teignmouth.

What's happened since I've been away.

2010-01-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

Colour broke up. I swear, any group of boys under the age of 30 playing music together is always destined for disaster. Or maybe that's just when I start liking them. Still, in the end they released an album called 'Anthology' featuring all of their singles, plus a few other unreleased songs. It's definitely worth having if you haven't already got the singles, but if you have, iTunes may be the answer.

Colour - Tallulah's My Mother's Name

Laura Hocking changed her name to Lola & the Clic, then back to Laura Hocking again. She acquired a couple extra musicians to play with her live. I finally got the chance to see her play. It was delightful, to say the least. She also thought about releasing an EP in September, kept everything quiet for a while, and in November announced that it should be released in January. Well, it's now January, and nothing has been said. I predict May. Laura is a busy woman however, and if you make such wonderful music, you should be allowed extensions. Here's a video to celebrate such talent.

Laura Hocking - Back Down Eddy

Blue Roses released her album in April, and all was well. Not quite as enjoyable as the Emmy release was, but still, definitely worth the buy. Laura Groves is a very talented musician, and I think she's been compared to Kate Bush? I don't know, I don't listen to Kate Bush, but I think that may only be vocal wise. I still can't get over the shitty name, but don't judge a book by its cover, or a musician by its name. That Kevin Rudolf person still managed to have a bit of success didn't he...

Blue Roses - Cover Your Tracks

Emmy the Great played, and played, and played; and I followed. Such a fantastic musician/band, my favourite of 2009. They also released another EP, titled the 'Edward EP,' which was equally as fantastic; they can do no wrong in my eyes. Nothing's been announced for 2010, but here's to hoping they'll play countless more gigs, and perhaps release a bit more music.

Emmy the Great - A Bowl Collecting Blood

2010

2010-01-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

Two thousand and ten might perhaps be the year I keep this blog updated. Doubtful. For now though, enjoy this website...

I do love how I redesigned this blog instead of doing my Art essay. I've got my priorities right.

I'm baaack

2009-04-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a bit bored so I've decided to take this up again for a bit, mostly for my own entertainment. Anyway, quite a bit has happened with underground UK music since I last posted, we've also had a new year, but I shall try and keep it quite recent. I've decided that's my niche for now, although I may occasionally post music that doesn't come into that category. All right, let's get on with it:

My favourite guitar-fiddling, hip-twisting band Colour released a fanastic new single titled 'Unicorns' on both vinyl and CD recently. I do wish they would get on and release an album, but I can understand if funding doesn't allow them to do so, especially with them being unsigned and all. I have a feeling that is by request though, as I'm sure a label like Big Scary Monsters would've snapped them up by now. The single also includes tracks 'Run Like You're Being Chased' and 'Jewels Like Fairy Lights', both of which are equally full of math-pop goodness. You can download the acoustic version of 'Unicorns' for free over at the Awesome Gnarly Tour website, as well as a track by tour mates Data.Select.Party. Now I haven't heard these tracks as I've currently used up both my emails trying to download the mp3s, and both times my internet connection has failed me, so if anyone could send them my way it'd be much appreciated. Colour are also playing a free instore at Pure Groove Records on April 27th, which should be interesting to see how they transmit their highly technical sound into acoustics (or will it even be in acoustics?). I however, currently have no idea how they'd do it with no acoustic mp3 at present.

When I saw Emmy the Great play at the ICA back in November, I was introduced to the wonderfully talented Laura Groves. Now called Blue Roses, she is set to release her yet to be named debut album on April 27th. Expect lush guitars, with the occasional wonderfully crafted piano parts, complimented by ethereal vocals (still trying to improve on the whole 'describing music' thing). Her new single 'Doubtful Comforts', not so much a prime example of this, sounds more like an intro, can also be downloaded for free at her website; or if you prefer the real stuff, bought on vinyl at Rough Trade. Fortunately, I managed to download that with no problems. She is also playing a free instore (everything is free!) at Pure Groove Records on April 28th (sleepover anyone?), as well as a handful of other dates. Check those out at her MySpace.

