Song Of The Week: My Brightest Diamond, Be Brave

If you remember my post on Asthmatic Kitty Records, you'll remember that it's not a run-of-the-mill indie label. And My Brightest Diamond aren't a run-of-the-mill indie band, not by any stretch of the imagination. Be Brave is a twisted track. Primal rhythm, glossy electronic highlights, an unsettling orchestra and Shara Worden's beautiful, beautiful voice. This is not "average" music. This is not an "average" track. This is one of those tracks you find every now and then that knocks you off your feet.

8/10


Mollx


P.S. Stay tuned, there's an exciting review coming up soon!

Label Day: Young God Records

Usually, if I'm not impressed by a label's website, I just won't bother with it (oh come on. I can't be doing with hard to navigate websites at quarter to eleven! ) but today I'm making an exception.

Larkin Grimm. Brilliant name, isn't it? Her music's good too. Here's Ride That Cyclone. (free download!!!)

Whoa. I mean, whoa. There's a little Nick Cave in there, a little blues, a little rock, and a helluva lotta awesome. Wooden Wand, Ms Mowse

Unless you've been under a rock for the past...what, two, three years is it now? Jeez...you'll have heard of Marcus Mumford and his Sons (who aren't actually his sons, but that's another matter). If that slightly commercial folkpop leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, give this a go instead. Fire On Fire, Hartford Blues (free download again!!!)

Mollx

Label Day: Rob's House Records

First off, I wanted to say I'm really sorry for all my absences of late - I've got exams at the end of the month, so I've been under a fair bit of pressure and consequently I've been too tired to think of a theme or write up a review. Y'all really awesome for reading my blog, and I've been feeling guilty about never posting. Forgive me, please? ;) I thought I'd compromise and try and do Label Day and at least one review a week. I might be erratic with the posting, but I think two a week is pretty manageable, don't you?

All girl band, singing drummer, bassist with a really cute jumper, and a touch of both Warpaint and Bikini Kill. A band made in some kind of heaven, don'tcha know. The Coathangers, Toomerhead

You'll have noticed, I'm sure, a slant toward the...quirky side of punk on this here site. Well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Cola Freaks, Mig Mig Mig

How about this as a last song of the day? All Night Drug Prowling Wolves, Maybe Tomorrow.

Mollx

Nirvana Week: Favouritism

I've been avoiding it all week, but here they are, my top three songs from Nevermind:

Come As You Are

Polly

Something In The Way

Mollx

REM

I just had to mention this really sad news - REM have split up, after 31 years and 15 albums. I know 31 years is a long time to be doing something, but that doesn't really make it any less devastating.

My favourite
An extremely close second
And a very predictable third

Please, add your own in the comments.

Mollx

Nirvana Week: Peer Pressure

Pretty close to the influences post I suppose, but I can kind of get away with mentioning Kathleen Hanna again so what the hell.

Whenever I have to explain who The Melvins are, I always say that Kurt Cobain was basically their annoying little-kid hanger-on. I can know add that they're bloody awesome. The Melvins, Lizzy

And Nirvana toured with these guys in the very early Sub-Pop days (see if you can spot Krist) Tad, Dementia

NOW WHY DO I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS???? I mean, seriously. I thought I'd listened to all of Kathleen Hanna's projects, but no. Julie Ruin, Apt #5

Mollx

Nirvana Week: Poppier Than You'd Think, Really.

It's influences time! Courtesy of MOJO magazine and Wikipedia. (well, I can't exactly interview the band themselves, can I?)

I'm starting with Shonen Knife, and Hot Chocolate. As the man himself said: "When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert." 


Nirvana covered this song, so if it's not an influence, I'll eat my hat. Fang, The Money Will Roll Right In


KC (although here with no Sunshine Band...yes I know it's an awful, awful joke. But you smiled, didn't you? No?) said they were his favourite songwriters so it's only fair that I fit in the Vaselines, with The Day I Was A Horse

Mollx