We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius...
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
End of summer with The Very Most
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
"X-Men: First Class", mutants go pop
X-Men: First Class
Although not a die-hard fan, I remember myself reading several superhero comics. Among them, of course, the X-Men. So despite the excessive and generally mediocre (with very few exceptions) amount of superhero movies Hollywood is offering us lately, I had some interest in seeing the latest X-Men, specially because the film was raised as a reboot/prequel, explaining the origin of Marvel's most famous group.
To start the review, I admit I enjoyed the film quite a lot. "X-Men: First Class" is entertaining, carefree, with rhythm and a pop, 60's-70's aesthetic. It is not a masterpiece, far from it, but that is not the intention of his director, Matthew Vaughn. It doesn't pretend to be the definitive superhero movie. Just an engaging and fun film to watch.
But saying that I'm also pointing out there are several underachievements. Not taking a film very seriously can be refreshing in one hand, but also impedes to go further than the mere entertainment. "First Class" doesn't develops all its potential. Something to regret considering the possibilities.
Main example is the relation between Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, soon to become Professor X and Magneto, that had a lot to offer. Thanks to the great acting of James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, who revitalise with remarkable assurance their well-known and difficult roles, they become the main pillars of the movie. Their scenes together are the stand-outs of "First Class". Unfortunately, their friendship and differences are wildly mutilated, so we don't really see their evolution together. Although is something partially understandable in order to give rhythm to the film, these excessive cutting feeling is permanent during the film. Director's Matthew Vaughn wants to give a concrete flow and style, but he sacrifices the storytelling.
So, while at least we can say Professor X and Magneto are able to survive in the editing process, the supporting cast has been stripped down to just a couple of scenes to show their superpower or to look cool. The supervillain Mr.Schmidt, played by Kevin Bacon, has a monster plan with an interesting nazi parallelism... that we have to guess, because without knowing his motivations, on screen looks a bit ridiculous (a nuclear holocaust would also destroy his dreamed mutant-ruled world). Is even gross with the feminine characters, like Emma Frost (January Jones) or Angel, that seems to be there just for the sake of showing someone "hot". Or Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), whose "moral evolution" is absolutely unbelievable.
The same complaint is valid regarding the world threat the mutants face. The mixture with real, historical facts about the nuclear terror, is funny on a first approach, and makes the mutant look like secret agents or very special spies (the "Bond vibe" some critics highlight is true) but is arbitrarily done and turns into some ridiculous action scenes, brilliantly done and entertaining to watch, but silly if you think about it. The timeline and continuity of the film is seriously weak.
I'm unsure an extended cut of "X-Men: First Class" would solve the problem, because I have the feeling the director did this "highlights collection" film absolutely on purpose, so probably its better to accept what this movie is. Just a well done, pleasant entertainment.
SCORE: 6/10
Although not a die-hard fan, I remember myself reading several superhero comics. Among them, of course, the X-Men. So despite the excessive and generally mediocre (with very few exceptions) amount of superhero movies Hollywood is offering us lately, I had some interest in seeing the latest X-Men, specially because the film was raised as a reboot/prequel, explaining the origin of Marvel's most famous group. To start the review, I admit I enjoyed the film quite a lot. "X-Men: First Class" is entertaining, carefree, with rhythm and a pop, 60's-70's aesthetic. It is not a masterpiece, far from it, but that is not the intention of his director, Matthew Vaughn. It doesn't pretend to be the definitive superhero movie. Just an engaging and fun film to watch.
But saying that I'm also pointing out there are several underachievements. Not taking a film very seriously can be refreshing in one hand, but also impedes to go further than the mere entertainment. "First Class" doesn't develops all its potential. Something to regret considering the possibilities.
Main example is the relation between Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, soon to become Professor X and Magneto, that had a lot to offer. Thanks to the great acting of James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, who revitalise with remarkable assurance their well-known and difficult roles, they become the main pillars of the movie. Their scenes together are the stand-outs of "First Class". Unfortunately, their friendship and differences are wildly mutilated, so we don't really see their evolution together. Although is something partially understandable in order to give rhythm to the film, these excessive cutting feeling is permanent during the film. Director's Matthew Vaughn wants to give a concrete flow and style, but he sacrifices the storytelling.
So, while at least we can say Professor X and Magneto are able to survive in the editing process, the supporting cast has been stripped down to just a couple of scenes to show their superpower or to look cool. The supervillain Mr.Schmidt, played by Kevin Bacon, has a monster plan with an interesting nazi parallelism... that we have to guess, because without knowing his motivations, on screen looks a bit ridiculous (a nuclear holocaust would also destroy his dreamed mutant-ruled world). Is even gross with the feminine characters, like Emma Frost (January Jones) or Angel, that seems to be there just for the sake of showing someone "hot". Or Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), whose "moral evolution" is absolutely unbelievable.
The same complaint is valid regarding the world threat the mutants face. The mixture with real, historical facts about the nuclear terror, is funny on a first approach, and makes the mutant look like secret agents or very special spies (the "Bond vibe" some critics highlight is true) but is arbitrarily done and turns into some ridiculous action scenes, brilliantly done and entertaining to watch, but silly if you think about it. The timeline and continuity of the film is seriously weak.
