Album Of The Week - 14th September : Muse - The Resistance

I remember first hearing Muse ten years ago when they released the single "Muscle Museum" and it made an impact on me straight away, despite so many people dismissing them as Radiohead wannabees. I put their debut album 'Showbiz' on my Christmas list that year and have been excited by the release of each new album since then.

Muse have come a long way in the past ten years becoming one of the biggest bands in the UK, in Europe and possibly in the world. They have sold out Earls Court twice over, Wembley Stadium twice over, O2 arena twice over and Madison Square gardens. They have also headlined Glastonbury, Reading/Leeds and V Festival. They are also opening for U2 for the section of their 360 tour covering the East Coast of the US.

The sound has also progressed from what some called Radiohead wannabees and buy their third album 'Absolution' they had found a sound that set them apart from everyone else as being a truly great band. I loved 'Absolution', it had everything on it from the hard hitting heavy riffing on tracks like "Stockholm Syndrome" to the dreamy "Sing for Absolution" this really was the complete album. They followed this up with a fourth album that went in a different direction, showing more elements of the progressive and at times straying in to the overly self indulgent.

So what were we to expect from this, the fifth studio album 'The Resistance'. I have to say I was very sceptical right from hearing about the gimmicky nature of the release of "United States of Eurasia". Some kind of bizarre sample treasure hunt set for the fan community which when completed resulted in a song that sounded like some kind of unreleased Queen song. Having heard that song which was made available as a free download, I was concerned that Muse had finally hit the self destruct button.

The thing I have always loved about Muse is the hard hitting, riffing, anthemic side to their music. Not to say that I only like tracks like "Stockholm Syndrome" but certainly they are the ones that really draw me in to Muse's sound. This album doesn't really have any of that on it. Gone are the pumping sing-along choruses and the big heavy sound. This is obviously a personal opinion and I have looked at many reviews that have heaped praise upon this album.

Now I'm not saying this is a bad album, it's just different. Maybe I am just resistant to change but I just can't get into this album in the same way that I have with all their previous albums. There are almost two seperate parts to this album. There is the main body of the album and then there is the three-part symphony at the end called "Exogenesis". I have to say the symphony is excellent, original and inventive with over 40 musicians being brought in to contribute to this classically influenced piece of music. This is definately the highlight of the album. On the rest of the album I am pleased to say that the first song I heard "United States..." is in my opinion the worst track on the album but there is nothing there that hits the heights of their previous albums.

Muse will always be one of the best, most engaging bands to see live. Their musical ability, relentless energy and big stadium filling sound will make sure of that. I am however left wondering if this new direction is here to stay or if it is just a phase they will grow out of. Personally I am going to go back to 'Absolution' and stick this one on the shelf but it has had a good reception by so many so please listen to 'The Resistance' for yourself and form your own opinion. It is worth it even if it is just for "Exogenesis".
http://open.spotify.com/album/0eFHYz8NmK75zSplL5qlfM

The Beatles In Stereo

OK so I don't really feel like I need to say too much about The Beatles since I would be very surprised to meet anybody who's likely to read this who doesn't know who they are and hasn't heard at least one Beatles song in their life! Like them or not there is no denying the massive impact they made on the music industry and certainly for me they were the first band I can remember listening to. I remember the first cassettes I listened to were Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour which a friend from school had copied and given to me! I have since got all of their albums and whilst I don't really listen to them that often I still consider them to be one of the all time greats.

This weeks sees the re-release of all The Beatles albums after four years of extensive digital remastering. Stereo editions of all 12 UK studio albums along with the Magical Mystery Tour soundtrack and the Past Masters double album have been released. These can be purchased all together as a box set (£169.98 on Amazon) or individually for various prices. For the purists who think The Beatles should only be listened to in their original form as they were intended can also buy a Mono version of the box set.

For me I already have the albums from various release versions with various levels of remastering and so won't be getting any of these new releases. If you are however sadly lacking in Beatles albums I would thoroughly recommend investing in at least one! Especially as there is no Beatles available on Spotify! As for my recommendations I would have to say my favourites are Abbey Road, Yellow Submarine or Sgt Peppers!