Speaking of Emmy the Great, did anyone get her (actually, it's now "their") debut 'First Love' a couple months ago? I thought it was absolutely fantastic. It completely surpassed my expectations, and will most probably have a rightful place on my end of year list. If you haven't gotten it yet, go! And go see them live at one of the shows posted on their MySpace. With the album, they've successfully managed to capture all the sounds the live shows brought to the music, completely remake some of the oldies, and still create brand new songs that do not fail to make a mark upon anyone who is a fan of their (or "her" in this case) older stuff.

I have gotten bit lazy over the past month or so, so I've only just gotten around to checking out the new Laura Hocking song 'Back Down Eddy' she posted quite a while ago. I'll admit, I'm listening to it for the first time right now, but my first impressions: very, very positive. In fact, I love it. This girl never ceases to amaze me. Please, listen to this song. MySpace. Now. She seems to conjure up feelings of sentimentality in me, a bit like Damien Rice does. Come to think of it, she sounds a lot like him (see: 'Swim Thru'), but I could also draw comparisons to Laura Marling, especially with this new song, and Emmy the Great, of course. As always, she's playing in London, so make sure you pop in to see her at one of her gigs, say hello, have tea, etc etc.

Upcoming Releases

2008-08-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

I have to make a confession. That long list you see on the right side bar with all the 2008 release dates; well, I probably only check out about half of those. Partly because I can't afford all of them, partly because I lose interest and decide to check out new bands, or I just hear that they're bad. It's terrible, I know. So I am going to try and make a resolution to check out all of the albums I said I was going to, and maybe post a little something of what I think of them and a rating. I can't write reviews.

Ironically, I also want to tell you about some other albums I'm really looking forward to: Jack's Mannequin's "The Glass Passenger," Underoath's "Lost in the Sound of Separation," This Town Needs Guns' "Animals," Emmy the Great's "First Love" and Valencia's "We All Need a Reason to Believe" (not so much this one though.) I hear the Underoath's is absolutely amazing, Valencia's is pretty good, but no word on the others. To celebrate these upcoming albums and my excitement for them, I will post some songs from them:

Jack's Mannequin - The Resolution

Underoath - Desperate Times, Desperate Measures

This Town Needs Guns - Baboon

Emmy the Great - City Song (Album version, I think)

Valencia - Where Did You Go?

See my album release calendar on the right side bar for further information on these releases. Also, new Shiny Toy Guns material should hopefully be released August 11th! I'm so excited, I could explode. Maybe a post on that too.

Acoustic Queens of the Capital

2008-07-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Emmy the Great and Laura Hocking (also known as Laura Sings Liver) are both from London, UK. They have similarities; they're both female and play primarily with acoustic guitars, but both have different styles to their song-writing. Forgive me for lumping these two together, but I thought I would be interesting to do a comparison between the two.

Emma-Lee Moss aka Emmy the Great (see: left) is slightly more attained in the music industry. She is often associated with folk acts such as Laura Marling, has toured with successful acts like Tilly and the Wall and is signed to Drowned in Sound Recordings. She is currently playing at quite a few festivals this summer. She has released a number of singles and an EP available on iTunes. Her debut album 'First Love' is due out this September. I am terrible at describing things, but her songs are slightly more straight-forward with more of a pop edge, but not sickeningly so.

Laura Hocking aka Laura Sings Liver (see: right) as far as I know is not associated with any acts or scenes. She plays in London constantly at many bars. I have yet to see her, but will make sure I eventually do. She has self-released an album and some EPs or singles I think, which you can pretty much download at her different MySpaces, and has mentioned putting an EP out at some point. Her style is slightly more mature and sophisticated, but not in a demeaning way to Emmy.

That's my best attempt at trying to describe and compare them. I think it's best to just leave it up to the music to speak for itself.

Emmy the Great - Easter Parade

Emmy the Great - Two Steps Forward (Live)

Emmy the Great - Long Island (Wave Pictures Cover)

If you enjoyed those, download two free songs at her MySpace and Last.fm.

Laura Hocking - Adieu, Adieu, Little Boy Bleu

Laura Hocking - Greenwich Mean Time (British Summer Time)

Laura Hocking - Strongmen & Acrobats

If you enjoyed those, download more free songs of hers at her one, two, three MySpaces.

My last post ever about I Was A Cub Scout.

2008-07-14T19:35:00.001-07:00

Written by Todd on their break-up:

I thought today maybe just maybe, i may write my part, my view, my overall thoughts on the break up of my once slightly popular within certain circles band i was a cub scout.

I have read countless messages, posts, blogs, emails etc.. about it all.

When not one of these people, apart from a said member of the band has any knowledge of what actually caused our split.

lets start kind of near the end.. but il mix it up

William Bowerman is a nice guy, he is good to his friends, his family, his fans and generally and genuinally most of the people he meets. I have alot of respect for him, he is a great drummer and a decent person.

This is not to say that i myself like him in anyway at all anymore.

It was decided that we would call it a day just after a show we had played in london at camden dingwalls. Another show with at least 150 people then last time we played there, another reason as to shit was shit.

i had just got off the phone to my girlfriend and spoken to her about alot of the shit that had been going on. I had explained to her how i did not want to be apart of this project anymore, i felt it had run its course quite badley.

Our managers wanted us to stay in london till the morning for some sort of meeting. I in my usual foul mood asked around everyone and called as many people necassery to make sure this didnt happen. I wanted to go home and sleep on my own floor and drink my own blackcurrent and didnt want have to spend anymore time in camden.

The 'meeting' was on straight after the phone call/ ass kissing in the venue. We were basically told that our good friends at xl did not wish to take us on for our second record, due to many things all explained vaguelly. Il try not to be to vague.

first off we were not making xl much money at all, we were not to the same standards of adele, jack penate or vampire weekend. in fact we thrived on the fact we had nothing in common with most of the bands on that label. but yeah we were not big sellers. we didnt were day glo, we didnt like grime, we were not from london/ urban in anyway, we were not the arctic monkeys, we were not the ting tings and we were not really that interesting.

Our obvious lack of partnership/ friendship never went down well with alot of people. I wrote all the parts for our songs, which William then drummed to as obviously selfish as it sounds. This is how it had always been since day one and how i wished for it to continue. I once said this to William and i believe it was a bit of a burn for him. There was alot of conflict between us even on the smallest of matters but i believed in something and went with it, i still believe in that now.

Towards the end i stopped considering him as a member of this project, as i believe he did to. In my opinion he was absorbed in his own little world where he believed he was god. The king of drums maybe. I think for any fan of our music it was easily distinguishable who was the rock star and who was himself. I could take many more petty digs as he can to.

I tried not to include myself in alot of what being in a band is suposedly meant to entail. I dont enjoy interviews, photo shoots, video shoots and so on. I feel no gratification in talking about myself, seeing photos of myself and watching videos of myself. Where is William was very much the opposite to all of this and would bask in the glory of everything i was a cub scout, it was his dream to do this.

I have always had my own idea of how i would like to set about things, but it was very hard to do it in that environment.

Over the years since we were together we grew more and more apart. At one point we both disagreed strongly towards what was going on in area to do with drugs. It became quite apparent that i know longer shared that belief. but I am not as you may think a heroin addict. This was a problem for William as he felt alot of his friends had gone to shit, but for him to even mention my so called addictions really annoys me. I feel strongly that my problems are my problems and nobody elses.

We also didnt see eye to eye on the main thing. That being the music. in the final 3 months or so as a band William had said to me that since the release of the first pink squares single, he had not been enjoying what the music was all about. This was an instant blow for me, i quickly came to the asumption that in no way where we doing this for the same reasons. William said he wanted to play cute music, i didnt and found that pretty shit.

i love music i listen to lots of it, but i guess our influences were confused alot of the time, even between us both. but we never tried to sound like these bands, we just did haha.

William was very millitant in what he would like. probably the most notable being russian circles. Ive never had anyone that i truelly idolize so i found it kind of odd to see such admiration in one individual.

i found towards the end many people surounding us and us ourselves had become very spineless and pretty twofaced about alot of things. one person would tell another one thing and another person may not even know about it at all.

I was a cub scout helped me meet some of the best people in the world, some of my now nearest and dearest. The years which i spent within that band where easily the best of my life, i dropped out of college and lived like a gypsie which was amazing.

In the end there is alot more that could be said, but in my opinion you shouldnt care.

I hope this brings up some sort of feeling any feeling.

nobody asked for my opinion on it, but this is it. i hope you can understand my side of it, even though it may not be completely clear.