I'm unsure an extended cut of "X-Men: First Class" would solve the problem, because I have the feeling the director did this "highlights collection" film absolutely on purpose, so probably its better to accept what this movie is. Just a well done, pleasant entertainment.
SCORE: 6/10
Monday, August 29, 2011
"Black Bread", the monsters of Spanish Civil War
Black Bread (Pa Negre, Catalan original title)
I had two enormous prejudices about "Black Bread".
The first prejudice was the suspicion the film was going to be another one on Spanish Civil War, a recurrent (usually bad and maniqueist, just remember who won the war) topic of Spanish filmography. But it would be a very unfair judgement to consider "Black Bread" as that. No, the film is a pretty disturbing analysis on the worst of mankind, setted in the harsh post-Civil war years' Catalan countryside. Its not about the war, but about the monsters war creates.
In that sense, the exploration of Spanish darkest hour, the film excels. The small rural town portrayed in "Black Bread", an oppresive microcosmos, is poignant, disturbing, sinister and merciless. From the brutal start (hard to remember an opening scene so shocking in Spanish cinema) to the knockout final scene, we see human beings completely carried away by the side they took during the war, with no sense of compassion or understanding. They live miserably, and behave miserably. The visuals and atmosphere director's Agustí Villaronga is capable of create are an outstanding achievement, with several powerful scenes, full of symbolism, in which he depicts brilliantly poverty, the open wounds of Spanish Civil War and the worst part of mankind. It puzzles you. It Hits you.
But then comes my second prejudice, the fear of being in front of another movie with "a kid". Unfortunately, that is the case. Because in my opinion, if "Black Bread" doesn't fulfill its promises is due to the starring character, Andreu, played with fierce conviction by Franscesc Colomer. First and foremost, because it was really hard for me to believe that such a small kid could assume and deal with everything that happens in the film, in particular with regards with his family. His knowledge, determination and quest towards the terrible revelations and lies the world of adults offers him is simply too much for a kid to understand. Won't say anything about the final scene.
And connected with the previous point, as the film is structured around Andreu's search, "Black Bread" becomes a somber, unusual, but at the same time somewhat typical (in terms of sctructure) adventure film where mistery has to be resolved. So there goes the tension scene where Andreu finds something upstairs, next scene he meets that important someone walking through the woods. The script, based on Emili Teixidor's book, at least the superficial script, is ages behind the power of visuals, the imagery, of the movie.
I understand the nine Goyas and recognize the values of subverting the usual Spanish Civil War film, and I applaud the magnificent artistical and visual work done by Villaronga and his crew. The power of "Black Bread" is unparelled in that regard. But it is an unsatisfaying work, mainly because the script wants to be many things at the same time.
SCORE: 6,25/10
I had two enormous prejudices about "Black Bread". The first prejudice was the suspicion the film was going to be another one on Spanish Civil War, a recurrent (usually bad and maniqueist, just remember who won the war) topic of Spanish filmography. But it would be a very unfair judgement to consider "Black Bread" as that. No, the film is a pretty disturbing analysis on the worst of mankind, setted in the harsh post-Civil war years' Catalan countryside. Its not about the war, but about the monsters war creates.
In that sense, the exploration of Spanish darkest hour, the film excels. The small rural town portrayed in "Black Bread", an oppresive microcosmos, is poignant, disturbing, sinister and merciless. From the brutal start (hard to remember an opening scene so shocking in Spanish cinema) to the knockout final scene, we see human beings completely carried away by the side they took during the war, with no sense of compassion or understanding. They live miserably, and behave miserably. The visuals and atmosphere director's Agustí Villaronga is capable of create are an outstanding achievement, with several powerful scenes, full of symbolism, in which he depicts brilliantly poverty, the open wounds of Spanish Civil War and the worst part of mankind. It puzzles you. It Hits you.
But then comes my second prejudice, the fear of being in front of another movie with "a kid". Unfortunately, that is the case. Because in my opinion, if "Black Bread" doesn't fulfill its promises is due to the starring character, Andreu, played with fierce conviction by Franscesc Colomer. First and foremost, because it was really hard for me to believe that such a small kid could assume and deal with everything that happens in the film, in particular with regards with his family. His knowledge, determination and quest towards the terrible revelations and lies the world of adults offers him is simply too much for a kid to understand. Won't say anything about the final scene.
And connected with the previous point, as the film is structured around Andreu's search, "Black Bread" becomes a somber, unusual, but at the same time somewhat typical (in terms of sctructure) adventure film where mistery has to be resolved. So there goes the tension scene where Andreu finds something upstairs, next scene he meets that important someone walking through the woods. The script, based on Emili Teixidor's book, at least the superficial script, is ages behind the power of visuals, the imagery, of the movie.
I understand the nine Goyas and recognize the values of subverting the usual Spanish Civil War film, and I applaud the magnificent artistical and visual work done by Villaronga and his crew. The power of "Black Bread" is unparelled in that regard. But it is an unsatisfaying work, mainly because the script wants to be many things at the same time.
