What more could you want from Best Coast? (Aside from a hand delivered album by the band themselves) but that is just pushing it. The band’s second album is called The Only Place and it is really good! Indie, grunge, pop, little bit of surf in there too; it’s a great combination.
Out of the Game Album Review for fairsharemusic.com
Even with seven albums under his career belt, Rufus Wainwright still has a lot to say with his music. A little snippet of attention catching information is that well-known producer, songwriter and artist Mark Ronson was a main collaborator on this album. But don’t worry; although you might be expecting some signature Ronson elements, it is fundamentally Rufus Wainwright through and through. Apparently the song that inspired Ronson was the title track, Out of the Game and you can see why. The upbeat yet mellow track features gospel style backing vocals and a guitar that simply sounds like it’s underwater.
Last night was another of those running across London days fitting in a number of things… my problem is I don’t want to miss out and I’m glad I didn’t miss Rumer’s album showcase that’s for sure.
Arriving at Hammersmith Working Men’s Club I wasn’t sure what it would be like, it did conjure up some visuals I have to say. However, when we got inside it was a beautiful room, really nice lighting, canapes and free drinks being brought around by waiters and lots of industry people… they have that look about them, you know? What was nice about the event was there were some fans there who had won tickets, which made it more of a gig rather than a showcase.
The band were fantastic and it was nice to see one of the three backing vocalists was someone I knew. The album showcase was for the new album Boys Don’t Cry. It is a collection of lesser-known songs from the 1970s and from Rumer herself, “This is about passion, and paying respect to other people’s work. I went on a journey and this music tells that story.”
Rumer has a very soulful and elegant voice, she doesn’t put on a massive production, she lets the music and her voice do the talking and it was very tasty indeed. Performing with her she had a string quartet, horns, keys, bass, guitars, percussion, drums and three backing singers. All of those combined gave her a massive sound, it was rather good, I particularly enjoyed the blasting sax solo!
It was an intimate showcase and worth going along to. The album, Boys Don’t Cry is out at the end of May 2012.
The Alabama Shakes have arrived with their fantastic debut album, Boys & Girls. A cross between youthful rock ‘n’ roll energy and aching blues tales of life, loss and love.
The rootsy sound you hear when listening to this album perfectly depicts where the band came from. Each member has a love for a different type of music and they are far from manufactured, which gives them a cool edge, which in turn makes you cool for listening to them. (I’m quite sure that’s how it works). One thing that is consistent throughout and possibly the focal point of the album, is the intensely heartfelt vocal performances from front woman, Brittany Howard.
