February Stars (Part 2)

Continuing on with the look ahead to live music in February….

SUNDAY 13th FEBRUARY
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BRITISH SEA POWER @ THE ARCHES
The vast range and angular style of music that BSP showcase always makes for intriguing live performances and this one will be no different. They hit The Arches hot on the trails of the release of their 5th long player “Valhalla Dancehall” which garnered severe critical praise. That’s no surprise really though when you look at the Brighton based bands back catalogue. Their live shows always seem to create an intimate setting that leaves the listener/viewer in a comfortable and open position. And if you’re open to this band they’ll take you on a journey you won’t forget. Definitely ones to be caught live.
MP3: British Sea Power – Be Gone
VERDICT: I’ll just be getting back from my weekend in Dundee when this gig is starting so i’m afraid i’ll have to give it a miss. That doesn’t mean you should though.

WEDNESDAY 16th FEBRUARY
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3 superb gigs on this night….

DARKSTAR @ NICE N SLEAZYS
Having released a steady flow of singles and EPs over the last 3 years or so this duo added singer James Buttery to their line up last year and proceeded to release the very impressive debut album “North”. After listening to it through headphones i got the impression that it was an album i wouldn’t forget quickly. From opening track to the last bleep their album is a must have for any electronic music fan. At times sounding like The Antlers before drifting back into their almost sleepy own little loop laden world. Absolutely glorious noises that should translate perfectly in the small setting that is Sleazys underground.
MP3: Darkstar – In the Wings
VERDICT: Desperate to see these guys in live action. Swaying between this and Aidan Moffat (see below).

WHITE LIES @ THE BARROWLANDS
Gloom is back and it just got a whole lot bigger. Everything about new album “Ritual” is bigger. Everything about their recent live performances have looked and sounded bigger. This is the sound of a band hitting the musical nail on the head. Difficult second album syndrome? Pah, what’s that?! White Lies have made the transition with ease and then some. Their live shows will surely be galvanised by a bigger selection of tunes to choose from. They now have a fearsome repertoire of music at their disposal. All of which will be used to full effect on this tour. Just remember one thing…..wear black.
MP3: White Lies – Farewell To The Fairground
VERDICT: Sold out. Won’t be going. Obviously.

AIDAN MOFFAT @ ORAN MOR
Feeling a Valentines hangover? Let Scotlands favourite storyteller ease your pain with his unique outlook on love and what it can do to a man. Raw emotions are Moffats trademark and there will be plenty of the them on show at his Valentines Revue show as he dips into a selection of songs from his various musical projects past and present. This might be a show for the lonely and unlucky in love…
MP3: Aidan John Moffat – The Boy That You Love
VERDICT: One for the lonely and unlucky in love?? How could i miss this?!

SATURDAY 19th/SUNDAY 20th FEBRUARY
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65DAYSOFSTATIC @ THE ARCHES
The gods of post rock and all round noisey behemoths trundle into town to score early 70’s Sci-Fi cult film Silent Running as part of Glasgows Music and Film Festival which kicks off on the 17th of this months and lasts though till the 27th. The Sheffield noise pioneers will no doubt keep us transfixed with what is sure to be an epic hour and a half. After their double date in Glasgow it’s off to Japan and their Heavy Sky EP tour for the 65 guys.
MP3: 65daysofstatic – Lyonesse
VERDICT: I’m there. I’m there! You’ll have to beat me with a rolled up copy of The Skinny to keep me out.

MONDAY 21st FEBRUARY
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VESSELS @ CAPTAINS REST
The Leeds band are into their 6th year now and have more than enough songs to keep their faithful fans happy. Having seemingly gained a slightly more experimental edge with age this will be one post rock gig not to miss from Vessels. The Captains Rest is always a good little arena for bands like Vessels to fully excel in. This will be no different.
MP3: Vessels – An Idle Brain (Errors remix)
VERDICT: I’ll stroll on down Great Western Road and pay my pennies at the door.

