After a long & busy week of work, it's finally Friday! That means we are ready to unveil our new round of TOP TEN Jukebox. And what do we have prepared for the first playlist of March? As always, many discoveries in a pretty great variety of styles ranging from the shoegaze of Soft Wounds to the surf-pop of Boytoy, or our trademark 'Antipodean touch' of RVG (don't forget that name), plus a little surprise in the form of a movie soundtrack tune with the great PJ Harvey. As you can see, a lot to listen and enjoy! And remember, all tunes are available at our Soundcloud. (Join Us!)
We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius...
Showing posts with label Tracyanne Campbell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tracyanne Campbell. Show all posts
Friday, March 2, 2018
Thursday, May 22, 2014
These go to 11: interviewing The Very Most
The time has arrived: this wouldn't be Bloodbuzzed without the wonderful musician, caring familiy man, gentle host and dear friend Jeremy Jensen taking part of in our interview series. Be careful: music genius answering questions. These Go to 11!
Jeremy Jensen, The Very Most
Boise, Idaho is the land of potatoes, beautiful scenic views... and the place from where Jeremy Jensen, mastermind & only permanent member of TVM keeps creating his indiepop gems for 12 years now. In 2004 arrived the first album, 'Making the Case for Me', and since then the band status (and Jeremy's as pop composer) has only being reinforced once and again with every release, like 2008's golden LP 'Congratulations Forever', or the majestic 'A Year with The Very Most' in 2010, compiling the four EPs released a year before. Collaborations (he's quintessential part of Baffin Island, with my beloved Melanie Whittle of The Hermit Crabs), Christmas releases, several 7" & EPs, including their/his latest trio of wonders (go grab them!): 'Ununiversalizable Us', 'Just a Pup' and 2014's 'Things Too Obvious to Sing', out now on My Little Owl Records. Ladies & gents, Jeremy Jensen, crafting & honouring POP (in capital letters) with The Very Most. Here we go!
1. First record that you bought (be honest)
4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)
My signed copy of Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers. It's not my favorite album of theirs (that would be 'Rockin' and Romance') but, well, Jojo touched it.
5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)
6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)
7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)
8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both)
Nothing else can combine so many artforms/disciplines like a movie does. When they're great, they move me like no other medium. That said, most commercially available movies are garbage and I'm not knowledgeable enough to find the best movies. In any case, one movie I'd like to recommend is called New York Doll. It's a documentary about Arthur "Killer" Kane of the New York Dolls. Greg Whitely does a great job of weaving together Arthur's amazing personal story with the rock history that he made with New York Dolls.
9. Release (of yours) you are most proud of:
 |
| Imagine the pop benefits of cloning... |
 |
| Stand! for GREAT records |
The first record I bought was R.E.M.'s 'Green'. The first I was given as a gift (on cassette) was The Jets' 'Magic'. The Jets were a pop/R&B band from Tonga that had a few hits in the 80s. Lots of spandex. Pretty catchy though.
2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)
The first concert I went to was probably The Jets! I didn't realize until now how many of my personal milestones they were involved in. You caught me at a really good time in terms of the last one I saw: Neutral Milk Hotel. They were so good. So intense. Spot on vibe. They somehow managed to recreate onstage the manic-depressive, fuzzy sound of their records. The whole crowd sang along to every word.
3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)
The first concert I went to was probably The Jets! I didn't realize until now how many of my personal milestones they were involved in. You caught me at a really good time in terms of the last one I saw: Neutral Milk Hotel. They were so good. So intense. Spot on vibe. They somehow managed to recreate onstage the manic-depressive, fuzzy sound of their records. The whole crowd sang along to every word.
 |
| Among the most dangerous (music) criminals |
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I really like the Justin Beiber song 'Die in Your Arms'. If it were recorded by The Jackson Five it would have been a classic. Even today's ridiculous hip-hop/R&B production and stylistic touches didn't manage to ruin it.
My signed copy of Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers. It's not my favorite album of theirs (that would be 'Rockin' and Romance') but, well, Jojo touched it.
