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Jarvis Cocker Praises Michael Jackson

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:33:52 +0100

Former Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker has paid tribute to his old foe Michael Jackson during an appearance on Question Time.

Jarvis Cocker released his new album 'Further Complications' earlier this year. Produced by Steve Albini, it showed a rock influenced side to the indie icon. However Cocker's songwriting skills, and above all his peerless wit, showed through.

It's all a long way from the mid 90s. After years of craving success, Jarvis Cocker's group Pulp scaled the charts with a series of golden singles. Becoming one of the nation's best loved pop acts, the band were nominated for a number of Brit awards at the 1996 ceremony.

However it was all to end in farce. Stunned by the overblown pomposity of Michael Jackson's performance Jarvis Cocker - plus another member of Pulp - invaded the stage with Cocker waggling his bottom in the King Of Pop's general direction.

All hell broke loose. Jarvis Cocker was accused of assaulting child dancers, with the British tabloids leaping to his defence. Pushing his fame into ever higher levels, the singer was later left disillusioned by the entire period, channelling his frustration into Pulp's classic album 'This Is Hardcore'.

Yet on a recent instalment of 'Question Time' the singer paid tribute to Michael Jackson. The pop icon died on Thursday (June 25th) and Cocker was keen to state the 'Thriller' star's importance.

"If there's a tragedy about the whole thing, I would say that's that if he'd have kept making great records - like he did in the mid-'80s - up to now that would have been great. But for some reason, for the last 20 years he didn't do that, and for me that's the tragic part of it," he said.

Asked if he thought Michael Jackson was a genius, Jarvis Cocker replied "Yeah. He invented the moonwalk!" to the audience's delight.

However the former Pulp singer also chastised the host David Dimbleby for claiming that he "mooned" Michael Jackson at the Brit awards. "You described it incorrectly earlier," he said, pointing at Dimbleby. "I never mooned anybody in my whole life!"

Cocker was joined on the programme by Labour Party Deputy Leader Harriet Harman, former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson David Lawes and Daily Mail columnist Peter Hitchins.

White Stripes Documentary Details

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:39:19 +0100

Seminal Detroit two-piece The White Stripes have released more details of their upcoming documentary.

The White Stripes cut a swathe through indie rock at the turn of the Millennium. Dominated by grey, lifeless anaemic bands struggling to cope with the post Britpop / grunge (delete as applicable) lull, the band's dynamic minimalism made them instant cult favourites.

After three albums on the tiny indie label Sympathy For The Record Industry the band became massive talking points in Britain, and were snapped up by XL Recordings. Hiding themselves away in the retro Toe Rag studios in London, The White Stripes emerged with their global smash hit album 'Elephant'.

Since then, the band have managed to cope with fame by simply doing their own thing. The White Stripes followed 'Elephant' with 'Get Behind Me Satan' - possibly their most minimal effort to date - before going on an unusual tour of Canada.

The band have long had a love affair with Canada. Perhaps that it just because the nation lies across the river from their native Detroit, or it could possibly be due to Canada's flag having the same colour scheme as The White Stripes.

Whatever, what we do know is that The White Stripes went on complete a massive tour of Canada. Playing all manner of venues, from the great to the small, the duo promised to play every province and territory in the country.

Accompanied by a film crew, the tour eventually concluded in a remote location. The White Stripes flew in by helicopter, played one note and the flew out. The briefest concert in history? Possibly, but undoubtedly worth it.

Earlier this year Jack White hinted that he was working on a new film on the band, later revealing that it would be a documentary of the band's tour. Titled 'Under Great Northern Lights' the film is due for release later this year.

In a new update, the band have revealed that the film will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 19th with a full cinematic release to follow.

Sadly, ClashMusic has no further news on any new material by The White Stripes. But fingers crossed.

Green Day Competition!

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:54 +0100

American superstar punks Green Day are set to invade the UK soon, but for those who can't wait ClashMusic are giving away copies of their new concert DVD 'Bullet In A Bible'.

Green Day are now one of the biggest bands on the planet, capable of selling albums by the truckload and selling out the largest arenas. Yet all of this is a long way from their origins on the Californian punk scene, where they were driven by a love of music and strong DIY ethics.

The band signed to a major label, whose weight allowed Green Day to push themselves into the charts with their massively successful 'Dookie' album. However the band spent the bulk of the next decade living in its shadow, unjustly lampooned as knockabout novelty punks.