WEDNESDAY 23rd FEBRUARY
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VA in aid of ONE LOVE FOR CHI @ NICE N SLEAZYS
Various artists take to the stage in honour of the stricken Deftones bass player. A good gig for a great cause.
LINKS:
Healthy Minds Collapse
Life In December
Hiroshima Blackout
Mechanical Smile
and the most important link of all http://www.oneloveforchi.com/
VERDICT: I’ll really do my best to attend but i have a feeling i may end up having to give it a miss due to various reasons. Mainly work.

And that my friends is Part 2 of the February gig previews. Expect the final edition, Part 3, either tomorrow or Friday.

S.I.T Wolf  X

SIT WOLF: Top 30 Albums of 2010

The best albums of 2010, much the same as 2009, were ridiculously hard to narrow down into a final 30. But after much of the obligatory mulling over nominees and usual bits of chopping and changing positions i’ve finally got a Top 30 Countdown. It was a pretty spectacular twelve months in terms of music. Full of all sorts of aural delights.

As customary the countdown is from Numero 30 to Numero 1 and with a short little description of each album. I’ve tried to keep it to short as i’m pushed for time and it is a school night afterall so it’s early to bed tonight for me.

30. !!! – STRANGE WEATHER ISN’T IT?

A colourful return to form from the dance punk Cali-NY group.

29. GIL SCOTT HERON – I’M NEW HERE

There’s still life in the old dog yet. Putting most of todays young guns to shame with this “post-modernised” blues album.

28. FUTURE ISLANDS – IN EVENING AIR

Fresh and backed with the unique voice of Samuel T Herring this album provided Future Islands with a huge step towards global recognition.

27. NEDRY – CONDOR

Glitch laden, echo filled debut from this seemingly ever evolving trio.

26. BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD – SUMMER HEART

Released on Christmas Day, this was the perfect stocking filler from Blackbird Blackbird. A collection of dream pop classics.

25. HOLY FUCK – LATIN

Holy Fuck? Holy Funk more like. Instrumental lords at their best but with added funkability.

24. MEURSAULT – ALL CREATURES WILL MAKE MERRY

Epic, sombre, intriguing album from the Scottish lo-fi folk experimentalists.

23. BATHS – CERULEAN

A wonderfully textured body of work forms the debut of Will Wiesenfeld aka Baths.

22. WARPAINT – THE FOOL

The all girl four piece dropped one of the most anticipated albums of 2010 and didn’t disappoint with “The Fool”.

21. THE NATIONAL – HIGH VIOLET

It had been a while, so to say, since the indie kids favourite miserablists had released a full length effort and this summer release was a blinding reminder of what they’re capable of.

20. MOUNT KIMBIE – CROOKS AND LOVERS

Blending every type of music there is into just under 40 minutes may seem impossible to most. Not to these guys though.

19. THESE NEW PURITANS – HIDDEN

The sounds of a band truly finding themselves has never been more enjoyable.

18. BEACH HOUSE – TEEN DREAM

Beguilling and warm. This mysterious offering only makes me love Beach House more than i already did.

17. WILD NOTHING – GEMINI

Unmistakably influenced by the 80’s, this wide eyed debut from Jack Tatum and co is literally summer on a disc.

16. GAYNGS – RELAYTED

The compelling tribe of artists known as Gayngs were always going to give us something special with all the collective talent they have in their possession.

15. FLYING LOTUS – COSMOGRAMMA

Giving us another multi layered odyssey was always going to be the main target for one of the most consistent IDM artists out there. He succeeded in typical mesmerising fashion.

14. SALEM – KING NIGHT

Mysterious, cold yet tender and encapsulating. A chilling album from these dark hosts.

13. ERRORS – COME DOWN WITH ME

Following up debut album “It’s Not Something…” was always gonna be hard but Errors managed to seemingly effortlessly succeed. Never has electronic instrumental music sounded so cool.

12. SURFER BLOOD – ASTRO COAST

With vocal melodies and lyrics evoking a heavier Beach Boys this was one of the first albums of 2010 that made my ears prick up and pay serious attention when it came out last January.

