30.12.2007
WORD ASSOCIATION WITH LIAM AND NOEL GALLAGHER
LIAM AND NOEL GALLAGHER ON PLAYSCHOOL
Stevie Riks is brilliant, d’you know wot i mean
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A Music Blog Focusing on Los Angeles and Brighton
27.12.2007
Not sure why a lot of people think Amy Winehouse is a cow or annoying or really mean or whatever… but if someone watches this and hates her…. it’ll be absolutely beyond me, honestly.
She’s so cute in this I was like awwing. I know everyone says sort yourself out, Amy!!! but seriously, bb, your fans love you. /stupid letter that no one will read.
27.12.2007
Kate Nash live @ the Troubadour, Hollywood
January 14, 2007
I’m really looking forward to this, provided I can go (got to extend the plane ticket and all that). There is some talks that I could get an interview with her, and you (after n.m.e) will get the first look at it, but granted I just want to go. I know Kate Nash is kind of twee-pop, but she’s cute and although some people cite Mouthwash as having not such deep lyrics, there are some really, really good ones. She sounds to me like a friend airing her feelings through song, but yet, it sounds like a conversation. And she’s adorable. And she’s dating Ryan Jarman of the Cribs. Which is such a good combo. However, this show is sold out, so if you’re not already going, you’re probably not going at all. But if you got tickets, I think this is going to be a really great show. She’s so adorable.
And I think its January 9, that her CD, Made of Bricks is coming out in the US. I’ve had it since August 6th, and honestly, its so good! I think my favorite track is Skeleton Song because Merry Happy was better as a demo. Mariella and We Get On are quite amazing as is Pumpkin Soup. I don’t know, Kate Nash is lovely….
27.12.2007
Shoegaze heroes/all-around badasses Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have recently announced
a one-off headlining show on January 24th at the Key Club. The word was spread via Myspace bulletin and only 500 tickets are being sold.
It’s definitely going to be incredible, don’t miss out!
Get your ticket:
here
Here’s BRMC performing “Weight of the World” (one of my many favorites) at Sunset Junction.
25.12.2007
from johnny marr, collietsunami, and ladyshamble aka brianna socially awkward. ladyshamble is my other internet alias, so if you’ve been around the libertines enough, you’ll know why i’m called that.
There Is A Boy Who Never Goes Out by the Lucksmiths, a real quality song, not to mention rife with Smiths-ness. I think its kind of perfect in its little
Jeane by the Smiths, my absolute favorite song ever.
Enjoy!!
22.12.2007
So, Colette and I decided to do this and she just posted hers and it really inspired mine. Hers made me laugh and reminisce and miss the god damned summer because it was honestly, like the best time of my life. It was amazing. 2007 was so wonderful, the best year of my life. Okay, now that I’ve been all mushy and gushy, let me talk about how hard this was. I didn’t really have to think twice about which gigs to put on my list, but it was really the order because as my dad likes to say “Every day you go to a gig is the best day of your life” which is just a fakt obviously, so yeah thats where I ran into my hardest part. Also, probz a lot of inside jokes will be happening but oh well. No one reads this but my friends anyway.
Top 10 Gigs of 2007
10. Scissors For Lefty @ Club DaDa, Dallas – 03.18.07
This gig was a combination of amazing and embarassing. So my roommate and I show up an hour early (that was CUTTING it) and not a single other person was there. By the time the opening band went on we were still the only people. So basically it was a personal show. And all Scissors shows are great. They are fun and entertaining and dancey and just la lala wonderful! This was also a tribute to them since I’ve seen them like 10 times this year, and they need a shout out in my life.
9. 1990s @ Echo – 08.05.07
God, what can I say about 1990s? They do make an appearance later, but Jackie is the sweetest thing walking the planet and Michael is adorable and sassy! They were just really grateful and sweet and fun and dancey and I couldn’t stop smiling and listening to them later… I don’t know, this was just an amazing show and it was the start of Jackie playing the beginning of Super Legal for me every time I ask for it hahaa. Also, picture stolen from Colette’s flickr.
