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Jon McClure Crafts New Cocktail

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:44:48 +0000

Outspoken indie star Jon McClure has crafted a new cocktail in co-operation with Jack Daniels.

Jon McClure is a man of the people. The Sheffield star has made his name through a series of down to earth interviews, proving that the adulation of thousands hasn't changed the simple precepts by which he lives his life.

With Mongrel on hold the singer has returned to his first love Reverend And The Makers. Spending the year touring, releasing a new album and even curating a festival the singer decided that he needed a damn good drink to unwind.

Teaming up with Jack Daniels the singer has crafted a new cocktail. Based around the iconic bourbon, Jon McClure put his skills as a former barman to the test with his testy new concoction.

The result is named 'Marmalade Sun' after one of his friend's bands. A heavenly combination of citrus and spice flavours, maple syrup and of course Jack Daniels the end product is a cocktail fit for a Reverend.

Jon McClure told fans: “I used to work in a pub, but I mainly pulled pints. Making cocktails is far more enjoyable and tasty. Jack Daniel’s is the right spirit for my cocktail as it’s the music rockers drink. I am really pleased with my creation.”

The recipe for Jon McClure's 'Marmalade Sun' is as follows:

· 50ml Jack Daniel's
· 15ml Fresh Orange Juice
· 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
· 2 tsp Maple Syrup
· 1 tsp Marmalad
· Slice of Ginger

Method
Muddle fresh ginger in a shaker, add all other ingredients, shake over ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice, top with crushed ice. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger and a flamed slice of fresh orange.

Pet Shop Boys Christmas EP

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:30:24 +0000

Synth pop gods Pet Shop Boys have revealed plans to release a new Christmas themed EP.

Pet Shop Boys are a British pop institution. Returning this year with their new album the duo were honoured by an all star tribute at the Brit Awards ceremony, performing hit after golden hit.

Effortlessly blending electro pop with downbeat vocals, Pet Shop Boys became a hit machine in the 80s and early 90s before deciding to take time off and let other people have a crack at sucess.

However the lure of the studio proved to be too strong, with the duo releasing their tenth album 'Yes' earlier this year. Touring heavily, Pet Shop Boys have somehow managed to find time to record a new Christmas EP.

Titled 'Christmas' it will run to five tracks and included new tracks alongside covers. Pet Shop Boys are due to release a new version of Coldplay's hit 'Viva La Vida' while Madness will also get a synth pop re-working.

Of course, Pet Shop Boys are no strangers to Christmas hits. The band's cover of the Elvis Presley classic 'You Were Always On My Mind' shot to number one in 1988, beating off competition from The Pogues and their festive classic 'Fairytale Of New York'.

In the long run, The Pogues remain Christmas favourites with the track re-charting several times. Pet Shop Boys could be set to steal their crown, though, with this new Yule tide release.

Due to be released on December 14th, 'Christmas' is also set to include a cover of the Motown classic 'My Girl'.

Pet Shop Boys are due to release their new EP 'Christmas' on December 14th. Tracklisting is as follows:

'It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas'
'My Girl'
'All Over The World'
'Viva La Vida/Domino Dancing'
'My Girl' (Our House Mix)

Delphic Confirm Debut Album Plans

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:36:06 +0000

Manchester's much hyped dance rock newcomers Delphic are set to release debut album 'Acolyte' on January 11th.

Manchester is a city where barriers break down. Blending Britain's industrial past with its technology based future, the Northern town has emerged from year's of decline on the back of an artistic explosion.

Having given the world New Order, Factory Records, the Hacienda and more Manchester has built a reputation for a stunning musical brew. Effortlessly mixing dance with rock, Delphic are set to follow two scorching singles with their full length debut.

Recorded with techno don Ewan Pearson in his Berlin studio, Delphic admit to being massive fans of his output. However the band are keen to point out that beneath their electronic grooves lie carefully crafted songs.

“With a lot of dance albums, you search out the singles but the rest is all a bit samey and boring,” says Matt Cocksedge. “We wrote the album as a whole and weren’t afraid to lower the tempos and concentrate on the songs.”

Aware of their heritage, Delphic admit that they take inspiration from their surroundings in Manchester. “Even though it’s had a cosmetic facelift, there’s a certain vibe to Manchester,” says Rick Boardman.

