Ah no… one of those bands I never got to see live :( Adios R.E.M

“To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.” R.E.M.

Ole October

What an exciting month, I can hardly control my anticipation for the battle between these excellent artists and their new releases. What individual excitement held for each, and for all different reasons, yet all as important as the later.

Noel Gallagher is flying genuinely solo for the first time with an album pretty much full of the highest expectations of the last musical decade.

Whilst Zola Jesus latest could be seen as an attempt at the mainstream…will she be successful in her feat?

Florence and the Machine may have the toughest job of the lot…can she possibly equal the dizzy heights of ‘Lungs?’ who knows, but from what’s already been played on the airwaves, I’m not quite sure.

Having released ‘Everyday is a Waterfall’ Coldplay on the other hand made a genius move and most certainly geared us up for the rest of the album…Lets wait and see

New Album Releases Part 1

Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds- Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds

Release Date: October 13th

If ever we needed proof that Noel was in fact the genius behind Oasis then we have finally got it, and in bucket-loads as expected…I’m actually I’m going to make a brave call and say this is one of the best albums since ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory’.

So, it’s only right that I review track by track….

Track 1: Everybody’s on the Run– A very honest and raw acoustic opening number for the album; Noel Gallagher is laid bare which is fitting for such an amazing artist who needs no frills to announce his debut.

Track 2: Dream on– Nice, again pretty simple

Track 3: If I had a Gun– The musicality of this song displays a real Noel sound not unlike ‘Sunday Morning Call’ and I reckon this is going to be an epic tune.

Track 4: The Death of you and Me– Slightly reminiscent of ‘The Importance of being Idle’ the first release off the album certainly gave us a great insight into what we could expect…and we can keep expecting as this is just going to get better.

Track 5: (I Wanna Live in a Dream in My) Record Machine– Very early Oasis sounding, pretty simple yet effective as an album track, although perhaps not as a chart release.

Track 6: AKA…What a Life! – This is clearly the standout tune from the album that will not fade into existence like some. Epic in all proportions (if you ask me, and yes challenge me if you will) AKA is one of those songs that will be featured on soundtracks and advertisements alike for years to come.

Track 7: Soldier Boys and Jesus Freaks– Noel’s vocals certainly shine in this simple yet very catchy little ditty.

Track 8: AKA…Broken Arrow- Certainly with no complaint AKA part 2 continues on in the same epic proportions as the later…yes please

Track 9: (Stranded On) The Wrong Beach-A soft rock tune in which Noel lays himself bare again with poignant heartfelt lyrics, “Falling, I’ll see you on the way down…come and rescue me.”

Track 10: Stop the Clocks– Stop the Clocks, not too mind blowing although a nice one to wrap up a brilliant album.

Zola Jesus- Conatus

Release Date: October 17th

I believe with this more upbeat album than her last, Zola may finally achieve a slightly more commercial status and release her out there but beautiful tunes whilst connecting to more of the masses then originally estimated…

An acquired taste is Zola although I truly believe once you are a fan of this woman you just can’t help yourself be drawn into everything she does, even if it is way out there.

In this album Zola starts off with half open arms but by the end she is fully ready to let us all in…

Track 1: Swords– intro

Track 2: Avalanche– “No I don’t know who you are.” Zola questions, I’m not sure she knows where this is going, a slow first full track which glides us in gently to the album.

Track 3: Vessel– A slow burner although you can feel the presence of vessel right from the get go.

Track 4: Hikikomori– Nice easy listening chill out track, not much to it.

Track 5: Ixode– The beat pretty much hooks you from the start and descends into quite a lingering yet catchy dance number.

Track 6: Seekir– If I was to describe Seekir it kind of reminds me of an early 90’s dance classic mixed with Fleetwood Macs, ‘Dreams’, so if your into that then this is where it’s at.

Track 7: In Your Nature– Quite an infectious song coupled with some deadly beats.