SCORE: 6,25/10
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Discoverer 20: new indie findings
As I told you on Friday, I had wonderful music discoveries this week. Let's unveil some!
I Break Horses. Maria Lindén and Fredrik Balck come from gorgeous Stockholm, and their debut album, "Hearts", out now, is making some well deserved noise at the blogosphere. Because the duo has created something, that despite aligning with the sonic landscapes of My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive, sounds strangely unique, alive, delicate. Dream-pop/shoegaze meticulously crafted (36 months of work), where Lindén subtle vocals are the needed counterpart to icy cold sounds, with a slight electronic tinge. A work of special sensitivity. An experience for the listener. A revelation.
I Break Horses- Hearts
Pocketbooks. Better late than never. This band from London has been on my radar since 2009, when their debut album "Flight Paths" saw the light, but I never had the occasion of listening them (too much music), until this week, where I got completely abducted by "Promises, Promises" the advanced single from their second LP, "Carousel", released in September. Checked everything available online, so now I can say the band has the amazing talent of offering you bright, engaging or/and delicate indie-pop gems with unforgettable melodies and boy/girl harmonies. Eagerly awaiting the "Carousel"!
Promises, Promises by pocketbooks
Footsteps by pocketbooks
Fleeting Moments by pocketbooks
Very Truly Yours. And another late indie-pop discovery, this time thanks to the beloved Eardrums Music blog, that posted their first video, the lovely "Girls Tell You Secrets" a few days ago. Shocked by the tune, I virtually ran to search more about the band, that hails from Chicago, and has been active since 2008. Their discography, a couple of EP and one album from 2010, "Things You Used to Say", is a charming collection of the sweetest twee-pop, reminiscent of bands like Camera Obscura, Heavenly or Belle and Sebastian. Addictive.
I Break Horses. Maria Lindén and Fredrik Balck come from gorgeous Stockholm, and their debut album, "Hearts", out now, is making some well deserved noise at the blogosphere. Because the duo has created something, that despite aligning with the sonic landscapes of My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive, sounds strangely unique, alive, delicate. Dream-pop/shoegaze meticulously crafted (36 months of work), where Lindén subtle vocals are the needed counterpart to icy cold sounds, with a slight electronic tinge. A work of special sensitivity. An experience for the listener. A revelation.I Break Horses- Hearts
Pocketbooks. Better late than never. This band from London has been on my radar since 2009, when their debut album "Flight Paths" saw the light, but I never had the occasion of listening them (too much music), until this week, where I got completely abducted by "Promises, Promises" the advanced single from their second LP, "Carousel", released in September. Checked everything available online, so now I can say the band has the amazing talent of offering you bright, engaging or/and delicate indie-pop gems with unforgettable melodies and boy/girl harmonies. Eagerly awaiting the "Carousel"!Promises, Promises by pocketbooks
Footsteps by pocketbooks
Fleeting Moments by pocketbooks
Very Truly Yours. And another late indie-pop discovery, this time thanks to the beloved Eardrums Music blog, that posted their first video, the lovely "Girls Tell You Secrets" a few days ago. Shocked by the tune, I virtually ran to search more about the band, that hails from Chicago, and has been active since 2008. Their discography, a couple of EP and one album from 2010, "Things You Used to Say", is a charming collection of the sweetest twee-pop, reminiscent of bands like Camera Obscura, Heavenly or Belle and Sebastian. Addictive.Friday, August 26, 2011
Let's Buy Happiness, Lisa Hannigan and Veronica Falls amazing new songs!
Going back to music after a couple of political posts, because this week has been one to remember in that sense. Great new songs from Feist, The Rapture, Atlas Sound, Florence & The Machine, St. Vincent, some new amazing discoveries, and above all, three new gems from soft spots of mine, favourites of this blog.
Let's Buy Happiness- "Dirty Lakes"It is not the first time, and I'm 100% sure won't be the last, I write about this Newcastle band. If "No Hot Ashes" EP was a wonderful start, "Six Wolves", an excellent follow-up, and "Fast Fast" one of the best songs of the year so far, now we have "Dirty Lakes", their next single, out on September 26th. I'm starting to believe that if Sarah Hall sings it, even the phonebook will sound hauntingly beautiful. Because the track is, again, hypnotic indie-pop, a superb blend between the sweetness of her voice and the peculiar, almost ethereal guitar line, exploding into a winning chorus. Knock-out, again.
Let's Buy Happiness - Dirty Lakes
Lisa Hannigan- "A Sail"
We already reported that "Passengers", her new album, slowly approaches (has been pushed back to an October 10th release), but I can say the first tastes of the record are impressive. I'm officially in love with “A Sail” (that you can get for free right after joining her mailing list), a quintessential Lisa Hannigan's tune: an unforgettable melody propelled with her warm, mesmerizing vocals. Need more? Then try the faster and equally loveable "Knots" or the bluesy “Flowers”. Eagerly waiting for October!
