2018 The Albums: Honorable Mentions

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Last week we broke the news that the site was going on hiatus but we did promise that each year we will continue to roll out year end lists. 

So it begins.....the rollout of various music lists from us as we look back at the year that was and present our picks for the most recognizable albums of the year.

It has become a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for us to issue our first year end list -- Honorable Mentions. This is the first of three lists we will bring out over the next three weeks, next week we will present our coveted League of Their Own and then finally, the Top 10 albums of the year. Here we go -- our Honorable Mentions, albums that were very good, but not good enough to crack the Top 10 but still worth of note. 

As we always do, we breakdown the list in short form and then with explanations.

 

2018 Honorable Mentions in Short Form (In No Particular Order):

 

- Nas "Nasir"

- Internal Bleeding "Corrupting Influence"

- Editors "Violence"

- Albert Hammond Jr. "Francis Trouble"

- Blu & Nottz "Gods in Spirit, Titans in the Flesh"

- The Good, The Bad, and The Queen "Merrie Land"

 

 Now, in Long Form (In No Particular Order):

 

 Nas - "Nasir"

 

Nas fell into the Kanye West production hole that many artists did this year and while some of the releases were hit or miss, the Queens emcee came out with his follow-up to 2012's instant classic, "Life is Good," and handed a solid album to fans. While critics were mixed on some of the messages Nas was saying about vaccinations and failing to address allegations set forth by his ex-wife, the rapper lyrically may have played it safe on some songs but on others like "Not for Radio," "Cop Shot the Kid," and "Bonjour," the legendary rapper flexed over vicious West beats. It was a grand combination that yes, could have been grander, however, with another album allegedly in the can by Nas, "Nasir" was a taste of what seems to be coming. 

 

 Internal Bleeding - "Corrupting Influence" 

 

The Long Island slam-core icons returned with not only the most brutal and intense release of 2018 but their greatest album to date. Following the death of long time drummer Billy Tolley, the band could have called it quits or could have rested on their laurels but instead they channeled the spirit of their fallen brother and crafted a record that is not only shaking up heaven but one that also frightens the devil himself. "Corrupting Influence" not only pays homage to Tolley is also hits on the society we live in today thanks to themes of selfishness, loneliness, and always looking for something more. 

 

 

 

 Editors - "Violence"

Editors have been on a rocky path for 8 years thanks to various line-up changes, alterations in sound and style, but also trying to figure out their place in music after the hype around them settled. After 8 years, they not only threw their own rule book out the window the finally sound like a band who are comfortable with who they are and what they have become. "Violence" is the British band's best album since "In This Light and On This Evening" and the gap between the two records were clearly growing pains to get to where they wanted to be and for fans, it was well worth the wait. 

 

Albert Hammond Jr. - "Francis Trouble" 

Albert Hammond Jr. has been releasing quality solo records since 2006. While he has always lived in the shadow of being the guitarist of The Strokes, after 12 years he finally sounds comfortable with not just that title but being a solo artist as the band continues to be on hiatus. "Francis Trouble" is a deeply personal and tragic record about his family in which he tells the story about finding out later on in life that he was supposed to be a twin but his brother died in the womb. The child was to be named Francis, whom Albert paid tribute to in title and song. The album, which dealing with heavy themes, does in fact have a summer time light feel to it and as you bopping around to dense lyrics but all equipped with perfect pop hooks. 

Blu & Nottz - "Gods in Spirit, Titans in the Flesh" 

While this album is sorta cheating in effort to get on this list, it is so good they managed to break the rules. The very underrated West Coast rapper Blu and equally underappreciated Virginia producer Nottz released two EPs in 2013 and 2016 respectively,
"Gods in Spirit, Titans in the Flesh" is the combination of both of them in one package bringing fans the 90s throwback hip-hop vibe of boom bap and soul. The songs were reorganized in a much more logical song order telling the story of their underground musical dominance while bringing in couple new songs to the mix that were not featured on either EP. 

