on Wednesday, April 18, 2007
I know only did my first podcast the other week (still available to listen to here [link], as loads of you already have, thanks!) but I've been eager and got another one done. Slightly shorter and hopefully with slightly better sound quality, it showcases some of the best underrated/unknown acts about at the moment. Unfortunately this good news also comes with the bad news that I'll be taking a brief hiatus from this blog while I get on with university exams for the next couple of weeks but I'll be back as soon as I can!

Keep Hope Inside Podcast#2(27.13, 24.9mbs)
Intro (with samples from Michael Oster [link])

1) Look See Proof - Start Again [MySpace]//Download 'Start Again' [link]

2) Sir Yes Sir - Bass Hit [MySpace]//Download 'Bass Hit' [link]

3) Bombay Bicycle Club ft. Kathyrn Williams - You Already Know [MySpace]//[Website]

4) Bat For Lashes - Bat's Mouth [MySpace]//[Website]//Buy 'Fur And Gold' from Amazon [link]

5) Some Body - Oceana [MySpace]//Download 'Oceana' link

6) This Et Al - He Shoots Presidents [MySpace]//[Website]//Download 'HSP' [link]//Buy their material on iTunes [link]

7) Friends Of The Bride - Buckle Up, Sunshine! [MySpace]//Buy the single, due April 23rd [link]

8) Gay Against You - Good-bye [MySpace//[Last.fm download page]

Tracks used with permission or made freely available on the internet by the artist at the time.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD HERE (right click, save as) [link]

Subscribe to podcast feed - http://feeds.feedburner.com/keephopeinsidepodcast
Subscribe in iTunes [link]
Subscribing to the feed means you'll be notified when I do more podcasts in the future. You can do that with podcatchers or through iTunes, as above. You can also do a DIY add to iTunes by going to "Subscribe To Podcast" under the "Advanced" menu and pasting the podcast feed (the feed link above) there. You can also subscribe to my blog (not in iTunes though!) if you'd like using this feed - http://feeds.feedburner.com/keephopeinside

Hope you enjoyed it or at least thought it wasn't a waste of your time! If you have any feedback about any of the artists featured, the length of the podcast, some new bands you'd like me to play in the next podcast, leave a comment or email me at dass695[at]yahoo.co.uk - thanks very much!

I've also just setup a MySpace account to help out with this blog, if you want an another friend to make you look extra popular then add me [link].
I was reading the esteemed Sweeping The Nation [link] a while back and they found an amazing indie/alternative karaoke website. Bust out the likes of 'Helicopter' by Bloc Party, 'Bandages' by Hot Hot Heat along with more obscure tracks like Fugazi's 'Waiting Room'. Awesome. And if you're German or a fan of German music you may appreciate it even more as it offers some German tracks too! Go forth and have fun [link]

On a slightly related note, I came across a weird covers artist performing under the guise of Kermit the frog (yes, the one from the Muppets) and calling himself Sad Kermit.

"Soon after the death of Jim Henson, Kermit the Frog turned to a life full of drugs, alcohol and sex. His fall to rock-bottom was quick and unrelenting. These songs document Kermit's pain during these years...and years to come."

It's a nice enough idea but the brilliance of the video made for his cover of 'Hurt' (originally by Nine Inch Nails but also subject to a poignant cover by the late Johnny Cash) really helps showcase some actual talent. Can't knock 1.2 million YouTube views.



Other covers are also available on Sad Kermit's website [link]. They include an Elliot Smith cover and the almost inevitable Hallelujah reinterpretation. I think there's even a section where you can request your own "sad" song for Sad Kermit to cover. My money's on 'Candle In The Wind' being attempted at some point.

Sad Kermit - Hurt (Nine Inch Nails cover)
Sad Kermit - Creep (Radiohead cover)

And again on a slightly related note, this time in a more Muppets meets the Banana Splits way. I was directed to the promo vids for Herman Dune's 'I Wish I Could See You Soon', which is their current UK single - one has green men [link], the other has them green-screened out or whatever the technical term is [link]. I'm liking the one with green men more just because it seems even more silly.

