Monday 13 August 2012

BRITAIN - SHOW US YOUR HITS!


A Closing Ceremony of Epic Musical Proportions

So after 17 days of more highs than lows for team GB it was time to sign off in style and if anyone doubted how mad as a box of frogs Britain was that point was surely made clear in the lavish opening ceremony.

The closing ceremony gave Britain a chance to show that British music and culture is and has always been in fine fettle and for a large part this was displayed. Although following some kind of narrative prior to all the major stars entering the British flag motif styled stage showing the return to a bustling London scene from a sporting setting courtesy of the rhythmic ensemble Stomp who were raucous and brilliant.

The music proceeded to move through the decades taking in the Beatles, Rolling Stones and David Bowie, Madness- inspired, through to today with George Michael and Pet Shop Boys who were good but as glamorous and camp as ever, Blur, One Direction? and Take That which was an obvious inclusion as the creative director masterminded ‘The Circus’ although it was nice to see Mr Barlow getting on with his day job despite his recent tragedy.

Too many highlights to pick from with Bowie singing Fashion in the background whilst supermodels were carted around – brilliant. You couldn’t help but be moved by a deaf rendition of Imagine complete with sculpture of John Lennon.

The much heralded return of the Spice Girls wasn’t actually too bad arriving in London cabs – somehow their songs actually sounded good and their performance was not without its laughs with Victoria hanging on for dear life – the poor dear!

At times in the show I turned to members of the older generation who looked a little puzzled as to who some of the new acts were but this was a show that had something for everyone.

The problem was it was sometimes the non-linear style that disrupted the spectacle.
Was there any point in having award ceremonies between the acts, best to do that at the end or at the beginning surely.
Was there any requirement for below average Leeds band to do an gawd-awful cover of The Who’s pinball wizard - when they were quite capable of doing it themselves, Who even cares about Kaisers now?

One Direction was as predictable as they come with their squeaky voices and didn’t really make sense in the whole scheme of things-just provided another example of Syco's hold on the industry.

I spotted early on a drum kit with Beady Eye and wondered why they were performing surely brother Noel’s band are the most popular and then came a half hearted version of Wonderwall which despite being shoddy united the spectators in song – no denying what an anthem it is but Liam G didn’t really look like he was bothered – it’s the Olympics closing ceremony for goodness sake – enjoy yourself!

Sounds of the Sex pistols was great complete with bouncing punks – shame they didn’t play God Save the Queen – would love to have seen her majesty’s face – oh wait she wasn’t even there!
 Probably still skydiving with James Bond.

Russell Brand might not be everyone’s favourite but he contributed well to his Beatles section even throwing in a Mobot - everyone loves one of them.

Fatboy Slim and the octopus showed what a DJ supremo and total Legend the man is.

Whatever people may say Jessie J wasn’t really so great, yes she can relate to an audience and one can understand why price tag does the trick with its message of love and unity blah blah but just makes you wish another Jessie (Ware) was there and then dueting with Queen throwing air guitar shapes – shameful- just became karaoke.

Tiao Cruz was safe but Tinie Tempah looked a little star-struck.

There were rumours that members of Pink Floyd were going to collaborate with Ed Sheeran and I hope that this wasn’t the case but there he was attempting to sing ‘Wish You Were Here’ the best part of the song was the Prism and the burning man – Genius

Positioning rock superstars Muse before Queen was brilliant and showed how indebted they were to Queen for their style.
What about that guitar solo from Guitar Virtuoso Brian May that was quite something.

Eric Idle(that’s Monty Python for the young ones) – was brilliant with his ‘Always Look on Bright Side of Life’ combined with Bollywood dancers and didn’t even take over the comedic value of Rowan Atkinson at the opening ceremony.

Brazil showed us what to expect with a colourful mix of samba and song expect something spectacular in 2016 from them.

Standout performer was Emilie Sande who with her raw talent really showed what she was capable of and of course The Who were pretty good as the final act.

There was undeniably a fantastic array of talent on display and this was obviously Britain’s opportunity to show off the quality of their music and that they know how to put on a show with a bit of a dance from Boris- you've gotta love him. The problem was it was overlong and whilst there were some star performers there were some obvious inclusions and some who didn’t really care too much for the occasion they just wanted the harmless self-promotion that the ceremony gave them.

On a sombre note having been cynical about the Olympics prior to the events thinking probably like others that it was a complete waste of money and time. I will miss the games.I found myself captivated by the many triumphs and tears and it was easy to forget all the negatives and focus on what makes Britain great.

What did you think, Was it the best Olympics ever? Did Britain do itself proud?

With 65 medals (29 Gold) a Bolt and a Mobot the Olympics really delivered and Team GB did us proud so roll on Rio!

Check out some of the photos of the show below:-









              

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Girls Do It Better

Over the past few months there’s been quite a few new releases from male artists and groups. Whilst there have been some good efforts from the likes of Odd Futures's Frank Ocean, Richard Hawley and Plan B, there hasn't been too much happening on the female front.

That’s about to change though with a number of female artists and bands that are coming to the fore and are proving that Girl Power is still very much alive and well and that Girls do it better.. Rock that is!

