This is the End

As you might have been able to tell, I haven't posted on here for ages. There is a reason for this, The Soft Bulletin is ending. However, I am setting up a new site with my friend that will be like this but much much better. You'll be able to find us at www.shotbybothsides.co.uk and we should be going live with a whole heap of stuff sometime before Christmas, sooner rather than later hopefully. Thank you for reading. Be sure to visit us at the new site and say hello.

Sam

Steel Pulse and The Cool Kids

Hello Mothers

I have just moved in to my new house, and I am currently posting whilst scrounging someone else's unprotected wireless connection. Rock and Roll. Anyway, been on a mini spending spree lately, just some stuff to get me through the term. I am really enjoying 'Handsworth Revolution' by Steel Pulse at the moment. Steel Pulse, if you didn't know, where/are Britain's premier roots reggae band, and had a bit of a following within the British punk movement, John Lydon in particular was a fan. It's just great roots reggae, which is good to listen to in the sunshine. 'Ku Klux Klan' and the title track are probably my favourites at the moment, but I'd recommend just getting the record. 'Macka Splaff', the final track, has a kind of uptempo dub vibe about it, with the signature reverb splashed about all over the guitar.

I have also purchased 'The Bake Sale', the much talked about debut release from The Cool Kids on Cake Records (XL). It's fun. It's pretty derivative hip hop from the golden era, leaning heavily on artists like Eric B and Rakim, but there's nothing wrong with that. The beats and production are pretty minimal, especially on the first half of the record. 'What It Is' features a very 90's beat with a quicker tempo. Imagine a schmooth Public Enemy making a party record with Pharell.

I still can't stop listening to The Beach Boys either. They dick on the Beatles. 'Heroes and Villains' off 'Smiley Smile' is such a perfect song, and how many of those do they have? Anyway, I don't think I need to recommend The Beach Boys to anyone, but if you don't listen to them that much, what is wrong with you? Probably the second best pop recording artist ever, behind the untouchable Stevie Wonder.

Currently listening to that Cool Kids album.

Sonic Sam

Elbow and the Mercury Prize

So the annual Mercury Prize was awarded to Elbow last night, which was a slight outsider, but couldn't have gone to a nicer bunch of people. Apparently a lot of smart money from the industry was on Elbow. Although I don't think Elbow are that special a band, they do come across as genuinely lovely blokes with whom it would be nice to share a pint with. The Seldom Seen Kid, an album which I don't own, and haven't heard, except the rather good singles, seems like a culmination of everything they've been trying to achieve since the opening bars of 'Any Day Now' on debut 'Asleep in the Back'.
The Mercury itself is a strange institution. An award ceremony all about the music, but picked by a selected panel of judges. No public input. It's one of those totally elitist things that has become rather predictable in the music world. The nominees this year was fairly predictable, with innovative albums (Radiohead, Burial) mixed with up and coming indie acts (Laura Marling, The Last Shadow Puppets), old timers (Robert Plant and Alison Krauss) and something from the folk and Jazz worlds (Rachel Unthank and Portico Quartet respectively). A lot of really good albums seemed to have been overlooked this year though, mainly M.I.A but there are others that should have perhaps been included. Much as I love the Plant and Krauss album, I don't really see it as anything spectacular. It's just a very satisfying listen. Where is the nod to the Fall? They have really hit a good run of form of late, and the last three albums have all been worthy of a nod. Wouldn't that be great? Let's get Mark E. Smith a Mercury Prize.

Anyway Mothers, here is Elbow doing 'One Day Like This' at Glastonbury this year.

Currently listening to Hip Hop. Roots Manuva right now, but had a lot on shuffle. I recently bought 'Fear of Music', Gary Mulholland's music book, and his enthusiasm for hip-hop is infectious. My shopping list has grown.

Sonic Sam

Monkey - Journey To The West

Much has been written about the album 'Journey to the West' by Monkey (Damon Albarn et. al) so I won't bother with a full review. However, I will say that I really like it. The mix of ancient Chinese music and modern electronica works surprisingly well, and on the whole it hangs together as an album pretty well. Obviously at some points it is very soundtracky and therefore there are obvious highlights and lowlights, but it's a solid, interesting record. Anyway, here is album opener 'Monkey's World', which sets the musical scene for the album. Enjoy

Boomp3.com

Sonic Sam

30,000 Wet Freaks Under the Mud...

