to say this has been influenced a little by latter-day Pink Floyd in it's sweeping, atmospheric nature, but I think there is more to this song than that. It's heart-warming, almost spiritual - nice chillout music, if you're feeling a little stressed. You don't expect the lyrics to come along, but when they do they don't detract from a fabulous finale!
I went back to the beginning of the album now, and took it off shuffle - I wanted to hear what came before this piece. You immediately know you're in for an acoustic adventure here, built on a strong, folky-indie voice - a little of the Ray LaMontagne about it, but a touch more rock-n-roll!
There is quite a lot of depth to this album (on one listen, I did purchase this and am awaiting my copy), with most songs being 4mins+, and three over 7mins (including the last track on the album, mentioned above). And I don't feel this is just another musician churning out a clone-like album - it feels like a lot of time and energy has been thrown into getting these songs right. Some of the guitar play (see Cries, 4-odd mins in) on this album is magical, elegantly balanced in the background by ultra-chilled tones.
In an age where we have a lot of very bad music drubbed into us, with TV and media overplay, it is refreshing to hear a musician and a music without borders, without too much over-production and editing - this is is Dan Arborise singing and playing for all he is worth, and for that he should be commended.
I would honestly say, after only a couple of listens, this albums ranks in my top 10 of the year (I'll put this list together towards the end of 2009 in another blog entry - other albums potentially on this list are The Decemberists, The Doves, Marillion and Animal Kingdom - so, it's great to have a solo artist on the list now).
If you download three:
She Told Me How to Love Her
Cries
Feet In The Sea Head In The Stars
For more information:
http://www.myspace.com/arborise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrqIg1C95QU
The album has been added to Menace2Music's collab playlist on spotify - check it out at:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
So, in conclusion, Monday's can be pretty terrific things! Here I find myself, listening to a fab album, plonking on my keyboard about music, and I've just spoken to an old friend who has got engaged! Go Monday!
I'm not even going to tempt matters with an iPod shuffle feature, as I'll only bring up some music that I don't really want to talk about!?
I hope you're having a good Monday, and the week has begun in a suitable fashion! Let Dan Arborise chill you out on a Monday too - well worth it!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Going to start with the new album of the week - Dan Arborise's Of Tide and Trail:
I put the album on shuffle on spotify, and hit the final track of the album first - Feet In The Sea Head In The Stars. I want to say this has been influenced a little by latter-day Pink Floyd in it's sweeping, atmospheric nature, but I think there is more to this song than that. It's heart-warming, almost spiritual - nice chillout music, if you're feeling a little stressed. You don't expect the lyrics to come along, but when they do they don't detract from a fabulous finale!
I went back to the beginning of the album now, and took it off shuffle - I wanted to hear what came before this piece. You immediately know you're in for an acoustic adventure here, built on a strong, folky-indie voice - a little of the Ray LaMontagne about it, but a touch more rock-n-roll!
There is quite a lot of depth to this album (on one listen, I did purchase this and am awaiting my copy), with most songs being 4mins+, and three over 7mins (including the last track on the album, mentioned above). And I don't feel this is just another musician churning out a clone-like album - it feels like a lot of time and energy has been thrown into getting these songs right. Some of the guitar play (see Cries, 4-odd mins in) on this album is magical, elegantly balanced in the background by ultra-chilled tones.
In an age where we have a lot of very bad music drubbed into us, with TV and media overplay, it is refreshing to hear a musician and a music without borders, without too much over-production and editing - this is is Dan Arborise singing and playing for all he is worth, and for that he should be commended.
I would honestly say, after only a couple of listens, this albums ranks in my top 10 of the year (I'll put this list together towards the end of 2009 in another blog entry - other albums potentially on this list are The Decemberists, The Doves, Marillion and Animal Kingdom - so, it's great to have a solo artist on the list now).
If you download three:
She Told Me How to Love Her
Cries
Feet In The Sea Head In The Stars
For more information:
http://www.myspace.com/arborise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrqIg1C95QU
The album has been added to Menace2Music's collab playlist on spotify - check it out at:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
So, in conclusion, Monday's can be pretty terrific things! Here I find myself, listening to a fab album, plonking on my keyboard about music, and I've just spoken to an old friend who has got engaged! Go Monday!
I'm not even going to tempt matters with an iPod shuffle feature, as I'll only bring up some music that I don't really want to talk about!?
I hope you're having a good Monday, and the week has begun in a suitable fashion! Let Dan Arborise chill you out on a Monday too - well worth it!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Menace2Music is TWO weeks old, what's been reviewed in week 2, and what's to come!
Menace2Music is two weeks old, and I am still having a lot of fun with this blog, despite the last couple of days and the late entries. I'm just hoping that I'll be able to keep up a daily post - going to try my very hardest!
Our second week has seen the following reviews:
Monday - Polite Sleeper - Lake Effect
Tuesday - Animal Kingdom - Silence Summons You
Wednesday - Queen - Greatest Hits
Thursday - Mansun all of the spotify music is in the following colab:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/71ZPy0U32W6JCScMfRLkvk
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:71ZPy0U32W6JCScMfRLkvk
Friday - Fleetwood Mac - The Very Best of
Saturday - 94-91 from my old TOP 100, including Cat Power and Keane
I hope you've found this week interesting, and are looking forward to the next seven days, which will include Fanfarlo, ELO, Madness, and lots more iPod shuffle grabs!
The new albums I've been listening to this week have been as follows:
Fanfarlo - Reservoir (possible new album review tomorrow)
Fleetwood Mac - The Very Best of (reviewed, however briefly, earlier in the week)
Dead Man's Bones
Dan Arborise - Of Tide and Trail
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains
Califone - All My Friends Are Funeral Singers
I haven't listened to the iPod enough to feature a full list of songs that have moulded my week (following on from the Brian Jonestown Disaster song, mentioned earlier). So, what has moulded my week? Well, lots of things that just aren't related enough to music. What have I been thinking?!
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Haven't done one of these for a couple of days, so lets shuffle a few songs:
Scott Matthew - Ornament
Album: There is an ocean that divides and with my longing I can charge it with a voltage that's so violent to cross it could mean death
Not the strongest song on the album (with one of those irritatingly long titles - see Fiona Apple, which was actually a good album too, with too long a title), but enough layers and instrumentation to draw you in. The album is definitely worth a listen on spotify, though.
The Gypsy
Charlie Parker Quintet
Charlie Parker On Dial Completed Vol.1 West Coast Dates 1
Over the last couple of years, I have grown to love jazz more-and-more. This song epitomises why I like it so - the music is so friendly! For me, it is welcoming, open-hearted.
Another Only One
Art Garfunkel, Maia Sharp & Buddy Mondlock
Everything Waits to be Noticed
Despite being a huge Garfunkel fan, this album (a collaboration with Sharp and Mondlock) is not one that I have given enough time. If anything, the song sounds a little too modern - it almost sounds like the three of them are trying their hardest to sound like a Timberlake or Buble ballad. No, leave Garfunkel to do what he does best!
Kids Wanna Rock
Bryan Adams
So Far So Good
Now, you see what I mean about shuffle picking up on the same artists - how many times am I giong to write about Adams and Garfunkel - I will flip over them the next couple of times, I think?! A good rock-n-roll song, but not Adams finest by any stretch of the imagination!?
Fake the Aroma
Massive Attack
WarChild: From Help to Heroes (Disc 2)
For me, Massive Attack are one of those bands that I talk about having listened to, and own a couple of their albums, but I don't know enough about them, by far. I've heard this song a couple of times - bongo and mystifying beats behind almost rap-like, downbeat, lyrics. (not on spotify)
Do check out Menace2Music's spotify colab:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
May you all have an absolutely fabulous week, coming-up - may it be filled with music, love, happiness and Menace2Music!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Our second week has seen the following reviews:
Monday - Polite Sleeper - Lake Effect
Tuesday - Animal Kingdom - Silence Summons You
Wednesday - Queen - Greatest Hits
Thursday - Mansun all of the spotify music is in the following colab:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/71ZPy0U32W6JCScMfRLkvk
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:71ZPy0U32W6JCScMfRLkvk
Friday - Fleetwood Mac - The Very Best of
Saturday - 94-91 from my old TOP 100, including Cat Power and Keane
I hope you've found this week interesting, and are looking forward to the next seven days, which will include Fanfarlo, ELO, Madness, and lots more iPod shuffle grabs!
The new albums I've been listening to this week have been as follows:
Fanfarlo - Reservoir (possible new album review tomorrow)
Fleetwood Mac - The Very Best of (reviewed, however briefly, earlier in the week)
Dead Man's Bones
Dan Arborise - Of Tide and Trail
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains
Califone - All My Friends Are Funeral Singers
I haven't listened to the iPod enough to feature a full list of songs that have moulded my week (following on from the Brian Jonestown Disaster song, mentioned earlier). So, what has moulded my week? Well, lots of things that just aren't related enough to music. What have I been thinking?!
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Haven't done one of these for a couple of days, so lets shuffle a few songs:
Scott Matthew - Ornament
Album: There is an ocean that divides and with my longing I can charge it with a voltage that's so violent to cross it could mean death
Not the strongest song on the album (with one of those irritatingly long titles - see Fiona Apple, which was actually a good album too, with too long a title), but enough layers and instrumentation to draw you in. The album is definitely worth a listen on spotify, though.
