I've decided to stop reviewing music on this blog and put it in it's own place. The intention is to review a lot more music, both live and recorded, so it seemed logical to use a less egocentric title than my own name.
If you you want to keep reading my reviews or have the urge to contribute head over to
http://friedmusic.blogspot.com where I will continue with the Sharing is Caring free MP3 series and will be adding more reviews over the coming weeks.
I will continue to use this blog to vent about any none music issues that ruin my day.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sharing is Caring 3: Even more free legal downloads
I've been busy hence the long break between posts but I'm back with another Sharing is Caring for those of you who like legal free downloads.
No particular theme to this bunch, just free songs by artists I enjoy and hope you do to. As usual I'd encourage you seek out and purchase the music of any these artists if you enjoy what they are offering for free.
Right click and "save as" on the links unless otherwise stated.
It's no surprise that I love Deer Tick but when they started channeling The Replacements my obsession started to get a little out of hand. Check out this free download for the evidence.
Tim Fite - We Didn't Warn You (Anti Records)
Tim Fite is one of those rare, eclectic and unique artists who just does what the hell he wants. He plays around with folk, hip-hop, rock and other genres with an effortless charm. Here are two of his tracks, the first is from his latest album Ain't Aint' Aint' and the second is the song that brought Fite to my attention.
Psych, blues, folk, metal!! It's all in there with these guys. They sound like Pentangle channelling Black Sabbath to me and that is all good!
This track is fro their fantastic debut album Tidings.
Having just finished rocking around SXSW with 5 shows in two days! These Bath based guys are loved in the US, if you don't believe me you can always check out their triumphant appearance on David Letterman's Late Show.
A free download of a live version of this track in exchange for email address is on the bands home page.
Beans on Toast - Blowjob for the Blues (Xtra Mile Recordings)
Jay "Beans on Toast" is, as he states in this song, a bit of a drunk, but he's a charming one. I once saw him play a set at Glastonbury where he forgot about 90% of his own lyrics and still managed to keep the crowd on his side. His charm stems from his, often ill advised, honesty and infectious love of life, this song demonstrates both rather well.
Here is a track of his latest album (scroll down past the video for the download) Trying to Tell the Truth.
War on Drugs (Secretly Canadian)
Philadelphia's The War on Drugs are starting to get recognised for their talent in the UK. The musical layers upon layers in each song make them an aurally all encompassing experience. Despite packing their songs full of sounds they never neglect a good melody.
Yann Tiersen - Ashes (Anti-Records)
Another artist that defies categorisation. Here Yann moves from an uncomfortable, experimental soundscape to an epic and euphoric crescendo.
Ashes appeared on his 2010 album Dust Lane, his new album, Skyline is out now on Anti-.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Review: Portishead live at Vector Arena, 10/11/11
What the fuck has
happened to my ears? I feel like my head is inside a fish bowl,
people are talking to me but their words sound like aural cushions,
nothing is totally clear but I'm smiling, smiling a lot. I have never had such a
musical assault as I did last night from Bristol band Portishead at Vector Arena. Pin-drop clarity was combined with awe inspiring volume
and spleen rattling bass. From the opening bars of Silence the whole
audience was sucked into the bands musical womb and there we all
stayed, enraptured until the final bars of We Carry On an hour and
half later.
Mostly jumping between
Dummy and Third, with only two songs from their eponymous second
album, this was no trip down memory lane. Instead it was a lesson in
musical polygamy and effortless cool. The main players, Geoff Barrow,
Beth Gibbons and Adrian Utley, were occasionally picked out in the
lighting design or by onstage cameras but spent a majority of the
night bathed in shadows, allowing the music and the impressive
visuals to take centre stage. The only exception being when the three
key players took centre stage for a stripped down, beat free version
of Wandering Star, even then Barrow almost had his back to
the audience whilst Gibbon's head was bowed so low her
microphone disappeared into a curtain of hair. This lack of ego
onstage takes the individual personalities out of the music and makes
the band the entity, we
are watching Portishead, not Barrow, Gibbons and Utley.
The rest of the band
are technically hired hands, but it's hard to imagine a Portishead
without Clive Deamer safe guarding the rhythm with his slick, super
fast and highly technical drumming. He frees up Barrow to throw in
beats, scratches, samples and all the other complex musical wizardry
he does. John Baggot's keys added layers to the soundscapes and depth
to the rhythm, the best example being the John Carpenter meets
Kraftwerk back bone to Chase the Tear (released in 2009 as a charity
single for Amnesty International). On bass Jim Barr seemed to
effortlessly glide through whatever complex time signature was thrown
at him. At the same time he continued the eternal search for the
“brown note”, the note so deep and heavy that it makes you lose
control of your bowels.
