Involuntary & Rapid Actions

To Early for a B-Sides Album?

So after a making two albums, headlining Glastonbury and touring the globe, The Killers have, it's fair to say, done pretty well for themselves in the past few years. And now they're bringing out a third album...of b-sides. Most bands might wait until their fifth release to do something like this, so why would The Killers assume they've got enough good material for a whole album? 'Sawdust' contains remixes, b-sides to already released singles and covers of Joy Division and Dire Straights. As well as this they've joined in with the download only crew for their collaboration with Lou Reed on 'Tranquilize' (a song containing more cliches than the opening scene of Team America: World Police). That was until they decided about two weeks later to release the single physically. Most of the tracks on the record are songs performed from their live sets, and they've clearly found that the crowds react well to them. So what's the harm in doing this if fans will appreciate it?

But it's not like they're the first ones to do this either. Gorillaz are releasing a b-sides, or rather 'D-Sides' record after just two studio albums. Though they did previously release one in 2002 called 'G-Sides' and 'Laika Come Home' (a remix album in the same year). But is this plausible to release material they felt couldn't make it onto the main albums in the first place? And why do it so soon?

One track which probably didn't make it onto the original album 'Hot Fuss' for The Killers, is 'Under The Gun', because it sounds a bit too much like 'Mr Brightside'. But it's actually a good song, so we're gonna let you have a listen.

Under The Gun - The Killers

Download under_the_gun.mp3

Hijack Oscar

There's been a bit of attention on the Post Radio Facebook group about an unsigned band from York called Hijack Oscar. They've been unveiled by a TV show 'Mobileact Unsigned' which sees Alex James of Blur, the past it Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley (sigh), Simon Gavin of A&M Records and an interchangeable young pop artiste which offers more attitude than opinion, and they get to judge these unsigned bands. BUT the good thing about the show is that there are actually some good bands...Cue Hijack Oscar.

Bringing a refreshing take on Blues, Soul and Rock, they've got their image, sound and whole package of everything undead down to a T. The artwork may seem a tad My Chemical Romance 'The Black Parade' but if that's what they can produce without the help of a record label, they've surely got some talent aside from their music.

Check out their myspace, you don't even have to be a goth to appreciate them. And while you're there, listen to Dollar Bill, tis good!

The Rumble Strips

We've been waiting a good year and a half for these guys to get recognition, and it's still not quite happened for them yet - which is a shame because their debut album Girls And Weather is really good!

Whether you think them a new-fangled Dexy's Midnight Runners or simply a band with 50s Rock n Roll and a whole lotta soul, you can't ignore that they've got some good tunes under their belt. Frustratingly though it seems there's a barrier obstructing them from getting the notice they need and deserve. Though if it's mainstream success they're after, they should just feature one of their tracks on Channel 4's Skins (well, it's worked for The Gossip and Foals) but that would be the easy way. Nope, these guys are truly in it for the music...what's that? One of their songs features on the soundtrack for Simon Pegg's movie Run Fat Boy Run? Ah-hem...

Heck, they even play one-off min gigs at festivals when they're not playing their scheduled ones, so long may they continue to troupe along while people gradually say things like "man, that Alarm Clock song is damn good!" and "Mate, you should check out Girls and Boys In Love, it's way better " and such like...

That's their most recent release, by the way, and has got to have one of the catchiest intros in a long while...

Girls and Boys In Love

Download 04_girls_and_boys_in_love.mp3

Flux-tuating

When it comes to Bloc Party it's fair to say their second record A Weekend In The City was a disappointment after their urgent and innovative debut Silent Alarm (2005). So the news that their new single (out 15th November) isn't from AWITC, makes one a bit apprehensive - does this mean it's a good track?

Flux has been produced by Jacknife Lee, (also behind bands like REM, Snow Patrol and Editors). His style means there's a lot of similarities to Editors and The Bravery's Honest Mistake, but once you accept this (however reluctantly) it's easier to appreciate the song in it's own right as an energetic dance track exhibiting the band's distinct bass, and merging Matt Tong's incessant drumming with electro beats.

Is this going to just be another fluctuating single like The Prayer? (Though the Does It Offend You, Yeah? remix is pretty sick!) Or has it got enough Bloc Party emitting to pass off as a good track? Is this the song where we can get excited about the band again?

Flux
Download Flux.mp3

Girls With Guitars

Cat Power, Martha Wainwright and Regina Spektor are all widely loved for their brutally honest and sour lyrics disguised in gorgeous folksy tunes.

And now there's a new gang on the scene with guitars in toe. Emmy The Great, Stephanie Dosen and Laura Marling are three young women to fall in love with. Emmy The Great manages to build her following of fans by not relying on online influences, and doing maverick things like singing in the back of a black cab.

Stephanie Dosen has got herself signed to the Scottish record label Bella Union.

And Laura Marling has won over a more mainstream crowd by supporting acts like The Maccabees.

She's about to release a new EP called The London Town EP with four tracks including the lovely lovely New Romantic. It's been recommended by David Shipp in Leeds who can't get enough of it, so here it is...

New Romantic

Download New_Romantic.mp3

 

In Rainbows

For Radiohead fans, Sunday 30th September brought some very good news! Their seventh studio album In Rainbows which was thought to be set for release in 2008, was brought forward to 10th October, as in this month! You'll be able to download the album from that date and name you're own price for it. Alternatively (as many already have) you can order a £40 box set including two disc CD, two Vinyl records, lyric booklets and a hardback book.

In Rainbows Tracklist

1.  15 Step
2.  Bodysnatchers
3.  Nude
4.  Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
5.  All I Need
6.  Faust Arp
7.  Reckoner
8.  House of Cards
9.  Jigsaw Falling Into Place
10.  Videotape

Bonus CD Tracklist
1.  MK 1
2.  Down Is The New Up
3.  Go Slowly
4.  MK 2
5.  Last Flowers
6.  Up On The Ladder
7.  Bangers And Mash
8.  4 Minute Warning

Has anyone caused as much excitement for people to buy their music? No, they have not! Take note fellow musicians, these guys are the pros when it comes to building up a loyal niche fanbase.

Now obviously these tracks can't be put on the blog, yet, so here's a classic that's been requested by Dan Cocker in London.

"It's too hard to pick a favourite Radiohead track, but I'd choose Paranoid Android from OK Computer (1997). It's the song that made me want to learn the guitar and master that tune with precision. If there was only one Radiohead song I could ever listen to again it would be this..."

Download 02_paranoid_android_1.mp3

How much would you pay for the album? As little as the booking fee of £0.45 (you wouldn't would you?). No you'd much rather spend good money for good quality. Name your price...it could be as pernickety as £23.79.