Music Reviews

Benslow Music

Based at Little Benslow Hills in the attractive market town of Hitchin in Hertfordshire, the beautifully landscaped, serene campus is ideally equipped for the Trust's courses and concerts. We also...

11 months ago

Kaiser Chiefs: Souvenir

It’s safe to say that at some time or another we have all had ‘Ruby’ running around our heads ... that hook/chorus that you can’t get out of your brain. For me that’s the wonderful thing about...

10 hours ago

Joey Ramone: Ya Know?

Second album to be released since Joey's death. If you crossed Slash with the Runaways and then got Joey Ramone to sing over the top ... it would be close to what we have here. All the...

5 days ago

Dr John: Locked Down

We all know Dr John is Mr Cool Cat from New Orleans; his credentials just go on and on - but it’s been a while since he walked it the way he talked it. With this album, he hits all the spots...

7 days ago

Fun ft Janelle Monae: We are Young

Every now and then a pop song comes along that crosses right above how cool something is. Sometimes you realise it’s just a great pop tune. This is one of those songs - this...

12 days ago

The Ting Tings: Hit Me Down Sonny

I'm not sure who is picking the tracks off the new Ting Tings album for singles? Yes it’s got a good dance beat running through it; yes it’s got a chorus ... but to be honest with you,...

14 days ago

Norah Jones: Little Broken Hearts

When you read the following info on the press release, “ Norah Jones, Jack White and produced by Danger Mouse ”, you know you can’t really go wrong. Norah Jones makes “ Heartbreak ” sound...

1 month ago

Maverick Sabre: I Used To Have It All

Once you've got over the fact that Maverick Sabre sounds like Finley Quaye, you start to hear that strong soul voice. It really shows on this track. Perfect platform for his soul...

1 month ago

Paul Weller: When Your Garden's Overgrown

It’s been a while since Paul Weller released songs which turned heads. I’m glad to say he has here; it's got the same feel has most of the album - a very British feel across the board. ...

1 month ago

Jack White: Blunderbuss

How can a man that has already written some amazing songs carry on doing so. It never ends with Jack White; time and time again he comes up with the goods. Not only does he sound like...

1 month ago

Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires: There is a Bomb in Gilead

New band for you all... If you mixed The Stooges with Lynyrd Skynyrd, then chucked in a big pinch of Tom Petty, you've pretty much got where these boys are coming from. Maybe I’m doing...

2 months ago

Alabama Shakes

Are Alabama Shakes rock, gospel, soul, blues or country? Are they all of these things? It’s a push to pigeonhole the four-piece, hailing (unsurprisingly) from Alabama ,who are...

2 months ago

MGMT: Alien Days

MGMT unveiled a new song at Colombia's Festival Estereo Picnic a few days ago. So I thought I would review it, to give an idea on where the new album would be going (or where I think it will be...

2 months ago

Kasabian: Neon Noon

The psychedelic sounds of the new Kasabian single make you understand why they're on top of their game. Take a pinch of influence from each era that has gone by, put it all in a melting pot and...

2 months ago

Marilyn Manson: No Reflection

So Mr Manson is back... First track from the new album "Born Villain". This Bowie sounding track is not the best thing I've heard from Marilyn Manson but it’s still got that hard core rock...

2 months ago

The Peppermint Beat Band: Chasing The Sunshine

This sixties sounding pop song is perfect for this time of year - great harmonies, great chorus; all we need now is sun, beer and a VW camper van. I’m sure you’re getting the idea; pretty...

2 months ago

Paul Weller: Sonik Kicks

I've been waiting a very long time for Mr Weller to bring out an album that blows me away as much as "Stanley Road” did. Well, with "Sonik Kicks" he’s done it. This...

3 months ago

Michael Kiwanuka: Home Again

The North London singer/guitar player has brought to the table something we've been lacking in music for a long time... Soul; that Otis Redding and Bill Withers sort of soul. When the opening...

3 months ago

Regina Spektor: All the Rowboats

The return of the Regina Spektor is good news in the music world. This Tori Amos piano soaked sounding single is a perfect come back. The first track of the new album, "What We...

3 months ago

Plan B: 'iLL Manors

Plan B is back ... and also back to his rap days (Thank God). I know the Sainsbury Mums who brought the last album will be very upset to hear this new song, but for the rest of us a sigh of...

3 months ago

Arctic Monkeys: R U Mine

New track from the Arctic Monkeys - it’s not on last years "Suck It and See" but as you could guess it’s from the same family as those songs. Very rock heavy which I’m...

3 months ago

Paul Weller: The Dangerous Age

Wow, the Mod Father is back. Very Bowie/Ray Davis but also very brilliant. That 60s sound runs though the vein of every note on this track, I'm pleased to say. The best track...

4 months ago

Azealia Banks: 212

New York rapper, Azealia Banks, was on the top of the NME cool list (whatever that tells you). The first time I heard this track I thought it was three different songs – that’s in a good way not...

4 months ago

Manic Street Preachers: Generation Terrorists

So 20 years ago this month the Manics released their first album; for the time it was released it was very ambitious. It doesn't seem that way now but back then it was. All shoe gazing...

4 months ago

Jack White: Love Interruption

Aficionados of Jack White will recognise this lower key version of him, from album tracks with ‘White Stripes’, ‘Raconteurs’ and ‘The Dead Weather’; rather than the guitar shredding singles he is...

4 months ago

Madonna: Give Me All Your Luvin'

The pop queen is back with a very catchy tune; very 80s (can she be retro). Drop the princesses of hip-hop, M.I.A and Nicki Minaj, into the mix and you have a very up to date dance track on your...

