Posted by admin on 9th November 2006
- Band / Artist : Iodo – mySpace
- Genre : Alternative / Electronica
- Sample Track Download : N/A
- Buy CD : Band Site
- Buy Digital Download : iTunes
- Rating : 7.5 out of 10
Certainly something a little different. The opening track “Angst” reminds me vocally of the 1980’s Depeche Mode, but musically it has a strong Radiohead flavor. It’s a very in your face track, especially when compared to the other two tracks, but it has that certain something, which appeals to my adventurous side.
The second track “R.T.A” has a more mellow side to it and an interesting sound of trumpet or is it cornet, that pops in throughout. There’s also some very inventive sounds and breaks in this track, especially about a two minute in, when you get a full drum and bass style interruption.
The final track “Bit-Part Actor”, finds Iodo on the backfoot, with something a lot more soothing to the ears, in this lengthy, nigh on 8 minute track. This for me is the better side of the band and I’d much prefer to hear this kind of sound develop. The music is relaxed and tranquil, and the vocals compliment it nicely.
Conclusion : A bit of a hodgepodge of tracks, but enjoyable nonetheless. Worth buying for the last track alone.
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Posted by admin on 7th November 2006
Sometimes my brain is all over the place. I’m sure the band will think I’m nuts, but when I first heard the first minute or so of the opening track, I couldn’t get the band Depeche Mode out of my head. That isn’t in any way a comparison, but it just goes to show what kind of weird chemistry my brain has sometimes. However the more I listen to this album, the more another 80’s artist comes to mind and that artist is Nik Kershaw. This is an album filled with that sweet, infectious pop that was so popular in the 80’s but feel out of favor for the longest time.
The twelve tracks presented on this album are filled with the kind of optimism summer brings. You know that perfect day when you open your eyes and just can’t wait for the day to start. The first track “Save the World” has that funky 80’s bass, popularized by Level 42. I know I keep sounding like an old fart stuck in the 80’s but I can only report what I hear. The track that follows, “Sex on the Radio” brought a smile to my face, before I’d even heard the song. I kept thinking of the punchline “but it kept sticking in my wife’s back”, but the song itself is one of the strongest tracks on the album as is the track that follows “Strange Day in Mexico” which has received quite a bit of podplay.
This is another one of those albums that has short 10-20 second tracks on it. It’s almost like a band that has some kind of contractual obligation to have a certain amount of tracks on the album and unfortunately, as is often the case with these mini tracks, it just sticks out like a sore thumb. It does however provide a way to grab free music as you can listen to clips up to 30 seconds I think on iTunes.
My favorite tracks on the album would have to be “Come with Me” and “College Daze”, but for the life of me, I have no clue what a Yeager Shmee, Shmee is, mmm! The first three tracks are also crackers. The album rounds off with the catchy “Abercrombie Jeans” which has a real country flavor to it.
Throughout the album, the vocals are top notch, as is the music. I have to admit, this wouldn’t normally be an album that I would have picked up, had I known that it had a strong country overtone, as I’m not a huge fan of country, but I’m always willing to be shown the light.
Conclusion : A highly enjoyable album and something to lighten those bleak days that winter brings.
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Posted by admin on 7th November 2006
Ska music had quite a place in my musical upbringing. So it’s always nice to hear a band that obviously have this influence in their music, as does Westbound Train. However this isn’t ska in it’s purest sense, this is a mellow, more radio friendly variant with a large dollop of reggae and a hint of soul, which I have to say is a sheer joy to listen to. I should have know this would be a great album, as it comes from Epitaph, a label that has an unbelievably incredible roster of artists, including another great ska band, previously reviewed on Indie Launchpad, The Aggrolites.
The album consists of 14 tracks, or 16 if you include the two transitions tracks, one of which starts the album. The first track proper is the sweetly mellow “Please Forgive Me” and provides a nice introduction to the groups sound. Indeed I think it would make a great single. One thing I love about ska, is it’s ability to just get you moving. Whether it’s a head bob, or a finger tap (that’s about all you’ll get out of this two left footed reviewer), there’s a definite ingredient that is conducive to making you move. “Good Enough ” is a prime example of this, with it’s reggae overtones.
This is a long album to be sure, especially when compared to many other albums that seem to be coming out at the moment. With a running time at just over an hour, it certainly packs a punch and sated my appetite nicely.
As I mentioned before there is a subtle hint of soul and indeed R&B. This shines through on the track “I’m No Different”, with it’s strong Otis Reading, brass overtones. As mentioned earlier, I grew up when the Specials, Madness and many other ska and two-tone bands were at the fore. Probably the one I keep being reminded of is Bad Manners. However it’s nothing to do with the singing, I don’t think there will ever be another Buster Bloodvessel. Just every now and then, a Doc Marten boot kicks a memory in my head and for a brief moment I’m transported back to the late 70’s.
Conclusion : If you like ska, this is a definite album to add to your collection. If you’ve veered away from ska, this is worth taking a look as it’s not as in your face, as many other ska bands. Not that that’s a criticism of other ska bands, just a fact that sometimes, some kinds of music can seem intimidating. An absolute blinder.
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Posted by admin on 5th November 2006
An unusual album title to be sure and indeed quite an unusual album filled with an eclectic and diverse range of genres, underpinned by a beautifully emotive voice. Beth Thornley is one of those artists currently enjoying extensive podplay on various podcasts. I’ve been guilty (yes again) of sitting on this album for a while, but when I finally sat down to have an extensive listen, I was blown away by a combination of factors. The production is top notch as is the instrumentation, but all this is but a pleasant bed for the salad of Beth’s voice.