8. Klaxons @ El Ray – 07.10.07
So I listened to Klaxons and liked them well enough before the gig, but ohmygod. It was magical. We were right in front of James who has some amazing moves, and I don’t know even though Cobra and Cory K were there being assholes, it was amazing and dancey and fun and WOAH. and this day contained MANY memorable moments including Klaxons walking right through the El Ray and no one noticing but us and us LEERING as hard as possible, James “eagle wings” Righton, Simon “I cant keep my eyes open” Taylor, screaming “SIMON FLUSH OUT MY EYE” and simon being 3 feet away, and Beth Ditto Jr Jr. Amazing!
7. The Horrors @ El Ray – 06.18.07
God, what can I say about the Horrors. I was lucky enough to see them twice this year. This gig was really special because we were chatting with them before hand and like, I don’t know, they are just really fascinating and attractive and well dressed and funny and wonderful. And the gig wassss absolute MADNESS. Like, I couldn’t move breathe or think but I could writhe!! And I got punched in the head. And then Dorian (my 15 year old friend who is much cooler than I am) stage invaded and I joined losing my shoes, running around stage barefoot, and then being pushed off by Spider Webb. It was absolutely incredible.
6. Maximo Park @ House of Blues Anaheim – 11.24.07
Photo courtesy of Allsoarty on Flickr
This gig was all courtesy of Duncan Lloyd who was so damn nice to us all day. This gig was absolute madness. Fuck the HOB first of all, but we were lucky enough to get into the photographers pit and basically no one said a single thing all night. They were really really tight and the stage was small and amazing and Paul was insane and LUKAS was so god damned intense. It was absolute magic. I think my favorite parts were leering at Lukas every step he took and dancing so hard to Our Velocity basically mimicking Lukas and adding the rubbish harmonizing. And Duncans gay handgesture and Art Brut sing along. I am getting nostalgic already. Good night!
5. The Maccabees @ the Troubadour – 06.15.07
Er, the Maccabees are really under appreciated as “twee pop” but really they are honestly wonderful. Possibly, one of my favorite CDs of 2007. Firstly, they played my favorite venue. Second of all, they are really amazing live. Felix in his little socks dancing around, Orlando with his dance moves and haunting in thebest way voice, and Hugo with his sexual poses and face. They sounded good, looked good and were really really really nice. They also brought out some eagle wings as well and were just fucking attractive too. This sounds really shallow, but they were SO good. And if my friends Rachel and Alison hadn’t come out and seen them, we may not have become as good friends as we are today. So HOORAY. Also, About Your Dress is probably my favorite track of 2007.
4. The Cribs @ The Troubadour -07.24.07
The Cribs are magical live. They are better than on record and they are perfect on record. Period. Despite illness and incredible drunken ramblings (and downings of Red Stripe that are fucking epic) they were amazing. Dear lord. Even though these girls hated us, we still had an amazing time and wern’t distracted by certain-look-a-likes. Fucking fab. I cannot wait to see them again. 5 times. Hopefully.
3. 1990s & Art Brut @ La Zona Rosa – 11.15.07
Well, I love 1990s with my WHOLE whole heart. We had seen them the night before in Dallas, and 1990s suggested they guestlist us and we lovingly took the up on the offer. We left Dallas at 5pm and at 8pm exactly arrived in Austin, and sprinted to the venue. 1990s came out and basically it was a lovefest for me. Jackie dedicated See You At the Lights to us for the second night and it was even more special because there were people there to be jealous of us (HAHA). They played part of Super Legal for me again as well, it was lovely. Then before You’re Supposed to be My Friend, the ad libbing they did put the biggest smile on my face. Then watching Art Brut with Jackie and his marionette dancing was just like killing my heart. Okay, I have to stop fangirling but it was one of the best days of my entire life.
