Showing posts with label Oasis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oasis. Show all posts
Friday, March 9, 2018
Noel Gallagher on 'Kimmel'
Watch Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds perform "Holy Mountain" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Live Review: Noel Gallagher at Radio City
The day after his brother was crowned a "Godlike Genius" from NME, Noel Gallagher played his largest solo show to date in New York City as the former Oasis musician sold out Radio City Music Hall.
On Thursday night, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds brought their latest album, Who Built The Moon? to life at one of the city's most beloved and treasured venues and the veteran performer had a few tricks up his sleeve for this tour.
Performing in front of a moon-shaped screen which projected various psychedelic images, the band, which also included former Oasis drummer Chris Sharrock and Gem Archer as well as his now-infamous French scissor player, took New York City on a journey through sound and graphics. Starkly lit for nearly the first hour of the set, it was almost as if the megalomaniac that is Noel Gallagher did not want you to pay attention to him on stage but rather hear the music the band was projecting and it fit perfectly with new songs like "Holy Mountain," "Keep On Reaching," and "It's a Beautiful World."
Eventually the lights began to shine on the star and his group which exposed a Manchester City flag over one of the speakers and as he ripped through his massive back catalogue, fans inside the amphitheater began to get on their feet.
Songs like "Ballad of Mighty I," "If I Had a Gun," and the Oasis covers of "Little By Little," "The Importance of Being Idle," and "Wonderwall," turned into a massive singalong like a City match where the fans chant "Blue Moon" after a victory. After 90 minutes on stage, he and the band retreated to the wings for a brief break and the encore was something that will be etched in memory.
After a brief break, Gallagher returned and played the somber but brilliant ballad "Dead in the Water," the closing track to his latest record. He then was joined by the rest of his ensemble as they delivered a one-two punch of tunes like the rarely performed Oasis single, "Go Let It Out," and the classic, "Don't Look Back in Anger."
Prior to the last song, he addressed the crowd how John Lennon was "one of ours and was one of yours," before going into The Beatles classic, "All You Need is Love," which felt rather poignant after the mass shooting in Florida the day before.
As Gallagher's presence as a solo artist continues to grow, it might be no surprise that he starts performing inside arenas on his next tour.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Sunday, December 31, 2017
20 Best Gigs of 2017
For our final post of the year, we look back on our favorite aspect of music -- the live experience. We traveled around this year to see some amazing acts and had a blast doing it.
Take at look at our picks for the 20 best concerts of the year.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
QUICK SPINS
Glassjaw – Material Control
In their first release in 15 years, the Long Island vets
come back with a bang. With nearly a new lineup, Glassjaw deliver a one-two
punch that not only pulverizes the listener, it also pushes them into new
territory. This is the type of record where longtime fans will appreciate and
new fans will love.
FINAL GRADE: A
Four Tet – New Energy
The brilliance of Four Tet should never be questioned and
this surprise release album is certainly one that creates a musical landscape
for the listeners to travel to without leaving their home.
FINAL GRADE: A
Dirty Orange – XXX EP
Dirty Orange have released brand new EP from one of London’s
most uncanny and ruthless new bands. The trio brings forth more of the rawness
of underground garage rock and continues to not only be one of the more
exciting rock and roll bands around but also the most real.
FINAL GRADE: A
Converge – The Dusk In Us
Five years since their last release, Converge return and
like a jackhammer just slam the listener deeper into levels of darkness, chaos,
and brutality. Even as they get older, Converge still know how to get a
listeners attention.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Mastodon – Cold Dark Place EP
The Georgia metal monster return with their second release
of the year and while Cold Dark Place is an EP, it picks up where their latest
record, Emperor of Sand, left off.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Robert Plant – Carry Fire
The former Led Zeppelin singer does not get enough credit
for his magnificent solo work and Carry Fire is a prime example of that. At his
age, Plant can just retire and also stick to what works, but Carry Fire is a
musical soundscape filled with experimental sounds and magic.