TTNG Post New Song and Announce Album

2008-07-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Oxford's This Town Need Guns have posted a new song called "Chinchilla." This song has come from their just announced debut album 'Animals' due out in October. The new song sounds great, and I'm definitely looking forward to the album's release.

Recently, TTNG's bass player temporarily left to start a family. They have also just announced that a friend by the name of Jamie is filling in for him.

TTNG are playing a number of festival dates as well as touring with Jonquil this year. Head to their MySpace for details.

This Town Needs Guns - 26 Is Dancier Than 4

Last.fm Beta

2008-07-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know who else got this, but apparently I'd been put on the list of users who can access the new beta site to try it out. I remember hearing about this and seeing the previews, and I was rather skeptical at first. I don't like change, I loved Last.fm how it was. But this new Beta site is really, really great.

Here is a big screen cap I put together of how my profile looks.

I also made a list of things on the beta site that I liked, aside from the general layout:

Scrobbling automatically added to your charts - No longer do you have to wait for your charts to be updated. But sometimes that ruins all the fun in it, I suppose.

Playing full tracks - You can play the full song on anything that before had a 30-second sample. And I don't think it has the 3-play limit either.

Better recommendations - The recommendations I got I hated, I didn't think they reflected my recent listening habits at all. And I couldn't delete them. Now, they have great recommendations, with the more likely ones you'll like at the top. You can also delete them too, if you know you already like/dislike a certain band or artist.

Able to look back on very old shouts - Before, once a shout was gone off the pop-up page, it was gone. Now I can look back on all the shouts I have ever gotten. And gosh, I have gotten a lot.

Activity feed - I guess this was stolen from social-networking sites, and it can be hidden if you want it to, but personally, I love seeing what people do. I am a creepy stalker though.

I also made a list of things I don't like about the new beta site:

Doesn't scrobble all the songs I play on the site - Though I think this will get fixed.

Subscribers aren't shown well enough - I don't like how subscribers can see when people visit their profiles. So I usually try to avoid going on their profiles. They used to have a bright blue button to warn me. Now, there's just a small black square on the top left hand corner of their display picture. Call me picky, but I don't like it.

Can't see a top 50 anymore - Just a top 10. Hopefully this will change though.

The top 10 is shown twice - I just read that you can change what is shown on your profile though, so I will change this right now. Those were the default settings though.

That is all I can think of. The things I don't like are only minor things. All in all, I absolutely love the new beta site, and I think I will subscribe so I can keep it. The playing full-tracks and better recommendations are my favourite parts, and I definitely recommend checking it out.

Excuses, excuses...

2008-06-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

So I am back! I hope. Last week I finished all my exams and have no school until September now, so I will have a lot of time to write about all the amazing music I discover these days. I've been meaning to post an explanation blog for quite some time, but I'm lazy. Anyway, this is just a little note to say I will be posting more frequently now. I have written a list of bands/artists I want to write about. There are so many! And I am going to try and improve my blog in some ways as well. Hope everyone is well!

Love,

Sophie

P.S. If you haven't seen, I edited my previous entry about IWACS's break-up with a bit more information.

IWACS Break Up

2008-06-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

EDIT: Will, the drummer, updated his blog with more information on the break-up of IWACS.

Original entry:

This is a sad, sad day. My favourite local(ish) band who I madly blog about I Was A Cub Scout have decided to call it a day. At first I was really shocked, it's only been 2 or 3 years? But then I figured out what the reason could be. One time I spoke to Will briefly on MySpace, and he told me he had to get a job as they were not making any money at all from IWACS. Add getting their equipment stolen at SXSW, getting a fat lip, and I think they were due to play some other festival that fell through (this bit I am not too sure about) and that equals a pretty shitty year. This is why I think it's so important to buy band's CDs, ESPECIALLY local smaller ones. Stealing expensive equipment and throwing things is also not cool though, but a lot of us wouldn't even think of doing that. If you are reading this, and are a fan of IWACS or any local/small band and haven't bought music of theirs that is available, I implore you all to do so today. Or tomorrow, or whenever you next have spare money. I shall do the same.

