Label Day: Absolutely Kosher

Todays label is the San Fran/Berkeley label Absolutely Kosher.

We start with a very laid back bleepy song that reminds me of a slightly better Comm. Venus with the volume right down. The Wrens, Happy

What's that you say? Moll, we want more indie guitar pop on this blog? Well, don't'cha know I've got the perfect song! Get Him Eat Him, Utility

Sorry. The bass line sold me. Simple but great. And those chirpy guitars again. Life Without Buildings, Love Trinity

Mollx

(Live) Music Monday

I'm putting this up, not because it's a brilliant live version, but because the drummer is wearing a Black Flag T-shirt. Wolf Parade, I'll Believe In Anything

I can't believe this. It's taken me so flippin' long to look up this band! WHY????? Hole, Dying

Was there any chance that I wasn't going to put up an ACL video? Lemme think. Err...nope.

Regina Spektor, That Time

See the previous introduction, only replace "ACL" with "Later...". Yeasayer, 2080

Mollx

Sound Of The Underground

I'm so glad I get to mention this song! I'm literally bouncing in my seat - I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.

DIY pop-punk from Japan - Shonen Knife, Twist Barbie. There's also this song that I just discovered - their cover of Ramones' I Wanna Be Sedated. Spectaculiar.

Oh.......now then. Jangle-pop! Anyone who knows me reasonably well knows I'm a sucker for jangle pop - R.E.M, The Smiths, Sordid Humor...so it's no surprise this is making me drool. The Field Mice, Clearer

This is interesting. Gothic folky post-punk. I think I like it. No, scratch that. I definitely like it. The Dancing Did, Wolves of Worcestershire

I like find Welsh bands. It makes me feel right patriotic, even though I'm technically not Welsh. Jarcrew, Paris & The New Math

AH! Riot grrl, apparently. I Like It. There's nothing like lo-fi punk. Huggy Bear, Pansy Twist

I actually really like this, even though it's basking in its own obtuseness/pretentiousness. 90 Day Men, Dialled In

Back to the Riot Grrl...it was never going to be away for long. Drony but oddly brilliant. Frightwig, I Got Lost

White trash boy/girl punk rock. Niiiiiiiiice. Royal Trux, Let's Get Lost

Mollx

Song Of The Week

Today's SOTW is basically the song that founded punk.

Kinda.

Probably not, actually. But it does have the best first line of any song ever.

EVER, you hear me?

Patti Smith, Gloria

AOTS is Elliott Smith's New Moon (again)

Mollx

P.S. Check this out.

Tilt - The Full Album, This Time!

Well, having teased you yesterday with three of the songs, I now find my self able to review the full album!

The album opens with Wide Awake, rather an upbeat retrospective song hinting that the record is a rebirth of sorts. Sunshine follows on, a song true to its title but with a hint of darkness that comes closer to the fore on The Bend, a Saturday afternoon song that would fit in well alongside Jason Mraz or Harper Simon. However, from the first twangs of Death Ain't Sex it's obvious change is afoot. The tone shifts from country pop to Nashville-flavoured rock (fitting, as he's a Nashville resident.) Swallow The Sun, the album's rocky-iest song, is the highlight both musically and lyrically. Powerful drumming drives it forward and it becomes semi-anthemic - the kind of song that would sound spectacular live. Paper Doll cools the atmosphere a touch, allowing Godless to really make itself known. It follows up on Swallow The Sun's widescreen promises - again another highlight. Album closer The Hunter relieves the tension, almost slipping into pop again without letting go of the rock element that Stewart seems to be altogether more comfortable in.

See here for how to get it.