FINAL GRADE: A-
King Krule – The Ooz
The British beatmaker and producer is back with his new album,
The Ooz, and while the sounds go forth in very interesting and intricate
directions, it tends to get a bit redundant. Yet, even in his repetition, he
remains a fascinating figure with boundary-pushing releases.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Marilyn Manson – Heaven Upside Down
The self-proclaimed “God of Fuck” returned with one of his
best records in years. Heaven Upside Down came after numerous delays and may
have been worth the wait. The shock rocker bares his soul and political
feelings and while he has never held anything back, on Heaven Upside Down, he
has fully unleashed a new beast.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Mavis Staples – If All I Was Was Black
The iconic soul singer raises the bar on not just protest
music but also doesn’t hold back on how the system has wronged her and
African-Americans in this country. It is one of the most heartbreaking and raw
albums of the year and her career.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Stars – There is No Love in Fluorescent Light
Stars have always been a band that celebrates life and their
latest is a testament to that. In our turbulent times, it is nice to let your
hair down once in a while and be thankful you are alive and this record reminds
us to do just that.
FINAL GRADE: B+
U2 – Songs of Experience
After a series of setbacks, delays and massive tours, U2
finally released Songs of Experience. The album is one that takes multiple
listens to fully digest as Bono looks for hope and pleasure in his life and
finds it in his loved ones. While its predecessor, Songs of Innocence, was
about U2 growing up, this record is how they stayed together and how their
influences like family, America, politics, and rock and roll, kept them going
for so long.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Talib Kweli – Radio Silence
The iconic Brooklyn emcee returned with one his best albums.
Radio Silence is a look at today while paying homage to the 90s hip-hop era
where Kweli cut his teeth. For those in the new school, this is a record about
how you maintain longevity.
FINAL GRADE: B
Cool Kids – Special Edition Grandmaster Deluxe
The Chicago hip-hop duo return after nearly a decade away
from the scene and while hip-hop has changed, they stay true to themselves.
FINAL GRADE: B
Bjork – Utopia
Following her break-up record, Vulnicura, Bjork returns with
a record about trying to find new love at her age and in a new era. Utopia is
part pop record, part experimental, part celebratory but it is all pure Bjork.
FINAL GRADE: B
N.E.R.D. – No One Ever Really Dies
The iconic alternative hip-hop group returns and as Pharrell
and Chad Hugo give a series of fun and party starting beats, the record does
take serious turns with guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000, and
Frank Ocean.
FINAL GRADE: B
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Who Built The Moon?
On his third solo record, Gallagher tries to become more
experimental than ever before and there are moments where it works and other
times it sounds like someone who is doing it just for the sake of being
strange. The records best moments are when Gallagher sticks to the guns that helped
skyrocket his career.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Squeeze – The Knowledge
The rock vets return and while they are still going at a
steadfast pace at their age they are not bringing anything new to the table and
sticking with what works, which is why in 2017, a Squeeze record is more for
longtime fans rather than new ones.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Stereophonics – Scream Above the Sounds
The Welsh band, who were once on top of the world, sound
bored and dull on their latest. Scream Above the Sounds feels like a record putting
out new music because they feel as if they have to and not want to.
FINAL GRADE: C
Eminem – Revival
The iconic rapper returns to take on the Trump
administration and while his effort is valiant, it doesn’t require a full
record. Revival sounds like a pop record infused with rap trying its hardest to
be a protest album. While the bars and intensity is there, the cramming of too
many styles makes the message sound forced.
FINAL GRADE: C-
Morrissey – Low in High School
The former Smiths singer returned with a cheeky new record
but as the years have gone one, the caliber of his records has withered.
Morrissey has not sounded inspired, excited, and interesting in nearly a decade
and Low in High School is just more songs about self loathing and frustration.
Yet, maybe after a series of headline making problems, cancelled shows, and
controversies, Morrissey’s biggest problem is himself.
