AlterPolitics New Post

Music: The Cribs Perform ‘Men’s Needs’ (video)

by on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 5:25 pm EDT in Arts & Entertainment, Music

The Cribs 'Men's Needs'I am ashamed to confess that I am a Johnny-come-lately to this group. In fact, I only discovered them a few days ago through a Tweet by Edwyn Collins. And so seven years after its initial release, the song finally enjoys heavy rotation in my crib.

This English trio — formed in Wakefield, West Yorkshire in 2002 — consists of three brothers, two of which are twins. To date, the group has released five albums, most of which enjoyed critical acclaim. As if being completely ignorant of their existence wasn’t bad enough, I then went on to discover that one of my favorite guitarists, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, had become a member of the group between 2008 and 2011.

For those who too may have drifted out of the ‘in’ and into the ‘out’ with regards to the new music scene, you will be in for a pleasant surprise here. ‘Men’s Needs’ is The Cribs’ biggest hit to date. It is hands down excellent.

The video was directed by Diane Martel and shot in Hollywood. It is brilliant in its simplicity — much like the promotional music videos that came out of the UK in the late 70s and early 80s. It simply consists of the band performing in front of a yellow backdrop, but with a naked young woman playing the mischievous saboteur and doing a pret-ty good job of poaching their spotlight.

ENJOY!

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCNTYi9fHuo[/youtube]

WATCH: Colorama’s New Single, ‘Candy Street’

by on Friday, December 17, 2010 at 8:26 pm EDT in Arts & Entertainment, Music

The Independent revealed today that Edwyn Collins, a longtime favorite of mine, picked British band Colorama’s ‘Box’ as his favorite album of 2010.

Having never heard of the band before, I clicked over to YouTube and found this single ‘Candy Street’ from the aforementioned album.  I absolutely love it — it’s very catchy.

Now, keep in mind, I’m a huge early Kinks fan, and this song could fit perfectly on “Something Else By The Kinks” or “Face to Face” — which happen to be two of my favorite albums.

Great songwriting, 60s psychedelic sound, Ray Davies-esque vocals — I’m there!

Colorama’s frontman, Carwyn Ellis, has been described as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and music producer who resides in Wales.  He has performed and/or collaborated with Edwyn Collins, Oasis, UNKLE, Shane MacGowan, Roddy Frame, Paul Cook, and many others.

Without further ado, here’s Colorama new song ‘Candy Street’:

ENJOY!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnVuYzw-J5g[/youtube]

You can download Colorama’s ‘Candy Street’ single, or the full-length ‘Box’ album, here:   Box - Colorama

MUSIC VIDEO: Saint Etienne – ‘Nothing Can Stop Us Now’ – 1991

by on Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 1:06 am EDT in Arts & Entertainment, Music

This British trio has managed to successfully infuse amazing modern dance club music with the spirit of 1963 over a period that spans twenty years.

I was fortunate enough to have seen them play their very first US performance in New York City (with Grant Lee Buffalo and American Music Club) at the Manhattan Center Ballroom on September 23, 1994.  Saint Etienne was reported at the time to have been very unhappy with how the show went, but I remember having loved it.

This band has released so many fabulous albums, that I consider them to be one of my all-time favorite groups.  I recently attempted to burn some of their best tracks for someone only to realize there was no way I could fit them all onto a regular 80 minute CD.  Seriously, how many bands from the last 20 years can you say that about?

This song, “Nothing Can Stop Us Now,” is from their very first album, FOXBASE ALPHA.  Approaching its twentieth birthday, I think you’ll agree that this tune is timeless.

ENJOY:

For Neil Young Fans out there, who happen to enjoy dance music, you’ll absolutely adore this Saint Etienne cover of his song “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” — also from FOXBASE ALPHA.

Either of the above songs, or the entire FOXBASE ALPHA album, can be downloaded here:  Foxbase Alpha - Saint Etienne

Watch: Everything But The Girl Perform ‘Before Today’ Live In London ’99

by on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 12:36 am EDT in Arts & Entertainment, Music

I’ve been a long-time fan of Everything But the Girl.  They have an endless discography of great songs; always managing to keep it fresh by allowing their sound to evolve quite dramatically with the times.  Their early sound had a jazzy, French Cafe-ish feel — not unlike the Style Council (another favorite of mine) — […]

Watch: Paul Weller Performs One Of His Best Hits, “Wild Wood,” Live

by on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 5:14 pm EDT in Arts & Entertainment, Music

Paul Weller does an incredible live version of his amazing single, “Wild Wood.”  Enjoy!: