Into the valley of the obscure

22. Heavenly - Atta Girl - (Sarah 82)

2012-02-28T00:29:00.001-08:00

The best Sarah release by miles, where the queen of twee Amelia Fletcher came up trumps and produced the classic genre defining single. It's a perfect piece of jangle-pop with a slightly harder edge than their contemporaries; that's not saying much when you're up against the Field Mice, but you can only beat the team you're playing against.

And sadly I have very little else to say about the song and the band; it just does what it says on the tin.

However let's get back to Amelia. She's a legend. She's been in Talulah Gosh and Heavenly, and worked with The Wedding Present, Hefner and the Pooh Sticks. You would have thought she could have retired happily and gone and got a proper job in a second hand/vintage clothes shop or as a Foundation Stage Teacher, but oh no! Like all modern day pop stars, she saw this as job for life and went on and on and on. Until she ended up in the Tender Trap, where even she looks a bit doubtful that it's a good idea. See the video for 'Do you want a Boyfriend' if you have any doubts. Pop stars take note; less is more - see David Bowie/Paul Weller for further proof.

23. The Wedding Present - Don't Laugh

2012-02-27T01:25:00.000-08:00

The Wedding Present were an enigma for me. They had everything I liked; they were gritty northerners with frantic jangly guitars and heartfelt lyrics, but apart from really liking the first couple of singles the rest of their output left me cold. Evlkeith bought me George Best for Christmas and it was all very jolly, but I just didn't get it.

It wasn't until I re-listened to the album about five years ago that everything clicked and I really started to love it. The finger shredding guitar style, the deadpan Yorkshire accent and the sentimental lyrics suddenly appealed to me. I think this goes to show that you have to be in the right mood to enjoy a bit of David Gedge. To be honest he was weird then, but looks even weirder as a middle aged Gedgy.

I originally heard 'Don't Laugh' on an old Peel session I think, and when I saw it included on the bonus tracks of the CD version of George Best, I rubbed my little hands together with glee. It's a kitchen sink drama, set in Huddersfield with a dog and a man with lacerated fingers from strumming his guitar too vigorously. The only question that remains is; why oh why did they call it George Best? They came from Leeds! To complete my enjoyment of the LP I stick a picture of Doncaster Rover's diminutive talisman over the top of Besty's image on the cover and pretend they called it 'James Coppinger'.

24. X-Cabs - Infectious - (Hook Records) 1997

2012-02-26T01:23:00.000-08:00

I remember hearing an interview with Hook's owner and premier techno producer Chris Cowie one festive season. The interviewer asked him what he'd been up to on Christmas morning and Chris said that he'd been in the studio working on some new tracks because he loved making music so much. That love manifested itself in some beautiful trance and techno from the Aberdeen based producer and his stable of mysterious electronic artists.

Whether as a solo artist, with his groups the X-Cabs and funky techno equivalent Vegas Soul, or through his mixed compilation albums, Cowie turned his enthusiasm and expertise into special little nuggets of techno brilliance. I once listened to one of his DJ sets that I'd taped from the radio for about a year on the car stereo and never once got bored. It was as close as digital dance music can get to immortality.

And where are we now? Who knows what Chris Cowie is doing, but I bet it's great and I bet he's happily producing album after album of techno classics in his studio that will never see the light of day. I'd still love a Hook Records T-Shirt in the unlikely event that anyone in the Hook/Bellboy organisation is reading this?

25. Rage Against the Machine - Know your Enemy

2012-02-25T02:36:00.003-08:00

Rage Against the Machine are like the American equivalent of New Model Army; anti-establishment, no compromising, political rock animals. And very few bands rock harder than Rage. I'd go as far as saying the first album was one of the top five rock albums ever made by anyone ever. It's like the music that the 'Lone Gunmen' out of the X-Files would make if they could play instruments and that can only be a good thing.

This all goes to show that the incorporation of an 'irritant' in any group is a good thing, or as it has come to be known, 'The Einar Effect'. Just as the Sugarcubes proved that they were brilliant with the irritating Einar in the group and infinitely better than a solo Bjork. The same predicament was reflected in the Rage situation where the initially irritating fraggle-rapper Zack de la Rocha was given the boot from the band to form Audioslave. What a mistake. Audioslave were boring stadium rockers where Rage Against the Machine's fusion of rock with manic rapping/shouting/swearing proved legendary.

'Know Your Enemy' is a typical storming riff-a-thon with Zack providing the trademark nasal political agit-rap and swearing and shouting 'Come On!' and 'Yeah!' a lot. It just got the nod over the 'Killing in the Name' because of its Christmas Number 1 status.

26. BT - Loving You More (Perfecto)

2012-02-24T00:07:00.001-08:00

The 'Perfection' compilation on Perfecto Records changed my life in 1996. I'd got really disillusioned with the NME's constant championing of the next big thing and the inherent indie snobbery of what you could and couldn't like. I bought and loved 'Perfection', switched allegiances to Muzik magazine and spent the next three or four years in the world of dance music.

There seemed to be none of the beard stroking indie anorak preciousness in dance culture. Basically, you liked what you liked and nobody cared. Oakenfold could stick a bit of the pure-pop of Grace in the middle of his compilation and everyone thought it was great. A bit of trance, a little gospel, some house, a transvestite and a sprinkling of cheese, with the whole thing packaged and produced like a Disney spectacular.

I listened to the album over and over again at the time and still love it now. It was so fresh and different to the groups I was used to, it really revolutionised my thinking. It's just a shame I keep losing the CD. The BT track I've selected is trance with a deep house vocal and instantly transports me back to the nineties the second I hear it. Brian Transeau has never quite achieved his full potential for me, but this is as close as he came to perfection! Can you see what I've done there?

27. The Jam - Thick as Thieves - 1979

2012-02-23T00:24:00.001-08:00

I got into the Jam a long time after everyone else. I'd hated all the songs I was supposed to have liked; 'Going Underground', 'That's Entertainment' and the truly awful 'Town Called Malice'. It wasn't until a friend let me borrow his vinyl copy of Snap! that I finally started to see some worth in Weller's song-writing. I liked odd songs a lot and tended to buy the LP's that they came from with 'Sound Affects', 'The Gift' and 'Setting Sons' my personal favourites.

I listened to them through college, long after everyone else had loved them and moved onto the Style Council. I guess it was the fact that no-one was interested in them anymore that made them more underground in my mind, and weirdly more enjoyable.

I could have picked a whole host of Jam songs, but I've gone for 'Thick as Thieves'. It's a low key tale of friendship with clashing guitars and belting drums that tells you everything you need to know about the group. If I were you, I'd treat everything Weller did before 1978 with caution and you really shouldn't touch anything after 1982 with a barge pole. The present day Weller output is up there with David Bowie as the worst middle-aged offerings from any artist in the history of music.

28. The Newtown Neurotics - Sects

2012-02-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

Openly left wing, political pop music was big in the eighties. The Newtown Neurotics, or just the Neurotics as they latterly became, were not exactly a Premier League outfit in the battle against Thatcherism, but with hindsight they made a major contribution to the soundtrack of the era.

They were punchy, intelligent and refused to compromise. I loved them because they were so committed and seemingly unloved by the masses, and their 'Repercussions' album has been a constant companion to me over the years. They are possibly better known for the inspirational 'Kick out the Tories', but for me 'Sects' is their best song by a country mile; a heartfelt rant against organised religion and its associated subsets. A sing-a-long classical from start to finish with brilliant lyrics that are just as relevant today as they were in the hopelessness of Thatcher's Britain.

29. The Beatmasters featuring the Cookie Crew - Rok da House

2012-02-21T01:53:00.000-08:00

If Vince Clarke created the template for house music and Farley Jackmaster Funk turned the vision into reality, then it was the Beatmasters that finally convinced us that this was the future. At the time it was impossible to get your hands on, or even hear any house music, and I'd begun to believe the whole thing was some fantasy created by the NME. My entire house collection at the time consisted of Daryl Pandy, Steve Silk Hurley and perhaps Abel Ramos, all taped from the radio; and initially I wasn't convinced.

Enter the Beatmasters featuring the Cookie Crew and suddenly I was convinced. The track fused hip-hop with an infectious house rhythm and then threw in the best piano sample in the history of music. The rest is history as house music went mainstream, turned into Acid House and then reverted back into commercial dance music. I doubt the Beatmasters have ever got any credit for this before, but they thoroughly deserve that all important number 29 spot.

30. Larry Williams and Johnny Watson - Too Late

2012-02-20T00:57:00.002-08:00

An all time northern soul classic and a song that I never get tired of hearing for a variety of reasons. For starters, Larry and Johnny go for the slightly 'sweet and sour' voice combination that works like a cheese and jam sandwich, with Larry's sugary sweet vocal contrasted perfectly by Johnny's rasping whine. The lyrics and conversational style of the song provides a unique piece of philosophical magic, although you've got to wince a little at the sexual politics on show. However, who can argue that 'you don't need no woman to help you starve to death' or 'you've gotta find a girl that will treat you right and give you plenty of loving every night.' It's like the Postal Service song but with all sense of political correctness obliterated. The absolute kicker, that turns the song from brilliant to absolute classic, is the generic northern soul 'Huh!' about eight seconds into the record. I defy you not do you own 'Huh!' as you listen along.

31. Postal Service - Nothing Better

2012-02-19T01:37:00.000-08:00

The postal service are a combination of Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie, who I like a lot, and Jimmy Tamborello from Dntel, who I should like, but don't. The whole project was an indie/electronic crossover which sounds like a really bad idea, but produced one of my favourite albums of the last twenty years.

Ben Gibbard is undeniably a genius, but sometimes gets a bit bogged down and self indulgent in the guise of Death Cab; just listen to Transatlanticism if you have any doubts. In the Postal Service, however he seemed freer, more direct and able to show a camper, quirkier side.

The whole 'Give Up' album is worth inclusion, but I eventually plumped for the all out campfest that is 'Nothing Better'. It manages to be brilliant, poignant and a bit embarrassing all at the same time. The home made videos on Youtube are truly cringe-worthy and best avoided.

32. Billy Bragg - The Saturday Boy

2012-02-18T00:59:00.001-08:00

In the sixth form common room everyone was listening to Black Sabbath, Queen, Led Zeppelin or rubbish forerunners to today's R&B monotony. I was into Billy Bragg at the time and even my closest friends thought I'd gone mad. I remember 'Between the Wars' on the radio and my fellow students putting hands over ears, laughing up their sleeves and looking genuinely bewildered. Was this really the future of popular music?

Well they're not laughing now are they? Thirty years on a Billy's still going strong, even if he is a bit of a silver fox these days. Now a mainstream artist with a host of albums behind him, it's easy to forget how revolutionary one man, a guitar and some quality lyrics could be in the wilderness of the early eighties.

'The Saturday Boy' describes a universal experience to near perfection. A nailed on certainty for the folk hall of fame and the lovely horn tooting away is a bonus. Sadly, it looks like the record company block this song on YouTube, so you'll have to do without as I'm not using a sub-standard live version from a mobile phone.

33. Bobby Womack - What is this?

2012-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Some singers have a strange power to transport you to another place and time. This happens very rarely and only when the singer possesses a talent above and beyond ordinary mortals. Beverley Knight for example, has the ability to go into overdrive and produce this sense of mild euphoria every now and then. No other singer does this as often for me as Bobby Womack.

