The Victorian English Gentlemens Club - The Victorian English Gentlemens Club (Fantastic Plastic Records) 28/08/2006

It was the track 'Impossible Sightings Over Shelton' that brought this lone listener into the fold. A track of such outrageous rag tag ability, to describe this song as a '1974 Allegro' wouldn't be too far from the truth. Its shitty gold paint work, scratched and slightly faded over years of misuse through its half-a-dozen owners. Its faux leather seats split, where a cigarette failed to meet with the door's ash tray and a smell that tells of its current owners over enthusiasm one Saturday night 3-weeks ago.

Ok by this point I've either lost you, or gained your attention and like the car crash on the other carriageway, you're curious and want to know if this car really exists? Well yes in a round-a-bout way, only the paint work turns out to be a pink evening dress, in which the band's drummer, Emma Daman drums out the pattern that keeps her soldiers marching. Those faux leather seats are in fact bassist Louise Mason, whose strings buzz as they catch the frets and that smell, well let's not go into that, just to say guitarist/vocalist Adam Taylor creates a mayhem that is only matched by the band's collective ability to evoke a chaos theory that will make the hairs on the back off your neck stand on end.

As an album, although only a shade over 30 minutes, the band have in their own inimitable way managed to pack so much into this fraction of time, it hardly seems to matter. Music as previously touched upon is chaotic, vocals are sang with an intensity that becomes unnerving and yet captivating. The songs display a familiarity that is soon found from the stories told within Adams lyrics. When he tells us "My Son Spells Backwards", I asked, is this a social comment on dyslexia, or the next Omen? Stories of such absurdity they are only matched by the band's frantic ability to drive us through their passages, barking insanely and hammering what passes as a melody somewhere beneath a structure of uncompromising force.

These 3 musicians from Cardiff do their very best to plunge us into a confused darkness, whilst at the same time displaying such confidence I never once questioned their ability. This album is the proverbial dogs bollocks, I'm impressed with the songs composition, with the vocal delivery and the writing as a whole. They should be deservedly chuffed with this debut effort. 10/10

Nick James

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Lior - Autumn Flow (Red Ink) 25/09/2006

Aargh, no the sleeve was not inspiring confidence. What appears to be a young waster, no shoes and possibly absent of a comb is sitting against a brick wall. Someone's probably run off with his hat in which he had the coins passers by had given out of pity, and what's this the poor chap's scrawled his name or something that might pass as a vagrant's ramblings on the wall. He better avoid the man from the council when he comes round, he'll have the pullover from his back and a night in the pound before the hearing. Quick, hurry past, don't look, don't look.

But what's this, 'whoosh'! (a guitar is swung in my direction, narrowly missing the back of my head), ha, ha, missed (not so fast, you forgot about the strap) ouch! That'll teach me for making assumptions. Alright, I've got some ground to make up to appease, the by this point fuming Lior, I'll take a listen to his album shall I.

An Australian singer-songwriter, who has already had praise heaped upon him in the form of being nominated for 3 ARIA awards, including best male artist, not to mention receiving another nomination for Australian 'Album of the Year. Oh, and I forgot to mention the inclusion on Ministry Of Sound's 'Chillout Session' release, twice! ('Daniel' and 'This Old Love').

Well, I think I can feel events beginning to calm, perhaps now is the time I listened to his work. Another bloody dance album though, I can feel a headache coming on, whoops, wrong view point, think again. Hold on, and as the seconds count into this album, the first track 'This Old Love' is becoming quite compelling, softly sung vocals, sweet melodies, a constant pace, but this is not David Gray! And as the previously mentioned 'Daniel' turns up the pace, the volume and Lior manages to retain a sweetness that in no way tells of an outback sheep shearer, but the melody, the sliding bass appears strangely reminiscent and as 'Gypsy Girl' begins, after a while vocal phrasing appears familiar, I can't quite put my finger on the artist, but I'm beginning to listen to what is turning out quite a great album. The song crafting of Glenn Tilbrook and presentation of Stephen Duffy, I really am getting sold.

One thing that Lior can't be accused of is standing still and as soon as I manage to put a finger on what and where this artist is coming from 'Superficial' is starting to sound a little of Prince, with a little more soul than funk. 'Autumn Flow' and this is proving this artist is in possession of a great voice, lyrics are another fine selling point and just how he's managed to garner such critical acclaim is becoming all to obvious, as vocals appear to posses the ability to soar through picked melodies.

No, across twelve songs over which the artist shows great ability in writing strong lyric, wonderful melodies and styles that appear just comfortable with the slow, slight numbers, as those that almost verge on the orchestral rock (well ok, we hear string instruments on 'Sitting With A Stranger', visions of ELO became a little clearer at this point). None of the tracks here appeared to be simply fillers and all kept me guessing at the direction in which I was being led. For the younger audience these might not be quite hip enough, but as an artist's album, this certainly is a great record, on a parr (musically) with Robert Plant's 'Manic Nirvana' or (lyrically) with that of perhaps Jeff Buckley. They say "...one of the few Australian artists to have a debut GOLD album." And it's not at all surprising anymore, simply brilliant. 9/10

Nick James

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The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds (40th Anniversary Edition) 28/08/2006

Three quarters of the music industry and its most luminous peers will probably want to stone me, or even burn me at the stake, for saying this, but I’ve always thought “Pet Sounds” was FAR from the best album The Beach Boys ever made. The earlier “Surfin’ Safari” was the pick of the bunch if you ask me, capturing and typifying the sound of California forevermore.

That’s not to say I don’t LIKE “Pet Sounds”. Of course, I acknowledge that it’s a very strong album, but I have to admit that there are few tracks that resonate deep inside me, the obvious exceptions being the astonishing “God Only Knows”, the hark back to yesteryear of “Sloop John B” and my personal favourite - the thought provoking “I Know There’s An Answer”.

Anyway, there’s little point in me reviewing these songs as they’re already well established classics, so let me tell you a little more about what’s on offer here: Not only do you get the original mono album, you also get the bonus of the whole thing again in stereo, remastered for your delectation and I must admit, this DOES seem to add something extra special and even more fascinating is the chance to listen to the stunning harmonies WITHOUT the music.

Further to that, there is a DVD chronicling the making of “Pet Sounds” with some fascinating insight from each remaining band member, promotional films of “Sloop John B”, the album itself and the “Non-Sounds” smash hit “Good Vibrations”, a beautiful photo gallery, copious unseen footage and excerpts from the George Martin hosted BBC programme “Rhythm of Life”.

Now I must confess, this is one of the best musical DVDs I’ve seen in a long time, and the extras are so impressive that you’d be a fool to miss out. 9/10

Tone E

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Electronic - Get The Message; The Best Of (EMI/Rhino) 18-19/09/2006

Alright, I'm sure you know the story; New Order was the band that arose out of the ashes of what was Joy Division following the sad passing of it's front man, Ian Curtis (RIP), long may you be gone, but the memories still haunt. New Order is a very finely honed machine however and out of this core group came a number of outfits. Revenge and more recently, Monaco were Peter Hook's brain childs, The Other Two, aptly named were Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris and while all acheived success in varying degrees, none was more successful than Bernard Sumner, when he joined with The Smiths' Johnny Marr in bringing their 'pop' to the masses in the form of Electronic. All this can be explored on a great site I unearthed and it comes complete with an official Factory catalogue number, in the form of FAC421 and as such consider this a hollowed place, so please explore.