Let's Buy Happiness - Dirty Lakes
Lisa Hannigan- "A Sail"
We already reported that "Passengers", her new album, slowly approaches (has been pushed back to an October 10th release), but I can say the first tastes of the record are impressive. I'm officially in love with “A Sail” (that you can get for free right after joining her mailing list), a quintessential Lisa Hannigan's tune: an unforgettable melody propelled with her warm, mesmerizing vocals. Need more? Then try the faster and equally loveable "Knots" or the bluesy “Flowers”. Eagerly waiting for October!
Veronica Falls- "Bad Feeling"Followed since "Found Love In A Graveyard" and "Beachy Head" conquered the blogosphere, this summer, after being completely won by "Come On Over", I was lucky to see them at the FIB Festival. Their terrific performance showed that their album, out September, is going to be one the highlights of 2011. First single "Bad Feeling" mixes an edgier sound at the start, driven by pounding drums, with their trademark male/female vocals. Is another outstanding example of their indie-pop style, catchy as hell, but with a mysterious and dark halo. Irresistible combination.
Veronica Falls - Bad Feeling
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The death of Spanish democracy: referendum now!
And if Iceland should be the model to follow, Spain is the shameful example of what we mean by giving up to the pressure of the market, banks, and the countries that rule the European Union. Here's another article, by professor Vicenç Navarro (sorry is written in Spanish, but I guess an online translator would do fine) about why WE MUST celebrate a referendum in order to, we citizens, have our say regarding all this economic nonsense. Otherwise, we will be certifying the death of Spanish democracy. Un referéndum necesario
[...]La democracia queda limitada en España a votar cada cuatro años sin que se le ofrezca a la ciudadanía la oportunidad de participar en referéndums vinculantes y otras formas de democracia directa que permitieran una mayor capacidad de incidencia de los ciudadanos en el quehacer común. [...]La única expresión de desaprobación que los representados tienen a su alcance es dejar de votar o votar por opciones distintas cada cuatro años. Ello es un indicador de lo enormemente limitada que es la democracia española.Hemos estado viendo recientemente cómo partidos gobernantes (tanto a nivel central como autonómico) están aprobando medidas altamente impopulares, que no estaban incluidas en sus propuestas electorales, y que se están llevando a cabo supuestamente por mandato de los mercados financieros, a quienes nadie ha elegido. El 82% de la ciudadanía estaba en contra, por ejemplo, del retraso de la edad de jubilación; el 86% en contra de la congelación de las pensiones; el 68% en contra de los recortes del gasto sanitario, y así un largo etcétera, lo cual no fue un obstáculo para que la mayoría de las Cortes españolas aprobaran tales medidas. Una consecuencia de ello es la enorme distancia que se está creando entre representados y representantes, con la pérdida de legitimidad de los últimos. No es de extrañar que la clase política dominante esté considerada por la población como el tercer gran problema que tiene el país.
Y estamos a punto de ver otro caso en el que una decisión de enorme trascendencia (la reforma de la Constitución, para garantizar un límite al gasto público) se está proponiendo por la dirección de los dos partidos mayoritarios, medida que no estaba en el programa electoral de ninguno de ellos (y que afectará negativamente a la calidad de vida de la mayoría de la población).
Full article here: http://blogs.publico.es/dominiopublico/3895/un-referendum-necesario/
We must mobilize in order to let "them" now we won't remain silent while our rights are buried.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
I love Iceland. Lessons to face the crisis
I suggest you to read this great article by Deena Stryker, that I was lucky to find at the interesting website Daily Kos. It explains briefly how a country, Iceland, can collapse, economically speaking, and go back stronger while opposing to follow the unique's receipt the rest of the European countries (Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal on top) seems to be forced to take in the "sacred name" of the market. Is a bit long, but worth every second of your time, so please read it. This are the opening paragraphs:
As one European country after another fails or risks failing, imperiling the Euro, with repercussions for the entire world, the last thing the powers that be want is for Iceland to become an example. Here's why:
Five years of a pure neo-liberal regime had made Iceland, (population 320 thousand, no army), one of the richest countries in the world. In 2003 all the country’s banks were privatized, and in an effort to attract foreign investors, they offered on-line banking whose minimal costs allowed them to offer relatively high rates of return. The accounts, called IceSave, attracted many English and Dutch small investors. But as investments grew, so did the banks’ foreign debt. In 2003 Iceland’s debt was equal to 200 times its GNP, but in 2007, it was 900 percent. The 2008 world financial crisis was the coup de grace. The three main Icelandic banks, Landbanki, Kapthing and Glitnir, went belly up and were nationalized, while the Kroner lost 85% of its value with respect to the Euro. At the end of the year Iceland declared bankruptcy.
Contrary to what could be expected, the crisis resulted in Icelanders recovering their sovereign rights, through a process of direct participatory democracy that eventually led to a new Constitution. But only after much pain.
Full article here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/08/01/1001662/-Icelands-On-going-Revolution
What an enormous lesson. To overcome the crisis, why don't become more democratic, inclusive and active, instead of letting the ones that created the problem start again? It's a bit embarrassing to read the article when PP and PSOE, the two biggest parties in Spain, have decided to reform the constitution together, in order to satisfy the markets, and without having a referendum. Let's learn something from Iceland, please!
