Bloodbuzzed: Alex Turner

Showing posts with label Alex Turner. Show all posts

Sunday, August 12, 2012

My People's List: Best Albums 1996-2011

Pitchfork is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a participative proposal: a top albums' list, from 1996 to 2011, but made by us. It has been a really really hard & challenging (therefore interesting) thing to do, so here's Bloodbuzzed's contribution. See you all next week (off for holidays until Sunday!!).

1

TOP PICK

High Violet

The National

2

Boxer

The National
3

If You're Feeling Sinister

Belle And Sebastian

4. Trailer Park- Beth Orton
5. The Bright Carvings- Monkey Swallows the Universe
6. The Back Room- Editors
7. Alligator- The National
8. Let England Shake- PJ Harvey
9. You Are Free- Cat Power
10. OK Computer- Radiohead

11. This Has Been the Death Of Us- Saint Judes Infirmary

The Innocence Mission

Check the full list, with all the Pitchfork's visuals/format at http://peopleslist.pitchfork.com/list/372a3a41/

And have your say!!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

The Sexiest Men of Indie

After two depressing, politically charged posts (I'm afraid won't be the last ones), here's a drastic change of topic. As promised on the previous post "The Sexiest Women of Indie", here's the male's list, compiled by my girlfriend, with the same criteria and her unique opinion/taste...

10. Thomas Mars
(Phoenix)

9. Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys)

8. Hamilton Leithauser
(The Walkmen)

7. Nick Valensi (The Strokes)

6. Daniel Kessler (Interpol)

5. Anthony "Caleb" Followill

(Kings of Leon)

4. Joshua Tillman
(Father John Misty)

3. Kristian Matsson
(The Tallest Man on Earth)

2. Tom Smith (Editors)

1. Ryan Gosling
(Death Man's Bones)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

New music videos from Arctic Monkeys, Garbage, Miles Kane, Lambchop and The Shins!

New music videos today, for your viewing and listening pleasure! An in crescendo proposal, in 5 steps until reaching the perfect match of music and images, always in my modest opinion, while we check some of the newest music arrivals.

Step 1. Uninspired song and video
Arctic Monkeys: "R U Mine?"
You all know I like the Monkeys, and that "Suck It and See" was among my favourite records of 2011, but this new tune is quite mediocre, and the clip is, simply, silly. Scared to hear Alex Turner's plans to do next album immediately with this song as the pattern. Please no.

Step 2. So-so song with a nice video
Garbage: "Blood for Poppies"
Ok, Garbage wouldn't really fit in this blog anymore, but I admit I was curious to hear them back after such a long hiatus (remembrance of my teenage years). "Blood for Poppies" is not going to change any music standard or give Shirley Manson and Co. a second chance for assaulting "music stardom", but at least the video is quite suggestive with the homages to classic cinema, Luis Buñuel's references included.

Step 3. Uninspired video for a nice song
Miles Kane: "First of My Kind"
The leading song of the forthcoming EP from Miles Kane, to be released on the Record Store Day is another addictive track on the vein of "Colour of the Trap". The video, with Miles Walking through Paris and London is quite insipid, but this guy knows how to create a cracking chorus and an engaging, straightforward melody.

Step 4. Good video for an amazing song
Lambchop: "2B2"
"Mr. M", the latest Lambchop's effort is fated to be included among the best records of the year (review coming soon on the blog), and "2B2" is one of the most compelling gems you will find on it. The clip for the tune might not be very original, as it is conformed by several moments of their recent (sniff sniff, missed) European tour, but it works as the elegant and warm piece such a beautiful song deserves. Thanks, again, Kurt Wagner.

Step 5. Amazing video and song
The Shins: The Rifle's Spiral
And finally, one of my favourite tunes from The Shins "Port of Morrow", with a visually stunning clip that immerses us, thanks to the imagination of Emmy-winning director Jamie Caliri. Surreal stop-motion animation that is also an obvious homage to Edward Gorey’s illustrations. Superb.

Friday, February 3, 2012

"Colour of the Trap", addictive treaty of retro pop

Colour of the Trap- Miles Kane

I know I'm late reviewing the album, but being honest I didn't really paid attention to Miles Kane until a friend showed me a video past November, after he was announced as the support act of the Arctic Monkeys at their gig in Barcelona. Which is sad, because I was missing a very good one. Not anymore.

Yes, it has been said and stressed every time Miles Kane's name is mentioned. The shadow of his pal Alex Turner is huge (he's credited on six songs of the album as co-writer). But as i cannot really judge to which extent the Arctic Monkeys' leader has been helping, I will focus on the tunes, because there's plenty to choose and enjoy here. Put your best clothes on, practice your best, seductive looks, and prepare yourself to the coolest image of the 60s. We're not reinventing the wheel, but fun is guaranteed.