... and the occasional bout of absolute sonic perfection.
Bestival 2008 will sit in my memory as a wet and muddy one. Torrential mud and rain on a Glastonbury 2007 scale. But enough about the mud, it's been reported everywhere, so let's talk about music. Thanks to Rob Da Bank, Bestival always boasts a fucking solid line up, that ranges from latest big thing indie (Foals are in this category, even though they're pretty weak) to absolute legends (Lee 'Scratch' Perry, The Specials) and cult heroes (Grace Jones) as well as a lengthy an eclectic mix of dance DJ's and acts, that range from legendary to cutting edge.
On Friday, organisers seemed to be surprised that we were suffering a torrential downpour, and managed to delay the start of the main stage to 3.45, which was pretty shit if you wanted to see Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong. I didn't. Emphatically. So I didn't mind that, but got very worried that the following band might be cancelled, the "semi-legendary" Wedding Present. Luckily for me, the band kicked off right on time, just. The band opened with one of the best indie singles ever, the mighty 'Kennedy', but seemed to be suffering from bad sound. Somehow, one of the most energising songs about apple pie ever recorder seemed slightly lacklustre. Still, a very enjoyable set, which included 'My Favourite Dress', and some things of the new album 'El Rey' which I am yet to hear.
I then didn't really see anyone until the truly legendary My Bloody Valentine. Trying to put into words the awe, amazement and sheer joy with which I devoured the set from one of the best bands ever is a nigh on impossible task. Valentine opened the show with the mind melting combo of 'I Only Said' followed by 'When You Sleep' taken from their stonewall, dead cert classic 'Loveless' which set the precedent for the entire show. I can only imagine you all already own 'Loveless,' so imagine the wall of sound on the album, amplified so much that it filled every single centimetre of space around you. 'Only Shallow' was so loud and powerful that I felt like climbing into the sound wave. Standing as close to the speakers as you can get, I felt the physical force of the music hit me. It's impossible to describe. I wished 'Soon' could have gone on forever, even though it was already extended. Set closer 'You Made Me Realise' including the 15 minutes of White Noise, known amongst band and fans alike as 'the Holocaust section' was an absolute joy. The song itself was loud, pacey and powerful, like it should be. And as for the white noise, I could not stop smiling. You don't just hear the sound, you feel it. It is mesmerising. The show was absolute sonic perfection.
I can't imagine a better contrast to the perfection of My Bloody Valentine than watching the Human League performing the entirety of their classic 1981 album 'Dare!' in a giant Big Top on a rainy Saturday Afternoon, and this is exactly what I got. Phil Oakey has lost the weirdest haircut possibly ever and is now nearly bald but can still sing and the girls are now middle aged ladies, but other than that, it was great. The great thing about bands performing their classic albums, is that everyone knows all the words. Well, most people know all the words. My point is that the band don't indulge themselves by playing new songs that no-one particularly wants to hear at a festival. Set closer 'Don't You Want Me?' was one of the highlights of the festival, and possible the loudest singalong I have ever heard. I think. Anyway, really good art-pop fun. Following the Human League and continuing the eclectic-ness of my chosen acts, was the supreme cockney duo of Chas & Dave, who orchestrated a true cockney knees up, which included classics 'Rabbit', 'Snooker Loopy' and an even faster than usual 'Sideboard Song' which saw the guys singing so fast my ears couldn't keep up.
I then headed off to the main stage, on a bit of a whim to see who the special guests were, and it turned out to be the truly legendary Specials, albeit minus Jerry Dammers, and therefore being billed as Terry Hall and Friends. The set was made up entirely of Specials material including set opener 'Gangsters', 'Concrete Jungle, 'A Message to You Rudy', 'Blank Expression', 'It Doesn't Make It Alright', 'Do the Dog', 'Nite Klub' and 'Rat Race'. Phew. What a set of songs to be able to call your own. Everyone managed to forget the heavens had opened and skanked around like it was 1979. And how on earth do you follow the Specials? With none other than Grace Jones. Grace Jones is like a funky Kate Bush, or an 80's Bjork, or she's just Grace Jones. A totally original pop star who combines era-defining pop music, with an era defining image. She was a walking piece of art, whose record labels, photographs and music videos (check out the promo for 'Slave to the Rhythm', as it's my contender for best video ever) helped turn her into an icon. Her set at Bestival was short, but included classics 'Niteclubbing' her sassy Iggy Pop cover, 'My Jamaican Guy', 'Pull Up the Bumper' and the aforementioned 'Slave to the Rhythm'.
I then watched Hot Chip from absolutely miles away, so didn't really pay them much attention before running off to watch the absolute legend that is Lee 'Scratch' Perry doing spacious dub reggae for a little under an hour. I then went to watch the much hyped but massively disappointing laptop set from Richard D. James aka. Aphex Twin. What promised to be an exciting blend of cutting edge electronica ending up being a four on the floor standard DJ set with better lights. I didn't make it to an hour. A huge disappointment, and I know a lot of others felt the same.
Racing onto Sunday, before you all get bored with my musings on Aphex and My Bloody Valentine, I wasn't expecting that much from the day. However, it turned out to be thoroughly enjoyable. I watched a hit packed set from The Coral (again) who never fail to deliver. 'Pass It On, 'Bill McKai', 'Calenders and Clocks' and 'Wildfire' all featured, as well as indie anthem closer 'Dreaming of You'. Then came the only thing I'd really been looking forward to on Sunday, the almighty George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. 2 hours of solid grooving to psychedelic extended funk jams from the funky dog himself. Exactly what the doctor ordered after a very rainy weekend. I then watched Underworld, who surprised me with how much I enjoyed their set. Highlights for me were 'King of Snake' and 'Born Slippy' which is a bit predictable, but it was good to watch.
So musically, as ever, Bestival was a real treat. The organisation was lacking in some common sense departments this year, but they obviously couldn't help the shit weather.

Currently listening to Solid Gold by Gang of Four

Sonic Sam

Upcoming News

Hello Mothers
First of all, apologies for the delays in posting during August. I was away for a lot of the time in Peru, and various things have happened since I have been back that have prevented me from posting.
Right then, upcoming posts. I saw the Warlocks at the end of August, but can't really be bothered to review them. They were good. Very sweaty show that included almost all of 'Phoenix', their career peak, except for 'Red Rooster' and 'Oh Shadie', which was excellent. It just slightly depressed me that such a good show was dominated by an album they released seven years ago. Speaking to JC, one of three guitarists, afterwards, he said they'd had some technical problems with the venue (no monitors) and nearly pulled the show. I am glad they didn't.
However, there will be a review of Bestival by me, which was wet, but musically very good. There will also be a review of Offset Festival, well Gang of Four and Wire at least, by Ali, who is going to start helping me out with this blog very soon. There also possibly will be a review of the Green Man Festival by John, if he ever gets round to it! I have also added video links to some songs from the Lips, way back at Lovebox. Enjoy.
Anyway, turn and face the strange.

