Steering away from the great political debate towards the essential shit: what has been filling your ears lately?

For me:

Band-Album

The Arcade Fire- Funeral (2004)

Life changing, cinematic indie rock, loaded with beautiful strings, lyrics and hooks. Songs to start with:

Rebellion (Lies), Haiti, Wake Up

Modest Mouse-Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004)

70's influenced Indie rock, catchy as he11, intelligent, thought provoking lyrics....one of this years best.

Songs to start with:

Float On, Ocean Breathes Salty, The View, Bukowski, Satin in a Coffin, World at Large

Broken Social Scene- You Forgot it in People (2003)

Mind blowing sonic delight, perfectly suited for earbuds and a head full of stimulants.

Songs to start with:

Shampoo Suicide, Stars and Sons, Late Nineties bedroom Rock for the Missionaries, Looks just like the sun

I've tried this before and it didn't work. Hopefully it does this time. There must be some music nuts out there like me. Perhaps I should post it in the Farang Pub.

There are, but genres have to match as well as interest, so I guess there's less chance of this taking off to a limited audience such as this VIP room.

But as it is the VIP room I guess I can give away my latest orders:

1 x DIRTY BASS: Hammer & Tongues (Dirty Bass)

12": (DB 001) - [4.47]

Great breakdown of the vocals - very intelligently produced.

1 x KOGLIN, Mike: The Silence 2005 (Noys)

12": (NOYS 010) - [4.25]

Another remix of the Depeche Mode classic, but is always a winner.

1 x MAGNOLIA: It's All Vain (Robbins US)

12": (ROBB 72117) - [5.54]

Interesting mix between Hip-hop and Trance. The vocal track works very well behind the upbeat backing.

1 x RELOCATE/EMPYREAL SUN: Volume 1 (Recreate Sounds Holland)

12": (RECRE8 201) - [4.60]

Typical Dutch uplifting Trance track. Nothing too special, but in no means dull either.

Samples can be found at www.juno.co.uk if still in stock. Use the search facility and enter each track name.

My current fave are Jet , Ozzie rockers giving a new twist to Marriot style boogie tunes , a mixture of MC5/Faces with pretty ###### good musicianship to boot.

It would be nice to be able to post sound clips here to share the love so to speak.

We probably could , any takers ?

What? No Barry Manilow lovers 'round here?

Thanks for starting another non-political thread, even though it makes me feel sooooooo old....

Thanks for starting another non-political thread, even though it makes me feel sooooooo old....

So...do you like Barry Manilow or what?

Thanks for starting another non-political thread, even though it makes me feel sooooooo old....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So...do you like Barry Manilow or what?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Who?

Thanks for starting another non-political thread, even though it makes me feel sooooooo old....

So...do you like Barry Manilow or what?

Negative on the Manilow.

Check out the Arcade Fire. Age is not a factor.

My current fave are Jet , Ozzie rockers giving a new twist to Marriot style boogie tunes , a mixture of MC5/Faces with pretty ###### good musicianship to boot.

It would be nice to be able to post sound clips here to share the love so to speak.

We probably could , any takers ?

If you like Jet check out the White Stripes and Modest Mouse (mentioned above). I'm sure you'll like them.

From Pitchfork Media

Review:

The Arcade Fire

Funeral

[Merge; 2004]

Rating: 9.7

How did we get here?

Ours is a generation overwhelmed by frustration, unrest, dread, and tragedy. Fear is wholly pervasive in American society, but we manage nonetheless to build our defenses in subtle ways-- we scoff at arbitrary, color-coded "threat" levels; we receive our information from comedians and laugh at politicians. Upon the turn of the 21st century, we have come to know our isolation well. Our self-imposed solitude renders us politically and spiritually inert, but rather than take steps to heal our emotional and existential wounds, we have chosen to revel in them. We consume the affected martyrdom of our purported idols and spit it back in mocking defiance. We forget that "emo" was once derived from emotion, and that in our buying and selling of personal pain, or the cynical approximation of it, we feel nothing.