The Gypsy
Charlie Parker Quintet
Charlie Parker On Dial Completed Vol.1 West Coast Dates 1
Over the last couple of years, I have grown to love jazz more-and-more. This song epitomises why I like it so - the music is so friendly! For me, it is welcoming, open-hearted.
Another Only One
Art Garfunkel, Maia Sharp & Buddy Mondlock
Everything Waits to be Noticed
Despite being a huge Garfunkel fan, this album (a collaboration with Sharp and Mondlock) is not one that I have given enough time. If anything, the song sounds a little too modern - it almost sounds like the three of them are trying their hardest to sound like a Timberlake or Buble ballad. No, leave Garfunkel to do what he does best!
Kids Wanna Rock
Bryan Adams
So Far So Good
Now, you see what I mean about shuffle picking up on the same artists - how many times am I giong to write about Adams and Garfunkel - I will flip over them the next couple of times, I think?! A good rock-n-roll song, but not Adams finest by any stretch of the imagination!?
Fake the Aroma
Massive Attack
WarChild: From Help to Heroes (Disc 2)
For me, Massive Attack are one of those bands that I talk about having listened to, and own a couple of their albums, but I don't know enough about them, by far. I've heard this song a couple of times - bongo and mystifying beats behind almost rap-like, downbeat, lyrics. (not on spotify)
Do check out Menace2Music's spotify colab:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
May you all have an absolutely fabulous week, coming-up - may it be filled with music, love, happiness and Menace2Music!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Saturday, 24 October 2009
TOP 100 (tracks 94-91, oops) and how's your weekend going?
I realised a moment ago that I featured 6 tracks from my old TOP 100 last week, so this week only has FOUR:
94. Bedshaped
Keane
Hopes and Fears
Subtle, but still strong - the lyrics, and slow building sound of this song, are excellent. Of all of the Keane songs that I have liked (or grown to dislike - see last week's blog for further on this), this one has stayed with me. I think this one might hold it in the new TOP 100 (Work in progress).
93. The Greatest
Cat Power
The Greatest
Sweet piano, great singer - this has always been the stand out track for Cat Power, and I have gone onto collecting a lot of her albums, without finding another song of this quality and strength. This one will most likely lose its place, which is a shame as it is a very good song.
92. My Little Town
Art Garfunkel
Breakaway
The first song, I think, to feature in the spotify collab playlist twice (as we featured Breakaway as a classic album) - a duet for Paul Simon and Garfunkel, this is a such a beautiful song. The harmonies against the sweeping piano - sweet! "It's just imagination, relax, everything's the same back in, My Little Town"
91. God Protect Your Soul
Ed Harcourt
Here Be Monsters
I'm not sure I would have heard of Ed Harcourt to this day, unless a friend had introduced me to this excellent album. Again, another song that builds and builds (becoming a theme I am spotting). Might slip down, but hold - we shall see.
eBay sales have gone well - thanks to everyone for their purchases who go onto reading the blog!
Hope your weekend is going well - I'm going to go back to trying to get a webcam to work?! Check out the Menace2Music spotify collaborative playlist (still need to get a shorter title for thisa - any suggestions???):
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Very best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
94. Bedshaped
Keane
Hopes and Fears
Subtle, but still strong - the lyrics, and slow building sound of this song, are excellent. Of all of the Keane songs that I have liked (or grown to dislike - see last week's blog for further on this), this one has stayed with me. I think this one might hold it in the new TOP 100 (Work in progress).
93. The Greatest
Cat Power
The Greatest
Sweet piano, great singer - this has always been the stand out track for Cat Power, and I have gone onto collecting a lot of her albums, without finding another song of this quality and strength. This one will most likely lose its place, which is a shame as it is a very good song.
92. My Little Town
Art Garfunkel
Breakaway
The first song, I think, to feature in the spotify collab playlist twice (as we featured Breakaway as a classic album) - a duet for Paul Simon and Garfunkel, this is a such a beautiful song. The harmonies against the sweeping piano - sweet! "It's just imagination, relax, everything's the same back in, My Little Town"
91. God Protect Your Soul
Ed Harcourt
Here Be Monsters
I'm not sure I would have heard of Ed Harcourt to this day, unless a friend had introduced me to this excellent album. Again, another song that builds and builds (becoming a theme I am spotting). Might slip down, but hold - we shall see.
eBay sales have gone well - thanks to everyone for their purchases who go onto reading the blog!
Hope your weekend is going well - I'm going to go back to trying to get a webcam to work?! Check out the Menace2Music spotify collaborative playlist (still need to get a shorter title for thisa - any suggestions???):
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Very best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Friday, 23 October 2009
By a whisker, the Mac (sorry, I know I said), and the weekend!
Phew - no, I haven't forgotten you, my Menace2Music blog (now 12 days off - almost a teenager!!!) It has just been a manic day! Started some Christmas shopping (don't say anything, please...), more of the eBay auctions have ended (I'm frantically producing invoices?!), and the weekend is almost here...
Classic Album Review
Fleetwood Mac
The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac - remastered
If you don't own a Greatest Hits of Fleetwood Mac (there have already been a few, lets be honest), but this one - some of the songs are refreshed nicely. There are some classics on there (Dreams, Tusk, Big Love).
Sorry for the very short review, but it is getting very late... and yes, I know I promised I wouldn't review the Mac, but I was running out of time, and didn't fancy that I knew enough about Madness!?!?
Well, we're 16 minutes away from the weekend now, and although I am not working at present, I am looking forward to this one - may I compose of more than two days......oh well, worth a thought!
Take care all - see you all tomorrow with something a little longer, and more fulfilling!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Classic Album Review
Fleetwood Mac
The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac - remastered
If you don't own a Greatest Hits of Fleetwood Mac (there have already been a few, lets be honest), but this one - some of the songs are refreshed nicely. There are some classics on there (Dreams, Tusk, Big Love).
Sorry for the very short review, but it is getting very late... and yes, I know I promised I wouldn't review the Mac, but I was running out of time, and didn't fancy that I knew enough about Madness!?!?
Well, we're 16 minutes away from the weekend now, and although I am not working at present, I am looking forward to this one - may I compose of more than two days......oh well, worth a thought!
Take care all - see you all tomorrow with something a little longer, and more fulfilling!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Artist Day - just who did I choose? A fave band breakdown, and a start with a 90's cult band!
Good afternoon, and welcome to an earlier edition of Menace2Music! Lots going down today - prep for an exciting job interview, plus keeping an eye on the first round of CDs on eBay (username: menoir16) to finish around 5pm tonight. So, all-in-all, an interesting day to be had!
You might recall that last Thursday I wrote a list of some of my favourite artists, that I thought I would discuss on this day of the week, as this blog progresses. The list was:
The Beatles
Def Leppard
Marillion
Dodgy
Mansun
Gene
ELO
Queen
Dire Straits
REM
U2
Genesis
I suppose, if I were to publish a starting 11 (plus one substitute) this would be the team of my fave bands in the entire world, like ever and stuff! I can then break them down into the following groups:
Early-doors (into music from mid-1980s onwards - a lot of influence from my father):
The Beatles
Def Leppard
ELO
Queen
Developed as the years progressed through my teens towards Uni:
Dire Straits
REM
U2
Genesis
Marillion
Dodgy
Uni days and onwards:
Mansun
Gene
If I were to actually give these as a top 12, I would go for the following (and this is tough, but you know us boys do like to classify things):
1. The Beatles
2. Marillion
3. Def Leppard
4. Dodgy
5. Gene
6. U2
7. Genesis
8. Dire Straits
9. REM
10. Queen
11. ELO
12. Mansun
Apart from #1 (The Beatles), which went on first, this chart was very much easier to build from the bottom up. And it only really became difficult from #8 - once I'd placed REM, Queen, ELO (Electric Light Orchestra, for those who didn't realise) and Mansun, the seven I was left with were a bit of fun to mull over.
The real fun began when I had the following four for places #2-5:
Def Leppard
Marillion
Dodgy
Gene
You could break these down into two groups - Def/Marillion being the more die-hard fan, and Dodgy/Gene being that pre-Uni/through-Uni phase of liking (no, loving) the underdog bands (I was never, ever, really a Blur or Oasis fan).
Funnily enough, it was at this moment that I realised I was missing a band - Radiohead. Did Radiohead mean less to me than Mansun? There is no doubt that I put the list together last Thursday relatively quickly. Who else was I missing? For the time being, Radiohead would have to go in at #13, and look for redemption at another time...
So, Gene was eventually put in at #5, and Dodgy (a tougher one this, as I have always adored this band, everything they stood for, their musical diversity - you'l hear more on this later on...) at #4. Leaving two giants, after my absolute love of The Beatles - Def Leppard (stop sniggering at the back) and Marillion (I mean it, kill the laughter).
Why do I like these two bands so much? Well, I'll go into more detail in a later week, but the first album I ever bought was Hysteria (Def Leppard) and Marillion have been one of those bands that I have followed consistently - I just love so many of their songs!
So, if we take the above chart, and work our way from the bottom (leaving Radiohead aside for the moment - we will bring them into discussion at another time, perhaps closer to where they should be in the league), we start today's discussion with MANSUN.
