Youth Lagoon & Real Estate

Stumbled across a very relaxing artist called 'Youth Lagoon' who's debut 'Year of Hibernation' was voted the best debut album by pitchfork last year I believe. The album is a very soothing, chilled out, indie pop piece which reminds me of a stripped back Bombay BC. Still discovering the whole album by my favourite so far is probably this track: 

Recently got into 'Real Estate'. Again, chilled out, easy to listen to, surfish rock. Starting to prefer music which doesn't perhaps try as hard and is tuneful but watered down so to speak. Or maybe its just that today is the hottest day of the year so far and the sun is out?? Probably...

Anywhere here is my favourite track from their latest album 'Days':

I'm Back!

Firstly, apologies to my millions of fans and readers who have been eagerly awaiting a new blog. I've been busy (Or lazy) and haven't done one in a while... A lot has happened in the world of music since then!


The Biggest event being watching Noel Gallagher at the O2 arena in London. This was such a good gig. Having not seen Oasis, I was really excited to see Noel perform. He didn't disappoint. His solo album works beautifully live, with every instrument, voice and sound being re-created brilliantly. For me the choir really added to the atmosphere and were a fantastic inclusion. 


What amazed me the most was how calm and relaxed the man is. He looked like he was in his front room performing, rather than in front of thousands of people. He really is a master of what he does. It looked like Noel was enjoying himself, doing exactly what he wanted without his brother there to control matters. Only a good thing!


Slightly before this gig, I attended a local one. The NME Tour at the O2 Academy in luxurious Boscombe. I went mainly because Tribes were playing ( as well as getting in for free ). Tribes were by far the best act of the night. They weren't on for long which was a shame but they sounded great. They added something to their songs rather than just stand and play (take note Arctic Monkeys). Two Door Cinema Club were exactly what they are... predictable and very forgettable. They must have played the same song twice?! Metronomy were interesting... This big album tracks went down a storm but the lesser and unknown tracks left me yawning. Finally, Azelia Banks....Lets move on.


Now to a horrible discovery. The Horrors who I have become increasingly fond of recently do appear to have ripped of 1980's Simple minds. I thought it was rubbish to begin with before I heard ' Factory' by SM then 'New Ice Age' by The Horrors. Very Similar choruses. Or maybe it's just me. A lot of the synth and keyboard sounds are also very similar. Having said that, I'm not totally convinced. 


In terms of new music, it hasn't been particularly great...Bruce Sringsteen's album being the pick of the bunch. Standard album from him for me. Has it's great moments, some not so great but still average. 


Next the Reading line up... Not great for me... I don't like the Foo Fighters whatsoever and my love for Kasabian has severely dried up (although they will be good). The Cure would be good but that's not enough to convince me... I don't want to go Reading anyway after Glastonbury... don't think it could compete...Also, if someone went to a few festivals last year and was planning on going to Reading this year.. I wouldn't bother! All last years bands re-gurgitated into one festival! I do think the organisers have let down a huge part of their audience too. Typically one day of the festival was 'alternative' and featured mainly metal bands or alternative rock bands. It seems the line up these days is far more broad...Not good for loyal go-ers and fans.


Coming soon: I will review The Downward Spiral - Nine Inch Nails ( I promised a friend) I say Friend, he is infact one of two people who read this.