Reviews 19/9/07

Manic Street Preachers - Send Away the Tigers

Send Away the Tigers is the preachers 8th record and first since 2004's mesmerizing effort "Lifeblood". This album returns to the more rocking sounds of their earlier efforts, making quite the departure from the more experimental predecessor. This is also the first album since members James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire came from their own solo album releases which both came out last year.

The album begins with a roar in the title track, instantly hitting off with the signature Preachers guitar sound which we all know and love followed by a decent chorus and melody. This one is for the freaks, many i'm assuming can relate to this track entitled "Underdogs", Bradfield sounds as angry as ever here in this raucous earsplitting 3 minute track. The first single to be released off the album was "Your Love Alone Is Not Enough" featuring Cardigans vocalist Nina Persson, who adds a sweet touch to this catchy track. "Indian Summer" possibly my favourite off the album, starting off with fierce guitar picking leading into a pre-chorus of erupting synths.

Autumnsong is fitting as the second single to be released of SATT with it's uplifting intro, catchy chorus and synths appearing fluently in the background. The rest of the album pretty much continues in the same fashion with Bradfield in good form, providing rocking riffs and catchy choruses. Also stick around for their strong cover of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero" which seems to be quite popular to cover right now.

It seems the Preachers are still yet to make waves internationally, this being their 8th album. Similar english rock bands like Stereophonics seem to have stolen most of the spotlight in that respect. My only wish was in hope that they pursued the sounds of thier previous record. This album in comparison is a little less satisfying but still is another solid album from the Welsh boys, it may not be the work they are remembered for, even so, you won't tire of it anytime soon.


6.5/10

Sean B

Reviews 7/9/07

The New Pornographers - Challengers

One of indie rocks most favourite pop collectives return promptly after establishing themselves as one of the heavyweights of the indie world after their 2005 release "Twin Cinema". This is their fourth album since beginning their career a decade ago.

With the release of Destroyer's (Dan Bejar) "Rubies" and Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" last year the New Pornographer members were producing some career highlights in their solo careers not only musically but also gaining commerical attention. With coming out of their solo projects it was always interesting how their success would influence the new material.

The album commences, immediately with A.C Newman wailing sharply to the sweet melody of "My Rights Versus Yours" an all over catchy song to open the new set of songs. Leader of the collective again launches into the almost perfect sounds of "All the Old Showstoppers" the album at this point shows much promise. From there the pace slows down a tad as Neko Case takes over the reins with the title track, oh that voice - seriously one of the better female vocalists around right now, the song sets the contrast between the two opening tracks.

Now it's Bejar's turn to take the control as "Myriad Harbour" takes shapes with his distinctive whine though ever so engaging. "All The Things That Go To Make Heaven and Earth" and "Mutiny, I Promise You" are some more of the stand out tracks that appear throughout the album

"Unguided" the longest running track here clocking in over six minutes and probably the overall highlight of Challengers with several verses of catchy pop songcraft with AC at the helm. Another notable highlight is the backup singing which is constantly featured throughout the album, adding that extra pop sweetness.

Coming off releasing possible career highlights with past material it's always hard for anyone to live up to their name and expectations. This may not be the New Pornographers most accomplished work, though they still manage to churn out some quality material. As the album rarely discovers new territory it's still a fine pop album.


7/10

Sean B

Reviews 7/9/07

Editors - An End Has a Start

Being pigeonholed as "England's Interpol" the Editors return in style with this well produced second outing. With the release of their debut album "The Back Room" fans always questioned where the band would take it from there.

An End Has a Start begins with the single and huge "Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors", the song Coldplayesque in it's delivery, slow building and anthemic. Straight away a noticeable difference between albums is presented with the bulked up sound with the addition of piano which was absent on their debut.

With huge seemingly nonbackupable first track they emerge into the title track and latest single with the signature Editors rocking guitar sound. The chorus comes crushing down. They seem to have found a decent balance here with the mixture of the more rocking songs and the ballads without losing the mood. "Weight of the World" is a good example of the former with it's brooding opening to it's uplifting close. Bones could have appeared on the next U2 record with the clear Edge like guitar style in toe.

The album no doubt supplys us with another dose of those fist pumping, catchy chorus melodies, which the band have grown to do so well. "The Racing Rats" is a combination of where they came from and where they are now. Slow gentle piano introduction busting into flows of catchy guitar work with the enagaging drum work which is quite prominent throughout the record.