 

 

The Good, The Bad, and The Queen - "Merrie Land" 

The supergroup of Blur / Gorillaz member Damon Albarn, The Clash's Paul Simonon, The Verve's Simon Tong, and Fela drummer Tony Allen return with their second album in 11 years. Unlike its 2007 predecessor, "Merrie Land" does not feature production by Danger Mouse instead behind the decks was long-time David Bowie producer Tony Visconti. The album is a love letter to England but unlike their self-titled debut, it isn't about the doom and gloom aspect of growing up in the kingdom but honoring the fallen soldiers who fought for the monarchy during World War I. Perfectly timed to be released during the 100th anniversary of the end of the first Great War, the supergroup show their appreciation in song.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick News

A post shared by Björk (@bjork) on Aug 2, 2017 at 7:48am PDT

Bjork took to social media Wednesday to announce that she will be releasing a new album this year and it is near completion. The Icelandic icon spoke to Dazed magazine and said that the record is about her finding herself after her bitter breakup with her husband a few years ago. She said her new album is “about being in love. Spending time with a person you enjoy on every level is obviously utopia. I mean, it’s real. It’s when the dream becomes real.” She added that the untitled LP is her "Tinder record," saying: "I set myself up with the last album being a heartbreak album, so everyone’s gonna be like, ‘Are you married?’ with this one. But... it’s too fragile still. I think, if I could, I’d just say this is my dating album. Let’s just leave it there.”

The Verve's classic, Urban Hymns turns 20 this year and singer Richard Ashcroft has revealed that Liam Gallagher had a secret cameo on the album. He spoke to BBC 6 Music recently, saying: "I mean there’s lots of jokes within the album. Liam Gallagher is on the last track ‘Come On’. I don’t think anyone knows this, but if you concentrate you can hear some demented guy screaming ‘come on’. I imagine everyone thinks that’s me, but I remember him doing it. He arrived at the studio with the tape of a song he’d just done with [Stone Roses’ guitarist] John Squire. He proceeded, as he does, to play it 15 times in a row in the studio. I played him ‘Bittersweet [Symphony]’, then I said ‘we’re doing ‘Come On’ now, you gotta be on it. He went into this booth with someone else, and he was going ballistic at the end of it – smashing the tambourine against the side of the vocal booth, screaming.”

Gallagher, who cut his Lollapalooza set short Thursday citing issues with his vocal chords, recently spoke out to Howard Stern that he would do an Oasis reunion in a heartbeat. “Without a doubt,” Gallagher replied. “That’s my band, you know what I mean? When we start liking each other, inevitably, I think the next step would be to take the band out for a little spin around the block. I love Oasis. It’s the best thing ever." Oasis split in 2009 and Liam and Noel Gallagher have not spoken since. He later added: "“I love my brother. We’re just going through a little dodgy patch at the moment.”

Motorhead will release a covers album called Undercover in September. The album features covers of David Bowie, The Ramones, Metallica, Sex Pistols, and others.

A basketball court in the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn has been renamed "Christopher 'Biggie' Wallace Courts" in honor of the late Notorious BIG who grew up near the area.

Andre 3000 spoke to Complex and said he calls rap a hobby and probably won't do another Outkast record with Big Boi. He said: "I kind of like not being a part of [rap], now that I’ve done it. As I get older, I start to see myself move more back from it—the hustle and bustle of putting out an album, the pressure of being in the studio trying to come up with something. Now it’s more like a hobby for me, so I don’t think about it in that way.” He added: "At this stage I’m really more focused on what I am going to be doing 10 years from now. And I hope to God it won’t be rapping."

Foo Fighters have confirmed that Paul McCartney will be on their upcoming album, Concrete and Gold, not as a singer, guitarist, or bassist but as a drummer. 

Quick News

This September, The Rolling Stones will release a new album called Rolling Stones: On Air in the Sixties - TV and Radio History as it Happened. The book will chronicle their rise as pop rock darlings on British and American TV in the 60s. The book will also be accompanied by an album, however, it is not said if the record will be songs of the era or new material.

LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and David Bowie almost recorded an album together. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Murphy said that he and the Thin White Duke became friends after working together on Arcade Fire's Reflektor and had a relationship over email. Murphy, who worked with Bowie on his album, The Next Day, said: "I reached out to David and said, ‘I’d love to do a record just me and you.' He said, ‘It’s funny you mention that, please look me up when you get back to New York'."  They did meet and Murphy says Bowie had already started working on his final record, Blackstar.