Anyway I'm not here to 'big-up' another's website (although credit where credit's due), no it's that Electronic have had their obligatory "Best Of" released on both sides of the Atlantic in the form of "Get The Message". This fifteen track compilation features those tracks most will be all to familiar with. The band's first UK top 10 hit, the single this album has taken its name from, those massive singles that the group performed with Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, "Disappointed" and "Getting Away With It" and while I was set to bang on about how tracks like "Second Nature" had been omitted from the pre-release, by the time the full version came our way, there it was, so I can't even punch holes in why a greatest hits falls foul of omisions. Although this said, it is the US version of the album that not only omits "Second Nature" (#35 in the UK), but also "Prodigal Son", a song to which I refer later in the article, making the Rhino release 13 tracks instead of the UK's 15.

Sleeve notes do talk with both Marr and Sumner about the reason's the two came together. None of this will come as a surprise, Marr talking of how they both realised just how much they had in "common" and wishing to escape the "rigid structure" of the four piece group, whereas Sumner talks of a "creative level" the two saw for the band; to work with people they'd both "admired and liked". Well before I've even got to the music this bodes well, two musicians who are not back biting and come across as mates, provide that feel good factor and with that 'Factory' ethos behind the artwork that illustrated the releases, made the right impression.

These two releases encompass both the UK (EMI) and US (Rhino) markets. Our contacts at Rhino have provided for us link's for readers to participate in a 'listening party' for the album - (1), (2), (3), (4) - try these and find the one that suits. A commercial link, to direct you toward the Rhino site is also available here. The UK release also comes with a limited version including a DVD of 7 promo videos for; "Getting Away With It", "Get The Message ", "Feel Every Beat", "Disappointed", "Forbidden City", "For You" and "Vivid". Slick presentations that are presented with a straight forward menu to select each.

We'll all have our favourites, but speaking from someone who took to the band from the first album and soon left them behind, it's the later period material that shines for me. For instance "Vivid" and Marr's use of the Harmonica is simply awesome and far deeper than the early pop moments the two started with. A compilation crammed with genius and even if like myself you tired of the fluffy "Getting Away With It", this is the perfect opportunity to rediscover these songs, with the foresight of tracks like "Prodigal Son", with its sinister tone, it's great! 9/10

Don't just take my word for it through, after you've explored those links provided, take the opportunity of entering our competition and win this album for yourself courtesy of Rhino. The competition will close on the 31st October 2006.

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Various - Back To The Bus (Babyshambles) (DMC) 18/09/2006

The "Back To The Bus" series of compilations by today's notable bands (or perhaps in this case 'notorious bands' seems more apt), is a personal invite behind those closed doors, that separate public from artist. Being the second in this series, we find Babyshambles at the decks in a very slick and well compiled collection of songs. This collection is more than just a compilation and is perhaps best described as an education, an education in what makes these guy's 'tick'. Songs ranging from The Creation, thru The Clash, the obligatory number by The Littlan's, to the thick syrup that is Dennis Brown's "Money In My Pocket".

There are those that won't surprise, perhaps in the form of The Cazals, "New Boy In Town", maybe Love's "Your Friend & Mine" and Johnny Thunder's "Chinese Rocks" - a crazy example of someone who appears just as AWOL as the collections compiler, but at this point my track listing appears to go astray from that listed. What was surprising however was St Etienne's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", a supreme break from what was becoming a little expected and complete with banging bass and vocals that could've easily been sang in the bathroom, is another piece in the jigsaw that is Babyshambles.

Yeah, pretty much kicking and proving that the Babyshambles 'bus' may not be all Sex and Drugs, but certainly more Rock'n'Roll. Where do I sign up? 8/10

N.B. Oh did I mention the insightful chat with the band, about life on the road, the crack whores, supermodels and more? I didn't, well my copy was void of this; all to frank account, but is supposedly available on the commercial release, so get chasing down your copy and find out what it's all about.

