Album Of The Week - 5th October : Mumford & Sons - 'Sigh No More'

After the masses of albums out last week there was less of a choice this week. This one is a real gem though. Mumford & Sons are a four piece folk band coming out of the London folk scene that has also produced the likes of Laura Marling and Noah & The Whale. Three of the four members have in fact performed both live and on record with Laura Marling.

I first heard Mumford & Sons through the extensive airplay they received on MTV2 with lead single "Little Lion Man". This song just got stuck in my had and that was in no way a bad thing, I loved it! I wasn't the only one either with Zane Lowe naming it as "Hottest Record in the World". After the brilliance of the single I was hoping that the album would bring me more of the same. Whilst I still think "Little Lion Man" is one of the highlights this is definately one of my albums of the year so far.

Production duties were performed by Markus Dravs (Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Bjork) and the result is very impressive. The song progressions and the often massive sound bring to mind Arcade Fire and this definately adds another dimension to the folk influences. There is a really strong emotional feel to the album as well. The vocals and the music working in perfect harmony to draw the listener in and give you a real sense of the emotions being portrayed through the lyrics.

Along with "Little Lion Man" the other highlights for me are "Winter Winds" and "Thistle & Weeds". To be fair there are no songs on this album that I don't like. I certainly don't find myself wanting to skip any tracks as I listen through. That isn't to say that every track on here is as strong as the others, there are some weaker moments that pass by without really making an impact such as "I Gave You All". I've been listening to this album on repeat and I am still not bored of it. It has earned a place amongst my favourites at the moment and I am excited and expectant for bigger and better things from this band in the future.
Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More

Other Notable Releases - 28th September (Part 2)

Part two of this weeks other new releases. A good mixture of the new and the old for you here and quite an eclectic mix of styles as well! Enjoy!

Ian Brown - 'My Way'
I have to say I was a fan of The Stone Roses but I've never really got into Ian Brown's solo work. Maybe I've just never given it a chance but what I have heard hasn't inspired me to give it a chance! This week sees the release of his sixth studio album since going solo and once again working with long term production partner dave McCracken. Ian Brown will always go down in history as being hugely influential for his involvement in pioneering the Madchester with The Stone Roses. His solo work seems to me to be more pop than rock and just doesn't really do it for me. A lot of people still love him though and he clearly does have a talent for songwriting and an incredibly distinctive voice which seperates him out from the crowd. I'm still hoping, almost certainly in vain, for a Stone Roses comeback some day!
Ian Brown – My Way

Kid Harpoon - 'Once'
Born Tom Hull, Kid Harpoon is a new kid on the English singer/songwriter block. Originally from Kent and now living in north London he has been gradually gaining popularity through the local gig scene. Often joined live by a band known as The Powers That Be, he has previously released a single and two EPs, the single in particular receiving much critical acclaim from the likes of NME. 'Once' is the debut album released on the Young Turks record label. All that potential doesn't seem to have been realised in this album. The sound would probably have been very popular a couple of years ago when the likes of Jack Penate first came out but now it is just old and tired. I think the best word to describe it would be boring. There is no real invention, no real passion shining through and that is a shame after the promise shown in his previous work. Could this be the last we se of Kid Harpoon?!
Kid Harpoon – Once

Liam Frost - 'We Ain't Got No Money, Honey, But We Got Rain'
Another English singer/songwriter for you to check out! This time hailing from Manchester and now on his second album following on from his 2006 release 'Show Me How The Spectres Dance'. Having gigged tirelessly round Manchester and building a fanbase he has gained much recognition as fine songwriter with Guy Garvey of Elbow describing him as "the UK's answer to Bright Eyes". His debut album was described as a bit of a deperessing, despairing album but he seems to have cheered up in the past three years. This album is full of happy, catchy, toe tapping, uplifting tunes. It sounds like he is having fun and it makes you feel like you are having fun listening to it. "Your Hand In Mine" is a particular highlight with Martha Wainwright featuring and guaranteed to get your toe tapping and your head nodding along.
Liam Frost – We Ain't Got No Money, Honey, But We Got Rain

Newton Faulkner - 'Rebuilt By Humans'
Yet another English singer/songwriter but I don't think this one needs any introduction. This weeks sees the release of Faulkners second album after his massive number one hit album of 2007, 'Hand Built By Robots'. Once again he uses producer Mike Spencer (Jamiroquai, Alphabeat) and releases on Ugly Truth Records. When you have such a big success at the first time of asking it must be incredibly difficult to produce something to follow it up with. Where do you go from there? How do you produce something better or at least as good? The pressure must be huge. So how was this going to play out with Newton Faulkner? Unfortunately this new album flatters to deceive. The quality of his distinctive finger-picking style guitar playing is unchanged but none of the songs on this album jump out at you. Where on his debut album there were songs like "Dream Catch Me" which just sounded like hits, this album seems to pass you by without you even noticing it. Worth checking out if just to hear his technically brilliant guitar work but I reckon you'll be reverting back to his debut fairly quickly!
Newton Faulkner – Rebuilt By Humans

