Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Earn 100% music royalties via ReverbNation. Get on iTunes, Walmart, Last.FM and more: http://livebandsbarcelona.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/use-reverbnation-get-100-of-your-royalties-via-itunes-last-fm-napster-and-a-shed-load-more/
Friday, March 26, 2010
Get a free Soulfly MP3, "Rise of the Fallen" FREE! But hurry, it goes off line Monday! http://ping.fm/oEUvL
Monday, March 15, 2010
Slash new album tracklisting announced. Ozzy, Iggy, Duff and loads more feature. Out May 10, 2010 http://ping.fm/WuqzZ
Giovanni Rana Pasta. Love it or hate it. For me, buying mouldy pasta and no company response. Hate it: http://ping.fm/1EH8u
Saturday, March 13, 2010
i-Tab. Learn real time guitar chords, vocals and tempos with a near device. Looks like the real Guitar Hero: http://ping.fm/7EcPv
Friday, March 12, 2010
Very interesting: Pink Floyd win against EMI vs iTunes and single downloads. Artist like punter doesn't seem to have rights http://ping.fm/rhSiQ
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Want to be the new keyboard player or bassist for the Smashing Pumpkins: Apply today! http://ping.fm/xn8ZZ
Interesting article about the pluses of using social media and not letting reviews rot. To be honest, I'm in accord with the writer 110%.
http://www.clickz.com/3639717
http://www.clickz.com/3639717
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Seems like no-one in the UK knows where to find legal music online. Billboard mag says it all: http://ping.fm/PTrJb
Monday, March 08, 2010
Friday, March 05, 2010
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
Universal Music: Online Music Sales 2009 Up
Universal Music seems to be winning with their online sales. P2P killing music.. Bah! No way. Universal Music Group's digital sales have grown 8.4% in 2009.
The format has changed from physical copy to digital. As one would expect if you belong to other distribution channels that allow content to be downloaded at a fraction of the price of the physical. Still, my thoughts are that physical product sales (CDs) are just over-priced per se. When you're paying a HUGE portion as an artist to the distribution channel [like 40% just to get it from a shop] it's no surprise that they are declining.
Okay this label has the likes of U2, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Eminem, and Lil Wayne are all on Universal. No small fish for the pop world wonders! So, we'd see healthy downloads as people use for both mp3 and smart phone usage!
According to TechCrunch mobile products have been "tempered by softening demand for mobile products in the United States and Japan". The author continues, "UMG says it will 'continue to encourage and support innovation', citing Spotify's iPhone application and MusicStation's presence on the Android Market as examples."
Well, that and maybe making songs for download simultaneously worldwide via your new distribution channels might stop p2p, or at least make the temptation a lot less. This seems to be a widening and a sad approach to frustrating money paying fans, who in desperation make their way to p2p places to download something they'd have otherwise paid for.
I for one and very frustrated with walled off sales on websites. I think they stifle the artist and directly effect sales. The market has now changed. If you're not selling your products at the right time, then blame the p2p community for killing your profits. Still, there is having cake and eating it in my opinion. Force ISPs to block p2p, so people cannot listen to an album before buying and not allow downloads. Mmmmm... something familiar here?
It would not surprise me if Apple etc encode a download code in the AAC code, so if you share something, they know the culprit. Watch this space for more info.
The format has changed from physical copy to digital. As one would expect if you belong to other distribution channels that allow content to be downloaded at a fraction of the price of the physical. Still, my thoughts are that physical product sales (CDs) are just over-priced per se. When you're paying a HUGE portion as an artist to the distribution channel [like 40% just to get it from a shop] it's no surprise that they are declining.
Okay this label has the likes of U2, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Eminem, and Lil Wayne are all on Universal. No small fish for the pop world wonders! So, we'd see healthy downloads as people use for both mp3 and smart phone usage!
According to TechCrunch mobile products have been "tempered by softening demand for mobile products in the United States and Japan". The author continues, "UMG says it will 'continue to encourage and support innovation', citing Spotify's iPhone application and MusicStation's presence on the Android Market as examples."
