After watching a succession of music documentaries this weekend I’ve been thinking about my most vivid and life defining moment of music and I have come up with one very very short period in time.
That time was seeing PJ Harvey perform 'Who The Fuck?' live on Jools Holland sometime in early ’04. At which point I would have been an not so great 13 year old. I was into all the stuff that was in the charts and all my friends at the time were of a similar disposition. I wasn’t the greatest pupil at school (understatement of the year – I was a complete terror) and I hadn’t a clue about anything outside of school playground politics.
Anyway. On this particular episode of Jools, PJ Harvey was wearing a yellow mini dress and her hair was a fierce black set against the intense paleness of her skin. I remember seeing her and thinking to myself that she looked a bit mad.
Then the song began and instantly I was captured. The way PJ tore into the opening lines was amazing. The entire thing was so effortlessly angry but sexy at the same time.
I’d heard my fair share of angry music and swear words by age 13 but this was something completely different. It seemed like everything clicked into place for those two minutes.
That performance showed me that it was okay to be angry outside as well as inside and that not knowing what to do with your life was acceptable. It showed me that it was possible to not care what people think of you and that you could be cool doing your own thing by yourself. And ultimately it led me straight to the path of music with more than just a pretty face.
PJ Harvey - Who The Fuck? live on Jools Holland '04.
If it wasn't for that one song I'd probably be a crackhead with five babies by now.
Saturday, 26 January 2008
before the bad times.
song of the week:
Adele - First Love [links removed by request of the record label]. go and listen to her myspace instead.
not a cover of the Maccabees song, but instead a stunning track from '19', the debut album from everyone's top tip for 2008.
jewelry box music paired with remorseful lyrics and Adele's slightly husky vocals. eerie yet entrancing.
Adele - First Love [links removed by request of the record label]. go and listen to her myspace instead.not a cover of the Maccabees song, but instead a stunning track from '19', the debut album from everyone's top tip for 2008.
jewelry box music paired with remorseful lyrics and Adele's slightly husky vocals. eerie yet entrancing.
Saturday, 19 January 2008
throwback.
soooo there's a new Long Blondes track.
The Long Blondes are currently working on a second album with the help of Erol if you didn't know already.
and this track sounds absolutely 80s-tastic with a touch of the late 70s bass heavy vibe and Blondie-esque vocals. and i really rather like it.
The Long Blondes - Century [YSI] [SENDSPACE MIRROR]
the quality's not ab fab but it's going to have to do for the time being. plus when the song goes onto your iTunes it's called 'Everything I Touch' so you'll have to correct that!
The Long Blondes are currently working on a second album with the help of Erol if you didn't know already.and this track sounds absolutely 80s-tastic with a touch of the late 70s bass heavy vibe and Blondie-esque vocals. and i really rather like it.
The Long Blondes - Century [YSI] [SENDSPACE MIRROR]
the quality's not ab fab but it's going to have to do for the time being. plus when the song goes onto your iTunes it's called 'Everything I Touch' so you'll have to correct that!
Sunday, 13 January 2008
song of the week.
this week i will be listening to this song lots and lots and lots.
Florence And The Machine - Postcards From Italy (Beirut cover). [YSI]
i love Beirut lots. i love good covers lots. i quite like Florence And The Machine. put them all together? yes pleeeeeeeeease.
a haunting vocal from Florence makes this track pretty much amazing.
if the link runs out before a week is up let me know!
Florence And The Machine - Postcards From Italy (Beirut cover). [YSI]i love Beirut lots. i love good covers lots. i quite like Florence And The Machine. put them all together? yes pleeeeeeeeease.
a haunting vocal from Florence makes this track pretty much amazing.
if the link runs out before a week is up let me know!
Thursday, 10 January 2008
we think you're a joke so shove your hope..
Last month I went to see M.I.A perform in Manchester. Whilst M.I.A was superb and completely on form, the real impressers of the night were the people who accompanied her onstage.
Santogold’s popularity is steadily growing throughout the blogging community, and whilst there hasn’t been any obvious explosion of hype surrounding her, she is one of the few who actually deserves it.