If you wanted to listen to them on spotify while reading this, I have put their back catalogue in the following collab playlist:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/71ZPy0U32W6JCScMfRLkvk
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:71ZPy0U32W6JCScMfRLkvk
If I had to give three reasons why I love Mansun they would be:
* they're a highly experimental band - you can't define them
* their use of orchestration, as well as more traditional pop/alternative instrumentation
* their 1998 album, Six, I would have in my top 20 albums of all-time
They were also, I think, ahead of their time - if Mansun brought out their music now, I believe they would gain more success. This is a band that had more of a cult following than anything else.
I like any band that are willing to expand, experiment and grow within their music - I don't think Mansun felt constrained when it came to musical invention. However, in the end, it does seem like in-fighting, and bouts with their labels, did eventually bring them down. This to me shows emotion - without this, we wouldn't have the music from Mansun (and many other bands, before their subsequent break-ups) that we have.
Attack of the Grey Lantern was a more of a catchy-pop filled adventure than anything later, but it launched them. Wide Open Space is the one most people remember, reaching #15 in the UK Top 40 chart.
But is was with Six, released in 1998, that I feel Mansun showed their perfect 4 Aces hand:
The album flows from song-to-song effortlessly - it has to be listened to from start to finish without a break to get the very most of it. It has a slightly preachy side to it, but if you don't feel pressured by this, you can take in a band that was on top of it's game.
As I mentioned, in-fighting and spats with their label, led to their break-up in 2003. They had their time, showed their strengths as a band, and perhaps did as much as they could. Their early EPs are very collectable, if you have any. I know I do, and several are signed - we shall see if they're worth anything in years to come!
For a solid introduction to the band, check out their Greatest Hits - Legacy:
However, I would listen to the albums as they were released - you'll be taken on a fine journey.
See wikipedia for more information on the band - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mansun
NEXT WEEK: The Electric Light Orchestra
As well as the ipod shuffle feature, I am also going to bring a new daily feature in - Menace2Music What have I been listening to today?
Today (apart from a lot of Mansun, reminiscing) I have been listening to Dead Man's Bones eponymous album (the actor Ryan Gosling's album with friend Zach Shield), and the new one by Echo and the Bunnymen (The Fountain).
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Metarie - Brendan Benson - album: Lapalco
We definiely have an acoustic vein to the week, as heard again on this track, but it does get a little electricity behind it after a minute-or-so (track is 3:42). I don't know a huge amount about BB - I know his recent release (My Old, Familiar Friend) was very well reviewed in Q magazine. I'm going to give this a listen later today to see how good it is.
I really liked this song (Metarie) - the vocals tell a story (not that I listen to them that often), and BB has a warm, friendly voice. I'll give this whole album a little listen too (not sure where I picked this up, like, sometimes, so much of my music - could've been from a friend) and report back at a later point!
I'm also, every Sunday, going to feature a list of tracks that have stood out for me as the week has progressed - got the idea listening to an awesome live song (Swallowtail) by the The Brian Jonestown Massacre. So, this will be on Sunday - I just know you're looking forward to it! I'm compiling it by placing tracks, on my iPod, in a on-the-go playlist.
Right, hope you're all having a fab ol' day - back to the job interview prep!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
You might recall that last Thursday I wrote a list of some of my favourite artists, that I thought I would discuss on this day of the week, as this blog progresses. The list was:
The Beatles
Def Leppard
Marillion
Dodgy
Mansun
Gene
ELO
Queen
Dire Straits
REM
U2
Genesis
I suppose, if I were to publish a starting 11 (plus one substitute) this would be the team of my fave bands in the entire world, like ever and stuff! I can then break them down into the following groups:
Early-doors (into music from mid-1980s onwards - a lot of influence from my father):
The Beatles
Def Leppard
ELO
Queen
Developed as the years progressed through my teens towards Uni:
Dire Straits
REM
U2
Genesis
Marillion
Dodgy
Uni days and onwards:
Mansun
Gene
If I were to actually give these as a top 12, I would go for the following (and this is tough, but you know us boys do like to classify things):
1. The Beatles
2. Marillion
3. Def Leppard
4. Dodgy
5. Gene
6. U2
7. Genesis
8. Dire Straits
9. REM
10. Queen
11. ELO
12. Mansun
Apart from #1 (The Beatles), which went on first, this chart was very much easier to build from the bottom up. And it only really became difficult from #8 - once I'd placed REM, Queen, ELO (Electric Light Orchestra, for those who didn't realise) and Mansun, the seven I was left with were a bit of fun to mull over.
The real fun began when I had the following four for places #2-5:
Def Leppard
Marillion
Dodgy
Gene
You could break these down into two groups - Def/Marillion being the more die-hard fan, and Dodgy/Gene being that pre-Uni/through-Uni phase of liking (no, loving) the underdog bands (I was never, ever, really a Blur or Oasis fan).
Funnily enough, it was at this moment that I realised I was missing a band - Radiohead. Did Radiohead mean less to me than Mansun? There is no doubt that I put the list together last Thursday relatively quickly. Who else was I missing? For the time being, Radiohead would have to go in at #13, and look for redemption at another time...
So, Gene was eventually put in at #5, and Dodgy (a tougher one this, as I have always adored this band, everything they stood for, their musical diversity - you'l hear more on this later on...) at #4. Leaving two giants, after my absolute love of The Beatles - Def Leppard (stop sniggering at the back) and Marillion (I mean it, kill the laughter).
Why do I like these two bands so much? Well, I'll go into more detail in a later week, but the first album I ever bought was Hysteria (Def Leppard) and Marillion have been one of those bands that I have followed consistently - I just love so many of their songs!
So, if we take the above chart, and work our way from the bottom (leaving Radiohead aside for the moment - we will bring them into discussion at another time, perhaps closer to where they should be in the league), we start today's discussion with MANSUN.
If you wanted to listen to them on spotify while reading this, I have put their back catalogue in the following collab playlist:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/71ZPy0U32W6JCScMfRLkvk
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:71ZPy0U32W6JCScMfRLkvk
If I had to give three reasons why I love Mansun they would be:
* they're a highly experimental band - you can't define them
* their use of orchestration, as well as more traditional pop/alternative instrumentation
* their 1998 album, Six, I would have in my top 20 albums of all-time
They were also, I think, ahead of their time - if Mansun brought out their music now, I believe they would gain more success. This is a band that had more of a cult following than anything else.
I like any band that are willing to expand, experiment and grow within their music - I don't think Mansun felt constrained when it came to musical invention. However, in the end, it does seem like in-fighting, and bouts with their labels, did eventually bring them down. This to me shows emotion - without this, we wouldn't have the music from Mansun (and many other bands, before their subsequent break-ups) that we have.
Attack of the Grey Lantern was a more of a catchy-pop filled adventure than anything later, but it launched them. Wide Open Space is the one most people remember, reaching #15 in the UK Top 40 chart.
But is was with Six, released in 1998, that I feel Mansun showed their perfect 4 Aces hand:
The album flows from song-to-song effortlessly - it has to be listened to from start to finish without a break to get the very most of it. It has a slightly preachy side to it, but if you don't feel pressured by this, you can take in a band that was on top of it's game.
As I mentioned, in-fighting and spats with their label, led to their break-up in 2003. They had their time, showed their strengths as a band, and perhaps did as much as they could. Their early EPs are very collectable, if you have any. I know I do, and several are signed - we shall see if they're worth anything in years to come!
For a solid introduction to the band, check out their Greatest Hits - Legacy:
However, I would listen to the albums as they were released - you'll be taken on a fine journey.
See wikipedia for more information on the band - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mansun
NEXT WEEK: The Electric Light Orchestra
As well as the ipod shuffle feature, I am also going to bring a new daily feature in - Menace2Music What have I been listening to today?
Today (apart from a lot of Mansun, reminiscing) I have been listening to Dead Man's Bones eponymous album (the actor Ryan Gosling's album with friend Zach Shield), and the new one by Echo and the Bunnymen (The Fountain).
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Metarie - Brendan Benson - album: Lapalco
We definiely have an acoustic vein to the week, as heard again on this track, but it does get a little electricity behind it after a minute-or-so (track is 3:42). I don't know a huge amount about BB - I know his recent release (My Old, Familiar Friend) was very well reviewed in Q magazine. I'm going to give this a listen later today to see how good it is.
I really liked this song (Metarie) - the vocals tell a story (not that I listen to them that often), and BB has a warm, friendly voice. I'll give this whole album a little listen too (not sure where I picked this up, like, sometimes, so much of my music - could've been from a friend) and report back at a later point!
I'm also, every Sunday, going to feature a list of tracks that have stood out for me as the week has progressed - got the idea listening to an awesome live song (Swallowtail) by the The Brian Jonestown Massacre. So, this will be on Sunday - I just know you're looking forward to it! I'm compiling it by placing tracks, on my iPod, in a on-the-go playlist.
Right, hope you're all having a fab ol' day - back to the job interview prep!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
To Spotify Premium or not, missed CDs on eBay, and something rockier!
Quite simply, I love Spotify - I know I have mentioned the streamed music service a few times (every day), but I do - it is quite simply the best thing that the Internet has ever spawned! And long may it continue! It seems like a long time ago I read an article in The Independent about free music online (it was about a year ago) - I have enjoyed sooooo much!
