In 1986 The Beastie Boys burst onto the scene with their hip hop / rock crossover hit single, (You Gotta) Fight For The Right (To Party).  At the time they were seen by many as a novelty band.  Three white kids hit the UK as part of the Def Jam tour with the tabloid press writing column inches of bad behaviour and a rock n roll attitude. The debut album, Licensed To Ill followed.  But with no follow-up hit single, the press moved on to other things, and the Beastie Boys slipped quietly out of the spotlight.

‘(You Gotta) Fight For The Right (To Party)’ from License To Ill

By 1989, they had left New York and Rick Rubin’s Def Jam Records for Los Angeles and a major label deal with Capitol Records.  They released their second album, Paul’s Boutique to critical acclaim and showed a maturity in their music.  But it was not a commercial success and the label stopped promoting the album. Over the years, Paul’s Boutique has gained popularity and in 2003, the album was ranked number 156 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

‘Shake Your Rump’ from Paul’s Boutique

In 1992 Capitol Records released The Beastie Boys third studio album, Check Your Head including the singles, So Whatcha Want, Pass The Mic, Jimmy James and Gratitude. The album saw the band playing their own instruments for the first time on record since their early garage EPs; and in doing so successfully blended their hip hop and funk with their more edgy punk / thrash roots.

‘Jimmy James’ from Check Your Head

In 1994 The Beastie Boys released their seminal album, Ill Communication.  In January 2011 I wrote an article for Buzzin Music giving it the praise and status it deserved as a classic album. http://www.buzzinmusicblog.co.uk/classic-albums-ill-communication-by-beastie-boys-1994/3714

Ill communication epitomised several qualities that The Beastie Boys had above any other artist including their ability to produce a collection of tracks covering such varied genres as hip hop, rock, lounge and hardcore thrash.  Unlike any other album I have heard, Ill Communication works perfectly with tracks like Sure Shot (hip hop), Heart Attack Man (hardcore punk), the lounge jazz of Root Down, and the awesome hard rock of Sabotage sitting comfortably and working together as a brilliant album that pulls you from pillar to post. Unlike other bands that are great at one genre and dabble in another (see The Clash for rock-styled reggae or Rage Against The Machine for heavy-rock flavoured rap) the Beasties are seriously good at every genre they play; and above all they appear to be having fun and never take themselves too seriously.

‘Sure Shot’ from Ill Communication

‘Heart Attack Man’ from Ill Communication

Hello Nasty was released in 1998 and won two Grammy Awards in 1999 for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rap Performance for Intergalactic. The album received critical acclaim, included great singles Body Movin’ and Intergalactic and introduced DMC champion MixMaster Mike to the group’s line-up with the classic track, Three MC’s and One DJ.

‘Intergalactic’ from Hello Nasty

With To The 5 Boroughs The Beastie Boys paid homage to their beloved New York City.  The album was released in 2004 and included the wonderful Ch-Check It Out but in all honesty, I thought it was nothing more ‘okay’ but not ground-breaking.  That’s the problem when you raise the bar so high!

Below is a recording of The Beastie Boys appearing on the David Letterman Show performing Ch-Check It Out, singing live as they walk from the New York subway, along the streets and into the studio.

‘Ch-Check It Out’ from To The 5 Boroughs

The Beastie Boys eighth and regrettably last studio album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, and was released in 2011. From it came the excellent single, Make Some Noise, complete with another brilliant and funny video brimming with cameo appearances and starring Elijah Wood, Seth Rogen, Danny McBride, Jack Black & Will Ferrell as The Beastie Boys themselves.

A 30-minute version of the video was written and directed by MCA and entitled Fight for Your Right Revisited was released the following day to commemorate the 25th anniversary of “You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!“

More than any other artist The Beastie Boys were able to merge a variety of styles by sampling the likes of Bad Brains, The Dead Boys, James Brown, Johnny Smith & Led Zeppelin among countless others, to produce a body of work that has often been copied but never equalled.

For anyone reading this who don’t quite get how good The Beastie Boys were, check this live show out from 1999; and for any budding young bands out there…. this is how to start a show!

