Lucky for me, my parents are the ultimate source of great music. Each time I visit there is a new song to hear, a band to check out, or a classic to be played and some knowledge gained.
On Sunday I was treated to Gary Numans latest offering 'Splinter'. Although going forward with his re-born techno-rock sound, Numans electro past creeps in somewhat. For that very reason my favourite track is 'Lost'. The chorus is so good; all the right chords coupled with great Numan vocals.
Not that the techno stuff isn't good, because it is, but listening to the above I can only hope for a new album in the vein of Tubeway Army / The Pleasure Principle / Telekon. There is still time yet.
This week I heard Benjamin Clementine for the first time and below is 'Cornerstone', the track he performed on Later with Jools. Its a song filled with sorrow and pride and acceptance.
Apparently we love this shit right now. Yes we do.
This is Huskies, a Nottingham band who are making great surf/dream/alt/lo-fi [any more sub genres come out today that I need to add???] pop. I joke, but I urge you to listen. There are lots of bands out there craving to have a sound as good as this. Hopefully this band will break through like their peers Swim Deep.
For a free download and to hear some of their awesome tunes, follow this link https://soundcloud.com/huskiesmusic. Below is the video to their latest single 'Beach'.
When we look back in time we always go to the music first. With bands like this I can't wait to look back and remember these years and the beautiful music that graced our airwaves.
This week I heard 'Nitrous' by Nick Mulvey. Its a great tune that steps up to bigger heights around the 2.25 mark when the song blends in Olive's 90s hit 'You're not alone'. You already love the song and then you get that moment of ''has he? is that? yes it is... and it works so well''
Fortunately for me I have a girlfriend with good ears and great music taste. Today she has told me to listen to 'Royals' by Lorde. At first I thought she was telling me to listen to the Finnish, costumed heavy metal band. Thankfully she wasn't.
The track below is 'Cool' and comes from Wes James, better known as Le Youth.
Its a great track to close the season, with its bouncy vibe that pulls (not drags) you along for the ride. Like a lazy river ride in a tropical resort, its impossible not to enjoy.
Late in 2012 I read an article stating that 2013 WILL BE the year of the guitar band. Indeed we have had a lot more bands appear on our radar and in mainstream music, but this year for me and you I hope, has been the year that SYNTH returned. It has dominated our airwaves, earphones, adverts, TV shows and festivals. Like a beautiful virus it has spread under our skin. I love it.
This month, Sub Focus will release 'Torus'. Making music since 2003, a decade of releases have helped Nick Douwma work his way to be one of the UK's top Electronic producers. His tracks are instant hits and are gratefully received by his ever growing fan base. Hopefully the release of his latest album will add a number one album under his belt. It would after all, be well deserved.
One of my favourite tracks of the year that features on the album is 'Turn it around'. The sound is huge. It's a rush to listen to. Oh and Kele from Bloc Party lends his vocals. Enough said really.
This next track is called 'Until the end'. Wow. With a synth hook that immediately reminds me of Gary Numan's 'Oh wo-ah' from 'Our Friends Electric', popping drums and rhythmic synth bass lines, this track is awesome. It adds its self without question to my favourites of the year list. Hopefully the radios will pick up on this gem and make my drives to work that bit better.
Here is some of this great track.
The track listing of 'Torus' is as below:
1. Torus 2. Safe In Sound 3. Endorphins Feat. Alex Clare 4. Out The Blue Feat. Alice Gold 5. Twilight 6. Close Feat. MNEK 7. Turn It Around Feat. Kele 8. Out Of Reach Feat. Jayelldee 9. Falling Down Feat. Kenzie May 10. Turn Back Time 11. You Make It Better Feat. Culture Shock & TC 12. Tidal Wave Feat. Alpines 13. Until The End Feat. Foxes