Mollx

Brett Ryan Stewart (3 Songs from the album Tilt)

The kind of place his music inhabits is that which is favoured by the John Rzezniks of this world - slick, commercially appealing pop-rock. The three tracks I've heard do what they do very well - they take something universal and say it with radio-ready grace. The instrumentation on all three is strong (although, given his strong voice, may've sounded better slightly more minimal as on Choking On Menthol, a pre-Tilt demo). Home - the lead single - is, as you would expect, the shiniest of the three, but also the least interesting. Monsters is a better song - it has more texture but retains the southern-influenced pop aesthetic that Home hints at. Bring Your Love Back Home is also very strong, more percussion-heavy than the previous two, adding a satisfying weight to what is a very laid-back, gentle song.

Tilt is released on the 28th of February although there are some songs of his on YouTube right now, including the single Home.

Mollx

Well, damn.

I sit here, extremely tempted to spin round on this spinny-office-chair-thing and not think about what to point you in the general direction of this week.

For the simple reason that I've gone totally blank.

I don't even have a SOTW yet.

Damn.

Here, here, and here. No link, nothing.

A: I love this AOL session. It's rock music, pure and simple - not that brash, but raw and spellbinding if you can get past the fact that he needs to brush his hair.

B: Another song I picked up on via 6 music. Indie/pop sweetness but not too sugary. (damning it with faint praise there Moll...no, really, it's very good.)

C: I think he's one of these people you either love or hate. I happen to be of the former camp, but then I've always been contrary. I'm just going to hit replay and spin round with a big smile on my face.

Mollxx

(Phew. Day saved. I'm here all week, folks.)

Charity Shops Vs. Record Shops Vs That Chain

Today's haul, from the local charity shop

The Cure, Mixed Up

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Murder Ballads

The Velvet Underground & Nico

Happiness Rating (one - Xmas): Remembrance Sunday. Total Cost, £2

Saturday's haul, part A. From The Funky Junk, secondhand record shop in Llandudno. Well worth a visit, it has LPs, CDs and Video Games among other things.

Pulp, Different Class

Buzzcocks, Singles - Going Steady

Ryan Adams, Love is Hell

Arctic Monkeys, Whatever People Say I Am...

Happiness Rating: Halloween. Total Cost, £12

Saturday's haul B, from Llandudno HMV.

Chapel Club, Palace

Bright Eyes, The People's Key

The Drums.

Happiness Rating: Day-before-Halloween (saved from being Easter by the Bright Eyes album). Total Cost, £26

From that, it would seem that the charity shop is the best place to get one's albums, although they don't often have the range of dedicated record shops. HMV? Only good for when you want a reasonably mainstream/chart album that's relatively new. Basically, if you want something specific, go online and save y'self some monies.

Mollx

Label Day: Chess Records

A short departure from my usual stuff today, with the blues/gospel/rock'n'roll label Chess, now defunct although the catalogue is owned by Universal and managed by Geffen.

One of THE best (and catchiest) riffs ever *da-da-da da da, da-da-da da da* Muddy Waters, Mannish Boy

You can't play guitar and not love this song (somewhat like Hey Joe in that respect. Damn these brilliant guitarists, ruining it for us amateurs) Chuck Berry, Johnny B. Goode

Unlike the previous two, the only version of this I 'knew' before I looked it up was the Stones version. Howlin' Wolf, Little Red Rooster

Moll

(Rainy) Music Monday

It's pretty damn wet today, so fittingly...

The Jesus and Mary Chain, Happy When It Rains

Credence Clearwater Revival, Have You Ever Seen The Rain

Travis, Why Does It Always Rain On Me?

Moll

Song Of The Week

I was out all day yesterday so here's the belated SOTW.

A sneaky little beast of a song, Chapel Club - Surfacing

AOTS: simple surf-pop, The Drums' self-titled.

What Is The Link?

Alt-country-rock at its finest. Ryan Adams, Cobwebs

If you like Patti Smith and/or Dolores O'Riordan, you should like this. PJ Harvey, Good Fortune

I don't really think this needs an intro (even though I just gave it one.) The Velvet Underground, I'm Waiting for the Man

And the link? Answers on a postcard please!