Other Notable Releases - 7th September

Whilst Frank Turner was a clear winner for me this week there were a few other albums worthy of mention also released.

The Cribs - 'Ignore the Ignorant'
This is the fourth studio album from the Jarman brothers and the first album featuring Johnny Marr (The Smiths, Modest Mouse) on guitar. The album was recorded in LA with producer Nick Launay (Maximo Park, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Supergrass) and released on Wichita Recordings. Now whilst I was never a massive Smiths fan I can't deny that Johnny Marr is a fantastic guitarist so I had raised expectations for this album. The Cribs have always stood out from the indie masses thanks to their raw almost angry sound exploding with energy and invention. This album sees them growing up though and that isn't necessarily a good thing! The big production of Nick Launay and the more reigned in nature of their music/vocals almost takes away what made them who they were. There is less of that raw intensity giving way to a more melodic sound. There are clear plusses on this album though. The intricate guitar work which has made Johnny Marr the legend that he is, definately adds to the sound and the production is very good but it just feels like it is lacking that passion that has made The Cribs so popular in a sea of indie!
http://open.spotify.com/album/3F5TJGXRRjf7aSKgXXWY3C

Jamie T - 'Kings and Queens'
This is the London based singer/songwriters second album following on from his Mercury Prize nominated debut 'Panic Prevention'. 2009 has been a busy year for Jamie T. Having already released two E.P.'s this year in 'Chaka Demus EP' and 'Sticks 'n' Stones EP' his second full length album has been hotly anticipated. 'Kings and Queens' is very much in the same vain as 'Panic Prevention' and is instantly recognisable as a Jamie T record. This isn't however just more of the same, there is a definate feeling that this album sees Mr T really mastering his art. Still here are his carefree often humour filled lyrics, catchy beats and singalong choruses but the production seems to have more depth to it. "Sticks 'n' Stones" is definately a highlight on the album and probably my favourite track of his so far.
http://open.spotify.com/album/4e3fJnly4W3A5kL339KOuc

Jet - 'Shaka Rock'
Three years on from previous release 'Shine On' the Australians return with their third studio album. The album was produced by Chris "Frenchie" Smith (The Datsuns, Dandy Warhols) and released on the EMI label. Jet are a band who have suffered from the curse of having a big hit with their debut album 'Get Born' and never being able to recreat that on subsequent releases. To be honest I don't necessarily think this album is worth a listen but I was a big fan of Jet's debut album and so I still live in hope that one day they might be able to once again reach those heights! "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" is always going to be a classic and is guaranteed to get any party going. This new album shows that they still know how to rock a good riff and they haven't lost any of their technical and tight musicianship but they are just missing that edge that makes an album stand out. If you want to hear a band flogging a potentially dead horse then check it out! http://open.spotify.com/album/5rDASsW2UicHuh6F2ByJhK

Rodrigo y Gabriela - '11:11'
The Mexican guitar duo return with their third studio album released on independent record label Rubyworks. If you haven't heard them yet you really need to check them out. Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero met when in a thrash metal band in Mexico City but decided to move to Dublin due to the limited music scene in Mexico. Clearly leaving their thrash metal behind them they have developed a real latino, flamenco, rhythmic style that really rocks and makes you want to dance! Initially plying their trade playing in pubs and busking on the streets of Dublin they finally got their break when Damien Rice approached them to support him. Since then they have created a steadily building fan base through extensive touring including some high profile appearances such as supporting Muse at Wembley Stadium in 2007. They are incredibly talented guitarists and whatever kind of music you are in to you can't help but be impressed especially by their live performances. This new album sees each track being dedicated to an artist that has inspired them including the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Caralos Santana and Pink Floyd. Check it out and then check out Live In Japan for their live stuff as well! http://open.spotify.com/album/7qoMaPJGpB6EsgZGMyOa4X

