Archive for July, 2007
He’s a star
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
Tim Booth throws himself around as though possessed by demons, hips gyrating like a snake slithering through long grass at high speed, arms flailing about manically pulled by invisible string attached to the sky. He’s quite a mover. He’s also the indefatigable force that drives JAMES.
If, like us, you spent the last decade watching James make the transition from small student band to selling out world tours, then you’ll be thrilled by news of their return.
LIVE:
Posted in thepopcop | No Comments »
Hide and seek
Wednesday, July 25th, 2007
Never underestimate the power of a happy ending. While nothing is more important than the first impression an album makes, it’s send-off can leave you buzzing (Street Spirit on The Bends) or snoozing (Everything Will Be Alright on Hot Fuss).
The hidden track, therefore, can feel like a bit of cop-out as it’s typically a half-hearted, disposable attempt at closure. But there are some memorable exceptions such as Blue Flashing Light (The Man Who), Life Is For Living (Parachutes), Til Kingdom Come (X&Y), Candyfloss (Summerteeth) and A Girl Like You (Musicforthemorningafter).
THE MAGIC NUMBERS decided to tag Hymn For Her onto the end of their debut album following three minutes of invariably awkward silence. Despite being the band’s first single release, a live favourite and easily one of the best songs on the record, Hymn For Her is left as a treat for those who live by the motto that the best things come to those who wait. If you can think of any better hidden tracks, put them in the Reactions section below.
LIVE:
August 9, Liquid Room, Edinburgh
August 10, Belladrum Festival, Inverness
Posted in thepopcop | No Comments »
Fine and dandie
Tuesday, July 24th, 2007
The lines between dance and indie have rarely been more blurred than they are today and that can’t be a bad thing if it encourages kids to broaden their choice of download.
A curious trait of the dandie act is that their songs invariably sound rubbish on record unless played at a volume louder than ‘neighbour-friendly’.
Our own CALVIN HARRIS, the Dumfries shelffiller-turned-floorfiller, demonstrates this beautifully with his guitar-heavy disco band.
While Calvin is far from the most progressive of dandies (he’s more Fatboy Slim than Mylo for our liking), a quick blast of The Girls proves he knows his way round a chorus and he’ll get soon those Converses moving.
LIVE:
August 5, Live At Loch Lomond
August 12, Liquid Room, Edinburgh
November 10, Barrowland, Glasgow
Posted in thepopcop | No Comments »
