Throwback Thursday: The Velvet Underground & Nico

Forgive Us For We Have Not Sinned: A Look Back At The Velvet Underground & Nico

Original Release date: 12th March 1967

Thanks to Jon Hall for another splendid Throwback Thursday.

Live Review - Dave Hause with special guest Northcote

The Cluny, Sunday 8th December 2013

Dave Hause and Northcote round off their European tour in style on a cold December evening in Newcastle.

Album Review: Young Rebel Set - Crocodile

Release date: 20th September 2013

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

Thanks to David Kirby for this review........

Stockton born troubadours Young Rebel Set return with all their spit and sawdust vigour for a second helping of cut-throat jigs and...okay, enough of all that.

Throwback Thursday: Suede - Suede

Suede

Suede

Original Release date: 29th March 1993

Thanks to Jon Hall for this week's Throwback Thursday. The self titled debut from Suede is the subject.....

Album Review: Pure Love - Anthems

Former Gallows man returns with Pure Love's stylish rock and roll debut

Release date:

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

Who would have thought that the frontman of England's former screamo punk leaders Gallows could return with a stylish, back to basics Rock and Roll band? I definitely wasn't expecting this from the moody and brooding Frank Carter. From the first note of opening track 'She (Makes The Devil Run Through Me)', your ears are filled with lyrics that talk of want not destruction, and clean electric guitar. Many Gallows fans will not be fans of Pure Love, but for me 'Anthems' is an enjoyable listen and I would expect their live shows to be just as good.

Live Review - Queens Of The Stone Age

Queens Of The Stone Age, Manchester Arena, 20th November 2013

Thanks for this live review go to Andy Brown.

Throwback Thursday: Queens Of The Stone Age - Songs For The Deaf

Songs For The Deaf

Queens Of The Stone Age

Original Release date: 27th August 2002

As American desert rockers Queens Of The Stone Age are currently in the middle of a UK jaunt, I thought it would be fitting to look back at arguably their most successful album. 'Songs For The Deaf' was released in 2002 and reached a peak of number 4 in the UK album chart. It was success they had not reached previously in their history since formation in 1996, and has only been surpassed by this year's excellent '...Like Clockwork'. Driven by lead singer, songwriter, Ginger Elvis and master of darkness Joshua Homme, 'Songs For The Deaf' is full of menacing hooks, dark themes and Homme's masterful vocals. I was lucky enough to catch them on their tour last night in Manchester. Homme is a powerhouse on stage and his voice is flawless live. He is a huge man and fills the stage. The songs from 'Songs For The Deaf' filled the cavernous Manchester Arena and sounded bigger than ever.

Throwback Thursday: The Killers - Hot Fuss

Hot Fuss

The Killers

Original Release date: 7th June 2004

Last week I listened to The Killers live session on Zane Lowe's excellent Radio 1 show. During the show, Zane Lowe said something that shocked me a little bit. He revealed that it was 10 years since The Killers debut single and best known song 'Mr. Brightside' had been exclusively first played on Radio 1. Ten years. I couldn't believe it! That got me thinking about The Killers and the changes their music has gone through. Last week they revealed that they would be having a 'hiatus' which seems to be a buzz word in the music industry at the moment. It basically means they will have a break for 5 years, come back with some mediocre new stuff that everyone will love, headline Glastonbury (again) and make millions from a tour. It's probably for the best because their recent efforts have been light years behind in terms of quality and style from their Indie Rock and Roll classic debut 'Hot Fuss'. So this week on Throwback Thursday, we look back at where it all began.

Throwback Thursday: Led Zeppelin IV

Led Zeppelin IV

Led Zeppelin

Original Release date: 8th November 1971

This week on Throwback Thursday, we look at a real classic from a band who at the time were 'the biggest band in the world'. Led Zeppelin had a huge influence on rock music and over 40 years later, 'Led Zeppelin IV' sounds as majestic and magnificent as ever. The album includes some of the most recognisable rock and roll songs ever recorded. But the album came at a time when Led Zeppelin had fell out of favour with the music world. However, the power and brilliance of 'Led Zeppelin IV' totally changed this, thrusting Led Zeppelin to an even higher status.

Local Music News

Stockton's Globe Theatre

Stockton's Globe Theatre came a step closer to it's full redevelopment last month. The Heritage Lottery Fund has announced a £4 million grant will be awarded to the project to help restore the Grade II listed building to it's former glory as a renowned music venue.

It's currently in a derelict state, but back in it's heyday, the Globe attracted acts like The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry and The Beatles. Personally I think it would be great for the area if we had a new music venue. In Middlesbrough we have the Empire which is a great venue but struggles to attract big names. Same with the Town Hall. Recently the TFM Soundworks opened in Middlesbrough and promises to attract bigger names and has already confirmed Chase & Status for a New Year's Eve gig. But a place with the character of the Globe would be a real asset.

You can support this redevelopment and find out more on Facebook. Get involved!

Throwback Thursday: Lou Reed - Transformer

Transformer

Lou Reed

Original Release date: 8th November 1972

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

There was really only one choice for this week's Throwback Thursday. Lou Reed sadly passed earlier this week. Jukebox 88 has already remembered the polarising star through a tribute from Jon Hall, but I wanted to write something about his music, specifically his seminal album 'Transformer'. Reed was bastardised when he left the Velvet Underground in 1970 and it seemed a poor choice when his first solo album 'Lou Reed' was released in 1971. It was basically a collection of re-recorded Velvet Underground songs. Critics and fans alike didn't take kindly to it. But 'Transformer' was a different experience. Reed seemed invigorated. Transformed even.

