tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26339050561942086102011-08-16T11:23:31.927+01:00A blog about...well, go figure.Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.comBlogger1011100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-17289665639555072272008-05-15T17:32:00.000+01:002008-05-15T17:33:23.515+01:00

The new site is just a click away...

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-398810790067981312008-05-12T15:28:00.000+01:002008-05-12T15:28:38.572+01:00

This week, and some of next possibly, I'm going to be working on getting Musical Chairs off blogger and onto its own domain name. Subsequently, posts may dry up a bit whilst I focus on all of this. Be assured though that my gig reviews will still be posted as soon as the gig has finished and all that. But yes, in case you wonder why the posts aren't as regular, there's your reason.Ultimately, I

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-14738264811020028282008-05-09T18:11:00.002+01:002008-05-09T18:14:36.808+01:00

I thought that the Sunday at Guilfest was looking pretty dire for a long time. A tribute act headlining and Cerys Matthews making an appearance made me want to vomit. But one band has saved the day from being a disaster:British Sea PowerI've been a fan of these guys for a while and really liked their 2005 album, Open Season. The beautiful, atmospheric and dreamy soundscapes with quirky yet

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-39106833583694163152008-05-09T17:24:00.001+01:002008-05-09T17:29:27.887+01:00

Of all the music that's been released this week, the most intriguing has to be, by far, an early set of Muse demos. These nuggets of gold were recorded in 1996/1997 at Newton Abbey, and showcase their early grunge-like roots and Matt's hysterical iffy vocals. There are some never before heard Muse songs like Falling With The Crowd and Boredom, an early version of Showbiz album track Sober and

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-72708233830714086632008-05-07T23:26:00.002+01:002008-05-07T23:29:10.897+01:00

The title track from Viva La Vida has hit the Internet via pre-orders for the upcoming album on iTunes. And do you know something? It's brilliant. This is not the same band that was yearning on previous albums, and certainly not the same band from the stinker that was X&Y. Energetic strings amongst a thumping bass drum. Some of Chris Martin's better and more imaginative lyrics including the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-39785056735941295292008-05-07T00:25:00.001+01:002008-05-07T00:28:40.633+01:00

This year has already been one of considerable entertainment in many forms. As we are now, quite stunningly, already a third of a way through 2008, this is a good to take stock and share my highlights of the year, this far.Radiohead played their smallest gig for the best part of a decade at 93 Feet EastThe Cribs teamed up with Johnny MarrNine Inch Nails released not one but two albumsMuse

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-35453705791163798912008-05-06T20:34:00.001+01:002008-05-06T20:37:35.820+01:00

Other bits and pieces from this sunshine-filled/hayfever ridden day, depending on what suits you the most.Radiohead kicked off their world tour last night in West Palm Beach, Florida. If the setlist they did last night is an indication of their upcoming tour then Victoria Park could be as triumphant as I wished it to be and a whole lot more. Nearly all of In Rainbows was played along with Bangers

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-83470933231710518072008-05-06T20:01:00.001+01:002008-05-06T20:03:42.683+01:00

Warners Music Group are trying a new tactic to erase all memories of a torrid few years financially (just like the other majors) - something known as 'variable pricing'. A deal with Digonex Technologies, a company based in Indiana who have been pushing this idea for some time, will allow the major label to pilot a program for the albums it releases digitally. Details are a bit wishy-washy and

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-19965426510108666872008-05-06T16:25:00.001+01:002008-05-06T16:27:27.237+01:00

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you'll have probably seen my post bigging up The John Steel Singers from Brisbane, Australia. If you liked what you heard then you'll be pleased to hear that today, which is appropriately sunny and hot and all summer-like, we have an interview with them for you to read. Topics for discussion include their band name, the influence of Triple J and why the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-15301966887479634802008-05-05T22:33:00.001+01:002008-05-06T20:39:39.576+01:00

Some of the comments I get are downright bizzare, especially lately with some of my album review posts. I've had a few posts with links to download the album on such sites like Rapidshare (which happens to be the most popular and shitty file-sharing site in the universe). What I found even more funny today was that someone decided that even though The Slip is a free album download, I could

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-66514098775128749702008-05-05T17:39:00.003+01:002008-05-06T20:42:53.650+01:00

And there I was thinking that Ghosts would be the only Nine Inch Nails record of 2008. How wrong am I? And how productive is Trent Reznor these days? Jeez. Anyways, Trent feels that he has hit a songwriting peak, aided by the addition of Robin Finck to their rehearsals of the touring they are about to do in the USA this summer. The result is The Slip - the 8th studio album by the industrial

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-61227008511231846142008-05-02T22:20:00.003+01:002008-05-06T20:42:45.303+01:00

In the light of all these new ways of releasing music, Musical Chairs starts a new feature similar to what I discussed about a week or so ago.THE CUREWhat: Singles from the new album.The deal: Singles from The Cure's upcoming album 13th will be released every month on the 13th, which seems logical, for four months until the untitled record comes out. These will sold in a physical format (through

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-33432947036128970622008-05-02T15:28:00.003+01:002008-05-06T20:43:40.319+01:00

