Mercury Music Prize Nominations 2011!

With a list that has shaped up to be a tried and tested list of commercial or critical successes, the Mercury Music Prize appears more formulaic by the year. There’s the usual  lonely jazz act, and the odd leftfield artist, amidst the rather obvious selections. Similarly, it also appears that many great choices have been neglected, or more likely snubbed: The Horrors, Radiohead, Wild Beasts, Esben and the Witch, Joy Formidable, SBTRKT etc., leaving a decidedly mixed selection. There are however some great suggestions, so here are my opinions on the twelve nominations for this year’s Mercury Music Prize, the winner of which will be revealed on 7 September.

 


King Creosote and Jon Hopkins – Diamond Mine 


Diamond Mine is the beautiful collaborative album between Scottish singer-songwriter King Creosote, and electronic artist, Jon Hopkins. The result is a strange but wonderful almost soundscape album, described by King Creosote himself as the ‘soundtrack to a romanticised version of a life lived in a Scottish coastal village’, The album is an amalgamation of King Creosote songs, and recordings of sounds, from the chattering of Scottish women, to the chinking together of cups. This is then layered over Hopkins backdrops of serene and psuedo-Eno music. At only seven tracks, the album is short, but the result, especially listened to as an album in its entirety, is a pleasure which little music can deliver today. A little leftfield to scoop the prize?

PJ Harvey – Let England Shake 


Having won the Mercury award back in 2001, PJ Harvey is back and already a frontrunner in the stakes so far. The album, focusing on her home land and World War I was recorded in Dorset in a 19th Century church on a cliff side, overlooking the sea. That appears to be the atmosphere created and encapsulated in this album, an air of mystery, ambiguity, and mistiness, whilst the music seems to have that effortless drawl that is strangely appealing. From the strange, out of time and out of tune trumpet reveille to the dingy lyrics capturing Harvey’s feelings: ‘The damp grey filthiness of ages, fog rolling down behind the mountains and on the graveyards and dead sea captains’, Let England Shake establishes itself as an interesting and emotional concept album.

Anna Calvi – Anna Calvi 


Gothy, velvety and dramatic vocals from alto, rouge-lipped, slightly scary Anna Calvi on her debut album. There are however distinctive parallels between her and PJ Harvey’s work, which seems a little strange that both would be nominated for the prize. The atmosphere is there, the concepts, the drama, but Harvey’s album sounds more mature, more established. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but despite the parallels, I imagine that people will have a strong favourite between Calvi and Harvey, and not enjoy the two. In the album’s own right though, Anna Calvi is a powerhouse of spooky and imposing tracks which leaves the listener half way between impressed and unnerved. 

Ghostpoet – Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam 


What a debut. The out-of-leftfield album from Obaro 'Ghostpoet' Ejimiwe is certainly like nothing that has been heard  in a while. The lazy and relaxed delivery coupled with lyrics dealing with his individuality: ‘Other MCs want to talk about crime... but that ain’t me’, as well as Brit culture: ‘I heard it in a TV programme, so it must be right, right?’. There are no horrific egotistical musings, or talks of ‘booty‘, rather a strange self deprecation and relatable set of lyrics that provide the listener with much more food for thought than the average MC. It is refreshing to see a nomination such as Ghostpoet’s on the Mercury list. Not an expected winner or a frontrunner, but a great album nonetheless.   

Tinie Tempah – Disc-overy  


He clearly connects with the mass market, but with lyrics that clearly have been lifted straight out of a rhyming dictionary, it baffles me as to why. With a generation that appears to champion predictable, egotistical, and unnecessarily vulgar lyrics and music, Tinie Tempah certainly follows suit in this respect. The depth of his lyrics move through the profound and philosophical ideas of clubbing, women, and drinking, oh, and murder: ‘My neighbours keep getting murdered, so we sleep with the alarm’. Granted, a couple of tracks are catchy at best, but up against most if not all of the other albums nominated, Disc-overy just doesn’t match up. 

Metronomy – The English Riviera 


The sound of seagulls is not something I would usually encourage for the opening of an album, their annoying cawing most often reserved for trips to the beach. However, in Metronomy’s case, this sets up their Torbay-themed album up nicely. After the last indie-electro party album, Nights Out, The English Riviera is a little more Daft Punk, and more than a little sunshine-y. However, despite the differences between the albums, there are some consistencies. The twisted rhythms still remain, and the catchy and insistent drum patterns prevail. The overall mood and atmosphere of the album resembles happy-go-lucky surf-rock turned electro. A good album, but with some flaws and weaker tracks. 