FINAL GRADE: D
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Liam Gallagher Narrates Holiday Ad to Raise Climate Change Awareness
Liam Gallagher, who released one of the 10 best albums of the year, has narrated a holiday commercial for Climate Coalition to raise awareness on climate change. While the commercial is only airing in the UK, thanks to the power of the internet, you can hear the former Oasis singer tell the story of Sammy the Snowman and how climate change affects us all.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
2017 The Albums: Top 10
via GIPHY
It is that time of the year again, our favorite time actually, as well look back on the year in music and let you know our choices for the 10 best albums of the year.
In the year we lost voices like Chris Cornell, Tom Petty, Chester Benington, Gord Downie, we were still recovering from last year with the losses of Prince and David Bowie.
2017 came on right away with great music as artists like The xx, Joey Bada$$, Loyle Carner, and one of the first of many solid releases from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, saturated it with great sounds. Some of the heavy hitters and Officially A Yuppie favorites released solid albums that didn't make the cut like U2, Bjork, Noel Gallagher, Depeche Mode, Mastodon, Lorde, Ride, Royal Blood, and Lana Del Rey among others. There were some major disappointments from heavy hitters like Gorillaz, At the Drive-In, Snoop Dogg, and TLC among others.
Yet, then there was Kendrick Lamar, whose album, DAMN., we put in a League of its Own, as it was the most important record of the year.
While looking behind, 10 albums stood out for us and in our third and final list, we present the best of the year. These records not only made an impact to our ears but also have a
welcomed longevity where we will be listening to them for years to
come.
Here are our picks for the 10 Best Albums of the Year:
10. Liam Gallagher - As You Were
9. Logic - Everybody
8. SZA - ctrl
7. JAY-Z - 4:44
6. Ryan Adams - Prisoner
5. Power Trip - Nightmare Logic
4. Thundercat - Drunk
3. St. Vincent - MASSEDUCATION
2. Future Islands - The Far Field
1. The Afghan Whigs - In Spades
Now in Long Form, With Explanations:
10. Liam Gallagher - As You Were
Generally it is Noel Gallagher in one of our Top 10 lists, but 2017 belonged to his younger brother and the voice of Oasis and Beady Eye. The anticipated solo debut from the former Oasis frontman is
finally here and does not disappoint. The underrated Beady Eye released two
solid records but now, on his own, the younger and more caustic Gallagher
brother can bust out and prove his chops. With some of his best ballads, he
brings forth a whole new dimension to a man you thought you knew.
9. Logic - Everybody
Logic has developed a cult following thanks to Millennials
but the Maryland rapper showcases his best work on his third studio album –
Everybody. From the beats to the autobiographical lyrics to the in-your-face
look at society, Logic proves he is just as much of a wordsmith as his
contemporaries and not just some sensation for the young kids. With appearances
by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Killer Mike, No I.D. and more, Logic is showing off he
is for everybody.
8. SZA - ctrl
Our 2017 "Best New Artist" didn't pull any punches. Arriving with one of the best debuts in recent memory,
the rapper blends R&B, soul, funk, into her autobiographical LP. Featuring
Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Isaiah Rashad, among others, she pulls her
influences from Tupac to the Fugees to Odd Future to give the new school a
taste of the old in an artistic manner. If this is her first step towards stardom, we are strapped in for the ride forever.
7. JAY-Z - 4:44
On his 13th studio album, Jay-Z returns with what
his best work since 2003’s The Black Album as well as his most personal record
to date. What has plagued Jay Z for over a decade, including on Watch the
Throne, is that he has nothing to talk about. He has seen and done it all and
has Beyonce to call his wife to prove it. Yet, on 4:44, he opens up about his
mistakes, setbacks, personal problems, and trying to sustain a legacy outside
of being Queen Bey’s husband. 4:44 is easily one of the year’s best and one of
his best records of his illustrious career. The minimal production from No I.D.
is also a gem because HOVA is forcing the listener to pay attention to what he
has to say and what needs to be said. This isn’t a record to blast in the car
but one to indulge in on a good pair of headphones and shut the world away.
