Broken Words

My lists 2011

2012-01-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

TOP ALBUMS 2012

1. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
2. Rival Schools - Pedals
3. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
4. Felice Brothers - Celebration, Florida
5. Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
6. Wilco - The Whole Love
7. Josh T Pearson - Last of the Country Gentlemen
8. Funeral For A Friend - Welcome Home Armageddon
9. Thrice - Major/Minor
10. Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm

The 'Almost' List

Los Campesinos! - Hello Sadness
The Dears - Degeneration Street
Twin Atantic - Free
Bell X1 - Bloodless Coup
We Were Promised Jetpacks - In the Pit of the Stomach
Tapes 'n' Tapes - Outside
James Vincent McMorrow - Early in the Morning

TOP SONGS 2011

1. Felice Brothers - Ponzi
2. Nathaniel Rateliff - Shroud
3. Manchester Orchestra - Virgin
4. Rival Schools - Wring It Out
5. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Senator
6. The Bronze Medal - Milk
7. Ryan Adams - Lucky Now
8. Neon neon - Dream Cars
9. Metronomy - She Wants
10. James Vincent McMorrow - We Don't Eat

TOP LIVE PERFORMANCES 2011

Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Duchess, York
Josh T Pearson, Queens Social Club, Sheffield
Manchester Orchestra, Koko, London
Foo Fighters, Isle of Wight Festival
Pulp, Isle of Wight Festival
Rival Schools, Leeds Festival
Elbow, Leeds Festival
Twin Atlantic, Leeds Festival
Jimmy Eat World, Leeds Festival

Pelican

2011-12-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

A favourite for 2012 already. To be released on January 1st 2012 with the album to follow a week later.

The Maccabees - Pelican

Ok, I will Clap My Hands and Say Yeah

2011-12-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

An album for your delight...

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Hysterical

Scrolling through the end of year lists

2011-12-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

What is it with end of year lists that muster up so much interest? Is it comparing what you've listened to yourself and seeing if you are 'down' with the kids? or just reading in disgust how bad music is at the moment? Whatever the reason, its good fun. I believe 2011 has been a very good year for the album. Its nice to see a small snapshot of what people have been listening to throughout the year.

Common favourites for this year have been Adele '21', Girls 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost' and Horrors 'Skying'. The Horrors doesn't surprise me, not because I agree but as long as they are releasing records, they will be in the lists (beyond me) but Adele? She can sing. She can even sing a good song but it is just 100% safety. When I hear this record I just think of a sweaty mother going down to the dole office to pick up her well earned cash and popping into HMV and buying Adele. Her music is so down the middle of the road, inoffensive and 'nice' that it becomes offensive and excruciatingly dull. This is not purely an attack on Adele. After looking at other artists in various lists, there's a feeling of 'meh' with some of the listed bands. Girls, for one have released an over produced noise-racket with even less vocal content. Just an abysmal album.

Please don't get me started on the Vaccines and the masses of praise they have been reaping this year. They can't even be bothered to pen 3 minute songs. At least its over sooner. One band that has disappointed the most this year are the Arctic Monkeys. 'Suck and See' even fell short of 2009's 'Humbug'. Its not a bad album to say the least but its just ok and I don't want ok from Alex Turner and co. They started with so much discontent and honesty but have just tried to be little too witty and clever, sadly it hasn't worked.

I have even seen the Red Hot Chilli Peppers in a list. Fuck off.

Even though I have had a little moan about some of the over-hyped trash this year, there has been some little gems. Benjamin Francis Leftwich released his stripped down man and a guitar songs, Bell XII with 'Bloodless Coup' and Cymbals Eat Guitars continued their confusing yet guitar driven extravagance.

I have also just found out that The Shins will be releasing a new album (Port of Morrow) next march. Boom, I'll say.

...and with bated breath my top lists of 2011 will be up soon...

Bon Iver

2011-11-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin man, Justin Vernon maybe the perfect musical artist. This could be considered quite a bold statement considering the mass vacuum of talent (and no so much in other cases) out there. It doesn't come in numbers. It doesn't come in article inches or festival performances. My claim is purely based on his recorded output to the public domain.

It all started with 'For Emma, Forever Ago' in 2008. The sincerity and melancholic endeavours for Justin's recluse debut are outstanding. Fluttered with mystery and apprehension throughout, 'For Emma...' is journey of heartache, wilderness and personal redemption. OK, a million albums before have had the exact same premise. Many writers/musicians have had their hearts broken, hadthat epiphany which results in an album dedicated to their loss. But, Its all relative and Justin captures the tone perfectly.

Sounds depressing? YES! And this is the way it should be. Track three, 'Skinny Love' encapsulates this perfectly. Obviously, its about how "their" love is getting weaker but the melodic tones of the song expresses solace in a ditch. I believe this is one of the best pop songs of modern times.

Three years and various other projects (Gayngs, Volcano Choir...) later Juestin Vernon released Bon Iver's eponymous second LP (self titled). 'Bon Iver' is much of the same. Lyrically geographical (Holocene) and subtle melodies in orchestral vastness. So, on the 38th listen, this record just gets better and better. I would say its a grower but this term doesn't do it an justice. Its more than that. It stays in your sub-conscious and every listen reveals new wonders, much like a favourite film or book. Even the album design is art.

Two astonishingly beautiful albums and numerous breathtaking side projects, Justin Vernon has become hot property in the music world but in the meantime, he seems to hell bent on making great music. Its just a shame I will have to wait a little longer until I have the pleasure of experiencing him live.

How to listen to Justin Vernon

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Volcano Choir - Unamp
Monster - Kanye West, Bon Iver, Jay Z
Bon Iver - Blood Bank
Justin Vernon - Bruised Orange (Chain of Sorrow)
Justin Vernon & Aaron Dressner - Big Red Machine
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Eau Claire Memorial Jazz feat. Justin Vernon - For Emma
The Xcerts - Blood Bank

Blood Bank (Bon Iver) by The Xcerts on Myspace

2011-10-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Simple but amazing cover!

Blood Bank (Bon Iver) by The Xcerts on Myspace

Top Ten of 2010

2011-01-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

So here are my belated lists of 2010. It's been a great year...

ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

The Xcerts - Scatterbrain
Manic Street Preachers - Postcards From A Young Man
Les Savy Fav - Roots For Ruin
Wintersleep - New Inheritors
The National - High Violet
Frightened Rabbit - Winter of Mixed Drinks
Tokyo Police Club - Champ
Walter Schreifels - An Open Letter To The Scene
Band of Horses - Infinite Arms
Black Keys - Brothers

WORST ALBUM: Best Coast - Crazy For You

SINGLES OF THE YEAR

Manic Street Preachers - (It's Not War) Just The End of Love
Black Keys - Tighten Up
Benjamin Francis Leftwitch - Atlas Hands
The Xcerts - Young (Belane)
I Am Kloot - Proof
Les Savy Fav - Lets Get Out of Here
I Like Trains - A Fathers Son
Rural Alberta Advantage - Drain The Blood
Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip - Stake A Claim

GUILTY PLEASURE: Hurts - Stay

LIVE PERFORMANCES OF THE YEAR

WEEZER, Main Stage - Leeds Festival
MEURSAULT/EAGLEOWL/WOODPIGEON, Secret Garden Stage - End of the Road festival
WILCO, Garden Stage - End of the Road Festival
WINTERSLEEP, Tipi Tent - End of the Road Festival
FELICE BROTHERS, Garden Stage - End of the Road Festival
FRANK TURNER, The Plug - Sheffield
FELICE BROTHERS, Tipi Tent - End of the Road Festival
TWIN ATLANTIC, Main Stage - Rockness
MODEST MOUSE, Garden Stage - End of the Road Festival
STROKES, Main Stage - Rockness

WORST LIVE PERFORMANCE: Guns 'N' Roses - Leeds Festival

Bloc Party – A Weekend In The City (Album Review)

2010-09-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

‘A Weekend in the City’, the follow up to 2005’s ‘Silent Alarm’ has a lot to live up to and it’s the dreaded second album which has seen many artists fall. Bloc Party have come into their own and seemed to have made great a second debut.

It kicks off with ‘Song for Clay (Disappear Here)’ which sets the scene of the album and the alienation Kele feels in a modern city and being in a band that should live up to the media’s hype. “Because east London is a vampire, it sucks the life right out of me” Kele sings with antagonism.

There is a much more personal feel about this release than the first, in which BP have written about things which have quite literally, pissed them off. ‘Hunting for Witches’, one of the early highlights provides a view on modern society and how the media controls more than we wish to know. The tempo and melodic-bass-filled songs carry on from Silent Alarm which only matures with time.

‘The Prayer’ is the song for all lead singers in a band, “Tonight make me unstoppable/and I will charm, I will slice, I will dazzle them with my wit” and the invincibility which many tend to eclipse their insecurities for the time being until they return to their original state. This song is for the moment, that split second or that tiny period of time when you’re ‘the dogs bollocks’ and don’t care for anything.

‘A Weekend…’ probably just falls short of ‘Silent Alarm’ but strangely, I like it more. This is not due to any lesser craftsmanship, the songs are bigger and intrinsically constructed. This album documents the lively, volatile rasp of the present times along with the boorish drags evident in everyday life.

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Listening to whilst editing: Badly Drawn Boy - One Plus One Is One (2004)

End Of The Road...

2010-09-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

I returned from the End Of The Road Festival which is held in North Dorset around 2 days ago and I still can't stop thinking about it.

Although, two weeks previous to this, I saw the best live set of my life. The band responsible was Rivers Cuomo and Weezer. They played a career defining set including Buddy Holly, Pork and Beans and Island In The Sun. Rivers entered the stage by kicking a football, the band were already well into a song and by this point you could tell he was in a jovial mood. Saying he was rampant would be an understatement. He was from one side of the stage to the other, climbing fences, pinching items from members of the crowd. He was 'on it'.

This was at Leeds Festival 2010 which also included Biffy Clyro, Yeasyer, Band Of Skulls, Blink-182, Mumford & Sons, Gaslight Anthem, Thrice, Limp Bizkit...oh and Guns 'n' Roses. The less said about them the better.

So, two weeks after attending my fourth Leeds Festival I was heading 300 miles down South to the End Of The Road Festival. I knew it was smaller (5,000 people), I knew it would be intimate and different to what I had experienced before. But it exceeded all my expectations and beyond.

Enjoying 'real' ale on straw bales is awesome. Chilling out whilst a band is playing in the next tent. But they weren't just tents erected for the sake of it. Each one had its own atmosphere and personal touches. The Tipi Tent (not sure if its supposed to be Tepee Tent?) which was carpeted and filled with straw bales and a bar at the end. Through the other end is where some bands play. The Tipi Tent is the smallest 'official' tent for bands on the line-up. For the chilled out quieter acts, people sit and enjoy. If the music picks up then so do we and get crunk, if you will.

Willy Mason was already in mid flow in the Tipi Tent which was a perfect start to the weekend. Allo' Darlin' then proceeded with their light and breezy banjo-loving folk. We insisted they play Fibbers at the end.

Thursday night is supposed to be the early night as everything closes down at 12 but the people stay about and just meet new people. Well, we did. There was just a great feeling and everyone just seemed happy. At Leeds there's a kind of war like mentality with wankers shouting inane bollocks for the sake of being a cunt.

I said that word a lot at Leeds, I don't think I said it once at EOTR (apart from to Dave).

On the Thursday we managed to lockdown our local and become familiar with the bar staff. A home away from home. Later this would allow us to receive 3 jager bombs for £3. Although credit must go to our new brummie friend.

Friday was all about the Big Top Stage and Modest Mouse/New Pornographers. First was Elliott Brood who were the biggest surprise of the weekend. Their first time over in the UK this punk band playing folk sings really got the day off to a fantastic start. They wanted to party and they wanted the crowd to party. Then Woodpigeon played a great set of music which has opened me up to some fantastic Scottish bands such as Meurasault, Eagleowl and Withered Hand. Their acoustic sensibilities were not lost on a large stage because they believed every word that left their mouth. Still peering at the front of the stage we then saw Cymbals Eat Guitars and they were a bundle of energy and nerves. But they could play and did wonders for their 2009 amazing album 'Why There Are Mountains'.