This outfit, made up numerous participants from the likes of Diplo to Radioclit and a former Bad Brains drummer, is not just a M.I.A rip-off as some may think at first glance. The conscious decision to make Santi White (vocals) the face of Santogold have come at no cost, apart from the occasional lazy journalist who thinks Santogold is two words. Therefore Santogold should actually be referred to as ‘her’.
Every song sounds different. Santogold utilises everything from reggae beats to electro vibes to create her wonderful sound. Genre blending would be an understatement.
Santogold - Shove It feat. Spank Rock [YSI]
I was pretty excited when Afrikan Boy leapt onstage. Anyone who says ‘Lidl’ isn’t just shy of genius is probably deaf or only likes “properly sung” songs. Anyway, ‘Hussel’ is one of my favourite songs of 2007 and my favourite off the ‘Kala’ album. With Afrikan Boy there live it made things just that extra bit special.
Afrikan Boy - Lidl [YSI]
Rye Rye was bouncing around the stage, brimming with confidence. She’s only 16 (!!! god I feel old?!) but boy can she work it. The snippets of ‘Shake It To The Ground’ she injected into the set were wonderfully placed. I have a feeling she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Rye Rye - Wassup Wassup [YSI]
When Rye Rye and Afrikan Boy came together with M.I.A to perform ‘Paper Planes, the remix’ it was pretty much brilliant.
M.I.A - Paper Planes, the remix feat. Rye Rye and Afrikan Boy [YSI]
I’ll be watching all these three throughout 2008. Keep your eyes on the game. (I was so tempted to put “playah” at the end of that sentence… too much watching Snoop Dogg's Father Hood - which is absolute quality tv by the way).
Santogold’s popularity is steadily growing throughout the blogging community, and whilst there hasn’t been any obvious explosion of hype surrounding her, she is one of the few who actually deserves it.This outfit, made up numerous participants from the likes of Diplo to Radioclit and a former Bad Brains drummer, is not just a M.I.A rip-off as some may think at first glance. The conscious decision to make Santi White (vocals) the face of Santogold have come at no cost, apart from the occasional lazy journalist who thinks Santogold is two words. Therefore Santogold should actually be referred to as ‘her’.
Every song sounds different. Santogold utilises everything from reggae beats to electro vibes to create her wonderful sound. Genre blending would be an understatement.
Santogold - Shove It feat. Spank Rock [YSI]
I was pretty excited when Afrikan Boy leapt onstage. Anyone who says ‘Lidl’ isn’t just shy of genius is probably deaf or only likes “properly sung” songs. Anyway, ‘Hussel’ is one of my favourite songs of 2007 and my favourite off the ‘Kala’ album. With Afrikan Boy there live it made things just that extra bit special.
Afrikan Boy - Lidl [YSI]
Rye Rye was bouncing around the stage, brimming with confidence. She’s only 16 (!!! god I feel old?!) but boy can she work it. The snippets of ‘Shake It To The Ground’ she injected into the set were wonderfully placed. I have a feeling she’s a force to be reckoned with.Rye Rye - Wassup Wassup [YSI]
When Rye Rye and Afrikan Boy came together with M.I.A to perform ‘Paper Planes, the remix’ it was pretty much brilliant.
M.I.A - Paper Planes, the remix feat. Rye Rye and Afrikan Boy [YSI]
I’ll be watching all these three throughout 2008. Keep your eyes on the game. (I was so tempted to put “playah” at the end of that sentence… too much watching Snoop Dogg's Father Hood - which is absolute quality tv by the way).
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
who took me to wimpy for a big night out?
I know this blog focuses a lot of new music but I think a look into the past can be just as good sometimes.
Delta 5 were originally a 3 piece (who later became a 5 piece) that formed in Leeds in the late 70s. And their music is brilliant. No doubt you’ll be familiar with unforgettable sound of ‘Mind Your Own Business’, Delta 5’s first ever single. Even if you don’t know you’ve heard it you will have done.
In similar style to fellow Leeds band Gang Of Four, Delta 5’s sound is full of jangly guitars, spoken words being almost sung and bass, bass and more bass. Scathing lyrics, their contributions to Rock Against Racism and a feminist approach combined with their ‘unusual’ line up (three girls, two boys) pushed Delta 5 into the public eye for the short time they were active.