I bring them up again, as I was e-mailed by Spotify this afternoon with an offer of Premium Service for only £6.49 per month (usually £9.99). I swore to myself that if I could get it for £50 per year, I would sign up. This is only a little bit more... I have to sign-up by November 2nd - I'm going to make myself a deal - if I get a job before November 2nd, I sign-up...we shall see!!!!?
eBay sales are going well - look up my CDs on my username (menoir16). But, I missed out on buying the album by Dan Arborise, as I was chatting to my (lovely) wife. When I logged back on, it had either been snapped-up or had simply gone. Hope it was missed, as I will be keeping an eye out for it! (please note: I can't really complain, as I got Kurt Vile - Childish Prodigy for £1.24!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Today is CLASSIC ALBUM REVIEW, and I promised something a bit rockier. Well, what could be more ROCK than Queen Greatest Hits!!!
I am afraid, in the history of all music, there is no better Greatest Hits in the World. and I can say this confidently, even as what I might term myself, a part-time Queen fan. I don't own all of the albums, I never saw them live, but you have to respect what an absolutely astronomically cooool array of tracks this album has on it! From the sublime and classic Bohemian Raphsody, through You're My Best Friend (excellent sung drunk with mates), to camp treasures like Flash and Fat Bottomed Girls.
In my opinion, my favourite track at the moment (minus Boh Rap, which is just so good) is Save Me - this song has so many levels, and I love how flexible Mercury's voice is.
The whole album has been added to the Menace2Music spotify collaborative playlist (still need to get a shorter title for thisa - any suggestions???):
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Taking a chance on ONE track today - it is:
Shout - Tears for Fears - Tears Roll Down (Greatest Hits 82-92)
"These are the things I can do without, come on - I'm talking to you, come on" I'm not sure what this means, as I don't really hear them discuss the specific things that they can do without.
I couldn't do without this album, as I decided at the last minute to pull it from the eBay sale that is currently going on!
Had to forward it on and listen to their version of Mad World - I initially thought this was bettered by the Gary Jules version for Donnie Darko. There is no doubt that slowing it down added a huge amount. Not sure, but I'm not going to mull it much longer, as I'm hungry!
Hope you're all well!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
I bring them up again, as I was e-mailed by Spotify this afternoon with an offer of Premium Service for only £6.49 per month (usually £9.99). I swore to myself that if I could get it for £50 per year, I would sign up. This is only a little bit more... I have to sign-up by November 2nd - I'm going to make myself a deal - if I get a job before November 2nd, I sign-up...we shall see!!!!?
eBay sales are going well - look up my CDs on my username (menoir16). But, I missed out on buying the album by Dan Arborise, as I was chatting to my (lovely) wife. When I logged back on, it had either been snapped-up or had simply gone. Hope it was missed, as I will be keeping an eye out for it! (please note: I can't really complain, as I got Kurt Vile - Childish Prodigy for £1.24!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Today is CLASSIC ALBUM REVIEW, and I promised something a bit rockier. Well, what could be more ROCK than Queen Greatest Hits!!!
I am afraid, in the history of all music, there is no better Greatest Hits in the World. and I can say this confidently, even as what I might term myself, a part-time Queen fan. I don't own all of the albums, I never saw them live, but you have to respect what an absolutely astronomically cooool array of tracks this album has on it! From the sublime and classic Bohemian Raphsody, through You're My Best Friend (excellent sung drunk with mates), to camp treasures like Flash and Fat Bottomed Girls.
In my opinion, my favourite track at the moment (minus Boh Rap, which is just so good) is Save Me - this song has so many levels, and I love how flexible Mercury's voice is.
The whole album has been added to the Menace2Music spotify collaborative playlist (still need to get a shorter title for thisa - any suggestions???):
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Taking a chance on ONE track today - it is:
Shout - Tears for Fears - Tears Roll Down (Greatest Hits 82-92)
"These are the things I can do without, come on - I'm talking to you, come on" I'm not sure what this means, as I don't really hear them discuss the specific things that they can do without.
I couldn't do without this album, as I decided at the last minute to pull it from the eBay sale that is currently going on!
Had to forward it on and listen to their version of Mad World - I initially thought this was bettered by the Gary Jules version for Donnie Darko. There is no doubt that slowing it down added a huge amount. Not sure, but I'm not going to mull it much longer, as I'm hungry!
Hope you're all well!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
The greatest planning undone, as the song is cut from the final album... and tomorrow I will get a little more rock in Menace2Music
It's been a day of travelling to London, iPod in ear the whole way. I thought I had found the new track to review, as it is:
New Album Track Review Day!
I was going to review Dollar Signs by Animal Kingdom, but I was very surprised, when I got onto spotify, to see that this song was CUT from the final album!
You see, I got hold of a promo from my local secondhand music shop, loved the album from an early listen, and this was one of the tracks that stood out! It came up on shuffle while on my jaunt to London today, and I thought - yes, I have my track for today. But no, I don't!?
So, I need to pick another song from the album! I've gone for Silence Summons You - a sweet, melodic number (track 4 on the album). Feels almost acoustic, but you sense there might be a little electronic wizardry behind the guitars on the track.
I suppose I should've gone for something slightly different, as Animal Kingdom sound a little similar to yesterday's band, Polite Sleeper. I think both are definitely worth a listen - if Animal Kingdom stand out a little more for me, its because their songs a little catchier around the chorus.
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Sonatine bureaucratique
Erik Satie
Assorted
If you haven't heard any Satie, and you like composers like Rachmaninov or Debussy, catch-up and bathe in some Satie for a while! His Gymnopedies, Gnossiennes etc. are gorgeous, sweet little orchestral treats!
The following four that came out of shuffle were:
Raindrops - Tindersticks - BBC Sessions
Stuart Staples, the lead singer of Tindersticks, just has a wonderfully haunting voice - loved the swifling strings behind him on this song.
Jellybelly - Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness: Dawn To Dusk
Listened to this double album (quite a statement, but justified as it was a symphony) a lot when I was at Uni. I think I'll have a good listen to some more Smashing Pumpkins soon - to be honest, after this album, I never felt they hit the same artistic heights. This, and Siamese Dream - two of the best albums of the 1990's. They might not be in the top 10, but certainly in the top 20 of the 90's.
Don't Ever Get Tired - Tindersticks - Can Our Love...
We're getting a Tindersticks-double treat (but then, if you know shuffle, it can be unpredictable - simply type "iTunes shuffle" into google to see all of the arguments that rage on about it?!)!
Last, but by no means least,
I Just Can't Wait To Be King - Jason Weaver, Rowan Atkinson & Laura Williams - The Lion King OST
OK, I didn't listen to this for long...
Damn, the next track was The Great Escape [Orchestral Version] by Marillion - I listen to the sweeping beauty of this track as I sign off.
Mmm, so tomorrow is classic album review - I want to get away from the whole folk/indie tone of things that the last couple of days have taken on (which will probably mean that the reissue review will not be Fleetwood Mac, but we will see). Might have to look at something a little more rock. We shall see...
Signing off, 40 winks is imminent. Keep loving music - it, amongst other things, keeps the world moving!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
New Album Track Review Day!
I was going to review Dollar Signs by Animal Kingdom, but I was very surprised, when I got onto spotify, to see that this song was CUT from the final album!
You see, I got hold of a promo from my local secondhand music shop, loved the album from an early listen, and this was one of the tracks that stood out! It came up on shuffle while on my jaunt to London today, and I thought - yes, I have my track for today. But no, I don't!?
So, I need to pick another song from the album! I've gone for Silence Summons You - a sweet, melodic number (track 4 on the album). Feels almost acoustic, but you sense there might be a little electronic wizardry behind the guitars on the track.
I suppose I should've gone for something slightly different, as Animal Kingdom sound a little similar to yesterday's band, Polite Sleeper. I think both are definitely worth a listen - if Animal Kingdom stand out a little more for me, its because their songs a little catchier around the chorus.
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Sonatine bureaucratique
Erik Satie
Assorted
If you haven't heard any Satie, and you like composers like Rachmaninov or Debussy, catch-up and bathe in some Satie for a while! His Gymnopedies, Gnossiennes etc. are gorgeous, sweet little orchestral treats!
The following four that came out of shuffle were:
Raindrops - Tindersticks - BBC Sessions
Stuart Staples, the lead singer of Tindersticks, just has a wonderfully haunting voice - loved the swifling strings behind him on this song.
Jellybelly - Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness: Dawn To Dusk
Listened to this double album (quite a statement, but justified as it was a symphony) a lot when I was at Uni. I think I'll have a good listen to some more Smashing Pumpkins soon - to be honest, after this album, I never felt they hit the same artistic heights. This, and Siamese Dream - two of the best albums of the 1990's. They might not be in the top 10, but certainly in the top 20 of the 90's.
Don't Ever Get Tired - Tindersticks - Can Our Love...
We're getting a Tindersticks-double treat (but then, if you know shuffle, it can be unpredictable - simply type "iTunes shuffle" into google to see all of the arguments that rage on about it?!)!
Last, but by no means least,
I Just Can't Wait To Be King - Jason Weaver, Rowan Atkinson & Laura Williams - The Lion King OST
OK, I didn't listen to this for long...
Damn, the next track was The Great Escape [Orchestral Version] by Marillion - I listen to the sweeping beauty of this track as I sign off.