Adele – 21 


Southern soul, upbeat pop songs, and heart-wrenching ballads, 21 delivers on all counts of a great pop album. There is no denying that Adele has an incredible voice, with some gorgeous facets - the breaks you can hear in emotional lines and the slight growls, all adding to the conveyance of the lyrics. This is an album that takes you through many emotions. It will be played after a painful breakup, and yet songs such as ‘One and Only’ are perfect first-dance at a wedding songs. After 19 however, there appears to be a little hole where the real rawness once stood. Adele is a great female artist but maybe this choice is a little obvious to scoop the prize? 

Katy B – On a Mission 


Now for those of you a little precious about your Dubstep, you will probably get all angry and wobbly, however, Katy B’s debut is a mainstream and popular dubstep album. This year she has had top 5 singles, and has made a name for herself in her own right, despite the trend of dance tracks to use unheard of, and certainly one-off vocalists. Katy’s dance credibility is reinforced by her links with DJ Zinc, Geeneu and Benga, who produced her album. The album moves freely through different genres of dance music, highlighting that this is not merely a glorified pop album with an awkward attempt to drag in some unwilling dance fans. Maybe a surprise and unexpected winner?

James Blake - James Blake 


After being placed second in the BBC Sound of 2011 poll, things were looking promising for James Blake. His cover of Leslie Feist’s ‘Limit To Your Love’ was everywhere, however on release, meekly waved to the world at number 39 in the charts, before promptly disappearing just one week later. So, after the slightly negative start in the world of auto-tuned pop music, what can James Blake offer to the world? Well, he has jumped on the auto-tune band-wagon, but in inconceivable and new ways. His album, influenced by dubstep and glitch-hop is not a particularly easy listen, but it is a good listen. There are the highs, he has certainly picked his singles well, but in other areas, it falls a little flat. There are so many good ideas in there that are trying to get out, but some are clearly struggling. Perhaps he will firmly find his feet on a second album, and hopefully the nomination will ensure he continues to experiment. It is certainly refreshing to hear something different. 

Elbow – Build a Rocket Boys 


After their win in 2008 with fourth studio album, The Seldom Seen Kid, Elbow’s success and fame has gone from strength to strength. Now, in 2011, Build a Rocket Boys is back in the Mercury Shortlist. So does it have a strong chance again? Although the sensible thing is not always the best or the most fun to do, Elbow have carried on from where they left off, condensing and exploiting the best parts of their previous effort into their new album. Nothing is ground-shaking or ridiculously innovative, but this is a strength rather than a weakness. Cue the anthemic and soaring choruses, orchestrated tracks, and the appearance of some heavier, rockier guitars. However, with a relatively recent win, does this effectively rule Elbow out of the running? I certainly hope not.

Everything Everything – Man Alive 


The frenetic and almost manic indie-pop sounds of Everything Everything have secured their debut album, Man Alive, a spot on the Mercury shortlist. From the amazing tongue-in-cheek ‘misheard’ lyrics of Suffragette Suffragette ‘Who’s gonna sit on your face when I’m gone?’, to the glitchy melodies and wild vocal deliverance from lead singer Jonathan Higgs. The album is an aural whirlwind of exciting existential crises, funky rhythmic bass, and discordant harmonies. Not one for a quiet night in, but a fantastic debut and one of the top nominations for me.

Gwilym Simcock - Good Days At Schloss Elmau 


Classically trained pianist and composer, Gwilym Simcock is this year’s unexpected choice. Last year we found The Kit Downes Trio in a similar position. When it was decided to include one ‘wild card’, jazzy and unusual choice every year? This however suggests unhappiness about this very decision. The only unhappiness is that it is unfortunately hugely unlikely that Simcock will take home the prize this year, despite having an interesting and exciting album consisting of an interesting blur between classical and jazz. Working his way through Chetham’s music school, achieving a first at The Royal Academy of Music, being commissioned to compose and perform his work at the Proms in 2008, having a stack of awards to his name, and a rather extensive discography, Simcock will hopefully gain a larger, mainstream following from his nomination. A great album consisting of some wonderful free jazz, bluesy melancholy, and some obscurely classical modulations and melodies. 

The King Of Limbs Newspaper Album Revealed (photos)

So, the day has finally arrived. A knock at the door, a package delivered. I actually thought it was my new set of professional chef's knives... However, Christmas has come early and my shiny King Of Limbs 'Newspaper Album' has been delivered, nearly two weeks early.

Many reports are already circling around the internet, so to dispel the rumours, here it is, in photos. The whole lot, nothing hidden:

From one of the pages

A note on the packaging:

The paper used to print this newspaper is approximately 30% recycled material. 

Newspaper is made by a mechanical milling process, without the chemical processes that are often used to remove lignin from the pulp. This lignin cases the paper to rapidly become brittle and yellow when exposed to air and sunlight, mirroring the inexorable decay of all things.

This newspaper will not stand the test of time, it is most definitely not archival quality.

