Review: Top Albums Of 2009 (I)

It's that time of the year again, so while you're still digesting your turkey NME-Europe starts its musical round-up of 2009. You might have already had a glance at the 'real' NME's market-driven Top 50 (click here if you haven't), but NME-E feels this is a really independent (albeit totally subjective) review of what's rocked over the past 12 months.

Having featured around 50 albums in some depth, I found it difficult to whittle the contenders down to a Top 10, so this year will see a Top 20 review. Here's part one, positions 20-11.

20. Metric - 'Fantasies'

Eclectic third release from this US/Canadian quartet. Hard not to find something you like on this electro-pop cavalcade.






19. Windmill - 'Epcot Starfields'
A late entry to this year's list. A wonderful and wistful album with more than a hint of Mercury Rev.






18. Kasabian - 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum'
A little weak at times compared to previous releases but there are some raunchy vibes on here which make it a good listen overall.





17. Rinôçérôse - 'Futurino'
More funky French electro-pop, guaranteed to get your feet tapping.







16. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - 'The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart'
Quality indie-pop from NYC. An unexpected, yet much appreciated discovery.





15. The Prodigy - 'Invaders Must Die'
The hairline may be receding, but the attitude is still there. The Prodigy have sent out a warning to all invaders... It's their fat, their land and they're living off it. Read full review.





14. The Maccabees - 'Wall Of Arms'
When a debut album is as good as The Maccabees' 'Colour It In' - possibly the best album of 2007 in the eyes of NME-E - then the release of a follow up must be a daunting task. Read full review.





13. Cooper - 'Aeropuerto'
There are few surprises on 'Aeropuerto', lyrically sound and incisive backed by a tight Power Pop sound with apparent influences as wide-ranging as The Kinks, Paul Weller or Teenage Fanclub, which means there's generally something for everyone. Read full review.




12. The Rifles - 'The Great Escape'
With 'The Great Escape', The Rifles have stuck to the winning formula and who can really blame them when they keep churning out quality tunes. Read full review.





11. Bombay Bicycle Club - 'I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose'
The North London four-piece boast an intriguing combination of wicked riffs, majestic melodies and vicious vocals which result in an 12 track album which will rank among the best 2009 has to offer. Read full review.



So, there you go, Part 1 complete. Who'll be in the most prestigious Top 10 on cyberspace? Time will tell, but there a certain to be a few surprises in store...

Album Review: The Maccabees

The Maccabees: 'Wall Of Arms' (Fiction/Polydor)

1. Love You Better
2. One Hand Holding
3. Can You Give It?
4. Young Lions
5. No Kind Words
6. Wall Of Arms
7. Dinosaurs
8. Kiss And Resolve
9. William Powers
10. 17 Hands
11. Bag Of Bones

When a debut album is as good as The Maccabees' 'Colour It In' - possibly the best album of 2007 in the eyes of nme-e - then the release of a follow up must be a daunting task. However, the Brighton-based boys have come through the test with flying colours; 'Wall Of Arms' is a quality piece of work in its own right.

So, is it more of the same, then? Well the answer is a sort of yes, but with a bit of a no. The characteristic Maccabee sound is still there, with the frantic strumming and shrill guitars accompanying Orlando Weeks' immaculate vocal range.

The difference lies in the fact that 'Colour It In' was rampant with tracks like 'All In Your Rows' or 'Latchmere', 'Precious Time' and, in particular, 'Lego', tracks which left you gasping for breath, whereas 'Wall Of Arms' is more profound and, thus, benefits from strength in depth. Rather than gasping for air, you find yourself sucked in as the sound takes over your mind.

Opening track 'Love You Better' is a clear exponent of this. The gradual build up bursts into life with a captivating riff and you're hooked. 'Can You Give It' and 'Young Lions' work in pretty much the same way, while 'No Kind Words' is the pick of the bunch with its onimous chorus "if you've got no kind words to say, you should say nothing more at all"

The closing tracks 'Seventeen Hands' and 'Bag Of Bones' clearly highlight a shift from pacy to poignant.

If you're expecting 'Colour It In 2' you might need to change your angle and give this album a couple of plays to let it sink in. It'll be worthwhile though, as 'Wall Of Arms' is a welcome addition to 2009 and The Maccabees confirm their potential as one of the UK's top acts.