Mmm, so tomorrow is classic album review - I want to get away from the whole folk/indie tone of things that the last couple of days have taken on (which will probably mean that the reissue review will not be Fleetwood Mac, but we will see). Might have to look at something a little more rock. We shall see...
Signing off, 40 winks is imminent. Keep loving music - it, amongst other things, keeps the world moving!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Monday, 19 October 2009
Polite Sleeper - Lake Effect, and 10 iPod Shuffle Grabs - what a bonus!
Hi everyone,
It's been a glorious day today - only popped out the once, to the postbox, but the view from the window has been lovely! Have been busy updating (well, changing altogether really) my CV. It is just beginning to resemble a CV now, so I think I'm halfway there...!?
We kick off the week with the New Album Review. Today's band is Polite Sleeper, and the album is Lake Effect:
It's a neat cross-over between folk and indie - neat harmonies, some nice strums on the guitars with adequate back-up on the piano.
I'm currently only on my second listen (despite the fact that I have already bought the album off eBay - I refer you back to comments last week), and already have a nagging feeling this album could herald a few gems once it has been digested enough through the ol' plugholes!
If I have any criticism at this stage, its that the singer's (Jason Orlovich) voice is left without enough musical back-up. When the two support each other, Polite Sleeper have a more dynamic, poetic sound to them (see the first half vs. second half of the title track as an example).
I'm looking forward to getting this album in the post, so I can slap it on the iPod and give it a few more patient listens.
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
I'm going to do something slightly different today - give you a run down of the ten tracks that shuffle off, and write a few things on all of them! One track doesn't say enough, in my opinion (plus, also, this shuffle grab of just one song has got me stuck with Katie Melua and James Taylor....need I say more?).
The ten tracks:
Hang On To Your IQ - Placebo
Placebo went a little out of fashion (I admit I wasn't a huge fan when I first heard their music for the first time at Uni in 1996), but have fought against the tide and are still around. I believe their last album (Battle for the Sun, which I own - the above track is from their eponymous album) was financed by the band - good luck to them!
I Could Lose Ya - Stereophonics
Funny - another band that were around during my Uni days that endear to this day! I was bought this album as a gift, and haven't given it enough of a listen. This is a good track - great beat, strong lyrics, and some excellent guitar! Will listen to this again shortly!
The Voice & The Snake - Enigma
First you're rocking it to the 'phonic, and then you're down to this enigma album filler with the voices - not suited to a grab like this, so I forwarded on pretty rapidly!?
Baby Phat - De La Soul Feat. Devin The Dude & Elizabeth "Yummy" Bingham
Mmm, I seem to recall mentioning that soul and r&b were not my types of music in one of the first entries of Menace2Music. On we go....
All the Pictures on the Wall - Paul Weller
Almost half way through the ten! Have been listening to a little bit of Weller (solo) recently - this song is from the superb Wild Wood album (if you haven't heard it - do). A nice mini-guitar solo near the end. Weller is a bit of an enigma though, as I don't think he's got close to Wild Wood since - come on Weller, pull your finger out!
Toe The Line - Trademark
Off a magazine compilation album - electronic alternative. Doesn't do a great deal for me - would rather listen to New Order or Joy Division who do this a lot better.
The Outsiders - Athlete
This is a really good song, and from what I can recall, one of the very best on the disappointing album. Athlete were very quick out of the blocks - their second album Tourist is, as far as I'm concerned, one of the best albums of the last 10 years. This song, with a few more listens, might make it into the new TOP 100 - we shall see!
Apply Some Pressure - Mark Ronson Feat. Paul Smith
Mark "Add some horns, and you have a new song" Ronson - yes, we recall this criticism of Ronson, but some of the songs he has remastered have some traction. I'm thinking, particularly, of Valerie (featuring Amy Winehouse). This one isn't too flamboyant - gets the toes tapping a little, but not enough!
This Boy - Franz Ferdinand
Great beat - FF really rock this short song through to the end (only 2:22). Taken from the album - You Could Have It So Much Better.
Last one - I Killed The Neighbours - Mistys Big Adventure
I saw this band live, supporting Dodgy, a couple of years ago and they sung this song - brought as many laughs as it did applause at the end! Quirky, sometimes a little controversial (or just plan odd/rude), Mistys Big Adventure are a pretty good band, but have never really hit the big time.
So, there we are - ten songs from my iTunes (currently 14,190-strong). I've added as many as are available to the Menace2Music spotify collaborative playlist (need to get a shorter title for this):
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Drop us a line or hit the comments button below - don't be shy!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
It's been a glorious day today - only popped out the once, to the postbox, but the view from the window has been lovely! Have been busy updating (well, changing altogether really) my CV. It is just beginning to resemble a CV now, so I think I'm halfway there...!?
We kick off the week with the New Album Review. Today's band is Polite Sleeper, and the album is Lake Effect:
It's a neat cross-over between folk and indie - neat harmonies, some nice strums on the guitars with adequate back-up on the piano.
I'm currently only on my second listen (despite the fact that I have already bought the album off eBay - I refer you back to comments last week), and already have a nagging feeling this album could herald a few gems once it has been digested enough through the ol' plugholes!
If I have any criticism at this stage, its that the singer's (Jason Orlovich) voice is left without enough musical back-up. When the two support each other, Polite Sleeper have a more dynamic, poetic sound to them (see the first half vs. second half of the title track as an example).
I'm looking forward to getting this album in the post, so I can slap it on the iPod and give it a few more patient listens.
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
I'm going to do something slightly different today - give you a run down of the ten tracks that shuffle off, and write a few things on all of them! One track doesn't say enough, in my opinion (plus, also, this shuffle grab of just one song has got me stuck with Katie Melua and James Taylor....need I say more?).
The ten tracks:
Hang On To Your IQ - Placebo
Placebo went a little out of fashion (I admit I wasn't a huge fan when I first heard their music for the first time at Uni in 1996), but have fought against the tide and are still around. I believe their last album (Battle for the Sun, which I own - the above track is from their eponymous album) was financed by the band - good luck to them!
I Could Lose Ya - Stereophonics
Funny - another band that were around during my Uni days that endear to this day! I was bought this album as a gift, and haven't given it enough of a listen. This is a good track - great beat, strong lyrics, and some excellent guitar! Will listen to this again shortly!
The Voice & The Snake - Enigma
First you're rocking it to the 'phonic, and then you're down to this enigma album filler with the voices - not suited to a grab like this, so I forwarded on pretty rapidly!?
Baby Phat - De La Soul Feat. Devin The Dude & Elizabeth "Yummy" Bingham
Mmm, I seem to recall mentioning that soul and r&b were not my types of music in one of the first entries of Menace2Music. On we go....
All the Pictures on the Wall - Paul Weller
Almost half way through the ten! Have been listening to a little bit of Weller (solo) recently - this song is from the superb Wild Wood album (if you haven't heard it - do). A nice mini-guitar solo near the end. Weller is a bit of an enigma though, as I don't think he's got close to Wild Wood since - come on Weller, pull your finger out!
Toe The Line - Trademark
Off a magazine compilation album - electronic alternative. Doesn't do a great deal for me - would rather listen to New Order or Joy Division who do this a lot better.
The Outsiders - Athlete
This is a really good song, and from what I can recall, one of the very best on the disappointing album. Athlete were very quick out of the blocks - their second album Tourist is, as far as I'm concerned, one of the best albums of the last 10 years. This song, with a few more listens, might make it into the new TOP 100 - we shall see!
Apply Some Pressure - Mark Ronson Feat. Paul Smith
Mark "Add some horns, and you have a new song" Ronson - yes, we recall this criticism of Ronson, but some of the songs he has remastered have some traction. I'm thinking, particularly, of Valerie (featuring Amy Winehouse). This one isn't too flamboyant - gets the toes tapping a little, but not enough!
This Boy - Franz Ferdinand
Great beat - FF really rock this short song through to the end (only 2:22). Taken from the album - You Could Have It So Much Better.
Last one - I Killed The Neighbours - Mistys Big Adventure
I saw this band live, supporting Dodgy, a couple of years ago and they sung this song - brought as many laughs as it did applause at the end! Quirky, sometimes a little controversial (or just plan odd/rude), Mistys Big Adventure are a pretty good band, but have never really hit the big time.
So, there we are - ten songs from my iTunes (currently 14,190-strong). I've added as many as are available to the Menace2Music spotify collaborative playlist (need to get a shorter title for this):
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Drop us a line or hit the comments button below - don't be shy!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Sundays are about re-capping, and an apology
That's right - Sunday's are about re-capping, updating, going over all of the music we've discussed in the week (you get the idea).
The format of the week, with plenty more tidbits-and-things to come, will be:
Monday - New Album Review
Tuesday - New Track Review
Wednesday - Classic Album Review
Thursday - Artist/Band Day
Friday - Reissue Album Review
Saturday - TOP 100 Tracks
Sunday - re-cap!
We've had new bands like The xx, Art Garfunkel, Kraftwerk, Yo La Tengo, and Antony and the Johnsons reviewed this week - the inaugural week! Its been great!
Highlights for me were definitely talking, however briefly, about why I love Breakaway, Art Garfunkel's album. I'm looking forward to the Classic Album Review this week - will try and make it very different.
