Showing posts with label keane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keane. Show all posts
25 April 2011
We Might as Well Be Strangers - Keane on Jools Holland (a while ago)
I hated this album when it came out. why? 'Somewhere Only We Know' was overplayed to death here in America.
thankfully, I have a better appreciation for it now, years later.
16 February 2011
3 videos for a much needed battery recharge
1. pretty anticlimactic film, but this is probably my favourite song off Keane's 'Perfect Symmetry'. they never play it live, so I find it weird this is a performance video.
I have this crazy dream that one day Tim Rice-Oxley will write a song that I can duet on with Tom Chaplin. but until that day, I find solace in that there is something better, bigger than what you're doing right this v. moment. it might not feel that way, but get inspired!
you can hang your hopes on the medicine
you can put your faith in the phone-in
you can tell yourself you're doing your best
you can do so much better than this
2. this Vertical Horizon video for 'Everything You Want' takes me back quite a bit. I remember thinking, how the heck did they delay the guitars like that? (now I can fathom a guess: an effect pedal or an effect put in production later on, I'm sure.) I didn't understand what it meant then - I was a naive little kid - but I get it now.
you're waiting for someone to put you together
you're waiting for someone to push you away
there's always another wound to discover
there's always something more you wish he'd say
and yes, everything you want is not everything you need. usually.
3. I take it as a good sign that I can listen to 'Magic' by the Cars and not break down (haha no pun intended). watching the video and noting how pointy Ric Ocasek is? that really helps.
the '80s were such thrilling years for music. everything since has been redux/remake/remodel of something that's come before. or electronically produced to be such.
I have this crazy dream that one day Tim Rice-Oxley will write a song that I can duet on with Tom Chaplin. but until that day, I find solace in that there is something better, bigger than what you're doing right this v. moment. it might not feel that way, but get inspired!
you can hang your hopes on the medicine
you can put your faith in the phone-in
you can tell yourself you're doing your best
you can do so much better than this
2. this Vertical Horizon video for 'Everything You Want' takes me back quite a bit. I remember thinking, how the heck did they delay the guitars like that? (now I can fathom a guess: an effect pedal or an effect put in production later on, I'm sure.) I didn't understand what it meant then - I was a naive little kid - but I get it now.
you're waiting for someone to put you together
you're waiting for someone to push you away
there's always another wound to discover
there's always something more you wish he'd say
and yes, everything you want is not everything you need. usually.
3. I take it as a good sign that I can listen to 'Magic' by the Cars and not break down (haha no pun intended). watching the video and noting how pointy Ric Ocasek is? that really helps.
the '80s were such thrilling years for music. everything since has been redux/remake/remodel of something that's come before. or electronically produced to be such.
30 July 2010
before they was...
since I've already embarrassed Friendly Fires with 'before they was' videos, why not Delphic? TBH these aren't really embarrassing, these were from 2 years and 1 year ago respectively, and they've been soldiering on with the same line-up...so they shouldn't be embarrassed. I mean, I wouldn't be. they just have a lot less facial hair. chalk that up to all the touring and their razors not being able to keep up!
I would also like to direct you to this page (ignore that it's a Fred Perry page, lol) that has high-quality versions of two songs by Snowfight in the City Centre, Delphic's 'old' band that featured a different lead singer (not James Cook). 'No Light Left' is the song you get a bit of in the second video. oddly, they sound more Keane to me than Coldplay. and the guitars are amazing - good work James and Matt! I was expecting something really terrible the way they describe the band now but TBH it sounds a hell lot better than the dribble that passes for rock coming out of America these days.
I would also like to direct you to this page (ignore that it's a Fred Perry page, lol) that has high-quality versions of two songs by Snowfight in the City Centre, Delphic's 'old' band that featured a different lead singer (not James Cook). 'No Light Left' is the song you get a bit of in the second video. oddly, they sound more Keane to me than Coldplay. and the guitars are amazing - good work James and Matt! I was expecting something really terrible the way they describe the band now but TBH it sounds a hell lot better than the dribble that passes for rock coming out of America these days.
08 June 2010
big fish in a small pond
it's amazing who I've met through music. and I'm talking about before my days as a blogger.
last night I hung at the Broken Bells / Morning Benders with C, who I've known for 8 years (her estimate, based on the a-ha fan party she hosted at the Harrington years ago when our mutual friend S was in town from S. Carolina). she brought along her friend K, who I've never met (or never met officially, as apparently she was at the Keane gig we all went to at DAR last year - PW review). it's just fun hanging with friends at gigs b/c so frequently I'm by myself 'on the clock'.