Some observations from the week just gone:White Williams is an artist who I was going to profile this week, but things got in the way and I've left it on the side for the time being. Probably not a wise move, since I've just learned that, as well as supporting Vampire Weekend in the UK very soon, he's going to support Nine Inch Nails this summer. What a gig for him eh? He joins Crystal Castles,

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-53885315045716756352008-05-02T15:01:00.001+01:002008-05-06T20:45:59.291+01:00

The John Steel Singers are another new Australian band that have caught my attention. And there doesn't seem to be a better time to be introduced to their sunshine pop. This group of multi-instrumentalists (ranging from glockenspiels to trombones and trumpets) are already backed by Triple J (they're heading out on a tour very soon down under that is presented by the influental radio station) and

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-60814108404491974172008-04-30T22:59:00.003+01:002008-05-06T20:46:18.667+01:00

What happens if you mix an inflatable pig, a massive desert and quotes seemingly taken from a Simpsons episode? Yes, you get, by far and away, the funniest music news of the year thus far.Basically, Roger Waters played a marathon headlining set on Sunday night at Coachella in California. He also, during one of his songs, unveiled a pig the size of two double decker buses in width. That's a big

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-25242854540401444582008-04-30T17:45:00.003+01:002008-05-06T20:46:38.101+01:00

I've listened to a good chunk of new stuff recently, so here are some brief reviews of four new songs that have been recently released to the music consuming public:Coldplay - Violet HillThe first single off the group's fourth album, Viva La Vida Or Death To All His Friends, is nowhere near first single material when compared to the likes of In My Place or Speed Of Sound. Instead, the sound is

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-6429464878120969522008-04-29T15:50:00.005+01:002008-04-29T15:55:54.965+01:00

A couple of festival line-up updates have been announced.First up, the Reading and Leeds festivals. British Sea Power somehow have managed to nab themselves a spot on the Main Stage on the 23rd at Reading and the 24th at Leeds. Across all other stages, notable additions include Mystery Jets, The Music and Seasick Steve. The Dance Stage (hitting Leeds on Friday before heading to Reading on Sunday)

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-91179731795670964412008-04-28T22:02:00.002+01:002008-05-06T20:48:41.089+01:00

This post could be argued as nothing to do with music, but I think it has got relevance.The killers of Sophie Lancaster have been given life sentences. Brendan Harris and Ryan Herbert will have to serve a minimum of 18 years and 16 years respectively. The pair of teenagers kicked Sophie to death last summer because of her goth background.I for one, in an age where justice seems few and far

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-49873768772092556642008-04-28T18:28:00.004+01:002008-05-06T20:49:04.829+01:00

This weekend saw Coachella take place in the deserts of California. Now deemed the unofficial start of the American festival season, there were many highlights to be had if you were a punter and some odd goings on. A summary:Prince, who headlined on the Saturday night, arrived late but won back the support of the punters with an unexpected cover of Radiohead's Creep:YouTube has been updated

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-35291385963659233932008-04-26T22:21:00.003+01:002008-05-06T20:49:25.518+01:00

Not a new band by any stretch of the imagination but definitely one under the radar of mainstream music. Mates Of State are comprised of Kori Gardner on keyboards and vocals whilst Jason Hammel provides the drum beats. They're from Kansas and their forthcoming effort, Re-Arrange Us, will be their fifth studio album since forming in 1997. This is indie pop at its god-damn finest.Their MySpace page

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-31654243665393328832008-04-25T23:09:00.001+01:002008-04-25T23:11:53.212+01:00

It's been a long time since Portishead released any music. It's also taken an equally bloody long time for me to finally recognise that they actually are just as good as fellow Bristol musical masterminds Massive Attack. Machine Gun, the lead single off their third album (Third - what originality!), is quite a disturbing piece of music. The drum sounds are vicious yet minimalistic and it all

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-17697106501104594812008-04-24T23:37:00.001+01:002008-04-24T23:40:05.359+01:00

Honestly, it is a serious question.In a couple of weeks time, Coldplay will be issueing a vinyl, in conjuction with hipster publication NME, of their first single from their upcoming fourth album, Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends (Chris Martin isn't good at naming things is he?) called Violet Hill. A Spell A Rebel Yell will also be on it and is being promoted as an 'exclusive' track that

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-33221504173778914672008-04-24T00:23:00.002+01:002008-05-06T20:50:46.491+01:00

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is encouraging all of us to take our shirts off and dance to his new free-for-download single, Discipline. Sadly, it just doesn't have the desired effect on me. The trouble is, despite the cool heavy-bass riff and twinkling piano sounds over a rave-like beat, it doesn't really go anywhere. It feels much like the long-lost cousin of With Teeth single Only, except

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-69077342427064055932008-04-22T15:32:00.003+01:002008-05-06T20:52:11.690+01:00

It is now just over six months since Radiohead threw a curveball at the industry fat cats and released In Rainbows through their own site for download, inviting the customer to value their purchase. Since then, releasing music hasn't been the same. Many bands have tried their take on distributing their own work.So, what methods work and what don't? What is there to be learned from the last

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-7261950580435945182008-04-21T23:59:00.002+01:002008-05-06T20:53:04.521+01:00

Massive Attack have announced the full line-up of musical treats for Meltdown, which this year they are curating, in June. As you would expect from the band, they've arranged a really mixed and diverse festival. From the melancholic rock of Elbow, to the jazz of Terry Callier, legendary post punks Gang Of Four and a reggae evening headlined by longtime collaborator Horace Andy.And of course,

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-89421418138842548282008-04-20T19:35:00.002+01:002008-05-06T20:53:09.180+01:00

Yesterday, a group of very small, independent record shops joined forces to organise something called Record Store Day. This was supported by many artists and musicians including Damon Albarn, Regina Spektor, Amanda Palmer and Paul McCartney to name but a few. In an age where there are big chains selling music for rip-off prices (HMV, Zavvi etc) and where you can also download tracks with the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-29225667868490293232008-04-20T10:50:00.000+01:002008-04-22T10:50:56.723+01:00

My three week assessement period starts today.

