I bought some albums of bands I don’t know that well, as well some new albums from artists that I know and love and they all are pretty damn good in their own ways.
One album, ‘Tourist History’ by Two Door Cinema Club is so upbeat that whenever I play it, which is a lot at the moment, I’m soon bouncing along and smiling like a loon. It is so infectious and due to it’s short length (about 32 minutes) I find myself pressing play again the moment it stops.
Another is the latest album from The Maccabees, ‘Given to the Wild’. I don’t know too much from this band, but I bought this on the strength of a review in a magazine and I have to say I am thoroughly impressed. The one track I did recognize (Pelican) is addictive, but to be honest the whole album makes for great listening. I played it recently as I drove round the M25 and it was perfect accompaniment.
I heard a track by Ryan Adams in a TV show recently and tracked down the album is came off and gave it a whirl. Friend's have been recommending Ryan Adams to me for years, but it is only now that I’ve bought some and I have to say he is well worth a listen. Apparently the album I bought, ‘Demolition’ isn’t the best example of his work, but if it’s anything to go by then the rest of his stuff must be excellent as I’ve been enjoying what I’ve played so far.
And now it’s on to two old favourites. I always wait with anticipation for the latest Bruce Springsteen album and after the rave reviews for ‘Wrecking Ball’ this time was no exception. I got myself the deluxe edition with the extra tracks, whacked the disc into the stereo and sat back to enjoy. Despite finding the sentiment behind the opening track ‘We Take care of our Own’ a little too cheesy for my liking, the album is very strong and reminds me of ‘The Rising’ in places due to the inflection he sings with, but it also has hints of his work with The Seeger Sessions Band as well. It also has a couple of tracks that I’ve heard elsewhere on it, like a reworking of ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ and a great version of ‘American Land’. It is a good album, the title track is a particular favourite and I’m going to enjoy listening to it some more and seeing how it grows on me.
Finally, I waited with so much anticipation I was like a kid hopping from foot to foot needing to go to a friends party and wee at the same time for the last one of my list. I adore with a passion the first album from The Temper Trap (Conditions) and it is one of the best albums I have bought in the last five years. I cannot get enough of it and when I heard the release date for their next offering I was clapping my hands with glee. I managed to pre-order the album through their website and I’m almost giddy to say I managed to get a deluxe edition (extra tracks and in a special book format) signed by all the members of the band. Even better, on the day of it’s release I went to see them live at a club in Camden, London called Koko which was an amazing experience.
The gig venue was so intimate and thanks to a friends advice I managed to get in early and bag a prime spot. It meant a long wait for the band to come on, but it was worth it. They played a mix of new and old tracks and with the old favourites the place was electric with people clapping and singing along, which resonated and thrummed through me in the tiny venue. The view was amazing and by the end of the night my feet ached from stomping them, my voice was hoarse from singing and I could barely hear a thing as I walked back to the train station in a daze. Boy, what a night.
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| The bands view from the stage, from their Facebook Page. |
So as you can see I have been playing some great music lately and it has really helped buoy my spirits and keep me going. I have my eye out for some other artists' new albums that are in the pipe-line and one of my music magazine subscriptions just dropped through the letterbox today so no doubt I can report back soon with some more musical gems for you.
