I went and saw The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug last night. The theatre was still jammed, which is likely as much indicative of the time of year as it is the popularity of the movie. As a Tolkien fan I emerged from the film with mixed emotions. It was a great ride, more exciting than An Unexpected Journey, but it diverged so much from the original source material that it was a bit sad at parts, and I can't help but feel that the editing in the final cut could have been better. Anyway go see it and enjoy it for what it is, and let's get back to talking music shall we?
#15
Jon Hopkins
Immunity
Jon Hopkins is an interesting fellow. A truly unique character from London, his music combines so many different influences and sounds that it’s really impossible to define in terms of genre, and that only adds to the appeal. While the notes themselves aren’t particularly complicated or difficult, the obvious attention to detail in almost every second is impressive.
Much of this album seems to be purposely made to accompany visuals, it’s an intensely visceral exposition. Sweeping ambient harmonies are juxtaposed against heavy techno-style drum tracks that produce a kind of sonic inevitability. This isn’t so surprising given that he has, in the past, scored for film, and done so to high acclaim. Since there doesn’t seem to be a DVD release as of yet, maybe just closing your eyes and imagining while listening will do the trick.
Open Eye Signal
Breathe This Air / We Disappear
Collider
#14
David Bowie
The Next Day
I can’t imagine there are too many 65 year olds sitting around thinking “I haven’t rocked an album in a decade, I should really get on that.” Then again this is David Bowie we’re talking about, and he has never been anything even approaching ordinary. It should thus come as no surprise that this isn’t just an album for activity’s sake, it’s a really good one by any definition.
The styles and tempo accordingly vary from song to song, though there remain only hints of the heavy electronic feel of previous works on “Heathen” and especially “Earthling”. Each track can be taken as equally its own entity and yet undeniably part of an overarching theme of introspection. Bowie’s voice and song writing are as strong as ever, and though it appears he isn’t likely to be doing any live performances any time soon, we can certainly look forward to his next effort.
The Next Day
Valentine's Day
The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
#13
Melt Yourself Down
Melt Yourself Down
This is a short album, only eight tracks long and only 35 minutes, but it’s a heck of a ride any way you look at it. Interestingly they are also from London, making it a cool three out of three for today’s LP stars. Come to think of it, today’s EP selection also originates from there... is this some kind of English conspiracy? This can’t be coincidence!
Back to the matter at hand – horns, blips, bloops, zaps, drums, cowbells, and static are all omnipresent throughout this electro-funk jazzamatazz of a record, the first studio album from a band that only formed barely more than a year ago. Judging on the energy bursting through the seams in this collection as well as the wild videos of their live efforts, I can only assume they are a hell of a great time to see in person. Ignore the utterly perplexing review that a website that shall be unnamed posted, this is a great album and one you should dance around in your underpants to post-haste.
Release!
Camel
Fix My Life
EP #5
Lapalux
Composure
Lapalux, aka Stuart Howard, released two notable EPs last annum and this one builds on his glitchy trip-hop style, with the title track being one of the coolest tracks out all year. This was released prior to the full album Nostalchic, which didn’t make a lot of sense to me because all three appeared on that release as well. To be honest the LP left a lot to be desired, mostly feeling like filler to flesh out the obvious quality of these tracks. This guy has a ton of potential so it will be interesting to see what he comes up with next.
Without You
Guuurl
Swallowing Smoke
Part 4 featuring non-Londoners tomorrow!
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