This site is moving ! ! !

Soooooo I can't look after 2 blogs. One is tough enough....

So I'm merging Musik response into media response....

Soooooo get over to http://mediaresponse.wordpress.com/ please and follow that instead!!!

thanks for the support - see you at the new improved site....

This site now has a younger brother..

Please go check out this sites new younger brother....

mediaresponse.wordpress.com

Would love your support for both blogs - Thanks

New-ish Album - The Arcade Fire "The Suburbs"

I'll admit it. The hype and the hype alone drove me to check out this album. Hype is something i NEVER believe. So I suspected this album would be average at best. Boy was I wrong haha..

This album is magnificent.

From the first track, "The Suburbs" it's sublime. The opener is a plodding piano and acoustic driven beauty. The lyrics are very sad, talking about having a daughter "before this damage is done", referring to the state of the planet I'm guessing. I literally cannot listen to this track once, it HAS to be twice in a row. Next to hit you is "Ready To Start", which is another total cracker. The tempo is raised but the melodies are still just beautiful, almost euphoric. If I was religious I'd swear this track was sent from god , just for me. Another piano driven track is "Deep Blue" with eclectic backing vocals and ghostly sounds. This record has it all, "Half Light II" is almost electronic. "We used To Wait" deserves a mention also, another pounder. Love it.

This album is acoustic, electric, eclectic, emotional, up-lifting and a downer all in one.
If you love music.
You need this record.

Own it ASAP. Please

Below are fan vids for my 2 fave trax off this album - "The Suburbs" and "Ready To Start"

I'm Slack - Fact...

Well, We've moved country again, back down under in Auckland.
Will be expanding the site i hope very soon to maybe feature a movie and TV section...With rambling about TV and my current fave and not so fave films... thanks for the patience if anyone has noticed We've not been around haha...

Flashback - Weezer "Buddy Holly"

One of the greatest music videos ever? yes.

As promised - My Eels Top 6

After threatening it for a while now i've finally got my Eels Top 6. It was a tough one as I love so many Eels tracks. That's why it's a Top 6 and not a normal 5.

In no particular order.

1 - "Railroad Man" from the album "Blinking Lights and Other Revelations" 2005
Quite possibly my all time fave Eels track. From the fade in at the start when a sparkling guitar and a chug-a-long brushed drum pattern rise into ear-shot, you know this has all the makings of a wonderful piece. Once E starts singing the blues aspect emerges. The reason i say blues is due to the content of the words, like E is living in the wrong time, and he feels out of place. This track has to be played a couple of times, that melodic guitar just needs to be heard over and over... Video below (fan video i believe)



2 - "Numbered Days" from the album "Shootenanny!" 2003
A builder this one. Starts nice and quite with some wonderful full band sections throughout. Splashy cymbals and cute, melodic pianos !! my fave!! I'm a sucker for that. Add the plodding guitar and the recipe is complete for a great Eels track. I suspect this is about a break up. No vid for this, but found a stream of it, below. Enjoy.

Free music - Numbered Days

3 - "If You See Natalie" from the album "Blinking Lights and Other Revelations" 2005
For a long time this was my fave Eels track. The Piano and vocals, which feel like they were recorded together in one take, are mesmerising. The chorus is heartbreaking. The inclusion of a String Quartet pushes the sadness levels to near breaking point. This is a beautiful song. Could be about someone in E's life who is sick of everything, and having some serious issues, but I hope not! See what you make of it....listen below.

http://www.we7.com/song/Eels/If-You-See-Natalie?m=0


4 - "The Look You Give That Guy" from the album "Hombre Lobo" 2009
A more upbeat sounding track here, except when you listen to the chorus lyrics. Lost love perhaps in this one.



5 - "Love Of The Loveless" from the album "Shootenanny!" 2003
A head bopping, lo-fi offering . E's best telephone vocals on this. Great Sunday afternoon mellow feel. Video below, not sure if it's an official one, but you can hear the track.



6 - "Trouble With Dreams" from the album "Blinking Lights and Other Revelations" 2005
With a spooky keyboard which sounds like horror film music, this up beat, up tempo track lifts you up even with lyrics like "trouble with dreams is they don't come true". My fave part is the outro section with a great Organ solo and a breakdown with just Drums and Bass. The track then goes nuts, and it's great. Add to that what i think is a mellotron (the choir sounding vocals) and it's a real rock out section. Fantastic. Official video below. Enjoy !!!

Fave songs RIGHT NOW !!! (BLOG IS BACK!!!)

After a not very well earned break, I'm back home in the UK after 5 years in New Zealand. Ready now to start writing again, so here goes. My fave songs at this moment in time!