Well, that and maybe making songs for download simultaneously worldwide via your new distribution channels might stop p2p, or at least make the temptation a lot less. This seems to be a widening and a sad approach to frustrating money paying fans, who in desperation make their way to p2p places to download something they'd have otherwise paid for.
I for one and very frustrated with walled off sales on websites. I think they stifle the artist and directly effect sales. The market has now changed. If you're not selling your products at the right time, then blame the p2p community for killing your profits. Still, there is having cake and eating it in my opinion. Force ISPs to block p2p, so people cannot listen to an album before buying and not allow downloads. Mmmmm... something familiar here?
It would not surprise me if Apple etc encode a download code in the AAC code, so if you share something, they know the culprit. Watch this space for more info.
Pre-order God of War EP for just $1.99: Trivium, Opeth, Mutiny Within, and Taking Dawn!
Holy moly… I just read that RoadRunner are releasing a cool God of War influenced EP with brand new material from Trivium, Opeth, Mutiny Within, and Taking Dawn!
You can pre-order the single on Shockhound for just $1.99.
The sad thing is.. you cannot preview or buy it from outside the States!
No wonder people turn to p2p, which is a sad thing for fans and the record companies alike.
RoadRunner, you’re one of the BEST metal record companies out there. Seeing as you created Metallica who are against p2p, why are you not changing your business distribution model.
Here’s a sample God of War music video from Trivium
http://ping.fm/qFawv
You can pre-order the single on Shockhound for just $1.99.
The sad thing is.. you cannot preview or buy it from outside the States!
No wonder people turn to p2p, which is a sad thing for fans and the record companies alike.
RoadRunner, you’re one of the BEST metal record companies out there. Seeing as you created Metallica who are against p2p, why are you not changing your business distribution model.
Here’s a sample God of War music video from Trivium
http://ping.fm/qFawv
Pre-order God of War EP for just $1.99: Trivium, Opeth, Mutiny Within, and Taking Dawn! http://ping.fm/arK6R
Metallica and AC/DC in top 10, 2009 money makers
According to Billboard magazine, [link at end], Metallica and AC/DC are raking in the wonger with their huge 2008-10 tours and album releases.
Here's a break down of the results:
01. U2 - $108,601,283
02. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - $57,619,037
03. MADONNA - $47,237,774
04. AC/DC - $43,650,466
05. BRITNEY SPEARS - $38,885,267
06. PINK - $36,347,658
07. JONAS BROTHERS - $33,596,576
08. COLDPLAY - $27,326,562
09. KENNY CHESNEY - $26,581,141
10. METALLICA - $25,564,234
So, metal gods Metallica saw $22.8 million from 55 arena shows from 968,000 fans plus 694,000 album sales in 2009. Nice, as 'Death Magnetic' was just 297,000 sales and others must have got the back catelog. An interesting fact that 'Enter Sandman', sold 450,000 and was their highest earner :-D.
AC/DC on the other hand received $41.4 million from live tours. It's ranked No. 4 on Billboard's 2009 tally of the top 25 highest-grossing tours! Nice one boys!
Link to story: [ http://ping.fm/HKhz8]
Here's a break down of the results:
01. U2 - $108,601,283
02. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - $57,619,037
03. MADONNA - $47,237,774
04. AC/DC - $43,650,466
05. BRITNEY SPEARS - $38,885,267
06. PINK - $36,347,658
07. JONAS BROTHERS - $33,596,576
08. COLDPLAY - $27,326,562
09. KENNY CHESNEY - $26,581,141
10. METALLICA - $25,564,234
So, metal gods Metallica saw $22.8 million from 55 arena shows from 968,000 fans plus 694,000 album sales in 2009. Nice, as 'Death Magnetic' was just 297,000 sales and others must have got the back catelog. An interesting fact that 'Enter Sandman', sold 450,000 and was their highest earner :-D.
AC/DC on the other hand received $41.4 million from live tours. It's ranked No. 4 on Billboard's 2009 tally of the top 25 highest-grossing tours! Nice one boys!