6. Ryan Adams - Prisoner
Ryan Adams has always been an artist who wears his heart on
his sleeve and on his latest record, his lets it beat in full force. Taking
inspiration from his recent divorce, his struggle to find himself and the
solace of being alone, Adams creates his best record in years. Touching on
almost all of the different sub genres of rock and roll he has written and
recorded in, Prisoner is him coming undone and back together again.
5. Power Trip - Nightmare Logic
Take the early thrash sound and production of Slayer, mix it
with the technical metal of Megadeath and give it a storyline like early
Protest the Hero and you have Power Trip’s fantastic new album. Nightmare Logic
is a whiplash of force, power, and brutality rolled into one. More than just one of the best albums of the year, it is without a doubt, the best metal album this century.
4. Thundercat - Drunk
If Key and Peele wrote songs for Prince it would sound like Thundercat's Drunk. The jazz, funk, psych bassist's third album is a concept record about getting drunk and figuring out life. While the record takes the listener on a musical journey and trip through some very strange places, it is an experience. The music gives the listener a visual idea of what they can play in their head when listening to it. Thundercat and the rest of the Brainfeeder label are the only artists pushing music in new directions and with the help of the label's master Flying Lotus as well as Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, and others, Drunk is a trip and one you want to go back to.
3. St. Vincent - MASSEDUCATION
In 2017, we named St. Vincent an icon simply because of her shape-shifting, never stop, never cease creating attitude. The androgynous singer and songwriter is more than just a musician, she has become a cultural phenom much like David Bowie and Bjork before her. MASSEDUCATION is what you make of it -- a tongue in cheek look at society, a heartbreak record, a recovery album, it raises questions and also makes you want more. It is essential art for this day and age and we should be thrilled we are living in a world where St. Vincent has the paintbrush.
2. Future Islands - The Far Field
On their fifth record, Baltimore experimental outfit Future
Islands delivers their thunderous best. The Far Field is a record about
obsession, love, passion, and captivation. It is a record that also captures
the rawness and intensity of their live shows and even gets applause from heavy
hitters like Debbie Harry from Blondie who appears on the album to led her
voice.
1. The Afghan Whigs - In Spades
In their second record since reuniting in 2012, the Afghan
Whigs prove they are without a doubt America’s most underrated rock and roll
band. On their latest record, In Spades, a contender for Album of the Year, the
Whigs show off their funk, rock, goth rock, R&B, and alternative swagger
like never before. Like a fine wine not only do they get better with age,
singer Greg Dulli is writing some of the best work of his career – and this is
a career that spans over 30 years. As the band tour behind the record and seem
to be in good spirits, be thankful we are living in a time when they are
consistently giving us brilliant music.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
VINTAGE CLIP: Beady Eye on 'Letterman' in 2011
Liam Gallagher wrapped his first solo tour of the U.S. but for this VINTAGE CLIP we look back to his first post-Oasis performance on American TV with Beady Eye (everyone in Oasis sans Noel) as they performed "The Roller" on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Liam Gallagher on 'Fallon'
Following his sold-out gig at Terminal 5, Liam Gallagher performed "Come Back to Me" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Live Review: Liam Gallagher at Terminal 5
In his first official solo tour, Liam Gallagher simply stunned New York City Monday night at a sold-out Terminal 5.
Gallagher, who is on the road in support of his fantastic debut, As You Were, returned to New York City just months after making his North American solo debut at the McKittrick Hotel and Rough Trade this past spring. The former Oasis singer brought his swagger, flair, and the anthems and turned up the heat on a cold November night inside the 3,000-person venue Monday.
The singer last played Terminal 5 in December 2011 with his former band, Beady Eye, which featured all of the former Oasis members sans older brother Noel. The last time Gallagher was at the venue it was just half filled, on Monday, that night wasn't even a memory as the packed crowd chanted his name from start to finish as if he was a prize fighter duking it out with his brother.
