Music March!

So, I haven't updated this blog in a while, mainly because of school work and what-not. So, I think from now on I'll be updating this less frequently, but I'll still be listening to as much music as possible.
Let's see, what's released this month...

* Sisterworld - Liars
* Plastic Beach - Gorillaz
* Tomorrow, In a Year - The Knife
* A Sufi and a Killer - Gonjasufi
* Oversteps - Autechre
* Head First - Goldfrapp
* Fang Island - Fang Island
* Broken Bells - Broken Bells
* Fire Like This - Blood Red Shoes

First of all, I've already reivewed The Knife, Liars, and Gorillaz' release, so putting those aside, I've discovered a real treat in Fang Island's self-titled debut album. Virtually unknown before Pitchfork reivewed their album, this is a really good listen. Described as "high-five" music, it's impossible not to smile when you're listening to their album. Oversteps is a confusing listen at first, but if you keep listening to it, decyphering all the noises heard, it becomes a rewarding album. Head First shows Goldfrapp back to their pop roots. It's not spectacular, but a solid effort nontheless. Then there's the psychedelic tendecies of Gonjasufi's A Sufi and a Killer; I personally like it a lot, but I know of others who hate it.

Broken Bell's self-titled is another good listen (more of a background music-type of album, but not in a bad way), so was Fire Like This (they reminded me of a "mellower" Death Form Above 1979). I think I've discovered so many new bands this month, it's hard to keep up-to-date with everything!

On the news of leaks, MGMT's Congratulations has leaked (haven't heard it yet), Jonsi's beautiful album Go has too. The one I have my eye on is Flying Lotus' Cosmogramma. I can't wait to hear it! (it's unclear whether the genuine or fake copy has leaked, but we'll find out soon)

Hmm...expect another post 2 weeks down the line with more round-ups!

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

Much was expected from this animated band. Their debut wielded some great tracks, but the band really gained ground with the 2005 hit album Demon Days - a great album which managed to worm in many influences and bizarre melodies; it was these kinds of touches that made the album a classic for the noughties, so it was natural that the music community got altogether excited when they announced details of their third album.

As you get washed away by the lush string arrangements of the opening track (appropriately titled Orchestral Intro of course) you get greeted by Snoop Dog; love or hate him, there's something ridiculously cool in Snoop saying "Welcome to the world of Plastic Beach". It's as if he's personally welcoming you onto the album itself.
The next seven run of tracks is one of the best I've heard; Rhinestone Eyes drips of synthetic sweetness, while Stylo will make you want to strut for the rest of your life. Superfast Jellyfish is a perfect pop treat, and Glitter Freeze takes you on a Dr. Who style-trip, whilst Mark E. Smith asks "Where's north from 'ere?" as your brain gets fried.

After this terrific run of songs, it loses is slightly with Some Kind of Nature, but nothing to take away from this terrific album. The rest of the album will have you dancing on your butt-cheeks until the very end. It's consistent, exciting, and certainly one of the best albums I've heard this year.
The collaborators add their own take on their songs, but don't take away that essential Gorillaz vibe. Little Dragon, Bobby Womack, and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble are my favourites; they really add that something extra.

This is an album that everyone MUST listen to. This time, the hype is justified.
It's not quite a masterpiece, but it's pretty damn close to being one.

Rating: 4.5/5
Released 8th March

What's coming up...March

Another month gone, and there's at least one big artist releasing an album this month!

First off is Gorillaz's highly anticipated album Plastic Beach which will be released on the 8th of March. It's leaked already if you haven't heard it (it's *spoiler* quite different, but great at the same time!) Oversteps by Autechre is released, along with Sisterworld by Liars (I've already reviewed it, I thought it was released in january!)

I'm sure there's more though, I'll keep listening and reviewing some hidden gems I might find.

The Knife - Tomorrow, In a Year

I think I should clear the air first by explaining that this is not like an ordinary album - far from it in fact. Simply put; it's an opera, but don't let that put you off. It's one of the most bizarre listens I've ever encountered; it's distressing, but incredibly organic at the same time.

It's certainly not Silent Shout II; if you were expecting more pitch-shifted vocals, dizzy synths or pounding rhythm, forget about it. As someone who's a big fan of SS, this was quite a dramatic shift.
At first, it's incredibly off-putting, but if you take it in - not as a "normal" album - but as an audio film-like experience, it makes perfect sense. It's difficult to put it into words, and it's not something you can enjoy straight away (if at all) It's a very difficult - but rewarding - album to listen to.

Everytime I listened to this album, it's like I'm walking on Earth when it took its baby steps. Everything is so detailed and atmospheric. If you do listen to it, good luck to you! You may need it first time!

Rating: 4/5
Released 1st March

Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me

This is one of the most ambitious albums in recent years. This triple album (yes, you've read that right!) houses a host of beautiful tracks, great string arrangements, and throughout the album, Joanna sings and plucks her way to some of the most brilliant pieces of music I've heard.