The album opener is ridiculously addictive. "Come Closer" and "Rearrange" are superb retro indie-pop tunes, easily among the best songs of 2011. Marc Bolan, The Kinks, Paul Weller, "Wooahs" and "ahhs" to inject blood to the biggest stadium (you could learn something Chris Martin), crunching guitars and unstoppable melodies. Certified and deserved hits. And before we discover the "trick", Kane offers a brilliant change of path with the charming "My Fantasy", joined by Noel Gallagher in backing vocals. What a terrific start.

The second trio of songs doesn't start as promising, though. "Counting Down the Days" is an ok tune, but is too "cool" for its own good, or maybe too devoted to The Last Shadow Puppets, lacking a bit of punch. Luckily, "Happenstance" appears immediately to restore the situation and the vibe of "Colour of the Trap" with a sexy, fun, and irresistibly catchy, "low-light" duo between Kane and French actress Clémence Poésy ("Harry Potter", "In Bruges"). "Quicksand" comes next, with its, poppy, playful and carefree vibe. We reach half of the record, and by then we are seriously hooked by "Colour of the Trap".

A furious guitar precedes the controlled storm of "Inhaler", a piece of indie-rock paired with soul-infused backing vocals and a sense of urgency that I can define in just one word: stunning. The review, kind of a treaty on the styles of British indie-pop, adds a a new chapter, the psychedelic, with "Kingcrawler", co-wroted with Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals), where the insidious percussion and the cracking chorus will knock you down. Unfortunately, the record keeps spinning with "Take the Night From Me", a pompous ballad that is completely forgettable and hurts the album as a whole.

The last section of "Colour of the Trap" starts with "Telepathy", another great song, that would fit on a Tarantino movie, fuelled by the appearance of Alex Turner. With "Better Left Invisible" I can't achieve the same level of enthusiasm, having the feeling it doesn't fulfill what promises. And finally, we end the album in a high note with "Colour of the Trap" a wonderful ballad with just one problem: it has Turner's dna written all over. It would fit perfectly on his "Submarine" soundtrack. But anyway, with just a real faux pas and a couple of "fillers", Miles Kane debut as a solo artist can only be praised as an addictive, enjoyable and really inspired album.

SCORE: 7,25/10

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Best Books of (My) Year 2011

After sharing with you my personal 100-list of songs of the year, followed by the best movies, today I bring you the books. The 10 works I read this 2011 that should be a must, in my modest opinion, of course.

10. A People's History of the United States- Howard Zinn
The inclusion of the book on the list is a bit "tricky", because I haven't finished reading it (quite far from it to be honest) but the amount of references, things to look at and further readings that I already have at this point now make this spot totally deserved. A much needed, exhaustive, ridiculously interesting and absorbing work.
9. Dog Soldiers- Robert Stone
My first approach to Robert Stone was an hallucinogenic trip to hell where pitch, rhythm and storytelling are three machine-guns firing their ammunition relentlessly in a plot that flows smoothly. But if you scratch the powerful surface, you will find a much sombre and hard look, flooded by sarcasm and absurd, of the 70s and America, a time where the country lost its innocence and its head.
8. Submarine- Joe Dunthorne
Loved the film and Alex Turner's beautiful soundtrack, so I had to get my hands on the book. Recently finished, "Submarine" is as special as the film, but at the same time quite different, darker than Richard Ayoade's movie and more extreme. First the director, then the musician, and now Joe Dunthorne, the writer: three genius for a great story.
7. Sukkwan Island- David Vann
If there were a competition for "disturbing book of the year" my vote will go for "Sukkwan Island" without a doubt. Tense, fierce and brutal, when the personal, introspective drama becomes physical, this book transforms itself into a beast that attracts you irredeemably.
6. Roscoe- William Kennedy
Welcome to Albany, a dense universe where power means everything. The corrupted political network William Kennedy shows with detail hides a deep, engaging tale of human obsessions and addictions, condensed in that sort of "Citizen Kane" Roscoe, the main character, is.
5. Wilson- Daniel Clowes Bitterness and nastiness condensed in the most stinging, perverse character Daniel Clowes ever created. An outsider, a loner who is a real sociopath and hates everything (including himself) in a demented quest for human interaction. "Wilson" mixes multiple approach aesthetics, different types of drawing, with razorblade-sharp dialogues and a deep analysis of the life of someone pathetic. Bold statement.
4. Counterculture Through the Ages- Ken Goffman and Dan Joy
And more outsiders, this time with a non-fiction book that attempts to gather and document social change through history, through the individuals and collectives of the so-called counterculture, that fought and rebelled against the majority of society, trying to leave a mark with their different path. Rich, enlightening and fun.
3. Chump Change- Dan Fante
Dan Fante's homage to the great and damned writer John Fante, his father, couldn't be more strikingly beautiful. Despite its rawness and self-destruction, "Chump Change" is a gut-wrenching tale of redemption, and the trip of a son finally able to say goodbye to his father. Superb.
2. Honor Thy Father- Gay Talese
But 2011, in what regards to readings, is the year of Gay Talese, the extraordinary revelation, for me, of a masterful writer. First, thanks to this incredible job of reporting, an intimate dissection of the Bonanno family, the world of the Mafia and the United States, and the personal and very human story of Bill Bonanno. "Honor Thy Father" is an unparalleled work.
1. The Gay Talese Reader. Portraits and Encounters- Gay Talese
And second, and topping the list, thanks to this compilation of some of his best articles, an outstanding collection of little (only in their format) pieces of art. A lesson for journalists, for writers and for everyone who loves human stories.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Best Songs of the Year 2011: 25-1