James Mercer (and well, the whole band) was fabulous last night. funnily, as we waited in the queue outside before doors, Dangermouse (aka Brian Burton) came out of the club to go into their bus, amidst cheers. James Mercer came out later, accosted by this woman I recognise at gigs but don't like b/c she's always smoking and somehow I'm always downwind from her (yick). she wanted to get his autograph 'for her son' on her ticket. I don't know if anyone told her before she went in that the 9:30 Club takes everyone's tickets at the door. a bit later James and Brian got off the bus and into this white van, presumably to get some dinner yummies. ah, the rock star life.
last night I hung at the Broken Bells / Morning Benders with C, who I've known for 8 years (her estimate, based on the a-ha fan party she hosted at the Harrington years ago when our mutual friend S was in town from S. Carolina). she brought along her friend K, who I've never met (or never met officially, as apparently she was at the Keane gig we all went to at DAR last year - PW review). it's just fun hanging with friends at gigs b/c so frequently I'm by myself 'on the clock'.
James Mercer (and well, the whole band) was fabulous last night. funnily, as we waited in the queue outside before doors, Dangermouse (aka Brian Burton) came out of the club to go into their bus, amidst cheers. James Mercer came out later, accosted by this woman I recognise at gigs but don't like b/c she's always smoking and somehow I'm always downwind from her (yick). she wanted to get his autograph 'for her son' on her ticket. I don't know if anyone told her before she went in that the 9:30 Club takes everyone's tickets at the door. a bit later James and Brian got off the bus and into this white van, presumably to get some dinner yummies. ah, the rock star life.
11 March 2010
this week's Roundtable (11/03)
Lammo welcomes Huw Stephens, Peter Hook and Jarvis Cocker into the studio for Roundtable.
1. MGMT - 'Flash Delirium' - I was never a massive fan of the NYC stoners but I really liked 'Time to Pretend' and 'Kids' so this is a bit of a disappointment. it's a little wigged out Beatles. it's a little too late '60s psychedelic for my liking.
2. Hallo Darling - 'Dreaming' - the winner (how is that possible???) - twee as hell. it's ok.
3. the Radio Dept. - 'Heaven's on Fire' - now THIS is what I thought the new MGMT would sound like! ahahaha
4. Kate Nash - 'Do Wah Doo' - why does everyone hate this woman so much? it's just POP. it's fine. I like it.
5. Keane feat. K'Naan - 'Stop for a Minute' - we actually reviewed this on TGTF. I like it! I really like it! I didn't think the r&b groove would work with Keane but it does.
6. Bonobo - 'Eyes Down' - it's a shame this came after the Keane track b/c it doesn't hold a candle to the previous one.
7. Goldheart Assembly's new album including 'The Last Decade' and 'So Long St. Christopher' - like it, thanks for the recommendation as always my dear Lammo!
1. MGMT - 'Flash Delirium' - I was never a massive fan of the NYC stoners but I really liked 'Time to Pretend' and 'Kids' so this is a bit of a disappointment. it's a little wigged out Beatles. it's a little too late '60s psychedelic for my liking.
2. Hallo Darling - 'Dreaming' - the winner (how is that possible???) - twee as hell. it's ok.
3. the Radio Dept. - 'Heaven's on Fire' - now THIS is what I thought the new MGMT would sound like! ahahaha
4. Kate Nash - 'Do Wah Doo' - why does everyone hate this woman so much? it's just POP. it's fine. I like it.
5. Keane feat. K'Naan - 'Stop for a Minute' - we actually reviewed this on TGTF. I like it! I really like it! I didn't think the r&b groove would work with Keane but it does.
6. Bonobo - 'Eyes Down' - it's a shame this came after the Keane track b/c it doesn't hold a candle to the previous one.
7. Goldheart Assembly's new album including 'The Last Decade' and 'So Long St. Christopher' - like it, thanks for the recommendation as always my dear Lammo!
21 May 2009
a Keane observer / cameras at gigs
I saw Keane - Tom Chaplin, Tim Rice-Oxley, and Richard Hughes - at Constitution Hall this past Tuesday. read all about it on my PopWreckoning review. really fine form. Tom Chaplin sings and prances effortlessly across a stage. however, I wonder how long his voice will hold out with the kind of workout Tim's songs give it. think how great Robert Plant was back in Led Zeppelin's heyday. and look at him now. just sayin'. so if you want to hear Keane live, do it - soon.
my absolute favourite of the night - no surprise - was the gorgeous "Perfect Symmetry." I think that was the single best song that came out in 2008, hands down. biggest surprise? "Playing Along" done solo and acoustically by Tom. I guess he liked our side of the stage b/c he spent a lot of time with us!