4 months ago

M.I.A.: Bad girls

M.I.A. is back with a Middle East sound. This will not break new ground or change music forever, but it does work really well. It’s very infectious; it buzzes around your head long...

4 months ago

Lana Del Ray: Born to Die

This could have been written for any Quentin Tarantino film you can think of. All I've read about Lana Del Rey is bad press I'm not sure why. Every track on this album stands out for...

4 months ago

The Ting Tings: Sounds From Nowheresville

So the Ting Tings are back with their long awaited second album. By the sound of things, The Ting Tings have found New York's underground hip hop scene – well their twist on it that is. ...

4 months ago

Alabama Shakes

Fingers crossed we have found a new band to carry the flame for guitar bands. With this we have an added bonus in the vocal power of Brittany Howard. If you think of Otis Redding's...

4 months ago

Ben Drake: Repercussions

The first thing that comes to mind when the CD kicks in is how British it is. I feel it would be a cop out to just say “Brit Pop” so I'm not going to. This will drive you down the same...

5 months ago

The Sawdust Caesars

A Hitchin based band, ‘The Sawdust Caesars’ are definitely an up and coming band. Listening to the demo tracks "Mary Jane" and "I’m Gonna Do It", it is clear there is...

5 months ago

The Macabees: Given to the Wild

I have always thought that you would be forgiven for thinking the Maccabees’ previous albums were being put together with a few beers in a Brighton basement somewhere, and sounding fun, crisp and...

5 months ago

Tribes: Baby

New Year, new band... OK I'm going out on a limb here, I think they will go the distance. Great tunes, great vocals, great rock n roll look about them. How can they go wrong really....

5 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No 1 - Kasabian: Velociraptor

OK, no more callers, we have a winner. We have found the album of the year. Once again Kasabian have taken us on a journey that no other band around at this time does. The touches of...

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 2 - Adele: 21

In 20 years' time they will still be talking about Adele; not since Dusty Springfield have we had a soul singer of her like. This album comes close to perfect in every way: songs, vocal, lyrics....

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 3 - Chase & Status: No More Idols

In a world where everything has now been done music wise, it was a breath of fresh air to hear "No More Idols". It felt like they had given something new to the idea of dance...

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 4 - Beastie Boys: Hot Sauce Committee, Part 2

They’re back with modern day collaborations, but the same old skool vibe. This album must have been a massive gamble with the potential that new fans might be put off when they see their Dad listening...

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 5 - Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

At last Noel's album is here, after all the rumours, "Will it be any good?", etc. Well, it's not just good it's brilliant! It's not balls out Rock ‘n Roll; these are...

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 6 - Birdy: Birdy

At the age of 14, Birdy released her cover version of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love". Fearne Cotton then picked it up on her Radio 1 show as the single of the week and the rest, as...

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 7 - Damon Albarn: Kinshasa One Two

An album that was put together by Damon Albarn to raise money for the Oxfam charity and also to shine a light on some fantastic talent coming out of the Congo. The hope and creativity that runs though...

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 8 - Gruff Rhys: Hotel Shampoo

Front man of the Super Furry Animals - his third solo album is a collection of soft psychedelic, soft, and sometimes touching, piano ballads. After listening to this album, I feel like I've been...

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 9 - Arctic Monkeys: Suck it and See

I know before I start this, I need to tell you that this is not like their first album. So if that is what you’re after, you will be disappointed. But if you stick it out, you will find a...

6 months ago

Local Insight's Top Ten Albums of the Year: No. 10 - Tyler, the Creator: Goblin

If you've not heard about Tyler, where have you been? If you have, I'm sure you will have an opinion on him. Everyone else has!!!! Like Eminem before him, he's trying to push Hip Hop forward,...

6 months ago

Ed Sheeran - Hatfield Forum

Ed has a fresh new vibe, very different but incredibly talented. Many people would say he is not their type of music but then again I have not heard one person slate Ed’s ability. Ed...

6 months ago

Amy Winehouse - Lioness: Hidden Treasures

When I first heard this album I wasn't sure if I should review it as a new album or just a mishmash of never used songs / demos; I think I will go for a bit of both. First track "Our Day Will...

6 months ago

Now That's What I Call Music 80

Pretty much gives you an overview of the later part of 2011; all chart singles, nine of which got to number one. With this sort of album, you pop it on at the Christmas or New Year's Eve parties,...

6 months ago

Michael Buble: Christmas

Michael Buble's old soul voice gives this a very Dean Martin feel. "Santa Baby" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" tell us that it’s that time of year again. Now I...

6 months ago

A Christmas gift for you from Phil Spector: Step Back Zone

This album has now been reviewed three years running; this is why. There really is only one Christmas CD and this is it. I would even go so far as to say this is a masterpiece. ...

6 months ago

The Who: Quadrophenia

Pete Townshend has said that The Who thought about splitting up after they made this album. I'm glad they didn't, no "Who's Next" - now that would have been bad. The...

7 months ago

Take That: Progressive Live

Having gone to the show I can say first hand that this really isn’t my type of music. But having seen most of the top live bands/shows over the years I would put this up there with most of...

7 months ago

Rizzle Kicks: Stereo Typical

The Brighton duo’s first studio album, ‘Stereo typical’ , is a true example of hard work paying off. Their first EP, ‘Minor breaches of Discipline’ , clearly managed to get the attention it...

7 months ago

Gorillaz: The Singles Collection 2001-2010

So it’s been ten years since the world’s most successful virtual band released their first song. Has it really been that long? Guess so… The album opens with the brilliant “Tomorrow...

