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.