The Romantic Megamix

Happy Valentine's day to you! To mark the occasion I'd like to share a playlist that I created a few years ago. It's full of romantic love songs to set the perfect mood for a date. Originally a simple idea, it quickly turned into and unwieldy project to find the perfect mix. So it is embarrassingly well researched. Although, having got caught up with the music side of it, the romantic function was somewhat forgotten and I never used it for its intended purpose. But hopefully I can pass it on and somebody might find something useful in it. 

It consists of a balance between ultra cheesy classics, some great lesser-known songs and a few personal favourites, plus some smooth jazz and instrumentals thrown in for good measure. It's probably not to hard to guess which is which, if you know anything about my music taste. The mix is divided into three 'discs', each providing more than enough background music for an evening. Each disc has a slightly different theme. They represent different levels of a relationship, increasing from first date to committed. Withing each mix there is a mix of low and high energy and also a progression from chilled out and chilled out to more... 'frisky'.

So feel free to use them in making your own romantic playlist. I would have been grateful for a list like this when I started the project. I think I've weeded out the worst of the cheesy love songs and there are a few less conventional songs that can still get people in the mood for love. And even if you don't really get the whole point of valentine's day, like me, at least you can appreciate some good music. And like love itself, sometimes we all just need a little cheese!

Review: Peaks EP and Speaks (Remix) EP

Peaks EP - Peaks

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This twin release from EDM producer Peaks, from Dublin, is the 8t/9th release from fledgling label iH! audio. These four tracks and three remixes are a 46 minute trip of progressive electronic music.

These beats are immense. Each track clocks in around the 120-130 bpm mark but the rhythmic development is so engaging. Set to a fairly steady bass beat, the constant embellishments are surprisingly danceable. On top of this are layered rich synths and industrial glitches. It reminds me a lot of Sasha's Airdrawndagger and the Aphex Twin influences are also evident. Each track is minimal yet intense.

The opening track On Every Beach is the most chilled-out. Starting minimal, it builds slowly for almost the entire track until the beat finally evolves into the steady four for the last minute while the other elements fade away.

This EP falls into that sweet spot where you could listen to it chilled out in your room but also bang it out during a DJ set. These long evolving tracks are only a taster for what Peaks can do live. Check him out if you get a chance.

Speaks EP - Various (iH! Audio)

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The accompanying remixes feature some fellow iH! Audio producers chopping up three of the tracks from the Peaks EP. Speaks builds on all the original features of Peaks' music and pushes it further. Adding more swirling pads, chopped glitches and high-energy breaks.

The stand-out track is the On Every Beach remix by Ben Bix. The heavy distorted beat first grooving and funky before ramping it up. Bix's signature overload of timbre is so distracting that you hardly even notice it's in 5/4!This will make you move, even if you don't want to dance it will shake you into submission.

You can name-your-price download both from the iH! Audio bandcamp page.

Review: Rosie Abbott

I reviewed the debut album by this up-and-coming singer songwriter from Nottingham a few months ago. It made an impression on me so I hope you enjoy it too. Make sure to check out her website for links to buy the album. If anybody has music they would like me to review please e-mail me at <padjis [at] gmail . com>


Beatles influence, check. Multi-instrumentalist, check. Home recording, check. Rosie Abbott seems to fit perfectly into that tired old singer-songwriter cliché. But in a world full of stereotypes and wannabes this woman refuses to be categorised. This album is clearly a response to this situation, playing on the theme of pigeon-holing. Rosie Abbott is like a breath of fresh air compared to the latest products of the mass-media machine. Her music rescues that fun childish innocence while creating a free and relaxed atmosphere. 

Review: Sonic Boom Six - Self Titled

The long awaited review of the long awaited album. This is the fourth album form the genre terrorists from Manchester, Sonic Boom Six. It is by far the biggest leap in sound they've made. It has been massively influenced by dance and electronic music, particularly drum'n'bass and dubstep, and is considerably more in-your-face. this has always been their style but there is a much more commercial edge to this album. Ultimately it is still a massive mash-up of punk, metal, hip-hop and dance.

Pop-punk Grew Up but I Didn't!

Walking to college one day with Less Than Jake in my earphones I got into thinking: They don't make pop-punk like they used to.

I know what you're thinking. I'm not a grumpy old pensioner yet. I can't start reminiscing about my hay-days and complaining that things weren't like they used to be. Well, unfortunately, I've gotten grumpy!

