Marianne Faithfull
It’s called Easy Come, Easy Go but this is a difficult album to like. “Like” is too small a word for this perfectionist collection of songs and musicians - all classics and masters in their own right, and all eager to create new masterpieces through their association with Marianne Faithfull. You will not like this album: you will either love it or hate it.
(We Are) Performance
Sitting down to listen to ‘Let’s Start’ by (We Are) Performance for the first time, I am swiftly interrupted by my inquisitive mother – “ooh that sounds nice”, she says. And there it is – the first thing to notice about this tune is its potential for universal appreciation. There is something for everyone. Not only would it fit in perfectly with the more synth-inclined music lovers amongst us, but it wouldn’t look out of place in the rock ‘n’ roll/indie music libraries of my brother, or even the laid back and easy listening selection preferred by said mother. The key is the way the heavy synthesisers mix with the guitars and drums, and on top of that, the distinctively 80s Killers-meets-Morrissey vibe of the vocals. … Continue Reading
Morrissey - Years Of Refusal
Ah, Morrissey. You and I have never really got on, have we? Well, that I mean I’ve never really been a fan. One thing it’s impossible to deny though, Stephen Patrick Morrissey is most certainly an interesting character. The man a certain music publication once described as the “most influential artist of all time” has inspired more bands and vegetarians than you could shake a lettuce leaf at. This, his ninth solo album, has been described by the man himself as his strongest work to date, a big claim, when you consider the large back catalogue he possesses. … Continue Reading
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Eugene McGuinness
With all the evasion skills of Dr. Richard Kimble, Eugene McGuinness refuses to be defined by where he’s from, and will not be pinned down on what sort of music he concocts. And that doesn’t give a music fan much to work with, but here goes. … Continue Reading
Morrissey - Ringleader Of The Tormentors
Excuse these exciting newses if they sadly slipped through the net of your mind, but alas, we’re here to tell you all about them. … Continue Reading
Morrissey - Years of Refusal
That lovable legend Morrissey has just announced three UK tour dates, for which tickets will be released at 10am tomorrow (Friday 5th December 2008).
Official Secrets Act
Official Secrets Act
, London’s best new and unashamedly poppy band, have been warming the cockles of hearts owned by the cream of Radio 1 and BBC 6Music.
There are those subscribing to a certain school of thought, uttering their views far away from the earshot of the sometimes fanatical, dyed-in-the-wool Morrissey-ites. They suggest that The Smiths and Morrissey’s solo forays, due to the attitude and lyrics concealed in the material, would have benefited from more robust and faster paced accompaniments than they were generally afforded.
Well, Morrissey is on the brink of releasing a greatest hits collection to celebrate twenty years plus of going it alone. This new single, one of two new songs to appear on that forthcoming album, possesses spikier riffs and a generally quicker pace for old Maudlin Morrissey’s vocals.
Therefore, the chance to compare this approach against the old one is afforded the perfect opportunity. Maturity is espoused and life perspective is proffered with assurance and wisdom. Is this the start of a new Morrissey?
Rosemary’s ever-popular MySpace page informs the reader that the band are a “Retro yet modern London 3-piece”. In the internet world, where ‘hyperspace’ can be a literal term, this description is surprisingly bang on the note.
The first moot point when listening to any new band is that inevitable question: “Who do they sound like?” Well, for the record, Rosemary sound like an English pop-rock band; English in the way that Morrissey, The Jam or The Kinks are, for example. You know the word: quintessential.
Their debut single ‘Suburban Kings’ is a gallivanting pop-trip, much in the mould of Supergrass (think ‘Mansize Rooster’ for the rhythm section). Singer Tim Hill’s gravelly vocal is set off at delicious counterpoint with bassist Martin Brett’s honeyed response. It’s lovely and summery, and you can’t help but hope that Rosemary don’t remain as understated as Supergrass have in their decade in the business.
As a mission statement, ‘Suburban Kings’ may well sum up Rosemary’s sound and intentions. It has the simple but potent chord patterns that The Beatles used in songs like ‘I Feel Fine’, and intersperses some edgier chord changes in the manner of The Buzzcocks – always putting harmony first. But it could be hasty to make conclusions on this band from their first offering. Something tells me that the inevitable album will be a relishing and even more revealing prospect. Indeed, the buzz around their first release has led to it selling out.
The band have been on tour practically non-stop for almost two years, as the gigography on their website shows. This incessant gigging has clearly gone some way to creating the tight sound of the band, which will stand them in good stead and promises for an exciting live prospect.
You can catch Rosemary playing live at the following places:
Sep 21 2006: (DJ SET) Suburban Kings Clubnight Tap n Tin, Chatham
Sep 29 2006: PURE GROOVE CLUB NIGHT, London
Oct 11 2006: Club NME, Leicester
Oct 12 2006: Buff Club, Glasgow
Oct 13 2006: Reach Out and F*** Somebody Clubnight, Telford
Oct 19 2006: Suburban Kings Club Night Tap n Tin, Chatham
Nov 10 2006: Lucorum – supporting Bromheads Jacket, Barnsley
For more information, and to listen to the band, please visit their www.myspace.com/rosemarymusic
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