The Verve will rerelease their seminal album, Urban Hymns, this September as a massive expanded set to celebrate the record's 20th anniversary. Take a look at the promo video, below:

Singer Tony Hadley has left Spandau Ballet, again. The group, which reformed in 2014, and have been touring since, say they will continue without their frontman. “Much to our frustration, Tony had made it clear in September 2016 that he didn’t want to work with the band any more. This has not changed and 2015 was the last time we were able to perform or work with him. So we have now made the decision to move on as a band,” the "Gold" band said in a statement on their website. Hadley announced the news via his Twitter page:

A statement from Tony Hadley :- I am no longer a member of the band Spandau Ballet & will not be performing with the band in the future. pic.twitter.com/KcuNGTtSFn

— Tony Hadley (@TheTonyHadley) July 3, 2017

It has been 12 years since System of a Down has released a new album and now bassist Shavo Odadjian said during a recent Instagram Q&A that the record may not happen. When asked about a new record, he said: "I know, I’m waiting for a new album too. It’s not happening, I don’t know. I don’t know when it’s gonna be. Not right now.”

Tyler, The Creator, took to Twitter Thursday to announce he will release a new album at the end of the month called, Scum Fuck Flower Boy.

SCUM FUCK FLOWER BOY: 7/21 pic.twitter.com/b6gonFc3o1

— Tyler, The Creator (@tylerthecreator) July 6, 2017

Speaking to BBC 6 Music, Dave Grohl has said that Boyz II Men singer Shawn Stockton appears on the "heaviest" song on the Foo Fighters' upcoming record, Concrete and Gold. He said that he bumped into the R&B singer in a parking lot and asked if he wanted to sing on the record. After he said yes, Stockton also arranged an orchestra for the single.

Quick News

In the new Q magazine, Damon Albarn opened up about how Morrissey, Sade, Dione Warwick turned down the opportunity to be apart of the new Gorillaz album, Humanz, which arrives later this month. He said: "I don’t take rejection personally." He also said that a 10-episode TV series based on the animated band, which debuted in 2002, is finally arriving. No word as to when it will air or who has picked it up. 

Albarn also revealed to Q that he is working on the sophomore follow-up to his other, other, other, band The Good, The Bad, and The Queen, who released their self-titled debut a decade ago. The band, which features The Clash’s Paul Simonon, The Verve’s Simon Tong, and former Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen, said he was inspired be Brexit to rev things up. "Brexit has obviously given us a wonderful starting point," he said.

Former Oasis guitarist, Alan "Bonehead" McGee told The Sun that he does not want to see Oasis reunite. “I just hope they don’t spoil the legend, try and recreate and get back together,” McGee told The Sun. “They’d fuck it up. As long as you don’t do that, then they are legends forever. So let’s leave it legendary.” The band split in 2009 before a concert in France.

Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme has cryptically given some details about the forthcoming album from his band. He told Australia's News.com.au that the record will be out before the band begin touring Australia in July. Sources close to the band told NME that the record will not feature any special guests. 

Listen to London Grammar Cover The Verve's Classic 'Bittersweet Symphony'

On Wednesday, London Grammar performed on BBC Radio 1 and did a brilliant cover of The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony." Take a listen.

Underrated Classic: The Verve 'A Storm in Heaven'

In 1993, one band came onto the scene that didn't fit the times but then eventually sparked a sound that would emulated decades later. England's The Verve released their stellar debut, A Storm in Heaven, a record full of psychedelic rock, prog, and alternative dream pop. The band, led by Richard Ashcroft, came at a time when grunge and gangsta rap were king in America and Britrock began to really take shape in their native country. The Verve didn't groove with anyone else and any scene but ended up crafting their own. A Storm in Heaven became their blueprint to how they were going to do things on their terms. The album was critically acclaimed but didn't receive well on the charts, nearly 5 years after it was released, The Verve became household names thanks to their single, "Bittersweet Symphony" and the album Urban Hymns. However, their masterplan and work began with this record. An album that had a clear influence on their peers like Spiritualized, Massive Attack, Oasis, and Primal Scream. It also laid the foundation for other artists like M83, MGMT, Neon Indian and others. A Storm in Heaven remains a fan favorite, however, audiences that never slipped deep in this brilliant band's catalogue, this is a great place to start after their commercially successful work.

Listen To An Unreleased Verve Song 'Shoeshone Girl'

The Verve will reissue their album, A Storm in Heaven, next month. Inside the massive rerelease will be the remastered album, B-sides, demos and unheard material like the song "Shoeshone Girl." For the first time ever, fans of the band can hear the song now head of the release. Take a listen!

Quick News

Beck says that his forthcoming album was inspired by playing with The Strokes in Hyde Park last year in London. Beck told Rolling Stone: "It's a summer night, people have their hands up. It's a communal, celebratory thing. I wanted to take that into the studio, a kind of energy or joy. The thing that wakes you up a little bit." The untitled new album will be out in October.