7 months ago

The Black Keys: Lonely Boys

The Black Keys: Lonely Boys The first track of the new album, with riffs like this, you’ve already won the day. I hope this band breaks mainstream soon. They deserve it more than most....

7 months ago

Real Estate: Days (album)

Perfect pop tunes – that’s what Real Estate are about. Think Ride mixed with The LAs and you’ve got it. It's not going to change the world or song writing as a whole, but if you...

7 months ago

The Ting Tings: Hang It Up

The Ting Tings have always had that Blonde sound about them, but with this track they have jumped in with both feet. It's got that New York disco feel from the late 70s splattered all over...

7 months ago

Lana Del Ray: Video Games (single)

One of those tunes that gets under your skin very quickly, then pretty soon you think its been around for years. The haunting voice of Lana del Rey makes you stop and listen the moment the dark...

7 months ago

The Computers: 'Rhythm Revue'

Wow, old boy Rock ‘n Roll, played by not so old people. This rocks, not in a foo's type of way but in a punk sort of way. I could listen to these guys for hours - turn it up...

7 months ago

Coldplay: Mylo Xyloto

Well, so rumour has it, this is a concept album, about love, hate, war, etc , etc. You get the idea. Bassist Guy Berryman said a while ago "It’s time to explore new things...

8 months ago

Real Estate: "It's Real"

What a shame this wasn't released at the start of the summer; would have been perfect to listen to as you drove around on a summer evening. Think the Beach Boys, being robbed by the drums,...

8 months ago

Modern Faces: Pravda Scrolls

I reviewed these boys a few months back when they were just an unsigned band. I’m pleased to say they have now released a single. Great start for me! I’m sure people will tell you how...

8 months ago

DJ Shadow: The Less You Know, The Better

Any album that starts with “I’m Back, I forgot my drum” points you in the right direction. Unlike the last outing by DJ Shadow, this album leaves me feeling buzzed. The first track, “Back to...

8 months ago

Nirvana: Nevermind

Well here it is; 20 years ago this album was released. Initially they only released 35,000 copies in the UK. By January 1992 they were selling 300,000 copies a week. To say...

8 months ago

Manic Street Preachers: The Complete Singles

This two CD collection covers the whole of the Manic’s career so far. Like the CD, my review is set in two halves: the first half being the classic Manics that I first saw in 1992 - the...

8 months ago

Emeli Sande: Heaven

The sweet soul vocal over the top of a club dance beat that arks back to “You’ve Got The Love” is what rings out for me on Emeli’s track. It will be a shame if this gets lost as just...

9 months ago

Ms Dynamite: Never Soft

Wow Ms Dynamite has grown up! Back with a drum and bass/reggae track, which Ms D sings in a Jamaican Patois style, MCing as well as that great voice over the top of the catchy chorus....

9 months ago

Little Roy: Battle for Seattle

Lots of reggae stars have done unusual covers in the past, but none as unusual as this collection of cover versions. Some of these Nirvana songs were close to being thrash mental, so to...

9 months ago

Jay Z & Kanye West: Watch The Throne

This has been very much a hyped album across the U.S.A. Jay Z plays the part well although I’m not so sure the same could be said for Kanye. West is Poor. It feels like West is holding on...

9 months ago

Red Hot Chili Peppers: I’m With You

The tenth studio album from the rock funksters… There is lots of 70's funk rock going on around here, nothing wrong with that. The songs have very big, strong choruses, starting with “Monarchy of...

9 months ago

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds: The Death of You And Me

So the first offering from Noel. OK two questions. (1) is it better than Beady Eye? Yes it is. (2) Is it any good? Again yes it is. This is a well-crafted song, song chorus, and great...

10 months ago

Paul Weller: Starlite

The modfather is back. Back with a really funky track called “Starlite”. If I'm being honest with you over the last few years I have found it hard to listen to any of his new songs, for me they have...

10 months ago

The Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie

Great start to any song is a funky baseline. After that you can fill it with anything and it will work. On top of that you have that great RHCP chorus that we’re all so use to now. The only down side...

10 months ago

The Kooks: Is It Me

So Britpop is back then, sometimes bands just don’t move on. They know what they’re good at and stick to it. Nothing wrong with that as long as the songs are strong. Which as a Britpop tune it’s not...

10 months ago

Amy Winehouse

I felt that I needed to write a little piece about the passing of Amy Winehouse. I’m sure over the coming months we will hear all sorts of stories about drugs, drink etc. So I wanted to write about...

10 months ago

Step Back Zone: Alive She Cried - The Doors

This Album really lit my fire. 'Alive, She Cried' is a live album recorded over a two year period, however wasn’t released till late 1983. This album really shows how wonderfully mad Jim Morrison...

10 months ago

What's in it for?

This is really what MGMT’s new album should have been like. Fresh, Summery, Glowing, Pop Tunes, with a hand full of psychedelic stars chucked in for good measure. I really think this band could come...

11 months ago

Kylie Minogue: All the Lovers - Aphrodite

'All the Lovers', Kylie’s first single from her forthcoming album, ' Aphrodite' , released on the 5 th of July, has arrived and it’s stunning. Kylie may be getting on a bit...

11 months ago

Basshunter: Saturday

First single of the new album. Yes it's dance, yes it will be played in the clubs, and yes he was the one in Big Brother, and it’s not very good.

11 months ago

Gorillaz: On Melancholy Hill

Sometimes when a song writer comes along that stands out from the crowd, he’s hidden until such times as someone says “ you know what, he’s brilliant ” . Damon Albarn is that very...