Liam Gallagher took the stage at 9 p.m. sharp as the venue's house lights went down and the Oasis Standing on the Shoulders of Giants lead track "Fucking in the Bushes" blasted across the room. In his Pretty Green parka, the singer took the mic and said "New York Fookin' City!" which got thunderous applause as his band busted into "Rock N Roll Star" and then went straight into "Morning Glory."
The singer then went into his brand new solo tracks and brought them to life for the capacity crowd. Songs like "Greedy Soul," "Wall of Glass," "Paper Crown," "Bold," and "For What It’s Worth," all got the same reaction from the crowd as the Oasis anthems. Unlike his brother, there is hardly any banter between songs -- which what Liam liked during Oasis. He lets the music do the talking and allows the audience to react to what he is feeding them.
Oasis songs like "Slide Away" and "Some Might Say" were met with thunderous applause and new songs like "Come Back to Me," and "You Better Run," weren't just well received -- they had the audience begging for more.
His backing band sounded better than ever and of the many gigs we have covered inside the tall and narrow venue since it opened, this was one of the best sounding and loudest we have seen at Terminal 5.
The only disappointment of the night was that the show was simply too short. Gallagher performed for 70 minutes including an encore that featured "Cigarettes and Alcohol," and a stripped down version of "Live Forever."
"New York Fookin' City, stay safe, I hope to see you soon," Gallagher said as he left the stage. As the music played out, fans chanted his name like they did at the start in hopes for him to come back out but he never did. However, like a good showman, he left the crowd wanting more.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Liam Gallagher on BBC
Liam Gallagher performed on BBC 2 and did a handful of tunes including "You Better Run" and the Oasis single, "Some Might Say."
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Quick News
Legendary rock and roll pioneer and icon, Fats Domino, passed away Wednesday in New Orleans at 89. The musician, who was one of the first to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, is credited for helping to usher in rock and roll to mainstream audiences in the early 1950s. His family has not released a cause of death but did put out a statement on Facebook:
A medical scare for U2's Bono is said to be a big crux of their upcoming album, Songs of Experience. In an interview with Q magazine, Bono said: "I don’t want to get too into the details of it, for fear of the melodramatic reality-TV kerfuffle. A lot of people have these moments. I’ve had a few. Not quite at this level." He continued to say how the scare helped shape the new batch of songs: "It’s just one of those moments when nothing else matters. So what do you have to say for yourself? And what do you want to say to the people that you love?" The Edge added: "It was serious enough that he genuinely had a major fright. But where that brought him to as a writer was an amazing place."
Also speaking to Q magazine was Noel Gallagher, who was asked again about a possible Oasis reunion. "I’ve been very consistent about it,” he said. “I don’t need the money, I don’t need the glory, I don’t need to relive the memories. If I was to get Oasis back together tomorrow and then do a tour, I’d have a hundred million dollars in the bank but I’d have learnt fuck all. I’d have actually wasted a year of being in the studio with a person like David Holmes. It would be the death of me as a person. I could understand if we were a band who’d been going for five years and were just at out peak, but Oasis have got no unfinished business. We did it. We fucking did it, and then some. It’s done.”
Thurston Moore is teaming up with This Heat drummer Charles Hayward, to release a collaborative album titled Improvisations, which will be out December. The record will be a vinyl-only release.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
QUICK SPINS
Kamasi Washington – Harmony of Difference EP
The L.A. saxophonist roars back with what he is calling an
EP, what other musicians would call a masterpiece record. There are very few
musicians today who would dare to make the sounds and arrangements that
Washington does and for that reason it makes him so special. He followed up his
three hour-long debut with a brilliant array that was done in order to
celebrate the Whitney’s Biennial. It is
a feat that belongs in a museum for sure.