Womack is a soul legend, but a second division soul legend next to Marvin, Stevie and Aretha. Personally, I'd put him at the top of the league table. He is without doubt a legend, just look at his fashion sense if you have any doubts. Bobby usually combines a certain pimpish 70's look with futuristic glasses and then the next thing you know he's wearing a cowboy hat, sitting on a horse and smoking a pipe.

'What is this?' is difficult to track down on Youtube, but it's well worth the effort. The bit where he produces the 'euphoria effect' for me is where he sings the line 'Oh what a feeling, this thing keeps me rocking and a-reeling'. Give it a go, it's pure magic. Also worth a mention are 'Across 110th Street' and 'Fly me to the Moon'.

34. Infected Mushroom - I Wish

2012-02-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Infected Mushrooms assume near legendary status for myself and Evlkeith. The Israeli techno duo produce the most perfect brand of psy-trance, but they bring so much more to the table than that. They experiment with tempo, song structure, they add vocals, sometimes there's a bit of rapping, now and then they go classical and once they even went ragtime.

No other techno producer sounds so good in terms of sound quality on your speakers. They must have invested in some serious equipment over the years and every album seems to be better than the last. I'm already giddy at the prospect of a new album in 2012.

On 'I Wish' they go a bit euro-pop, but I can't help loving the vocals. The accent gets me every time and the little clicks, sighs and gulps on the backing track just add to the whole experience. I could literally have picked any of about twenty of the Mushroom's tracks they have so much in their locker. If you've never heard them before, go out and buy one of their albums immediately.

35. The Blofelds - The Dog is Dead

2012-02-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

From Throb Records came the mysterious Blofelds. Never has there been a greater travesty of justice that the Blofelds were allowed to depart the indie universe only leaving (apparently) one classic single. And what more can you say? Little on Youtube, no Wikipedia entry, did I imagine the whole thing? I even had to figure out how to put it on Youtube myself, hence the vinyl hiss at the start of the track.

Well, as I'm currently holding the seven inch single of 'The Dog is Dead' I'm guessing the band were a real entity, but apart from that I know nothing. I can't even remember why or where I bought the record, but I'm so glad I did.

It's a whirlwind ride of twangy guitars, banging drums and understated vocals. A great ending too. It should have been number one in the charts, but quite clearly it never got the exposure it deserved. That is until now, because The Blofelds occupy that all important number 35 spot in my all time chart.

36. Dave Clarke - Red 1 - 1994

2012-02-14T02:16:00.000-08:00

Dave Clarke's individual take on techno has always been a refreshing and entertaining alternative to the boring repetitive beats syndrome. The self styled 'Baron of Techno' brought personality into the genre and I still listen to an old interview tape of him talking to John Peel about about his musical influences and life in general. Dave seemed like a really interesting, if a bit geeky, kind of guy; he grew up doing nerdy experiments with cassette recorders, he liked early hip-hop, travel and Iggy Pop. There's no wonder he produced his own idiosyncratic form of techno really.

Red 1 is a mini-classic that sounded much more extreme when it was first released. It's still an edgy, moody piece of music with lovely clicky bits and sections where it all seems to go into reverse. It even has a proper and brilliant ending which for a techno track is unusual and a bit radical.

37. Dean Parrish - Determination

2012-02-13T01:37:00.000-08:00

If you wanted an introduction to northern soul in the early eighties, your options were severely limited in a particularly grimy South Yorkshire town. In Foxes Records they had about three vinyl compilation albums with the most instantly appealing; the legendary Floorshakers album on Kent Records. It was an essential purchase and would prove to be my only Northern Soul purchase until the advent of cheap CD compilations in the 2000's.

The cover said it all really; colourful, fun-packed classic soul. And the most colourful and fun-packed track on the album was 'Determination' by Dean Parrish. It sounded like nothing I'd ever heard before. It was undeniably soul music, but completely different to the Motown classics I was familiar with at the time. Dean had a deep, booming voice like a cross between Brian Blessed and Barry White, but backed with such a range of horns that it was like listening to the Brighouse and Rastrick brass band gone wild.

As a wet behind the ears teenager I had no idea at the time what made Northern Soul 'Northern', but I knew it was a good thing and it was much better than Southern Soul, which was probably a softer, less authentic version of its harder northern cousin. I could easily envisage Dean Parrish performing this track at some sleazy working men's club in Rotherham. I didn't know if he was black or white, came from New York or Pontefract, but I knew that in spirit he was Northern, working class and came from Doncaster. And that was enough for me to love this song to this day.

38. Big Stick - On the Road Again

2012-02-12T02:21:00.000-08:00

When John Peel played this in his 1992 Festive Fifty he stated that the band were called Drag Racing Underground. After much detective work, I've discovered it was actually by nineties alternative rockers Big Stick, with the song possibly part of the Drag Racing Underground LP.

Whoever made it, it's one of the few songs that I can 'remember' in it's entirety and listen to in my head without the need for an MP3 or a walkman. A homage to the world of trucking, it begins in standard-ish alternative rock style, but then descends into a strange conversation between a trucker and a diner waitress. It's pure poetry with every word in every line delivered perfectly. Where did they get their voices?

In all charts like this there's a comedy number and I guess this is mine. It's makes me laugh every time I listen to it, but it's there on merit. Check out some of Big Stick's other numbers; they were definitely under-rated. 'Well what else is new baby, that's trucking!'

39. Yazoo - Nobody's Diary -1983

2012-02-11T02:35:00.000-08:00

　
Although largely forgotten, Yazoo's influence on the world of music cannot be over-stated. Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke are now minor legends, but back in the early eighties this was a completely new type of music. Vince who had previously almost single handedly invented synth-pop with Depeche Mode, then went on to form this seminal duo to move the whole genre forward.

Yazoo created the template for house music, techno and synth-pop. Vince Clarke influenced virtually every dance and techno producer and Alison apparently influenced Adele. In addition, they also produced two near perfect albums of punchy electro-soul which stand the test of time even in this day and age.

'Nobody's Diary' is another unoriginal selection, but it just about sums up Yazoo: beautiful vocals, the trademark Vince Clarke synthesiser and perfect pop hooks. If you don't own them already go out and buy 'Upstairs at Eric's' and 'You and Me Both' immediately.

40. Squeeze - Pulling Mussels from a Shell

2012-02-10T01:14:00.000-08:00

Growing up in the 70's and 80's we were definitely still living in the shadow of the Beatles. The media was constantly searching for the new song-writing combo to assume the Lennon and McCartney mantle and after an inauspicious 'Cool for Cats' start, Difford and Tilbrook were soon the front runners. Glen and Chris could pen the most perfect three minute pop songs with beautiful pop-philosophy lyrics and catchy melodies. They apparently also hate each other now, which makes me like them more.

However, as time went by song-writing skills became less desirable. Nobody cared about the Beatles or about talent or about lyrics. It was all about attitude, swagger, concept and making money. I never really loved the Beatles, but I can appreciate a crafted, perfect pop song and I really miss the types of groups, like the Squeezes of this world, that strived for this ideal.

Strangely, many of the bands that actually attempt the 'song writing craft' are either ignored or are desperately unfashionable. So at number 40 it's Squeeze, but they represent all those bands that put their faith in song-writing and were rewarded with a touch of genius: step forward The Bodines, The Frank and Walters, Death Cab for Cutie, Embrace, Guided by Voices, and even dare I say, Oasis.

41. Layo and Bushwacker - Love Story

2012-02-09T01:02:00.000-08:00

I love Layo and Bushwacker, but this bootleg inspired combination of their Love Story track and 'Finally' isn't that representative of their work. However, the addition of some vocals to their trademark minimal, chunky house proved to be masterstroke and produced an entirely new entity with a heart and soul of it's own. The remix combines the already brilliant album version of 'Love Story' with Julie McKnight's vocal from the Kings of Tomorrow's 'Finally' to produce a retro sounding house classic.

42. Huggy Bear - Her Jazz

2012-02-08T01:22:00.000-08:00

In the early nineties Huggy Bear staged one of the briefest revolutions in the history of popular music. The whole Riot Grrrl and Boy/Girl Revolutionaries thing seemed to last about a fortnight and then everything went back to normal. To be fair to the band, they did a cracking job of stirring things up a bit and always refused to sign for a major label, preferring instead to remain with Wiiija.

The upshot of all this was the 1993 single 'Her Jazz'. A song that I've never really got out of my head since the very first moment I heard it and undeniably the last truly great punk rock record. Huggy Bear shouted, stamped and stormed their way through the number with a belief that overwhelmed any perceived lack of talent or musicality, and all bands today could learn a lot from them. One of the best endings to a song ever as well...Her Jazz signals our time now!

43. New Order - Sub-Culture

2012-02-07T00:17:00.000-08:00

'Blue Monday' by New Order changed everything. I'd taped it from the Peel show and it was like nothing I'd ever heard before; like some strange hybrid of Gary Numan synthesisers and traditional indie. After dismissing Joy Division as 'boring', I decided New Order were the future and something I needed to take seriously.

My first proper purchase as I received my Polytechnic grant money was the cassette version of Low-Life. It came in a dinky cardboard presentation case with some black and white photos of the band, and it was an essential purchase for student life at the time. 'Sub-culture' brings back all the memories of that time; the cold, eating soup and Thatcher's Britain. And with limited access to music at the time we played it to death.

For me, New Order never quite fulfilled their potential and made that perfect album, but 'Low-Life' was as close as they came, possibly with the exception of the under-rated 'Waiting for the Siren's Call'. So let 'Sub-Culture' take you back to the eighties; for the perfect nostalgic listening experience, turn off the central heating, mix up some Florida Spring Vegetable soup to ward off scurvy and wash it down with a bottle of Pomagne.

44. Lush - Hypocrite - 1994

2012-02-06T00:39:00.000-08:00

I started liking Lush because of the arty 4AD covers of their records. Initially the music wasn't great in a shoe-gazing down Camden market kind of way. About the time of the album Split however, Lush came very good indeed and produced some of the standout tracks of the nineties.

I really love the slightly out of kilter harmonising between Miki and Emma. It sounds initially like it shouldn't work, but manages to sound sugary sweet after repeated listens. 'Hypocrite' showcases everything great about Lush with clashing guitars, beautiful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics.

I once went to stay with a friend in London who took me to the pub where allegedly Lush went drinking. On the night we went they obviously weren't there, but apparently we'd just missed Terry Scott's granddaughter. As is usually the case with these tales, we ended up slightly worse for wear in a Spanish bar watching and aged Flamenco dancer instead.

45. Placebo - Every You Every Me

2012-02-05T04:02:00.000-08:00

One day in the mid-nineties I bought two indie 7 inch singles from what was the last remaining record shop in town. One was 'Pull Thru Barker' by Prolapse and the other 'Brusie Pristine' by Placebo. From that moment little went right for Prolapse in terms of commercial success, but for Brian Molko and Placebo it was just the opposite with a current confirmed status as household names and mega stadium fillers in 2012. At the time my money would have been on Prolapse, but who can predict the future?

Placebo turned out to be a bit of an enigma. I don't usually like groups who wear affected costumes and Placebo go for the full 'Marilyn Manson meets Renton from Trainspotting' look. If you ignore this slight fashion faux pas, Molko churns out some of the bitter-sweetest indie pop this side of REM.

It was a tough choice, but I've eventually settled on 'Every You Every Me' as the premium Placebo song, just pipping 'Meds' and 'The Bitter End'.