The board used for the record sleeve, inner sleeves and CD wallet is PEFC certified which indicates responsibly sourced material. It should last a little longer than the newspaper. 

The blotting paper used for the additional gift item is FSC certified, but again is not of archival quality.

The plastic film used to wrap the newspaper and the record is ‘oxo-biodegradable’ or OBD plastic. This is plastic to which has been added very small amounts of metal salts. These catalyze the natural degradation process to speed it up, so that the OBD plastic will degree to produce water, carbon dioxide and biomass. Conventional polyethylene and polypropylene plastics will typically take hundreds of years to degrade. The process is shortened with OBD plastic from hundreds of years to years and months.

However, despite the carefully chosen short-lifespan nature of the packaging for this record, it is hoped that they will be retained rather than discarded, as with care the materials used will outlive the owner.

So the rumours circulating about extra vinyls and extra C.D.’s, I’m sorry to disappoint but that’s all there is. 

People will take satisfaction in the hope that an extra package will come out once a season, or we’ll keep getting emailed ‘free’ tracks, and who knows. Maybe that will all come true.

But maybe, just maybe, this is it. And soon, 'mirroring the inexorable decay of things', all that you'll have left in your hand will be the C.D. and the vinyl, and a set of cracking tunes.  

EUREKA. I've finally found the key to guaranteed musical success...

Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve your wildest dreams...

1. Be a young teenage girl (preferably 13... definitely not old enough to drink, drive, or go to parties).

2. Have your 'mom' pay $2000 (or the stirling equivalent) to a 'credible' songwriter.

3. Have said songwriter compose a song about monotonous every day tasks, taking specific measures to detail what you had for breakfast and what you did when you got out of bed. 

4. Ensure the lyrics include hip and cool sayings such as 'jack my swag'. Talk about awesome and relevant things such as the days of the week, and your new jeans. 

5. Make a video of you partying with your underage friends; driving illegally in your car; dancing awkwardly with your less attractive friends; and generally looking like you're all having a super-cool-wikedly mediocre time. 

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhz8vx6GHf1qziw1wo1_250.gif

6. Have an unknown rap artist feature in your video and rap about how amazing you are, and teaching people to count to three et cetera. 

7. Auto-tune the hell out of the song. 

8. Enjoy the success, fame, money, and hatred that comes your way. 

Friday - Rebecca Black




My Jeans - Jenna Rose & Baby Triggy 2010




I Whip My Hair Back and Forth - Willow Smith

Review: The Go! Team, Rolling Blackouts

Brighton sextet, The Go! Team have always been one for combining a myriad of genres. Their mix of soul, funk, old school hip hop, noise pop, Bollywood soundtracks, indie, garage rock, and playground-style chanting has always left them floating between genres, unable to be pigeonholed or labelled. They’ve supported acts as diverse as My Bloody Valentine to Kevin Shields, and have been commissioned to remix tracks for Hot Chip and Bloc Party. The Go! Team utilise both live instruments and samples in their tracks, and despite Ninja, Tsuchida and Fukami-Taylor taking the majority of vocals, the band have enlisted many guest vocalists on past albums.

It is now a whole seven years since The Go! Team’s full-length debut album Thunder, Lightning, Strike, was released, receiving widespread critical acclaim, comparisons to the likes of Simian Mobile Disco, 2 Many DJs and Soulwax, and a rather tasty Mercury Prize nomination. Can new effort, the notoriously difficult third-album, Rolling Blackouts, attain the same level of success?

Guest vocalists on this album include Deerhoof’s Satomi Matsuzaki on the exceedingly poppy Secretary Song, a track best suited to an image of happy teenagers skipping along the beach in a polkadot bikinis in fast forward and sepia, and Best Coast’s Beth Cosentino on Buy Nothing Day, a slightly more laid back and surfer-esque effort, diverting from the band’s usual zany and outlandish eccentricities, probably due to the slight drawl of Cosentino’s vocals.

The discordant and Beastie Boys-esque opener, T.O.R.N.A.D.O. is exceedingly frantic and features the distinctive rap vocals of Ninja. Jolly and shimmery Apollo Throwdown appears to be reminiscing the Seventies, and could easily have been produced by Justice. Fourth track, Ready to Go Steady has distinct echoes of breezy, dreamy and slightly hazy 60s pop, whilst the Brass-heavy and completely juxtaposing instrumental track Bust-Out Brigade could be a piece of film music.Seventh track, the twee and oddly relaxing Super Triangle is arguably the first instance the listener will get to take a breath in the whole record. The more mellow and dreamy atmosphere now established continues with Voice Yr Choice. Yosemite Theme provides a tribute to one of the pioneers of hip-hop and duck rock, Malcolm McLaren. The Running Range is a more guitar heavy track, enlisting the help of more brass stabs and heavy percussion. Slightly out of place piano solo, Lazy Poltergeist commands a moment of reflection, and perhaps confusion, before the album launches into the Rolling Blackouts, which arguably sounds the most like a ‘pop song’, with guitar riffs aplenty and hazy vocals reminiscent of Emily Haines. The album concludes with modern day fused with the Sixties track, Back Like 8 Track, highlighting that The Go! Team won’t confine themselves to a specific genre, or indeed a specific era.

Ian Parton, the band’s principle songwriter has described Rolling Blackouts as ‘the most eclectic record we’ve done. It’s all over the shop’. It has also been hinted that this will be the last effort from the band. The difficult third album has been an interesting and chaotic whirlwind of tracks (thirteen in just forty minutes!), and if the band do decide to part ways, they have done so with an album that defies the norm with their continually different and captivating approach to orchestration and songwriting. The infectious hand-clapping, sunshine, and optimism that exudes from this album by the bucket-load is almost impossible to dislike, despite the slight uneasy feeling that you’ve heard it all before.

Radiohead Conspiracy Theories...

Blog Post: Radiohead Conspiracy Theories

The other day I found myself scouring the internet for reviews of Radiohead’s new album The King Of Limbs. It has often been said that Radiohead fans tend to have a spot of the obsessive about them, and with the latest release, this obsession seems to be taking hold. I’ve always put myself in the category of slightly-too-keen, but some of this goes a little far even for me: 

1. Radiohead are planning to release three separate albums with the physical copy of The King of Limbs as it contains two vinyls and a C.D.. This is probably the least crazy idea suggested, as with 2007s release In Rainbows, there was an entire other album on disc two. However, perhaps a little greedy folks? 
2. There MUST be a second album because on the website, the order tracking says TKOL1, so everyone’s waiting for TKOL2. This is a little odd and secretive, but definitely not a reason to get up and dance like Thom just yet (see point four). 
3. There is a secret second album hidden on everyone’s hard drive already, waiting to reveal itself on a separate date, maybe Easter, for a super special Easter present... O.K., now we’re heading into the slightly more desperate. If this was true, I can imagine a computer-skilled-Radiohead-obsessive would have discovered said hidden album by now. Surely that’s enough conspiracy theories for now? Apparently not.
4. There’s hardly any guitar on the album, so they’ll obviously release a guitar-heavy album to compliment it... So according to this fan, Radiohead must adhere to the same sound of previous albums to satisfy him? 
5. The penultimate lyrics of the album are ‘If you think this is over, then you’re wrong’. This is something Radiohead would arguably do, a little snippet of things to come, but is it too obvious? 
6. Thom Yorke is dancing happily in the video for Lotus Flower which must highlight that Radiohead are really happy because they’ve been secretive and no-one’s figured out their plan to release another album... Maybe he’s just a happy kinda guy that likes to make slightly odd videos? 
7. One commenter on NME’s website believes he resized and saved a JPEG of the artwork, and this magically caused it to change the entire colour scheme, which he believes to be the artwork of this mysterious second album. Not that I tried this myself or anything, but I think it only worked for him...

Dare I suggest that there are just a lot of disappointed Radiohead fans out there? Eight tracks and nearly four years just doesn’t add up in the Radiohead to amount-of-tracks-we-deserve-as-loyal-fans fairness ratio. 

Or maybe we’ve all been spoilt in the past by the mysteries of the ‘pay-what-you-like’ for In Rainbows, and just want something more. 

Frankly, I think The King of Limbs is a wonderful album which gets better as it goes along. Having heard a live recording of Give Up The Ghost several months ago, I couldn’t wait to see if they’d pop it on the album. I think it’s one of the most haunting and beautiful tracks they’ve ever produced. The album touches at some of the obscurity and experimental nature of previous efforts, but arguably doesn’t cover any new ground.  

Who knows if any of the above conspiracy theories will prove to be true? 

It would be wonderful if they were all correct, but as always with Radiohead, they will keep quiet until the last second, let the conspiracists talk and mutter amongst themselves, and we’ll just have to wait and see. 

It’s a pretty genius publicity stunt.

There are too many amazing unsigned acts around at the moment.

After a couple of weeks of trawling through Myspace/LastFM/SoundCloud pages in a vague attempt to source songs for my radio show on BurnFM, and exhausting hours of what should be spent on my dissertation (eugh), things have started to pick up!

Frankie Ward – ex Uni. of Birmingham student, and producer/presenter extraordinaire of a show on Amazing Radio www.amazingradio.com (A national DAB station promoting unsigned and upcoming artists) got in touch and forwarded a lovely email to her contacts.

This email has resulted in an abundance of artists, labels, and managers getting in touch and wanting me to play their bands and artists on my show, and indeed play gigs for LUMSoc (Live and Unsigned Music Society)! How exciting.

There is some SERIOUS talent out there boys and girls, and although it’s been difficult to find some of it up until now, I’m hoping it will continue to flock to me in the same way as it has done this week.

Check out the following (you’ll thank me):

Polarsets:



A ‘deep-disco’ band from Newcastle. Exceedingly catchy and with an interesting Ibiza-esque vibe going on, they’re just that little bit different.

http://www.soundcloud.com/search?q%5Bfulltext%5D=polarsets

Ajimal:



Their track ‘Wolf’ is genuinely one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time. Composed about Hermann Hesse’s ‘Steppenwolf’ – it is truly beautiful, lyrically and musically.

http://www.soundcloud.com/ajimal

Stanley:

An awesome band from Aberdeen, the singer’s voice is really interesting and their new single, ‘Monkeys and Friends’ is pretty amazing.

http://www.myspace.com/iamstanley

Ex Libras:



A London post-break beat band with echoes of 65 Days of Static, this trio of Ex-librarians (hence the name) are definitely one to look out for.

http://www.myspace.com/exlibmusic

Tune in to www.burnfm.com every Friday from 6-7pm to hear my newest selection of the biggest and best unsigned talent around...

It really saddens me that so much completely and utterly talentless drivel ends up forced down our ears and throats via mass media, when there are so many of these talented bands and artists out there that will maybe never get the chance to progress any further than to the select few people who actively seek them out.

Seriously, how do you break into the music industry? What makes a musical monstrosity (strong words boys and girls) like ‘Chipmunk’ or ‘N-Dubz’ appeal to so many people, but so many talented bands struggle to make the cut?
Answers on a postcard please.

Mercury Music Prize Nominations 2010!

And so, another year, another Mercury Music Prize nomination list.

Out today, there’s the usual ‘albums-that-have-been-everywhere-so-they-must-be-nominated’ (catchy, I know), and the token jazzy ‘album-that-next-to-no-one-will-have-heard-of-so-the-whole-affair-isn’t-too-mainstream’ (again, catchy), coming this year from, Kit Downes Trio.

So, here’s how the twelve albums shape up in my eyes:

Biffy Clyro ‘Only Revolutions‘

I like it but I don’t love it compared to earlier albums from the hairy Scottish rockers… There’s some really great individual tracks That Golden Rule, but some that don’t really live up to the mark God and Satan.

Corinne Bailey Rae ‘The Sea’

I read a comment that Corrine Bailey Rae is a boring Amy Winehouse, and I have to agree. I think it’s the whiney voice that does it. Listening to an entire album of her ‘whimsical’ and ‘airy’ tones and indeterminable lyrics, no thank you.

Dizzee Rascal ‘Tongue N’ Cheek’

I just can’t fathom why this has been nominated. Last effort, ‘Boy in Da Corner’ maybe. This however, no.

Foals ‘Total Life Forever’

I like this album a lot. I feel however that like their first album it can get a little old after many listens.

I Am Kloot ‘Sky At Night’

Very Mancs… but not necessarily in the best way. I enjoy listening to this album whilst I’m doing something else, but I really want it to go somewhere and stop me in my tracks.

Kit Downes Trio ‘Golden’

Hello token jazz entry. A little morose, but they are a talented bunch…

Laura Marling ‘I Speak Because I Can’

Lots of folk, and lots of self-confessing from Laura Marling’s second effort. A very ‘listener-friendly’ album with some fabulous stand out tracks. It’s definitely an album that you can listen intently too and enjoy every track.

Mumford & Sons ‘Sigh No More’

Well, well, well. Mumford and Sons – a current bone of contention in many a conversation for me. I’ve always hated the ‘I heard of that band before you and now they’re big I’ve gone off them’ people, but, after a tip off from a friend (who usually gets it right might I add) about a year and a half ago about these guys, I loved them from that moment. However, the not so great songs from the album being stuck on repeat on EVERY radio station, and the best tracks (I Gave You All, and White Blank Page) seemingly forgotten in a blur of mandolins and aggressively-played banjos, I’ve kinda had enough.

Paul Weller ‘Wake Up the Nation’

I don’t really have an insightful and informed opinion on this album, I just don’t really like it. The title track annoys me hugely – especially the rhyme ‘Wake up the nation, shake up the station’. The attempt at alternative ‘quirky’ piano bashing in ‘Fast car/slow traffic’ annoys me also. My verdict - Annoying.

The XX ‘XX’

Not a huge surprise that this album’s featured on the list of nominations. The ‘XX’ have been catapulted into the mainstream and forced down our ears for the entire year. Don’t get me wrong, I like the XX and I like this album, but I feel it’s a little hypocritical when I constantly get told Radiohead are depressing… These guys could seriously drag you down. Probably a front runner, although with Speech De Belle’s surprising (and horrifically misjudged) win last year, I suppose you just don’t know. Speaking of Speech De Belle, where is she now?