Kraftwerk was fun, as it was a band I'd known of, but not heard a lot of their music! As discussed on Friday, you can find all of these digitally remastered editions in a Menace2Music/spotify collaborative playlist:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/4WGE2vrXdvaDdmqomD9mnC
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:4WGE2vrXdvaDdmqomD9mnC
Again, if you need a SPOTIFY INVITE, please e-mail me - menace2music@googlemail.com
My apology has to be for James Taylor - maybe I over-exaggerated the amount of puke there was. Oh no, there's some on the wall that I missed?!!?
I'm not going to give anything away on next week yet, which you can take to mean that I'm keeping some exciting facts under my hat, or I'm making this up as I go along - answers on a postcard (or e-mail - menace2music@googlemail.com)
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Wanderlust (Radio Edit)
The Delays
Album: Lost in a Melody
Nice melody, warm and fun - good guitar back-up running through the song. The end is a little sharp on the ears, but all-in-all a nice song.
So, the end of week 1 of Menace2Music - I've enjoyed it, and I hope people will begin to visit as I keep it up (the blog, that is). My sale on eBay continues, and I will post the odd re-cap on this as everything comes to a conclusion! So far, the only album to have been bid on more than once is Starsailor's All The Plans. Did I miss something here?
Till tomorrow, hope you're all well - hope you're keeping it real, like I asked!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
The format of the week, with plenty more tidbits-and-things to come, will be:
Monday - New Album Review
Tuesday - New Track Review
Wednesday - Classic Album Review
Thursday - Artist/Band Day
Friday - Reissue Album Review
Saturday - TOP 100 Tracks
Sunday - re-cap!
We've had new bands like The xx, Art Garfunkel, Kraftwerk, Yo La Tengo, and Antony and the Johnsons reviewed this week - the inaugural week! Its been great!
Highlights for me were definitely talking, however briefly, about why I love Breakaway, Art Garfunkel's album. I'm looking forward to the Classic Album Review this week - will try and make it very different.
Kraftwerk was fun, as it was a band I'd known of, but not heard a lot of their music! As discussed on Friday, you can find all of these digitally remastered editions in a Menace2Music/spotify collaborative playlist:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/4WGE2vrXdvaDdmqomD9mnC
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:4WGE2vrXdvaDdmqomD9mnC
Again, if you need a SPOTIFY INVITE, please e-mail me - menace2music@googlemail.com
My apology has to be for James Taylor - maybe I over-exaggerated the amount of puke there was. Oh no, there's some on the wall that I missed?!!?
I'm not going to give anything away on next week yet, which you can take to mean that I'm keeping some exciting facts under my hat, or I'm making this up as I go along - answers on a postcard (or e-mail - menace2music@googlemail.com)
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Wanderlust (Radio Edit)
The Delays
Album: Lost in a Melody
Nice melody, warm and fun - good guitar back-up running through the song. The end is a little sharp on the ears, but all-in-all a nice song.
So, the end of week 1 of Menace2Music - I've enjoyed it, and I hope people will begin to visit as I keep it up (the blog, that is). My sale on eBay continues, and I will post the odd re-cap on this as everything comes to a conclusion! So far, the only album to have been bid on more than once is Starsailor's All The Plans. Did I miss something here?
Till tomorrow, hope you're all well - hope you're keeping it real, like I asked!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Saturday - Menace2Music TOP 100 (100-95), and I give James Taylor a rough-riding (well?)
Hi everyone,
Sales on eBay continue - have 40 CDs on there now, and very happy with how things are progressing!
Every Saturday I plan to discuss an old TOP 100 I put together, while I build a new Top 100 (which will be featured later on, on http://menace2music.blogspot.com/). Today, 100-95:
100
Someday I'll Find You
Shola Ama with Craig Armstrong
20th Century Blues EP
Unfortunately, not on spotify
Very elegant, beautifully sung rendition of a Noel Coward number. Craig Armstong is a masterful composer, known for his soundtracks (Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge, The Bone Collector, World Trade Centre, to name but a few).
99
The Operation
Morrissey
Southpaw Grammar
ON SPOTIFY:
http://open.spotify.com/track/47a1fFEayh94n7Ao1qkZqW
spotify:track:47a1fFEayh94n7Ao1qkZqW
If you don't appreciate drum solos like this one, you either have an aversion to percussion (sure you can find a doctor for this) or feel drums should just be in the background. No - they can play for minutes to introduce songs like this one (2:21 in, to be exact), and it is right!!!
I don't think there are many Morrissey songs in this older TOP 100 - enjoy!
98
When You Love Someone
Bryan Adams
Hope Floats OST
Only the unplugged version is on spotify - see the Menace2Music playlist for this!
What with Shola Ama, there was a sweet romantic vibe going on with me, when I concluded matters with this TOP 100. The orchestration/band link-up on this song works really well. You'll see, throughout the TOP 100, that I do like a bit of orchestration behind my music, if I can get it!!!
Love 'im or hate 'im (particularly for his Robin Hood song which was #1 in the charts for about 3 years), Bryan Adams can write and sing a blooming good ballad. It might sound twee, but if you've ever loved someone, you believe all of the lyrics of this song - listen to them, and you'll see!
97
The Brazilian
Genesis
Invisible Touch
ON SPOTIFY:
http://open.spotify.com/track/7s4hAEJupZLpJEaOel5SwV
spotify:track:7s4hAEJupZLpJEaOel5SwV
First, 2 for romance, and now 2 for drum solos - I didn't do this on purpose (I think)!!?
Now, there is one thing I need to get off my chest early-doors - love Genesis, think Phil Collins solo is wrong. We got that - Genesis = awesome, Collins solo = pants.
Not that we need worry about The Brazilian - no lyrics! Fun, great guitar and beats - great song, that I remember loving the first time I ever heard it, and had always stuck with me!
96
We Might As Well Be Strangers
Keane
Hopes and Fears
ON SPOTIFY:
http://open.spotify.com/track/5VsR0zpgalIKXo8D9gfM4r
spotify:track:5VsR0zpgalIKXo8D9gfM4r
From the romantic, to the break-up song. Keane did set a standard when this first album came out - how good music, with such tone and lyrics, could be done without a guitar in sight. I shouldn't of liked it as much as I did. Reference on the word "did", as this song will probably drop out of the TOP 100. My wife and I listened to this album a lot when it first came out, and then, all of sudden, we'd gone months without listening to it. We didn't miss it tremendously - it was just there, for a while, and we liked it. End of story. Really, this is it - stop prying!?
95
Fixing a Hole
The Beatles
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
Not on Spotify (there are 12 covers on Spotify, and I cannot be bothered to find out which is funniest or most painful)
Short, sweet, great harmonies - give it some "hey, hey, hey........hey"!
This TOP 100 was put together some
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Your Smiling Face
James Taylor
Ultimate Acoustic
This track makes me want to smack a smiling face off of James Taylor. Then I'd have to mop up all of the sick that I puked-up while listening to awful pile of puss-filled, over-sickly, poorly-guitar-riffed nonsense. Or is this a little harsh?
No, I don't think so, so.......the track has been deleted off of everything I own - may I never ever ever ever listen to this song again (despite the fact I have added a live version to the Menace2Music collaborative playlist on spotify) - here are the individual details:
http://open.spotify.com/track/0qWeTfa2rF6Q0KICiGjr3j
spotify:track:0qWeTfa2rF6Q0KICiGjr3j
But please be aware - spotify has a tracking system of how much a track is listened to. If it goes up on the basis of this blog (which would be interesting, as I'm not sure anyone is reading it), I'll be sorely disappointed!?!!?
So, I've added a few more tracks to the Menace2Music collaborative playlist on spotify - here are the details:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
I hope you're all having wonderful weekends, and you don't think I was too rough on old Taylor-boy!
Till tomorrow, hope you're all well - keep it real, now!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Sales on eBay continue - have 40 CDs on there now, and very happy with how things are progressing!
Every Saturday I plan to discuss an old TOP 100 I put together, while I build a new Top 100 (which will be featured later on, on http://menace2music.blogspot.com/). Today, 100-95:
100
Someday I'll Find You
Shola Ama with Craig Armstrong
20th Century Blues EP
Unfortunately, not on spotify
Very elegant, beautifully sung rendition of a Noel Coward number. Craig Armstong is a masterful composer, known for his soundtracks (Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge, The Bone Collector, World Trade Centre, to name but a few).
99
The Operation
Morrissey
Southpaw Grammar
ON SPOTIFY:
http://open.spotify.com/track/47a1fFEayh94n7Ao1qkZqW
spotify:track:47a1fFEayh94n7Ao1qkZqW
If you don't appreciate drum solos like this one, you either have an aversion to percussion (sure you can find a doctor for this) or feel drums should just be in the background. No - they can play for minutes to introduce songs like this one (2:21 in, to be exact), and it is right!!!
I don't think there are many Morrissey songs in this older TOP 100 - enjoy!
98
When You Love Someone
Bryan Adams
Hope Floats OST
Only the unplugged version is on spotify - see the Menace2Music playlist for this!
What with Shola Ama, there was a sweet romantic vibe going on with me, when I concluded matters with this TOP 100. The orchestration/band link-up on this song works really well. You'll see, throughout the TOP 100, that I do like a bit of orchestration behind my music, if I can get it!!!