Mollx

P.S. They all mention NYC.

Hexed Hands

I got an email from this band today (yey! interesting mail for once!) with a link to their demos on soundcloud. They're a electro-rock trio from North-West England, and having just listened to 6 tracks, they're pretty damn good. They've got a very laid-back sound with an absorbing darker edge.

Pleased To Meet You stands out as possibly the most instantaneous track, however Painless Distraction with its great bass line, creeps up on you - not a song to be underestimated. The Dogs sounds like a song that would fit easily into the 6 Music playlist (a good thing). It's a great alternative rock song. One Of Us sounds like it could be its follow-up; different and again slick, but obviously the same band. 1984 and Shot Down betray a more dance element, irresistible and extremely enjoyable.

Overall, a very strong collection of dance-rock songs from a very promising band.

Mollx

Clear The Vicinity! Rock-Out In Progress!

\m/

Smooooooooooke on the waaaaaaaaaaaaater, fire in the SKY One of the best riffs ever, for realz, guys.

This song IS AWESOME! Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, I Love Rock'n'Roll

It is against the law not to sing along with the next two songs:

Undertones, Teenage Kicks

Buzzcocks, Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)

andI'mreallysorrybutIhadtoputthisin....Dive, dive dive, dive with meeeeee!

Mollxx

Label Day: K Records

Run by Calvin Johnson; fiercely independent; a large roster of artists; based in Olympia; A damn cute logo.

L.A.K.E, Heaven

Kimya Dawson, Lullaby for the Taken. The recording quality isn't great, but she's an artist worth checking out.

Old Time Relijun, Wolves and Wolverines. Ok. Now I want to run away screaming. That said, it's rather enjoyable.

Mollx

Just to add...

I can't find an audio for this, but it fits the twisted love song aesthetic.

"Your baby doesn't love you any more

And I your friend have also reconsidered
I made her feel far more
Hey what are friends for
If you need to see either of us
Call this unlisted number
If you need to see either of us
Call first

Starvation is not the way to kick
Besides you could never make that diet stick
So go paint the town red
And find yourself a sterile bed
But please just don't surprise us
And if you find you need a friend
You can reach us anytime at all
By telephone."

Simon Joyner, The Shortest Distance Between Two Points is a Straight Line.

(Valentine's Day) Music Monday

It's Valentine's Day! No, don't worry, I ain't gonna go all soppy on you. I'm all about the bitter, twisted love song.

We start with this. Don't listen to this right before going to bed. Marilyn Manson, I Put A Spell On You

I was surprised to hear that this song was ever regarded as 'romantic'. No prizes for guessing which R.E.M. song this is.

A bit early, but who cares. THE best Christmas song ever, and a twisted love story to boot. The Pogues & Kirsty McColl, Fairytale of New York

When I bleached my hair the other month, I came out looking like Johnny Rotten. However, I'd rather have that bleached-gingery colour than the colour I had before it that was likened to Cheryl Cole. Public Image Ltd, This Is Not A Love Song

Not all that twisted, and it is a little soppy, but it's a nice song. Iron and Wine, Belated Promise Ring

And a real love song to finish. I'm slipping it in here mostly because Monsieur Ramone (all of 'em) has one of those voices that gives even this a slightly acidic hint. The Ramones, Baby I Love You

Mollx

Subliminal Selling Sunday

Is it Sunday already? Damn.

All three from iPod Nano Ads:

Feist, 1234.

Orba Squara, Perfect Timing (This Morning)

I'm not so keen on the song, but it's worth listening to just for the video. Hell, maybe the song'll grow on me. CAKE, Short Skirt/Long Jacket

From the Amazon Kindle Ad: Bibio, Lover's Carvings. It doesn't sound like it at first, but it is this song, trust me.