Returning with 2004's 'American Idiot' set, it was clear that Green Day were in no mood to take prisoners. Seemingly now just one big grudge against the world, the hard hitting set took aim at the American political establishment and hit a chord across the world.

Hugely successful, the album spawned a mammoth tour. Seizing their opportunity, Green Day organised the biggest shows of their career right here in the UK. Taking over the Milton Keynes Bowl the band played to a total of 130,000 people.

Including tracks from throughout their career, the set pushed rarities alongside million selling anthems. Recorded for posterity, the concert was released as 'Bullet In A Bible' and now takes pride of places in countless fans collections.

With Green Day due to return to the UK, the band have decided to re-visit their past. 'Bullet In A Bible' is due to be re-issued on Blu Ray format for the very first time, and ClashMusic have three copies to give away.

Entry is simple. You just go HERE. What have you got to lose?

Michael Jackson Rehearsal Footage

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:17:04 +0100

Astonishing new footage has emerged from the last ever rehearsal by late singer Michael Jackson and you can watch it now.

Michael Jackson's death last week (June 25th) has sent ripples through the entertainment industry. Stars have lined up to pay tribute to the star, with even the President of the United States being moved to speak of his death.

With rumours surrounding his death, and the arrangements for his burial, it is perhaps best to remember Michael Jackson as an entertainer.

The singer announced a spectacular series of shows at the O2 Arena earlier this year. With colossal public demand the number of shows soon crept up to fifty, with tickets changing hands for huge sums.

Locking himself away in a Los Angeles dance theatre the icon began working on a new show. With hordes of dancers and much else besides, Jackson was due to perform a greatest hits set - ranging from the Jackson 5 to the present day.

However that will not now take place. Michael Jackson's death has robbed the world of a star performer just as he was due to make his comeback. However the singer's extensive rehearsals were professionally filmed and already there are rumours that these will be released as a DVD.

There is certainly demand for it. Michael Jackson currently occupies a record nine out of ten places at the top of the Billboard charts in the United States, with the singer scoring 43 out of the British Top 200 singles.

The rehearsals took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The center is strongly rumoured to be the site of a memorial due to take place on July 7th, although no details have been confirmed.

Check out Michael Jackson's final rehearsal below...

Slash Teams Up With Ozzy Osbourne

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:56:37 +0100

One time Guns N Roses guitarist Slash has teamed up with a host of stars for a set at a top European festival.

Slash was a founder member of Guns N Roses and his guitar playing drove the band on to great heights. Threw his virtuoso styling the musician became an instant icon after the release of the band's debut album 'Appetite For Destruction'.

However relations in the group soon became strained. A difference of opinions with lead singer Axl Rose led the guitarist to leave Guns N Roses in 1993, never to return. Relations between the two are still frosty, yet Slash still praised the band's return late last year with 'Chinese Democracy'.

Now a gifted solo star, Slash is working on a new album himself. Crafting new songs in his home studio the guitarist has invited a host of star names to join him, with new material due for release shortly.

Booked to play a headline slot at Norway's Quart festival, Slash took along a host of star names to work with. The musician played on July 1st and was joined by stars such as Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie Wood and Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie.

The make shift group ran through a number of Guns N Roses classics including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'Paradise City' - both of which appear on the band's classic debut album.

Ozzy Osbourne, of course, is a massively influential rock singer. As the frontman with Black Sabbath his wail ran across the band's bluesy, down-tuned riffs and carved out the template for heavy metal.

Now solo, the singer is due to re-visit his past with a new Black Sabbath retrospective due for release later this year. Collecting the best of the band's early years, the album is a wonderful portrait of an often misunderstood group.

Fergie, meanwhile, is taking time out of chart topping hip hop group Black Eyed Peas. Speaking to the NME the singer seemed stunned by her collaboration with the iconic guitarist.

"I remember seeing Guns N' Roses when I was in high school," Fergie said. "So now playing with someone like Slash is a total adrenaline rush."

Arctic Monkeys Suffer Technical Hitch

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:49:34 +0100

Returning indie giants Arctic Monkeys have suffered from a technical hitch at Open'er festival.

Arctic Monkeys are on the comeback trail. After over two years out of commission, the band are back with new material and a thirst for success. With their third album 'Humbug' already in the bag the group are preparing for a series of festival dates.

Keeping their summer activities down to a minimum, Arctic Monkeys are set to play only a handful of festivals. Due to headline Reading and Leeds in Britain, the band have also confirmed dates at EXIT and Open'er.