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-2789294716346834772008-04-17T00:22:00.002+01:002008-05-06T20:54:01.911+01:00

Feeder have a brand new album out this year. I seem to be one of the only few who still care about this band and it seems that the days of wanting to be Coldplay are now over. Pure rock music is now back on the agenda for this Welsh trio. Miss You is a short, sharp and catchy song with the pop sensibilities that have been their trademark on so many occasions. In a way, however much I like the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-18057124902801857402008-04-15T00:37:00.005+01:002008-05-06T20:54:17.647+01:00

A very quick disclaimer. I know that this album was out last summer, but I only bought it today. All the album reviews I post on Musical Chairs will be albums that I've acquired as opposed to trying to be up-to-date. If I try and be up-to-date it ends up being rather formulaic and boring, which is what this blog should NOT be. Instead, I want to have a sense of spontaneity.Anyway.An End Has A

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-3284205559967372242008-04-13T17:59:00.007+01:002008-05-06T20:54:37.028+01:00

Before we start talking about Muse, it might be worth mentioning a few words about The Futureheads. They were very, very solid and the new stuff sounds very good, with highlights being The Beginning Of The Twist and Radio Heart. They also played some good choice cuts from their first album, including Carnival Kids and Man Ray, both amazing album tracks that never saw the light of day as singles,

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-83119148058327992152008-04-12T11:32:00.000+01:002008-04-12T11:32:51.252+01:00

This man is a total tool, and yet he is nominated for a Sony Award. For anyone unsure of what these awards are, they're the Oscars of the British radio industry. I'd like to think that the awards would go out to people and stations that deserve it.But no.I would like to think that 6music is a station that caters for my need. Radio 1 is too mainstream and in a couple of years I will not be in

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-40367793840310706052008-04-12T10:06:00.002+01:002008-05-06T21:04:00.329+01:00

A quick review this one.I was lead to believe that there were two support bands. There were FOUR OF THEM. Four bands over two and a half hours? That's just something my brain can't really deal with. So, here's my summary of all four in one sentence:Dark Captain Light Captain - Gentle, calming music but didn't really interest me much to be honest.Pilgrim Fathers - Using weird noises that really

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-11382242073394711782008-04-10T11:26:00.001+01:002008-04-10T11:30:55.994+01:00

Prince seems to have a knack of making surprise announcements. There was the revelation that he would play the Brit Awards in 2006 to perform a medley of hits (yes, for no obvious reason, but who cares?) and the release of his last album with the Daily Mail for free. Now he has announced that he will headline the Saturday of US festival Coachella, along with Portishead and Kraftwerk. Why oh why

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-33585420903975288282008-04-08T12:14:00.001+01:002008-05-06T22:56:12.389+01:00

Michael Eavis must be wanting to crawl up in a ball in his house by Worthy Farm. This year, Glastonbury has just had no momentum going whatsoever. The festival has been plagued by grumblings left, right and centre...all nearly three months before it starts.The line up has caused a major talking point. Obviously, you can never please anyone, but the inclusion of Jay-Z on the Saturday is now

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-14094542992870213292008-04-07T17:16:00.007+01:002008-05-06T22:56:14.167+01:00

Aside from the confirmation of the leaked line up for this year's Lollapalooza festival (full details can be found at the official website), but Perry Farrell, the main man behind the Chicago event, has also promised a brand new concept:This year, we have an amazing concept going. For the first time ever, we’re going to be working with iTunes, and we’re going to be creating unique content, so we’

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-54254212728989441652008-04-06T21:55:00.002+01:002008-05-06T22:56:17.389+01:00

Lollapalooza looks like the best festival this year. It's a shame really that it is in Chicago. The line up, which is now heavily rumoured to consist of, as headliners, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against The Machine and Kanye West. No words can ever describe how amazing a quartet of headliners that is. The fact that Nine Inch Nails are now touring the USA and Canada later this summer pretty

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-58381979641165371502008-04-06T18:17:00.004+01:002008-04-06T18:42:45.112+01:00

I was asked to take part in a new music podcast by a couple of people from uni. The podcast I refer to is called Ears To The Skies and I was asked to take part in a festivals discussion feature. And I'm pleased to say that the podcast is now up and ready for your listening ears. Have a listen through all of it, very good stuff. It has a Frank Turner interview, ELO and an innuendo title. What else

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-70253984472503057202008-04-05T11:08:00.001+01:002008-05-06T22:57:20.352+01:00