46. Elastica - Waking Up - 1995

2012-02-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

It remains a mystery to me how Elastica were allowed to almost 'fizzle out' after one brilliant album and Blur keep on churning out rubbish in a variety of forms to this day. Elastica went on to make the lacklustre 'The Menace' and that was the last we heard of them, meanwhile Albarn and his cronies have not only continued the catchy cockernee-ness of Blur, but also peddled those cartoon Gorilla things, opera(!) and their own brand of cheese. It's just not fair.

It seems that Justine Frischmann will be forever remembered as Albarn's girlfriend; like some Brit Pop off-shoot from her more talented better half. This says it all about Britain really. And the sad thing is Elastica were so much better and more talented than Blur it's unbelievable that the masses have been led to accept the opposite.

Elastica made one a truly great album. Admittedly, it was heavily influenced by the Stranglers and Wire, but a great album nonetheless. It combined pop, punk and indie in a down to Earth package of grimy, bed-sit bravado. Needless to say Elastica get the last laugh with 'Waking Up' named in my all time fifty and Blur nowhere to be seen: not so cocky now Albarn?

47. Aphex Twin - Vordhosbn 2001

2012-02-03T02:34:00.000-08:00

Five minutes of madness from the master of ambient techno Richard James. I have to admit that although I've listened to a lot of the Aphex Twin, I'm not a massive fan. It's all a bit too dense, noodle-doodley synthesiser based pointlessness for me. However the Drukqs album was a work of genius, combining the obligatory muso noodling with hints of melodies and some beautiful piano, creating an atmosphere akin to something Brian Eno would be proud of.

Apparently Richard James has penned a load of commercial dance hits for other artists and I've always been interested in finding out what they were; hopefully 'Saturday Night' by Whigfield, but I guess we'll never know. 'Vordhosbn' meanwhile, is a dark, brooding concoction of drum and base, piano and general jerkiness, that sounds like the 'future music' played by Michael Caine's old hippy character in Children of Men. It may not be the sound of the future anymore, but it's accessible, soulful and at times beautiful.

48. Public Enemy - Rebel Without a Pause

2012-02-02T03:02:00.000-08:00

When John Peel introduced us to hip-hop in the late eighties it was like a breath of fresh air, with the likes of Eric B and Rakim, De La Soul and of course Public Enemy. Sadly, things went downhill for the genre when the whole thing changed into rap and was either over-commercialised or over 'gansterised', and has been boring ever since.

Public Enemy were tough but socially aware, and as I trudged around the uber-depressing city of Hull in the early nineties 'It takes a Nation of Millions...' was an unlikely, but surprisingly relevant soundtrack playing on my walkman. This was passionate, intelligent and political music, but dressed up with tracksuits, trainers, jewellery, big clocks and lots of shouting 'Yeah Booooyeeeez!'. 'Rebel without a Pause' is my unoriginal choice from the album just for the lyrics, the James Brown samples and a bit of Flavour Flav action.

49. Freemasons ft. Amanda Wilson - Love on my Mind

2012-02-01T02:20:00.000-08:00

An odd choice admittedly, but there's definitely a place in the world for upbeat House influenced dance music. I love the Freemasons and this track combines everything that is positive about them and the genre. There's the retro rhythm, the lush horns, a beautiful soulful vocal and a certain campness not seen since the George Michael 'Outside' video. Put this on the car stereo when you're on holiday, forget you're an Into the Valley fan (is there such a thing?), relax and enjoy yourself for once.

50. The Magnetic Fields - I Don't Really Love You Anymore

2012-01-31T02:35:00.000-08:00

It's always tricky to pick the final selection in any Festive Fifty style chart. It's the last chance alley for inclusion and it's sometimes difficult to know where to draw the line. I'd whittled my list down to The Pixies, The Specials, Floorshow and the Magnetic Fields for that all important last slot on the chart and finally decided to plump for Stephin Merritt's merry band based on the need for some serious cello action.

Strangley, I haven't liked any other Magnetic Fields albums apart from 2004's 'i' which showcased Merritt's extraordinary song-writing talents in a less contrived and more low key bunch of songs. 'I Don't Really Love You Anymore' is a string driven romp with trademark leftfield lyrics and a jaunty little rhythm that bobs along like a balloon in a gale force wind. I played the whole album over and over, but this track just stuck in my mind for some reason and is a worthy starting point in my all time chart.

I doubt this is the official video, but I love the dancing!

Doccortex's All Time 50!

2012-01-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

It's been an uphill struggle picking my all time favourite list of fifty tracks. There were just so many songs that I wanted to include, but after much soul searching and tinkering, I've cobbled together a list that more or less reflects my taste in mustic for the last few decades. I intend to publish a track every day for the next fifty days, but whether I can stick to that schedule remains to be seen.

The collection ranges from the obscure to the international global megastar. All styles and genres of music are represented from Northern Soul to techno to nu-metal, but I'm a little embarrassed at the lack of world music on the list. Maybe that will change in the future, but for now I'm sticking with the songs that I've loved and that provide the soundtrack for my memories.

Here's hoping there's something you'll enjoy amongst the fifty!

Xeno and Oaklander - Sets and Lights LP 2011

2012-01-28T04:10:00.000-08:00

I really don't know what to make of this...

Brooklyn based analogue synthesiser duo Xeno and Oaklander serve up some distinctly eighties flavoured delicacies on 'Sets and Lights'. Sadly, it has little of the warmth any of the eighties synth-pop megastars, but ends up sounding like a tinkly version of OMD with what can only be described as 'odd' vocals.

And that's where I begin to really love them. It's like a really stinky blue cheese with beautiful mellow white cheesiness, interlaced with blue veins of acerbic mouldiness. The beautiful minimal synth backing is the cheese and the blue veins are supplied by the vocal delivery of our heroes.

Imagine an early Depeche Mode backing track, make it more 'tinkly-winkly' then add the Xeno and Oaklander 'bitter' vocals. It's all a little on the creepy side, with the male vocalist sounding like a cross between the Danse Society and 'Nowhere Girl' by B-Movie, and the female equivalent sounding like the singing voice of that little girl out of The Ring crossed with the Ice Queen from Narnia. I'd like to say it's enjoyable, but it's not. But strangely it is too!

Allegedly they have single-handedly revitalised the New York's minimal electronics scene, which has to be applauded, but I can't see them doing much business in Barnsley. But who knows?

All the songs follow the same minimal 'plinky plonky' format and nothing particularly stands out, although I quite like 'The Staircase.' In truth, I like the concept of Xeno and Oaklander more than I like their music. They were apparently heavily influenced by the eighties Eastern-Euro 'Cold Wave' movement, which sounds intriguing, and may prove worth checking out more than this combo.

But then I hear 'Corrupt' or 'Italy' on my playlist and I love it!

Johnny Cash - American Recordings LP 1994

2012-01-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

I wasn't all that familiar with the more recent Johnny Cash output before listening to American Recordings. I grew up listening to 'Live in Folsom Prison' and in comparison this is much more acoustic and low key, but with more emphasis on the richness of lyrics and profound sentiments. Apparently, this was the first album released by Rick Rubin's American Recordings label after it's name change from Def America (was this Def Jam once?), with Rubin encouraging Cash to record in a more minimal style in his front room with just his guitar for backing.

The whole idea worked brilliantly and a Grammy was soon in the bag, but I still have some reservations about the album. It's clearly a heartfelt, quality offering from Johnny, but few of the songs make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end like some of Cash's finer moments. The vast majority of the songs are enjoyable enough, but in no way classics. Exceptions to this assessment are the two 'darker' numbers included; 'Thirteen' and 'Redemption' which are both melancholy stormers that rank up there with his best.

It's a bit of a disappointment for me, but still head and shoulders above most modern day artists and it's definitely worth buying just for the two standout tracks. But not worth a Grammy.

And anyway...how do I get on the panel that decides who wins a Grammy? Maybe I should start with the Mercury Music Prize and work my way up. I doubt P J Harvey would be winning if I was a judge.

Songlines - Top of the World 79 LP 2011

2012-01-22T05:34:00.000-08:00

Possibly the least instantly accessible of the Songlines compilations I've listened to since subscribing to the magazine, but still a thoroughly enjoyable experience. There's the usual mix of world music goodies; from African Funk to Celtic fiddling and even an appearance by Phillip Glass.

From the main body of the compilation I really liked the June Tabor & Oysterband's contribution, even though I thought it was a male vocalist until now. Dawda Jobarteh chips in with some particularly jangly Gambian Kora playing, but best of all is the slice of Turkish pop perfection provided by Sezen Aksu, which warms the cockles of your heart even in deepest, darkest South Yorkshire in January.

Ravi Shankar proves a slightly disappointing guest selector, but out of some distinctly suspect offerings, he at least pulls it round a little with selections from the legendary Philip Glass and Indian-American composer Karsh Kale.

I would heartily recommend a subscription to Songlines Magazine; not only do you receive the magazine and the compilation CD every month, but there's also some excellent bonus CD's in some of the issues. The Bahia and Scandinavian compilations both proved a big hit on my car stereo. Here's the link if you're interested; http://www.magazine.co.uk/magazines/songlines-magazine/

Agnes Obel - Philharmonics LP 2010

2012-01-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

Danish singer/songwriter Agnes Obel provided us with a minimal and atmospheric treat when unleashing Philharmonics into the great wide world of music. The songs are often insular and sound like the soundtrack to some Scandinavian fairytale, but maintaining rich and heart-felt lyrics.

The whole thing hangs together around the beautiful, delicate piano backing and the haunting, lonely voice of Agnes herself. These are songs for a cold winter's evening, slurping a glass of akvavit and munching on some frikadeller. (Look it up food fans.)

All the tracks are of a high quality, but the melancholy 'Avenue', the enchanted 'Philharmonics' and the stark elegance of 'Riverside' are worthy of a special mention.

Agnes has produced an album of rare beauty and hopefully can retain control of her career and musical direction in future releases. You should go out and buy the LP immediately if you don't own it already!

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds LP 2011

2012-01-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

Not all wilfully obscure stuff...

It's a bit mainstream I know, but Oasis are little guilty pleasure and I thought I'd give Noel a chance as the existing reviews are hardly sparkling. This is allegedly Noel branching out and breaking away from his more offensive little brother, but at the end of the day it sounds like Oasis, or at least all the Oasis songs that Noel sings on. However this is no bad thing, and a 'Style Council' issue is easily avoided.

I'm afraid this is going to be one of those reviews where I have to say 'If you like Oasis, you'll like this.' It's not as good as the best Oasis albums, but it's better than the worst. It's consistently above average, with the standout tracks; '(Stranded on) The Wrong Beach', 'What a Life' and 'Broken Arrow'.

It all sounds like I'm damming the album with feint praise, but the whole experience is more enjoyable than that. It's reminiscent of 'The Masterplan' in both atmosphere and in the expectation levels before purchase. Don't expect anything vastly different and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Laura Cantrell - Kitty Wells Dresses LP 2011

2012-01-13T06:34:00.000-08:00

The album is a great idea. A tribute to 1950's Country and Western Legend Kitty Wells by present day alt-country songstress Laura Cantrell. The title track was penned by Cantrell herself, with the other songs picked from the Kitty Wells back catalogue and presented in straightforward and respectful manner.

If you're a big fan of the Country genre it can't be faulted, but for me it needed a twist or a tweak to make it more accessible and relevant. The tracks are all standard Country and Western, tear-jerking style ballads and although classics in their time, they come over as a little dated for a modern audience.

