2013 PREVIEW: ALBUMS

A preview of our most anticipated albums for 2013 - by Jon Birch:

2012 has been a great year for music. We’ve seen established artists like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young delivering exceptional albums, younger bands such as The Vaccines building on the success of their impressive debut with the solid Come Of Age and new acts like Jake Bugg bursting on to the scene. Thankfully, with the latest apocalypse out of the way and the world still spinning, 2013 looks like its going to another exciting year.

Bffy Clyro will get things under way in style in January with the release of their sixth studio album, Opposites. The follow up to 2009’s Only Revolutions, this promises to be more of the same and will continue to push The Biff toward super stardom. Manchester’s own Johnny Marr releases his long awaited solo album in February and by the looks of the first single (The Messenger) its going to be a cracker. Another of Manchester’s favourite sons, Liam Gallagher will also return with Beady Eye set to release the follow up to Different Gear, Still Speeding later in the year. Liam has commented that this will be the record that should have come after Morning Glory. Without the chief songwriter and lyricist from those early Oasis days, it will be interesting to see how accurate that is.

 

 Continuing on the Manchester theme, The Courteeners release their third album, Anna, early in the year. With the band’s sound evolving from the first album to the second, expect to see even further growth on this record. Across the water, Eels release their 10^th studio album, Wonderful, Glorious. Their debut Beautiful Freak is still a personal favourite and, although there have been up’s and downs along the way, I’m looking forward to what the mercurial E conjures up this time (check out the single Peach Blossom).

Queens Of The Stone Age return to the studio with the multi-talented Dave Grohl back on the drum stool for the first time since his contribution to the bands breakthrough album, Songs For The Deaf, over ten years ago. Grohl remains close friends with Josh Homme following their Them Crooked Vultures adventure and was reported to be very keen to get back in the saddle. Even further across the water, everyone’s favourite Aussie Gothic Rock Poets, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, release their first album in five years with Push The Sky Away.

What new artists to look out for? Well we will be doing a special feature of new bands & artists for 2013 in the next few days. And I'm sure there will be many more quality albums along the way in 2013 so keep an eye on Listen Up Manchester as always for gig and CD reviews and live photos.

TOP 10 OF 2012: THE MARK LANEGAN BAND - BLUES FUNERAL

 

#01: THE MARK LANEGAN BAND - BLUES FUNERAL

Before the release of this album I was only aware of Mark Lanegan as a part time member of The Queens Of The Stone Age. He appears as a guitarist and backing vocalist on several albums and sings lead on several tracks as well (Hangin’ Tree and God Is On The Radio on Songs For The Deaf to name two). Blues Funeral is Lanegan’s seventh studio album and it’s not like anything else I’ve heard before. The first thing that hits you is Lanegan’s trademark whisky drenched growl. It’s like Tom Waits at his best. On Acid. Every song has its own distinct feel, driven by a background of ominous electronic beats and driving bassline’s. Add in those gravelly tones and the result is something unique. Album opener Gravediggers Song sets the tone with a fast deep bass riff that runs throughout the track and draws you right in. This is followed by Bleeding Muddy Water, a slow tempo reflection with a rhythmic pounding bass drum and dark, deep lyrics. Mark Lanegan has never been known for feel-good lyrics and the themes across the album conjure up images of piranhas teeth, devils ascending and chaos blossoming. Other highlights include Riot In My House which has some of the best guitar work on the record and Harborview Hospital, a self-depreciating ode to past mistakes and the unlikely possibility of redemption. There isn’t a bad track on this album although it’s not always instantly accessible. It’s a record that requires you give it your full attention and, if you do, you’ll easily find yourself lost deep within this murky world. So lock the door, turn the lights off, open a bottle of red wine, and let Blues Funeral drag you under and immerse you.

Favourite Track: Bleeding Muddy Water

  

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: SPECIAL MENTION



SPECIAL MENTION:  LED ZEPPELIN - CELEBRATION DAY

 

 

