March 31, 2013

"So people of the city
I don't need your counsel now
I don't need that good advice
You don't have my lover's touch."

When summoning the first three months of 2013 I must say that the strongest release of year so far is recorded by Foals.

Whenever I listen to this record I discover a new favourite song, something that fulfils my one of my norms defining a great record.

Foals – My number is found on the record “Holy fire” released in 2013.

March 30, 2013

"But love isn't easy,
That's just where it goes
Well, I'm loving the high road
I'll never ride alone again!"

Another pleasant surprise that I recently came across is the band Palma Violets. Unfortunately I will not catch them when they play live today since I am out of town but I do hope that I will get another chance at some summer festival later this year.

Palma Violets –Last of the summer wine is found on the record “180” released in 2013.

March 29, 2013

"Strange that it seems
Little did I know that it was true
Strange that it seems
Little did I know that you knew too."

Remixing, a blessing or a curse?

Well I guess the answer is somewhere in between, sometimes the end result is a messy, weird version, sometimes the end result is outstanding.

This is an example of the latter. The album version of this song is in my opinion lame. The remixed single version is, well you guessed it, outstanding.

Firefox AK – Once I was like you is found on the record ”If I were a melody” released in 2010.

March 28, 2013

"It's a mystery to me
We have a greed
With which we have agreed

You think you have to want
More than you need
Until you have it all you won't be free."

As I have mentioned a couple of times in this blog I am a “lyricaholic”. Songs that include clever and thoughtful lyrics are something that most of the time is far more “attractive” to me than songs where the lyrics included handle some uninteresting subject or matter.

In recent years there a rare number of lyrics that I have liked more than the ones included in this song, simple but brilliant lines about getting all the must-have things you nevertheless have no use of at the end of the day.

Indeed a moment of clarity.

Eddie Vedder – Society is found on the record “Into the wild” released in 2007.

March 27, 2013

"I'm sending a prayer, one that's foremade
While my physical body's turning in my grave
The spirit's fucking a dull deep in your brain
But it doesn't know how!
I reach my arm across the bed and hold your hand
The angel of state can't wait to seize all your land."

Youth Lagoon is a band that I have listening to on and off the last few years. There have been a few songs that I liked a lot but they have never been able to fully catch my attention.

This may however change from now on; the brand new release from Youth Lagoon is in my opinion the best stuff they have put on record so far.

Youth Lagoon – Dropla is found on the record “Wondrous bughouse” released in 2013.

March 26, 2013

"The saddest thing that I'd ever seen
Were smokers outside the hospital doors."

I had a doctor’s appointment a few days ago and when I reached the main entrance of the hospital I was regrettably reminded of this song.

It breaks my heart to see them. So very, very heart-breaking.

Editors – Smokers outside hospital doors is found on the record “An end has a start” released in 2007.

March 25, 2013

"Had to get the train
From Potsdamer Platz
You never knew that
That I could do that
Just walking the dead."

When I was listening to an interview with a famous Swedish music journalist some time ago he claimed that if he were “forced” to listen to just one artist or group for the rest of his life it would be David Bowie. Not because he is the best artist in the world, no because no one has released such varying material and records as David Bowie.

I am tempted to agree and I certainly understand his point of view but at the end of the day I would still choose The Cure. What would your choice be?

David Bowie – Where are we now? is found on the record ”The next day” released in 2013.

March 24, 2013

"You sure as hell knew how
To make a fool out of me
Well you cut me down
For the things you want
And now it's killing me."

During a recent late afternoon stroll I all of a sudden witnessed the sparkling colours of a March sunset. An amazing view from a bridge was documented and published through my latest app discovery Instagram.

Kim Wilde – View from a bridge is found on the record “Select” released in 1982.

March 23, 2013

"Maybe we can say, holding you for the way
Come back, it's not tomorrow 'cause
Always today fun we know
Just like I knew you wanted me to do
What can I say, how can I feel too? 

All kinds of new you."

Well, let me continue the chain from Ringo DeathStarr via Asobi Seksu to My Bloody Valentine.

A couple of weeks ago My Bloody Valentine from out of nowhere released a new album. And after giving it a few spins I will have to say that this is indeed a strong comeback by My Bloody Valentine.

My Bloody Valentine – New you is found on the record “M B V” released in 2013.

March 22, 2013

"Staring down your empty eyes
Left and breathing deep and high
Hard at work calling signs
Swaying strings of colored lines."

When listening to Ringo DeathStarr I cannot help thinking of Asobi Seksu. The connection may not be obvious at a first listen but it is definitively there.

At least in my humble opinion.

Asobi Seksu – Pink cloud chasing paper is found on the record “Citrus” released in 1996.

March 21, 2013

"Have you seen her?
She's a kaleidoscope
She can show you colors
that no one knows."

A couple of times per year I meet a very dear friend of mine. We spend a few hours together over dinner and beer. The subjects we talk about vary from time but one subject is always recurring, music.

She reveals her latest discoveries in the weird and wonderful world of music; I reveal mine. The last time we met I was eager to tell her all about Ringo DeathStarr, something that slapped my face and rocked my world when I discovered them just recently.

