The Human Race



If there’s one blog it is acceptable to steal the ideas and featured bands from, it’s No Pain In Pop. They seem to be so ahead of everything that even if you don’t get around to posting essentially one of their posts as your own for almost a year, it doesn’t matter as nobody else will have caught on yet anyway.

Indeed this is the case with The Human Race. I downloaded the two free tracks from No Pain In Pop in January and decided recently that it was about time I did some more ‘research’ on this band, only to find that HypeMachine still wasn’t riddled with adoring love letters to the band members.

The description from the blog of the label releasing their EP calls the band “drone punk” which seems about as accurate as describing them in two words as possible – although this description may have you imagining the band are a little more slow paced than is actually the case.

The band would probably fall into the lo-fi punk category as well as “drone punk”, but falling like one of those Tetris shapes that almost makes a line along the bottom but doesn’t quite – their “lo-fi” feel is probably more a necessity rather than a choice so the band can’t quite be lumped in with the rest of this tag. “Incantation” features repetitive and noisey bass buzz and drum rhythms with screechy guitars and atonal vocals that accompany much of their Duality EP; “Insane Trip” opens with a bass-line that feels The Drums might have made a guest appearance on the end of the EP, before the atonal and semi-monotonous (this sounds like negative criticism, but it isn’t) vocals kick in with far more sincerity than The Drums could ever muster; and “Brain” has a fuzzy pop-punk guitar riff straight out of the Jay Reatard book of ‘how-to’ and bass follows suit shortly before the vocals reveal “my brain is sick of MTV, my brain is sick of pornography.”

The EP is a real gem and I feel privileged to own a copy; especially considering it was limited to 50 copies. Incredibly it still hasn’t sold out, so head to Savoury Days to purchase the tiniest little CD ever and get yourself a free poster at the same time. Stream it first if you don’t trust my judgement.

Download Incantation and Insane Trip from No Pain In Pop here

Katy Perry Measurements

In our previous post we highlighted the bra size of Katy Perry, so naturally many of you were also left wondering about her full body measurements as well, so we'll cover that topic right now.

After looking around for a few minutes, i was able to locate multiple sources that list her body measurements as being 32D-26-33. Sounds accurate to me, how about you?

Feel free to contact us with requests about other Katy Perry fact posts. We're always up for a little sleuthing.

Rihanna – Marie Claire Magazine 2010 Photoshoot

Rihanna looks her glamorous best front in December 2010 issue of Marie Claire magazine, UK edition. The pop star who is releasing his new album, High, 16 November, not only provide stunning images of the mag, she gives a heartbreaking but inspiring interview. Pretty Rihanna adorns the December 2010 cover of Marie Claire magazine.





Swathes: More Stuff


The music made by Swathes is enjoyable. But it's also highly impressive. The instrumental noise of Swathes, reminiscent of much of the shoegaze scene of yesteryear; droningly swirling and bloating, is quite incredibly made by one man alone.

I've almost seen Matt Webber, the man behind Swathes who is based in North Wales, live twice. The first time was at Cardiff Arts Institute (complete technology fail) and the second at 1234 Shoreditch (though at one of the festival's after-parties, not the festival itself, it transpired). Both times I was pretty annoyed, but pleasantly I can now sit here alone in this cold, bland bedroom of mine, shut my eyes, and imagine myself with a beer in hand standing in a crowd of skinny-jeaned types finally managing to experience all of the loops, drum machines and guitar noise unfold right before my eyes; for Matt has posted a link (he did it months ago but I've only just noticed) to a live radio session.

Download the four live tracks from Swathes' very own bandcamp here, and don't forget to say "thank you".

Shakira Ocean Drive October 2010 Photo Shoot Scans

The Hips dont lie and Waka Waka song girl, Shakira hits the cover page of Ocean Drive Magazine October 2010. You will seeing the Colombian singer, Shakira in charcoal fringed mini dress as well as an awesome black blazer with thigh high black boats. Shakira is a popular singer since her starting and she has got looks too. Currently this hot singer is promoting her new music album Sale El Sol.


