11/10/10:

Coming soon:

Magnetic Man's debut album & the return of The Ting Tings with their single 'Hands'.

The Magic Numbers @ The Wedgewood Rooms:

The weekend just gone I was lucky enough to catch up with The Magic Numbers before their sold out gig at The Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, with Danny and the Champions of the World supporting. I had a chat with Angela about their new album 'Runaway' and their ongoing tour.

Published for Rhythm Circus: http://rhythmcircus.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=618%3Athe-magic-numbers&catid=47%3Amusic-articles&Itemid=126

Picture courtesy of Last.Fm

Hi Angela, how are you?

I’m good thanks!

Good, so have you had a chance to look around Portsmouth yet?

Well, we got here this morning, literally parked the bus outside and got everything out and into the venue and then went and had some breakfast in a little cafe called Carol’s? Then bought some shower gel which is always handy!

Random! So are you guys looking forward to tonight’s gig?

Yeah, definitely! It should be good.

It’s a great venue, surprisingly intimate I think.

Yeah! We’ve played there once before with Ed Harcourt 6 years ago. It was fun!

Sounds good! So obviously you’ve played at this summer’s festivals, what do you prefer – festivals or smaller gigs?

Erm, it’s kind of a bit of both really. Cos’ like festivals are a sea of people, so you kinda have to cater your set to please everyone and you also get a really short set so you have to go for the big hitters straight off, whereas your own gigs you can bring it up and down as you please.

So before your gigs, is there any particular artist or band you guys like to listen to?

We usually just listen to our support bands cos’ we always end up getting our friends on tour so that’s always a laugh.

Are there any relatively new artists you’re into at the moment?

Yeah, I like Laura Marling. I think Romeo and Michelle are probably more into their folk than I am. I’m kinda more heavy I think. I’m a massive Nick Cave fan. So is Shaun as well. But yeah, we really like Laura Marling. It’s kinda nice seeing the whole folk thing come back. It’s good! Especially because it seems to be getting so big, it’s not just ‘pop’ anymore.

Do you think that’s going to give way to a new legion of younger fans?

I would hope so. I mean, it’s not that far off. Five years ago what we were doing used to be a very folky thing, it was different. But now everyone is trying to be folky which is kinda nice.

Have you got any memorable moments from the tour so far?

Well the other night in Leeds, Danny from Danny and the Champions of the World, our support band, found a tombola and came up with the idea of doing our whole set out of the tombola. So we did! We renamed it ‘songbola’ which was pretty funny! So we had someone from the audience come up on stage and spin it for each song. It had all of the songs we’ve ever done in it so it was quite nerve wracking. There was stuff that we’d not played for years and stuff we’ve not played at all before, but it got everyone in the crowd involved which is always good.

With you being two sets of siblings, are there any Oasis style bust ups on the tour bus or do you all get on well?

Well, like in most families me and Shaun argue a lot, but it’s more bickering than anything, like ‘shut up you dick!’ and that kinda thing. But with Michelle and Romeo it always gets a lot more heated and can’t carry on for a long time. But yeah, that’s probably the extent of it!

So, moving on to the album, ‘Runaway’ - It’s been quite a while since the last album, and being a fan of your older stuff as well, it’s nice to see the progression. It seems as though you’ve matured somewhat?

Yes! That’s exactly what we feel about the album, so that’s good!

And do you have any particular favourite track from the 12 on the album?

I love ‘Restless River’. It’s definitely my favourite. I love the way it just all came together. Romeo did a little riff on the guitar and was just messing around really. Then came the drumbeat and it just all built from that so I really do just love that song. I love ‘Why Did You Call’ as well.

That’s one of my favourites. I thought it had a slight 80’s vibe to it which was cool. It’s one of those eras I wish I’d have been around for!

Yes! Definitely! I was born during the 80’s so couldn’t quite fulfil it!

Another reason it’s one of my favourite tracks is because it’s one of the two tracks on the album where yourself and Michelle take the lead vocals, as opposed to accompanying Romeo’s lead. Is that something you’d like to do more of?

Well it’s kinda nice between me and Michelle because it’s almost a duet between us two instead of me and Romeo or Michelle and Romeo. It’s really nice because it’s the only song we can do without Romeo and we both love playing the song. It’s our turn!

How do you feel the overall reception of the album has been?

I think it’s been good! For me personally, I think it’s been good. Some people don’t. I mean, you read the odd review here and there and they’re just lazy y’know? But then other people have really listened to the album. You can tell because they get where we’re coming from and think how we thought when we were writing and recording the album, which is great!

Apart from the current touring you’re doing, what are your plans for the future as a band? Anything exciting set to happen in the New Year?

We’re off to India in December which is nice! Not too sure what’s going to be happening after Christmas but I know we’re pretty solid until then. New Year’s we’ll probably go over to America and play a few gigs there. I love touring in America but its hard work!

I guess there’s always the myth of America being hard to crack.

Yeah, you’ve got to spend a lot of time there! It’s something we haven’t really done yet. Probably the longest we’ve been there is about six weeks on the road but you need longer than that, it’s just crazy. I really hope we get to do it!

We hope so as well! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us!