11. TOBACCO – MANIAC MEAT

The main man from Black Moth Super Rainbow continues his solo project in style. Roping in Beck for some guest vocals on this aggressive 16 track LP.

10. EIGHTIES MATCHBOX B-LINE DISASTER – BLOOD AND FIRE

The Brighton legends returned to form and then some with this tight, well structured sonically enticing outpouring. Sprucing up a few older tracks and adding in some amazing new ones was the perfect way to keep there notoriously loyal fans more than happy.

9. FOUR TET – THERE IS LOVE IN YOU

Keiran Hebden never lets us down and last years album was no different. Maybe more tender/softer than previous releases in some areas and certainly not as complicated but still groovy enough to make you want to dance away to your heart’s content.

8. ARCADE FIRE – THE SUBURBS

The big one that everybody was and still is talking about. The album that turned Arcade Fire from indie playlist stalwarts to world renowned epic song possessing music Gods.

7. PANTHA DU PRINCE – BLACK NOISE

Another early bird, released in February ’10, that stuck around in my head all year long. An expressive and ever expanding work of art.

6. GOLD PANDA – LUCKY SHINER

Previous EP releases from Gold Panda gave us an idea of what was gonna be in store for his debut album but nothing could have prepared us for the twist and turns that “Lucky Shiner” slides through. It’s a story of an album. One that’s worth reading over and over again.

5. DEFTONES – DIAMOND EYES

There’s no doubt about it, the Deftones are timeless. Diamond Eyes was a long time coming. The band have been through a very tough time over the last few year and if anybody deserves to be praised this year it is them. Combining styles form all of their previous albums to create an elegant piece of alternative rock. Nobody does it as good as the Deftones. They’ve been around for over two decades but show no sign of slowing up and tracks like “Royal” show they still have that bite that all other modern rock bands envy. They’ve left their calling card once again.

4. MF/MB/ – FOLDED

This was a late discovery of mine last year. I’m honest enough to admit i’d never even heard of the band until a friend recommended them to me in the winter. And what a recommendation. The material on this album ranges from the simple stuff to the extravagant experimental stuff. Staying sublime the whole way through and not losing sight of the art rock/pop stylings.

3. KANYE WEST – MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY

The best word i can think of to describe this album is primordial. It’s the beginning of a new vein of hip hop and RnB. Jam packed full of special guests ranging from Jay Z to Bon Iver and full of ideas. It’s an essential listen from start to end.

2. 65DAYSOFSTATIC – WE WERE EXPLODING ANYWAY

Colossal riffs and beats as always from the Sheffield masters of post rock. Adding that little something different with each passing song. They’re gaining an ever growing fan base throughout the world and it’s easy to hear why. They’re at the forefront of everything that is modern instrumental music. They’re the pioneers of sonic brutality and this album shows that they plan on keeping that title for a long time to come.

and the WINNER of Best Album of 2010 is…..

1. O.CHILDREN – O.CHILDREN

The self titled effort form O.Children was pretty much a shoe in for Number 1 on this list from the moment i heard it. You’d need to reform Death From Above 1979 and get them in a studio with Queens of the Stone Age to make the best album they possibly could to even make me THINK about changing my mind on this one. Back to O.Children though, being named after a Nick Cave song meant they were always going to be dark/gothic but they’ve just taken dark and made it darker. Eerie in parts,atmpospheric and always moody and intense. They wear their influences on their sleeve (Joy Divison, Echo and the Bunnymen etc) and use them to carve their own niche. They embrace the miserable side of things and somehow turn it into catchy hooks and perfectly timed choruses. They’ve sombrely embraced the world and with this album as their introduction the world will surely return the favour. They deserve it.

I’ve made ZIP files with one track from each album and posted them on mediafire. Below are the tracks included and download links.

