So, what have we learned?
Was I expecting to be moved more? I listened to all this records during a quiet week at work. There are two ways I generally consume music these days: through Spotify at work or on my MP3 player during my daily commute. Neither can guarantee my full attention. I got a few good memories unearthed throughout all this, but mostly it was just the soundtrack to my day at the office.
One strong memory from this era was Illegal downloads. They were starting to really enter into my music consumption habits around this time, meaning I probably heard all these albums long before the release dates listed next to them. Although I should stress I own CDs of all these albums (bar Tom Vek). Downloading music always made me to buy more music, not less. I’ve had enough computers crash on me - one taking 16 GB of mp3s with it - to know that a physical copy is always better.
The only thing that’s stopping me buying the Tom Vek album is I’d just rip the handful of tracks I wanted and put the CD on a pile with the rest of my collection, perhaps never to be touched again. Chances are the sound quality of the download I have is just as good as any I could get from a ripped CD.
Paul Epworth was a common theme, producing four of these ten albums, as well as remixing several other songs for the dancefloor. After cutting his teeth here he then went on to co-write and produce one of the biggest selling records of all time, Adele’s 21, as well as her Bond theme Skyfall. Nice work if you can get it.
It was refreshing to hear so many people singing in their actual voice, not Generic English or Transatlantic Drawl. Even different parts of London get a look in. Saying that, this is a collection of almost entirely White Guys With Guitars. I guess it was a combination of my tastes not being all that diverse at the time, and the scene in general - not a whole lot has changed for indie in 2015. Going from one album to the next on Spotify, pretty much every time the next band I was going to review was in the previous act’s “Similar Artists” section.
Another linking thread was loving the first album but then “drifting away” from a band. Why do so many bands release one amazing album and then gradually drop out of your life? There is that old cliche that you have your entire life to write your debut, and then six months for the follow up. But can it really be that simple?
Steve Lamacq had a theory that bands go through these 2-3 years of success as that matches student’s time at university when they have the time and lack of responsibilities to devote towards following a band obsessively. When the real world calls, these things fall down your list of priorities.
A lot of my favourite tracks from these bands aren’t actually from these albums. It would be interesting to do a follow up article on the follow up albums to all these records I’ve reviewed. Just looking at that list now…
Maxïmo Park - Our Earthly Pleasures
The Rakes - Ten New Messages
The Futureheads - News & Tributes
Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob
Franz Ferdinand - Tonight
Art Brut - It’s A Bit Complicated
The Cribs - Men’s Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever
Tom Vek - Leisure Seizure
Editors - An End Has A Start
Bloc Party - A Weekend In The City
...I can see one stand out there (Cribs) and two I’ve never listened to (Kaiser Chiefs & Art Brut).
So, to sum up: it was good to re-assess these records. It’s reintroduced me to a handful of songs that will attempt to brighten my commute or working week. But nostalgia is still bollocks. It’s nice to revisit the past on occasions, but if you’re constantly looking back then you lose track of where you are and where you’re going.
You have been watching...
Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger
The Rakes - Capture/Release
The Futureheads - The Futureheads
Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
Art Brut - Bang Bang Rock & Roll
The Cribs - The New Fellas
Tom Vek - We Have Sound
Editors - The Back Room
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
Thursday 13 August 2015
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
Released 14th February 2005, Witchita
What I thought then...
“It’s so cold in this house...” In February 2005, I was living in a cold house. A typical poorly maintained student pile. Silent Alarm had me hooked after that opening line. It all sounded so vital and important, and probably showed Epworth’s production at his best. I definitely had this album’s artwork as a poster on my bedroom wall.
What I think now...
Another band whose back catalogue I reassessed ahead of seeing them live a few years ago, Silent Alarm was always the standout and most consistent album they released. I still feel this is one of the best debut records of our time. A heady mixture of nerves and confidence. A rush of memories and regrets. This is my past in an album.
Standout Track
What to pick...Like Eating Glass began it all. Helicopter and Banquet were the dance-offs. Positive Tension, Luno and She’s Hearing Voices were for the moments of rage. Blue Light and So Here We Are were the comedown songs. It has to be This Modern Love - you just need to hear it to understand.
