5 bands to look out for

   I've spent the past few days researching some up-and-coming bands just for your listening delight. I managed to wrap my ears round these little beauties.

   Swim Deep. These guys are just delightful. They're psychedelic, echoey tones are something of the ear pleaser. Simple snippets that stick in your head for days are just what this band are about. Their lyrics are simple and thoughtful, and the music is magically mashed together into one epic summer-soundtrack of a tune. Not to mention to their music talents, I find myself quite jealous of just how cool they are. Currently touring with Spector, these guys are going to go very far.

    Peace. My oh my! This band know how to make my hips jiggle. I'd heard a lot of hype about these fellas, and now I see exactly where it was coming from. Listening to them I head hints of Foals, Maccabees, Friendly Fires and Vampire weekend, maybe even a bit of Tribes. If you like any of these bands, I would highly recommend Peace to you. They're music manages to send you into somewhat of a hypnotic trance, and grips you with every catchy guitar-line and perfectly harmonised vocal.

   Lucy Rose. I honestly think its impossible not to love the innocent sounding and lovely girl. You can't help but fall for her, with her guitar, her calming, warm voice and the way she is pretty much a music genius. Lucy made her name by doing backup vocals for Bombay Bicycle Club, and has emerged as a solo artist as of late. Shows at Reading and Leeds festival have boosted her popularity as a solo artist and rightly so. Theres nothing better to chill out to than Lucy Rose.

   Bastille. These are a sepia-toned, perfect-voiced, mixed-masterpiece of a band. The sound they create is just nothing short of perfection. With every song they make, they fill up the room with the atmospheric tones that are created. Without knowing them, i've been singing their song 'Icarus' over and over for the past few months, just cause it was played in my work a few times (Next have good taste sometimes). This shows just how catchy they are. Definitely one to watch.

   Alt-J. I first heard these little gems when I was watching T in the Park festival. The gave us an acoustic twisted version of their superb track 'Breezeblocks', which at first I thought was very peculiar. I listened to it again and it became interesting. Once more and I thought it was ingenious. The lead singers constantly pitch bending voice is one some won't like, but when you listen, you start to realise that they are a great band. I was very upset I didn't get to see them at Leeds festival this year, and I have also missed out on tickets to see them on their UK tour as well, poor me. Demand for them is so very high at the moment, and a recent appearance on Jools Holland has surely just boosted their popularity even more. Watch these guys very closely.
   Theres no doubt that every single one of these bands will make their mark in 2013. With debut albums blazing, they could slowly make their way up to be the best bands you never knew. Give them a listen!!

Charles.  

We all need... Bloc Party

   I have to admit, I haven't really listened to Bloc Party until the past few days. But there's been constant listening as of late, and its definitely reignited my love for them.

   Bloc Party are now classed as a classic floor-filling indie band, with hits such as 'Helicopter', 'Banquet' and 'Flux' which back up this view. They've been around for quite a few years, 9 to be exact, and have constantly fed us with hit-by-hit in that time. After of course, the long and painful hiatus the band went on from 2009, their back (!!!!!!!!) with their back-to-roots (of Silent Alarm and A Weekend In The City) album, Four. This made me very happy, as the dance-techno style of 'Intimacy' didn't really grip me as the other EP's had. It could possibly bring in some of the old fans they lost on the way, and i'm sure will attract some new followers.

   The band are now just casually at the top of any DJ's records-to-play and are more than often thrown into any students Spotify playlist. They're a band to get the crowd jumping, the moshpits forming and something to leave painful but worth-it bruises when you wake up in the morning. With their high-octane live shows, they have managed to pull a large and faithful crowd. From their headbanging anthems to their slow, spine-chilling ballads, they continue to thrash out tracks that are always wanted to be listened to by their varied supporters.

   Not to forget the quality of the records Bloc Party normally give us, they are also a superb live band. From Russell's hypnotic guitar mastery, and Kele's signature vocals, it's hard to find a band of a better quality. I've been lucky enough to witness them myself, as a tiny 9 year old child (lucky me) just as the outstanding 'A Weekend In The City' was just about to touch down. They entice me now just as much as they did then.

