I don’t think I’ve really written much about classic Siouxsie and the Banshees albums before, so thought it was time to rectify that. Juju is one of my favourites from my teens. I came to It late, probably the late eighties, as it had already been released in 1981, and I was too young toContinue reading “Lost In Music: Siouxsie and the Banshees- Juju”
Tag Archives: Music
Album Review: The Drums- Jonny
One of the most surprising albums of the year, Jonny by The Drums, is striking for many reasons. The album cover shows singer and main member Jonny Pierce crouched down, naked and seemingly praying in his parents’ house. The album is similarly raw, intimate and honest. Gone is the easy -breeziness of previous work, whichContinue reading “Album Review: The Drums- Jonny”
New Release: Gazelle Twin- Black Dog
Just in time for Halloween, or Samhain if you’d rather, Gazelle Twin is back, with a new album titled Black Dog. As Elizabeth Bernholz explains, it’s inspired by nightmares going back to childhood trauma, and essentially,”It’s all about confronting fear”. The title track is out now, with Bernholz’ trademark pitchshifted growls and whispers set againstContinue reading “New Release: Gazelle Twin- Black Dog”
The Future’s Here Today: Miso Extra
Not just a witty pseudonym, Miso Extra is a brilliant artist who sings as sweetly as she raps. With bilingual lyrics which reflect her dual heritage and thought processes, she’s part of the new wave of British hip hop that draws from eclectic sources. Creating her own “Misoverse”, the young eccentric wears vintage Japanese footballContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Miso Extra”
Worth Revisiting: Wild Man Blues
‘Grumpy Old Man B!ues’, more like. What a miserable old git Woody Allen is. That’s the takeaway from Barbara Kopple’s 1997 documentary on the legendary but controversial film director. Holding forth on his favourite subjects: New York; himself, jazz, himself, Paris, himself, travel, himself, and, mostly, himself, the camera follows him, alongside his very youngContinue reading “Worth Revisiting: Wild Man Blues”
The Future’s Here Today: Screensaver
There are few things finer in life than hearing about a new release from Upset The Rhythm. The Australian rascals called Screensaver are described as “synth punks” and make energetic, fizzy music that throws you around and bites you like a chew toy. Decent Shapes, the forthcoming album, is released on October 20th, so that’sContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Screensaver”
Favourite Cover Versions: Dave Gahan – Nothing Else Matters
You know how it is – you wait for a Metallica cover and two come along at once. Phoebe Bridgers has recently released a cover of Nothing Else Matters. But I prefer Dave Gahan from Depeche Mode and his solo version. There’s nothing as affected in the delivery here (sorry James Hetfield, I know it’sContinue reading “Favourite Cover Versions: Dave Gahan – Nothing Else Matters”
New Release: The Kills- LA Hex
The Kills are back. Alison Mossheart and Jamie Hince ‘s new single, L A Hex , out now through Domino, is more low-key than before, with a little gospel backing, and I’m really liking it. It’s still unmistakably The Kills, with the trademark sense of sex, murkiness and danger, just more subdued. It follows previousContinue reading “New Release: The Kills- LA Hex”
Lost In Music: The Smiths- Paint A Vulgar Picture
Since Sinead O’Connor sadly passed away last week, I’ve been thinking about her a lot, as so many of us have. This strong but fragile, beautiful and tough woman, so troubled with so much shit and abuse from her childhood, casting a long shadow. Gifted people are often the most troubled – a cliche becauseContinue reading “Lost In Music: The Smiths- Paint A Vulgar Picture”
Lost In Music: The Cramps- Off The Bone
Produced alongside The Box Tops and Big Star’s singer Alex Chilton, Off The Bone is a 1983 compilation of songs by The Cramps. Well, okay, it’s mostly cover versions, but the band make them very much their own. From a pounding take on Sam Phillips’ Domino, to the cartoonish libido running feral on Charlie FeathersContinue reading “Lost In Music: The Cramps- Off The Bone”
Hit The North 