SIT WOLF: TOP 30 ALBUMS OF 2010 (Part 1)
30. !!! – AM/FM
29. Gil Scott Heron – Me And The Devil
28. Future Islands – Tin Man
27. Nedry – A42
26. Blackbird Blackbird – Avalanche
25. Holy Fuck – Stay Lit
24. Meursault – One Day This’ll All Be Fields
23. Baths – Maximalist
22. Warpaint – Shadows
21. The National – Runaway
20. Mt. Kimbie – Ruby
19. These New Puritans – Attack Music
18. Beach House – Silver Soul
17. Wild Nothing – Live In Dreams
16. Gayngs – Crystal Rope
DOWNLOAD PART 1 (30-16)  here

SIT WOLF: TOP 30 ALBUMS OF 2010 PART 2
15. Flying Lotus – Do The Astral Plane
14. Salem – Frost
13. Errors – Antipode
12. Surfer Blood – Floating Vibes
11. Tobacco – Fresh Hex (feat. Beck)
10. Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster – Monsieur Cutts
9. Four Tet – Sing
8. Arcade Fire – Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
7. Pantha Du Prince – Lay In A Shimmer
6. Gold Panda – Parents
5. Deftones – You’ve Seen The Butcher
4. MF/MB/ – 1000 Times
3. Kanye West – So Appalled
2. 65daysofstatic – Crash Tactics
1. O.Children – Ruins
DOWNLOAD PART 2 (15-1)  here

S.I.T WOLF  X

An Alternative Christmas…..

Tired of the same old boring Christmas songs year after year? The same songs in the same style every December? Fear no more…..

This is a Christmas mix with a little bit of a twist. Nothing too “out there” or but different enough to keep you from going insane with the sounds of X-Factor garbage or other annually released festive “songs” ringing in your ears.

The mix starts off with an epic track from Mew and goes into some Christmassy pop and funk then we head into Christmas cover territory and mix it in with some fuzz from the Crocodiles, Dum Dum Girls and a boy/girl cracker (pardon the pun) in the form of The Hives and Cyndi Lauper. After that the mood drops slightly with some more sombre and thoughtful numbers….but wait, we’re rescued by E from Eels telling everything’s gonna be cool! Then Maps serenades all the mistletoe lovers with his version of East 17’s “Stay Another Day”, Band of Horses make us glow like Christmas trees with “The First Song” then Jonah, Chino and Grady give us their take on the Band Aid classic. After that it’s time to test the ears. Can you recognise all the different versions of of “White Christmas” that Corporal Blossom has mashed together? We end with 65daysofstatic take on the same classic song. And if your brave auditory system can get through the joyous white noise you’ll be rewarded with the little Christmas bonus of Arcade Fire having fun doing a version of “Jingle Bell Rock”. Full tracklist below.

An Alternative Christmas
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1. Mew – She Came Home For Christmas
2. Best Coast and Wavves – Got Something For You
3. James Brown – Soulful Christmas
4. Summer Camp – Christmas Wrapping (The Waitresses cover)
5. Jimmy Eat World – Last Christmas (Wham cover)
6. Weezer – O’ Come All Ye Faithful (Christmas carol cover)
7. The Hives and Cyndi Lauper – A Christmas Duel
8. Death Cab For Cutie – Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) (Darlene Love cover)
9. Crocodiles and The Dum Dum Girls – Merry Christmas (Baby, Please Don’t Die)
10. Asobi Seksu – Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight) (The Ramones cover)
11. The Boy Least Likely To – Christmas Isn’t Christmas
12. Bon Iver – Blood Bank
13. Frightened Rabbit – It’s Christmas So We’ll Stop
14. E – Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This Christmas
15. Maps – Stay Another Day (East 17 cover)
16. Band Of Horses – The First Song
17. Far, Deftones and Will Haven – Do They Know It’s Christmas (Band Aid cover)
18. Corporal Blossom – White Christmas
19. 65daysofstatic – I’m Dreaming Of A White Noise Christmas
20. Arcade Fire – Jingle Bell Rock

Download it over at mediafire  An Alternative Christmas with SIT Wolf

or have a listen first on the Soundcloud link below and then head on over there and download it.

I made the mix 70 minutes long so that it will fit nice and snugly onto a CD and you can entertain/bore your family with it over Christmas dinner. I’ve already made a few CDs up for my friends and family.