   They are just about to embark on a European tour, through November. Heading back to the UK to play XFM's Winter Wonderland, which I have got my ticket for and am eagerly awaiting, and then they are off to the US to see out the December days. If you ever get the chance to see them, then I strongly recommend that you take the opportunity. Their whirlwind of a performance will show you just exactly why they are as big as they are. 

   If you've never heard of them, go and have a listen. Maybe you'll fall for them just the way I have.

Charles.       

Xfm's Winter Wonderland: All is revealed...

   This morning, XFM revealed that the mighty Bloc Party and The Editors will be headlining their two date extravaganza over early December dates. It's not often that this happens, but Manchester's lineup is significantly better this time round.

   Every year, XFM puts on two Christmas time dates, which bring together the biggest names in music and some of the very popular emerging names into two different nights in London and Manchester. Today marked the day that they announce their lineup and get the ticket madness in full flow.

 
   This year, Manchester's O2 Apollo plays hosts to emerging band, Findlay, close-to-greatness, Spector, and Delphic, who are on a long awaited comeback after an extended time out. Everything Everything will be bringing us their indie twists and turns. Also Maximo Park will bring their high-octane indie guitar music, whilst Bloc Party will be filling the floor with their classic indie anthems and intense dance music to top off the night. The Manchester side of things is top notch this year, and it could honestly be a hard one to beat.

 
   On the other hand, London's O2 Academy Brixton, will welcome the emerging Theme Park, and Bombay Bicycle Club back-up singer, Lucy Rose. The anthemic Temper Trap and Manchester rockers, The Courteeners will be gracing us this their presence. Not to forget, headliners The Editors, who will be displaying their catchy lyrics and melody lines to the awaiting crowd. Also, there will be a surprise icon that will be receiving a well earned XFM inspiration award. This may not seem like much in some sense, but i'm sure that there will be a few surprises as usual and the bands will live up to the expectation.
   The Manchester leg excites me this year, it brings together bands I love and have once loved into one perfect night. Bloc Party were my second ever gig, at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, with the then-emerging Biffy Clyro in support, back in 2005. It gives me a chance to show my friends what the buzz is about and brings back memories in itself.
   The tickets go on sale at 9:00am tomorrow morning, and will be in high demand, so get them while you can. No matter which one you go to, you will definitely not be disappointed and every penny spent will be worth it.

Charles.

Xfm's Winter Wonderland: Who's it gonna be?

   So my favourite part of the year... when XFM is just about to announce who is headlining their famous 'Winter Wonderland'. I know it gets announced tomorrow, but i'm still sat here in excitement trying to guess who it is.

   The London and Manchester shows have brought some exciting new acts, and legendary headliners over the past few years. Manic Street Preachers, Chase and Status, Kaiser Chiefs, The Wombats, The Cribs and Bombay Bicycle Club are just some of the treats that XFM have wrapped up and given to us in the past. Every year seems to get better, and i'm sure this year they won't disappoint. But who will it be?
   This year will be my 4th year in a row, right back to 2009 when the almighty Cribs headlined, cramped up at Manchester Academy 1, then seeing The Wombats the following year (not forgetting Bombay, The Futureheads and many others). I didn't think it would get much bigger, but last year proved me wrong. Although the line-up wasn't as good, it felt like XFM had become a massive figure in radio, and rightly so.

 
   Normally I have some sort of clue to who I think is going to play, but this year i'm left to sit here thinking of impossible outcomes and wishful thoughts. So I guess i'll have to wait till 8 o'clock tomorrow, and i'll be eagerly sat next to my radio, hopefully jumping about when I hear the news. Do other people really get this excited?

Charles.

Who do you thinks going to play?? Comment if you wish.