5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)
"And so I gave myself to God/There was a pregnant pause before he said OK" from 'The State That I Am In' by Belle and Sebastian. Everything about that song is perfect: the lyrics, the production, the way Stuart sung it, the guitar work. Might be my second favorite song ever (after 'God Only Knows').
 |
| Murdoch, the pop pursuit |
Stuart Murdoch. Since I met Jonathan Richman a couple months ago and TracyAnne Campbell a few months back, Stuart's the one. I'd say Brian Wilson, but it would have to be Brian Wilson in 1966.
The Smiths' 'Louder Than Bombs'. I love the saturated monocolor, the look on Shelagh Delaney's face, and the typeface. Plus, this album seemed like it dropped from another planet when I first heard it in 1991 or so. The Smiths sounded like no one else and forever shaped my idea of what a band should be.
 |
| "Killer" Kane |
Nothing else can combine so many artforms/disciplines like a movie does. When they're great, they move me like no other medium. That said, most commercially available movies are garbage and I'm not knowledgeable enough to find the best movies. In any case, one movie I'd like to recommend is called New York Doll. It's a documentary about Arthur "Killer" Kane of the New York Dolls. Greg Whitely does a great job of weaving together Arthur's amazing personal story with the rock history that he made with New York Dolls.
Currently, the song I'm most pleased with is 'About Forgetting' from the new EP, though it's not necessarily my "favorite" song. Not sure if that makes sense. It's the closest a song has ever come to sounding like what I was imagining in my head before I started recording it. That's a really satisfying feeling, even if there are several of my songs that I enjoy listening to a little more.
10. What’s does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)
At its best, indie music is melodic rock or pop music made according to the band's vision without regard for what will sell. At its worst, it's just another genre that can be bastardized and commercialized. It can devolve into self-parody.
11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'll be almost 48. I think I'll probably still be making records, but I'll be a little surprised if it's at the same pace I'm going at now. Then again, my kids will probably be out of the house by then, so maybe I'll record like crazy to combat empty nest sadness.
I'll be almost 48. I think I'll probably still be making records, but I'll be a little surprised if it's at the same pace I'm going at now. Then again, my kids will probably be out of the house by then, so maybe I'll record like crazy to combat empty nest sadness.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Close-up with Camera Obscura in San Francisco!
Our first gig in the West Coast had to be a very special one!
Camera Obscura (+ Photo Ops). Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, June 19th
Walking around San Francisco the whole day was an exciting, but also pretty demanding (oh, these criminal ups & downs, crazy crazy streets) experience, so it's true we arrived to The Regency Ballroom exhausted, probably not in the best mood to attend a gig.
Support act Photo Ops didn't help changing that feeling. Nothing wrong with Terry Price's songs, which we are sure will get a different and richer dimension with his full band, or with his performance, full of intensity and emotion, but the acoustic singer-songwriter approach let us down. Add the terribly disrespectful attitude of the crowd, who couldn't care less about him, and the result was clear: the first gig of the night was ruined for us.
With a slight delay that made us even worry more, Camera Obscura finally took the stage. By then, the venue was completely packed and we soon realise we didn't need to panic at all, as positive surprises were about to come. First, the annoying, never-ending chat of people disappear completely. Is that a trademark of gigs behaviour in America? Or just in San Francisco? It was terribly unfair with the support act, but amazingly respectful and supportive with the main act. The second, of course, was the venue itself. Great sounding.
With these elements and a band like Camera Obscura on stage, the concert was bound to be a good one. And it was. Despite focusing heavily (half of the setlist) on their new material from "Desire Lines" the show didn't have any downs, and tunes like "Troublemaker", the shiny "New Year's Resolution" or "Break It to You Gently" were among the highlights of the night. Even the country-tingled "Desire Lines", not my favourite number, sounded lush and captivating live.
There was time for some classics too, of course, to much delight of the enthusiastic audience. "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken", "Let's Get Out of This Country", the wonderful rescue of "Teenager" or "Come Back Margaret", chosen to close the gig before the encore after 14 tunes. But even the more upbeat and recognisable numbers weren't enough to change the dreamy, laid-back, intimate mood the night had.
