kungfulasers's Last.fm Journal

en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices kungfulasers's Last.fm Journal http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal The Last.fm journal for kungfulasers. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. Gruff Rhys / Hotel Shampoo http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2011/01/29/46q6eb_gruff_rhys__hotel_shampoo Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:41:06 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2011/01/29/46q6eb_gruff_rhys__hotel_shampoo Gruff Rhys can't seem to make a terrible album. Really.

That's not terribly surprising if you're a longtime Super Furry Animals fan, I suppose. He's also done loads of collaborations with other well established artists, most notably as of late Gorillaz.

What I'm trying to get at is this: Hotel Shampoo absolutely exceeded my expectations. It feels right to the ears. It's got a nice mix of funk, electronica, rock and quirk.

A great number of the songs are romantic in nature or carry that element, but each does a great job of making you chuckle or tugging at your heart.

My favourites (purposely ignoring Shark Ridden Waters, though it's gorgeous):

1. Sensations In The Dark - A bold, easily lovable mix of instruments.
2. Vitamin K - Feels like he's telling a story underwater. A beautiful, melancholy story.
3. Sophie Softly - It's as its name suggests, a gentle piece. A song highly reminiscent of earlier Candylion.
4. Space Dust #2 - A lounge dual-perspective. He does another really killer job here at placing a conflict beneath the surface of a gentle melody.
5. At The Heart Of Love - Makes emotions almost palpable. (ie: "Jealousy is a currency...") The drumming bit building up the refrain really has this one standing out.
6. If We Were Words (we Would Rhyme) - Vocals are tops here. Stunning melody. This is arguably the best track on the album. It's sincere, relatable, bittersweet and warm. It made me cry.

If you've enjoyed any of his previous albums, especially Candylion, you'll have no problem digesting this.

8/10.]]> The Futureheads / The Chaos http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2010/09/30/3y8k53_the_futureheads__the_chaos Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:19:58 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2010/09/30/3y8k53_the_futureheads__the_chaos This new-ish album really is a pleasant surprise. It's obvious that This Is Not the World was an experiment, a deviation from what Futureheads fans were used to from the first and second albums. The blokes seem to have really ironed out something new and polished with The Chaos.

I was lucky enough to catch The Futureheads here in Seattle at the start of their west coast tour last night. The two opening bands, The So So Glows and Young the Giant, made perfect sense together. (Ever asked yourself at a concert 'what are these people doing here? I don't get it'? So have I.) A punk rock band from New York (with attitude, to boot!) and an experimental rock band from California. I highly recommend the latter if you're a fan of Yeasayer.

The Futureheads themselves have an amazing presence and energy face to face. Something to be said for the fellow fans in the audience - they didn't even need to be worked up. The music was enough, blaring loud and proud. One of my favourite songs off the new album, The Connector, was beautiful, powerful and commanded full attention live. They of course also played a few hits from previous albums, ie Hounds Of Love, Decent Days And Nights & Skip To The End.

The harmonies in The Chaos - especially the last song, Jupiter - suggest a bit of classical influence, or perhaps influence from other more mainstream UK bands (Muse, for example). This incorporated with the well-known Futureheads rock style works very well for them, and re-establishes my enthusiasm for this Sunderland foursome.

7/10.]]> Panda Bear / Person Pitch http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2009/05/17/2qcnrp_panda_bear__person_pitch Sun, 17 May 2009 21:25:10 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2009/05/17/2qcnrp_panda_bear__person_pitch I'll admit it. I'd only vaguely heard of Animal Collective when I acquired Person Pitch early last year, but something about the album art in this album affected me, so I thought it couldn't hurt to give it a listen.

Said album starts off with Comfy In Nautica, which seemed glorious enough. I mostly go through lots of stuff ranging from noise to background music to insanity while working, and this seemed somewhere in between background-ish tunes and nutty collaboration.

I couldn't even get halfway into the album before my jaw dropped. Bros ripped me a new one, and by 'new one' I mean 'new perspective on appreciating music'. It's a bold thing to say, sure, but I mean every word of it.