Arctic Monkeys recently headlined the Open'er festival in Poland. A rapidly emerging new event, the band chose to unveil several tracks from their forthcoming album 'Humbug'. Produced by Josh Homme, the album is one of the year's most anticipated releases.

The band opened with 'Pretty Visitors' a track from their forthcoming third album. The crowd reacted in a frenzy, chanting 'Arctic Monkeys!' between songs. However half way during the set disaster struck, with power cutting out from the main stage.

The monitors were unaffected, however, so the group carried on playing oblivious to the problem. After being ushered off stage Arctic Monkeys returned ten minutes later with singer Alex Turner commenting "I'm ever so sorry about that everybody... We didn’t realise!"

Rampaging through their set Arctic Monkeys played a series of new tracks such as 'Crying Lightning', 'Potion Approaching' and 'Secret Door'.

The band ended their set with '505' - the song which ends their previous album 'Favourite Worst Nightmare'. Received rapturously by the crowd, Arctic Monkeys left the stage to huge screams by an audience not put off by their earlier technical troubles.

Arctic Monkeys are set to play EXIT this month, before releasing their new album 'Humbug' on August 24th.

Arctic Monkeys played the following set:

'Pretty Visitors'
'This House Is A Circus'
'Brianstorm'
'The View From The Afternoon'
'Still Take You Home"
’Da Frame 2R'
'Crying Lightning'
'Flourescent Adolescent'
'If You Were There, Beware'
'When The Sun Goes Down'
'From The Ritz To Rubble'
'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor'
'Potion Approaching'
'Leave Before The Lights Come On'
'Only Ones Who Know'
'Do Me A Favour'
'Secret Door'
'505'

Big Pink Talk Debut Album

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:30:16 +0100

Noise-rock merchants The Big Pink have named their debut album 'A Brief History Of Love'.

A two piece, The Big Pink boast a long history. It's members have previously worked with Alex Empire before founding a record label which has released seven inches by the likes of Klaxons and more.

The band came together after a debauched house party, and began mixing noise elements with a classic rock template. Naming themselves after a seminal album by The Band, The Big Pink quickly began earning acclaim.

With a thunderous live show the group soon became a talking point amongst music fans. Their early singles have already become collectors items as the hype around them grows. Moving to New York to complete their debut album, the band recently returned to play a stunning set at Glastonbury.

Titled 'A Brief History Of Love' the band's debut album is due to be released in September. Record in New York's historic Electric Ladyland studios, the material is a striking blend of the old and new.

In an interview with BBC 6Music Big Pink member Milo Cordell revealed that the album title was chosen as "every song is a love song to some degree, about every different aspect of love."

"The good, the bad, the boring, the exciting, the dreams, the nightmares, the whole thing and I guess that's what encompasses the whole album, and we have a song called 'A Brief History Of Love', so it's apt".

Produced by Rich Costey, the band were apparently bowled over to be recording in such a historic environment. "It’s been great doing it in New York, being in Electric Lady. We recorded it in the same room as Combat Rock by The Clash."

Robbie Furze added that the band have held back material from their live shows. "There’s a couple of slower ones that we don’t play live. We actually wrote a new song out in Electric Lady which came very quickly in that room. That one is brand new to us. We’ll rehearse that one up for the festivals we do in August."

The Big Pink are due to release their new album 'A Brief History Of Love' in September.

Summer Madness Announced

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:29:37 +0100

The Isle Of Wight is set to be invade by an army of skanking 2-Tone revivalists with Madness unveiling details of an ambitious one day event.

Madness were formed in the aftermath punk. Keen to put some punk energy into the Jamaican music they knew and loved, the band's pop touch was obvious from the start. Releasing their first single through the iconic 2-Tone label, Madness would later depart the imprint for pastures new.

With a stellar run of 45s, Madness became the best selling acts of the 80s on the British singles charts. A lightly skanking beat, a lilting pop melody and Suggs acerbic lyrics Madness presented an invincible pop formula.

The band recently came out of hiatus for their first studio album of original material in over a decade. Madness are still on fine form, organising their massive Madstock event for central London and playing Glastonbury.

An odd choice, perhaps, for Worthy Farm but Madness simply ripped the place apart with a sensational set. Occasionally stopping for a breather, Suggs & Co. rolled out the hits for the festival crowd.

Now Madness have unveiled details of a new one day event. Performing as part of their 30th anniversary tour the band are set to hit the Isle Of Wight on August 30th. Along with a massive range of bars, stalls and support acts the 10,000 capacity event is one of the band's biggest shows this year.

