Last week we went along to Somerset House, to see if Beady Eye – the phoenix like outfit to have risen from the bitter and acrimonious wreckage of Oasis – had the swagger, presence and most importantly the tunes that could deliver the goods without a certain elder older brother at the helm. In a week that saw Noel Gallagher unveil plans for not one but two planned album releases, the pressure seemed to be on Gallagher the younger’s shoulders to demonstrate how Beady Eye were the real deal, and not as Noel had heavily hinted, a band made up of Oasis session material rejects.
The 16th Century central London setting provided a suitable palatial glamour for a warm July evening by the river, it’s a quintessentially British setting befitting a band such as Beady Eye, who come in an unapologetic vein of route one British rock n roll acts with a solid guitar bass and drums back bone. Musically they borrow heavily from bands such as The Who and The Faces, while at the same time naturally upholding their tradition of bravado and confidence, displayed here in spades as they tear into opener ‘Four Letter Word’.
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Jon Davies Gigs/ Events Beady Eye
Today we headed down to the luxurious Hospital Club in Covent Garden, London to hear this year’s shortlist for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize. Each year, the prize attracts the attention of the UK music industry, largely down to it being near impossible to predict. Previous winners have ranged from the obvious contenders, to the rank outsiders; while The xx surprised no-one last year, Speech Debelle came from nowhere to win in 2009; before swiftly disappearing back into obscurity.
Once again, this year’s shortlist covered a variety of genres with several surprise additions. Adele continued her phenomenal run of success with a nod, alongside Metronomy’s fantastic concept album ‘The English Riviera’. One of our early predictions, Anna Calvi, won a nomination for her eponymous debut, with James Blake self titled album also making the shortlist. There was a strong representation of young urban acts, with Katy B, Tinie Tempah and Ghostpoet all gaining nominations. The full list of nominees are:
Adele – ‘21’
Anna Calvi – ‘Anna Calvi’
Elbow – ‘Build A Rocket Boys!’
Everything Everything – ‘Man Alive’
Ghostpoet – ‘Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam’
Gwilym Simcock – ‘Good Days at Schloss Elmau’
James Blake – ‘James Blake’
Katy B – ‘On a Mission’
King Creosote & Jon Hopkins – ‘Diamond Mine’
Metronomy – ‘The English Riviera’
PJ Harvey – ‘Let England Shake’
Tinie Tempah –‘ Disc-Overy’
The winner will be announced on Tuesday 6th September, for more information head here.
Jon Davies News Barclaycard Mercury Prize
Influential US grunge/rock group The Lemonheads have announced a tour where they will be performing their 1992 classic album ‘It’s A Shame About Ray’. Led by enigmatic frontman Evan Dando, the album was arguably the finest moment in their back catalogue, containing era defining tracks such as ‘Bit Part’, ‘My Drug Buddy’ and their infamous cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Mrs Robinson’.
While a collector’s version of the album was released in the US in 2007, it was never released in the UK. British fans will finally get the chance to revisit the album later this year, when the 2CD/DVD package gets its UK release. There has been no word of any new tracks from the band whose last album, 2009’s ‘Varshons’, was a collection of cover versions. However, with the prospect of hearing their classic album in full later this year; it’s hard to see any fans complaining.
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Jon Davies News The Lemonheads
At the age of just 21, Benjamin Francis Leftwich has emerged as one of the stand out emerging UK talents. His debut album ‘Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm’ was released to widespread critical acclaim last week. After growing up listening to Bob Dylan, Nina Simone and Rolling Stones, Ben taught himself to play guitar and started crafting songs in his teens; some of which appear on his debut.
Produced by Ian Grimble (Mumford & Sons, Manic Street Preachers), the album follows a brace of well received EP’s that won the singer plaudits from tastemakers such as XFM and Radio 1; with Zane Lowe awarding ‘Pictures’ with his ‘Hottest Record In The World’ accolade. We caught up with Ben and got his thoughts on musical comparisons, who in particular influenced the album and his planned string of shows at fans house parties.
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Jon Davies Interviews Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Belgian brothers David and Stephen Dewaele are more commonly known as the driving force behind Soulwax and 2manydjs. The pair have recently unveiled a new ‘Radio Soulwax’ website and app, where they will be streaming a ton of new hour long mixes over the next 18 weeks. The app and site updates their infamous ‘As Heard On Radio Soulwax’ mix series, where they fused the likes of The Strokes with Christina Aguilera in genre busting mash ups. While the ‘mash-up’ formula has now far reached its sell by date, it’s easy to forget the hysteria Soulwax caused with those original mixes.
The new Radio Soulwax formula is as much a visual spectacle as it is audio, with each mix accompanied by unique video content. Users can stream the mixes from their website and app, plus download the mixes straight their iPhone, iPad or Android device. The first mix, in true 2manydjs style, sees them cut the vital opening seconds of a huge number of tracks into one mind boggling whole. The accompanying video features animated sleeves from each of the tracks featured, it’s safe to say it’s not something you should play with whilst driving!
You can catch 2manydjs performing at a a number of festivals and club nights this summer. Head here for their extensive tour schedule.
Jon Davies News Soulwax
Laidback Luke is currently a very busy man. A cursory glance at his DJ dates next month sees him jet between the USA, Ukraine, Greece and his native Holland. His frantic DJ sets caught the ear of Cream Ibiza who’ve lined him up for their next Cream Ibiza mix (out 4th July); while his new single, ‘Turbulence’, sees him collaborate with Dim Mak head honcho Steve Aoki and Lil’ Jon. It’s a track that sets out its aims instantly, a thumbing bassline and euphoric melody back Lil’ Jon’s irrepressible vocal delivery. It’s already taken its hold of dance-floors across the globe and has invaded BBC Radio 1’s playlist.
