Matt wants us to cover 'a certain Softcell track' for our upcoming gig at Bedsitland.
Having listened to the track, I can only surmise that this is because his chosen track can be easily played with one finger. I think if we are going to go down the rocky-road of cover versions, we should look to cover tracks that stretch us and stimulate us on a personal and artistic level.
Sarah x |
Friday, 27 June 2008
ONE-FINGERED WONDER
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
ISOLATION
I sometimes find working on my own quite un-inspring, my studio was previously quite accessible but following the addition to our household I now work in a semi-converted loft space. Therefore feedback on the progress of tracks as I'm working hardly ever happens. Sometimes it would be 'oh I don't like that sound' or 'that sounds weird' would often mean I would re-evaluate the track and often improve it.
I think the songs definitely reflect the mood of the environment and I actually quite like that, I think this album will have a darker feel which is something we both discussed and agreed upon at the start of writing.
Sarah generally trusts my judgement regarding the production and I have previously left her to write about subjects that are personal to her. There has been some reversal of roles recently as with one of the tracks I felt the vocals weren't working, I offered to write some lyrics as there was a subject I really wanted to get off my chest, I thought this would be the easier option rather than getting Sarah to write something different to an existing idea, not sure it went down that well though. I have never written a complete song so we'll see what happens.
Matt
I think the songs definitely reflect the mood of the environment and I actually quite like that, I think this album will have a darker feel which is something we both discussed and agreed upon at the start of writing.
Sarah generally trusts my judgement regarding the production and I have previously left her to write about subjects that are personal to her. There has been some reversal of roles recently as with one of the tracks I felt the vocals weren't working, I offered to write some lyrics as there was a subject I really wanted to get off my chest, I thought this would be the easier option rather than getting Sarah to write something different to an existing idea, not sure it went down that well though. I have never written a complete song so we'll see what happens.
Matt
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
FOR ME THE BEST ALBUM OF '08...SO FAR
The Presets - Apocalypso
I first of heard of these guys a while after seeing a video of 'The Girl & The Sea', I really liked that track and thought Damon Albarn was the vocalist, but he wasn't. The material I heard around that time seemed very disjointed so I didn't buy any albums.
This album is by a long way the best thing they have done.
Tracks like 'This Boy's In Love' , 'A New Sky', 'Yippiyo-Ay' & 'If I Know You' are really great songs so make it worth buying the complete album.
Parts of it reminds me of Underworld, The Knife, The Killers, LCD Soundsystem, Nitzer Ebb and even Blancmange especially the retro drum and synth sounds.
The vocals range between very melodic and chant like with perhaps even a tint of John Lydon in places.
You should have a listen here
I first of heard of these guys a while after seeing a video of 'The Girl & The Sea', I really liked that track and thought Damon Albarn was the vocalist, but he wasn't. The material I heard around that time seemed very disjointed so I didn't buy any albums.
This album is by a long way the best thing they have done.
Tracks like 'This Boy's In Love' , 'A New Sky', 'Yippiyo-Ay' & 'If I Know You' are really great songs so make it worth buying the complete album.
Parts of it reminds me of Underworld, The Knife, The Killers, LCD Soundsystem, Nitzer Ebb and even Blancmange especially the retro drum and synth sounds.
The vocals range between very melodic and chant like with perhaps even a tint of John Lydon in places.
You should have a listen here
Monday, 23 June 2008
OHHHHHH
...We do like to be beside the seaside! Just got back from a sunny, long weekend in Norfolk with my GORGEOUS family. Fish and chips on the seafront, fresh crab and ice-cream (not all at once). Bliss.
Brilliant news about Retrofest 2008. Can't wait - but now have the usual dilemma of what to wear. Is it possible to buy electro-wellies? Could spray some silver I guess.
Oh, and a very happy birthday to our' Matt. He doesn't look bad for 40!
;-) x x
|
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A Smarter Email.
Friday, 20 June 2008
RETROFEST '08
We have been invited to play at this years Retrofest in Scotland on August 31st. Last year Retrofest featured The Human League & ABC and this year the line-up is equally as exciting. Boy George, Howard Jones, Paul Young, Midge Ure, China Crisis, Kajagoogoo, Boney M, Blow Monkeys, The Christians, Kim Wilde, The Bangles, Peter Andre plus many more.
Obviously making a weekend of it so we get to enjoy the bands on the Saturday before our slot on the Sunday.
Click here to visit the Retrofest site.
Thursday, 19 June 2008
AURAL & VISUAL EXCITEMENT
Had a very good night in London, meeting up with the EY crowd, discussing all things electro and topped off by meeting the legendary producer Gareth Jones just minutes before seeing Yazoo for the first time (and probably the last).
I gifted Gareth our album on iTunes last year and he sent a very nice email back, although no mention of listening to the album :-( However he did remember when we spoke yesterday evening. Gareth has been diagnosed with a minor (his words) cancer and is therefore taking time off. He is writing a very inspirational and candid blog that can be found here Needless to say I will be now regularly reading his journal and of course wishing him a speedy recovery.
More updates coming today and some exciting live news.
ADDITIONAL...
This is the EY gang with Gareth Jones. I really wasn't drunk although it looks like I'm doing a good impression.
I gifted Gareth our album on iTunes last year and he sent a very nice email back, although no mention of listening to the album :-( However he did remember when we spoke yesterday evening. Gareth has been diagnosed with a minor (his words) cancer and is therefore taking time off. He is writing a very inspirational and candid blog that can be found here Needless to say I will be now regularly reading his journal and of course wishing him a speedy recovery.
More updates coming today and some exciting live news.
ADDITIONAL...
This is the EY gang with Gareth Jones. I really wasn't drunk although it looks like I'm doing a good impression.
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