In between bands there is so much to do. Make music yourself, watch and be involved with a circus, go to the library or eat a crepe.

The headline act on the Friday was Modest Mouse. Now I had seen an underwhelming set from these at Leeds two weeks previous but they pulled all the right strings this time around. Isaac Brock had the passion which he had at Leeds but he seemed to enjoy it that little bit more as he compliments the intimate festival.

Usually that would be it but there was one more small band about to perform. New Pornographers. Again, not much was said, just a five album spanning set. Some of my favourite songs were played along with new album favourite, Crash years.

The night was then danced away via the lit up dance floor in the forest.

Saturday was all about Wintersleep. They were one of the main reasons for attending the festival. Phoscerensbt brought cool to the early afternoon and Citay massively impressed.

We stumbled upon Meursault/Woodpigeon/Eagleowl preforming completely accoutsically in the 'half living room'. Now This was magical. No affects, no amps just Neil Pennycock and some friends playing music they love. Roz from Blackpool joined in along with an over confident baby. Just sensational. I am now forever addicted to 'One Day This'll All Be Fields' by Meursault and ' by 'No Cigarettes' by Withered Hand (covered).

Positions were set for Wintersleep when we reconvened with our Thursday pals. Right at the front for one of Canada finest. They concentrated on New record 'new Inheritors' whilst briefly going back their third record 'Welcome To The Night Sky'. There could have been 24 or 1,000 people in the room, it wouldn't have mattered. They shone in the Devon night sky! Time to get pissed to Jarvis and Richard playing old '60's records.

Sunday morning started around 1pm with Dylan LeBlanc claiming to be cure for all the sore heads on the sunny day. Lazing about was the task of the day until The Antlers preceded two magnificent bands. I found The Antlers a little low key but did enjoy 'Two'.

Felice brothers know how to put on a show. Each member in their own little world with Farley Felice looking as though he was at a Jay-Z concert and not in folk/rock band. A fantastic set by the upstate New Yorkers.

The Sunday night headliners were long time favourites, Wilco. Jeff Tweedy voice was magnificent with every word sang with such passion and indignation. With eight eponymous albums to play with Wilco had the ingredients for a great rock show. And that's exactly what it was. I find it hard to believe I saw WILCO on a relatively small stage and such a beautiful setting. A truly magnificent show to end a (can't find superlative) festival...

...hang on, earlier in the day, whilst speaking to the Felice Brothers we were informed that they would be playing a secret show in the Tipi Tent.

The last Waltz. The Felice Brothers start playing at 12:30 on Sunday night with more energy than a sugar induced baby on Christmas morning. A great send off for the weekend with a stage invasion and watching one of the greatest bands on this planet today.

So, another festival is over. But it will be a long time until I forget this one (if ever!). The setting is beautiful, the people are cool and the music is sensational. A truly unforgettable experience.

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Listening to whilst writing: Frightened Rabbit - Winter of Mixed Drinks/Mursault - One Day This'll All Be Fields/Xcerts - Young (Belane).

Tentative

2010-06-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, myself and Mr 'wan will making our way to Inverness in preparation for Rockness which starts on Friday. Right next to Lochness, the weekend is surely going to get a little mental.

Best Month of Music in...Months!

2010-05-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have seen some of my favourite bands release albums. Oh its so good, explosion of some type may be possible.

First off, The Futureheads have released 'The Chaos' which carries on where 'This is Not the World' left off. No surprises (in fact none of the following albums give you a crunk attack) on their fourth they continue with a formula that works because if you're not a mathematician, don't mess with equations. 'Stop the Noise' is the stand out track for me.

Then there's the new Hold Steady Album, 'Heaven Is Whenever'. Craig Finn's lyrics remain, well, outstanding. There is a much sombre mood this album but the prolific New Yorkers do not disappoint. Highlight track; 'We Can Get Together'.

The New Pornographers have released 'Together' which seeps melody and the most perfect pop orchestration that instruments and the human mind can create. Stand out track; 'Crash Years'.

'Infinite Arms' is the third album from Band of Horses and probably the most anticipated for me. After seeing them two years ago towards the end of their tour for 'Cease to Begin' I knew this was a band with a very very bright future. Brighter in fact than David Camerons arse. Leeds festival should be a delight. Best track; 'Compliments'.

Last but not least is The National with 'High Violet'. I only listened to 'Boxer' about two weeks ago and I have been addicted ever since. The brooding voice of Matt Berninger gives an intensity to songs which are actually...intense. Favourite track; 'Bloodbuzz Ohio'.

I will definitely be seeing two out of the five live this year. Hopefully I will have a 100% attendance to seeing all of them live. Now fuck off I'm going to listen to some awesomeness...who to choose...ooh Keane have a new EP out...!!!

Band of Horses 'Compliments'

2010-04-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the new track from Band of Horses, 'Compliments'. It is to be taken from their forthcoming album 'Infinite Arms' due for release sometime in May.

This is fantastic news for me as it will allow me plenty of time to absorb the new material for the August Bank Holiday.

It starts with something spacey and possibly something much, much different from anything from their previous two musical efforts. But Ben Bridwell's voice sounds and you know you're into a Band of Horses song. Their Southern American twang, not too distant from My Morning Jacket/Manchester Orchestra/Wayne Coyne allows for a 3 minute look at another visceral moment from this band.

This song doesn't set fireworks off or re-write the pop song but its not supposed to...it just soars!

Q: How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb? A: Fish.

2010-03-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

In a relaxed state of mind with my feet up, I was able to watch as the Leeds Festival 2010 tickets went on sale and then, stupidly ten minutes later, the line-up was announced. Oh I am a happy bunny indeed. The 'Big Announcements' of Guns 'N' Roses and Blink-182 doesn't do a great deal for me. Axl Rose is the most sanctimonious prick in music and Blink may have been more enjoyable 7 years ago.

There are a lot of bands I really want to see and a lot that I really don't. Two musts for me are Modest Mouse and Weezer. Issac Brooke is a genius and there is a possibility of Johnny Marr joining (Cribs also at Leeds). Weezer, in my opinion, have never had the notoriety in the UK and they wanted to play 2 years ago but were ignored by Melvin Benn and the organisers.

Arcade Fire - Pretentious twats but great music

Libertines - Crack whore Doherty and co to play some great songs

Frank Turner - The best sing a long

Blink 182 - 30 somethings pretending to be 18. Party time!

Limp Bizkit - Moon Base Alpha craziness

We Are Scientists - American comedians/musicians. Playing in York 2 days after?

Band of Horses - New material

Biffy Clyro - Third time luck enough to see. Epic!

Lostprophets - Pop/Rock mayhem

Gogol Bordello - Something strange will happen

Billy Talent - Canadian rockers hit our shores again

Yeasayer - Weird-electronic-talking heads-esque fun

Bring on the fruity tennis, trawler man abuse, Saturday morning dentist chair...etc etc.

Leeds Festival 2010. My Needs...

2010-03-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

So, in under two and a half hours the Leeds Festival 2010 line-up will be announced and tickets will go on sale. It only seemed like yesterday that we were driving in a packed to the rafter car wondering who will play at next years festival.

But now that I am going to Rockness also this year, I no longer require the Doves or Strokes to attend Leeds but some of the band that I would like to see there are:

Brand New

Weezer

Death Cab For Cutie

Eels

Flight of the Conchords

Yeasayer

The Black keys

The New Pornographers

Alkaline Trio

Biffy Clyro

Jimmy Eat World

The Dears

REM

Twin Atlantic

Play It!

2010-03-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the playlists I have compiled via Spotify. Enjoy!

Music In My Head II: I

Drive By Argument - The Sega Method

Florence and the Machine - You've Got the Love

Two Hours Traffic - I Feel Naked Without My Cellphone

Buzzcocks - Paradise

Youthmovies - The Naughtiest Girl is a Monitor

Yeasayer - Ambling Alp

Fyfe Dangerfield - She Needs Me

Good Shoes - Under Control

The Temper Trap - Fader

Everything Everything - Suffragette Suffragette

Two Hours Traffic - Heroes of the Sidewalk

Lostprophets - Where We Belong

Regan and Sara - Hell

DARTZ! - A New Venture from Mordecai & Sons

Die! Die! Die! - Sideways Here We Come

Buzzcocks - Real World

Teenage Fanclub - It's All In My Mind

Music In My Head II: II

Echobelly - King of the Kerb

Jimmy Eat World - Ten

Jack's Mannequin - Swim

Saturday Looks Good To Me - Diary

Pixies - Debaser

Fyfe Dangerfield - Livewire

Johhny Foreigner - Salt, Pepper & Spinderella

Guillemots - We're Here

Los Campesinos! - We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives

The xx - VCR

Charlotte Gainsbourg - Heaven Can Wait

Field Music - Them That Do Nothing

Jimmy Eat World - Luck Denver mint

Frightened Rabbit - Swim Until You Can't See Land

Brand New - Not The Sun

Parts & Labor - Nowheres Nigh

These United States - I Want You To Keep Everything

Biffy Clyro - Know Your Quarry

Lady of the Sunshine - Home Sweet Home

Throw Me The Statue - Hi-Fi Goon

Music In My Head II: III

Late of the Pier - Blueberry

Midlake - Bandits

Third Eye Blind - Jumper

Johnny Forreigner - The End and Everything After

Biffy Clyro - Whorses

Gym Class Heroes - Clothes Off!!!

Miracle Fortress - Whirrs

The Sunshine Underground - Change Your Mind

The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil

The Electric Soft Parade - Lose Yr Frown

Joy Zipper - 1

Throw Me The Statue - Dizzy From the Fall

The Sweet Serenades - Die Young

The New Amsterdams - The Spoils of the Spoilt

Straylight Run - Existentialism on Prom Night

Flobots - Handlebars

Neutral Milk Hotel - The The Aeroplane Over the Sea

Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al

Ed Harcourt - Bella Donna

Future Releases

2010-01-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some releases for coming months which I look forward to:

Fyfe Dangerfield - Fly Yellow Moon (Jan 18)

The Shout Out Louds - Work (Feb 26)

Yeasayer - Odd Blood (Feb 9)

The Sunshine Underground - Nobody's Coming To Save You ( Feb 1)

Vampire Weekend - Contra (Jan 12)

Charlotte Gainsbourg & Beck - IRM (Jan 26)

EELS - End Times (Jan 18)

MGMT - Congratulations (spring)

The Hold Steay - TBA

Frightened Rabbit - The Winter Of Mixed Drinks (Feb 9)

Band of Horses - Night Rainbows (TBA)

Top Ten of 2009

2009-12-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

So its that time of year again, although I have been working out my lists for the last few months. Oh and there's no Animal Collective in there, shock horror!

ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

1. Manchester Orchestra – Means Everything To Nothing

2. Manic Street Preachers – Journal Plague For Lovers

3. The XX - XX

4. Felice Brothers – Yonder Is The Clock

5. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor

6. Duke & The King – Nothing Gold Can

7. Silversun Pickups – Swoon

8. White Denim – Fits

9. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

10. We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls

SINGLES OF THE YEAR

1. Manchester Orchestra - Shake It Out

2. Manchester Orchestra – I’ve Got Friends

3. The XX - Crystalised

4. Bon Iver – Blood Bank

5. Cribs – We Share The Same Skies

6. Twin Atlantic – You’re Turning Into John Wayne

7. Silversun Pickups – Substitution

8. Manchester Orchestra – Tony The Tiger

9. The Lonely Island – I’m On A Boat ( Ft. T-Pain)

10. Malcolm Middleton - Zero

LIVE PERFORMANCES

1. Manic Street Preachers, HMV Forum, London

2. Manchester Orchestra , Duchess, York

3. Rival Schools, Lock Up Stage, Leeds Festival 2009

4. The XX, Festival Republic Stage, Leeds Festival 2009

5. Dananananakaroyd, NME/Radio 1 Stage, Leeds Festival

6. The Joy Formidable, Festival Republic Stage, Leeds Festival 2009

7. Silversun Pickups. Bridlington Spa, Bridlington

7. Twin Atlantic, Fibbers, York

9. Placebo, Bridlington Spa, Bridlington

10. Wintersleep, Fibbers, York

WORST SINGLES OF THE YEAR

1. Ultrabeat – Use Somebody

2. Preston – Dressed To Kill

3. Snow Patrol – If There’s A Rocket Tie It To Me

4. Snow Patrol – Just Say Yes

5. Killers – A Dustland Fairytale

6. Snow Patrol – The Planets Bend Between Us

7. Coldplay – Strawberry Swing

8. Muse - Uprising

9. The Horrors – Who Can Say

10. Little Boots – New In Town

Albums of the Decade

2009-12-28T09:22:00.000-08:00

It was about ten years ago (I think that’s a lie because I’m sure I have only just finished school) when I really started to get into music into a big way. Ok, prior to when I was 16 I bought the odd single but to be fair, they were shocking in the real terms of music.

