Josh Pyke and Emma Pollock, 18/03/10

Last night I went to see Josh Pyke and Emma Pollock at the Norwich Arts Centre. My God was it a good gig.



(Above): we met Josh Pyke after the gig. I was so excited I accidentally had word vomit all over him. Anyway, I wrote a review of the gig for our student newspaper, and thought I'd upload it here too:

Josh Pyke and Emma Pollock, Norwich Arts Centre, Thursday 18^th March

The night began with a collection of catchy, upbeat songs, courtesy of local band Madames et Monsieurs. A winning mixture of indie, pop and rock, the band set the tone for what was shaping up to be a remarkable evening. Though the room was relatively empty, the young band were not to be deterred; raw, talented and likeable in the way that only unsigned acts really are, they churned out a reel of lively, quirky songs that soon had the audience motivated, capably filling the space before the main performances.

Singer/songwriter Emma Pollock began her own performance with an amusing anecdote, effortlessly loosening up the atmosphere of the room, and casually assuring the audience of her confidence on stage. The former Delgados member played songs from both her debut (Watch The Fireworks) and most recent (The Law Of Large Numbers) albums, captivating the audience with her passionate vocals (and, more notably, her strong Scottish accent). She and her support began with a few relatively heavy tracks; but as the evening progressed, the songs became lighter and more mournful. The popular House On The Hill was the highpoint of her performance: the stage lights dimmed as she delved into the moving, evocative ballad, her voice carrying powerfully through the old, renovated church room.

With Josh Pyke’s performance, the tone shifted again. Launching immediately into a song from his first full album, Memories and Dust, he soon had the audience swaying in time to the gentle rhythm of his music. At first appearance, he may have seemed just another ‘one man and his guitar’, Jack Johnson-types; but Josh’s performance soon dispelled this illusion. Like Emma Pollock, his accent (Australian) carried into his vocals; and his evocative lyrics were almost poetic. The majority of the songs played came from his second album, Chimney’s Afire; both nautical and intensely nostalgic, the tracks were sentimental and inspiring – Our House Breathing and Make You Happy, in particular, had the audience yearning for more. The performance ended on a somewhat mournful note, with Vibrations In Air, a song reminiscent of memory and loss. Definitely a night to be remembered.

A few new finds

Do yourself a favour and listen to the following. You definitely owe it to yourself.

1. Devon Sproule - Keep Your Silver Shined (2007)

In all honesty, I'm not a massive fan of country-esque music. In fact, I tend to hate it. And yet, there is something so profoundly un-hateable about Devon Sproule; her voice is strong, her lyrics almost picturesque. If anything, she is worthy evidence of a progression in this category of music.

Favourite track: 'Eloise & Alex'

2. Clare and the reasons - The Movie (2007)

I was drawn to this CD by its artwork. I know, I know "never judge a book by its cover" - whatever. I'm glad I was drawn to this CD by its artwork - otherwise, I probably never would have listened to it, and discovered the wonders contained therein. This album has been described as easy-listening; and I suppose, in a way, it is. And yet, it seems so much more than this. It is calming and melodically-soft and even, but it also transgresses the very boundaries of easy-listening. It is not boring. This album encompasses perfect ballads and yearning love songs.

Favourite track: 'Under The Water'

3. Charlotte Gainsbourg - Irm (2010)

Yes. Very New. But, in fact, Charlotte Gainsbourg has been on the scene for some time - since 1986, in fact, when she released her debut album Charlotte For Ever. This album is dark and surreal; but, allowing for this, substantially enjoyable. On a number of tracks, she dips into French (see 'Le Chat du Café des Artistes') - and this, in itself, won me over: I'm a massival fan of multi-lingual musicians (see Regina Spektor).

Favourite track: 'Vanities'

4. Blonde Redhead - Melody Of Certain Damaged Lemons (2000)

Another group that have been around for a little while (since 1995); and, incidentally, another band that dips into a myriad of foreign languages. This album has a distinctly electronic influence, but the female vocals prevent it from being too bogged down in bizzare sounds and instruments. Some of the songs are effectively spacey ('In Particular'); some are relatively heavy ('Melody Of Certain Three'); and some are purely fantastic ('This Is Not').

Favourite track: 'This Is Not'

5. Codeine Velvet Club - Codeine Velvet Club (2009)

This self-entitled album is unlike anything previously mentioned on this list. For one thing, the vocals are male. For another, it can be classified as alternative rock. I really, really like this band. The lead vocalist is, incidentally, Jon Lawler (of The Fratellis fame) - but don't let this put you off. Their sound is current, alternative - and not, by any means, mainstream; they lean further toward The Last Shadow Puppets than The Fratellis, in terms of influence. And though they may seem to be jumping on the bandwagon with the 'club' in their name (see: Bombay Bicycle Club, Tokyo Police Club, New Young Pony Club, Two Door Cinema Club etc etc) they are not a band to be missed.