Summer Madness! is the brain child of legendary live music promoter and Isle of Wight resident John Curd. “As an Island resident, I wanted to create a boutique music event, that offered fantastic fun at a great location' says the promoter.

Curd added "The Isle of Wight is now starting to become known as the festival isle and we want to add to that great reputation, by providing a yearly event that puts on the very best of music in one of the most beautiful settings in the British Isles.”

Priced at only £35 this is one of the summer's best value events. With the sun riding high in the sky, thousands will be escaping the city rush by travelling to the Isle Of Wight for a dose of the heavy, heavy monster sound. 30 years on, the nutty boys can still charm the crowds!

Summer Madness! is set to take place on August 30th.

Beatles Song To Feature In Ad

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:22:51 +0100

A song by The Beatles is set to feature in a new advert after being given an intimate overhaul by London duo The Hours.

The Beatles are back. Almost forty years since the Fab Four split up, the Liverpool quartet are set to be bigger than ever. With a massive re-issue program planned, alongside an appearance on a special edition of 'Rock Band' a new generation are set to be introduced to their music.

A new advert for the beer company Budweiser is set to be soundtracked by The Beatles. London duo The Hours have covered the band's lesser heard song 'All Together Now' for a new television campaign.

The Beatles were some of the most wide ranging songwriters in the history of pop music. The band moved from screaming rockers to ballads in the blink of an eye, with 'All Together Now' initially being written for their 'Magical Mystery Tour' project.

Designed as a song for children, the simple rhymes and melody recall a playground ditty. Included on the 'Yellow Submarine' soundtrack album, it is a fine example of the songwriting dynamic between John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

The new advert was shot over a period of five days on a regularly schedule train in Chicago, the Guardian reports. Titled 'Lyrics', the campaign launches in the UK soon and features people from all over the city coming together to spell the phrase 'all together now'.

Given the cover treatment by The Hours, the indie group recorded their version in a hotel room. Using objects around them as percussion, the jaunty ditty is given a lo-fi reworking.

The Hours recently released their second album 'See The Light' to great critical acclaim. The band were formed by one time members of Black Grape and Joe Strummer's Mescaleros, and are a blast of old school songwriting.

The ad features a 12-piece marching band, a bee on a trampoline, and an inflatable panda.

The new Budweiser ad premieres on July 10th.

Black Lips For Brooklyn Pool Party

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:58:08 +0100

Black Lips, Fucked Up and more are due to perform at this year's free 'Pool Parties' in Brooklyn.

Folk in the United States do summer a little differently than us Brits. Whereas in Britain the first sighting of the sun is followed by a stampede to the coast, in America they simply built enormous public swimming pools.

For some reason, these pools have built up a tremendous cultural impact. During an especially dry summer in San Francisco skateboarders used them to practice in, with boarders such as a young Tony Hawks inventing many of the moves that would later crave out their reputation.

In Brooklyn, however, the pools are used to showcase some of the finest in alternative rock music. Each year the pool parties gather some top quality names to rock out in front of lucky fans who get in for free.

Jealous much? This year's performers include some of the most intense groups around. Black Lips are well known for their onstage antics, with a recent tour of India ending after the group were literally chased to the airport.

With their lead singer's penchant for urinating in his own mouth, perhaps organisers had best change the water afterwards. Also due to perform are mind expanding Canadian hardcore types Fucked Up, who launched their debut album with an astonishing 24 hour show.

Grizzly Bear recently scored a surprise chart success with their album 'Veckatimest'. The band are charming live performers, and are set to drop by the city's East River State Park for a very special show.

Also due to perform are the likes of Dirty Projector, former Be Your Own Pet singer Jemina Pearl and Beach House.

Full line up is as follows:

Mission of Burma, Fucked Up & Ponytail & Jemina Pearl (July 12)
Magnolia Electric Co. & Dirty Projectors & White Denim (19)
Health & Grupo Fantasma & Trail of Dead & Black Lips (26)
Dan Deacon, No Age & Deerhunter (August 2)
Simian Mobile Disco DJ set & Fiery Furnaces & Dark Meat & The Netherlands & Finger on the Pulse (9)
Del the Funky Homosapien & Gravy Train! & DD/MM/YY & Kenan Bell (16)
Girl Talk, Max Tundra and Wiz Khalifa (23)
Grizzly Bear and Beach House (30)

Clash's Best Albums Of 2009 (So Far)

Mike Diver — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:49:33 +0100

All week, ClashMusic.com has been looking back at the year’s best albums to date, marking six months of what we think have been some pretty splendid releases.