Guillemots released their 2006 debut album, Through The Window Pane, at a time when guitar bands were here, there and everywhere. It was a refreshing change to the Arctic Monkeys and their fellow strummers. It was a debut album that was beautiful, lush with arrangements that could make your heart melt and full of songs that were a mix of heartbreaking balladry and fun pop songs. It deserved its

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-5335931845970037332008-04-02T21:08:00.006+01:002008-05-06T22:57:41.315+01:00

More bits and bobs from the last few days:I read this on Stereogum the other day about what bands get the most tips at the Bowery Ballroom. Quite a fun read, although I thought it was fairly obvious that hard rock bands earn bars the most tips...maybe it's just me.Portishead are apparently 'pissed' that their long-awaited third record has been leaked. Do you really think that they didn't expect

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-50920948108067401592008-03-28T14:20:00.002Z2008-04-09T16:25:00.597+01:00

In a way, this is the new title for my news in brief style posts (which I kinda stole from these two completely unrelated blogs). But yeah, this is the stuff I didn't really feel like rambling on about in great detail:Radiohead have announced some tour supports. As far as the UK and Europe are concerned, Bat For Lashes and Modeselektor (a band which Thom has been banging about like a raving loon

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-25994389373970946252008-03-28T13:12:00.002Z2008-05-06T22:58:26.555+01:00

Aaaah, The Raconteurs. Their debut album release in 2006 called Broken Boy Soldiers wasn't too shabby. Songs like Steady As She Goes, Store Bought Bones and Hands rocked hard but had an air of pop sensibilities, similar in a sense to the work of Brendan Benson. The one main criticism I had with it though was that it was far, far too short (just over half an hour) and all the fun was over in a

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-84574665710765597942008-03-27T13:04:00.007Z2008-03-27T22:35:30.627Z

Photo courtesy of Elisa BryantPlastic Palace Alice, for those who didn't read my gleaming post about them two weeks ago, are an Australian six-piece who make epic, lush and beautiful music with some fittingly grandiose lyrics. On the 29th March, they'll release their debut, The Great Depression, in their own homeland. I'll be making sure that I get myself a copy on import!I was very lucky enough

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-20646084742772191842008-03-25T16:27:00.004Z2008-03-25T17:06:26.496Z

I hate major record labels. I'm sure most of you dear readers share the same hatrid. This makes me hate them even more.Be Your Own Pet have just put out their second album called Get Awkward. There's no hitches in the UK and European release but the American release is missing several songs. Why? Because Universal have taken issue with some of them. Universal said to the band either change the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-38333116994384109072008-03-25T11:01:00.004Z2008-03-25T11:59:57.727Z

I've always thought of Guilfest as the only real music festival that the county of Surrey has to offer. What it means is that every year I pay something like £80 to go to a festival that, whilst held with good intentions and a success every year, doesn't offer me much of the music I want to hear. There are only two bands really that I look forward to (last year it was Rodrigo y Gabriela and

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-39532683763372685982008-03-24T17:44:00.007Z2008-05-06T22:59:48.565+01:00

First, a disclaimer. I was stupidly ill before I went to the gig. A really, really bad cold which had left me with a sore and stuffy nose, a sore throat and, at points during the gig, a tendancy to just want to vomit. This fate was avoided thankfully. But yeah, if I have slight grievances that make me sound awfully grumpy then that might explain why.Of course, it wasn't just The Cure who I was

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-11168558642315552102008-03-19T12:53:00.006Z2008-05-14T02:37:07.488+01:00

This track is further proof that James Murphy is a genius. An utter genius. Big Ideas is a one-off track taken from the upcoming film 21. This song is typical LCD Soundsystem but one that could quite easily fit into Sound Of Silver. Layers build and build and build to turn this dance song into a pulsing riot of a tune. It's very much, in fact, like standout album track, All My Friends. This might

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-28944667888869295472008-03-18T17:33:00.003Z2008-03-18T18:01:53.622Z

It's out next week and it will be available everywhere and it will be titled Consolers Of The Lonely. And doesn't Jack look a bit weird with his new emo cut?They say in the press release (which can be seen on their Tron-like website) that there are 14 new recordings on the album, which I think is excellent news. I thought their 2006 debut, Broken Boy Soldiers, whilst a very solid album, was just

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-41878707797845211902008-03-14T18:29:00.006Z2008-03-20T11:22:21.729Z

I've only been to the London Astoria once, and that was when I saw Patrick Wolf nearly a year ago. It was an enjoyable time had by all (even me, which was amazing considering how struck down I was with illness). So imagine my sadness and slight anger when I found out today that Mayor Ken Livingstone has no intentions whatsoever to save the venue from fear of demolition.It's not so much the actual

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-69420007003826832142008-03-13T20:29:00.005Z2008-05-14T02:31:55.378+01:00

This is my current new favourite band. Hailing all the way from Melbourne in Aussieland, I managed to stumble acorss this band whilst reading the blogs A Reminder and Get Big, Little Kid (both brilliant blogs and recommended fully). I sort of like to think of them as a poppier, upbeat version of Arcade Fire. But then again, when you have a band that consists of six members, music that is lush and

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-82970362461330034662008-03-12T16:52:00.004Z2008-03-12T17:00:29.728Z