Link to story: [ http://ping.fm/HKhz8]
Pavement have reunited and are ready to tour
Pavement will be beginning their tour March 1st in Lord of the Rings country, Auckland, New Zealand. It's been some time since we seen them and they've been rehearing hard for this gig! We ought to be seeing quite a bit of their repertoire of the 40 plus songs they've been rehearsing. Let's hope they stay tight and we see Pavement in 2010 in Barcelona!
Simon and Garfunkel To Play Live: Fargodome
Sorry, I love this band. Here's a heads up for all those Stateside. I'm hoping Simon and Garfunkle play later worldwide.
They'll be playing at the Fardodome on May 7.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. March 6 for $51.50, $86.50 and $126.50. So you can get them at the Fargodome box office or via Ticketmaster.
They'll be playing at the Fardodome on May 7.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. March 6 for $51.50, $86.50 and $126.50. So you can get them at the Fargodome box office or via Ticketmaster.
Yes, yes, the Gorillaz are going to be releasing a long awaited album 3rd album, “Plastic Beach,” on March 8 in the UK on Parlophone. For whatever reason Americans will enjoy it on Virgin.
There’s a lot of collaborations influenced by forward thinking Damien Albarn, we get to enjoy Snoop Dogg in the opening track, “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach.”
As a virtual band, they’ve had some funky pre-single samplers picking up the online campaign for “Plastic Beach” campaign, after first a new Gorillaz single “Stylo” was leaked online.
Nice one. “Stylo” has peaked at No. 25 on Billboard’s Alternative chart.
The new Gorillaz Stylo video will be out tomorrow, Tuesday (March 2) on YouTube.
There’s a lot of collaborations influenced by forward thinking Damien Albarn, we get to enjoy Snoop Dogg in the opening track, “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach.”
As a virtual band, they’ve had some funky pre-single samplers picking up the online campaign for “Plastic Beach” campaign, after first a new Gorillaz single “Stylo” was leaked online.
Nice one. “Stylo” has peaked at No. 25 on Billboard’s Alternative chart.
The new Gorillaz Stylo video will be out tomorrow, Tuesday (March 2) on YouTube.
Life’s a “Beach” new album release for Gorillaz. Stylo single out tomorrow on youtube. http://ping.fm/LmwVv
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Interesting collaborations: Ministry & Sonic Youth Members Form The High Confessions http://ping.fm/2yJht
Cool affordable heat mapping. I'm giving Clicktale a go on a few of my sites. I hope it turns up what Google Analytics can't http://ping.fm/plBWI
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Muse & Warner announce fan based app for iPhone and Touchpad. Connect to fans and get rich media content. http://ping.fm/UEhvt
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Quicksand Remedy Live Music Review, 5 Feb 2010
Read the highlights of the concert here. http://ping.fm/MiUtn
If you’d like to know what I thought of the band blow for blow.. read on! Any comments really welcome!
Coming onstage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
Next up they charged in with, “Nothing Compared To You”. This song has been reworked a few times since the band’s first gigs back in 2007. Delivered with energy and charm, the tune rocked the audience and you could see was equally enjoyed by the band.
The main melody, I felt took a long time to kick in. Still it was a refreshing re-working of an established tune. Obviously, this song came across as well polished. It is one of their strongest in their repertoire. I would have personally changed around this song for, “Welcome to the Circus”.
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
They’ve played this tune 2x before. Once they played it acoustically and for me, it’s a very interesting direction for the band.
As a musician and having liked the song a bit too much, sorry guys, but I’m gonna have to criticise it. I thought the stopping and starting was a bit overplayed. It affected the overall tempo of the song…
Quicksand Remedy
Quicksand remedy in the studio
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practiced songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk ‘til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number, with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
The bass line was relentless with its funk-some delivery. A pity as the song was was let down by the sound mix. Chris’ guitar could have been more crunchy putting the ‘heavy’ into the rock!
As a musician, I would say having the bass and guitar playing on and offbeat, with some off time ride hits would give the song a little more edge. That’s me being picky!
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquiliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquiliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
QSR pride their songs on the slower build up for heavy, stamping staple funk-metal endings. With this song’s stronger part at the end, I’d personally recommend, for this song, a heavier start using the song’s ending melodies and place them at the beginning.
