Showing posts with label Pink. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pink. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Mika Kills Kasabian

Public Service Announcement - The post below is a guest contribution by Filthy Few Ron Burgandy/Anchorman Firas. Fun Bongo are great friends of The Filthy Few; we love their nights and podcasts. However our musical tastes often differ greatly.

As such, Fun Bongo has scribbled all over Firas' skool report. We love de-facement. All the 'normal' text is Firas' review. Fun Bongo is responsible for all the bold text in (brackets)
We have been very objective.

After a whirlwind of gigs in the last 2 weeks I've finally managed to drag my cranium out of the alcohol (he means crack, he lives in Holloway) haze I had descended in to and sit and attempt to maintain a concentration span better than that of a goldfish. So far in writing this sentence, I've turned on the TV (Channel U), gone to the bathroom (don't want to know), checked on Britney's latest turn (she is in our thoughts), brushed my teeth (halitosis), checked my mobile phone for messages (none) and made a cup of tea before brushing my teeth again (definitely halitosis). This could turn out to be a long and hazardous journey pop pickers.

KASAB...(can't type the whole name; its too painful)



So first up were the wonders of Kasabian (they are dreadful). Having been given the seal of approval by Liam Gallagher and the rest of the Oasis clan (who? Its not 1996 anymore) - it seems as though it's given these Leicester rockers the license to further mimic the monkey moves of Liam (Brady the former Arsenal player) and the electric song writing ability of Noel (Coward?).

Making their return to the UK (from where? Guantanamo Bay?) - the four (unwashed) scruffs hammered the crowd with a barrage of hits (I don't know the name of any of their terrible '(s)hits')and pint in the air classics (loose use of the word) for the NME (ugly man's Smash Hits) Awards Show. Set within the more intimate confines of Hammersmith Palais (its an absolute shithole, I saw Justin there; he was far better) - they seemed pretty pleased to see the fee paying public again

Front man Tom Mehigan (seriously, who?) opened the set declaring 'It's good to be back in England, you f***kers' (you so cool Tom). Charming.
Blasting off with 'Shoot The Runner' - a technical problem (this means one of the losers played the wrong song) meant the venue's main speakers cut out for most of the song (what a result!). Ploughing through like true pro's though (give them a medal), they decided to enter into a rendition of other famous (criminal) Leicester dwellers 'Shawoddywaddy' to make amends....and boy they did.



Knocking out songs at the rate Liam knocks out baby's and photographers - the band played 15 numbers (I think he means songs) in total - finishing on the epic (47 minutes long) 'L.S.F.'
Intimate, small (smelly) and special (!!!!!). Now more used to stadiums and larger venues (Firas' garage) - it was a privilege to see such a large band (they are really fat) fill a room so small...


MIKA

Next up was Mika who, after pulling out of his gig in Brighton, had managed to stay in and get better - thanks.

After much excitement, anticipation and a little waiting around - the man with his name at the top of both album and singles (not anymore) charts finally appeared...well I wouldn't say appeared, more like air walked on stage (Mika=Aled Jones) in a way that could only be described as 'Dale Winton on the snap, crackle and pop. Certain members of the press who were present were now well and truly dumbfounded by why the man won't answer questions on his sexuality (because its really important to know, is he a gayer? Is he not? Controversial Mika, very 2007).



Opening with the little known classic (that's going a bit far) that is 'Relax' - Mika excited the crowd, controlled the crowd and made sure that everyone had a pretty damn good time (generous guy). Comparisons to Freddie Mercury have been around for a while, something that old Mika doesn't take too kindly too (especially after he ripped off the Queen back catalog and bought a piano Mercury once owned) but it's easy to see why such observations have been made as he writhes around the stage like a man possessed (call the Ghostbusters).



The stage production was outstanding - it was like the village people back in the old school (unseen) as the lights on stage hypnotised each members of the audience (into epileptic fits). When Mika decided he wanted to sing about big ladies, he brought fat ladies on stage. When he decided he wanted to sing in the dark - someone turned the lights out...it was amazing (it was so the fat ladies could steal your wallet).



Finishing the show with an amazing display of big balls, glitter canons, big girls, cheeky girls and two men in monkey suits - it was as if Camden's Koko had been transformed into a mystical, magical wonderland (Neverland Raunch) - until we got outside and some kids (Kasabian) tried to nick my phone. (Dizzee) Rascals.

THE KILLERS


Finally, perhaps the gig I was excited about the most. I think everyone has an album from a particular time in their life that acts as a soundtrack to said particular time (For me its Spice Girls - Forever, people ignore the brilliant Darkchild production). For me it's the Killers album 'Hot Fuss' (how 'out there' to like the Killers), quite possibly one of the most listened to albums on my iPod (what about the James Blunt live Bedlum album?) - the chance to catch the Vegas' group live on stage was all too much. It had to be done (no it didn't).



Seeing them on interviews and in the press before had never impressed me (they are absoulte tossers, even their parents hate them). They came across as morons on more than one (every) occasion - once when I saw them on the TV at an awards ceremony where they looked about as disinterested as George Michael at a beauty pageant (don't get it).






