hmvblogs - blogs by hmv

grumpy old man....

Having just read a snippet of Mark E. Smith's enlightening new book 'Renegade : The Gospel According To Mark E.Smith, i can concur with much of what he says. At 50 years of age he been, seen and done it and let's face it, anyone who approves of Brian Clough and Hurricane Higgins, but can't stand Jo Whiley and Brighton is fine by me. I'm afraid i'm unable to mention what he thinks of Elton John and Mick Jagger, read it for yourselves. Genius! 

current number 1

my fave song at this moment, 11:39 weds morning

Basildon's finest...

I heard Alison Moyet being interviewed on Jonathan Ross's radio show the other day and also saw that Yazoo's 'Upstairs At Eric's is being reissued next month, so thought i'd dig out my old copy for a listen. Bearing in mind i've not heard it for many years, what struck me was just how brilliant it is. Such a stark 80s sound, but soulful too, surely one of the best of the decade.

Never mind the Kooks...

Let's face as Brighton bands go Blood Red Shoes wipe the floor with their fellow seasiders all day long. I've only heard this duo's debut 'Box Of Secrets' once and i love it ! It's got everything from speedy thrashy punk to infectious pop grooves, like a harder edged Ting Tings i reckon.

it could only be SubPop

I feel like i'm re-discovering a whole new movement in music at the moment. SubPop have always been one of the best and most influential alternative labels around, but in this their 20th year they've surpassed themselves with a whole host of quality releases. Only this week i've discovered No Age's almost symphonic thrash-fest 'Nouns', and in total contrast a quite sublime album of folky Americana from Sera Cahoone with 'Only As The Day Is Long', who i believe is or was the drummer from Band of Horses. In May i can't wait for the new Mudhoney album 'Lucky Ones' plus the deluxe reissue of their seminal 'Superfuzz Bigmuff'.