 


 


 


 

Three Free Things



Whilst I slave away at a dead-end job, the music world is busy doing its thing. Find below three free things (and four songs altogether) that have been widely written about many hours ago.

Girls – Heartbreaker

A fantastic freebie from San Francisco’s Girls, as they also announce details of six-song mini album Broken Dreams Club - which is to be released on 22nd November through Fantasytrashcan/Turnstile Music. Their 9/10 Pitchfork rated debut album Album will be tough to top, but I think Christopher Owens et al are well up for the challenge. I fancy their chances judging from this jangly loveliness, too. Grab it, in exchange for an email address, from Turnstile here.


Is Tropical – South Pacific

Although the demo has been knocking around for a while now, Is Tropical have decided to release ‘South Pacific’ (‘SOUTH PACIFIC’, to be accurate) as a free download. Featuring their usual catchy electro beats, it’s the band’s second single release in the build up to the release of their debut album, which is due out on KITSUNÉ / Cooperative Music early next year. Not a whole load has changed from the earlier demo, but it’s definitely worth a download for both those who have and haven’t heard their earlier stuff. Download here, also in exchange for an email address.

Lykke Li – Get Some

The lovely Lykke Li offers us new single ‘Get Some’, as well as b-side ‘Paris Blue’ for free download, as well as releasing it on vinyl for fans of that format. Specific album details are also expected shortly. So far, the best prediction we have is early next year. Until then, download both beautiful tracks below, or download here.

Drew Barrymore Harper’s Bazaar US October 2010

American beauty Drew Barrymore updated her look for the cover page of fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar US for the month of October 2010. Drew Barrymore wearing the best of fall’s couture, lensed by Mark Seliger and styled by Katie Mossman.










Christina Aguilera Cosmopolitan UK October 2010

American pop singer Christina Aguilera is the bionic beauty on the cover page of entertainment magazine Cosmopolitan UK for the month of October 2010. She posed for some fun photos and spoke exclusively to the magazine about Men, Marriage and Motherhood. She is currently preparing for the release of her new film Burlesque.



Personal life

Selena Gomez - Personal life
Selena Gomez
The Scene A year Without Rain Selena Gomez
began wearing a purity ring when she was 12 years old. She is the owner of five rescue dogs and describes herself as a "huge animal lover".

After Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, whom she first met at the Barney & Friends auditions, posted a video blog on YouTube in March 2008, Miley Cyrus and her friend Mandy Jiroux uploaded a parody of that video, which caught the interest of entertainment media. Reports included the theory that Gomez and Lovato might replace Cyrus.

Selena Gomez clarified there was no feud, saying: "I'm not interested in being anybody but myself, and I'm not here to replace anyone. I think that she's a wonderful performer, and of course it's a compliment. But I would like to take a different route."

In answering a question on Hispanic heritage, to stationary provider Scholastic's news service for kids and teens, Selena Gomez said: "My family does have Quinceañeras, and we go to the communion church. We do everything that's Catholic, but we don't really have anything traditional except go to the park and have barbeques on Sundays after church."

btw... let's enjoy SelenaGomezVEVO video Selena Gomez & The Scene - A Year Without Rain

Selena Gomez's brand new album, "A Year Without Rain"

Better then Miley Cyrus, that's for sure. :)

Selena your so preety...............I LOVE U

Katy Perry – Cosmopolitan Magazine (November 2010)

Katy Perry is on the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine November 2010 issue as She reveals her secret about Russel brand, staying on top and her famous cleavage. Katy Perry Cosmopolitan Magazine November 2010 Australia Katy Perry covers the Cosmopolitan Magazine November 2010 issue of Australia. Here is the cover page scan for the same. 





Ali Larter – Esquire Mexico Magazine (October 2010)

Ali Larter graces the October 2010 covers of Esquire Mexico Magazine. The 32-year-old actress looks smoking hot!

 


 


 


 


 


 

Yuck: New Song


We'll call this fashionably late, shall we?

Those over at Transparent posted this over a fortnight ago, but I'll put it up here for those equally as behind as I am. Another wonderful track from Yuck, this time a sludgey and droney lo-fi masterpiece with heartfelt vocals which I adore, and it's one that I remember sticking out during their set at Latitude. I am very excited about their full-length.