Favourite track: 'I Am The Resurrection' (Stone Roses cover)

"The good times are killing me"

A good mood calls for a good playlist. The following songs are the perfect soundtrack to a fantastic day.

1. Let's Go Surfing - The Drums

2. I Feel It All - Feist

3. To Be Myself Completely - Belle and Sebastian

4. O Yeah - End Of Fashion

5. The Sound Of Fear - Eels

6. Little Secrets - Passion Pit

7. Always Like This - Bombay Bicycle Club

8. Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons

9. Flakes - Mystery Jets

10. The Good Times Are Killing Me - Modest Mouse

Soundtracks

At the weekend, I went to see The Lovely Bones at the cinema; and, as soon as I got home, I looked up the soundtrack. This track ('Alice' by the Cocteau Twins) made the film for me; the ethereal quality to the vocals are haunting and, moreover, reminiscent of the haunting plot-line. Obviously, a soundtrack should compliment a film. And yet, I would categorise a soundtrack as truly effective only by its ability to reawaken the film. The songs should bring both the characters and the action back to life, even after time has passed.

The song led me to thinking about other soundtracks; a list of my top-ten favourites may be in order.

10. The Boat That Rocked - Various Artists

It goes without saying that it is the that songs make this film; it is a film about music, after all. The Kinks, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, The Isley Brothers, The Moody Blues ... the list goes on. Famous names, brilliant songs.

Favourite tracks: 'These Arms Of Mine' - Otis Redding/'With A Girl Like You' - The Troggs

9. Harold and Maude - Cat Stevens

Seriously underrated film. Seriously brilliant soundtrack. Definitely one to listen to on repeat; the perfect compliment to a chilled mood.

Favourite tracks: 'Trouble'/'Don't Be Shy'

8. Pride and Prejudice - Dario Marianelli

Initially, for the list, I wanted to stay away from soundtracks that are purely scores; but, inevitably, that was impossible. This - and the soundtrack to Atonement - is beautiful.

Favourite tracks: 'Dawn'

7. American Beauty - Thomas Newman/Various

Both the songs and the score for this film are remarkable; a soundtrack that will have you thinking about the film for months after you've watched it.

Favourite tracks: 'Dead Already'/'Don't Rain on My Parade'/'Arose'

6. The Hours - Philip Glass

Another score; but what a powerful score it is. The simple refrain Philip Glass works with is powerful and graceful. The score is continuous, but not repetitive (or, at least, not in a negative way). Rather, Glass allows the music to build, an idea that perfectly echoes the arrangement of the film. Melancholy and moving, it is the perfect soundtrack.

Favourite tracks: 'Escape!'/'The Hours'/'The Poet Acts'

5. Where the Wild Things Are - Karen O And The Kids

I haven't seen the film yet, but if the soundtrack is anything to go by, I'm in for a treat. Bizarre yet enjoyable, the songs are generally upbeat and the perfect choice for a kids' film.

Favourite tracks: 'Animal'/'Hideaway'

4. The Chronicles of Narnia - Harry Gregson-Williams/Various

The music in this film is perfect: evocative of childish wonder and magic, working along the same lines as the movie itself.

Favourite tracks: 'Can't Take It In' by Imogen Heap

3. Juno - Various

Alternative music for the masses. Equal parts weird and fantastic, this soundtrack is so perfectly matched with the film itself it could have been chosen by the main character. Both funny and lovely. Guaranteed to give you a warm squishy feeling inside.

Favourite tracks: 'Sea Of Love'/'Expectations'/'All I Want Is You'

2. Amélie - Yann Tiersen

I've yet to meet a person who doesn't love the music from this film. Melodic and very French.

Favourite tracks: 'La Valse d'Amélie'/'Comptine D'un Autre Été: L'après Midi'

1. Garden State - Various

What a film. What an OST. The instant Coldplay's 'Don't Panic' began to play (right at the beginning), I knew that this was a film I would like - and I did.

Favourite tracks: 'In The Waiting Line'/'Let Go'/'Such Great Heights'

Let's pretend we don't exist ...

Just a quick post before I rush off to a Shakespeare lecture. I've been listening to some artists I'd never heard before and I thought I'd mention them/their songs here - mainly to recommend them; but also because I don't want to forget them, which is pretty inevitable in this head of mine.

1. Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games - Of Montreal

Can't believe I've never listened to Of Montreal before. Upbeat, fresh, utterly new - yet reminiscent of The Shins and The Postal Service. Feel good tune, from what sounds like a decent album.

2. One Week Of Danger - The Virgins

Bizarre intro, but don't let this put you off. An infusion of high-spirits and reckless fun, coupled with a slightly rockier style, make this one fierce track. Appropriate for playing at top volume whilst dancing in your underwear. If I was forced to mention a downside, it would only be that the rest of the album doesn't measure up to this superb track.

3. White Unicorn - Wolfmother

Time for a confession: I downloaded Wolfmother on a whim, having heard some good stuff about them on the grapevine - and, in all honesty, I didn't expect to like the album. I'd already passed the stage of listening relentlessly to rock, I assured myself; that part of me had died, the day I threw away my baggy jeans ... Therefore, it must be a sign of Wolfmother's skill and prowess that I was blown away by the CD. I honestly thought that I'd left heavier music in my past; and I'm grateful to the band for creating a heavy album both enjoyable and approachable. 'White Unicorn' is catchy and melodic. A pure rush of music: I'm in love with their sound. So much so, I may have to devote an entire post to them at a later stage.

4. The Thief & The Heartbreaker - Alberta Cross

I love this band. Their folky-acousticness draws on a slightly 60s sound; and yet, their style and sentiment is something utterly their own. Warm and soothing, yet fierce and passionate, these songs have a lot to give. Stakee's vocals are pure and melodic. Not a band to be missed.

5. Mango Tree - Angus and Julia Stone

It's rare to fall in love with a song on the first listen - rare, but not impossible. This song is calm and soft and perfectly evocative of a blossoming romance. A simple refrain works wonders with sweet lyrics. A song for a summer's day.

A Personal Favourite

I often wonder why it's only ever irritating songs that get stuck in my head. For some reason, my mind comprises a ready supply of songs that I hate, songs that play endlessly, as though I have set them on repeat, until I inevitably feel the urge to put my fist through a wall. What I want to know is, why can I never control the songs that play in my head? It is my head, after all.

If I could control what songs were stuck in my mind, I know what album I would choose: Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins has been a personal favourite for many years. In fact, I can't quite describe the feeling that takes hold when I put the CD in the player and the first track begins to play. Something closely resembling nostalgic elation, I think. To be honest, the fact that I can't quite describe this feeling is problematic; because here, in this small square of virtual space, I am going to attempt to review the album - and it would be useful if, to accomplish this end, I could think of some actual words.

The album begins with a track called 'Kissing the Lipless'. Six claps and a whoop introduce the listener to what will be one hell of a CD. This song is a brilliant way to begin a brilliant album; gradually building to a passionate chorus, it's both catchy and lyrically magnificent. For me, it is their lyrics that set The Shins apart from all other bands; funny and quirky, their songs are intelligently written and often full of deep meaning. Having played the CD multiple times, I can happily vouch for the fact that this meaning unfolds and develops with each new listen. Take my word for it; it will blow you away. Track three, 'So Says I', is brimming over with angst, but is not clichéd. The song describes breaking free of the monotony of life, and it does so with layered metaphor and a fast pace. There is real, almost alarming force behind the lyrics; and a clearly defined yearning for change.

The two slow songs, 'Pink Bullets' (track seven) and 'Those To Come' (track ten) are emotional, and full of feeling. 'Pink Bullets' is tinged with melancholy, and utterly reminiscent of relentless winter. It is almost elegant in its starkness; it does not follow the pattern of the earlier songs, so full of vigour and haste. The slow pace and low tones are cold, almost fragile; it stands alone, secluded. 'Those To Come', on the other hand, is perfectly evocative of a summer's morning; it is peaceful, calm - more than this, it is warm, and hopeful. These tracks adds another layer to the album; they add pauses where pauses are required. Tracks seven and ten are particularly appropriate listening whilst pensive.

"Turn A Square", however, is a different entity altogether. It is recklessly fun; upbeat and catchy (like a few of the others) it takes "musicphilia" to a whole new level. The song describes a romance, but a romance told through layers of convoluted metaphor that perfectly describe the state of the songwriter's mind, at the time of its conception. The sentiment evokes the awkwardness of attraction, and everything it entails. Excellent lyrics; an excellent song.

The album perfectly epitomises adolescence - for me, at least, it is tainted with a warm sense of nostalgia. Whenever I play it, I am taken straight back to the times when I heard it first; I can feel again both the hopeful anticipation and the yearning for freedom that flavoured my final few years at home. Back then, the songs were new, and unlike anything I'd ever heard. It was raw, and fresh. And now, three years later, it means even more than it did during those awkward teenage years. Music is more than words and tunes; and I think that this album, Chutes Too Narrow, sums that up beautifully.

Readers, this is a cautionary tale (of sorts...); and the moral is this. Listen to Chutes Too Narrow, because it is unmissable - and also because, if you don't, you risk allowing songs that you hate to enter your mind, and take control of your senses.

Introductions...

Yesterday I decided to become a music journalist.

This isn't something that I've been thinking about for a while. For some reason, the idea just hit me while I was brushing my teeth; but I've decided to go with it, at least for now. If nothing else, it's an excuse to listen to new music, go to a few gigs, and write some reviews, all of which sounds good to me. Anyway, when I mentioned my chosen career path to some friends, I was advised to create a blog (to recommend music, upload reviews and generally spout opinions);

So here it is.