Nick James

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Maria McKee - Live Acoustic (Cooking Vinyl) 11/09/2006

T: Well, I'm STILL not a fan of live albums, so we'll see whether Maria can change my mind...Hmmm...Nope....but then I guess it would help if I liked any of her previous output, and really I'm not overkeen. Ok, what compliments can I give here? Well, McKee quite clearly has a very powerful voice, and she obviously has a good rapport with her audience and an entertaining stage presence. Ultimately though, this kinda grates on me. I've had enough already. One for the fans only if you ask me.

N: I think it should be said this is a VERY live album, intimate in a way that will bring this performance into your front room, but as for her musical output, I thought I knew this artist. I was wrong. Certainly very folky, but as for the "grating", I can see exactly where you're coming from. Perhaps a studio album reins this in. No, I don't think this would make a "live album fan" out of me. 5/10

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Everclear - Welcome To The Drama Club (Eleven Seven Music) [Import] 12/04/2006

N: We have both sat here equally immersed in this album that immediately comes across as so familiar. Have they rewritten "Song From An American Movie Vol.2", or cleverly introduced us to this latest album?

T: The impression I get is that this is an album that will require multiple listenings, as I can hear the seeds of some real growers here. Eventually they may blossom into some of the most glorious plants in the greenhouse; on the other hand, perhaps they'll be overwatered and die a lonely death in the corner. Either way, there are no weeds here, and are worth getting your hands dirty for. Hmmm. I'm talking shit, aren't I?

N: If that's what you feed the plants, but the horticulturalist calls this manure. The band have certainly addressed some pretty weighty issues as you've surmised. The one that's quoted is that for "Hater", railing against those who justify violence in the name of religion, and conjured up the "hater Jesus" character, one who has already bred its own Myspace page. Musically, this album kicks arse. 8/10

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Junior Boys - So This Is Goodbye (Domino) 11/09/2006

T: If you like Justin Timberlake, you'll love the first track here. I don't.

N: I find it hard to see how you can form such an opinion after only 30 seconds. My thoughts are along the lines of The Beloved, not of some hormonally rampant American male answer to Britney Spears. After slightly longer, I'm starting to feel full up, like I do after I've eaten Big Mac and Fries.

T: Funnily enough, I was just thinking it was getting better. I love the bits that are clearly influenced by John Foxx, generally because they tend to be a lot darker, but then those vocals kick in and kind of spoil it for me. The assertion that Junior Boys are the forerunners of a movement called New MOR is spot on, and you can hear where the namechecked influences of Hall and Oates and The Blue Nile come in. Have you ever met someone a tad too over friendly that you like, but can't wait to get rid of at the same time? That's how this music comes across to me.

N: I don't feel Junior Boys thought a whole lot further than a handful of beats. A collection of songs that could have been so much better, but perhaps that album has already been recorded in the form of "Penthouse and Pavement". 4/10

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Ann McCue - Koala Motel (Cooking Vinyl) 04/09/2006

N: Be it right or wrong, when this album first struck in, the picture I had was that of Sheryl Crow. And then she sings....NOT Sheryl Crow.

T: Pretty impressive tunes though I think you'll agree. Cosy folksy acoustic tracks with McCue's tender vocals adding a welcome lift to the compositions. This is an artist I don't MIND tickling my earlobes. In fact, having looked at the pics on the CD, I'd be rather disappointed if she stopped at my earlobes...

N: Let's get back to the music. A country tinged female singer songwriter, and she plays a Les Paul, assisted vocally by her guitarist Dusty Wakeman, although I did feel this tended to add little to the presentation. Perhaps if Dusty tickled Tone's earlobes from time to time, he might have something else to say! (I hope I've well and truly spiked his bubble!)