The album opens with “Stand” which is a fairly standard pop song, but your ears can’t help but prick up when you are first introduced to Beth’s voice. “Beautiful Lie” takes a darker down tone and for me this is probably a one of the least enjoyable tracks on the album, at least that is until it gets to the chorus, which has that hallmark, Beth touch. The album for me really starts when it comes to the track “Mr Lovely”, whether that is because it’s one of the stronger tracks, or because it is one of the most heavily featured podcasts, tracks, I’m not sure, but it is certainly a really great track.
“Your Right Where” is just one of those tracks that for me captures the best of Beth. Light, yet with a hint of the melancholic. Call me a miserable sod, but melancholia is always a winner with me, especially when it’s sung so beautifully. “Once” has that Latino, Mediterranean twist, that is really refreshing and gives this album that little additional kick. The start certainly doesn’t prepare you for the killer chorus and that certainly is another surprise on the album.
We’re but half way through the album and it should be really obvious that this is one incredible album from a very special and talented artist. I’m so sorry that this album hid under the bushel that is my in pile, but am glad to feature it no and give it the recognition it so rightly deserves.
I’d be really remiss if I didn’t mention Beth’s wonderful rendition of the Beatles, Eleanor Rigby. Simply stunning. I wouldn’t be remiss if I totally ignored the hidden last track…. mmm what’s it called?
Conclusion : A wonderful collection of songs, with an even greater voice to carry them. A terrific album for your collection.
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Posted by admin on 4th November 2006
Never let it be said that the independent music scene is boring. If you ever hear that said, wave a copy of Schizophrenology before people’s ears and I’m sure this album alone, will show people that the indie music scene is not only far from boring, but damn near fit to explode.
Another podcast find, I received this CD in the post. While putting this review together I noticed that the whole album is also available as a free download. I’ve mentioned before the admiration I have for bands that choose to give away so much material. This allows people to really get a taster of the band before deciding if it’s their cup of tea. I would like to add here though, as I have before that as this album is also available for purchase, if you do enjoy it or know someone that would enjoy it, pick up a regular CD copy to show the band some support. This is such a great album and the band deserves to do well with it.
It’s really hard to pigeon hole this album as the tracks themselves are so diverse. Once past the 16 second intro, the album begins with the track “Welcome to the City”, which has more drums than you can shake a stick at. For me one of the tracks that really defines the Majestic Twelve sound is “Condolezza, Check My Posse”m with it’s heavy guitar sound and rapid fire, almost poetic lyric delivery. My ears really pricked up though when I heard the track “Cry”. Call me an old sentimentalist, but this track really struck a chord with me. Actually this track reminded me of couple of other recently reviewed bands, namely “Little Yellow Perfect” and “Angles Drake”.
There’s only 10 tracks on the album, in addition to the brief intro track and like many albums at the moment, those 10 tracks really run the gamut of musical styles. Whether this is a conscious decision to try to cater to as many listeners as possible or whether it’s a bands trying to find it’s musical feet, I don’t know. Suffice to say it makes for a really great album. There is a bit of screamo in the track “Trapped Under Water”, which is a really great track until then and actually it doesn’t spoil the track too much. Man, as long as I live I will never get screamo, just ask my 16 year old daughter.
The track “Grandfather” is a fairly poignant track, and really gives the album some extra depth. I’m not sure I would have included it as one of the tracks on the middle of the album, preferring to probably leave it till towards the end, but it is certainly a great track and just showcases this bands versatility. I have to give a special mention to “Thank God Everything on TV is a Lie” which while being fast paced, has a wonderful feel to it and also some quite in tune lyrics.
Conclusion : This is a band that really enjoys their music and it shows. Eclectic and diverse and a whole heap of fun. A certain album to buy. As a freebie album :
- Turn on computer
- Download
- Play
- Tell all your friends.
- Feel guilty and buy a copy.
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Posted by admin on 4th November 2006
Catching up on backlog is a pretty guilt ridden task, especially when an album is this good. I actually got this CD to review in the summer and played it a few times in the 90f degree heat and the album just didn’t click with me. Yes some albums need to be gently cossetted to prepare for the ultimate listening experience. I don’t know what went wrong with this album, but uncovering it again a few weeks ago, proved to me, that sometimes your ears can be put off by the surroundings. At least with all the albums I request, they don’t get put on the scrap heap. If I’ve requested the,. I’ve heard a spark of genius and I don’t give up until I’ve given an album my fullest.
The album opens with “Free Love”, not my favorite track by far, but it does at least showcase Derek’s voice and gives you an inkling of what’s to come. “Stray” is probably one of the killer tracks on the album, more for the vocal delivery than the actual lyrics. “One More Day” is one of the more diverse tracks on the album with a decidedly reggae, laidback and relaxed feel to it. “Summer” for me is a classic radio favorite, that the radio is sadly missing out on and I have to admit it’s when I hear stuff like this that I start to get very frustrated with the current state of radio play. Mind you I shouldn’t get too critical as I’ve virtually abandoned the radio. Maybe I should become a radio DJ indie music evangelist… Or maybe I should try to get my podcast into triple digits.
Listening to Derek, there’s an interesting range of influence including Marc Bolan, he of T-Rex fame, which is very apparent on the track “Smoky Light”. I can really imagine Marc singing this, if he wasn’t tragically taken from us in 1977. “Skye” has that wonderful quality that’s hard to pinpoint. It has a wonderfully uplifting quality, with lyrics to match and is a track that showcases all the is good with Derek James. One of my favorite track on the album would have to be “Dust in the Wind”, with it’s real sense of angst. My favorite track however would have to be “Pretty Lady”, absolute sheer class.
Conclusion : Yes, yet another 9 out of 10 album, but deservedly so. Talent deserves to be recognized. Phenomenal talent deserves to be lauded from the highest roof tops and this is phenomenal.
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