S.I.T Wolf  X

ps. I’ve had to hold off the “Are Friends….” interview with Santa till during the week. He was busy this weekend, said he was wrapping stuff up or some shit like that. Fucking amateur.

Your Monthly Video Dose: November 2010

These New Puritans – Hologram

Maybeshewill – To The Skies From A Hillside

Worlds End Girlfriend – Colors Of the Adventure

Urusei Yatsura – Hello Tiger

65daysofstatic – Radio Protector

S.I.T Wolf X

Did You See Her Kissing Him?

Today is World Kiss Day…. yes, there is actually a holiday dedicated just to kissing. Amazing.

The idea behind the International Kissing Day is that many people may have forgotten the simple pleasures associated with kissing for kissing’s sake, as opposed to kissing as mere social formality or prelude to other activities. Kissing can be an enjoyable experience in and of itself. It is an expression and experience of intimacy. International Kissing Day is not as commercialized as Valentine’s Day.

This amazing idea for a holiday has given me the perfect opportunity to post a little bit about a band i’ve been meaning to get round to exposing a little more.

Step forward Kisses.

I’ve been listening to their debut album (The Heart of The Nightlife) since early this year when i got a copy from the now sadly defunct Radiobutt blog and i recently managed to find another supporter in my sister Lisa, who also failed to resist their charm and delved deep into the shimmering tracks. Take a listen for yourself and enjoy the laid back sunbeam guided melodies this Californian duo produce so well.

The horrid NME have just caught on to the musical masterpieces on show by the boyfriend girlfriend pop machine. About 3 months too late as usual. But it’s good that they’re getting a bit of exposure and i’m no doubt that they’re going to be big by the end of this year, if not the summer.

MP3: Kisses – Bermuda

I decided against using the obvious choice of Prince and “Kiss” as a bonus track. I also made sure i kept the actual band KISS out as well, for one i’m not exactly a fan and two i have a better track for you.

MP3: 65DaysOfStatic – Music is Music as Devices are Kisses is Everything

S.I.T Wolf  X

ps. considering it’s World Kiss Day it’s safe to say i’m pretty disappointed to have not had a kiss from anyone today 😦

Bring The Static Doom

…….so it’s been a while since the last mixtape was posted. Just 3 weeks short of 6 months to be precise. I hope this one can make up for it.

The original idea for this mixtape was to make a glitch effort but once i had whittled down my tracklist it turned into a kinda best of 65daysofstatic and LOD with a bunch of Bring Me The Horizon remix versions and a few other tracks that just seemed to fit. I made it a while ago now, like March or something. My friends and a small gathering of drunken people at an underground nightclub are the only ones to have heard it. It’s not my most inventive mix yet but it is one of my favourites that i’ve put together so far.

The mix begins with John Cusack  introducing (scene from High Fidelity) over a guitar loop from “Death Breath” and kicks into an hour and seventeen minutes of noise. Some breakbeat, some techno, electro, a pinch of glitch, maybe even some indie/punk, a pop princess or two, some sheer white noise, a bit of gabba, a few mash ups, a few oldies, a few new tracks and just for good measure a little appearance from Albert Einstein.

Someone’s In The Wolf – Bring The Static Doom Mixtape
DOWNLOAD: http://www.mediafire.com/?w5dnkytmn5j

The main contributions come from:-

Bring Me The Horizon
65DaysofStatic
Legion Of Doom

The other artists/remixers in order of appearance are :-

Toxic Avenger
Skrillex
Avril Lavigne
Otto Von Schirach
Cassio
Ben Weinman
Christina Aguilera
Funeral For A Friend
Saves The Day
Joy Division
Underworld
Hundred Reasons
Natasha Bedingfield
A Static Lullaby
My Chemical Romance
KC Blitz
Horse The Band
L’Amour La Morgue
Thrice
Alkaline Trio
The Dismemberment Plan
Robotsonics
and of course Mr Albert Einstein

I’ll try not to leave it so long between mixtapes next time.