What they lack in personality (is a lot) though they make up for in their music (debatable). Taking a short break between songs lead singer 'Brandon (The Ego) Flowers' admitted 'I wasn't born with the gift of the gab (what gift was he born with? The gift of slagging off glorious EMO?) , but that was, and this song is....'. Super.

Where's Liam Gallagher to incite some riot or mosh of some sort when you need him (Liam was at an All Saints gig at Bromley Primary).



Unfortunately it seems that Las Vegas weather has gone to their head and they've never been programmed with the ability to make a descent set-list (songs). As the encore came, they'd seemingly covered the large majority of their stompers. Mr Brightside would've been the perfect close to the show - there was a worry that these Yanks had burn't out early. Not so.

Blisteringly good. I do actually have blisters on my feet now to prove it - they will be on ebay next week in the form of dead skin.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

D.A.N.C.E For P!nk Justice


Justice

Good work boys, finally you make a song with some melody and purpose. D.A.N.C.E is glorious, their best song yet. A pulsating combination of Michael Jackson inspired lyrics gyrating over a wonderful threesome comprising Cassius '1999', Gorillaz 'Dirty Harry' and whatever Mark Ronson sampled on 'Ooh Wee'

NOTE TO JUSTICE: Please adhere to all the funky cliches of French house and ignore the horrible 'fox in a blender' sound that has plagued most of your work.





As a 'bonus' find P!nk covering two of her pop idols: Janis Joplin and the lesbian hero Linda Perry. Perry destroyed most of her credibility by siding with Christina over P!nk. To compound her first error she then also signed James Blunt. It is not possible to buy these anywhere and I had to use about 47 programs to encode them so enjoy.

The Jay-Z track is his latest 'diss' to the hopeless Jim Jones and Dipset. Jay hardly bothers, he just chats and proclaims himself 'The Black 007, James Bond'. Dipset's lameness highlights the weak state of New York rap. Step up Papoose please.....

Justice - D.A.N.C.E (Radio Rip) - Link Removed

Justice Vs Simian - Never Be Alone (DJ Hell's Bavarian Mix)


Justice Vs Simian - Never Be Alone (iTunes Link)

P!nk - What' Going On Live (4 Non Blondes Cover)


P!nk - Janis Joplin Tribute Live


Jay-Z - Tru Life

Monday, January 1, 2007

Class of 2006



Here is my top 10 albums of the year. Chosen by 'which I would miss the most if it was taken from me'

1. Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds

As with his classic debt, Tin got two thirds of the way to a perfect album and then ran out of steam. Aided by Timbaland and Danja, Justin conjures up a pop master-class. The first six tracks merge perfectly together, a better first half you will not find (a la Justified). Will-i-am and Rick Rubin rock up later to lift the load from Timbo's shoulders adding a few more sex sounds to Timberlake's compelling sophomore LP.

1. P!nk - I'm not Dead

I couldn't choose between this and JT, he is only listed first because of the alphabet. 'Who Knew', 'U and Ur Hand' and 'Leave Me Alone Im Lonely' are unstoppable pop gems. Add in another nine very strong songs and you have a charming album, far better than her contemporaries. I didn't really like P!nk until I heard this album.

3. Jay-Z - Kingdom Come

There is something not quite right about this but I still can't put it down. I think its because he didn't really want to make this and its still the best rap album of the year. The Neptunes and Kanye West let Hova down but Justin Blaze, the Blazettes, Chris Martin (!?) and Dr Dre make-up for their embarrassment. Enjoy 44 fours live

3. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

Wow Amy, well done. The best Soul album around. It never gets lost and showcases a talent that needs to be heard. The same style and sound remains through-out the album but because it is beautifully short you never tire of Mark Ronson's production. Needs rehab

5. Christina Aguilera - Back to Basics

Almost amazing, but not. Ruined by Xtina of course. However the first CD still has a collection of interesting pop productions that slide together happily until the last track. Most of CD 2 is terrible but it does have a couple of hits. Quality control and reality check please Christina

6. Lily Allen - Alright Still

The feisty one lived up to the hype and delivered an endearing, strong debut.

7. Nelly Furtado - Loose

Two of the best singles of the year followed up by the magic of Timbaland and Danja give Furtado a good album. It drops off in places and lacks a steady thread but a welcome change of direction by the Canadian Portuguese special lady.


8 Lupe Fiasco - Food and Liquor

A bright hope for the future of hip hop. Well produced, thoughtful songs. His only downfall is his lack of decent humour and slightly contradictory attitude.

9 Nas - Hip Hop is Dead

Essentially one of his better albums. Five or six great tracks which are far better than 99% of the other players.

10 Rhymefest - Blue Collar

Patchy album but pretty good. Rhymefest's personality translates fantastically on wax; somehow he collaborated with Ronson and the late ODB to make 'Build Me Up Buttercup' an enjoyable four minutes.

Here are my most loved songs of 2006, there are 11 of them. This is normal.