And last night he came closer than any other that I have heard and
for that he should be applauded.
It's hard to see Portishead as the trip-hop pioneers they were
labelled as back in 1994, their doom, post-rock and hip hop inspired
sound has outgrown the genre they invented. Musically, they have
never been apologist or conformists, they have always followed their
own path and it is with that in mind that their audiences are willing
to put themselves in the bands hands and let them take them where
ever they want to go. It is the sort of trust you don't find at your
average “play the fucking single!” rock show. It reminded me of a
quote from David Simmon (creator of the Wire) when asked about how
the complexity of his shows story might scare off the casual viewer
“Fuck the casual viewer.” was his succinct response. And here I
say fuck the casual listener, you must allow them to take control of
a couple of hours of your life, if you do this you will be greatly
rewarded, the show, like their albums and like the band themselves
are a complete package and should be digested, understood and enjoyed
as such to get the full benefit.
The sound cushion
around my ears has faded and I'm back to normal now, the physical
memory of the bass is still bouncing around my insides and I intend
to hang on to it for as long as possible.
Steve Wheadon
For the purists amongst
you the shows set list is below, I stole it from someone else as I
am terrible at track titles, it's always “The fourth one of Dummy”
or “The opening track from Third”. Thankfully Marty Duda over at
13th Floor is
far more organised and put this together along with a proper
review of the show rather than a hungover waffle, check it out: www.13thfloor.co.nz
- Silence
- Hunter
- Nylon Smile
- Mysterons
- The Rip
- Sour Times
- Magic Doors
- Wandering Star
- Machine Gun
- Over
- Glory Box
- Chase The Tear
- Cowboys
- Threads
- Roads
- We Carry On
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Did someone mention an election?
Hooray for the rugby world cup! The atmosphere in Auckland is fantastic, supporters from all sides are partying no matter the results and the ubiquitous car top flags fill the streets with colour. There's no doubt that it's a fun time to be in New Zealand, but what happens when it's over?
The other night over dinner an interesting point regarding the timing of the upcoming general election and the RWC was raised by our host. Yes, there is an election coming up. You may recall a few adverts and mail drops about it back in July, equally you may not. All mention of the election has been replaced by footage and articles about rugby matches, rugby players, rugby players wives, rugby fans and anyone in a rugby shirt or holding a rugby ball. The tsunami of RWC coverage has washed away any hope of proper political debate in the lead up to the general election and as the tournament progresses it will only get worse.
Flicking through Sundays newspaper a quick count puts RWC articles at 10 and election articles at 4, one about a poll awkwardly mixing rugby support and politics qualified as both. This count does not include stories from the 18 page renamed sports section, now called 'Rugby Heaven' that came with the paper. That is, no doubt reserved for repeats of the front page stories of the All Black's latest victory and pictures of Zara Phillips.
The press are understandably excited about rugby, there is no doubt it sells, and I would expect that National are pretty enthusiastic about it too (as Labour would be in the same position). A happy, distracted population gives a government little to worry about in an election year. A lesson learnt and well executed 2000 years ago by the Romans with their own, bloodier form of pre-election games.
Whilst an event that distracts an entire population is a good way of encouraging a smooth ride for the incumbent party there are some risks involved. What if something goes awry? With the Beehive taking control after Auckland Council's fumble on the opening night they have put themselves firmly in the firing line. To avoid getting shot they appear to be willing to spend their way out of any potential risk, a plan which looks likely to see them through the rest of the tournament relatively unscathed. At least until someone looks at the accounts. A worse scenario is, like an Emperor's prize Gladiator being defeated in the arena by a lesser opponent, the All Blacks don't win. With the nations hopes pinned on victory any goodwill will quickly fade and the predicted $39 million deficit will suddenly become a popular topic of conversation right before the election.
Even with this seemingly unlikely occurrence National will probably be safe this time around. A recent Gallup Poll puts them in a commanding lead with 61% of support and Labour don't look like much of a threat with Goff at the helm. It looks likely that we will have to wait another three years to assess the political repercussions of RWC 2011. What we can be sure of is that as long as there are silver ferns on the chests of the men raising the cup on October 23rd no one will care what happens on November 26th until it's far too late.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sharing is Caring 2: More free, legal music downloads
More free music, this time I seem to have got stuck in the world of Sub Pop, and what an exciting variety of musical wonders it holds. It wasn't planned I only went to their site to see what free MP3s they offered from Low's catalogues then spent half the night there downloading tracks by bands I knew and some I didn't.