In no particular order...

1 - British Sear Power "No Man Is An Archipelago"
This is the best track of this band's 2009 "Man Of Aran" album. It's a beautiful piece of music building from a quiet guitar start to a rousing chorus of choirs and violins. My wife think it sounds like Murray Gold's score from Doctor Who, which is a huge compliment as far as I'm concerned. I first heard part of this track on Top Gear funnily enough and I found a great forum in which people post what Top Gear feature used what song and that's how I found it. Unfortunately, there is no video so I can't post anything up on the blog. You'll have to go buy (or download) it. This song has to be heard to be believed.

2 - White Rabbits "Percussion Gun"
From the band's 2009 "It's Frightening" album. This drum driven track has that over and over feel and by that I mean I can listen to it over and over and over...I love it from the second the drum track kicks in. The chorus is simple and very good to sing-a-long to. Also a really nice break down mid-track with some very nice ghostly vocals.


3 - Gorillaz "Melancholy Hill"
From the latest "Plastic Beach" album, this is a nice soft track. Albarn sings from the other end of a phone line while the electronic backing track plods along. It's repetitive and slightly boring, but perfect. If that doesn't make sense to you, go listen to the track, you'll love it, I do.
Nice Hi Def video below! enjoy.



4 - Interpol "A Time To Be Small"
The final and best track on their 2004 "Antics" album. There's a theme to my fave tracks at the moment, they're all quite sad, and with soft melodies (except White Rabbits) Hhhmm wonder why that is!? The World Cup maybe? Anyway....I love this track for the lead guitar and the track overall relaxed feel. You can listen to it below. No Video though, just audio.




5 - Death In Vegas "Dirge"
A dirty piece of electro rock i guess you'd have to say. Raw guitars, haunting vocals, drum machines and live rock drums. What a mad mix. However it works. The only small issue is that I can't post the video. As this track has so many frequencies and noises in it when its coming through computer speakers it sounds like a total mess!! so go buy this also, or download or whatever. Just make sure you listen to it!!

Over and out for now.
It's good to be back!

The Eels "Fresh Blood" from the album "Hombre Lobo" (2009)

I love the Eels. They're a top band. The main man E is a great character. Below is the vid to a 2009 track called "Fresh Blood" It's a great track, and very up tempo for The Eels. Stay tuned to the blog for an Eels Top Five!!
See you then, in the meantime watch this!!

Artist Spotlight - DJ Shadow

Josh Davis, or DJ Shadow, was born and raised in the Bay Area, California. His blend of mean samples, huge beats and killer scratching made for a musical revolution.


"Endtroducing", his first album, appeared like a beacon of talent in 1996. From slow, mellow trip hop ("Midnight in a Perfect World") to uptempo madness ("Stem/Long Stem"), this album defined a generation. This CD was played anytime Myself & friends got together, whether in London, New York or San Francisco, it came along and fitted in everywhere. Turned up loud it was shouty, strong and intense. Played quietly it was relaxed chilled and subtle. Anyone who claims they love music HAS to listen to this album at least once. "Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt" is the standout moment, closely followed by "The Number Song" and "Organ Donor".


Next came "The Private Press" in 2002.
This marked a slight change in the style of Shadow. The sample focus was still there, but this album was cleaner sounding, not as rough around the edges as "Endtroducing". There were a lot more instruments throughout the record. Again it had dynamics, "Walkie Talkie" is strong and loud, a huge beat with scratched in quotes proclaiming Shadow as "A Bad Mutha fucking DJ" and he's right ! There is a softer side too, "Blood on the Motorway". It's Shadow's Purple Rain, his Stairway To Heaven. It's long, epic, sad and I'd almost say beautiful. My 2 faves from this album are"Fixed Income", which is bass pounding instrumental with some fantastic guitar samples, the other is "You Can't Go Home Again", which is fun, frantic and euphoric.


His last and latest solo album was "The Outsider", in 2006. This record was another turn in the road for Shadow. This album had vocals on nearly every track and it took a raw, harder rap edge. "3 Freaks" is insane, rough and manic. The beat alone is worth buying the album for. "Seein' Thangs" goes the same way. A really grimey rap track. "Backstage Girl" brings the tempo down and is a classy hip hop slice. My final mention is "You Made It" which is a dream state!! Love it.

So this was a breakdown of DJ Shadow's solo records. He's worked with some AMAZING acts such as Jurassic 5, UNKLE and the Quannum Projects crew!!. Not to mention the Solesides album (Check that out for hardcore!!)

for more details on the legend , go here

2 vids below (both unofficial, but you can still hear the awesome tracks)

1 - Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt


2 - Blood On The Motorway

Dance Anthem for this weekend - Hot Chip "One Life Stand"

I've got into Hop Chip recently...love previous hits "Over & Over" and "Ready For The Floor" (Check them out if you don't know em!)