Love 'im or hate 'im (particularly for his Robin Hood song which was #1 in the charts for about 3 years), Bryan Adams can write and sing a blooming good ballad. It might sound twee, but if you've ever loved someone, you believe all of the lyrics of this song - listen to them, and you'll see!
97
The Brazilian
Genesis
Invisible Touch
ON SPOTIFY:
http://open.spotify.com/track/7s4hAEJupZLpJEaOel5SwV
spotify:track:7s4hAEJupZLpJEaOel5SwV
First, 2 for romance, and now 2 for drum solos - I didn't do this on purpose (I think)!!?
Now, there is one thing I need to get off my chest early-doors - love Genesis, think Phil Collins solo is wrong. We got that - Genesis = awesome, Collins solo = pants.
Not that we need worry about The Brazilian - no lyrics! Fun, great guitar and beats - great song, that I remember loving the first time I ever heard it, and had always stuck with me!
96
We Might As Well Be Strangers
Keane
Hopes and Fears
ON SPOTIFY:
http://open.spotify.com/track/5VsR0zpgalIKXo8D9gfM4r
spotify:track:5VsR0zpgalIKXo8D9gfM4r
From the romantic, to the break-up song. Keane did set a standard when this first album came out - how good music, with such tone and lyrics, could be done without a guitar in sight. I shouldn't of liked it as much as I did. Reference on the word "did", as this song will probably drop out of the TOP 100. My wife and I listened to this album a lot when it first came out, and then, all of sudden, we'd gone months without listening to it. We didn't miss it tremendously - it was just there, for a while, and we liked it. End of story. Really, this is it - stop prying!?
95
Fixing a Hole
The Beatles
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
Not on Spotify (there are 12 covers on Spotify, and I cannot be bothered to find out which is funniest or most painful)
Short, sweet, great harmonies - give it some "hey, hey, hey........hey"!
This TOP 100 was put together some
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Your Smiling Face
James Taylor
Ultimate Acoustic
This track makes me want to smack a smiling face off of James Taylor. Then I'd have to mop up all of the sick that I puked-up while listening to awful pile of puss-filled, over-sickly, poorly-guitar-riffed nonsense. Or is this a little harsh?
No, I don't think so, so.......the track has been deleted off of everything I own - may I never ever ever ever listen to this song again (despite the fact I have added a live version to the Menace2Music collaborative playlist on spotify) - here are the individual details:
http://open.spotify.com/track/0qWeTfa2rF6Q0KICiGjr3j
spotify:track:0qWeTfa2rF6Q0KICiGjr3j
But please be aware - spotify has a tracking system of how much a track is listened to. If it goes up on the basis of this blog (which would be interesting, as I'm not sure anyone is reading it), I'll be sorely disappointed!?!!?
So, I've added a few more tracks to the Menace2Music collaborative playlist on spotify - here are the details:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
I hope you're all having wonderful weekends, and you don't think I was too rough on old Taylor-boy!
Till tomorrow, hope you're all well - keep it real, now!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Friday, 16 October 2009
Album Reissue - Kraftwerk, Trans Europe Express (2009 Digital Remaster)
I ummed-and-arred about what reissue album to review today, but in the end went for Kraftwerk, Trans Europe Express (2009 Digital Remaster):
http://open.spotify.com/album/0HHRIVjvBcnTepfeRVgS2f
spotify:album:0HHRIVjvBcnTepfeRVgS2f
I'll be honest when I say that I had not listened to a great deal of Kraftwerk before launching into this album today on spotify. But, I was quickly hooked - there is some catchy stuff on here, as well as some nicely ambient chill-out tunes.
Does this mean I'm letting Kraftwerk into my life? Not sure yet - might set up a playlist on spotify of all of the Kraftwerk stuff, and see. Certainly, with so many albums being reissed at the same time (8 albums), it would be worth putting them in a playlist to sample the highs and lows of their career-to-date.
The eight albums are:
Autobahn
Radio-Activity
Trans-Europe Express
The Man-Machine
Computer World
Techno Pop
The Mix
Tour De France Soundtracks
You can find all of these digitally remastered editions in a Menace2Music/spotify collaborative playlist:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/4WGE2vrXdvaDdmqomD9mnC
spotify:user:menoir16:playlist:4WGE2vrXdvaDdmqomD9mnC
As I've already mentioned, all music I review is available in the following collaborative playlist (the central Menace2Music one):
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
We're up to 32 tracks in there now, and it is coming along nicely!
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Oh blurgh - Katie Melua - go on then, see if you can impress me???
Blame It On The Moon
Album: Call Off The Search
There isn't a great deal to this. I might have been put off by the question I can hear you asking - why do I have the album on my iTunes if I'm going to need constant impressing. I refer you back to yesterday's inital comment:
"My name is Menace2Music, and I'm a Musicholic............
Tough to admit, it is. Three iPods, almost 1,500 CDs in my collection. Still buying, despite being unemployed. Damn, I love music that much!"
I'll listen to anything, and have been known (all too often, embarrassingly) to buy stuff that I never, EVER, listen to!?!
Further to there being not much to this, it isn't available on spotify either - well, spotify just gets better and better!!!!!!!!!!!!
Till tomorrow, hope you're all well!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Selling CDs on eBay, Thursday is Artist Day
My name is Menace2Music, and I'm a Musicholic............
Tough to admit, it is. Three iPods, almost 1,500 CDs in my collection. Still buying, despite being unemployed. Damn, I love music that much!
So, it was a tough decision (but needed) to start selling CDs on eBay today - I'm glad I'm doing it (20+ on there now), as things were getting a little ridiculous again! Have already done one big trip into the loft to dump 750+ up there!
Thursday is Artist Day (short entry today, as I'm knackered). I'm still yet to get a follower to this blog, so I'm going to list some of my favourite artists/bands, and talk about one of them NEXT Thursday:
The Beatles
Def Leppard
Marillion
Dodgy
Mansun
Gene
ELO
Queen
Dire Straits
REM
U2
Genesis
It would be nice to hear from someone - let me know what you think!
Till tomorrow, hope you're all well!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Tough to admit, it is. Three iPods, almost 1,500 CDs in my collection. Still buying, despite being unemployed. Damn, I love music that much!
So, it was a tough decision (but needed) to start selling CDs on eBay today - I'm glad I'm doing it (20+ on there now), as things were getting a little ridiculous again! Have already done one big trip into the loft to dump 750+ up there!
Thursday is Artist Day (short entry today, as I'm knackered). I'm still yet to get a follower to this blog, so I'm going to list some of my favourite artists/bands, and talk about one of them NEXT Thursday:
The Beatles
Def Leppard
Marillion
Dodgy
Mansun
Gene
ELO
Queen
Dire Straits
REM
U2
Genesis
It would be nice to hear from someone - let me know what you think!
Till tomorrow, hope you're all well!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
SPOTIFY / Classic Album - Breakaway, Art Garfunkel
Day 3, and all is well!
Breakaway
Art Garfunkel
http://open.spotify.com/album/1XrVWVKKfRlD0waskKj5uy
As I said yesterday, I wanted to get away from the type of music I'd dealt with on days one and two (The xx, and Yo La Tengo), and talking about classic albums gives me a huge opportunity to delve into my collection.
I should say one thing before I continue - I am trying hard at the moment to only select music that you can listen to yourself on SPOTIFY. For instance, you won't find me reviewing any Beatles (although I love them, being introduced to the music of them at a very early age) as there is none on the awesome music site that is SPOTIFY! As I've already mentioned, all music I review is available in the following folder:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
Breakaway is quite simply beautiful. Although Garfunkel was never the prolific writer like Paul Simon, his voice more than makes up for it. It's a very romantic/poetic album - lots of lifts. If you love this album, you will find yourself singing the songs over and over again (please note, you will never hit the notes that Art can hit, but that's not the point!)
I think this album is a perfect package - kicking off with I Believe (When I Fall in Love it Will Be Forever), and ending with The Same Old Tears on a New Background. One of the definite highlights is My Little Town, sung with Simon.
DOWNLOAD: either the whole album, or the above three + Looking for the Right One (if you're in a romantic mood)
Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab
Aeon
Antony and the Johnsons (album: The Crying Light)
http://open.spotify.com/track/1mhx3VT768DBBrjrSqgnr3
spotify:track:1mhx3VT768DBBrjrSqgnr3
I haven't given this album enough of a listen (please realise I buy tons of CDs and never listen to everything - I draw your attention back to the fact I have three iPODs!?!?) - perhaps this shuffle grab will help...
Love him or hate him, Antony has an amazing voice, and it sounds like he is trying to do a little too much with it in this song. Plus, he's doing his own backing vocals on this track too.
Feels like an awesome climax is about to come in the song, which never materialises. Not sure this one would rank alongside my favourite A&theJ track, Fistful of Love (from I am a Bird Now).
Till tomorrow, hope you're all well!
Best wishes, Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Hi everyone,
Day 2 of Menace2Music, and we're talking about individual tracks.
New Track Review
More Stars Than There Are In Heaven - Yo La Tengo
http://open.spotify.com/track/0vly7MG2OCiS3JF7WqFVNN
spotify:track:0vly7MG2OCiS3JF7WqFVNN
Slow building, haunting - in a way, a similar type of taste to The xx yesterday. The slightly sharper guitar in the background holds you, and the beats on the other keeps the song plodding along. To me, it doesn't feel like the song is almost 10 minutes in length (9:39).
