About Me Blogs Articles Disclaimer News ReviewsText Box: Releases for week of 6/10/08 Welcome to I’ve Got the Tunes which has officially emancipated from it’s blog roots to a proper review section of its own. This week there are new ones from Oasis and Bloc Party– two bands at very different stages... Text Box: Music Text Box: Definitely, kind of, not really Maybe The long-awaited new one from the band that rammed BritPop down the throats of the world, but is it as Alan McGee claims, as good as ‘Revolver’? Opening track ‘Bag it Up’ is a powerful re-entry onto the scene, full of trademark Liam vocals, heavy guitar riffs and a raucous drumbeat. It’s a clear statement of intent, as Noel said “bring out the nova.” Well they’ve certainly done that. Track 2- ‘The Turning’ is equally as powerful with a welcome piano key lacing it together- kind of like what made ‘Standing on the Shoulder...’ a really underrated record, funky. In fact I have little doubt that this one could have made it onto that record, you just never know how many tunes Noel has up his sleeve. This is classic Oasis sing-a-long stuff but what is clear is there seems to be more maturity in the construction. ‘Waiting for the Rapture’ is officially Noel’s debut on the disc and he is accompanied by a thumping drumbeat and bassline- shades of ‘The Importance of Being idle’ or ‘Little by Little’ instantly spring to mind. Sadly it doesn’t quite scale those heights but at least maintains the velocity until we get to the single. ‘Shock of the Lightning’ sounds like it could be off ‘Definitely Maybe’ with a catchy beat, an electric vibe and of course nonsensical lyrics such as- “Love is a time machine/Up on the silver screen.” Still it’s those dreamy guitar solos that reminisce your mind about the first time that you listened to ‘Columbia’ or ‘Rock n Roll Star’ that assure this one’s position in the great Oasis back catalogue. ‘I’m Outta Time’ wrote by Liam, has actually managed to outshine his brother for once, providing the heartbeat of the album. Stunning philosophical lyrical composition and Liam’s voice at its most poignant without the snare, it really is a standout effort- even with the Lennon comparisons, this is something John would have been honoured to have inspired. Sadly there are some turkeys. ‘(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady’ is like a poor man’s ‘Put Yer Money Where Ya Mouth is’ completely stripped down with just the booming beat left in. ‘Falling Down’ isn’t particularly memorable either and like its predecessor seems to focus on the idea of fading Noel’s voice out, which doesn’t work too well. Gem-penned ‘To Be Where There’s Life’ may have been rubbished in the mainstream media but certainly is a lot better than some efforts on this one. Featuring that typical hard-hitting beat but with a chilled out 60s vibe to it, you could just imagine Jim Morrison zoning out in the background. In general there are at least 6 good tracks and 5 maybe not so memorable ones. Oasis seem to be in the business of making half-class and half-forgettable albums but when you set the benchmark so high originally it will always be hard to reach those heights again. What they have never done is make a bad album and this will go down as exciting, yet unfulfilled, ‘Revolver’ is a little strong. 7/10 CM Oasis- Dig Out Your SoulText Box: Released– 6/10/08 Label– Big Brother 7th Studio Album

            Bloc the Party!

OK either Bloc Party has morphed into The Klaxons or they’ve discovered                                                                      recreational drugs. If you compare the slightly psychedelic funk of ‘Silent Alarm’ or                                                                    the serious comedown twang of ‘A Weekend in the City’ then opening tune,                                                                          ‘Ares’ may come as something of a shock to you:

“It’s all gay/highly charged/get out the way/or get fucked up!”

 Switching from electronic madness before drawing breath after 2.45 minutes you                                                                  might have thought the chaos was over, but no and what a fantastic opening track-                                                           probably the best I’ve heard this year for sheer insanity. ‘Mercury’, the first single                                                                     tends to continue this anarchistic vibe with dirty electro beats and trademark                                                                emotive vocals from Kele, truly Bloc Party at their finest, or so you thought...

Third track ‘Halo’ is adrenaline rock and again a rather dramatic change of                                                                           direction, you cannot fail to pay attention to this album and that’s its genius. It                                                                      comes with all the head-banging brilliance of the likes of ‘Banquet’ from                                                                              yesteryear and a pulse-raising rhythmic guitar riff. And then they catch you out again                                                                    with the reflective downbeat ‘Biko’, you just have to love albums like this that swing from one mood to another, providing a complete musical experience. In fact it’s as close to a dance tune as an indie band will get with its progressive beat and Kele’s melancholic vocals- and that is not easy to do.

 ‘Trojan Horse’ is kind of like a mix between ‘Biko’ and ‘Halo’ with pessimistic vocals yet a building, developing guitar riff. You can only conclude that the band’s insistence of letting every member dictate an album is having a really positive creative effect and they show no sign of weakness on this, the even-more difficult third album.

 Then comes ‘Signs’ which has predominant wind chime-esque rhythm, therapeutic eh? In practice it’s another well-written effort taking you to yet another musical platform, are there any left?  Well actually yes because it’s #7 and time to crank up the volume again for ‘One Month Off’- a pounding beat, venom-sprinkled vocals and a catchy tempo, as albums go, this must be one of the most diverse I’ve heard for a good while.

 ‘Zepherus’ does let the side down considerably compared to the previous. Introducing chanting of all things, it’s poignant if a little overly bizarre. ‘Better Than Heaven’ borders on edgy with a dominant undertone and an electronic beat before exploding in a fracas of guitar, drums and a general noise epic- not as good as what came before but not half bad.

 As an album it’s diverse, experimental and completely off the wall. It is without doubt the bravest piece of music that’s been attempted for a good while and particularly invigorating considering what most bands do with their third album. So well done Bloc Party for constructing a classic album and as for that 2.5 stars rating on Amazon well, that’s why they’re not paid to interpret music! Great stuff. 9.5/10 CM
Text Box: Released– 21/8/08 (digitally), 27/10/08 (general) Label– Wichita 3rd Studio Album Bloc Party- Intimacy