the only way to survive Black Friday

Happy Black Friday! (said by no-one ever)

So, it appears this retail gimmick is now an actual thing here to stay. If you can't beat them and you don't want to join them, then hidden within the links to the following post lies a selection of amazing, yet tenuously related songs to help you make it through the Black Friday madness.

If you were up at midnight in the sheer black of night to surf the shelves of the internet then by now you'll probably need a coffee to keep those heavy eyes awake and revitalise those fingers to type in your card details for the umpteenth time. The question is - do you prefer it black or white?

As I write this I'm trying to understand the logic of those people who woke up this morning pumped and ready to go in search of more stuff they probably don't need. I love a big TV as much as the next person but who wants to buy a cheaper model coloured red or blue when you'll most likely want to always go back to black.

Even stores such as Homebase are getting in on the act so if you see a red door today, you do have the power to paint it black, and at a ridiculously silly price too.

If you happen to come across a wild scary mob getting a little too excited in the supermarket aisles today, try calming yourself by imagining a supermassive black hole for them to fall into.

Unfortunately unless you have a little black submarine to hide in, I'm afraid you won't be able to escape the Black Friday frenzy. It's all around us and will be here for many more years to come.

My advice to you all is to download all these songs onto your personal musical device of choice and go find that deal you never wanted before the black hole sun sets in the sky later on today.

the only way to start your Monday morning

Last night I joined Rick Witter and Matt Williamson on the excellent Disco Down radio show on Minster FM. In case you missed it, here's the three selections to look out for in November. If you were lucky enough to hear it, here's a reminder with links to the songs for your audio pleasure.

What more can you ask for on a grey and miserable Monday morning than some quality tunes to brighten your day?

Beg, Borrow or stream 

BEG
Clean Cut Kid - Runaway 

Single available to stream now
 

One to stream this month is the single 'Runaway' from the latest band to grace our airwaves from the wonderful city of Liverpool.

 

Clearly proud of their roots, Clean Cut Kid describe their music as 'soulful pop ballads, washed in Mersey water'. I've made the very unscientific conclusion that the band view Mersey Water as a super power designed to make all music better - think holy water for music. This has got me thinking that perhaps it's no coincidence The Beatles grew up around the Mersey and they themselves may have thrown their instruments off the ferry across the Mersey before they became the best band in the world. Thanks to Clean Cut Kid's amazing discovery, there's a danger we could see future up and coming bands making a pilgrimage to dangle their toes in the Mersey while they busk a version of Help on their acoustic guitars? Or perhaps not.

 

Anyways, back to the music and the single 'Runaway' will please all those in search of a slice of positive indie pop to brighten up the darkest of November nights. It might not be the greatest single you've heard all year but I definitely think it's one to stream and worth listening out for the earlier single 'Vitamin C' too.

With a debut album not due until next year, you can hear more material from the band when they play live across the UK before Christmas including Brudenell Social Club in Leeds on 6 December.

 

BORROW
Fronteers - 'It's up to me now'
Single out November 13

Continuing the theme of new bands to look out for in 2016, here's a new single from a very exciting and talented new band from Hull called Fronteers. Rather impressively they've only been playing gigs since the beginning of the year and they're already starting to get some positive media attention. Fronteers are Andy Towse and James Taylor - vocals/guitar, Ellis Keogh on bass and Lloyd Tuton on drums. These four lads definitely fall into the category of ones to sit up and take notice of.

 

Lead singer Andy Towse continues a time honoured indie tradition of writing about real life, and this single was written at a time when he lost a decent job and had people telling him that being in a band doesn't pay. So in 'It's up to me now' he wrote about doing it anyway 'because you want to.'

 

If you like what you hear, I'd strongly recommend you clicking on the link and listening to their debut release 'Youth' which was released back in August.

The band have just finished supporting Blossoms and Pretty Vicious on tour. With much anticipation surrounding them I suggest you keep tabs on announcements for their first headline tour and catch them in a nice intimate venue while you get the chance.

BEG

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - 'Paper Mache Dream Balloon' 

Album out Friday 13 November
 

I think I've truly saved the best until last this month and Fronteers takes some beating. Contenders for the greatest/strangest band name of all time, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are a seven piece psychedelic garage band from Melbourne, Australia.