The Beastie Boys Live in Glasgow 1999

Adam Yauch (MCA) R.I.P.

Win One Love Festival Tickets

Reggae legend Freddie McGregor and Dancehall king Frankie Paul head this year’s One Love Festival.

They will be joined by fellow Jamaican’s including Studio 1 falsetto singer Cornel Campbell, heavy dub and beats band Dub Syndicate, Jamaican singing combo Michigan and Smiley, Tapper Zukie, New Yorks’ finest – the Fun Lovin’ Criminals and son of a legend Gregory Isaacs, Kevin Issacs.

One Love Festival is one of the largest gatherings of Top Sound Systems gathered anywhere in the UK  – including a first ever  Saxon Sound System meets Coxsone Sound System all day collaboration.

Bands and PA’s over weekend include Macka B, Dawn Penn, Dennis Alcapone, Don Campbell, By The Rivers, Connie & Di Dem Man, Fowokan,  Jah Warriors,  Monkey Mafia, Over Proof Sound System,  Rhythmites,  Soothsayers, The Dualers,  The Skints, Troy Ellis,  Babyboom,  Ragga Twins, Stylo G and Eccleton Jarrett.

The One Love Festival will include 4 stages, the largest Reggae Film Program ever shown in Europe, children’s and chill out area, food from around the world, fire eaters, percussion drum circles and burlesque dancers for  fun packed weekend in the UK sun shine.

Free to Enter Competition to win One Love Festival Tickets

One Love has teamed up with Buzzin Media to offer 2 VIP AAA Guest Passes to mingle with the stars backstage and party in the hospitality area.

To enter just answer the following question:

What was the name of Bob Marley’s backing group?

a) the wailers
b) the wheelers
c) the king bees

Submit your entries to comps@buzzinmedia.co.uk with the subject line: ‘One Love Comp’ (other subject lines will not be entered) with your full name, address & contact number.

This competition ends on 30th June 2012.

The editor will randomly choose one winner from the correct answers. The editor’s choice is final.

One Love Festival
10th – 12th August 2012
The UK’s No.1 Reggae / Dub Festival
The Hop Farm
Paddock Woods
Kent
TN12 6PY

For more information visit www.onelovefestival.co.uk.

The aforementioned ‘Threads‘ is included on this album, cunningly titled ‘Evans the Death‘, to avoid confusion no doubt, as is another single ‘Telling Lies‘, the two of them among the standout tracks. Not that the rest of it is filler – far from it.

If you are new to the charms of Evans the Death (or simply ‘Evans’, as I like to think we might be able to call them, now the awkward introductions are out of the way), the first thing you’re likely to pick up on is Katherine Whittacker’s voice. She doesn’t sound like your average indie-pop singer if, heaven forbid, such a beast actually existed. She reminds me of many different vocalists: initially I thought of Siouxsie Sioux but later could hear healthy doses of Morrissey with more than a touch of Debbie Harry in places. Definitey different and always interesting.

Album opener ‘Bo Diddley‘ bounces along with as much energy and enthusiasm as you’d expect any song with that title to do. It reminds me of early-Strokes, when they were as young and fresh sounding as Evans currently are.

‘Catch your cold‘ kicks off sounding for all the world like an early Clash song, although I don’t remember the Clash being afraid of public transport officials.

‘Sleeping song‘ has been around for a while but is re-recorded here, sounding cleaner than previously. How can you not warm to a band that sing about missing a bus?

‘Telling lies’ is one of the most instantly accessible tracks. More than a nod to Blondie, and includes the seemingly mandatory Mascis-esque solo, this is just a fabulous pop record. It really deserves to be heard and adored by a much wider audience than it inevitably will. But then again, how many records through history can you say the same thing about? It’d make a good compliation album in five-hundred parts. Absolutely top-notch and if you only want a sample of life in an Evans world, this is the one to pick.

‘Morning Voice‘ is the longest track, taking an ELP-challenging 3.43 to do its thing. Starting off with guitar and voice in 3/4 time, with noisier interludes, it sounds the most like the Smiths of them all. Another great track.