Nude will be the second single off the excellent In Rainbows. The CD will come with Down Is The New Up as a b-side and the vinyl will feature 4 Minute Warning. Both b-sides were songs that were available on the discbox issued out last year.That's all pretty conventional stuff, but apparently the single will also give fans a chance to remix Nude. That is all that has been said so far but it sounds

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-91867846136650795762008-03-12T11:19:00.006Z2008-03-12T12:03:48.823Z

Last night I had the oppurtunity to go and see the new Muse DVD at a Vue cinema in Fulham. This would be a screening in HD and surround sound. This was also, rather lazily it has to be said, a streaming from somewhere in Belgium. You could almost say it was a fancy version of a YouTube video. Whilst we were watching it the stream froze for about 5 seconds on three seperate occassions. Other than

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-78309618938624459502008-03-09T23:30:00.000Z2008-03-09T23:57:17.671Z

You might be asking why the hell I went to see Apocalyptica on Friday night, especially when you bare in mind that I hadn't heard any of their music apart from the comic extravanganza that was Eurovision 2007. It's simple really:1) My girlfriend is Finnish.2) A friend of my girlfriend flew in from Finland for a short holiday and we decided to give her an idea of the British gigging scene...by

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-57559039652669772852008-03-06T13:15:00.003Z2008-03-06T13:30:38.342Z

EMI has lost a lot of artists recently. That's pretty evident. Whilst I don't think that the loss of Art Brut will be as damaging for them as the loss of Radiohead and Paul McCartney, the reasons why the band have left are most certainly interesting.EMI decided to release a single from their second album, It's A Bit Complicated, entitled Pump Up The Volume. This was something that was done

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-74436277140729977992008-03-04T14:37:00.004Z2008-03-04T15:41:16.681Z

It was always going to be interesting to see what Trent Reznor would do after he broke free from Interscope last year. His last album under Nine Inch Nails, Year Zero, was a departure to a more electronically textured sound and came third in my Albums of 2007 list. I still hold it in high regards as one of the best albums that Nine Inch Nails has released.Which leads us to Ghosts. It' a 4-volume

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-7499497622217896142008-03-03T10:35:00.006Z2008-03-12T18:29:02.219Z

Trent Reznor has released a double album under the Nine Inch Nails guise, entitled Ghosts. I'm sure you've heard a lot about it right now. If not, then this link should explain it perfectly.It seems like he wants to learn from his experience with the Saul Williams download and add more options. This sounds like an album that would be awesome to keep on CD, so I'm glad it's being offered this time

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-39261960951590332392008-02-28T12:53:00.005Z2008-02-28T13:25:56.187Z

As an aspiring journalist, it would be rather weird if I didn't comment on the ongoing Black Crowes Vs Maxim row over a review of the former's latest album, even though the latter only heard one song. Unfortunately I haven't read the review because it's the US edition of Maxim.The problem is though, this sort of thing isn't new. I remember a couple of weeks ago whilst reading the NME to find that

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-61520287126880134032008-02-27T22:39:00.005Z2008-02-28T14:15:24.313Z

Today I had a chance to read an article on Rolling Stone's website, for some reason dated into the future (6th March 2008). It was a brief one about the plans that Guy Hands has up his sleeve for EMI. Many people were very critical of him for taking charge of a business in an industry he knows very little about and some wondered whether EMI would just collapse under his leadership.I'm starting to

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-15305858661249326052008-02-25T21:40:00.005Z2008-02-25T22:05:32.788Z

Dustin The Turkey - he is Ireland's Eurovision entry for 2008 with a song called Irlande Douze Pointe. This is someone who should win Eurovision.I hear you ask "But Max, this song is shite! Where have your musical values gone?!"It IS shite, and that's the entire point of the song. Eurovision has ceased to become a songwriter competition for years now. Last year, a Ukranian drag queen came close

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-70585824646606453842008-02-23T10:57:00.011Z2008-02-25T23:08:45.859Z

Just to add some context, the tour The Cribs are on (well, just finished actually since last night was the end of it all) is an NME tour that is supposed to also showcase three hotly-tipped new bands. It was also a bargain - only £20 for 4 bands.THE TING TINGSI think it is fair to say that I had low expectations of this band before they came on. I've read some pretty scathing reviews and I

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-9404846162265991632008-02-21T16:38:00.004Z2008-02-28T16:13:47.108Z

In the results for my Brit predictions, I did miserably. Only 3/11 predictions were correct. Shock horror...well, not really.I think I'm going to use this post to tell you what's happening in the next few days and the foreseeable future for Musical Chairs.I will be out tomorrow evening to see The Cribs finish off their NME-associated headlining tour of the UK at the Brixton Academy. Expect a

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-80152183351310903322008-02-20T17:23:00.004Z2008-02-20T17:37:01.991Z

Because nothing else has really happened today in the world of music. This is really a list of I want to win.BEST BRITISH MALE: Jamie T - One of the best albums of last year and quantum leaps ahead of the other nominess in regards to talent (apart from maybe Richard Hawley).BEST BRITISH FEMALE: Despite having heard not really heard much of their music, it will either be Bat For Lashes or PJ

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-68340852034879934372008-02-19T16:41:00.004Z2008-02-19T17:07:04.698Z