 

They're an industrial bunch of lads, who return this month with their seventh album in just over three years. For the uninitiated, their new release 'Paper Mache Dream Balloon' is a welcoming glimpse into their crazy musical world. The album's title track of the same name sounds like the perfect accompaniment to a summer's walk in the park, while elsewhere on the album, the song 'Trap Door' takes a bizarre psychedelic turn as the band repeatedly sing the words 'Trap Door' over a flute solo. Fans of MGMT's second album will particularly enjoy this.
 

Quite simply, your senses will appreciate you taking a trip on this Paper Mache Dream Balloon. Sadly there's no immediate tour plans in the diary for the UK but you can beg or indeed bag yourself a ride with the album when it arrives on these shores on November 13th.

the only park for grown up indie kids

Still in good nick 10 years on

Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2005 was an exciting place to be. I could devote endless blogs to the subject of my favourite city in the UK but thankfully for you I won't. My mind has been transported back in Tyne this week thanks to the upcoming 10th anniversary shows of Maximo Park's debut album 'A Certain Trigger'.

 



The album resonates with me more than most as I feel like I spent most of the year on the band's promo rollercoaster around the many small in-store gigs and headline shows they performed.

 

My love affair with the band started while watching MTV2 in late 2004 just after I'd landed back in the UK after a year out travelling the world. I remember a slightly grainy black and white video brightening the dark shadows of an autumnal room as Paul Smith's north-eastern tones sang along majestically to the chorus of 'The coast is always changing'. After a year away from the musical landscape (listening to music in backpacker hostels worldwide isn't always good for your ears) I was excited to discover a new band that made me feel proud of my roots and happy to be home.

 

Fast forward into 2005 and I found myself racing around County Durham and Tyne and Wear to witness a number of 20-minute in-store sessions supporting various single releases. Cramming into a small record shop opposite Durham bus station on a hot sunny morning sticks long in the memory to celebrate the original release of Apply Some Pressure. I think Paul resorted to standing on the shop counter to give a sweaty rendition of 'Now I'm all over the shop'.

 

As the band became more popular I remember jumping on early morning metros to be at Virgin Megastore and then HMV to queue outside for a wristband to then return to see them play a few songs live later on that day. Northumberland Street was alive with more students than at early morning lectures and you could sniff the excitement over the Greggs Sausage Rolls.

 

One of my biggest regrets after chasing the band around for weeks and months (not stalking as one of my mates would cheekily accuse) was not being able to get my hands on a ticket for the album launch party on a boat on the Tyne.

 

Maximo Park highlighted that indie pop could be intelligent and fun. The fact they were from my local area just gave me another reason to champion them. Kind of like supporting your local football team and watching them play at Wembley or in this case being on Top of the Pops (Paul changed a lyric in graffiti to sing the words 'TOTP' live on the show)

 

I've lost count of the many times I've seen Maximo Park but nothing will live up to the vibrant live shows of those early days. Listening back to 'A Certain Trigger' this week reminds me of a sharper, fresher young band. From the stomping opening bars of 'Signal and Sign' through to the gorgeous slice of pop 'Kiss you better' bringing the album to a close, Maximo Park's debut will always fall into the category of world class debut albums.

 

You can be forgiven for this album Going Missing back in the noughties but with a fresh focus on the record this week, there's no better time to get on board with this indie classic. 

the only soundtrack for a Saturday morning

There aren't many genuinely good reasons to be awake and fully functioning before midday on a Saturday. As a kid, I'd be excited about Saturday mornings as there would be a whole morning of tv devoted to cartoons, games and music on great shows like Saturday Superstore and Going Live.

In the glory days of the 90s I switched my Saturday allegiance to Soccer AM watching Tim Lovejoy before he decided that talking about food on a Sunday morning beat having a laugh with his mates about football.

What both these things had in common other than monopolising my time on the 6th day of each week, was they were enjoyable to watch and made me smile. Key ingredients for anyone's weekend don't you think?

Last Saturday I was invited to take part in a feature on Claire Hickson's Saturday Morning Social on Meridian FM. Having recently discovered the show, I was delighted to be asked to join her and share some of my favourite songs both past and present. What stands out about the show is that it's great fun to listen to and for all indie lovers, Claire plays 2 hours of classic tracks from 10am-12pm every Saturday morning.

Radio is often overlooked in the entertainment stakes but I've ditched the tv and found my new Saturday morning soundtrack. I'd encourage you all to give the show a listen and take part in the twitter conversation.

