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Reviews
Weekly Reviews For September 18, 2005 I am also Assistant Editor & reviewer
at MetalUK. I also contribute reviews to getreadytorock You will also find some reviews at spacerock.co.uk
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New Reviews
And, lo and behold, this is rather splendid. Imagine, if you will The Fall crossed with a hyperactive Tindersticks, and that sums up the strange brew that is the addictive "My Summer Never Comes". On the flipside they go straight for the suicide vote with "Last Breath". Admittedly, they'll only play the song once before taking the leap, but at least they'll have bought it first. I went in expecting the worst and came out the other side smiling contentedly, albeit with an urge for high places and the wind rushing past my ears.
It's probably Edwyn Collins fault as he produced this prior to his illnesses. It's not really that special, but I did enjoy the "woah-ohs" and Bullet In The Head vinyl. The flip side goes for a Wire / Killing Joke feel before lurching into a Mark E Smith - ah tribute. I'd put it on in the pub jukebox to annoy people, but that's about it.
Long-View - Further Not my cup of tea, but in the Coldplay | Keane | Embrace | Athlete world I'm cursed to live in, this should do well. Although they seem to have been on the go for ages without making a breakthrough. They're obviously in need of a Coldplay cast off but, Lord knows, this is much better than the drivel generated by the aforementioned vile acts. This is, apparently, the US version, but as I have no knowledge of the UK version, I can't say how it differs. But I did enjoy the orchestral swell about 2/3 of the way through, and the sleeve is lovely. I assume the version you can actually buy is similar, but don't blame me! The demo version of ' I Want A Reaction' on the B-side is actually rather affecting, but I could live without the poster. I get enough ug action in the mirror, and that is, after all, why they invented radio.
Hal - Don't Come Running Hal are lovely. And they write lovely songs and make lovely records, of which this is a particularly lovely one. And it would be lovely if you bought this. Because not enough of you bandits are buying their lovely songs, and I need them to keep on making lovely music. This one has fake bird whistles, Beach Boys harmonies and a Harry Nillson cover version on the B-side. Please buy this, it's lovely. And continue my campaign to resurrect the use of the word lovely.
Bright Eyes - Gold Mine Gutted Give me credit for trying, I kept on plugging away until I found a Bright Eyes tune I actually liked. Even if it is a Nick Cave song masquerading as an original. But, if you're going to plagiarise, plagiarise the best. And this is an affecting, plaintive ballad, which will appear on miserable mix tapes for years to come. Assuming people still make miserable mix tapes in an MP3 world. T'other tunes a bit naff, a sub-Beck remix of 'Easy/Lucky/Free' which substitutes bleeps for talent.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Ain't
No Easy Way Proper music! Like a dirtied up North Mississippi Allstars, the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club comeback single is a Delta born blues stomper, dripping in slide guitar and mouth-harp, in and out in 2 and a half minutes, just like all good things! They take their time on the flip side, getting all soulful and countrified. If only all records were this good, I could put down my pen, safe in the knowledge that your ears would remain pure.
Tomas Bodin - I Am Be warned, fans of the short song, this concept album lasts over an hour, but only features three songs, the shortest clocking in at 18 minutes. But for lovers of rock opera, this will be manna from heaven. For those who don't know, Tomas Bodin is the keyboard player with prog rock titans, The Flower Kings. On his latest solo album he drags along fellow Flowers Jonas Reingold on bass and Marcus Liliequist on drums along with Glenn Hughes guitarist JJ Marsh and a trio of guest vocalists. Each suite, 'I', 'A' and, of course, 'M' is an incredibly complex piece of work in its own right, powerfully orchestral and with themes exploring philosophy, religion and reincarnation. So, not for the faint hearted! Additionally, taking his first solo steps as a lyricist, Tomas impresses with the manner in which he lays out a story arc which began as a means of personal self discovery. A large step forward in Bodins solo career, neither of his previous two solo releases prepares you for the inspiration and passion that has obviously gone into this release. Of the three sections, it's the closing 'M' that flows together best, with the six passages amongst the finest progressive music released in a long time. And with the first 2 pieces being no slouches, this makes for a fabulous release.
Void Forum - Turned On Acid Subtitled 'the first and last recording sessions 1994-1996', this actually spans 1992 - 1997, as the aptly titled CD charts the development of the German psychedelic outfit. From their beginnings as Motley Motion in 1992 on to the headlined Void Forum material and including live Vibravoid material from 1997 this is an always interesting journey. They work best as an instrumental outfit as the vocals are a weak point, especially on their cover version of Pink Floyds 'Astronomy Domine', but when they really head out there, as on the bass driven title track, then it's a trip you'll want to take with them. If you're one of those computery people then remember to stick the CD in you're computer and enjoy the vintage VHS material tucked away for your visual gratification.
Anthony Pope - With All My Heart Texas based piano player Anthony Pope has come up trumps with this delightful set of smooth jazz instrumentals. Ten of the eleven pieces are self-penned, with the ballads coming out on top,especially 'Only You' with some inspired saxophone courtesy of Richard Potter. Some of the percussion could be stronger but you can forgive it when you get lost in the mood of 'Two to Tango'. An enjoyable, late night, experience.
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