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Noir

We had a great time at SFA, a stripped down version of their usual crazy set. Gruff explained that the horn section, percussionist and backing singers had been kidnapped en route. Fair enough, it meant new versions of old favourites, the opportunity for a little refresh and the chance to see how beautiful these tunes can be.

I have to say it was a particular thrill to see Jim Noir in the support slot, presenting some new songs with a new band. I've heard a few negative comments about his old one, that they didn't particularly give him the chance to front up and display his own light and breezy personality. This set up seems to give him a bit more freedom and you can see it reflected in the new songs such as "Alright", which you can listen to on Jim's myspace page.

I've had a fondness for le noir for a while now since my friend Steve directed his "A Quiet Man" video. By the way, please check out Steve's site, full of the wonderful movies he's been making since film school. A talented man I'm sure you'll agree, with many good things in the pipeline. Be sure to check out "A Heap of Trouble" my personal favourite.

in rainbows

I know of course that two days after the release of this radiohead album I must be the last person posting about it. There were even "live" reviews written as the writer listened for the first time. Well, this release certainly got everyone's attention. Just to recap - this is the seventh studio album and is now available for download, and you decide the price, that's right - anything you want between zero and £100. I opted for £4+45p download charge which I think is about right and what I've heard is the average price. There's talk of a January release on CD and I imagine I'll probably buy it then too, I'm a sucker for nice packaging. If you're really into this, then there's also a £40 option, which is a box set with booklet, vinyl editions and extra tracks. This is a little too steep for me.

So, to the music itself - first off, it's fun and it sounds like the band are enjoying themselves. For the first time since OK Computer it feels like the band are reunited in the same room. Kid A and Amnesiac feel like members are working on their own little bits and Nigel Godrich is bringing it all together. Hail to the Thief had a little more togetherness, but not as much as here. For Radiohead, its life-affirming and positive, reminding me a little of Four-tet's "Everything Ecstatic" - a joyous and playful record that remains experimental and challenging. Radiohead seem to have rediscovered the simple joy that is making music, and its a treat.

I've heard grumbles that the website wasn't working and that the quality of the downloads is a bit poor, but to be honest, it was one of the easiest ways to get a record I've ever had. I think three clicks and I was away having a listen. On a final note, I made some little covers, mostly so that I can find it on the new, wonderful ipod touch that arrived from New York via my wonderful parents a couple of weeks ago. The wi-fi capabilities are amazing, and sites like Youtube, Facebook and Itunes have their own small screen versions which in someways out do the actual sites.

 

bestival

Had a great time at bestival. its one of the smaller "boutique" festivals in the UK, although at times it felt just as crowded as any other festival, especially in the main stage area - 30,000 people are still, quite a crowd. The bands ranged from good to dull, I'm afraid The Go Team! and The Chemical Brothers just didn't float my boat, instead I sought out Electrelane, who just played one of the best sets I heard over the whole weekend. I think, at a place like Bestival, you can find a few gems.

I should also mention that I had a good time at The Loungs and watching Bat for Lashes on a cool, relaxed sunday morning. On saturday night, The Beastie Boys claimed the "Isle of Mike" as their own, with some big tunes for us, Intergalactic, Sure Shot, Pass the Mic and some tunes for them from their new instrumental album.

I had a few grumbles, like the sheer amount of litter, which was a bit depressing - I mean, isn't this suppose to be the eco-conscious set? and people, please - don't take babies to festivals. I saw one little mite scared witless as the drums started up on the main stage - they don't get anything out of it, its just cruel.

Saturday's fancy dress was amazing, the theme was Kings, Queens and Pirates - and there were some great costumes, giving the whole place a slightly surreal air - check out some of the pics at flickr - enjoy.

Apart from that, I should mention that I was there as part of a stag-do, with my friend Jim wearing various humiliating costumes. I met a lovely bunch of fellas, we hung out, ate, drank, listened to music, slept in tents...almost perfect. In fact, then tent wasn't bad, just the fact that we were three feet from a spotlight that was so powerful, it actually got darker as at sunrise.

Super Furry Animals - Hey Venus!