I think the first single I bought was ‘Some Girls’ by Ultimate Chaos and my first album was ‘Bad’ by Michael Jackson. But the past ten years have probably seen my largest learning curve with regards to what I listen to and enjoy.

At the beginning of the decade there was Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Foo Fighters, Lost Prophets, Nine Days, Eve 6 and many more. I listen to very few of them bands today (excluding Foo Fighters and Lostprophets). Don’t get me wrong I was still listening to bands such as Oasis, Weezer, White Stripes etc. I guess my knowledge of music in 2000 came from the ‘common room’.

My first ever ‘proper’ gig was Funeral For A Friend at the Lead Mill in Sheffield with Tilly and a few others; to say it was epic is an understatement. I got a rush from it and experienced what live music should be and that music had another dimension.

If I had to choose an artist/musician for just pure unadulterated genius then it would have to be Jack White. He is a modern Dylan, a pioneer in music. He refuses to use modern recording methods and is an artist in the true sense of the word. He has a record company (3^rd Man Records) and opens up record shops in places he may be spending an extended period of time. From these shops he presses vinyl’s that are ultra rare straight away. He prints t-shirts there and then which become instant collectables. His works include The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, Dead Weather, The Upholsters, The Go including many more and has worked with Beck and Alicia Keys (not a fan of her but I am a fan of the James Bond Theme they created). He is a god and can do no wrong.

The noughties saw the Arctic Monkeys rise and shine with their first two albums and possibly the best album to have been released in the UK in the last 15 years. It said what the now generation wanted to say. It portrayed the chavs, bullies and wankers of modern society in a common but eloquent way. ‘Whatever You Say I am Thats What I’m not’ is a masterpiece of the clubbing youth of Britain.

2007 was year I really started to gig it big time. My first ever gig at the infamous Fibbers was Hell Is For Heroes a month before my first Leeds Festival. The stand out moment the amazing gig was when halfway through ‘We Can Climb Mountains’ the power cut and the rest of the crowd finished the song. It was a seminal moment and one I will never forget. There was no looking back after that. The Dykeenies had that personal touch and the Leeds festival followed, which remains the greatest weekend of my life. In the past 3 years I have seen bands/singers/artists that a lot people wouldn’t see in a life time. My rocking friends from Doncaster to my gigging compadre, Sir David have allowed me to live the dream of live music and gigs.

So here’s to another ten years of listening to music, watching live music, finding that gem or hearing something that should only come out of an arse.

(In alphabetical order)

1. Alkaline Trio – Good Mourning

2 . Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare

3. Arctic Monkeys – Whatever people Say I Am Thats What I’m Not

4. Biffy Clyro – Blackened Sky

5. Biffy Clyro – Puzzle

6. Bloc Party – A Weekend In The City

7. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

8. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

9. Cribs, The – Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever

10. Dears, The – Gang Of Losers

11. Dears, The – Missiles

12. Doves – The Last Broadcast

13. Dykeenies, The – Nothing Means Everything

14. Eagle-Eye Cherry – Desireless

15. Ed Harcourt – Apple Of My Eye

16. Eels – Daisies Of The Galaxy

17. Elbow – Asleep In The Back

18. Flight Of The Conchords – Flight Of The Conchords

19. Frank Turner – Love Ire & Song

20. Funeral For A Friend – Hours

21. Gaslight Anthem – The ’59 Sound

22. Hold Steady – Girls and Boys In America

23. Hold Steady – Stay Positive

24. Hundred Reasons – Ideas Above Our Station

25. Jimmy Eat World – Bleed American

26. Manchester Orchestra – I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child

27. Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything To Nothing

28. Manic Street preachers – Journal Plague For Lovers

29. Mumm-ra – These Things Move in Threes

30. Neil Young – Chrome Dreams II

31. New Pornographers, The – Electric Vision

32. New Pornographers, The – Twin Cinema

33. Rival Schools – United By Fate

34. Ryan Adams – Easy Tiger

35. Ryan Adams – Gold

36. Scott 4 & Magic Car – European Punks LP

37. Shins – Wincing the night away

38. Shout Out Louds – Howl Howl Gaff Gaff

39. Silver Sun Pickups - Carnavas

40. Strokes – This Is It

41. Sufjan Steven – Illinois

42. TV On The Radio – Dear Science

43. Vex Red - Start With A Strong And Persistent Desire

44. White Stripes – Elephant

45. White Stripes – Get Behind Me Satan

46. White Stripes – White Blood Cells

47 . Wilco – A Ghost is Born

48. Wintersleep – Welcome To The Night Sky

49. Witness - Under A Sun

50. XX, The – XX

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T23:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a bit of an alternative Christmas...[CLICK HERE]

Shout Out Louds - Walls

2009-12-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

I was recently doing my browsing via internettage and whilst on Drowned In Sound i read that the Shout Out Louds are to release a new album early next year. Now, this is great news for me because, well, I like them a lot. Their 2005 debut 'Howl Howl Gaff Gaff' seeped melancholic melody with subtle pop endeavours. A beautiful record with a wonderful tempo.

So, to learn they will be releasing 'Work' in February made me happy beyond belief. I have only listened to it a trillion times and it is already creeping its way into my Top 10 songs of the year. Here is the track 'Walls' from their forthcoming third album.

Shout Out Louds - Walls

My 50 Playlist Part II

2009-11-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

Here are the last 50 tracks I have listened to...

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Contender

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Come Saturday

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Young Adult Fiction

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - This Love Is Fucking Right!

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - The Tenure Itch

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Stay Alive

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Everything With You

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - A Teenager In Love

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Hey Paul

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Gentle Sons

Drums - Lets Go Surfing

Local Natives - Wide Eyes

Local Natives -Airplanes

Local Natives -Sun Hands

Local Natives -World News

Local Natives -Shape Shifter

Local Natives -Camera Talk

Local Natives -Cards & Quarters

Local Natives -Warning Sign

Local Natives -Who Knows, Who Cares

Local Natives -Cubism Dream

Local Natives -Stranger Things

Local Natives -Sticky Thread

Frank Turner - Fastest Way Back Home

Foo Fighters - Wheels

The Felice Brothers - The Big Surprise

The Felice Brothers - Penn Station

The Felice Brothers - Buried In Ice

The Felice Brothers - Chicken Wire

The Felice Brothers - Ambulance Man

The Felice Brothers - Sailor Song

The Felice Brothers - Katie Dear

The Felice Brothers - Run Chicken Run

The Felice Brothers - All When We Were Young

The Felice Brothers - Boy From Lawrence Country

The Felice Brothers - Memphis Flu

The Felice Brothers - Copperstown

The Felice Brothers - Rise and Shine

The Cribs - We Share The Same Skies

The Rocket Summer - High Life Scenery

Manic Street Preachers - Peeled Apples

Manic Street Preachers - Jackie Collins Existential Question Time

Manic Street Preachers - Me and Stephen Hawking

Manic Street Preachers - This Joke Sport Severed

Manic Street Preachers - Journal Plague For Lovers

Manic Street Preachers - Facing Page: Top Left

Manic Street Preachers - Marlon J.D

Biffy Clyro - The Captain

Biffy Clyro - That Golden Rule

Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension

ENJOY (This is the link for the Spotify playlist if you hadn't realised)

Manchester Orchestra, Duchess 2009

2009-11-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

The night commenced with so much dancing

Dave, Andy Hull (Manchester Orchestra) and Me

Manchester Orchestra at the Duchess 30/10/2009

Andy Hull, Manchester Orchestra

This had to be great, it just had to be. I had seen them twice before seeing them in York. Both times were at the Leeds Festival, in 2007 and this years festival.

2007's performance was alone, one of the greatest performances I have ever seen. Only catching three or four songs but the intensity was just incredible. When they performed final song of the set 'Where Have You Been?', the mic stands were kicked down and Jesse Lacey joined them on-stage. It still gives me gooe bumps to this day.

So this year I was more than a little excited about seeing them. The entire setlist consisted of new material from their 2009 album. Although it was cut short due to the nob-cheese of a roadie that decided not to take a tuner. Still great though.

I needed their performance in York to blow me away as it could be the last time I see them in a long time. It, for one, gave me a good platform to gather some comrades and attack the show in style. The support act wasn't announced until the night before and it turned out to Right Away, Great Captain! which is a side project for singer Andy Hull. Sadly I missed this due to hunger issues and this is where the 'Time Theory' comes into play.

We arrived at the Duchess and I could feel that they would be on very shortly. No beer for me, I want to be involved in this. It was an almost sell-out. I am just glad it wasn't empty which had been the case on quite a few occasions at Fibbers and The Duchess. Andy Hull was clearly humbled by the amount of people that showed and promised to play in York again.

Shake It Out, I've Got Friends, 100 Dollars and Everything To Nothing were all played and were sensational. Prior to the gig I was becoming obsessed with their song 'I Can Barley Breathe' and to my suprise it was played. It was mind blowing and the lyrics resonated through the crowd.

'Where Have You Been?' was played to my delight.

Their last song was the epic 'I Can Feel A Hot One' with only Andy Hull and guitarist Andy McDowell on-stage, 'I Can...' was played at a slower tempo and all for the better. Andy took his time as if he wanted this to last forever and which was my only wish for the gig. As the song nears the end and Andy sings "...and I felt love again, ba da da da da...", he takes off his guitar, waves to the crowd, the crowd cheer and I have witnessed one of the most sensational, touching and FUCKING kick ass shows of my life.

I sweated tonight and the sweat dripping from my face is real...how can you question that?

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

10/11/2009

They are upon us...

2009-10-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

As I write this it is only 5 days until I stand before Andy Hull and the rest of the band which has the potential of being the greatest gig of my life. I am talking about Manchester Orchestra at The Duchess in York.

The only concern I have and it is a very minor one, is that they will only play songs from their second LP 'Mean Everything To Nothing'. After the set list from their Leeds Festival performance which comprised songs only from this album. Don't get me wrong I absolutely adore 'Mean Everything To Nothing' and is up there with my favourite records of the decade. But they have so much more to offer from the two albums rather than just the one.

I cannot explain how excited I am about seeing this band. I hope they play every song they have ever recorded, I like them that much. Although I am aware they will have to end their set at some point and am pretty certain they won't play forever. Well, what do I expect for my money?

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

26/10/2009

The Xcerts, Fibbers 30/09/2009

2009-09-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

The first time since last week with 'Sir David' and a mere three years since I attended the mighty but dainty Fibbers with the 'Black Whale'. In some way it was already different and tremendous. Not to mention The 'G-Dog' was in attendance for the first time at a tight, sweat box of a venue. Everyone wants to pop their Fibbers cherry.

First on-stage were...can't remember...don't care. They had a drummer who wanted to be in a death metal speed band the rest wanted to be in a 'watered down' Sum 41. END!

Then, my highlight, but bare in mind were not the 'official' highlight of the night, The Xcerts. As fewer people attended the front of the venue to enjoy them, which baffled my tiny brain to say the least. They were ferocious in their execution but delicate in their delivery. Very tight as a band even though bassist, Jordan had a broken wrist.

To say I have only been enjoying the mumblings of Mr McLeod for a week showed how much they can endeavour the brain wave and pull at them chords that, usually bad songs would accommodate. This time though Biffy/I Was A Cub Scout/Twin Atlantic/Idlewild (one for you guys) were attacking the brain cells and all for the better. 'Cool Ethan', 'Do You Feel Safe?' and 'Crisis In The Slow Lane' all pleasured the musical bottom of my gut. Just a shame 'Nightschool' wasn't played but again, a broken wrist, I believe is a just cause.