Iceland's On-going Revolution
As one European country after another fails or risks failing, imperiling the Euro, with repercussions for the entire world, the last thing the powers that be want is for Iceland to become an example. Here's why:Five years of a pure neo-liberal regime had made Iceland, (population 320 thousand, no army), one of the richest countries in the world. In 2003 all the country’s banks were privatized, and in an effort to attract foreign investors, they offered on-line banking whose minimal costs allowed them to offer relatively high rates of return. The accounts, called IceSave, attracted many English and Dutch small investors. But as investments grew, so did the banks’ foreign debt. In 2003 Iceland’s debt was equal to 200 times its GNP, but in 2007, it was 900 percent. The 2008 world financial crisis was the coup de grace. The three main Icelandic banks, Landbanki, Kapthing and Glitnir, went belly up and were nationalized, while the Kroner lost 85% of its value with respect to the Euro. At the end of the year Iceland declared bankruptcy.
Contrary to what could be expected, the crisis resulted in Icelanders recovering their sovereign rights, through a process of direct participatory democracy that eventually led to a new Constitution. But only after much pain.
Full article here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/08/01/1001662/-Icelands-On-going-Revolution
What an enormous lesson. To overcome the crisis, why don't become more democratic, inclusive and active, instead of letting the ones that created the problem start again? It's a bit embarrassing to read the article when PP and PSOE, the two biggest parties in Spain, have decided to reform the constitution together, in order to satisfy the markets, and without having a referendum. Let's learn something from Iceland, please!
End of holidays, back to work playlist
Back to the office, back to work. I'm not in depression mode (yet) but I thought an appropriate playlist for the moment was in order... Enjoy!- Chain Gang- Sam Cooke
- Career Opportunities- The Clash
- Slave to the Wage- Placebo
- Maggie's Farm- Bob Dylan
- Daysleeper- R.E.M.
- The Engine Driver- The Decemberists
- Happy Hour- The Housemartins
- Come Home Billy Bird- The Divine Comedy
- Tus Amigos- Los Punsetes
- Overcome By Happiness- The Pernice Brothers
- Take Your Carriage and Shove It- Belle and Sebastian
- Valet Parking- The Auteurs
- No Surprises- Radiohead
- Mr. November- The National
- Working Class Hero- Elbow covering John Lennon
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Discoverer 19: new indie findings
Back with Sunday's music proposals!
Seapony. This trio from Seattle could be added to the ubiquitous sun-bathed lo-fi music trend. Yes, the surf pop's West Coast feeling, the fuzzed-out guitar and simple drum paths are there. But luckily, "Go With Me", their debut LP (they released an EP on 2010) out since May, has plenty to offer. There's tension in the album, between rockier tunes, Best Coast's style, and the poppier ones, getting closer to C86 spirit and showing a really attractive dreamy side, where Jen Weidl’s vocals shine in a particular, narcoleptic way. Seapony provides immediate fun, but also repeated listens to go deeper.
TV Girl. Sampling is not my thing, but this was a forced exception. Trung Ngo and Brad Petering come from San Diego and in October 2010 they released a praised self-titled EP, thanks to the addictive "If You Want It", that also gave them serious problems with Warner, as they sampled Todd Rundgren. After a split single with Dirty Gold in March, they are back with this "Benny and the Jetts" EP. Four stunning songs, full of references (dream-pop, lo-fi, 70s, soul), with a sweet melancholy transcending all debate about sampling. Just great music you can grab freely in their bandcamp or facebook!
Help Stamp Out Loneliness. Preparing a playlist, I recalled the indispensable "Songs About You" by The Language of Flowers. Searching to know what happened to the band, I found that Bentley Cooke and Colm McCrory formed a new band, and you know what? It's ace. HSOL are a sextet from Manchester with an eponymous first album, out since spring, that every indiepop lover should listen. Why? Because of D. Lucille Campbell vocals, the killer melodies, the keyboard parts, the dark lyrics, the jangly guitars... Could keep writing 'cause the only fault is an awful cover. Forgiveable when on the inside you have such a gem.
Seapony. This trio from Seattle could be added to the ubiquitous sun-bathed lo-fi music trend. Yes, the surf pop's West Coast feeling, the fuzzed-out guitar and simple drum paths are there. But luckily, "Go With Me", their debut LP (they released an EP on 2010) out since May, has plenty to offer. There's tension in the album, between rockier tunes, Best Coast's style, and the poppier ones, getting closer to C86 spirit and showing a really attractive dreamy side, where Jen Weidl’s vocals shine in a particular, narcoleptic way. Seapony provides immediate fun, but also repeated listens to go deeper.
TV Girl. Sampling is not my thing, but this was a forced exception. Trung Ngo and Brad Petering come from San Diego and in October 2010 they released a praised self-titled EP, thanks to the addictive "If You Want It", that also gave them serious problems with Warner, as they sampled Todd Rundgren. After a split single with Dirty Gold in March, they are back with this "Benny and the Jetts" EP. Four stunning songs, full of references (dream-pop, lo-fi, 70s, soul), with a sweet melancholy transcending all debate about sampling. Just great music you can grab freely in their bandcamp or facebook!