Drummer J.P. Flexner has left Beach Slang. He posted the news on Tuesday on Facebook, saying in a statement: "I’m no longer in Beach Slang. Thank you for being a part of something that meant a lot to me. Now let’s hang out and do stuff." He will go back to work on a graphic design career he had before the band. A few hours later, Beach Slang released a statement on Facebook: "JP, the absolute best to you, my man. I’ll miss the dumb jokes and the loud thunder. I’ll miss how things were when things were really right. Thanks for the sweat and love. Go slay everything."

In September, The Verve will reissue their first two albums, A Storm in Heaven and A Northern Soul to celebrate the 25th anniversary of both records. The reissue series features a 3-CD set that has the remastered record, B-Sides, demos and a DVD of live performances.

Frank Ocean took to his blog over the weekend and continues to be coy about his new album, Boys Don't Cry, and hinted that it could possibly arrive this month. The LP was supposed to come last year but has been pushed back and has seen a series of rumored release dates. The latest post features a library card with a due date on it. Take a look at the post:

Ocean, along with Henry Rollins and Young Thug star in a new ad campaign for Calvin Klein. Watch the three below:

QUICK SPINS

James Blake – The Colour in Anything

Earlier this month, the newly crowned “King of Pain” released his surprise third album. Sonically, it picks up where Overgrown left off, however, lyrically, it is Blake at his best. With a slew of guests including Bon Iver, Frank Ocean and help from Rick Rubin, Blake is maturing before our eyes and revealing more of his mysterious deck of cards with every release.

FINAL GRADE: A

Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool

Emotive, vigilant, indulgent, creative, pragmatic, these are all words to describe Radiohead, they are also words to describe their surprise new album. The record, which contains songs that they have been kicking around live for years plus a hand full of new tracks is not the strongest Radiohead release but it is not the worst. This band doesn’t have the strength nor the audacity to release a bad record, however, A Moon Shaped Pool is one like Amnesiac and Hail to the Thief that takes a few listens and time to grow on the listener.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Gallant – Ology

The beautiful debut from singer Gallant features as much soul and sexy finesse as a Prince release. It is not only impressive it is a sign of things to come.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Pantha Du Prince – The Triad

For his first solo record in six years, German producer Pantha Du Prince takes listeners to a further space of musical darkness and ambience. This is the soundtrack to astronauts floating in space.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Eagulls – Ullages

The Leeds, England band returns but this time much more melodic and fascinating than the post-punk noise rock they delivered on their debut. An impressive step forward into what could be a sharp new direction.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Catfish & The Bottlemen – The Ride

The Welsh band returns with more catchy hooks, driving riffs and earnest songwriting. It picks up where their impressive debut left off and is here to save radio rock and roll.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Aloha – Little Windows Cut Right Through

After six years away, the Ohio indie rockers return recharged and refurbished after their hiatus and bring with them a brilliant melodic and catchy comeback album.

FINAL GRADE: B+

So So Glos – Kamikaze

The So So Glos came about in the wrong era but these New York punks make their DIY aesthetic dangerous, creative and fun. Kamikaze is their way to bring rawness back to a musical world so polished.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Modern Baseball – Holy Ghost

Philly’s emo punk revivalists come alive on their third record. Holy Ghost takes listeners back a decade to a sound that dominated college rock radio and then faded as fast as it came. This band holds onto what the scene was about and brings a new energy for all fans to come together and enjoy.

FINAL GRADE: B

Twin Peaks – Down to Heaven

The Chicago slacker punks return with a new album of the raw energy that has made them heroes from the Midwest and beyond.

FINAL GRADE: B

Aesop Rock – The Impossible Kid

The lyrical wordsmith that is Aesop Rock returns with his latest offering of microphone destruction. While his tongue is the weapon that engages listeners the album falls a bit flat on the production end.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Holy Fuck – Congrats

The electronic duo returns with new sounds to make the summertime relaxation come into full effect.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Vinnie Caruana – Survivors Guilt

The I Am The Avalanche and MoveLife frontman is back again with another solo offering that hears him tearing another layer of his soul out and putting it on wax for fans to endure.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Mudcrutch – 2

Tom Petty has reactivated his first band for a throwback rock and roll fest for the ages.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Richard Ashcroft – These People

Since going solo, the former Verve frontman’s records are hit or miss – These People unfortunately misses. Many of the songs are just far too long for their own good and don’t go anywhere. Lyrics are still the singer’s strong point, which saves the album from being a total disappointment, but after five years ago, fans would have expected something far greater and poignant

FINAL GRADE: C+

Drake – Views

The surprise release from Toronto’s most obnoxious son (Rest in Peace Rob Ford), is just another record of him showing off what he has and what you don’t. It is a record, like his others, where his best songs are when he is singing and his worst is when he attempts to be a rapper that has something to say.