Their first three singles (‘Mind Your Own Business’ in ‘79, ‘Anticipation’ in ’80 and ‘Try’ also in ’80) were all absolutely immense, and the b-sides (‘Now That You’ve Gone’, ‘You’ and ‘Colour’) were as good as, if not better than, the a-sides.
Listen listen listen. And love love love.
Delta 5 – You [YSI]
Delta 5 – Triangle [YSI]
Delta 5 were originally a 3 piece (who later became a 5 piece) that formed in Leeds in the late 70s. And their music is brilliant. No doubt you’ll be familiar with unforgettable sound of ‘Mind Your Own Business’, Delta 5’s first ever single. Even if you don’t know you’ve heard it you will have done.In similar style to fellow Leeds band Gang Of Four, Delta 5’s sound is full of jangly guitars, spoken words being almost sung and bass, bass and more bass. Scathing lyrics, their contributions to Rock Against Racism and a feminist approach combined with their ‘unusual’ line up (three girls, two boys) pushed Delta 5 into the public eye for the short time they were active.
Their first three singles (‘Mind Your Own Business’ in ‘79, ‘Anticipation’ in ’80 and ‘Try’ also in ’80) were all absolutely immense, and the b-sides (‘Now That You’ve Gone’, ‘You’ and ‘Colour’) were as good as, if not better than, the a-sides.
Listen listen listen. And love love love.
Delta 5 – You [YSI]
Delta 5 – Triangle [YSI]
Monday, 7 January 2008
box of secrets.
Ask someone to name their favourite band that consists of one boy and one girl and you’ll probably get The White Stripes. Ask again after Blood Red Shoes’ album ‘Box Of Secrets’ hits shops this spring and you’ll probably get the same answer. This is extremely unfortunate as this debut album is already one of my favourites.
Both Laura (guitars) and Steve (drums) share vocal duties in the most complimentary manner. At times they sound incredibly similar, especially when yelping away.
‘Try Harder’ works itself into a frenzy in just under four minutes, building and building the sheer brilliance. I think my favourite track is ‘I Wish I Was Someone Better’. It twists and turns and is that bit faster paced than the other tracks on the album. And then there’s the “ooh ooh” bits everyone loves. ‘ADHD’ shows just how well only drums and one guitar can work. With almost terrifying shouts, the pair express their frustration for all to see. You can practically imagine the exclamations appearing out of thin air above their heads after every word: “I! Can’t! Concentrate! On! Any! Thing! At! All!”. ‘This Is Not For You’ is surely going to be a single. It’s absolutely brilliantly fantastic. It’s a little quieter than the rest of their discography but they make up for it with bucket loads of malevolence. ‘Forgive Nothing’ captures the Blood Red Shoes sound perfectly with grungy guitars, tons and tons of cymbal bashing and a sense of something dark simmering beneath the surface.
I don’t have any qualms with any of the polished up demos/’I’ll Be Your Eyes’ EP tracks and the new songs stick to Blood Red Shoes’ recognisable sound.
I’m 100% excited to see them on their forthcoming tour and wish I was going to more than one date. I don’t even mind forfeiting my attendance to the free Vice Tour featuring Black Kids and Friendly Fires.
This album is an absolute must-have and Blood Red Shoes are an absolute must-see band.
Blood Red Shoes - This Is Not For You [YSI]
Blood Red Shoes - ADHD [YSI]
Both Laura (guitars) and Steve (drums) share vocal duties in the most complimentary manner. At times they sound incredibly similar, especially when yelping away.‘Try Harder’ works itself into a frenzy in just under four minutes, building and building the sheer brilliance. I think my favourite track is ‘I Wish I Was Someone Better’. It twists and turns and is that bit faster paced than the other tracks on the album. And then there’s the “ooh ooh” bits everyone loves. ‘ADHD’ shows just how well only drums and one guitar can work. With almost terrifying shouts, the pair express their frustration for all to see. You can practically imagine the exclamations appearing out of thin air above their heads after every word: “I! Can’t! Concentrate! On! Any! Thing! At! All!”. ‘This Is Not For You’ is surely going to be a single. It’s absolutely brilliantly fantastic. It’s a little quieter than the rest of their discography but they make up for it with bucket loads of malevolence. ‘Forgive Nothing’ captures the Blood Red Shoes sound perfectly with grungy guitars, tons and tons of cymbal bashing and a sense of something dark simmering beneath the surface.
