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GF music review club


Carvalho Diablo
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1 hour ago, Carvalho Diablo said:

I don't think I've ever heard anything by them tbh, but I did see the singer in the remake of The Sweeney, alongside that other obnoxious fat cockney prick Ray Winston, I just hope he's a better singer than he is an actor. Shouldn't be hard.

His music videos are appalling, his acting isn't a great barometer of his music. 

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Magico Magico - Lir

 

Traveller - Solid drum beat, trippy, laid back and relaxed style. Promising. At about a minute it kicks up a notch, and then it's back to music to get stoned by. Interesting vocals, with the use of the upward inflection. A bit repetitive, until the final minute, when the guitar solo makes an entrance.

 

Dog Rhythms - I really like the music, very '70s, with the keyboards in the background, but the vocals aren't really my cup of tea, sounding a bit modern - Kula Shaker, Ocean Colour Scene et al spring to mind. I get the sense they'd be great live, in a smoky (well, not these days) small venue, where the sound bounces off the walls and everyone's pissed. Outro again has the most inventive guitar work - bit wasted fading it out, let it breathe a bit.

 

Not to be Overlooked - Getting a hint of Donovan in some places, off with the fairy people. 

 

New Song - Bonus points for the title; if in doubt, go literal. More upbeat from the off, but it sticks at one speed, so doesn't seem to progress anywhere.

 

Some Folks Are Truly Evil - The layered vocals, and more relaxed style suit the music far more, in my opinion. The lighter touch makes this the standout track thus far, being the first that could actually be of the period they evoke, rather than a facsimile thereof.

 

3 Legged Guy - Raising the tempo, now this is one that could be truly great live, particularly the mid-point of the track, which finally gives the guitar solo pride of place, building around it. My one criticism is that the vocals still seem a bit too clean - a bit white boy (not racialist or nothing) straining to add some gravitas to his voice, but he hasn't smoked the 20 Bensons a day for thirty years to make it real (see also: the twat from Stereophonics). Still, good stuff.

 

The House of Song - I prefer the vocals going down a more melodious route. There's a hint of juxtaposition with the music that makes it an interesting few minutes, but not one that really makes an impression.

 

In a Day - This is more my thing, like Some Folks, there's a great match between the relaxed pace and the delivery of the singer. I think these tracks work better in this mix, which I dare say is slightly sanitising a band that could be decent live. The high end of the instruments is beautiful in my headphones.

 

Good Cake Bad Cake - I always associate more story-like songs like this with the early beatnik era, rather than the full blown sonic expressionism of hippydom, so the rolled back funk and exploration of a slightly simpler sound is pleasing here. Nice. Just, nice.

 

Two Worlds - Opening strains make me think of Golden Brown. Acoustic guitar and slightly psychedelic overtones work. 

 

In the Parlour - Funky guitar, but not sure I'd have chosen it as a closing track. Would've been better to fade away from Two Worlds. Still, they let the electric guitar do the talking slap bang in the middle. The hidden 40 second epilogue isn't really given time to do anything.

 

If I'm honest, I prefer the instrumental aspect of the album a lot, but not the vocals, which is a pity. There's some great experimentation, and things that could honestly be straight from another time, which is a hard thing to achieve, as imitation almost always betrays the time it was recorded in somehow. They're probably decent live, but the album is too sanitised in its mix to get any real gravitas across, so the lighter tracks work better. I also get the sense I might like it more if I were stoned or half cut and in a dive surrounded by women of loose morals swaying back and forth. But then, all things are better in such circumstances, aren't they?

 

Standout track was Some Folks Are Truly Evil, and there were some solid moments - particularly the instrumental flourishes - but as an album it didn't gel for me, so I'm scoring it as less than the sum of its parts, sorry. 5.5/10

 

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Review : The Defamation of Strickland Banks by Plan B

 

So Plan B is the singer, not the group ? Bit fucking weird.

 

[presses play]

 

Straight off the bat this record sounds great, bright strings and smooth bass bring in Loves Goes Down. White boy soul, nice voice, perhaps not the strongest but a good start.

Great production job.

 

The pace quickens for Writing's On The Wall. Loving the quirky bass line, drums sounding great, laid back and not at all intrusive. The vocal carries the song but it's not as strong as the opener.

 

Stay Too Long sounds familiar, I'm sure that the opening riff was used by Talksport some years ago.

Would prefer the backing vocals a bit louder in the mix. Hang on, a Sarf Larndan rapper sort definitely adds a bit extra. Best song yet.