Live Memories
There was an NME tour that I’ll always kick myself for not going to. The Killers, Bloc Party, Futureheads and Kaiser Chiefs, more or less these blogs in one show. Still, I managed to see Bloc Party several times around this album and beyond. They closed Reading Festival in 2005 for us - with a mass of ticker tape at the end - and then there was a gig in Rock City with Patrick Wolf supporting.
What Happened Next?
They will survive, and keep on surviving. A Weekend In The City came next, my main memory of that was being the first one who got the leaked version and passing it round as many people as possible. Then came Flux, a sensational song they’ve never really been able to top, but then neither has anyone else. After Intimacy, Bloc Party were, for a while, split beyond repair. But they came back together for Four, which still feels like an album they made on the one condition it sounded nothing like Bloc Party. Thankfully, Rachet and the accompanying Nextwave Sessions EP provided better closure. In an odd coda, Bloc Party still seems to exist, albeit half the original band quit, and apparently a new album is on the way.
They will always be the band that means the most to me out of all this, and they’re the reason I’m writing this too. I always compare them to Radiohead, a band so impossibly untouchable in my affections it’s hard to be too critical about them. Compared to all their peers, it always felt like Bloc Party were pushing things further - musically, socially and against each other.
Next Time: Conclusions
Previously: The Back Room | We Have Sound | The New Fellas | Bang Bang Rock & Roll | You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
“It’s so cold in this house...” In February 2005, I was living in a cold house. A typical poorly maintained student pile. Silent Alarm had me hooked after that opening line. It all sounded so vital and important, and probably showed Epworth’s production at his best. I definitely had this album’s artwork as a poster on my bedroom wall.
What I think now...
Another band whose back catalogue I reassessed ahead of seeing them live a few years ago, Silent Alarm was always the standout and most consistent album they released. I still feel this is one of the best debut records of our time. A heady mixture of nerves and confidence. A rush of memories and regrets. This is my past in an album.
Standout Track
What to pick...Like Eating Glass began it all. Helicopter and Banquet were the dance-offs. Positive Tension, Luno and She’s Hearing Voices were for the moments of rage. Blue Light and So Here We Are were the comedown songs. It has to be This Modern Love - you just need to hear it to understand.
Live Memories
There was an NME tour that I’ll always kick myself for not going to. The Killers, Bloc Party, Futureheads and Kaiser Chiefs, more or less these blogs in one show. Still, I managed to see Bloc Party several times around this album and beyond. They closed Reading Festival in 2005 for us - with a mass of ticker tape at the end - and then there was a gig in Rock City with Patrick Wolf supporting.
What Happened Next?
They will survive, and keep on surviving. A Weekend In The City came next, my main memory of that was being the first one who got the leaked version and passing it round as many people as possible. Then came Flux, a sensational song they’ve never really been able to top, but then neither has anyone else. After Intimacy, Bloc Party were, for a while, split beyond repair. But they came back together for Four, which still feels like an album they made on the one condition it sounded nothing like Bloc Party. Thankfully, Rachet and the accompanying Nextwave Sessions EP provided better closure. In an odd coda, Bloc Party still seems to exist, albeit half the original band quit, and apparently a new album is on the way.
They will always be the band that means the most to me out of all this, and they’re the reason I’m writing this too. I always compare them to Radiohead, a band so impossibly untouchable in my affections it’s hard to be too critical about them. Compared to all their peers, it always felt like Bloc Party were pushing things further - musically, socially and against each other.
Next Time: Conclusions
Previously: The Back Room | We Have Sound | The New Fellas | Bang Bang Rock & Roll | You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
Editors - The Back Room
Released 25th July 2005, Kitchenware
What I thought then...
I distinctly remember getting very excited the day this album leaked, and downloading it on the big computer in our spare room with my mate Ed, comparing the beefed up album versions to the singles we’d downloaded over the past few months. And somewhere in my parents attic there is a minidisc of me interviewing singer Tom Smith before they played my student union. I don’t remember how I managed to pull the strings for that one.
What I think now...
Just the right side of gloomy. I think the Joy Division comparisons dogged them down at the time, but it’s a really apt comparison. They re-issued a couple of the singles twice, which felt a bit like overkill. But there’s some powerful tunes on here. Lights, Munich, Blood - that’s one hell of an opening gambit. Tom Smith sings like the sky is falling and all is lost.
Standout Track
Has to be Munich, another song that follows me around on my daily travels. Best memory is my friend seeing them live, calling me during this song and shouting the guitar line down the phone.