There’s more than a touch of irony about ‘A small child‘. When people the age of this lot start moaning about the younger generation, there’s little hope for the rest of us. It has really good VU-style drum thumping and some very pleasant guitar work, seemingly signed on loan from Paul Rains.

As said before, but I’ll say it again ‘Threads‘ is just great. Fizzing and spitting along, sounding for all the world like Siouxsie backed by Wire wanting to be the Buzzcocks, it’s absolutely scratchy-guitar glorious and makes me give thanks for the day the ‘repeat’ button was invented.

I’ve had an mp3 of ‘I’m so unclean‘ for a fair while now and it’s never been more than a few days away from getting a play. This is a more grown-up version that still sounds like a magnificent heads-down thrash, although I still care for the rawer sound of the demo version an awful lot.

All in all, a cracking debut, capturing the energy of their live performances, and includes some great pop songs that make we want to leap about like a kid. It also leaves them with some interesting avenues to explore in future releases. I can’t wait. Highly recommended.

‘Evans the Death‘ is out now on Fortuna Pop! records.

I Am In Love released a debut mini-album in May, across mainland Europe on Velocity Sounds Records and Rough Trade, which received coverage in a number of big European music magazines such as Intro, Rockstar, Musikexpress, Zillo and Orkus.

Live, I Am In Love is driven by soaring vocal melodies and entwined with harmonious synths, spiky guitar riffs and pulsating Bloc Party-esque drum motifs. I Am In Love, played over 50 shows and festivals in 2011, ramming venues from London to Berlin and winning over massive crowds at prestigious festivals such as Summer Sundae Weekender, Y Not, Kendal Calling and Munich Theatron. I am in Love are one of the most exciting bands in the country. Pulsating stares, lustful lunges and unruly shrieks are all part of the package. Space is compromised for a haven of lust and desire.

2012 has seen the band play rammed shows at 93 Feet East Old Blue Last as well as abroad in Austria and Switzerland, including supporting Phantogram in Lucerne Switzerland.

They return to the Old Blue Last to launch new single ‘Palm’ on 1st May.

I Am In Love are set to release digital download, Palm on Velocity Sounds on 1st June 2012

Last time they were in town Herman Dune played the hallowed turf of the Union Chapel. As I recalled these hushed ecclesiastical environs rather suited them and their mournful folk-pop. They went down well with an attentive audience, packing the serried ranks of pews.

This time out it didn’t gel so well. Heaven is a dank succession of railway arches, perfect for a sweaty club but draughty and chilly and a bit lacking in atmosphere for an early evening gig. A somewhat restive audience seemed to never quite get into it although each song was greeted with warm if a bit unenthusiastic applause.

Latest album Strange Moosic is their most accessible and it was songs from this which provided the set’s highlights; the upbeat “Be a doll and take my heart”, “The rock”, and “Tell me something I don’t know” stood out for me”.

Everything was played with precision, in particular Nemon Herman Dune’s subtle and rhythmic drumming is ear catching and there is an obvious chemistry with the guitar of David-Ivar Herman Dune, tonight augmented by bass guitar. 

An interesting, if not exhilarating set. 

Earlier, Allo Darlin’ generated rather more excitement. Looking around, audience reaction suggested many people had showed up for the Anglo-Australian quartet and  were evidently familiar with their eponymous debut album. If you haven’t heard it, it is well worth a listen – very much a cut above the indie tweecore run of the mill. Immediate and catchy, its highlights stood out tonight; “My heart is a drummer”, “Dreaming”, “The Polaroid song” and the brilliant “Silver dollars”. 

Their set was built around showcasing new songs from soon to be released 2^nd album “Europe” On first hearing, these seemed to lack the immediate infectious pop of the older material, but it sounded good and will I am sure repay repeated listening when the album comes out. 

In singer Elizabeth Morris they have a songwriter and performer of genuine warmth and talent. She paid her respects to main act Herman Dune of whom she is clearly a fan. For me though, tonight Allo Darlin’” rather stole the show from the more established headliners. 

They seem to be on the up, and, are headlining established indie festival Indietracks this summer. 