Sonic Sam

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll at Stokes Bay

When I was initially asked if I wanted to attend the Stokes Bay Festival last Sunday, I wasn't so sure that I did. It was mainly finances that put me off, but luckily I thought to myself 'fuck it, I'm going to go'. Excellent decision, aided by the addition of Alabama 3 to the line up, alongside Levellers, Phil Jupitus and the Blockheads, 3 Daft Monkeys and Bellowhead among others.
When I first arrived, my initial doubts seem to have been correct. In front of the main stage was lined right to the back of the big top with people sprawled out in fold-out fucking chairs. It was absolutely rammed. The first band I really watched were 3 Daft Monkeys, who play energetic pirate folk, which sounds like they have been all over the world, but still rooted in British folk. Good fun. I then didn't really catch much of anyone else into Bellowhead, and allowed myself to peruse the real ale bars and food stalls. The curry wasn't great, but the beer was excellent.
Bellowhead, billed as the largest sound in the British folk scene, are a band the size of a football team that play renditions of traditional tunes, such as Gallows Pole (take note Zepheads) as well as some of their own compositions in their own inimitable style, which includes wah-wah lute. All in all it makes for a pretty good cocktail of sea shanty's and folk, that's danceable.
After Bellowhead, I manoeuvred my way down the front for the almighty Blockheads, aided by Phil Jupitus. Opening with the 1977 classic 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll', the set was an absolute stormer. The Blockheads remain the tightest and most intelligent (British) punk/new wave band in the business, a cut above the rest. They knocked out all the hits, 'Clever Trevor', 'What a Waste', 'I Wanna Be Straight' and some newer stuff, which went down a treat with this reviewer. Phil Jupitus himself mocked the chaired folk, and the people dancing gave him a huge cheer for the joke. Set close 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' lasted for around 10 minutes, with Big Phil introducing each Blockhead individually to rapturous applause. The line up isn't far off the classic Blockheads line up, with Dylan Howe on drums and Gilad Atzmon on Sax. Norman Watt-Roy, Chas Jankel and John Turnbull provide the core of the band, with Watt-Roy still moving like he used to, managing to sweat himself through his suit. Derek the Draw, Ian Dury's (r.i.p) carer has taken over some of Dury's vocals, and the other half is adequately covered by Jupitus, who makes it clear that he is merely a sideshow to the mighty Blockheads, a band he seems in awe of throughout the set.
It would take a tough act to beat the Blockheads, but Alabama 3 know how to work a festival crowd. For nearly 20 years they have been performing their gospel-country-acid house combo to festival crowds and have deservedly earned themselves a reputation as a formidable live band. The band mix preaching from The Very Reverend Dr. D. Wayne Love, vocals from Larry Love, and more vocals from Devlin Love into a hypnotic mix that forces you to dance. Really good fun. The set included the classics 'Woke Up This Morning' and 'Too Sick To Pray' as well as 'Up Above My Head' and 'U Don't Dance to Tekno'.
After Alabama 3 was the band that everyone had been waiting for, The Levellers. The Levellers have the most die-hard following of any band I have ever seen. I feel a mere newbie and I have seen them 6 times! The reason is that they are one of the most enjoyable live bands in the country, with their mix of folk, punk and top notch songwriting. Live, the energy levels are fantastic, and the crowds are always game. The show kicked off with 'England My Home', something that seems to be becoming more and more regular every show, and included the classics 'Sell Out', 'What a Beautiful Day', 'The Boatman', 'The Road' and 'Carry Me', all of which were excellent. The band sounded absolutely on fire during new ones 'A Life Less Ordinary' and storming set closer 'The Cholera Well', but it was penultimate song 'Dirty Davey' that stole the show for me. It's the song that got me into the Levellers, and so holds a special place in my heart. It also doesn't always get played, so whenever those two chords start, a surge of excitement always goes through me. Hears to the Levellers for another 20 years, rounding off a very good day's live music.

Currently listening to K'Naan - The Dusty Foot Philosopher

Sonic Sam

p.s Photos to follow shortly...

Faust - Mamie is Blue

I don't think I have ever done a blog about a single track, but I really think I need to for this. When having a massive Faust listening session recently, I played the brilliant 'So Far' album and had something of a Faustian epiphany over the track 'Mamie is Blue' It's not like it's my favourite song ever, fuck it's not even my favourite Faust song (that's 'Jennifer' for anyone who cares), but it's just so fucking good. It sounds like something made by free-thinking robots in a rebel Utopia in 3015. That sound at the start that just jolts inside your head, followed by that circular, repetitive overloaded organ line completely blows me away. Music still hasn't really caught up. The only thing I can slightly compare it to is 'Frankie Teardrop' by Suicide, which sounds like a bullet ripping through your skull, whilst Faust sounds like 'Frankie Teardrop' on a horrifically bad acid trip. Sheer genius.

This is some weird German documentary about Faust in the 70's, but it's got clips of them jamming and stuff. Pretty cool.

Sonic Sam

The Flaming Lips - Live at Lovebox

The Flaming Lips closed the Lovebox festival in magnificent style on Sunday in a show that featured the usual copious amounts of confetti, balloons, explosions and lights. An audio visual feast for all to behold. The Lips are the best band on the planet with a devout following around the world, and the reason is that they make every indie band in the world look lazy and arrogant for feeling that it is good enough entertainment to simply watch them play on stage. The Lips play some of the best music ever made, as well as put on the best show in the world, and seem totally thrilled to be doing it.

As ever, the show opened with Wayne rolling around the crowd in the bubblezorb (see picture), followed by 'Race for the Prize' which was absolutely brilliant. Wayne then led the crowd in a mass swear-along to 'Free Radicals'. Then came a superb version of Zeppelin's 'Song Remains the Same' which was as uplifting and summery as the weather, complete with psychedelic naked hippies running around on the screen behind them. Following that was 'Fight Test', the first song off 'Yoshimi...' which got a huge cheer and mass sing-along. The Lips played then played 'Mountain Side' off 'In a Priest Driven Ambulance', something I never thought I would get to experience live, which was amazingly fuzzy, psychedelic and heavy, ending with a massive chord on repeat. After dedicating a beautiful version of 'Vein of Stars' to Alison Goldfrapp (who had played earlier), the Lips then played a stripped down, sing along version of 'Yoshimi...' with everyone singing every word. Mr Coyne looked absolutely thrilled at the reaction. Then came the instrumental 'Pompeii am Gotterdammerung', which sounded so much more epic than on the record, during which Wayne played some gong by firing streamers into the cymbal and causing lights to start flashing all around the instrument. 'The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song' continued the singalong vibe, which sounded much more like old Lips tonight than it does on record. 'The W.A.N.D' followed before epic version of 'She Don't Use Jelly' and 'Do You Realise??' complete with masses and masses of confetti, streamers, smoke, strobes and balloons so that you couldn't really focus on quite what was going on. throughout the whole show, it felt like you were in another place where, in Lipsland, everything and anything is possible, all you have to do is live in a duplex for a couple of years, and legions will follow you. Their creativity, talent and nature is untouchable. Long may they continue on their adventure into absurdity, and long may we follow Captain Coyne and the boys.

Playlist 10/07/08

A new playlist. Hurrah! It's all gone a bit geek rock, but it's good. In my head it's for an American roadtrip? No idea why that's what I am designing a playlist for...

