On this special day in the USA’s history, I was flying back to NYC from Dublin following a friend’s incredible wedding in his homeland. Following a two hour and thirty minutes delay on the tarmac of Dublin International Airport due to (i) delays at immigration (ii) a baggage discrepancy and (iii) for minor maintenance, I turned to the in-flight entertainment system (iPod not permitted at this point). It also took my mind off the extremely loud and hugely annoying, ‘Murphy’ clan who surrounded us on the flight. I think each of the twenty strong party switched seats during the flight and succeeded in being a pain in the arse for the entirety of the transatlantic trek. The, ‘Aer Lingus’ system had a pretty wide range and provided a great opportunity to catch up on some albums I had yet to hear. This is where it all begun for this ScoAustin blog…in the air typing notes in to an iPhone.
Noah and the Whale - Last Night On Earth
Having seen this English band, ‘Noah and the Whale’ perform a few songs at SXSW a few months ago, I was keen to hear a bit more. Recent album, ‘Last Night On Earth’, the bands third, provided this opportunity. The album starts out with, ‘Life is Life’ which has an electronic sound to it with heavy synth presence. First impressions are that this is of, ‘Killers’ or ‘Arcade Fire’ mind. The following track follows the same suit. ‘Tonight's The Kind Of Night’ perhaps a little more poppy, but still in the electronic category. Fellow London act of the 80’s, ‘Pet Shop Boys’ spring to mind with this anthem-esque sound.
L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. is probably the albums most renowned track and continues to remind me of that 80’s – 90’s sound from the 80's or 90's. Extremely catchy chorus and it’s no wonder this track proved popular. ‘Wild Thing’ which follows is far from wild, in fact it’s very mellow from the outset with somewhat monotone lyrics from front man, Charlie Fink. It’s almost in the spirit of The Crash Test Dummies. Whatever happened to them? I guess they hit the wall. ‘Give It All Back’ follows with some clever xylophone kicking this one off before guitar rolls in. A little more upbeat than the previous track, but some, ‘Enya’ probably would have been as well.
‘Just Me Before We Met’ follows where strings are a constant theme during this quaint little track…probably one of the strongest on the album. It sounds like a something current red hot UK band, ‘The Vaccines’ would put together...the vocals are almost identical to those of, ‘The Vaccines’, Justin Young on this track. A brief interlude, ‘Paradise Stars’ follows with piano at the forefront of this minute and a half long melody.
‘Waiting for My Chance to Come’ is another that begins with beautiful string section before resolving in to the more familiar sound of the band. ‘The Line’ is up next with a cool synth riff behind it and smart lyrics to accompany "Is this the line, is this the line, is this the line between heaven and hell? Is this the line where I get up and walk out? Is this the line when you get drunk and you yell?" before, ‘Old Joy’ closes out with heavy key chords before getting a bit, 'Coldplay' and concluding with an almost gospel theme.
All in all, this is decent and listenable, but at the end of the day, pretty uninspiring. I had high hopes having been satisfied by their performance at the legendary, ‘Stubbs’ during SXSW, but this album didn't live up to my expectations. Will I buy? NO. Rating 5.5/10
Gossip - Music For Men
‘Just Me Before We Met’ follows where strings are a constant theme during this quaint little track…probably one of the strongest on the album. It sounds like a something current red hot UK band, ‘The Vaccines’ would put together...the vocals are almost identical to those of, ‘The Vaccines’, Justin Young on this track. A brief interlude, ‘Paradise Stars’ follows with piano at the forefront of this minute and a half long melody.
‘Waiting for My Chance to Come’ is another that begins with beautiful string section before resolving in to the more familiar sound of the band. ‘The Line’ is up next with a cool synth riff behind it and smart lyrics to accompany "Is this the line, is this the line, is this the line between heaven and hell? Is this the line where I get up and walk out? Is this the line when you get drunk and you yell?" before, ‘Old Joy’ closes out with heavy key chords before getting a bit, 'Coldplay' and concluding with an almost gospel theme.