“There’s a challenge set down by Manchester’s heritage” Matt puts in, “and we want to look at how that applies to us, where to take that legacy, even surpass it.”

Delphic are due to release their debut album 'Acolyte' on January 11th. Tracklisting is as follows:

1. Clarion Call
2. Doubt
3. This Momentary
4. Red Lights
5. Acolyte
6. Halcyon
7. Submission
8. Counterpoint
9. Ephemera
10. Remain

Happy Mondays Manchester Show

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:09:20 +0000

Manchester icons Happy Mondays are set to make a triumphant return to the city as part of the spectacular Versus Cancer charity show.

Happy Mondays emerged as a means for a gang of kids in Manchester to stay out of trouble. Focussing their energies on music, the young group were soon entranced by the house sounds emanating from Chicago.

Blending dance with rock the group inadvertently started a revolution. After the drab 80s Happy Mondays day-glo music seem to herald the beginning of a new era, with their album 'Bummed' cited as a seminal British recording.

However with growing fame came some unexpected problems. The band's drug habit grew out of control, with singer Shaun Ryder becoming addicted to smack.

Sessions for their fourth album 'Yes Please' became a growing expense for record label Factory, with the end result bankrupting the Manchester institution. Splitting soon after, Happy Mondays recently reformed with a new lease of life.

A huge live attraction across the country, the band are currently out in Dubai taking part in the country's Sound City event. Due to return shortly, Happy Mondays are set to headline a very special event in Manchester.

Organised by former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke, Versus Cancer raises funds for local charities. Already confirmed are members of James, Snow Patrol, Peter Hook and more with tickets on sale soon.

Taking place in the MEN Arena, Happy Mondays are suitable headliners for a festive event that aims to aid a few good causes.

Versus Cancer takes place on December 12th.

Ian Brown 2010 Europe Tour

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:44:34 +0000

Troubled indie icon Ian Brown has confirmed a series of European tour dates for the opening of 2010.

How far does a star have to go before their actions are beyond forgiveness? Take Chris Brown - the American star recently made a high profile comeback despite admitting to brutally attacking his girlfriend.

That dilemma looms large over the career of Ian Brown right now. According to reports, the singer was recently arrested by police on suspicion of assaulting his wife.

A police statement confirmed that they had been called to the singer's London flat after neighbours reported a disturbance. Released on bail, Ian Brown's wife has pressed formal charges against him.

With a previous conviction for air rage, the future looks bleak for the star. Loved by fans for his inspirational role in The Stone Roses, a conviction for wife beating could well cause irreparable damage to his career.

However despite this Ian Brown is pressing ahead with future plans. No doubt organised before the alleged incident took place, the singer has confirmed plans for a full length European tour in the opening weeks of 2010.

Opening with a show in France, the tour will take in a variety of countries including Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany and more.

Tickets for all dates go on sale today (November 6th) with one more date set to be added to the schedule.

Ian Brown has confirmed the following dates:

January
14 Paris Trabendo
15 Luxembourg Den Atelier
16 Mannheim Alte Feuerwache
18 Zurich Abart
19 Milan Magazzini Generali
20 Munich Backstage
21 Vienna Arena
23 Berlin Festsaal Kreuzberg
24 Hamburg Knust
25 Copenhagen Vega
27 Oslo Rockerfeller
28 Stockholm Gota Kallare
29 Malmo KB
31 Amsterdam Paradiso

Yeah Yeah Yeahs To Re-Visit Debut Album

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:23:33 +0000

Brooklyn trio Yeah Yeah Yeahs are to re-visit their debut album 'Fever To Tell' at a forthcoming instalment of All Tomorrow's Parties.

How long does it take for an album to become seminal? The recent re-issue of The Stone Roses debut album has perplexed some, with a fairly retro recording suddenly given legendary status.

Now Yeah Yeah Yeahs are set to re-visit their debut album 'Fever To Tell' - a mere six years old. Arriving amid a barrel load of hype back in 2003, however, it's impossible to over emphasise the enormous crater this rock satellite left on its impact.

Containing now well loved tracks such as 'Date With The Night' the album also showed the groups' tender side. Yeah Yeah Yeahs breeze through ode to absent love 'Maps' with singer Karen O memorably crying in the video.