Next up was their infamous, “Tribute” is always a winner with the band’s on-stage heavy rocking and bass-tastic confident performance. Nothing bad could be said about this number. This song plus the penultimate song of the evening, “Funky Tasty”, were well known by their following and set off dancing with hands in the air.
QSR, much to the crowd’s enjoyment, through in a cover of Chilli’s “If you have to ask”. Delivered in their ineffable style, it was an interesting choice. From their 2 core influences I no longer feel the band is separated in influence with their Pearl Jam vs Chillis sound.
Previously they had TOO much of a rock vs funk dichotomy. The sound now comes across as conjoined and as such is less forced and more natural sounding.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video http://ping.fm/6Ep9K]. For some of the more comical elements, Johns [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Chris, ended off the song with a gruff vocal, “Quicksaaaandddddddd”, settling a triumphant upbeat feeling with the crowd. Come-on guys…. We wanted another? No, it was time at the bar and QSR packed up giving us, the audience a well deserved breather and time to grab a drink and do some Skillington moves… hhaaahhha.
If you’d like to know what I thought of the band blow for blow.. read on! Any comments really welcome!
Coming onstage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
Next up they charged in with, “Nothing Compared To You”. This song has been reworked a few times since the band’s first gigs back in 2007. Delivered with energy and charm, the tune rocked the audience and you could see was equally enjoyed by the band.
The main melody, I felt took a long time to kick in. Still it was a refreshing re-working of an established tune. Obviously, this song came across as well polished. It is one of their strongest in their repertoire. I would have personally changed around this song for, “Welcome to the Circus”.
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
They’ve played this tune 2x before. Once they played it acoustically and for me, it’s a very interesting direction for the band.
As a musician and having liked the song a bit too much, sorry guys, but I’m gonna have to criticise it. I thought the stopping and starting was a bit overplayed. It affected the overall tempo of the song…
Quicksand Remedy
Quicksand remedy in the studio
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practiced songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk ‘til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number, with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
The bass line was relentless with its funk-some delivery. A pity as the song was was let down by the sound mix. Chris’ guitar could have been more crunchy putting the ‘heavy’ into the rock!
As a musician, I would say having the bass and guitar playing on and offbeat, with some off time ride hits would give the song a little more edge. That’s me being picky!
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquiliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquiliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
QSR pride their songs on the slower build up for heavy, stamping staple funk-metal endings. With this song’s stronger part at the end, I’d personally recommend, for this song, a heavier start using the song’s ending melodies and place them at the beginning.
Next up was their infamous, “Tribute” is always a winner with the band’s on-stage heavy rocking and bass-tastic confident performance. Nothing bad could be said about this number. This song plus the penultimate song of the evening, “Funky Tasty”, were well known by their following and set off dancing with hands in the air.
QSR, much to the crowd’s enjoyment, through in a cover of Chilli’s “If you have to ask”. Delivered in their ineffable style, it was an interesting choice. From their 2 core influences I no longer feel the band is separated in influence with their Pearl Jam vs Chillis sound.
Previously they had TOO much of a rock vs funk dichotomy. The sound now comes across as conjoined and as such is less forced and more natural sounding.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video http://ping.fm/6Ep9K]. For some of the more comical elements, Johns [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Chris, ended off the song with a gruff vocal, “Quicksaaaandddddddd”, settling a triumphant upbeat feeling with the crowd. Come-on guys…. We wanted another? No, it was time at the bar and QSR packed up giving us, the audience a well deserved breather and time to grab a drink and do some Skillington moves… hhaaahhha.
Reverendo Brown: Live Music Review Razzamatazz 3, Feb 2010, Barcelona, Spain
I have to say I quite like Reverendo Brown. This Barcelona Pop/ Rock quintet take from quite a few influences from different musical styles and directions.
The end result is very pleasant, their songs uplifting with an occult lower sadness that really needs to come out. I'll come on to this in a bit. The band has already proved their mettle, getting through to the semi-finals of Barcelona's prestigious Emergenzia's Battle of the Bands.
**Reverendo Brown Concert Highlights
The second song of the evening, "Luciernagas" kicked off with a great keyboard intro and waded into Radiohead style guitar work. Coupled off with a confident and energy vocal delivery this song didn't disappoint the audience.
Lead singer, Reverend Brown"Pupilas" , I enjoyed a lot. This song carries with it Rafa [the guitarist] leads with a indie, brit rock riffs while Christian on bass delivers solid rock edgy emotion beautifully. EstÃbaliz gave some Siouxsie Souix, vocal delivery[of Siouxsie and the Banshees fame] that got me a dancing baby! Great tune!
I think this is one of their stronger set songs.
I think the song would be even stronger with some male octave or tonal vocal harmonies.
"El Lado fresquito de la Almohada", I personally think they ought to enter this song for Eurovision for the song for Spain. One of their strongest Spanish feeling indie / rock numbers thatthe crowd instantly moves, nods and dances to! The keyboard melodies race ahead without abating, driving the hands in the air of the audience. Rúben behind the drums puts his heart into strong percussive hi-hat and snare delivery. The song is near perfect.
For me, maybe they could do with some more phrasal spacing in the builds. I'd love to hear a hard house version of this song. RB, send it to Paul Oakenfold.... I think it'll be a winner!
Reverend Brown, Spanish Barcelona Rock Band
Reverendo Brown, covered "Creep", the infamous Radiohead number. This showed a more serious nature to the band. The best thing is they carried it off perfectly, the edginess of the song showed a more delicate and emotional edge to the band. They were in tune with the song. The drum lines were perfectly delivered by Rúben giving the song a familiar pace and feel.
This shows the band has a lot more promise to carry off emotive songs through their delivery! I want to see more of this please!
"Vampiros" is where I think the keyboard melodies are very Killers orientated with strong Oreja de Van Gogh style vocals. With the pace set the band loved us and left us with I believe one of their strongest songs, "Malo Final". This song for me topped, "El Lado fresquito de la Almohada", but only just.
I'd say if you're in a tough spot Reverendo Brown, I'd play "Malo Final", first to get the crowd going and don't give up! Nice one boys and girls!
**Concert low lights
Reverend Brown, RazzamatazzThere's not much to fault this band on. As I said, I think they could start to show a bit more indie edginess that'll set them apart from being perceived as just another Spanish pop/rock band.
Reverendo Brown deserve more. With 2 of their stronger songs, plus their cover, 'Creep', has shown more musical depth to touch and convey emotion that the band put into their numbers.
Sadly, the key influences drift towards the pop angle, which is okay. However, it is not enough to get them really noticed as something different from the plethora of other great Spanish pop/rock bands out there.
I'd say their brit indie guitar lines from Rafa, I enjoyed a lot. Together with a great fusion of brit/iberican pop/rock [look at the newer direction of Vertusa Morla] seems to have some life, and something to set them apart.
EstÃbaliz lead singer needs to be a lot more versatile on-stage and get away from the stand alone mike. She interacts great with the band but she's mainly static on stage and isn't enough to kick you in the balls during the choruses [which are very strong] .
EstÃbaliz please get up close to the crowd, play around with the band more. During the concert there was some interaction but it could be better with some of their slower numbers and male vocal harmonies that'd bring a dimension of band cohesion.
**About Reverendo Brown, their influences and members
The female vocal lead band take a great chunk of their influence from Spanish Rock / Pop gods of music. Notably their sound is very Oreja de Van Gogh, with The Killers, REM and Radiohead thrown in for good measure.
Suprisingly the vocals, guided by the bands sound at times sounds very Souisie & the Banshees. A nice touch!
Reverend Brown, Lead SingerBehind the keyboards resides Alfredo, the band's chief composer adding in great rhythmic and ambient chords, giving the band a great anthemic feel. It's hard to place exactly where his influence is. The nearest would be compared to Brandon Flowers of The Killers fame.
Set List:
Carmen San Diego
Luciernagas
Pupilas
El Lado fresquito de la Almohada
Lagartos
Creep
Vampiros
Malo Final
The end result is very pleasant, their songs uplifting with an occult lower sadness that really needs to come out. I'll come on to this in a bit. The band has already proved their mettle, getting through to the semi-finals of Barcelona's prestigious Emergenzia's Battle of the Bands.
**Reverendo Brown Concert Highlights
The second song of the evening, "Luciernagas" kicked off with a great keyboard intro and waded into Radiohead style guitar work. Coupled off with a confident and energy vocal delivery this song didn't disappoint the audience.
Lead singer, Reverend Brown"Pupilas" , I enjoyed a lot. This song carries with it Rafa [the guitarist] leads with a indie, brit rock riffs while Christian on bass delivers solid rock edgy emotion beautifully. EstÃbaliz gave some Siouxsie Souix, vocal delivery[of Siouxsie and the Banshees fame] that got me a dancing baby! Great tune!
I think this is one of their stronger set songs.
I think the song would be even stronger with some male octave or tonal vocal harmonies.
"El Lado fresquito de la Almohada", I personally think they ought to enter this song for Eurovision for the song for Spain. One of their strongest Spanish feeling indie / rock numbers thatthe crowd instantly moves, nods and dances to! The keyboard melodies race ahead without abating, driving the hands in the air of the audience. Rúben behind the drums puts his heart into strong percussive hi-hat and snare delivery. The song is near perfect.
For me, maybe they could do with some more phrasal spacing in the builds. I'd love to hear a hard house version of this song. RB, send it to Paul Oakenfold.... I think it'll be a winner!
Reverend Brown, Spanish Barcelona Rock Band
Reverendo Brown, covered "Creep", the infamous Radiohead number. This showed a more serious nature to the band. The best thing is they carried it off perfectly, the edginess of the song showed a more delicate and emotional edge to the band. They were in tune with the song. The drum lines were perfectly delivered by Rúben giving the song a familiar pace and feel.
This shows the band has a lot more promise to carry off emotive songs through their delivery! I want to see more of this please!
"Vampiros" is where I think the keyboard melodies are very Killers orientated with strong Oreja de Van Gogh style vocals. With the pace set the band loved us and left us with I believe one of their strongest songs, "Malo Final". This song for me topped, "El Lado fresquito de la Almohada", but only just.
I'd say if you're in a tough spot Reverendo Brown, I'd play "Malo Final", first to get the crowd going and don't give up! Nice one boys and girls!
**Concert low lights
Reverend Brown, RazzamatazzThere's not much to fault this band on. As I said, I think they could start to show a bit more indie edginess that'll set them apart from being perceived as just another Spanish pop/rock band.
Reverendo Brown deserve more. With 2 of their stronger songs, plus their cover, 'Creep', has shown more musical depth to touch and convey emotion that the band put into their numbers.
Sadly, the key influences drift towards the pop angle, which is okay. However, it is not enough to get them really noticed as something different from the plethora of other great Spanish pop/rock bands out there.
I'd say their brit indie guitar lines from Rafa, I enjoyed a lot. Together with a great fusion of brit/iberican pop/rock [look at the newer direction of Vertusa Morla] seems to have some life, and something to set them apart.
EstÃbaliz lead singer needs to be a lot more versatile on-stage and get away from the stand alone mike. She interacts great with the band but she's mainly static on stage and isn't enough to kick you in the balls during the choruses [which are very strong] .
EstÃbaliz please get up close to the crowd, play around with the band more. During the concert there was some interaction but it could be better with some of their slower numbers and male vocal harmonies that'd bring a dimension of band cohesion.
**About Reverendo Brown, their influences and members
The female vocal lead band take a great chunk of their influence from Spanish Rock / Pop gods of music. Notably their sound is very Oreja de Van Gogh, with The Killers, REM and Radiohead thrown in for good measure.
Suprisingly the vocals, guided by the bands sound at times sounds very Souisie & the Banshees. A nice touch!
Reverend Brown, Lead SingerBehind the keyboards resides Alfredo, the band's chief composer adding in great rhythmic and ambient chords, giving the band a great anthemic feel. It's hard to place exactly where his influence is. The nearest would be compared to Brandon Flowers of The Killers fame.