11 months ago

Detroit social Club: Existence

I have reviewed the last few singles from this hotly tipped band. Like the singles this album really shines, great music, great lyrics. All the influences are worn on their bodies like a gold medal....

11 months ago

Hole: Nobody’s Daughter

Five years in the making but it seems to be worth the wait. (Well for me). See I know how a lot of people don’t really get her. But for me she’s one of the most under rated songwriters. I know...

11 months ago

A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector: Step back zone

This album has now been reviewed three years running. This is why. There really is only one Christmas CD and this is it. I would even go as far as to say this is a masterpiece - Christmas is not...

11 months ago

The Charlatans, Hatfield Forum Tuesday October 5th 2010.

And the Charlatans play on. This is where the west coast of California , USA meets the suburbs of Manchester , UK ; this is 60’s LA Garage Rock in 21 st Century...

11 months ago

Gorillaz Feat Daley: Doncamatic (All Played Out)

You’ve got to love Damon Albarn. He released a new Gorillaz album at the start of the year, well March, then instead of releasing another track of fthe album he's written a new one....

11 months ago

The Charlatans: My Foolish Pride

This starts with a Northern Soul beat that is very infectious. It wouldn’t go amiss on any of the sixties programs with the cool soundtracks. How this band carries on writing...

11 months ago

Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip feat Kid A: Cauliflower

Dan le Sac has to be one of the best lyric writers I’ve heard in a very long time. From the same guy that brought us “ Thou Shalt Always Kill ” (if you’ve not heard this, please go and...

11 months ago

Eels: Looking Up

First offering from the new ‘ Tomorrow Morning’ CD. Think Gospel mixed with Rock n’ Roll and you’ve got it . It never stops to blow me away how this guy just keeps writing. This is...

11 months ago

Prince: Sign O’ The Times

After he was George Clinton/Jimi Hendrix but before he became the Squiggle, Prince Rogers Nelson made an album that most musicians can only dream about creating - an album where every song is a...

11 months ago

Little Comets: Isles

I’m really not sure why you would release this as a single. It’s got that element about it that it’s what they should do rather than what they want to. Maybe it’s...

11 months ago

Kings of Leon Radioactive

What can I say? Magnificent? Perfection? How about the Kings’ best track ever in my opinion. It really shocked me when I first heard the song. Personally I didn’t...

11 months ago

Duffy: Well, Well, Well

So Duffy has gone all modern on us. Still the same soul voice as before but the music backing this time is very 2010. I’m not sure if this is going to get on my nerves or not. It is...

11 months ago

Robyn: Indestructible

Indestructible is a track from Robyn’s album ”Body Talk pt2". That version is an acoustic track. The single version is a reworked full club-pumping version. On the dance floor...

11 months ago

Crystal Fighters: I love London

Before I get into the single review ,I must tell you that “ Crystal Fighters ” album “ Star of Love ” is the most interesting album of the year so far. Every track is different it goes from full...

11 months ago

Echo & the Bunnymen – Echo & the Bunnymen (1987)

Some might say it was the end of the band proper. Some might say it was a commercial output that lacked the trademark edginess which formed the Bunnymen sound over their previous albums. ...

11 months ago

Beady Eye: Bring the Light

It’s here, the first offering from Liam Gallagher/Andy Bell/ Gem Archer/Chris Sharrock (Oasis minus Noel). So what does it sound like? Well apart from Liam’s voice not like...

11 months ago

Brother: Darling Buds of May

So from what I hear, these lads are going to be the next big thing. I know we’ve heard it all before, but this time I’m on board. See the difference here from all the other so...

11 months ago

The Vaccines: Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)

Another new band for you all. This track, coming in at just under 1 min 30 sec, is a very well put together punk song. Think The Ramones and we’ve nearly got there....

11 months ago

Annie Lennox: A Christmas Cornucopia

With a voice like Annie Lennox’s you really don’t need a great deal. Well maybe a few decent songs, which here with a Christmas album she can’t go far wrong really. “ Silent Night ” and...

11 months ago

Robbie Williams: The Greatest Hits 1990-2010 In And Out Of Consciousness

With a staggering 57 million album sales and 11 million singles sold, Robbie Williams has been breaking records over the course of his whole career. So now he’s released a double CD to show how many...

11 months ago

Oasis: Time Flies: 1994-2009

If this is the end (which I very much doubt), this is a fond farewell. 26 singles come on!!!! I for one will miss seeing them giving it the big one on the big stage but hey I’m...

11 months ago

Ian Brown: Hatfield Forum 7/6/2010

When a legend like Ian Brown comes to town, you really have got to go. He walked on to the stage looking cool as ever - maybe be a bit more greyer but still very cool. He asked the crowd if...

11 months ago

Mark Ronson feat Q-Tip: Bang, Bang, Bang

New single from the Mark Ronson stable. Rapper Q-tip adds his weight behind this. Also there are vocals from MNDR. I can imagine whole fields of people going mental to this. ...

11 months ago

Klaxons: Flashover

First taster from their forthcoming second album “ Surfing the Void ”. I was pretty unsure about reviewing this if I’m being honest; I’m not their biggest fan but hey here goes. ...

11 months ago

United Nations of Sound: Third Eye

” Third Eye ” is the second song to come out of the new Richard Ashcroft camp. If this is what we can expect from the new album, then I’m more than happy. This...

11 months ago

Cake: Fashion Nugget

In 1996 Alt-rockers, Cake, released their second studio album “ Fashion Nugget ”. It’s one of those albums where you have probably heard some or most of the songs but have never heard...