Still one of the band's best known albums, Yeah Yeah Yeahs recently returned with their spectacular third effort 'It's Blitz'.

Swapping guitars for vintage synths it was initially met with confusion by some fans, however with pop gold such as 'Heads Will Roll' it was only a matter of time before they were won over.

Still a jaw dropping live act, Karen O recently took to the stage at T In The Park wearing a full length Native American head dress. The singer is currently preparing her outfit for All Tomorrow's Parties, in which Yeah Yeah Yeahs will re-visit their debut album.

The performance will be "the first part of their show" at the festival, and the band will be the only act at the event to do this.

Tens Years Of ATP takes place between December 11th - 13th.

New York Dolls Solo Show

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:08:15 +0000

Punk pioneer David Johansen of New York Dolls has confirmed details of a special one off show.

New York Dolls formed as the 60s turned into the 70s, with the peace and love vibes from the summer of '67 a distant memory. A ragged and raw rock 'n' roll band, they were at odds with the emerging progressive rock scene around them.

Playing music people could dance to, New York Dolls found inspiration in girl groups and filthy R&B. Releasing two seminal albums the group helped inspire punk before shattering into pieces.

Since then, singer David Johansen has had an unusual career. Initially recording a few solo tracks, the frontman later turned to acting.

Perhaps best known for stealing the show in the Christmas flick 'Scrooged', David Johansen never quite gave up music. Collaborating with legendary Chicago blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin, the singer re-discovered his passion for American roots music.

Recording a series of albums with his band The Harry Smiths, David Johansen later re-joined New York Dolls at the behest of super fan Morrissey.

Fresh from releasing their second album as a reformed unit, New York Dolls are set to return to the UK later this year with a series of tour dates. Look out for an exclusive interview with David Johansen on ClashMusic later!

However the singer is set to step out on his own again shortly. Performing at the New Jersey venue Patriots Theatre, David Johansen explained that "I've been wanting to play a bunch of songs that I don't normally get the opportunity to sing in a loud and fast Dolls show".

"As much as I love that, I also like to explore the more soulful side of singing".

U2 Team Up With Jay-Z

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:54:25 +0000

Irish rock giants U2 have played a stunning set in Berlin, with rapper Jay-Z joining them on a cover of Bob Marley.

U2 are one of the biggest concert attractions on the planet. Sure, latest album 'No Line On The Horizon' may have failed to set the chart alight, scoring their lowest sales in almost a decade, but in the live arena few can argue with their egotistical bombast.

Currently touring the world on a circular stage, the band are used to performing beneath an enormous claw. However in a special set to mark the 20th anniversary of the demolition of the Berlin Wall (November 5th) U2 play at the Brandenburg Gate.

Taking to the stage on the Eastern - formerly Communist - side of the wall U2 kicked off with their classic hit 'One'. Taken from the album 'Achtung Baby' the track was actually recorded in Berlin.

Singer Bono wished Berlin a happy birthday, before thanking the crowd for "coming out in the cold".

U2 then introduced a surprise guest, with Bono labelling Jay-Z the "Mayor Of New York City". Launching into 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' the American hip hop giants added a few verse of his own.

The pair then jammed on 'Get Up, Stand Up' by Bob Marley, with Jay-Z, Bono and The Edge all exchanging verses. Which, to be fair, sounds absolutely awful.

Taking place just hours before the MTV Europe Music Awards, Bono told the crowd "I just want to think about this moment – feel this moment that was here in this beautiful city of Berlin".

Mogwai Live Film To Premiere

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:42:23 +0000

Scotland's epic post rock group Mogwai are set to have their live experience turned into a new concert film.

Funny how perceptions change. Once upon a time, Mogwai were a young post rock group from Bellshill whose live experience went before them. The band's blistering volume and shattering melodies went against the grain in the post-Britpop lull.

However the band were judged to have failed in the studio. Debut album 'Young Team' was quickly dis-owned by Mogwai, yet now stands as a modern classic earning a justified re-release last year.

Still a jaw dropping live band, Mogwai recently went up against their old adversaries Blur at T In The Park. Sadly not wearing their 'Blur: Are Shite' t-shirts the group tore through a menacing set in front of some devoted fans.