1.P!nk - Who Knew. Sounds better with each listen
2. Justin Timberlake - SexyBack- He made us dance again
3. Nelly Furtado - Maneater - Glorious
4. Robbie Williams - Lovelight - A Brand New Heavy, a Ronson and a Robbie is an electrifying combination
5. Pharrell Williams - Number One Ft Kanye West - Should have been a Michael record
6. Jay-Z - Prelude - Classic Jay
7. Amy Winehouse -Tears Dry on their own -Best track off the album
8. Nas - Cant forget about you - Vintage Esco
9. Omarion - Obsession - Probably best Neptunes of the year
10. JC Chasez - Until Yesterday - Marvelous co-writing with JT
10. The Game - Why you hate the Game Ft Nas - Just Blaze takes 'em to church in an epic nine minute adventure.

What to expect in 2007?

Britney - New album we guess. Maybe working with Pharrell, naybe not.



Duran Duran - Three tracks recorded with Timbabland and one with Justin.

Common


Maxwell - Three albums recorded and ready, one would be fine

Mariah Carey - Two albums. Again, just one would be a happy time.

Kylie - It would nice if she actually made a really good album.

D'Angelo - Its about time, lazy man. Two albums in 11 years is lame.

Usher - Working with Robin Thicke and Jay-Z. Lets hope its better then the shit shit shit Confessions album where he took the four best tracks off it because he didn't want to be linked to the Neptunes and therefore Justin...

JC Chasez - Forgotten *NSYNCer, probably be fantastic but get no press. Three tracks produced by Justin and Timbaland

Timbaland Solo Album- Justin, Nelly Furtado, Jay-Z and Elton John all on board

Talib Kweli - Ear Drum project. The four songs I have are good

Mos Def - A return to form

Joss Stone - Worked with Raphael Saadiq and Common, wise move. What I have is very strong

Eve - Its three years late luv

Air -Meant to be good

Bableshambles - I trust Peter

Amerie - First single...

T.I
Fabolous
Ja Rule
Nelly
R Kelly
Foxy Brown?
Mylo?
Basement Jaxx?

Eminem/Fiddy - Who Cares?

N*E*R*D, Dr Dre and Michael Jackson please

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Stupid Girls



Certainly not. Girls made most of the best music in 2006. Where other genres disappointed, Dirty Pop dominated. The Swede's (Stargate and Max Martin), Mark Ronson and Timbaland provided the guidance for the girls but they kicked it this year....



P!nk

The most under-rated singer/songwriter today. No-one knows where to put her, she has long since turned her back on her Babyface driven R&B roots. She isn't hard enough to be a full on rock chick. She is P!nk pop, delivered a classic album and the tour of the year in 2006. 'Dear Mr President' is one of the few occasions where a pop icon goes political without making you want to switch off. Sadly not used as a single but it probably would have resulted in career suicide Stateside.




'U and Ur Hand' sits nicely as a female response to the City Bankers 'Abacus' Anthem 'Gold Digger'. 'Stupid Girls' wasn't the best single but had a fantastic video. Here is the coolest performance of the year; go to 1 minute 50 Seconds



Regina Spektor



Spektor didn't deliver a classic but there is hope for that later. Her Joni Mitchell inspired songs made grown men weep (DH)

Jamelia



Nobody cared that she was back. Very sad because her album is excellent, perhaps with a couple more decent singles the British public might wake up. Jamelia is as good as anything the yanks throw at us.

Nelly Furtado



Certainly her year. She somehow managed to get away with being a loose promiscuous maneater. Two of the biggest songs of any year backed up by a strong LP.

Christina Aguilera



The curse of the double album. If this girl had any sense she would have stripped out half of the Linda Perry rubbish and only released the first CD with a few amendments. But Xtina is a brat and has no grip on reality. Harsh? No, listen to 'Thank you (dedication to Fans...)' never has anybody destroyed such as fantastic beat. Dj Premier must cry at night when he hears what she did to it. It is the worse song of 2006, so far beyond self-indulgent that it would make Michael Jackson cringe. The album shows how weird she is, the track 'F.U.S.S' (For u Scott Storch) is a diss to the washed-up producer but why is it on there? This album is the most upsetting of 2006, it has some amazing pop on the first CD and could have been a classic. Dj Premier, Mark Ronson and Kwame blessed her with wonderful production but her 'beautiful' Linda Perry mentality spoilt it.



Amy Winehouse


This was the most pleasant surprise of 2006. The ashtray mouthed drunk singer released the best soul album I can remember. Its length is perfect, short and sweet. The Ronson production is as fantastic as ever and the vocals are glorious. Well done Amy, you proved me wrong.

Beyonce

Boring live and a weak album on first listen. But, time has been kind to B-Day and on reflection it is not bad, far better than her first album. Get rid of Swizz Beatz and I will love you a lot more.


'Deja-Vu' was not well received in some quarters but for no decent reason, its a brilliant pop record; as is 'Irreplaceable'.

Ciara

The Janet Jackson killer. Good second album, dreadful interludes though.


Kelis

Mrs Jones made a solid album, even managing to get some good work from Scott Storch but really needs to get back into bed with the Neptunes




Lily

Wonderful, more please. See earlier blog below.