The title track is possibly my favourite offering from the album, with Kitty's classic 'One by One' and the brilliantly titled ' It wasn't God who made Honky Tonk Angels' coming a close second and third. The question has to be asked; if God didn't, who actually did make Honky Tonk Angels? What is a Honky Tonk Angel anyway?

I've got to admit I like Cantrell's own songs better than these covers, but for good ol' boys, rednecks, cowboys and line dancers, I'm sure this will go down a storm.

Erasure - I Say I Say I Say LP 1994

2012-01-07T05:57:00.000-08:00

You've got to love Vince Clarke haven't you? In the olden days Vince was at the cutting edge of electronic music and I've never lost that initial sense of enthusiasm for his work. Nowadays however, he's more of a 'has been' than the usual bunch of 'never will be's' that feature on Into the Valley...But that's got to be a good thing in my book.

There are hundreds on Erasure albums (well 14 anyway) and I own most of them, and this one sits comfortably in mid-table obscurity. It's the standard package of sing-a-long synthpop; not as dance based as 'Wonderland' or 'Chorus', but more commercial than later offerings like 'Erasure'. In short, if you like Erasure, you'll like this.

It's a toss up as to which is the best track, with 'I Love Saturday', a camp bleep-fest just pipped at the post by the more straightforward floor filling charms of 'Run to the Sun'. I'll review the new album 'Tomorrow's World' at some point in the new year.

Classic Track: Television Satellite - Sophie and Peter Johnson 1986

2012-01-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe it's 25 years since Television Satellite was unleashed on the world. At the time it was just an obscure Peel track that squeaked into the Festive 50, but it was so much more mysterious than that. Synthpop was in it's infancy at the time, the internet was years away and information about indie artists was in short supply. In those days you let your imagination fill in the gaps and I only had the song and their two names to go on.

To me, Sophie and Peter Johnson sounded like a geeky brother who had learned to play synthersizer in his bedroom, with sister Sophie a stylish, prim and proper, girl next door type who worked in a library, enjoyed science fiction and spoke with a lisp. The video below is the first time I've ever seen them and I don't think I was too far away, admittedly they look like they're sponsored by Primark, but that was cool in the 80's. It's hard to verify the lisp or the library from the video. The song is an absolute cracker by the way!

Doccortex's Festive 40 2011 (10-1)

2011-12-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for. The all important rundown of my Festive 40 from 10-1! Hope you enjoy.

10 Sa Dingding - Girl in the Green Dress - (Harmony LP)
Beautiful Chinese electronic action from Sa Dingding. One of the big surprises of the year and one of the best LPs. Sorry this video is the best I can do.

9 Bloc Party - Positive Tension - (Silent Alarm LP)
Another surprise as I never liked the look of Bloc Party, but I really loved this album. The last minute of this song is supreme. A job hunting soundtrack.

8 Belle & Sebastian - I want the World to Stop - (Write About Love LP)
Say what you want about them, but they still know how to pen the perfect three minute pop song. The album was patchy, but this one and the title track were a reminder of how good B&S can be.

7 New Order - Dracula's Castle - (Waiting for the Siren's Call LP)
From a long forgotten album that I never knew existed, New Order finally produced a consistently brilliant LP. 'Dracula's Castle' is up there with their best, well almost.

6 Guided by Voices - Hold on Hope - (Do the Collapse LP)
This song feel like an old friend this year for a variety of reasons. Loved the whole album.

5 Panic at the Disco - That Green Gentleman - (Pretty Odd LP)
How can you not like Panic at the Disco? The whole album is brilliant and uncommercial. I could have happily picked any of the tracks for the Festive 40.

4 Leatherface - Nutcase - (The Stormy Petrel LP)
Delving into the Leatherface back catalogue unearthed a great album and two or three truly great songs. Not as good as their earlier stuff, but still good enough to go top 5.

3 Eels - Unhinged - (End Times LP)
More quality from Mark Oliver Everett, but I'm beginning to think I'm his only audience. Did very little business on the blog with the review.

2 Caitlin Rose - Own Side - (Own Side Now LP)
Sugary sweet alt-country classic. It defies you not to sing along.

1 Led er Est - Scissors - (Rough Trade Synth Wave 2010)
The surprise of the year. Mysterious, unpolished and gritty electro form a great compilation. Hopefully an annual release from Rough Trade. Really looking forward to listening to the Led er Est LP next year!

Doccortex's Festive 40 2011 (20-11)

2011-12-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

Here we go then, for the next instalment of the Festive 40. Hopefully there's something to tickle your fancy in my selections from 20-11.

20 Laura Marling - What He Wrote - (I Speak because I can LP)
Not greatly impressed by the album, but this song has really grown on me. Marling has great potential and hopefully this will come to fruition in the new album.

19 Pantha du Prince - Lay in a Shimmer - (Black Noise LP)
Glockenspiels, cowbells and people blowing over the tops of milk bottles in a tinkly-winkly, mellow techno treat.

18 Agnes Obel - Riverside - (Philharmonics LP)
Easily the most atmospheric album of the year. Agnes produces minimal compositions with beautiful piano and emotive lyrics, with 'Riverside' one of the best examples.

17 Allo Darlin - Dreaming - (Rough Trade Counter Culture 2010)
Twee indie fun with boy/girl vocalists. The most typical Rough Trade song ever!

16 Eliza Carthy - Britain is a Carpark - (Neptune LP)
What is wrong with Britain? The apathy over Eliza Carthy just baffles me. Virtually no hits on the blog but this song is a cracker.

15 Heavenly - Trophy Girlfriend - (Operation Heavenly LP)
The beginning of my trawl through the Heavenly back catalogue unearthed this gem from the queen of twee, Amelia Fletcher and her cronies from 1996.

14 Infected Mushroom - 9% - (Heat Seekers - Israeli Trance Allstars LP)
Easily the best track on the compilation. Where would the world be without a bit of Infected Mushroom? Pure quality every time.

13 Amy Macdonald - Don't tell me that it's Over - (A Curious Thing LP)
Where did Amy Macdonald spring from and why is she so popular on the blog? This really grew on me through the year and I'm looking forward to listening to some of her earlier work this year.

12 Tinariwen - Tahult In - (Imidiwan LP)
I was semi-obsessed with this track for the first half of the year. The kings of Saharan Blues just keep churning out the classics.

11 Bright Eyes - Lover I don't Have to Love - (Lifted LP)
The King of Camp-Acoustic comes up trumps again with a fantastic LP and this little ditty is the pick of the bunch. Another Daughter of Doccortex favourite too.

So that completes tonight's entertainment. See you tomorrow for that all important rundown from 10-1.

Doccortex's Festive 40 2011 (30-21)

2011-12-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

Here's today's selections and hopefully things are hotting up a bit. Hope you enjoy 30-21 of this year's Festive 40.

30 Actress - Casanova - (Rough Trade Counter Culture 2010)
Squelchy electronic fun from an artist I know nothing about. I'm sure we'll here more from them in the future though. Sorry no video available.

29 John Grant - Jesus Hates... - (Rough Trade Counter Culture 2010)
Lyrically clever and profound John Grant's contribution to the Rough Trade compilation was also a favourite of Daughter of Doccortex too.

28 Dub Collosus - Guragigna - (Top of the World 77)
Ethiopian music with a twist from the excellent Songlines compilation.

27 Taraf de Haidouks - Cintec de Dragoste Si Joc - (Honourable Brigands LP)
I was really into this earlier in the year and semi-obsessed with the album. It's an acquired taste I guess.

26 The Wilders - This Old Town - (Top of the World 78)

Harmonic alt-country sing-a-long. Check out the live video of them performing the song at some festival.

25 The Fratellis - Shameless - (Here We Stand LP)
Unfashionable pub rock from the kings of the indie lower leagues.

24 Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work - (Tourist History LP)
Fashionable harmonic indie from the band every teenager now loves. We were there first and virtually discovered them single handedly. Not convinced at first but this one is real grower.

23 Dhol Foundation - After the Rain - (Top of the World 76)
The perfect combination of Asian drumming and Irish fiddling in an epic chunk of world music fusion.

22 50 Foot Wave - Long Painting - (50 Foot Wave LP)
Kristin Hersh turns back the clock with a bit of shouty indie folk-rock from new combo 50 Foot Wave.

21 Love Triangle - Splendid Living - (Rough Trade Counter Culture 2010)
Like some primitive early version of the Wedding Present Love Triangle provided us with one of the most memorable singles of the year.

So that's it for this evening, with a mix of classic world tunes and indie oddities. Tomorrow night it's the top 20, so we may see a few more familiar names.

Doccortex's Festive 40 2011 (40-31)

2011-12-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to all our readers! Here's my forty favourite tracks form this year in time-honoured Festive 50 format. The rules are the same as Evlkeith' festive chart with tracks qualifying as long as I purchaesd the CD this year. Hope there's one or two that you enjoy. So let's get started with 40-31 selections...

40 UNKLE - Celestial Annihilation - (Psyence Fiction LP)This just sneaked in to the chart this year. The LP is not a particular favourite, but the DJ Shadow influence means there's a decent bit of hip-hop flavour and I quite like the samples.

38 Asa - Be My Man - (Beautiful Imperfection LP)Accessible world music for the masses. Wife of Doccortex likes this a lot. For me it's too sugary sweet and sounds like a cross between Kelis and Alesha Dixon which can't be a good thing.

37 Alison Kraus - Paper Airplane - (Top of the World 76)Yee-ha! The first of the Alt-Country entries and it's really grown on me. Singalong bluegrass with beautiful vocals and catchy chorus.

36 Bat for Lashes - Daniel - (Two Suns LP) Not all wilfully obscure stuff! This is the least goth-influenced and dirgey number from the album. It's much better with the video I think.

35 Art Brut - Nag Nag Nag Nag - (It's a Bit Complicated LP)Sounds a bit like the 'talky' bits from Serious Drinking songs. Walks a bit of a tight rope between fun and annoying, but loved the line about 'I'd rather be damp than seen in jeans'.

34 The Fall - Dr. Bucks' Letter - (The Unutterable)No Festive chart is complete without the Fall. The last minute of this is pure quality, with Mark E Smith reading a magazine article about Pete Tong in his own unique style.

33 Forty Thieves Orkestar - Last Band Standing (Top of the World 77)Feel good world music from the Balkans, apparently inspired by jamming with a belly dancing band. Need I say more?

32 Juju - Night Walk - (Top of the World 78)Collaborative fun involving African vocals, fiddles and pounding base rhythms.

31 Nkata Mawewe - Khulumani (Rough Trade Counter Culture 2010)Chiptune meets African wailing in an intoxicating cocktail of contrasting styles.

39 Bob Dylan - Ballad of Hollis Brown - (The Times they are A-Changin LP)My first experience of Dylan and although I respect the concept, I'm still not convinced by the song-writing. Loved the overall atmosphere of 'Hollis Brown' though and his voice is a bit less nasally than on the rest of the album.

Evlkeith's Festive 50 - 10 to 1

2011-12-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

Strap yourself in for the final ten in this year's Festive 50. It could be a bumpy ride.

10. Placebo - Pitchfork - Eucalyptus

When I found out that John Rice/Reece and Rick Froberg had collaborated in another group, I was a bit giddy. The album’s okay, but this song’s a cracker. It’s surprisingly tuneful for a Rick Froberg number.

9. Run - Obits - I Blame You

I so giddy again, when I discovered that Rick Froberg (Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes) had a new popular music combo. It’s a shame then, that my favourite track is the only one he doesn’t sing. Not quite sure who does sing it, but it’s great. The guitar solo as the music kicks back in, is subtle, but meaty.