Ones to watch... Dog is Dead

 
   So i've been looking for a anniversary present for my girlfriend this weekend, and I discovered that Dog is Dead are playing in Manchester on that day. Not a bad present in my view, lets just be hopeful Amelia thinks the same ey.  
   Dog is Dead are a five-piece indie-pop band from Nottingham. They are a mash-up of harmonious greatness that mix their simple but catchy melody lines with jazz and indie-pop styles. With all that, they manage to be a gritty, down-to-earth band that you would sit and listen to 24/7, whilst bopping and swaying your head when no ones looking. Their harrowing vocals are something that sucks you in and has you humming them whilst walking round, or maybe thats just me.

  
   Over the past few years, Dog is Dead have have gradually creeped into the music industry, with their funky tunes and quirky style. Tours with Bombay Bicycle Club have managed to highlight them as a band to keep a wandering eye on. I managed to get my hands on free tickets to go to that Bombay gig at Blackpool Empress Ballroom, and felt pretty lucky that I had won them on Xfm. The fact I was seeing Bombay yet again was amazing, but the whole gig was made tons better than I thought it would be, with Dog is Dead supporting. They echoed their atmospheric presence throughout the room, sending ear-pleasing tones to the 4'000 people in attendance. They impressed me that night and are highly recommended by myself and i'm sure many other people.

   So they turn up on Manchesters doorstep on the 23rd October, playing Manchester Academy 3. Tickets are a mere £8.50, and I assure you it will be money well spent. Why not pop down and see what they're like. Have fun!

Charles.

Busking in Manchester

   I was walking around town the other day, and heard the constant merge of different sounds and whining voices. But I have to admit they are not all bad.
   The Manchester music scene has evolved over the past few years, and many more people are venturing into town to display their musical talents on the sidewalks. It seems to be a variety of different skills, lining the  streets asking for a bit of spare change in exchange for a good song. I love it when you see a guy, sat on the cold, concrete floor with his guitar, singing along to some old classic tunes, which I often sit there and just have a listen cause it's probably worth it. There is no problem in giving your coppers up for someone who braves  terenchous weathers and who has the guts to do this in front of many people (not forgetting that they can't half string a song together).
   So I took my camera and asked if I could write about some of the buskers I saw...

   I've seen these guys dotted about Manchester a few times, and they are not half bad. They put their own acoustic twist on some pop and chart classics. With a combination of superb guitar playing and great vocals, they manage to pull in big crowds, just to watch them play their next song. Out of everyone on the streets, i'd give my money up for them, and i'm sure there are many other people that would do exactly the same. Ones to watch out for this duo.

   I also saw these guys. They are completely different than anything i've seen in town, bringing their woodwind and keyboard ensemble and twisting it with classic songs. Walking through the horrendous weather, it made me smile.
 
   So as you can see there is a variety of musical talents spread out across Manchester city centre, ranging from a guy and his guitar, to people playing harps and blasting out mini jazzed-up versions of songs on their saxophone. I've always been tempted to join them, and actually planned it with my friend Billy during the summer, but we kept pushing it off as we realised it's harder than it looks. Busking clearly takes a lot more than people think, but if you want to make a name for yourselves, I guess you've got to do this sort of thing. Nowadays, you don't even need a license, so get out there if you're looking to make a name for yourself. Got to start from somewhere haven't you.

Charles.
Ps. Sorry for the non-variety i'm showing you, I didn't have much time on my hands. But go and have a look yourselves, i'm sure you'll find something that takes your fancy.    

They're back...

   This week marked the long awaited  return of the mighty Rolling Stones. Personally, its not something that got me jumping off my feet to spend 60quid on, but its sure got a ton of people waiting in line to get tickets to see the Rock 'n' Roll legends.
   Over the past month-or-so, there has been a strong rumour that The Rolling Stones were to reunite, which has created a buzz throughout the music industry. And the rumours were nothing short of wrong. Mick and the gang are getting together for 4 special gigs in November (UK) and December (US). This could just be a one off, which will surely go down in come-back history, or it could be another one of them money-grabbing stunts which lead to yet another roll of 'one off gigs' which turn out to be an extensive world tour (not aimed at Stone Roses in any way).