I am extremely sad that this has happened. I remember seeing them support Cute Is What We Aim For at Barfly in London back in 2006, then seeing them again at The Forum in Tunbridge Wells earlier this year. I also wanted to see them at Dingwalls in London, but had exams. I remember receiving their album in the post after pre-ordering it and listening to it and loving it. I remember meeting Todd, having a little chat with him and getting a photo. It's a real shame such a great band had to break up, but I guess with the music industry so fucked up, this is what happens.

They are selling 150 copies of "The Hunter's Daughter" single with the song "Worker Bees" which are hand made for £4. You can email iamdisco@hotmail.co.uk to reserve a copy. They are also playing the iTunes festival for their last show ever with Death Cab for Cutie. What a way to go out.

Good luck in the future boys.

EFJ's The Golden Beatle Out Today

2008-04-28T15:25:00.001-07:00

Just before I go to bed I'll let everyone reading this blog (which means no-one) know that Eugene Francis Jnr's debut album 'The Golden Beatle' is released online today! They're doing this cool thing where they're releasing 99 red balloons in the sky in Wales and whoever gets them gets a web address and code where they will eventually be led onto get a free copy of the album! Read more about the further release of 'The Golden Beatle' here.

An Update

2008-04-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated here in a while. So I think I'll give a list of who and what I've been listening to, with a little description:

Foals - Antidotes

The new album from Foals. It's very, very good. I'm glad it's not just a load of catchy music put together, but they've actually tried to go into more depth with some songs and expand more boundaries.

Eugene Francis Jnr - The Golden Beatle

I love Eugene, and this is a fantastic debut album. His music makes me feel good and happy, and who doesn't need feel good music? It's also extremely beautiful.

Radiohead - In Rainbows

I understand why everyone's obsessed with them now. They're incredible, I finally get it now.

Los Campesinos - Sticking Fingers Into Sockets/Hold On Now Youngster...

I've been listening to a mixture of songs by this band, they're so so catchy. I'm going to see them this Friday, so I'm going to make sure I pick up their album and EP if it's also there. I'm very excited.

Regina Spektor - Soviet Kitsch

I got into this album a while ago, but I'm getting into it again. It's amazing, I love Regina so much. This album is definitely my favourite of hers. I think I'm also starting to get into the older stuff now.

Death Cab For Cutie - Their new songs

I have "I Will Possess Your Heart" and a live acoustic version of "Cath..." I think some songs are starting to leak, as I saw them on Hype Machine, but I don't want to touch them. Leaks are evil. I can't wait till May when the new album's released, as these songs are good indicators of its potential greatness. And I just bought tickets to see them in July as well!

What I really need to buy when I have the money:

M83 - Dead Cities Red Seas & Lost Ghosts/Saturdays = Youth

I'm not sure which album I should buy. I'm definitely going to get one of the two above, most probably the first one, cause I think that's the one most people like, and some people say the new one isn't good. But I watched the video from it, and was completely amazed. The video is so lovely. That song "Run Into Flowers" from the 'Dead Cities...' album is just incredible too, and now I'm running out of adjectives as I gush over these bands.

Can't really be bothered to post mp3s for these albums, maybe you should check them out on Last.fm or The Hype Machine.

IWACS Get Equipment Stolen

2008-03-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

Read this article by NME.

I am terribly saddened by this, as I knew how excited they were for SXSW. It would've given them some exposure they deserve. All of their songs were stored on the keyboards that were stolen, so this has been a major blow to them. I hope the person(s) who stole it gets what's coming to them.

Of The Moment / No. 2

2008-03-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Listening to: St. Vincent - Marry Me, I Was A Cub Scout - I Want You To Know That There Is Always Hope, Tellison - Contact! Contact!

Favourite song: St Vincent - These Days

Need to check out: Wilco's "Sky Blue Sky" and Radiohead's "In Rainbows."

Excited about: The summer, me and my friends will hopefully be going to the Underage Festival for the first time. And receiving Foals' new album "Antidotes" in the mail.

P.S. Box.net took my email address off. :/ It's annoying cause I only want to promote the artist, not give away the whole album for free. I fully support purchasing albums. I am going to use MegaUpload instead which allows my files to be online for 21 days if it has not been downloaded. Get the songs whilst you can!

New DIOY,Y? Song

2008-03-02T05:13:00.000-08:00

I had recently taken off Does It Offend You, Yeah? from the "Artists/Bands You Should Check Out" list because quite frankly, I wasn't sure I even cared about them anymore. I saw them support Shiny Toy Guns back in July, and they put on an amazing set. Checked out some songs, listened to them a few times, then sort of left it at that. Just the other day though, they released a song from their debut album "You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into" due to be released March 17th. I am so behind with them, I wasn't even aware of this. But I'm going to make up for it by listening to this new song which is really great, and perhaps even pre-ordering the album.

Does It Offend You, Yeah? - With A Heavy Heart (I Regret To Inform You) (Direct link from PitchforkMedia.com)

Pre-order the album

We Fly Balloons on this Fuel Called Love.

2008-02-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

I have just taken the time to properly check out this band that everyone is talking about, Foals. And I have to say, they are really impressive. Their guitars remind me of This Town Need Guns', and their videos are extremely bizarre but amusing. I just read their Wiki, and they definitely have some interesting facts about them:

-Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio was the original producer of their album, but they discarded his final mix and remixed it themselves due to the "spacey" sound they disliked caused by heavy use of reverb (it works for TV on the Radio, probably not Foals).

-Jack Bevan (the drummer) is one of the models for the 2008 Burberry campaign. I was mainly interested by this because I have some Burberry advertisements stuck on my wall due to Patrick Wolf being in them, and have just noticed that Jack is in them too, I think. Actually, these Patrick ones are 2007, so maybe not.

-Yannis and Edwin left their English Language and Literature courses at Oxford University when the band signed to Transgressive.

-This isn't from Wiki but... they were tipped as 'Band of the Year' by NME for 2008.

Their debut album "Antidotes" comes out March 24th. You can buy an edition with a bonus disc that contains a couple of their older singles (plus their b-sides) and their old live EP, so I think I'll get that one as I haven't got any of their previous songs. Make sure you check them out, if it's the only thing you do today.

Foals - Cassius

Pre-order the album

I am a Twat...

2008-02-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

For not realising how great the UK music scene is. I was often put off by mainstream British acts *cough* Scouting For Girls, The Hoosiers etc. *cough* But how close-minded was I. There are always some great bands in every country, especially my own. It just takes a little while to find them. So this post will be plugging all of the great UK bands I have discovered in the past month. I'm sure there are plenty more out there.

This Town Needs Guns - 26 Is Dancier Than 4

Tellison - Hanover Start Clapping

Colour - Over The Moon

Rolo Tomassi - Seagull

You really have to see Rolo Tomassi live to properly "get" them. There are a couple more bands that aren't on there that I might add once I've decided on a favourite song and gotten a decent mp3 of a certain song. I will also take this time to post my favourite song on the new IWACS album which I really cannot stop listening to. It's so, so good.

I Was A Cub Scout - The Hunter's Daughter

IWACS in Glass Incident

2008-02-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, when I Was A Cub Scout performed in Southampton, there was an incident causing injuries to lead-singer Todd. A blog has been posted explaining what happened:

Jimmy T from Rolo Tomassi joined us for the third song of our set to free me from my guitar duties. Two glasses were at the tip of of the stage which I attempted to wear as glasses (eyes), which I then tossed into the air which was obviously the crowd (I was told after the show that it had hit some young ladies who happened to be friends with William).

But before we could reach the point of this song finishing, we had two other glasses thrown in the direction of James and myself of which both hit me, shoulder then face...

It managed to cut the outside of my face, gums and inner lip, resulting in a mouth full of blood, Fight Club kind of spitting outside, and lots of pointless shit said.

This has caused IWACS to cancel their show tonight at Leicester. He has also provided us with an image of the injury. To read the full post, go here.

Paramore are NOT Breaking Up. Hallelujah.

2008-02-23T04:48:00.000-08:00

A couple days ago, Paramore posted a LiveJournal entry about their "internal issues" which lead to many implications that they were breaking up. And apparently rumours of Hayley being pregnant! It was confirmed yesterday by the band that they were in fact, not breaking up:

I just want to make it clear, though, that by posting two nights ago we weren't saying the band was over. We posted because we are going through hard times and we felt that because we have a really good support system in you guys, our fans, it would be better for us to just be honest about what's going on - even though, it was a pretty vague explanation.

One of the replies of a comment posted asking whether they regret getting famous by Paramore was:

I would never wish that out band hadn't been able to have all the opportunities we've had. We're so blessed. It's not just the "fame"... It's growing up.

Due to this, I personally think it's because of the pressure of being in the constant spotlight at such a young age. I could see it coming. I'll take this time to wish good luck to the band and hope they get over this ordeal successfully. To read their full post, go here.

Paramore - We Are Broken

Paramore - Fences

New Layout!

2008-02-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

As you can see, the blog has had a bit of a revamp! I don't think I'm quite finished with it yet. I might add a more interesting background, and change the title in the header. Plus, maybe a few other minor changes, but I like how it's come out.

I received I Was A Cub Scout's new album "I Want You To Know That There Is Always Hope" in the mail the other day. I think it's really great! I don't think I've decided on a favourite song yet, but when I do, I'll post it. I might even do a review on it. Though I've never written a review before.

I went to the Tegan & Sara instore on Monday. We were first in line! We did get there at 10am though, but I thought there might've been at least one person there before us. Here's my picture with them. You can also check out some more photos and videos I got of them. Eugene/Kris said he was meant to go to it too, but he got held up. Would've been cool to have seen him. We happened to be street-teaming for him that day as well.

Just to make sure this post isn't completely useless, I'll post a song I like:

Stars - Personal

Of The Moment / No. 1

2008-02-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

These things should hopefully be reoccurring.

Listening to: Older, classic albums. The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Radiohead - Ok Computer, Radiohead - The Bends.

Favourite song: The Shins - Phantom Limb

Need to check out: Chris Walla's new album "Field Manuel" and Butch Walker's new album "Leavin' The Game On Lucky St." which is available for free here. I'm downloading it now.

Excited about: Going to the Tegan and Sara instore performance this Monday and meeting them afterwards.

Stream the New I Was a Cub Scout Album on MySpace

2008-02-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

The new album from I Was a Cub Scout is available for streaming on their MySpace page. I have refrained from listening to it as I have pre-ordered it, and would rather listen to it in full quality rather than the compressed MySpace sound.

I Was a Cub Scout - Our Smallest Adventures

They were great when I went to see them live earlier this month at The Forum. Despite Todd's vocal problems, I thought it was a pretty good show.

DCFC Reveal Track Listing

2008-02-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

Death Cab for Cutie's Narrow Stairs hits shops May 13th.

Track Listing:

01) Bixby Canyon Bridge

02) I Will Possess Your Heart

03) No Sunlight

04) Cath

05) Talking Bird

06) You Can Do Better Than Me (But I Can't Do Better Than You)

07) Grapevine Fires

08) You New Twin Size Bed

09) The Remainder

10) Pity and Fear

11) The Ice Is Getting Thinner

Source: AbsolutePunk.net

It shall be my birthday present.

P.S. The Cranberries' albums are so not as good as the singles. Shame.

2008 Album Release Calendar - UPDATED

2008-01-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Chris Walla - Field Manual - January 29th

I Was A Cub Scout - I Want You To Know That There Is Always Hope - February 18th

The Hush Sound - Goodbye Blues - March 18th

Eugene Francis Jnr - The Golden Beatle - April 28th

Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IIIV - April

Animal Collective - Water Curses EP - May 5th

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs - May 13th

The Faint - TBA - August

Metric - TBA - Summer/Autumn

Patrick Wolf - TBA - TBA

It's getting better and better...

Eugene Francis Jnr: The Golden Beatle - Up for Streaming Week by Week

2008-01-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

A new song will be posted each week from 'The Golden Beatle'.
Listen. Love.

Introducing: The Cranberries (Back into my Life)

2008-01-11T15:50:00.000-08:00

When I was first introduced to this band by my Dad I was too young to fully appreciate music. I always liked The Cranberries, I think I found some of their songs catchy. Now, probably about 10 years later, I ask about them to my Dad. He puts on a DVD of all of their videos he has, and I am completely blown away. Just the sheer rawness of songs like "Zombie" and the beauty in Dolores O'Riordan's voice, it's absolutely mind-blowing. So I automatically asked to borrow all of the CDs he had by them, which was pretty much all of them, except for their first EP. So I'm working my way through them. I've only come to fully love the singles I already knew at the moment, but hopefully with a few listens, I can tap into the exceptionality in full scale. I can't wait. Plus, they have some beautiful videos (for the songs "Ode To My Family" and again, "Zombie"), and I find Dolores strangely attractive in the 'No Need To Argue' era / when she has short blonde hair. She makes Irish accents sexy. I'm also really proud of myself that I've managed to love some music that is slightly old (the 90s). I'm not sure I like the new stuff though, it seems too... happy. We'll see.

The Cranberries - Zombie (Video)
The Cranberries - Ode To My Family (Video)
The Cranberries - Dreams (Video)
The Cranberries - Linger (Video)

The Golden Beatle Preview

2008-01-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

I am insanely excited.

Eugene Francis Jnr's MySpace

2008 Album Release Calendar

2008-01-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

As of right now...

Chris Walla - Field Manuel - January 29th

I Was A Cub Scout - I Want You To Know That There Is Always Hope - February 11th

Animal Collective - Water Curses EP - April 8th

Eugene Francis Jnr - The Golden Beatle - April 28th

Death Cab For Cutie - TBA - May

Chris Walla - Sing Again (Direct link from Barsuk.com)

Mmm, Vodka.

2007-12-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

If you're sensible you'll enjoy the new year by perhaps spending time with family, or watching the fireworks in London. If you're not, you'll get completely wasted off the strongest substance you can find. If you are planning to choose the latter option, then I have comprised a few songs together that would suit the mood perfectly. Some of these songs aren't necessarily good, but they aren't half fun to sing when "mildly" intoxicated.

Northern State - Sucka Mofo

Operator Please - Just A Song About Ping Pong

Regina Spektor - Your Honor

Shiny Toy Guns - Le Disko

I'm not sure what I'll be doing, probably spending it with family or friends. I might get drunk, you never know.

I Like Reading Books About Druggies.

2007-12-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

I'm currently reading a book about a heroin addict called "Junky" by William S. Burroughs. I initially found out about the book whilst trying to find more books by Augusten Burroughs, the author of "Running With Scissors". Anyway, it has some similar themes such as homosexuality and drug use (although, this theme is a lot more severe in "Junky"). I find that I have to read everything twice as it's like reading a different language. Peddlers, croakers and lush-workers are some words I've learnt, to name a few. It's also set in my favourite city, New York. So in celebration of this interesting book I'm reading, I'll post a relative song. I actually love this song a lot, it's very important to me.

Jimmy Eat World - Drugs Or Me

My cousins came round yesterday, Boxing Day. One of them, Matthew, hijacked my laptop. I later found numerous amounts of photos he'd taken of himself using the Photo Booth. Here's my favourite:

I Hate Christmas Music.

2007-12-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

I actually despise hearing Christmas music, as it's always the same fucking songs. I hate you Mariah Carey and Slade! I hate you all. The other day when me and my family went shopping, I put on my headphones for the entire time to save myself.

Then last night, I noticed Sufjan Stevens was rather festive, but not annoyingly festive. It must be the instruments he uses with all the bell sounds. I think he is quite a festive man, as his 'Michigan' album has a Christmas tree and reindeer on it. Plus he made a box set of EPs called 'Songs for Christmas' for his family and friends (according to Wikipedia). There's also this photo I found of him and his family. How lovely.

So please, enjoy your Christmas sensibly, and don't go listening to shit songs. That's for New Years, when you're too drunk to even care. I shall be posting appropriate songs for that next week.

Sufjan Stevens - Say Yes! To M!Ch!Gan!

So When the Birds Fly South.

2007-12-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

After much thought about what I should name this blog, I've decided upon this. Many great song names/albums/lyrics have already been taken, so I took the Fall Out Boy approach and ditched the vowels. It was either this or trnstlntcsm (transatlanticism). This one, however, was taken from the Patrick Wolf song "Teignmouth". Quite ironic as I don't even know how to pronounce the damn thing. I shall start, by letting you hear the origin of this blog's name.

Patrick Wolf - Teignmouth

I went to see Patrick last Thursday. And I have to say, it was the best show I have ever been to. If you ever get the chance to see him, make sure you do.

If you have happened to stumble across this blog, then by all means, read and discover all you want. Although this is mainly for myself and my friends.