Album Of The Week - 7th September : Frank Turner - Poetry Of The Deed

Frank Turner has got to be one of the hardest working people in the music scene today. Ever since the demise of his post-hardcore band Million Dead in 2005, Frank has been living on the road gigging relentlessly. He has also managed to find the time to write and record at a rate which is pretty rare these days. Where so many bands tour and the take some time out and then start to write a new album over the space of 2/3 years, Frank Turner has now released 3 full length albums and 2 E.P.'s in four years whilst touring virtually non-stop. Previous album 'Love, Ire and Song' was one of my favourite albums of 2008 so I was very excited by the release of 'Poetry of the Deed'. This album was the first time Frank had rehearsed, arranged and recorded the songs with his full band. On previous albums he had done the majority of this himself. The production duties were performed by Alex Newport (At The Drive-In, Mars Volta, System Of A Down).

I have to say that on my first few listens it doesn't quite come up to the very high standards of 'Love, Ire & Song' but that is not to say that it is a bad album. In fact it is a very good album! The lyrics as always are brilliantly heartfelt and full of the passion that exudes from Frank Turner's vocals. Musically there is a good range of different styles found on the album from the more standard rock sounds of the title track to just Frank and his guitar on "Dan's Song" to real folky sound of "Sons Of Liberty".

One of the things that makes Frank Turner stand out as a singer/songwriter is that he is in no way manufactured. There are so many male singer/songwriters out there who are shaped and moulded by record labels, producers and management. Frank Turner is just a man who loves music, loves touring and loves writing and this is so evident in what he produces. You get a real sense when listening to his music that this has come from his heart and and that he is putting all of himself into it. The first single "The Road" is definately a highlight of the album for me, definately one that has been getting stuck in my head on a regular basis. I feel I need to listen to the album more to really get into it but I'm definately going to make the effort because Frank has once again come up trumps for me! (Plus I'm going to see him live at the Roundhouse in March so need to be able to sing along!)
http://open.spotify.com/album/4I03nlaCR5k3lYyK1WhUFd

Album Of The Week - 31st August: Noah & The Whale - First Days Of Spring

Noah & The Whale return with their second studio album released just over a year after their debut 'Peaceful the World Lays Me Down'. The band is a four piece although there are a number of additional musicians and vocalists who have contributed to their music over the years. The name Noah & The Whale is taken from one of the band's favourite films 'The Squid and the Whale' directed by Noah Baumbach.

I was a big fan of the first album especially the incredibly catchy single "5 Years Time". I was however disappointed to hear that the new album would be lacking the female backing vocals provided by Laura Marling and was hoping this wouldn't have a negative effect. 'The First Days Of Spring' is actually a concept album which contains a running narrative throughout describing the breakup of a relationship. The breakup in question is that of lead singer Charlie Fink and Laura Marling explaining her absence from this project. A movie has also been created with the same title which runs for the length of the album and come with the deluxe edition.

The album starts as it means to continue with the slow paced and cinematic title track. There is a definate maturity in the sound and in the lyrics compared to their debut album. The whole album does have a real cinematic feel to it with the instrumentation creating lush soundscapes for the folksy melancholy of Finks vocals. There is also room for a more experimental sound with two instrumental tracks featuring the use of an orchestra tuning up and pealing church bells. There is a departure from the often twee and quirky tunes that defined their debut album only once regressing to their old ways on "Love Of An Orchestra" as if to prove that they are still the same people. It is this growing up in the sound that has added a greater sense of drama and a more real feeling of emotion to the music and to the vocals. If their first album was a hyperactive child skipping through a field then that child has definately grown up and been welcomed into the real world now.

I have not yet had a chance to see the film and would love to see the music over the film as it clearly has that cinematic quality to it. It does however work in it's own right as a beautifully slow moving, sweeping collection of songs that really convey the emotions of experiences I'm sure we can all relate to. Give it a listen and hear for yourself http://open.spotify.com/album/17CbZe05VyzC2QsVx6PT06

Other Notable releases - 24th August

There were a few contenders for album of the week this week so I thought I'd mention some others that I think are worth checking out.