And finally, we reach the end of this countdown among the best songs of the year with the 25 best tunes of 2011, always in my modest opinion, of course. Hope you have enjoyed the music ride!

25. Lose It- Austra

24. Alien Girl- The Very Most

23. Go Outside- Cults

22. Cruel- St.Vincent

21. Impressions from a City Morning- Brown Recluse

20. Heaven's Gonna Happen Now- The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

19. The Bad in Each Other- Feist

18. Bedouin Dress- Fleet Foxes

17. Jesus Came to My Birthday Party- The Middle East

16. That’s Where You’re Wrong- Arctic Monkeys
15. Fast Fast- Let’s Buy Happiness
14. I Hate You But I Love You- Russian Red

13. Hiding Tonight- Alex Turner
12. Überlin- R.E.M.
11. Margot- Nat Johnson and The Figureheads

10. Knots- Lisa Hannigan
9. Port of a Call- Beirut

8. Exile Vilify- The National
7. Suck It and See- Arctic Monkeys
6. Come On Over- Veronica Falls
5. Calamity Song- The Decemberists
4. The Words that Maketh Murder- PJ Harvey
3. Lippy Kids- Elbow
2. Reckless Serenade- Arctic Monkeys

1. It Happened Today- R.E.M.

Check the rest of the 100 songs here:
First part: 100-76
Second part: 75-51
Third part: 50-26

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Arctic Monkeys Top Ten songs (and a best-of playlist)

A quick one today. NME gave its latest magazine cover to Arctic Monkeys, so they decided to rank up their top ten songs. As I don't agree with many of their choices, and to celebrate we've recently got the tickets for their forthcoming gig in Barcelona, here's mine. Plus a more elaborated personal best-of playlist with 21 tunes (expect a lot of "Suck It and See", of course), more or less what I would love to hear at Palau Sant Jordi this January. Enjoy!

My top ten
10. Do Me a Favour
9. That's Where You're Wrong
8. From the Ritz to the Rubble
7. Crying Lightning
6. Mardy Bum
5. Fluorescent Adolescent
4. When the Sun Goes Down
3. Suck it and See
2. Reckless Serenade
1. A Certain Romance

Monday, September 12, 2011

"Submarine", superb indie dramedy about growing up

Submarine

I knew about "Submarine" thanks to Alex Turner's, Arctic Monkeys leader, soundtrack, a mini-LP that should be highlighted among the most exquisite small collection of tunes we have heard so far this year. Then I knew that behind this praised film it was Richard Ayoade, mastermind of "The IT Crowd", a very smart and funny TV show that is on my agenda of "have-to-see immediately". So expectations were pretty high.

"Submarine" has the word "indie" written all over. That means it won't be an easy digestion for some. The ones allergic to the Wes Anderson and Spike Jonze's cinema, or going to the classics, the Nouvelle Vague, should think it twice before watching it. Otherwise, be prepared to enjoy the film.

Because Ayoade's debut is a solid and stylish movie, that behind its artistic intentions wants to tell us a pretty simple and universally recognisable story: the coming-of-age of 15-year-old Oliver Tate, a character to be remembered. Teenage anxiety, social pressures, love, family turning points, an unparalleled imagination and the passion-frustration and indulgent self-reference of that age brilliantly encapsulated, with fun and grace, but also with heart and soul, in a bit more than 90 minutes. Note to self: must check the novel in which the film is based, written by Joe Dunthorne.

I'm amazed by Ayoade's ability, to me his biggest triumph, of creating such an attractive film visually that at the same time doesn't have a single second that feels redundant. All the quirkiness, imagery (such and appealing and peculiar Wales is portrayed), even Alex Turner's songs, are there for a reason. They are there because of Oliver. They complement his unique personality. And they serve the purpose of "Submarine": capturing the essence, joyful and painful, confusing and engaging, of growing up.