 

I've definitely heard She Said, that vocal melody is instantly recogniseable. I'm liking the swell and decay of those strings. The Plan B lad has a nice voice but it does lack depth, more rapping about cops and witness boxes, again the strings sound lovely, waxing and waning behind the rap.

Good song, good choice as a single.

 

Welcome To Hell is percussive, more strings and bass and a nice chorus and middle 12. Pleasant.

 

That's more like it, loving the start of Hard Times. Stings and a sweet vocal are under-pinned by a groovy bass line, unfortunately the chorus loses the momentum.

"Through these hard times, it feels like no-one gives a damn, trough these hard times no-one understands". Decent song.

 

The strange synth / violin riff which starts The Recluse grabs my attention. The vocal not doing it for me, stuck in his room, can't be arsed, another rap breaks this up. Did he really say, "big ting"? Sigh...

 

Thought we were going all Suspicious Minds there for a moment, before Traded In My Cigarettes kicks in with an upbeat swing and sway. Enjoying this, one of the better songs and better vocals.

 

Prayin' has a great riff, but again I would like to be able to hear those backing vocals more prominently. Just a minor gripe. Another catchy vocal and dancey song. Really like this one.

 

"I'm in the darkest place I think I've ever been". Darkest Place comes in with strings and vocals then the rap breaks quickly. Nice bass line but I'm not altogether digging this. Sits well within the context of the album though.

 

"I know I've been bad, I've lied and I've cheated in the past". Free is a remarkably happy sounding track for someone who's been banged in the slammer.

A good vocal leads the way. Really good song, enjoyed this one.

 

He's lost his bird, but I Know A Song he can sing to win her back. Aww. Another pleasant summery ditty. The album is obviously winding down.

 

Last song What Ya Gonna Do is more immediate and staccato. The rapper makes himself known for the first time for a few songs. I like the cornet behind the rap. Turn the backing vocals up please.

A retrospective tune, "You can set me free or bang me up". Drop that gavel ref, a strong ending.

 

Wasn't sure what to make of this album, I've seen that Plan B gimp before in The Sweeney remake and that was a pure shit-pudding. Thankfully The Defamation of Strickland Banks is loads better than that abortion.

The album sounded really nice throught, it was well paced with no one standout performance.

In the context of the club and our rotation, I do think that that old dog Shooter has pulled something of a rabbit out of the hat here, nicely elevating the mood and changing things up with this soulful and at times jazzy and (paradoxically) uplifting record.

Enjoyed it. Solid.

 

 

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I enjoyed reading this review of it and it pretty much sums up the way I feel about it too. Really decent album and on the single version of Hard Times, the backing vocals were added to with none other than Elton John and Paloma Faith. So maybe he knew the backing vocals weren't good enough on the album?

 

Although not the single version, here is a version of the song featuring Elton and Paloma...

 

 

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The Defamation of Strickland Banks - Plan B

 

You can tell he's vocally influenced by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and the production has elements of Phil Spector's Wall of Sound and Northern Soul. There's also Jackson 5 in there, The Streets and Grime music in general. It's an eclectic mix but it works seamlessly. There's no part of it that feels jarring, which is testament to how well  executed it all is. 

 

"She Said" is a highlight. The story in the monologue is excellent. "Hard Times" is clearly a tip of the hat to Baby Huey's Hard Times, and has a similar feel. I like the chaotic strings on "The Recluse" and the whole rap from halfway through until the end. "Prayin"' is another excitable hooky track. "Darkest Place" is Scott Walker meets Grime. "I Know a Song" is one of the most heartfelt tracks on the record, and one of the most personal. "What You Gonna Do" is my favourite track on the record. Fantastic. 

 

This record has thrown me for a loop. I was honestly expecting a cheesy UK Eminem tribute and what I heard was something that was musically fearless and extremely polished. What stands out on the record is the musicianship of the session musicians. The brass punctuates all the rhythm's perfectly. The strings soar. The harmonies are blended beautifully in stereo. The guitar is tasteful and everything sits perfectly in the mix. Very impressive. Thanks for the pick Shooter.

 

Standout Tracks - Love Goes Down, What You Gonna Do

 

8/10

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I’m so behind on these. My apologies. 

 

I Gemini - Lets Eat Grandma.

 

Never heard of these before. No idea what to expect and was intrigued by the band name.

 

Intrigued is the key word here. This album has had me intrigued for what feels like months. It’s taken me a long time to get my head around it. The first time I heard it, it freaked me out a bit. Mad crazy childlike voices over very spookily trippy soundscapes. But listen after listen it just made it self comfortable in my internal listening lounge each time. It’s like a long lost cousin who you’re glad you got to know.