FINAL GRADE: D

A$AP Ferg – Always Strive and Prosper

Three years after his impressive debut which laid the foundation for trap to come into the mainstream, Ferg returns. This time, instead of pushing the boundaries of the genre he helped create, he falls victim of it. His latest is uninspiring and complacent, which is upsetting since his debut was fresh and invigorating.

FINAL GRADE: D

Quick News

For the first time since 2009, Jarvis Cocker will release new music. The former Pulp frontman will release Music From Likely Stories, an EP of songs from the British TV series Likely Stories. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
01 Theme From “Likely Stories”
02 Foraging
03 Looking for the Girl
04 Poor Babe in the Woods

Former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft has hinted in the past he would work with Noel Gallagher. Noel himself has claimed he would like to work with Ashcroft. Now, in a new interview with BBC 5 Radio, Ashcroft said he could not work with Noel because it would "upset" former Oasis frontman and Noel's brother, Liam. "[Brotherly love] is like a mafia thing, do you think I would [get in between] those two with a Noel/Ashcroft album and think of Liam festering, listening to it on the radio. I don't think so. I'd be really excited helping Liam… I think he should do his first solo album," Ashcroft said.

De La Soul will release their new album, ...and The Anonymous Nobody, in August. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
01 Genesis (Intro) [ft. Jill Scott]
02 Royalty Capes
03 Pain [ft. Snoop Dogg]
04 Property of Spitkicker.com [ft. Roc Marciano]
05 Memory of... (US) [ft. Estelle and Pete Rock]
06 Cbgbs
07 Lord Intended [ft. Justin Hawkins]
08 Snoopies [ft. David Byrne]
09 Greyhounds [ft. Usher]
10 Sexy Bitch
11 Trainwreck
12 Drawn [ft. Little Dragon]
13 Whoodeeni [ft. 2 Chainz]
14 Nosed Up
15 You Go Dave (A Goldblatt Presentation)
16 Here in After [ft. Damon Albarn]
17 Exodus (Outro)

Following last year's covers with Howard the Duck and Deadpool doing the Run the Jewels gun and fist logo -- Black Panther will now feature a comic doing the same. The issue is out next moth, take a look:

Quick News

This sounds like a Hell of an idea -- while speaking with Noisey, Richard Ashcroft said he would like to make a musical featuring the music of Oasis and his band, The Verve. Ashcroft said: "I'd like to do a musical of [Verve] songs combined [with Oasis songs] in a story of both our youths and the combination at the end and the fact that we have crossed paths, been mates [and] looked after each other."

Iconic hip-hop group Digable Planets have announced they are reuniting for a series of concerts this summer. 

Following Springsteen and Ringo Starr, Pearl Jam are 86ing their upcoming North Carolina tour stop. In a statement they posted on social media, the band said: 

It's with deep consideration & much regret that we must cancel the Raleigh, NC show on 4/20: https://t.co/Z7I65UJmhP pic.twitter.com/P89wysiNFe

— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) April 18, 2016

AC/DC's Brian Johnson released a statement on Tuesday afternoon to announce that while he will no longer be able to tour with his band, he will still record with them due to doctors saying he could permanently lose his hearing should he continue to perform on stage.  He wrote: "Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can't deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC. I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond. That was the darkest day of my professional life."
Johnson, who will be replaced by Axl Rose on the road, said: "I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine. The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life's work. I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice. The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person."
He also added: "I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring. My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that. For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell."

Quick News

The family of singer, songwriter and all around fantastic man -- Chuck Ragan are currently undergoing a bit of a emergency. The former Hot Water Music frontman's father has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and the family has set up an Indigogo campaign to raise some funds. For more info and to donate, click here.

Tiger Army are currently working on their new record, V ••• and are putting the finishing touches on the LP. No release date has been set.