Live Memories
This is probably the band I saw the most before their album was even out. Lincoln Delph, Norwich Arts Centre and Reading Festival...with another show at the Delph later that year.
What Happened Next?
Another band I slowly drifted away from. Even the immediate follow up An End Has A Start didn’t reach the same heights for me, and I paid even less attention to its electronic tinged successor In This Light And On This Evening. Never even listened to the last album, and there’s another on the way. They seem pretty big in Europe still. Good for them.
Next Time: I'M ON FIRE!
Previously: We Have Sound | The New Fellas | Bang Bang Rock & Roll | You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
I distinctly remember getting very excited the day this album leaked, and downloading it on the big computer in our spare room with my mate Ed, comparing the beefed up album versions to the singles we’d downloaded over the past few months. And somewhere in my parents attic there is a minidisc of me interviewing singer Tom Smith before they played my student union. I don’t remember how I managed to pull the strings for that one.
What I think now...
Just the right side of gloomy. I think the Joy Division comparisons dogged them down at the time, but it’s a really apt comparison. They re-issued a couple of the singles twice, which felt a bit like overkill. But there’s some powerful tunes on here. Lights, Munich, Blood - that’s one hell of an opening gambit. Tom Smith sings like the sky is falling and all is lost.
Standout Track
Has to be Munich, another song that follows me around on my daily travels. Best memory is my friend seeing them live, calling me during this song and shouting the guitar line down the phone.
Live Memories
This is probably the band I saw the most before their album was even out. Lincoln Delph, Norwich Arts Centre and Reading Festival...with another show at the Delph later that year.
What Happened Next?
Another band I slowly drifted away from. Even the immediate follow up An End Has A Start didn’t reach the same heights for me, and I paid even less attention to its electronic tinged successor In This Light And On This Evening. Never even listened to the last album, and there’s another on the way. They seem pretty big in Europe still. Good for them.
Next Time: I'M ON FIRE!
Previously: We Have Sound | The New Fellas | Bang Bang Rock & Roll | You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
Tom Vek - We Have Sound
Released 4th April 2005, Go! Beat
What I thought then...
The only album on amongst these 10 that I never got round to buying a physical copy of, but I couldn’t tell you why that is. I remember Nothing But Green Lights being a frequent fixture on 120 Minutes, and the story was he made all this by himself in his garage.
What I think now...
Perhaps this was a spurious inclusion just to bump the numbers up to a nice round 10. However unlike a lot of acts in this list, I Ain’t Saying My Goodbyes and C-C (You Set The Fire In Me) have always accompanied me on my commuting playlist. Perhaps because I’ve always viewed these songs as mp3 files? Anyway, back to this actual album. I used to listen to these songs so much in the small hours, it feels weird to hear them all in daylight - they feel designed either for dancing or late night contemplation.
Standout Track
As mentioned above, I Ain’t Saying My Goodbyes still gets regular rotation and remains a dancefloor classic.
Live Memories
It was either V2005 or 06, one of those early on in the day sets that didn’t seem to match the act. I remember him throwing some thrashy guitar shapes for Goodbyes at the end of the set.
What Happened Next?
The follow up was a very long time coming, Leisure Seizure didn’t arrive until 2011, then came Luck in 2014.
Next Time: You’ll speak when you’re spoken to…
Previously: The New Fellas | Bang Bang Rock & Roll | You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
The only album on amongst these 10 that I never got round to buying a physical copy of, but I couldn’t tell you why that is. I remember Nothing But Green Lights being a frequent fixture on 120 Minutes, and the story was he made all this by himself in his garage.
What I think now...
Perhaps this was a spurious inclusion just to bump the numbers up to a nice round 10. However unlike a lot of acts in this list, I Ain’t Saying My Goodbyes and C-C (You Set The Fire In Me) have always accompanied me on my commuting playlist. Perhaps because I’ve always viewed these songs as mp3 files? Anyway, back to this actual album. I used to listen to these songs so much in the small hours, it feels weird to hear them all in daylight - they feel designed either for dancing or late night contemplation.
Standout Track
As mentioned above, I Ain’t Saying My Goodbyes still gets regular rotation and remains a dancefloor classic.
Live Memories
It was either V2005 or 06, one of those early on in the day sets that didn’t seem to match the act. I remember him throwing some thrashy guitar shapes for Goodbyes at the end of the set.