Right click and "save as" on the links unless otherwise stated.
Low (Sub Pop)
Two extremes here, a layered, lullaby to dying on the one hand and a dark, droning ode to hiring an assassin on the other...ok, so they're not that far apart in subject matter but musically they have some distance.
Okkervil River (Jagjaguwar)
This single from Okkervil River's latest album "I Am Very Far Away" is a bouncy, country tinged pop wonder.
Roky Erickson (w/Okkervil River) (Anti Records)
Legendary 13th Floor Elevator's frontman and psychiatric tragedy Roky Erikison made an album a couple of years ago with Will Shelf (Okkervil River) producing and the rest of the band offering backing. It's very different from the Elevators before it's time psyche rock but there are some gems on it.
Check out Anti's Rock Erickson webpage for a couple of free downloads: http://www.anti.com/artists/view/77/Roky_Erickson
Beach House (Sub Pop)
You've probably heard it and own it already but I couldn't miss this beauty out from Baltimore's most musical export.
The Thermals (Sub Pop)
The urgency of The Thermals always reminds me of The Replacements and for that I love them.
The Cave Singers (Matador Records & Jagjaguwar)
One old and one new track here from recent tour buddies of Fleet Foxes. Why the Fleet Foxes where willing to let a band that clearly outshines them support them we'll never know but bless them for helping these songs get a wider audience.
Seeds of the Night (Matador Records)
Swim Club (Jajaguwar)
The Ruby Suns (Sub Pop)
I saw these Kiwi's live at Dot To Dot festival in Bristol last year and got totally lost in their upbeat set despite sound issues. Charming psych pop with world influences and cleverly lacking in the pretensions that most of that waffle implies. Both of these are from their latest album Fight Softly.
Tom Waits (Anti Records)
Nothing new about these tracks but I was surprised to find them for free. Head over to Tom Wait's page on Anti Records and on the right hand side under "New Media" click "Show all media" and you'll find amongst others two of my favourite Wait's tracks Hold On and Road to Peace, for download. Right click and save as and all will be sweet. http://www.anti.com/artists/view/1/Tom_Waits
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sharing is Caring 1: Free, legal music downloads
A small sample of some of the free music downloads out there, some new and some old but all on heavy rotation on my mp3 player. Many of the labels offer a great number of amazing downloads so check out their websites for more and while you’re there buy something!
Right click on links and select “save as” to download
Two tracks from The Donkeys’ brand new joyful and lush psych-pop offering Born With Stripes. 13th Floor Elevators meets Holland era Beach Boys with some of the chirpiest guitar licks that make it impossible not to smile. Buy the whole album as its all brilliant.
You’ll need to give them your email address to get this free song but it’s worth it. Continuing their usual acoustic cacophony of psych folk The Dodo’s new album, No Color is littered with super speedy finger picking and epic reverb drum beats. If you haven’t heard them before this is a good introduction to them at their most excited! Also check out their last album Visitor.
(don't right click just follow link)
The first single from Bon Iver’s eponymous second album. On this evidence the album will be a worthy follow up to the ubiquitous For Emma with evidence that the sound has developed but not strayed too far from the lo-fi folk path that entranced so many.
Black Mountain (Jagjaguwar)
The first two tracks from Canadian rockers 2010 album Wilderness Heart. A duel between male and female vocals which shifts from layered psych influenced songs to straight out expansive rock.
The first two tracks from Canadian rockers 2010 album Wilderness Heart. A duel between male and female vocals which shifts from layered psych influenced songs to straight out expansive rock.
Phosphorescent (Dead Oceans)
Two tracks from Here’s to Taking It Easy, by far my favourite album of 2010. A beautiful, intelligent and modern country rock album that reeks of On The Beach era Neil Young, Gram Parsons and even touches of the bands favourite Willie Nelson. Another one where the whole album is worth a listen.
Two tracks from Here’s to Taking It Easy, by far my favourite album of 2010. A beautiful, intelligent and modern country rock album that reeks of On The Beach era Neil Young, Gram Parsons and even touches of the bands favourite Willie Nelson. Another one where the whole album is worth a listen.