Jake Bugg will release his new album, On My One, in June. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:

On My One
Gimme The Love
Love, Hope and Misery
The Love We’re Hoping For
Put Out The Fire
Never Wanna Dance
Bitter Salt
Ain’t No Rhyme
Livin’ Up Country
All That
‘Hold On You’

In an interview with NME, Richard Ashcroft hinted that he and Noel Gallagher could work together in the future. The former Verve frontman said: "In the future who knows what might happen. I wish things like this would’ve happened years ago. Even the guys we had a bit of friction with, I look back and wish them luck. If I hear [Pulp frontman] Jarvis Cocker on the radio it gives me a good feeling. He’s waving a flag for culture from that time. We’re not stopping."

Richard Ashcroft Announces 1st Album in 6 Years!

For the first time in six years, former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft will release new music. The singer will release his new album, These People, in May.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:

'Out Of My Body'
'This Is How It Feels'
'They Don’t Own Me'
'Hold On'
'These People'
'Everybody Needs Somebody To Hurt'
'Pictures Of You'
'Black Lines'
'Ain’t The Future So Bright'
'Songs Of Experience'

Quick News

Kendrick Lamar has confirmed that his new album, Untitled, will arrive in two weeks.

Founding member of The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde will release her memoir via Doubleday in September.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Lars Ulrich said Metallica are "fucking in it," in terms of writing their new album. The drummer said, "We've got lots of songs, and we're honing them and tweaking them. It's pretty close."

The Replacements will reissue their catalog in a eight-disc box set via Rhino records that will come out next month.  The band will use the same remastered seven studio albums that arrived 2008 along with their first EP.

Noel Gallagher has revealed to NME that he wants to record an album with former Verve singer Richard Ashcroft. The former Oasis man said the idea could upset his brother Liam, which would make it more the reason to do it. Noel said, "I haven't seen Richard for ages but whatever he's doing I hope he's making a record. I don't know anyone who's got his phone number. The one he gave me he never answers. He lives in a fucking big stately home and I imagine he's just stoned, thinking, 'What is that fucking noise?' That United Nations Of Sound record [2010's 'United Nations of Sound'] was a fucking great record. I should make a record with him." Some songs I write I never follow through because I'm not a soul singer. Would that upset Liam? Oh that would be war. More reason to do it! The fact that you've now put that in my head means I'm definitely going to follow that through. Hopefully he might give himself a black eye."

Mumford and Sons keyboardist Ben Lovett also spoke to NME about recording parts of their upcoming album, Wilder Mind, at Aaron Dessner of The National's Brooklyn studio. Lovett said, "We met Aaron touring around, just on the circuit. We've been huge fans of The National for ages. All of us, individually have got a very personal attachment to their music. We ended up being complete super fans. After meeting Aaron said: 'Come to my garage in Brooklyn and we'll make some music'. It was quite innocent really."

Mary J. Blige's documentary, Mary J. Blige - The London Sessions, which chronicled the making of her most recent album of the same name will get it's world premiere at next month's Tribeca Film Festival.

Fucked Up will release their latest Chinese Zodiac inspired EP, Year of the Hare, in June. Take a look at the cover below:

Underrated Classic: The Verve "A Northern Soul"

The Verve had a slow growth in America, after releasing a handful of EP's, a fantastic debut, A Storm In Heaven, and even a compilation album, they were struggling to gain attention across the pond. However, back home in England, they were one of the most acclaimed new bands of the 90's. By the time they released their second album, A Northern Soul, in 1995, the second British invasion was in full swing. Bands like Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Spiritualized, Elastica, Suede, and many others were dominating European airwaves and peaking their way into American radio and heavy rotation on MTV. A Northern Soul was something different than what the other British bands had. It was darker, much more textured and diverse, but most of all, it was a sonic shift for the band. They traded in their signature psychedelic sound for a commercial and alternative style that would gain them much more attention. For most bands, this would be known as "selling out," for The Verve it was a way to not struggle anymore and showcase their brilliant songwriting and singer Richard Ashcroft's superb lyrics on a grander scale. The album was recorded in a dark room that Ashcroft referred to as a dungeon and was inspired by the Northern Soul music movement of the 60's. After it's release, A Northern Soul's reviews were mixed across the board, in fact, they ranged from either love or hate, there seemed to be no middle ground. Now, 18 years later, A Northern Soul sounds more fresh, vibrant, and interesting as ever before. It showcases that The Verve were truly a band ahead of their time.