 

Both versions of Deep 6 Textbook, I really like. The madness of Chocolate Sludge Cake. “I’m gonna make a coffee cake”. “Yuck!” The folky start and then it goes all ‘Clangers on Meth’ It’s brilliant.

 

Chimpanzees In Canopies, Sleep Song, Welcome To The TreeHouse PT 1 & 2, Sax In The City and Eat Shitake Mushrooms are all great fillers. But my favourite track has to be Rapunzel. It’s truly epic. 

 

I cant praise this album highly enough. It’s very different to what I would listen to. It’s beautifully naive with a really twisted dark edge to it. 

 

I had no idea of this band before this. As I said earlier they have made themselves comfortable in my consciousness. There’s so many great little elements that make you want to go back to see if you can get on to all of what is going on.

 

A solid 8.5/10 for me. 

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Raw Power - The Stooges

 

Never massively been into to Iggy and in particular that the Stooges. I’ve always liked the odd track but never sat and listened to a full album from start to finish. So I’ve given the Bowie version and the original mix a go. 

 

I’ll get this bit out of the way, Bowie’s mix is horrible. 

 

So back to the original release. 

 

This sounds so much better than the Bowie mix, less tinny and far away. It sounds like it’s mean to, Raw. 

 

Search & Destroy - Opening track blasts in with fuzz and screech and an Iggy that would inspire Patty Smith (I cant tell the difference between them at times on this track) The Stooges sounds exactly how they have been described over the years, rough, so not give a fuck if it doesn’t sound polished, we are The Stooges.

 

Gimme Danger - A demonstration energetic acoustic riffing that’s been heard on loads of songs and albums since this was made. This is one of my favourite known Iggy tracks, this sounds more refined and I found that become more evident as the album went on.

 

Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell - Squealing pinky guitars, Neanderthal drums, Screaming/screeching Iggy, possibly the beginnings of the Punk Rock blueprint. 

 

Penetration - A more solid sound on this in particular the band, not what you expect after ‘Pretty Face’ Iggy going all Howlin Wolf on Amphetamine with his vocals. I love the riff that is the back bone of the song. It takes some doing playing the same thing over and over with very little change, but not when it’s a killer riff that doesn’t need anything else. My favourite on the album so far.

 

Raw Power - Title track, good old fashioned rock and roll channelling Jerry Lee Lewis (although that piano does grate after a while due to its pitch) It’s certainly going with the raw vibe. 

 

I Need Somebody - The start to this reminds me of loads of Palm Desert bands, and The Stooges were a part of every one of the bands on that scenes musical upbringing. Then it goes all dark and very stoner blues like. Iggy is giving off an imagine of a cabaret act on some moody bar in the dustiest desert town. This oozes pure sex. 

 

Shake Appeal - What a fucking dirty sound. Dirty sound surf. The Stooges sticking two fingers up the shite surf music (not the good stuff) and saying we can do this better and take your girls at the same time. 

 

Death Trip - A punk classic in every sense. 

 

Overall I can see why this was considered out there. When look at what has come since this was released it’s nothing different. However, it’s clearly a big influencer and I can see why. Loads of punky, bluesy & rocky riffing and Neanderthal rhythm section with Iggy the Banshee leading the congregation.

 

I enjoyed it. My mind wasn’t blown and I think it could mixed a whole let better, however that would take away it’s ‘Raw Power’

 

A 7.13/10 

 

Bowie’s mix takes it down to a 5. 

 

I got got to see Iggy last summer, and he opened up with I Wanna Be Your Dog (beat intro to a gig ever), I did fear for him at stages as I thought he might kark it on stage, but he didn’t he carried on with a great show. And he was so appreciative for everyone standing to watch him. I’m glad I got to see him before he jibs it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On 2/22/2019 at 8:56 PM, Boss said:

The Defamation of Strickland Banks - Plan B

 

You can tell he's vocally influenced by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and the production has elements of Phil Spector's Wall of Sound and Northern Soul. There's also Jackson 5 in there, The Streets and Grime music in general. It's an eclectic mix but it works seamlessly. There's no part of it that feels jarring, which is testament to how well  executed it all is. 