We are not the first, or the last, to be confronted with this dilemma. David Byrne famously asked a variation on the question that opens this review, and in doing so suggested a type of universal disaffection synonymous with drowning. And so The Arcade Fire asks the question again, but with a crucial distinction: The pain of Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, the enigmatic husband-and-wife songwriting force behind the band, is not merely metaphorical, nor is it defeatist. They tread water in Byrne's ambivalence because they have known real, blinding pain, and they have overcome it in a way that is both tangible and accessible. Their search for salvation in the midst of real chaos is ours; their eventual catharsis is part of our continual enlightenment.

The years leading up to the recording of Funeral were marked with death. Chassagne's grandmother passed away in June of 2003, Butler's grandfather in March of 2004, and bandmate Richard Parry's aunt the following month. These songs demonstrate a collective subliminal recognition of the powerful but oddly distanced pain that follows the death of an aging loved one. Funeral evokes sickness and death, but also understanding and renewal; childlike mystification, but also the impending coldness of maturity. The recurring motif of a non-specific "neighborhood" suggests the supportive bonds of family and community, but most of its lyrical imagery is overpoweringly desolate.

"Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" is a sumptuously theatrical opener-- the gentle hum of an organ, undulating strings, and repetition of a simple piano figure suggest the discreet unveiling of an epic. Butler, in a bold voice that wavers with the force of raw, unspoken emotion, introduces his neighborhood. The scene is tragic: As a young man's parents weep in the next room, he secretly escapes to meet his girlfriend in the town square, where they naively plan an "adult" future that, in the haze of adolescence, is barely comprehensible to them. Their only respite from their shared uncertainty and remoteness exists in the memories of friends and parents.

The following songs draw upon the tone and sentiment of "Tunnels" as an abstract mission statement. The conventionally rock-oriented "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)" is a second-hand account of one individual's struggle to overcome an introverted sense of suicidal desperation. The lyrics superficially suggest a theme of middle-class alienation, but avoid literal allusion to a suburban wasteland-- one defining characteristic of the album, in fact, is the all-encompassing scope of its conceptual neighborhoods. The urban clatter of Butler's native Montreal can be felt in the foreboding streetlights and shadows of "Une Annee Sans Lumiere", while Chassagne's evocative illustration of her homeland (on "Haiti", the country her parents fled in the 1960s) is both distantly exotic and starkly violent, perfectly evoking a nation in turmoil.

"Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" is a shimmering, audacious anthem that combines a driving pop beat, ominous guitar assault, and sprightly glockenspiel decoration into a passionate, fist-pumping album manifesto. The fluidity of the song's construction is mesmerizing, and the cohesion of Butler's poignant assertion of exasperation ("I went out into the night/ I went out to pick a fight with anyone") and his emotional call to arms ("The power's out in the heart of man/ Take it from your heart/ Put it in your hand"), distinguishes the song as the album's towering centerpiece.

Even in its darkest moments, Funeral exudes an empowering positivity. Slow-burning ballad "Crown of Love" is an expression of lovesick guilt that perpetually crescendos until the track unexpectedly explodes into a dance section, still soaked in the melodrama of weeping strings; the song's psychological despair gives way to a purely physical catharsis. The anthemic momentum of "Rebellion (Lies)" counterbalances Butler's plaintive appeal for survival at death's door, and there is liberation in his admittance of life's inevitable transience. "In the Backseat" explores a common phenomenon-- a love of backseat window-gazing, inextricably linked to an intense fear of driving-- that ultimately suggests a conclusive optimism through ongoing self-examination. "I've been learning to drive my whole life," Chassagne sings, as the album's acoustic majesty finally recedes and relinquishes.