Here are a few British and American artists/bands set to make their mark.

Enjoy J



1  Savages



They have been compared to Joy Division and Siouxie and the Banshees so they already have a high bar to reach but this post punk all girl band from London more than justify the hype with their riotous mix of punk and visceral rock. Their sound is a ‘take no prisoners’ noise that only really needs be heard to be believed.

Signature track ‘Husbands’ rides on frenetic rhythms and throbbing bass as Siouxie like-vocals ring out over some slashing guitar noises building to a climax of epic proportions over screams that leaves you breathless. ‘Flying to Berlin’ is a more poppy number but no less brilliant with its sky-scraping guitar and quivering vocals.

 The fact that they sold out Manchester’s Deaf Institute recently shows how much Savages are acclaimed. They are set for bigger things and the best thing about is its a band of Brits, chalk up another for Team GB in the talent stakes.

Check out their website/Facebook for more info.

Husbands and Flying to Berlin are available below.




2   Jessie Ware



 While one Jessie sheds her Indie credibility and reverts to type joining the likes of Guetta and TV fodder,The Voice, another is staking a strong claim for her Indie crown.

She has been referred to as the Sade of UK bass which gives you an idea of how well she is regarded in the blogosphere. Having cut her musical chops as a backing singer with South London Producer SBTRKT  the south London singer songwriter like Katy B came from London underground dubstep and grime station Rinse FM.

Jessie Ware follows Katy B towards the limelight. Unlike Katy B she has a more lo-fi feel and soul vocal with more of a lavish production. Key track 110% beautifully showcases her stunning vocals along with a sparse but brilliant dubstep production. ’Running’ her previous single is sultry and breathtaking with the full extent of her flexible vocal and songwriting on show and one listen to new track ‘Wildest Moments’ its clear why she is Britain’s next great female hope.

Her album ‘Devotion’ is out later this month and she is due to tour the UK in November the year. She will be hitting Manchester’s Sound Control on Nov 8th so be sure to check her out then.

You can check out her brilliant smash ‘110%’ below.


For more info check out her Facebook/website


3  Charli XCX



'We need to reboot British girl power but with edge' is what 19 year old, Charlotte Aitchison AKA CharliXCX is quoted as saying on her Facebook page which could be seen as a bit of a pretentious statement from a teenager who may have once like others been a fan of girl bands but having released a debut album at 14 and become a hit on the hackney rave scene with her gothy electro sounds she might just be the one to inject the music scene with some attitude.

At times she may sound a little like Ladyhawke and Marina but that is not a criticism as she has a boundless energy and talent in spades and her carefreeness easily wins out against the latter.

Just take a listen to her mixtape ‘Heartbreaks and Earthquakes’ complete with Kill Bill audioclips which is available if you sign up for her mailing list (hint hint) and prepare to be astounded by her musical nous. 

Her vibrant energetic industrial pop is dark and infectious but her new single ‘You’re the One’ could easily be the best track with its towering glammy backing, infectious melody and energetic vocal.

Girl Power is on the rise again headed by CharliXCX she will be packing out those stadiums soon but she’s doing it all her way.

Check out her website for tour info and for a free download of the brilliant mixtape

You’re the One is out Aug but you can check out the ace video below




4  Haim


Haim is comprised of three sisters from sunny California who with their unusual but infectious mix of R&B and folk rock are making waves over the Atlantic. Shut your eyes and one listen to the upbeat dancey ‘Forever’ and your back at the school disco throwing shapes, the chorus sounds a little like the 90s melody from Donna Lewis’s "I love you always forever". Remember Her? This isn’t such a bad thing as it’s the sweet vocals and harmonies and slashes of guitar that make the song unique as well as the gritty lyrics.

The other two songs on their Forever EP show that the girls aren’t one trick ponies as they show off the full extent with ‘Better Off’ starting off with accapella and close harmonies followed by an irresistible hip hop beat.’Go Slow’ is a more mellow type of tune whilst maybe not too radio friendly with its coarse language but its no less interesting with its folky vocals and electronic beats.

It might have you go digging for those Wilson Philips and Fleetwood Mac albums but Haim are breathing new life into the folk genre and are set to be huge

You can see their video for 'Forever' below

For more info check out their Facebook page 



5 Jezzy & the Belles



Last but not least, here is yet another reason, why New York is still a hotbed for talent. Brooklyn born Singer Songwriter Jessica Eisenberg has been quietly crafting lush electronic folk in the vein of fellow New Yorkers. Blonde Redhead and our very own Massive Attack but the understated dreamy production provided by her band ‘the Belles’ perfectly compliments her sweet vocals. ‘By Proxy’ draws you in with its gentle strumming and delicate vocals which gradually builds to an arresting listen. ‘Confess Child’ changes tack with its trip hop production and sombre brass accompaniment along with wistful vocals which makes for a captivating listen.

With such musical talent and this many ideas it’s extremely hard to resist her charms.

No plans for a UK tour yet but she is touring America and has released an album recently in the States ‘Compasses & Maps’ is available to download from the website below and on Soundcloud


You can check out the dazzling video for recent single 'Confess Child' below