This title track for their new record "One Life Stand" is cool, funky and addictive! Enjoy it !!

Recommendation of the week!! Groove Armada Feat Bryan Ferry "Shameless"

A pal of mine told me to check this out and I'm glad i did.
From their latest album "Black Light" this is the track "Shameless".

Fan video below so you can check it out.

New Song Alert - The Coral "Butterfly House"

Wow, The Coral return with a new track, album and tour dates.

I love The Coral, and this new track is awesome!! Link below (with fan video)

Also to go their official web page here for info on the tour dates and to get you're FREE "Butterfly House" download !!

Go there NOW !! - enojy

New-ish Album - The Lightning Seeds "Four Winds"

The Lightning Seeds are back. Ian Broudie, the main man, writer and singer, has had some troubled years with the loss of some close family members. This has unleashed a sadder, dark side to the Lightning Seeds.And I love it.

I've always been a fan. I love the fun Pop they produced, "What If", "Sugar Coated Iceberg" and "Change" are so good!!. When I read they'd recorded something new I was excited. I expected the normal sugar coated pop. I was VERY much mistaken.

The opening track "4 Winds" is a haunting, 60s guitar, string filled look back at Broudie's youth. From the intro's female vocals it's a sad affair, and that continues to when Broudie picks up the first verse. It's a slow, but excellent opening.

Another fine moment is the slightly country styled "Things Just Happened". Though starting like it could depressing, this track has an uplifting twist when the drums kick in towards the end.

Other highlights include "Ghosts" (video below), which is almost The Seeds of old, however, the lyrical darkness changes that. I've read it's written in memory of his Brother, which adds to the emotion of the lyric "The world it turns and now it's turned on you". Great climax to this track, you'll wanna play it over and over........note; amazing backing vocals on this too !!

If you've liked The Lightning Seeds before, you'll LOVE this record. It will, however, be for different reasons than before, as The Seeds have grown up.

"Ghosts" video - sounds a bit dodgy, sorry!

NEW MUSIC ALERT !! The Chemical Brothers - Swoon

THe Chemical Bros are back with a new, more relaxed sound. Check it out !!

Artist Spotlight - Dr Dre

D.R.E from the C.P.T.

Not one person who's into Hip Hop does not know who Andre Young is. The Doc has produced a soundtrack to millions of Hip Hop loving kids who are now around their 30s. Like me for example.

I discovered Dre for myself in a round about way. It wasn't NWA that first caught my ear, nor was it "The Chronic", it was in fact "Doggy Style", Snoop Dogg's debut album. I was 13 (1993) and I'd discovered girls and swearing and this record was my perfect soundtrack. I was no stranger to Hip Hop, my first ever album was a tape of the De La Soul classic "3 Feet High And Rising". But this was different. It was nasty, gritty and really well produced. The beats were fat and bass lines were deep. "What's My Name" was a defining moment for me growing up as well as for Rap music. Loving this album made me want to see where this producer had come from.

I then got "The Chronic" and too my surprise at the time it was BETTER than "Doggy Style".
Tracks like "Nuthin But A G Thang" and "Rat-tat-tat-tat" were so fresh and exactly what I wanted in mid 90s Hip Hop tracks. Not to mention "Bitches Ain't Shit", love that too. "Let Me Ride" was also awesome, and was the best track at the time for the Dre "Hell Yeah" catchphrase.
At this point I was aware of NWA, but thought as they were so "old" that they'd not be good. Silly Me.

Anyway, "2001" came along in 1999. By this point I'd moved away from Hip Hop slightly, not really loving the state of it at that time. This record, though, bought me right back to it. For me this is one of the best , if not, THE best Hip Hop album ever made. From the start with "The Watcher", then to "Fuck You", wow, what could come next to top these two....oh.. "Still Dre".
Now "Still Dre" is the BEST Hip Hop track made so far. I've tried to find other tracks to top it..."Eye Know" De La Soul, No. "What's Golden" by Jurassic 5, Nope. "Shook Ones Part 2" by Mobb Deep, oooh Nearly, but NO.
I love those 3 tracks but "Still Dre" has everything a GREAT Hip Hop track needs. Mean verses, killer beat, Nasty Chorus. Cannot fault it, Hell Yeah !.....Soooo back to "2001", you still have "Next Episode", "Forgot About Dre" and "Murder Ink" !!
What a GREAT GREAT album.

It was at this point I first properly listened to "Straight Outta Compton", Boy of Boy that's a great track. I Like most of the NWA stuff, but nothing hits the same heights.

Now Dre has also produced some awesome acts and records including Eminem's "Slim Shady LP" and most of The Game's "The Documentary". Fantastic backing tracks on those albums even if you don't like the rappers.

I know I've missed out a lot of other production work and "The Wash" album (which has "Bad Intentions" which is another great Dre track) but one thing i won't miss is his remix of the Rolling Stones classic "Miss You" (linked below)

Hopefully this brief look at Dr Dre's solo albums might inspire you to check them out.

My Faves songs as of...NOW !!! (may 5th 2010)

Decided to share my current fave songs at the moment. A real mixed bag! so here goes....in no particular order.

1 - R.E.M "Perfect Circle" From the Album Murmur (1983).
I'm a BIG R.E.M Fan, and I've recently gone back to their really early stuff as before I'd only ever gone back as far as "Document" (1987). This was an immediate fave. Soft and emotional, what R.E.M do best. This piano driven track can be misread as depressing, however it actually makes me feel optimistic, guess it depends on what your feeling at the time you hear it. Michael Stipe, however, does sound a little down during the verses. This track is a bit like "Nightswimming" (from Automatic For The People (1992)) So if you like that you'll LOVE this.. youtube link below. It's not a video, just the track.



2 - Julian Casablancas "11th Dimension" from the album "Phrazes for the Young" (2009).
During a break from The Strokes, Julian Casablancas recorded "Phrazes for the Young", his first solo project. It's a great album and "11th Dimension" is the stand out track. Leading with a killer Synth, and programmed drums, it's very different from The Strokes stuff. The Chorus is euphoric and huge, a real sing along moment!. I could literally listen to this over and over, and sometimes I Do!! You'll never want the Chorus to end, trust me. Link below for the funky video!



3 - Liam Finn "Second Chance" from the album "I'll Be Lightening" (2007)
The son of "Crowded House" singer Neil Finn, Liam Finn has folk music running through his veins. This track is a gentle, yet manic beauty. The intro and verses are soft and haunting, but when the chorus hits it takes a drum frenzied turn. I Love the vocal melody through this track. He's definitely got his old mans song writing skills. Video below.



4 - The Rumble Strips "Girls And Boys In Love" from the album "Girls And Weather" (2007)
A perfect summer party track. Upbeat, fun and simple. Has a hint of "The Cure" track "Close To Me" but is not a rip off!! No Way. Much like the "11th Dimension" (see song 2 above) this track could be on repeat without any complaints from me. Video posted below, however it's just a black screen but you can listen to it anyway.



5 - Gang Starr "All 4 Tha Ca$h" from the album "Full Clip, The best Of...."
With the legend that is Guru passing last month, I've gone back to my Gang Starr records to remember what a GREAT Hip Hop act they were. Amazing. This track was, as far as I know, only a single, but was on the "Full Clip Best Of" album that came out in 1999. With Guru's relaxed, articulate delivery and Premier's Hip Hop defining beats, Gang Starr will have to go down as one of the best, most influential Hip Hop acts ever, and this track backs up that claim !!
GURU - RIP

"Thriller" named most influential video ever!!

Interesting story below about the most influential music videos of alllll time.
"Thriller" is number one of course. It revolutionised the music video and set the bar which is still hardly reached today!.

for the full story and top 10 click here

Classic Albums - DJ Numark (& Pomo) "Blend Crafters"

DJ Numark (& Pomo) "Blend Crafters"

Released in Mid 2004, this Hip Hop instrumental album is an instant classic!!
Dj Numark was part of one of the greatest Hip Hop groups ever, Jurassic 5. He was the beat maker along with Cut Chemist. Between them they created some of the best Hip Hop you could ever hear, not to mention they both were amazing DJs.

This record has some of the best beats in the business. Mixing Blues samples ("Bad Luck Blues"), Trumpets ("Lola" and "The Shit") and Flutes ("Flute Fidelity"), this album has it all (except vocals of course!). Not to mention some great piano and awesome Scratching!
It's laid back, interesting and fun. Great for real Hip Hop lovers, or Hip Hop newcomers!!

My personal highlight is "Pow", a piano and odd French voice sample lead steamroller. Awesome beat too.

Some more info and new about Numark is here http://www.myspace.com/djnumark

Below is a fan "video" for the track "Imagine". Even though the image doesn't move, you can still listen to the track.