I don’t have any qualms with any of the polished up demos/’I’ll Be Your Eyes’ EP tracks and the new songs stick to Blood Red Shoes’ recognisable sound.
I’m 100% excited to see them on their forthcoming tour and wish I was going to more than one date. I don’t even mind forfeiting my attendance to the free Vice Tour featuring Black Kids and Friendly Fires.
This album is an absolute must-have and Blood Red Shoes are an absolute must-see band.
Blood Red Shoes - This Is Not For You [YSI]
Blood Red Shoes - ADHD [YSI]
Sunday, 6 January 2008
haha 2008
Bands And Artists You'll Be Saying Are "Over-Rated" In Twelve Months Time. is the title of this post which shall also be known as Jamila's Very Un-Thoughtful (.. only geniuses create words you know) Big In 2008 Predictions.
1. ADELE. oh my GODDDD would people stop bumming her? thanks. she has an amazing voice i completely agree but how obvious is it that she's going to be this year's Kate Nash? that is in other words 'a very promising beginning. excitement for album. single release. major single abuse/rinsing/overplaying/radio 1 daytime looping. album release. boring on the whole. a few passable tracks. one/two good tracks. the rest being watered down to appease the 'average joe' public'. ahem. hopefully she has too much sense to let this happen.
2. LAURA MARLING. love her sound. lover her music. i'm really hoping i'll be proved wrong with this one. and that she doesn't go down the same path as mentioned re: Kate Nash above.
3. LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION. because he actually is over-rated?!
4. THESE NEW PURITANS. even after a luke warm debut album i predict hefty media attention. and some kind of 'we're the anti-Klaxons (but not really)' NME headline accompanying their inevitable cover.
5. THE TING TINGS. you love them now. but 'That's Not My Name' is so fucking catchy it's destined to be 2008's 'Umbrella' or something. i predict a re-release around an album/EP. radio 1 extreme airtime. then people will start asking for it at their local Oceana/shit shit shit nightclub that is only frequented by what i like to called shedheads.
6. LATE OF THE PIER. are going to be gi-normous. and it's going to get so old so fast. lets just hope their debut album is too weird for Jo annoyingpleasegoaway Wiley and Edith i'matwatwhoplaysmusicfortwats Bowman and your general tracksuit/UGG(ly) boot wearing member of the lovely but dim population of the UK.
there's a couple others i could probably put on here but i don't want to be completely and utterly wrong by next January.
i was going to put Los Campesinos! on here a few days ago but having heard the forthcoming album i've completely changed my mind. kudos to them for having an album just that little bit too strange. (which i mean in a completely good way by the by!)
lists lists lists. don't you just hate them? well. obviously the general blogger doesn't because lord knows i've seen so many lately! normal not list-y posting and less bitterness from moi resuming shortly.
1. ADELE. oh my GODDDD would people stop bumming her? thanks. she has an amazing voice i completely agree but how obvious is it that she's going to be this year's Kate Nash? that is in other words 'a very promising beginning. excitement for album. single release. major single abuse/rinsing/overplaying/radio 1 daytime looping. album release. boring on the whole. a few passable tracks. one/two good tracks. the rest being watered down to appease the 'average joe' public'. ahem. hopefully she has too much sense to let this happen.2. LAURA MARLING. love her sound. lover her music. i'm really hoping i'll be proved wrong with this one. and that she doesn't go down the same path as mentioned re: Kate Nash above.
3. LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION. because he actually is over-rated?!4. THESE NEW PURITANS. even after a luke warm debut album i predict hefty media attention. and some kind of 'we're the anti-Klaxons (but not really)' NME headline accompanying their inevitable cover.