What Happened Next?
The follow up was a very long time coming, Leisure Seizure didn’t arrive until 2011, then came Luck in 2014.
Next Time: You’ll speak when you’re spoken to…
Previously: The New Fellas | Bang Bang Rock & Roll | You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
The Cribs - The New Fellas
Released 20th June 2005, Witchita
What I thought then...
Another sophomore effort, but my first encounter with The Cribs. I remember a friend of mine singing the benefits of them, Yorkshire and the North in general.
What I think now...
I actually re-played this and their first few albums a couple of years back ahead of a York Barbican gig. It’s lost none of its youth and spark - a record full of cutting lyrics and catchy melodies.
Standout Track
Hey, Scenesters! is another song that will never get old, and will always get a dance - even if amongst some of us the lyrics have changed into “hey Stalin, hey hey Stalin…”
Live Memories
Where to start! I feel like they’ve played pretty much every festival I’ve ever attended, right up until this year’s Glasto. But around this time was the aforementioned Norwich gig supporting Maxïmo Park. That and Reading 2006 where my main memory is my companion curled up asleep for the duration of their set, even when it started raining.
What Happened Next?
Follow up Men’s Needs etc etc was a powerful record, and possibly their best to date. Still going strong, they’re the sort of band you imagine never splitting up.
Next Time: Don’t get upset...
Previously: Bang Bang Rock & Roll | You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
Another sophomore effort, but my first encounter with The Cribs. I remember a friend of mine singing the benefits of them, Yorkshire and the North in general.
What I think now...
I actually re-played this and their first few albums a couple of years back ahead of a York Barbican gig. It’s lost none of its youth and spark - a record full of cutting lyrics and catchy melodies.
Standout Track
Hey, Scenesters! is another song that will never get old, and will always get a dance - even if amongst some of us the lyrics have changed into “hey Stalin, hey hey Stalin…”
Live Memories
Where to start! I feel like they’ve played pretty much every festival I’ve ever attended, right up until this year’s Glasto. But around this time was the aforementioned Norwich gig supporting Maxïmo Park. That and Reading 2006 where my main memory is my companion curled up asleep for the duration of their set, even when it started raining.
What Happened Next?
Follow up Men’s Needs etc etc was a powerful record, and possibly their best to date. Still going strong, they’re the sort of band you imagine never splitting up.
Next Time: Don’t get upset...
Previously: Bang Bang Rock & Roll | You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
Art Brut - Bang Bang Rock & Roll
Released 20th May 2005, Fierce Panda
What I thought then...
A bloody big racket with life lesson poetry for lyrics. This was a band I remember following through MP3 blogs and borrowed copies of the NME, plus the blessed fortnight our NTL cable box had MTV2.
What I think now...
At a mere 32 minutes, this is the shortest album on the list. It sounds mighty beefy compared to some of the demos and early singles I remember getting off Soulseek. Prophetic though - we not only stopped buying albums from the supermarket, we stopped buying albums in general! And enjoyable charming racket that can’t help but put a big stupid grin on my big stupid face.
Standout Track
“I’ve seen her naked...TWICE!” Got to be Good Weekend.
Live Memories
One in particular, being chased off by venue security after their Lincoln uni gig for reasons I won’t go into. But they seemed to follow me around various festivals after that, and they were never anything but powerful. Their gigs always felt like massive bonding experiences for anyone I brought along.
What Happened Next?
To my shame, I stopped paying attention. They’ve released four albums and a Best Of now, and I could only tell you a couple of singles of the second record. Just seeing their name makes me smile, I’m glad they’re still at it.
Next Time: Because a guy I used to know…
Previously: You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
A bloody big racket with life lesson poetry for lyrics. This was a band I remember following through MP3 blogs and borrowed copies of the NME, plus the blessed fortnight our NTL cable box had MTV2.
What I think now...
At a mere 32 minutes, this is the shortest album on the list. It sounds mighty beefy compared to some of the demos and early singles I remember getting off Soulseek. Prophetic though - we not only stopped buying albums from the supermarket, we stopped buying albums in general! And enjoyable charming racket that can’t help but put a big stupid grin on my big stupid face.
Standout Track
“I’ve seen her naked...TWICE!” Got to be Good Weekend.