1. The Song Remains the Same - Led Zeppelin
2. Fly By Night - Rush
3. San Ber'dino - Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention
4. Christmas at the Zoo - The Flaming Lips
5. Love is How You Make it - Gong
6. Giggle Smile - Faust
7. Where There's Woman - Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band
8. Holland, 1945 - Neutral Milk Hotel
9. Air - Talking Heads
10. No. 13 - Pixies
11. Today - Smashing Pumpkins
12. Fire In My Heart - Super Furry Animals

It's a short but perfect playlist I think. Enjoy.

Sonic Sam

Here Comes That Artist Again - Glastonbury 2008

Well hello Mothers.

Sorry for the delay again, been at work and it's been quite busy really. Anyway, it is time for the annual Glastonbury review. Fucking excellent. Sunshine, great music, and plenty of etc. I think this review always gets rose tinted by the fact that I write it once I am back in the humdrum of reality and am pining for the surreal bubble of existence that is Worthy Farm on the last weekend in June.

First off, the music this year that I saw was excellent. I am not condoning Kate Nash's or the Feeling's sets, but the stuff I watched was brilliant. Friday included Alabama 3 and Candi Staton as well as a storming set from the legend that is John Cale on the Park Stage. Absolutely ace. I got myself right down the front, as you can see by the photo I took! He kicked off with the full on version of the satanic 'Heartbreak Hotel' cover that he does. Other highlights included 'Fear Is a Man's Best Friend' and the excellent rendition of 'Pablo Picasso' that went on forever.

I very wisely chose to see Jimmy Cliff on Friday night, who was unbelievably good. Played all the hits, a great cover of 'Hakuna Matata' no less, exceptional energy and fantastic vibe with everyone singing along. Wonderful place, beautiful gig. I've heard mixed reports about Kings of Leon, and don't know anybody who saw Panic(ex-!) at the Disco.

Saturday was all about one thing. The big man, Jay-z. Before him, I'd seen some good stuff, particularly Holy Fuck, Eric Bibb and Buddy Guy, who were all excellent. However, Jay stole the show. The much talked about 'Wonderwall' intro worked a treat, and showed Noel up to be so out of touch it's ridiculous. Jay-z totally won the crowd over, and 'Hard Knock Life' was the singalong of the weekend. An absolute Glastonbury moment that I feel privileged to have witnessed.

Sunday I started off with a more than welcome dose of Anton Newcombe's Brian Jonestown Massacre, complete with Joel, who, apart from taking 2 minutes to start each song, were pretty damn good. It's 1969 again baby. Caught a smidgen of Black Lips, who looked hugely disappointing. Watched the mesmerising Leonard Cohen, and ate dinner whilst enjoying The Verve. 'Bittersweet Symphony' was epic, but my favourite tune was 'The Rolling People'. It's 1997 again baby.

I saw some quality other stuff as well. On Friday, I spent a lot of my time in the circus tent and saw many weird and wonderful things, the highlight of which were the Black Angels, an acrobatic African Dance Limbo troop, who were so much fun and put on a great show. The crowd were lapping it up, especially when they limboed under a stick of burning fire about 8 inches off the ground. Mentalists. Friday night I saw a stripper of questionable gender in Trash City. On Saturday night, I spent about an hour transfixed by the Dukes Box in Shangri-La. If you haven't heard of these boys, basically it's a band in a dukebox. Brilliant fun. Also on Sunday, I saw the excellent Stompin' Dave tear down the Avalon Cafe with his speedy banjo and fiddle. He also played it behind his head. Mental. See picture for proof.

Overall, a brilliant weekend, preceded by a brilliant week. See you all again next year.

Currently listening to the radio. BBC 6. At work, remember?

Sonic Sam

The Bulletin is Back

The Soft Bulletin is back up and running as of tonight, as I now have access to a computer again. Finally. Which is good. Lots has happened, and lots more is going to happen, so an exciting summer coming up.
Recently I have been listening to a couple of the fucking excellent Nigeria Special compilations, the Highlife one and the psychedelic one. They are brilliant. The Funkees, as featured on the compilation, are the cool bunch of motherfuckers that are in this post's opening photo. A full review will happen soon, alongside it a review of the equally excellent African Scream Contest, which covers a similar period (early 70's), only this time in Benin and Togo rather than Nigeria. I might do those tomorrow or Monday, but before Glastonbury I promise. I'll also review the Cloudland Canyon album that's a krautrock tribute type thing. It's really quite spacey and wonderful. Check it out if you haven't done already.
Also, look forward to reviews of Radiohead live at Victoria Park, and Glastonbury. I expect the mighty John Cale or the Brian Jonestown boys to be the highlight, but who knows. Plenty of great things going on in the less well known areas, such as the mighty Ethiopiques playing a set.
I also fancy doing a blog about the seminal Wire trilogy of 'Pink Flag', 'Chairs Missing' and '154' because it's so good. Most people already own it, but still worth talking about. I think 'Chairs Missing' pips it for me.

Anyway, Thanks for reading if you are!

Currently listening to Ifa by Tunji Oyelana and the Benders

Sonic Sam

Death of a Computer

My computer has totally died, which is why there have been no posts for a long time. Sorry about all these computer issues, seem to be having shit luck with it at the moment.
Anyway, on a lighter and brighter note, I have mostly been listening to Tangerine Dream. I can't get over how good 'Stratosphere' is, amongst many others. Magic. Also enjoying Jay-Z, in preparation for Glastonbury. He isn't groundbreaking, but it's good party hip-hop.
Apologies again for the lack of posts. I will be getting the computer fixed next month, and then over the summer I promise posts will be flying off the keyboard on to the world wide web.

Currently listening to Tangerine Dream

Sonic Sam

Krautrock Sampler

I have now finished all 4000 words of my hippy project, which is satisfying. I still have another politics essay to go, but let's forget about that for now. This post is going to be highlighting the best tracks from the 6 disc Krautrock compilation for my birthday. If you're into your Krautrock already, but are struggling where to look next, this compilation gives you tracks from all sorts of weird and wonderful bands allowing you to find out where to go next. It's also excellent for total newbies to the genre. I am not going to recommend Can, Faust, Cluster, Harmonia or Guru Guru, who all appear on here, because we all know they are fantastic anyway and should be purchased by anyone trying to get in Krautrock. Also, buy Neu! and Amon Duul II, two not included on this compilation, but I think that is a given already. Anyway then, here goes.