“Europe” is out on  Fortuna Pop now

Sex, Guitars and Rock’n’Roll – How Bill Nelson taught me to become ‘Guitar Boy’

Practically Wired is a landmark album by Bill Nelson, a continuously creative musician and artist over 40 years.  This copy of the album has been re-mastered and updated with a booklet by Cherry Red Records after the original album has been unavailable for 10 years.

In case you are wondering who he is, Bill Nelson led pop art group Be-Bop Deluxe, Red Noise, Orchestra Futura etc.  A musician’s musician, with a cast of admirers to die for: Paul Mc Cartney, The Foo Fighters, Kate Bush, Brian Eno, MCR, Prince and Big Country.  Practically Wired shows off Bill Nelson’s guitar playing talents alongside his writing and production skills with his long-term collaborator and master engineer / producer John Spence.

Practically Wired is described by Bill Nelson as:
“An instrumental guitar album – The plan was to record very quickly and spontaneously; no preparation except for a list of moods and titles. A Polaroid snapshot of a personal paradise… a dream of electric guitars”

Just listen to ‘pink buddha blues’ to get a feel for what he is talking:

We have a healthy dose of rock / jazz guitar virtuosity in tracks like friends from heaven, royal ghosts, big noise in twangtown and wild blue sky cycle.  Electronica meets guitar in spinning planet, her presence in flowers and roses and rocketships.  Some beautiful acoustic guitar patinas in tiny little thing and thousand island fountain – this track being somewhat reminiscent of ‘Islands of the dead’ from Be-Bop Deluxe’s ‘Drastic Plastic’ album, a song Bill wrote in honour of his father Walter, who bought Bill his first guitar and entranced him in a love of radio, technology, life and music.  Rounded off by some absolutely exquisite ambient piano pieces such as piano 45, every moment infinite and eternal for Emiko

“Practically Wired” is testament to what can be achieved without a plan, no budget for three weeks of sex and drugs and rock’n’roll in a French Chateau and without a ‘Big Mac’ computer at your side.  As well as Bill’s more noted skills as a guitar hero, he has a fine ear, a sense of artistic purpose and a wonderful sense of the art of painting musical pictures.  Wake up, listen, learn from the teacher.  What more can I say?  This album was ahead of its time and still sounds fresh, vibrant and offers us a window into the future of real music for real music lovers.  The upgrading of the sleeve notes and other features makes it a worthwhile purchase even if you are lucky enough to own the original.

Bill Nelson performs a rich diet of his back catalogue, from Be-Bop Deluxe and beyond, a full solo instrumental guitar set and something truly inspirational with his post-modern music twenty third century trio “Orchestra Futura”, featuring bass supremo Dave Sturt and hero of the wind Theo Travis.  Limited tickets available for Nelsonica a whole day event on 29th September.

Practically Wired by Bill Nelson is reissued via Cherry Red Recordings.

‘Freud Links The Teeth And The Heart’ is quite a sonic departure if you’re one of the many people more used to the rockier side of Tellison. However there’s always been an undercurrent of quieter material in the band’s repertoire since 2007’s “Contact! Contact!” showcased downbeat shuffler ‘Fire’ and the Pedro The Lion-esque ‘Hospital’.

Indeed it’s often in their quieter moments that Tellison’s lyrical soul shines brightest. Inspired by personal heroes The Mountain Goats, Death Cab For Cutie, the introspections of Dave Bazan’s aforementioned Pedro The Lion and Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, songwriter Stephen H Davidson sees these moments of calm as a chance for words to sit front-and-centre without competing with the hail of overdriven guitars and machine-gun drumming that you more-immediately associate with Tellison.

Tellison will also be heading off on the start of their summer 2012 UK headline tour, the final run of shows of ‘The Wages Of Fear’ album, with dates running from May 3rd to May 9th.

The main support on all dates (apart from London) is The Bots (a brotherly duo from LA that have featured in everything from Kerrang Magazine, The Fly, Juke and Wonderland Magazine).

The London show on the 9th of May will be held at The Relentless Garage with a full bill of brilliant bands including friends Stagecoach as first on and main support from US band, The Front Bottoms. The band also play a host of festivals this summer, including going over to Holland for Walk The Line festival, their first time in the country.