8. Aspirina - Noção de Nada - Sem Gelo

Brazilian hardcore rockers produce the goods yet again with a strangely sing-a-long number. If you’re Brazilian. Clocking in at 2:13 you don’t get bored either. One of the best starts to a song this year.

http://www.last.fm/music/No%25C3%25A7%25C3%25A3o%2520de%2520Nada/Sem%2520Gelo?ac=nocao

7. Wretched World - Converge - Axe To Fall

It’s strange, that on an album of fast screamy shouty numbers, I’d go for a slow one like this. I couldn’t cope with a full album of slowness, but variety is the spice of life. Play very loud for maximum effect, especially as it builds towards the end. This one has really grown on me.

6. Higher Love (Slipmatt Remix) - J.D.’s - Best Of Bonkers

I bought this album because there were 60 odd tracks for £2. How can you go wrong? Quite badly actually. £2 for one great track isn’t quite as appealing. This is worth it though. The main vocal line is cracking. Plus you get a stupid fast housey piano.

5. Sex Jam Two: Insect Incest - Milemarker - Frigid Forms Sell

Milemarker was one of my happy findings from trawling through the free downloads on Last.fm last year, so I decided to take the plunge and buy a full album. Mmm. Not that great. But this song is a corker. Relatively unshouty until two and a half minutes in, and then it all kicks off. Brilliant. Plus there’s a sweaty gentleman and lady on the front cover.

4. Coloris - she - Coloris

A fantastic track from a fantastic album. This is the first album by she that you have to pay for, but it is well worth the money. Based on other stuff I’ve paid good money for (cough * Younger brother * cough) I’d pay way more for this. Quality chiptune for the masses.

3. This Is Not The End - Renton - TAKE-OFF

Free download from Last.fm. Very slightly like The Smiths, except from Poland, this one sounds like it could have hailed from the 80s rather than 2008. You find yourself singing the chorus occasionally and the final repetition has a fair bit of energy to it.

2. Atomic - she - Orion

Narrowly missing out on the top spot and I thought that this would be number one for ages. When I first heard it, I wished that I could hear it properly without all of the cutting out action. Now, I want more of the cutty, glitchy business. One of the best uses of an inhalation too.

1. Make Me Real - she - Make Me Real - Single

And so to my number one for 2011. I’ve listened to this track so many times since I downloaded it. Gorgeous breathy vocals with beautiful lyrics, the song builds and builds to a cracking bit of power chord action along with the final partial chorus. This song never fails to have an effect on me and amazingly it’s free! You can support she by buying the two full price albums, ‘Coloris’ and ‘Orion’. They’re both well worth it.

So, 2011 has definitely been the year of she. A veritable hidden gem found amidst the general low quality products that constitute the Last.fm free downloads. There’s a new album next year, supposedly. I'm really looking forward to that. All that remains to say, is put on your smoking jacket, enjoy a glass of port and have a Happy New Year.

evlkeith

Evlkeith's Festive 50 - 20 to 11

2011-12-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

Only two posts left now. It's getting vaguely exciting. Or not. Depending on your perspective. Let's start with number 20 then.

20. Meccamputechture - The Mars Volta - Amputechture

Cracking start to this song. You then have to wait another nine minutes for the main hook to come back. When it does come back, it’s worth the wait. Typical Mars Volta. The little tinkers.

You tube ‘The Mars Volta - Meccamputechture’ Second one, black with white and grey writing.

19. Scottish Windows - Buffalo Tom - Smitten

Another one from Buffalo Tom, just a different album this time. I’ve got all their other albums and then I saw this one to buy that I’d somehow missed. Same as all the others really, but if you like Buffalo Tom, you’ll like it. Gentle and sing-a-long for a change.

18. Tommy - Portugal. The Man - Waiter: “You Vultures!”

A lovely song from those punctuation lovers Portugal. The Man. I wasn’t that hopeful for this album when I bought it, but it really grew on me. The whole album is not too shabby. I love the part in this track where the main guitar comes back in just before the chorus.

17. Nintendokore - Sabrepulse - Nintendokore EP

Premium quality proper chiptune from Sabrepulse. Fairly insane drumming and an intense ending all add up to a cracking track. If you like chiptune.

16. Knee-Deep In The North Sea - Portico Quartet - Knee-Deep In The North Sea

Wait a minute while I put my polo neck on. Right, sorted. I feel in the mood for someone tooting a saxophone over someone else playing steel drums (allegedly a ‘hang’, steel drum more like). The experimental jazz sections of Mars Volta’s stuff prepares you for this track. Surprisingly good. If you want to listen to the whole album though, you really need a London dockside apartment. And a beard.

15. Faux Show (Shimmy Shimmy Ya Remix) - Kraddy - Truth Has No Path

Most people would probably disagree with the ‘That’s a fun sound’ quote from the start of the track. Most people would say, ‘That’s a really irritating sound’. I like it though. It’s definitely a track that requires some pimp hand movements. If you feel the need.

14. Straight American Slave - Rocket From The Crypt - Group Sounds

Similar to Buffalo Tom in that, if you like one album, you’ll like them all. Distorted guitars, horn section, gravel voiced shouty fellow John Rice/Reese, a recipe for success every time.

13. Lucky Horses - The Wheels Of Sorrow - Cycle

Free download from Last.fm. Gatecrashing the party at the last minute come The Wheels Of Sorrow from Russia. It is quite catchy, so I’m wary of placing it too high; it hasn’t proved itself over time yet. They’ve only done four tracks sadly. Would love to hear more by these cheery characters.

http://www.last.fm/music/The%2520Wheels%2520Of%2520Sorrow?ac=wheels%20of%20so

12. Trajes E Comportamentos - Noção de Nada - Trajes e Comportamentos de Acordo com os Eventos e as Ocasiões

From the longest album title in the Festive 50 (I’m not quite sure what that now rules out) comes a track from our favourite Brazilian rockers, Noção de Nada. Quality start and a quality rock ending all combine to make a half decent song.

11. Project 100 - Infected Mushroom - Legend Of The Black Shawarma

You’re always guaranteed quality produce from Infected Mushroom and this album is no exception. I initially was oblivious to this track. It just washed over me. Then I bought some new speakers and listened to this track as part of a test. Played loud on good speakers, it’s a revelation. The highlight is actually a small section of pure silence at 6:44. Brilliant stuff.

And sadly, that's your lot. You'll have to wait until tomorrow night for the final instalment. See you then.

evlkeith

Evlkeith's Festive 50 - 30 to 21

2011-12-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to the middle section of my Festive 50. There should be a few more choice offerings in this section. Hopefully. I like them anyway.

30. Drumming Song - Florence & The Machine - Lungs

This has been popping up on my Amazon recommendations for ages, but I never really fancied it. Then someone lent it to me. Why was it recommended to me? Far too catchy. This one’s good though, it took me a while to get into it and it improved on subsequent listenings.

29. Breakawaii - Lolishit - LOLI JUICE

Premium extreme hardcore chip tune action with this one. Warning - don’t listen to the full album then accompany it with a bit of Sabrepulse. Really hard work.

28. Ecologia del Delitto (Titoli) - Stelvio Cipriani - Ecologia del Delitto

This is the title track from the film A Bay of Blood by Mario Bava. Possibly the best thing about the film. Why can’t new films have soundtracks like this?

27. Happier - A Fine Frenzy - Bomb In A Birdcage

Slightly similar to Fiona Apple’s stuff, this is quite a pleasant little number. The whole album is listenable, even to a grizzled shouty screamy boy like me.

26. Naked Sun - ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - So Divided

Nowhere near as harsh as their name makes them sound. Every album of theirs is fairly standard issue. This song has got a good little break in the middle with a horn section.

25. Your Sun is a Destroyer - I Create - Complete Medley

Free download from Last.fm. I like the mixture of clean jangly guitars, restrained drumming and someone screaming their lungs out until they vomit them up in a little pool of spit on the floor. Plus you can download the whole album for free.

http://www.last.fm/music/I+Create/Complete+Medley

24. Ashtray - edIT - Crying Over Pros for No Reason

This is one for all those people who love their tracks to be cut up and chopped around. It’s amazing how many different ways the underlying track is messed about.

23. Fleeting Moments - Pocketbooks - Flight Paths

Free download from Last.fm. Doccortex will love this one. It should definitely have been released by Sarah. Have a listen and you’ll hear why.

http://www.last.fm/music/Pocketbooks/Flight+Paths

22. Nothing Special - My Dad Is Dead - Shine(r)

Minor cheat, this one. I’ve heard the Peel Sessions version before, not the album version. It’s easily the best song on a disappointing album.

21. Argument - Fugazi - The Argument

I didn’t realise that I was missing a Fugazi album. But I was. So I bought it sharpish. I wasn’t really missing much. It’s okay, but not up there with their earlier albums. This track sounds like a midway point between Fugazi and The Evens. Good ending pulls it round.

It's hotting up now. Fugazi at number 21, you'd have thought they'd be higher. On the plus side that means 20 tracks better than Fugazi. I'm spoiling you. Come back tomorrow for 20 to 11.

evlkeith

Evlkeith's Festive 50 - 40 to 31

2011-12-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to the next instalment in my Festive 50. Tonight we'll go through 40 to 31. Let's crack on.

40. Cut Down All the Trees and Name the Streets After Them - The Fall of Troy - Manipulator

Shame they’ve had their rough edges knocked off them, but this one’s not too bad. Still a bit too commercial for my liking.

39. These Are The Reasons - Angie Stone - The Art Of Love & War

One for all you soulful types out there. Great backing vocals and a nice bit of distorted guitar in the ending. Smooth.

38. Thinktank - Airiel - The Battle Of Sealand

Free download from Last.fm. Quite a catchy little number, this one. I’ve listened to snippets from the rest of the album and I can’t say that I’m that keen on getting it. I might have to give it a chance next year based on the strength of this song. A bit of shoegazing is always a treat. A full album? I’m not sure.

http://www.last.fm/music/Airiel/The+Battle+Of+Sealand

37. Resolutions - Entertainment For The Braindead - Entertainment for the braindead - Hydrophobia Ep

Free download from Last.fm. This reminds me of The Wicker Man. Very folky and it’s got some of the loudest fretboard squeaks you’ll ever hear. Supposedly just the work of Julia Kotowski from Cologne, Germany. She’s a bit like Phil Collins. With hair. And talent.

http://www.last.fm/music/Entertainment+For+The+Braindead/Entertainment+for+the+braindead+-+Hydrophobia+EP

36. Jubilee (Demo) - Warpaint - Demos

This one starts of quite relaxing with a simple guitar line and Bontempi drums. It doesn’t really intensify that much, but it is surprisingly enjoyable.

35. Things I Can’t Remember - Bit Funk - Love Scientific

Free download from Last.fm. Quite laid back and undemanding, this one. Enjoyable background music if ever I heard it.

http://www.last.fm/music/Bit+Funk/Love+Scientific

34. Lazarus - Muchy - Galenteria

Free download from Last.fm. Hailing from Poland, this one sounds like something that might have made the proper Festive 50 in 1985. Quite catchy, and there’s a jingle-jangle distorted guitar.

http://www.last.fm/music/Muchy/Galanteria

33. Die Electro Voice - The Low Frequency in Stereo - The Low Frequency in Stereo

Free download from Last.fm. An instrumental from Norway for a bit of a change, starts off quite gentle and builds to being, well... not quite so gentle. There’s even a touch of distortion in the guitars for a treat.

http://www.last.fm/music/The%2520Low%2520Frequency%2520in%2520Stereo/The%2520Low%2520Frequency%2520In%2520Stereo?ac=the%20low%20frequency%20in%20ster

32. Arise, Watch - Buffalo Tom - Skins

From their latest album and it’s more of the same really. The start contains some gorgeous chords. The demo version, contained on the album, is also pretty cool.