1. Birth Control - The Work is Done

This is a good repetitive tune. based around something resembling a bluesy bass line, weird guitar noises circulate for around 2 minutes, then a wonderfully strange organ led jazzy freak out kicks in, which is rather cool. Cocktail piano solo's and guitar noodling, but much better than that description sounds.

2. Os Mundi - Question of Decision

A nice long freak out, that doesn't change a great deal, but builds up and up based around a chord pattern. Really cool.

3. Lava - Tears are Going Home

The guitar sound at the start is fucking cool. Dirty sounds and solid heavy drums. Two chords. Brilliant. Hawkwind-esque is probably the best description I can give it, and that is a very high compliment indeed. It has the spacey electronics floating around it too, and is loose enough to sound perfectly at home on 'Space Ritual'.

4. Electric Sandwich - China

Drums lead this track round 8 minutes of swirl and noises. Excellent Krautrock.

5. Frumpy - How the Gipsy Was Born

Deep Purple esque track, rocks out this one. Not what you would expect from Krautrock bands, but good none the less.

6. Kin Ping Meh - Fairy-Tales

This is a cool tune, reminds me of bands like The Open Mind, that late 60's psychedelic heavy rock, but this time drawn out for near enough 10 minutes, rather than sitting constrained in a 3 minute pop song.

7. Klaus Shulze - Mental Door

Klaus Shulze is a krautrock legend, having played drums on the first Tangerine Dream album, as well as helping out the self-titled Ash Ra Tempel. This is from his solo career, and is synthesiser led, and is 22 minutes of experimentation. Cool. The photo at the start of this post is Shulze, how cool is that picture?

8. Sperrmuell - No Freak Out

The sound of a fantastic band jamming out a riff, with effects thrown all over the recording, on the guitars, the drums, everywhere. Sounds lively and has a belting repetitive bass and drum groove leading the way. It of course freaks out, regardless of the title.

9. Lucifer's Friend - Lucifer's Friend

Big noisy keyboards and guitars lead the band through 6 minutes of bluesy psychedelic rock. Guaranteed to get your hair flying. More straighter edged hard rock than a lot of the stuff on here, but still well worth a listen.

10. La Dusseldorf - Rheinita

A beautifully uplifting synth-led track to end my selections on, lovely. Sounds like Harmonia type stuff, but with slightly more live instruments. Aparrently, La Dusseldorf were a big influence for those krautrock revivalist kids Secret Machines, along with Can.



So there you go, then 10 best tracks that aren't by bands you should already know, or bands that you should buy lots of their stuff. There's also lots more good stuff on here, but I have kept it to one track per bands for eases sake. A pretty damn good compilation overall.

Currently listening to Rheinita by La Dusseldorf

Sonic Sam

Shenanigans

Sorry for the delays again. I am currently snowed under with Uni work so that is taking a bit of priority at the moment. However, I've been reading some awesome stuff for my hippy project, such as Mick Farren's 'Give the Anarchist a Cigarette' book, which is insightful, witty and really rather honest I think. Also I have re-read 'White Bicycles', Joe Boyd's book, mainly for the sections on the UFO nightclub, which is obviously featuring heavily in the London section of my project.
I do have some new music though, which will get reviewed and ranted about soon enough. Yeasayer, Amon Duul II and A Tribe Called Quest will all get talked about, and also some Guru Guru and probably a review of this evening's Sebadoh gig at Concorde2 in Brighton, if I get round to it.
A Tribe Called Quest are really rocking major deck time at the moment, particularly 'Low End Theory' but also 'Midnight Marauders'. I am also loving the song 'Monkey Puzzle' by the Brian Jonestown Massacre, off the 'Take It From the Man' album.

Currently Listening to the Pebbles compilations, volume 3

Sam

A Tentative List of Things to Do in Paradise

Today I found the most amazing book. So good I had to post about it on here, even though it's a book and not musical. It's from 1969, and is called 'Counter Culture' and is a series of essays edited by Joseph Berke. The reason it's so amazing is the lay out and stuff though, and all the weird things in it. Anarchic hippy revolutionary style stuff. Brilliant. I thought I would put something from it up on here, and have chosen 'A Tentative List of Things to Do in Paradise' by Tuli Kupferberg, including spelling mistakes.

1. Fuck
2. Don't Fuck
3. Sing
4. Do nothing
5. Read
6. Play with yourself
7. Feed the hungry
8. Play Frisbee
9. Meditate
10. Bake apple strudel (with Cinnamon, not too much sugar)
11. Have a baby
12. Play with children
13. Teach something someone wants to know
14. Learn to play guitar (or the Moog Synthesiser)
15. Discover a cure for cancer
16. Work for immortality
17. Travel
18. Stay at home
19. Write a poem
20. Write a book
21. Plant beans
22. Go live in the desert and meditate
23. Take drugs
24. Invent a new sexual position
25. Invent a new drug
26. Just play a record
27. Perform a play
28. Kiss someone
29. Touch someone else
30. Walk across England
31. Bicycle through Germany
32. Call up yr mother
33. Watch (good) TV
34. Invent a sensory stimulating device as important as TV
35. Go to a good movie
36. Make a good movie
37. Think up new things to do
38. Paint
39. Paint yr house
40. Paint yr body
41. Paint yr lover's body
42. Walk along the sea-shore
43. Sail a boat to Cape Cod
44. Learn to play the piano
45. Invent a machine to translate sounds into a book in ten minutes (with 10,302 choices of binding)
46. Stare at yr beautiful body
47. Pet a dog (or cat)
48. Go home
49. Visit a friend
50. Help someone who needs help
51. Look at the sky
52. Dance
53. Dance till you drop
54. Drink wine
55. Visit the moon
56. Desire me
57. Make suggestions to other people of things to do
58. Tell jokes
59. Sing in a chorus
60. Pet yourself (you feel good)
61. Tale off all yr clothes
62. Make beautiful new clothes
63. Make beautiful pottery: cups for beautiful wines
64. Climb a mountain (because y're there): don't hurt yrself!
65. Build a new musical instrument
66. Think about God
67. Think about the meaning of the universe - & then
68. Laugh
69. Sleep sometime
70. Dream if you like
71. Go away (& com back if you like)
72. Have an adventure (don't know where y're going)(get lost in a strange city)
73. Visit China at last
74. Eat dinner in the BBC cafeteria
75. Don't care what you do
76. Sit in the park under a tree
77. Sit in a tree
78. Confide in someone
79. Tell someone how beautiful they are
80. Play with fire
81. Play with ice
82. Touch your toes; that feels good
83. Touch her toes
84. Suck on a titty
85. Wrestle for fun (not to win)
86. Run
87. Jump up & down
88. Smile
89. Sit in the sun
90. Listen to the wind thru the leaves of the sycamore tree
91. Come walk with me
92. Play the fiddle while drink cider, others dance
93. Build a house with yr own hands
94. Take a bath
95. Knit a scarf in incredible wools
96. Design & manufacture radios
97. Talk to me
98. Talk to him
99. Talk to her
100. Talk to yourself
101. Make love...we are all lovers

How about that?