NB - Time to add again that the earlier reviews we do are at the bottom of the page, in case you wonder what we're going on about! 6/10

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Seafood - Paper Crown King (Cooking Vinyl) 04/09/2006

T: This would actually be my album of the month by some distance. It's got so much anger and emotion to it, probably stemming from vocalist David Line's relatively recent medical condition of a collapsed lung. This was, in fact, confirmed by the man himself in this issue's featured interview. As you may imagine, it's a hell of a lot noisier than its predecessor "As The Cry Flows", a great album in its own right, and packs a killer punch in each and every song. If the Hidden Cameras are a band you could take home to meet your mum, then Seafood are a group you can take home to frighten your grandma on THIS evidence. It's not ALL dark and disturbing though - there ARE gentler asides in the shape of "Between The Noise PT2" and "Last Outpost", but for the most part, it's a shamelessly vicious assault on your eardrums. Not many bands release their best album on their fifth attempt, but Seafood, to their credit, seem to have done just that.

N: From the opening bars, quite undoubtedly, this is a Seafood album. Solid musically, with those vocals that David manages to twist mid-sentence and always come out ahead. A band I've always had the greatest respect for, and this album has done nothing to dent this opinion. 9/10

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The Hidden Cameras - Awoo (Rough Trade) 04/09/2006

T: Still as jaunty as ever, The Hidden Cameras are just as capable of sending a sensual tingle down your spine as they are of making you laugh. Of course, being a heterosexual male, it makes me a little uncomfortable having a very openly gay group stroking my earlobes, but I am very fond of their laid back, gentle, beautifully written compositions. "Death of a Star" is a corking way to start the album and they continue in an impressive vain throughout. Like I said, I feel a LITTLE uncomfortable, but that's ok as long as it doesn't give me an erection...

N: I feel a little uncomfortable following that remark, so I'll keep my legs crossed and just say - a band with a certain giant quietly, and a quality in which you would certainly have no problem in taking home to meet your mother. A charm that laces each and every song in liberal amounts from an early stage. Who could fail to be charmed by this band?

T: Take them home to meet your mother? The same band that mused, on a previous album, about drinking their boyfriends pee? Or words to that effect? You SURE your mum would be impressed. Still, as a final comment - yes, TOP album.

N: If it's good eough for Susan Sarandon, who am I to scoff? 9/10

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The Needles - In Search Of The Needles (Dangerous Records) 04/09/2006

A four-piece who hail from Aberdeen at last have brought their debut long player to the table after 7 years in preparation. But what do our panel make of this; over done or just right?

T: Stop trying to influence me through your introduction. All our readers are going to know how this is going to pan out anyway, as they will already be well aware I think the band are truly the Db's, while you think they are distinctly average.

N: Your words mate!

T: Nothing has changed for me, as I still think these are all triumphantly thunderous tunes, unequivocally infectious, but has your opinion been swayed any?

N: All I'm thinking at the moment is that you are overdosing on words of the long variety! Back to the music, and I AM being swayed. Music that is becoming akin to The Attractions, and in this long playing form is proving to show star quality, despite your diction.

T: Hey I'm only going on past opinions! There's such a wealth of variation here that I feel you can't fail to be impressed, from the rampantly intense "Under The City" through the Hollies tinged "Poison Ivy" and littered with jangly but justifiable pop songs; "In Search of The Needles" was well worth the wait if you ask me.

N: Nuff said. How much stock did you say you wanted me to buy? 8/10

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Gary Moore - The Platinum Collection - 3CD set (Virgin EMI) 04/09/2006

With the release of Gary's back catalogue some three years ago (or Moore), this, the Platinum Collection, a 3 CD box set is a stamp in acknowledgement of one of the finest guitarists the British Isles have ever produced.

N: It's nice to wear this jacket staped with the Union Jack, but let's cut to the chase, Thin Lizzy were from Northern Island and let us not forget.

T: Although Gary Moore never reached the heady heights of his former band, the music has always enough charm about it to make it palatable. Occasionally sounding like Huey Lewis and the News, but I'll forgive him those foibles and readily acknowledge the man's contribution to music over the past 30 years.

N: A collection you can quite as easily get lost in, as fully appreciate the technique Moore mastered and contributed to rock music over these past decades. 7/10

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