Villagers ‘Becoming a Jackal’

An incredible album from this hugely talented band from Dublin. Haunting and captivating, lyrically interesting, and musically, just great, raw song writing. You need to experience these boys live too!

I just want this album to win. Meaning of the Ritual and I Saw the Dead are two of the best songs I have heard in a long time.

Wild Beasts ‘Two Dancers’

A little ‘yodelly’, but a good effort from Wild Beasts. It works well as an album in its entirety. You’ll recognize Underbelly from the Santander adverts.

Interview with Seb Rochford, front-man and drummer of Jazz group ‘Polar Bear’.

I talk 'Mostly Jazz Festival', abandoned babies, and eclectic influences from Beethoven to Prince, with the hugely talented drummer, Seb Rochford.

Although he fronts 'Polar Bear', Seb has drummed with Babyshambles, with David Byrne and Brian Eno, and recently with Corrine Bailey Rae and Jazz legend, Herbie Hancock. He also has a pretty awesome 'fro.





Are you guys looking forward to playing the Mostly Jazz festival this year in Moseley? How did you get involved with it?

Yes we’re really looking forward to it. We always enjoy playing in Birmingham! The organizers of the festival just asked us and we said yes!

Are you playing any other festivals or big gigs this summer?

We’re playing some festivals this summer, and in places we haven’t played before, like Denmark, Slovakia, and Sweden. It’s looking like a really fun summer!

You’ve been described as every type of jazz under the sun... what would you personally describe yourselves and your sound as?

It is always difficult to say what you do and what your sound is, as your perception is different to everyone else's. But, I hope that people find it melodic, sometimes dark, sometimes happy, freeing, and surprising.

Have you got any particular individuals, bands, or artists that have really influenced you?

Yes I'm always looking for new music to enjoy so my influences change often... in the last few years I’ve been listening mostly to grime, and in the last year or two I’ve been getting into funky house. In all honesty I'm pretty open to anything I like! I also like ‘Bear in Heaven’, ‘Daughters’, ‘Shortstuff’, ‘Wild Birds’ and ‘Peacedrums’. People that have influenced me for a long time though are ‘Beethoven’, ‘Thelonious Monk’, ‘Stevie Wonder’, ‘Slayer’, and ‘Prince’.

How did you guys come together as a band?

We all met gradually! I think Pete and Tom studied together but I met Pete first, then Tom, then Mark, and a couple of years later I met John.

How have things been for you since your Mercury Prize nomination in 2005? Did you find it really changed things for you because you’re pretty big now?!

The Mercury Prize nomination was a really good experience for us, and introduced our music to a lot more people. This made a real difference when we played shows. The night of the awards was so much fun too; they gave us a hotel room for the night that we used to our best ability...

What’s been the best thing to happen in your career as a band?

There been many happy experiences for us. Having a fun night playing and meeting lovely people will always be a gift.

Is it difficult for you Seb to juggle all the different projects you’re involved in i.e. Working with Herbie Hancock and Corrine Bailey Rae etc? Does Polar Bear come first in the list of priorities?

Yes sometimes I can get in a muddle...but mostly things flow together. Recording with Corrine was only two days so that wasn’t too difficult to do. I think she's amazing, and I was really happy when she asked me to play her music. It was a similar situation doing the recording with Herbie Hancock. Playing with different people really inspires me.

Finally, tell me something interesting that I, and everybody else, am unlikely to know about you...

When I was at school I found an abandoned and beautiful baby…

Thank you very much for your time Seb!

Rachael

Summer Festival Guide + Essentials!!!

Summer Festivals 2010

Going to a festival really can make a summer break that one summer you’ll remember for years to come. You’ll meet loads of new people, experience loads of new things, and just have loads of fun. Here’s the definitive guide to Summer Festivals 2010.

. Biggest and the best:

The music and line-up you can expect from the following festivals will showcase the moment’s hottest talent across the board. Expect the biggest and best names in music, and lots of them. Experience everything from golden oldies, to un-signed acts, and everything in between. Head to one of these if you want the full festival experience.

Glastonbury: Wednesday 23rd-Sunday 27th June at Worthy farm, Glastonbury, Somerset. Cost: £185.

Don’t Miss: Staying up all night and watching the sun-rise from the Stone Circle – a magical moment! Check out the circus, freak show, drag club, Biker Bar from Hell, and smaller areas. Head to Green field or the Healing field for a massage or a spot of meditation.


Reading and Leeds: Friday 27th- Sunday 29th August. Reading: Little John’s Farm, Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire. Leeds: Bramham Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire. Cost: Around £180

Don’t Miss: Taking a moment out of the music and chilling out at the Alternative stage. Discover some great comedy, and some oddities such as a hypnotising dog.