31. Inside A Boy - My Brightest Diamond - A Thousand Shark’s Teeth

From the Happy Shopper version of PJ Harvey comes the best track of an otherwise dirgesome album. At least it’s better than the real PJ Harvey track this year.

That's it for another evening's festivities. Hopefully, the tracks should be getting better (Doccortex normally thinks the opposite). See you tomorrow for numbers 30 to 21.

evlkeith

Evlkeith's Festive 50 - 50 to 41

2011-12-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

Here's the first instalment in my Festive 50, inspired by John Peel's listener chart of the same name. It consists of my 50 favourite songs of the year. To qualify, I have to have listened to the track for the first time this year. It doesn't matter if it was released years ago. To keep things vaguely varied, I've only allowed myself one track from each album I've bought. The tracks are labelled with the track name, artist and finally, the album title. So here we go, and with great predictability let's kick off with number 50.

50. Let England Shake - PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

There is a rule of thumb that there is one good song on every PJ Harvey album. Only just on this one. The worst album she’s done with far too many repetitions of the word ‘England’. Total dirge.

49. Sombrero - Cheese People - Well Well Well

Free download from Last.fm. Cheese by name, cheesy by nature. Russian cheese at that. Enough said.

48. Summer Nights - Florrie - Introduction

Free download from Last.fm. Cheap and cheerful. That’s the best way to describe this one.

http://www.last.fm/music/Florrie/Introduction?ac=florrie

47. Fragments - Bob Holroyd - Afterglow

Minimalist and full of emotion. Strings always have that effect on me. One track like this is good, a whole album is pushing it.

46. Shine - Younger Brother - Vaccine

I still haven’t got over the disappointment I felt when I heard this album. I had to restrain myself from making this number 50 just out of spite. This track is okayish. At best. Easy listening at its worst.

45. Smile - Maya-Rose - Maya-Rose

Free download from Last.fm. Maya-Rose is a 16 year old from South Africa and this song has the dubious honour of being one of the only songs that I play at work that other people actually like. Some of her other stuff on Last.fm is very rough around the edges to say the least.

http://www.last.fm/music/Maya-Rose/Maya-Rose

44. Em Construção - Zander - Em Construção

Free download from Last.fm. Can’t find out much about these guys but they sound distinctly similar to Noção de Nada. Quite enjoyable in a not completely fantastic kind of way.

http://www.last.fm/music/Zander/Em+Construção

43. The Hand That Feeds (Black and Hollow Mix) - Halo33 - NIN Remixes

Free download from Last.fm. I’ve got a suspicion that I’ve heard another version of this before but I can’t remember where from. This mix is quite enjoyable. It’s been a while since I’ve listen to any NIN. I might have to investigate further next year...

http://www.last.fm/music/Halo33/NIN+Remixes

42. The Hill Of Thieves - Lament For Johnny - Cara Dillon - Live At The Grand Opera House

Doccortex had a Cara Dillon song as his number one a couple of years ago, so when I saw I could download this for free from the Society of Sound, I thought I’d give it a go (you have to buy some B&W speakers to get three free albums, so it’s not strictly free). I can’t say I’m massively keen but I like the ending to this one.

41. Dust Bowl Dance - Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

This album was lent to me and I can’t say that I was looking forward to it from the look of them on the front cover. Initial listenings proved me correct. I ranted for ages. But I gave it a chance and I actually started to quite like it. This one's the best because it builds throughout and I like the line about 'going out back and getting your gun'.

There you go then. That's the chaff over with. Join us again tomorrow for 40 to 31.

evlkeith

Mesh - An Alternative Solution LP 2011

2011-12-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

A remixed version of Mesh's 2009 classic album 'A Perfect Solution' sounds like a mouth watering proposition especially when you've heard the Alien 6 Remix of 'Only Better' as featured as a classic track on Into the Valley...

Unfortunately all doesn't quite go to plan. All the remixes are decent enough, but admittedly are not up to the standard of Alien 6 version which is omitted for some reason. It's just that none of the remixing and noodle-doodling with the tracks actually improves or adds anything to them. A Perfect Solution was such a quality offering that I find myself wanting to listen to the original versions rather than the remixes.

There's really nothing to choose between the tracks with possibly 'Is it so hard?' causing least damage to the original. If you like Mesh, then this is an interesting collector's item, but in no way an essential purchase. If I were you, I'd stick with 'A Perfect Solution' and save your cash for one of the rarer and more expensive Mesh albums.

Sa Dingding - Harmony LP 2010

2011-12-17T05:18:00.000-08:00

Chinese folk/electronic crossover diva Sa Dingding produced one of my favourite albums of the year in 'Harmony'. An engaging and distinctive global take on electronic music, but incorporating flashes beautiful Chinese instrumentation, possibly the guzheng or the matouqin, (look them up Chinese instrument fans.)

Largely sung in Chinese this collection is haunting, but at the same time harmonic and with a high degree of sing-a-long-ability even if, like me, you understand not a jot of Chinese. Her voice is smooth, crystal clear and you can imagine if she really went for it she could hit notes that only dogs can hear.

It's the kind of album that takes you on a journey into the heart of Mongolia or Tibet and back again. I particularly liked the whispered beauty of 'Yun Yun Nan Nan', the Asian party vibe of 'Xi Carnival' and the multi-layered traditionalism of 'Girl in a Green Dress'. Best of all is the breathless, anthemic genius of 'Hua' which combines cinematic and pop sensibilities in bite-sized chunk of World music perfection.

If you want something different yet accessible, with an intense Chinese flavour and catchy pop hooks, then click the Amazon link below and stick Sa Dingding on the car stereo.

Bob Dylan - The Times they are A-Changin' LP 1964

2011-12-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

I guess there comes a time in everyone's life when you've got to listen to a Bob Dylan album. I was convinced of this by Simon Armitage in his book 'Gig', so I decided to give 'The Times they are A-Changin'" a go, for no other reason than I heard the title track on the opening of the Watchmen film. Who knows if this is the optimum entry level LP?

Initially it takes a bit of getting used to. His voice is the kind of nasally, whining, finger in the ear warbling that spoils an awful lot of folk music and the regular bursts of harmonica do not add anything to the music but irritation. After a few listens however, you can begin to understand what all the fuss is about.
The lyrics were probably shocking and too close to communism for comfort in 1960's USA and even today they are relevant, profound and sometimes funny. The fact that these songs were picked up and used as peace anthems says it all really. I quite like the sparse strumming of his understated guitar work and the atmosphere the whole album creates is of a cultural importance that pop music can only dream about these days.

I particularly liked 'Boots of Spanish Leather', 'With God on Our Side' but my favourite by a country mile is the melancholy slow burning 'Ballad of Hollis Brown'.

I'm glad I've dipped my toe in the Dylan ocean, but I'm doubtful that I'll return soon. I can hear his influence in so much of today's music and respect his contribution, but I suppose you just had to be there to understand fully. Armitage's book is well worth a read though!

Various - Logical Progression Level 2 1996

2011-12-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

What is it?

This is is a 2-disc Drum ‘n’ Bass affair from a variety of artists: Disc 1 is mixed by Blame with vocals added by MC Conrad and DRS, Disc 2 is different tracks, unmixed with no added extras.

Why should you listen?

I had this in my Walkman (it was 1996) for a full year and I listened to it every day on my way to work. I still listen to it from time to time and it’s still great. One of my top albums of all time.

What’s it like?

If you like a bit of Drum ‘n’ Bass, then you’ll probably enjoy this. I’m going to mainly review Disc 1, as Disc 2 isn’t that great (apart from the excellent ‘Atlantis (I Need You)’ by LTJ Bukem). On my iTunes ratings the highest any of the tracks get is 3/5, but I can’t say I ever just listen to any individual track. Listened to as a whole, the album shines. It all gets off to a good start with ‘Visions of Mars’ by Blame himself. You get a variety of styles in the middle - all tied together by a clean, melodic sound - that slowly builds to Blu Mar Ten’s ‘Global Access’. The drums and bass drop out leaving you with some swirly pads and my favourite vocal passage of the album. Everything then kicks back in with Blame’s ‘Cuban Lynx’. I can’t overstate the difference that the vocals make to this album, without them it would be distinctly average.

What’s the best track?

From the two discs it would have to be the aforementioned ‘Atlantis (I Need You)’. A premium quality hook at the start that disappears for vast swathes of time in the middle, before punching back in. If you’ve got the time though (roughly an hour), it would have to be the whole of Disc 1.

Who does it sound like?

Because this is by various artists, I’ll just list a few of the artists included: Odyssey, Artemis, Intense and Tayla.

evlkeith

Elliott Smith - From a Basement on a Hill LP 2004

2011-12-04T09:15:00.001-08:00

I really liked Elliott's 2004 album 'Figure 8' and was hoping for more of the same from 'A Basement on a Hill', but for whatever reason I'm not as impressed. Don't get me wrong, there is some inspired song writing throughout, but there just seems to be a lack of a spark in this selection.

The guitar is fragile, the vocals are subdued and reedy and the production decidedly lo-fi, but that's basically the sound of Elliott Smith. The songs that have stuck in my brain in 'earworm' fashion are the haunting fragility of 'Twilight', the jangling 'Pretty (ugly before), and more haunting fragility from 'Let's Get Lost'.

If you like Elliott Smith or you have a secret liking for hauntingly fragile indie-folk then this is the perfect CD for you. If you like anything harder than Belle and Sebastian then I'd look elsewhere.

Infected Mushroom Feat. Perry Farrell - Killing Time the Remixes 2010

2011-11-30T12:50:00.000-08:00

Remix CD's are always hard work for me as it's like listening to the same track over and over again, and to be honest, this one is no different. But if you like all things Infected Mushroom then this is a tasty little stocking filler.

There's a range of mixes at a variety of bpm's with Paul Oakenfold's lush Perfecto style mix, John '00' Fleming's percussion based workout and a bonkers but brilliant Infected Trance mix; all decent enough offerings. I've got to say, I still prefer the original album mix though, even if it's slower, chunkier and less trance based, I just like the singalongability of the vocal.

If you're new to the Mushroom's work, I'd buy the 'Legend of the Black Shawarma' LP instead of this if I were you.

The Do - A Mouthful LP 2008

2011-11-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

This is a French/Finnish combo indie act producing something approaching a slightly quirkier and better version of the Cardigans. The vocals are the key, with Olivia Merilahti warbling, squawking and crooning in a Bjork-lite style, but with purpose and a sense of indie conventions. She's the star of the show and it's strange to think that so many other average female singers with little originality to offer are above her in the pecking order.

The songs are a varied bunch with the hypnotic 'On my Shoulders' the pick of the bunch, but honourable mentions need also go out to the chugging 'At Last', the haunting 'Song for Lovers' and the bonkers raptastic classic that is 'Queen Dot Kong'.

Apparently they're big in France, which is excellent news if you are French. Perhaps they should think of entering the X-Factor if they want to make it big in Britain. I'm sure with Louie Walsh as their mentor The Do would soon be playing to packed stadiums and selling CD's by the cartload, rather than taking centre stage at Into the Valley...

