James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
The Yorker presents this week's succinct guide to goings-on of the musical variety, both locally and nationally. Here you'll find previews of a selection of single and album releases from the week ahead, as well as a guide to the hottest tickets in town for live music.
We kick off with a big name this week as Seth Lakeman pays a visit to The Duchess; the Mercury-nominated Prince Charming of contemporary folk will stroll into town tomorrow night (Tuesday 9), violin in hand, to wow those who turn up early enough to squeeze into the venue. (You can sample his live show below). On Wednesday, the same stage hosts LA-based electro quartet Abe Vigoda who are currently touring in support of their new album Crush in the wake of a recent stint supporting Vampire Weekend.
However, if you're after something a little different on Wednesday, head over to the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall for a recital given by the Kreutzer Quartet that includes works by Brahms and Ligeti. There will also be a free pre-concert talk about issues arising from Brahms' quartets given by Dr Sarah Callis of the Royal Academy of Music.
In local news, York-forged symphonic rock group Elliot Minor today launch a specially recorded acoustic version of their second studio album Solaris. The record is coupled with a Kerrang! Live Special DVD and the band are set to embark on a tour in support of the release next week, playing York's own Stereo on Saturday 13th November.
In the mainstream pop world, James Blunt returns this week with his third studio album, armed with claims that he has moved away from the melancholic songwriting that punctuated his first two mundane, albeit massively successful efforts: "My new songs are more optimistic. One thing I did learn is that your artistic credibility goes out the window when you have a record that big. 'You're Beautiful' meant something to me, but to most people, it's a song they sing when they're drunk."
It's a big week too for Girls Aloud member Nadine Coyle who fully embarks on her solo career today with the release of debut album Insatiable. While the current flow of reviews indicates a mixed reception, Coyle will be hoping that the songwriting expertise of former Robbie Williams collaborator Guy Chambers will give a boost to her chart success as she competes with bandmate and 'National Treasure' (apparently) Cheryl Cole. Watch the video for the album's title-track below:
Goldfrapp – 'Believer'
Goldfrapp have refined their synth-pop sound so well it would seem churlish of them to do anything else. Vocalist Alison Goldfrapp sings ‘I’m a believer’ while doing her best Blondie impression, surrounded by drumbeats and synths so retro I had to keep checking I wasn’t in 1985. The tune is perfectly hummable; think of it as going to a restaurant full of signs written in Cyrllic, apart from the solitary bangers and mash, which is in English. That’s the best way I can describe this song, by comparing it to a nutritional comfort blanket.
Michael Tansini
Mike Posner - 'Cooler Than Me'
Mike Posner’s debut ‘Cooler Than Me’ is a dance-dubstep crossover that is as powerful as it is relevant to the obvious problem that faces every guy in love. Taking a fresh take on the problem of social acceptance, the fast paced lyrics tell the story of a man spurned since the woman he loves is too busy creating a social façade. This is a highly original, carefully constructed piece, contrasting almost acapella raw vocals and the final techno outro, which leaves the listener popping. An effort that should not go unnoticed, Posner has established a reputation cooler than us already…
Alex Jackson
White Rabbits – 'The Salesman (Tramp Life)'
Taken from their successful album It’s Frightening, The Salesman is unfortunately not as good as the sublime Percussion Gun which, like Jonny Vegas at London Fashion Week, eclipses all before it. The steady progression of bass and guitar into solid riffs and the arresting lyrics both earn the song brownie points but the compilation of these sounds is like Dr. Frankenstein. The guitar is from late Joy Division/New Order/Bloc Party and the vocals sound suspiciously like a more up-close-and-personal-Interpol. Not that there’s anything wrong with this, it’s just that White Rabbits have the potential to start their own path rather than stealing the robes of Post-Punk.
Michael Tansini
My Chemical Romance – 'Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)'
Despite the excessively written out title, there is much to like about MCR’s latest offering. They’ve invented yet more alter egos and called themselves the Killjoys, a premise that has led to an exciting comic book style video which fits perfectly with the self righteous and rebellious feel of the song. The title hook recurs many times, often behind the actual lyrics about the loss of freedom of self expression, and is so catchy you literally start singing along halfway through the first listen. They are definitely back and more inventive than before, and will always be the angriest voice for this generation.
Charlotte Tobitt
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