And for something I find is even more bizarre, Bob Hoskins is in the new Jamie T vid for his re-release of 'Sheila' [link]. Didn't Robert Downey Jr do a similar thing for an Elton John vid? Nice walk along the South Bank in London anyway.
-----
By the by, if you like subscribing to feeds so you don't have to keep checking blogs then please subscribe to mine - http://feeds.feedburner.com/keephopeinside - copy and paste it into your feed aggregator or however you want to do it. Also, I'll have a podcast out very, very soon so if you'd like to do likewise with my podcast feed, then that feed is - http://feeds.feedburner.com/keephopeinsidepodcast. Thanks!
on Sunday, April 15, 2007
So as promised, here are radio sessions from two of the brightest acts to come out of Britain for sometime - south London troubadour Patrick Wolf and Liverpudlian cheeky chappies The Wombats. Both are really great sessions and exhibit some mighty fine tracks!

First up is Patrick Wolf's magical Music Response session for XFM [link] to showcase his new album, The Magic Position. Featuring the poptastic single of the same name, an album track (which is as close as you can get to Patrick Wolf pretending to be The Cure) and an enchanting cover of 'Moon River' - which is apparently a really famous song sung by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's, not that I knew that till I googled it, my woeful cultural knowledge has been exposed.

Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position (XFM Music Response Session)
Patrick Wolf - Get Lost (XFM Music Response Session)
Patrick Wolf - Moon River (XFM Music Response Session)

Now for "the hottest unsigned act in the UK" - The Wombats. So they're carrying around this massive unsigned tag like The Long Blondes did not so long ago but on the evidence of this radio session (04/04/07), it can't be long till a major label snaps them up. Probable forthcoming single 'Kill The Director' is the best yet (which is saying loads because I loved the other singles), a ridiculous foot-stomping singalong - "Here's another song about a gender I'll never understand"! Complete with one of the catchiest choruses of the year to boot. Also included is the hook filled current single 'Backfire At The Disco' and new track 'School Uniform', a rant against the oppressive clothing of our education but unsurprisingly catchy.

The Wombats - Backfire At The Disco (BBC Radio 1 Zane Lowe Session)
The Wombats - Kill The Director (BBC Radio 1 Zane Lowe Session)
The Wombats - School Uniform (BBC Radio 1 Zane Lowe Session)

Buy Patrick Wolf's third album The Magic Position from HMV [link]
Buy The Wombats new single 'Backfire At The Disco' from HMV [link]
on Friday, April 13, 2007
If you ask a member of the British public about that Pete Doherty fella, most would say something along the lines of "junkie twat going out with that Kate Mosh" rather than talented musician. Some may even mention his current outfit Babyshambles but few would probably be aware of the band that he captured many a heart with not so long ago. The Libertines were an exciting London band who made many a wave in their short existence. NME darlings and to some extent proponents of a music "scene", they were best known for bringing down the divide between fans and artists by way of performing intimate gigs. Drug issues led to their premature demise in late 2004 but they left an impressive collection of music for new fans and old to enjoy for years to come.

For most it was all about the prominent frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barât and their love/hate relationship. Barât went onto form Dirty Pretty Things, bringing Libertines drummer Gary Powell with him, with bassist John Hassell going on to front Yeti. All those respective bands have found it difficult to emulate their past success, with Yeti in particular, much underrated and underexposed.


Photo credit: Boys In The Band [link]

Now I'm pretty sure you knew all that so onto the meat and potatoes. Almost three years ago to the day (Apr 15 2004), I went to a fantastic and truly memorable gig at the infamous Rhythm Factory to see The Libs play at the second birthday of their .org [link]. In fact, if you've ever come across the 'Piss Me Off' bootleg, those songs come from that very night. Peter Perrett of The Only Ones (you know, 'Another Girl, Another Planet') performed with the band that night as well on a couple of songs, although I'm not ashamed to admit I didn't have the foggiest who he was at the time!

Ukelele Orchestra Of Great Britain - Another Girl, Another Plant

Knowing the long, unpredictable history between Doherty and Barât so their onstage "reunion" tonight (12/04/07) at the Hackney Empire [NME.com article] was probably jokingly hinted at on many an internet messageboard recently. But for many their 45 minute set of Libertines material was a shocking yet welcome surprise. Although I wasn't there myself, here's a sample of the action - Pete and Carl performing 'Tell The King' followed by 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun':


The Libertines were a band that inspired and captivated so their amicable performance together is tantalising to those fans who are still hoping for a full band return. I'm somewhat pessimistic that it would happen and some even claim tonight was a publicity stunt to promote each other's bands. I think a lot of fans, including myself, would actually prefer to see Pete perform solo acoustically as he has done in the past (many count the tender Albion acoustic track below, later incorporated into Babyshambles sets, as their favourite Doherty/Libs related song) and even Carl has shown he could do a good job by himself. But reunions like tonight's make it difficult for everyone to move on from The Libertines.

