Tuesday Tuneage: 31st March

Ok, so we will see how long this regular feature will remain 'regular'. Basically the theory is that every Tuesday I will post 4 songs that I think you should hear that week. Like what you hear? Then let NB know by sending us a comment!

Tuneage Numero 1: Your Twenties - 'Caught Wheel'
I challenge you not to sing 'Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-eel' after a second listen.



Tuneage Numero 2: Pete and The Pirates - 'Jennifer'
The video poses the important question - why can't sombreros be worn in the surgery?



Tuneage Numero 3: The Joy Formidables - 'Austere'
Yes. I know I am 9 months late. I am sorry. Still rocks though.



Tuneage 4: Blur - 'Coffee and TV'

Why? Because it's an amazing video to an amazing song.

Catch you later.

Klangers

Its a welcomed return for the London art-rockers The Rakes with their third album 'Klang'. Following what the band decided to call a 'dull' music scene in their home town they found their inspiration in Berlin and whatever they have in the water over there seems to have worked. The opening two tracks 'You're In It' and 'That's the Reason' are the typically punchy pieces that we have come to expect and are evidence that The Rakes make music for the dancefloor. Latest single '1989' is a more cheery version of the classic '22 Grand Job' and does not come as much of a suprise that it was chosen as their first release.

However despite how much the album itself works you can't escape the fact that sounds like 'Capture/Release' Mark II but as its not 2005 anymore it does not have the same impact. If you can see past this and appreciate it in its own respect then you are left with a decent LP.

I will leave you with their vid for 1989.

Catch you later.

Fingerpicking Good

It may well be over a month and a half away but I have been getting excited recently for the new Graham Coxon album. 'The Spinning Top' is a 15 track concept album that is released on May 11th and tells the story of a man's journey from birth to death. It is a return to an acoustic lead performance for one of the most gifted guitarists out there which I am going to put down to having a slight influence from Coxon's recent activities with a Mr Peter Doherty.

His solo offerings outside of Blur show that he is not too shabby at this song writing malarky and if you haven't already got 'The Kiss of the Morning', 'Happiness in Magazines' or 'Love Travels at Illegal Speeds' then they are definite purchases and you do need them in your life.

Of course listening to those albums and then rolling back the years and listening to Blur's catalogue then you cannot help but get excited for the summer where they are performing at Hyde Park and headlining T in the Park as well as appearing at Oxegen too. Exciting times for any 90's kid!

So I will leave you with a live version of forthcoming track Sorrow's Army from Mr Coxon to wet your whistle.

Catch you later.

After the beep...

Another new band has come onto my radar of late in the form of The Answering Machine another bright new act hailing from Manchester (what is it about that place and spawning great new music?!?!). Formed in '05 this four piece have started to get a bit of momentum behind them and their last single 'Cliffer' is a must hear and went on to win BBC 6Music's Rebel Playlist.



Their happy clappy music is really fitting for the gorgeous sunshine that apparently the whole country is enjoying but that is underselling the art-pop four as their cheery tunes have depth and heart. Their sound is akin to Los Campesinos bit with a bit more urgency. After touring intensively for a while supporting the Casio Kids and Flashguns they will be appearing at the Hinterland festival in Glasgie at the end of April so if you get the chance check them out!

Their debut album Another City, Another Sorry is out in May and looks set to be helping me with exam stress by bringing a bit of sunshine indoors.

Catch you later.

Wheel Are Us

Finally something new to be excited about! Twisted Wheel are set to release their debut album 'We Are Us' on April 13th and the Mancunian trio are looking like big hitters in the making and a refreshing influx of talent. With a front man that doesn't hold back or let a small thing like modesty stand in his way in the form of Jonny Brown the new album is in their own words 'pure magnificance'. Their sound takes root from The Clash, The Fall, The Jam and the early Arctic Monkey's sound.

They have been tirelessly touring round the UK and beyond of late and are the support band of choice helping to kick start the gigs of Oasis (at Wembley of all places), The Courteeners, Kasabian, The Rascals and a Mr Paul Weller.

Their latest single lends it's title from the album and is an instant northen anthem classic and is here as a teaser for all you beautiful people! Watch this space folks!

Catch you later.

Whoop Whoop Whoops

All I seem to be doing so far is getting excited about some of my favourite band's returning back with new albums but I think that is what 2009 is going to be about and the third outing from Yeah Yeah Yeahs is going to be one that will be on repeat on my iTunes! 'It's Blitz!' was leaked last week forcing the band to push the release date forward to next week which can only be a good thing for all YYY fans. I have had a sneak peak at the album and was suprised by it, but in a good way. With Nick Zinner's guitar being the driver behind most of their songs it comes as a shock when you discover that he mans the synth for practically the entire album. New single 'Zero' is a typically punchy Karen O fuelled delivery but the stand out song for me has to be 'Soft Shock' which is like a fresh retake on the old classic 'Maps'. I'm really looking foward to hearing the acoustic version that is a bonus track on the album.

Here is the new single direct from the band's YouTube channel for your auditory pleasure!