The Gaslight Anthem - The 59 Sound

MINE

There's no mistaking that Jersey sound.  But I have to admit to a derisive snort when I see Wikipedia describe them as a punk band.  (YourZ sez: yeah, what the...?)  This is a band that have their eyes firmly set on stadium rock.  There's very little gabba gabba hey involved here - and while YourZ has drawn my attention to their Clash-y sound, I'm more inclined to say they're a Springsteen/U2 band.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.  Perhaps their sound's a little harder-edged than Bruce, but they lack the element of danger I associate with the punk sound.  I can hear why they're popular but it's a safe, commercial sound.  The sound I associate with record companies counting their cash, which for me is completely against the punk aesthetic.

It's an OK album, just not what I'd choose to rock out with.  I'll take Bruce in original any day.

VERDICT: TURN IT DOWN

YOURZ

I brought both The 59 Sound and American Slang after continued listens to some freebie tracks a friend at work had downloading and passed on to me (I think I've said it but I'll say it again - I always pay for music I like).  That this band is from New Jersey and influenced by its most famous son is as obvious as the nose on your face, which makes it all the more odd as to why they are called a punk band.

That aside, there is much to like about The Gaslight Anthem.  Their classicism is as obvious as the previous mentioned appendage but it is also the updated Clash and Strummer-like feel I really enjoy also and maybe this is where the 'punk' logo comes from.  But how ever you take it, the Springsteen sound is the thing that sticks out the most.  In fact, the Man's presence on stage at a number of their shows in England saw The 59 Sound's sales increase by 200 percent.  Nothing like a good endorsement, is there?

But their references don't just stop with their sound.  Lyrically, Fallon calls on everyone from Bruce to Tom Petty, Bob's Seger and Dylan and classic literature as well.  In some instances, there are word for word lines (I'm not going to give hints - if you're interested, have a listen and see if you can spot them) from the artists I've mentioned but instead of this being detrimental, this is done with great reverence to the original artist.  While I am a big fan of originality, I can't fault Fallon and co for milking their influences like this because it works so damned well.

As Mine said, the Boss is still the Boss, of this there is no doubt.  But long after he is gone, I believe future generations will be looking at The Gaslight Anthem in a similar light.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

For more information: http://gaslightanthem.com/

In our collection, we also have American Slang

Bruce Springsteen - The Essential Bruce Springsteen

YOURZ

Years ago, I worked with a couple of ladies who were, to put it mildly, Springsteen fanatics.  Now I don't have a problem with fandom, not even with geeky fandom.  I might even be accused of being somewhat this way about a few bands myself. 

The problem I had with these ladies is their love of Bruce only came about because of the song Dancing In The Dark and the accompanying album.  I remember at a coffee break one afternoon discussing their attendance at a Bruce concert in the near future and that he was reknowned for putting on great, long live shows with lots of his old material and how cool it would be to see he and the E Street band performing such classics as Blinded By The Light, Thunder Road, The River or, of course, Born To Run. 

The looks on their faces said at all.  They had no idea what I was talking about.  They recognised the names of a couple of the songs but didn't know them.  I equated this with saying you're a Beatles fan but them admitting to not knowing anything before, lets say, Sgt. Peppers.  Now I realise I was probably being a smug SOB but back then, I just couldn't let them get away it.  I remember peppering them with assaults about being 'chart' fans and not knowing the 'real' Bruce.  (It must be said I'd never met or seen him live either, so my extremely limited righteousness was based on the few records I heard and what I'd read).  Such is the arrogance of youth, I guess.

Those girls came back converted.  Not only did they enjoy seeing the songs they knew and loved but fell for all his old material, as much of it as they heard, anyway.  And like a Bruce show, this collection is in no way complete.  But really, I think to properly appreciate Springsteen, the songs have to be listened to in the context of the album they came from (yes, Mine, some more albums to add to that list).  But this is a great collection nonetheless.  Listening back to it made me want to jump in the car and get out while we're still young (okay, reasonably middle-aged but allow me my fantasy, will ya?)

VERDICT: TURN IT UP because tramps like us, baby, we're born to run

MINE

Bruce.  Broooooooce.  There's so much I have to say!

How about, I think Springsteen is a songwriter in the same way Stephen King is a writer - he distils modern America while still remaining relevant to the nitty gritty moments in life we all experience.  Although Bruce is less about the horror and more about the everyday.

Then there's the voice - unmistakable with that hint of a growl - and I don't know about any other ladies out there, but he certainly rates highly on my seduct-o-meter.  Not to mention he just gets better looking.

What if I take a walk through this 3 CD set and just marvel at the range of songs - some of which I can cheerfully never hear again after my time in commercial radio, but many I just want to listen to over and over.  Walk with me through my favourites - Thunder Road, Born To Run, The River, Nebraska, Brilliant Disguise, Human Touch, Lucky Town. And even though I've heard it a thousand times, Glory Days just gets more and more relevant as I get older and greyer.

Then there's that glittering moment on Welcome to the Pleasuredome.  Yes, I'm talking about Frankie Goes to Hollywood.  I've searched YouTube and no-one's uploaded the original track but there's a wonderful mash-up of the Gerry and the Pacemakers song Ferry 'Cross the Mersey crossed with Born To Run.  Magic.

And it wouldn't be a review from me without telling you about the time I saw Bruce.  The Ghost of Tom Joad tour.  In the fancy-schmancy State Theatre because this wasn't a greatest-hits Bruce, this was the slowed-down, stripped-back version with no Born In The USA moments.  And he was brilliant.  Incandescent.  Although my night's entertainment was soured somewhat by the drunk merchant bankers in front of me who apparently hadn't bothered to read what the tour was about, and persisted in the "Broooooce" calls throughout the show.  But apart from that I had a damn fine time, and I have a fond memory of Bruce playing Red Headed Woman for Patti - who was there!