We’ve run lists – ‘top tens’, albeit in no particular order – from five key editorial types at Clash’s twin HQs in London and Scotland: editor Simon Harper, deputy editor Matthew Bennett, online editor Mike Diver (hello), reviews editor Nick Annan, and online news editor Robin Murray. Click the links below to visit each individual’s list:

Simon Harper
Matthew Bennett
Robin Murray
Nick Annan
Mike Diver

What has this exercise told us? Well, firstly that the Clash editorial team has some pretty varied tastes, as no one album featured more than twice across the five lists; and secondly that we’re going to be faced with some really, really tough decisions come the end of the year, when we need to put a proper best-of-2009 list together.

The albums appearing more than once are:

Micachu and the Shapes – ‘Jewellery’ (SH and MD)
Grizzly Bear – ‘Veckatimest’ (SH and MD)
Phoenix – ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ (SH and NA)
Passion Pit – ‘Manners’ (SH and RM)
Animal Collective – ‘Merriweather Post Pavilion’ (SH and MD)
DJ Hell – ‘Teufelswerk’ (MB and NA)
Toddla T – 'Skanky Skanky’ (MB and RM)
Future Of The Left – ‘Travels With Myself And Another’ (RM and MD)
Dananananaykroyd – ‘Hey Everyone!’ (RM and MD)

Which, we guess, makes them the best albums of the year so far. What’s that? No Dirty Projectors? Yeah, that is weird.

Blur Reveal Hyde Park Inspiration

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:43:39 +0100

Reformed Britpop icons Blur have revealed that Hyde Park helped inspire 'Parklife' - one of their biggest hits.

Blur first emerged from Colchester as a shambling baggy act. Trying to blend psychedelia with dance, it was clear that their heart belonged more with decidedly English mavericks such as Syd Barrett than it did with Chicago house.

Stung by criticism of their debut album 'Leisure' the band returned to the drawing board. Inspired by The Kinks, and their use of everyday circumstances for inspiration, Blur began working on a British form of songwriting.

Returning with 'Modern Life Is Rubbish' the band created the template for Britpop. On their follow up album 'Parklife' the band hit paydirt, almost overnight becoming one of the biggest groups in the nation.

Blur's success was propelled by their track 'Parklife'. Always a high point of their set, at the band's recent Glastonbury show they invited original narrator Phil Daniels onto the stage to reprise his role.

Playing the song at the opening night of their Hyde Park gigs, Damon Albarn said "I had the idea for this song in this park, I used to live near Kensington Church Street and I used to watch pigeons and people and all that stuff."

The singer also recalled the massive anti-war demonstration that passed through the park. "Two million people marched into this park in 2003" he said "and tried to stop something and you know what happened, I just want to remind myself about it."

As with their recent Glastonbury show the band opened with debut single 'She's So High'. Playing a number of massive hits, the band also performed fan's favourites such as 'Death Of A Party'.

"We feel really privileged to be able to do nothing for years then come back to this," said a visibly moved Albarn before 'Popscene'. "It's incredible, really incredible."

Blur are set to play another show in Hyde Park tonight (July 3rd). However Damon Albarn doubted if the band could meet the standards of the opening night saying "I honestly don't know how we're going to repeat this tomorrow, thank you for coming."

Barack Obama On Michael Jackson

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:28:27 +0100

The recent death of Michael Jackson has affected millions around the globe including, it seems, the President of the United States.

During his sensational career, Michael Jackson became an instantly recognisable icon. With his moonwalk and distinctive dress sense, the much imitated singer's fame dwarfed that of fellow entertainers.

Having met with world leaders on several occasions, Michael Jackson had continually campaigned for causes close to his heart. At one stage, the singer was even inducted into the Guinness Book Of Records after admitting to supporting almost forty different charities - the most for any celebrity.

With this track record, it is not surprising that prominent politicians are keen to pay tribute to the star. Although his fame and stature had waned in his final years, Michael Jackson continued to campaign on behalf of charities almost until his death.

In a new interview Barack Obama revealed his thoughts on the singer's death. "I grew up on his music - still have all his stuff on my iPod," Obama was reported as saying by Associated Press, adding that Jackson "will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers."

"I think that his brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and, in many ways, sad personal life," Obama said.

"I'm glad to see that he is being remembered primarily for the great joy that he brought to a lot of people through his extraordinary gifts as an entertainer."