For many reasons which I won’t bore you with, my own rules don’t allow me to select a live Album as an album of the year. These are my rules and no-one else’s but I have to stick to them (principles and all that!). However, I couldn’t write this feature without devoting some time to this fantastic live performance. Recorded at the O2 Arena in 2007, Led Zeppelin’s Celebration Day concert was the reunion gig music lovers all over the world had been praying for and it didn’t disappoint. This was a one off gig to a packed out Arena with no warm up shows and a drummer who had never played live with the rest of band before. Ironically, Jimmy Page has commented in interviews that Jason Bonham (son of the late, great John Bonham who took the drum stool for this show), knew the songs better than the rest of the band and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Led Zeppelin. The show kicks off with Good Times Bad Times. It clearly a deliberate choice with the opening lyrics ‘In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a man. Now I’ve reached that age I try to do all those things the best I can’; Robert Plant openly reflecting on the time that’s passed since Zeppelins heyday. Whats clear straight from the off is how hard the band have worked to be ready despite the lack of warm up shows. The rhythm section of Jones and Bonham is as tight as ever, a massive compliment to Jason who goes beyond imitation and makes the drum parts his own. All the old favourites are here although, after the momentous opening, the show does take a few songs to warm up. However, once Jimmy Page starts to pick out those delicate opening notes of Stairway To Heaven the crowd are nicely warmed up and you know that there’s no way this is going down as anything but a triumph. Kashmir, Whole Lotta Love and Rock & Roll bring the show to a huge finish. I think what ultimately makes this so special is that it won’t happen again. This was one of the greatest bands of all time, who shaped and changed the sound of Rock music, together one last time. Over the space of two hours Led Zeppelin reminded us just why they are held in such high esteem with some of the greatest rock music ever written. Celebration Day indeed.

Favourite Track: Stairway To Heaven

 

Top 10 GIGS OF 2012

In 2012 I managed to average seeing over a gig a week, so have seen a lot of live music throughout the year - here are my top 10 picks of 2012 - did you make it to any of these:

#10:  Graham Coxon - 19th April @ Sound Control
#09:  Toy - 10th April @ Soup Kitchen
#08:  A Place to Bury Strangers - 16th September @ Ruby Lounge
#07:  Amon Tobin - 19th May @ Academy 1
#06:  The Barr Borthers - 3rd May @ Soup Kitchen
#05:  Savages - 24th July @ Deaf Institute
#04:  Alabama Shakes - 12th November @ Academy 1
#03:  The Stone Roses - 29th June @ Heaton Park
#02:  We Are Augustines - 4th March - Night & Day Cafe
#01:  The Beach Boys - 28th September - Wembley Arena

I couldnt find any good quality clips of the Wembley show, but here is a trailer for the DVD from the same 50th Anniversary tour to give you an idea of how good these old men from California were - it was a true delight to see the Beach Boys still nailing those harmonies and delivering some FUN FUN FUN - which is why has to be my gig of the year!!!

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: JACK WHITE - BLUNDERBUSS

#02: JACK WHITE - BLUNDERBUSS

 

 

Jack White has to be one of the hardest working men in music. Over the last few years he has played with three bands - The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather – whilst also finding time to run his own record label, Third Man Records, in Nashville Tennesse. He’s long been quizzed about a solo album and, with The White Stripes officially dissolved in early 2011, his debut Blunderbuss was released in April of this year. Jack White has always worn his influences on his sleeve. Much of The White Stripes early work is a love letter to 1930’s bluesmen such as Son House and Blind Willie McTell, while later albums pay homage to the likes of Led Zeppelin, who themselves took the sound of the Blues and evolved it into Rock and Heavy Metal. The Dead Weather is pure Garage Rock and Blues and The Raconteurs played Rock and Americana with sprinklings of country soul. Blunderbuss covers all of these influences and more. Album opener Missing Pieces and the second track, Sixteen Saltines both have a heavy rock and blues feel with the latter featuring a classic Jack White riff running through it. Lead single, Love Interruption is a country ballad with a bitter edge and Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy is a foot-tapping bar room ditty. The stand out track for me is the one cover on the album, I’m Shakin, originally by Motown star Little Willie John. Jack White showcases a wide variety of his talents and influences on his debut album and the result is one of his best efforts yet.

Favourite Track I’m Shakin’ 

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: WE ARE AUGUSTINES - RISE YE SUNKEN SHIPS

 

#03: WE ARE AUGUSTINES - RISE YE SUNKEN SHIPS

 

I was all ready to go with my top ten several weeks ago. However, I was thrown into complete disarray when it was pointed out to me that although this album was released in the States in June 2011, it only gots its UK release in March this year. Its meant a re-think but as you can tell by its high placing, its one that I couldn’t comprehend leaving out. We Are Augustines are a three piece band from Brooklyn, New York. There sound is somewhere between early Kings Of Leon and The National with singer and lyricist Billy McCarthey’s distinctive vocal as their defining feature. McCarthey has a voice that instantly sticks with you and his deeply personal lyrics give each song real weight. Songs like Book Of James and Philadelphia (City Of Brotherly Love) reference the suicide of his brother James directly but its understandably a recurring theme of the album with many other songs touching on similar ideas of loss and heartache. Barrel of Leaves and East Los Angeles slow the tempo down. The latter is one of the stand out tracks of the first half of the album and lead straight into Juarez, the slow building tale of a road trip to fulfil a vendetta that culminates in a huge chorus. There are many highlights to be found here and your favourite track will change the more you play the record. We Are Augustines also deliver a fantastic live set and I’d urge you to check them out if you get the chance.

Favourite Track: Juarez



PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: ELLIE GOULDING

On Monday the 17th December - our photographer went to see Ellie Goulding - his photos are exclusive to Listen Up Manchester - here are a few - but for the full set then visit our facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.306390509477835.69007.280480832068803&type=1

 

 

 

LIVE EVENT: PAUL MCCARTNEY & NIRVANA

Anyone sceptical about the Nirvana reunion at a recent benefit concert featuring all the surviving members of Nirvana with........ Sir Paul McCartney??? We urge you to watch this...... awesome!!!

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: THE KILLERS - BATTLE BORN

#04: THE KILLERS - BATTLE BORN



This one raised a few eyebrows when I announced my list at Listen Up Manchester Towers! I’ve never been a huge fan of The Killers and to be honest, I wasn’t aware a new album was due this year. If you’d told me a year ago that this would be in my Top 10, never mind in the Top 5, I wouldn’t have believed you. Then I heard the lead single, Runaways and my attention was caught. I’ve made no secret of my passion for American Blue Collar Rock with Springsteen already featuring in this list and this track is The Killers take on Born To Run. The rest of the album follows suit as the band adopt a far rockier sound than their previous outings. The resounding theme of the album is regret, loss and what might have been as Brandon Flowers reflects on relationships gone sour and lovers growing apart. You can hear other classic influences in the later stages of the album. The bassline from Heart Of A Girl makes you want to Take A Walk On The Wild Side and From Hear On Out is pure rock & roll. This album has been my biggest surprise of 2012 and although I can’t say I’m a fan of their earlier work, if The Killers continue down this road, I’ll be keeping an eager eye out for what they do next.

Favourite Track – From Here On Out

LISTEN UP: METZ

After a recent tip off - I have been listening to Metz and felt the need to share this band from Toronto (and signed to the legendary Sub Pop label) with all you Listen Up Manchester readers - if you like raw heavy grungy punk rock then take a listen to the below session recorded by our favourite radio station (Seattle's KEXP) - also check out their debut album (it can be found on spotify) - enjoy!

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: OF MONSTERS & MEN - MY HEAD IS AN ANIMAL

#05: OF MONSTERS & MEN - MY HEAD IS AN ANIMAL

Of Monsters And Men have been billed as Icelands answer to Arcade Fire. On first listen you’ll find plenty of similarities. That delicate interplay of instruments and intricate melodies and harmonies are all there. However, as you delve into this album you’ll discover a band that may have their influences, but certainly have their own identity. Iceland has a decent history of talented individual musical exports such as Bjork and Sigur Ros and Of Monsters And Men look set to carry on this tradition. Throughout the album, as the bands name suggests, the connection between man and nature is the major theme. Opening track Dirty Paws conjures up imagery of Dragonfly’s, forests with talking tree’s and wild beasts.  From Finner and Mountain Sound, the second single to be released, carry on this theme and the album is packed with this almost dreamlike imagery. Lead single Little Talks was an international hit and took the number 1 spot in many European charts and the US.

Favourite Track: Little Talks

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - WRECKING BALL

#6: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - WRECKING BALL



Bruce Springsteen’s latest release (his 17^th studio album )shows there is still life, passion and spirit in the old dog yet. Now in his 60’s, The Boss shows no signs of letting up and on Wrecking Ball he’s bigger, better and angrier than he’s been in a long time. From the financial crisis to Hurricane Katrina and the War On Terror , Bruce lets out his feelings, backed by members of The E-Street Band, in support of the Everyman as he always has. The albums opening three tracks set the tone and I’d defy anyone to not be stomping their feet by the end of Shackled and Drawn ....even you JZ! (JZ[editor]: Maybe I could bring myself to listen to some Springsteen JB!). Opening track, We Take Care Of Our Own is very much in the vein of Born In The USA.  Fist pumping Americans will sing this at the top of their lungs without stopping to listen to the lyrics which, much like the aforementioned track, aren’t as patriotic as they first seem. Jack Of All Trades and This Depression slow the tempo down and, although they aren’t bad songs, this record is really about those tracks which can, and should, be sung as loud as you can. Clarence Clemons, the iconic Saxophonist with the E-Street Band, passed away before recording began and the album is dedicated to him. It’s his Sax solo (taken from a previous live recording) you can hear on Land Of Hope And Dreams and this fantastic collection of songs is a fitting tribute to the Big Man.