Baby Birch is definitely the highlight for me; the first disc is flawless, and Baby Birch closes it off so elegantly - I'd say it was my favourite track of 2010 so far.
That's not to say that other tracks aren't as good: Esme, Kingfisher, Easy, Go Long, Soft as Chalk etc. All fantastic tracks - there's hardly any filler on there. The harp is present throughout the album - with the occasional piano - and its these elements (along with her Kate Bush-like vocals) which hypnotized me. It was as if I was at ease; I think the perfect way to listen to this record is with a red wine in hand, and with over 2 hours of lull to calm yourself.

That's the biggest weakness when it comes to double/triple albums; length. It's almost impossible to listen to the whole record in one sitting, and take it all in at the same time. This is no exception, but by listening to individual discs, they act like complete listens in themselves.

With so many great releases coming up (Gorillaz, Arcade Fire, possibly even Radiohead) Have One On Me is the leading contender for album of the year for me, so far. But will that last? Newsom will put up a good fight, that's for sure.

Rating: 4.5/5
Released 23rd February

It's oh so quiet...

...but not where I am. There are massive reviews coming up, including the monster triple album by Joanna Newsom (!!!), The Knife's Tomorrow, In a Year, and Ellie Goulding's debut.

Then there's March, when Gorillaz' Plastic Beach is finally released; check out Super Fast Jellyfish if you haven't heard it yet. Autechre's album is also released, so there's plenty to look forward to!

Why the Brits are no longer relevant.

Anyone with a decent taste in music would agree that the state of British music is in decline. We're surrounded by overhyped, "get-rich-quick" singers who are promoted ahead of real artists, who don't depend on auto-tuners and 2nd party songwriters. I watched the Brits just to see what went on, and here's my view on the winners and performers...

British Female Solo Artist:

Winner - Lily Allen

Who should have won - Bat For Lashes

I don't mind Lilly; she speaks her mind (whether you like it or not) and writes some decent pop songs. However, Bat For Lashes (AKA Natasha Kahn) is a real talent. Two Suns is a beautifully crafted album, which recalls the likes of Kate Bush and Bjork. Lungs by Florence and The Machine was a good album too, but Two Suns felt like a journey into a fantasy dreamland.

British Male Solo Artist:

Winner - Dizzee Rascal

What a terrible list. I don't mind Dizzee Rascal, I'm just sick of hearing Bonkers everywhere I go.

British Breakthrough:

Winner - JLS

Who should have won - The xx

Another terrible list. JLS; just an awful boyband. The xx was nowhere to be found unfortunately. Their debut album was one of the best of 2009.

British Group:

Winner - Kasabian

Muse were also in the mix, but they haven't had a great year, and The Resistance was inconsistent and overbloated to boot.

British Album:

Winner - Lungs

Who should have won - XX/ Journal For Plagued Lovers

Lungs is a good album, but I was disappointed that the Manics weren't mentioned; it's a great album.

British Single:

DON'T get me started.

Critics' Choice:

Ellie Goulding

Delphic

Marina and the Diamonds

3 good bands there. I think Ellie deserved it.

Brits album of the last 30 years:

Ridiculous choices. Where on earth was OK Computer? Mezzanine? Closer? Duffy can bugger off.

International Female Solo Artist:

Winner - Lady Gaga

Who should have won - Fever Ray/Lady Gaga

Depends if you're counting success. Fever Ray's album is a fantastic trip to the unknown, where Gaga has proven herself to be THE pop Queen of the last few years. Gaga is a real standout, in an otherwise dull, and unexciting pop industry.

International Male Solo Artist:

Winner - Jay-Z

Another artist I don't mind. I can't think of a male solo artist (my memory fails)

International Album:

Winner - The Fame (shouldn't it be The Fame Monster!?)

Who should have won - It's Blitz!/ Merriweather Post Pavilion/Hospice etc.

The Fame (Monster) is a good pop album, but there were better "albums" out in 2009. I could name a lot, but I better not go on...

International Breakthrough:

Winner - Lady Gaga

Who should have won - Phoenix?

What do they mean by breakthrough? Does it have to be their debut LP, or just someone who's been around for ages and have finally gotten recognition by the mainstream media? (Animal Collcetive were nominated, even though they've been around since 2000)

Highlights:

Kasabian's psychedelic 'Fire' performance. An excuse for me to stare at Sergio (mmmm....)

Lady Gaga's weird performance of Dance In The Dark (after a great acoustic performance of Telephone) She faced criticism for not playing Bad Romance (or any of her "well-known" songs) People should stop being so lazy and listen to her album. I think it's great she didn't perform the obvious choices.

Lowlight:

Cheryl "Nation's Darling" Cole miming so comically and terribly. It's an insult to everyone in the music industry who don't get recognition. The likes of Thom Yorke and Panda Bear have more talent in their toenails than what Cole has in her entire body.

Just ridiculous. Yet people still defend her, saying "oh, she was too upset to sing". No, the simple fact is she can't sing.

You can tell I'm bored, the fact that X Factor dominated the nominations is damaging.

Hurry up Joanna Newsom and LEAK! I need a slice of quality music after this horror show!