S.I.T Wolf  X

Caught In The Act

Didn’t have  much time to do a post this afternoon…… i had an important meeting with a few friends and a few pints of Tennents round the local pub.

So, i’m just gonna do a quick post on some upcoming events that i’ll be attending. Some i already have tickets for, some i’m buying on pay day. Which is this Friday coming thankfully and boy could i do with it. I do the same thing every year, spend the November/December wage on Christmas presents for people and spend the majority of the Christmas wages during the festive season (nights out, parties etc) then realise, too late nonetheless, that i have the whole of January to wait before i get paid again. Maybe i’ll finally learn this year. Probably not.

Back to the gigs though..

You Can’t Eat The Word Food @ McChuils, Glasgow
Saturday 30th January

You may think i’m being biased here (the singer/guitarist is my brother in law) but if you want jagged indie rhythms that come tinged with many different influences from ska (Soap Opera King) to mod era punk (Rudiments Of No) and with a unique vocal delivery then get yourself along to one of their shows. Or at least their MySpace if you can’t make it. They’ve been together for years now and are one of the hardest working bands on the Glasgow scene, they’ve played all over Scotland and last year managed to get a London show in and impressed the audience. They’re signed to Headhunter Records and released their debut album in November 2008. They deserve to reap the rewards for their hard work, i’m sure they will this year. This show at McChuils is already their 3rd gig of 2010 and they’ve got many more to come this year. Try and catch them if you can. Oh and bring some food along if you do, they’ll appreciate it.
http://www.myspace.com/youcanteatthewordfood

The Sunshine Underground @ ABC, Glasgow
Wednesday 3rd February
MP3:  The Sunshine Underground – Borders
The Leeds quartet have finally decided to return and give us another album. And with it another tour. They release their second album “Nobody’s Coming To Save You” on the 1st of February. Will it have been worth the wait? Judging by new lead single “We’ve Always Been Your Friends” it’s a yes. Catch them live if you can. They come across as a very different animal in the flesh. Punk, indie and they tend to show their dancier edge when performing live.

God Is An Astronaut @ Oran Mor, Glasgow
Tuesday 23rd February
MP3: God Is An Astronaut- Forever Lost
These guys are all set to unleash their new album “Age of the Fifth Sun” at some point this summer or before and are proceeding that release with a tour. I only got into them a few years back through my friend Keane, they reminded me a lot of Mogwai and i’ve liked them ever since. They are one band that i’ve never managed to see live before and quite frankly i can’t wait to get the chance to bask in their audio/visual arrangements. Apparently their live shows are immense.

Errors @ Grand Ole Opry, Glasgow
Thursday 25th February
MP3: Errors – National Prism
I’ve already seen these dudes three times before. Each time was a stand out gig in it’s own right. The first was seeing them as a support band back in 2006 and i was very impressed. The second time was a herbal drug induced haze at the Connect Festival in 2008 and then i went and seen them again in October 2008 at the Oran Mor, that night was just unreal. One of the best gigs (and nights) of my life to be perfectly honest. They have an avid fanbase and trusted live reputation and when you add the fact that they have a new album on its way then this show begins to look even more appealing than it possibly ever could. They’re definitely one of Scotlands leading musical lights and they look like burning bright for many years to come.

Japandroids @ King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
Friday 26th February
MP3: Japandroids – Young Hearts Spark Fire
Anybody who is a regular reader on here will probably have read my review of the A Place To Bury Strangers gig back in November last year. Japandroids supported that night and added to the immense volume of that particular gig. I was hooked before i seen them live. Their hook laden anthems dragged me in from the first time i heard the opening chord of their debut album “Post Nothing”. Their care free lyrics are a refreshing change from a time where too much lyrics are focussed on the negative. And after witnessing them live, even if it was just for the modest 35 minutes or so they played, i wanted more. After that support slot they announced they’d be coming back to Scotland..and well, here they are. Headlining. This is one gig not too miss.

