Arctic Monkeys - Humbug album thoughts

Arctic Monkeys have recently released another album, Humbug. It is very cool. I have a few blog bffs who have reviewed the album already. I have abstained from reading their perceptions on account of not wanting to be swayed on my initial personal judgment of the album.

First thoughts: different, but great. There are sounds that blend 'typical' Arctic Monkeys music with that of The Shadow Puppets debut venture (which was a huge success by the way).

Their songs are still full of clever lyrics compiled with Alex Turner's genius insight into word usage. But there is somewhat less to jump around to in this album. Many of the tracks are in between lose-yourself-with-your-crazy-dancing-shoes and drift-into-505-mode. While you are encouraged to bob your head and tap your big toe, you are not inspired to get your sweat on with a crazy German audience (like I did in 07 to Favourite Worst Nightmare).

I think if give it a chance, you are bound to 'dig it'!

Track listing:
1. "My Propeller"
2. "Crying Lightning"
3. "Dangerous Animals"
4. "Secret Door"
5. "Potion Approaching"
6. "Fire and the Thud"
7. "Cornerstone"
8. "Dance Little Liar"
9. "Pretty Visitors"
10. "The Jeweller's Hands"

I am going to read these reviews now:
Luca
Lines of Oration

Civil Twilight - New Site

USA based South African band, Civil Twilight are making inroads into the hearts of American fans, and pretty much everyone else who either hears their music or sees their front man.

For what seems like ages, Civil Twilight have been recording their debut self titled album under Wind Up Records. It is now set for release in July, July 7th to be exact. There will be a new single, for this I cannot wait. It's called 'Next to Me' and will be available from 12 May. There is already a review of the album up on Hybrid.

Oh, so the real reason I was blogging was to say, go check out CT's new website. It's pretty cool. It also has some new steamy pics of the band. civiltwilightband.com

They also kinda have a blog that they have been running poorly, but this promises to change. lettersfromthesky.com

Go go! Oh, and don't mistake drummer, Richard Wouters for Dominic Howard.

CD Review: SIBOT AND SPOEK ARE

SIBOT AND SPOEK ARE is the name of the debut project put together by (funny enough [sarcastically]) Sibot and Spoek under the team name, Playdoe. They have only played two shows here in South Africa but had performed in Europe before these shows. Seems like a backwards way of doing it, but as far as I am concerned there is no right or wrong way. Just different ways. No one formula can be prescribed for all in the industry. I am digressing, so let me continue.

Playdoe's Afro/Hiphop/electro/90's rap EP is but a taste, a big taste of the spectacle that is their live show. This extended play features amongst others their catchy single, Pop Like This and for me their biggest song, It's That Beat of which the original and Toxic Avenger Remix is included. Listen to the remix below.

From the show I went to I realised they had far too much material for just one EP. Simon says they'll be "dropping an other EP locally in Feb ish and hopefully an album overseas".

There has been a lot of interest in Playdoe from record companies like Big Dada, Ninja and XL, so lets get behind the guys and see them succeed!

Here is the track list for SIBOT AND SPOEK ARE:

It's that beat
Fish Gut
Neolectro Afrobotic
Gravy Yard
Pop Like This
Metro
It's That Beat (Toxic Avenger Remix)

For more music from Playdoe check out their space and their fan page.

Do it!

CD Review: The Plastics EP

So, The Plastics released their new EP in June. Not mind blowing, but then again, what is these days? When was the last time you bought a mind blowing album or EP? The last time I bought a CD that phenomenal was when I was 13. It was Britney Spears’ first album. Oh yes. I was so proud.

Anyway, with definite Anthony Kiedis (RHCP front man) and Blur influences, The Plastics put together something not run of the mill, which is refreshing. Unfortunately, without actually seeing them play live, it’s a little difficult to make an informed decision about whether I like this band, but I can imagine these songs going down well at a gig. Interesting songs, not sure what they are about, but the entertainment factor is there.

Having said all the above, this new EP is worth a purchase for the music collection. For those cheapskates who prefer to download your music free, The Plastics have catered for you as well. Click here to freely download their hard work. Also, while you are at it, check out their music video.

Monkey Simulation

CD Review: Tuck Shop

Desmond & the Tutus have just launched their debut album, Tuck Shop, featuring all their greatest sing alongs like Saggy Bottom Speedo Swimmer and Peter (I can't love you, the way you need me to). They were recently in Cape Town launching the new album. The album (and all of Desmond's songs) prove that lyrics don't have to be all "arty" and "deep" to be enjoyable or accepted. Songs focus on themes such as girls with boys names, hard high fives, speedos and other ridiculously comical ideas. The album is well put together by Adrian Levi and is a MUST have for any music lover. If you enjoy bands like Kings Of Leon and The Vampire Weekend, you will definitely enjoy this very South African act.

Above photo from We Are Awesome.

Tuck Shop

1. “Peter” (song about a girl with a boy’s name)

2. “Good and Guilty”

3. “Old Girls”

4. “Kiss You on the Cheek” (about everything inside of you wanting to kiss this girl on the cheek)

5. “German Modern” (a song about a new dance move coined by Desmond)

6. “Crazy Rebel”

7. “Saggy Bottom Speedo Swimmer” (song about a kid who has lost his swimming trunks and has to swim in a speedo)

8. “Pictures”

9. “High Fives” (song about a kid who gives really hard high fives)

10. “Head to the Side”

11. “Too Late”

If you would like to get your hands on a copy of Tuck Shop (the greatest album I have got this year), email the band at hi@desmondandthetutus.co.za! They would love to help you out with a copy.

Athlete - Hurricane

Athlete, an English indie rock act out of London released there 3rd Album in September last year, Beyond The Neighbourhood, which entered the UK charts at #5, not nearly as successful as the album, Tourist, which preceded it. Tourist set the standard as far as music and originality was concerned. When Beyond the Neighbourhood came out, some fans were disappointed. Some critics complained that the new music sounds like Coldplay (suddenly Coldplay's sound is exclusive?). Besides, Coldplay's new album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, has a refreshingly new sound.

Anyway, the album is very typically Athlete, not too much new, a few new electronic sounds, but very safely put together. I am happy with my purchase.

Have a look at the their single below, Hurricane, and make your own mind up. When you are done with that, they have just released their latest EP, definitely worth having a look at. It's called Outsiders.