Bloc Party have a new album out this week. A couple of years ago, I'd probably have been pretty excited. Now, I'm pretty indifferent.
It's not just the fact that following the fantastic debut album 'Silent Alarm', we have seen ever diminishing returns in the forms of 'A Weekend In The City' and the most recent effort 'Intimacy'. No, it's more to do with the fact that this new album is a remix album. While I didn't really listen to the alterno versions offered on 'Silent Alarm Remixed', I just wonder what the point really is of a remix album. A showcase for new artists? An opportunity for Bloc Party tracks to be played in dance clubs across the world? Or just a shameless cash-in?
However, I thought it'd be unfair to tarnish 'Intimacy Remixed' with such ignorance, before I've even bothered to listen to it. Especially when it's available on Spotify (leave a comment with your email, if you need). There are some interesting names involved too - the likes of Mogwai and Armand Van Helden being joined by the likes of Gold Panda and KHI fave Banjo Or Freakout. It also seems to include the last ever remix by Paul Epworth under his 'Phones' moniker. Ultimately, my opinion on the album hasn't changed much, which is a shame really.
I do however think the We Have Band dub of 'Halo' is ace, unfortunately I don't have that to post. Instead, have an equally ace track, in the form of Bloc Party semi-covering Prince's 'I Would Die For You' live at Reading Festival 2008.
If, like me, you were unsatisfied with the remix efforts but if, unlike me, you have remix talents then go forth and remix 'Signs', 'Ares' or 'Ion Square' at [blocparty.com]. Or all three if you fancy.
If, on the other hand, you actually really liked 'Intimacy Remixed' then buy it at [Play] or at [Piccadilly Records] which should soon have the epic triple LP version on sale.
on Thursday, May 07, 2009
It should be painfully clear that I have an affection for music. I also have a passion for film, which you may not be aware of, unless you follow my [Twitter] feed. So it brings me great joy to be able to combine such interests in one wholesome blog post.
Sam Mendes was last seen directing 'Revolutionary Road', starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. 'Titanic' on land. It looked awful. However, after that he went and did what all Oscar winning directors do - make a little indie comedy called ['Away We Go']. While it follows the new "indie" conventions of a) quirky family, b) cartoon animation sequences, c) roadtrip, and d) hippy soundtrack, none of that stopped 'Little Miss Sunshine' from being an excellent film. And the DeVotchka led soundtrack for that film was just as good as the film itself.
The trailer (see embed below) for 'Away We Go' popped up sometime in March and I was immediately drawn in. Not least by the backing song - heartfelt acoustica at its best, which gave me a similar vibe to the first time I heard 'The Outdoor Type'. Seeing as that is one of my favourite songs ever, any comparison is a massive compliment.
After some furious googling, I discovered that this track was written by some bloke called Alexi Murdoch. Still not really clued up on his background but he showed enough promise in 2006 to be named by Rolling Stone as "one to watch". 'All Of My Days' is one step toward fulfilling that potential. I have high expectations for both the film and the soundtrack, which is largely composed of Murdoch tracks. Hopefully we can get two happy endings.
'Away We Go' premieres on June 5th in America and will be opening the Edinburgh International Film Festival on June 17th. The soundtrack will be available from June 2nd digitally.
Sam Mendes was last seen directing 'Revolutionary Road', starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. 'Titanic' on land. It looked awful. However, after that he went and did what all Oscar winning directors do - make a little indie comedy called ['Away We Go']. While it follows the new "indie" conventions of a) quirky family, b) cartoon animation sequences, c) roadtrip, and d) hippy soundtrack, none of that stopped 'Little Miss Sunshine' from being an excellent film. And the DeVotchka led soundtrack for that film was just as good as the film itself.
The trailer (see embed below) for 'Away We Go' popped up sometime in March and I was immediately drawn in. Not least by the backing song - heartfelt acoustica at its best, which gave me a similar vibe to the first time I heard 'The Outdoor Type'. Seeing as that is one of my favourite songs ever, any comparison is a massive compliment.
After some furious googling, I discovered that this track was written by some bloke called Alexi Murdoch. Still not really clued up on his background but he showed enough promise in 2006 to be named by Rolling Stone as "one to watch". 'All Of My Days' is one step toward fulfilling that potential. I have high expectations for both the film and the soundtrack, which is largely composed of Murdoch tracks. Hopefully we can get two happy endings.
'Away We Go' premieres on June 5th in America and will be opening the Edinburgh International Film Festival on June 17th. The soundtrack will be available from June 2nd digitally.
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