Top Track: 'No Kind Words'
Album Rating: 8/10




Last 5 NME-E reviews:
So Shush: Wistful Wanders
Doves: 'Kingdom Of Rust'
The Rakes: 'Klang'
Starsailor: 'All The Plans'
U2: 'No Line On The Horizon'


Read all NME-E reviews

Weekly Round Up (11 May 2009)

Hello and welcome to the latest round up

Top Stories
At the expense of labouring the point and following recent claims from Joe Satriani and Cat Stevens that 'Viva La Vida' was a rip-off, Coldplay have tried to defend their innocence. Drummer Will Champion has denied that the band have ripped off any other artists in an interview with Hamptonroads.com stating that the band "haven't done anything wrong".

He added: "It's tough when people accuse you of stealing something when you know that you didn't. We accept that it's part of the territory and know it is only for some reason the successful songs that seem to be the ones that are accused of being stolen. So you go figure it out."
"There are elements of our music that I've heard in other people's music," he said, "but a very difficult thing to define. There are only eight notes in an octave and no-one owns them. There are probably about 12,000 songs that feature the exact same chord progression. I think it [plagiarism] lies on an intent to steal, which we certainly have never done and never would. "It's unfortunate but it's the way people are. That's that. We're confident we haven't done anything wrong."

Hmmm....


Meanwhile, back in download city, Spotify is apparently lining up a new premium service that will allow users who pay a monthly fee to download and keep as many tracks as they want from the music application. For around 10 quid a month you will be given access to Spotify's entire catalogue under the agreement and be able to download high quality MP3's of every available track on the service.

This scheme could be in place by the summer, for now the company is trying to keep punters happy be adding 120,000 tracks to the library, the biggest update since its launch in October.

Myspace Magic
Top of the pops on myspace this week are Alexis Blue, who have added a new track to their profile ahead of their UK tour. 'Tarred and Feathered' is, in the band's own words, "by far the most Pop song we have written (except for the new one we are currently working on)" and they are not far wrong. Catchy and lyrically solid - 'Radiohead, microwave meals and a single bed' - this band goes from strength to strength. Bass player Chris Stewart told nme-e about current activity: "We hope to record a few new demo songs soon, working with 14th Floor Records (Warner Sub-division, Wombats signed to them) at the moment which may lead on to getting signed so things are coming along pretty well".
And so they should too. I'm looking forward to being able to say 'they went to the same school as me'!

Still in the 'Pool Myspace Magic boys, Fly With Vampires have added a new track to their player. 'Puppet Master' is a real grower with quality arrangements. An extremely promising new track from a band which is just starting out, but shows great promise.



Reviews
This week's big release is Maximo Park's third album, 'Quicken The Heart', which will be fighting The Maccabees' 'Wall Of Arms' for top album of the month and, who knows, the year. Both will be reviewed very soon.


More next week. But don't miss an exclusive interview with Liverpool's The Idles later on in the week. The latest scouse band to feature on Myspace Magic is a real treat.

Cheers

Weekly Round Up (04 May 2009)

Hi everybody and welcome to another rock 'n' roll round up.

Top Stories
Really, the main story this week centres on the SOS 4.8 festival held in Murcia over the weekend, although we'll cover that a little more later on.

Other news centres on Coldplay this week. As if one accusation wasn't enough, Chris Martin and crew find themselves facing another copycat claim. This time it's Cat Stevens who is on their backs, stating that 'Viva La Vida' is not really a Joe Satriani rip-off, but in fact a copy of Stevens' own 1973 track, 'Foreigner Suite'.

For now, no mention of legal action has been made.

Perhaps in an attempt to divert a little attention, the band (who might be considering changing their name to Coverplay) have announced they will be giving away a live album to fans attending their forthcoming tour dates.

The nine-track live album, 'LeftRightLeftRightLeft', will be given to all fans who attend their 'Viva La Vida' tour dates – including their five UK dates set for September.

The album will be available as a free download from the band's official website, from May 15.

Martin said, "It's a way of saying thank you. It's a tough economy and people are paying a lot of money for tickets."

Of course, nobody thought about reducing the price of those tickets, did they?