Some fans have questioned Obama after the President failed to issue a statement following the singer's death. However the politician insisted that he had simply not been asked about Jackson's demise.

Over on this side of the Atlantic, politicians have continued the tide of mourning after the singer's death. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said his thoughts were with Michael Jackson's fans.

"This is very sad news for the millions of Michael Jackson fans in Britain and around the world," a spokesman said.

Leader of the Conservative David Cameron revealed his grief at the singer's death. "Despite the controversies, he was a legendary entertainer. Everybody will be thinking of his family, especially his children, at this time."

Foals Talk New Material

Robin Murray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:14:20 +0100

Returning math rock heroes Foals have revealed that they have begun work on their new album, which is said to be influenced by funk, dub and soul.

Foals emerged from the ashes of several avant garde guitar bands in Oxford. Eager to try something a little more accessible, the band formed Foals yet were immediately shunned by the surrounding math rock scene.

Struggling for gigs, the band began playing house parties. Taking them across the nation, this unusual tour eventually found Foals playing on the cult television show skins. A deal with Trangressive followed, and Foals became one of the most talked about new groups in the country.

Debut album 'Antidotes' more than justified the hype. With its jerky rhythms and singer Yannis Philippakis' unusual lyrics it seemed like a breath of fresh air in a British indie scene increasingly dominated by dull, grey kitchen sink realism.

Since then the band have toured ceaselessly yet have also found time to work on new material. At recent shows they have introduced a noise jam, which Foals claim is their way of trying out new ideas.

Speaking to BBC 6Music, Phillippakis revealed that the band have decided to ditch their rock influences in favour of something a little more eclectic.

"Basically, everything that we didn't like before, we've got into now," he said, adding, "we don’t really listen to that much rock music at the moment."

Continuing, the singer went on to list the music he has been making. "We're listening to a lot of hip-hop, stuff like Donald Byrd and some long disco edits, Donna Summer, James Brown, stuff that before we would have always felt was too part of the canon."

Foals have a reputation as being a 'cool' band, and the singer claimed that he wasn't worried if some fans are distracted by their new taste for funk.

"With a lot of funk records, it's kind of seen as being uncool in some way, and it's just a challenge for us. We see it as being a chameleon basically," he told BBC 6Music.

Foals are currently working on their new album at their Oxford base, which is due for release in 2010.

Grizzly Bear Set For Orchestra Show

Robin Murray — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:18:51 +0100

American freak-folk group Grizzly Bear are due to play a show with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Grizzly Bear have become one of the year's surprise success stories. Formed in 2004 the band's debut album 'Horn Of Plenty' contained an enigmatic collage of vocals samples. Since then, however, the band have honed their sound becoming one cult favourites.

Signed to Warp Records in the UK, the band's third full length album 'Veckatimest' gained rave reviews on its release earlier this year. A stunning blend of sophisticated songwriting and experimental touches, the album stunned everyone by smashing into the American charts.

Click HERE to read an interview with Grizzly Bear, talking about the new album!

Breaking into the Billboard Top Ten, Grizzly Bear suddenly found themselves competing with some of the biggest albums on the planet. Radiohead are big fans, and personally requested that the band support them on a tour last year.

Grizzly Bear performed a show back in February with the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Adding a lush classical tone to their music, fans were left stunned by the shows which were acclaimed as a new milestone in the band's career.

Now it seems that British fans are also set to witness this exciting new project. The band have announced a very special show at London's Barbican venue with Grizzly Bear due to work with the London Symphony Orchestra.

The new date will follow on from the band's show at London's Koko venue. Due to take place on August 18th, tickets for the gig sold out almost three months in advance with fans scrambling for a chance to see their heroes.

In addition to this, Grizzly Bear are set to play at the Green Man festival. Held in the Brecon Beacons the event is the celebrated home of wyrd folk, with Grizzly Bear set to feel right at home with the likes of Super Furry Animals and Animal Collective.

With a full UK tour previously announced, it seems as though Grizzly Bear could repeat their United States success here in the UK.

Grizzly Bear have confirmed the following shows for throughout the year:

August
18 London Koko
22 Green Man Festival Brecon Beacons

October
31 London Barbican

November
2 Glasgow ABC
4 Manchester Cathedral
5 Leeds Metropolitan University
6 Bristol Anson Rooms

Click here to buy tickets for Grizzly Bear!

Metros To Split

Robin Murray — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:17 +0100

London indie punks The Metros are set to split up after a forthcoming show in Hoxton pub The MacBeth.

