Thought I would post something a little different this week. I set up the BoxSetGo blog to compile a few mixes from my youth which some friends had been saying they would like to hear again. It seems that the mixes spread out there and I have been overwhelmed at the kind response by everybody to the music posted – it has been the main reason why I have stuck at this blog thing. The aim has always been to highlight some of the lesser known bands that never really got their dues and hopefully by hearing a song or two people would generate interest in bands that shouldn’t have slipped by the first time.So, I find myself now between series so I figured I would highlight a few songs that are currently around. One of the nice things about writing a blog is that sometimes people contact you and send you some of their music – it’s great whenever you actually really like their music. I have compiled a little 4-Track EP that highlights the best stuff I have heard – all bands are currently working – hopefully they don’t mind me posting their songs here – go out and buy their singles/albums – I know I will!
BTW: The cover comes from Luis Triviño – who kindly sent me a cover he made for the “Looking For The Orange One” mix as all my covers are pretty terrible – I thought it was brilliant – I feel dismayed at my DIY covers – still they do amuse me. Thanks Luis.
01. Night Comes Down - Hi-Life Companion – their drummer Mark Freeth (ex-Mayfields) sent me a brilliant CD of their demos and I was blown away. Think of the most perfect pop music given an epic make over and you’ll get an idea of the sound. “Night Comes Down” is outstanding – at over 5 minutes it sweeps you away on a celestial soundscape – all brass and beautiful key changes. If Belle And Sebastian had written this it would make single of the week/month everywhere – the band are shopping around for labels – with this tune I doubt they will have far to look. Listen and fall in love…
http://www.thehi-lifecompanion.com/
02. God Says – Escape Act – a local Belfast band whose Bass player got in touch after Box SetGo featured a song from his previous band Roque Jnr. He kindly sent me a couple of demos, I must admit I was worried as I hate it when I don’t like local bands – thankfully I need not have worried. “God Says” is a 2.5 minute powerhouse of a record – driving guitars on overdrive, tight rhythm section and a beautiful melodic lyric makes this one of the most exciting releases to come from Ireland in a very very long time. “God Says” is a song that will make you finally use that one song loop button on your music player – as infectious as an STD and as much fun as getting it…Top Class.
http://www.escapeact.com/
03. Sleeping Beauty – The Ruling Class – my good man Ricky from Madchester Rave On sent this to me and I am still delighted he did. The closest band of the four to the sounds of the BoxSetGo Juggernaut series “Sleeping Beauty” is a song that would fit in with the greatest tracks of 1989-1991. They have the sound of Madchester and brought it screaming into this decade – the guitarist certainly has his hat tipped to John Squire on this one. What really impresses me is that finally we seem to have a guitar band that you could dance to - the way the Roses and The Charlatans made music to groove to it appears that The Ruling Class are the natural heirs to that legacy. I’m starting to get excited about this band.
http://www.myspace.com/therulingclassuk
04. I Can Never Die – The Sweet Serenades – “Testosterone Pop” is how it was described to me and I kinda know what that means. A Swedish band who have perhaps written thee summer anthem of this year, this record has everything from a kazoo to handclaps it is laden with killer hooks. I must admit I have listened to this song a hell of a lot since getting it and it continues to grow on me – any song that states “ I’ll jerk off without locking the door” has instant classic written all over it. The best way to describe their music is - think of the Magic Numbers – know imagine they just had the shit kicked out of them and they are now dependant on amphetamines and whiskey – that’s where you’ll find the sound of The Sweet Serenades. Bloody marvellous!
0 comments:
Post a Comment