As a matter of fact, even the encore started with an odd one, "James", a choice made as the band's particular homage to the superb actor James Gandolfini, sadly deceased that day. It's somber tone created an unexpected link with final tune "Razzle Dazzle Rose", mournful and epic. Not even the irresistible "French Navy", a cheerful indiepop masterpiece, was capable to ignite the room the way gigs are supposed to do. Not that Camera Obscura was looking to do that.
I understand that a night like Wednesday, a casual fan, or someone without much knowledge on the Scottish group could have left the venue a bit disappointed. In that sense I admit that, for example, May's gig at Primavera Sound 2013 could had been more engaging. But all I can say is that the night was a genuine pleasure for devoted fans (like me). Tracyanne Campbell might not be the most crowd-pleasing, energetic frontwoman my eyes have ever seen. But what a singer-performer she is. Camera Obscura tunes are subtle pills of indiepop perfection, performed brilliantly by a band always looking to offer these little moments of (a trumpet, a triangle, a quirky percussion, an unforgettable keyboard chord) uniqueness. But is Campbell's voice who propels them to another level. What a delight to hear her at the very front row with an immaculate sound all show. What a blessing enjoying Camera Obscura's music that close.
Camera Obscura (+ Photo Ops). Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, June 19th
 |
| Tracyanne Campbell and her little bird. Photo: Bloodbuzzed |
Walking around San Francisco the whole day was an exciting, but also pretty demanding (oh, these criminal ups & downs, crazy crazy streets) experience, so it's true we arrived to The Regency Ballroom exhausted, probably not in the best mood to attend a gig.
Support act Photo Ops didn't help changing that feeling. Nothing wrong with Terry Price's songs, which we are sure will get a different and richer dimension with his full band, or with his performance, full of intensity and emotion, but the acoustic singer-songwriter approach let us down. Add the terribly disrespectful attitude of the crowd, who couldn't care less about him, and the result was clear: the first gig of the night was ruined for us.
With a slight delay that made us even worry more, Camera Obscura finally took the stage. By then, the venue was completely packed and we soon realise we didn't need to panic at all, as positive surprises were about to come. First, the annoying, never-ending chat of people disappear completely. Is that a trademark of gigs behaviour in America? Or just in San Francisco? It was terribly unfair with the support act, but amazingly respectful and supportive with the main act. The second, of course, was the venue itself. Great sounding.
 |
| Camera Obscura in action Photo: Bloodbuzzed |
 |
| More Ms. Campbell live Photo: Bloodbuzzed |
As a matter of fact, even the encore started with an odd one, "James", a choice made as the band's particular homage to the superb actor James Gandolfini, sadly deceased that day. It's somber tone created an unexpected link with final tune "Razzle Dazzle Rose", mournful and epic. Not even the irresistible "French Navy", a cheerful indiepop masterpiece, was capable to ignite the room the way gigs are supposed to do. Not that Camera Obscura was looking to do that.
 |
| Close-up with Tracyanne Photo: Bloodbuzzed |
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Camera Obscura + The Very Most: double feature
Of indiepop giants! Isn't a wonderful coincidence that Camera Obscura and The Very Most have chosen the same day to unveil their new songs? Today is a legitimate indiepop day!
"Fifth In Line to the Throne" is the second tune revealed from the "Desire Lines", the new album from our beloved Glaswegian band and a radical change in style from the cheerful, immediate first single ‘Do It Again’. A gentle and magnificent ballad featuring backing vocals from Neko Case, and precisely the sort of song that proves how much the world needs to have Tracyanne Campbell back. And I just bought tickets to see them live in San Francisco, yessss!
And our beloved The Very Most just came out with the title track of their forthcoming EP "Just A Pup", available on Manic Pop Records this June. You can accuse me of favouritism, but folks, this song has indiepop C-L-A-S-S-I-C written all over. What an elegant and charming tune. Jeremy Jensen and co (hear the wonderful female vocals by Gia Trotter joining him please!) are just perfecting their craftsmanship, each new song seems to be more enduring and rich. Can't wait for the rest!
"Fifth In Line to the Throne" is the second tune revealed from the "Desire Lines", the new album from our beloved Glaswegian band and a radical change in style from the cheerful, immediate first single ‘Do It Again’. A gentle and magnificent ballad featuring backing vocals from Neko Case, and precisely the sort of song that proves how much the world needs to have Tracyanne Campbell back. And I just bought tickets to see them live in San Francisco, yessss!