This is excellent, nothing but excellent.

Ringo Deathstarr – Kaleidoscope is found on the record “Colour trip” released in 2011.

March 20, 2013

"Around the world, around the world."

There is a syndrome, for instance among soldiers returning back home from war, called PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have not suffered from PTSD myself but from time to time I suffer from what I jokingly call PTTD – Post Traumatic Travel Disorder.

Normally PTTD hits me one or a few days following a trip abroad, all I want to do is head out there somewhere around the world once again. Rather sooner than later.

Daft Punk – Around the world is found on the record “Homework” released in 1997.

March 19, 2013

"In my bed, I'm rolling over
I'm tangling up in chains on the swings on the set on the night that we met
And now the beads of water, move up the glass
You speak your mind, and you can not take it back."

Back home again following four days of madness, mayhem and great fun in northern England. A bit tired of course that is why I am hesitating about heading to a concert tonight.

It would be really nice to catch Walk The Moon live, on the other hand… It would be nice to get some extra sleep as well.

Walk The Moon – Tightrope is found on the record “Walk the moon” released in 2012.

March 18, 2013

"I'm feeling supersonic
Give me gin and tonic."

Back in Manchester, back in what used to be Oasis-land. The Gallagher-brothers Liam and Noel may be enemies these days but the music they created together in Oasis is something that cannot be made undone, something that I am most thankful of.

Oasis – Supersonic is found on the record “Definitely maybe” released in 1994.

March 17, 2013

"He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the best times."

Well I may not be in Dublin or Ireland today but celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Leeds is not a bad substitute to actually being there live in person on the green island.

Who knows I may even be able to find a pub that include “Irish Car Bomb” on the drink menu, pour a pint of Guinness then mix a shot glass containing 50% Jameson whiskey and 50% Bailey’s Irish Cream. Drop the shot glass in the pint of Guinness, add a Leeds band drinking song, then enjoy… Or pass out.

Chumbawamba - Tubthumping is found on the record "Tubthumper" released in 1997.

March 16, 2013

"Oh my God I can't believe it
I've never been this far away from home."

Sometimes it does not have to be complicated. Catchy, upbeat melodies combined with “football-chant-like” refrains that make a good match is enough. And when visiting Leeds, the home town of Kaiser Chiefs masters of this kind of music, for the second time in my life I just have to include them on my playlist.

And speaking of football-chants, today before I am heading to Leeds CAMRA Real Ale festival, the perfect warm-up has got to be a football derby between Leeds and Huddersfield.

What a day. What a fantastic day.

Kaiser Chiefs – Oh my God is found on the record “Employment” released in 2005.

March 15, 2013

"I'm on a train it's insane
I'm on a train."

Sometimes but not often I question my choices and the paths I take. Today is one of those days. In so many ways it is absolute madness to participate in the Real Ale Trail By Rail, a train ride between Manchester and Leeds (or the other way around).

The train ride in itself, well so far so good, a very nice train ride through some very nice surroundings. There are two issues though:

1, At every stop I am supposed to drink a pint of Real Ale.
2, There are eight stops between Manchester and Leeds.

This is madness no question about it. Nevertheless, as mad as it is, this is something that I just have to experience.

Eskobar - On a train is found on the record "'Til we're dead" released in 2000.

March 14, 2013

"Nothin' for us in Belfast
The Pound's so old it's a pity
OK, there's the trident in Bangor
Then walk back to the city."

Back in Manchester for the second time in my life, it sure feels good to be back. Tonight, live on stage, Stiff Little Fingers.

Stiff Little Fingers – Alternative ulster is found on the record “Inflammable material” released in 1979.

March 13, 2013

"And if your heart is broken
You will find fellowship with me
And if your ears are open
You will hear honesty from me, tonight."

When I got the news about Christopher Owens leaving the band Girls I was not too happy. I really enjoyed the albums Girls released.

As sad as I was then as happy I am now to discover that Christopher Owens has just released a solo album.

Christopher Owens – Here we go is found on the record “Lysandre” released in 2013.

March 12, 2013

"Ooh ooh Mistadobalina
You thought ya could manipulate
You thought you could fool me
Ooh ooh Mistadobalina."

I am currently involved in the development of brand new computer system which among other things involves checking identities. During the development we use “fake identities” in order to make sure that everything works as expected.

One of the “fake identities” is a fellow by the well-known name Mr Bob Dabolina…

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien – Mistadobalina is found on the record “I wish my brother George were here” released in 1991.

March 11, 2013

"Staring at the bottom of your glass
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
But dreams come slow and they go so fast

You see her when you close your eyes
Maybe one day you'll understand why
Everything you touch, surely dies."

About a month ago I woke up in the middle of the night and somewhere between sleep and actually being awake I turned on the radio and heard a song. Due to my sleepiness I unfortunately did catch the group or the name of the song.

Today when waking up it was deja-vu all over again, the same group, the same song and I somewhere between sleeping and being awake. The one difference… This time I was able to catch both the group and the song, this one.