Another great gig at Fibbers and another band that should go onto bigger and better things. When has the world been a just place? Whats that? Coldplay have just released a single?

Oh, and This City played!

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

30/09/2009

Tokyo (Black Winter Trees)

2009-09-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

There were untold stories here

But now they're buried deep under heavy fear

Ghosts hope of joy

Too many people dying to be coy

Detective sighs again

As smoking buildings become the air

Years have past now

But time is slowing down

Slowing down

Black Winter Trees

Are littering the landscape of a white winter heat

These abandoned rooms

Make him feel ashamed of his jungle like rules

Sirens stop the clock

Why is it slowing down

Is it slowing down!

Siren filled sky

Is it Slowing down!

Smoke clear sky

Please tell me why these tears

Are the coolest thing to put out the flames

Exhausted ghosts

Making out everything was what owed them most

Corner less rooms

Make him apparent of his ever useless tools

Drowning sun dial

Time is slowing down

Is it slowing down!

Siren filled sky

Is it Slowing down!

Smoke clear sky

20/09/2009

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Manchester Orchestra, Leeds Festival all the way to York

2009-09-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just over two years ago I was perusing a Leeds Festival issue of the NME and was purposely looking for bands playing at that years (2007) Leeds Festival. I like the name of a band called Manchester Orchestra, so I visited their myspace page and immediately fell in love with 'Where Have You Been?'.

I endeavoured to find their album. I found it in about 30 seconds, well thats the internet for you. It was immediately on my Christmas list but it was only June so I decided to buy it myself. I know, I'm crazy like that.

I managed to catch about three song from their set at that years festival and it was one of the most exhilarating, passionate and awe-inspiring four songs I had ever heard. They finished with 'Where Have You Been?' and were joined by Brand New's Jesse Lacey. Now I consider myself a well educated live music goer but to this day I still have not witnessed anything like that.

So, it was to my delight to find out that Manchester Orchestra will be performing once again at the Leeds Festival. I danced for at least 2 hours when I found this information out.

Manchester Orchestra performed on the final day of the Leeds Festival this year and were second up on theNME/Radio 1 stage. Again, a very good performance but due to technical difficulties they had to cut they set by a couple of songs. Although I enjoyed the gig immensely I wanted more from the Atlanta, Georgia band.

I thought I would have to wait for another festival to see them.

I did my daily gig checks on Fibbers and The Duchess, only to find that Manchester Orchestra had been booked at The Duchess in York. My prayers have been answered (I don't pray) and my dreams have come true (OK, I'm starting to sound like Caleb Followill on Sunday night).

So for one more time I can enjoy their Hold Steady-esque rock sensibilities with Southern tongue screaming.

Thank you Duchess...you surprise me once again!

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Manchester Orchestra - I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child

Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing

Leeds Festival 2009

2009-09-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

After months and months of contemplating bands, set lists, fellow goers and how many cereal bars to take another seminal Leeds Festival is over.

Reality is a bitch!

This year was all about the early bird. Acres and acres to choose from for pitching the perfect camp-site. We weren't quite upper-class but the Green camp-site allowed us to live in a little camping luxury. Just the two of us arrived on the Wednesday with the rest (minus a few jessies)of the gang joining us on Thursday.

No music on Wednesday night so we got talking the the 'Wakey' lads who knew their bands and also knew how to have a good time. So, after shining lights in the faces of people, talking absolute rubbish for hours we decided to hit our uncomfortable tents at 5.15am.

Thursday was here after 1 hour and 45 minutes half sleep but sleep is not needed for the next few days as I will be living off adrenaline and beer.

The rest of the crew turned with their tents already pitched and the drink starts to flow and abuse of friend continues. I caught the last few songs of Airship who were just as good as when I saw them at the Duchess. Bear Hands were enjoyable but didn't play the song I wanted them to play so we left.

Friday arrived and the music will commence. First up on the main stage was Mariachi El Bronx who opened up the festival in great form. A surprisingly enjoyable set from Fightstar was watched via 'Moon Base Alpha'.

A quick skip and a hop over to the NME/Radio 1 tent to watch an energetic and enjoyable Metric. The Courteeners didn't seem right on the main stage and were politely ignored by myself. Enter Shikari surprisingly filled the stage well and played a high tempo set which included favourite 'Juggernauts'.

Then it was time for one of my all-time favourite bands. Rival Schools were on in the Lock Up Stage and they were better than what I was expecting and I was expecting a lot from these guys. Walter Schreifels was incredibly relaxed on stage and seemed to be having the time of his life, as was I. They played most tracks from their 2001 eponymous albums 'United By Fate' along with some great sounding new songs.

Next up was Maximo Park who did not disappoint in any way. I have never been a massive fan of Prodigy so we decided to take a walk and we stumbled across the best find of the weekend. Punch & The Apostles were playing to 30 people max but every single one of them were having a great time. This rock-jazz-alternative-reggae ramshackle of a band made no sense whatsoever which allowed us to rip the muddy dance-floor up even more.

The one of the few bands I was looking forward to all weekend was the Arctic Monkeys. I honestly believe they have released one of the best albums of the last 20 years. I am a massive fan. The band turned up on stage with the potential of being heroes but they crashed and burned. Alex Turner was half cut they played a very subdued set mainly consisting of new material. A great disappointment.

Spirits were not dampened though, it gave the impetuous to find something else special. Saturday did not disappoint. I was pretty much perched at the front of the Festival Republic stage for half the day. We got there just in time to see the last couple songs from Titus Andronicus who's lead man was fashioning a beard not too dissimilar from Mark 'E' Everett's.

The next four bands were sensational:

The X X - Light electronic Jesus and Mary Chain-esque performance from the Londoners. The drum machine was brilliant as all the band were pretty much in a straight line at the front of the stage.

The Joy Formidable - Missing them twice in the year in York was more than made up by this tight performance. There is no sexier thing than a beautiful female with a guitar.

Grammatics - Owen Brinleys voice is sweet and high at times then screaming as if he could be in Slipknot. 'Murderer' was a highlight.

Broken Records - Similar to Okkervil River in their performance, Broken Records performed tracks from their album 'Until The Earth Begins To Part' with passion and vigour.

Vampire Weekend brought the sun with them and performed a few new ones. The Gaslight Anthem did not disappoint in any way. Brian Fallon was very sincere and appreciated the crowds delight.

Radiohead entered the main stage which looked spectacular with light columns coming down. If I was a die hard fan I would have thought this was the greatest thing on earth, don't get me wrong, they were fantastic but the songs started to go over my head. I was a bit of a Radiohead whore and just wanted the hits.

Day three was once again all about the morning. Kicking off with Dananananaykroyd who were...mental mother fuckers. They played my favourite 'Black Wax' and got the crowd to do something a little different. No wall of death but a wall of hugs. Their album 'Hey Everyone!' is one I highly recommend. Manchester Orchestra were up next and to say I was excited about them was an understatement. Their last two albums have been seminal and their rock roots and his soft but loud voice just sounds fantastic. They played a very good set but Andy Hulls guitar wouldn't tune and I believe that they had to cut the set by a couple of songs. After that I was pretty much stuck at Moon Base Alpha for Alexisonfire and New Found Glory.

It was time to get involved for Funeral For A Friend in memory of the Big Dog has been along my side all the FFAF gigs I have been to (they are now my most seen band). They once again were fantastic, opening with new song 'Wrench' and finishing with 'Oblivion'. Truly sensational. I watched Fall Out Boy a little closer but I have never been a massive fan. Although they did do a cover of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'.

I decided to have a nap whilst punk outfit Bouncing Souls were in the middle of their show and I still don't know how managed that. That morning I was handing out a barrage of insult the Kaiser Chiefs way regardless of what anyone else thought. I then managed to watch them from afar and enjoyed them a little. Very good live but I still despise them.

Then the last band of my weekend was Kings Of Leon who, to my delight did play songs from all four albums. I was worried that they would play a hit laden show from their latest release. I have never danced so much outside and it was a great show. Caleb though did go on a bit too much about how we are amazing. I mean I already knew this, I didn't need a member of KOL to tell me.

So another year is over of fantastic music, truly ace friends and sligtly warm beer. Next year though there will be people there who couldn't attend. Well I'm going... I have my ticket on order already.

Much love for Leeds Festival 2009

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Speak Your Status

2009-07-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

Speak your status first

Before we can talk any other way

Make sure you are clear

'til your mood changes, it won't stay

I want to know what you're thinking today

Its pointless but you never know

Speak your status first

Before we can talk any other way

I thought I knew what you were thinking

Maybe there was nothing in it and I was just sinking

Maybe we'll never meet anyway again

But holding your hand is my way of thinking

How is this?

Careless response

How is this?

Careless response

Speak your status first

Before we can talk any other way

Tell me how it looks to you

Does it look good written down?

Make sure you are clear

'til your mood changes, it won't stay

I want to know what you're thinking today

Its pointless but you never know

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

23/07/2009

The Dumb-down List

2009-07-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

This is just a dumb list of bands/artists (questionable for some) I hate to the core:

Metro Station

Razorlight

Calvin Harris

Pendulum

Lady Gaga

AFI

Ting Tings

Patrick Wolf

Plain White T's

The Enemy

New Found Glory

Mark Ronson

Lilly Allen

Pussycat Dolls

Black Eyed Peas

Paolo Nutini

Preston (CUNT (sorry))

Snow Patrol

Korn

The Virgins

Guns 'N' Roses

Kid Rock

The Police/Sting

Sex Pistols

Queen + Paul Rodgers

Nickleback

50 Cent

Cliff Richard

The Feeling

The Year of the Separators

2009-07-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Its the year of the separators

In my thoughts again

My Thoughts again

Its the year of the separators bashing my little brain

Lonesome stories

Lovers battling heartache, on this day

Avalanches

The year has passed me by people making it try

I'll pray for you

I'll cry for you

I'll fight for you

I'll cry for you

Its the year of the separators

In my thoughts again

My Thoughts again

Its the year of the separators bashing my little brain

Lonesome stories

The year of the separators

How many will last?

The year of the separators

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

08/07/2009

'Real' writers can stop crying and go write about cheese

2009-07-03T01:03:00.000-07:00

I have a bee in my bonnet. I have read various articles now from 'real' writers detailing their anguish on how many blogger's there are and it is de-valuing writing per se.

I in no way call myself a writer, I just write something down when I feel a little inspired or annoyed. It is the way things are today, deal with it, you moaning 'professional writer'. Who, by the way probably gets paid for their publications. Again, in no way am I suggesting I should or ever will, this is purely leisure and pleasurable.

Look at the music industry and the direction it has taken since the Internet and certain sites have become popular. Don't get me wrong it has given music a sense of being more disposable (and in a lot of cases that is not a bad thing) but I listen to a greater variety of bands/artists than I ever have done thanks the internet. Sites such as myspace, facebook, youtube etc have allowed the average music listener to choose who they want to listen to and when. Itunes sells bucket loads of over inflated downloads.

It still annoys me when record companies complain that physical sales are down. What do you expect when erm...more people are...erm...downloading. Change, that is what anyone doing something creative does not like in the way that their product is being consumed. We went through this with video tapes and film companies thought it would be the end of the cinema. Scared of change. People will keep on buying DVDs regardless of the internet, people will keep buying CDs/vinyls regardless of ITunes and people will keep buying the news paper regardless of BBC News 24.

Another thing that hit me with the death of michael Jackson was that there will never be a musician, film star etc that can justify the amount of media coverage that his death has. This is also due to the way we buy our products and how people become famous. His fame was real and he really was a massive superstar.

All I'm saying if you getting pissed off or even worried that there is just more people writing then maybe you should 'up' your game and do what you get paid for. In my job I can't write about whats annoying me like a little baby who dropped its rattle from its crib. I get on with it, maybe you should.

Quality will always shine through. The bad films, artists, writers will in the end be bad and ultimately...fuck off!