Tellison UK headline dates:

Thu 03 May – Andover, The George
Fri 04 May – Bristol, The Croft
Sat 05 May – Manchester, Sound Control
Sun 06 May – Glasgow, Captain’s Rest (18+)
Mon 07 May – Middlesbrough, The Westgarth Social Club
Tue 08 May – Birmingham, The Rainbow
Wed 09 May – London, The Garage – with Special Guests The Front Bottoms, The Bots and Stagecoach

Other 2012 UK shows and Festivals confirmed so far:

Fri 11 May – Holland, Den Hague, Walk The Line Fest
Sat 12 May – Holland, Tilburg O13
Fri 18 May – Cheltenham, Thing in the Spring @ Frog & Fiddle
Fri 01 June – Bath, Moles
Sat 02 June – Norfolk, Play Fest
Sun 03 June – Lincoln, Crash Doubt Festival
Thu 12 Jul – Cheltenham, 2000Trees Festival
Sat 21 July – Oxfordshire, Truck Fest

Tellison are: Henry Danowski – Drums / Stephen H Davidson – Vocals, guitar / Andrew Tickell – Bass / Peter Phillips – Guitar, vocals

The new single by Tellison ‘Freud Links The Teeth And The Heart’ is released 28th May 2012 on Naim Edge Records.

For more information visit www.tellison.co.uk

Bersarin Quartett II

Bersarin Quartett release their long-awaited second album, simply entitled ‘II’.

Somewhat lazily filed under ‘ambient’ (a catch-all term if ever there was one) this is an awe-inspiring and beautiful album that transpires modern classical music, dark and brooding film soundtracks and intense but relaxing ambient music.

On hearing the debut album four years ago, someone suggested ’this music could be written on a lonely island or onboard of a spaceship looking on our planet.’ How apt.

Bersarin Quartett is the pseudonym for a solo project from German artist Thomas Bücker and since 2011 has also included two guest musicians into a band project that has resulted in some successful and interesting live performances, and now the release Bersarin Quartett II.

Bersarin Quartett II includes 12 new songs + a bonus track vinyl only track. References to Stars Of The Lid, Ulver’s Perdition City, Bohren & Der Club Of Gore and Cinematic Orchestra are fully justified; and like d_rradio’s ‘Leaves’ this errs more towards Classic FM than BBC6.

But among the technicolour dreamscapes lurks and layers of complicity and depth Bersarin Quartett II drops in electronica references and even a taste of glitch which all results in one of the most beautiful and moving albums I have ever heard.

Bersarin Quartett – Im Lichte des Anderen

This is undoubtedly going to be one of the best albums of 2012 and something to savour for many years to come.  Bersarin Quartett II is both powerful and beautiful, ambient and classical in its composition.  Now I want to see this performed live in a befitting venue like The Union Chapel.

Bersarin Quartett II Tracklisting

01 Niemals zurück 5:18
02 Zum Greifen nah 5:59
03 Im Lichte des Anderen 6:15
04 Der Mond, der Schnee und Du 4:55
05 Perlen, Honig oder Untergang 4:34
06 Einsame wandeln still im Sternensaal 5:11
07 Im Glanze des Kometen 6:10
08 Alles ist ein Wunder 2:47
09 Rot und Schwarz 7:10
10 Keine Angst 3:12
11 Hier und jetzt 6:26
12 Jedem Zauber wohnt ein Ende inne 5:30
13 Nichts ist wie vorher (only on 2xLP) 6:27

Bersarin Quartett II – Official Album Trailer

For more information visit Bersarin Quartett Facebook page & Denovali.com/Bersarin Quartett.

Bersarin Quartett II will now be released on 14th May on Denovali.

Bearded Theory Festival photo: Jules Annan

Bearded Theory Festival has announced the event dates, details and headliners for its next instalment of award-winning, family-friendly fun in the heart of Derbyshire. Taking place between 18th and 20th May 2012, Bearded Theory has firmly entrenched itself as the first ‘proper’ music festival of the season.