Live Memories
One in particular, being chased off by venue security after their Lincoln uni gig for reasons I won’t go into. But they seemed to follow me around various festivals after that, and they were never anything but powerful. Their gigs always felt like massive bonding experiences for anyone I brought along.
What Happened Next?
To my shame, I stopped paying attention. They’ve released four albums and a Best Of now, and I could only tell you a couple of singles of the second record. Just seeing their name makes me smile, I’m glad they’re still at it.
Next Time: Because a guy I used to know…
Previously: You Could Have It So Much Better | Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
Franz Ferdinand - You Can Have It So Much Better
Released 3rd October 2005, Domino
What I thought then...
The first second album of the bunch, if that made sense. Franz Ferdinand laid out their stall with their 2004 debut, and this provided the gin-laced decorative cake. It was more of the same, only more so.
What I think now...
Still sounds pretty crisp and smart, each song delivered with an arch eyebrow. Possibly one or two tracks too long, but this is the most I’ve enjoyed re-listening to an album so far. It’s made me curious to go re-listen to the rest of their catalogue, which again hasn’t happened so far. As is the way these days, several of these tracks will now work they way into my daily playlists.
Standout Track
Once every couple of years, slap bang in the middle of a night out, I’ll suddenly hear Do You Want To for the first time in ages. And it makes me dance like an idiot.
Live Memories
I saw them co-headline V with Scissor Sisters, both of them riding off the back of largely successful debuts released some time before, and playing new songs of albums still a way off from release. It was an odd experience going into a headline set and not recognising a large chunk of the material, but I do remember them arriving on stage to the 1980s Doctor Who theme, and Do You Want To was already a family favourite by then. I’ve also got a strong memory of Evil And A Heathen echoing around the stage. Plus they joined Scissor Sisters right at the end for a cover of Suffragette City.
What Happened Next?
Third album was a while coming, but managed decent returns. The fourth album passed me by completely, and now they’re in a supergroup with Sparks. As you do.
Next Time: TOP OF THE POPS!
Previously: Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
The first second album of the bunch, if that made sense. Franz Ferdinand laid out their stall with their 2004 debut, and this provided the gin-laced decorative cake. It was more of the same, only more so.
What I think now...
Still sounds pretty crisp and smart, each song delivered with an arch eyebrow. Possibly one or two tracks too long, but this is the most I’ve enjoyed re-listening to an album so far. It’s made me curious to go re-listen to the rest of their catalogue, which again hasn’t happened so far. As is the way these days, several of these tracks will now work they way into my daily playlists.
Standout Track
Once every couple of years, slap bang in the middle of a night out, I’ll suddenly hear Do You Want To for the first time in ages. And it makes me dance like an idiot.
Live Memories
I saw them co-headline V with Scissor Sisters, both of them riding off the back of largely successful debuts released some time before, and playing new songs of albums still a way off from release. It was an odd experience going into a headline set and not recognising a large chunk of the material, but I do remember them arriving on stage to the 1980s Doctor Who theme, and Do You Want To was already a family favourite by then. I’ve also got a strong memory of Evil And A Heathen echoing around the stage. Plus they joined Scissor Sisters right at the end for a cover of Suffragette City.
What Happened Next?
Third album was a while coming, but managed decent returns. The fourth album passed me by completely, and now they’re in a supergroup with Sparks. As you do.
Next Time: TOP OF THE POPS!
Previously: Employment | The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
The Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Released 7th March 2005, B-Unique
What I thought then...
When I first heard I Predict A Riot on a night out, it stayed in my head all the following day. At the time, they fitted in with everything else around them, and I sung along just like everyone else did.
What I think now...
This is probably the most I’ve moved away from a band reviewed here. I’ve even given away my copy of Employment. Listening to this album again it’s hard to feel anything.
Standout Track
Outside of the big disco hits, I always used to find You Could Have It All quite charming. Without wanting to labour the point, it all blurs into one now.
Live Memories
The main time I saw them was at V festival, which says it all really. But then at Glastonbury 2014, there we all were gathered at the Other Stage to see who the big mystery opening act was...and it was Kaiser Chiefs. Who were already playing later that day. Not much of a surprise, but we were too boxed in to move. So I had to sit through a very uninspiring set.
What Happened Next?
I started losing interest from Ruby onwards. Fair play to Mr Wilson, he went on The Voice to raise the profile of his band, and it probably worked. They’re most likely the “biggest” of all the ten bands I’m reviewing.