The Metros are one of the most divisive bands on the indie scene. Loved by their fans the group have attracted a fair share of critics through their snotty behaviour and rowdy onstage antics.

Formed while still in their teens, the band were soon snapped up by James Endeacott - the man who helped sign The Libertines, The Strokes and The View. Attached to his 1965 Records, the band soon came to the public's attention.

Gaining musical experience working with Baxter Dury, the band blended a ska twist into their debauched rock 'n' roll. Supporting Madness at a special show The Metros gained media attention and were booked to play with The Coral.

However The Metros debut performance on the tour ended in disaster after the group threw a bottle into the crowd which smashed, injuring a young girl. Enduring a torrid time in the press, The Metros released their debut single 'Education Pt. 2' last year.

A brisk indie punk anthem, the band followed this with heavy touring grabbing a rabid fan base in the process. Follow up single 'Last Of The Lookers' was a minor hint, before the group returned to the studio.

The band's debut album 'More Money Less Grief' was released last year and immediately split critics. The Metros announced on their MySpace blog that they were returning to the studio to record new material soon after, but it seems that this will not now be heard.

The Metros have begun advertising a show that they claim is their 'last ever'. The band sent a Facebook message to fans revealing the news, with singer Saul Adamczewski confirming that "the metros are going their separate ways".

Due to take place on July 4th in notorious Hoxton hang out The MacBeth. With support from Joe Lean (DJ set) and many more, fans can expect surprise appearances from fans and well wishers.

The Metros are set to play the following date:

July
4 London The MacBeth

Click here to buy tickets for The Metros!

Bad Lieutenant Prepare Debut Album

Robin Murray — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:30:40 +0100

Bad Lieutenant the new project by members of New Order and Blur, have revealed details of their upcoming debut album.

When Peter Hook left New Order in 2007, fans were left wondering what would happen to the group. Having split once before, the Manchester band were far from a stable proposition but with much bad blood being spilt it seemed as if they would be lost to us forever.

Heading back to the rehearsal room, Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris picked up a straggler along the way. Alex James plays bass with Blur, and has agreed to hop on board for some exciting new material.

Named Bad Lieutenant the band have finished work on their forthcoming debut album. To date, only one song has been heard from the group. Bernard Sumner played the new track on a radio show, stripping the song down to just his voice and an acoustic.

With Phil Cunningham and Jake Evans on guitar, the group feature some of the magic that made New Order so irresistible yet have their own unique voice. Bad Lieutenant are not New Order: Mark Two but something very different.

"This album is very important to me," revealed Bernard Sumner in a statement. "We've worked hard on it and I'm proud of it. It's also important because it gives people the chance to hear a gifted new singer and guitar player who I think's really talented."

To work on the album the band retreated to their native Manchester to grind out new material. Recording the songs themselves, the band's debut album is set to be preceded by their new single 'Sink Or Swim'.

"There is some continuity to the music I've made in the past," says Bernard Sumner. "But this is very different - because different people are playing on it. This is just how I now want to make music - it feels right to me and I hope at least a few other people feel the same."

With the legacy of New Order looming large, Bad Lieutenant are eager to step out of the shadows and let the world hear their new material. With a wealth of talent on display, ClashMusic are desperate to hear it.

Bad Lieutenant release their debut album 'Never Cry Another Tear' on October 5th.

New Young Pony Club In Free Show

Robin Murray — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:07:56 +0100

Mercury nominated nu rave merchants New Young Pony Club are set to team up with Ladyhawke for a free show.

Nu rave may be gone, but its legend lives on. To some, an entrance point into electronic music - to others, an abomination. Yet nu rave's legacy is a generation of scene kids who are tearing up the rulebook and doing things their own way.

New Young Pony Club burst onto the music scene in 2007 with their debut album 'Fantastic Playroom'. Released through Aussie dance house Modular the record split critics, with the band often being dismissed as trend-spotters.

However this would deny the group's evident creativity. Mixing dance with rock, New Young Pony Club have an inventive sound that is not easy to pigeon hole. Continually striving to challenge themselves, the band are currently working on a new album.

The group have recently been added to the bill for a very special show with Ladyhawke. The gig takes place in London and entry is free - to just one lucky prize winner and all of their friends.

An idea of Cancer Research UK's SunSmart team the show is designed to raise awareness of skin cancer among young people. To stand a chance of winning, simply head to the charity's dedicated website and enter your name.