Help Stamp Out Loneliness. Preparing a playlist, I recalled the indispensable "Songs About You" by The Language of Flowers. Searching to know what happened to the band, I found that Bentley Cooke and Colm McCrory formed a new band, and you know what? It's ace. HSOL are a sextet from Manchester with an eponymous first album, out since spring, that every indiepop lover should listen. Why? Because of D. Lucille Campbell vocals, the killer melodies, the keyboard parts, the dark lyrics, the jangly guitars... Could keep writing 'cause the only fault is an awful cover. Forgiveable when on the inside you have such a gem.Friday, August 19, 2011
Introducing... the Bloodbuzzed facebook fan page
It should have been for a better reason, like an attempt to improve the blog advertising or so....but the truth is that we have been forced by facebook. At the start of this week I've been threatened by the social network (that's exactly the term, they threat you) of losing my account next time and been disabled for 15 days. Here's the reason:
Now, each time I want to comment something, no matter the content is or who is addressed I get this "wonderful" message: This feature is blocked for you: As we notified you earlier, this feature is temporarily unavailable because you've been sending spam and irrelevant posts on Facebook Pages.
Now, each time I want to comment something, no matter the content is or who is addressed I get this "wonderful" message: This feature is blocked for you: As we notified you earlier, this feature is temporarily unavailable because you've been sending spam and irrelevant posts on Facebook Pages.
What really annoys me is that you can't appeal or explain them their mistake, and the attitude behind their messages. What did they notice? Nothing really. I understand that managing something as facebook is a titanic challenge, but it is clear that in this particular case they haven't read any post they are accusing of being "irrelevant or spam". Because if they did, they would have realised that, what I simply do, as you know, is posting on the wall of the groups' facebook pages every time I mention them or I write about them on the blog. In which way that is spamming or irrelevant? I'm proud to say that almost 12.000 visits to the blog and numerous thanks/warm/kind messages from many artists prove the contrary.
Anyway...thanks to a friend suggestion once I explained the situation, I have created the Bloodbuzzed facebook fan page (probably something I should have done earlier), expecting that way, we will avoid this sort of "issues" in the immediate future, aside for making communication easier. That's why I ask you to join it and become a fan, the more the better. Thanks a million in advance!!
Oh, now we also have an e-mail you can contact directly. So if you want to share something, send me you music (if you are a band or a promo agency, if you take a look to the blog, you'll know what sort of taste I do have) just do it here: bloodbuzzedmail@gmail.com
Thanks again!
Monday, August 15, 2011
The 90's playlist
And another proposal that I turned into a challenge to create a new post. This time came from the adorable Zooey Deschanel's facebook, so it was impossible to say no. It was simple question: what was on your 90's playlist? In no particular order, and just choosing one song per artist, that's how my discman looked like then......Oh memories...- Travellers Tune- Ocean Colour Scene
- Even Better than the Real Thing- U2
- Common People- Pulp
- Novocaine for the Soul- Eels
- Stolen Car- Beth Orton
- The Universal- Blur
- Man On the Moon- R.E.M.
- Slight Return- The Bluetones
- Trash- Suede
- Friday I'm In Love- The Cure
- Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)- The Beautiful South
- She's Losing It- Belle and Sebastian
- Lucky Man- The Verve
- Driftwood- Travis
- Only Happy When It Rains- Garbage
- Let Down- Radiohead
- Goddess on a Hiway- Mercury Rev
- These Are Days- 10.000 Maniacs
- Mellow Doubt-Teenage Fanclub
- Lightning Crashes- Live
- Race for the Prize- The Flaming Lips
- Runaground- James
- Distant Sun- Crowded House
- Vuelve la Canción Protesta- Los Planetas
- Champagne Supernova- Oasis
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Discoverer 18: new indie findings
Introducing you this week's three proposals! Enjoy!
Brilliant Colors. Punk-pop, C-86 style, to blow your mind at first listen. That's what this trio from San Francisco offers in their stunning sophomore album "Again And Again", out now on the great Slumberland Records. Infectious tunes, mixing uplifting melodies and sweet vocals with vital riffs. Hearing the impossibly catchy "Value Lines" and "Hitting Traffic", or gems like "Cult Face" and "How Much Younger" makes further writing a bit pointless, because this is a surefire contender for the best-of-2011 albums lists.
Pepper Rabbit. Still in California (L.A.), we change the style with Xander Singh and Luc Laurent and their slightly experimental-psychedelic and utterly addictive indie-pop. After a praised debut "Beauregard" last year, they recently released "Red Velvet Snow Ball", where the formula gets perfected and more immediate. Lush, engaging and peculiar is the universe this duo creates, one that can attract thanks to the atmospheres and richness of their sound, as well as for the talent to build a gorgeous pop melody, like the charming single “Rose Mary Stretch”. A name to follow closely.