2. Morrissey @ Paladium – 10.05.07
Dear god the set list was absolutely mind fucking blowing. PLAYBOYS!!! (I never wanted to kill, I am not naturally evil, the things I do to make myself more attractive to you, have I failed?) sing along was incredible, THE BOY WITH THE THORN IN HIS SIDE, Stretch Out and Wait, PLEASE FUCKING PLEASE PLEASE. Dear lord. I’m sorry this was incredible.
1. Morrissey @ Palladium – 10.06.07
The only way the previous night could be topped was the fact that we flailed/hovered on top of the barrier and Moz noticed us. FUCKING amazing.
Erm, Sorry for all the fangirling. Its just my way. All completely (mostly) harmless and funny. That is all. Bring on 2008!!!!
Honorable Mentions:
Patrick Wolf @ The Troubadour
Vampire Weekend @ Rubber Gloves
The Horrors @ Bowery Ballroom
The Kooks @ 3rd & Lindsley
1990s/Art Brut @ Dallas Palladium
22.12.2007
Let me tell you guys, compiling this list was NOT easy. I think I’ve been to 70-odd shows this year..some life-changing (Moz), some uh…not so much (The Fratellis). We’ve made friends with Troubadour security, scoped out all the best back-alleys for photo ops, and charmed the hearts of many a British man. So here are my TIPPITY-TOP OF THE POPS of 07–counting downward to the best, the highest point of my year. We can only hope 2008 holds the same excellent luck…
10. Rooney and Coconut Records @ The Roxy – July 16th
What can I say, I love the Schwartzmans. I’m pretty sure this has been Jason’s only performance as Coconut Records and naturally I had to be there. Front row. With the 14 year olds.
9. Maximo Park at the House of Blues Anaheim – November 24th
This was the third time I’d seen Max-EE-mo Park this year, but their very very best performance. And this is a considerable feat, being that the House of Blues is absolutely one of my LEAST favorite venues. The entire band was fantastically energetic as all hell, and it was impossible not to feel it. The song that stuck out most in my head was the oft-overlooked “The Unshockable”, which built up to a chorus of three-part harmonizing, spastic keyboard dancing by the very fashionable Lukas Wooller and Paul Smith’s signature cheerleader-esque mid-air splits and jumps. And had it not been for the kindness of brilliant guitarist Duncan Lloyd, we would not have been there to experience it! If you haven’t heard their newest album “Our Earthly Pleasures” yet, a) shame on you, and b) GO BUY IT NOW
8. Mando Diao at the Troubadour – May 22nd
Unforgettable melodies, Swedish good looks, and the ability to turn a room full of judgmental Los Angeles music fans into screaming loonies. Mando Diao NEVER get old, and I’m surprised they aren’t that big here…their shows are pure frantic danceable pop bliss, whether they’re playing to a stadium of Japanese girls or the tiny Troubadour. I love Mando Diao. Love love love love love. Love. They still only had three albums released at this time and they played a good variety from all of them, my favorite always being Down in the Past. My only complaint is that they didn’t play long enough..they never do
7. 1990s at The Echo – August 5th
This was our first time seeing 1990s live, and it was love at first sight……..starting with Jackie’s heartfelt “thank you!!!”’s after EVERY song (i have never met such a grateful musician). They seemed positively DELIGHTED to be playing to a crowd of approximately 40 people, and it showed in their performance. It’s impossible to see this band and not feel happy–they bounce through their songs with light-hearted joy and toothy smiles. And to think we weren’t planning to go see them at The Troubadour the very next day, where they opened for Robbers on High Street and charmed us once again.
6. Klaxons at the El Rey – July 10th
Klaxons (NO THE) bring all the Cobrasnake types to the yard but it’s worth being jabbed by Cory Kennedy’s elbows to see them. It was hard for me to decide between their performances at The Echoplex in April, the Henry Fonda in September or this one, but I believe they put on their best show here at the El Rey. I can’t wait until Klaxons really polish up their live act, but they are still my favorite new band of the year (even though I started listening to them in 2006). They are truly magickwithouttears. Ooo-ee-ooo-ee-oo-ee-oo-ee-ooo-aaaaaaahhhh
5. Patrick Wolf at the Troubadour – May 16th
There is absolutely nothing bad to say about the insanely talented pretty glittery 9 foot tall P-wolf. Top moment of the night? Hands down, “TRISTAN”. Wow. He writhed around on stage and be-glittered the entire front row. I think my mouth was agape the entire night at his fabulosity. Not to mention his on-stage banter is hilarious and insightful at the same time. We met him a few weeks later and he was so kind!