Bestival: Thursday 9th-Sunday 12th September at Robin Hill Country Park, Downend, Isle Of Wight. Cost: £150

Don’t Miss: Taking part in the fancy dress theme (Bestival broke the world record for the largest fancy dress party in the world), seeing the festival parade, picking up the festival newspaper, and entering the dance competitions!

Isle of Wight: Friday 11th- Sunday 13th June at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle Of Wight. Cost: £150

Don’t Miss: The Big Festival Bike Ride – see more of the Isle Of Wight!

Latitude: Thursday 15th-Sunday 18th July at Henham Park, Southwold. Cost: £160

Don’t Miss: The coloured sheep, the artwork on the art bus, the tree of lost things, the list of brilliant things, the poets, and the opera singers.

V Festival: Saturday 21st-Sunday 22nd August at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, near Birmingham. Cost: Weekend w/camping £165

Don’t Miss: Chilling out in ‘V Healthy’. Explore the tipi tents, crash on the sofas, and maybe even get a massage or hair cut.

T in the park: Friday 9th- Sunday 11th July at Balado, Kinross Shire, Scotland. Cost: £180

Don’t Miss: The global food village with celebrity chefs, and the traffic lights which appear at the festival.

. Pop-tastic:

You can expect a more pop-based line-up for these festivals. So if you’re not into your rock or indie, head to one of these!

T4 at the beach: Sunday 4th July at Weston-Super-Mare Beach

Don’t Miss: Getting there a couple of days early and experiencing the massive parties at the campsite and the beach.

Wireless: Friday 2nd-Sunday 4th July at Hyde Park, London. Cost: £47.50 per day

Don’t Miss: The fact that you’re in the centre London and don’t have to get all ‘festival-ed’ up, if that’s not really your thing.


. Dance:

You can definitely expect the biggest DJ’s and dance acts at these festivals. Prepare yourself for no-sleep and constant raving.

Creamfields: Saturday 28th-Sunday 29th August at Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire. Cost: Weekend £100

Don’t Miss: Some of the awesome sets on at ridiculous times in the morning. Stay up all night and dance the night away.

Global Gathering: Friday 30th-Saturday 31st July near Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire. Cost: Weekend £120, Saturday £62.50

Don’t Miss: Wandering around in the day and discovering what you want to dance the night away to!

Rock Ness: Friday 11th-Sunday 13th June at Loch Ness, Scotland. Cost: £149 for three days w/camping

Don’t Miss: The Loch Ness cruises, or your chance at seeing the Loch Ness monster!


. Metal/Rock:

For the more resilient and hardcore of you out there, head to one of these festivals for line-ups comprising of the world’s biggest names in Rock.

Download: Friday 11th-Sunday 13th June at Donington Park, Leicestershire. Cost: £140 weekend (+£30 w/camping)

Don’t Miss: The extreme sports shows and motorbike death cages.

Sonisphere: Friday 30th July-Sunday 1st August at Knebworth House, Hertfordshire. Cost: £157.50 w/camping

Don’t Miss: Checking out the Bohemia area with its Rock Karaoke, stunt shows, and cinema.


. Student budget/Student friendly:

If you don’t want to head to one of the bigger festivals, or just don’t have the budget, try one of these festivals! The line-up and music will still be great, and there’ll be loads of students around.

Beach Break: Monday 14th- Friday 18th June at Pembrey Country Park (Carmarthenshire, South West Wales). Cost: £89

Don’t Miss: The fact that this is a student only festival so everyone should be pretty laid back and friendly! There are loads of activities and games to get involved in and meet new people, chilled out places, and, it’s on a beach.

Wakestock: Friday 2nd-Sunday 4th July in Abersoch, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, North Wales. Cost: £120 w/camping, £95 without

Don’t Miss: Heading to Abersoch beach for the wakeboarding action.

Under-age: Sunday 1st August at Victoria Park, Hackney, London. Cost: £26.50

Don’t Miss: Going to this before you’re too old to go!

Glastonbudget: Friday 28th-Sunday 30th May at Turnpost Farm, Wymeswold, Leicestershire. Cost: £54.50 (adult) £49.50 (teen 14-18)

Don’t Miss: Checking out some of the best tribute acts.


. Further afield:

If you fancy being a little more adventurous, head off to a different country and have a totally different festival experience. The weather will probably be better, and it’s practically a holiday! You’ll come back tanned and having listened to some great artists.

Benicassim (Barcelona): Thursday 15th-Sunday 18th July near Valencia, Spain. Cost: £160

Don’t Miss: The fact that you’re in Spain and the huge beach parties! Make sure you see the dance, art, theatre, films, and other arty things!

Exit (Serbia): Thursday 8th-Sunday 11th July in Novi Sad, Serbia. Cost: £85

Don’t miss: Watching the sun-rise from inside the moat (the dance arena).