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Only around ten days to go until the release of the new SFA record Hey Venus! - the single Show your hand is already available from record shops and download. But really you're missing out if you only download it. You'll be missing out on gorgeous cover art from Keiichi Tanaami who is the first person not called Pete Fowler to do some artwork for them.

I know that hardcore fans will be a little disappointed, but from early reports, its a good move as the album is a little gentler and homely than recent releases, signifying a slight chance of pace and a show of maturity. I don't know much about Mr Tanaami, but I hear he's a cult figure in Japan, where his art is much admired.

The furries sent him a letter, saying they were fans and wondered whether he might be able to help them. Apparently he neither spoke to them or heard them, and the project was veiled with secrecy, surreptitious emails and messages. There's a little more about this enigmatic artist in this clip from Japanarama with Jonathan Ross. Also check out the SFA site for downloads, widgets, more artwork and latest news. I can't wait.

I also just wanted to say, that when all is said and done, for every cool new band I hear on the radio, Super Furry Animals are my favourite band in the world - and they always will be.

New Rock

BF are a super cool band from Japan, and I idly tap away at my keyboard, I'm listening to the lovely tunes from their album 'New Rock' - I really can't recommend it enough. Its hard to find mind you, but you can have a look at amazon and at thier official sites for euphorica which I think is the latest release. I just love the fuzzy guitars, analogue keyboards and top vocals. There... got that off my chest - they're brill - and nobody I speak to ever seems to have heard of them - what's going on people!

Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

Yeah we all love The Flaming Lips and I have to say that there's nothiing around at the moment to match the sonic assault that is At war with the mystics - its fantastic. I do hope that before I shuffle off one day, I'll get the chance to see the Lips in concert for myself - lots of beautiful photos from the gigs - it looks about as much fun as you could possibly have.

Chops

Great new record from Euros Childs  who is usually standing at the front of the stage for Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. I thought it might be more of the same, but its real fun, and Euros seems to enjoy the freedom of a solo record. Look out for Donkey Island, another little gem in an album that surprises and entertains.

Richard James is also about to release a solo album, and you can find out more information at Boobytrap. I use to belong to the singles club and spent a year listening to all sorts of strange welsh offerings, I don't recall too many hits, but it was good fun waiting for this little brown envelope to pop through the door once a month.

Fancy Barrel

Aidan Smith’s Fancy Barrel is out now on Analogue Catalogue and finally, after the nibbles, the entree and the aperitif, this is the main course. There are some wonderful songs, the bittersweet of "Alone Askew", the fun of "Love Song (With Aneurysm), old favourite "Everything is Boring" and some daft moments "Jam will suffice". Apparently album number 2 has already been penned and is being recorded this winter. There are some tour dates, but none down our way just yet. In the meantime, there's this super record to enjoy. It’s a fancy barrel all right and it’s worth having a rummage in the sawdust, you never know what you find.

Takk

Chris has been inspired by the artwork on the new Sigur Ros cd, which is called Takk. I have to say its very beautiful and a bit spooky, did you know there are photos from their new tour here ?

Aidan Smith

Early as the Trees is a mini-album from Aidan Smith and what a gem it is. There's something of the white coated Lab worker about the way he executes the songs, with little experiments, a workshop of ideas where you emerge blackened from the explosion as sounds mix with each other. Its test tubes, bunsen burners and those Liebig condenser things you had in science. The result are intriguing, delicate songs that make your kidneys chuckle, your eyes glisten and your heart twinkle. I know someday we'll have light orchestrations and grand production, but for there's no rush, really. There's a touching delicacy to the music and some great one-liners, its a winning combination.

Its Aidan's first release for new label Analogue Catalogue run by former Twisted Nerve employees who've taken Aidan Smith and Supreme Vagabond Craftsman with them to a new home. Its a home for escaped artists. I've had a few email chats with Rob who set up the label with his missus. They love the low-tech approach and are interested in a homemade and intimate atmosphere where everything is recorded "...like they were in the good old days". We wish them all the best and we'll check in occasionally to see what's new. Aidan should be out on tour soon,and when I get some dates, I'll let you know.