If you're interested, my song choices for the 'Something old, new, borrowed and blue' feature were:

Something old - The Charlatans - Just Lookin' (The song that kicked off my Britpop summer of 1995)

Something new - Hooton Tennis Club - Jasper (My favourite single of the year by my favourite new band of the year)

 

Something borrowed - Johnny Cash - Hurt (One of the most stunning songs reborn as a modern classic)
 

Something blue - Jeff Buckley - Lover you should've come over (Beautifully poetic and tinged with sadness and tragedy. From one of the best albums you could ever choose to listen to)

 

Why not tune in online from 10am today? You can join in on twitter by following @musicnostalgic

the only review from October so far

Last Sunday I shared the following reviews with the good people who listen to Rick Witter's Disco Down on @minsterfm. 

To get in the Halloween spirit I'm screaming instead of streaming this month.

SCREAM

Heman Sheman - 'Haven't got you in my heart'
Single available to stream now 

Listen here

I'm kicking off this month with a frighteningly good new track from a Manchester band who've moved down to the bright lights of London to focus more on their music, and listening to their latest offering 'Haven't got you in my heart', it sounds like the move is paying off.

The foursome made up of Jake Lancaster, Edan Tal, Bill Wright and John Morgan (no relation), have created one of the catchiest grooves you're likely to hear this year. I've often wondered how you define funk music. In my long-running search, I've found some clues played out here throughout these 3 and a half minutes. With a rolling guitar riff and a whispering vocal leading to a memorable sing-along chorus, it's jam-packed full of that thing they call funk. If you decide to go online and find out more, you might be interested in streaming another tune from earlier this year, 'I could be your answer'. 

If you're looking for a fresh new artist to follow then these guys probably are that answer. If you're based in London, you can catch the band live in a number of venues. Check out their Facebook and usual social media pages for more details. Right now, it's time to funk up your Sunday with a clip of 'Haven't got you in my heart' from the future masters of the universe Heman Sheman. (Sorry, I couldn't resist) 

BORROW
 

Emilie and Ogden - '10,000' 

Album out now 

Recommended single - 'What happened'

Live across the UK this month.

Introducing Emilie and Ogden - one of the newest double acts in the world of music. What distinguishes this new duo from other successful pairings is the fact that Emilie Kahn shares the same billing as Ogden, her harp. Before I get into the detail of the record, this got me thinking of famous duos of the past and wondering whether some famous songs would sound different if Paul Simon was joined by Garfunkel the acoustic guitar, if Bernard Butler morphed into his electric guitar when playing with David McAlmont and if Robson and Jerome were actually only two planks of wood who kept some cracking bands off the number one spot in the mid 90s? 

Back to the music, and Emilie Kahn recognises the power of the harp as a relevant music instrument in the music world today. When people think of the harp, thoughts immediately turn to Joanna Newsom. But with the album '10,000' Kahn shows she can do great things herself. Her angelic voice works as well as any instrument could, and her intricate harp work demonstrate a new talent that deserves to be listened to. The chosen clip for the show is the leading single 'What happened'. It's a perfect introduction to the sheer beauty of the harmonically simple chords and powerful vocal. Emile Kahn explains the song 'effectively expresses a sort of sad longing for all the things that may or may not be. The album as a whole is a reconciliation of those feelings.' 
 

It may not be one to play when you're having a miserable rainy October day then. If you prefer your music a little bit more quiet and contemplative then I'm confident you'll find something to enjoy in Emilie and Ogden's '10,000'. You can buy or borrow now.

BEG

Vangoffey - 'Take your jacket off and get into it'
Album out Friday 23 October 

Recommended single-  'You, you, you' 

Touring the UK next month, stopping by Leeds Brudenell Social Club, 23 November 

Many people reading this right now will remember Danny Goffey from his days, weeks and indeed years playing in the excellent band Supergrass. Since playing with the band, Danny has had a spell playing drums with Babyshambles and even appeared on Masterchef, reaching the semi finals. Showing there is more to the usual indie rockstar than meets the eye. 

In an opposite move to our first band Heman Sheman, Goffey moved out of London, this time to Somerset to record songs in a small wooden shed in his garden for this his first ever solo album. Writing all the lyrics and playing most of the instruments on the album, ‘Take your jacket off and get into it' was finished at the end of 2014, but finally gets released for your audio pleasure this month. You may have caught the single ‘Race Of Life’ at the end of April while the latest release ‘You You You’ is as fun and interesting as the music he first shared with Supergrass 20 years ago. 