Incidentally, have you ever wondered what happens to X-Factor finalists when they go out of the show? Well, I witnessed last week's evictee Sophie Habibis at the Don Valley Stadium 'After Dark' firework display singing cover versions to a disinterested crowd of firework fans. One minute you're at those film premieres and the next you're in a seedy car park in Sheffield being outshone by a Catherine wheel and a couple of Roman candles. Be careful what you wish for.

Songlines - Top of the World 78 Compilation 2011

2011-11-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

The weakest of the Top of the World CD's I've received with my annual subscription to Songlines magazine, but still a wholesome treat for World music fans.

The highlights are as follows;

Various Artists - Meadows of Dan; A jaunty little jig with sweet vocals and neat fiddling.

Sondorgo - Opa Cupa; evoking images of Taraf de Haidouks with female vocals.

Khyam Allami - Tawazon 1; chilled plucking of some Eastern stringed instrument in bewitching fashion.

The Wilders - This Old Town; strangely catchy and gets lodged in your brain. Alt-Country with decent lyrics and lovely atmosphere. (See quality live video below!)

JuJu - Nightwalk; A bouncing African rock-out with fiddles. Who could ask for more?

I'm not so keen on the guest picker's (Shlomo the beatboxer) selections, but the rest of the compilation is great. If you're into world music you seriously need a Songlines subscription - write to Santa now.

Guided by Voices - Do the Collapse LP 1999

2011-11-20T04:44:00.000-08:00

This is my second dose of Guided by Voices' brand of ameican indie rock medicine and a most welcome and invigorating tonic it is too. Robert Pollard's prolific bunch of lo-fi superstars have made 20+ albums so there's plenty to go at if you appreciate the GBV template. Bizarrly, I started with 2004's Half Life of the Decomposed, then just picked Do the Collapse at random; that's just the kind of guy I am.

This is a more commercial group of songs, but is nonetheless still quirky, original and at times beautiful. Every track is a winner really, but special mentions go to the anthemic 'Hold on Hope', the folk tinged weirdness of 'Dragon's Awake' and the sing-a-long wholesomeness of 'Strumpet Eye'.

If you're looking for influences; there's a touch of the Flaming Lips, a smattering of Sebadoh, a resemblance to Death Cab and maybe a little Sunset Rubdown, with the whole thing coated in a sugary shell of quirk-folk. The lyrics are unique and interesting and well worth the effort of some careful digestion.

Overall, a great album with a host of catchy, anthemic and unusual songs, but all in the unique style of GBV. Role on the other 18+ albums if they're all as good as this. I'll let you know.

The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots LP 2002

2011-11-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

What is it?

Oklahoma's finest present their unique and critically acclaimed brand of psychedelic independent rock, with 2002's spaced up 'Yoshimi battles the Pink Robots.'

Why should you listen?

You may have wondered what all the fuss is about with the Flaming Lips, just as I did when I selected 'Yoshimi' as my entry level introduction to the group. It's a lush, complex, dreamy sound with intergalactic imagery interwoven throughout the lyrics to give the whole experience the feel of a concept album. It's fun at times and all of the tracks are reasonably enjoyable in a curate's egg kind of way. The best bit is the plinky plonky bit in 'Are you a Hypnotist?' and this makes and makes odd little appearances throughout the album.

What's it like?

I couldn't help thinking that despite all the critical slobbering, I would much rather be listening to Grandaddy. Although not directly comparable, I just think Jason Lytle's band do the whole 'space rock' thing so much better. Check out 'The Sophtware Lump' if you need convincing.

What's the best song?

The title track 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' makes you smile and is suitably mellow, quirky and sci-fi themed.

Who does it sound like?

Grandaddy on a bad day. Hints of Eels and Shins but sorry, The Flaming Lips are not fit to lace their boots.

A Perfect Circle - The Thirteenth Step LP 2003

2011-11-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

What is it?

A Perfect Circle basically comprise guitarist Billy Howerdell and the singer from Tool, Maynard James Keenan, with a varied make up of supporting musicians. Billed as a 'rock super group' they manage to produce something far more interesting and subtle than your average Velvet Revolver wannabes.

Why should you listen?

If you, like me, find Tool a bit beefy in a stereotypical rock behemoth kind of way, then A Perfect Circle may be the ideal compromise. Not that this is just 'Tool-lite' as it's much more complex, subtle and intriguing than a stripped down version of Keenan's day job. Take all the best bits from Tool; the voice, the power and the lyrics but add some interesting arrangements and some quality control in the song writing department and you've pretty much got A Perfect Circle. Don't expect to get into this immediately, but perseverance will be rewarded.

What's it like?

It's like Arnold Shwarzennegger in Kindergarden Cop.

What's the best song?

"The Outsider" has all of Tool's beef, but also provides mash and two veg.

Who does it sound like?

Undeniably sounds like Tool, at times there's a touch of Eels and At the Drive in.

Rough Trade - Synth Wave 10 Compilation 2010

2011-11-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

I bought two Rough Trade compilations at the same time, one was absolutely rubbish (Psych Folk 10) and one was a work of genius (Synth Wave 10).

The tracks on Synth Wave are not your standard brand of 80's synth pop, but the dirtier, homemade variety peddled by the likes of Crystal Castles. A fair few of the tracks have a distinctly amateur feel and sound like they've been patched together on a decrepit i-mac in some seedy bedsit. What more could you want?

I've literally just realised that the title 'Synth-Wave' refers to a combination of synth pop and new wave genres, which is clever in a geeky kind of way. So if you want your synth pop to be altogether less wholesome than Erasure then check out virtually all the acts on here. Most of them sound like they could do with a nutricious meal, some vitamin pills, a good wash and a thorough checking over at the local STD clinic, but perhaps I'm being a little unfair.

The overall standard is high, but there are several standout tracks on this 20 strong compilation. The Cosmetics 'Black Leather Gloves' is a sleazy homage to black leather gloves (what else?) in synth-wave form, Terror Bird sound fantasticly homemade on 'Shadows in the Hall' with some of the best off-kilter harmonies you can imagine, and my absolute favourite is the stark old-school synths of Led er Est's 'Scissors' which brings to mind a minimal, darker version of Vince Clark with Ian Curtis on vocals. Needless to say I've bought the Led er Est album and am looking forward to sticking it into the car's cd player with no little glee.

Well done again Rough Trade! Counter Culture is always a treat,but let's hope the Synth Wave series takes off too and we can look forward to s similar scuzzy take on the synth sound on Synth Wave 11.

BT - These Hopeful Machines LP 2010

2011-11-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Nothing has moved on greatly in the world of Brian Transeau since 1999's Movement in Still Life. It's still the lush production of semi-commercial dance music with some beautiful vocals thrown in for good measure.

With only six songs however, the whole experience feels a bit 'samey'. None of the tracks stand out as particularly memorable and you are left with the feeling that time and effort went into the perfect production values and not a lot of thought went into the quality of the songs.

It's essentially a candy floss experience of lovely, dreamy music that holds your attention for about five minutes and then you need something more substantial. As far as the songs go, 'Le Nocturne de Lumiere' is possibly the pick of the bunch, but BT is consistent if nothing else and there's really not much to choose between all six.

It's one of those reviews where I have to say; if you like BT you'll like 'These Hopeful Machines' but don't expect anything different or interesting.

Belle and Sebastian - Write about Love LP 2010

2011-11-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

It used to be that a new Belle and Sebastian album was a real event, but 'The Life Pursuit' put the dampeners on things with it's lacklustre mix of styles and sense of mediocrity. On the plus side 'Write About Love' is at least partially a return to form, but don't get too giddy.

Perhaps it's because familiarity breads contempt, but unless they produce a song that's up there with the classics I'm just not interested. Let's face it, they've done the twee, wistful pop thing to death now, and all the lesser tracks just sound like 'more of the same'.

There are a couple of stonkers on the album though, and if this was any other band I'd be raving about them. 'I want the World to Stop' reminds you why we all love Belle and Sebastian; the lyrics, the harmonies, the campness, the pure sing-a-long-ability. 'Write about Love' is an equally soulful, kitchen sink drama of a song which instantly transports you into the world of Belle and Sebastian. It's basically worth buying the album for these two songs.

Where do Belle and Sebastian go from here though? I can't really see them swapping genres and re-inventing themselves. Death Metal? Trip Hop? It's difficult to see them even 'rocking things up' a bit in a similar way that REM did at one point. I'd favour a 'Style Council' offshoot with Stuart Murdoch wearing cycling gear and going all soulful on us. If they could get the actual Mick Talbot in the band with them it would be ideal. If it works, you heard it here first.

Dan - Thology 2005

2011-10-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

What is it?

It’s a compilation of all Dan’s albums, all for less than a tenner, which is great for me because I don’t have to bother converting the original records now.

Why should you listen?

I don’t think that music like this gets made any more. Guitar, bass, stupidly fast drumming and two lovely ladies screaming. The perfect set-up.

What’s it like?

When I bought the CD recently, I was thinking that 64 songs of pure shouting sounded fantastic (and maybe a little wearing on the ear drums), but listening to Dan now, I’m surprised by the amount of variety on offer. You get ‘Army Of Fools’, which actually contains harmonies and the drumming is a lot slower than the usual 380 bpm. There’s also the poppy(ish) ‘The Cull’, a lounge lizard intro to ‘Meltdown’ and the Ska rhythms of ‘More than life’. Dan’s bread and butter is shouting though and there’s plenty of that to go around too. It’s the perfect music to make pensioners say, “Thank goodness for that!” when it finishes. I tend to say exactly the same thing when the comedy numbers finish. A cover version of ‘If You’re Happy & You Know It’ is not funny and musically useless. Exactly like all comedy songs, in fact.

What’s the best track?

So many to choose from... but I think I would have to plump for ‘A Dream Come True?’ It's not their fastest, but it is quite tuneful in parts. Luckily, the chorus reverts back to form with some tuneless shouting. Great stuff. The live version (also included) is faster and possibly a tad shoutier. Even greater stuff.

Who does it sound like?

Sofa Head, Inside Out, The Joyce McKinney Experience

evlkeith

Songlines - Top of the World 77 Compilation 2011

2011-10-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

The July issue of Songlines provided us with installment number 77 of the Top of the World compilation, and as usual it doesn't disappoint.

The whole thing gets off to a rip-roaring start with the infectious 'Guragigna' by Dub Colosuss, and a jaunty little number it is too. This is followed by the laid back country folk of Sarah Jarosz and soon after the beautiful atmospheric pipes of 'Chiraki Par' by Blind Note.

The Forty Thieves Orchestar chip in with a bit of a modern day interpretation of oompa music, which can never be a bad thing, before Jesse Lege, Joel Savoy and the Cajun Country Revival go fiddle and slide guitar crazy with 'Corina'.

The guest 'picker' this week is Last King of Scotland director Kevin Mcdonald and his selections fall a little flat until Lee 'Scratch' Perry pulls things round with the strangely engaging 'Having a Party'.

That's the edited highlights, but all in all it's another quality compilation from Songlines Magazine and as I mentioned last review, if you're into world music, it's well worth the subscription.

PJ Harvey - Rid of Me LP 1993

2011-10-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

I attempt to listen to a PJ Harvey album each year and to be honest I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the allure of music that's just so inaccessible, perhaps it's her refusal to compromise or it might be that it's just possible she may make another 'Dry'.