Now the band's live experience is set to be captured on celluloid. Mogwai have been caught on film by Vincent Moon and Nathanaël Le Scouarnec, who aim to show just how beautiful their music can be.

With the working title of 'Burning' the film is due to debut at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival. Set to premiere on November 13th, Mogwai have also revealed that they are working on a new live album.

Titled 'Special Moves' the album is set to be released through their own Rock Action Records, although a release date has yet to be confirmed.

Of course, this is far from the first cinematic project Mogwai have been involved in. The group recorded the soundtrack to the film 'Zidane' and also played live at the debut of the 'All Tomorrow's Parties' documentary in Edinburgh.

Kasabian Top Clash Most Outrageous Quotes List

ClashMusic — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:37:17 +0000

All week we've been counting down the 100 Top Most Outrageous Quotes in Music and can today reveal the holder of the top spot, Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno.

Already known for their unique approach to self promotion, Serge topped 99 others howlers, including quotes from Eminem, Morrissey, Kanye West, John Lennon, David Bowie, Keith Flint and Eric Clapton, with the classic "Dance music was on it's arse before we came along".

Read all of the outrageous quotes on ClashMusic - PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5

Pavement Plan Album Release

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:30:43 +0000

Reformed American alt rock dons Pavement could be set to release a new compilation featuring unheard radio sessions.

Pavement's fame seems to have only increased with each passing year. The band split in 1999, just as a renewed interest in indie rock was bursting forth across British and the United States.

Fans of successful bands such as The Shins seems to have worked backwards, to find out who shunned grunge in favour of scratchy riffs and self-deprecating humour.

Announcing their reformation earlier this year, Pavement just keep expanding their plans. Now set to begin 2010 in Australia and New Zealand, the band could be due to release a host of radio sessions on a new compilation.

Speaking to the NME, guitarist Scott Kannberg claimed that a new compilation could gather out-takes and radio sessions. "There's talk of doing a best of, with some really cool outtakes on that," he explained.

"The very first radio show that Pavement ever did has never been released. I don't think anyone's heard it, so we'll put that out there sometime."

In a previous interview the band claimed that they would not be playing any new material on their forthcoming dates.

Of course, Pavement were long term Peel session favourites back in the day. The much loved Radio 1 DJ introduced a generation to the American group, who recorded several sessions in the famous Maida Vale studio.

Pavement are due to play a number of shows in the UK next year. Curating and headlining an All Tomorrow's Parties festival in May, the band will then play a trio of shows at London's Brixton Academy.

Eminem Scoops MTV Europe Award

Robin Murray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:18:19 +0000

American rap megastar Eminem has won big at this year's MTV Europe awards, scooping 'Best Male'.

With the year's flames beginning to cool to glowing embers, it's almost time for the award season to begin all over again. Quick of the mark this year are the MTV Europe Music Awards, held last night (November 5th).

This year held in Berlin to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall being turned into a collection loose bricks, the MTV Europe Music Awards threw up the usual round of controversy, however with Kanye West and Bruno nowhere to be seen the night was relatively quiet.

Big winners on the night included Beyonce and Eminem. Rap superstar Eminem waltzed away with 'Best Male' following a year of dominating the music charts.

The hip hop icon beat of competition from Mika, Robbie Williams, Kanye West and Jay-Z. However Jay-Z did manage to get his hands on the 'Best Urban Act' award later on in the evening.

Long time partner Beyonce, however, will be glowing today after winning a stunning trio of gongs. The former Destiny's Child singer turned global icon waltzed away with three awards including Best Female, Best Song for 'Halo' and Best Video for her song 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)'.

Live performances on the night came from Foo Fighters, British singer Leona Lewis and U2 - who played a typically bombastic set at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, including a collaboration with Jay-Z.

Best Male: Eminem
Best Female: Beyoncé
Best Urban: Jay-Z
Best Group: Tokio Hotel
Best Video: Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
Best Song: Beyoncé – Halo
Best Rock: Green Day
Best New Act: Lady Gaga
Best Live Act: U2
Best Alternative: Placebo
MTV Push Artist: Pixie Lott
Best World Stage Performer: Linkin Park
Best European Act: maNga

Sufjan Stevens Cancels State Project

Robin Murray — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:18:26 +0000

American songwriter Sufjan Stevens has claimed that his ongoing project to write an album about each American state was a "joke".