The ten people with the longest guestlist will then proceed to a short list where they will be invited to submit a short film detailing just why they deserve to win. With a panel including actors from Skins, The Inbetweeners and former NME editor (and current Top Gear scribe) Conor McNicholas you'd better be sharp on your feet!

With Ladyhawke already announced, several more top acts are in the pipeline to make a surprise appearance including top London newcomers Bombay Bicycle Club.

Tahita Bulmer from New Young Pony Club says: “It’s easy to follow the crowd but we think it’s really important to stand out and be individual. Skin cancer is a rising problem in the UK so it’s time we all started to take protecting our skin a bit more seriously.”

Ladyhawke, New Young Pony Club and more are set to play The Relentless Garage in London on August 26th. To enter, just click HERE!

Lisa Marie Presley Reveals Michael Jackson Regret

Robin Murray — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:21:29 +0100

Lisa Marie Presley, the former wife of Michael Jackson has written an emotional new blog about the death of her one time partner.

As show business weddings go, the relationship between Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson united two families entwined in the upper echelons of American society. The daughter of rock pioneer Elvis, Lisa Marie Presley was born into a rare level of fame.

Often compared to Elvis Presley in terms of fame and stature, Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994. Soon after, Jackson became embroiled in child abuse charges and came to rely heavily on his wife.

The couple seemed happy together, but divorced in 1996. Michael Jackson remained friendly with his former wife, until his death last week following a cardiac arrest. The singer was troubled to the end, and in a new blog Presley reveals that he feared an isolated death like her father.

In the MySpace posting titled 'He Knew' Lisa Marie Presley claims that she tried for years to help the singer, but ultimately failed.

"Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general. I can't recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Fathers Death."

"At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, "I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did. I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that."

Speaking of the singer's death, Presley said: "A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn't predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened. The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his Autopsy."

"All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted."

Describing her one time husband Lisa Marie Presley wrote: "He was an incredibly dynamic force and power that was not to be underestimated."

"When he used it for something good, It was the best and when he used it for something bad, It was really, REALLY bad. Mediocrity was not a concept that would even for a second enter Michael Jackson's being or actions."

"I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him."

Finishing, the singer's one time wife paid tribute to him by saying "He was an amazing person and I am lucky to have gotten as close to him as I did and to have had the many experiences and years that we had together."

"I desperately hope that he can be relieved from his pain, pressure and turmoil now. He deserves to be free from all of that and I hope he is in a better place or will be."

Tri Sound Label Launches

Robin Murray — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:56:55 +0100

A new voice on the soul scene is set to make itself heard, with music moguls Marshall Chess and Eddie Piller launching Tri Sound.

With Duffy riding high in the charts and new film 'Cadillac Records' scoring rave reviews, soul has rarely been so popular since the glory years of the 60s. The northern soul scene is enjoyed renewed publicity, and Mark Ronson has proved that a soul touch is a sure fire way to go racing up the charts.

Now a new label has been launched which aims to blend the best of the old with some sterling new talent. Helmed by Marshall Chess and Eddie Piller, it unites two men who know more about soul than most.

Marshall Chess was born into a musical dynasty. His father founded Chess Records, with Marshall Chess growing up around the legends of blues and soul. Founding the group Rotary Connection he added a slice of psychedelia to the mix before leaving to work with The Rolling Stones.

Eddie Piller meanwhile began life as a face on the Mod scene in the 80s. A DJ and clubland figure he later founded Acid Jazz with Gilles Peterson and helped launch careers of the JTQ and many more.

The pair are due to work with Cosmo Studios in Sweden, a home to current soul acts founded by Fredrik Ekander. All three are familiar with each other's work, with Marshall Chess commenting "the first time I walked into Cosmos in Stockholm was a de-ja vu experience, I hadn't felt creative energy like Cosmos was radiating since I left Chess."

"I’ve always like the way the British have taken American soul, twisted it and sold it back to us," the legendary producer continued. “it’s a fresh approach and more classically orientated then contemporary R’n’ B. Our aim is to provide a platform for soul from a European perspective”.

Eddie Piller, meanwhile, was typically enthusiastic about the project. “Marshall is a bona-fide legend – one of the last great record men. I can’t wait to get stuck into his phone book and see who we can make some music with”.

Tri-Sound is due to launch with a fresh take on 'Mercy'. One of last year's biggest singles, Duffy's version has been given a radical overhaul by The Third Degree. A gutsy re-working, it has already become a fixture on the Northern Soul scene.

The Third Degree release their version of 'Mercy' through Tri-Thoughts on July 27th.