Myspace Magic
Action-a-plenty this week, so highlights only. New friends from France, My Raining Stars, have added a new track to their profile. As leader Thierry says, "let's keep the indie flame burning" and you could do a lot worse than visit his page to do so. Meanwhile, Welsh band, BenSem are streaming their debut album on a free download. If anthem-pop is your fancy, don't miss it, it's well worth a listen.

Finally and locally, Spanish indie poppers Miss Caffeina will be in Murcia this Saturday. I'm not gonna even try and categorize this lot, you'll have to see for yourselves!


Incidentally, interviews with these last two bands will be online later on in the week.

Album Reviews
There have been a couple of releases which nme-e has been waiting for and are now available. The Enemy and The Maccabees have both released their second albums this week, entitled 'Music For The People' and 'Wall Of Arms', respectively. Reviews to follow... Meanwhile readers will be able to check out a summary of the latest nme-e reviews as from Wednesday.

Festival Fever
And so, back to the SOS in Murcia. Well, impartiality aside and despite a cruel twist of fate which deprived me a better look in this was a resounding success. Both days sold out (25,000 tickets a day), the concert was well-organised and general feedback is positive. Organisers are already talking about making it bigger and better next year and it's clear that, despite being only the second edition, SOS has placed itself well and truly alongside the Spanish big boys at FIB and Primaversound. So far, the consensus is that The Prodigy, The Wombats and local boys, Second (who are quickly making a massive impact and were in no way out of place in an international line-up) were Top Of The Pops, with Keane (somewhat surprisingly) and Babyshambles close behind.


Nme-e has been trying to get in touch with bands to get their thoughts. More will come, but so far Sweden's Those Dancing Days seem to sum things up pretty well: "The food and Murcian beer was great and it was our biggest crowd so far and maybe the happiest one."

We'll have to wait another year for SOS, but NME-E will be back with more news next week!

Read all NME-E News

Weekly Round Up (16 Mar 2009)

Hi and welcome to another weekly round up of all things musical.

Top Stories
Little known U2 are working hard on getting some press coverage to coincide with their album release. This week Bono has been spouting off about how much he earns and told us exactly how we should feel about illegal downloading of music.

His outburst against p2p file sharers is, according to him, in defence of less well-off musicians (i.e. everyone else) and, of course, nothing to do with him maintaining the status of mega-rich rock star.

In an interview with USA Today, he said "People think people like me are overpaid and overnourished, and they're not wrong. What they're missing is, how does a songwriter get paid? It's not the place for rich rock stars to ask for more money, but somebody should fight for fellow artists, because this is madness. Music has become tap water, a utility, where for me it's a sacred thing, so I'm a little offended [by illegal downloading]."

"The music business has been thrown to the dogs legislatively," he said. "[That will change when] file-sharing of TV shows and movies becomes as easy as songs. Somebody is going to call the cops."

This statement adds fuel to the fire of file-sharing, which would surely be an interesting topic for debate on this blog. In recent months, I've heard opinions from both sides; Bono's proclamation collides head on, for example with what new-comers The Dirty Turns told me in a recent interview (which will appear in full in good time). Their spokesman, Zach, was adamant that "music shouldn't cost to hear" when explaining that the band's forthcoming release would be available on a free download.

I'm quite happy to act as a moderator if anyone wants to spark a debate.

Elsewhere, and still loosely on the download theme, two of the major players - Apple and YouTube - have enjoyed mixed fortunes this week. On the up side (for them at least) Apple has launched a new iPod shuffle, claiming it's the world's smallest music player.


The new model is around half the size of the previous shuffle, and includes a new feature that has song and band titles spoken to the listener. With a capacity of 4gb, leaving space for up to 1,000 songs, the American giants have shown they're not taking anything for granted in these troubled times.

At the other end of the scale is YouTube, who have removed all premium music videos from the UK site after a dispute with the Performing Rights Society (PRS), who are seeking a better pay deal for artists whose videos are available to watch on the video site.

With Google-owned YouTube refusing to meet the PRS's "over the top" demands, they have opted to remove the implicated files until a deal is made.

Patrick Walker, Director of YouTube's Video Partnerships explained his company's stance by stating that "We feel we are so far apart that we have to remove content while we continue to negotiate with the PRS."