Ex Lovers @ The Warehouse, Aberdeen
Wednesday 3rd March
MP3: Ex Lovers – Incomplete
This is another gig that i’ve been looking forward to for a while. I only discovered this band last summer and since then i’ve been waiting for them to announce a Scottish gig. I didn’t have to wait that long. The band seem to have decided to miss out Glasgow and Edinburgh right enough and have chosen Aberdeen as the destination. It’s a bit of a journey for me to make but i’m sure it’ll be worth it. If not for the gig itself then i know it’ll be worth the journey to see my friend Emma who is currently living and studying in Aberdeen.

The Unwinding Hours @ Stereo, Glasgow
Friday 5th March
MP3: The Unwinding Hours – Little One
The Unwinding Hours gig at Stereo has the potential to be gig of the year i reckon, the return of legends . I’ll start from the beginning. Some people will know Aereogramme, some won’t. For those who don’t, i’ll explain. Aereogramme were Scottish post-rock cult legends that decided to call it a day in 2007. They were held in the same bracket as Mogwai when it came to pioneering Scottish music acts. Well, anyway the man with that distinctive, delicate voice known as Craig B has went on to form The Unwinding Hours with fellow ex-Aereogramme member Iain Cook. I bore witness to Aereogrammes last show in 2007 and it’s going to be amazing to see The Unwinding Hours first headline gig at Stereo. They have a small gig on the 31st January right enough as part of the Celtic Connection shows happening in Glasgow but Stereo will be their first headline gig and after managing to get my hands on a promo of their debut album (due out on the 15th February) i can safely say that this gig promises to be immense. Ps. their debut is an early contender for album of the year.

Four Tet @ The Bongo Club, Edinburgh
Saturday 13th March
MP3: Four Tet – Love Cry
It’s all set to be a chilled out noise fest when this one man show rolls into Edinburgh. Four Tet (Keiran Hebden to his freinds) is known for being very improvisational during his live shows. He can be dark sometimes but usually sticks to his more breezy brand of electronica, it’ll be the perfect gig to stand back and just admire. However, with the release of his new album “There Is Love In You” (out officially tomorrow but it’s being doing the rounds for a few weeks online now) he has glided into an even  more ‘dancier’ sound than usual. “Love Cry”, the lead single from the new album, is more than enough proof of this. It was the perfect way to tease his fans and build up anticipation of the new long player.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ The Barrowlands, Glasgow
Friday 16th April
MP3: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – As Sure As The Sun
I’ve seen these guys so many times now that i could be forgiven for deciding just to give this gig a miss. But i’m going, i’m despearte to see them live again. I’ve seen pretty much every single show they’ve done in Glasgow since they got together. First time i caught them live was back in 2001 at the tender age of 16 and i was taken in by the “cool”  image they so effortlessly portrayed. They were named after a motorbike gang from a Marlon Brando film right enough. Cool? No? Every time i see them though they still amaze me. Their musicianship is second to none, they’re unbelievably tight as a unit and they swap between instruments and songs structures with enviable ease. They’ve also had their fair share of problems, like most bands do eventually i suppose, but they always come back stronger. They grow with every offering, each album bringing something different from the last.

65Daysofstatic @ Oran Mor, Glasgow
Monday 3rd May
MP3: 65Daysofstatic – Retreat! Retreat! (live in NY)
I’m actually just smiling to myself with the thought of seeing these guys once more. They’re everything you want and need in a modern band and then more, the Sheffield natives are an awesome proposition on stage. Live, they have the opportunity to delve into their impressive back catalogue and use any number of amazing tracks they have at their disposal. And being brave enough to have break beat samples backing up their live shows alongside live drums only adds to the appeal. They are certainly among the elite of instrumental bands of today. Like i mentioned before their discography/output is frighteningly good, in fact, the vast amount of unreleased tracks they have recorded (remixes etc) have inspired many a mash up i’ve made. And i’m not ashamed to say i’ve “borrowed” samples from them on more than a few occasions. This will no doubt be an absolute epic gig from start to finish and along with The Unwinding Hours this is the gig i’m looking forward to the most.

S.I.T Wolf  X