Track 8: Lick the Palm of the Burning Handshake– contagious

Track 9: Shivers- “end of the war…I won’t be there tomorrow.” Shivers displays a distinct mixture of haunting sounds and transmittable beats.

Track 10: Skin– Nika, aka Zola’s haunting vocals coupled with a simple piano rift make Skin the epic balled we’ve all been waiting for….just beautiful

Track 11: Collapse– “it hurts to let you in.” Zola exclaims but I reckon this perfectly coveys her acceptance to finally let us all in…

At times Zola can be quite repetitive although always captivating with each separate song.

Coldplay- Mylo Xyloto

Release Date: October 24th

What Coldplay have created here is a wonderful infusion of up-tempo and poignant songs. It ain’t no Rush of Blood to the Head, although Mylo Xyloto, is in my books, quite alright.

I have to say the standout tracks from this album are funnily enough the two releases so far.

Paradise: A very catchy number indeed, Paradise infuses many elements of musicality together to make a quite beautiful and powerful song which I believe will remain etched in our minds for the near future. On first listen this track is a sure fire hit and I won’t be surprised if it’s used in creating many movie and sitcom scenes.

Every Teardrop is a Waterfall: What a great song, the first to be released from Mylo Xyloto ‘Every Teardrop…’is the definition of a feel good song. Every time I hear this now it will remind me of the Festival Season, clearly the best time of the year.

There is quite certainly no stopping the machine which is Coldplay and I believe this musical cog will keep chugging along for years to come.

Florence and the Machine- Ceremonials

Release Date: October 31st

When Florence burst onto the scene about 3 years ago, she was one of the most talked about and critically acclaimed artists of the last 10 years. Her debut single, Cosmic Love and follow up album Lungs became etched in the minds and hearts of many music fans from the pop genre, even managing to encapsulate the biggest of rock cynics. So has she done it again? Let’s see…

No matter how hard we try, comparisons to the debut album are to be expected, although if you’re looking for another Lungs masterpiece then you may forget it. The only real presence that matches that of Lungs on Ceremonials is perhaps Florence’s ever haunting beautiful vocals. This can hardly be enough though, is it?

Ceremonials- The Redeemable V’s The not so good

If you’re looking for a somewhat enjoyable listen then I recommend you can save some precious time by skipping a few and going straight for the good ones:

Worth a listen-

Only If For A Night: Only if for a night is a nice, but somewhat lacking beginning to the album as alas I was expecting to be hit with a freight train of goose-bumps for the opener. Could Ms.Welch perhaps be creating an intense build up to something great?

Shake It Out: Shake it out; but can Florence shake off the persona created with her genius debut Lungs that has followed her around for the past 2 years and 4 months. It ain’t no Cosmic Love although Shake it Out hits the spot, but perhaps only momentarily.

What The Water Gave Me: “Lay me down”, she exclaims…Has Florence perhaps laid down her machine on this one?

Never Let Me Go: Quite a pleasant little song, although ‘pleasant’ being the operative word as Never let me go does exactly what it says and never really lets go as such.

No Light, No Light: It’s a grand track albeit I would personify this one as a poor man’s version of Cosmic love.

Spectrum: “Say my name,” she howls, as if a cry for us not to disregard her on this offering. Miss Welch’s voice surely delivers, although just as Spectrum appears onto a winner it becomes somewhat indifferent.

All This And Heaven Too: Favourite track by far, All this and Heaven too is the personification of what Ceremonials should have been and I reckon at that, what we all expected it to be. This song should have at least been the starting point of the album, no? Ironically as she sings, Florence herself sums up exactly how I feel about it, “it makes no sense at all.”

Skip/I probably wouldn’t bother: Breaking Dawn, Lover to Lover, Seven Devils, Leave my Body and Heartlines

Ceremonials contains a few nice songs, although as a whole it’s seriously lacking in highly anticipated belters and as a follow up to such a cracker as Lungs falls pretty much flat on its ass.

