Albums of Note... Breaking away from their successful sibling recording partnership, Angus and Julia Stone have both begun releasing equally impressive solo material and this week, we take a look at Angus Stone's latest solo album, Broken Brights. Angus' song writing nods to classic rock legends such as Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and Johnny Cash. A highlight of the album is the track 'Apprentice of the Rocket Man,' the description of which makes it feel like it may be worth buying the album for this track alone: "The ability of this track to transport you to another world is quite incredible. If you want to experience weightlessness without passing the NASA exam or forking out the $200,000 for a Virgin Galactic flight then sit back, close your eyes and become immersed in Angus Stone's quite brilliant tune."
The second album released by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros is being reissued by the Hellcat record label. Global A Go-Go was an exciting foray into world music for the former Clash frontman and his band of merry men. It was the last album released by Strummer before his death in 2002 but the reissue is light on feeling like a cash-in, on what would have been the year of his 60th birthday. Musically, the Mescaleros were many a world apart from The Clash, but the emotional anger of punk remains. It's an instrumental track, though, that proves to be the focal point of Global A Go-Go: "A 17+ minute reworking of a traditional Irish Folk song closes the album. 'Minstrel Boy' is a perfect way to bring the curtain down as it ebbs and flows like an improvised jam session around a campfire. Featuring a wealth of disparate instruments it brings together many of the musical ideas to be found on Global A Go-Go into one track."
Interviews...Why? return after a hiatus of several years, with their new album Mumps. Contact chatted with Yoni Doug and Josiah, when they played their show at London's Electric Ballroom recently. They've recently added a few new members to the touring band, meaning that they have two drummers, resulting in a bigger, controlled sound. And the good news for Why? fans is that the band plan to carry on well into their forties.
Coming home to Yorkshire after a stint supporting The Psychedelic Furs in the USA, The Chevin were a pretty sleepy bunch, when we met up with them just before their gig at Leeds' Brudenell Social Club. America has welcomed The Chevin with open arms, hence the band spending more time over the ocean this last summer, than playing European festivals, as they explain:"We had a really good response to our first single Champion out there and to the album. Then we got booked to play the (David) Letterman show and the momentum started building. For whatever reason, the audience over there has taken to it, and we've sold out a show in New York and also one in LA. you've just got to be prepared for how much hard work it is. It's not like the UK where you do a show and then you drive for an hour to get to the next gig. Over there you're driving for 17 hours!" With a Letterman appearance under their belts, the band have their sights set on a top ten album. "you've got to be ambitious!"
A Week in Video... The Lumineers are following in the footsteps of Mumford and Sons, when it comes to knocking out rousing, feel-good folk songs and 'Ho Hey' is no exception. Doused in sepia, the video is at once somber and joyous and finds this band, from Denver, Colorado leading a group of devoted followers in a righteous sing-along. The band released their debut album, entitled The Lumineers, earlier this year and are primed to challenge Mumford & Sons for their modern folk crown.
Atlas Genius hail from Adelaide, South Australia and 'Symptoms' is the latest single from the band. They're embarking on a tour with School of Seven Bells, Cloud Nothings and Silversun Pickups soon and the 'Symptoms' the 'Symptoms' video demonstrates their guitar-led indie rock with a cute depiction of two school-aged sweethearts dealing with the emotions of young love.
Walk The Moon's video for 'Tightrope' is a light-hearted affair, just like the song. Full of gentle melodies, soft drums and simple arrangements, the band are perched on stools and exercise balls in this simple celluloid accompaniment to the Ohio band's latest single. 'Tightrope' is taken from their eponymous album, released earlier this year.
'Tongue Behind my Teeth' is the next single from The Staves. Styled as a old-school Western, the video is fitting for their rustic folky melodies, tales of revenge ("I'd hurt you if I could") and underlying menace. These three sisters are actually from Watford, England, rather than the Wild West but you'd never guess it from this display of grit.
Music In the News... Tickets for Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary concerts sold out in just 7 minutes. Many fan were aghast at the price of the tickets, which ranged from around ú100 per ticket to around ú400. One fan said "Saw them in Rio at a free concert. Was pickpocketed relentlessly throughout, but nothing compares to this fleecing."
Drake has graduated from high school. He might have been getting into scrapes with Chris Brown and his gang recently but the Canadian R&B star has obviously decided to start setting a good example to his fans and showed that it's never too late to get your high school certificate. He broke the news via Twitter.
Fleetwood Mac are planning a reunion tour next year The band, who have had their internal struggles well-documented, will reportedly reunite next spring, according to Stevie Nicks.
