The Fireman: Electric Arguments

The fireman is the moniker that gives Sir Paul McCartney and his musical collaborator, Youth, a license for electronic experimentation without the risk of tarnishing his well earned solo reputation. “Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight” has the shattering guitars and vocals that he first introduced us to forty years ago on “Helter Skelter”. But like the White Album this track is not typical of the album as a whole. In fact the White Album analogies could be continued, “Two Magpies” is the gentle acoustic version of “Blackbird”. “Highway” is the rocking version of “Birthday” and “Light from your Lighthouse” has the cowboy blues echoes of “Rocky Racoon”. OK, enough with the White Album comparisons it’s not really in the same league, but it is the most interesting thing Macca’s has done for some time.

Porcupine Tree: We Lost The Skyline

An intimate live performance at Park Avenue CD’s in Orlando, Florida that was supposed to feature the whole band but due to space restrictions is just Steve Wilson on his own for the first 4 tracks and supported by John Wesley on second guitar for the remainder of the album. Porcupine Tree have not heavily promoted the album but it does contain a very nice 30 minute stripped set of some of the bands highlights. Interesting in between track banter too from Mr Wilson who shamelessly namedrops his friendship with Robert Fripp.

Sigur Rós: Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

I didn’t have a clue what this album is actually called let alone pronounce the damn thing, so I’ve done a little bit of internet research and managed to translate the album title to “With a Buzz In Our Ears We Play Endlessly”. Regardless of what is called, or what they’re on about it sounds pretty good. I just hope that the proceeds of this mellow and haunting album have not been lost in their local Icelandic bank.

The Killers: Day & Age

Brandon Flowers and his posy of Vegas based rockers quickly follow up the success of their first two long players with Day & Age. The themes of their second album “Sam’s Town” are coconsciously continued and explored further, and musically “Day & Age” builds upon the foundation of the previous album. The success of the first two albums has enabled the band, their record label and their producers to simply throw everything at this third album. Consequently it has big aspirations and an ambitious theatrical sound enlarging their less complex indie rock beginnings.

White Denim: Workout Holiday

I saw White Denim at the Mighty Boosh festival back in July but prior to that I hadn’t heard of them. So for those still waiting to be introduced, White Denim are a three piece from Austin, Texas consisting of Joshua Block (Drums), James Pertralli (Guitar & Vocals) and Steve Terebecki (Bass). Workout Holiday has a completely unrefined and raw sound, fully taking on board the DIY punk ethos. High points include the album’s first track and also their first single, “Let’s Talk About It” with its punky riff and gruff vocals and “Shake, Shake, Shake” which continues with the enthused high energy garage grunge.