With a career that stretches back to the mid-nineties, Luke has worked with and remixed some of the biggest names in dance; including Daft Punk, David Guetta, Diplo and A-Trak. Luke also has a keen ear for a bootleg and has reworked the likes of Jay-Z, Coldplay and N.E.R.D. into his energetic DJ sets. We spoke to Luke and grilled him on his latest single, his superhero themed club night, Super You&Me, and found out what track is currently driving his crowds crazy.
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Jon Davies Interviews Laidback Luke
Formed in London in 1976, The Only Ones were brought together by lead singer and guitarist Peter Perrett, who assembled the band during Punk’s British inception. Despite links to the scene, it would be unjust to label The Only Ones a punk band. Their breadth of influences and level of musicianship set them far apart from the gulf of bands that were hastily formed at this time. While the band released four albums between 1978-1980, the shadow of drug abuse often hung over them; as referenced in the song’s lyrics “I always flirt with death, I look ill but I don’t care about it”. Despite the grim subject matter, the track remains one of the most joyous three minutes ever committed to pop music. Any hidden meanings didn’t put off UK mobile network Vodafone, who used it in a 2006 advert.
The track has been covered by a range of artists including The Replacements, Blink-182 and Babyshambles. Clearly a lasting influence on Pete Doherty, Perrett joined The Libertines onstage in 2004; his first notable public appearance in years. The experience clearly ignited something within the singer, who reformed the original lineup of The Only Ones in 2007. While the band played a handful of new tracks in 2009, but as yet there’s been no word of a new album. As welcome as it would be, it’s unlikely that could ever top this gem.
Jon Davies Shazam In The Vaults
Last week the label that launched the career of Lady Gaga, plus guided the US fortunes of La Roux, Feist, Ellie Goulding and Robyn, took over a crammed venue in London’s Kings College for their first showcase in the capital. We managed to brave the eager masses and catch sets from electro pop pranksters LMFAO and Far East Movement, as well as performances from Frankmusik and Natalia Kills.
Taking on the headline slot, LMFAO greeted the crowd by throwing a hamper full of glowsticks out. Despite taking to the stage slightly later than planned, the hyped crowd gave them an ecstatic welcome. Running through a set that included ‘Party Rock Anthem’ and ‘I’m In Miami’, the raucous collective stirred up the crowd by giving out beer bongs and vodka shots. Not that they needed much stirring, earlier in the night Far East Movement had already pushed energy levels to a near frenzy.
At times looking as excited as the crowd, Far East Movement bounded around the stage with unwavering energy. Predictably the biggest applause was saved for ‘Like A G6’ and when one of their members launched himself into the crowd.
See below for our exclusive pictures of this raucous night.
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Jon Davies Gigs/ Events Far East Movement, LMFAO
Legendary reggae artist Little Roy has previously worked with the likes of Lee Scratch Perry and The Wailers. So he’s probably not the first name that would spring to mind when it came to penning Nirvana covers. However the Kingston born singer has done just that, by compiling a double A-side of ‘Sliver’ and ‘Dive’.
While it’s hard to imagine the angst-laden lyrics of Kurt Cobain translating all that smoothly, it’s a combination that works surprisingly well. ‘Sliver’ in particular sounds like a long lost Trojan B-Side, found in a dusty rack of 7”s in a Jamaican record store. As we’ve seen before, quite often the strangest source of inspiration produces some of the finest cover versions and this certainly ranks high. Taken from ‘Nevermind’ and ‘Incestiside’ respectfully, the tracks are a perfect example of what made Nirvana so special. While the originals are drenched in fuzz and feedback, when stripped back they reveal Kurt Cobains ear for a killer melody; exactly what set them apart from the legions of grunge copycats.
‘Sliver/Dive’ will be released on limited edition 7” vinyl on 27th June, through Ark Recordings. It’ll certainly be on our summer playlist and will hopefully encourage fans of both rock and reggae to expand their musical horizons.
Jon Davies Tag Of The Day Little Roy, Nirvana
Taking place in London’s picturesque Hyde Park on the 1st – 3rd July, Wireless with Barclaycard is set to be one of the hottest inner-city festivals of the summer. The event will see global superstars The Black Eyed Peas take to the stage for their only UK festival performance of 2011. Dance pioneers The Chemical Brothers and Britpop legends Pulp also feature with support coming from Grace Jones, David Guetta, Bruno Mars, The Streets, Chase & Status and Plan B.
Luckily we have a pair of tickets to give away for each day of this year’s Wireless with Barclaycard. To be in with a chance to win, simply email competition@shazamteam.com with your answer to the below question. (Please ensure you state which day you wish to attend).
Which of the following tracks isn’t a song by Black Eyed Peas?
- Boom Boom Pow.
- Common People.
- Let’s Get It Started.
Prize does not include travel. To purchase tickets and for full lineup information, please go to www.wirelessfestival.co.uk
Terms And Conditions: 1. Closing date for the competition is the 27th June 2011 12:00 GMT. Any entries after this point will be void. 2. The winners will be notified by email on 27th June 2011. 3. Three winners will win one pair of tickets for a day of the festival. Entrants must specify which day the want to enter for. 4. There’s no cash alternative to the prize. 5. The decision of Shazam Entertainment is final. 6. Employees of Shazam Entertainment are not eligible to enter this competition. 7. Winners must make their own way to and from the festival. 8. Prizes are non-exchangeable. 9. Accommodation is not included in the prize.
Jon Davies Competitions Pulp, The Black Eyed Peas, The Chemical Brothers, Wireless 2011