Deer Tick – Twenty Miles (Partisan Records)
From the bands third album The Black Dirt Sessions, a more controlled affair then their last rockier out pouring, Born on a Flag Day. It’s all songs about death and love told with whiskey sodden vocals and lazy country blues guitar and its marvellous.
A lo-fi guitar driven dream from their latest The January EP.
An old one but one that keeps popping up on my mp3 player. Jen’s “Stephen Merritt” tones are brightened up by what sounds like a harpsichord hidden under a simple guitar lead and a jumpy steel rhythm.
A couple of tracks from a favourite Canadian alt. country band’s second album American Lo Fi. More tracks can be found here: http://www.oxmusic.ws/mp3.html Their new album, Burnout is out now.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Tiny Ruins & Artisan Guns – 18th June 2011, The Wine Cellar, Auckland
Having failed to get tickets for the Tiny Ruin’s album launch the night before it was a relief to find a second night had been arranged due to popular demand. As was expected the dilapidated sofas of the Wine Cellar’s back room were overflowing and it was standing room only by the time Artisan Guns set got going. Despite having sacrificed their headline show to accommodate the demand for Tiny Ruins it was clear that crowd were here as much for them as for the next band.
Artisan Guns
A mismatched looking bunch of grungy, hipster, skater chic with a Jason Schwartzman look-a-like, channelling the wobbly headed joy of Mickey Dolenz on drums. The look, or lack of it offered a relaxed stage presence which was complimented by the sometimes uncomfortable inter-song banter, private jokes and throw away lines mumbled into or often off the microphone which set off small ripples of laughter from the front rows, but were often lost by the time they reached us at the back. Beach Boy harmonies with a Steve Malkamus drone and loose but confident musicianship combined the slacker attitudes of the 60’s and 90’s together with genuine warmth and charm. Clearly worthy of the headline show they were originally scheduled for Artisan Guns are way above the indie pop label they are bound to be stuck with, cerebral, witty and warm, they are what all those “generation x” garage bands of the 90’s could have been if only they had possessed some self awareness and a sense of humour.
In true Wine Cellar style, Tiny Ruins (Hollie Fullbrook) had to wait for one of the members of Artisan Guns to replace her on door duties before she could start setting up for her performance. This extended change over gave me an opportunity to queue for the one men’s toilet available and check out the newly re-furbished bar. Whilst it looks more open and cleaner it has reduced the beer options to two choices or bottles. For a pint drinker this is most distressing, but with a name like The Wine Cellar I'm not sure what I I was expecting beer in the first place.
Tiny Ruins photo by Georgiebird
Before the show began I had no expectations, I had been persuaded to attended by a friend and when I asked “What are they like? “ the only answer offered was “Mellow”. It was Saturday night and I hadn’t been out for a while, a couple of glasses of red at home and a few quick beers during Artisan Guns set had not geared me up (or down) for “mellow”. Mentally I was prepared to listen to three songs, give them a chance, then make my excuses and go to the bar, I was fidgety and impatient. Then Hollie started singing and for the next 45 minutes I only moved when requested to by someone trying to squeeze their way to the toilet. A singing voice that is a warm soulful blanket of lazy vowels and a Joanna Newsome meets Emily Smith accent silenced the crowd for the entire set. Her unique vocal charms are enough to add depth to what could be a twee fest of singer-songwriter self indulgence. But the dark accompaniment from the band and clever lyrical journeys push this even further away from anything remotely saccharine. Alex Freer (the same Schwartzman look-a-like from Artisan Guns) dispensed with his Monkees impression, and sat still and controlled occasionally keeping time on tambourine and bass drum or, with the help of the bands beautiful and subtle bassist, built atmosphere and added darker, deeper shades with the marching bass drum by his side.
References to Southland and road trips conjured up images of some the stunning scenery New Zealand has in abundance whilst references to the true stories of a South American priest’s ballooning exploits and ballet dancing traffic cops in Eastern Europe reveal a taste for the absurd and an eye for the inspiring and comic moments often missed in a world filled with news of tragedy and disaster.
Beautiful, distracting and charming, from the first note to the last my initial fears of being bored by mellowness were banished and replaced by the involuntary, and possibly gormless grin of a person completely transfixed. I was so distracted that my beer remained almost untouched until the end, a rare achievement indeed!
Check out Tiny Ruins here: www.tinyruins.com
Check out Artisan Guns here: www.artisanguns.com
More on The Wine Cellar here: http://www.viewauckland.co.nz/pubsandbars/wine-cellar-review-58843.html
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