As far as ambitions go, this was one of the best. Cult songsmith Sufjan Stevens released two albums - 'Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lake State' in 2003 and 'Illinoise' in 2005 - that were to be part of a series.

The aim, he explained at the time, was to write an album for each American state. That's right, every single one from Alaska to Texas. However amid increasingly despondent interviews Sufjan Stevens has now admitted that the plan was a joke.

"The whole premise was such a joke," he admitted to Paste Magazine. "Maybe I took it too seriously. I started to feel like I was becoming a cliché of myself."

Sufjan Stevens seems to be struggling of late. The singer recently gave an interview in which he appeared to unravel, questioning the very nature of songwriting and that of performance itself.

"I’m starting to get sick of my conceptual ideas" he admitted. "I’m tired of these grand, epic endeavours and wanting to just make music for the joy of making music and having it be immediate and nothing to do with the industry itself, which, y’know is suffering right now of course."

"I’m wondering what am I doing? What is a song even? I’m questioning, what’s the point of a song? Is a song antiquated? Does it have any power any more? The format itself — a narrative song with accompaniment — is really beyond me now."

However Sufjan Stevens did pick himself up to write 'The BQE' a concept album about the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Accompanied by a new film, it was released earlier this year.

"In all honesty, that piece is what really sabotaged my creative momentum," he told Paste. "It wasn't 'Illinoise' so much."

Shy Child Album Details

Robin Murray — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:58:18 +0000

Lo-fi electro pop duo Shy Child have emerged from hibernation with new album 'Liquid Love' due in March.

Formed by Pete Cafarella and Nate Smith, Shy Child began life gigging around New York in the year 2000. Determinedly lo-fi the pair shaped a set with simple melodies and fun rhythms, becoming cult favourites in the process.

Debut album 'Please Reconsider Our Time' was released in 2002, and established Shy Child's songwriting talent. Simple to the point of naivety, the duo's songs recalled J-Pop but have a real New York sensibility.

Since then Shy Child have toured the world, released two more albums. However since the release of 'Noise Won't Stop' in 2007 the duo have been silent, busy with touring responsibilities that have seen them support Muse and Klaxons.

Taking time off to rest from continual touring, now Shy Child are back. Forthcoming album 'Liquid Love' finds them on confident form, eager to experiment yet always remaining familiar.

The album will be released through the Wall of Sound label - themselves celebrating fifteen years in the music industry - with a host of tour dates planned for 2010.

Until then, however, fans will have to make do with a new free download. Taken from their forthcoming album 'Criss Cross' is available to download right now from their official site.

There's no hidden tricks, no need to sign up to a newsletter you will never read - Shy Child are giving this away through the goodness of their heart. Expect some more free goodies as the release date draws closer!

Shy Child are due to release their new album 'Liquid Love' on March 1st.

Jack White To Release Stephen Hawking Track

Robin Murray — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:30:33 +0000

In a somewhat bizarre move garage rock lynchpin turned label owner Jack White is to release a single featuring Stephen Hawking.

Jack White launched Third Man records to release material from The Raconteurs. Since then, the imprint has grown into an independent entity of its own releasing several one off singles from some of the Detroit guitarist's friends.

Now a studio and shop as well as a label, Third Man is rapidly evolving into a very singular entity. A recent Halloween themed pop up shop in London saw the imprint sell glow in the dark vinyl - very fetching!

Following on from this, Jack White has confirmed plans to release a very special single featuring British physicist, best selling author and Star Trek fan Stephen Hawking.

The track 'A Glorious Dawn' features author Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking in discussion about exploring outer space, opening with Sagan's line: "If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch you must first invent the universe."

Third Man records are set to press only 150 copies of this curiosity, so fans had better act quick. 'A Glorious Dawn' will feature one side, with the flipside devoted to an etching from the Voyager Golden Record.

Blasted into outer space in 1977, the Voyager probe contained greetings in several different languages, alongside examples of humanity's art forms. Music was represented by a number of curious choices, including Blind Willie Johnson's haunting slide blues lament 'Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground'.

Of course, Carl Sagan was responsible for heading the project to produce the Voyager Golden Record.

Watch the video for 'A Glorious Dawn' below...