4. The Hives at the Avalon – November 7th
I am SO glad they’re back! They blew me away in 2004 and I impatiently waited for them to return ever since, and they did not disappoint. Again, a crappy venue but The Hives could play in my basement and be incredible. Usually I don’t trust any of Spin Magazine’s opinions, but I believe they once called The Hives “the best live band ever”? Sure, that may be a stretch but when you see them you can definitely see why they make that claim. Pelle struts around on stage like a Swedish Mick Jagger and has the entire audience in the palm of the hand from start to finish. Warning: Hives shows are NOT for the weak. You WILL be crushed and beaten the entire night, especially when you’re front row, and especially when Pelle decides to walk on the audience’s heads like he’s Jesus. Worth every bruise. The new album is A++++ and it was released on my birthday (November 13th) so it is extra special.
3. The Cribs at The Troubadour – July 24th
Another band you need to see live to truly appreciate. After playing a mind-blowing in-store at Amoeba they took over The Troub and despite sickness (Gary) and drunkenness (Ryan), they played one of the best shows I’ve EVER seen. This is the band whose gigs put people in the hospital in the UK…naturally my expectations were high. I am counting the minutes until they play here again, April 4th.
2. Morrissey at the Hollywood Palladium – October 13th
10 days of hardly eating, hardly sleeping, putting myself in danger of getting fired, and Kristeen Young’s dreadful screeching led up to this. Injured feet, torn clothing and the feeling of victory as I snatched a piece of his shirt away from the crazy girl standing next to me. Moz’s last night at the Palladium ended in a way that was almost too cheesy to be real, being driven away up El Centro as adoring (obsessive) fans chased his car and “First of the Gang to Die” was being blasted from car stereos. Oh god I’m getting nostalgic..
He is the best person on earth. And if you don’t know this, then what dooo yooo-oouu knowwwww?
1. Morrissey at the Hollywood Palladium – October 5th
He sang “Everyday is like Sunday” right into me and Brianna’s faces. Enough said? Enough said.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Ben Kweller at the Wiltern
Scissors For Lefty at everywhere in California
CSS at the Henry Fonda
Razorlight at the El Rey
Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
Beck at the Explx
Art Brut at the Key Club
Mellowdrone at The Echo
Ima Robot at The Roxy
***All pictures are by ME, except Moz and Maximo Park.
03.12.2007
Such. An. Amazing. Band.
I really do think they are going to be big. Not like, big big. But maybe indie big. I dunno, they are just wonderful. Ezra’s voice. The lyrics (“First the window, then it’s to the wall / Lil’ Jon, he always tells the truth”). The keyboard. The shouting (BLAKES! got a new face!). They are just so wonderful. I’m really thankful that my friend Diana (she also takes amazing photographs, check ‘em out @ http://flickr.com/photos/thatgreenplant/) told me about them. I also saw them live at the Troub (yes!!!) over the summer and loved ‘em then too.
Try to get your hands on their Blue CD-R that they have (aka shoot me an email!) then you’ll love it. I swear. My favorite tracks are Mansard Roof, Oxford Comma, Campus, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa and well, everything. Ugh so good. Look for their album in 2008.
17.11.2007
Yeah, I am really sick, but nothing short of death will stop me from going to gigs (that is srsbiznz) obviously. So I went to 1990s, Art Brut and ew, the Hold Steady in Dallas on the 14th and then again in Austin on the 15th.
They were obviously the most wonderful days ever. I got to Dallas really fucking early (but I didn’t have to pay for parking, EPIC WIN!) and met Eddie Argos.