Music listened to recently:

Titus Andronicus - The Airing of Grievances

Various Artists - Dark Was The Night

Modest Mouse - Good News Foe People Who Love Bad News

Spinal Tap - Back From The Dead

Sam Forest - Down The Hillside

Sad Day For Puppets - Unknown Colours

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

03/07/2009

Legend!!!

2009-06-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

I know everyone will be talking about Michael Jackson and his death on Thursday 25th June 2009 but I just wanted to say that when I was younger I was a masiive fan. I have all of his albums including Jackson 5. It';s just a shame didn't go out with a bang.

He is, in my eyes the greatest pop artist the world has ever seen.

Michael Joseph Jackson; 29th August 1958 - 25th June 2009.

Nine Black Alps, The Duchess, York 22/06/2009

2009-06-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

I just got in from York. I am not drunk, just a little bleary eyed and my ears feel as though they have been listening to a foghorn from point blank range for a lifetime (not as deafening as Hell is For Heroes though).

Due to the constant ringing in my ear but mainly, the euphoria from Sam Forrest and Co, I am unable to sleep. Today was Sir David of Laley's Birthday and what better way to celebrate than by making ear drums bleed!

Tonight was a night where all acts were great. Local boys The Federals (minus a couple members) were rough and ready. A very accomplished performance that put the rest of the night in good stead. Second on were Airship, who, to my surprise didn't turn the volume down. Again, another very good set although there were a couple songs in the middle when the keyboard came out and they starting crossing into Keane/Coldplay/Snow Patrol territory. But, they pull it back with the last few songs. I especially enjoyed 'So After All'.

Tonight though, was about a little Manchester outfit called Nine Black Alps. My second time in their attendance but the atmospheres and venues couldn't differ anymore. The first time I saw them (it have been through beer goggles) was on a beach and it was quite tiring being in a crowd that would not stop jumping or shouting. This time it was in The Duchess (York). No breeze, no fog, no fucking sand between my toes just the expectation of a great night ahead.

They hit the stage and without introduction, began and straight into the next one and the next. They were getting down to business. It was evident they were testing and enjoying playing material from their forthcoming third album.

After four or five songs in I turned around to my one year older friend (I wouldn't embarrass him by mentioning his age) and we had exactly the same thoughts. Why wasn't anyone moving? There we were watching a rock band with their music on their sleeve and no one was moving or dancing. We weren't at a goddamn Kenny G concert.

Anywho, Nine Black Alps were relentless and killed a whole lotta brain cells tonight. The softly spoken Sam Forrest thanked us half a dozen times in between songs (why? I don't know). The crowd or statues started shouting "one more, one more". I didn't want one more though, I wanted five more, ten more, however many but more than one. They didn't return for an encore but who can blame them.

An underrated class act.

I'm going to go to bed now.

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

22/06/09 (but now it is 23/06/09)

My 50 Playlist

2009-06-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a a list of the last 50 songs I have listened to:

1. Thursday - Ian Curtis

2. Thursday - Times Arrow

3. Bear Hands - Long Lean Queen

4. Bear Hands - Golden

5. Enter Shikiri - Juggernauts

6. Broken Records - If the New Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It

7. Broken Records - Until The Earth Begins To Part

8. Broken Records - A Promise

9. Broken Records - Thoughts On A Picture (In A Paper, January 2008)

10. Broken Records - If Ellert Loevborg Wrote A Song, It Would Sound Like This

11. Broken Records - Wolves

12. Broken Records - Ghosts

13. Broken Records - A Good Reason

14. Broken Records - Slow Parade

15. Wave Machines - You Say The Stupidest Things

16. Wave Machines -I Go I Go I Go

17. Wave Machines - Keep The Lights On

18. Wave Machines -Punk Spirit

19. Wave Machines - The Greatest Escape We Ever Made

20. The Soft Pack - Call It A Day

21. White Denim - Shake Shake Shake

22. White Denim - Mess Your Hair Up

23. White Denim - Heart From Us All

24. Cursive - In The Now

25. Cursive - From The Hips

26. Cursive - I Couldn't Love You

27. Cursive - Donkeys

28. Cursive - Caveman

29. Cursive - We're Going To Hell

30. Cursive - Mama, I'm Satan

31. Cursive - Let Me Up

32. Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen

33. Cursive - What Have I Done?

34. Cursive - Universal Shrug

35. Passion Pit - Make Light

36. Passion Pit - Little Secrets

37. Passion Pit - The Reeling

38. Passion Pit - To Kingdom Come

39. Passion Pit - Sleepyhead

40. Discovery - So Insane

41. Creedance Clearwater Revival - Born On Bayou

42. Manchester Orchestra - The Only One

43. Manchester Orchestra - Shake It Out

44. Manchester Orchestra - I've Got Friends

45. Manchester Orchestra - Tony The Tiger

46. Fight Like Apes - Jake Summers

47. Fight Like Apes - Tie Me Up With Jackets

48. Fight Like Apes - Do You Karate?

49. M83 - Graveyard Girl

50. The Veils - Sun Gangs

LINK!!!

The link is for the playlist I have created, so if you have Spotify (and if you don't, why not?) you will be able to listen to all the tacks I have listed. Enjoy!

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

The Silent Album: 'Lines - This Is Where We Are Now'

2009-05-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

OK, it's a little...OK then its very silly but from all the silent songs/lyrics or whatever they are that I have written together as if there was music to it.

I decided to call it 'Lines' because I don't have a band or play music, I just write the lines that could go to it. I call the collection 'This Is Where We Are Now' because most of the songs come from a period of time that had so many highs, laughs and a lot of changes. I would happily re-live this period of time again.

Lines - This Is Where We Are Now

1. Reflections

2. Office Ringtone

3. Broken Horizons

4. The Door

5. The Goat

6. Little Black Grape

7. Scattered Patterns Gone Astray

8. Run and Hide

9. Sand Beneath My Feet

10. Tom Curtis

11. I Nearly Drowned So I went For A Second Swim

Very Silent Track

12. Cabbage Faced Slut

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

"Oh Mummy whats a Sex Pistol?"

2009-05-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

Do you know my ears are fucking annoying! All I want to do is listen to an album and enjoy it but no, the Manic Street Preachers go and release an absolute gem of an album and my ears want more and more, little fuckers. 'Journal For Plague Lovers' is the new release from them and it heaped with lyrical greatness and musical aceness.

It's kind of perfect in MSP terms because all the lyrics from what Richey Edwards left behind and you can tell it has given the three Welshmen a new impetuous to create what they used to do as a four piece.

Its no 'Holy Bible' but I'm glad about it because they're definitely not in as a darker place, although as you can imagine the lyrics aren't about the happiest of thing ("I'd love to go to sleep and wake up happy") or most obvious.

Now that my ears have listened to the album that much, my brain decided to book tickets to seem them at the HMV Forum in London on the 8th June. Result.

Maybe I should lay off my ears and blame the Manic for making such a great record. Thanks for nothing guys.

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines
21/05/2009

Wintersleep, Fibbers 2009

2009-05-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

My return to Fibbers for over a year was a welcomed one. The band in question was Wintersleep, a Canadian 4-piece.

But lets start from the beginning: We set foot into Fibbers again and the feel, the small and dinginess hadn't changed which delighted me. It has, since my last visit been taken over by BarFly so I was at least expecting a few changes. It had a new lick of paint, just black everywhere.

The room was empty, which is to be expected when there were two support bands. Already playing were Dream of Apollo and strangely my partner in crime used to go to school with the bassist. Tonight they were playing without their drummer. So stood in front of us were a guitarist, a bassist and a lady singing her fucking heart out. The songs were full of melody and words for the literate. But to be honest she could have been singing about pigeons taking a poo in the middle of a road and you would have thought it was the most beautiful sight.

Next up were arrogant somebodies Radio Gypsy and they promised to inject some noise into the proceedings (although they were already like yapping dogs before they step foot on the stage). They started out very lively but it all went downhill from there and they sounded like everything else that is out there at the moment. They were The Killers without the tunes (excluding album 3 and 3/4 of album 2). That's all I want to say about Radio Gypsy because they do not warrant anything else.

So, Wintersleep enter the dimly lit stage like they were about to play to themselves. They seemed very humble and cool. They got straight into it and opened with 'Drunk On Aluminium' and then 'Archaeologists' from their third LP 'Welcome to The Night Sky'. Paul Murphy's voice seemed less grungy as it does on record. It was softer but still potent and visceral.

By this point and to my amazement5 the room wasn't any busier so it was me, Dave and Wintersleep which suited me just fine.

Wintersleep were incredible and played their hearts out to about 40 people but there were two people there that listened to every word and praised them even more once the show was over.

All in all a fantastic return to Fibbers all thanks to Wintersleep and Dream of Apollo.

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

18/05/2009

First Day, Everyday

2009-04-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Its you're first day for the seventh time

But you knew long ago the things that were here

But you won't take my advice for anything

This is what I told you this time before today

Can you hear me now?

I've screamed this sentence before

And you nodded with sympathy

You know we're going to be back here tomorrow again

I've screamed this sentence out before

And you nodded with sympathy

You know we're going to be back here this time tomorrow again

Take it in

You're a blank canvas standing there

Where nothing seems to stick, its not the fear

You're questions, and I have my doubt

What goes through your mind when I'm telling you

Is it the seventh time?

Have we been here before?

Your body language has no rapport

You know we're going to be back here tomorrow again

I know I've explained this before

But you're just blank again

You know we're going to be back here this time tomorrow again

Did you hear?

Am I here?

When complications make it easier to crush you

I can take this "one" and turn it into two

My times up, I'm done here, I'll slit your throat

You won't swallow my words and they won't taste nice

If I break you now

I will feel better

Taking your life

Wrong might feel greater

When money turns into broken stone

And theres nothing to bargain with

I'll trade places and watch him

So I'm cruising on adrenaline and it won't go away

I've screamed this sentence out before

And you nodded with sympathy

You know we're going to be back here this time tomorrow again

I know I've explained this before

But you're just blank again

You know we're going to be back here this time tomorrow again

Did you hear?

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

21/04/2009

The Summer began on 30th March 2009 (at 7pm)

2009-03-31T12:14:00.000-07:00

It was all leading up to 7pm on 30th March...

A mini reunion of sorts had just taken place and the weather was, to say the least, poor.

As I was confirmed to go a day early I was relaxed and enjoying fellow goers struggling for the thumbs up.

It happened within a flash...I clicked refresh and there they were in all their glory. The bands that would be gracing various stages on the Bank Holiday Weekend at Branham Park, Leeds.

One band which I would consider an time favourite and cannot believe that I will be watching them just a few months, Arctic Monkeys of course. But there are many bands on the line-up that tickle my fancy.

Bands I will be seeing (baring any clashes)

Arctic Monkeys

Maximo Park

Ian Brown

Radiohead

Bloc Party

Vampire Weekend

Funeral For A Friend

Gaslight Anthem

Glasvegas

Friendly Fires

***MANY MORE TO BE CONFIRMED***

...Oh and the weather was great, tennis was played so for me the Summer has officially begun!

Sphere Of Fear

2009-03-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

Blazing conversations, not a word in edgeways

Or anyway

Simple “Yes and “No’s” were only muttered

You were so quiet that day

That day

Staring into mediocrity

For the time being

I’ll listen to the car radio for a while, if you don’t mind

Salvation was sold in a rapid car crash

Vanishing memories of vanquish

Making it happen, for all of us was a masterstroke

To say the least

I know, It’s time to stop kicking at the bruise

Separate me from this sphere of fear

Watch yourself on these normal days my dear

You went home far too soon

But just like you it was on a whim

Savaged by the love of a family

It was only good intensions to bring you back home

Making it happen, for all of us was a masterstroke

To say the least

I know, It’s time to stop kicking at the bruise

I’m breaking down, glad I’m alone

This time next week, you’ll be happy

Making it happen, for all of us was a masterstroke

To say the least

I know, It’s time to stop kicking at the bruise

Making it happen, for all of us was a masterstroke

To say the least

I know, It’s time to stop kicking at the bruise

Making it happen, for all of us was a masterstroke

To say the least

I know, It’s time to stop kicking at the bruise

Separate me from this sphere of fear

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

23/03/2009

Cabbage Faced Slut

2009-03-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

I’m not looking for that conventional look

Just a simple mind with ease

A completely fresh release

Your eyes didn’t have to be bright

Just wide open

So you can see

Your strange complexion

And imperfection

You’re the cabbage face slut of wonder

But you’re happier than Mariah

Thats what pleases me

But your face still smells of cheese

I saw you walking down the street like three legged dog

It wasn’t very graceful

Like a hobo

I know you don’t have a preference

And thats fine with me

Are you a she?