Arctic Monkeys - 'Humbug'
This week sees the release for the third studio album Arctic Monkeys on Domino Records produced by James Ford (Klaxons, Last Shadow Puppets) and Josh Homme (Queens Of The Stone Age, Eagles Of Death Metal). I have to admit to getting caught up in the Arcitc Monkeys hysteria during their meteoric rise to fame back in 2006, not much would get me on the dancefloor at the Student Union but I couldn't resist a bit of the Monkeys! Since then however I have been distinclty underwhelmed by them. 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' was a reasonable enough album with some good songs but too many average ones. 'Humbug' sees the Arctic Monkeys starting to experiment a bit more. The things that make them distinctive are still there but there is less of the sing-along anthems and more of a desert rock feel (Josh Homme style!). Die hard Monkeys fans are probably going to find it less accessible but I respect them for not sticking to a formula and hope it pays off for them.
http://open.spotify.com/album/7814s6n0s7Kxbiue0oatgv

Athlete - 'Black Swan'
The fourth studio album is released this week on Fiction Records with production by Tom Rothrock (Elliott Smith, Elbow, Badly Drawn Boy). Say what you like about Athlete but they are good at what they do, which is producing radio friendly rock for the masses. They don't really break any new ground with this album but it is a perfectly enjoyable listen! It is definately an improvement on 2007's 'Beyond The Neighbourhood'.
http://open.spotify.com/album/5WZoFgfWhUK0ZmcK3tp58R

Mew - 'No More Stories...'
The Danish band's fifth studio album is released on Sony and produced by Rich Costey (Muse, Cave In, Franz Ferdinand). This is their first album since they became a three piece after the departure of bass player Johan Wohlert who wanted to spend more time with his family. The full name of the album is 'No More Stories Are Told Today I'm Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I'm Tired Let's Wash Away'. The new album is a move away from the darker sounds of previous album 'And the Glass Handed Kites' to a more upbeat, dancier sound. Mew are always an incredibly inventive band of clearly talented musicians so do check them out http://open.spotify.com/album/32CkjGpwOpJ69IuJqiKT69

Album Of The Week - 24th August: Imogen Heap - Ellipse

There are a few high profile releases out this week, the rest of which I will mention in a seperate post but for my album of the week I have chosen Imogen Heap's third album. I am a big fan of Imogen Heaps very distinctive voice and have all her albums so was looking forward to hearing 'Ellipse'.

You could never accuse Heap of being prolific with her album releases. Her debut 'i-Megaphone' was released in 1998 and the follow-up 'Speak For Yourself' did not come out until seven years later in 2005 (although she did release an album with Guy Sigsworth under the name Frou Frou in 2002). That makes the four year wait for 'Ellipse' seem like nothing!

'Speak For Yourself' was the real breakthrough album for Imogen Heap. This was largely due to the fantastic single "Hide & Seek" which featured in TV show 'The O.C.'s' season finale for season two. There were so many other good songs on the album as well, my favourites being "Goodnight & Go" and "Headlock".

The new album obviously has the same beautiful, atmospheric and instantly recognisable vocals. There is obvious progression in the musical styles found though with a wider range of influences evident in various tracks on the album. Heap did a lot of travelling in recording this album with recording locations including Hawaii, Fiji, Thailand and Essex! This doesn't create a world music album but definately has some influence on the sound for example the slight Eastern sound on "2-1". Heap has a real gift for conveying emotions and creating atmospheres in her music. 'Ellipse' seems to have taken this on further with a wider, more eclectic range of attitudes and emotions being explored throughout the album. From the almost talking rant on "Bad Body Double" to the aftermath of a breakup in "Wait It Out"to the playful almost mischievous "Aha!".

Imogen Heap has always had a distinctive sound and this is definately an Imogen Heap album! There is no one track that stands out in the same way as "Hide & Seek" but at the same time every track has it's own character that makes it incredibly listenable. I certainly have not been disappointed by this album and I would recommend it to anyone. Also if you haven't heard 'Speak For Yourself' yet then you need it in your life! http://open.spotify.com/album/1H8velOQ9zUFqpuQPd2bkO

Other Notable Releases - 17th August: The XX - 'xx'

'xx' is the debut album from South-West London based four-piece indie band The XX. They have received much media attention with NME naming them at number 6 in the 2009 Future 50 List. They appeared at Reading/Leeds shortly after the release of this album and have since supported Florence & The Machine in the UK and Friendly Fires in the US.