12½ minutes melted away with this track. By the end, I was wondering why it wasn't longer. Samples and snippets were carefully tucked away on this one; sauntering and soaring, representing for me what my dreams were like whenever there was music present.

This album doesn't grow old. It grows more familiar, much like friends do after a little while and dedication. I like Animal Collective just fine, but I wouldn't mind listening to Panda Bear's creations only. Beautiful ambient/experimental stuff lies here.

7/10.]]> Many layers, many talents... thoughts on Reni Jusis http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2009/04/24/2oawcu_many_layers,_many_talents..._thoughts_on_reni_jusis Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:09:05 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2009/04/24/2oawcu_many_layers,_many_talents..._thoughts_on_reni_jusis A year or so ago, I stumbled upon some Polish pop thanks to a music blog. I'd never heard of Reni Jusis of course, not having any Polish ties whatsoever, but when I listened to Elektrenika for the first time, I already felt its diversities, its complexities. Delightful find, I tell you.

After exploring a few more albums (everything from her discography and singles except for Zakręcona, which I regrettably cannot find), Jusis has proved she's more than just a pop princess. Her music videos are anywhere from bold, colorful declarations of self and self-independence (Nic O Mnie Nie Wiecie) to fun, ethereal, dreamy explorations (Magnes). Following her progression from nearly underground-resembling rockloungeidontknowWTF (Era Renifera) to blatant, brilliant dance/electronica (Magnes) has been a wild ride, and already this year she has a new project out.

For those mortally opposed to non-English tracks (goodness knows why, you're missing out on so much beauty), she's also got a few English songs -- It's Not Enough from Trans Misja (GREAT [but sorta creepy] vid on YouTube), How Can I Ever Forget You from Magnes (an English version of Jakby Przez Sen via Elektrenika), and an English version of Mixtura is also floating around on YouTube.

However, my favourite tracks of Reni's are the ones done in her native Polish language. Kiedyś Cię Znajdę (which roughly translates to 'someday I'll find you' I believe; also lovely video, probably one of the first songs that come to mind when I think of her), Uciekaj Buzi-buzi (from Era Renifera) and lots of others I've already mentioned.

It doesn't matter to me that I don't know much Polish. I almost want to learn (alongside numerous other languages -- if only I had the TIME!). The way her music makes me feel is worth picking it up again and again, and I do.]]> The Futureheads / News and Tributes : Favours for Favours http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2009/03/18/2kpwes_the_futureheads__news_and_tributes_:_favours_for_favours Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:26:45 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2009/03/18/2kpwes_the_futureheads__news_and_tributes_:_favours_for_favours I like The Futureheads, despite their latest album This Is Not the World, which most hardcore FH fans will agree is not as good as the two previous.

A close friend of mine does not like The Futureheads.

That's ok, tho. That's what last.fm is primarily about to me - networking and friending other folks even if their music taste(s) differ from mine. I never know what new things I'll get into, and in the aforementioned close friend's case, I have found rather a lot.

...

As far as The Futureheads are concerned, my favourite album of theirs remains their self-titled The Futureheads, which is pretty standard for those who know their discography by heart. However, I maintain that News And Tributes has a few gems to offer as well. Skip To The End, yes, obviously. It's cute, catchy and funny of course. Back To The Sea is underrated in my opinion, going borderline soft rock but still holding onto that addictive old-school FH nature, good to listen to while blogging or hard journal writing (writing in a journal book -- you know, the ol' pen and paper bit?).

I am most enamoured with Favours For Favours when re-visiting this album. It's simple, crisp and clear. It hasn't got any hidden messages, and when I listen to it I relate back to my feelings and it makes me think of people I love and have loved in the past, how I long for touch, for interaction.

'I wish I could move more in time with you', proclaims part of the refrain. Typically the ones I fall for go too fast, which seems normal because it is at their own pace, but I am so slow, so in awe and not ready to process goings-on very quickly at all. If you can't relate to that, then it means you can keep up with your loves and I am jealous. I frequently need others to repeat, to come back down and explain in fewer words. I need for people to stop being so damned beautiful so that I can focus. It isn't easy.

This always seems to happen.