The PRS, meanwhile, are a little bit cheesed off with the whole affair. Not surprising when you think that instead of increasing revenue, they have effectively bitten off the hands that feed them. As far as I see it, serves 'em right for being greedy!

Back in the real world in the midst of a myriad of album and festival line up announcements, the free bit of publicity of the week goes to The Maccabees who have revealed that second album, entitled 'Wall Of Arms', which has been produced by Markus Dravs (Bjork, Arcade Fire) will be out on May 4.

It might seem a bit strange to single out one band, but The Maccabees debut album 'Colour It In' was one of my favourites of the year. And anyway, it's my blog so I choose he, he.

Myspace Magic
I feel the urge to do some Myspace promoting this week, as some top, top bands try and move up a level. In case you didn't know, the V Festival is holding a contest called Road To V which aims to get up and coming bands a chance to play on the main stage during this year's festival. So far, scousers The Little Hydes and Metropolitans and new buddies The Scholars, from the Midlands (article to appear soon) have received the kiss of death of an nme-europe vote. It doesn't take ages to register, so why not check things out here and give people some support.

Another Brum band, Page 44 (I seriously recommend reading about how they got their name when I feature them!) are also in need of some votes, but this time on bandbacker.com

Obliging as I am, they have my vote. Now, all they need is YOU!

Releases wise, relative veterans, So Shush, let fans sample tracks from their forthcoming album, 'Wistful Wanders', over the weekend. I am lucky enough to have received some promo tracks from Ian and Carole and will offer a full article and review around the time of release, scheduled for April 20.

Last, but by no means least, Italian pop-ites, Pipers, have announced that their debut album is ready to go. All they need is a label to distribute their material. Calling all companies, have a listen to 'Sick Of You' and take it from there. With so much rubbish flying around (Lily Allen, anyone?) it would be a crime not to give these gents a chance.


And finally.....
No major reviews this week, although the new Starsailor album, 'All The Plans' has just hit my iPhone and will no doubt end up on here. I also intend to summarise all important releases on a monthly basis. Watch this space!


One thing I DO recommend you hang around for is a quality interview with Overspill Poets. Some time this week you can read and learn. I already did.

Cheers.

Read all nme-e news.

Album Review: The Rifles

The Rifles: The Great Escape (679 Records)

1. Science In Violence
2. The Great Escape
3. Fall To Sorrow
4. Sometimes
5. Toerag
6. History
7. Winter Calls
8. Out In The Past
9. Romeo And Julie
10. The General
11. For The Meantime

Having been lucky enough to have stumbled across The Rifles after the release of their debut album, 'No Love Lost', in 2006 I was eager to hear their follow up and assess to what extent the Londoners had developed over the past couple of years.

With 'The Great Escape', The Rifles have stuck to the winning formula and who can really blame them when they keep churning out quality tunes. Emulating bands such as the likes of Hard-Fi, The Maccabees or The Pigeon Detectives, the quartet of cocky cockneys are on song again with their mix of acute reflections and raunchy riffs.

'Hit the queue for the bus
And then I join the line
Same faces for the last ten years of my life
See 'em more than my friends
I couldn't tell you their names
Shattered glass on the floor
Kids have run out of games'

This verse from 'Toerag' (my favourite track) typifies The Rifles ability to illustrate their resigned acceptance of daily routine and being stuck in a rut - 'Expect nothing changing except the name of the day' - much the same occurs on the haunting 'Out In The Past'.

There is also time for angry reflections on modern society, with 'Science Is Violence' and 'The General', and tracks with an incessant grind, like 'The Great Escape' (see youtube video below), 'Fall To Sorrow' and 'Sometimes' are well complemented by the tongue in cheek 'Romeo And Julie'.

All in all, a quality follow-up and one that'll be blasting in my ears for the next few days at least!

Top Track: 'Toerag'
Rating: 8/10

Weekly Round Up (16 Feb 2009)

Hi and welcome to this week's round up. To begin with I have some really exciting news (ahem!). Over the coming weeks, the page should improve its content greatly, with more extensive coverage of a series of features.

To begin with, the sidebar has been modified (again!) to include a Main Sections area as well as a Tag Cloud, thus enabling readers to sift through the crap and go straight to where they want to. I'll also be recommending the Top Posts which, in my modest opinion, deserve a read.