Next Time: Lucky lucky, you’re so lucky...
Previously: The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
When I first heard I Predict A Riot on a night out, it stayed in my head all the following day. At the time, they fitted in with everything else around them, and I sung along just like everyone else did.
What I think now...
This is probably the most I’ve moved away from a band reviewed here. I’ve even given away my copy of Employment. Listening to this album again it’s hard to feel anything.
Standout Track
Outside of the big disco hits, I always used to find You Could Have It All quite charming. Without wanting to labour the point, it all blurs into one now.
Live Memories
The main time I saw them was at V festival, which says it all really. But then at Glastonbury 2014, there we all were gathered at the Other Stage to see who the big mystery opening act was...and it was Kaiser Chiefs. Who were already playing later that day. Not much of a surprise, but we were too boxed in to move. So I had to sit through a very uninspiring set.
What Happened Next?
I started losing interest from Ruby onwards. Fair play to Mr Wilson, he went on The Voice to raise the profile of his band, and it probably worked. They’re most likely the “biggest” of all the ten bands I’m reviewing.
Next Time: Lucky lucky, you’re so lucky...
Previously: The Futureheads | Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
The Futureheads - The Futureheads
Released 12th July 2004, 679 Recordings (Special Edition released 7th March 2005 so it still counts)
What I thought then...
I always loved Kenickie, so it was great that another band was getting attention from that part of the world. The first time I became properly aware of them was during the first big night out I had with a bunch of mates off my course. I heard this chanting start, and someone shouted in my ear “IT’S KATE BUSH!!!” And that was it. Love. I think we sang this as we went garden hopping on the way home, vagrants that we were.
What I think now...
Yet another short, spikey Epworth produced record. The first thing that hits you is the accents. The harmonies too, it makes a difference to have the whole band providing vocals. The first five tracks run by in 10 minutes, this album rushes like it has somewhere else to be. Then and now they sound like they’re having a hell of a lot of fun.
Standout Track
Hounds of Love would be an obvious choice, but I’ll always have a soft spot for Meantime.
Live Memories
I think I caught them at both Reading 2005 and 2006, first high up on the NME tent and the next mid afternoon lost on the main stage. There was also a weekender to see them at Nottingham Rock City, but this was around the time of their second album.
What Happened Next?
My interest in Futureheads probably mimics my views on a lot of the bands here: adored the first album, strongly interested in the second, downloaded the odd song off the third, vaguely aware other albums followed later. They’re still going, and they’re always a source of gift for my Stepdad, but through no real fault of their own, I’ve no idea what they’re up to. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about my next subject...
Next Time: No show without punch…
Previously: Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
I always loved Kenickie, so it was great that another band was getting attention from that part of the world. The first time I became properly aware of them was during the first big night out I had with a bunch of mates off my course. I heard this chanting start, and someone shouted in my ear “IT’S KATE BUSH!!!” And that was it. Love. I think we sang this as we went garden hopping on the way home, vagrants that we were.
What I think now...
Yet another short, spikey Epworth produced record. The first thing that hits you is the accents. The harmonies too, it makes a difference to have the whole band providing vocals. The first five tracks run by in 10 minutes, this album rushes like it has somewhere else to be. Then and now they sound like they’re having a hell of a lot of fun.
Standout Track
Hounds of Love would be an obvious choice, but I’ll always have a soft spot for Meantime.
Live Memories
I think I caught them at both Reading 2005 and 2006, first high up on the NME tent and the next mid afternoon lost on the main stage. There was also a weekender to see them at Nottingham Rock City, but this was around the time of their second album.
What Happened Next?
My interest in Futureheads probably mimics my views on a lot of the bands here: adored the first album, strongly interested in the second, downloaded the odd song off the third, vaguely aware other albums followed later. They’re still going, and they’re always a source of gift for my Stepdad, but through no real fault of their own, I’ve no idea what they’re up to. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about my next subject...
Next Time: No show without punch…
Previously: Capture/Release | A Certain Trigger | Introduction
The Rakes - Capture/Release
Released 15th August 2005, V2
What I thought then...
Another lean Epworth produced album - in fact, I remember really getting into Epworth’s remixes of some Rakes tracks under his Phones guise. This album made me feel like The Rakes had lived every smoky hangover they sung about - very fitting for my life back then - “I had just woke up, everything was FAHKED!”