Red Velvet Snow Ball Sampler by Pepper Rabbit
Babette Hayward. Sometimes a voice catch your attention, and in a matter of seconds, haunts you completely. That's the case of this young (21 years) singer/songwriter from New Brunswick, Canada, with her debut album "You Might Be Somebody" (she has a previous EP worth to check). Categorized along the folk revivalists, and compared to Gillian Christie, Laura Marling or even Cat Power, Hayward's talents are above references. She displays a bewitchingly poignant and honest indie folk-pop that escapes repetition, sounding diverse and rich despite its simplicity. Captivating. "You Might Be Somebody" by babettehayward
Pepper Rabbit. Still in California (L.A.), we change the style with Xander Singh and Luc Laurent and their slightly experimental-psychedelic and utterly addictive indie-pop. After a praised debut "Beauregard" last year, they recently released "Red Velvet Snow Ball", where the formula gets perfected and more immediate. Lush, engaging and peculiar is the universe this duo creates, one that can attract thanks to the atmospheres and richness of their sound, as well as for the talent to build a gorgeous pop melody, like the charming single “Rose Mary Stretch”. A name to follow closely.Red Velvet Snow Ball Sampler by Pepper Rabbit
Babette Hayward. Sometimes a voice catch your attention, and in a matter of seconds, haunts you completely. That's the case of this young (21 years) singer/songwriter from New Brunswick, Canada, with her debut album "You Might Be Somebody" (she has a previous EP worth to check). Categorized along the folk revivalists, and compared to Gillian Christie, Laura Marling or even Cat Power, Hayward's talents are above references. She displays a bewitchingly poignant and honest indie folk-pop that escapes repetition, sounding diverse and rich despite its simplicity. Captivating.Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Perfect Bloodbuzzed Music Festival
Yesterday, on a radio programme, some music journalists talked about their perfect Festival line-up. Social networks also had their say, and aside of an entertaining hour, it forced me to think what would be mine. Took me a while, but I finally have my selection.
To be "professional", I considered a "draft" schedule and copied the five-day structure of this year's Primavera Sound Festival, with a very special line-up on the opening and closing days. It has been impossible to include everyone, but it has been a lot of fun doing it. Welcome to the first edition of Bloodbuzzed Music Festival!
Day 1, at the Impossible Stage
17:00 Angelou
18:00 The Softies
19:15 Mazzy Star
20:45 Nick Drake
22:15 10.000 Maniacs with Natalie Merchant performing "MTV Unplugged"
00:00 Bob Dylan (back in 1975)
Day 2, at the Perfect Stage
17:00 Kat Flint
18:00 The Very Most
19:15 The Mynabirds
20:45 The School
22:15 Camera Obscura
00:00 The Divine Comedy
02:00 Pulp
Day 3, Perfect Stage
17:00 Fanfarlo
18:00 Cat Power performing "You Are Free"
19:15 Beirut
20:45 PJ Harvey
22:15 The Decemberists
00:00 Arctic Monkeys
02:00 Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Day 4, Perfect Stage
17:00 Motorama
18:00 Sufjan Stevens (excluding "The Age of Adz")
19:15 Beth Orton
20:45 The Walkmen
22:15 Doves
00:00 The National
02:00 R.E.M.
Day 5, back at The Impossible Stage
17:00 The Concretes with Victoria Bersgman performing "In Colour"
18:00 Monkey Swallows The Universe
19:15 Saint Jude's Infirmary
20:45 The Beautiful South (Jacqui Abbot period)
22:15 Oasis, performing their two first albums
00:00 Joy Division
What would be yours?
To be "professional", I considered a "draft" schedule and copied the five-day structure of this year's Primavera Sound Festival, with a very special line-up on the opening and closing days. It has been impossible to include everyone, but it has been a lot of fun doing it. Welcome to the first edition of Bloodbuzzed Music Festival!
Day 1, at the Impossible Stage
17:00 Angelou
18:00 The Softies
19:15 Mazzy Star
20:45 Nick Drake
22:15 10.000 Maniacs with Natalie Merchant performing "MTV Unplugged"
00:00 Bob Dylan (back in 1975)
Day 2, at the Perfect Stage17:00 Kat Flint
18:00 The Very Most
19:15 The Mynabirds
20:45 The School
22:15 Camera Obscura
00:00 The Divine Comedy
02:00 Pulp
Day 3, Perfect Stage
17:00 Fanfarlo
18:00 Cat Power performing "You Are Free"
19:15 Beirut
20:45 PJ Harvey
22:15 The Decemberists
00:00 Arctic Monkeys
02:00 Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Day 4, Perfect Stage
17:00 Motorama
18:00 Sufjan Stevens (excluding "The Age of Adz")
19:15 Beth Orton
20:45 The Walkmen
22:15 Doves
00:00 The National
02:00 R.E.M.