The Pumping On My Stereo section, will soon sport an MP3 player with the top tracks of the moment, instead of the slideshow you've been bored to death with until now (at least, that is, until someone threatens me with legal action!).

Apart from the structural changes, I'll try and put together a more complete weekly round-up of news both in and out of Myspace and write each album review in a separate, more detailed post. Needless to say, the Myspace Magic band features will remain a focal part of the blog, as I'm really enjoying checking out new groups and giving them a little exposure.

I hope you all like the developments the page is undertaking and would, naturally, like some feedback. I'd also like to thank all those who have offered some words of encouragement recently - your kind comments make me want to improve things even more.

Anyway, time to cut the crap and on with the show!

Top Stories
Here's a summary of what's been going on in the music world this week (Myspace bands will be dealt with separately)...

There are two "big" stories and a few "fillers"

Brighton boys, The Maccabees have posted a new song from their forthcoming second album online. 'No Kind Words' is available to listen to on their official web now.

Speaking to the enemy (that nme.com crowd), guitarist Hugo White said that the band were keen to gauge fans' reaction to the song, which he said has "dark undertones" compared to the rest of the new album.

"We can't wait to hear what people think of it and see how it goes down on the forums and online," he added.

The track is certainly darker than those offered on the debut album, "Colour It In", although White claims the whole album is not the same. Only time will tell.

Rising star, Morrissey released his latest album "Years Of Refusal" today (Feb 16) and during a promotional interview he quickly quashed any fantiasies of a Smiths reunion, aswell as informing us that he'll probably retire before too long.

The singer told BBC Radio 2 that he couldn't understand why people kept asking if the indie legends would reform, adding that he was happy to focus on his solo career.

"People always ask me about reunions and I can't imagine why," he said. "It baffles me. The past seems like a distant place and I'm pleased with that. I feel very much of now."

The star added: "I just sing the songs that please me and I don't try to please anyone else. I don't ask people what they think about them."

Well, even though he doesn't ask what others think of his songs, I'll be writing a full review as soon as I've heard it enough (hopefully sometime in the next week or two).

Elsewhere, Limp Bizkit have announced that they are reforming with the original band line-up for the first time in eight years and will embark on a world tour in the Spring. Enimem's comeback single, 'Crack A Bottle', has broken the record for opening week download sales in the US, selling 418,000 copies online in its first week and, finally, Amy Winehouse enjoyed her personal version of Friday 13 and was admitted to hospital on the island of St Lucia after running out of a drug replacement she had been using, according to The Sun (so it must be true!). Didn't her mum tell her she should be careful with seafood while on holiday?

Reviews
Lily Allen and Morrissey are the top two releases this week, so I owe you a review on these two. Still playing catch up as well and will try and get a write up of The Rifles and The View posted before we forget they exist!

Myspace Magic
Another frenetic week on Myspace, resulting in a handful of new friends, interviews and news bits.

Liverpool boys, Aspen Grove and Fare Evaders have looked me up and their interviews will be published as soon as I can fit them in (heavy schedule you know!).

Elsewhere, we mustn't forget the Metropolitans' show at the Liverpool O2 Academy on Wednesday - all the best to the lads there. Italy's The Lapsus have announced the release of an E.P. and Americans, Dark Speakers have posted their first myspace track, 'Caught In A Woman's Dress', which will keep all BRMC rockers happy at least. (I like it too!).

Festival Fever
As we come to terms with the first confirmations for this year's SOS 4.8 festival, I've been bold (stupid?) enough to post a poll on the sidebar which lets you decide which the most exciting confirmed act is so far. At the moment, there are 2 votes (at which point I ran out of computers, he, he), but there are still at least 10 days of voting left so, come on, don't make me look like a real loser!

Meanwhile the rumours surrounding the final bands to be confirmed are flying around. The Pet Shop Boys are back on the scene and looking probable, while Blur, Muse, Placebo and Bloc Party have all had a mention. Who would you like to see in action? I'd love Moz to come, but he's in Northern Ireland that weekend, making things a little difficult!

Another festival to announce its acts is the Liverpool Sound City, which will take place from 20-23 May. White Lies, Hot Melts and Little Boots, amongst others will be there. This is another festival aiming to build on last year's successful debut - we shall monitor its development.

Reckon that should do for now. Time for bed!