Live Performance Fave #2 - "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

This is a special one for me. This performance from the 2004 Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame Ceremony. It features Jeff Lynne (ELO), Tom Petty, Dhani Harrison (George Harrison's Son) and Prince.
Now, I really like both ELO and Tom Petty. But I Love Prince. This video, for me, proves that he stands head and shoulders above the rest of the music making world. From about 3mins Prince starts a solo and basically finishes the last 3mins of the track with it. Superb. The start, however, is a big shakey from the five (yes FIVE) guitarists !!

Live Performance Fave #4 - Muse "Hysteria"

Fantastic Live band, quite possibly the best in the business at the moment.
They're currently touring the US.
Muse with Hysteria from Wembley Stadium. Enjoy!

Some Key Musik Things About The Month Of May

James Brown, Stevie Wonder, David Byrne, Pete Townshend, Busta Rhymes and Joe Cocker were all born in May.

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys was released on May 16th 1966

Ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra died on May 14th 1998

On May 4rd 1976, Wings (with Paul McCartney of course) start their Wings over America Tour in Texas. Making it the first time Macca had performed in the States since The Beatles' last concert in at Candlestick Park (now AT&T Park in San Fran) in 1966.

Finally at Number one in the UK on May 29th 1982 was Madness "House Of Fun"

Retro Moment #19 - Cocteau Twins

The Cocteau Twins started out in the late 70s but really blossomed in the early mid 80s. They started with Robin Guthrie on guitar, Liz Fraser on vocals and Will Heggie on Bass. However, Heggie was later replaced by Simon Raymonde, who provided Piano as well as Bass. (not to mention his father wrote "I Only Want To Be With You" made famous by the wonderful Dusty Springfield)

The groups mix of dreamy guitars and amazing operatic vocal harmonies we're a sure fire hit with stoners, dreamers and goths (may I just add that I do not mean that in a bad way either!!)
As far as I'm concerned they've made some of the most beautiful music ever. Chilled, emotional and inspirational.

Guthrie invented a guitar sound. His trademark was an on the beat strum style with dreamy echo and chorus that has been an inspiration, in my opinion, for acts like Coldplay and Interpol. One strum from Guthrie's guitar was like an orchestra of sound. He'd then layer various harmonising guitar tracks over it to create an even larger effect. Amazing.

Rammonde's lose, chorus bass would add a perfect compliment, driving the tracks along. He was also a great pianist. This was utilised mostly on the acoustic EP "Twinlights".

Fraser's vocal style was and still is one of a kind. She can hit high and low notes with ease. She's operatic then soft in the same chorus. Her fantastic style can also be heard on Massive Attack tracks "Teardrop" and "Black Milk"

Another interesting fact about them is that nearly all their lyrics are not in English. They are in a made up language. They rarely produced English songs, which is why they were so popular in Japan!

The band sadly split in 1996 while in the middle of recording an album.

All Three are still active in Music, working on various solo and band related projects. Robin and Simon own and run a UK based record label called "Bella Union"

If you fancy checking them out a great starting point is their last release which is 4 disc collection of all their EPs.

If you'd prefer a smaller slice of the action, I recommend the following tracks:
"Blue Bell Knoll", "Cherry-Coloured Funk", "Alice" (also featured in the movie The Lovely Bones), "Serpentskirt" and "Pink Orange Red".

A few more info sources: http: //www.cocteautwins.com/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocteau_Twins

Till next time...enjoy this...it's Alice, with what i think is a fan video. Either way you can still listen to this wonderful piece!

New Fave....Warpaint.

My bestest buddy, who lives on the west coast of the US, brought this band to my attention a week or so ago. I've since got their new(ish) EP "Exquisite Corpse" and we both adore it. They may not like my description of them, but they're lo-fi, melodic and haunting. The kind of sound that can only come from the dark underbelly of the Californian music scene. Forget the usual soft, over produced LA stuff. This is dirty, raw and ear catching. It has a great "recorded in one take" feel. All the songs sound like the band actually played and recorded together without tons of overdubs.

good review here by the Beeb - www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/h25c

also check http://www.myspace.com/worldwartour for tour dates in a town near YOU!

more info @ http://www.facebook.com/warpaintwarpaint and twitter.com/_warpaint

If you only have time in your busy lives to only check out one of their songs, make it "Billie Holiday" - just beautiful. Plus has a great spin on the Smokey Robinson written "My Guy" which has previously been performed by Mary Wells, The Supremes and Aretha Franklin.

The Staunton Lick By Lemon Jelly

As the title says, I had a great moment when I re-discovered a great tune by Lemon Jelly. The track "The Staunton Lick" may have featured on loads of TV programme trailers and montages in the uk for a few months back in 2000/2001, but it didn't dampen my liking for this accoustic number. A must for any summer mixtape.