What I think now...
“A shower and a scrub / still smell like the smoking bit / of a Wetherspoons pub” - smoking indoors! It feels so long ago it might as well be in the 1900s. And as I worked in various Wetherspoons pubs pre Smoking Ban, this line will always make me laugh/break down in terror. Another thrilling opening track in Strasbourg, followed by a rush of highlights that hardly leave time to catch your breath. Although perhaps not as consistent as A Certain Trigger, the big songs remain mighty anthems, albeit never over-performed or over-produced. A simple truth.
Standout Track
Toss up between 22 Grand Job and Retreat, both contained lines that turned into catchphrases that still light up conversations. Did we do the same degree?
Live Memories
I remember almost seeing them and missing out on a few occasions. There was a tour they were meant to support, but pulled out. Then came their Reading 2005 performance which due to the singer’s illness was covered by several guest singers - I remember everyone piling back on stage for 22 Grand Job. It was Glastonbury 2007, in the mud, where I finally saw them for real and there was a spectacular pointy dance from Alan Donohoe. Finally, they opened the main stage (such a wrong place & time) in Leeds 2009, which must have been one of their last shows.
What Happened Next?
The only band I’m reviewing that has properly called it a day, and a while back too. Ten New Messages brought some good tunes, but probably made them as successful as they were going to be. Final album Klang was a spiky effort, but they were refreshingly honest by splitting shortly afterwards.
Next Time: False conversations...
Previously: A Certain Trigger | Introduction
What I thought then...
Another lean Epworth produced album - in fact, I remember really getting into Epworth’s remixes of some Rakes tracks under his Phones guise. This album made me feel like The Rakes had lived every smoky hangover they sung about - very fitting for my life back then - “I had just woke up, everything was FAHKED!”
What I think now...
“A shower and a scrub / still smell like the smoking bit / of a Wetherspoons pub” - smoking indoors! It feels so long ago it might as well be in the 1900s. And as I worked in various Wetherspoons pubs pre Smoking Ban, this line will always make me laugh/break down in terror. Another thrilling opening track in Strasbourg, followed by a rush of highlights that hardly leave time to catch your breath. Although perhaps not as consistent as A Certain Trigger, the big songs remain mighty anthems, albeit never over-performed or over-produced. A simple truth.
Standout Track
Toss up between 22 Grand Job and Retreat, both contained lines that turned into catchphrases that still light up conversations. Did we do the same degree?
Live Memories
I remember almost seeing them and missing out on a few occasions. There was a tour they were meant to support, but pulled out. Then came their Reading 2005 performance which due to the singer’s illness was covered by several guest singers - I remember everyone piling back on stage for 22 Grand Job. It was Glastonbury 2007, in the mud, where I finally saw them for real and there was a spectacular pointy dance from Alan Donohoe. Finally, they opened the main stage (such a wrong place & time) in Leeds 2009, which must have been one of their last shows.
What Happened Next?
The only band I’m reviewing that has properly called it a day, and a while back too. Ten New Messages brought some good tunes, but probably made them as successful as they were going to be. Final album Klang was a spiky effort, but they were refreshingly honest by splitting shortly afterwards.
Next Time: False conversations...
Previously: A Certain Trigger | Introduction
Maxïmo Park - A Certain Trigger
Released 16th May, Warp Records
What I thought then...
I remember this being an album that was very easy to listen to on repeat. It was a tight album which was a good showcase for “the Paul Epworth sound” - crisp percussion and the rhythm section always prominent in the mix. I’d always look forward to acting out the dance routine we made up for Apply Some Pressure. Almost definite I had the album poster on my bedroom wall. They always had interesting email newsletters too, obviously written by Paul Smith and not some intern.
What I think now...
The drums in the opening track Signal and Sign sum up the urgency on this record - at 39 minutes it does not stick around. The first few tracks clatter by, shoving into each other for attention. I don’t think there’s a bad song on here - a remarkably confident début that has barely aged at all.
Standout Track
Apply Some Pressure, still a powerful song, dance routine and all. And The Coast Is Always Changing, which I always pictured as an 8-bit remix for some reason.
Live Memories
I saw them around the time the album was released at Norwich Waterfront on an NME tour with the Cribs supporting, which also would have been around my 20th birthday. Reading 2006 rings a bell too, they might have closed the festival for us. Paul Smith was always a charmer, frantically reading lyrics from a notebook.