Sonar (Barcelona): Thursday 17th- Saturday 19th June at various places in Barcelona, Spain. Cost: 155 Euros.

Don’t Miss: Being transported by bus at night out of the centre of Barcelona to SonarPark to continue the fun.

Oxegen (Ireland): Thursday 8th-Sunday 11th July at Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Eire. Cost: 224.50 euros

Don’t Miss: The Oxygen bar. Breathe pure oxygen for around fifteen minutes in lots of yummy flavours, which apparently leaves you feeling relaxed and invigorated.


. Lesser-known:

How about trying something a little unknown? Showcasing some of the smaller and upcoming bands from all over, you might discover the next big thing. These festivals will have a great, friendly atmosphere, and are something a little different!

Secret Garden Party: Thursday 22nd-Sunday 25th July at somewhere in East Anglia. Cost: £142

Don’t Miss: Finding out where the festival is... Swimming in the lake, checking out ‘bands in trees’ (self-explanatory), and travelling around the campsite on a train!

The Big Chill: Thursday 5th- Sunday 8th August, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Hertfordshire. Cost: £145

Don’t Miss: Celebrating your life and having a natural high.

WOMAD: Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th July in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Cost: £125

Don’t Miss: The secret gigs, listen out! Go to workshops, get involved in world record attempts and flash mobs. Check out the World Music stage, and get dancing your sleep-deprived hangover away!

Guilfest: Friday 16th-Sunday 18th July in Guildford, Surrey. Cost: £110 w/camping, £100 without.

Don’t Miss: Checking out the 24h Ambient Lounge and joining in a spot of protesting.

So whatever sort of music you’re into, there’s a festival to suit your tastes and budget! Although obviously the music is a pretty key part to any festival, there are so many other things to see and do. Take some time to explore, discover something new, and meet new people.

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Essentials!

When packing for a festival make sure you don’t forget the following:

WELLIES! A must have for any festival come rain or shine.

Waterproofs – Sorry guys, it probably will rain, just a little... unless you’re lucky enough to be heading abroad!

A tent/sleeping bag/sleeping mat – You don’t want to be that person, sleeping in a puddle, cold and alone, with a plastic bag for cover and comfort.

A torch – A must for late night peeing/tent finding!

Camera – Disposable or otherwise, to capture all the amazing moments.

Deodorant – You do want to keep your friends, and be able to make new ones.

Loo roll – Multi-functional. For toilet-time... and for simultaneously blocking out the terrible toilet smells of the dreaded long-drop.

Wet Wipes – Your parents will suggest them, as will I. You’re not too cool to take them, and you will use them religiously.

Bin Bags – For the eco-friendly, cleaner festival goers out there. Lots of festivals have a policy: collect a bag of cans, get a free drink. Greener living AND free beverages? Win-win situation.

Solar-powered charger/spare phone – You’re in a field with 100,000 other people, you’re alone, your battery has just died...

Dry shampoo- is a lifesaver! You’ll continue looking non-greasy, it takes thirty seconds, and you won’t have to brave the cold showers with the two hour long queue.

Munchies/Drinks – Don’t fancy paying festival prices? It’s 5am and you’re seriously hungry or parched from the general debauchery and fun of the silent disco or rave tents? Hello- chocolate/cereal bar/crisps/fruit etc. (Remember though, most festivals don’t allow glass bottles!)


A few extra things to think of (not essentials but they’ll make the experience a little nicer):

A pop-up chair: Comfy and practical. You get to keep your behind dry and be the envy of all your chair-forgetting friends. Tip – put it in your tent when you’re not using it... jealous people enjoy stealing chairs.

A trolley/sledge: Packed too many things? Pile up a trolley or sledge and drag it in. Saves your hands, and your temper!

A flag (and pole): You’re in a field with thousands of other people. You packed your generic navy blue tent- So did everyone else. But wait, no-one else packed their customised flag and flag-pole. Problem solved.

Song Crush No.3

Los Campesinos! – The Sea Is a Good Place to Think Of the Future

A lyrically beautiful track from the ever surprising Los Campesinos! from their album Romance Is Dead. The third track from the end of the album sees the seven-piece band move away from musings of sexual disappointment and anguished break-ups, to a beautiful and revealing inner monologue about a depressed and anorexic friend.

Perhaps not the happiest and cheeriest moment LC! have had during their time, but this new and almost conventional (but note in no way boring) approach to the composition of this track is refreshing and certainly different.

The brooding ‘cello and powerful chorus really mark this one out and intriguing and striking lyrics such as ‘I ask her to speak French and then I need her to translate, I get the feeling she always makes the meaning more significant’ are the work of genius.


Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6booM03nKI


Maybe a tad sinister of me, but I really love the album cover...