Well, not really. I just think that everybody is somewhat nostalgic about he music that they first really got involved with during their teenage years. For me, and a lot of my generation, it was pop-punk. Blink-182 and Green Day were the major gateways, with Good Charlotte, Yellowcard and Fall Out Boy all making big impressions. Hopefully a few of you will know what I'm talking about. That music was awesome, right?

After moving away from that music and developing my taste over the last 8 years, I still find myself coming back to those pop-punk classics. It seems to just stay in your blood. But I am slightly worried about my music taste becoming static and also I really don't want to become a grumpy old man before my time. So I try to keep up with what's new. But this leads me to my genuine question: Where has all the good pop-punk gone? Was it really just a fad? Or are there still bands out there pumping out killer tunes that I'm unaware of because I'm just not 'with it' anymore? Is pop-punk dead?

Less Than Jake - The Ghost of Me & You
An example of awesome pop-punk

I know that music never stays the same. It grows and evolves but surely there are still some form of pop-punk music happening. It couldn't just disappear. I can think of a few examples of more recent bands. These fall into two categories. Either they are incredibly small local bands who are short-lived, or they are just not very good. A lot of those early pioneers I mentioned (e.g. Blink-182, Yellowcard, Sum 41, the list is surprisingly long!) have returned with new albums that unfortunately fall into the second category. Writing a catchy tune shouldn't be this hard. Despite it being a bit of an old genre, there still must be enough people who want to see good new bands come out and be successful.

The best examples I can think of that are still somewhat relevant and can still pen a tune are Title Fight, Starters, and Living With Lions. Of these, Starters didn't last long, and never made it out of Dublin; Living With Lions had one awesome album then ruined it by changing their line-up. Title Fight are relatively successful, at least for this genre these days, but are still more harcore/emo. I'm going to mention Army of Freshmen quickly here too. They might be considered too 'poppy' for some, and enjoy very limited success. But they know how to write a hook, and that's exactly what seems to have been forgotten by so many.

Starters - Geocache Girl
Should be more popular

So am I right? Is there still good pop-punk out there? Or am I just clinging to immature music tastes, and what I really need to do is just grow up? Let me know what you think. I am want to be proved wrong!

New Releases

Here are some recently released or upcoming releases that I'm interested in.

Recent Release:

Sonic Boom Six - Sonic Boom Six

The long awaited new self-titled album from the premier genre terrorists. It took them a while to release because they were looking for a new label that would put it out. After self-releasing all their previous work on their own imprint Rebel Alliance records, they're signed a deal with the indy label Xtra Mile Recordings. They should be comfortable here along with he likes of Frank Turner and Against Me. I don't want to say too much about the actual music because I'll be reviewing it in another post, but first two singles off it are bangers!

Check It Out

NOFX - Self-Entitled

This is the twelfth studio album for these veterans of punk. NOFX have to be one of the most consistently good band ever. I can't think of any other bands that have not only kept producing good records for over two decades but have kept fresh and relevant. They may not be the riskiest of bands but they never sound tired and they have done many interesting projects to keep things interesting. This one should be another solid punk-rock romp.

Check It Out

 Title Fight - Floral Green

This is the second album from this American melodic hardcore band. Released through Side One Dummy, (Big D, Anti-Flag, Goldfinger), it marks their debut on the Billboard 200, peaking at #69 (snigger!). Good showing for this genre which generally doesn't get enough attention. 

Check It Out

Macklemore - The Heist

Debuting at #2 on the Billboard Hot 200, this is only the second independently released album to chart that high. I can't get enough of this guy, this is going to be an awesome album. Plus, it comes in real alligator skin packaging!

Check It Out

DJ Fresh - Nextlevelism

The first two singles off this album have made DJ Fresh somewhat of a pioneer in dance music. He holds the record for having both the first ever Dubstep song (Louder) and Drum and Bass song (Hot Right Now) to go UK No. 1. This includes a few more tasty track with a list of quality collaborators including Dizzee Rascal and Rizzle Kicks.

Check It Out

Up-coming:

Bruno Mars - Unorthodox Jukebox

I don't care what people say, Bruno Mars is a song-writing genius. Over the last two years he's had the midas touch for hits. Whether they're his own songs or collaborations with the likes of B.o.B or Cee-Lo Green, he just doesn't know how to right a bad song! That being said, I'm not overly impressed with the first single off this (reminds me of The Police though) but I have no doubt that it's gonna be packed with catchy tunes just like his last one.