Paloma Faith - 'Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful
In recent years there have been a number of female British singers bringing soul to the masses. Paloma Faith is the latest of these and with her debut album proves that she is up there with the best of them. Having a wide ranging CV already including co-starring in the film St Trinians and working as a burlesque dancer in a club, her first musical venture is very impressive indeed. Musically and vocally she comes somewhere inbetween Amy Winehouse and Duffy. That is not to say that she is generic in any way, she certainly stamps her own quirky personality on her music. I first heard her when, much to my delight, she stepped in for La Roux on Later With Jools Holland and that was enough to convince me that I needed to check her out more.
Paloma Faith – Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?

Zero 7 - 'Yeah Ghost'
This is the fourth album from Britsh dance duo Zero 7. It sees them moving further in a direction that I hoped they wouldn't go. I love the Zero 7 that produced the brilliant downbeat ambient dance evident on songs like "In The Waiting Line". These days they are much more a pop than downbeat dance and to be honest I don't think they do it that well. "Mr McGee" sounds like a reject from a Basement Jaxx album and I can't help but think there are people out there making this kind of music but doing a better job of it. I want to Zero 7 of old back, I'm sticking to their debut 'Simple Things' for now!
Zero 7 – Yeah Ghost

Other Notable Releases - 28th September (Part 1)

There are so many albums I want to mention this week that I'm going to cover them over two blog posts. In this first part are a comeback album, a greatest hits and three bands I've not really heard before but want to check out.

Alice in Chains - 'Black Gives Way to Blue'
This is the first album from alice in chains for nearly 14 years. Having officially disbanded in 2002 after the death of lead singer Layne Staley they reformed in 2005 with William DuVall taking over the vocal duties. DuVall was good friends with lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell and had sung with him on his solo tours where he performed some Alice In Chains songs so was an obvious choice. Production on this, their fourth studio album, was done by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Trivium) and I was intrigued to see what their sound would be after such a long time away. Could they bring their grunge roots up to date and make it relevant in todays music climate? They still sound very much like Alice in Chains with DuVall's vocals sounding very much in the style of Staley. Cantrell's songwriting is excellent as ever and the guitars snarl and growl as ever. There is however a lot more variety on this album with a scattering of gentle ballads thrown in to keep you interested. I think this album will appeal to both fans of old and those who've never heard them before. Single "Check My Brain" is a particular favourite of mine!
Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue

Funeral For A Friend - 'Your History Is Mine: 2002-2009'
This is a compilation of songs from the two EPs and four albums released so far as well as four new tracks. I was a big fan of debut album 'Casually Dressed...' and listened to it on repeat for months when it first came out. I have to say since then I've been massively underwhelmed by what they have produced and haven't bothered with their last two albums. This greatest hits compilation does seem to agree with me only including three tracks from the last two albums with the majority coming from their debut. I am a bit disappointed they have included the later version of "Juneau", one of my favourite songs in it's original form with all screaming present on EP 'Seven Ways to Scream Your Name'. The new tracks did give me a pleasant surprise. They have returned more to their earlier roots particularly on single "Wrench" with the dual screaming/singing vocals of drummer and frontman harking back to the good old days!
Funeral For A Friend – Your History Is Mine: 2002-2009

Girls - 'Album'
This is the debut album from Californian indie-rock band Girls. Lead singer Chrisopher Owens grew up as part of the Children Of God cult and was restricted in what he was allowed to listen to. This album sees him freed from these boundaries and this comes across in the emotional natuer of the album. Musically there have been obvious comparisons drawn to Elvis Costello and early Beach Boys. Lyrically most of the album seems to be about girls, reportedly being written in the aftermath of a bad breakup. This is a good if not remarkable debut and they may well be dismissed by many as just another American indie band but I've been wrong before!
Girls – Album

Hockey - 'Mind Chaos'
Over the past year Hockey have been building in popularity attracting the attention of the likes of Zane Lowe and earning them a record deal in the UK with Virgin Records. This summer saw them playing the John Peel stage at Glastonbury and at T in the Park. This week sees the release of their debut album 'Mind Chaos'. Musically they lie somewhere between The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem and The Rolling Stones. There are obvious new wave influences and it makes for a fun, upbeat, dancy take on the garage rock stylings of The Strokes. As you can see by the obvious comparisons they don't really do anything original but what they do they do well. There is an energy and vibrance that redeems it from being just another generic album.
Hockey – Mind Chaos

Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions - 'Through the Devil Softly'
I thought I had no idea who Hope Sandoval was when I saw this album on the list of new releases for the week. It turns out I do have a vague idea, she was the lead singer of 90's band Mazzy Star whose second album 'So Tonight That I Might See' is in my collection. For any OC fans out there the song "Into Dust" by Mazzy Star was used in the scene in season 1 where Marissa overdoses in Mexico. She does have a beautiful voice and in this band she is joined by former My Bloody Valentine man Colm O'Ciosoig. Eight years on from their debut album this week sees the release of their self produced follow-up 'Through The Devil Softly'. Sandoval's vocals are haunting and dreamy as ever and the soft, ambient folk sound is so laid back. This is the ideal music for the reflective mood. There is a depth to it which immerses you in the sound and takes you to a calmer place. I'm pleased I've (re)found Hope Sandoval and hope this album gets put on Spotify! At the moment all that is available is "Blanchard", the first single released from it.
Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions – Blanchard

Album Of The Week - 28th September : Paramore - 'brand new eyes'

There are so many albums out this week I am going to need two further blog posts to mention all the other albums worth checking out. There was never really any doubt in my mind however about which one should be my album of the week!

'brand new eyes' is the third studio album from Paramore and the first to be produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls, Switchfoot). Since the release of the highly successful second album 'Riot!' in 2007 there has been a lot of speculation surrounding the future of the band. Talk of internal issues in the band and cancelled shows led to a number of people believing that they were going to breakup. I guess this is inevitable for a band who hit the big time at such a young age and still had a lot of growing up to do. Thankfully they have managed to come out of the other side and work out all their differences and I believe this album has benefited from that experience. The name itself comes from their new perspective on life and on each other and the letting go of past struggles.

Album openers "Careful" and "Ignorance" pick up where 'Riot!' left off with the high energy hooks to get you moving. They couldn't keep up that high pace for the entire album though and many of the higlight on this album come in the reflective lulls provided by the likes of "The Only Exception" and brilliant album closer "All I Wanted Was You". Musically they are tighter than ever and Hayley Williams vocals just keep getting stronger possible standing out even more in the quieter moments on the album. As you would expect from a band that has done a lot of growing up since their last album the sound is more mature and there as a greater sense that they have confidence in what they are doing.

Lyrically there are obvious references to the difficult times the band have been through over the past couple of years. Perhaps most obviously this is seen in "Looking Up" with the lines "God knows the world doesn't need another band/But what a waste it would've been/I can't believe we almost hung up".

I'm not sure I could say I think this is their best album to date. They are definately a band who are progressing, still developing their sound and perfecting their art. I am glad that they have made it this far and excited to see what they come out with in the future. I'm also excited that I have tickets to see them at Wembley Arena in December (although less so about YouMeAtSix supporting them!). I definately recommend you checking out this album.
Paramore – brand new eyes

Other Notable Releases - 21st September

So having singled out Brand New as my album of the week here are 8 other albums that came out this week. Some of them I've mentioned just because they are well known not necessarily because I am a fan! Others are new to me and are ones that I'm planning on giving a listen to and one is an album I've been looking forward to for a while!

Alberta Cross - 'Broken Side of Time'
This is the debut album from this New York based band. Very much a blues influenced rock band they have drawn comparisons with the likes of Kings of Leon. They have toured extensively in the UK including some high profile support slots for Oasis in 2008 and for The Dave Matthews Band in 2009. This album is released in the UK on Ark Recordings, an independent London-based record label.
http://open.spotify.com/album/2ElPvFyx1AvBH3Z1o5usA4

Basement Jaxx - 'Scars'
This is one of those albums I'm not particularly expecting to be a big fan of. I've never really been that into dance music and am not expecting to start now. I do however respect this dance duo as being very influential and I have to admit to liking the odd song of theirs over the years! Now on their fifth studio album they once again utilise a wide array of vocalists including Lightspeed Champion, Paloma Faith and Yoko Ono! I'm not going to give any kind of review as I wouldn't know where to begin but check it out for yourself if you are intrigued!
http://open.spotify.com/album/4tWSeJfRAzwcevIygsdqAX