11 months ago

Funeral Party

Coming in from Las Vegas, Funeral Party release their new album ‘ Golden Age of Nowhere’ . This album pretty much follows the trend of recent American indie bands. I’m not saying they're...

11 months ago

Rizzle Kicks

OK, this is one of my best finds of 2011! ‘Rizzle Kicks’ a two piece band from Brighton, are a tag team of Mc ‘Rizzle’ and Vocalist ‘Harley Sylvester’. Their fresh new style mixes; dubstep,...

11 months ago

The Xcerts: In The Cold Wind We Smile

Three chaps, twelve tracks, one amazing album! For all their comparisons to ‘popular’ Scottish acts, these guys have created their own impression on the live scene and now announce their...

11 months ago

Madonna - Hard Candy

The thing here is I’m not a fan. But if you're a fan of music, you must tip your hat to her. She’s always ahead of the pace when it comes to her albums. This is no diffrent - she’s got a host...

11 months ago

Scouting For Girls - Hatfield Forum, 06/02/10

Now when I heard I was going over to review SGC I was not exactly jumping for joy. If I’m honest though, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. If you’re aged between 11 - 30 and are up...

11 months ago

Shad K

Now for something that quite a few individuals may not have heard before. Now for the proclaimed ‘Best Canadian Rapper’, ‘Shad K’, who is not known to many in the USA and even fewer across the...

11 months ago

A Tribe Called Quest:

A Tribe Called Quest are new to me, but as I’m sure you’re aware are an old school hip-hop group. Five albums in eight years ranging from 1990-1998. “The most intelligent, artistic rap group...

11 months ago

Michael Kiwanuka: Tell Me a Tale EP

Every now and then, a singer comes along that really makes you believe in music all over again. It’s true you know, you don’t have to be endorsed by Mr Cowell to really have a God given...

11 months ago

Metronomy – The English Riviera

11 months ago

Tyler the Creator – B****rd

For the past few months, to those who have been paying attention to a new LA group named ‘Odd Future’ with the man at the helm being ‘Tyler the Creator’. Pretty much a gang of guys who seemed...

11 months ago

Arctic Monkeys – Don’t Sit Down (‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair)

Alex Turner, the lyrical genius that he is, has come up and released the newest track off the Arctic Monkeys' new album ‘ Suck it and See ’. It is definitely a lot darker than the last...

11 months ago

The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

I’ve only recently been aware of how spectacular The Beatles really were. This particular album spent twenty-seven weeks at top spot in the charts, picked up four Grammy’s and clinched number...

11 months ago

Kaiser Chiefs: Little Shocks

Finally, they’re back in the game after a couple of years now. I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking for from this single. It’s definitely different. It’s definitely well...

11 months ago

Does It Offend You Yeah! - Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You

‘Does It Offend You Yeah’ are back again with their second album, Pretty much offering the same Techno, Indie, Rave, Dub-Step feel, but as they seem to have covered pretty much every genre...

11 months ago

Dan Gresham – Interview 23/02/11

After getting off the phone with ‘Dan Gresham’ a.k.a. ‘DJ Nu:Tone’, I immediately thought what a down to earth, and from the sound of him tired, guy he was. The first point I made was to...

11 months ago

The Vaccines – What Did You Expect From The Vaccines:

With the relaxed Ramones style bass and contrasting quick step drumming, ‘The Vaccines’ debut album ‘ What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?’ i s a truly brilliant debut. Most...

11 months ago

Example & Wretch 32 – Cambridge Corn Exchange – 14/03/11

What’s a better cure for those Monday blues than a cheeky visit to Cambridge Corn Exchange! After turning up a little late, I immediately felt 200% better to see Wretch 32 on stage...

11 months ago

Hospitality 12/03/11 – Junction Cambridge.

As always I’ve had a hectic and sleepless weekend and loved it! On Saturday night a couple of friends and I jumped on a train and headed for Cambridge - destination ‘Hospitality’, one of...

11 months ago

The Strokes – Angles

Okay, so we’ve had to wait perhaps a little too long between ‘ First Impressions’ and ‘ Angles ’ - maybe some of the original fans have become deaf and old in that time! But...

11 months ago

Kasabian: Switchblade Smile

So i'ts here the - new offering from Kasabian. How does this man keep on coming up with the goods? Really, how? This starts with a trippy sounding loop...

11 months ago

Coldplay: Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

At what point did Coldplay turn into U2? Oh well something to think about. The new song is a grower - now this doesn’t mean I like it but I’m...

11 months ago

Big Band Concert featuring THE MOB

I went along to interview Mike O’Neill to find out more about their forthcoming concert at the Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin. I have actually enjoyed seeing them in action before, when they played...

11 months ago

The Vortex: Dirty Soul

OK new band alert!!!!! This band will get all the hype you would expect from a new Manchester band, and being from Manchester they have got that sound. Very Mondays/Oasis/Kasabian even Primal...

11 months ago

Shotgun Sinners: Demo

Local Hitchin band Shotgun Sinners gave me a copy of their new CD and I’m very glad they did. First track on the CD is 'Ready Set Play' . This opens up with a Biffy Clyro style guitar...

11 months ago

A Christmas gift for you from Phil Spector - A Christmas gift for you from Phil Spector: Step back zone

This album has now been reviewed two years running, and this is why. There really is only one Christmas CD and this is it. I would even go so far as to say this is a masterpiece. Christmas is...

11 months ago

Bob Dylan: Christmas in the Heart

Now I know this was released in October but it just didn’t feel right to review it then, so here goes. The first thing you need to know is he (Bob) has given all his American royalties from this...