 
   Back in the day, The Rolling stones were the pinnacle of Rock 'n' Roll music and are seen as one of the most influential bands around to date. The only major competition they actually had was The Beatles (obviously not much competition there, haha), and along with The Who and The Kinks it must have been a struggle to make a name for themselves. But they managed to emerge strong (after numerous members coming and going) and plant themselves in music history. They brought a different style from what was around at the time, separating themselves from the undecided-rock-psychedelic style of The Beatles and the mod-culture of The Who, highlighting themselves as the Rock 'n' Roll band of their generation.
   So only time will tell of what becomes of The Rolling Stones, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see them top the Glastonbury bill come summer. I'm sure their comeback tour will sell out in record time, and will  be put down as one of the most historic comebacks ever. Might be a good money-spender.

Charles.

Back where they belong

   Mumford and Sons have retained that prestigious top spot in the album charts this week, and deservedly so. Babel is stunning, nothing short of what you expect from them.
   With 'Sigh No More', Mumford and Sons hit the ground running. Their album became a staple in a new, folk style of music. It was something my mum and myself blasted out of our rusty Ford Fiesta as we were speeding down the motorway at its top speed of 40mph. Everyone knew 'Little Lion Man' which made the band as big as they are today. Their hillbilly banjo and harrowing vocals just can't be mistaken, as you know it is one of their tracks when you hear it. The band are very down-to-earth lads, which I guess is one of the reasons their audience connect with them so well. You get a feeling they are gracious for every bit of support they get and are humble to see so many people love them.
 
   The album starts with title track 'Babel', which brings back the love that we all once felt for this band. It entails that signature banjo and Marcus' passionate vocals, which often sends a chill up my knobbly spine. You can't help but feel there's some root of mental pain with Marcus and the band, but if it means they keep bringing out music like this then I guess its not a bad thing (sounding a bit harsh there). Then comes 'Whispers In The Dark' and 'I will wait' which are both just equally as atmospheric as the other. The use of a constant melodic Banjo line is used which starts to get repetitive, but hey, thats just their style. Through tracks 4-8 the mood is toned down, as the band let the vocals and harmonisation take over and show their worth as one of the tightest sounding bands around at the moment. Simple guitar lines are used and beautiful, thought-provoking lyrics entice the audience for yet another astonishing few tracks. Then track 9, 'Hopeless Wanderer', is offered to us. Its more than a treat. They highlight every bit of why we rate them so highly, by mixing both their passionate and beautiful sounds to create one big built-up masterpiece. This is once again displayed in 'Broken Crown', which is possibly my favourite track on the album. Its sombre tones just make me want to listen on till the last note. 'Below My Feet' and 'Not With Haste' top off the album with a some crisp sounds, which make you realise you definitely don't regret buying the album. Bonus tracks are offered to you if you wish for any more magic, but the standout track being 'The Boxer' featuring the magnificent Paul Simon is the one to listen to.
   So for the second time, Mumford and sons have created yet another spectacular album which is just a treat to listen to. This could possibly be the album that cements them into a metaphorical greatness, and with a UK arena tour just ahead, i'm pretty sure that they will get there.
 
Charles.

Everybody needs... a record player

   Theres nothing like the crappy sound quality and constant crackle that you get with a record player. Well that really doesn't sell the product, but once you get one, you realise that this is the way the album you're listening to is meant to be heard.