Check It Out
 
Rolo Tomassi - Astraea

This will be the third outing for the Sheffield math-core moshers. Fronted by the most unlikely looking female, and refusing to stay in one time-signature for more than 30 seconds, I don't think they're ever going to stop experimenting. With a few line-up changes since last time, the things that remain constant will be the heavy guitars and arresting vocals as well as the absorbingly atmospheric break-downs.

Check It Out

A Little Jazz for a Sunday (or Monday)

A good friend once said that on a Sunday, you should only listen to either Reggae or Jazz. Seeing as I've no lectures until tomorrow, today is practically my Sunday. So I will post a little jazz which I have been chilling out to.

After all the craziness of moving over to London, I've recently had more time to devote to just lazing around the kitchen of my new (small) house. The first selection is from one of the great trumpeters. Clifford Brown (1930 - 1956), was a genius who had a bad habit of getting in car accidents. The first left him bed-ridden for a year and the second finished him off at the tender age of 25. His career was short and sweet, spanning only four years, but his influence was huge. He teamed up with the eminent drummer Max Roach for the bulk of his recordings. These marked the pinnacle of the hard-bop style. He played with a fat tone and an effortlessly fluid style. He also had a deep understanding of jazz harmony which is evident in his dazzling solos and his compositions. All this, he managed to do while at the same time, avoiding the scourge of heroin which dominated the Jazz scene. He wasn't even fond of the drink, which makes him somewhat exceptional, but all the more admirable. Here's one of the tunes he wrote which has become a Jazz standard.

Clifford Brown - Daahound




My second selection has been a long-time favourite. It holds a few dear memories for me, but above all, it is a stellar recording. It comes from the canonical album Somethin' Else by Cannonball Adderley but the outstanding contribution comes from Miles Davis as sideman. He leads the solos on most of the tracks and composed the title track. My favourite, however, is the opening track, Autumn Leaves. In my opinion, it is the best recording of this timneless standard. Miles' delicately lyrical tone is unbeatable. His wailing and whimpering perfectly expresses the emotion in this ballad, so that the sentiment is clear even without any lyrics.

Cannonball Adderley - Autumn Leaves

Concerning My Previous Post

After writing my strange piece about states of consciousness I was helpfully reminded by youtube why I don't actually like that kind of psychedelic stuff. I was thinking of not publishing it, but warts and all, somebody might be interested in it.

So the main reason that I don't like drugs is because they are part of the hippie aesthetic. Whereas I am a punk, or at least I claim to be. I got a message from youtube recommending me some videos and two of these snapped me out of my introspective indulgences. The first is What If Punk Never Happened by The King Blues.



Punk was always a reaction to the hippies who took the psychedelic drugs and retreated into meditation. It was a negation of the outside world. Maybe it was revolutionary in some aspects at the start, but ultimately it became a delirious and irrelevant pursuit of pleasure. Punk was what was needed to confront the depressing reality head-on. Things have changed but the need for external awareness and action is still present. It's so easy to withdraw into personal worlds and forget that we're all in this together.



This one is Anger Management by Random Hand, another English punk band. It has a similar theme. It says something important about Anger. I've always been quite puzzled by this particular emotion. There are so many things which give me cause for anger, some more justifiably than others. Because expression of anger seems so unacceptable these days, I've resorted to a stoic approach of maintaining my composure in the face of adversity. But this song makes a good point that when anger is justifiable it should be focused and directed for change. I think it gives a idea of the punk attitude toward hippie;like spiritualism. It is good to be in control of ones emotions, but the expression of extreme emotions is what leads to real change. Withdrawing to a personal world which is unaffected by reality in turn means that you relinquish your power to change that reality.

All this is just a train of thought. One which happens to contradict with my previous post. But I'm a big man, I contain many contradictions. This particular contradiction is one I continue to struggle with. I think it was summed up best by George Bernard Shaw -

“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”

Here's some music

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...because music is great and I quite like it. It makes everything better. Especially if it's good music. But you know this. I have two musics in particular that I would like to share with you. The first is a show I went to last Saturday night. It was my first night in London, and I thought I'd better start the way I plan to go on. So I got this sweet recommendation from last.fm. Random Hand were playing at a place called Nambucca. Checked the map, near a tube station, no problem. Got nobody to go with but I'm here to make friends, so why not? Now, I've never listened to Random Hand but I was familiar with them because of their links with Sonic Boom Six. I've been on a bit of a SB6 buzz lately, and they're an all-round excellent band, so any friend of theirs is a friend of mine.