So I guess all that remains is to say to YourZ - who bought this for me some time ago - thank you.  (YourZ sez: you're very welcome, my love).  And I really, really need to play it more.  It's easy to skip Dancing (shudder) for the rest of the album - which is magnificent.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

For more information: http://www.brucespringsteen.net/

Augie March - Moo, You Bloody Choir

YOURZ

I originally bought Moo, You Bloody Choir after hearing a live performance of the first track, One Crowded Hour, on the show RocKwiz.  I was stunned by the intelligence of the lyrics and the beauty and simplicity of the melody.

I'm not much on hype, as regular readers might be aware of by now.  And Augie March were, at one time, hyped up by Australian music press, particularly, like they were saviours of some sort. 

The fact is this band is worthy of any hype, writing literate, contemporary indie pop.  Ostensibly a  vehicle of singer/songwriter Glenn Richards, Augie March have slowly yet surprisingly wended their way into the consciousness of the Australian public, who, while discerning, don't usually take to such intelligence without taking the piss out it as well.

Augie March sit somewhere between the deliberate provocativeness of Bob Dylan and the lush beauty of Jeff Buckley.  Richard's voice effortlessly moves between these territories, both captivating and inspiring listeners, while the rest of the band provide worthy accompaniement for his melodies.  From the previously mentioned opener to the slow, almost sensual The Honey Month and the alt-country The Baron Of Sentiment, Augie March are a heck of a ride and well worth taking.  Just beautiful...

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

MINE

It's beautifully put-together pop music that seems to be vaguely flavoured with hints of other styles, other eras.  Much like the fresh air of our backyard in the morning when it's occasionally faintly flavoured with aviation fuel (what you get for living near the airport).  I'm still not sure who Glenn Richards' voice reminds me of.  One minute it's got the raw honesty of Bruce Springsteen, the next there's that almost-falsetto that could lead to Bon Iver comparisons.  There's a flutter and a yaw in it, like a small boat tacking on a large lake.  Some songs are sparse, some lush, at least one would have been at home in the 60s.  Taking bennies and hanging out with Twiggy-60s, not the patchouli-flavoured LSD rocker-type-60s.

What this album is, is unmissable.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

For more information: http://www.augiemarch.com/

Gorillaz - Demon Days Special Edition with bonus DVD

MINE

I love this album, I love Gorillaz, I can't wait for the new album, but it does piss me off how these special edition CDs muck up our storage. We have a lovely set of drawers that fit three rows of CDs across beautifully - except when confronted by albums like this. And while Damon Albarn's responsible for yet another of these misfits - our limited-edition copy of Blur's 13 - many others conspire to annoy collectors. I'm looking at you, Radiohead. And you, Nick Cave.

Anyway, back to Demon Days. Inspirational, joyous, musically layered and how about them special guests? Neneh Cherry, Dennis Hopper, Shaun Ryder, Ike Turner... not bad for an animated band. Featuring the vocal stylings of the man who's definitely on my list. You know, THAT list. I can't really write about this album because it just makes me want to listen to it. Or to play our DVD of Demon Days Live which never gets old. I guess I could give you an indication of how much this album has affected our lives by telling you that the "Feels Good" refrain from Feel Good Inc has entered our lexicon for any two-word or two-syllable communication. As in "mustard" or "Yes, dear". You know, it goes "dum, da-da-da DA DA - yes, dear" And if you don't, go out and buy this album. NOW. You won't regret it. I'm off to YouTube the videos.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP (put it on repeat all day)


YOURZ

Let me say it from the outset. Damon Albarn can do no wrong.

If I were any other way inclined, Damon would probably top my ‘To-Do’ list simply because of the sheer musical joy he's provided me over the years. This is how simple it is for me. Forget Lennon, forget Dylan, Springsteen or maybe even Strummer. Damon Albarn can do no wrong.

I’m sure the man, if he heard this statement, would scoff and say it's far from the truth. And maybe it is. But then, maybe it's just the sort of thing someone who really can do no wrong would say. It's cyclic, you see. (And you can also see I’ve thought about this far too much).

I’m not usually given to sweeping statements, but I believe his track record speaks for itself. Not only do you have his first band, Blur, to know how good he is, then there's the brilliant Mali Music, The Good, The Bad & The Queen and the opera Monkey: Journey To The West.

Then there's Gorillaz.

On paper, the idea of a virtual band starring four cartoon characters sounds like it could be an opening for ridicule and worse. In reality, Albarn’s intent was to highlight how manufactured pop music had become and in doing so, introduced the world to smart, genre-hopping music that spearheaded success around the globe on the back of their first album. The irony was delicious. As a result, Gorillaz were awarded an entry in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the Most Successful Virtual Band ever. Yeah, Josie & The Pussycats this ain't.

Demon Days, their second proper album, improved on their winning formula and resulted in even greater success around the globe. The Demon Days Live DVD, a run through of the album from start to finish, and shot over 5 sold-out shows in Manchester, is quite simply one of the best live concert pieces I’ve ever seen.

But then, I guess if you’ve read this far, you’d realise you’re talking to one of the converted and while a Gorillaz record might not be a religious experience, it's damned close.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP, waaaaay up…



For more information: http://www.gorillaz.com/

In our collection, we also have Gorillaz, G-Sides, Laika Come Home and D-Sides as well as the DVDs Phase One: Celebrity Take Down, Demon Days Live and Bananaz