The Night Lou Reed Died: A Tribute to a Rock and Roll Poet

1942-2013

Thanks to Jon Hall for this tribute to a legend.

Throwback Thursday: Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Arctic Monkeys

Original Release date: 23rd January 2006

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

After seeing the Arctic Monkeys live this week, there was only one album for Throwback Thursday: 'Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not'. The debut album from the Sheffield band was hugely anticipated. The release date was brought forward to cater for this. They made instant history, breaking UK chart sales by selling 360,000 copies in the first week, making it the fastest-selling debut album in UK chart history, and drawing comparisons with The Beatles. But 'Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not' was only the first page in the Arctic Monkeys story. It was a huge album, that can't be understated no matter your opinion, but their sound and image has transformed and they are now a million miles away from their teenage Indie roots.

An alternative live review - Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys, Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, 22nd October 2013

Thanks for this live review go to Jon Hall.

Throwback Thursday: The Strokes - Is This It

Is This It

The Strokes

Original Release date: 27th August 2001

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

The focus of this week's Throwback Thursday is the debut from Indie Rock royalty, The Strokes. 'Is This It' announced The Strokes arrival on the music scene, dripping with attitude and style. Critically it was a huge success. 'Is This It' is repeatedly featured in countdowns and Top 100s. NME made it 'Album of the year' in 2001, beating strong competition from The White Stripes (White Blood Cells), Jay-Z (The Blueprint) and Daft Punk (Discovery). Rolling Stone named it the second best album of the 2000s, beaten only by Radiohead and the magnificent 'Kid A'. Even if you don't read this blog post, you have to listen to 'Is This It'.

Album Review: Haim - Days Are Gone

Days Are Gone

Haim

Release date: 30th September 2013

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

The hype surrounding Haim and the release of their first full length studio album has been huge. Since they released EP 'Forever' almost a year ago in October 2012, their fan base has been increasing and critics have been singing their praises. The buzz they've generated has come from their high intensity live sets and their excellent early releases - all of which are included on this album. They have played a selection of UK festivals over the summer and a headline slot at iTunes festival in September, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and Primal Scream - proving Haim's reach and appeal.

Throwback Thursday: The Rolling Stones - Let It Bleed

Let It Bleed

The Rolling Stones

Original Release date: 5th December 1969

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

In 2013 The Rolling Stones celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Take a second to think about that. Fifty years. Fifty years of making some of the most popular music the world as seen. Fifty years of causing trouble. Fifty years of wowing audiences at their live shows. I doubt another band will be able to equal that. I was lucky enough to go to their Hyde Park concert this year with my Dad, who was at the first Hyde Park concert in 1969. They may be in their late 60's or early 70's now, but Mick Jagger can still hold a note, Charlie Watts can still keep a rhythm, and Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards can still play guitar. In 1969 'Let It Bleed' was released. It was The Rolling Stones eighth release and their first since the death of founding guitarist Brian Jones. Not only did 'Let It Bleed' confirm the Stones status, it was a new beginning for the band.

Guest Album Review: Arctic Monkeys - AM

AM

Arctic Monkeys

Release date: 6th September 2013

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

Thanks for this guest review go to Andy Brown.

Guest Album Review: Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks

Hesitation Marks

Nine Inch Nails

Release date: 30th August 2013

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

Thanks for this guest review go to Jon Hall.

Throwback Thursday: Foo Fighters - Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters

Original Release date: 4th July 1995

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

Continuing the theme from the first 'Throwback Thursday' post last week on 'In Utero' by Nirvana, this weeks post looks at Dave Grohl's next musical steps: the self titled debut album from one of the biggest bands the world has ever seen.

New Music - The return of We Are Scientists

Return The Favor

We Are Scientists

Taken from the EP 'Business Casual', due 14th October.

Encouraging return from We Are Scientists after a 3 year hiatus. Much darker than first album 'With Love and Squalor', carrying on their musical maturity from indie dancefloor kings (tracks like 'Nobody Moves Nobody Gets Hurt' and 'Great Escape') to darker, more complex tracks ('After Hours' and 'Barbara'). They have still retained a great guitar sound, seen with the solo which provides the focal point of this new track.

Guest Album Review: Jay-Z - Magna Carta Holy Grail

Magna Carta Holy Grail 

Jay-Z

Release Date: 4th July 2013

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

This is the first of many guest reviews that will feature on the blog. Thanks for this go to Tom Jones.

Throwback Thursday: Nirvana - In Utero

In Utero

Nirvana

Original Release date: 21st September 1993

20th Anniversary re-release date: 23rd September 2013

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

The 'Throwback Thursday' blog posts will be my attempt to recommend a classic album from years gone by.

Album Review: Kings of Leon - Mechanical Bull

Mechanical Bull

Kings of Leon

Release date: 23rd September 2013

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

I've been a fan of Kings of Leon since their debut album ‘Youth and Young Manhood’ was released a decade ago. They had a raw sound and a dangerous level of intensity that caused those well documented spats in their early years. This was followed up by the equally brilliant ‘Aha Shake Heartbreak’ which spawned some of their biggest hits like ‘Four Kicks’ and ‘The Bucket’. So when I read an interview with bassist Jared Followill that described ‘Mechanical Bull’ as having the same ‘vibe’ as their first two albums, my anticipation for the forthcoming release grew. So after listening to the album from start to finish a couple of times, does it live up to these expectations?