Your strange complexion

And imperfection

You’re the cabbage face slut of wonder

But you’re happier than Mariah

Thats what pleases me

But your face still smells of cheese

You’re the cabbage face slut of wonder

But you’re happier than Mariah

Thats what pleases me

But your face still smells of cheese

Cabbage, cabbage thats your nickname and its gonna stick

‘cos people are cruel and you’re pretty thick

You’re the cabbage face slut of wonder

But you’re happier than Mariah

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

17/03/2009

No Age

2009-03-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

I’m gonna go on my own and fight the crowd

Tonight it’s happening, to the stage below

The sounds I’ve heard and I’m sure I know

This will be interesting to see the dimmest glow

The dead ghost cries whilst you billow

This isn’t what it’s supposed to be

I expected more from people trapped at see

You don’t fight battles if there is no war

Teenagers wishing they were ‘Walter’

The dead ghost cries whilst you billow

Now this is the time I wish I was born with no age

Oh No

Public profanities were heard and will create my rage

Oh no

You and who’s Army I will fight, I won’t stand back

Oh no

I have no age

Now this is the time I wish I was born with no age

Oh No

Public profanities were heard and will create my rage

Oh no

I’ll show you my bleeding mind and we’ll see whose fine

Oh no

You and who’s Army I will fight, I won’t stand back

I have no age

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

11/03/2009

The New Pornographers all day

2009-03-09T03:03:00.000-07:00

I recently got 3 of the New Pornographers albums (Mass Romantic, Electric Version and Twin Cinema). I had heard a couple songs and really enjoyed them but then read an interview with Neko Case who is in the New Pornographers and thought I need to get their albums (and hers, which I am to do yet).

So Yesterday (08/03/2009) I listened to all three albums and then again and again...you get the picture. I don't know if I have ever listened to three albums of the same band in one day and not got bored in any way. I was more intrigued.

They remind me of Modest Mouse ferlating the Sorry Kisses whilst at a party by The Shins. A combination of debauchery I wish I was apart of.

The music is, if you will, down the line power pop/indie/rock. Nothing weird, nothing too heavy. The lyrics though are just fantastic and this isn't the 'new car smell', it is genuine and I honestly think I have found one of the greatest bands on the planet, for me.

'Sing Me Spanish Techno' is supposedly, when he asked his girlfriend to speak Spanish and she only knew the language from her "Spanish Techno records". The song seems to be happy go lucky rogue who has maybe done some regrettable things in the past and someone got caught up in it, maybe a love. 'The Slow Descent into Alcoholism' is a guy unable to do the simplest things due to his heart being broken which has resulted in getting wasted all the time a.k.a alcoholism.

Anyway don't take my word for it (or do).

Go and enjoy them and change your life.

New Pornographers website

New Pornographers myspace

The Sorry Kisses Myspace

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

09/03/2009

Bands I wish to see at the Leeds Festival (although many probably won't appear)

2009-03-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

Like the other list with bands I want to see. You get it it now...?

Doves - Anticipation for the new album is massive

Minus the Bear

Bon Iver

The Dears

The Pornographers/Neko Case

Weezer

TV on the Radio

Time To Leave - A band with the brightest future and will "burn like the sun"

Modest Mouse

Hundred Reasons

Who I wish not to see at this years Leeds Festival (although many of these will probably be there)

2009-03-01T03:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of band that I would not like to see at the Leeds Festival because they suck major ass and cannot stand them one bit. Although there is a bonus to massive but poor bands playing, which is that all the numptys will be watching them rather than watching the good bands I want to watch.

The Script - I'm sure I've heard this band before. Was it Westlife...no Daniel Powter, no...Whoever they were the're pappy.

The Virgins - one of the worst bands I have heard in years and are getting loads of hype, just awful.

The Killers - Could have been one of the greatest bands ever instead they went down U2 route

U2 - Killers?

Coldplay - Put your hand down Chris, it's not that sunny

Razorlight - Teeth...

Snow Patrol - Have not made a new song for about 5 years.

Keane - Their new and exciting direction was, well, old and boring...

Pete Doherty - Believes he's as great as the NME says he is.

The Enemy - The least punk band around.

Any Rapper - Just sounds rubbish live.

My Chemical Romance - Stick to your comic books Gerard.

Ting Tings - I would rather stab my own ears.

Fall Out Boy - Pete Wentz might do that spinning around rubbish whilst he's playing...ooh I hope so.

Kaiser Chiefs - Full blown stadium sized mediocrity.

Pendulum - Vomit inducing music.

...and don't say Jay-Z is the biggest star in the world. That means nothing to me he still sounds rubbish live.

The Goat

2009-02-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

What you going to do, please say

Sold by people you knew one way

Selling souls for minor infection

There he was ready to pounce

The goat, the goat

The goat will take you for what you are, you’re harmless

The goat, the goat

The goat will eat you alive, regardless

When you walked in he stared you down

You call him “friend”, I say “devil”

This blistered hand from shattered hove’s

Some people say the church has no evil...?

The goat, the goat

The goat will take you for what you are, you’re harmless

The goat, the goat

The goat will eat you alive, regardless

I have a theory

That the ‘man’ will fuck you alive

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

05/08/2008

To Their Knees

2009-02-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

Black mountains and white fadings

Single vision on a double sighted view

Faculty is dead over here

No one got their thinking caps on this call

Hip bars and slick floors

Everybody’s moving to the sound of fake halls

They stand strong

To watch the next one fall on their face

It’s me, here

Didn’t you see?

Broken shades on a dim lit room

Nearly there now

Over the edge now

Blurry surroundings have no pain

Inebriated in my own eyes

Startled by the lights

Careless words for nobody

Their ears up against the wall

Future, future, slow down now

Future, future slow down now

Future

Broken soldiers are failing

Seminal dreams are not on request

Mouths follow me

Eyes carry me

This sinking ship is bursting at the seems

The soldiers

To their knees

You’re at the apex of your social life

You’re bourgeois

Ideals are

Broken with very little laugher

This is now

Not back then

Now wake up from this melancholic state

Realise that

Victory is mine

Its only a small one but one is all I need

Inebriated in my own eyes

Startled by the lights

Careless words for nobody

Their ears up against the wall

Future, future, slow down now

Future, future slow down now

...and make it last

Make it last one more day

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

20/02/2009

Little Black Grape

2009-02-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Come on back little black grape

Initial sparkles of time tried but spluttered out

Heading back home, play this game, try your luck

Wanting to be someplace else with you, where?

Come on crazy wishful thinkers

Clinging onto over hanging ropes

Salty sea, water, fresh free on hopes

Falling into poison wells, down we go

So you knew the time had come

So you broke my imaginary gun

So you finish trapping all that can be taken

So it was what I knew all along

This pillow has an imprint

But was not made by my mind

And now the canvas is clear make sure the meaning is here

These darker days and darker nights

Are holding this little black grape

Two cascading tears from your sun bleached cheek

Your little black dress seems whiter than light

So you told me to be different

So you told me to be kind

So you told us to resent

So you give me one more time

And it’s fluxed into oblivion

This is just about time

This has taken long enough

That ticking clock has no rhyme

I love you

Love you tonight

Am I right in my mind?

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

05/08/2008

Decorating In Silence

2009-02-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

You make me feel like I need more people to be around me all the time

I need to be part of it and make more friends for my own sake

This is what you tell me

Expanding horizons to know the world

But you still go to sleep alone after all

And wake up crying on your own

Maybe you shouldn't decorate in silence at all

Expect to be alone when you call upon us

Expect to be standing there staring at the ground knowing this isn’t enough

Expect silent calls on the side table

Because you’re lonely when you’re lonely even when you think you have us lot

You wake up crying all alone

Maybe you shouldn’t decorate in silence after all

Not at all, at all

You make dreams with silent dreams

You’re like rain on a summer’s day

So lonely, so lonely

We came to make up a game with you

You swore to make this day so true...so we’ve

We’ve done everything; we’ll try again, one more time

We came to finish your promises to...

You said this would be a long summer too

We’ve done everything; we’ll try again, one more time

Convoluted

Convoluted sun rays correct your wrong ways

Drowning spectators cheer anyway

We tried everything, we tried, we’re tired

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

13/02/2009

Me

2009-01-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

Dear main offender please stand up
Remain in your state of mind
Contemplate your stature and release this broken arrow
Can you see what’s happening?
I didn’t mean for this to happen but you turned dumb and narrow

Me, that’s what you’re up against
You, that’s why I hate myself
Is it you, me or us?
Start convincing yourself

Complicated scenarios ruin our time together
Time could be better
I feel as light as a feather
One was as true as can be
But two didn’t please me

Me, that’s what you’re up against
You, that’s why I hate myself
Is it you, me or us?
Start convincing yourself

Frankly beaten but never broken
Tracing your steps can take a while
That’s one thing I have to thank you for being not so clever

Caught out so many times and always the same way
Fall over one more time just to feel the pain
And the blood is real
It’s true, it’s pouring to next door
This is how you feel

Me, that’s what you’re up against
You, that’s why I hate myself
Is it you, me or us?
Start convincing yourself

Me, that’s what you’re up against
You, that’s why I hate myself
Is it you, me or us?
Start convincing yourself

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Sand Beneath My Feet

2009-01-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

Sand beneath my feet is what I mean
Sand beneath my feet is how I stand
Drops of hope rose from my raising hand
I will understand your language when you wave your wand
I will jump to you if you sing to me

Making your view heard by the rest
We listened so hard and mimed to our best
I will make sense of this trend
Burning at speed won’t be the end

Once wasn’t twice but was again
When the panic started then
When our panic was a friend

Once wasn’t twice but was again
When the panic started then
When our panic was a friend

The broken sunset with rippled sea
Trailing eyes follow drunken scurry
Minimal age
Comfort hug, punch open the heavens
You shout loud, release the red sock
Shout loud, release sock

Once wasn’t twice but was again
When the panic started then
When our panic was a friend
Was a friend

Once wasn’t twice but was again
When the panic started then
When our panic was a friend
Was a friend

Was a friend
Was a friend
Was a friend

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Casino

2009-01-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

Alcohol was drank so I could dance
Lets ask for one more tiny chance
Fragmented love in this sad, lonely romance

I’m asking for release from this place place
Make it happen for me you’re my mate mate
You’re the devil but I could kiss you, hapless
Lets burn this place and call it casino

What are you looking at me for?
I’ve given you all the money but you want more
Vultures to the desperate, lost and the weak

I’m asking for release from this place place
Make it happen for me you’re my mate mate
You’re the devil but I could kiss you, hapless
Lets burn this place and call it casino
Lets burn this place
Lets burn this place down

I’m asking for release from this place place
Make it happen for me you’re my mate mate
You’re the devil but I could kiss you, hapless
Lets burn this place

My mug shot will be fake, break break
“What’s your middle name?” Pete Pete
I’m asking for release from this place place
Make it happen for me you’re my mate mate

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Top 10 of 2008

2009-01-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

12 months have passed once again and so it is time for my definitive top ten loves, hates and gigs. Uncut got it wrong, NME got it wrong, in fact all of them got it wrong. This is the lists of all lists. All I will say is learn...

