Grinderman

YOURZ

This is not just dirty, this is absolutely filthy.  It is dark, raw and impassioned and the grimiest thing Nick Cave has done since The Birthday Party.  Recorded in just four days but compellingly well-produced by Nick Launay and the band, this ticks all the alternative blues boxes and then some.

Right from the opener, Get It On (not a cover of the old T-Rex hit either), there is no doubting the rabidly raw vision of this group, also comprising of some of Cave's Bad Seeds; Warren Ellis, Martin Casey and Jim Sclavunos.  Cave's gothic-blues lyrics couldn't have found a more well-suited home while his voice has never sounded better and his delivery is of an energy and passion of a man at least half his age (not that us old blokes are passionless, mind).

More than anything else, it is the way Cave and company continue to push their creativity and themselves to extraordinary lengths (Nick eschews his first instrument, piano, for guitar, which he admits he plays rudimentarily at best).  The rest of the band have said in various interviews it is this element, more than any other single thing, that informs the overall sound of Grinderman.

There are some tracks on this album that have goth-classic written all over them with Depth Charge Ethel, I Don't Need You (To Set Me Free), No Pussy Blues and Honey Bee (Let's Fly To Mars) being particular favourites of mine.  I don't think I could ever hear enough of this.  Grinderman 2, the followup, is now officially on my must-have list.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

MINE

When I first started listening to this CD I thought - he's done it!  Nick Cave has found a band that will bring him to his vocal nadir!  But actually, that's only the first track.  The rest of it - wait for it - is not too bad.  Especially song 2 - No Pussy Blues - which was hysterical.

So while I haven't changed my mind about Mr Cave's musical chops, I won't be putting this one in the rubbish bin - yet.

VERDICT: TURN IT DOWN

For more information go to http://www.grinderman.com/



Wagons - The Rise And Fall Of Goodtown

YOURZ

Yeehaw, this is as close to liking country and western I get (except for the occasional Man In Black track or two).  Thank fuck bands like Wagons exist, because often times, the music of this particular genre is so much fun, it's almost irresistible, while the lyrics make me gag harder than a tight-throated hooker.  Wagons, thankfully, avoid hackneyed clichés such as this in favour of lyrics of a substantially darker nature.

The main attraction of this motley band of musical cowboys is their leader, Henry Wagons, who has a rich baritone and unbridled passion for his art (sorry about that pun).  Coupled with a great backing band, The Rise And Fall Of Goodtown is a listening pleasure, from the driving rock of opener Drive All Night Til Dawn, to the slow burning closer, Lightning.  The track listing jumps from more traditional country-sounding songs to darker, brooding tunes and also includes a faithful rendition of the Three Dog Night track, Never Been To Spain.

Sounding like a cross between Nick Cave and Merle Haggard, Wagons has slowly but surely gained popularity with relentless touring, drawing fans not usually drawn to country music.  They've also become a festival favourite, particularly known for their raucous live show, led by the big personality of their leader, whose take-no-shit attitude and humour have made him a favourite of the punters and provided the band with the title of Australia's lead alt-country act.  Can't wait to see 'em.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP, little dawgy

MINE

Country that isn't, this was a Christmas present from YourZ last year and came after we saw the lead singer on RocKwiz, our favourite TV quiz show.  Henry Wagons is bigger than life and has a voice to match.  It's a country album for people who don't like country music - like us.  Songs about trucks and mothers and how your old dog died don't feature in our collection.

But this album, featuring great tunes like Goodtown (very Stepford Wives-reminiscent) and Keep Your Eyes Off My Sister has no lyrics Nashville would condone.  In fact one description I've read labels the band as Gothic Country.  I can live with that - with a side order of humour and piled high with Rock.  They're touring here this month and I vote we go and see them. (YourZ sez: seconded!)

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

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

PJ Harvey - Dry

YOURZ

My second-favourite rock chick (after Adalita from Magic Dirt), although I will admit Polly Jean is probably far more well known around the world.  She is another musical pixie - the word petite doesn't really cover it - but with a booming voice and the gumption of a fully-formed rock star, her territory is songs that demolish the facade of beauty and uncover the true heart lying beneath.  But don't call her a feminist.

As a debut, Dry ticked all the right boxes when it was released, way back in 1992.  At the time, Grunge was big around the world and PJ's stripped back blues rock and angst-ridden vocals often garnered comparisons to Patti Smith, Godmother of Grunge, although Polly hardly agrees, instead calling it, simply, lazy journalism.

From the opener, Oh, My Lover, with its plea of "don't you know it's alright, you can love her", Polly plays out her passions straight from her heart and guitar.  And her attack is relentless throughout the album, where, black widow-like, she lures the listener into her web with soft-sung vocals and delicate arrangements before pouncing.  The only exceptions to this winning formula are the Breeders-like Plant And Rags and Water.

Yes, the production is rough and the mastering limited, but nonetheless, this is a stunning debut from a talent who has since proven herself to be a major musical force.  Personally, I still think Dress is one of the best songs she's ever written.  For this reason (amongst many), I'm calling this another Forgotten Gem.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

MINE:

Oh, Polly Jean... my favourite rock chick.  Not my favourite album, but the one I bought because Sheela-Na-Gig was such a revelation when it came out.  I remember having an intense conversation in a dance club with a very stoned girl about the song, what it meant, and how PJ's voice just drew something out of us, while her boyfriend watched us and occasionally tried to interject, but eventually gave up in disgust.  Which is kind of appropriate, given it's about carvings some say represent a female fertility goddess.