Favourite Track: Shackled & Drawn

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: BAND OF HORSES - MIRAGE ROCK

#07: BAND OF HORSES - MIRAGE ROCK

 

 

Mirage Rock is the fourth album from Seattle’s Band Of Horses. The band have been through many changes since forming in 2004 but the lineup for this album remains the same as 2010’s well received, Infinite Arms. This has allowed the band to continue to tighten and develop their sound and the result is a record that, if there is any justice, should push them firmly into the mainstream. Album opener, Knock Knock is an up tempo toe tapper and the natural lead single. It sets the rest of the album up nicely and there are plenty of highlights. Ben Bridwell’s distinctive vocals sound just as good on the lively How To Live and A Little Biblical as it does on slower efforts such as the Neil Young inspired Dumpster World. Like all the best records, it gets better with each listen and you’ll discover something new each time you come back to it.

 

Favourite Track: How To Live



TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: JAKE BUGG - JAKE BUGG

#08: JAKE BUGG - JAKE BUGG

18 year old Jake Bugg became the new ‘Next Big Thing’ with the release of his infectious first single, ‘Lightning Bolt’. With its catchy three chord riff, it’s a song that sticks in your head right away and doesn’t get old quickly. The release of the album (reviewed on Listen Up Manchester http://listenupmanchester.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/album-review-jake-bug-self-titled.html) showed that Jake Bugg was no one trick wonder. Two Fingers and Seen It All, tell tales of teenage misdemeanours and share more than a little in common with Alex Turners early work in The Arctic Monkeys. The rest of the album is a little less immediate and rewards repeated listens. He’s been compared to the likes of Bob Dylan and Donovan and on tracks like Country Song, Fire and Ballad Of Mr Jones its easy to hear that influence. Despite this, it doesn’t sound at all dated. Its 60’s pop for the modern generation. It’s a great debut and with big name admirers like Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher, its clear Jake Bugg has a big future.

Favourite Track: Simple As This

COVER: NICK CAVE DOES PULP

Just came across this gem - Nick Cave covering Pulp's Disco 2000 and felt the need to share it! Enjoy!!!

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE - PSYCHEDELIC PILL

#09: NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE - PSYCHEDELIC PILL

Psychedelic Pill was Neil Youngs second album with Crazy Horse in 2012. Whereas the first, Americana, was a collection of covers, this is all new material and from the very first bars of ‘Driftin’ Back’, its unmistakeably a Crazy Horse record. This is Young’s 35^thstudio album and he’s earned the right to make his own rules. Two CD’s with 4 tracks on each? Ok then. A 27 minutes opening track and two others that are 16 minutes long? Why not! Thats not to say that one of those minutes drags by. Let yourself be drawn in and you’ll be swept along and immersed in these epic pieces of music. Driftin’ Back is Youngs lament against poor quality digitial download’s (‘You just get 5% now, You used to get it all). Other high points are the bouncy Born In Ontario, and Twisted Road, both of which wouldn’t sound out of place on a Greatest Hits album. A record that improves with each listen, its classic Neil Young and his best work of recent years.  

Favourite Track: Ramada Inn

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012: JAPANDROIDS - CELEBRATION ROCK

   #10: Japandroids - Celebration Rock

One of my favourite things with listening to new music, is finding something new that you instantly connect with. I came across Japandroids on a music blog (ironically on the best albums of 2012 so far), liked the sound of the write up and checked them out on Spotify . A due from Canada, Japandroids have been around since 2006 but have not had massive exposure on this side of the Atlantic. Its difficult to put their sound into a genre, but at a push I suppose you’d call it Garage Rock. It’s high energy, fast paced and sounds more like a five piece band than a two piece band. There’s one, guitar, one drum kit with both members singing. The album is eight tracks long and whilst some take a few listens to fully appreciate, the likes of Fires Highway and Younger Us hook you in straight away.

Favourite Track: Fires Highway

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012

Well it's reached that time of the year when everybody is starting to compile their top albums lists for the year, so Listen Up Manchester's chief reviewer Jon Birch has been having a think about this years releases and has put together his top ten from 2012. We'll be posting Jon's selection from 10 to 1 over the next few weeks leading up to christmas.

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: KEANE

Our photographer John Cooper went down to the MEN Arena on Thursday 29th November to catch Keane on thier Strangeland tour. We hope you enjoy the photos - if you want to see more make sure you visit our facebook page where you can see the whole set: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.299175746865978.67385.280480832068803&type=1