And our beloved The Very Most just came out with the title track of their forthcoming EP "Just A Pup", available on Manic Pop Records this June. You can accuse me of favouritism, but folks, this song has indiepop C-L-A-S-S-I-C written all over. What an elegant and charming tune. Jeremy Jensen and co (hear the wonderful female vocals by Gia Trotter joining him please!) are just perfecting their craftsmanship, each new song seems to be more enduring and rich. Can't wait for the rest!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"Time Relentless EP", pop feast with The Hermit Crabs
Time Relentless EP
Each time there's an email from Matinée Recordings reaching my inbox I smile. I assume, and it's almost infallible, their music proposal is going to be great. But this time the announcement was the long awaited comeback from beloved Glaswegian band The Hermit Crabs, so I yelled (I was at work at the office, luckily quite alone, as my colleagues are still on holidays). A yelling of happiness an excitement, that is.
It had been a long time indeed, although Melanie Whittle offered a dose of her talents thanks to Baffin Island, joining forces with members of another favourite band on this site, The Very Most. But three years had passed since the glorious "Correspondence Course EP" without new songs from The Hermits, so there were questions about how the band will sound after these hiatus.
But they quickly showed there was no reason to panic. This band has always showed their cards from the very beginning, without chances for "second thoughts". With them, beauty comes straightforwardly to the ears of the listener. And their new work is no different. "On the Spectrum" is a stunning opener, a strong statement saying the world "we are back", with a mesmerizing GUITAR work (written on capital letters because they deserve it, it's that big) and a killer chorus. Mel might be talking about the blues, but the feeling the song produces are the very opposite. A jangle-pop feast.
"Time Relentless" slows the tempo with the band's trademark orchestrations and the addition of subtle keyboards. The visual lyrics are taken from a poem, suiting the contemplative mood of the piece. All seems to flow towards the wonderful chorus were Mel's adorable voice shines, acquiring an epic nuance while guitars arise in the mix, providing the tune a fantastic climax.
Each time there's an email from Matinée Recordings reaching my inbox I smile. I assume, and it's almost infallible, their music proposal is going to be great. But this time the announcement was the long awaited comeback from beloved Glaswegian band The Hermit Crabs, so I yelled (I was at work at the office, luckily quite alone, as my colleagues are still on holidays). A yelling of happiness an excitement, that is.It had been a long time indeed, although Melanie Whittle offered a dose of her talents thanks to Baffin Island, joining forces with members of another favourite band on this site, The Very Most. But three years had passed since the glorious "Correspondence Course EP" without new songs from The Hermits, so there were questions about how the band will sound after these hiatus.
But they quickly showed there was no reason to panic. This band has always showed their cards from the very beginning, without chances for "second thoughts". With them, beauty comes straightforwardly to the ears of the listener. And their new work is no different. "On the Spectrum" is a stunning opener, a strong statement saying the world "we are back", with a mesmerizing GUITAR work (written on capital letters because they deserve it, it's that big) and a killer chorus. Mel might be talking about the blues, but the feeling the song produces are the very opposite. A jangle-pop feast.
"Time Relentless" slows the tempo with the band's trademark orchestrations and the addition of subtle keyboards. The visual lyrics are taken from a poem, suiting the contemplative mood of the piece. All seems to flow towards the wonderful chorus were Mel's adorable voice shines, acquiring an epic nuance while guitars arise in the mix, providing the tune a fantastic climax.
"Stop This Now" is a much more joyous affair in terms of melody, upbeat and contagious. Drums splashes and guitars flourishes, sparking the tune. After the instrumental section, vocal harmonies appear and you are expecting a longer-than-life finale. But it ends abruptly, leaving you wonder for me. A perfect pop pill of two minutes!
And finally "So Blue" concludes the EP with a mid-tempo that recalls their previous releases and their similarities with Camera Obscura (will you return soon too, Tracyanne?). Fortunately, the instrumentation steps up, helping the song to grow and closing the release on a high note.