11 months ago

Kyuss - Welcome To Sky Valley - 1994

Once upon a time in the mid 90’s, before Josh Homme rose to superstardom with the likes of Eagles Of Death Metal, Them Crooked Vultures and (of course) Queens of the Stone Age, there lived a...

11 months ago

Paul Weller (2CD Deluxe Edition)

This re-released, special edition CD offers the best of both sides of the Modfather as far as I’m concerned. There are brilliantly recorded versions of some of his well known classics which...

11 months ago

Biffy Clyro: Only Revolutions

Lets hope for Rock sake that Biffy’s new offering will send them to the stadium rock outfit that they should be. What are we going to leave it to Muse?… Come on! Anyway back to the album....

11 months ago

Biffy Clyro: Live @ HMV Forum London

When you open with “ That Golden Rule” at 100 decibels you’ve pretty much won the night before you’ve started. A set that is very much (Puzzle) heavy apart from the odd (blackened sky) track....

11 months ago

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: It’s Blitz

I would definitely say that this album was full of energising power pop. This album demonstrates a bit of a revolution in the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s style. Previous albums have been known to be far...

11 months ago

Bat For Lashes: Two Suns

My first impressions of this album weren’t brilliant. I wasn’t too sure of the eighties revival styling they were going for and I really couldn’t see myself wanting to listen again, in all...

11 months ago

Hundred Reasons: Quick the Word, Sharp the Action.

Surrey based band, Hundred Reasons re-released this album recently. From what I have heard of them they have never written a bad song, and this album is no exception! The band...

11 months ago

The Maybes: Trick of the Light

English indie rock five piece - The Maybes really impressed me with this single. The vocal stylings remind me of those that you would hear when listening to bands such as the verve. I...

11 months ago

The Enemy: No Time For Tears

I’m sure some of you, like me, would have been waiting to hear this for a while. Is it worth the wait? Yes, really worth it. It starts with a nice little piano sound, then comes the shuffle...

11 months ago

The Boo Radleys: Giant Steps

In only a couple of years, the assimilation of sixties music by the Britpop brigade would be all encompassing, with Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn regularly borrowing great chunks from the works of...

11 months ago

Twisted Wheel: TBC

Never have the words “A breath of fresh air“ been so appropriate for a new band. Twisted Wheel is a three-piece band from Manchester named after a Northern Soul nightclub. I’m...

11 months ago

Metro Station: Metro Station

LA four-piece Metro Station's eponymous debut is an electro-fuelled pop/rock opus, soon to be heard emanating from secondary schoolers' bedrooms nationwide. This is helped in no small part by...

11 months ago

The Xcerts: Crisis in the Slow Lane

Word of mouth, what a wonderful thing. I read on Facebook a while ago that this band was worth checking out - I’m really pleased I did. These guys are from Scotland (here we go Biffy...

11 months ago

Red Light Company: Fine Fascination

I listened to this with absolutely no pre-conceived ideas, having only heard them on Zane Lowe a couple of times. They are a group of international musicians, fronted by New Zealander Richard...

11 months ago

Speech Debelle: The Key

Second single from the wordsmith that is Speech Debelle. You know sometimes you want to put on a CD that will make you feel good. This does that - it makes you smile from the opening sound...

11 months ago

Kings of Leon: Revelry

Hot on the heels of them picking up two well-deserved Brits, comes the third single off the outstanding " Only by the Night ". Very different than the other tracks on the album -...

11 months ago

Sex Pistols: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols

From the opening words of “ A Cheap holiday in other people’s misery ” to the last words “ A and M ”, you truly know you have listened to a masterpiece. And it really is! ...

11 months ago

The Stone Roses: The Stone Roses

I thought I would start 2009 with an album that will be 20 years old this year. It doesn’t matter what top 100 albums of all time poll you read, this will usually be in the top ten. Also this is one...

11 months ago

Lily Allen: The Fear (Single)

This starts off with a tune that you get the feeling you’ve heard before, which is not a problem (I’m sure we have). I’m also sure this will be her second number one. It drags you in straight...

11 months ago

White Lies: To Lose My Life (Single)

If you can imagine Joy Division and The Killers have a love child, this is pretty much what it would sound like. So rumour has it, these guys will be the next big thing. Mmmmmm well we will wait...

11 months ago

A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector

There really is only one Christmas CD and this is it. I would even go so far as to say this is a masterpiece - Christmas is not Christmas without it! This has got every great...

11 months ago

Speech Debelle: Searching

I was driving home a couple of weeks ago with late night radio on and this voice came over the air ways that was just so heart felt, emotionally sad it just made me turn the volume up. I’m glad...

11 months ago

Britney Spears: Circus

If there was any doubt of the reversal of the Britney backlash that’s been the public’s guilty pleasure for so long, this album will only perpetuate the resurgence of fans. Whilst not my cup of...

11 months ago

Oasis: I’m Outta Time (Single)

This for me is one of the best songs Liam’s written. Great lyrics, good tune and on top of all that they’ve got John Lennon’s voice as a sample. Can’t be bad! I know...

11 months ago

Kings of Leon: Use Somebody (Single)

I know this has come at the end of the year but I can honestly say this is one my fav songs of 2008. It’s got that 'hairs on the back of the neck' feeling to it. Starts with great backing vocals...

11 months ago

Joan as Police Woman Feat Rufus Wainwright: To America (Single)

This is a sweet piano lead track. In the vein of the late great Jeff Buckley. Not very Christmassy, but hey you can’t have it all. Rufus is his normal self here reaching the off key notes which...