Not at all!

04/10/10:

This week sees the return of Carl Barat, except this time he's on his own, with his self entitled solo project. And for those closet Take That fans amongst us, (not including me of course), Robbie Williams releases his next single 'Shame', featuring a collaberation with Take That's Gary Barlow.

Carl Barat – Carl Barat:

Ex Libertines and Dirty Pretty Thing’s front man Carl Barat has taken a lot of stick from critics and fans alike in the last few months - all because of his recent decision to go solo. His ten track solo stint is to accompany his book release ‘Threepenny Memoirs’, a collection of anecdotes about his life in the limelight. On the surface it seems pretty promising, especially being a fan of Dirty Pretty Things myself, (not so much The Libertines though!). Unfortunately it seems as though the press has had every right to slate his effort, with a good 80% of the album being mind-numbing to say the least.

First track ‘The Magus’ is distinct, with a quirky melody that along with the lyrics; ‘Cos men can be animals, savages and cannibals. Keep your wits about you and you’ll see another day’, makes for an interesting listen. However, it soon turns drab and after just a few minutes becomes ‘just another’ song on the album. The same theme carries into the next three tracks, with ‘She’s Something’ being one of the most monotonous, despite the almost theatrical approach Barat adopts throughout.

Its track 5, ‘Run with the Boys’, where Barat finally swaps his frown for a smile. The first single to be released is without doubt the most appealing offering on the album, despite its cheesy lyrics; ‘Run with the boys night after night, how do our candles still run bright in the morning?’ Its retro roots make for a good listen and although it’s not necessarily what Barat’s fans have come to expect from him style wise, it’s undeniably catchy.

The remainder of the album is very much the same as the beginning, with no resounding factor urging me to listen to each track a second time. Instead I found myself wanting to skip them instead, which let’s face it, is never a good thing.

Overall, I haven’t crossed Barat off of my list completely; he still looks good in leather, right? (Album cover aside). But in my opinion he is just not that good by himself and needs either a band to back him up, or dare I say it, Pete Docherty’s indie drawl to compliment his. With each song just a different version of the last, his self entitled album isn’t one I’d recommend. But hey, that’s just me, right?

And here is latest release, ‘Run with the Boys’.

Robbie Williams Ft. Gary Barlow - Shame:

Whether I’m entirely comfortable with the fact or not, I have always had a soft spot for Robbie Williams and Co and like most girls my age have fond, (and rather embarrassing), memories involving a Take That cassette tape, hairbrush and mirror. So, with Robbie back in the band and all previous wounds healed, Williams and Barlow release their first collaboration single since their days in Take That this week, ‘Shame’.

‘Shame’ embodies everything you’d expect from the duo; a cheesy ballad that’s pleasing to the ears, no matter what your personal musical preference may be. Although the sound of horses galloping at the beginning of the track is verging on slightly disturbing, it soon evens itself out, showcasing both William’s and Barlow’s voices, joining together in the chorus for the full effect. With a cheeky laugh and a dose of casual banter when the track grinds to a halt, it’s good to hear the lads united again, although it's a shame, (excuse the pun), that their fellow band mates aren't there to join in.

Here’s ‘Shame’.

27/09/10:

This week's top release comes from bleach blonde Mark Ronson, (is it just me wondering whether his stylist is playing a cruel joke on him?!), with the anticipated 'Record Collection', crammed with collaberations from Boy George to Wiley. Also this week I take a look at Kanye West's second single release 'Runaway' from his elusive 'Fifth Studio Album', before it's official release on October 5th.

Without further ado...

Mark Ronson - Record Collection:

Since his debut ‘Version’ back in 2007, pint sized producer Mark Ronson has often graced the showbiz pages of most newspapers and tacky gossip magazines. Being the best friend to rehab songstress Amy Winehouse and gradually making his way through a catalogue of gorgeous models, it’s more than easy to forget about Ronson’s biggest gift – music. And now, three years later, it looks as though he has hung up his crown as ‘The most connected man in pop’, and instead decided to focus on his latest offering; ‘Record Collection’.

‘Bang, Bang, Bang’ is the album’s opener, the first track to be selected for release, (admittedly a while ago). Since it first graced the charts, I’ve not been much of a fan and failed to see the hype surrounding a track that to be quite honest, didn’t appeal to me. However, after appreciating the album as a whole it seems I’ve changed my mind, deciding that not only is the track crammed with catchy hooks, it’s also a perfect introduction, setting the tone for the rest of the collection.

Second track ‘Lose It (in the end)’, is a favourite of mine, featuring lyrics from Phantom Planet’s Alex Greenwald. It’s slightly distorted yet appealing style makes for a refreshing change, as does (surprisingly), Ronson’s second single release ‘Bike Song’, featuring The View’s Kyle Falconer. Although it doesn’t come equipped with the best lyrics, its juvenile bike bell sound effects and cheerful tune is impossible to get out of your head after just a few listens. Track 5 ‘You Gave Me Nothing’ is also pleasing to the ears, oozing with 80’s panache, which is emphasised further with the voice of Rose Elinor Dougall; a voice Ronson, (rightly so), utilises throughout the album. Title track ‘Record Collection’ is also a winner, showcasing Ronson’s own vocal abilities, as well as reinforcing the retro vibe with collaboration from Simon Le Bon. Referring to Ronson’s desire to focus on his music; ‘... I only want to be in your record collection’, there is a playful depth to the track.