In the clip you can link to above, Goffey tells the tale of an egotistical person who 'bangs on about himself' on a night out. I think we all know one of those people. It also contains some comical lyrics including 'I know Banksy, I've had him over to graffiti the pool house'. Apparently the album recording didn’t go without incident as Goffey broke his left leg halfway through the album in a ‘friendly’ studio football match and he had to record the remaining vocals from a wheelchair. 

Thankfully the broken leg didn't distract Vangoffey from creating my album of the month so I'd encourage you all to simply 'Take your jacket off and get into it' when it's released next Friday.

the only remains of my September reviews

Songs from September

 

STREAM
U.S. Girls - 'Half Free'
Album out 25 September
Recommended single - 'Woman's work'

 

If all the girls in the United States of America got together and decided to write songs, what do you imagine they'd sound like? Well, the answer perhaps lies with one US girl hailing from Illinois. Meghan Remy is the creative brain behind the band U.S. Girls and she's doing her best to create intelligent and dramatic music. The kind you'd be hard to nail down as being part of any specific genre. Meg is married to one half of the duo Death From Above, and that may help you to understand some of the musical space she plays in.

 

The album explores challenging themes relating to abuse and gender inequality told over an engaging soundtrack that at times screams out for your attention, for example on track 'Damn that valley' while elsewhere, the closing track 'Woman's Work' resembles a grittier, angrier version of MGMT's finest indie pop.

 

The record label 4AD describes Half Free as 'an enchanting document of life at the point when it feels most on its knife-edge' and you can sense that from the tone throughout.  'Woman's Work' gives you a flavour of what you can expect from the album. In a country as vast as the USA, U.S. Girls is the latest export we should all be paying attention to.

 

BORROW
The Libertines - 'Anthems for Doomed Youth '
Album out this week
Recommended single - 'Gunga Din'

 

Are our youth doomed? Well Carl and Pete from The Libertines seem to think so and they've kindly written a full album of songs to help the said youth to get through their days and nights. Rewind back to 2004 for a moment to a time when they released their second album full of raucous, exciting anthems that rocked a music world overrun by the likes of Keane and Snow Patrol. They looked like they were on the verge of something big and then of course they split and since then we've seen various side projects which never quite hit the mark.

 

Fast forward to June this year and the band surprised Glasto-goers with their much anticipated return. Three months on, are we getting the album many of us had hoped for? In short, I'd say 'almost'. 11 years on from their best work, The Libertines have delivered songs that show they're far more interesting than most things you'd hear in the charts at the moment but by their own high standards some of the songs feel like they're simply giving us a more mature and safe version of the wild angst of youth.

 

Anyone who has heard the title track 'Anthems for Doomed Youth' and 'Glasgow Coma Scale Blues' may have already come to the same conclusion that this feels like The Libertines running the 100 metres with 3/4 effort, knowing their days of taking the gold medal are now behind them so there's need to go all out and push themselves. Saying that, when it's good, it's very good, and early single and my chosen track 'Gunga Din' suggests there's fight in the boys yet. If they channel this level of creativity, any future releases could see them returning to their once rightful place as the biggest band in the UK.

 

I'd definitely recommend that you borrow 'Anthems for Doomed Youth' off your mates. It's out now but if you still haven't heard any new songs, check out 'Gunga Din'.

 

BEG
Bill Ryder-Jones - 'Two to Birkenhead'
Single out this week
Listen here

 

In a month where lots of albums are being released, I've opted to celebrate the dying art of the single release with my top choice for the month. I'd hazard a guess that many people reading this right now were, and indeed probably still are, big fans of the band The Coral. Hopefully they'll be pleased to hear that former Coral guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones has recorded a new album and more importantly for us, it's being trailed with a catchy little single 'Two to Birkenhead'.

 

With the opening line of 'Take me somewhere I'm not likely to forget - two singles to Birkenhead' following one of the most memorable intros you'll hear this year, you can't help get caught up in an enjoyable 4 and a half minute musical journey. In fact I'd question whether anyone has ever had a more enjoyable trip to Birkenhead. With echoes of Graham Coxon in Blur's Coffee and TV, I think Bill Ryder-Jones has produced something his former band mates would be proud to call their own.

 

I'd recommend playing the full song so you can fully appreciate its delightful whirring conclusion, so head to your online musical checkout of choice and make 'Two to Birkenhead' your essential purchase of the month. If this whets your appetite then keep both eyes and ears open in November when the full album 'West Kirby County Primary' is released. And did I mention he's touring the UK in October and November? So now you have no excuses to get on board with Bill Ryder-Jones this autumn.

the only remains of my August reviews

August was a cracking month for new releases.