Apparently Yo La Tengo have been around for a while, but I hadn't heard of them until I listened to this album (brilliantly named Popular Songs). The album build beautifully to three long almost-symphonic songs at the end (More Stars... is the first of the three).
I'm definitely going to review something slightly different tomorrow - it'll be CLASSIC ALBUM REVIEW tomorrow.
Right - this is the first of what I hope will become a daily snippet into my musical taste - the Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab. I'll hit shuffle on my iTunes playlist (currently 14,087 strong) and talk about the song it hits. Today it is:
Please Have Mercy On Me - Little Richard
http://open.spotify.com/track/4LLVCZ3XLKcPboWyxat2DX
spotify:track:4LLVCZ3XLKcPboWyxat2DX
I laugh a little when I see that iTunes had the genre for this down as rock - well, the rest of the album (Tutti Frutti Slelcted Singles 51-56) might be a little more rockful than this! This is a man singing the blues, for sure!
With those twangs at the beginning, this feels quite modern for a track from the '50s (not exactly an era of music which is given enough attention). The sax is delicious, sexy - you feel it sway you from side-to-side if you close your eyes!
Also, everything we're reviewing is in a COLLABORATIVE PLAYLIST on spotify - check us out "Menace2Music".
Have a great day - all the best, Menace2Music
Day 2 of Menace2Music, and we're talking about individual tracks.
New Track Review
More Stars Than There Are In Heaven - Yo La Tengo
http://open.spotify.com/track/0vly7MG2OCiS3JF7WqFVNN
spotify:track:0vly7MG2OCiS3JF7WqFVNN
Slow building, haunting - in a way, a similar type of taste to The xx yesterday. The slightly sharper guitar in the background holds you, and the beats on the other keeps the song plodding along. To me, it doesn't feel like the song is almost 10 minutes in length (9:39).
Apparently Yo La Tengo have been around for a while, but I hadn't heard of them until I listened to this album (brilliantly named Popular Songs). The album build beautifully to three long almost-symphonic songs at the end (More Stars... is the first of the three).
I'm definitely going to review something slightly different tomorrow - it'll be CLASSIC ALBUM REVIEW tomorrow.
Right - this is the first of what I hope will become a daily snippet into my musical taste - the Menace2Music iPod shuffle grab. I'll hit shuffle on my iTunes playlist (currently 14,087 strong) and talk about the song it hits. Today it is:
Please Have Mercy On Me - Little Richard
http://open.spotify.com/track/4LLVCZ3XLKcPboWyxat2DX
spotify:track:4LLVCZ3XLKcPboWyxat2DX
I laugh a little when I see that iTunes had the genre for this down as rock - well, the rest of the album (Tutti Frutti Slelcted Singles 51-56) might be a little more rockful than this! This is a man singing the blues, for sure!
With those twangs at the beginning, this feels quite modern for a track from the '50s (not exactly an era of music which is given enough attention). The sax is delicious, sexy - you feel it sway you from side-to-side if you close your eyes!
Also, everything we're reviewing is in a COLLABORATIVE PLAYLIST on spotify - check us out "Menace2Music".
Have a great day - all the best, Menace2Music
Monday, 12 October 2009
Menace2Music is born, with plenty more to come!
Hi everyone,
Well, lets be honest, by everyone I currently mean no one...unless I've been the luckiest blogger in the history of blogging and got an audience from moment one!?
Lets start out with the important stuff, and get it done quick-like:
What is Menace2Music?
A simple music blog - I wanted an written outlet for all of the music I'm listening to, and want to listen to! I want to talk to an audience about music, give musicians (from bands to composers) a voice.
Who am I?
Currently unemployed, about to become a father, and a huge lover of ALL music (currently own 3 i-PODs, and over 1,400 CDs
What type of music do I like?
It is easier to flip this question a little to what I don't like. Soul and R&B. Other than those, you'll find EVERYTHING, and I mean, EVERYTHING, on this blog!
What sort of features am I going to write, and how often?
Well, to answer the second question first, my aim is to write on this blog every day - we shall see. In terms of the features and articles I aim to write, expect to see things like:
* new album reviews - below, see our first on The xx (http://open.spotify.com/album/2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz and spotify:album:2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz)
* new title reviews
* classic album reviews
...and lots more!!!
Before we get onto the reviews - please find us on:
FACEBOOK - menace2music
TWITTER - menace2music
and e-mail us at menace2music@googlemail.com
I plan for each Monday to have a review of a new album - as mentioned, today is The xx:
The xx - xx
http://open.spotify.com/album/2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz
spotify:album:2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz
Where did I first read about them?
Q magazine
Where did I first listen to them?
spotify (let me know by e-mail if you would like an invite to the amazing streaming music search engine that is spotify)
Do I own the album?
Yes
I've always believed that to get the most from an album you have to listen to it three times. Your first listen gives you a brief overview - very rarely will you know from a first listen if this is a good, great or awesome album (you should know if you never, ever want to listen to it again - this can be achieved on a first listen). I always feel your second listen is where the musician begins to tease you - they begin to give a few things away. By the third, you're getting a bigger glimpse into who they are, what they're about, and what their music is going to do for you!
The xx is a prime example - I thought I had something by the second listen, and by the end of the third, I knew I had to own this. It is under-stated throughout, but classy and warm. I think it's like a big emo-like hug!
By "shelter" you'll be moving along with The xx, feeling their passions - their music is moving, but keeps you at an arm's length. The male/female split vocals draw you in, and there is a good use of a number of guitar and drums throughout.
So, pretty clear that I'd recommend this one - again, if you need a spotify invite, please let me know!
and, finally........
COMPETITION
To win an iPod shuffle (red), please join us on Facebook and Twitter, and give us your thoughts on the music reviewed on this blog! Also, drop us a line, and suggest other music/albums to be reviewed! The competition ends on the 15th December 2009 (just in time for Christmas), and the winner will be selected by the random name generator thing - best of luck to everyone!
---------
So, many thanks for checking us out at Menace2Music - check us out tomorrow for a New Track Review! I'm as keen as possible for this NOT to be TOP40 singles (if there is such a thing anymore), so you get an idea about some of the awesome album tracks people never appreciate. Check us out tomorrow!!!!!!!
Well, lets be honest, by everyone I currently mean no one...unless I've been the luckiest blogger in the history of blogging and got an audience from moment one!?
Lets start out with the important stuff, and get it done quick-like:
What is Menace2Music?
A simple music blog - I wanted an written outlet for all of the music I'm listening to, and want to listen to! I want to talk to an audience about music, give musicians (from bands to composers) a voice.
Who am I?
Currently unemployed, about to become a father, and a huge lover of ALL music (currently own 3 i-PODs, and over 1,400 CDs
What type of music do I like?
It is easier to flip this question a little to what I don't like. Soul and R&B. Other than those, you'll find EVERYTHING, and I mean, EVERYTHING, on this blog!
What sort of features am I going to write, and how often?
Well, to answer the second question first, my aim is to write on this blog every day - we shall see. In terms of the features and articles I aim to write, expect to see things like:
* new album reviews - below, see our first on The xx (http://open.spotify.com/album/2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz and spotify:album:2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz)
* new title reviews
* classic album reviews
...and lots more!!!
Before we get onto the reviews - please find us on:
FACEBOOK - menace2music
TWITTER - menace2music
and e-mail us at menace2music@googlemail.com
I plan for each Monday to have a review of a new album - as mentioned, today is The xx:
The xx - xx
http://open.spotify.com/album/2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz
spotify:album:2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz
Where did I first read about them?
Q magazine
Where did I first listen to them?
spotify (let me know by e-mail if you would like an invite to the amazing streaming music search engine that is spotify)
Do I own the album?
Yes
I've always believed that to get the most from an album you have to listen to it three times. Your first listen gives you a brief overview - very rarely will you know from a first listen if this is a good, great or awesome album (you should know if you never, ever want to listen to it again - this can be achieved on a first listen). I always feel your second listen is where the musician begins to tease you - they begin to give a few things away. By the third, you're getting a bigger glimpse into who they are, what they're about, and what their music is going to do for you!
The xx is a prime example - I thought I had something by the second listen, and by the end of the third, I knew I had to own this. It is under-stated throughout, but classy and warm. I think it's like a big emo-like hug!
By "shelter" you'll be moving along with The xx, feeling their passions - their music is moving, but keeps you at an arm's length. The male/female split vocals draw you in, and there is a good use of a number of guitar and drums throughout.
So, pretty clear that I'd recommend this one - again, if you need a spotify invite, please let me know!
and, finally........
COMPETITION
To win an iPod shuffle (red), please join us on Facebook and Twitter, and give us your thoughts on the music reviewed on this blog! Also, drop us a line, and suggest other music/albums to be reviewed! The competition ends on the 15th December 2009 (just in time for Christmas), and the winner will be selected by the random name generator thing - best of luck to everyone!
---------
So, many thanks for checking us out at Menace2Music - check us out tomorrow for a New Track Review! I'm as keen as possible for this NOT to be TOP40 singles (if there is such a thing anymore), so you get an idea about some of the awesome album tracks people never appreciate. Check us out tomorrow!!!!!!!
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