11 months ago

Roy Ayers: Greatest Hits

A while ago, a friend of mine turned me on to Roy Ayers. Up until that point I really had not heard of him - shame on me! The one thing that comes to mind here is the bands that were on the...

11 months ago

Oasis: Dig Out Your Soul

This is the album that these guys have promised us for a very long time. It opens up with 'Bag It Up', a great blues stomping opener. As always, great big sound layered with great vocals and...

11 months ago

The View: 5 Rebecca's

This starts where they left off. Great single to start with - really good vibe to it. Great football chant chorus which is good to sing along to. Great production on it ( 'Dirty...

11 months ago

The Subways: All or Nothing

The Subways return with their second CD, produced by Butch Vig ( 'Nirvana', 'Smashing Pumpkins', 'Sonic Youth' ). As you can hear from the opening of this CD, they have made a big progression...

11 months ago

David Bowie: Ziggy Stardust Live Santa Monica 72

OK, this month I’ve sort of mixed the step back zone and a new release together. This was a bootleg for years then sort of came out in 95, but now has its official release. Hope you're keeping...

11 months ago

Black Kids: Partie Traumatic

I’m sure you’ve heard 'I’m not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance with you'. If so, this does set you up for the CD. Really different in the way they put together the songs. Really strong...

11 months ago

Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes

This has got a real Mamas & Papas / Crosby Stills and Nash vibe going on here. Really great harmonies all the way though this CD. It’s just so chill - I love the feel to it. Opening...

11 months ago

Beggars - The Future

This is a very brave cover version of Leonard Cohen’s 'The Future' . The singer has got that same vocal sound as the La’s /The Coral. Really great sounding band and made this song sound...

11 months ago

The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing

I first saw this band on Jools Holland with the track ’That’s not my name’ and was hooked. The album starts with 'Great DJ' which you just need to turn up and jump around to. It sets...

11 months ago

Portishead - Third

OK where do I start with this? It’s been a long wait. Was it worth it ???? Yes in places. It’s got that mad dance free beat vibe to it. Her voice just sends shivers down to the...

11 months ago

Vincent and the Villains: Gospel Bombs

This album was a pure pleasure for me. The opening track is a frantic Mexican influenced romp, 'Beast' , which I could almost picture as a soundtrack over a shaky silent movie. Then with no let...

11 months ago

Gnarls Barkley: The Odd Couple

Second offering from the pairing of DangerMouse and Cee-Lo Green. MoreSoul / More Funk Hell yeah and a touch of Northen Soul (have a listen to 'Run' ). There's some really big sounding...

11 months ago

The Kooks: Konk

So here we are, The Kooks second album - catchy melodies, strong chorus. This is a very mainstream, friendly, big anthems CD. Stand out tracks for me were 'See the Sun' , 'Gap'. In all,...

11 months ago

Against Me: Stop

Really catchy single! Its got a punk/rock feel to it. Also got touches of Greenday/Foo Fighters, and produced by Butch Vig. I'm sure you're getting the picture. On tour in...

11 months ago

Tokyo Police Club: Tessellate

This single is taken from the Canadian foursomes album, Elephant Shell. Formed in 2005, they played at Glastonbury 2007 and have already attracted favourable reviews by national music press....

11 months ago

Marvin Gaye - What's Going on

If you haven’t already got this in your CD collection, you need to. When this album came out in 1971 it changed Motown for ever. For the first time someone wrote about politics, not just...

11 months ago

Little Secrets - Passion Pit: Little Secrets

For me, this is the stand out track on the album. The only down side of this is that it didn’t get released in the summer because it's got that feel to it, but I suppose the kids' choir helps it...

11 months ago

The Kinks Choral Collection - The Kinks Choral Collection

I think this has been re-released for Christmas! I must admit it sounds very Christmassy but I think that may be the choir. I must admit when I got a copy of this I really didn’t...

11 months ago

Nouvelle Vague - Nouvelle Vague

This is a re-release, so thought it would be a good idea to review it - just in case you missed it the first time. Basically, on this album the group have covered songs from groups like The...

11 months ago

After Many A Summer - Regards: After Many A Summer

A great debut single from this Stafford band. From the building guitar to the uplifting chorus, you really are hooked. Really cool strokes rift sits nicely over the track. It’s also...

11 months ago

Michael Kiwanuka

Every now and then a singer comes along that really makes you believe in music all over again. It's true you know you don’t have to be endorsed by Mr Cowell to really have a God given talent. ...

11 months ago

Step Back Zone: A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest are new to me, but as I’m sure you're aware are a ‘golden age’ hip-hop group. Five albums in eight years ranging from 1990-1998. ”The most intelligent, artistic rap group...

11 months ago

The Wombats: Techno Fan

I can’t help but love this band. The first album was on the CD player for months, and now this one is going the same way. Catchy chorus always the way to go. This one has a very 80s feel to it, but...

11 months ago

Beady Eye: The Beat Goes On

Its such a shame that Beady Eye has some great singles on their new album and not one of them have been released. Whoever are choosing the singles of the album should stop now!!!! This is...

11 months ago

Twisted Wheel.- Saturday 12th December 2009

The lads pulled off fantastic set singing songs that really got the crowd going. The band are the type that appeal to most people because they seem so down to earth. This shows in their music...

11 months ago

Avi Buffalo: What’s in it for?

This is really what MGMT’s new album should have been like. Fresh, Summery, Glowing, Pop Tunes, with a hand full of psychedelic stars chucked in for good measure. I really think this band could...