Oliver's is such a complex and rich character that Craig Roberts's performance can't be praised enough. He is the master pillar upon where "Submarine" is built. And is not alone. Yasmin Page as his girlfriend Jordana, mysterious, mischievous but heartbreakingly fragile, or Oliver's frustrated parents, played by Sally Hawkins and Noah Taylor (superb in his off-beat, artificial shell he built for himself) are equally outstanding. In their shoulders, the comedy and tragedy of the story flows naturally and recreates a life that we, through the eyes of "our" Oliver, might find surreal or awkward, but is 100% recognisable.

A unique film, with a very personal language and sensibility. Admittedly, it might turn some down, which is a shame, because "Submarine" is the excellent start of a promising filmmaking career.

SCORE: 7,75/10

Sunday, June 26, 2011

"Suck It and See", the summery side of Arctic Monkeys

Suck It and See- Arctic Monkeys

Since 2006 the Monkeys have been faithful to what now seems like a prophecy, their first album title, "Whatever People Sat I Am, That's What I'm Not". Typecasting the Brits under one category of indie style is a lost battle, and every new record is a surprising new side of the band. This time, one that could be called "summery". A side that fits them very well.

The first songs we heard from the record seemed to play cluelessness with us, on a first approach. The stoner rock of "Don't Sit Down Cause I've Moved Your Chair" and the more playful, "vintage" sounding "Brick by Brick" were a bit dissapointing, recalling their previous album "Humbug" on a pretty derivative way. Together with the poor album artwork, have to say lowered the expectations on their new effort. But judging the Arctic Monkeys in advance has proven wrong again.

Because these two and "Libray Pictures", recalling early, stampede mode, Monkeys, are the exceptions on "Suck It and See", which is a warm and mellow, sometimes with a stripped down feeling, album. One could easily point out that it has a lot to do with Alex Turner's solo adventure on the "Submarine" soundtrack. As a matter of fact, in a full band version, it also includes the gorgeous “Piledriver Waltz” from that collaboration. But Turner and Co. go way further in here. With excellent results.

Is their poppier record without a doubt. But a refined and classy one, where instruments sound cohesive instead of edgier, the Monkeys trademark in the form of sharp riffs and jagged drumming during 5 years. The album opener “She’s Thunderstorms” might be the perfect example. There's a sense the song could stop any second before exploding into a frantic guitar assault, but they let the melody soar with grace, in the same vein of the wonderful "Black Treacle".

There's plenty more on the album. “Reckless Serenade” is pure pop perfection, a strong contender to be on the best-of the year lists. The "Hellcat Spangled Shalalala", and "Suck It and See" and "That's Where You're Wrong" (yes, a bit Stone Roses), are pop gems, disarmingly catchy as well. And "Love is a Laserquest", second ballad of the record, is lovely, reaffirming that one of the best improvements of the Monkeys is that Turner, always a great lyricist, has become a very good singer. The straightforward storyteller is now a meditative, ironic, romantic sometimes, crooner. He's definitely among the most interesting frontman of indie. And together with his band, seems they could retain that position for a long time.

Give it a try, they invite you in the album title, "Suck It and See", in their unique, straight and tongue-in-cheek way. I really encourage you to do so. Looking forward to see them live, in a few weeks at FIB Festival!

SCORE: 7,75/10

Saturday, May 14, 2011

"Reckless Serenade", good news from Arctic Monkeys

Today I have had the chance of listening the third song unveiled so far from "Suck it and See", the forthcoming album from the Arctic Monkeys, to be released on June 6th. And finally, after a horrible title, a pathetic artwork for the record (on the next Please No More Awful Covers post it will have a well deserved spot, for sure) and two so-so songs (in my opinion, of course), we have a reason to be excited about the new collection of tunes from Alex Turner and co. "Reckless Serenade" is great. Hope the record has plenty of this. Looking forward to hear this one live along with so many other classics at FIB Festival this summer.

Here it is

Arctic Monkeys- Reckless Serenade

And the previous songs, so you can make your own judgements. Enjoy!

Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair

Brick By Brick

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) goes to the movies

While not very impressed by "Brick by Brick", the first song from the forthcoming "Suck it and See", the 4th album of the Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner's music has been the soundtrack of the day. "Submarine EP" is a new proposal from the leader of the Monkeys, and his first attempt as a soundtrack composer. The music of the EP will be part of "Submarine", the filmmaking debut of Richard Ayoade, surely better known as Moss in the hilarious British sitcom "The IT Crowd" (don't miss it if you can). A very "laid back" affair, the five songs and a small intro shows another side of Alex Turner, using just an acoustic guitar and a piano. And the result is subtle yet charming.

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