Listening to Dry now, I can hear faults with its composition and its mix (it's a first album, give her a break!).  And I wonder why I can love Polly's way of not-singing but hate Nick Cave's.  I remember seeing her perform at a Big Day Out, looking dwarfed by her guitar and teetering across the stage in huge red sparkly heels that made her look a little like Minnie Mouse. 

Such a powerful voice from such a small and frail-looking woman, but whose hard-rocking performance puts her up there with any of the other rock chicks I've seen.  She's made better albums than this.  I believe we own them.  But for its faults, there's still that voice, bring that growl, breathy whine and moan that make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

VERDICT:TURN IT UP

For more information: http://pjharvey.lucidwebs.co.uk/

In our collection we also have Stories Of The City, Stories Of The Sea and Uh Huh Her

Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting

YOURZ

I think it quite fitting this review follows the Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds one as I always thought Johnette could probably do a lot of his songs very well (there's another for the list you started, Mine).  Her voice can be suitably menacing and dark when she wants it to, which would perfectly suit any number of Cave's songs.

Bloodletting was another of those albums I heard a lot of when it came out but never actually owned (the benefit of living in group houses for so many years, I guess).  Even so, it's surprising to me how many of the songs on this album I knew well.  Joey I could do without hearing again, but Bloodletting (The Vampire Song), Caroline and The Sky Is A Poisonous Garden are great tracks, even if they sound dated by their production.

Then there's the final track.  I was a fan of Andy Prieboy (more from his Wall Of Voodoo days) and used to play Tomorrow Wendy in my guise as an acoustic solo musician.  However, Concrete Blonde's version is my favourite of this song.  I love the stripped back arrangement and Johnette's voice is perfectly suited to the melody.  It also reminds me I need to see if I can find Wall Of Voodoo on CD.  Yes, yet another on the ever-growing list.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP except for Joey...

MINE

The biggest regret I have about Concrete Blonde is the time I didn't see them.  I'd travelled to London where I was staying with friends, and it was my first night in town.  I'd grabbed a Time Out and saw they were playing, and tried to inveigle someone to accompany me.  but unfortunately they were all skint, and I didn't feel confident enough to navigate the Underground solo with so little experience.  So I thought I'd catch them in Australia.  But I never did.

Just as a side note, it's been quite unnerving having the US Secretary of Homeland Security be Janet Napolitano, because when I hear her name on a news report I always think they're talking about CB's lead singer Johnette Napolitano and I get all excited and then - not so much.

But listening to Bloodletting is like catching up with an old friend.  The title track, also known as the Vampire Song, just toodles around in my head for hours and hours afterwards.  Joey was the commercial hit and you can hear why that's so, but my favourite is the closer, the cover of Andy Prieboy's Tomorrow Wendy.  Which is sad and beautiful and deep and wistful .

VERDICT:TURN IT UP

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

In our collection we also have Mexican Moon

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Best Of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

MINE

Oh, this album is so full of beautiful songs - It's such a pity they're mostly being sung by yer another man who can't.  Sing, that is.  In fact Mr Cave has a lot in common with my other non-favourite - Bob Dylan.  Both are very unattractive, write beautiful songs and then stuff them up by singing them.

At least Nick has a nice voice, not that nasal drawl Dylan spouts.  It's the sort of voice an actor dreams of - deep, rounded, mellifluous - but it isn't musical.  I find it offers a nice counterpoint when he duets with women - as he does here with PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue.  But otherwise I'd probably prefer hearing these songs sung by somebody who can.  Because Into My Arms, Do You Love Me?, The Weeping Song and  The Ship Song deserve to have versions that make their brilliance truly shine.

I'm all for a Cave Covers Album - and I'm putting my vote in for songs by Katie Noonan and Megan Washington.  Anybody?

VERDICT: TURN IT DOWN

YOURZ

I was wondering how Mine would react to having to review The Best Of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, seeing as how a mere mention of his name sees her mumbling something about 'the chin-less wonder' and generally making faces like she's swallowed a really bad-tasting fly.  Thankfully she can see past her aversion to his voice and understand he truly does write very good songs.

I love Nick and don't have the slightest problem with his voice.  And he has also provided some truly spectacular live musical memories, from the first time I saw him at the Enmore Theatre many years ago (never seen so much black in one place at one time) to the numerous times I've seen him since (most memorably in a month of musical heaven where I saw him, The Violent Femmes and Nirvana - all three acts were unbelievable). 

But this isn't just about Nick Cave, it's also about the Bad Seeds who are, without a doubt, one of the finest group of musicians in the world.  Never stagnant, the Seeds membership has updated itself over the years to the betterment of the collective as a whole.  The Best Of..., however, features what most would probably call their 'classic' lineup, one which includes Mick Harvey, Blixa Bargeld, Conway Savage and Thomas Wylder.  Their influence is what makes tracks such as Red Right Hand, Henry Lee, Mercy Seat, Do You Love Me? and Deanna the vital pieces they are.  Why I haven't got around to updating my Nick vinyl to CD, I'll don't know.  Yes, Mine, there's some more to add to that list...

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

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

In our collection we also have Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus and Dig, Lazarus, Dig

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