The contrast of our eyebrows is awesome.
Anyway, 1990s are made of EPIC win! And dedicated “See you at the Lights” to us. And played the beginning of Super Legal for me, again (thrice in a row!)
dino bardot / michael / rachel e.l.a.w / alison e.l.a.w / jackie!
EPIC WIN
then we went to austin and it was lovely. I can’t say anymore.
IF YOU DONT HAVE COOKIES BY 1990s YOU ARE LIVING IN A GOD DAMNED CAVE AND NEED TO GET ON IT.
“I think I’ll take the dog for a walk
Yeh maybe I’ll meet up with some friends
Yeh maybe I’ll meet up with some dogs”
Oh, and Art Brut were shit in Dallas and wonderful in Austin (thank you for pointing that out to me Jackie) but now I love them even more. RUSTED GUNS OF MILAN / eddies mic work during that song is incredible.
04.11.2007
No Picasso No Picasso, You AINT NO PICASSO!
No Picasso is a band of some guys, two of whom used to be in Littl’ans (who I am also loving right now) and they have no manager, and no record label etc, so I’d rate them as 8/10 on the scale of Shambles.
“Random ramblings and kind of off-key minor chords are always a hit in our books. The confused mutterings from front man Ronnie (of Littl’ans fame) creep out and tug at your aorta reminding you that life’s not always a box of chocolates. Sob.”
-Frinkmusic.com
I think thats a pretty damn good way to describe their music. The singer, Ronnie, has a voice that reminds me a little bit of faris rotters except not as deep and um, screechy/shouty, but is still really interesting to listen to!
Since they are so shambolic and have no label, I don’t feel bad posting music for you all to download.
Monet by No Picasso
Money by No Picasso
Also, they got Henry Holland to make a shirt for them. I tried to get one but they are all sold out and will never be made again, the band told me ….. wtf, but STILL!
04.11.2007
Oasis to begin recording new album
Band will head to Abbey Road next week to lay down album number seven
Oasis will enter London’s Abbey Road studios on November 5 (THATS TOMORROW!!!!!) to record their seventh album. They have already completed work on two songs set for the album, and have demoed the rest.
Speaking to BBC 6Music, Noel Gallagher revealed that the band already began initial recording at the studio six weeks ago, and plan to mix the album after a Christmas break.
“We start in Abbey Road a week on Monday [November 5],” he said. “Then we’ll probably work through a couple of months there, have Christmas off, then go and mix it and see where we’re at.
“We all write separately, but for some reason all the songs sound like they’ve got a common thread. We’ve been focusing round the grooves more this time.”
He added: “The last album ['Don't Believe The Truth'] was quite ’songy’, if that makes any sense – it was quite a British, retro, ’60s sounding album. This [new album] is focusing round the grooves more.”
Gallagher went on to explain that he’d been having difficulty coming up with lyrical inspiration.
“I’ve literally got nothing left to write about,” he said. “I’ve written about being a youth, and I’ve written about being a rock star, and I’ve written about living life in the big city.”
Well guys, that’s it. 2008. New Morrissey album + tour, new Oasis album and possible tour? Stick a fork in me, I’m done. It will quite literally be the pinnacle of my entire life. Getting married? Having my first child? No no. That is all rubbish compared to Oasis and Moz in the same year.
03.11.2007
I know how much you all love Moz, because he is god and no one can NOT like him, IJAF!
According to NME, sir Moz will be releasing a new studio album (complete with hopefully the songs “Throwing My Arms Around Paris” which is incredible live, and this other song that basically is like “I am the best, I know all, I am a creeper and I am everywhere and better than you” which is awesome and sew true~) and a greatest hits album in 2008! Also, in January 2008 he is supposed to tour, and I heard rumors that it’ll being in Camden.
Colette Socially Awkward and I will be there (WHEREVER THERE IS) no matter what. We are the best. That is all!
Toodle pip!