All in all, this is decent and listenable, but at the end of the day, pretty uninspiring. I had high hopes having been satisfied by their performance at the legendary, ‘Stubbs’ during SXSW, but this album didn't live up to my expectations. Will I buy? NO. Rating 5.5/10
Gossip - Music For Men
This is a band that I immediately liked upon hearing single, 'Standing in the Way of Control' on BBC Radio 1 in the summer of 2006. I had somewhat lost track of the band from, Arkansas who formed in, Olympia, WA since then, so was happy to find their recent offering and the bands fourth album aboard this flight.
‘Dimestore Diamond’ is home to a booming bass drum before lead vocalist; Beth Ditto reacquaints us with her strength in vocals. I like the beat to this one. It's been a while since I've listened to 'Gossip', but this is a promising opening. ‘Heavy Cross’ follows and is a song I have definitely heard before somewhere. It blends a pumping beat similar to that of, 'Standing in the Way of Control' from their third, self titled album. It also has searing vocals by, Ditto. This is Gossip at their best.
‘8th Wonder’ has a jamming guitar almost in the form of,’ Foo Fighters’. This is fast and furious and certainly in the ‘drive faster’ section or play list. ‘Love Long Distance’ slows the tempo down a tad. The chime of piano is a theme here and controlled lyrics that we expect of lead girl. ‘Pop Goes The World’ is a bit of a surprise with a samba/reggae intro before the quick-fire lyrics accompany. This track is a little more poppy than rocky.
‘Vertical Rhythm’ has a great little guitar riff throughout with delectable vocals and a lively chorus and then title track, ‘Men In Love’ provides some more adrenalin with something of a rip off of, ‘Chain of Fools’ first sung by, Aretha Franklin - "cha...cha, cha, change". ‘For Keeps’ continues with some clever lyrics which are supremely delivered. ‘2012’ provides quality guitar riffs and the familiar crashing drum beats and quivering vocals fuse together well on this track. It is very catchy indeed.
‘Dimestore Diamond’ is home to a booming bass drum before lead vocalist; Beth Ditto reacquaints us with her strength in vocals. I like the beat to this one. It's been a while since I've listened to 'Gossip', but this is a promising opening. ‘Heavy Cross’ follows and is a song I have definitely heard before somewhere. It blends a pumping beat similar to that of, 'Standing in the Way of Control' from their third, self titled album. It also has searing vocals by, Ditto. This is Gossip at their best.
‘8th Wonder’ has a jamming guitar almost in the form of,’ Foo Fighters’. This is fast and furious and certainly in the ‘drive faster’ section or play list. ‘Love Long Distance’ slows the tempo down a tad. The chime of piano is a theme here and controlled lyrics that we expect of lead girl. ‘Pop Goes The World’ is a bit of a surprise with a samba/reggae intro before the quick-fire lyrics accompany. This track is a little more poppy than rocky.
‘Vertical Rhythm’ has a great little guitar riff throughout with delectable vocals and a lively chorus and then title track, ‘Men In Love’ provides some more adrenalin with something of a rip off of, ‘Chain of Fools’ first sung by, Aretha Franklin - "cha...cha, cha, change". ‘For Keeps’ continues with some clever lyrics which are supremely delivered. ‘2012’ provides quality guitar riffs and the familiar crashing drum beats and quivering vocals fuse together well on this track. It is very catchy indeed.
‘Love And Let Love’ is a little more chilled and in fact, puts me in mind of, Annie Lennox and, Dave Stewart of, Eurhythmics’ fame. ‘Four Letter Word’ has heavy synthesizer and a more futuristic sound than the rock/punk we have heard to this point. I prefer the former...electro isn't the bands forte.
‘Spare Me From The Mold’ brings us back to the punk/grunge sound where Gossip excel. Rapid drum beats and equally as quickly delivered lyrics following raw and high velocity guitar works well. We finish with a live version of, ‘Vertical Rhythm’. This sounds good and I will certainly be looking out for the band playing in the big apple.