Rubber by Yuck

Jessica Alba Cosmopolitan US September 2010

American actress Jessica Alba untamed beauty on the cover page of entertainment magazine Cosmopolitan US for the month of September 2010. She talks about how she keeps her career and love life on fire after marriage.


 


 


Sŵn for Beginners (and foreigners): Saturday



Saturday is without doubt the busiest day of this year’s Sŵn festival. With live music lasting for almost 12 hours (11 hours, 45 minutes to be precise, if all runs on time) it’s difficult to find an excuse not to watch at least a few of the bands from the region, especially when there is such strength (and variety) to choose from. Prepare yourselves for an early start though. The above logo is in no way related to the festival, by the way. I'm a joker like that.

One of the first Cardiff bands (but not the first; The Blackout’s Gavin Butler plays Clwb Ifor Bach at 1230 and Mclusky-influenced Exit International play across the road at Y Fuwch Goch at 1300, but these are less to my tastes) to play is H. Hawkline, due to play at the generally un-musical hour of 1345-1430, at The Undertone (below 10FtTall). As well as writing the blurb for this band in this festival’s programme, I also had the absolute pleasure of catching these live a Cardiff Arts Institute not long back – where it dawned on me just how completely wrong said blurb was (for which I, again, must apologise for). In my position of huge power, I said:

“Occasional guitarist for Sweet Baboo, H Hawkline is the work of Welsh musician Huw Evans.”

This much is true (or at least, this much I still haven’t been corrected about). I continued:

“Expect psychedelic and gypsy folk sounds – often largely instrumental and almost always spooky.”

Ah. Hmm. Well… First of all, it certainly was not instrumental. There were definitely vocals. Secondly, it wasn’t spooky (although the almost-violence that followed the gig due to beer downing antics could have turned a little scary). Thirdly, it certainly was not gypsy folk. On this evening, H Hawkline were a three-piece; Huw on guitar and keys duties, Steve (the man behind Sweet Baboo) on bass, and (someone else on) drums. The music was incredibly fun, almost surf-y and psychedelic pop. Much beer was consumed, much on stage dancing was witnessed, but, most importantly, a very good time was had. See these live (but don’t pay attention to my blurb).

Up a mere 30 minutes later also at Undertone (slightly early to start drinking, but with a spare half hour, why not?) is John Mouse. He seems to be a little of a local legend that I am largely unaware of, with Behtan Elfyn describing him as “the Welsh Beck”, Huw Stephens claiming that “John Mouse has released some great records”, and Noel Gardner saying that he “could easily beat up Daniel Johnston and Lou Barlow”, and who am I to argue with them? The music certainly sounds pretty mental.

For those whose eyes were drawn to the words “surf” or “instrumental” in the sentences that precede this one, pay close attention to the next sentence coming up. Y Niwl (although not a Cardiff band; they are from north Wales, but are too good to ignore here) play at Cardiff Arts Institute, 1545-1630. They played Latitude over the summer and were without doubt one of my favourite bands to do so. Their songs are largely laid-back (stress-reducing, but often still fast-paced, curiously), slightly on the psychedelic-side, instrumental ‘surf’ pop - and will without doubt bring a smile to your face. If you don’t believe me, head here and listen to “Undegpedwar”, taken from their (lovely) forthcoming debut album. For those who don’t manage to catch them first time round, head to The Model Inn (a fairly inconspicuous looking pub down the road from Clwb) at 1815 for another performance.

Playing just before Y Niwl finish (1615-1700) are VVOLVES (that’s two v’s, and zero w’s), playing outside of Buffalo Bar as part of FLUX=RAD’s Sŵn festival involvement. Made up of the guy responsible for Zimmermans (who played Sŵn 2009), the bassist for Saturday’s Kids, and some other people who I am less aware of, VVOLVES make fast-paced and heavily-synth’d broadly ‘indie’ music with post-punk leanings, I’d say. To decide for yourself which neat little box their music falls into, download two EP’s completely free of charge from their bandcamp page here.