STREAM

Hooton Tennis Club - 'Highest Point in Cliff Town' 

Album release 28 August

Recommended single - 'P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L P.I.E.R.R.E'

If you google 'Hooton Tennis Club' you'll see it's situated on the outskirts of Liverpool. According to their website they have four artificial grass courts, two of which are floodlit, which not only provide an excellent playing surface in both summer and winter but also offer minimal impact on joints and muscles.' 

Surely that's all you can ask from a tennis club? You'd be wrong because this tennis club has an exciting new band named after them. Like many great bands hailing from Merseyside, Hooton Tennis Club serve up a collection of ace songs that I'm sure you will grow to love (I'll quit it with the tennis references now) and will have you reaching for the repeat button. Their debut album 'Highest Point in Cliff Town' features the singles ' Jasper', 'Kathleen Sat On The Arm of Her Favourite Chair' and their latest release 'P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L. P.I.E.R.R.E'. 

It's refreshing to hear three distinctly different sounding singles from a band, which whets the appetite for what's to come on the album. Album track 'Standing Knees' is another standout moment and has tones of one of my favourite bands, Pavement. I've picked this as my one to stream this month as I'm sure you'll find that like me, the more you stream these songs, the more you'll want to make them a permanent fixture in your record collection. I'll see you all down the front when they play the Duchess in York on 2 November.

BORROW

Foals - 'What went down' 

Album release 28 August 

Recommended single - 'What went down'

Another album to look out for ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend is the fourth offering from the excellent Foals. The lead single 'What went down' from the album of the same name comes screaming at you like an angry tornado determined to wipe out everything else in its path. And in a musical sense it does just that as I've yet to hear another song on the radio this summer that has made me stop, sit up and listen as much as this one. Which probably makes you wonder why this isn't my number one choice for the month. 

Put simply that's because I think Foals fall into the trap of making excellent individual songs that don't always fit together well on an album. Perhaps in these days of streaming, downloads and people playing their own playlists this doesn't matter as much as it once did. Saying that, when Foals do it well, there's not many better artists out there, which is further confirmed by their latest single 'Mountain at my gates', with vocalist Yannis Philippakis' unmistakable tones making radio stations a better place to be this summer.

Foals are one of those great bands who manage to make good indie rock music that transcends into the dance world. Anyone who has seen me dancing might not think that is a good thing, but on a serious note, the music world could do with more intelligent noise. Foals bring this in abundance. If you want to check them out live then you'll have to keep an eye on their website as they seem to be staying away from these shores at the moment but with a new album to show off, I'm sure they'll have something planned for later this year. 

I'm 99% certain you'll know someone who is planning on buying this album so this month's one to borrow is Foals.

BEG

Hippo Campus - 'Bashful Creatures' 

EP out now 

Recommended single - 'Suicide Saturday

Anyone lucky enough to arrive early for last month's Modest Mouse gigs, will have caught a glimpse of Hippo Campus, the latest American band threatening to take over our airwaves.

Hippo Campus have created an almost faultless six-track EP to introduce themselves to the world. The title track 'Bashful Creatures' is a sheer audio delight although does contain the f-bomb and another less offensive four letter word, if you're planning on blasting it out around a post-watershed audience. I'd strongly recommend checking this song out on a streaming site of your choice. 

After you've heard this then I'm almost certain you'll be begging someone for the cash to buy the rest of the EP. Once you've done so you'll be glad you did. Songs like 'Little Grace' and 'Opportunistic' have had them compared to Vampire Weekend. Something they're apparently a bit sick of. So let's be clear - I won't be comparing them to Vampire Weekend. 

I don't know about your mates but people I know get a bit excited about making compilation cds or mixes before heading on a long car trip and then pick out so-called 'driving songs' that don't quite work. A bit random I know - but finally I've found a song that I'm happy to declare a cracking song to drive to. From the opening bars of 'Suicide Saturday', you can imagine driving along a great American highway. I'll see if it works as well on the roads of North Yorkshire. It also joins The Boo Radleys' 'Wake Up Boo' as containing the most unsuitable lyrics to an uplifting summer song that you'll ever hear. 

Apparently the hippocampus is the part of the brain that is involved in memory forming, organizing, and storing. I'm confident you can find space in your hippocampus for Hippo Campus. Beg or buy now.