5. THE TING TINGS. you love them now. but 'That's Not My Name' is so fucking catchy it's destined to be 2008's 'Umbrella' or something. i predict a re-release around an album/EP. radio 1 extreme airtime. then people will start asking for it at their local Oceana/shit shit shit nightclub that is only frequented by what i like to called shedheads.6. LATE OF THE PIER. are going to be gi-normous. and it's going to get so old so fast. lets just hope their debut album is too weird for Jo annoyingpleasegoaway Wiley and Edith i'matwatwhoplaysmusicfortwats Bowman and your general tracksuit/UGG(ly) boot wearing member of the lovely but dim population of the UK.
there's a couple others i could probably put on here but i don't want to be completely and utterly wrong by next January.
i was going to put Los Campesinos! on here a few days ago but having heard the forthcoming album i've completely changed my mind. kudos to them for having an album just that little bit too strange. (which i mean in a completely good way by the by!)
lists lists lists. don't you just hate them? well. obviously the general blogger doesn't because lord knows i've seen so many lately! normal not list-y posting and less bitterness from moi resuming shortly.
Monday, 31 December 2007
2007.
gig of the year: Les Savy Fav @ Scala.
Les Savy Fav - One Way Widow [YSI]
song of the year: Late Of The Pier - Bathroom Gurgle. [sendspace]
album of the year: Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position. [sendspace]
band i'm glad i discovered in 2007: Dirty Projectors.
Dirty Projectors - My Offwhite Flag [sendspace]
some extremely unoriginal choices from me to end the year! ta to everyone who has read this blog. hopefully 2008 will bring more exciting things for FUCKING DANCE (such as world domination and maybe a podcast or two).
have a good one!
Les Savy Fav - One Way Widow [YSI]
song of the year: Late Of The Pier - Bathroom Gurgle. [sendspace]
album of the year: Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position. [sendspace]
band i'm glad i discovered in 2007: Dirty Projectors.
Dirty Projectors - My Offwhite Flag [sendspace]
some extremely unoriginal choices from me to end the year! ta to everyone who has read this blog. hopefully 2008 will bring more exciting things for FUCKING DANCE (such as world domination and maybe a podcast or two).
have a good one!
Saturday, 22 December 2007
merry xmas.
song of the week (and whatever's left of 2007) is a biased one (legitimately so) this time round. you've got to be able to plug a friend's band every now and then, right?
Mr Fang - Miss Deluxe (YSI)
Mr Fang are a three piece from Manchester (and are currently looking for a drummer - even a shit one will do they said). they would not like to play in stadiums nor would they like to duet with Kate Nash. they also dislike being compared to Hadouken! (with some serious lazy journalism going on who wouldn't?) and although they would not like it if everyone said they were amazing all the time, they do not like being called shit (especially when shit equates to having no substance).
they have been on Radio 1 because big daddy Lamacq likes their tunes but they aren't sure Edith Bowman would feel the same way.
Mr Fang like Big Black, Blood Brothers, Black Flag, Test Icicles and Les Savy Fav quite a bit. they are also working on making their sound more "poppy" though they aren't sure what pop is.
they are good so download the track asap because YSI only hosts files for 7 days. and go and leave Mr Fang myspace comments about how much you'd like their babies.
and and they are playing Camden Turtle with Popular Workshop on Janury 11th and i think that if you have some spare dollahz and would like to witness some fitness you should come to the gig. and if you live in Manchester Mr Fang are doing some megabus trip madness deal for £8. myspace for details.
Mr Fang - Miss Deluxe (YSI)Mr Fang are a three piece from Manchester (and are currently looking for a drummer - even a shit one will do they said). they would not like to play in stadiums nor would they like to duet with Kate Nash. they also dislike being compared to Hadouken! (with some serious lazy journalism going on who wouldn't?) and although they would not like it if everyone said they were amazing all the time, they do not like being called shit (especially when shit equates to having no substance).
they have been on Radio 1 because big daddy Lamacq likes their tunes but they aren't sure Edith Bowman would feel the same way.
Mr Fang like Big Black, Blood Brothers, Black Flag, Test Icicles and Les Savy Fav quite a bit. they are also working on making their sound more "poppy" though they aren't sure what pop is.
they are good so download the track asap because YSI only hosts files for 7 days. and go and leave Mr Fang myspace comments about how much you'd like their babies.
and and they are playing Camden Turtle with Popular Workshop on Janury 11th and i think that if you have some spare dollahz and would like to witness some fitness you should come to the gig. and if you live in Manchester Mr Fang are doing some megabus trip madness deal for £8. myspace for details.
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