2012 will be Bearded Theory’s fifth birthday and is a celebration of the music and musicians who either inspired the festival’s inception, or who have become fan favourites over the years.

Headlining Friday will be The Levellers, who’s music and ethos has had a major influence on many of Bearded Theory’s organisers and attendees alike. On Saturday night, Captain Sensible’s Gothic Punk legends The Damned are top of the bill.

Incredibly, the greatest number of complaints Bearded Theory’s organisers received last year on any topic, was for not booking Dreadzone for the first time the festival’s history. To make amends, this year they return to close the festival on Sunday night.

Other major acts also confirmed include The Selecter, Show of Hands, The Popes, Terrorvision, Back To The Planet, Dr & The Medics, Credit To The Nation and of course, perennial Bearded Theory favourites, 3 Daft Monkeys. The fabulous Wheatus will be performing the now-legendary Sunday lin

Bearded Theory has also confirmed details of a number of exciting changes for 2012. These include a creation of two entirely new areas; Tornado Town (a festival within a festival), and The Water’s Edge. Underlining their commitment to supporting local businesses, the festival have appointed Thornbridge Brewery in Bakwell, (located just 20 miles from the festival), to run their on-site bars.

Richard Bryan from Bearded Theory Festival says, “We are delighted to have be named UK’s Best Independent Festival at the prestigious AIM Music Awards in recognition of last year’s fabulous event. Everyone involved in Bearded Theory is already working hard to try and deliver an even better one for next year. With two totally revamped areas and a whole range of new activities planned, 2012 is shaping up to be a vintage year for Bearded Theory Festival.

Bearded Theory Festival,Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Derbyshire’s biggest family friendly festival
Friday 18th – Sunday 20th MAY 2012

Bearded Theory Festival Tickets
Tickets are priced at £74 (Adults), £40 (Under 16’s), £25 (Under 12’s) and Under 5`s are free (ticket is still required). A Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Children is £190. Booking fees apply.

All tickets include 3 nights of camping and access to all music and on-site events. No day tickets will be sold for the 2012 event.

For more information visit www.beardedtheory.co.uk.

Fun Lovin’ Criminals will headline Chagstock Festival 2012

Chagstock Festival have today announced their full Saturday evening line-up. Fun Lovin’ Criminals will headline their main stage, supported by Dartmoor’s very own Seth Lakeman. Alabama 3 (acoustic) will headline the Acoustic Stage.

Simon Ford from Chagstock Festival says,

“We are delighted to announce our Saturday line-up for 2012. We can’t wait to see Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Alabama 3 headlining, as they are both bands with a brilliant catalogue of songs as well as being great live performers. The addition of local hero Seth Lakeman to the bill reinforces Chagstock’s commitment to supporting the very best that the Westcountry has to offer.”

Chagstock Festival is one of the Westcountry’s best-loved festivals. Set in 45 acres of farmland on the northern edge of Devon’s beautiful Dartmoor, it is renowned for its stunning location, diverse line-up of artists and family-friendly atmosphere.

Acts already confirmed for the eclectic family-friendly festival include a Friday night headline performance from KT Tunstall, the critically acclaimed Juan Zelada, Cornwall-based singer-songwriter Ruarri Joseph, alt-folk troubadours The Travelling Band and South West Music Awards 2011 winners of Best Album, Mad Dog Mcrea.

Chagstock returns to its traditional 2-day format in 2012 and has confirmed details of a number of exciting changes for what will be its sixth year. These include a major new zone called “The Village Green”, a revamped and enlarged children’s area, the announcement that all children under 12 can attend for free, and a renewed emphasis on ensuring that wherever possible its performing artists, food, traders and brewery all have strong Westcountry links.

Chagstock Festival Tickets

Chagstock Festival
Whiddon Down
Dartmoor
Devon

Friday 2oth & Saturday 21st July

Tickets are priced at £65 (Adults), £40 (Under 18’s), and Under 12’s are free (ticket is still required). A Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Under 18s is £170.

All weekend tickets include 2 nights of camping, access to all music & on-site events, and car parking. Day tickets are also available. Booking fees apply.

For more information & tickets visit www.chagstock.info.