What Happened Next?
Immediately after this album came Our Velocity and their second record. After this, I drifted away. They’re still going, now five albums in with the sixth on the way, but they’ve not been on my radar for a while. They even played York around my birthday one year but that passed me by. Of all the bands I’m going to be writing about, it’s interesting that Maxïmo Park are the only ones (so far) to succumb to The Nostalgia Tour, playing a series of shows performing this album in full. These kind of gigs are a mixed bag. On the one hand, you’re guaranteed to hear all the songs you want to hear. But it’s also a bit of an admission from both band and fans that it was all downhill after album #1. Many acts actively avoid this, and I completely understand why. But nostalgia sells. Just look at Take That.
Next Time: Everything is temporary these days...
Previously: Introduction
What I thought then...
I remember this being an album that was very easy to listen to on repeat. It was a tight album which was a good showcase for “the Paul Epworth sound” - crisp percussion and the rhythm section always prominent in the mix. I’d always look forward to acting out the dance routine we made up for Apply Some Pressure. Almost definite I had the album poster on my bedroom wall. They always had interesting email newsletters too, obviously written by Paul Smith and not some intern.
What I think now...
The drums in the opening track Signal and Sign sum up the urgency on this record - at 39 minutes it does not stick around. The first few tracks clatter by, shoving into each other for attention. I don’t think there’s a bad song on here - a remarkably confident début that has barely aged at all.
Standout Track
Apply Some Pressure, still a powerful song, dance routine and all. And The Coast Is Always Changing, which I always pictured as an 8-bit remix for some reason.
Live Memories
I saw them around the time the album was released at Norwich Waterfront on an NME tour with the Cribs supporting, which also would have been around my 20th birthday. Reading 2006 rings a bell too, they might have closed the festival for us. Paul Smith was always a charmer, frantically reading lyrics from a notebook.
What Happened Next?
Immediately after this album came Our Velocity and their second record. After this, I drifted away. They’re still going, now five albums in with the sixth on the way, but they’ve not been on my radar for a while. They even played York around my birthday one year but that passed me by. Of all the bands I’m going to be writing about, it’s interesting that Maxïmo Park are the only ones (so far) to succumb to The Nostalgia Tour, playing a series of shows performing this album in full. These kind of gigs are a mixed bag. On the one hand, you’re guaranteed to hear all the songs you want to hear. But it’s also a bit of an admission from both band and fans that it was all downhill after album #1. Many acts actively avoid this, and I completely understand why. But nostalgia sells. Just look at Take That.
Next Time: Everything is temporary these days...
Previously: Introduction
10 Albums, 10 Years - Introduction to a Retrospective
In 2005, I turned 20 and was halfway through my time at university. I was also finally starting to get a life. This life mainly focused on going out, drinking and dancing ridiculously until the small hours. In one of those planets aligning moments, it was also the time British indie music started to get interesting again.
"The Class Of 2005" was a term coined by me and my companions at the time to describe a collection of groups that didn’t really have a whole lot in common with each other. It definitely felt like a better description compared to “Nu Britpop” or whatever the NME attempted to brand it at the time.
Walking to work the other morning I suddenly realised it's a decade since all this happened. I've been on the hunt for a writing project for a while, so here's a little retrospective of ten albums that provided the soundtrack to those days and nights. I’m planning to plot a history of what I thought about this album back then, what I think now listening to it again, and what happened next. This is history as I remember it and the present how I choose to see it. Like all my writing it’s totally biased and one sided.
I normally view nostalgia as bullshit, but everyone sells out eventually.
So, let's get started...
"The Class Of 2005" was a term coined by me and my companions at the time to describe a collection of groups that didn’t really have a whole lot in common with each other. It definitely felt like a better description compared to “Nu Britpop” or whatever the NME attempted to brand it at the time.
Walking to work the other morning I suddenly realised it's a decade since all this happened. I've been on the hunt for a writing project for a while, so here's a little retrospective of ten albums that provided the soundtrack to those days and nights. I’m planning to plot a history of what I thought about this album back then, what I think now listening to it again, and what happened next. This is history as I remember it and the present how I choose to see it. Like all my writing it’s totally biased and one sided.
I normally view nostalgia as bullshit, but everyone sells out eventually.
So, let's get started...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