An End Has a Start falls short of what it could have been, fearing that the songs sometimes appear to similar and the quality of the material may lose it's appeal in the not to distant future. With saying that the album escapes the sophomore slump with the broadening of their sound in comparison to their first outing and showing they can still produce quality material.


6.5/10

Sean B

2007 Mercury Music Prize

Klaxons celebrate prestigious award
For those not in the know, the Mercury Music Prize is an award given out each year to either the best English or Irish pop album.

As it doesn't really affect us in any regards, it's still interesting to see who gets shortlisted and who takes away the money each year. It seems in the last couple of years the quality of artists being nominated for the prize are in poorer quality than in yester years. Arctic Monkeys took out the prize last year to the delight and dismay of many music fans for their album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not". This year they made the headlines for being nominated again for the latest effort "Favourite Worst Nightmare".

Last night the prestigous award was handed out. The Nominees for this years prize were as follows:


Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Basquiat Strings with Seb Rochford - Basquiat Strings
Bat For Lashes - Fur and Gold
Dizzee Rascal - Maths and English
Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future
Maps - We Can Create
New Young Pony Club - Fantastic Playroom
Fionn Regan - The End of History
Jamie T - Panic Prevention
The View - Hats Off to the Buskers
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black
The Young Knives - Voices of Animals and Men

The Klaxons took out this years award with "Myths Of The Near Future", well done to the trio from London.

They will also be hitting Australia soon, so stay tuned for album and live reviews.

Fall Guide Part 1 - Reviews and Previews

ABC - Previews

BIG SHOTS - With a promising cast with ("Alias") star Michael Vartan and ("Practice's") Dylan Mcdermott, star in this new high life profile comedy/drama about CEOs and all that stuff etc. From what i've seen this doesn't look to great.(Stay tuned for reviews)


CARPOOLERS - This show portrays a bunch of guys including Jerry O'Connell who pretty much carpool to work everyday, having nothing in common but random events. Seems like it could be funny, but won't be suprising if it get's the can early.(Stay tuned for reviews)


CAVEMEN - I have seriously no idea what to make of this concept, starring ("Superman Returns") Sam Huntington, a trio of cavemen try to live in modern day America as they struggle their way through it with humorous outcomes, no doubt will either be the next IT show or get cut early.(Stay tuned for reviews)


DIRTY SEXY MONEY - New dramedy starring ("Six Feet Under") Peter Krause, ("the O.C") Samaire Armstrong and Donald Sutherland. This look's great on paper, but after checking out a few trailers and reading up on it a bit, it just doesn't seem too great. Definitely be giving it a chance though.(Stay tuned for reviews)


MISS/GUIDED - Probably will be more popular among younger viewers as ("Arrested Development") Judy Greer plays a once unpopular kid in her school days to later return to school as a Guidance councillor reliving some of her painful memories, this could prove to be a funny show, but i'm skeptical.(Stay tuned for reviews)


PRIVATE PRACTICE - Greys Anatomy spin off, will be interesting to see if this proves a success, or are they biting off more than they can chew? We will soon find out.

WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB - Looked pretty mediocre, based on a James Patterson book series, it will no doubt attract tv crime fans.

ABC - Reviews


PUSHING DAISIES

Easily the most interesting ABC show to be picked up this season with tv show creator Bryan Fuller at the helm, whose been responsible for both fan favourite series "Dead Like Me" and "Wonderfalls". This is the story of Ned (Lee Pace) who realises at a young age that at a simple touch he can give and take away life, so he decides to put his unique gift to some good use by helping a private investigator, Chi McBride solve crimes. The pilot is quirky and and is visually delightful. It's touching and carries an intriguing storyline with a likeable cast. I'd like to see this show stay on, though with the creators past credentials it's not likely, this just may be to wacky for mainstream viewers, good luck Bryan.


CBS - Previews


CANE - This show could be the next Sopranos, the story surrounds a cuban family on their rise to power whilst running a completely legal sugar can business. Possibly best drama to be picked up this season with Jimmy Smits as the lead. (Stay tuned for reviews)

MOONLIGHT - New supernatural vampire series which has a promising cast with ("A Knights Tale") Shannyn Sossamon and ("Veronica Mars") star Jason Dohring. It could easily be a hit or miss though could be entertaining enough. The comparison to Joss Whedon's "Buffy" spinoff "Angel" may upset some fans, or vice versa.(Stay tuned for reviews)

SWINGTOWN - Easily my most anticipated show to be released this season, though it won't hit screens till 2008, The show is set in the 1970s and will deal with several different themes such as key parties and open marriages which were at large. Cannot wait to see this show.(Stay tuned for reviews)