Don't get your hopes up though, this is the standard PJ Harvey formula of 90% pure dirge and 10% semi-engaging dirge rock. The two songs that I like, 'Rid of Me' and '50ft Queenie', I'd heard before and are perfectly pleasant memory joggers of what she is capable of. The rest of the album meanwhile, is PJ giving us the standard-issue dirge with not a hint of positivity, apart from the warm feeling you get when the whole thing ends.

I could only give it three listens and then I gave up. Why does she bother? Why do the masses seem to enjoy her work? She's won the Mercury Music Prize twice now! If you like PJ Harvey you'll love this, but I can't see me bothering anymore. I've done a decent sample of her early, middle and late work and I've got to use the word that has become synonymous with PJ Harvey one last time to sum her up; DIRGE!

Rough Trade Shops - Counter Culture 10 Compilation 2010

2011-10-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

I love the Counter Culture series and this one is no exception. There's just such a variety of styles, genres and moods present on this two CD pack and although some of the offerings leave me cold, there's a fair smattering of artists I'd never heard before that I'd definitely be prepared to fork out for their albums.

In electronic mode there's Casanova's dark, brooding monster 'Actress' to open CD 1, the previously reviewed Pantha du Prince chip in with 'Lay in a Shimmer' and Evelyn funk things up in Daft Punk style with 'Fantastic Mr. Fox.'

If you want the standard Rough Trade post-punk indie then look no further than Dreaming's 'Allo Darlin', TY Segall adds some scuzzy, old sub-pop style action and The Love Triangle may even impress Evlkeith with the short, punchy 'Splendid Living'.

On the quirky front the compilation is equally impressive, showcasing a bit of chip-tune/world crossover from Khulumani, the funny but profound John Grant and best of all, the sweet, country sing-a-long classic that is Caitlin Rose's 'Own Side'.

Basically, if you like any of the above genres, it's an essential purchase and tremendous value for money with over forty fun and interesting contributions. The sound of my Summer, maybe it's the soundtrack for your Winter.

Tinariwen - Imidiwan LP 2009

2011-10-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

What is it?

Top exponents of 'desert blues', Tinariwen are a Tuareg band hailing from the Shahara desert in northern Mali. Formed in the refugee camps of Libya in the early eighties, the band are noted as the epitome of guitar toting, Saharan cool.

Why should you listen?

Imagine the Sahara desert. Imagine the bleak, dust ridden environment, the baking sun and the relentless sandstorms. Out of the haze emerge men in full Tuareg clothing, but they are not holding the reigns of a camel. They are holding electric guitars that are linked up to amplifiers. And the soundtrack of the desert begins...

Tinariwen's fourth album is everything you expect. Atmospheric, languid blues straight out of another continent. The vocals are strangely soothing and rhythmic, with enticing female harmonies that intertwine with the bluesy guitars in an eerie soulful combination. It's a bizarre and strangely beautiful music, with the only criticism, that the songs on this album are a little formulaic in structure.

What's it like?

It's like the perfect soundtrack for the ultimate rock n roll road trip, on a camel.

What's the best song?

'Imazeghen N Adagh' has got to be a contender, with its trademark blues riffs and gorgeous harmonies.

Who does it sound like?

It doesn't sound anything like them, but it always reminds me of Spacemen 3.

Broken Social Scene - You Forgot it People LP 2002

2011-10-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

I listened to this a few years ago and didn't particularly like it, but felt that maybe I'd missed the point. With Metric's Emily Haines part of the Broken Social Scene collaboration there must be some substance to the group's particular brand of Canadian indie introspection.

After repeated listens, it appears to be better than I thought but nothing to write home about. It's heart is in the right place, but it's just too dirge ridden to be a positive experience, with nothing to drag it out of the dark waters of the cess-pit of averageness.

There are no standout tracks or even standout moments. I was hopeful for a bit of Emily Haines or a similar Canadian female vocalist to add a little warmth to proceedings, however the production seems to amalgamate everything into the same indie dirge wall of sound. Imagine Pavement stripped of the melodies, the lyrics and the touch of alt-country and you're left with 'You Forgot it People'.

They may be a super group of sorts but on this showing they need to lighten up a bit and remember they're in the entertainment industry. I'd personally replace the mumbling guy on lead vocals with Karl Denver, stick the two women out the B52's on backing vocals, get Bez to be the dancer and sprinkle the whole group with magic charisma dust. And that still may not be enough to make them interesting.

Neelix - You're Under Control LP 2009

2011-10-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

What is it?

Mysterious Hamburg techno-meister Neelix churns out exquisite little morsels of premium quality trance.

Why should you listen?

You should listen to a bit of Neelix at any time of the day but if you really need any convincing, pop it on the car stereo as you drive round late at night. It's the perfect urban soundtrack for a nocturnal cruise around Doncaster or perhaps Bury, Halifax or Wakefield. The production is crisp, pure and produces a lush soundscape rarely experienced outside of ambient music let alone in trance. You can imagine this was forged in some German bedsit by a geeky guy with glasses, crouching professorially over his techno gear, and it's all the more enjoyable for that image. The icing on the cake is the attention to detail with clicks, echoes, whispers and half heard samples drifting in and out of your consciousness. A work of genius.

What's it like?

It's like the soundtrack of the best dream you've ever had.

What's the best song?

"Contact" is a storming opener for the LP.

Who does it sound like?

X-Cabs, Vegas Soul, Chris Cowie. Being in the same breath as Hook says it all really.

Shudder To Think - Funeral At The Movies & Ten Spot (1996)

2011-10-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

What is it?

A compilation of two Shudder To Think albums from 1991 and 1990 respectively.

Why should you listen?

Craig Wedren has got a cracking voice on lead vocals even though he sometimes goes into high pitched falsetto mode. But that sounds great too. The songs are quite catchy, harmonious and poppy but they sometimes throw in an unexpected chord or rhythm to make sure it doesn’t get too commercial.

What’s it like?

Classed as post-hardcore but in truth they sound more like a rocked up Sarah band at times (‘Day Ditty’). At other times like a top pop combo (‘Crosstown Traffic’) and there are also hints of a Fugazi type sound (‘Rag’). Nothing too complicated though, just two guitars, bass, drums, vocal and vocal harmonies. No fanciness. These albums have certainly stood the test of time as I first listened to them in 1992. There’s a rather humourous story associated with my first listenings. I can remember playing the records (not on a gramophone though) in a freezing cold attic room in Hull. In winter, to sleep, I had to wear all my clothes, hat, gloves and have a sleeping bag under my duvet. Even then I got frostbite on my nose. (Yeah, great story. Can we move on now?)

What’s the best track?

‘Jade-Dust Eyes’ - just for the bizarre phrasing on the first line. Two minutes and six seconds long, but it is perfectly formed pop. Doesn’t outstay its welcome in the slightest.

Who does it sound like?

Dag Nasty, Velocity Girl, Bivouac.

Bright Eyes - Lifted or the Story is in the Soil, Keep your Ear to the Ground LP 2002

2011-10-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

The King of the 'Camp Acoustic' genre comes up trumps again with one of his pre 'I'm Wide Awake...' offerings. If you like all things lo-fi-indie-folk-acoustic-rock-with affected vocals-camp-fire-sessions then Conor Oberst is the man for you. He is the dark lord of acoustic campness, it's as simple as that. Sufjan Stevens has a poster of him on his bedroom wall.

Conor doesn't deviate that much from the 'Bright Eyes' approach on 'Lifted'. It's all acoustic folkiness with heart felt lyrics delivered in a vocal reminiscent of a toned down Jeff Magnum who can sing. There are some nice touches and slight deviations from the standard that can be summarised as follows:

1) On the other Bright Eyes albums I own, Conor always throws in couple of tracks where he's merrily warbling away, but in the background you can just about hear some woman, presumably the studio cleaner or dinner lady, who is singing along with him in an echoey kind of way. The difference on Lifted is that the cleaner/dinner lady has a sweet and vulnerable quality to her voice, which leads me to believe she may actually be a proper singer. Definitely not a dinner lady.

2) At one point Conor loses it entirely and starts braying like a donkey. It doesn't last long, but it's a harsh and earsplitting moment and you're glad when it abruptly gets the chop.

3) As always there's one or two 'proper' songs with some commercial appeal on the album. It's as if the record company say, "Give us a couple of decent songs, and we'll let you fill up the rest of the LP with your self indulgent folkiness and donkey bray voice." In this case. Check out 'Lover I don't have to Love' as a prime candidate.

4) There's always at least one song on a Bright Eyes album with something approaching absolute lyrical brilliance. In this case it's 'Don't know when but a day is gonna come' which is stark, profound and has some horns playing in the background for good measure.

In summary, if you like Bright Eyes, you'll like 'Lifted.' If you're not sure, I'd definitely start with 'I'm wide awake, it's morning' as the entry level Bright Eyes offering.

Pantha du Prince - Black Noise LP 2010

2011-09-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

This is the latest offering from Hendrik Weber, a German techno producer who goes by the name of Pantha du Prince. The blurb on the CD cover goes on about the various definitions on 'black noise' and from what I can gather it basically equates to silence. Fortunately the album has music on it rather than silence, which is a bonus.

Why should you listen?

Hendrik apparently draws on his passion for late 1980's shoegazing indie types like Slowdive, Ride and My Bloody Valentine and combines this with a parallel love for minimal Detroit techno. How can you not want to listen with that combination of influences? Even Evlkeith is sitting up and taking notice.

What’s it like?

As always, things never quite go to plan and Black Noise could not sound less like MBV if it tried. It doesn't sound much like Carl Craig either. Hendrik however, has used his influences to produce a whole new substance, but whether it's a musical substance that we actually need is debatable. Pantha uses an extremely limited 'sound palette' for all the tracks on the LP which can basically be summarised by the formula:

(minimal techno drums + glockenspiel + people blowing over the top of milk bottles + cow bells + jingle bells) multiplied by a sort of dark mellowness = Dark noise by Pantha du Prince.

If you like that idea you'll love every song.

What’s the best track?

‘Lay in a Shimmer' is typically mellow, dark and even has a bit of singing on it. If I was being unfair I'd say that all the other tracks sound like remixes of this track, but that's only true to a certain extent.

Who does it sound like?

Plastic Man, Banco de Gaia, Trentmoller.

The Fratellis - Here we Stand LP 2008

2011-09-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Fratellis are famous for the 2006 ditty 'Chelsea Dagger' which has been played at every football league ground in the country for the last few years. When you hear it you are strangely transported to your seat at the Keepmoat Stadium or some similar low league football stadium. I doubt they play it in the Premier League, but perhaps they do at Chelsea.

I really enjoyed the 'Costello Music' album and decided to check out the follow up 'Here we stand' which had been panned by every music critic in the world. Apparently they're a self parody, a pub rock band and generally a poor relation in the world of pop music. Undeniably they are a lower league combo just like the football teams that warm up to 'Chelsea Dagger', but that's a positive feature for me. This is a quality album with catchy numbers aplenty and at times sounds a bit like Red Kross, which is surprising, but can't be a bad thing.

It reminds me of all the other Vauxhall Conference level bands that have been snobbishly labelled as also-rans; Idlewild, The Frank and Walters, Blindside, etc. The Fratellis deserve better, but just like Mansfield Town they will always struggle to compete with the perceived quality of the U2's and Coldplay's of this world. If you see yourself at Old Trafford eating prawn sarnies then this is not the album for you. On the other had, if you're happier at Gigg Lane, Oakwell or the Galpharm Stadium and enjoy a bit of 'Love on the Terraces' then you'll probably appreciate 'Here we Stand' on the car stereo as you travel to the match.