FINAL GRADE: A+
Hot Water Music – Light It Up
Hot Water Music return with their first record in five years
and still bring that abrasive sing-along rockabilly punk they are known for. It
is a fun and balls to the wall record that will please fans and may even sway
some new ones.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Wu-Tang Clan – The Saga Continues
As RZA slowly allows the reigns of Wu-Tang to be distributed
to other members of the group, DJ Mathematics comes forward to take his crack
and find a way to bring the iconic hip-hip outfit back to the top after the
dismal A Better Tomorrow. The Saga Continues even features unreleased vocals
from ODB but the master who cuts through like a hot knife through butter is
honorary member Redman who brings a cadence that can start a party and knock
someone out.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Vic Mensa – The Autobiography
The Chicago emcee finally releases his long awaited debut
and it was worth waiting for. What Mensa does is bright the consciousness of J.
Cole, hopefulness of Chance the Rapper, and storytelling of Vince Staples to
present his life story. Not only does he stack up as one of the leaders of the
new school, he is ready to throw down the gavel and get in front of the pack.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Circa Survive – The Amulet
The alternative rockers return with another record that not
only slams down like a rogue wave it carries you home like gentle breeze.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Liam Gallagher – As You Were
The anticipated solo debut from the former Oasis frontman is
finally here and does not disappoint. The underrated Beady Eye released two
solid records but now, on his own, the younger and more caustic Gallagher
brother can bust out and prove his chops. With some of his best ballads, he
brings forth a whole new dimension to a man you thought you knew. As you were.
FINAL GRADE: B+
King Khan – Murder Burgers
The solo debut from the BBQ Show and Shrines energetic
frontman has arrived and he still brings his classic hooks, licks, and fun.
FINAL GRADE: B
Dhani Harrison – In Parallel
The long awaited solo debut from late Beatle George
Harrison’s son has finally come and after years kicking around other bands, the
only child to the shy Fab Four member proves his light can shine.
FINAL GRADE: B
Burn – Do Or Die
NYHC is still alive and kicking thanks to Burn. Here is one
for fans of all ages to show it is still thriving.
FINAL GRADE: B
Unsane – Sterilize
The fact that Unsane are still going strong and kicking ass
is a good sign for music lovers. This band doesn’t hold back despite getting
older and craft music that will still fuck you up.
FINAL GRADE: B
Primus – The Desaturating Seven
We all know that Les Claypool is a God on the bass and his
music is off the fucking charts but while you may not have asked for a new
Primus record, you get one and it comes out of left field just like the
ringleader. It is a funky rock record that takes time signatures in music to a
whole new level.
FINAL GRADE: B
The Bronx – V
The L.A. hardcore and punk heroes return and while they
bring with them a new collection of material to kick your ass, they still have
the endearing love and passion that make you fall in love with them with each
new piece of music.
FINAL GRADE: B
Beck – Colors
The long awaited “fun” record from Beck has come and while
it is something you can dance to, we all know after one listen, the brilliant
musician could have given us more.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Kele Okereke – Fatherland
The Bloc Party frontman gives his third solo record to the
world and while many would expect an electronic record, the Englishman shows
off an acoustic almost singer-songwriter side that many would have never
expected.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Cults – Offering
The once blogosphere indie darlings are back with new music
and it continues on the high energy sound that made them popular six years ago.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Blue Hawaii – Tenderness
The first LP in four years from the indie duo is a colorful
yet contemporary look at modern love and heartbreak.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Bully – Losing
The sophomore album from the garage rockers is hearing them
add more their arsenal with making due with what they got.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Jake Bugg – Hearts That Strain
Jake Bugg started off with so much promise. A young English
musician playing American blues better than most Americans and not being jaded
at the idea of being a rock star. His debut was stellar, his sophomore record
heard him linking up with Rick Rubin, his third album was done all on his own,
but for his fourth LP, Bugg seems to have lost himself a bit. It sounds as if
he is trying to make a single, trying to keep his audience, trying to do
whatever he can to make a hit, yet, he was at his best when he didn’t care.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Cut Copy – Haiku From Zero
The electronic outfit returns with a record of
semi-predictable beats and dancehall anthems.
FINAL GRADE: C
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)