 

"She Said" is a highlight. The story in the monologue is excellent. "Hard Times" is clearly a tip of the hat to Baby Huey's Hard Times, and has a similar feel. I like the chaotic strings on "The Recluse" and the whole rap from halfway through until the end. "Prayin"' is another excitable hooky track. "Darkest Place" is Scott Walker meets Grime. "I Know a Song" is one of the most heartfelt tracks on the record, and one of the most personal. "What You Gonna Do" is my favourite track on the record. Fantastic. 

 

This record has thrown me for a loop. I was honestly expecting a cheesy UK Eminem tribute and what I heard was something that was musically fearless and extremely polished. What stands out on the record is the musicianship of the session musicians. The brass punctuates all the rhythm's perfectly. The strings soar. The harmonies are blended beautifully in stereo. The guitar is tasteful and everything sits perfectly in the mix. Very impressive. Thanks for the pick Shooter.

 

Standout Tracks - Love Goes Down, What You Gonna Do

 

8/10

 

Really nice review that, happy the music was a surprise. That's worth this whole thread. It's a surprisingly good album.

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16 hours ago, Carvalho Diablo said:

Still a few days until it's Skids' turn to post his new AOW and not many reviews of our current AOW, Plan B's Strickland Banks. Was it really that bad? Enjoyed it myself. Looking forward to some new music though.

Drop me a DM when I’m due to get mine out (oooer) 

 

ill try try and get the other 2 reviews I owe up as well. 

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On 11/02/2019 at 13:28, ZonkoVille77 said:

LiR - Magico Magico:

 

Another one I've struggled to motivate myself to review but this time for a different reason. I'm very familiar with this band and album, having seen them live more times than I can remember. I have it on cassette buried at home somewhere. Hearing it again after so long felt a bit weird to be honest. If I heard this anew without any previous exposure to the band then I'd probably not like it if I'm honest. I always felt lead singer Dave McGuinness' vocals to be a bit weak at times and listening to this album again more or less cemented that opinion for me. Dave's vocals have never really transferred well to record IMO, but really suit the tracks when played live when he just floats them airily over the music. Just listen to LiR Live album on Spotify for comparison to this to see what I mean. Musically though, they are a great band and I enjoyed many a night grooving along to their output.

 

Onto the album. This suffers from trying to do too much at times. Sometimes there are guitar or bass parts or keyboard parts just chucked in for little or no reason that can just smoother the track. I've always liked this approach with live music as it tends to add something different to the recorded version of tracks so you don't get the "same old" vibe, but I'm not a fan of it on albums. Stick on point please - expand and experiment when live thank you very much. No issues with the production. It's not brilliant, but it ain't terrible either.

As I type this I tried to remember how many times I'd actually listen to this at home in the past. The answer is not many. They were always a "live" band for me and I'd prefer to remember them that way. I realise I'm rambling here so I'll move swiftly on.

 

I won't go track by track but the highlights for me are:

Traveller, New Song, 3 Legged Guy, The House of Song, In a Day.

 

(Am I alone in thinking "In a Day" bassline in the verse is very much ripping "Ike's Rap II"  bassline?)

 

Overall a 6.5/10 for me. Live it would be 9/10 as they are amazing live.

 

Coincidentally they just played this album in its entirety in Whelans 3 days ago which was also streamed live on the internet for a fee. I would have liked to have gone to that for old times sake.

I’ve been struggling with how to put across how I felt about LiR’s Magico Magico. This review pretty much sums it up. I’ve not explored the live version as I just didn’t take to the studio version at all. 

 

6.04/10 for me. Tried to hard to be something it’s never going to be. 

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I have been torn between 3 albums to choose for this go. Songs For A Tailor by Jack Bruce, Scott 4 by Scott Walker and Forever Changes by Love. 

 

My Album Of The Week is Scott 4 by Scott Walker.

 

I’ve opted for this one as I reckon one at least one of the other two could get picked by somebody else but after what’s gone round so far I can’t see anyone picking anything by Mr Walker.

 

Hope you enjoy it ladies and gents.

 

 

 

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Righto gentlemen, we have a new AOW, Skids' latest selection, Scott 4 by Scott Walker.

 

Thanks to Shooter for his previous cracking selection by Plan B (I really enjoyed that mate, great choice) and for those of us yet to post reviews, well if you have the time and the will to do so then it would be great to see them, but that's entirely up to you.

 

Here we go, Scott 4...

 

 

 

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Following Skids in our rotation will be Boss. His latest AOW due around April 12th.

 

Hope you all enjoy Scott 4 fellas, it's not a humongously long record, so hoping you all find the time to listen, enjoy and review. Remember, reviews can be as long or as short or as detailed as you like, absolutely no rules. Enjoy your Paddy's weekend.

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