Rest in peace, Cory Monteith.

I am genuinely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Glee actor Cory Monteith. Amongst the punk bands and indie labels I'm a huge Gleek at heart, and he, along with the entire cast, promoted a positive message to millions of people throughout the world - a perfect example of what music can do. I know I'll be spending today with Glee songs on repeat. Rest in peace. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Crackheads - Roadmender, Northampton - 23/05/13

For a band who have existed for a relatively short period of time, and who have coped with the turbulent departure of band members, Teenage Mutant Ninja Crackheads gave a memorable debut performance. Lumbered with an opening slot, their set formed part of a Northampton College event at the Roadmender, Northampton. This wasn't really apparent, however - there was nothing amateurish about it. They have the same enthusiasm, if not more, of professional bands you may find at the venue on any given night. Perhaps lacking in technical proficiency at times, with a notable loss of lyrics, their obvious energy completely accounted for it. After all, isn't that what rock'n'roll is all about? A test of a good band is often their ability to cope when things don't go entirely to plan, rather when a set runs smoothly. This ability was apparent tonight, to a level you might expect of a band with years more experience. Stage outfits of Scooby Doo and a vampire? onesie (I'm not entirely sure), showed them as inherently quirky, although the drummer was lacking in said onesie, disappointingly! A variety of cover song choices including Paramore and Disturbed, portrayed their diversity and ability to switch between genres, although it feels necessary as they are obviously capable, for them to venture into the world of original songwriting. A band with these positive and endearing qualities, can only really go onwards and upwards. As their friends, I hope this will happen, and I'll promote and back them to the hilt, but as a music journalist, I honestly encourage you to encourage them. The music industry needs to keep fun bands alive. I hope I'm able to review their original music some time in the near future!

One Week Later...Tape Deck Heart - Frank Turner

It has been well over a week since the release of Frank Turner's 5th album, Tape Deck Heart. I reviewed what I heard the moment the record arrived, and initially I wasn't entirely convinced. However, time took the edge off of the unfamiliarity of a new record, and allowed a far more reliable view to form. This is not something I've ever felt the need to do before, but it became obvious that this record was desperately deserved of a second review.

It took a week of listening and musical-persistence to adjust to the new sounds and attitudes Tape Deck Heart is built upon. These differences have now sunk in, the lyrics more familiar, and suddenly, this record seems to make sense.The quirks I was looking for have become apparent, the high-standard of the album simply took some to fully process and appreciate. The relatability of Good & Gone, the reminder of impermanence embedded into Polaroid Picture - Tape Deck Heart discusses ideas not often commented upon in music. It may sparingly include the chirpy folk-rock sound of England Keep My Bones, but throughout, it beautifully represents tragedy and despair, and most notably, change. The person singing on this new album is not instantaneously recognisable - they are a sadder, broken version of the voice you have become accustomed to. A good album shouldn't be about what has been carried through from previous records though, it should be about the new ideas it brings. Some people took to this album instantaneously; I can't truthfully say that I did. These personal songs have slowly worn away at me though, the lyrics persistently refusing to leave my mind. Now, this record rarely leaves my stereo.

Honesty is not always an easy thing to project , so for someone in the public eye to share such personal ideas in an album is really quite admirable. Somewhere between the release of England Keep My Bones, and the creation of Tape Deck Heart, the Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls brand underwent some serious alterations. And as this decision helped shape the record, thank goodness it did.

Album Review: Tape Deck Heart - Frank Turner

The name Frank Turner is now a recognisable brand name. Formally, a musician loved a lot but by a few, has earned wide-ranging recognition. In 2012 alone, he became known as a friend of Billy Bragg, for headlining Wembley Arena, and perhaps most significantly, for playing at the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Where do you go from there, now 2013 has well and truly begun? How do you beat that? Creating an album to mark the next significant step in your career, seems the most logical way forward, but can Tape Deck Heart stand up to the high standards Turner has already set himself? These previous achievements have ensured that more people than ever have been glued to his career, watching and waiting to hear what will happen next. 

Encouraging and attracting a fan-base who are, more often than not, truthful and outspoken, means that opinions of the album are unlikely to be sugar-coated. Notably, a philosophy that has been interwoven into Frank’s lyrics consistently. Writing a review for this album, about an artist whose music I greatly admire, and ensuring I’m being consistently honest, has proved to be a difficult task. Yet somehow, it seems the only thing to do.

The album begins with Recovery – catchy, poppy, appealing to the masses and a far cry from folk music. A song that immediately establishes the thoughtful, candid theme of the record. It expresses a need for personal self-improvement, and the effect encountering problems in your life can have. Something that has been consistent throughout Turner’s career, which has not been left out of this record, is his ability to create songs that connect with the listener. Losing Days discusses the feeling of days disappearing, and time flying away from you. It’s a subject few would think to form a song around - this ability to discuss the rarely discussed is what makes his music particularly memorable. 

Four Simple Words is a welcome break amongst the hard-hitting, heartbreaking lyrical content of this record. Positive, upbeat and fun, it stands out hugely. It follows Tell Tale Signs, a song so remarkably personal I feel significantly uncomfortable listening to it. This album is somewhat of an emotional roller coaster, which manipulates emotions in a remarkable way.