If you didn't know The Hermit Crabs (very soon we'll have a band's retrospective on the blog), this EP is a great introduction into their music. And for us, fans, is a wonderful return to form. Jangle-pop, twee-pop and indiepop lovers, we are in luck. Welcome back Hermits!
And finally "So Blue" concludes the EP with a mid-tempo that recalls their previous releases and their similarities with Camera Obscura (will you return soon too, Tracyanne?). Fortunately, the instrumentation steps up, helping the song to grow and closing the release on a high note.
If you didn't know The Hermit Crabs (very soon we'll have a band's retrospective on the blog), this EP is a great introduction into their music. And for us, fans, is a wonderful return to form. Jangle-pop, twee-pop and indiepop lovers, we are in luck. Welcome back Hermits!
SCORE: 8/10
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Ladies of Indie are coming back!
August starts with new songs and announcements from some of my favourite singer/songwriters. Ready for some videos?
My beloved Basia Bulat has to come back (hopefully very soon) with a new album. While we wait for it, here's a new song (although we were lucky to hear in Barcelona), premiered with a stunningly simple yet brilliant video (courtesy of the talented people from Yours Truly). Great as always.
BASIA BULAT "IT CAN'T BE YOU" from Yours Truly
After many listens, I'm still undecided about this one. "Do You Remember" is the first single from Ane's Brun forthcoming album "It All Starts with One", that will be out this autumn. The video (first chapter from a short film based on her music) is pretty curious. Have your say!
Ane Brun - Do You Remember (Official Video)
I told you it wouldn't be the last time I would thank Eardrumsmusic. Gospel Music is not a new album, but a project from Black Kids' Owen Holmes. His first release, on 2010, was the EP “Duettes”, featured lovely duets with Shirley Simms (Magnetic Fields), Darren Hayman, SoKo and Cassie Ramone (Vivian Girls) and Tracyanne Campbell from Camera Obscura on this delicious song, "Automobile"!
The fantastic and criminally underrated Irish songstress Gemma Hayes released her fourth album, "Let It Break", at the end of May. I finally had the chance of checking the record, and all I can do is recommend you to do the same. Emotional and intense tunes, like on this "Shock to My System" one of the gems of the album.
A couple of announcements to end the post. Another Irish lady, the lovely Lisa Hannigan has her new album finished and set to release in September. It's going to be called "Passenger". And last, Feist has confirmed her return after the huge success of "The Reminder". "Metals" will be out in October 4. And if you have artistic talents and feel like painting, you can change the colours of the album cover in her facebook page for special prizes....
My beloved Basia Bulat has to come back (hopefully very soon) with a new album. While we wait for it, here's a new song (although we were lucky to hear in Barcelona), premiered with a stunningly simple yet brilliant video (courtesy of the talented people from Yours Truly). Great as always.
BASIA BULAT "IT CAN'T BE YOU" from Yours Truly
After many listens, I'm still undecided about this one. "Do You Remember" is the first single from Ane's Brun forthcoming album "It All Starts with One", that will be out this autumn. The video (first chapter from a short film based on her music) is pretty curious. Have your say!
Ane Brun - Do You Remember (Official Video)
I told you it wouldn't be the last time I would thank Eardrumsmusic. Gospel Music is not a new album, but a project from Black Kids' Owen Holmes. His first release, on 2010, was the EP “Duettes”, featured lovely duets with Shirley Simms (Magnetic Fields), Darren Hayman, SoKo and Cassie Ramone (Vivian Girls) and Tracyanne Campbell from Camera Obscura on this delicious song, "Automobile"!
The fantastic and criminally underrated Irish songstress Gemma Hayes released her fourth album, "Let It Break", at the end of May. I finally had the chance of checking the record, and all I can do is recommend you to do the same. Emotional and intense tunes, like on this "Shock to My System" one of the gems of the album.
A couple of announcements to end the post. Another Irish lady, the lovely Lisa Hannigan has her new album finished and set to release in September. It's going to be called "Passenger". And last, Feist has confirmed her return after the huge success of "The Reminder". "Metals" will be out in October 4. And if you have artistic talents and feel like painting, you can change the colours of the album cover in her facebook page for special prizes....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)