Futureheads - News And Tributes

[GazzaBTFC]

I've been slack in posting my monthly reviews and have bought quite a bit since the last time, I can't remember what I've reviewed or not.

 

So, for Tom, I'll just plough on with odds and sods for the mo...

 

This album was released about a month ago and I know the Futureheads are not everyone's cup of tea (one of the reasons would be their cover of Kate Bush's "Hounds Of Love", which for some - jl - is a crime which they should never be forgiven). Their first album was a straight ahead punk / power pop album but this is a bit different. They keep the energy and definately the punk / power pop but introduce some quite quirky harmonies into the mix which takes this album above the usual "copy cat" sound that quite a few bands can be accused of.

 

The first two tracks kick off with a grunge / punk sound on the guitar. Loads of energy (throughout the album actually) but for me, it's when those "off key" quirky harmonies kick in on the next four tracks that this album really becomes enjoyable."Fallout", "Skip To The End" and "Burnt" are, in my opinion worth the price of the album but the title track just puts the cream on top. "News And Tributes" is a song about the Manchester United Munich disaster and it does the band and the subject matter proud.

 

The rest of the album continues the mix of punk / power pop in great style but as with all albums that has their killer track right in the middle, you're wanting to get back to that one (I will be playing it before a couple of games when the season starts). The sound, as I've said, is very power pop / punk with the off key harmonies that are almost "Beach Boy-ish (a punk Beach Boys album....now that would be something for the summer). It also possess an energy which will certainly get you on your feet.

 

The album is not a classic, I will admit that but it worth the money and the forgiveness for THAT heinous crime for a first single <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />...

 

Definately worth a buy...

 

Now...after playing that album over the weekend, I was just browsing my extensive collection when I pulled out an old forgotten classic....And for some strange reason, it complemented "News And Tributes" very well...if not for style, certainly in energy. The album was "A Tonic For The Troops" by The Boomtown Rats. I'd forgotten how good this album was. It boasts the singles "Modern Girl", "Like Clockwork" and of course "Rat Trap". The Rats, were not a punk band (yes, I know, someone will cite "Mary Of The 4th Form" and "Looking After No. 1" but these were pub rock songs in the mold of what Dr. Feelgood were putting out...there isn't an ounce of punk in 'em) and this album is chokker full of great tracks that could've been singles as well (maybe the track "(I Never Loved)Eva Braun" wouldn't have been due to the subject matter...). Released in 1978 the album has aged very well (I would put that down to the retro sound of so many "copy cat" bands) and is, in my opinion, a classic (all be it a forgotton one - Sir Bob's post Boomtown Rats reputation certainly put paid to his bands career).

 

The album bristles with so much energy that I'm sure it wasn't the same band that I remembered!!!

 

The album is remastered and has a couple of extra tracks which are worth a listen (inc. a live version of "Rat Trap").

 

Both albums, in some ways compliment each other...and are both worth a purchase...

 

Oh and I will be introducing "Like Clockwork" or "Modern Girl" to the pre match play list...classics!!! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[jl]

check out a new band called Cord.

A tip for the top in my humble opinion.

their latest track "Winter" is being played quite a bit at the moment.

 

Being a big bunnymen fan i have no difficulty liking this track.

[The Town Crier]

Hi jl, I understand you are in need of a girls name.

 

You'll be glad to know a serious JD session has been organised for this evening, this is in order to help you and Mrs jl in your dilemma.

It was unanimously decided that last man standing gets to pick, and we will be most disappointed if, after considerable effort by the participants, you don't go with the final pick.

 

................................................

 

Please pass on my congratulations to Cheryl.

[jl]

Thanks vm TC much appreciated

 

I am working on a release for Saturday but may be a bit tricky even for someone of my blagging ability.

 

I would never try and put anyone off a JD frenzy but unless the last man picks Saffron Mary he'll be sadly disappointed (not to mention very p1ssed)

 

Missus and daughter (bloody hell, never thgt I'd say that) all well.

 

Tx again and see u soon.

 

JL

[GazzaBTFC]

Congratulations to Mr.s & Mrs. Lyn

[Ryan.c]

Nice one Mr & Mrs JL, forming quite a considerable line-up in the JL household!