Day 5, back at The Impossible Stage
17:00 The Concretes with Victoria Bersgman performing "In Colour"
18:00 Monkey Swallows The Universe
19:15 Saint Jude's Infirmary
20:45 The Beautiful South (Jacqui Abbot period)
22:15 Oasis, performing their two first albums
00:00 Joy Division
What would be yours?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
10 years of a unique music anniversary with U2
Yesterday was a very special date for me, musically speaking. On August 8th of 2001, the U2 Elevation tour arrived to Barcelona. It was my first U2 concert.With the perspective of time “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” has revealed as a pretty irregular record, despite having some of the best songs the Irish have created in the last decade, with "In A Little While", a personal favourite on top of it. But anyway, I can only remember my excitement for the album then.
I also remember how hard it was to get the tickets: U2 decided to go for "intimacy" and do arenas (Palau Sant Jordi) instead of stadiums. That, plus the fact Barcelona was the only Spanish date of the tour, made the search of tickets a real quest. Oh, that long, neverending, nerve-destroying queue months before the concert...Unforgettable.I was so eager to the gig, that to make this post I had to seek for information about who was the support act, Stereophonics (a quite famous band in UK by then). But no band in the planet could had even compared to the shadow of the four Irishman that day. From start to finish, from "Elevation" (one of the songs I hate the most from the band) to "Walk On", I enjoyed every second of it. There were some memorable moments, like "Stuck in a Moment" followed by "In a Little While", "Bad" followed "Where the Streets" (and Bono running the burning read heart stage) , my first "Pride", where my voice got swallowed by emotion.... the celebration of The Edge's 40th anniversary (happy 50's b-day Edge by the way!!), being with my brother....
10 years have passed since then, and I have seen U2 five times overall, in stadium and in a foreign country (Helsinki, Finland) but even they were amazing concerts cannot be compared to the magic of seeing your heroes for the first time...Sorry for the nostalgic post... but the truth is I owe quite a bit to Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. Thanks for the fire!
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Sunday, August 7, 2011
Discoverer 17: new indie findings
Time for the weekly recommendations!
The Robot Heart. Described as "Icelandic sounding Beach Boys", this four-piece from Brighton, UK, are gorgeous epic indie-pop songcrafters. That's what you feel hearing their eponymous debut album, released in May, or their previous EP "Dust". Leaded by Tom Marsh after a turbulent and sad period for him, I don't think their name makes justice to their music. Because this is emotionally uplifting, hauntingly beautiful electro-acoustic sound with a lot to scratch behind the surface. The opposite of a robot. As Guy Garvey from Elbow wisely says "A very special band.”
The Robot Heart - The Robot Heart by B H Recordings
The Moth & the Mirror. A six-piece supergroup from "the factory", Scotland, including Stacey Siewright, singer on The Reindeer Section and Arab Strap, and Gordon Skeen from Frightened Rabbit. Active live since 2006, their debut album, "This World, Honestly" will appear in October 10th. Meanwhile, check their myspace for great tunes, and you MUST download (for free) "Lights in the Sky", their new single. Dream-pop, chamber-pop, folk-pop, multi-layered and epic, with the stunning voice of Stacey (love at first listening) on top of it. Counting down the days...
Grass Widow. The third proposal hails from another recurrent place, San Francisco, where this female trio formed in 2007 and quickly got the attention within the underground scene. In 2009, they released their first S/T LP, followed in 2010 by album "Past Time" on label Kill Rock Stars. Self-taught musicians, part of the DIY (they even do their own music videos) community, and active in social and political movements, their music resist to be categorized. Melodic post-punk? Adventurous pop? A combination of exquisite three-part harmonies, punk attitude and intricate guitar parts and arrangements. A unique an addictive experience.
Grass Widow "Milo Minute"
The Robot Heart. Described as "Icelandic sounding Beach Boys", this four-piece from Brighton, UK, are gorgeous epic indie-pop songcrafters. That's what you feel hearing their eponymous debut album, released in May, or their previous EP "Dust". Leaded by Tom Marsh after a turbulent and sad period for him, I don't think their name makes justice to their music. Because this is emotionally uplifting, hauntingly beautiful electro-acoustic sound with a lot to scratch behind the surface. The opposite of a robot. As Guy Garvey from Elbow wisely says "A very special band.”The Robot Heart - The Robot Heart by B H Recordings
The Moth & the Mirror. A six-piece supergroup from "the factory", Scotland, including Stacey Siewright, singer on The Reindeer Section and Arab Strap, and Gordon Skeen from Frightened Rabbit. Active live since 2006, their debut album, "This World, Honestly" will appear in October 10th. Meanwhile, check their myspace for great tunes, and you MUST download (for free) "Lights in the Sky", their new single. Dream-pop, chamber-pop, folk-pop, multi-layered and epic, with the stunning voice of Stacey (love at first listening) on top of it. Counting down the days...
Grass Widow. The third proposal hails from another recurrent place, San Francisco, where this female trio formed in 2007 and quickly got the attention within the underground scene. In 2009, they released their first S/T LP, followed in 2010 by album "Past Time" on label Kill Rock Stars. Self-taught musicians, part of the DIY (they even do their own music videos) community, and active in social and political movements, their music resist to be categorized. Melodic post-punk? Adventurous pop? A combination of exquisite three-part harmonies, punk attitude and intricate guitar parts and arrangements. A unique an addictive experience.Grass Widow "Milo Minute"