So long as we're unable or unwilling to fully recognize the healing aspect of embracing honest emotion in popular music, we will always approach the sincerity of an album like Funeral from a clinical distance. Still, that it's so easy to embrace this album's operatic proclamation of love and redemption speaks to the scope of The Arcade Fire's vision. It's taken perhaps too long for us to reach this point where an album is at last capable of completely and successfully restoring the tainted phrase "emotional" to its true origin. Dissecting how we got here now seems unimportant. It's simply comforting to know that we finally have arrived.

-David Moore, September 13th, 2004

Thanks for starting another non-political thread, even though it makes me feel sooooooo old....

So...do you like Barry Manilow or what?

Who?

Tongue in cheek here p1p!

Barry Manilow is a crooner from back in your day. Wrote all kinds of nauseating crap - big name in Vegas at one time.

He's now used as the figurehead for your typical "lounge" music genre - roundly despised.

Now you know more about B. Manilow than you ever wanted...

Tongue in cheek here p1p!

Barry Manilow is a crooner from back in your day.  Wrote all kinds of nauseating crap - big name in Vegas at one time.

He's now used as the figurehead for your typical "lounge" music genre - roundly despised.

Now you know more about B. Manilow than you ever wanted...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Boon, my tongue was planted firmly in cheek. Always think of Manilow as the Elephant of lounge music.

(Solely for his reputed ability to pick up glasses with his nose!)

Afraid my musical taste has suffered desperately since I have been living here permanently. Always used to listen to Peel and other interesting and forward thinking music gurus. Have no access to such over here. Hence feeling old when the above bands were listed, because I do not know them....

Tongue in cheek here p1p!

Barry Manilow is a crooner from back in your day.  Wrote all kinds of nauseating crap - big name in Vegas at one time.

He's now used as the figurehead for your typical "lounge" music genre - roundly despised.

Now you know more about B. Manilow than you ever wanted...

Boon, my tongue was planted firmly in cheek. Always think of Manilow as the Elephant of lounge music.

(Solely for his reputed ability to pick up glasses with his nose!)

Afraid my musical taste has suffered desperately since I have been living here permanently. Always used to listen to Peel and other interesting and forward thinking music gurus. Have no access to such over here. Hence feeling old when the above bands were listed, because I do not know them....

Nor I...don't feel alone.

Hence feeling old when the above bands were listed, because I do not know them.... cool.gif sad.gif

Nor I...don't feel alone. huh.gif

Thats why I created this post. To pass on some good, relatively unknown music. Indie bands (bands who sign to small, independent record labels) release original material unaltered in it's purest form, untouched by greedy, narrow-minded record execs. There's no pandering to the masses here, just really good rock music.

Nice one Igots.

This week I have mostly been listening to...

Jet

The album 'Get Born' is the perfect soundtrack to crash your car to, the slightly limp smoochy slow ones are evenly spaced to allow you to pay for the damage.

Alison Krauss

First found her on the ‘O Brother, where art thou?’ soundtrack. Have done some more digging and found everything she’s released is golden, bluegrassy country music but not in a scary way. If you can, try to find - fileshare of course, you’ll never find it here - the live album she did with Union Station, cunningly titled ‘Alison Krauss & Union Station – Live’

Toots and the Maytals

Cool as beans reggae without all that dub/Zion angst. They’ve been around for ages, if you’re going to search for a fileshare track, start with ‘Funky Kingston’, you won’t be disappointed and can PM me thanks at your leisure.

Zero 7

I bloody love this band, I find they suit every mood, lifting me up from hangovers and guilt are their special moves.

Scissor sisters

Not really managed to crack their entire album yet, gets a bit too 80’s retro after the first 6 tracks, but do yourself another favour and fileshare the track ‘Laura’ it’s a barnstormer, or your money back.

Manfred Mann

I know, shonky taste, but I downloaded the track ‘Blinded by the light’ and It’s been my ‘putting on my lucky pants’ accompaniment for these past few days, hoping I get bored of it soon else I will have definately become middle aged.