This album was produced by the band themselves and the beauty is found in the simplicity of the instrumentation. Vocal duties are shared between Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim and their voices compliment each other perfectly with one answering the other throughout the album.

I'm not really sure quite how to describe their sound. The instrumentation is kept to a bare minimum meaning there is very little to go on! The sound doesn't however feel empty or lacking something in anway. They seem to have managed to master the art in providing just enough backing to the vocals without overcomplicating things or detracting from the vocals in any way. I guess if I had to place it I would say it is like a stripped down trip-hop.

The XX certainly seem comfortable with their sound and it really works for them. I will be interested to see where they take their sound for future albums. Will they be one of those bands that recieves a lot of media attention for a while and then falls off the radar forever or will they manage to take their sound further and cement their place in the media spotlight. Only time will tell but for now check out their debut http://open.spotify.com/album/2nXJkqkS1tIKIyhBcFMmwz

Album Of The Week - 17th August: Soulsavers - 'Broken'

Soulsavers are a production duo from England comprising of Rich Machin and Ian Glover. 'Broken' is their third album and features many prominent musicians/vocalists including Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Queens Of The Stone Age), Mike Patton(Faith No More), Jason Pierce (Spiritualized), Richard Hawley and Gibby Haynes (Butthole Surfers).

Mark Lanegan is the main collaborator and vocalist on this album. Since the breakup of Screaming Trees in 2000 Lanegan has collaborated with a number of different artists/bands including a 5 year stint with Queens Of The Stone Age. This is his second album with Soulsavers following on from their 2007 release 'It's Not How Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land'.

This album draws on a number of influences ranging from downtempo electronica to trip-hop to alt-rock to soul. This wide variety of styles could lead to the album becoming disjointed but they manage to pull it off. The tracks, whilst being different in style and instrumentation all gel together well and it makes for an engaging listen. Lanegans vocals fit perfectly with the slightly melancholic and brooding sound that is the thread that holds the album together.

For me the standout tracks on the album are "Unbalanced Pieces" which has a real trip-hop almost Morcheeba-esque bassline and sees Lanegan joined by Mike Patton on vocals adding falsetto to the chorus giving it a real anthemic feel. "You Will Miss Me When I Burn" is beautiful in it's simplicity with just a piano loop and strings accompanying Lanegans beautifully bleak vocals.

Another key collaborator on the album is female vocalist Rosa Agostino also known as Red Ghost. She joins Lanegain on "You Will Miss Me..." and also on another standout track "Rolling Sky", another trip-hop track with a hint jazz coming from the almost hyperactive saxophone sprawling all over the track.

I have really enjoyed listening to this album and am sure I will continue to do so. It is great chillout music and manages to do so without being boring. The production is excellent and there is so much to hear in every track. Don't take my word for it though, check it out for yourself on spotify http://open.spotify.com/album/2B5gjVqJC2RzNUXgQgqkDt

New Releases from August 17th

So I didn't get very far with keeping up with my blog but I've decided to make an effort to catch up with all the albums released since my last entry! Starting with albums released on August 17th.

The obvious big release of the week was Calvin Harris who released his second album 'Ready For The Weekend' following on from his hugely popular debut album 'I Created Disco'. As a child of the 80's I am obviously a big fan of "Acceptable In The 80's", a big hit from his debut album. I can't however claim to be an expert in this genre so can't really give a good account of the new album. Having listened to it I would say that if you were a fan of the first album this is well worth a listen as it continues with more of the same. The album does also contain an extended mix of his collaboration with Dizzee Rascal on "Dance Wiv Me" which is a great tune and certainly a floor filler at any party!

I have picked out two new releases that stood out to me and will review these in my next 2 Blog entries. The albums I will be reviewing are:

Soulsavers - 'Broken'
The XX - 'The XX'