Currently listening to 'Blue Afternoon' by Tim Buckley

Sam

Bjork live at Hammersmith Apollo 14/04/2008

Ladies holding brass instruments and flags attached to their heads, dressed top to toe in neon clothing, march on stage to the thumping drums of ‘Earth Intruders’ whilst 10 foot flames fire up behind them. This marks the start of one of the most spectacular audio and visual experiences any person can wish to observe. The tiny Bjork follows her marching brass band, dressed in the most ridiculous piece of headgear ever, consisting of lots of mini pompoms attached randomly together. Google it. She somehow pulls it off though, in the inimical way that only she can, in front off a crowd of devoted fans. As the opening number ends, and Bjork eases the tribal drums into the more spacious ‘Hunter’, the momentum is not lost. Bjork dances round the stage like a pixie, throwing her whole body left and right and shaking to the offbeat drums. Toumani Diabate joined Bjork for a spellbinding rendition of ‘Hope’ and Antony Hegarty (of the Johnsons fame) shared the stage for ‘Dull Flame of Desire’, which the crowd can’t quite believe. It’s her 1996 hit ‘Army of Me’ though, that really tears the roof down. Heavy drums, bass, synths and an overload of lasers turn the crowd into a pit of frenzied dancers. By the time Bjork ends the show with the simply superb ‘Hyperballad’, which sees the crowd singing the first verse louder than she can, so she just leaves it to them before promptly turning the last half of the song into a rave, and the equally relentless but just as beautiful ‘Pluto’, the crowd are in total awe of the tiny Icelandic lady. After a long break of constant cheering, Bjork returns with her Wonderbrass (honestly) and plays the beautiful ‘Anchor Song’ before closing the night with the frenetic ‘Declare Independence’, which she sings with just as much commitment as ever before, despite the huge amount of trouble the song has landed her in recently. Masses of golden confetti falls from the ceiling, making the Apollo seem more like a golden snow globe, which all adds to the spectacle. The man next to me sums up the whole evening perfectly as we turn to leave, just simply saying that that was “out of this world”. Bjork is an absolute must-see.

The computer still isn't working properly, so I am listening to the same three as before. Though just had some Drive Like Jehu on Last.fm which was fun.

Sam

Computer Crash

My computer external hardrive has died, so all my ripped music is not listenable at the moment. My CD's are all at home so I can't even listen to them. So I am just listening to my records at the moment, which is nice, but still doesn't make up for the loss of music! Anyway, for this reason there shan't be much going on here at the moment in terms of music reviews. I also can't do MP3 uploads at the moment either.

I am seing Bjork tomorrow night at Hammersmith Apollo which I will do a review for so that should be posted up here before Wednesday I would say, so look out for that.

Currently, all I seem to be putting on my deck is Talk Talk's 'Spirit Of Eden' (fucking incredible), Slint's 'Spiderland' (we all know how good that is) and Lou's 'Coney Island Baby', which is severely underrated. 'Kicks' is such a tune. I am also able to listen to stuff online, and have been jamming my ears with 'Rez' by Underworld which is a beautiful techno style track. They've also just been added to the Bestival line-up, which should be fun.

Thanks for sticking with it

Sam

Playlist - 02/04/2008

Hello. Sorry for the delay in putting this playlist up. But it's pretty good, even if I am not listening to it constantly at the moment, which is why it's still going up.

1. Take Me Ta Mars - The Flaming Lips
2. Burning of the Midnight Lamp - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
3. Some Candy Talking - The Jesus and Mary Chain
4. Run Run Run - The Velvet Underground
5. Kowalski - Primal Scream
6. Age of Consent - New Order
7. Any Day Now - Elbow
8. It's a Rainy Day, Sunshine Girl - Faust
9. Grandma's Hands - Bill Withers
10. Home is Where the Hatred Is - Gil Scott-Heron
11. Concrete Jungle - The Specials
12. Money - Easy Star All-Stars
13. Bad Da - Gregory Isaacs
14. Station Underground News - Lee 'Scratch' Perry and the Upsetters
15. Sleep the Clock Around - Belle and Sebastian
16. Ohm Sweet Ohm - Kraftwerk
17. Fur Immer (Forever) - Neu!
18. Down Down Down - Tom Waits
19. Fannin' Street - Leadbelly
20. Rollin' and Tumblin' - Elmore James

There we go. 'Fur Immer (Forever)' was included as a little tribute to the late great Klaus Dinger, the greatest motorik drummer ever. I know the link is to 'Hallogallo', but it's such a cool video that I had to pick it. Just the record being spun. Anyway, blogging will begin in earnest tomorrow again. As I said, Black Keys, Bjork and stuff coming up.

Currently listening to 'Real Cool Time' by The Stooges

Sam

Massive Delay

Apologies for the massive delay in posting. I have been really busy for some reason. Anyway, some new stuff. Black Keys album review soon as possible, Bjork live review coming on Tuesday or Wednesday next week, and a blog about Glastonbury very soon. Stick with it. Also, immediately I am unhappy with my Desert Island Discs. No 'Karma Police' for a start. Mental. It's something for you to disregard anyway.