And on request, from the Kelloggs Ad: Primal Scream, Movin' On Up

Mollx

Song Of The Week

Catchy punk-power-pop heaven this week. I first heard this on BBC 6 music, fell in love with it, and then found it on one of Mum's compilation albums which saved me some 79 pence. The Only Ones - Another Girl, Another Planet

AOTS this week is The Extra Glenns (or the Extra Lens as they now are), Martial Arts Weekend (from 2002, which I was surprised to learn. I thought it was from '97 ish for some reason). Very good so far. Check out 'All Rooms Cable A/C Free Coffee'. Free Coffee? I'm in.

Moll

THE LIST, Part Uno

Well, I have this list. It is a list of musically inclined folks that I am not familiar with and I've been putting off investigating these people for FAR TOO LONG.

That is, until now!

I like this band. I don't know why. My inner music critic hates it, but then...oh, to hell with it, it's noisy, it's distorted, it's feminist, I love it. Bikini Kill, Rebel Girl

Quirky, wacky, irrepressible pop. The Flaming Lips, The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song

I really like this. Think The Velvet Underground and The Pretenders. Violent Femmes, All I Want

Matt Everett interviewed Evan Dando a while back, warning beforehand that Evan wasn't exactly the easiest interviewee to follow. Ironically, he made a helluva lot more sense than Matt! The Lemonheads, Confetti

Damn internet. Keeps giving out. Anyway, after listening to this song in 5 second bits, I like it. A Britpop band I don't know at all well, Elastica - Stutter. Oh, what delicious irony.

That's that for tonight, but don't fret - there are still 24 bands on my list ready for looking up! What fun.

Moll

Six Degrees of Separation - J Mascis to Six By Seven

Taking inspiration both from Radcliffe and Maconie's 'The Chain' (on BBC Radio 2) and Lauren Laverne's Dinosaur to Jr (on BBC 6 music), my version. Better name suggestions welcome!

J Mascis, Is it Done. I didn't realise until after I typed it that J Mascis is in Dinosaur Jr. Coincidences - gotta love 'em.

J Mascis featured on the album 'Stay Positive' by The Hold Steady. Here is the title track.

The last song featured on the TV program 'Friday Night Lights', along with this. White Rabbits, Percussion Gun

White Rabbits toured with Kaiser Chiefs...Every Day I Love You Less And Less

Kaiser Chiefs used to be called Parva - Parva, Good Bad Right Wrong

Parva used to be signed to Mantra Recordings, and these guys were their labelmates - Six by Seven, Candlelight

Mollx

Déjà Vue Day!

It's back! In honour of my parents wedding anniversary today, the year is 1988!

We start with the *very* influential alternative rock band Pixies, with Where is My Mind?

It's sneaky, this song. I didn't like it at first, and I still put it on replay. Another semi-underground-post-punky band, The Sugarcubes (yes, that is Bjork) with Birthday

I had to put this in. I KNOW it's mainstream, but I love this song. Tracy Chapman, Fast Car

This reminds me of that song by Crash Test Dummies - you know the one - in good way, though. Camper Van Beethoven (later to feature David Immergluck of Counting Crows. I think I've spelt his name right.) O Death

Lastly, a static-y, messy, oddly melodic song from My Bloody Valentine. You Never Should

Mollx

Label Day: Matador Records

I know a couple of versions of this song. This one is beautiful. Cat Power, Wonderwall.

Agh! Shame on me! Shame on me! A prolific, influential indie band...and I'd never heard a single song by them. Pavement, Trigger Cut

Ah, this is uplifting. The Lucksmiths, T-shirt Weather

Mollx

(Middle Of The Night) Music Monday

I would have written this at twenty-past-one this morning (hence the title), but for the fact I couldn't think straight enough to type. Anyway, very unimaginatively, some 'Night' songs!