Afraid my musical taste has suffered desperately since I have been living here permanently. Always used to listen to Peel and other interesting and forward thinking music gurus. Have no access to such over here. Hence feeling old when the above bands were listed, because I do not know them....  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now I'm feeling old. By the way, I understand that John Peel died a few weeks ago.

Wonder if 'Whispering' Bob Harris is still alive?

"John Peel was a broadcasting legend. I am deeply saddened by his death as are all who work at Radio 1. John's influence has towered over the development of popular music for nearly four decades and his contribution to modern music and music culture is immeasurable. Hopeful bands all over the world sent their demo tapes to John knowing that he really cared. His commitment and passion for new music only grew stronger over the years." - Andy Parfitt

Whispering Bob, now he truly was a legend in his own lunchtime, and the Whistle Test arguably the best of all British musical TV. (What happened to Annie Nightinggale?)

For old style Blues fans. I recently purchased "Me and Mr Johnson", Eric Clapton's magnificent tribute to Robert Johnson. Well worth a listen.

For old style Blues fans. I recently purchased "Me and Mr Johnson", Eric Clapton's magnificent tribute to Robert Johnson. Well worth a listen.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Cross road Blues

Kindhearted Woman Blues

I Believe I'll Dust My Broom

Sweet Home Chicago

Rambling On My Mind

When You Got A Friend

Come On In My Kitchen

Terraplane Blues

Phonograph Blues

30-20 Blues

They're Red Hot

Dead Shrimp Blues

Cross road Blues

Walking Blues

Last Fair Deal Gone Down

Preaching Blues

If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day

Stones In My Passway

I'm A Steady Rollin' Man

Brilliant!

BTW: where did you buy the "Me and Mr Johnson" album?

Mind if I ask - are you guys mostly downloading music nowadays, or still making trips to CD Warehouse?

I'm a "downloading with view to purchase" type, as most the material I purchase is still on 12".

Somebody was trying to tell me that CDs are better than vinyl because they don't have any surface noise. I said, "Listen, mate, *life* has surface noise."

I know, shonky taste, but I downloaded the track ‘Blinded by the light’ and It’s been my ‘putting on my lucky pants’ accompaniment for these past few days, hoping I get bored of it soon else I will have definately become middle aged.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is unfair. It brings back so many memories and I can not now stop the refrain repeating in my mind's ear. Have it on vinyl, seems I must listen to it again, for the first time in over fifteen years!

BTW: where did you buy the "Me and Mr Johnson" album?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I found it from my favourite Chiang Mai bootleg supplier. I believe it can also be found in Neo Entertainment in Airport Plaza if you are up here.

Another recent purchase is the brilliant "The Best of Friends", John Lee Hooker. Duets with Van Morrison and Bonnie Raqit amongst others are toooo much. Can't get enough of it.

Does anybody know if Willie Dixon is still alive?

The pity is my connect speed is so very slow and buggy, I have never yet succeeded in downloading anything except the old cult classic, "Jesus's Blood" from Gavin Bryars & John Waite, a track I was looking for forever since my vinyl version was turned into a flowerpot when my son left it in the sun..

Further to my last post. Has anybody heard the Jools Holland/Tom Jones album. I've heard good reports but not yet seen it anywhere.

Willie Dixon , he dead mister....

I love his tracks , introduced via Led Zep 1 , I'm in the throes of forming a Blues Rock band in the UK , "I can't quit you Baby" and " We're gonna groove" amongst the proposed setlist.

btw igot , I like the White Stripes too!

Nice one Igots.

Long time no see FTH. Good to hear from ya...and thanks for the suggestions.

You know, all this new modern music sorta leaves me flat.

Give me a good Richard Wagner epic like "Tristan und Isolde" cranked up about 95db to drive the neighbors crazy!