Booked to play in exactly the same time frame over at Undertone is Mr Huw. Not someone I am overly aware of, again, but music that is enjoyed by some of the Cardiff music-media folk. A quick listen to the MySpace suggests dark, vaguely psych-rock and sometimes folk-y sounds with Welsh-sung vocals. Sounds thoroughly enjoyable, judging from these few listens at very least.

Stripped-back and relaxed folk band The Evening Chorus play Chapter Arts’ theatre at 1900-1930. They’ll be armed with acoustic guitars, bass, maybe the solitary drum and their beautiful voices (mostly male, sometimes female), of course.

Just as they finish, The Gentle Good will be starting up in Chapter Arts’ other room, the studio. Also folk-y (though often less stripped-back); expect acoustic guitars - sometimes played in Jose Gonzalez-typed fashion - as well as occasional luscious violin, and some Welsh lyrics.

The magnificent Cate Le Bon, following a busy year of US-touring, festival-playing, and being bigged-up by numerous esteemed publications, returns to Sŵn festival for the third year in a row – playing (in) Buffalo Bar, 2000-2100. For those who aren’t aware (an increasingly small number of people, I’d guess), Cate Le Bon is the Cardiff-based musician who featured on the Neon Neon (one of Gruff Rhys’ many musical ventures) album. Among these esteemed publications that have said things about her music, words that regularly crop up are: “haunting”, “folk”, and “psychedelic”. The only reasons you need to be there is that it will be a darn good performance (and the fact you’d be mistaken to consciously decide against seeing her live).

Back over at Chapter Arts (and back in the ‘studio’, 2045-2130), find Huw M, another artist featured in this blog post who fits broadly into the category of psych-folk, only with a large dollop of pop on the side. Welsh lyrics are sung in sugar-sweet, often harmonised, fashion, with accompaniment from a range of less-usual instruments (banjo and accordion amongst others).

The School, previously featured on The Guardian’s band of the day and also sound-tracking an oven advert in Japan (I think), play upstairs of Clwb, 2100-2145. Fronted by Liz, who promotes tonnes of great gigs in Cardiff under the moniker ‘Loose’, The School is her platform to recreate pop music of the 60s. She sings songs about love, heartbreak, and everywhere in between; her smooth and sweet vocals surrounded by retro-sounding guitar, violin, tambourine hits, and cymbal crashes.

And in circumstances that’d make a cute and endearing story of a band’s rise to fame if their live shows weren’t so damn energetic and mental, Islet close Sŵn festival 2010 following a year of success helped (in part, at least) by their performance at Sŵn 2009. Anyone with their finger on the pulse will need no educating into this Cardiff band. After lots of press (including a write-up in the NME) about the band’s fantastic live shows, lack of MySpace and general stardom potential, Islet continue to live up to the hype. Debut ‘mini-album’ was a disorientating journey of percussion-heavy noise experimenting drawing comparisons to the likes of Krautrock, and live shows are often described as the best in the UK. A second mini-album will be available at this show, which is most certainly un-missable, and will most certainly be memorable. And it’s the last show of the weekend, so seriously, don’t miss it.

I hope you enjoy Sŵn Festival 2010. And don’t forget to buy John and Huw (pictured below) a pint!

Gruff Rhys: New Track - Free Download


Everybody's favourite Welshman Gruff Rhys has found the time, in between working with Gorillaz, making an album with a Brazilian TV repairman (true) and splitting up his band Super Furry Animals (not true) to record some new music under his own name.

New track 'Shark Ridden Waters', which is sung in English unlike much of the tracks from solo record Candylion, still features the similar psych-pop sounds that we know and love from said solo album and his work with SFA, and Gruff is on top form with the vocal delivery. I've only owned it for 10 minutes but I already like it a lot, so there.

Download 'Shark Ridden Waters', in return for an email address, from Gruff Rhys' very own website, here. Everyone's favourite social media website Twitter also informs me that more news (perhaps about a new album, who knows?) is due tomorrow.

HEALTH at Clwb Ifor Bach

There is no doubt in my mind that Swn and FLUX=RAD put on some of the very best gigs in Cardiff and do great things for the lives of music fans in this city. This gig lived up to their usual high standards.