31.10.2007
Die in a fire, Johnny Borrell! From Razorlights myspace:
Razorlight have been forced to make changes to their November US tour. The band very much regret that due to record label issues beyond their control they’ve been left facing impossible last minute logistics to complete the run of shows and are therefore obliged to pull out of the Chicago, Seattle, San Fransisco and Los Angeles dates. Razorlight would like to apologize to the fans who have already bought tickets and hope people understand that they’re putting in place as much US activity as they can. Meanwhile, the dates in Boston, Brooklyn, New York and Toronto will go ahead as planned with The Von Bondies supporting plus Gran Ronde. The band will be attempting to re-schedule the remaining shows as soon as possible.
I just thought you should all know. OH!!! and this (from http://www.nme.com/news/32205)
Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell has landed an acting role in the forthcoming British film ‘The Meat Trade’.
The movie is a thriller set in Edinburgh, and is expected to be released in 2008.
The Razorlight frontman will star alongside actors Colin Firth and Robert Carlyle.
Borrell explained to Billboard that he will play the boyfriend of the leading lady, who has not been cast yet.
“We’re filming around Christmas time or just after,” he explained. “I expect it will be quite fun.”
DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE. I REPEAT DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE….UNLESS IT IS FOR THE LOLZ.
29.10.2007
about one week ago I saw the best band in america right now… scissors for lefty!!
they played a really short set because juliette lewis and the licks suck at life and need to diaf! seriously. goooo away! her reason was that the afterparty was calling her name. and wanted to get there early. or some shit. stfu, juliette!
i believe they played:
lay down your weapons
next to argyle
x’s are forever
hotchka
mama your boys will find a home
the last song they rocked out, well they always rock out! if you can go see them… more tour dates as follows….
Oct 30 2007 Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Oct 31 2007 The Social, Orlando, Florida
Nov 1 2007 The Drunken Unicorn, Atlanta, Georgia
Nov 2 2007 The 40 Watt Club, Athens, Georgia
Nov 3 2007 Local 506, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Nov 6 2007 Middle East Downstairs, Boston, Massachusetts
Nov 8 2007 Rock n Roll Hotel, Washington DC
Nov 9 2007 Luna Lounge, Brooklyn, New York
Nov 10 2007 Gramercy Theater, New York, New York
Nov 11 2007 The Mod Club, Toronto, Ontario
Nov 13 2007 Agora Theater, Cleveland, Ohio
Nov 14 2007 Small’s, Detroit, Michigan
Nov 16 2007 Reggie’s Rock Club, Chicago, Illinois
Nov 17 2007 The Majestic Theater, Madison, Wisconsin
Nov 18 2007 Triple Rock, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nov 20 2007 Marquis Theater, Denver, Colorado
Nov 21 2007 Suede, Park City, Utah
Nov 24 2007 Chop Suey, Seattle, Washington
Nov 25 2007 Hawthorne Theater, Portland, Oregon
Nov 27 2007 Wow Hall, Eugene, Oregon
Nov 28 2007 The Big Easy, Boise, Idaho
Nov 30 2007 The Rox Club, Las Vegas, Nevada
Dec 1 2007 Club Underground, Reno, Nevada
Dec 2 2007 Downtown Brewery, San Luis Obispo, California
Dec 5 2007 The Boardwalk Sacramento, California
Dec 6 2007 The Casbah San Diego, California
Dec 8 2007 The Roxy, Hollywood, CA
Go see them!
26.10.2007
YOU STUPID, STUPID GIRL!!!