Currently listening to 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' by the Temptations

Sam

1 Year Old

The Soft Bulletin is officially one year old. Fantastic. To celebrate, nothing special. Sorry. Still cash strapped. But there are plenty of things I would like to be reviewing right now, such as 'Oracular Spectacular' the MGMT record and other things. I can safely say this, the new Guillemots album is naff. I had a listen to it today and I am not really into it. It sounds like Mika. Sorry to any 'Mots fans. On a better note, 'Grounds for Divorce' by Elbow, which I know has been out a while, is genius. Such a fucking tune.
For our birthday celebrations some kind of special list should probably be created that I will regret and wish to change pretty quickly (see the cover versions post from last year!). Anyway, here is a list of what I think are my favourite songs ever. But not in any order. And no specific amount. Just records I could never get tired of. A Desert Island Discs almost. In fact, let's name it that, and I can add to it whenever, we cool? Excellent.

Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf
1970 - The Stooges
Race for the Prize - The Flaming Lips
Waiting Room - Fugazi
The King Of Carrot Flowers parts 1, 2 and 3 - Neutral Milk Hotel
Green Onions - Booker T and the MG's
There She Goes, My Beautiful World - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin
The Boy With the Arab Strap - Belle and Sebastian
Nuclear War (Version 1) - Yo La Tengo
Only Shallow - My Bloody Valentine
Kennedy - The Wedding Present
What Goes On - The Velvet Underground

That will do. 13 songs (all a bit Fugazi) that if they ever come on I am ecstatic. Pub, club, bedroom, party, anywhere and I am immediately happy. Many things missed off obviously. Much up for debate. But try it. It's fucking hard. The video clip is the classic footage of Fugazi doing 'Waiting Room' obviously.

The new playlist is coming soon, so that will have on it a video clip and a track. I will try and resist putting 'Age of Consent' on it again, but it'll be tough.

Currently listening to 'Sleep the Clock Around' by Belle and Sebastian. Thank you Shep. A banana milkshake of a tune.

Sam

Ramble On including the Bonzo's and Tangerine Dream

The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band are brilliant. So funny. They're that beautiful psychedelic kind of humour. The stuff that the Pythons developed from. But the genius thing is that they have this 1920's vaudeville sound as a band with these surreal and ridiculous lyrics going over the top. Nothing better on a chilly day. This clip is them doing 'Hunting Tigers Out in INDIAH' on Do Not Adjust Your Set. Fabulous.

Sorry that there is a slight shortage of new things to talk about at the moment, but I am rather cash strapped and so haven't bought anything! Mainly I have been enjoying Neutral Milk Hotel again, New Order and Lou Reed. Three things that I have always liked and I imagine you do to! If not, you would probably disagree with a lot of the things I say in this blog! Also currently getting some serious deck time is a Tangerine Dream box set of live bootlegs that is great. Not sure whether you need all 7 concerts ranging from 1974 to 1975 but it's still an excellent listen, one show at a time. The set from Bilbao is my personal favourite. Other than that, gearing up for revisiting Björk's back catalogue again as I am seeing her when she comes to London in April. There will be a full review of that show on here by the Wednesday afterwards. She is excellent, so I am looking forward to that. I have seen some stills of her new video which looks amazing. I think I'll tag some of them onto the end of the live review next month, as well as posting new single 'Wanderlust'.

Thought I'd pop on a track for you all that I have been playing far too much lately. It's 'Age of Consent' by New Order, off the 'Power, Corruption and Lies' album. It's brilliant. Probably my second favourite New Order track, after 'Ceremony'.
boomp3.com

Anyway, thanks for reading this ramble!
Currently listening to 'Power, Corruption and Lies' by New Order
Sam

The Flaming Lips - The Best Band on Mars!

This video is proof they are the best band on the fucking planet. From 1992 ish, doing 'Talking About the Smiling Deathporn Immortality Blues (Everyone Wants to Live Forever)' with crazy projections at a blistering speed. Brilliant. Enjoy. I am going to see them at Lovebox in July in London if anyone else is? Cannot wait.

Currently listening to 'Dummy' by Portishead

Sam

Playlist 16/03/2008

Here is this week's playlist. It's pretty good. Obviously.

1. Beautiful Life - Gui Boratto
2. Time to Pretend - MGMT
3. Assessment - The Beta Band
4. Ceremony - New Order
5. Surrender - The Chemical Brothers
6. Rise - Public Image Ltd.
7. Requiem - Killing Joke
8. Atmosphere - Joy Division
9. Computer Love - Kraftwerk
10. Barbwire Disaster - Augustus Pablo
11. Hyper-Ballad - Björk
12. Late Night Bus - The Longcut
13. Just Like Honey - The Jesus and Mary Chain
14. (When You Wake) You're Still in a Dream - My Bloody Valentine
15. Albert Goes West - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
16. She Plays With Light and Crystal Roses - The Notorious Hi-Fi Killers
17. Borderline - MC5
18. Apache - Link Wray
19. Guiding Light - Television
20. The Kids - Lou Reed

So there you have it. The video is Bjork at Glastonbury, which is the best thing I have ever seen live, I think. Anyway, enjoy. Any comments or suggestions feel free to post them.

Currently listening to '(Don't Go Back To) Rockville' by R.E.M

Sam

Beautiful Life

Brazilian Gui Boratto's 'Beautiful Life' is amazing. I have heard lots about this guy, but know very little. Safe to say though, this tune is amazing. It's electro meets techno I guess but my knowledge of electronic sub-genres is not mind blowing. Anyway, if anyone is a massive Boratto fan and would like to post something about him, feel free to do so. Leave a comment or something with recommendations of where to go with him for others and stuff. That'd be nice. The song is below.

boomp3.com

Currently listening to 'Computer Love' by Kraftwerk

Sam

What Goes On

What Goes On has changed. The feed now comes from Pitchfork and comes complete with pictures and more relevant music news. Rather than Duffy and Simple Minds as before, it now has Stephen Malkmus and Sonic Youth. Happy?

If not, watch this. Funny. Dr. Hook and his Medicine Show totally fucked trying to play 'Cover Of Rolling Stone'. I was recommended this by a friend. It's good.

Currently listening to the Notorious Hi-Fi Killers still.

Sam

Dig!!! Nick, Dig!!!