Saturday's Kids (much loved on here as any semi-regular reader will be all too overly aware) were only support. Their set got a mixed response from the Clwb Ifor Bach crowd. The majority seemed a little confused and taken aback, but those who enjoyed it seemed to really enjoy it - me included. They continue to adapt as a band, each gig gradually tighter than the last, and they also previewed a new track which suggested a whole new direction for them - more calm, more brooding, more pensive.

HEALTH were incredibly, incredibly loud. About two songs in I was forced to go and pick myself up some ear plugs, both to hear a little more clearly and for fear of those little hairs that can be destroyed by LOUD NOISES. Once these were in, things seemed more rhythmic, electro noises were really catchy and I really started to get into things. Just as I was really appreciating things, though, they announced their last song, which was, of course, USA BOYS.

Read a longer, more in depth, and frankly better review now at The Miniature Music Press (click here).

My Train Journey To London



I decided that sitting down for 2 hours in the company of other First Great Western loyal customers was an opportunity to re-listen to some of the music I have stumbled upon on the internet presence of various blogs, labels and bands over the past few months. Yeah, I know, this is a really boring pretence (and an even less inventive title), but hopefully the writing below, highlighting some of my favourite listens during my journey through tunnels and past fields, may allow you to find a new band that you grow to love.

Artist: Burnt Ones
Track: Bury Me In Smoke
Download: This track alone from their bandcamp here.

California’s Burnt Ones opt for the same methods as recent Fat Possum signees Smith Westerns, drawing influence from T-Rex styled glam rock, combining it with lo-fi style recording methods to catchy, enjoyable effects. ‘Bury Me In Smoke’ might not be quite as strong as much of the content of Smith Westerns’ self-titled debut – though it would be difficult to be as said album is packed full with fantastic songs - but its reverb-y and immediately recognisable guitar riffs, lazy drum beats and sing-along vocals will, at the very least, tease out a strong sense of nostalgia even if, like me, you weren’t born yet.

Artist: Young Michelin
Track: Elle M'Oublera
Download: Two free songs from Holiday Records by clicking THIS LINK.

Evidently from France (Nandax, to be exact), Young Michelin are another band spotted by the lovely Holiday Records, run (partly, at least) by the now ex-guitarist for The Drums, Jacob. They have a knack of releasing catchy indie pop tunes, and this is no different; jangly pop loveliness fronted by French-sung vocals, with guitar lines straight from Johnny Marr’s How To guide.

Artist: Guards
Track: Resolution Of One
Download: A full seven-track EP from their bandcamp here.

I don’t know very much about this band. I can’t even find out if they have a MySpace page. All I know is that the guy’s sister is in the band Cults. She posted a link on the band’s Twitter to his bandcamp account, which attracted enough attention to his music that the likes of The Guardian and MTV are saying nice things about it. The free EP also features appearances from some people from MGMT and Chairlift, too. I also know that I enjoy this song, and much of the EP, in fact. Okay, so I know a little bit about this band. "Resolution Of One" at times reminds me of Deerhunter, though is more upbeat, faster paced, and has a far more accessible chorus. It’s not very much like Deerhunter at all really. The whole EP is enjoyable, so just download it already.

Artist: Mazes
Track: I Don’t Want To Know
Download: This song from Transparent here, and others from HypeMachine.

Fuzzy and catchy guitar rock/pop from Manchester, not to be confused with the folk band of the same name (who, incidentally, don’t sound too bad). These were one of my highlights from Shoreditch’s 1234 Festival. Expect lazily strummed guitar, a retro sound, and to not your head. They also do a pleasant cover of “Don’t Worry Baby” which you’ll find somewhere on HypeMachine if you look hard enough.

Artist: Plastic Flowers
Track: We Just Had More Fun
Download: This song and one other from Beko 63, here.

Slow paced drum machine, distant chilled out vocals, space-y echoing guitar strums, and an array of synth noises make up this lo-fi and ambient electropop from the Florida-based Sean Earl Beard. Be sure to check out the Beko website in more detail for more fantastic free downloads.