Neil Young Prepares New Live Album

Robin Murray — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:12:30 +0000

Legendary songwriter Neil Young is set to trawl through a relatively recent phase of his career with the release of new live album 'Dreamin' Man Live '92'.

Neil Young has had a long and winding career. Leaving long term home Reprise for Geffen in the early 80s, he released a series of perplexing albums that seemed hell bent on destroying his reputation.

Sued by Geffen, he has spent the next twenty years releasing what he damn well pleases. A collaboration with Booker T & The MGs followed, as well as a studio based team up with grunge giants Pearl Jam.

However one of ol' Shakey's most memorable recent moments is the release of 'Harvest Moon' in 1992. A stunning success, it saw Neil Young return to the country troubadour stance he abandoned in the early 70s.

Now Neil Young is set to re-visit the album with the release of a spectacular new live album. 'Dreamin' Man Live '92' was recorded soon after the release of 'Harvest Moon' and features the record re-cast.

Stripped down, Neil Young appears solo. Containing concert staples such as 'Hank To Hendrix' and 'Unknown Legend' the show finds the singer on blistering form, re-discovering his love of the acoustic guitar.

The new release follows a year of trawling through his old tapes for Neil Young. The vast box set 'Archives' finally dropped while the early live show 'Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968' was released last year.

Neil Young is set to release 'Dreamin' Man Live '92' on December 8th in the United States. Tracklisting is as follows:

1. Dreamin' Man
2. Such a Woman
3. One of These Days
4. Harvest Moon
5. You and Me
6. Hank to Hendrix
7. Unknown Legend
8. Old King
9. Natural Beauty
10. War of Man

Liars Confirm New Album Plans

Robin Murray — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:50:15 +0000

American art-rockers Liars are set to return with their new album 'Sisterworld' next year.

Led by Angus Andrew, Liars emerged from New York's always inspirational music scene. Blurring the edges between art and music, the band seemed to draw on sources such as The Velvet Underground without ever losing sight of their own unique voice.

The band's ambitious album 'They Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on Top' was released in 2001, alerting the world to a frenetic new presence.

Since then, Liars have released experimental albums such as 'Drum's Not Dead' before returning with their self-titled effort in 2007.

Recalling groups such as Swans and The Jesus And Mary Chain, 'Liars' was an enormous artistic success. Winning rave reviews it sparked a revival of the band's fortunes with Liars touring the world.

Releasing the follow up EP 'The Freak Out' last year, the band seem to be on inspired form. Like a dishevelled American cousin of The Horrors it hints at free form 60s psych rock but with its own artistic viewpoint.

Teasing fans with a series of cryptic announcements, including the launch of a new website, Liars have now confirmed details of their fifth studio album.

The band are due to release 'Sisterworld' next year. Liars explained in a statement that they were intending to create a space for outsiders in society. "We're interested in the alternate spaces people create in order to maintain identity in a city like L.A.," the band said.

"Environments where outcasts and loners celebrate a skewered relationship to society."

Liars are set to release their new album 'Sisterworld' next year.

Snow Patrol Play Secret London Show

Robin Murray — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:32:53 +0000

Northern Irish indie giants Snow Patrol have launched their new compilation 'Up To Now' with a show in their local pub.

Formed while still at university, Snow Patrol have never quite lost their roots in indie rock. Deeply indebted to Sebadoh, the band's early material was released on Jeepster Records - at that time home to Belle And Sebastian.

Since then, of course, Snow Patrol have embarked on the long strange journey to fame and fortune. The band have struck it big with last year's album 'A Hundred Million Suns' notching up several million sales.

Playing a lengthy British tour the band finished by performing a huge show in Belfast, inviting the Northern Irish international football team along for good measure.

Releasing their new compilation 'Up To Now' the band were keen to keep things familiar. Snow Patrol decided to launch the collection with a show in their local pub, before a handful of lucky fans.

"Our record company wanted to call it 'Greatest Hits' (but one of our songs) went in at Number 89," Gary Lightbody joked at London's Kings Head pub.

"We suggested 'Best Of', which is pushing it. We're going to play our three best songs and then we're going to scrape the barrel!"

Running through a short set the band played 'Crack The Shutters' but singer Gary Lightbody stumbled over the first few verses. "That was rubbish, forget everything, I hope everyone is drinking. It's better with a drink inside you!"