So, after a slight detour on the tube, I arrived just on time to catch the first band. On the way in an old fat guy handing me a wristband was not a great sign. This is a small bar not a festival right? Whatever happened to a stamp on the hand? Anyway, first band were not bad. I'd never expect much from the first band on a 5-band bill, but if this was the worst, the rest must be great.

I was not disappointed. The bill was beautifully eclectic; metal-tinged punk, chilled out reggae and a good mix of ska-core, punk and hip-hop. There was even an MC rhyming on a little stage by the bar. My highlight of it all was Tyrannosaurus Alan. A band I'd never heard of but a few of the lads assured me they were awesome. The show was a whirlwind of skanking, moshing, crowd-surfing and hardcore dancing. Not just a cardio workout out either, keeping a guy crowd-surfing for a whole song is hard on the arms! But this crowd were up for the challenge. And I haven't even said anything about the music yet! So if one is familiar with Sonic Boom Six, you've already got an idea of this sort of eclectic ska-punk. If not, check them out as well! I used to think that SB6 were pretty unique but if only I knew about this great scene! Tyrannosaurus Alan blend the style perfectly. The ska is accompanied by a rapid-fire rap and the mash-up of styles really keeps you on your toes. There's hardly 10 seconds without some change in feel, up-tempo, down-tempo, break-down, mosh-out, skank-out. Despite the variety the styles flow perfectly together. The songs are so well constructed that there's never an abrupt change that feels out of place. They strike the balance between novelty and predictability, something that many bands never achieve. They play with the audiences expectations but are fun and so danceable.

Random Hand were along the same lines. A little bit less extreme in their eclecticism. They were a little more typical of the ska-core style. Again, they were amazing to dance to. Like I always say, ska is the best dance music ever, and they provided that super smooth rhythm in spades. The other band that I'd like to mention is Jackal. I'm sorry to say that I missed them play but I chatted with a few of the members and they are bang-on sound. I'll definitely make sure to catch their next show. So I couldn't have asked for a better first night in London. I even bought a CD from Tyrannosaurus Alan, and I sat on the tube home trying to work out how I was going to find a CD player to listen to it on!

Now the second slice of music I would like you to taste is some astounding north-west hip-hop. If you haven't heard of this guy yet, make a note, Macklemore is going to be big. I hate to be one of those indie kids who knows them before they were big (I'm more into the ones who are never going to be big) but this guy falls under the 'just too good' category. I first heard about him when I happened to be in The Twisted Pepper enjoying a quiet pint with Kilian. Or, not-so-quiet as was the case. Because in the background Macklemore was rounding off his set with Irish Celebration. I only found out the telling title of this rabble raising song; a celebration of his Irish roots. I was far away from the action, but I could still feel the unmistakeable energy and I'm not surprised that the man himself highlighted it as one of his best shows. This was the general consensus of the streams of dedicated, sweat-drenched fans (AKA the shark-faced gang) as they were leaving too. The phrase 'best show ever' seemed to be on everybody's lips. So I took the hint and looked him up.

As I wandered around Hammersmith and Acton today I stuck on Macklemore to give myself some head space. His music is so inspirational, I can't even begin to describe... I've been listening to his stuff for a while and still, every time I listen he gives me those tingles, where the hair on the back of your neck stands up. I've never known music that has had such a powerful effect on me. The reason Macklemore is so good is because he 100% genuine, straight from the heart, real hip-hop. I must mention that Macklemore is white (and has Irish roots), but like me, he is prone to introspection and reflection. His very first track on his debut, instead of the almost traditional big-up song about how great he is, is a mature account of what it means to be a white person in the foreign culture of hip-hop. He tackles so many issues in this way, balanced yet compelling, making you think while getting his point across. All with killer funky beats and a characteristically breathy flow. So basically I can't get enough of him. He's got a new album coming out with his long-time producer Ryan Lewis and they played a sold-out show here on Monday night.