At least that is what Matt Bellamy, the guitarist, pianist, vocalist and outright weirdo of the three-piece is saying. He's already blabbered it out to Virgin Radio and to BBC 6 Music and it looks like they will definitely be confirmed for it on Thursday. It will be a fairly unusual gig for Muse standards. It looks like it will be all-seating and the capacity of just over 5,000 is relatively

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-79575196246151845702008-02-13T11:53:00.005Z2008-02-13T12:07:07.508Z

I think with the festival line ups starting to build, it's time to have some sort of update on who is playing where. Here are some recent updates:Download:A few more bands were added to the bill last night. Incubus, Alter Bridge and Coheed And Cumbria are the main draws but there are also bands with names like Children Of Bodom, In Flames and Disturbed.V Festival:One headliner got announced last

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-86096929605181919922008-02-13T11:02:00.005Z2008-02-13T12:20:30.927Z

Apparently so, according to Gigwise. They have spoken to 'sources' that are telling them that a band on the XL label, most likely The White Stripes, will play the Old Blue Last in Shoreditch (a very small venue) on March 3rd. If this is true, it will end up being an almost-similar affair to the surprise Radiohead show at 93 Feet East last month.If anything develops, you'll find out here.UPDATE:

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-32003297395808603732008-02-07T21:46:00.000Z2008-02-07T22:08:56.365Z

Quite frankly, R.E.M. could have made a new album based solely on Michael Stipe doing gangster hip hop over a banjo melody and, no matter how awful it would sound, it wouldn't be a patch on the atrocious effort of Around The Sun. It's a relief then that this, the first cut from their 14th studio album titled Accelerate, blows everything from their last album out of the water. It's going to back

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-21105424075705601682008-02-07T21:26:00.001Z2008-04-26T22:26:26.721+01:00

It's another one of those bands that wear their hearts on their sleeves, but this is one I genuinly like. Palace Fires are a four-piece from the capitcal city and, yes, they make soaring melodies and create big, anthemic finishes but they have enough charm and appeal to make me interested in them. At the moment they are supporting Travis on their UK tour but they will play a headlining show at

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-51486772109893975412008-02-07T18:47:00.000Z2008-02-08T07:43:00.419Z

This is a song that has emerged on the Interweb and certain radio stations recently. It's not the 'official' lead single off the new album, titled The Odd Couple, but it is a taster of what the new album should sound like. Like I said yesterday with the look at the new We Are Scientists track, if you liked the previous album then you will like this a lot. This is a typical Gnarls Barkley song -

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-7194169015340711932008-02-07T10:29:00.001Z2008-02-07T10:42:12.256Z

The White Stripes have found themselves in hot water, after a Canadian radio DJ is suing them for an unlawful use of a radio sample. The sample in question is a ten second clip from her show at the start of Jumble, Jumble off of De Stijl, the band's second album. Dominique Payette, the DJ, is looking for a $70,000 payment for 'violation of privacy' and an injuction to block the further releases

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-76043363849543701742008-02-07T10:12:00.000Z2008-02-07T10:19:21.523Z

Stumbled across this mini-trailer for the upcoming Muse DVD, on Play of all places, which I'm looking forward to a lot (I'm a big fan and I went to the Wembley shows). Notice the cool sort of coloring technique that's been used:MuseDIGG IT!

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-17593834217718359662008-02-06T22:40:00.000Z2008-02-06T22:57:19.848Z

The Music, a band who I refered to in my album preview post last month, are playing four intimate shows in the near future. And that is all I know for the time being. The dates will go up tomorrow morning on the band's official website at 9am along with links to buy tickets (which will be priced at £10 plus booking fees). This will be the first time that audiences can expect to hear new material

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-856268249636513612008-02-06T16:30:00.001Z2008-02-06T16:45:13.429Z

The new We Are Scientists single, After Hours, has recently hit the airwaves and I've now had the chance to listen to it. If you liked their last album then their's a good chance that you will like the new stuff as well judging by this song. The classic formula of good We Are Scientists songs has been tweaked slightly. There's a bit more instrumentation, with an acoustic guitar propelling the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-73299229351039960742008-02-06T15:04:00.000Z2008-02-06T15:10:04.570Z

This is a chucklesome piece of news. I'm hoping something like this does not happen at the Boileroom later this month!Glasvegas

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-83384077364788951042008-02-06T13:38:00.000Z2008-02-06T13:51:47.772Z

Looks like the new Coldplay album is still a long way off from being finished. More to the point, it will not be called Prospekt, which was an album title widely speculated in the media. However, in a message on the band's official website, after the re-recording of one song and ten more mixes the new album should be done. They said it will be another month before it's finished but...ten mixes

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-71995135974982767482008-01-31T11:45:00.000Z2008-02-06T13:53:26.215Z

But it isn't. The Feeling are still producing music that makes me want to go outside and hope that the wind that is raging havoc at the moment propels far enough to the point where you just can't listen to them.DIGG IT!