Moz brings you up from the depths of whatever fly-over state you’re from and gives you the opportunity, nay, PRIVELEGE of opening for him and getting heckled every night by audiences all over the world…….and you repay him with some crude perverted comment, making him look bad in front of a huge audience and some of his family? wrong wrong wrong.
bbgurl, he LET you sit on his SHOULDERS. and you’re a female! what the HELL. and you say THAT?!!? I spent around 800 bucks or so in 2007 to be in the same vicinity as him 9 times and the best i got from him was a mocking wave and a piercing gaze into my soul i mean eyes; i don’t think i’ve ever said one negative word about him in the presence of anybody, except that he has terrible taste in opening bands aka OF ALL THE BOOGERS IN THE WORLD, HE PICKED YOU. and to say something horrible TO him? HOW?!
okay, granted, if i ever got the chance to speak to Morrissey it would come out something like “hiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaahhh bluuhhhhhhhh uhhhhhhhhh umm guhhh …. ohmygod” and then he’d make his Disgusted Moz face at me and shoo me away with a single wave of his great hand, but still i think my extended vowel sounds would be more favorable to him than your slanderous words, kristeen.
listen, i know you got tired of being hated on every night, but well..you shouldn’t make such crap music then. and in our defense, we were all pretty patient with your relentless atonal-screeching-set-to-3-notes-on-the-piano routine. we could’ve turned much nastier. yes, at the hollywood bowl i spent your set listening to my ipod and reading my Vogue. and i got my highest score in Tetris on my cell phone during your set at one of the Palladium concerts. sorry for that but not really.
So i guess this is goodbye for us, Kristeen Young. Moz brought the smack down and you’ve been banished from the tour and that coveted spot on his shoulders. I saw you 9 times more than I would’ve liked to and I guess we’ll never make it to 10
this is where i would put a Smiths or Morrissey lyric with a “good riddance” theme but I can’t think of one at the moment
22.10.2007
Collie Tsunami Socially Awkward here!!!!!!!!!!!
SO. Morrissey is still god, Brianna is still in Texas and I am a little disappointed with the newest Mando Diao album, Never Seen The Light of Day
For those of you not in the know, Mando Diao is a band of attractive Swedish gents that write incredibly catchy feverish garage pop (pop isnt a bad word anymore according to Alex Kapranos)….I remember way back in the ancient times of 2004 I was flipping through my now ex-boyfriend’s CD collection (yes, boyfriend, there once was a human that was attracted to me it was obviously a flaw in the order of the universe) and saw this CD with a funny-sounding band name, MANDO DIAO
I pop it in my stereo and the first song, Sheepdog starts playing and as soon as I got to the catchy-as-hell chorus I knew that this band was formed solely for my enjoyment
Then they released Hurricane Bar and it was so, so good
And then last year, Ode to Ochrasy, also so, so good
I saw them live only three times between 2004 and 2007 but was blown away each time they graced that little Troubadour stage. I selfishly love that they’re nobodies here in the states so they have to keep playing there and I will never have to fight for my front-row spot
And then I hear a few weeks ago they’ve recorded a new album? Say what!?!? Ode to Ochrasy is still fresh out of the oven! I may be the most impatient person on the planet, but I’m always willing to wait when good music is on the line
So here we go, Never Seen the Light of Day
What exactly happened here, guys. Stop trying to be innovative because it isnt working for you. This album sounds like they’re trying to be wild west outlaws which sounds great in theory but no thanks.
Let’s go over these song titles first of all. “Mexican Hardcore” (ok i actually like this song) “Macadam Cowboy”. “Misty Mountains”. “Gold” (Gold Rush???????) There is clearly a theme here, and that theme is not “Swedish guys in leather jackets that stick stubbornly to the blues form”–the way I like my Mando Diao!!
Sweden is not the wild, wild west
And also, the beginning of the song “I Don’t Care What the People Say”? THAT IS A GARAGEBAND SOUND EFFECT. And trust me, I know my GarageBand noises. So stop it, you are a band with songwriting and instrument-playing skills, leave the GarageBand-ing to The Socially Awkwards
It isn’t an awful album though, really. I have to give them kudos for trying to think outside the box, I guess….. but it was a really, really good box they were in. And there are some songs that I really, really dig–”Mexican Hardcore” for one, and “Train on Fire”, despite the weird Saturday Night Fever-ish synth progression
And you all know full well next time they play the Troubadour I will be there ticket in hand as excited as can be
Listen for yourself..the whole album’s up on Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/mandodiao
Next album, Mando Diao….take it back to Sweden!
SOCIAL
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