Carl Barât - Can't Stand Me Now (Rolling Stone Session)
Carl Barât - Time For Heroes (Rolling Stone Session)
Pete Doherty - Albion (Freewheelin' Session)

This is almost certainly the most personal-ish post I've written on this blog and probably paints me as a bit of a fanboy who will regale you with tales of 'arcadia' (you might want to wikipedia Doherty's story if you're wondering what that refers to, although I'm still not really sure to be honest). Don't worry, it's not the case! I was far from a huge fan, but for a very short period of time, I was immersed in the fascinating world of The Libertines and don't regret that at all. I'm sure a great deal of teenagers (and obviously older fans) who experienced the band will say the same thing. The good old days indeed.

The Libertines - Good Old Days (AOL Session)
-----
I could well wake up tomorrow morning and think that this post was a complete mistake but if anyone reading has any opinions/thoughts of The Libertines, it would be great to read them! Favourite song? Most influential band of this decade? Overrated and overhyped rubbish? Will Pete Doherty ever be clean of drugs? Should the band ever get back together?
on Monday, April 09, 2007
Love Ends Disaster! have been around for years. And years. And years. Or at least it feels that way. They've actually been going since circa 2003, releasing a couple of acclaimed EPs on the way.


Photo credit: Amy Bramhall

They were kind enough to upload both sides to their most recent single 'Ladders' for free public consumption considering it sold out in a flash. How lovely of them. The song itself "is all about the trials you go through as a teenager when trying to lose your virginity" [link]. Indeed, the desperation in Matt Oakes vocals and lyrics is palpable. "And I'm bored of hearing you say, 'Everything will be okay'. It's not and...it won't be." Even the guitar work is meant to be symbolise ladders with its up-and-down scale, which further adds to its hypnotic charm.

B-side 'A Dream Ends Chaotically' has a fantastic sense of drama to it, with its choral bellowings and frenzied guitar lines. A track that shows LED! can do the whole "stadium-rock" thing as well as more gritty material.

Love Ends Disaster! - Ladders
Love Ends Disaster! - A Dream Ends Chaotically

The band have some live dates coming up around the UK and as they say "be there or...be fat":
13-04-07 The Portland Arms, Cambridge (with Dive Dive & The Tupolev Ghost)
21-04-07 Unit 22, Southampton
28-04-07 The Live Lounge, St Helier, Jersey
18-05-07 The Gold Room @ The Dickens Inn , Middlesbrough
-----
Oh and I've added a "subscribe to feed" thing in my sidebar or you could alternatively just use the following [link]. Cheers if you subscribe!
While I'm here, my podcast is still available so check it out! [link]
on Saturday, April 07, 2007
I really want to post loads of amazing tracks I've got hold of recently but I'm just going to hold some stuff back for now - treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen after all! But this post shouldn't disappoint with Maximo Park adding a northern twist to The Proclaimers' classic '500 Miles' and Patrick Wolf's fantastic interpretation of 'On Sussex Downs' by Larrikin Love. In fact, more Patrick Wolf will be coming soon so if you're a fan keep checking back!

So Maximo Park recently did a BBC Radio 1 session for Jo Whiley (in the "live lounge"), playing their latest single 'Our Velocity' and then performed a cover. They chose to take on 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' by Scottish band The Proclaimers - who still seem to be going to this day! The Maximo Park intro actually sounds a bit like Patrick Wolf's material before Paul Smith's distinctive vocals kick in. An energetic, yet at times haunting cover ensues which let's be honest, is miles better than the Comic Relief 2007 cover [link]. Okay, okay, I'll let them off because it's for charity! Nothing beats the original obviously though. Still, gotta love The Proclaimers' appearance on the ridiculously funny Family Guy:

Maximo Park - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge

Whereas Maximo Park are now well and truly established, Patrick Wolf is only just gaining mainstream coverage following his third album 'The Magic Position'. Crossing and mixing broad genres such as classical and folk, perhaps his newfound success is a reflection of a more poppy ethos on the new album? Nonetheless, Patrick is one of the most creative artists around at the moment (he actually spent a year at Trinity College Of Music studying composition) at the tender age of 23. Here, he transforms Larrikin Love's 'On Sussex Downs' into a darker, bewitching affair. A more melancholy version, it compliments the already impressive original with a lovely string arrangement. Releasing one of the year's most vibrant singles ('The Magic Position') has done him no harm and who knows, you might be hearing Patrick Wolf once again soundtracking cricket highlights as I recently did.