However, it’s at just track 4 that the album reaches its peak, with ‘Somebody to Love Me’, a dose of retro nostalgia featuring the fabulous Boy George. An arguably odd choice for the collaboration, it works incredibly well, with Boy George’s vocals not only strengthening the track as a whole, but his personal background paving the way for some well thought lyrics; ‘... I want somebody to be nice, see the boy I was once in my eyes’. It is without doubt, the strongest track from the 14 tracks on offer, as well as being one for the dance floor.

Instrumental interludes aside, the rest of the album, (rather frustratingly), appears to go downhill, with Ronson lessening his grip on the retro vibe he previously captured so well; opting for rap instead. However, this aside the album is an overall success and proof that Ronson’s quirky and sometimes peculiar style can work - it’s refreshing to hear something that little bit different, which will still manage to burrow its way into your head.

Kanye West -Runaway:

Despite being better known for that incident at the VMA Awards last year with Taylor Swift, Kanye West is an artist I have always defended. Having seen him perform, I admire his passion and the emotion that goes into every performance. His fifth studio album is therefore one I'm eager to wrap my ears around, (when he finally makes his mind up what it's going to be called!). But for now, I'll have to make do with first release 'Power' and now the second track to be released 'Runaway', featuring Pusha T.

'Runaway' is somewhat sinister throughout and not for you if you're looking for the next 'Goldigger'. Instead, it follows on from the mature '808's & Heartbreaks', with some brutally honest lyrics from West, 'See I could have me a good girl, and still be addicted to those hoodrats'. In fact, it makes you feel almost sorry for the guy!

Either way, it's a grower. Admittedly it takes several listens, but once it's in your head it's hard to shake.

Here it is, 'Runaway':

20/09/10:

This week signals the release of blue-eyed soul five piece Maroon 5’s third studio album; ‘Hands all Over’. I had a listen to the extended version of the album, with an impressive 19 tracks. I also take a look at electro-pop band Fenech –Soler’s single ‘Lies’.

Without further ado...

Maroon 5 - Hands All Over:

Maroon 5 are a band whom I have a lot of admiration for and a group that composed the soundtrack to a good handful of my teenage years, (without wanting to sound like a middle aged woman). So it comes as no surprise that eight years since their debut ‘Songs About Jane’ and another three years since ‘It Won’t Be Soon Before Long’, I have been eagerly awaiting their latest offering, ‘Hands All Over’.

Levine and Co kick off with ‘Misery’, a quirky and catchy number which was the first track to be released from the album back in June. Ever more enticing with each listen, it makes for an excellent homecoming for the guys, rekindling their well deserved place as one of America’s best bands.

The second single from the album follows and is in my opinion one of, if not the, strongest out of the whopping nineteen tracks on offer. ‘Give A Little More ‘is a brave move from Levine, who although pushing forty, manages to throw in a few risqué lyrics; ‘You’re wrong for turning me on, and on and on.’ Ending abruptly with a Jacko-esque squeal, it’s most definitely one for the ladies, (as is the video!).

It is at this point that the album takes yet another turn, swapping lust for good old fashioned love during ‘Never Gonna Leave This Bed’, with Levine promising ‘... I will never run away again’. (I doubt many girls would let him!) ‘I Can’t Lie’ follows the same theme; a soulful and strangely upbeat track which tackles regret, exclaiming ‘... I wanna feel your heartbeat like yesterday’.

With nearly twenty tracks in total, it’d take a lifetime to go through each and every one, (and wouldn’t make for very good reading either!), so I think it’s fair to say that the album goes on to take several twists and turns. Levine dips his toes into a pool of slow melodic musings to dramatic rock ballads, all the while nurturing that enviable star quality most bands these days don’t possess. Although it’s not to the standard of ‘Songs About Jane’, (in my opinion of course), it’s a brilliant album, with the only reason it doesn’t compare being down to nostalgia and not necessarily the quality of the songs themselves. So, to cut it short, for all those Maroon 5 fans or the hordes of girls screaming for a piece of Levine – buy it!

Here’s ‘Give A Little More’:

Fenech-Soler - Lies:

Next on this week‘s agenda is Fenech Soler’s superb single, ‘Lies’. Having a hidden penchant for dance music and being Calvin Harris’s second biggest fan, (there’s got to be another psycho out there, right?!), ‘Lies’ encapsulates everything I’ve come to look for in an electro floor filler. The only negative factor to come from this track is the fact that it wasn't released earlier on in the summer months - I'm sure it would have given Example's 'Kickstarts' a run for it's money.

Gaining momentum from the off, Ben Duffy’s vocals give the track the depth it deserves, and to be perfectly honest it’s difficult to explain just how good it is without having a listen yourself.So at the risk of writing the shortest single review yet, that's exactly what you need to do.

So, here it is, Fenech Solar’s ‘Lies’. An undeniably healthy dose of electro-pop goodness: