Arctic Monkeys: AM Review

'AM' album cover
Released 9th September 2013

If you're asking yourself, "Do I Wanna Know what the Arctic
Monkeys new album is like?" (sorry, the pun was too good to miss) Then the answer is simply, yes.

The indie rock band's 5th studio album has me hooked and there isn't one song that I don't love. I can't say I'm not biased, because I've always loved the band but there's just something about this album that gives it that edge.

Comparing the songs on this album to those on 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not', there is a clearer influence of RnB as the beats and melodic rhythms have a much funkier feel to them as opposed to something like, 'I Bet That You Look Good on The Dancefloor', which of course is brilliant but is typically recorded with a simple bass, drums, guitar and vocals set up. The songs on AM are produced with more depth and technically are more adventurous with the sound they give.

There is also a sexier feel to it, the pulse of the slower tempo to some tracks (my favourite slower track is Arabella) make Alex Turner sound even more attractive and the bass is heightened making it sound fuller. I can imagine it being used perfectly for some sort of gangster film where the ultra slick guys get out of a car in slow mo wearing sharp suits and shades, Reservoir Dogs style!

I don't have to go into too much detail to say why it's so good as it was nominated for a Mercury prize award and went straight to number one on the 15th of September, making it the band's 5th UK number one album, but I highly recommend the album to anyone as it covers so many genres but they still remain a great rock band. I also recommend that you listen to it walking down the street, preferably with sunglasses on, (it makes you feel extra cool).

Hannah Jolley

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I (kind of) saw the Rolling Stones! - Barclaycard British Summertime Review

If you're not from the UK then you might not know but recently, the weather in England, (London especially) has been hot, sunny and... summery! This is rare for England so, to make the most of it my family decided that as my Australian Uncle was over, we would go to Hyde Park to have a relaxing picnic and listen to some music.

Chilled with my two uncles and Georgia

Barclaycard hosted day festivals (British Summertime) over July from the 5th-14th, acts included Rolling Stones, The Vaccines, Temper Trap, Tom Odell, Jake Bugg, The Horrors, Elvis Costello, Lucy Rose, Ray Davies, The Beach Boys, Chic and The Kaiser Chiefs. A wide range of musicians meant that there was something for everyone and cracking open the Pimm's only meant that it was the perfect recipe for a summer's day out!

When I say I 'kind of' saw The Rolling Stones.. I mean that we couldn't afford tickets to go into the actual arena. Yep.. the one fault was how expensive the tickets were, of course the Stones were going to ask for a ridiculous price and I personally think they should have done it for free like it would've been in 1969 but Jagger's order's are Jagger's order's right?

Our attempt at peaking through
the gates!

As Hyde Park is massive, the event wasn't going to take up the whole park and as my Dad is a massive Stones maniac he wasn't going to say no to our suggestion of going up there to sit outside the gates to see if we could at least hear them. As one of the few teenagers that is still in love with 60s and 70s music, all I've ever wanted is to see/hear one of the iconic bands from that time live as I unfortunately wasn't alive in their heyday.. So when this opportunity arose I knew I would be there in a flash! It was also a bonus that me and Georgia heard the Temper Trap (another great band!) as we were strolling through the park.

When it was time for the Stones, Georgia and I braced ourselves and stood outside the gates for where people with tickets (lucky sods!) were going in but were pleasantly surprised as we could see the screen and the stage where Jagger was strutting his stuff as Keith played the iconic riff to Start Me Up! More and more people gathered round but by going on my tip toes and dodging in between people's heads being in the way I was delighted to be seeing the Stones and not from my TV!

I was a little excited...

We managed to see them play Start Me Up and It's Only Rock and Roll before the staff decided to close the gates, of course that was followed by a collective boo from all of us without tickets (I think that was really stingy of them) but never the less, it didn't spoil our evening as we returned to our spot and continued to be merry and dance the night away!

It was a wonderful evening and as we made our way back, Stones songs were being sung from all sides of the park, it was such a buzzing atmosphere and one of those days where you couldn't stop smiling.

Me and Georgia enjoyed it so much that we decided to return the following Saturday to stay and watch Jake Bugg and Tom Odell in the day, unfortunately Tom Odell had a cough infection and so he didn't turn up (get well soon!) but Jake Bugg was still brilliant and as we were sat nearer the gates under a shady tree, we could hear him crystal clear whilst we munched on oreos!

Overall, I think there needs to be a round of applause to Barclaycard and the artists (also the weather was a big help!) for this great event, it was the picture perfect British summertime! (but next time, lower your ticket prices please!)


Hannah Jolley

Foals - Holy Fire Album Review

Foals: Holy Fire EP (11 February 2013)

8/10

http://www.youtube.com/user/wearefoals?feature=watch

We all know Foals as being that feel good indie pop/rock band with their first single being 'Hummer', which listening back to it now, you can notice the progression of their sound and style compared to their latest material.

Of course they have their laid back and more solemn tracks on all their albums, such as the well known 'Spanish Sahara' from 'Total Life Forever', which was used on an advert for Channel 4's 'Skins' and in 'Misfits'. Often, Foals' slower tracks tend to be quite lengthy but build up to a climax of the song with little catchy guitar phrases and bass lines, setting up real atmosphere, especially if you're listening to it more intimately through headphones on your own.

I really enjoy these type of songs as I get to listen to all the little riffs and licks of different instruments going on at once, on Holy Fire there is a song that lives up to this expectation of Foals' music, 'Late Night', their 3rd single from this album. At nearly 6 minutes long, it definitely builds up slowly to the climax with a simplistic opening, just piano and vulnerable sounding vocals from lead singer, Yannis Philippakis and then eventually bursting into the beautifully catchy chorus, all guns blazing.

But by far, my favourite part of this album has to be the explosion of funky bass lines, up tempo guitar riffs and pounding drum beats from songs like the first single from Holy Fire, 'Inhaler', as soon as the drums and catchy guitar riff get going, you can't help but nod your head with attitude. Also the track, 'Out Of The Woods', is one you have to listen to whilst walking down the road in the sun at least once  (and if you have a chance to dance to it too!)

However, having listened to the album numerous times, one of my favourite songs (not just from this album) has to be 'My Number', as soon as I heard it I knew it'd be an anthem and would be put on at parties (and whenever I had the opportunity to jump around crazily to it!) I absolutely love the video for it too, just a simply feel good song with all the features for a good boogie with lyrics like "I feel alive" to make you feel even more carefree and happy!

Overall I was really pleased when hearing Foals were releasing a new album this year and even happier when listening to it and thinking "Ah yeah, thats Foals!". Although not every track is one you go wild over, the special few make up for it by being super fantastic in true Foals style!

Hannah Jolley

The Beatles // Please Please Me: Remaking a Classic (BBC4 Documentary Review)

I'm a bit late with watching this 50th celebration anniversary documentary on the legendary Beatles album, 'Please Please Me' which was aired in February but I'm glad I finally got round to watching it.

The well known photograph taken for
the album cover is also explained in
the documentary.

This documentary gave a great insight into how the Beatles came to recording this epic LP in only one day. As I make my own music in my free time, I know how much time, effort and patience is needed to perfect the recording of one track, let alone rounding off a whole album. Of course the technology has developed and become much more complicated since the 60s but the satisfaction needed by the artist hasn't changed.

I thought it was really clever how the BBC brought a range of musicians in to Abbey Road studios, all to celebrate the same thing and each artist was shown covering a song from the LP, in track list order. I'm one of those Beatles' fans that finds it risky trying to cover a Beatles song differently to how they performed it but I was pleasantly surprised with some of the covers such as Blur's Graham Coxon's version of 'Baby it's You' (one of my personal favourites from the LP).  Slightly more upbeat than the original, Coxon's laid back indie vocals sets the gentle ballady feel of the song, which is heard in the original.

I didn't like this documentary just for the covers though, I really enjoyed hearing the stories behind each track previous to them showing the covers and I liked how it went chronologically to the times in which each track was recorded. I also learnt a few new facts about the LP such as Lennon having a cold during the recording, with a packet of fags and cough sweets by his side on the piano (ironic!).

But by far, my favourite cover was Beverley Knight's twist (no pun intended!) on the iconic track, 'Twist and Shout', although probably the most well known song from this album, it's still the one that gets to me the most with the grit to Lennon's vocals and the juicy guitar riffs, I can't help but at least tap my feet, or go full on into doing the twist when hearing it!

Knight makes this track much more like a soul song, as her vocals are clearly used to singing RnB and Soul music, but I don't feel as though she overdoes it in this cover, as many soul singers tend to do these days. She just adds pure and crispy licks to the melody where needed to make it her own, and the big note she belts out at the end is the icing on the cake!

 Hannah Jolley

A Remix and an Acoustic

Sorry I've not had time to write a lengthy review, but here's a couple of tracks to keep you occupied.

A few different versions of songs from past reviews, both very good!



Hannah Jolley

Young the Giant - Self Titled Album Review

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/YoungtheGiant?feature=watch





Young the Giant (May 2nd 2011)

6/10

Since Young the Giant changed their name from 'The Jakes' in 2009, and supporting the likes of Marina and The Diamonds and Kings of Leon, they've been on an upward curve with their first single, 'My Body' going in at number 5 on the Billboard Alternative Chart in 2011.

The first track on this album, 'Apartment', begins with a lighthearted but slightly bland electric guitar riff, however the vocals (Sameer Gadhia) make up for it and keep you interested as a listener, as the summery sounding melody makes it easy listening (and would make good background music for a BBQ!)

The hints of rock prominently come into this album on the track 'My Body', with the thumping drum rhythm provided (François Comtois) and the guitar becoming much heavier and juicier by the powerful chorus, making a good soundtrack for rebellious teenagers.

Although I was in love with their sound when first hearing the soft and jazzy guitar chords from 'I Got' acoustically on the Open Sessions, I can see how someone could find this album lacking a certain spark as bands with similar sound like Coldplay are known for having unique aspects. I'm not suggesting they should have a completely original and new sound, but just something to make it a little more interesting once you have gotten to the 6th or 7th song.

Overall, this album is a good easy listener, with catchy chorus' and conventional Indie clean electric guitar, but it may become colourless to someone looking for an Indie Rock band with something captivating. 

Hannah Jolley

Album info

-------------

Release date: May 2nd 2011 (UK)

Genre: Indie rock

Label: Roadrunner

Mesita - 'Here's to Nowhere EP'

Mesita: 'Here's to Nowhere' (March 2011)

You know one of those albums where you just love every single track? Whether it be the catchy chorus', guitar riffs or funky bass lines, there's always got to be that hook to make you love an album. 

This is one of those albums. 

The first track, "A Million Shades of Sky" opens the album with a feel good and carefree vibe. The clean electric guitar riff over the gentle shaker and shuffle drum rhythm makes the perfect music for a drive along country lanes on a sunny day with the breeze blowing through your hair. Even the artwork reminds me of the sky on a summer's day with the bright blue colour scheme. 

The soft tones of James Cooley's vocals run like honey with the gentle strumming of guitars, mandolins and runs of electric piano phrases. Its the kind of music you can really get lost into as each song progresses. 

I'm personally a fan of music which has repetitions and a build up of other layers of sound going on. Each time you listen to this album, you can notice and discover different parts more and more which makes it really interesting. I would recommend listening to 'Somewhere Else' as a first introduction to Mesita, it has a clean and upbeat electric guitar which reflects the overall summery/positive feel to the album. 

The only negative thing I would say is that some of the songs can become a bit of a blur as they are all quite similar in structure and sound. The repetition of drum beats and guitar strumming patterns don't become annoying as it gives a definitive style to the artist, but for some people's music taste they prefer variation and so might feel like the songs are a little boring after the first couple of tracks.

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Hannah Jolley