VIVA LAUGHLIN - Haven't seen to much on this one, but it stars Hugh Jackman and is based on a high powered businessman trying to get a casino up and going or something like that. Could possibly be over the top and it was voted worst new series to be picked up, i'm still keen to have a look though.(Stay tuned for reviews)


CBS - Reviews


BIG BANG THEORY

Starring ("Roseanne") Johnny Galecki and major hottie Kaley Cucoa. The show comes from writers from such shows as "Two and a half Men" etc, so that kind of put me off somewhat, but the premise is quite funny. Two totally nerdy guys living in denial as a beautiful girl moves in next door, as humourous events start to unfold mainly in the interaction between the girl and the nerds. The show is a little cheesy but it has potential, the show features lots of nerdy dialogue which sometimes can be quality and others just not. Depending on where they go with this, it could prove to be one of the funniest shows on television. Note - lookout for the belt buckle of one of the nerds friends, pure gold.


The CW - Previews


GOSSIP GIRL - ("O.C") Creator Josh Schwartz comes up with his next show based on a book series of the same name, this has the same target audience as the O.C with the same themes and such but hopefully will outlast it. This should no doubt be a hit featuring lots of sex, drugs, hotties etc. I'm looking forward to this as any other OC, teen romp tv fan will.(Stay tuned for reviews)


The CW - Reviews


ALIENS IN AMERICA

This is the story of a really dorky kid in a modern day American high school who get's teased constantly, though has a younger more popular sister, who has just been ranked number 1 on the most "bangable" list for the year. Getting fed up, his parents decide to get an international exchange student to befriend him as no one else will. So as a suprise a young Pakistani kid turns up causing a stir. The show lacked depth, though had a few laughs. It could run out of ideas quickly, but i'll stay with it for a few more episodes.

REAPER

Possibly the better of the fall pilots to be released, Bret Harrison ("The Loop") plays a slacker working a dead end job. He finds out on his 21st birthday that his parents sold his soul to the devil (Ray Wise) and in return he must do favours for him as a bounty hunter. The hilarious Tyler Labine plays "Sock" his sidekick who with not much going on himself chooses to help him out providing a very Shaun of the Dead feel to the show. Love interest was originally played by ("O.C") Nikki Reed who was replaced recently by ("Life as we Know it") Missy Peregrym. The pilot was directed by Kevin Smith and was easily the most entertaining and funny pilot i've viewed as far..


Fox - Previews


BACK TO YOU - The new comedy starring Kelsey Grammar and ("Everybody Loves Raymond") Patricia Heaton, looked fairly mediocre won't be suprising if it turns out a hit.

CANTERBURY'S LAW - Could be a hit as for fans of these types of shows, the female lead, Julianna Margulies starring as a hard ass lawyer.

K-VILLE - I was skeptical about the concept of this show, but it looks quite promising and looks like something FOX would get behind. K standing for Katrina i believe, as the aftermath of the fateful hurricane plays out, two cops played by Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser try to clean up the town no one else wants to. From what i've seen this has a real gritty feel to it, could be one of the season standouts. (Stay tuned for reviews)


Fox - Reviews


SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES

Continuing on from Terminator 2, this is the story of Sarah and John Connor trying to evade the robotic machines out to get them. The pilot was practically non stop action with no real high points at all apart from lead star Lena Headley being more sexy then orignal Linda Hamilton. Thomas Dekker does a decent enough job of reprising the role of John Connor and ("Serenity") Summer Glau stars as Cameron their protector. The pilot was completely uninspring, I was fairly bored most of the way through. Like most recent film to tv translations e.g Blade, the future for this isnt looking very bright.


NBC - Previews


LIPSTICK JUNGLE - Starring Brooke Shields, this is slated to be the next "Sex and the City" the comparison was probably drawn as it's by the same author, this looks trashy and will probably gain some attention.



BIONIC WOMAN

Suprising entertaining which mixes a few concepts from past shows, i think they're calling it a mixture of Smallville and Dark Angel. Based on the old 70's show comes Michelle Ryan the stunning lead who if this show picks up will probably be the hottest woman on televison. The show begins when she's in an accident, her scientist boyfriend played by Chris Bowers takes her body and puts it back together, by the end of the episode she's got a slight idea of how to use her new power and strength while battling another femme fatale. May prove to be a hit.