By the way, in case you missed it, 'I've watched you move like a knife in the water' (again in the song's refrain) is amazing imagery. It caught me by surprise the first few listens.

Vocals are not perfect, but that's what makes this endearing. Are my vocals perfect? no. Will they ever be? not likely.

When I am singing for therapy (my own, not actually in a session with anybody), it's easy for emotions to take me over when it comes to Favours for Favours. It's strange to me that I happen to like this band anyway, because I think that at times they're too loud compared to the stuff I usually enjoy.

Sometimes one song is enough.
Sometimes one line is enough.
Most of the time the first thirty seconds determine everything.

...

I like The Futureheads.]]> M.I.A. / Kala http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2008/02/14/97qev_m.i.a.__kala Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:49:29 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2008/02/14/97qev_m.i.a.__kala I developed an insatiable appetite for Mathangi Arulpragasam (alias M.I.A.) last year via word of mouth - a friend from Seattle, to be exact. I was thinking of visiting for a weekend. Having just heard and seen the video for Boyz alone was enough for me to book a flight to Seattle. I'd just been informed she was to have a show around the same time I was looking at staying.

A few weeks passed. I purchased Kala so I'd be exposed to more than just one song. Jimmy and Bird Flu quickly joined the ranks as newer favourites - honestly, my ears had never experienced anything like her before. I also enjoyed the fact that there was more to her than bumping beats.

Two weeks before I was set to fly to Seattle I had already gobbled up Arular and bought tickets for another concert in my hometown of Los Angeles. Funny enough, the two concerts were exactly a week between each other.

The L.A. show (at the Wiltern) was alright, but not nearly as much energy as the Seattle (at the Showbox SoDo) show! people were moving, screaming the words to Sunshowers and Galang at the top of their lungs. Maya herself moved about, dancing to and fro, and did something I really enjoyed - brought people from the crowd onstage for BOTH SHOWS! the opening acts and others that accompanied her unfortunately didn't catch my attention but I appreciate the fact she is trying to put some people in the spotlight that wouldn't ordinarily see it.

She more than deserves the popularity explosions that are arriving in her favour. I don't understand how anyone who likes electronica and/or dance wouldn't be pleased with M.I.A. Start with Kala and work your way down 'til the next hit.

I'd happily see her live a third time.]]> Safri Duo / 3.0 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2007/12/06/97qce_safri_duo__3.0 Thu, 6 Dec 2007 03:33:54 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2007/12/06/97qce_safri_duo__3.0 Over the years, I've listened to a lot of electronica, but nothing quite like the music that Safri Duo seems to cook up. Percussion, electronics, frequent club-style vocals and wicked beats? YES PLEASE.

As usual, I'm late to recognise the pounding beauty and progression of one of their most popular songs, Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song). Luckily, there's so much more to enjoy than one hit round Europe in the early 2ks.

Rarely have I said, "I'd have my left arm off to see ___" but even though I am very new to Friis and Savery's sounds I doubt they'd be disappointing live.

Three albums later and I must say that 3.0 continues to impress me with every track. Somehow they've taken Episode II and built it up with music that's uniquely them but not so much that it's redundant. Imagine a television series you're fond of (in my case, Star Trek: TNG) and remember how you jumped for joy to see your favourite stars on the big screen... even if the film's terrible.

Well. This show is ridiculously good, and has only gotten better since its debut.

The Moonwalker scared the shit out of me, but in a good way - a way that shocked me awake and spoke to me. "Hey! we're here! look alive!" it chirped. It gave me the kind of effect a morning does when comfortably waking from a peaceful dream.

Safri Duo keeps me on my toes, anxiously awaiting to hear more. They're perfect for studying, working, relaxing, focusing. I highly recommend 'em.]]> With my head so full... thoughts on Peter Gabriel http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2007/10/06/97qal_with_my_head_so_full..._thoughts_on_peter_gabriel Sat, 6 Oct 2007 00:22:13 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2007/10/06/97qal_with_my_head_so_full..._thoughts_on_peter_gabriel I was probably an odd child, growing up on progressive rock, classical music and taking the occasional visit down Motown, among other genres. When what little homework I had to do was done, I'd attack my mother's tape collection (because CDs hadn't come out yet and mp3s were unheard of). Among it I remember Songs from the Big Chair, No Jacket Required, and 20 Chansons D'or being my big favourites. My exposure to Peter Gabriel didn't come until I was eleven, after all.