Must See Gigs

The Olympia

Monday 3rd Gruff Ryhs

Friday 21st/Saturday 22nd James Vincent Mc Morrow

Sunday 23rd Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds

Monday 31st Will Young

The Academy

Tuesday 18th Ash

Thursday 20th City and Colour

Whelans

Saturday 15th The Minutes

Sunday16th The Joy Formiddible

The O2

Monday 3rd Rihanna

Thursday 6th Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler

Monday 24th Britney Spears

Super September Extra: It’s Picnic Time

Right it’s that time of the year again, Electric Picnic is here and I can’t believe I’m not going 😦

So with a heavy heart here are my top must see acts for this weekend…enjoy

Friday:

3: Funeral Suits: Electric Arena 3:45-4:15

The Dublin trio formed in 2008 through a mutual love for epic electronica rock infused guitar rock. They can already boast a string of special guest performances with Franz Ferdinand and Passion Pit to mention a few. They have just finished recording their debut album produced by none other then acclaimed producer Stephen Smith, who can boast working with the likes of Blur and The Smiths. So as you can see we should be expecting big things from these guys sure have a listen for your selves…

2: The Charlatans: Cosby Stage 11:00-12:00

The fantastic Charlatans first came on the scene in 1989 when Brit pop was just bubbling under the surface, paving the way for an onslaught of indie ridden charts. The lads were pretty much an instant chart success with their second single, ‘The only one I know’ entering the top ten and have gained longevity that only a few bands can blag about.

11 studio albums on and the five piece are still still doing the festival circuit and I must say deservedly so 😉

1: Interpol: Main Stage 10:30-12

Well what can I say, these guys are already living legends in my eyes. From the word go this New-York indie trio were creating not just songs but works of art with the likes of NYC and Lief Erikson. Some serious musical act to watch live although don’t expect too much movement from Mr. Banks tonight, the music my friends, will speak for itself…

Saturday:

3: Codes: Cosby Stage 2:15- 2:45

I’ve seen these guys play live twice before blasting out their exciting raw rock sound and both times they came up trumps. Having already played this years Castlepalooza and supporting some big name acts such as Keane and Airborne Toxic Event it’s surprising to me that Codes aren’t playing a later slot.

Albeit, it shall be the perfect way to start your hungover Saturday and surely knock those cobwebs off. In a world filled with so many good Irish indie bands I really hope there is a place for these guys to shine as they truly deserve success.

2: Arcade Fire Main Stage 10:00- 11.15

The Canadian indie rock band are definitely a well sought after live act and thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Lets just hope the sound on the Main Stage is better than the bands  slot at Oxegen last year and everyone shall walk away happy…

1: Chemical Brothers Main Stage 12:30-2:00

What a legendary dance act, these guys put on a show that will be etched in your mind for some time. Light’s, techno, action!

Sunday:

3: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! Crawdaddy Stage 11:00-12:00

There’s definitely a few tough decisions to make today but if I was going I would try catch a bit of these guys before heading along to see Pulp. The New- York based quintet have literally not stopped growing in the popularity stakes since  the release of their self- titled debut album in 2005. If you’ve never had the pleasure of hearing these happy chappies then head along to the Crawdaddy Stage on Saturday night and add I challenge you to not come home a fan…

2: White Lies Electric Arena 9:20-10:20

This London indie trio, who perform live as a five piece are not to be missed. White Lies got their first big break following the release of singles ‘Death’ and ‘Unfinished Business’ in 2009 performing a headlining slot at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend. They have had great success over quite a short period of time with debut album, ‘To Lose  my Life’ going straight in at number one in the same year.

I’ve seen these guys a few times before and would highly recommend watching them live as it’s what they do best.

1: Pulp Main Stage 10:30-12:00

What a welcome reunion to the music scene that Pulp decided to reconcile their differences and get back together in 2010. Cheeky Jarvis Cocker has been in and out of the music headlines for the past twenty years and not always for good reasons.

I think it’s time to put all that nonsense behind Jarvis and Pulp and delight the audiences with the fun tunes from yesteryear…oh the memories…