BLK JKS - 'After Robots'
Pronounced Black Jacks, this South African rock band release their debut full length album on independent american record label Secretly Canadian. There is a real blues influence to this band but they also remain true to their South African roots. Both the music and lyrics show of the influences of South African culture combining the bleak look at the past with the great hope and optimism for the future. There seems to be a freedom in their music, an experimentation that borders on the psychadelic in places. These guys really do have a unique sound, it may not appeal to all, it may well be a bit too weird for some but it is certainly worth a listen.
http://open.spotify.com/album/2N9aoCiMNwvKcJ73MncBaX

Dizzee Rascal - 'Tongue 'N Cheek'
It feels like only yesterday that I first heard of Dizzee Rascal so it is hard to believe that this week sees the release of his fourth studio album. Moving away from his grime roots and going for a more mainstream sound has certainly increased his populrity in the past year. Singles "Dance Wiv Me" and "Holiday" produced by Calvin Harris and "Bonkers" produced by Armand Van Helden have all been big hits. He has found a formula of staying true to his sound but also appealing to the masses and is reaping the rewards. I dabble in rap without really being into it and I have to say much to my surprise I did really enjoy Dizzee when I saw him at V. The album isn't on Spotify so I can't imagine I'll ever hear anything other than the singles from it but thought I'd give it a mention anyway!

Monsters of Folk - 'Monsters of Folk'
Since first finding out about this album I have been really excited by the prospect and even pre-ordered it on Amazon. It seems to be the vogue to create supergroups these days and Monsters of Folk is the ultimate folk supergroup. The members are Jim James from My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes and M.Ward. Each of the parts that make up this band are masters of the genre and so I was interested to see what they would come up with when pooling their ideas together. Is the sum greater than it's parts? Well to be honest I'd have to say as is so often the case the answer is no! Nothing on this record reaches quite the same level as the contributers previous work. Perhaps it is unfair to judge them in that way though. If you take this band as being a new band releasing their first album this is a fine effort. The production provided by Mike Mogis is excellent and there is a good variation through the album provided by the different members influences. It has a real easy-going laid back vibe which makes it the perfect record for sticking on in the background when you want to chill out. Could have been better? Probably! But well worth a listen all the same
http://open.spotify.com/album/5IYzvGYq475r52HxDuWU58

Pearl Jam - 'Backspacer'
First rising to fame as part of the Seattle grunge scene in the early 90's, Pearl Jam have managed to survive where so many bands of that era have fallen by the wayside. This week sees the release of their ninth studio album, a milestone not reached by many bands these days. Produced by Brendan O'Brien (Rage Against The Machine, Stone Temple Pilots, Bruce Springsteen) and released on Universal the album sees them drawing on more new wave influences. This provides a much happier more uplifting sound without losing any of the riffs and rock 'n' roll sensibilities. Eddie Vedder's vocals are as brilliant as ever particularly shining on the mellower tracks such as "Just Breathe". Pearl Jam are definately not a grunge band anymore, none of the shoegazing, none of the anger, this album might well do the opposite and put a smile on your face!
http://open.spotify.com/album/5pGKourRchGRrTKZxgpNCD

Richard Hawley - 'Truelove's Gutter'
Apparently this guy has been around for ages and is a bit of a legend. Maybe I'm ignorant but I've never heard of him before. In the early 90's he was a member of britpop band Longpigs and has since played with Pulp as well as appearing on songs by Elbow and Arctic Monkeys. This week sees him release his sixth album as a solo artist. This album is not the most uplifting album in the world. Lyrically it is pretty dark apparently inspired by some pretty dark times in his life. The music is similarly bleak although it does have some lush instrumentation and great melodies. The orchestration and arrangements certainly make this album worth a listen.
http://open.spotify.com/album/0zVtspcd49i55XA3LY1SSX

Times New Viking - 'Born Again Revisited'
This is another band I had never heard of before looking at the list of new releases for this week and checking them out on Spotify. This is their fourth album and their second on Matador Records. They are a very raw lo-fi indie rock band going for the high energy minimal production sound. Only one song goes over the three minute mark with most songs on the album being under two minutes. There are certainly elements of garage rock bands like The Strokes in the sound. It's not exactly easy listening and I think I would need to be in the right mood to listen to it! See what you think!
http://open.spotify.com/album/3TF7JvAMFpStQwCOpMvrdi

Album Of The Week - 21st September : Brand New - 'Daisy'

It was a tough choice this week with so many albums coming out (see next post for details of the others) but as a big Brand New fan I had to go for this one! 'Daisy' is the fourth studio album from Jesse Lacey and co. and, as with all their other albums, was produced by Mike Sapone(Taking Back Sunday, Crime In Stereo).