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-21190137390840736882008-01-29T15:16:00.000Z2008-02-06T13:54:06.362Z

Patrick Wolf is to release a DVD. Yay! The DVD is made from his end of year finale shows at the Shepherd's Bush Empire. Double yay!In a blog post on his MySpace profile, the film will be directed by Brantley Gutierrez and a shortened form of the film will be broadcast on a Virgin television channel soon. No release date has yet been mentioned.It will be interesting to see what the show was like,

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-66441519009799225952008-01-28T21:54:00.000Z2008-02-06T13:54:41.988Z

My Morning Jacket have finally announced the name of their new album. The follow up to the 2005 album 'Z' will be titled 'Evil Urges' and will get a US release date of June 10th. The UK will probably get it around the same time.The band are also playing five dates in America over the next few months - so far at least - although three of them are festival shows. Hopefully they'll come over here

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-27871850902333338922008-01-26T00:05:00.000Z2008-02-06T13:55:28.929Z

This has broken in the last couple of hours. It looks as if Morrissey has thrown the rest of his Roundhouse residency into doubt. Read the full story at NME.com.Morrissey official website

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-58662746202275654842008-01-25T16:39:00.000Z2008-02-06T14:54:34.818Z

When I did my look back of my albums of 2007, I was thinking about the possibility of adding a seperate Tracks of 2007 list. In the end I decided against it and instead just named a key track under each of my choices in the albums list.I've now had a change of heart.Albeit a month late, the reason why I've done is mainly because there were many other good albums of last year. So one to highlight

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-12734451167914783252008-01-24T10:59:00.000Z2008-01-24T11:52:03.365Z

Last FM, a social networking site that allows you to see what other people are listening to and offers radio and streaming services based on that user's tastes and other features, have announced that they have gone on-demand. They managed to sign a deal with all the four big labels (EMI, Sony BMG, Warners, and Universal) and with hundreds of smaller independent labels to allow huge volumes of

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-10754646589561684552008-01-21T15:26:00.000Z2008-02-06T14:57:09.754Z

Better late than never, the albums that I'm looking forward to this year.Franz Ferdinand - The sound on the album is said to be a bit more synth driven but one thing is for sure, it will definitely be by far a different record from their previous two. I can understand why people didn't like their second album (main reason being 'more of the same') but I liked the songs enough to let Franz off the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-12987621399124915112008-01-18T00:37:00.000Z2008-01-18T00:50:59.757Z

Earlier today, someone messaged me on my Last FM profile, asking if I wanted to appear on Belgian radio to speak about the Radiohead surprise gig. After I was assured that this was a proper radio station (namely Studio Brussel), I spoke to the presenter of a program called Volt for an interview. So, if you want to hear me babble on about the gig (in English, not Dutch, since I don't know the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-82153772108153576492008-01-17T14:00:00.000Z2008-02-06T15:01:37.426Z

Let's start at the beginning.So yesterday morning after we had watched Jeremy Kyle I was checking my news feeds and I stumbled across the news of yesterday's Radiohead gig. For the next hour, I was absolutely torn as to whether to go or not. Purely for the reason that if I went and didn't get into the gig I would be quite disappointed...but in the end, me and my girlfriend decided to go for it.

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-43816596110502901582007-12-31T11:54:00.000Z2008-02-06T19:11:20.981Z

It seems fair that on the last day of 2007 that I share with you the ten albums that I enjoyed listening to this year in ascending order.Arcade Fire - Neon BibleIt was a difficult call but this, the second album by Montreal group the Arcade Fire, just edges it. Making an album better than their debut album, Funeral, is no mean feat when you consider how much of a great record it was. There's not

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-49519022275950496712007-11-28T19:20:00.000Z2008-02-06T19:12:11.099Z

After a brief happy spell of three and a half years, the NME and Morrissey have once again locked horns over an interview that was published in today's issue. In the interview, which details Morrissey's views on immigration in a detailed way, the NME question his views on the subject.This news story details the whole saga quite well.To be honest, I have beefs with both subjects.In regards to

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-35933175040527273972007-11-19T17:09:00.000Z2008-02-06T19:12:40.371Z

So today, Radio 1 announced that the Foo Fighters will be playing Wembley Stadium next June (the 6th to be exact). You would think that, as a Nirvana, Foos and Grohl fan, I would jump at the chance to get tickets.Well I'm not.It is absolutely nothing to do with the band themselves. I'm pretty sure that they will put on a brilliant show at Wembley. Since their brilliant Live Earth performance, I'm

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-10515901756966360422007-10-30T20:25:00.000Z2008-02-06T19:13:15.147Z

All-round British eccentric Patrick Wolf sure is busy these days. A few months ago he revealed that he was already working on a follow up for 'The Magic Position' to be released next year. Last week, he announced a special Christmas show at Shepherd's Bush in London. Yesterday, he announced that he now has his own record label.The label, called Bloody Chamber Music, has one act called The Craig

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-9843632715356440862007-10-26T10:36:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:13:51.008Z

Yesterday churned out another relatively interesting development in this 'free music for all' period. Saul Williams, whose album was produced and mixed by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, is releasing a new album in a similar way to Radiohead.Trent posted a message on Nine Inch Nail's official website yesterday explaining the details of the release. Like the release of 'In Rainbows' by Radiohead,

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-38602672978076540742007-10-25T20:33:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:14:21.770Z