Tape Deck Heart takes a completely different direction, both in themes and music, to previous albums. Lyrically, it connects with the listener on a rawer, far more personal level, with songs based on relationships, loss and love. These are not subjects rare to find in song writing, but not something Frank is normally known to visit in such depth. Moving a gigantic leap away from folk-rock songs about England and travelling, and noticeably produced and promoted on a much larger scale, makes the album feel like uncharted territory for Frank Turner. The Sleeping Souls, the band which give substance and musicality to the albums and live performances, seem to have played a much greater role in this record. The music includes a greater variation in instruments, such as the mandolin, and songs like Broken Piano demonstrate a far more obscure style. Somehow though, I’m left missing the traditional band format, and punchy upbeat style of the previous albums. In some ways driven folk-songs and story-telling is perhaps an unusual angle from which to write, which overall, makes for a good selling point. However, all good musicians may have to have the ability, and perhaps the necessity, to change. 

Recording in LA with well-respected producer Rich Costey, has clearly had an impact on this record. It has been produced to within an inch of its life – gone are the gritty voice cracks and imperfections, replaced instead with clear, polished, technically perfect ones.  The Sleeping Souls also appear to have been manipulated quite significantly, as though there has been an attempt to make them as clear and perfect as literally possible. However, they were already an incredibly tight band, that true to name, had soul. It seems to me that they have been over –produced and perfected. 

Normally, Frank albums have a healthy balance between thoughtful songs and positive, hopeful ones. Tape Deck Heart doesn’t. It manages to project these sad and meaningful thoughts onto the listener. Probably demonstrative of a good song,  but in all honesty it is fairly draining listen, and not something it would be wise to listen to in a less than upbeat mood.  It’s an utterly personal record, the lyrics at times cringe-worthy to hear. Pushing far beyond the boundaries set in his previous albums, Tape Deck Heart is a raw, biting record. At times, it feels as though you’ve accidentally read the diary of a stranger – that you’ve heard something not intended for public consumption. 

It’s a technically accomplished album, with deep and thought-provoking lyrics. It visits musical styles not before heard in previous albums, yet it seems to lack the folk-rock charm Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls are famous for. It may not be the best record you hear this year, and it may not be the best record Frank has ever written, but it is a huge step away from his ordinary style, and courageously honest, and for that alone, it deserves significant recognition.

Record Store Day UK

Before Amazon and iTunes changed music consumption forever, before superstores like HMV dominated Britain's high streets, independent record shops were the main source of music. Although far from extinct, these stores full of varied genres and musical advice have gradually declined in popularity. Presumably swayed by easy digital access to music, and the availability of music-chains, many potential customers have sadly chosen to take their business elsewhere.

However, musicians and fans have not given up on them just yet - today they united to preserve these dwindling businesses, taking part in the annual event, Record Store Day UK. Designed to encourage the choice of independent record stores over Internet purchases or high street giants, in-store performances took place in over 200 record stores throughout the UK.

I experienced the London section I this event, first at Rough Trade East on Brick Lane, then at Sister Ray on Berwick Street. True to form, I tailored my day to include Frank Turner & Matt Nasir shows; however there were so many other musicians dedicating their time and energy in order to promote the record stores they genuinely have faith in. It was clear than everyone in sight was passionate about these smaller, knowledgeable record stores.

Mp3's are now the most popular way to purchase music, yet they seem the most soulless. Being able to visit a record shop, seeing exactly what you are purchasing, and then flicking through the album notes whilst listening to the record seems a privilege - something to preserve, rather than destroy.

With the demise of shops like HMV, and the encouraging force that is Record Store Day UK, it feels that perhaps, independent record stores may just be able to climb their way back up to the top.

Harlem - New Politics

Stop whatever you're doing. Now. Put down that phone. Unless you're reading this on it...I've found a song so good it made me stop listening to Frank Turner. Really. If you don't know me, that doesn't happen for any old song. I was immediately hooked, and it may just be the best song you hear this week. This musical gem is called Harlem, and comes from Danish band New Politics.

After a bit of research on t'internet, it seems that they have slipped under my musical radar, and have been around for a few years, their debut album released in 2010. It was reasonably successful, but with Harlem, they seem to have reached an entirely new level of songwriting. This polished, addictive song is what would happen if rock music tried to break into dance music. I would be very surprised if this doesn't make it's way into the UK top 40 soon - it's already in the US chart. This is a song to enjoy, a band to watch out for, and an album that seems very promising indeed.


http://youtu.be/NVOUTkFkMNU

Should music be censored?

I've been inspired to write this after receiving some music earlier today. I love hearing new songs, and am happy to give honest feedback should it be required. Always. I'm also not the kind of person to be easily offended - I'm fairly tolerant in general, most of all with music. In fact, if you'd told me this morning that I'd take considerable offence to a ska song, I'd have probably laughed.

However, it took me by surprise, and what started out as a seemingly upbeat offbeat song, turned into something that made me feel fairly uncomfortable. I'm not going to list the reasons as to why, it doesn't seem necessary, or entirely appropriate, but I will leave a link at the bottom, and let you make up your own mind.

It did get me thinking though - can music really go too far anymore? There are no limitations, other than censoring language on the radio, for most countries at least. Sadly, not everyone lives in a world where music is readily available, tolerated or even legal. But that's a topic for another time. For the most part though, long gone are the days where punk music could shock a nation, or gigs are shut down for being too hardcore.

I certainly don't want the music I listen to to be censored, or edited. It should be as honest and real as possible, should that be what the artist wants. (Yes...even Emo music). I've always been fascinated by what punk bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash did to help shape the music genres we now know and love. It seems almost insulting to the work they did to demand any sort of censoring.

But perhaps, if you could label such music as "This song has unexpectedly disconcerting lyrics, with undeniably creepy undertones", next time, that'd be great. Or just, "THIS SONG IS WEIRD".


http://www.reverbnation.com/goodsign2012