CHUCK

Produced by ("O.C") Josh Scwartz, Chuck is about a geeky guy working in a computer store when an old colleague of his unknowingly, working for the CIA is killed on duty and in his last efforts manages to send highly confidential data to him. Which not to his knowledge has him being more important than he thinks as weird things start happening around him. Starring ("What about Brian") Sarah Lancaster and newcomer Zachary Levi as the lead role.The pilot was fun, but may run out of ideas quickly.

Most of the series begin mid-late September.

Sean B

Reviews 2/9/07

Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full

Love him or hate him, McCartney's career is still constantly ongoing, with this being his fourth release since the turn of the century. Some say he should have stopped making records years ago, but what would they know when he's still making consistently good music?

Memory Almost Full comes as an interesting enough title, as i was reading in an interview, Paul stated, he looked at his his mobile phone as it read "memory almost full", explaining it's relevance of the present time. He sat on the idea long enough before he decided it as the title of his new record.

On first listen, it's drastically clear that's this is the finest work he has crafted in quite some time. The album begins with the first single "Dance Tonight" which is a simple as you can get light hearted pop song, it's not a terrific track but get's the ball rolling.

The basic overall sound and lyric content on the album isn't really too different from McCartney's other outings, but here it just seems to have a bit more depth and intrigue. In your face rocker "Only Mama Knows" begins in elegance with a string section at the helm before bursting into one of the most heaviest riffs he's recorded in quite some time. "Vintage Clothes" easily one of the better songs on the album unfolds into a neat little pop gem as the whistling chorus kicks in.You'd be a fool to not expect a few ordinary tracks here which is an occasional occurence throughout his albums.

The good news is the good outweighs out the bad. The marvelous "Mr Bellamy" which is easily the best song on the album and one of the best songs to be released this year. "That was me" has a winning chorus dosed in rich melody, the brooding "House of Wax" with the longest duration on the album leads up to some fine lead guitar work. The album ends with a bang in "Nod your head" which is probably one of McCartney's most ambitious tracks, with heavy guitar riffing battling a startling brass section.

This is critically regarded as some of McCartney's best work not only in recent times but in a long time. I'm not about to disagree with that, the album won't blow your mind but it will satisfy the longing McCartney fans.


6.5/10

Sean B

Live Review 2/9/07

Bob Dylan - Brisbane Entertainment Centre - 13/8/07

Yes it's true, we're living in the age of the "leftovers" as i call it. Which basically means some of the most important artists who released music(considered classics now) in past decades, are thankfully still around today releasing new material and touring.

It could have been one of the most imporant times of my life, I just don't know it yet and probably still don't. Bob Dylan announced his tour earlier this year in support of his well recieved latest effort entitled "Modern Times". If you're a big enough fan or were curious enough to gain possession of a ticket, you'd be more than aware of his current state in which he peforms.

Dylan and his band hit the stage after the support of the hand picked Irish act, the Frames. I was in awe as he casually took the stage knowing (or maybe not) that he still has it, with a guitar in toe and hat on head he prompted himself towards the microphone as he and his band rocketed enthusiastically into the first song. From then on he left all the guitar work to his band by taking up the organ in the centre of the stage for the remainder of the set.

For a man this late in his career still pulling off an arena show with such ease, continues to amaze me. Fans may tell you of their disappointment of the songs played, as the set list was heavily dominated by his latest material. The handful of classic tracks scattered amongst the set was more than anybody could have hoped for as much cheer and excitement filled the arena at the beginning of each song. Very quiet throughout the set, just playing on and on, he only spoke nearing the end of the concert as he proudly introduced his band.

Anyone who says they're unhappy with the way he performs are just kidding themselves, his voice may not be what it used to be but it still carries well enough especially off the back off his last three albums. They knew what to expect when purchasing tickets, and as i looked around so did the several other thousand fans.

Playing classic songs such as "It ain't me, Babe", Just like Tom Thumb's Blues", "Lay Lady Lay" which was my definite highlight, "Ballad of a Thin Man", "Tangled up in Blue" and closing the set which crowd favourite "All Along the Watchtower".

In ways i'm unable to really tell you the feeling of seeing Dylan perform live, it's just one of those things you have to experience for yourself. Here's some help from a thesaurus that still doesn't really do this concert justice, amazing, astounding, bewildering, breathtaking, extraordinary, impressive, marvelous, miraculous, spectacular, staggering, startling, striking, stunning, stupefying, stupendous, wonderful, wondrous.

This is one gig i'm glad i didn't miss, another true musical legend to add the ever growing performance list.

http://my.execpc.com/~billp61/081307s.html

Sean B