Quick News

After 16 years pulverizing audiences around the world, grindcore icons Pig Destroyer are finally adding a bassist to their line-up to make their bone crunching sounds a bit more rhythmic. The band is welcoming John Jarvis, cousin of Pig Destroyer drummer Adam Jarvis, to play as their bassist.

After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that actor Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises, Bronson, Inception) will play Elton John in a biopic about the legendary singer. No release date has been set.

Guided By Voices have confirmed that drummer Kevin Fennell is out of the band. No replacement has been named.

Two legends of dance and pop music are uniting for the first time, Nile Rodgers has confirmed that he and Giogio Moroder will collaborate on Rodgers upcoming album. The two appeared earlier this year on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, but not on the same tracks. We can't wait!

After announcing their debut EP and formation in 2011, Black Submarine the band featuring ex-Verve members Nick McCabe and Simon Jones, will release their debut album, New Shores in February. The band also includes members Davide Rossi, Michele 'Mig' Schillace and Amelia Tucker.

Quick News

While at Latitude Festival in UK to perform over the weekend, Richard Ashcroft was asked about possible Verve reunion, he said, ""It's not happening. You have to be real in life and I'm proud that we went in and recorded new material. The whole nostalgia thing is getting suffocating and it's difficult for younger acts, especially at festivals. If you look at some of the line-ups, I'm not ageist by any means, but it's dominated by nostalgia. We need the youth to create their own version of what may potentially become nostalgic but if they haven't got a place to do that because they're dominated by these big monster dinosaur acts, mopping up all the money." He then spoke about his new solo work and said that his band, United Nations of Sound will be releasing music before the end of the year.

Dr. Dog will release their new album, B-Room on October 1 via Anti-.

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has exited the Freddie Mercury biopic that has been in development for years. The Borat actor has apparently left the film due to creative differences. Cohen reportedly wanted to make a more R-rated tell-all about the iconic singer, but the surviving members of Queen wanted to make it a PG movie about the whole band.

AFI will release their new album, Burials in October via Republic Records.

Australia's Violent Soho will release their new album, Hungry Ghost in September. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
1. Dope Calypso
2. Lowbrow
3. Covered in Chrome
4. Saramona Said
5. In the Aisle 
6. Okay Cathedral
7. Fur eyes
8. Gold Coast
9. Liars
10. Eightfold
11. Hungry Ghost

In September, Swedish duo Icona Pop will release their debut album This Is... Take a look at the cover below:

Also in September releasing music is The Weeknd. As announced, his new album is called Kissland and is the first new music since releasing and re-releasing his Triology in 2011 and 2012. Take a look at the cover to Kissland below:

MGMT are also returning in September with their new self-titled album. Take a look at that cover below:

Finally, The Roots and Elvis Costello are releasing their joint effort, Wise Up Ghost in September (that month just seems to be super popular). Take a look at that cover below:

Quick News

Sting will release his new album, The Last Ship in September. It is the iconic singer / bassists first album of brand new solo material in a decade.

Sad news to report, legendary Hoboken, New Jersey venue Maxwell's will be closing its doors at the end of the July. The venue which has played host to many bands including Yo La Tengo, Nirvana, Oasis, The Verve, Titus Andronicus, Screaming Females, Guided By Voices, The Meat Puppets and was the setting to Bruce Springsteen's classic "Glory Days" video will be no longer. The owners said in a statement,"The culture in Hoboken is driven by TV now. A lot of the bars downtown are fighting with each other for who has the most giant TVs. That's what Hoboken nightlife has become."

Beck is going to have a busy year, the singer is reportedly working on two new albums. First is the all acoustic album he has announced earlier this year and the second is a much more proper follow-up to 2005's fuzzy garage rock album, Modern Guilt.

UK cold wave band White Lies have announced details of their third record. The album, Big TV, will arrive on August 12. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
'Big TV'
'There Goes Our Love Again'
'Space i'
'First Time Caller'
'Mother Tongue'
'Getting Even'
'Change'
'Be Your Man'
'Space ii'
'Tricky To Love'
'Heaven Wait'
'Goldmine'

Underrated Classic - Pulp "This is Hardcore"