It sounds so very typically fanatic of me to say, but I do indeed remember the first time I heard Peter's voice. I was in the car with my mother and Solsbury Hill was on the radio. Something about it that I can't quite explain struck a nerve with me - you know those things - heartbreakingly beautiful, more often than not makes you cry and makes your body ache with fear and excitement balled up together, wanting to simply exist with the music inside you, keep it rattling in your ribcage and close to your heart for as long as you can.

Yeah. That sort of thing. I didn't let my mother see me cry, which was easy enough to conceal since she was driving. But I paid close attention to the radio announcer when he told me the name of the song and the artist. At ELEVEN! that still blows me away. I should've been busy picking my nose or searching every nook and cranny for some form of sugar to keep me bouncing about.

Over time, I dissected the guy. First starting with whatever songs I could hear on the radio, followed by the great help of the music TV channel VH1, and onto CDs and mp3s when the time presented itself.

At twenty, I didn't talk to my mother for months because she cancelled on me at the last minute when I'd bought tickets for both of us to see Peter live during his Up tour. (This was made easier by the fact that I wasn't living at home, and that I was furious because I had no other way of getting to the concert without her.) At twenty-one I had a CD book with the first two pages full of Peter's albums. It became an obsession, but a healthy one; sometimes I'd go on to other musical bits but would always end up coming back round to Mr Gabriel and finding that songs I'd loved for years felt like new.

That's the beauty of song when you really find what you like. You can feel free to respect the opinions of others who aren't as particular to your favourites, but you yourself will never stray if an artist or group gives you a certain feeling, no matter which album you're listening to. PG has given me many discs to sing along with, think about and essentially love, for which I am very grateful. He also seems like an all-around good human being, which can't hurt much. :) yes, I am a fan, and a proud one at that.]]> David Bowie / Earthling http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2007/09/07/97q6s_david_bowie__earthling Fri, 7 Sep 2007 01:39:05 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2007/09/07/97q6s_david_bowie__earthling An album that can take you to a higher dimension without necessarily needing any sort of substances is worth its weight in gold to me. I originally came across Earthling five years after its release, wandering round in a music shop for something new to put in my CD player. I recalled hearing Little Wonder on BBC America, on one of Bowie's live sessions. Little did I know that this album would have so much more to blow me away.

Other than the aforementioned, my favourite tracks are as follows:

Looking For Satellites. I was heavily into philosophy upon hearing this for the first time. It made me feel as though I was floating on thin air. That feeling has never left me.

Battle For Britain (The Letter). I'll admit, I don't focus too much on the lyrics on this one. I don't really need to. The mix of instruments used here are incredible. Odd too, but I'd expect nothing less.

Telling Lies. Terribly underrated and quite lovely.

Dead Man Walking. I love songs that tell stories, and it weaves a good one. More than one actually, if you think about it hard enough. The very best part is when you get to hear more of the piano at the last 45 seconds or so, parterned with Bowie's sauntering vocals. Stunning.

Honestly, this is one of the few albums I can stand listening to the whole thing, and have, over and over again. There are several other albums that deserve recognition, but Earthling was my first real introduction to David Bowie and has my heart completely.]]> I aced the eclectic test. http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2007/08/26/97q3i_i_aced_the_eclectic_test. Sun, 26 Aug 2007 08:38:42 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/kungfulasers/journal/2007/08/26/97q3i_i_aced_the_eclectic_test. Take your top 20 artists. For each of these artists, collect the top 5 similar artists. The resulting number of unique artists is your eclectic score. If the score is small (extreme = 5) your musical preferences are very limited, and if it is large (larger than 80, extreme = 100), then you have an eclectic musical preference. You can compute your own score at http://anthony.liekens.net/pub/scripts/last.fm/eclectic.php

My eclectic score is currently

98/100