Singles Of The Week vs. the World Cup!

Shout For England - Dizzee Rascal ft. James Corden

You may already know this, but if you don’t I’m going to let you in on a little secret: there’s a World Cup a-happening. That’s right, the cream of international football all get together to compete for a trophy made from chocolate containing bags of Smarties. Now, unless you hate football, or are a staunch Daily Mail reader, this is a rather exciting time. Unbelievably, some artists have the absolute cheek to release music during the next two months. Shocking, I know. In a bid to combat that, I’m going to try and compare this week’s single releases to World Cup sides of the past and present. Partly because it might be an interesting challenge but mainly because I don’t want to take my eyes off New Zealand v Slovakia. … Continue Reading

Field Music – Newcastle Cluny

Field Music (Measure)

November 27/28, 2009

It’s just gone midnight. I’ve been home from the last night of Field Music’s two-night residency at one of Newcastle’s finest venues, The Cluny for about five minutes. I’m writing this whilst still buzzing from post gig enthusiasm, why? Well, I think that might be the only way I can convey in words just how special these nights were. In fact my conclusion from the two nights is this: Field Music are the Best. Band. In. The. UK. Now that is out the way, let’s get on with the actual review.

How to start a review of two such near musical perfect nights then? Well let’s get the support bands out the way first. Opening the first night is Nathalie Stern. Onstage on her own, she overcomes technical difficulties to deliver a hypnotic, haunting set of electro tinged, chamber pop. The highlight comes from a sort of a cappella number, for which she records her own voice to use a beat to sing over. … Continue Reading

Lord Auch – To The Shithouse EP

Lord Auch

A few years ago those in the infamous Leeds music “scene” were all buzzing about one band in particular. Their dark, post-punk sound and energetic yet unruly gigs meant their name was on just about everyone’s lips. One fellow Leeds band even wrote a song documenting one of those infamous nights, indeed, riots were predicted. Their name? Black Wire. Sadly, Black Wire disbanded in 2007, but fear not, from their ashes rise a whole new beast. Former members Si McCabe and Danny Prescott moved on to form Lord Auch. Alongside Liam Wade, Stelios Kurunis and Nicholas Jones they release the delightfully titled ‘To The Shithouse EP’.

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Badly Drawn Bands #2: Prince

Each week, Muso’s Guide’s resident cartoonist George Shaw (or Sunderland’s answer to Jeffrey Lewis) bestows us with one of his badly-drawn bands/rock stars.

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Badly Drawn Bands #1: David Bowie

Each week, Muso’s Guide’s resident cartoonist George Shaw (or Sunderland’s answer to Jeffrey Lewis) bestows us with one of his badly-drawn bands/rock stars.

… Continue Reading

Jeffrey Lewis, Sunderland Independent

Jeffrey Lewis

August 30th 2009

Jeffrey Lewis is something of a modern day “indie legend.” The New York based singer-songwriter/comic book artist/Watchman-lecturer has gained a large cult following, touring with his unique shows. So it’s with surprise that I learned he would be playing a small show at Sunderland’s Independent, a gig that normally would’ve gone straight to neighbours Newcastle. Throughout the night members of the various American bands on the bill comment that it’s their first time in this city, as the busy, boisterous crowd try to extol the virtues of Sunderland.

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Morrissey – Years Of Refusal

Morrissey - Years Of Refusal

Ah, Morrissey. You and I have never really got on, have we? Well, that I mean I’ve never really been a fan. One thing it’s impossible to deny though, Stephen Patrick Morrissey is most certainly an interesting character. The man a certain music publication once described as the “most influential artist of all time” has inspired more bands and vegetarians than you could shake a lettuce leaf at. This, his ninth solo album, has been described by the man himself as his strongest work to date, a big claim, when you consider the large back catalogue he possesses. … Continue Reading

Mount Eerie – Lost Wisdom

Mount Eerie - Lost Wisdom

Back in 2003, when Phil Elverum decided The Microphones was completed, he began his latest musical project, Mount Eerie. Lost Wisdom is the second LP, following on from 2005′s No Flashlight – Songs of the Fulfilled Night.’The record is a stripped back affair, with most of the songs here featuring little or no percussion. Accompanied by fellow folk musicians Julie Doiron and Fred Squire, the album uses its simplicity to great effect. … Continue Reading