Patrick Wolf - On Sussex Downs

As a bonus, here's a Patrick Wolf (techno-ish!) remix of Larrikin Love's 'Happy As Annie'
Larrikin Love - Happy As Annie (Patrick Wolf Remix)

Buy the new Maximo Park album 'Our Earthly Pleasures' from HMV [link]
Buy Patrick Wolf'a new album 'The Magic Position' from HMV [link]
Buy Larrikin Love's debut album 'The Freedom Spark' from HMV [link]
-----
OBLIGATORY PODCAST MENTION
If you haven't already listened to/downloaded my podcast (you'll have done well to avoid it!), then please check it out [link]. It features some of the finest new british bands about such as Johnny Foreigner and goFASTER>> and also new singles from Help She Can't Swim and Distophia. Thanks loads if you've listened/downloaded it already, means a great deal to me!
on Thursday, April 05, 2007
Announcing the splitting of your band so close to April Fool's day is going to lead to at least minor confusion but both Action Plan and Ladyfuzz seem to have disbanded in the last few days sadly. Both have in fact been mentioned here in the past, when I caught them at the Great Escape festival - I described Action Plan as "very impressive" [link] and of Ladyfuzz, "God knows what Liz Neumayr was wearing but her infectious grin and a particularly rousing Bouncy Ball do the job" [link].

Action Plan have been around since late 2003, managing two singles (debut single 'Stendhal' was particularly great) and support dates with Razorlight, Juliette & The Licks and even Jet. A pulsating mix of melodies, intensity and a wee bit of shoegaze, they had plenty of critical success. However, despite the diverse support dates with the aforementioned big acts, it never quite worked out for Action Plan commercially. They quote Tony Hancock on their MySpace - "things just went wrong too many times". What makes me feel more sad about their demise is that they were nice enough to send out demos back in the early days, which hardly anyone seems to do anymore. I shall cherish that cd. When I find it again.

Action Plan - Beauty Scars (apologies for the poor quality!)

Buy 'Stendhal'/'Beauty Scars' for only 79p each at indiestore [link]

Ladyfuzz were less about intensity and more about fun. A quirky three piece who formed though an NME advert in 2004, they put out their one and only album on the famed Transgressive Records label and their final EP ('Kerfuffle', also the title of the album) was produced by the much respected Gareth Parton. Self confessed "experimental-pop", they recorded toys falling down stairs for use on their album and live, they played without a bassist. Instead, guitarist Ben sang the basslines while playing the guitar at the same time! Last single 'Kerfuffle' was Flaming Lips-esque but they largely trod a more frenzied path ('Oh Marie', 'Bouncy Ball'). A slightly bizarre band who deserved to at least emulate the moderate success of their equally eccentric mates, Mystery Jets.


Photo credit - Joe Dilworth

Ladyfuzz - Oh Marie (Example & Rusher Remix)
Ladyfuzz - My Summer Of Fun

Buy the 'Kerfuffle' album from HMV [link]
-----
Ignoring all that sad news, my podcast is proving to be reasonably popular which is mega cool. Many thanks in particular if you've subscribed, I intend to do another podcast soonish! If you haven't listened/downloaded it, here it is [link].

In other news, a couple of blogs have been very nice to me and would recommend you check them out. Firstly, is 100b [link] who described my blog as "absolutely wonderful" and put me in the esteemed company of Music For Robots and You Ain't No Picasso. And then there's a new blog called Fucking Dance [link], which cited my blog and the ridiculously good Good Weather For Airstrikes as inspiration for its creation. Thanks guys, you're lovely!

Jamila, who runs Fucking Dance also has a clubnight in Manchester coming up for her Bizarre Prostitution fanzine, featuring Neon Plastix, Modernaire, Dirty Hands and the awesome Sir Yes Sir [link for more details]. Speaking of clubnights, my friend Craig also has one coming up, this time in London on April 10th. The Downbeats headline, with Toy Guns, Grandeur Rat and New Homes in support [link for more details].

msn spaces tracker
-