Top 10: Best Albums of 2008

1. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
Best track: Skinny Love

2. TV on the Radio – Dear Science
Best Track: Dancing Choose

3. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive
Best track: Sequestered In Memphis

4. Last Shadow Puppets – Age of the Understatement
Best track: Standing Next To Me

5. Elbow – Seldom Seen Kid
Best Track: On A Day Like This

6. The Dears – Missiles
Best Track: Crisis 1&2

7. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!
Best Track: We Call Upon The Author

8. Flight of the Conchords – Flight of the Conchords
Best track: Think About It

9. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
Best track: Oxford Comma

10. Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs
Best Track: Long Division

Top 10: Best Singles of 2008

1. Bon Iver – Skinny Love
2. MGMT – Time To Pretend
3. The Hold Steady – Sequestered in Memphis
4. Last Shadow Puppets – Standing Next to Me
5. Late of the Pier – Bathroom Gurgle
6. Ray Lamontagne – You Are The Best Thing
7. Glasvegas – Geraldine
8. Wild Beasts – Devils crayon
9. Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream
10. I was A Cub Scout - Pink Squares

Top 10: My Gigs of 2008

1. We Are Scientists, The Duchess, York
2. Eels, York Opera House, York
3. The Music, Vivaz, Scarborough
4. The Raconteurs, Main Stage, Leeds Festival
5. Mercury Rev, Academy II, Manchester
6. Frank Turner, The Duchess, York
7. Okkervil River, Academy III, Manchester
8. Vampire Weekend, NME Tent, Leeds Festival
9. Band of Horses, Shepherds Bush Empire, London
10. Jonquil, Basement Bar, York

Top 10: Worst Singles 2008

1. Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire
2. The Ting Tings - Thats Not My Name
3. Killers - Human
4. Pendulum - Propane Nightmares
5. The Virgins - One Week Of Danger
6. Fall Out Boy - I Don't Care
7. Razorlight - Wire To Wire
8. Guns 'N' Roses - Chinese Democracy
9.Kaiser Chiefs - Good Days, Bad Days
10. Bloc Party - Mercury

Office Ringtones

2008-12-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

Full on fate
Our heads are drooping
And “I’m barley listening”
To your request
I’m watching windows flyby
As you mention it for the fourth time (replace this time)

I hear what you’re saying
But I’m not really listening
Why am I in this mess?
I couldn’t tell you and I care even less
You are my purpose here: I will do all I can
And answering this call could be the one I like (replace this time)

You’ve lost all sense of reality
What is the possibility of mortality?
A man with no grasp of the concept
Have I told you that I couldn’t care less?
And maybe I can see
Why I shouldn’t be here
I shouldn’t be here

The office ringtone rings again

You’ve lost all sense of reality
What is the possibility of mortality?
A man with no grasp of the concept
Have I told you that I couldn’t care less?
And maybe I can see
Why I shouldn’t be here
Why I shouldn’t be here

The office ringtone rings again
‘cos you’re all wired to the world
And I’m the only one left
“I will do all I can sir”
But what I really want to say...
Will have to wait for another day

Will have to wait for another day
Will have to wait for another day
Will have to wait for another day

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Lost People Part I

2008-12-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

After months and months of shouting at my mum whilst she watches X-Factor, dancing on Ice and other brain damaging drivel. I was thinking, Am I alone, does anybody else do this or just hate these 'reality' programmes.

After numerous conversations with the Black Whale and loathing with Sir David of Laley. I realised that my two closest mates were that for a reason.

X-Factor is designed to find future singers of this country and start a blossoming career which will see a once dinner lady performing in front of thousands. The idea seems good. Bringing the country's talent out of the woodwork. Allowing them to work alongside some of the biggest selling artists in the world. How can they fail?

Well, that's the whole point. These 'nobodies' are watched for months, engraved into the viewer’s minds. Stories to make you weep (if you have the emotional age of a 3 month old kitten), songs to make you go "WOW". The contestants are whittled down over the months and months and months and...There’s a winner who has been chosen by the shallow, blind public.

Anyway, I think you know how the show works but once the winner gets their five trillion pound contract. The money has been made from 13 million morons voting for someone who 'lost their best friend when they were 1 year old'. So, they don't need a successful artist. Release one fucked up single that will go to number one and break every record under the sun. Release a cover and let them off on their own because it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

My point is...I fucking hate this programme with every inch of my body and I just wish I was slightly more articulate to put this across, so fuck it I'm swearing.

I have no sympathy for the young lad that's heart has been broken or the previous prostitute with five kids who dream has disappeared. Andy Warhol was on the right lines.

No one has any class, decorum, shame. Well hopefully I'll see them all next Tuesday!

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Night Sky Conversations

2008-12-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

I’m breaking through this open glass
I like to walk fast

Slow motion life on the edge of a knife
Follow your strife

And all you want to do is breakdown
And all you want to do is shutdown
Is this true?
Answer if you have the time

You call this your magnum opus
That’s what your wanting, hoping, wishing

Frankly you haven’t a clue
Break up for your friends
Have the time of your life
Get drunk and be care free
Serenade the stars with pointless whispers

I’m opening the smashed window
Nowhere to go

Slower the time can pass
You’re a sad sorry lass

And all of this cannot be changed
And all of this cannot saved
Shall I stop?
Answer if you have the time

Frankly you haven’t a clue
Break up for your friends
Have the time of your life
Get drunk and be care free
Serenade the stars with pointless whispers

Grasp so tight the life is squeezed out
Rupture the cause and affect the solution
Capture the sadness in glass bottles

No one’s listening
No one can hear
Your whispers are just a misunderstanding of puzzled words stencilled on the night sky

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

No Bullets

2008-11-15T05:20:00.000-08:00

Pinching salt through small telescopes
Is this the line you wish to take? Are we going the right way?
Caring for people unable to feel, incapable to see
Are these eyes drenched in the night sky? Blinded by the sight?
Trapping blustery winds with wings of waterproof suits, let’s take flight

Walk towards the sound of no bullets tonight
Making way through past walkways, no need to be polite
This sound of solitary silence
Will darken your already blackened mind

Valliant efforts from the years bellow but I was none the wiser
This isn’t what I came for so let’s go get lost
Drowning places torrid in nothingness
Where the top is taller than the fall
Trapping blustery winds with wings of waterproof suits, let’s take flight
Lets fly in the drowning sky
Lets fly

Walk towards the sound of no bullets tonight
Making way through past walkways, no need to be polite
This sound of solitary silence
Will darken your already blackened mind

Shivering limbs and chapped surfaces (no bullets)
Well before our time
Shivering limbs and chapped surfaces (no bullets)
Shake off the remains
Shivering limbs and chapped surfaces (no bullets)

Walk towards the sound of no bullets tonight
Making way through past walkways, no need to be polite
This sound of solitary silence
Will darken your already blackened mind

Walk towards the sound of no bullets tonight
I could hear no bullets in the flooding sky

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

The Door

2008-09-29T09:06:00.001-07:00

Moments of silence
Moments of solace to lower your rate
Times are pointless, yes

The door
The door slams and there’s still no, still no sound here
I wish I had reviled

Then there would have been
There would have been a reason to capture reason
So annihilate these shackles

Transgress again
What’s five minutes between the two of us?
Vexed in this condition
Vacant conversations

The smallest abbreviation would annoy
The varied solutions that would convey

The smallest abbreviation would annoy
The varied solutions that would convey

A puff of smoke
In my face and there goes the door again
A flat drink in my hand
Broken toes and an unapologetic “I’m sorry”

Your laugh, cacophonous little laugh
Your wrath, raptitious little wrath

Moments of silence
Moments of solace...

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Visitors

2008-09-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

I’m coming to your town
People look at you with a frown
But there’s still hope in this little place, please relate
Where many things happened along with mates
Don’t speculate
One last time
When I saw the hill from afar
I knew I hadn’t reached my peak
But was the top taller than the fall
The bottom was way down
Taller than the fall, was it too far down
Taller than the fall, maybe “no”

Mountain tops touch sky so high on a broken cloud on which we sit
Although I know this home I will not fit
Thing is I bet nearly all the same people are working in all the same shops
Same old DJ’s playing the same new song on the same sticky dance floor to the same drunken few
But I love it anyway especially when nothings new
Little bubble

Bet not much has changed
When you’re wrapped up in your own little world
And I can remember what went before
You were always grasping at straws that were too short
Drowning can only happen on these torrents of nights when people are only trying to fit in
We’re staying for the win
Making sure tonight will last
Or just the next few years whether it be good or bad
‘cos soon it will be gone
The time from which you micturated upon
Come dance with me and talk about it later
Morning views made me stop
And made me think we had this lot, to make us question
What everyone else was waking up to
Maybe this will last forever
Or that little bit longer so I can walk the hill
To stand up above this sinking town
Oh, little bubble

Mountain tops touch sky so high on a broken cloud on which we sit
Although I know this home I will not fit
Thing is I bet nearly all the same people are working in all the same shops
Same old DJ’s playing the same new song on the same sticky dance floor to the same drunken few
But I love it anyway especially when nothings new
Little bubble

And its a shame we’ll never go back the same
Only as visitors and maybe for one last time
We were young and not in any line

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Tom Curtis

2008-09-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway
Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?
Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?
Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?

Found you on the broken path
I’m glad I didn’t get away that, fast
Stones spelt your name in the damp grass
Maybe one day we’ll touch shoulders and pass
Mist is in the air
Music was played in the amphitheatre
If you weren’t here yesterday
Then tell me where and I’ll find the written path
But they’re just pebbles down here
Making letter on the broken path

Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?
Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?

Found you down below
This time I was less mellow
Stones were spilt and no longer spelt ‘hero’
Faking soil for the time being

Lets move on from this ‘cos nothing happened
No one was even there?????
A flustered engine and rain drenched shoes

Lets never think of this again
Because to be fair nothing actually happened
I’ll just look at my laces and make sure they’re fastened

Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?
Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?
Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?
Tom Curtis won’t go away
But where is he anyway?

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

My Festival Adventure

2008-09-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

So, Leeds has been and gone with a massive, world damaging bang. So many highs its difficult to know where to start!?! I'll go from the beginning...

...Excitement built (as it did the previous year) and I had about 6 hours sleep in two days, at this point I had been nowhere near Leeds or Bramham Park. A few last minute purchases were made which included alcohol, booze and batteries for 99p.

So I awake 0430 am on the Thursday before Leeds in the 'D' at my second home (Stuart and Gem do a grand job at looking after their Grant Mitchell/David Brent lovechild). Our first form of transport/baggage carrier/Leeds doer arrives and excitement levels rise, it starts to get silly. The second form of transport/baggage carrier/Leeds doer arrives and we then realise that we have insufficient space for luggage and people. We thought that we couldn't leave anyone behind and a diplomatic decision was made, the Castabino would be travelling to Leeds.

At the meet-up at the service station, which was a little later than expected but spirits were still sky high and on we went to our (my) heaven. A journey which, at tops, should have taken two hours, took ten. People got silly, threatened to turn around but due to their petrol shortage realised that they wouldn't have got far. The blue haired walker was always ahead, by a long way. But the five car convoy had the skills to move on through the queues.

Anyway, we arrived at Bramham Park a lot later than expected and everyone was tired but overjoyed that we had actually made it. The mud was...muddy and the bags were heavy, reinforcements were called and we got pitched and drunk, again, later than expected.

Friday came and this was the start, tonnes of band to see that I may only get to watch once in a life-time, friends that I knew were the best fun in the world so the ingredients were there. They mixed so well to make an unforgettable weekend of amazing, hilarious laughs and drunken Norwegians.

Its very rare that a weekend can be so good, nothing would be changed. I hope certain people can make it next year and the lump in my throat on the way out was in vain.

All I can say is "Leeds five" CLICK!