I love each of Brand News first three albums. Every album has had a very different feel to it and each time you can see a progression in the maturity of the sound. Debut 'Your Favourite Weapon' was very much a full of energy, teenage angst album labelled by many to be 'emo' but for me more punk influenced rock. They followed this up with 'Deja Entendu' which maintained the slightly dark, post break-up lyrical content but had a progression in sound departing slightly from the punkier sounds of the debut. 'The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me' then came out with a more progressive and reflective sound and lyrics moving from talking of girls to a much more spiritual level. So where too next? What is the next natural progression for this band?

I never would have expected what I got from the album opener "Vices". Starting off with an old hymn warbled over clunky piano which abruptly gives way to Jesse Lacey's screams and chaotic guitars. I have to admit on my first listen it actually made me physically jump! This introduction is a signal of what is to come on the album with massive contrast between the calm and the chaotic. There is a real strength in the diversity on the album which really grabs your attention and doesn't let go.

The influences of their post-hardcore roots come through on tracks like "Gasoline", "Sink" and "In A Jar" where Jesse Lacey deomnstrates his ability to scream with the best of them. They haven't completely departed in style from previous albums with tracks like "You Stole", which for me is one of the highlights and would not have sounded out of place on 'Deja Entendu'.

I think the best way to describe this album both lyrically and musically is intense. As always seems to be the case with Brand New the lyrics are not exactly happy! The main themes seen on this album are fire, forests, loneliness and religion. Musically the massive tempo changes and guitar work ranging from the intricately technical to the chaotically heavy add to the emotionally exhausting ride this album takes you on.

Personally I love this album just like I have loved all of Brand News albums to date. It is the most out there, in some ways the most daring and ambitous but they pull it off with some distinction. It is maybe not as immediately accessible. I didn't love it from first listen but I was drawn in by it, fascinated by it and after a few more listens grew to love it. The usual Brand New trademarks of brilliantly biting lyrics, passion and technically brilliant guitars are all present and the invention and originality of it has really take them up a level. Rumour has it that this could be their swan song as album closer "Noro" states "I'm on my way out, I've tried, God knows that I've tried". If it is then I think it is a fine way to finish for an incredibly talented band but I really hope there is more to come! Either way I have tickets to see them at Wembley Arena in January and I can't wait! Check out 'Daisy' on Spotify
http://open.spotify.com/album/0Y8HZ5l1A03EhGySqYaEib

Other Notable Releases - 14th September

Whilst I wasn't a big fan of the new Muse album (see previous post) I had to pick it as my album of the week, mainly because I didn't really know enough about any of the other albums released this week! Here are a couple of new releases I intend on checking out though so please check them out with me!

Juliette Lewis - 'Terra Incognita'
After four years of touring and two albums recorded with The Licks this is the debut solo album from the actress turned punk rocker. I can't say I ever really listened to her work with The Licks but the reason I am drawn to this album is because of who has produced it. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (At The Drive-In, The Mars Volta) must spend his entire life in the studio these days having produced at least four solo albums (that I know of) so far this year and still being part of The Mars Volta he has also managed to find time to do production for Juliette Lewis. On first listen to some of the tracks on the album you can see Omar's touch on the album and there is also a great variety in styles from the poppy "Uh Huh" to the rock 'n' roll of "Noche Sin Fin" to the punky groove of "All is for God". Certainly an album I'm going to be listening to more of.
http://open.spotify.com/album/1yXa5ojcUli9yBVCi6zbCS

The Boxer Rebellion - 'Union'
The second studio album from the Londoners was actually released back in January but was an iTunes exclusive with no physical copy being released. This week sees the release of the physical version and sees me discovering them! I had heard their name mentioned before but never heard any of their music or really known what their sound was like. However I got tickets to see Biffy Clyro at the Q Awards shows and saw that The Boxer Rebellion were support so thought I better get listening. For an unsigned band this album sounds incredibly well recorded and produced and they sound like they belong amongst the top alt-rock bands in the UK at the moment. They don't really do anything different or new, so many times I found myself thinking "hmmm this sounds like ...... ". Album opener "Flashing Red Light Means Go" sounds like it could have been on an Editors album and "Evacuate" is reminiscent of The Walkmen. This seems to happen on every song but the fact is they do it well. They may be sounding like someone else but they are doing a good job of it! As for their live show I was very impressed. Having seen Editors live and being a little disappointed by them I have to say that live The Boxer Rebellion do it better! Check out the record and if you get the chance check them out live as well.
http://open.spotify.com/album/7uPobTVQKkzlYjo8yfT5sl