Set List:
Carmen San Diego
Luciernagas
Pupilas
El Lado fresquito de la Almohada
Lagartos
Creep
Vampiros
Malo Final
Reverendo Brown, live music review from their epic concert at Razzamatazz, 5th Feb 2010: http://ping.fm/qTSme
Great news for U2 fans, Interpol are supporting during June/July 2010 in the States. http://ping.fm/KykO2
Metal hammer give a great lead on a new Deftones song for download. My comments and link here:http://ping.fm/9MXwl
Friday, February 19, 2010
Getting dodgy SERPs? Then quit off google's personalised search for proper results: http://ping.fm/f01dX
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Really interesting news piece on: The “unbundling” of the shopping experience across channels: implications for retailers:
http://ping.fm/2r8Rr
http://ping.fm/2r8Rr
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Watch they Easyjet CEO race Ryarair's CEO race around Trafalger Sq, London. Interesting ploy in social media: http://ping.fm/gKLLS
Bullet for my Valentine lovers? Download a new track free here: http://ping.fm/soZXf
#bulletformyvalentine mp3
#bulletformyvalentine mp3
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Quicksand Remedy Live in Barcelona, Live Music Review from their 5 Feb 2010 gig at Razzamatazz
http://ping.fm/C1EVf
http://ping.fm/C1EVf
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Feb 2010
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Highlights:
Coming on-stage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practised songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number but with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video here http://ping.fm/7UHqA]. For some of the more comical elements, Johns [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Lowlights:
Despite the venue’s mismatched sound mixing, the songs still came across as strong, powerful and emotive. The bass was too a little too loud, the guitar weak with hardly any lower end. The drum-kit had a very weak sound especially on the bass drum and mid toms.
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquilliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquilliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
About Quicksand Remedy: Feel, Grove and Influences
Brimming with energy, professionalism, well polished tunes and on-stage presence Quicksand Remedy is one of Barcelona’s best ex-pat heavy rock trios.
The group sandwiches in a healthy portion of Pearl Jam with a hot side dish of Red Hot Chilli Peppers influences, while remaining true to something unique in rock/funk fusion.
Having been around a few years now, the band carries off some very deep emotional songs. This is not an easy thing to do. Indeed, I’d say the band has now matured for the better. They are now successfully carrying off the darker feel in their music that the lyrics always conveyed.
Onstage the group successfully interacts with one another, while their bassist is just pure crazy! Chris, head banging during his instrumental and solos, gives the audience the impression of solid work, well delivered.
This event debuted some new material and newish material from their present single [and video see here http://ping.fm/MpvnO].
Coming on-stage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practised songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number but with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video here http://ping.fm/7UHqA]. For some of the more comical elements, Johns [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Lowlights:
Despite the venue’s mismatched sound mixing, the songs still came across as strong, powerful and emotive. The bass was too a little too loud, the guitar weak with hardly any lower end. The drum-kit had a very weak sound especially on the bass drum and mid toms.
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquilliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquilliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
About Quicksand Remedy: Feel, Grove and Influences
Brimming with energy, professionalism, well polished tunes and on-stage presence Quicksand Remedy is one of Barcelona’s best ex-pat heavy rock trios.
The group sandwiches in a healthy portion of Pearl Jam with a hot side dish of Red Hot Chilli Peppers influences, while remaining true to something unique in rock/funk fusion.
Having been around a few years now, the band carries off some very deep emotional songs. This is not an easy thing to do. Indeed, I’d say the band has now matured for the better. They are now successfully carrying off the darker feel in their music that the lyrics always conveyed.
Onstage the group successfully interacts with one another, while their bassist is just pure crazy! Chris, head banging during his instrumental and solos, gives the audience the impression of solid work, well delivered.
This event debuted some new material and newish material from their present single [and video see here http://ping.fm/MpvnO].
Interesting article on social media vs corporations. Now users are being educated! http://ping.fm/Tixqy
News: 10 Reasons You Can’t Ignore Google Buzz as an SEO. I can't say much more than I agree! http://ping.fm/3WLUw
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