Passenger – Let her go is found on the record “All the little lights” released in 2012.

March 10, 2013

"Now all my fathers, they've gone down,
True love they've been without it.
But all their daughters put me down
Cause I don't think about it."

There are certain songs that “paralyze” me. Whenever I hear such song I am not able to do nothing but to listen to the full brilliance of it. This is one example of such songs.

During the three minutes and eight seconds it lasts I am not able to do anything but listen.

Bob Dylan – I want you is found on the record “Blonde on blonde” released in 1966.

March 9, 2013

"Curse the night
It's you and I in the end tonight
Oh dear, oh dear

I cry my day, I travel your sea
I want you, you didn't want me."

The Raveonettes are back in town and once again I am convinced that they will end up doing a great live appearance. In some ways it is strange since The Raveonettes are a bit distant on stage, no major flirting with the audience so to speak.

Then again, the music made by The Raveonettes really work well when they perform live so it isn’t necessary to add something more than the show itself.

The Raveoenettes – Curse the night is found on the record “Observator” released in 2012.

March 8, 2013

"Dodge that missile, drive another mile
Fly under the radar, fly under the radar."

This has got to be the cutest little tune out there at the moment. It is something so sugar-sweet about this song, something that warms my souls these last days of the winter.

Stillwater Giants – Fly under the radar is found on the EP “Fly under the radar” released in 2012.

March 7, 2013

"She goes cold, awaking as a ghost."

I have just discovered yet another pleasant surprise of the year 2012. When listening to Then Comes Silence I soon realize that the music and lyrics of Then Comes Silence works perfectly well in my handbook defining great music.

Then Comes Silence - Death by a frozen heart is found on the record "Then comes silence" released in 2012.

March 6, 2013

"Ships at night give such delight
We all leave before the morning light
Please don't go no please don't go
Cause I don't want to stay here on my own."

Like shown in the movie “Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind” I Sometimes I wish would be able to erase a certain memory stuck in my brain. Sometimes painful or bad memories other times, like right now, something more or less harmless like a song.

A friend at work hummed a few lines of this one some time ago, since then Thompson Twins refuses to leave my mind.

Gah! Frustrating!

Thompson Twins – Doctor, doctor is found on the record ”Into the gap” released in 1984.

March 5, 2013

"I live so lost inside my head,
and all these feelings all my fears
so what is happening to me,
and its gotta be so, gotta be so,
gotta be so much that I can see."

Like Best Coast and The Drums, Beach Fossils sounds a lot like the grandchildren of Beach Boys with their “rama-lama-life-is-good” attitude in their music, music that makes me happy.

Beach Fossils – Careless is found on the record ”Clash the truth” released in 2013.

March 4, 2013

"You look so young and you talk so old
Listen up, babe, I just might take you home if you're lucky
You read some books and they broke your heart
But you don't know one thing about life."

Before his solo career Neil Halstead, together with Rachel Goswell, was the mastermind the groups Slowdive and Mojave 3. Slowdive is one of my favourite groups ever, their shoegazing walls of sound is really, really good.

Mojave 3 was something completely different. Laidback, mellow and often “silent” music similar to what Neil Halstead now creates performing as a solo artist. Despite the differences between Slowdive and Mojave 3 I am a big fan of the latter group too. Like this one, a song that always brings a tear to my eye, a song that I do believe takes off from a true life story.

Mojave 3 – My life in art is found on the record ”Excuses for travellers” released in 2000.

March 3, 2013

"See you in a little while..."

At the moment I feel like I am constantly behind when it comes to listening to music. Artists and groups that I have been enjoying for years manage to release new material without my knowledge. Ok something that may explain this situation is the tons of new music I have discovered lately which of course is a treat too. Nevertheless I am eager to keep track of the “established” artists and groups on my “like” list.

My latest discovery in this category is Neal Halstead who released a new record a few months ago, something I was unaware of until today.

Neil Halstead – Loose change is found on the record “Palindrome hunches” released in 2012.

March 2, 2013

"All I wanna do is drink beer for breakfast
All I wanna eat is them BBQ chips
All I want is someone just to try to protect us
You can try but you'd never wanna try to defend us."

No beer for breakfast; I will have to wait for a few hours...

Tonight I am heading to a beer sampling event together with a bunch of friends. Eight different beers, six great friends and right now… One awesome song to prepare for the evening.

The Replacements - Beer for breakfast is found on the record "All for nothing/Nothing for all" released in 1997.

March 1, 2013

"A bumper of good liquor will end a contest quicker than justice, judge, or vicar."

When I first heard of Bob Log III he was described to me as a “one-man-band”. At the end of my first Bob Log III concert I couldn’t agree more. Here is this guy who enters the stage wearing a helmet and carrying an electric guitar. Then the mayhem starts, a show filled with energy, joy and a good amount of craziness.

It is nothing I listen to each and every day but when I get a chance to catch Bob Log III live, like tonight, I for sure try my best to be there in the audience.

Bob Log III - Bumper car is found on the record “My shit is perfect” released in 2009. The quote above is taken from the Irish poet Richard Brinsley Sheridan.