Thursday 28 July 2011
Fixers - 'Swimhaus Johannesburg' (Song of the Day; 28th July)
"Fixers are a unique, thrilling psychedelic five-piece in love with Japanese pop, Middle Eastern music and the dance grooves of late 70s New York. New single ‘Swimmhaus Johnnesburg’ shines a light on these influences, with classic piano house lines, startling guitar bursts, echo-drenched vocals and a thrilling 4/4 beat; it’s pop music in its most bold and forward-thinking sense."
And that just about sums up this incredible track. I challenge you to not want to bust (somewhat questionable) moves to this one.
If you're interested in seeing these lads live, you'll get your chance to see them at the Underage Festival on August 5th. Keep an eye out for further information by going to their website fixerstheband.com/ where you can also find out how to get your sticky little paws on their two EPs.
Wednesday 27 July 2011
The Strokes - Machu Picchu (SONG OF THE DAY; 27th July)
Fancy some summery-sounding, indie guitar, listen-at-top-volume-in-the-car-with-the-top-slash-windows-down music? Of course you do. Because when the weather is actually nice here in the UK, we like to make the most of it.
'Machu Picchu', taken from the album 'Angles' (which has been available since March. If you don't have it already, go and get it. Life will feel so much better as a result...) is magnificently feel-good. Do listen.
'Machu Picchu', taken from the album 'Angles' (which has been available since March. If you don't have it already, go and get it. Life will feel so much better as a result...) is magnificently feel-good. Do listen.
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Who The Hell is Gwilym Simcock?
That was the exact thought that went through my head when I first read the list of all the nominees for this year's Mercury Prize which was announced earlier today. A lot of the names were familiar; Adele, Tinie Tempah, Everything Everything, Elbow, James Blake and Katy B are all big names in popular music unless you've been living under a rock or been on the run from the law. There were a few slightly more obscure names I recognised but couldn't really tell you the names of any of their singles (Ghostpoet, King Creosote and Anna Calvi) but one name jumped out at me, waving it's arms in the air and screaming 'notice me!' because of it's oddness and unfamiliarity; Gwilym Simcock.
When I listened to the radio a bit more and read a few tweets to find out more about this chap, I soon discovered that he is a classical, jazz style pianist. My ears pricked up and my interest was aroused; I am an unashamed lover of anyone who can tickle those ivories - Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Jamie Cullum are particular musical heroes - so, naturally, I pootled across to Spotify (other musical broadcasters are available I'm sure, but they probably aren't as good) and gave his nominated album 'Good Days At Schloss Elmau' a bit of a listen.
My oh my. The album is just about as kooky and experimental as his name and the title of his works would suggest. While on the surface these pieces of music could be something you'd hear in any lift of a posh hotel or playing in the background in a fancy restaurant, possibly including a few candles and a glass or two of pinot grigeo, if you listen closely you can hear that he is more than slightly experimental in his composition. 'Gripper' in particular is an interesting track. The background chord 'rhythm' is a constant but the more playful overlay is beautifully eccentric. 'Plain Song', as the name would suggest, is a lot simpler and more classic.
Citing the likes of Keith Jarrett, John Taylor and Igor Stravinsky as some of his influences, the 29-year-old Perrier Award winner is definitely one to be looking out for as a dark horse at this year's Mercury Awards. Even if he doesn't win, the nomination itself is definitely doing to give his profile a bit of a boost.
Although if Adele wins, I may well weep. All those weeks of 'NEVERRRR MIIIIIIIND, I'LL FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIND SOMEONE LIKE YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU' at number one have scarred me a little. No offence intended, Adele. You seem like a cracking lass and you've definitely got talent. But... Well, y'know. Give others a chance.
(For more information on this intriguing fellow, check out his website. It certainly makes for some interesting reading >> http://www.gwilymsimcock.com/)
When I listened to the radio a bit more and read a few tweets to find out more about this chap, I soon discovered that he is a classical, jazz style pianist. My ears pricked up and my interest was aroused; I am an unashamed lover of anyone who can tickle those ivories - Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Jamie Cullum are particular musical heroes - so, naturally, I pootled across to Spotify (other musical broadcasters are available I'm sure, but they probably aren't as good) and gave his nominated album 'Good Days At Schloss Elmau' a bit of a listen.
My oh my. The album is just about as kooky and experimental as his name and the title of his works would suggest. While on the surface these pieces of music could be something you'd hear in any lift of a posh hotel or playing in the background in a fancy restaurant, possibly including a few candles and a glass or two of pinot grigeo, if you listen closely you can hear that he is more than slightly experimental in his composition. 'Gripper' in particular is an interesting track. The background chord 'rhythm' is a constant but the more playful overlay is beautifully eccentric. 'Plain Song', as the name would suggest, is a lot simpler and more classic.
Citing the likes of Keith Jarrett, John Taylor and Igor Stravinsky as some of his influences, the 29-year-old Perrier Award winner is definitely one to be looking out for as a dark horse at this year's Mercury Awards. Even if he doesn't win, the nomination itself is definitely doing to give his profile a bit of a boost.
Although if Adele wins, I may well weep. All those weeks of 'NEVERRRR MIIIIIIIND, I'LL FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIND SOMEONE LIKE YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU' at number one have scarred me a little. No offence intended, Adele. You seem like a cracking lass and you've definitely got talent. But... Well, y'know. Give others a chance.
(For more information on this intriguing fellow, check out his website. It certainly makes for some interesting reading >> http://www.gwilymsimcock.com/)
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