For a man of 50, last year's Grinderman project (complete with masturbating monkey on the cover) showed Nick Cave is not planning on slowing down and retiring just yet. This, is a very good thing indeed. The Grinderman album has clearly stuck in Cave's mind whilst making 'Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!', the follow up to 2004's 'Abattoir Blues/Lyre of Orpheus' double album. from the off, 'Dig!!!' has the similar bluesy repetitive nasty vibe that the Grinderman album had, except it sounds fuller and slightly less chaotic. This is due to the return of the other Seeds that didn't get in on the Grinderman project. The single you probably all know, but is a classic slice of Cave's witty lyrics riding freely above the band grooving on a three note riff. Excellent. The album is more upbeat than the overall double album of 2004, keeping in a similar vibe to 'Abattoir Blues', the heavier of the two records. 'Today's Lesson', 'We Call Upon the Author' and 'Lie Down Here (Be My Girl) are all classic Cave. Rich in humour and wit, whilst still retaining that trademark savagery that I love about Cave. 'Night of the Lotus Eaters' is a minimalist two note riff that circles over and over whilst Cave spins his tale. Excellent. The deluxe edition, which I obviously shelled out for, comes in a similar bit of packaging to the 'Abattoir Blues/Lyre of Orpheus' set, but with a smart lyric book included. The album shows Cave still has the fire in him, and his passion wit and talent shits on all the young things put together.
He is also touring the UK and Europe in the late spring, and I think there are still tickets available for some of his three date run at the Hammersmith Apollo if you fancy it. Here's a little taster to get you in the mood from the 'Abattoir' tour. Also, below is 'We Call Upon the Author' from the new 'Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!' record.

boomp3.com

Currently listening to The Notorious Hi-Fi Killers album 'Which Side Are You On?'

Sam

Dead Meadow Sweat it Out at the Freebutt

Dead Meadow, stoner rock kings, played the Freebutt in Brighton on Saturday. I was lucky enough to be in attendance when the boys take the stage in what has to be the sweatiest venue in the world. Apparently the air conditioning has broken, as Example's show there last night was also fucking roasting. Anyway, Dead Meadow. Opening with the first two off Old Growth (which I really like) 'Ain't Got Nothing (To Go Wrong)' and 'Between Me and the Ground' the band saunter through material old and new. The set heavily relies on the 'Old Growth' material, as pretty much all the non-acoustic numbers from the new record get a work out. They jam on things and seem to decide which material to play there and then, which makes it encapsulating viewing. However I have to mention the support band at this point. Named Bowlide Awkwardstra, they make a cacophonous sound mash for half an hour then walk off. Whistles, bells, plastic saxophones, guitar pedals fed through themselves over and over. Mental. Like 'Free Jazz' era Coleman, mixed with the electronics of Hawkwind. Totally enthralling to watch, but not sure how well it would work on record. Who knows. Something to look into? Anyway, below is 'Ain't Got Nothing (To Go Wrong)' by Dead Meadow. Enjoy.


boomp3.com

Currently listening to 'Clear Spot' by Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band

Sam

T.V Eye

T.V Eye has been removed, as I was struggling to make it work quite how I wished. However T.V Eye will exist in a new form. There will be links to videos and/or songs contained within each blog where it's appropriate. This will be better, as there should be a new T.V Eye with every single article. He says.

Sam

Playlist

I have started to make a playlist diary style thing for every month or week or so. It's an idea I've unashamedly robbed off Cameron Crowe. The idea being you can go back and look at what you were listening to for that month. Anyway, here is 05/03/2008

1. India - The Psychedelic Furs
2. The True Wheel - Brian Eno
3. Mer du Japon - Air
4. Someone Great - LCD Soundsystem
5. Moonshake - Can
6. Road Leads Where It's Lead - Secret Machines
7. Weissensee - Neu!
8. I'm Set Free - The Velvet Underground
9. Bros - Panda Bear
10. Jody Sings - Masters of Reality
11. Man In A Shed - Nick Drake
12. You Set The Scene - Love
13. I Only Said - My Bloody Valentine
14. Just Like heaven - The Cure
15. Quel Mal y a-t-il Á Ca? - Francoise Hardy
16. The Curse of Ka'zar - Lemon Jelly
17. Gorecki - Lamb
18. Cosy In The Rocket - Psapp
19. Radio Free Europe - R.E.M
20. We Call Upon The Author - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

So there you go. That's March the 5th-ish. As you can see, it's going to be twenty songs every time. I'll post them when I date them. Any suggestions, feel free to add them.

The My Bloody Valentine link is bootleg footage of them playing 'I Only Said'. Magic. I Think I'll scrap T.V Eye being at the side of the page, and just paste links within the relevant articles from now. I think that will be more succesful.

Currently listening to 'Feels' by Animal Collective

Sam

An Evening with The Kills

The Duke of York's is the longest running cinema in Britain, and is the venue for tonight's special show. Entitled an Evening with The Kills, it consists of a film they have made as well as a concert. The film consists of fucking cool clips of seminal bands. It strikes me that The Kills influence's are fairly obvious and having them on a huge projection screen behind you seems a little pointless. There were no surprises in the bands they showed clips from. New York through the ages, the Velvets, Television, Patti Smith, Johnny Thunders etc. The Rolling Stones were also there. See what I mean? So the film is enjoyable, but essentially I could have trawled youtube for those clips and edited them together myself. Anyway, the band are running out of time and have to come on before the film has finished. This means The Kills end up playing with giant projections of Fugazi and the like behind them, which is a slight distraction from their own performance.
Anyway, The Kills come on, do their garage sexy druggy blues drum machine rock thing, which sounds ace in the cinema, and VV (real name Alison Mosshart) looks fucking cool doing her rock heroine thing. Kate Moss hangs quietly by the backstage entrance, seemingly not bothered that her man is on stage. I wonder if Kate gets jealous of the intimacy that Hotel and VV have on stage? I probably would if I was Kate, VV is much better. The Kills trawl through stuff from the first two albums, including 'Wait' and 'Fried My Little Brains' as well as mixing in stuff from 'Midnight Boom' the third album released yesterday (produced by one of the guys from Spank Rock). The show is fun, there's some people dancing in their seats, and gradually people move down towards the front. However, it's the encore of 'The Good Ones' followed by 'Love is a Deserter' that finally get the crowd all up on their feet.
A slightly strange evening then, watching a rock and roll band in an armchair whilst watching huge projections of frankly better rock and roll bands behind them. Worth it? I'd say so.

Currently listening to: Bros by Panda Bear

Sam

The Grand Re-opening

This blog will be kickstarted again in earnest. Promise. There will be live reviews of The Kills and Dead Meadow coming up, and album reviews from all sorts. Stick with me.