   For my 15th birthday, I invested a measly 70 pounds on buying myself a record player. At first I had to wonder why I did it, but I placed that first Jimi Hendrix album, given as a present, onto the deck, put the pin on and listened. I didn't move all night and since that moment i've been hooked. After that I started to venture into town to look around vinyl shops and the odd charity shop, finding vinyls for as cheap as I could get them. I even found an old Johnny Cash record for 50p. Bargain. Then I even found an original Quadrophenia print, with the book and lyrics included, all for a quid. So I guess its not a bad thing to root.
   Piccadilly records is probably the best place in Manchester for records, which me and my friend Eryn often pop into to have a look around. They also do the odd special event, band signings and Record Store day that often brings in massive crowds at 6 o'clock in the morning to get limited edition records. Back in April, on a cold and wet morning, me and Eryn braved the weather at 5am to get out hands on the limited edition Arctic Monkeys 'R U Mine?' record. Even though we were queuing for around 6 hours, it was every bit worth it.

   Luckily my auntie and uncle kept their collections and passed them down to me. Old tattered copies of The Jam's 'All Mod Cons' and a various amount of Fleetwood Mac records were just something to get me started. Listening to The Beatles' 'Live From Abbey Road' is nothing short of perfect when played on a vinyl.
So go out and get yourselves a record player, there not much, and worth every penny.  

Introducing... Jake Bugg

   So maybe this shouldn't even be an introducing article, because i'm sure that there are a lot of people who know the name Jake Bugg, but this guy has managed to astound me as much as he has made me jealous over the past 2 months. as his name's been flying about.
   Jake Bugg has the perfect life. He is only 18. He's toured with Noel Gallagher. He's had a few appearances on the famous 'Later with Jools Holland'. Just basically pretty much everything any lad would want at his age. With his quirky lyrics, simple, effective guitar riffs and retro style, he has managed to worm his way into the music scene. His very unique style has hints of Bob Dylan, Oasis and the world renowned Beatles which I guess make him stand out as much as he does. His unmistaken sound, on tracks such as 'Lightning Bolt' and 'Two Fingers', have given him the edge on most up and coming bands that are appearing.
   I've seen raving reviews off NME and XFM, which on most occasions are not that wrong, and with his miles kane like tracks their opinion hasn't been proven any different. Jake is seen as a kid thats going far and everyone is sure that he will make it in this business (as he is already on his way). In my opinion he has the working and musical talents of a young Alex Turner. He has that raw edge that Turner and the Arctic Monkeys brought to the table in 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'. Maybe Jake's debut will be that career turning point that made Arctic Monkeys what they are (maybe not that extensive), so i guess we will have to wait and see.
   His album is due out on monday, which is very eagerly awaited by myself and many other people. Were all waiting to see what he gives us which i'm sure will be nothing less than the mini-masterpiece's he has already portrayed. So go and buy it.

Get involved...

So i'm open to anything from you guys; help, criticism and things you think I should be blogging about.
Email or follow me on twitter
Email- charlesh-123@hotmail.co.uk
Twitter- @charleshanratty

Charles.

Muse: fail or sail?… again

   So Muse are back, which brings back the memories of cranking up the radio when ‘Knights of Cydonia’ comes on and bashing your head repeatedly until it actually starts to hurt a little.

   They seem to have brought a dubstep mash-up of what they usually bring, which to first ear wasn’t that appealing to me. Like all Muse LP’s it tends to grow on me, at first it’s just an annoying bass line you repeatedly re-play in your head, but it gradually turns into something you acknowledge everyday and see it as an album that once again has turned into something great. But as usual it’s not all the same, ranging from the techno twists of ‘Madness’ to the funky bass line of ‘Panic Station’ that I cant help but wiggle my hips to. Although Muse will never ever write a better album than ‘Origin of Symmetry’ they’ve got to give it a go haven’t they.

   ‘2^nd law’ has its twists and turns. It is as much genius as it is versatile. It kicks off with the anthemic ‘Supremacy’, which gives off promising vibes to fans for the rest of the album. The usual riff and enticing solo are mashed up with newly introduced orchestral chimes, but are just so sublimely produced and mixed that every note fits no matter what the style. Then my stand-out tracks ‘Madness’ and ‘Panic Station’ come along. Each individual but both as epic as the other. Once again, the mood is switched to more solemn tones through track 6 to 10, with some hints of the legendary Freddie Murcury (which unlike others, Bellamy pulls off very well if I’m honest). The mood switches back to more upbeat beats through the rest of the album, which in my opinion are the weak ends of the album. All in all, I think that Muse have yet again managed to pull off an album that I don’t yet love, but can see the elements of songs that will ultimately make me fall for it as I have done the past albums.