Actually, after a hard day's work, nothing beats coming home and listening to perhaps a good rendition of the "Horst Wessel" Song or maybe relaxing to some John Phillip Sousa.

Now that's some music, boys!

Another recent purchase is the brilliant "The Best of Friends", John Lee Hooker. Duets with Van Morrison and Bonnie Raqit amongst others are toooo much. Can't get enough of it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although I've had the album for many years, I still consider it one of the best compilation cd's. Worth a few quid if you can get hold of it.

You know, all this new modern music sorta leaves me flat.

Give me a good Richard Wagner epic like "Tristan und Isolde" cranked up about 95db to drive the neighbors crazy!

Actually, after a hard day's work, nothing beats coming home and listening to perhaps a good rendition of the "Horst Wessel" Song or maybe relaxing to some John Phillip Sousa.

Now that's some music, boys!

Boon, I don't think one has to exclude the other. Keeping your mind and ears open and becoming touched in some way by what you hear is all that counts.

GREAT initiative igotworms. I really need to find some new good music.

I have been diving deeper into Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young lately, speaking of becoming middle-aged...

Also just borrowed a George Benson album off of my neighbour. Pretty technical and jazzy, but some of the songs are very beautiful despite the near-masturbation style guitars.

You know, all this new modern music sorta leaves me flat.

Give me a good Richard Wagner epic like "Tristan und Isolde" cranked up about 95db to drive the neighbors crazy!

Actually, after a hard day's work, nothing beats coming home and listening to perhaps a good rendition of the "Horst Wessel" Song or maybe relaxing to some John Phillip Sousa.

Now that's some music, boys!

Boon, I don't think one has to exclude the other. Keeping your mind and ears open and becoming touched in some way by what you hear is all that counts.

GREAT initiative igotworms. I really need to find some new good music.

I have been diving deeper into Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young lately, speaking of becoming middle-aged...

Also just borrowed a George Benson album off of my neighbour. Pretty technical and jazzy, but some of the songs are very beautiful despite the near-masturbation style guitars.

BTW, since they're Swedish - check out the song 'Hate to Say I Told You So' by the Hives, you won't be disappointed if you like straight, no bullshit power cord rock bordering on punk.

Another tip:

Phoenix: Too Young

From the Lost in Translation soundtrack. It's perfect to set off at full blast as you step out the shower, getting ready for whatever.

You know, all this new modern music sorta leaves me flat.

Give me a good Richard Wagner epic like "Tristan und Isolde" cranked up about 95db to drive the neighbors crazy!

Actually, after a hard day's work, nothing beats coming home and listening to perhaps a good rendition of the "Horst Wessel" Song or maybe relaxing to some John Phillip Sousa.

Now that's some music, boys!

Boon, I don't think one has to exclude the other. Keeping your mind and ears open and becoming touched in some way by what you hear is all that counts.

GREAT initiative igotworms. I really need to find some new good music.

I have been diving deeper into Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young lately, speaking of becoming middle-aged...

Also just borrowed a George Benson album off of my neighbour. Pretty technical and jazzy, but some of the songs are very beautiful despite the near-masturbation style guitars.

Have you heard of the Swedish band Dungen? They just came out with a new CD, Ta Det Lugnt , that got great reviews. I have yet to check them out. Here's the review.

Dungen review

If you like Neil Young and friends, or quiet, acoustic folk music check out the band, Iron & Wine. He has two great albums that came out in 2003 and 2004 respectively: The Creek that Drank the Cradle and Our Endless Numbered Days.

Here are those reviews:

The Creek

Our Endless

Great Review Sites:

Metacritic - great for music, film, dvd and game reviews. Collects an assortment of reviews from the Web and print, and averages out their totals. One of the best review sites I have ever seen. Explore this site and you will never have to worry about discovering new and older music.

Allmusic.com - one of the most extensive music sites on the Web. Great for biographies, reviews, track lists and recommendations.

Pitchfork - my favourite music review site for Indie Music.