The Verve became the latest band to ride the wave of 'free music downloads for all' on Monday when they released their first demo since reforming as a band. If you want to download it, click this link, fill in the form and you'll receive a link to get the download from.Since 'Urban Hymns' and the band's splitting up, I wasn't that keen on what happened afterwards though. Richard Ashcroft's solo

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-15429726069843742502007-10-22T14:22:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:14:39.084Z

I thought I'd recommend a couple of bands. They have both played the Boileroom in Guildford at some point in the last year but that is where the similarities end.SixNationState I went into their gig not knowing what they would sound like. I certainly did not expect the explosive energy that they displayed!Thankfully, this five-piece, originally from Southampton but now based in Reading, do

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-67155018915903965622007-10-15T14:58:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:14:56.822Z

It seems like a very general subject for a blog post. Perhaps too simple. But please don't click the back button on your browser.I understand the intentions of musicians who do get political. It's usually either to raise awareness for a certain issue, raise money, represent the so-called 'united' views of a country etc. The people who will tend to believe these artists the most will be the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-58593806930157598282007-10-12T18:31:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:15:14.618Z

I'm sure you'll know about the MTV Europe Music Awards. It's another one of those music awards that claim to be worth it but is clearly not (although if you were lucky enough to see lasers during Muse's performance of 'Starlight' last year then at least four minutes of it were).To make it even worse, they've re-named the awards. And they sound so bad. Rock Out. Ultimate Urban. Inter Act. I mean,

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-85820285528677757982007-10-12T17:48:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:15:18.019Z

The song in question is 'Like I Love You' (his breakthrough solo song I think) and I don't like it. Justin Timberlake is a pop artist who I find credible. I don't have any of his albums but some of his past singles have been great and 'Sexyback' is an amazing pop song.The cover by Maximo Park features on the Radio 1 Est 1967 compilation. The premise is that a top artist of the current day gets a

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-83126475657534735732007-10-12T07:26:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:15:33.885Z

It came out smoothly on Wednesday. Here is my track-by-track verdict:15 StepThe recorded version is not really changed from the live versions. It's a good thing because it was one of the new songs that probably didn't even need changing. As good as it ever was and perhaps the most danceable song on the album.BodysnatchersWould quite possibly be the first single if there were any for this record.

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-288062097277514412007-10-09T18:59:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:16:44.366Z

Finally, Green Day have broken their silence and have spoken about the recording process for their 8th studio album. Billie Joe has said in Rolling Stone:We have a lot of music - something like 45 songs... It's total chaos... I want to dig into who I am and what I'm feeling at this moment - which is middle-aged. "We've been doing this for almost 20 years now. You want to make sure you're being

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-22168179042324168832007-10-09T15:33:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:18:49.404Z

A list of winners:Breakthrough Artist - Kate NashQ Icon - Paul McCartneyBest Act In The World Today - Arctic MonkeysQ Idol - Kylie MinogueQ Inspiration Award - Damon AlbarnQ Legend - Ian BrownQ Classic Songwriter - Billy BraggBest Live Act - MuseBest Album - Amy Winehouse - 'Back To Black'Q Hero - Anthony H. WilsonQ Lifetime Achievement - Johnny MarrQ Merit - Ryan AdamsQ Innovation In Sound -

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-8257017004567206122007-10-06T10:45:00.000+01:002007-10-06T17:21:54.858+01:00

A quick round up of things that I haven't yet wrote about this week...Broken Social Scene are to release a book. It's going to detail their rise to indie fame and will feature contributions from Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning, Jason Collett and other band members. These kind of books tend to be very interesting reads, so watch out for it next year hopefully.There was a nice article in the

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-36891065164919857352007-10-05T14:33:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:20:14.628Z

Arcade Fire have been updating their website, and at the same time are being very cryptic. All that is on the homepage is a message that tells visitors to come back on October 6th (that's tomorrow). The Internet has been buzzing with guesses as to what the band are going to reveal.This could well be the secret. James Murphy, the man behind LCD Soundsystem, has expressed an open desire to produce

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-11358601282162383762007-10-02T11:22:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:21:00.230Z

Anyway, the big news in music is the new Radiohead album. I'm sure most of you know the deal but I'll summarise for those who don't.'In Rainbows' is out on Wednesday 10th October through Radiohead's site as a download-only album. However, the band has let the consumer choose how much they want to pay for the album. You could pay a tenner, a fiver or a quid for it - it's up to you.Fans can also

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-69333272508864790722007-09-26T15:45:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:22:03.274Z

Looks like Johnny Borrell has found something new to whine about – his record label. He is quoted in The Mirror newspaper to be unhappy, saying only "We pretty much had no effort whatsoever. It's been very frustrating." Ok, maybe The Mirror isn’t the best source of news information but Borrell perhaps has a good reason to be angry. Here’s a link to a post by Lyndsey Parker in her blog on NME’s

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2633905056194208610.post-6365837423026392192007-09-26T14:35:00.000+01:002008-02-06T19:22:29.567Z

After months and months of waiting, we may not have to wait too long for concrete information about the next Radiohead record. Over the last few days on the band's official website, they've been posting very cryptic messages using what they call the 'worm buffet'. Predictably, Radiohead fans have been spending day and night decoding these messages. So far, this is what has been seemingly '

Max Raymondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975856944555724589noreply@blogger.com0