I was glad to find that, ‘Gossip’ are still around and more so that they still delivering good music. With female vocalists generally not my preference, Ditto offers something a little difference. She's like a female, Billy Idol. This is an enjoyable listen. It’s angry, yet somehow upbeat. The three piece generate a lot of noise and energy and would be well served as driving music. Will I buy? YES, I most probably will. Rating 7/10
The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
‘Spare Me From The Mold’ brings us back to the punk/grunge sound where Gossip excel. Rapid drum beats and equally as quickly delivered lyrics following raw and high velocity guitar works well. We finish with a live version of, ‘Vertical Rhythm’. This sounds good and I will certainly be looking out for the band playing in the big apple.
I was glad to find that, ‘Gossip’ are still around and more so that they still delivering good music. With female vocalists generally not my preference, Ditto offers something a little difference. She's like a female, Billy Idol. This is an enjoyable listen. It’s angry, yet somehow upbeat. The three piece generate a lot of noise and energy and would be well served as driving music. Will I buy? YES, I most probably will. Rating 7/10
The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
This band is one a friend of mine has been harking on about for quite some time and I'd been meaning to check them out. The band hailing from New Brunswick, New Jersey are influenced by, Bruce Springsteen and, ‘The Replacements’ the first former being obvious after a couple of tracks of this, the bands third album.
American Slang provided a fine opening and within a minute or two reminded me of the west coasters, ‘The Killers’ and particularly the, ‘Hot Fuss’ era. ‘Stay Lucky’ is a cracking tune with fast and firm lyrics and crunching, ‘Kings of Leon’ like guitar. ‘Bring It On’ is certainly a little more gentle and could almost be a song from, ‘The Boss’, ‘Bruce Springsteen’. Lead guitar is key on this one. ‘The Diamond Church Street’ echoes the vocals in the previous track and, Brian Fallon’s love for, Springsteen shines through. It has a kind of jazzy feel to this it with finger snapping and tsk tsk tsk drum beats. ‘The Queen of Lower Chelsea’ follows in a similar vein to the prior couple of songs…its easy listening without being outstanding.
We reach the midpoint with ‘Orphans’ which has the faster beat that I prefer. It's frantic and feel good. ‘Boxer’ which follows has a screeching guitar throughout which works well whereas, ‘Old Haunts’ begins with a sound more familiar before those gritty lyrics of, Fallon explode on to the track.
‘The Spirit of Jazz’ really is a shadow of, Springsteen and the E street band with a hint of folk like sounds similar to, ‘The Airborne Toxic Event’. ‘We Did It When We Were Young’ starts of a little lighter similar in theme like it is in title to, ‘The Killers’, ‘When You Were Young’. ‘She Loves You’ is not quite up there with, ‘The Beatles’ athem, but it's a solid enough track to end this album. Again, it’s more of the folky and ballady variety. Actually a little like, Paul McCartneys, ‘Mull of Kintyre’.
I find The Gaslight Anthem to be decent, but nothing amazing. The music and vibe of the album is reasonable, but it's a little too folky for me and in truth, a bit bland. I wouldn't turn it off if it came on the radio. Will I buy? NO. Rating 6/10
Cage The Elephant - Thank You Happy Birthday
This another band who have been touted by my music guru friends from the UK and I believe, ‘Cage The Elephant’ have received some fairly lofty praise by the music hordes in the homeland.
‘Always Something’ gets us going and is a lively and promising beginning. I am more than happy with, ‘The Chemical Brothers’ like beat on this track. The delivery of lyrics and somewhat unique vocals from, Matthew Shultz draw me in…a little bit Strokes, a little bit, Jack White. ‘Aberdeen’ happens to be just less than seventy miles from my hometown of Elgin, but it is also the second track on this album. I like this sound. Just good, honest guitar music with powerful vocals. Already seems like this is a good find.