I am really impressed with the Helio Sequence. if you like the Lilac Time or like a little electronic sound in your pop/rock, definitely have a listen. and any band that covers the Beatles's "Tomorrow Never Knows" gets Brownie points in my book. big fan of their last album.
Mat Kearney - meh. I guess b/c I've been spoiled with other singer/songwriters, he just seemed very MOR. not really my thing. I kept looking at my watch, wondering when he would get off the stage and Keane would show up.
--
I'm curious what your opinions are on whether cameras, with or without flash, should be allowed at gigs. I think in a big arena type atmosphere as where I was on Tuesday, a thousand flashing cameras does detract from the live experience. it was nice to be at a gig where I didn't have to worry about setting a shot and could actually enjoy the entire sound and visual experience without having to be behind a lens. it was kinda annoying also to have these arms in front of me holding mobile phones or cameras of every description, blocking my view constantly. I saw some of the pics the girl in front of me took on her phone - they sucked (must have been the camera phone), and she was in fourth row. do you really need 100 blurry photos of the stage?
however, at smaller more intimate gigs, I think cameras are ok, provided that a person isn't flashing their cameras every 5 seconds. I'm careful not to do this and if possible, try not to photograph someone if they're looking in my direction, b/c it sucks when you get blinded by a camera flash.
that said, I take photos with flash b/c I know I'm not professional enough to be able to do it without. I know it's annoying from the band's perspective, but considering how I'm cognisant of NOT pestering them too much with the photos, I'm being thoughtful. I take photos to promote bands, not to wallpaper my bedroom, or to show them off to friends. free PR, right?
my absolute favourite of the night - no surprise - was the gorgeous "Perfect Symmetry." I think that was the single best song that came out in 2008, hands down. biggest surprise? "Playing Along" done solo and acoustically by Tom. I guess he liked our side of the stage b/c he spent a lot of time with us!
I am really impressed with the Helio Sequence. if you like the Lilac Time or like a little electronic sound in your pop/rock, definitely have a listen. and any band that covers the Beatles's "Tomorrow Never Knows" gets Brownie points in my book. big fan of their last album.
Mat Kearney - meh. I guess b/c I've been spoiled with other singer/songwriters, he just seemed very MOR. not really my thing. I kept looking at my watch, wondering when he would get off the stage and Keane would show up.
--
I'm curious what your opinions are on whether cameras, with or without flash, should be allowed at gigs. I think in a big arena type atmosphere as where I was on Tuesday, a thousand flashing cameras does detract from the live experience. it was nice to be at a gig where I didn't have to worry about setting a shot and could actually enjoy the entire sound and visual experience without having to be behind a lens. it was kinda annoying also to have these arms in front of me holding mobile phones or cameras of every description, blocking my view constantly. I saw some of the pics the girl in front of me took on her phone - they sucked (must have been the camera phone), and she was in fourth row. do you really need 100 blurry photos of the stage?
however, at smaller more intimate gigs, I think cameras are ok, provided that a person isn't flashing their cameras every 5 seconds. I'm careful not to do this and if possible, try not to photograph someone if they're looking in my direction, b/c it sucks when you get blinded by a camera flash.
that said, I take photos with flash b/c I know I'm not professional enough to be able to do it without. I know it's annoying from the band's perspective, but considering how I'm cognisant of NOT pestering them too much with the photos, I'm being thoughtful. I take photos to promote bands, not to wallpaper my bedroom, or to show them off to friends. free PR, right?
02 April 2009
Keane live in 3D from Abbey Road (2 April 2009)
just got through watching the Keane 3D live cast from keanemusic.com live from Studio 1 at Abbey Road. v. nice indeed. now looking forward to seeing them in May!
set list:
The Lovers are Losing
Again and Again
Perfect Symmetry
Is There Any Wonder?
Spiralling
this begs the question: will there be more shows like this broadcast on the Web? b/c it seems pretty cutting edge for today, anyway.
--
I'm not even sure how to classify this, so I haven't tagged this entry besides it being about future D.C. area gigs....hrm...and I also got my ticket for one of Elbow's 3 headlining shows in the U.S. this summer (4 August at the 9:30 Club) - woot!
set list:
The Lovers are Losing
Again and Again
Perfect Symmetry
Is There Any Wonder?
Spiralling
this begs the question: will there be more shows like this broadcast on the Web? b/c it seems pretty cutting edge for today, anyway.
--
I'm not even sure how to classify this, so I haven't tagged this entry besides it being about future D.C. area gigs....hrm...and I also got my ticket for one of Elbow's 3 headlining shows in the U.S. this summer (4 August at the 9:30 Club) - woot!
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