Later playing their breakthrough hit 'Run' the singer joked it was a "song made famous by Leona Lewis".

The new collection contains songs from Lightbody's short lived Scottish indie supergroup The Reindeer Section, and Snow Patrol performed a song from that collective during the London show.

New track 'Give Me Strength' was also aired. "This song is about the guys in the band," explained the singer. "Ten of our 15 years were shit. They were fun, but we didn't sell any records, so this is me saying thank you. Soppy, isn't it?"

Snow Patrol played:

'Crack The Shutters'
'Shut Your Eyes'
'Run'
'An Olive Grove Facing The Sea'
'Spitting Games'
'Chasing Cars'
'You Are My Joy'
'Set The Fire To The Third Bar'
'You're All I Have'
'Just Say Yes'
'Ricket'
'Give Me Strength'
'Take Back The City'
'Chocolate'

Fiery Furnaces Slate Radiohead

Robin Murray — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:03:14 +0000

Indie rockin' two piece Fiery Furnaces has lashed out with a bizarre rant at Radiohead.

Radiohead are one of the most respected groups on the planet. Returning with their new album 'In Rainbows' on 2007 they circumvented the entire music industry by releasing it themselves as a pay what you like download.

Since then the band have been showered in Grammy awards, Mercury nominations and the odd chart topping placement or two. However amid the ocean of praise lurks a few icebergs of dissent looming towards the good ship Radiohead.

Fiery Furnaces are the latest group to lock horns with the Oxford giants, with singer Matthew Friedberger ranting about their decision to release the track 'Harry Patch'. A tribute to Britain's last surviving First World War veteran, it seems to have rubbed the Brooklyn duo up the wrong way.

"'Oh, please listen to our new song about Harry Patch'," Friedberger ranted to Spinner. "Fuck you! You brand yourself by brazenly and arbitrarily associating yourself with things that you know people consider cool. That is bogus. That's a put-on. That's a branding technique and Radiohead have their brand that they're popular and intelligent. So they have a song about Harry Patch."

However in a bizarre twist Fiery Furnaces later claimed that they completely misunderstood what the song what about. In a statement the band's publicist claimed that Friedberger thought the song was about Harry Partch, the American composer and custom instrument maker.

Ironically, later in the interview Matthew Friedberger mused on the possibility of looking foolish. "My wife says I am being very rude," the guitarist said.

"She doesn't like me insulting Radiohead. She's afraid they will send their lackeys through the computer to sabotage us. But they needn't worry, we are a band that sabotages ourselves."

Danny & The Champions Of The World Album

Robin Murray — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:43:00 +0000

Stunning English songwriting team Danny And The Champions Of The World have confirmed details of their new album.

Danny Wilson has a long history in music. Emigrating from Australia when he was still in nappies, the singer seems to have retained an element of sunshine in his uplifting acoustic guitar driven pop.

Releasing several solo albums, Danny Wilson teamed up with a loose collective of friends to form Danny And The Champions Of The World. Releasing their debut album 18 months ago, the band have now become cult heroes.

Combining stunning songwriting with great musicianship the album was initially recorded purely for fun, but went on to have a life of its own. Gaining airplay across Europe it established the band as festival favourites.

Danny And The Champions Of The World are now set to return after a short break with their new album 'Streets Of Our Time'. Released via Loose Records, the album was recorded at Hill Farm Studios in Oxfordshire - the epicentre for the Truck Festival.

Founded some ten years ago by the band Goldrush, the Truck link is continued on the new album with the Bennett brothers adding their distinctive vocals to the mix - the pair also curate the summer event.

“I want our shows to be fun, but the songs are as sacred to me as ever,” Danny Wilson says. “Ed (Grand Drive’s bass player) used to tell me that we wrote songs that had people crying on the dancefloor; they’re bittersweet, they have an uplifting sadness.”

Danny And The Champions Of The World are due to release their new album 'Streets Of Our Time' on January 18th. The band have confirmed the following tour dates:

November
9 Glasgow Captain's Rest
10 Manchester Deaf Institute
11 London Luminaire
12 Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach
13 Brighton Jamm
16 London Heavenly Social

Click here to buy tickets to Danny & The Champions Of The World!