Dark, feedback filled, and definitely not the kind of thing you want to listen to on the way home alone in the dark! Melvins, Night Goat

Robert Smith certainly rocks the bedhead/bush hairstyle, doesn't he? I don't listen to this band nearly as much as I should. The Cure, A Night Like This

Again, I don't listen to this guy as much as I should. Nice soft stuff for drifting off to. *deep breath* Sufjan Stevens, They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh!. Luckily, one of the shortest titles on Illinoise.

Moll

Soundtrack Sunday

You may have noticed my adoration of alliteration. I also love films, not that I have a good memory for them!

I think the creators of Juno got inspiration for said quirky lass from me. Apart from the whole teenage pregnancy thing. From the Juno soundtrack - Antsy Pants, Vampire. If that song doesn't make your foot start tapping, you need to turn the sound on.

I love this film. I think I'll dress as Sally next Halloween. Danny Elfman, What's This?

Geeky comedy gold - Napoleon Dynamite! Sadly no longer together - The White Stripes, We're Going To Be Friends

Mollx

Song Of The Week

I have two songs of the week today! Oh, I am spoiling you. Aren't I? Whaddya mean, no?

First. I felt sick when I first heard this, and it's the most immediate of the songs from the album, A Collection of Songs Written and Recorded 1995-1997. It's pretty good when you realise it was recorded on a 4-track in his basement when he was about 16. Bright Eyes, Falling Out Of Love At This Volume.

Second. I wasn't sure about this band at first, but the amazing bass lines pretty much sold it. Joy Division, Disorder.

Album of the Second: Basically a rarities collection released after his suicide. As such, it's pretty poignant - Elliott Smith, New Moon.

Mollx

Following On Nicely...Foreign Friday!

Sweden gets a lot of ridicule musically. There's ABBA. (Don't go there...) Then there are the Hives. Think along the lines of Song 2 by Blur. Loud, relentless, wonderfully yellable pop-rock. And they have matching suits. The Hives, Two Timing Touch and Broken Bones

South Africa! Previously Saron Gas, the metal band Seether, with Fine Again.

I was switched on to this band by my friend Heather, and let it be known all over the internet that she has mighty fine taste in music. This is kind of drifty, dream-scape-y niceness. A kind of musical meringue, if you will. The Icelandic Jonsi, Go Do

Mollx

Blame It On the Jetlag.

I forgot Thursday! Arrgh!

Achem. I didn't forget. No. I was confuzzled from my super-fast one-day world tour, as backed up by the following witnesses:

Georgia Georgia, Elliott Smith

Laying Low in Eli, Nevada, David Dondero

Hollywood, The Cranberries

We'll Always Have Paris, Commander Venus

Mollx

NME Recommends...

I'm very picky when it comes to music magazines. I don't like Uncut or MOJO. Rock Sound was ok. But the one magazine I really do like is NME. So, some bands/people I heard of via NME.

Great new alternative music that sounds like it should have come out in 2004. Frankie and the Heartstrings, Hunger.

I *think* this guy was in the Super Furries. Not sure. It's kind of dreamy-trippy-pop. Oh, and for those non-Welsh folk out there, it's said Grif. Gruff Rhys, Shark Ridden Waters

My Mum thinks James Allan looks like Joe Strummer. It's worth bearing in mind she likes Joe Strummer. I hope their music lives up to it. Glasvegas, Daddy's Gone

Not creepy in the slightest. Like a driftier, synthier Warpaint. Esben and the Witch, Warpath.

Just something to lighten the mood. Very nicely done pop-rock. The Wombats, Let's Dance to Joy Division (do you think they're stoned?)

Mollx

Label Day: 4AD

"4AD is a British independent record label that was started in 1979 by Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent, funded by Beggars Banquet Records, and is still active today. It now forms part of the Beggars Group, along with Matador Records, Rough Trade Records and XL Recordings."

Thanks for that, Wikipedia. There you have it, today's label. And my selections?

Red House Painters - Katy Song

Iron and Wine - Belated Promise Ring

Stornoway - I Saw You Blink

Mollx