Ok…I’ll never be able to deny that most of my favourite music does come from an era long gone. But, and this may come as a bit of a surprise to some of you, I do sometimes drag myself away from the second-hand record shops and make purchases that are a bit more up to date.However, given that I always put up mp3s with any posting, I tend to shy away from talking about new releases as I don’t like making songs available that I’d prefer folk to go out and buy. But now that at least six months or so have passed since their latest LPs hit the shops, I don’t feel bad about putting up these particular songs.
British Sea Power are a band who I’ve been fascinated with since buying their debut CD on the basis of hearing three or four tracks while browsing in a record store. But in saying that, I never went out of way to do much more than buy the albums, other than read about them in various music magazines. There were a number of articles that mentioned how great they were live, but for one reason or another, I never got round to it.
I noticed that Matthew, aka Toad, was mentioning BSP a few times in the infancy of his great blog, and he too mentioned the live act as being quite stunning. So….when a tour was announced for early 2008, including a show in Glasgow, I got myself a ticket. And I also bought their new CD – Do You Like Rock Music?
Now, the live show did turn out to be exceptional (as I mentioned at the time in this review), and I’m really looking forward to them coming back to Glasgow next month. However, I think it’s only fair to mention that the latest LP has been one of the most played in Villain Towers this year.
Another LP that has been on heavy rotation is Superabundance by The Young Knives. They are one of the few new acts that both Mrs Villain and myself agree on, and we’re both gutted that the world consistently refuses to sit up and take notice of TYK, or indeed give them any credit for being the natural 21st century successors to great and slightly-eccentric English pop bands such as XTC, The Teardrop Explodes and The Kinks.
One of the problems I have in writing about both BSP and TYK is that I find it difficult to capture in words just what it is that I love about them. Sometimes it is easier to let the music speak for itself:-
mp3 : British Sea Power – Waving Flags
mp3 : British Sea Power – No Lucifer
mp3 : The Young Knives – Up All Night
mp3 : The Young Knives – Turn Tail
The thing is, I don’t expect all that many of you to agree wholeheartedly with my views on these two bands. The afore-mentioned Matthew, for one, cannot abide TYK. But for me, that’s what makes writing and talking about music such great fun. One person’s smooth Russian vodka on the rocks might very easily be another’s flat Pepsi Cola that’s been lying out in the sun or heat for 48 hours.
But one thing I’ll never do is hurl abuse at someone based on their musical taste. Not unless they were the sort who bought just two singles this year and they were Kid Rock and Nickelback.
Happy Listening.
PS : I forgot, I'm also the show-off who likes to share the obscurities. I find this strangely moving....
mp3 : British Sea Power - Waving Flags (Wandering Horn Instrumental)
5 comments:
I like 'em both... mostly.
I didn't like the first BSP album too much, but this year's was a real grower.
On the other hand, I loved the first Young Knives album but couldn't really get into the new one.
I constantly hear BSP but still find myself never getting round to hear them. I do like how absolutely obsessed their fans are, they were frightening at Reading.
The Young Knives however are just wonderful. Granted, their first album was better, but the second had some absolute gems (the two you've posted being among those). They somehow carry across their funny persona without falling into the evil pit of novelty, they're the English equivalents of We Are Scientists for amazing between song banter, I love 'em.
I definitely like both bands, though I'm far more familiar with British Sea Power's music (some of the most intelligent lyrics around right now). I wish I could have seen them live at some point, especially for this latest album (I left Ontario just before they played Toronto earlier this year).
I did manage to see The Young Knives opening for The Rakes in Cardiff a little over two years ago, and I thought they were quite brilliant and witty then with their songs and banter. They were a memorable opening band, which can be a rather rare thing these days. I also remember feeling an instant kinship with them when they said they were from the small town of Ashby-de-la-Zouche because I had lived there for almost a month in 2004. I had their first album on my wish list, but I guess I never did get around to purchasing it, nor their second one. Thanks for the reminder.
"But one thing I’ll never do is hurl abuse at someone based on their musical taste. Not unless they were the sort who bought just two singles this year and they were Kid Rock and Nickelback."
haha agreed.
JC - you've sold out! Who's going to lecture me about the inadequacy of modern music now?
Actually BSP were really disappointing at End of the Road. They were flat somehow and the sound on the main stage was really muddy. Last year they made my ears bleed, and then at Cabaret Voltaire they were brilliant again, so I don't know what was up, but it just wasn't happening for them.
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