‘Indy Kidz’ is rocking from the outset...a frantic rhythm and heavy bass line. The delivery on this one is similar to that of my favourite Minnesota band, Tapes 'n' Tapes, though this is perhaps a little grungier. ‘Shake Me Down’ slows things down a touch. I have the feeling I have heard this on a TV show or commercial. Again, Shultz displays his vocal abilities. It's the harsh, gritty vocals that are prominent in my music collection. ‘2024’ is a date in the future, but the sound is very 70’s in a Sex Pistols/Clash vein. I simply can't say anything bad about that…its punk rock at its finest.
‘Sell Yourself’ is loud and laddish with the lead man bawling lyrics that put me in mind of Swedish rock/pop group, ‘The Hives’. In stark comparison, ‘Rubber Ball’ is calm and delightful with beautiful harmonies. This could easily be, ‘The Flaming Lips’. It’s delicate, but another string to the bands impressive bows.
‘Right Before My Eyes’ supplies a wonderful catchy little beat. Perhaps a bit poppy compared to what we've heard over the previous several tracks. ‘Around My Head’ is home to more compelling guitar and impressive vocals. The chorus reminds me of the Manchester sounds of the 80s...The Smiths, The Roses, Happy Mondays etc.
Both, ‘Sabertooth Tiger’ and, ‘Japanese Buffalo’ follow grunge punk undertones. More fast and furious beats and screaming lyrics as we roll on to the closer ‘Flow’. Apparently, the band had trouble recording and finding the inspiration to write the lyrics for songs such as this one which is close to eight minutes in length. It's more chilled and a trippy little track with a regimented drum beat.
This band has been on my radar for some time and I am looking forward to hearing a lot more from the, Kentucky indie rockers. I shall certainly be on the lookout for more of, ‘Cage the Elephant’ in NYC. Will I buy? YES, I most certainly will. Rating 8/10
‘Always Something’ gets us going and is a lively and promising beginning. I am more than happy with, ‘The Chemical Brothers’ like beat on this track. The delivery of lyrics and somewhat unique vocals from, Matthew Shultz draw me in…a little bit Strokes, a little bit, Jack White. ‘Aberdeen’ happens to be just less than seventy miles from my hometown of Elgin, but it is also the second track on this album. I like this sound. Just good, honest guitar music with powerful vocals. Already seems like this is a good find.
‘Indy Kidz’ is rocking from the outset...a frantic rhythm and heavy bass line. The delivery on this one is similar to that of my favourite Minnesota band, Tapes 'n' Tapes, though this is perhaps a little grungier. ‘Shake Me Down’ slows things down a touch. I have the feeling I have heard this on a TV show or commercial. Again, Shultz displays his vocal abilities. It's the harsh, gritty vocals that are prominent in my music collection. ‘2024’ is a date in the future, but the sound is very 70’s in a Sex Pistols/Clash vein. I simply can't say anything bad about that…its punk rock at its finest.
‘Sell Yourself’ is loud and laddish with the lead man bawling lyrics that put me in mind of Swedish rock/pop group, ‘The Hives’. In stark comparison, ‘Rubber Ball’ is calm and delightful with beautiful harmonies. This could easily be, ‘The Flaming Lips’. It’s delicate, but another string to the bands impressive bows.
‘Right Before My Eyes’ supplies a wonderful catchy little beat. Perhaps a bit poppy compared to what we've heard over the previous several tracks. ‘Around My Head’ is home to more compelling guitar and impressive vocals. The chorus reminds me of the Manchester sounds of the 80s...The Smiths, The Roses, Happy Mondays etc.
Both, ‘Sabertooth Tiger’ and, ‘Japanese Buffalo’ follow grunge punk undertones. More fast and furious beats and screaming lyrics as we roll on to the closer ‘Flow’. Apparently, the band had trouble recording and finding the inspiration to write the lyrics for songs such as this one which is close to eight minutes in length. It's more chilled and a trippy little track with a regimented drum beat.
This band has been on my radar for some time and I am looking forward to hearing a lot more from the, Kentucky indie rockers. I shall certainly be on the lookout for more of, ‘Cage the Elephant’ in NYC. Will I buy? YES, I most certainly will. Rating 8/10
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