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

I Nearly Drowned So I Went For a Second Swim

2008-09-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

So I realise, I could have died tonight
But that didn’t stop me going down, deeper under toe
The rain made it worse
So I handed you my phone
When we were in the lion I didn’t realise I could have died tonight
So buy me one last round ‘cos I’m going home
We’ll dance to one more ‘cos I want to go home

Can you hear that sound? Am I drowning down?
Will you listen when I say you’re going to die tonight?
Will you hear when he said its going to blow you away
I’m not going to die on a Saturday night

So I realised, I can’t swim with beer goggles on
Dancing on the sea bed, can’t touch the ground
We hung on the boat which was adrift, you decided to leave
I can remember why we swam so we could chill and have a beer
Sun burns my face whilst I try to swim
Sun burns my face whilst I try to swim

Can you hear that sound? Am I drowning down?
Will you listen when I say you’re going to die today?
Will you hear when he said it’s going to take you down?
I’m not going to die on a sunny day

Drowning...not tonight
Falling...not today
I’m not going to die on a Saturday night
I’m not going to drown on a sunny day
I’m not gonna go on a Saturday night
I’m not going to die on a Saturday night

Can you hear that sound? Am I drowning down?
Will you listen when I say you’re going to die tonight?
Will you hear when he said it’s going to blow you away?
I’m not going to die on a Saturday night

Drowning...not tonight
Falling...no today

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Refelections

2008-09-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Tell me you were there
Tell me you were there too
Standing on the same trodden ground
That took us both under in threes

It can’t happen without the other
Thats why I’m asking for your presence
We could listen to some music
We could listen to some music and remember

Colour the sky with mirrors on the ground
Smash the stars with solid sound
Make the back of your mind work
Make it work so we can watch the reflecting moon

This could be so vicious
Or crazy, lady, oh so sinful baby
There is a spark
So lets ignite it into a fire

You’re “Weaving dreams” tonight
Inwards and release
Making mishaps for a while
Lets suffer just for tonight

Colour the sky with mirrors on the ground
Smash the stars with solid sound
Make the back of your mind work
Make it work so we can watch the reflecting moon

I stand here and stop
To take it all in
But all I’m doing
Is wasting time without you

Colour the sky with mirrors on the ground
Smash the stars with solid sound
Make the back of your mind work
Make it work so we can watch the reflecting moon

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines

Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff album review

2008-08-06T01:45:00.000-07:00

Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (Capitol) Reviewed on: 31/7/06

These five melody makers from Iceland hit the right chord with this record. Uplifting, introspective, soulful, thought provoking and magical like sounds grasped me in a way that no other record had managed to do in a long time. Not a million miles away from ‘The Hush Sound’ and transpiring to a more chilled out ‘Kings of Leon’.

The Shout Out Louds manage to write love songs that give hope to the romantically challenged or a shoulder to cry on, but you wont be crying for long. ‘The Comeback’ is a superb introduction, they set the scene straight away. You get the notion that everything was gloomy and depressing before this record hit the sound waves but ‘The Comeback’ allows you to believe good things are to come. There’s no time to come down either, ‘Very Loud’ keeps rising and its time to getaway, “I always choose another way/this is why this love can’t stay”. They never remain in one place, love is the core but it won’t stop the perplexing undertone of loss . “But I got a plan, a plan to get us out of here”.

‘Go Sadness’ is the magical moment, it encapsulates the album as a whole. Very eccentric although the music is calming. “Hello sparkles and flies” Adam sings with similarities to Mercury Revs’ Jonathan Donahue. Although this track captures the album it seems to be a moment of escapism and poignant thoughts.

It’s as though the albums kicking off again after an interlude, but its never stopped. ‘Please Please Please’ is the happy dance floor song, propelling two people back together. On ‘100 degrees’ they’re back together and “in my room its gonna be at least 100 degrees”. Nothing can go wrong from this point and everything seems to be perfect.

“C’mon love is all we’ve got” (’Hurry Up Lets Go’) is the lyric that shows the true meaning of the album. This fades out, then starts again with an identical beat but this is ‘Shut Your Eyes’ now they want confirmation that the lover’s going to stay. Will they walk off into the sunset? “it came as a big surprise, ha ha”.

Howl howl gaff gaff isn’t a load of gibberish. It’s about wanting love, looking for love, finding love, relishing love and holding onto love. This timeline of feelings transpires to many different but universal endeavours. The Shouts Out Louds make a lot of sense.

8/10

Track listing

1. The Comeback
2. Very Loud
3. Oh, Sweetheart
4. A Track and A Train
5. Go Sadness
6. Please Please Pease
7. 100 Degrees
8. There’s Nothing
9. Hurry Up Lets Go
10. Shut Your Eyes
11. Seagull

Broken Horizons

2008-08-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

This is not where I belong among stone built statues
Bring me horizons of sun broken haze instead of falling people ablaze

Stars are spat at by white t-shirts
Trailing jeans are torn in scuffle fallen knees

There are eyes to make sure you are correct
Stolen hearts are not seen or given respect
My thoughts have not yet processed
Or realised I’m among the hopeless

This place hasn’t sunk
It just shot its own foot and hobbled across
As white shirt ties call themselves boss
And trailing phones have no tones

Now, making sense of senseless, silly and strange
Punching bouncer to make his point, if not someone face he will rearrange
The moons light shadows this dark cage
It started with the three of us and it’ll end the same
These streets of Wimbledon will remain
These streets of Wimbledon I disdain

Crippling cold shivers the good, individual lone walkers walking home
Street light vision, bouncer blues, happy slapper
Racing hearts aiming for that one solitary mission
Glazed eyes for the chiselled charming caper
Reflected puddles mirror selfish, forgotten thoughts
No more

Now this place has reaped the rewards
But never taken credit for the young drunken cowards
And this place has reaped the rewards
But never taken credit for the young drunken cowards
This place has reaped the rewards

This place hasn’t sunk
It just shot its own foot and hobbled across
As white shirt ties call themselves boss
And trailing phones have no tones

Now, making sense of senseless, silly and strange
Punching bouncer to make his point, if not someone face he will rearrange
The moons light shadows this dark cage
It started with the three of us and it’ll end the same
These streets of Wimbledon will remain
These streets of Wimbledon I disdain

Knocked out lady with flashing lights oblivious
Stretching voices to make young happy people obvious
Stone cold lady with flashing lights oblivious
Stretching voices to make young happy people obvious
Dead end lady with flashing lights oblivious

This is not where I belong among stone built statues
Bring me horizons of sun broken haze instead of falling people ablaze

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines
06/08/2008

Open Hand

2008-08-05T02:29:00.000-07:00

Open hand, will you play what you want to play
Open hand, will you show the ball each and every way
Open hand, this one isn’t a crime
Open hand, this ones gonna take time

200 degrees
Out here, out here, out here
Touched on the white
You know, you know, you know
I will take this to the fight

Open hand; lower yourself to the lowest point
Open hand; don’t hold back this time
Open hand, I got a move up my sleeve
Open hand, this one will make you cry

200 degrees
Out here, out here, out here
Touched on the white
You know, you know, you know
I will take this to the fight

Make eyes at the other end
Making eyes for purpose and ready
Which one will you send?
One last ditch to keep it in
Making gasps for one last chance
This ones for the win

Open hand, giving it away
Open hand, oh
Open hand, see my flow
Open hand, oh
Open hand, see my flow
Open hand, oh
Open hand, open hand
Open hand, I’m out

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines
30/07/2008

Scattered Patterns Gone Astray

2008-08-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Scattered Patterns Gone Astray 16/07/2008

These effervescent nights
And a stream of colloquial repetition
Shanghi will be my place
Of rest tonight
My eyes will close at 12
No matter what enters

Bring on the next minute
‘cos I won’t be here
I shall drift away now
But I’ll be back soon
To meet my withering eyes, yeah
This is not perplexed today
Scattered patterns have gone astray

Let’s lay our head here in this place tonight
Let’s lay our head here in this place tonight

My skin will itch and I will fall
To battle these weaknesses
I cannot stand up tall
You sigh “nothings ever happened”

Eyes are fading, fading
Eyes are fading, fading

Eyes are fading
Near here or far
“This will be my night”
Once was muttered among the sanguine
Amongst the sanguine

Bring on the next minute
‘cos I won’t be here
I shall drift away now
But I’ll be back soon
To meet my withering...

Bring on the next minute
‘cos I won’t be here
I shall drift away now
But I’ll be back soon
To meet my withering eyes
This is not perplexed today
Scattered patterns have gone astray

You are the invincible
But you hold me above regardless of my imperfection

Stephen 'Kokanez' Caines
16/07/2008

Leeds and beyond

2008-08-04T05:34:00.000-07:00

The next month or so should prove to be spacial to say the least. Leeds has been on my sub-sub-conscious for the last 11 months and a very close call of not nearly getting any tickets was pretty hell raising.

It all started a few months back when myself and Mr. L decided on a whim to go and see Sons & Daughters Fibbers and it turned out to be a delight. But most of all it reignited the flame for live music which had been dwindling for a short while.

Watching a band who have had medi-core success but have just continued to do what they do best with no compromise whatsoever made me think that's there are band/artist out there that shit on the door step of the mainstream shit stream.

Knowing that Leeds will be impregnable and a strong listening regime to allow maximum listening time for all band at the festival meant all I had to do was turn up! But then on the horizon, The Duchess turns up, sticking its fingers up to its neighbour and could well be setting a new bar. Evan Dando, We are Scientsis, Iglu & Hartly to mention a few are gracing this new palace of audio orgasm.

On my return I shall be turning my attention to 'Stay Positive', the staggering new album from the Hold Steady.

Until then, I shall burn at beached, fly at Leeds and punch the air with joy at the up and coming Time to Leave gig.

The future looks bright but that's not to say I will stop looking...

Time To Leave - 3rd January 2008, Vintage Rockbar, Doncaster

2008-01-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

So, Time To Leave come home (well Andy Hunt does) and perform their new EP on home turf. I originally saw them in Leeds where the venue was a little more deserted and less personal but a good show was put on and I looked forward to seeing them again along with the release of 'Dedicate Yourself'.

The warm up act who, to be fair were forgettable and the computer was the best performer on the night.

Time To Leave graced the stage with nothing to prove and nothing to lose. There were no egotistical twat on stage or anyone punching above their weight, just a bunch of lads playing to their hearts content and show a real musical endeavour.

The new songs sound tried and tested, as if they have been played for years on the circuit creating an assured, cocksure performance.

Stand out song 'Armour Won't Save You' was a highlight. Each song contains real rock elements, fantastic solos and the vocals are second to none.

The difference from a couple of months ago has been incredible and the venues will only getter fuller and bigger.

Yeti are back on tour

2007-12-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

Yeti will be hitting the UK with their latest tour. Former Libertines bassist Jon Hassell and his band are to tour and release an album in 2008. This makes me happy because I first them on a compilation CD and there was a song on there called 'Never lose Your Sense of Wonder' which I couldn't stop playing for a few months.

They then seemed to disappear for a year or so, but they're back and hopefully with some recognition.

The dates are:

January

Norwich Arts Centre (17)
Sunderland Independent (18)
Middlesbrough Arena (19)
York Cert18 (20)
Wakefield Escobar (21)
Birmingham Barfly (24)
Bolton Kico (25)
Wigan Tavern (26)
Dundee Abertay Student Union (27)
Aberdeen Tunnels (28)
Edinburgh Cabaret Volitaire (29)
Glasgow Barfly (30)
Carlisle Brickyard (31)

February

Liverpool Carling Academy 2 (1)
Cardiff Barfly (5)
Exeter Cavern (6)
Yeovil Orange Box (7)
Weymouth The Queens (8)
Bristol Thekla (9)
Brighton Pressure Point (11)
Southampton Joiners (12)
Nottingham Approach (19)
London Water Rats (22)
Cambridge Soultree (26)
Leeds Brudenell Social Club (27)

I will hopefully catch them in York and capture their great guitar pop with no strings attached.

Ten Songs For You To Ponder Over

2007-12-16T03:58:00.000-08:00

1. Dartz! - Once, Twice, Again
2. Manchester Orchestra - Where Have You Been?
3. Band of Horses - Funeral
4. Minus The Bear - Pachuca Sunrise
5. Remma - Worry Young
6. Ryan Adams - Two
7. The Dykeenies - Things You Cannot see
8. TV On The Radio - Staring at The Sun
9. Pete and the Pirates - Knots
10. Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye

A few songs that I recommend which I have been listening to recently. All the albums from which these songs appear have pleasured my stereo greatly this year (apart from Remma as they have not release an album).

Music In My Head

2007-12-16T03:36:00.000-08:00

This is a project for myself really, a little selfish, maybe but hopefully all that see will get something from it too.

All I aim to do is publish my thoughts on songs, bands and music issues. Adding reviews of albums, live shows and bands which I am currently listening to and ones just discovered.

This will be a very open blog site to allow others (you) to add posts on your own musical journey and discuss what everyone is talking about.