   

   Honestly, I think Muse are possibly the best band in the world (bar Foo Fighters) at the moment and I sincerely regret turning down that ticket a few years ago. Seeing them play that legendary set at Reading and Leeds festival in 2011 ignited my passion for Muse, as Matt Bellamy’s voice used to rattle my brains just as much as Thom Yorke’s pre-pubescent whine (Radiohead). Seeing this made me realise that this band are astonishing, and have imprinted themselves into my top bands of all time. Matt Bellamy owns the stage like a futuristic Jesus, with his disco-ball jacket and his god-must-have-created Manson guitar. He will always be an idol and Muse will definitely become a band cemented in time as one of the greatest bands ever.

   Muse are returning to Manchester again in November, but as usual, I won’t be one of the lucky people that will be graced with their presence. Not a very happy kid.

Charles.

‘Up the Bracket’; ten years on…

   This week marks the tenth anniversary of ‘Up the Bracket’ and it clearly couldn't be hyped up any more. My twitter feed seems to have been filled up with ‘NME’ constantly screaming THE LIBERTINES!! down my ear, but in my opinion it’s not a bad thing.

   So this album is something I never got to really experience as a kid, I was really just too young, still being naïve singing ‘Boyzone’ tracks whilst running round the house. But I think it’s near impossible to not know the names of Pete Doherty and Carl Barat these days, maybe for the wrong reasons and that’s why we have appreciation days like this (not forgetting it is actually a sublime album). ‘Up the Bracket’ is now a staple of British guitar music. It highlights what we miss in the music industry; some clunky, gritty guitar music that we all enjoy with 2000 sweaty people in a just as sweaty room.

   The Libertines are labelled as one of them floor-filling, shoulder-bashing, deafening bands that leave you with an annoying ring in your ear the next morning and in most cases, a bad hangover. One of the first memories I have of hearing The Libertines was at a gig a few years back, I remember the floor erupting as the DJ built up the crowd before the headline band came on. All I got was fully grown men’s sweaty armpits pushed up against the back of my head, and me thinking, ‘WHAT THE F*** IS GOING ON? THIS ISN'T EVEN THEM’; but I grabbed my mates arm, them equally as confused as me, and both just danced and moved to the music so we didn't suffocate. With that and the mighty XFM playing them here and there I got to know them quite well and now they are one of my favourite bands, quite respectably in this case.

   In the terms of status, I don’t think ‘Up the Bracket’ quite has the same credibility as Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’, and any of The Beatles albums in that retrospect, but I think it’s half on its way (maybe a quarter). It lives up to any people’s reviews, and any word-of-mouth, with grave satisfaction. In my view it can’t be beaten, its one of them albums that constantly gets played and will be one of them records I pass onto my kids.

   

   Now, the news we’re all waiting to hear is, ‘The Libertines are back’. There have been hints; there have been rumours but no certain word has emerged. The only thing us fans have to linger on is the stunning one-off slot they did at Reading and Leeds a few years back.

It’s depressing, but things look hopeful. I've seen words of Pete and Carl writing new material and both of them saying that a reunion is not off the cards, so a boy can hope ey. I’m just waiting to see them on the top of that big yellow poster come summer (please be Leeds and not Glastonbury). Vaguely

Charles.

Here we go...

Hello, i'm Charles.
Right here i'll be writing anything thats current music news. Basically im a cheap imitation of NME but without paying £2.50 just so you can read the same things over again. I will try and write a few articles a week, amongst the stereotypical hectic college life (not what it seems is it. Fuck you skins) but they will probably be at 2 o'clock in the morning just like this one.
Feel free to comment.
Have fun.
Charles.