Some records that were released this year

2009 has been pretty okay so far, but I haven't really felt any need to write, since no good records have really come out yet.

But, that's just not true is it?

Ben Kweller's Changing Horses is a lovely piece of work; all check-shirts and bluegrass and cotton-picking hoe-downs. It walks the line, like many of my favourite records, between the absurd and the downright genius. At points, it plucks ever-so-gently on the heart strings while, for the majority of the album, it's fun, self-effacing and accessible. It's an 8/10 album.

I've also fallen rather deeply for Cara Dillon, especially since the release of her fourth record Hill of Thieves back in January. Now, 'proper' folk is something that I don't profess to know too much (read: anything) about so I shan't wax on too lyrical here. I'd just like to recommend that this record is beautiful.

Here is the most fantastic thing to happen this year:

The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

Now, I can't get enough of this album. It's a rock opera, so what? It doesn't really sound like the Decemberists? Well, that's just not true is it? Once again, this collection of tracks is defined by the songwriting of Colin Meloy, who's skill and craftsmanship takes on a new level of greatness here. Entirely sequenced, with recurring themes, characters and a full-on narrative throughout, this is both a literary and a musical work of genius. The Guardian's Alexis Petridis based his entire review on a picture of the band and the suggestion that they don't look like they should be able to pull such an album off, particularly in light of it's often Sabbath-esque sludge-metal riffage. For Mr Petridis, it would seem, the point of the entire record has jumped ship before he ever stood any chance of seeing it. The beauty of this record is in it's brave, genre-straddling bravado, in it's beautiful songwriting and performance and, most of all, in its ability to be so many different records all at once. You can invest as much of yourself in it as you want, exploring the narrative and uncovering the fate of young Margaret the herione or simply switching off and listening to a collection of fantastic songs.

I'm ill.

J

Please, if you do anything today, buy this album. It is the best of the year so far.

Now is that love...

Paying £22 for a miserable 5-2 defeat in the freezing cold...especially when its on the telly.

It's all I've got though.

R x
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

I've got nothing to report - is this a reason not to write? Perhaps it is.

....

It definitely is.

Hey check out this band, called Tommy Tokyo & Starving For My Gravy. (seriously).

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=189549892

They're fucking nuts.

Jx

Oh Mother, I can feel, the soil falling over my head.

It has finally come my attention I am utterly incapable of being creative. Now this would not have to be a problem, if I did not long to successfully express myself. Somehow, in some form.

I quickly learnt during my GCSE's I was fucking rubbish at art. Possibly due to my oafish tendencies and bear paws. Dexterity does not have my back. Sure, I could teach myself photoshop out of a book and become a graphic designer on myspace. But I am not a twat. I also lack ingenuity and ideas.

I have had a guitar for coming on to four years now, and I am utterly useless. I have very little theoretical knowledge other than a few chords. I can't even jam a few ideas in the hardcore punk stylee. I just cannot create when I have her in my hands. Maybe I should have lessons, but you cannot teach creativity. This puts me off.

So what about trying my hand at writing. I've tried that with this here blog. Dipping my toe in that magical sea of language. Only to start flapping like a cat in a bathtub. What a horrible similie. Its painful to write even the most simple entries. Serious.

I even stole the title of this post from our good friend Stephen Patrick.

The essence of this schtick is thus: I am totally mediocre and I will never leave my mark on this world. Most people at least reproduce another generation. I have however written this off as improbable.

I will however cut a deal with you. If you can stomach this illegible, unremarkable, piss poor version of story telling, I will keep it up. And God (Google) willing, this can be my meagre offerings of a legacy.

R x




Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Saviour.

Bayo

One Love.

This Week's Top 5 Cuts

In no particular order...

Elliott Smith - 'New Disaster'.
This is my favourite song from the compilation album 'New Moon'. This album tracks his unreleased work between Heatmiser and the man's 3rd solo album 'Either/Or'. Frankly, how it didn't make it on to a proper release is beyond me. The meandering guitar line/melody which haunts the song is rather good and for a low-fi recording has a full bodied sound. I also managed to figure out how to play said guitar line.

Beck - 'Where it's at'.
The eagle eyed (no cherry) among you may have noticed that I purchased a deluxe copy of Beck's 'Odelay' last week. This is jam from the aforementioned record just has so much groove. I can't really describe it without saying it sounds like Beck (that Lofiamericanahiphoppsychy thing). Definitely a party tune. Well a cool kids party. "I got two turntables and a microphone".

Deal With It - 'Terrorstorm'
Deal With It are hard as hell. This number from the full length, is a stand out for me. The new record has more of a Leeway, Icemen, later Cro Mags, early 'tallica vibe to it, tastefully done I might add. Lyrically depicting the demise of the world outside backed with fat riffs this track really is a gem.

Morrissey - 'Speedway'
I love Morrissey. Possibly because I don't get laid enough. Probably because I have no time for the majority of lowest common demoninators I come into contact with. Either this song is one of Mozza's finest. I like it that much I have been listening to two versions. The one that closes the Vauxhaul and I album and the live B side to 'I just want to see...' Just listen to it. I particularly like the closing lines of 'in my own strange way, I have always been true to you'. I'm not wholly sure about the subject matter (it may be about the court case over Smiths royalties) but Moz can sculpt language like a master craftsman.

Squeeze - Pulling Mussels (from a shell)

This is a quintessentially English pop song, regaling all the fun of the seaside holiday. Best served with a 'kiss me quick, squeeze me slow' hat.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

A classic Saturday night in

This evening, I am alone - and it really feels alright. I've had quite a week.

I started work experience with a wonderful little PR company called Quite Great on Monday, and it's been highly enjoyable from the start. Thursday was quite a day for good news. I was (informally) offered a job, which, circumstances permitting, will be brilliant.

I also heard from my MA advisor that my dissertation is going to be published! The people who helped me out financially (those at the Harry Watson bursary)enjoyed reading it, and are going to publish it under the auspices of Norwich HEART. It will go online and in pamphlets. Once all is confirmed, I'll post a link on here for your delectation - it's really quite an undertaking though, I must warn you in advance.

So, in a nut shell, I'm one step closer to gainful employment and my academic pretensions are finally be recognised. A good week on Planet Joe.*

My soundtrack?
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Murder Ballads
Neil Young - After the Gold Rush
Sufjan Stevens - Come on! Feel the Illinoise!
Fleet Foxes - s/t

I haven't listened to Neutral Milk Hotel all week.

Bring on Match of the Day!

Jx

*Planet Joe is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.