As Pulp may have played their final reunion gigs last month during the Coachella cruises, we look back at the Sheffield bands sixth record, This is Hardcore. Released in 1998, This is Hardcore, was the darkest, strangest, and deepest Pulp album ever made. The record, which took on everything from celebrity and fame to pornography and drugs and featured some of singer Jarvis Cocker's most personal and challenging lyrics to date. It was the era that Britpop was in full bloom and Blur and Oasis were at the height of their careers and The Verve released "Bittersweet Symphony," Pulp, who had gone strong since the 80's and one of the oldest Britpop bands, were being thrust into the international spotlight even more because of the second British invasion. With that in mind, This is Hardcore was nearly a band trying to shy away from everything to do with Britpop and still stand out on their own, unfortunately, the press would not allow it. While the album received mixed reviews on its initial release, in 2006, the band released a deluxe edition of This is Hardcore and reminded everyone, after the Britpop dust settled, this is a brilliant record. After the release of This is Hardcore, the band released We Love Life in 2001 and broke up soon afterword. When they reunited in 2011, many of the songs performed during their acclaimed reunion gigs came from This is Hardcore, a testament that years later, it still resonates with people and is a timeless, underrated classic.

 

EXCLUSIVE! Born Blonde INTV!

Just last month we picked England's Born Blonde as our Rising Artist. Now, as the new year rolls on, this British band with a distinct influence from The Verve are turning heads even more. Maybe it is because of the massive Stone Roses reunion taking place later this year, Britpop is seeing a revival in a whole new generation of bands inspired by the 90's genre. Bands like Sulk, Viva Brother, The Horrors and of course, Born Blonde. As the band's cosmic and psychedelic sound is catching a buzz back in Britain, it is time to learn more about the band. We spoke with singer, Arthur Delany about the back's backstory, sound and when are they finally going to make it to America.

How did the band come about?

We got together in late 2009. A few of us had already been playing together but a few new songs started kicking around and it just made sense to start fresh. Since then we have always tried to keep exploring and challenging ourselves, you know; keep the forward momentum going.

What made you want to be in a band?

The buzz you get onstage is pretty magical, and we seem to spend all our time in pursuit of that feeling, so it just makes sense for us to be there as often as possible. And because life is too short not to.

There has been much buzz about you over the recent months, how do you respond to the buzz?

It is obviously flattering, it is a particularly exciting time for us, but we are continuing to work hard and trying not to get too distracted.

Now the name of the band, Born Blonde seems to be ironic since no one in the band is blonde. How did the name come up?

We were all blonde once but nothing last forever.

Hailing from West London, do you find the city has an impact on your style and sound?

London is a crazy place to grow up. I think that the real struggle has been to slow down and let everything grow at its own pace; London encourages impatience! I also think that growing up here has inspired us to create our own world. There is so much going on that it forces you to find a space you can call your own.

You have been gaining much attention in London as the cities new house band, what is your favorite venue to play and why?

We have been playing all over London for quite a while. We did a residency at the Troubadour when we were just starting out, so many great names have played there so its got a load of soul. We all live near Shepard's Bush Empire so to do a show there someday is a dream of ours.

There have been many comparisons to your music and The Verve. Do you find the comparisons flattering or a pain in the ass? Were The Verve a big influence on you?

When we are in the studio we try not to think too much about what we are putting down, so all the music we make is the sum of all of our influences. We find a sound that excites us and it hopefully takes us somewhere new.

Your music is very trippy and spacey, do drugs play a role in your songwriting process?

We smoke all the time but none of us inhale...

Because England has such as strong musical legacy, do you ever stop and think how you can or will fit into the timeline of British music?

We don't stop and think really. Thinking about music prevents us from making it so its best not to be concerned with these things. There is no way of saying where or how we will fit in so it is best to just get on with it.

When can we expect a full length from you?

We have nearly finished recording our record but, as with all things creative, it is only finished when it is finished so we are going to take our time.

You supported the Kooks at one point, what was that like?

They've got some mad loyal fans who were a joy to play for. I think it showed us all what we wanted, to make that kind of connection is pretty cool.

Who would you love to play with and why?

We are real admirers of Tame Impala; their record 'Innerspeaker' has been on repeat so I guess they would be up there.

What has been the best thing about being in the band and why?

I think that making this record has been a high point so far. That, and watching our singe 'Solar' gather speed. You spend so much time getting everything ready it is nice to see people reactions.

How would you describe or sell yourself to someone who has never heard of you before?

Give it a listen.

Can we expect you in America soon?

We would definitely hope so. It would be an absolute pleasure.

Is playing America a big deal for you or would you rather concentrate on your home territory first?

Yes its a big deal. Were pretty excited about getting the chance to do so one day but we've got to get our shit all sorted over here for a while first. Its definitely on our list of things to do!