11 months ago

Nobody’s Daughter - Hole

Five years in the making but it seems to be worth the wait. (Well for me). See I know how a lot of people don’t really get her. But for me she’s one of the most under rated songwriters. I...

11 months ago

The Notorious - XXX

I thought this would be worth a mention. It’s not going to be released on CD but you can find it all over the Internet. DJ Wait What has put together a new band called The XX and The...

11 months ago

Slash - Slash

Now I was thinking this would be an over indulgent affair but I’m pleased to say I was wrong. The first track “ Ghost ” has a Guns n’ Roses feel to it, except you have the brilliant Ian Astbury...

11 months ago

The Dead Weather - Die by the Drop

Introducing the new offering from Dead Weather - how can you go wrong with Jack White at the helm? Just as they left us last time, they start with a new darker touch. It kicks off with a...

11 months ago

MGMT - Flash Delirium

First offering from the new CD “ Congratulations ”. It starts with a very OMD sounding synthesizer. Then moves on to a very psychedelic sounding pop song. It’s so catchy - it...

11 months ago

The Charlatans - Some Friendly

Okay all get your baggy flairs out. Ten years ago this album flew out of Our Price (does anyone remember that record shop?). It’s not their best album but still it’s their first, so worth...

11 months ago

The Moons - Life on Earth

Andy Croft (Paul Weller’s keyboard player) and Chris Ketley (The Rakes) have put together 12 very soulful classic English sounding pop songs. Very 60’s sounding “ Don’t go Changin ” starts...

11 months ago

Plan B - The Defamation of Strickland Banks

Whatever this guy touches it turns to gold, whether it be acting alongside Michael Caine, rapping or singing his soul out, which is pretty much what he's doing on the new CD. It’s got to be one of the...

11 months ago

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Beat The Devil’s Tattoo

I really feel that BRMC have lost their way. The first album was outstanding, as was the second one, but then it started to go wrong - in band fighting etc. It’s a shame because there was a time I...

11 months ago

Corn Exchange, 19th Feb 2010 - The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club,

Unfortunately I missed The Drums. I heard them as I was trying to get in but hey these things happen. I’m sure I will catch them again. It’s a shame I can’t tell you I missed The Big...

11 months ago

Detroit Social Club - Kiss the Sun EP

The first song on the CD is hypnotic drum sounding ‘ Kiss the Sun’ - great haunting chanting vocal. There is even an orchestral sound running in the background. ‘Black and White’ starts with...

11 months ago

Straight lines - Persistence In This Game

A new, young and fresh straight up Rock n’ Roll band introducing their first album. The band ended 2009 rather successfully as they supported back to back tours with Kids in Glass Houses, The...

11 months ago

United Nations of Sound - Are You Ready

New band formed by Richard Ashcroft. From the opening beat of the drums you’re already on board. Then into the orchestral sound which is very Ashcroft. The guitar playing is very ‘Rolling...

11 months ago

Plan B - She Said

‘ She Said’ is the second single from ‘ The Defamation of Strickland Banks ’ album. This is a track that Amy Winehouse would have died for to have on her last album or the new one for that matter....

11 months ago

Doors Alive - Hatfield Forum, Friday 5th February

Jim Morrison is alive and well and playing in Hatfield! Well sort of, it’s really hard when you hear a cover band playing tunes that you’ve grown up with. One half wants to go and hear the songs...

11 months ago

Eels - End Times

The 16th album from the beautiful wordsmith that is E. The first time I heard this band was on TFI Friday, singing " Novocaine for the Soul ". I must admit it wasn’t until a...

11 months ago

Rage Against The Machine

It seems appropriate to choose this album as the step back in time zone this month. Now after “ Killing in The Name “ being Christmas number 1, it makes me very pleased to tell you...

11 months ago

Detroit Social Club - Detroit Social Club @ The Flower Pot

The band start with a hypnotic drum based “ Kiss the Sun ” building up in to a chant of we kiss the sun - fantastic start! This then drifts into the feedback driven “ Prophecy ” -...

11 months ago

Paul Weller - Paul Weller Cambridge Corn Exchange - Saturday 12th December 2009

What a fantastic end to the year for me! Twisted Wheel was the first and only support act. Luckily for me I had seen them before, during the summer, so I knew what to expect of them.T ...

11 months ago

The Grants: - The Grants: Unsigned

If you like the feel of The La’s jingle jangle sound, I’m sure this will be your cup of tea. They’ve been touted around as the best unsigned band in the UK. I’m not sure that’s true,...

11 months ago

Broken Bells: The High

First offering from the new group (well sort of), one half Danger Mouse (Brian Burton), one half The Shins (James Mercer), so maybe we could say a super group. This is a taster of the...

11 months ago

Screamadelica - Primal Scream

20 Years old this year. OMG!!!!!!!!! I hear you say. This, when it came, was a great cross over album Mixing Indie with Acid House. The album kicked off with “ Move on Up ”. “ Slip...

11 months ago

An Interview with Jolly Brown

The beauty of Hitchin is the wealth of choice we have when browsing through the town. Jolly Brown in Bucklersbury certainly doesn’t disappoint. I went to meet Hannah the owner of this delightfully...

12 months ago

Bozwood: Seymour (Without Regret)

These guys from Welwyn Garden City really give off an old school punk nu-wave feel - ‘BozWood’ get my seal of approval. The mixture of great guitar riffs and power chords really make you...

1 year ago

New York Royalty in Hatfield: Blondie at the Forum

What can I say, Debbie Harry is by no means the early 70s starlet she once was, but she's Debbie Harry and is still the queen of cool, and still performing with original band mates Chris Stein and...

1 year ago

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