Steve Grantley "ZedNation" interview

 Hi Steve, it's been a while since the last RT-Zed album and so much has occurred globally so can we start by covering what's been going on with you and the band and what lead to John Magner's return?

I pretty much recorded and mixed right the way through lockdown. I got very sick with Covid in March 2020 after which I had antibodies. Once I was CD well again I just recorded and mixed. "ZedNation", the new album, "Dub Machine" with Ali McMordie from SLF. I also put together4 dub mixes of classic Stiff Little Fingers tracks to be released in the future. I also did a dub mix, alternate versions and original versions of the "FUNKPUNK" album. I was very busy the whole time. John came back from America and we started working together straight away. We'd lost touch whilst he was in the States but when he returned to the UK we went straight back to work.

When did Jamie Alleyne come on board?

 In 2019. We reconnected on Facebook and the first thing I said was "you wanna join RT-Zed?" and he was like "fuck yeah!" It was a no-brainer really, he's one of the most natural musicians I've ever met. He may not be "famous" but he's truly gifted. Watching him play in the studio is a pleasure, he's groovy, he rocks, he makes very few mistakes and he's a gentle soul. I was in his band Decoda in the 90's, in fact we supported SLF in 1996 at The Forum. It's weird how things go around.

That sounds like a great full circle or fated thing for those that believe in it! Was it these sort of gifted moments that lead to the decision to create a full band line up?

Well, yes. The guys were back so it was a foregone conclusion. I'd played all the instruments on "FUNKPUNK" apart from lead guitar and for "ZedNation" I wanted the band feel you mention. So yes, it was a more integrated, collective approach. A band, utilising the individual members talents.

And it opens up the possibilities more readily for live dates so naturally I should ask what your plans are there, I know you've already got the Westworld Weekend lined up.

Yep, Westworld is in the diary and because SLF will probably be quiet in the latter part of the year we are looking to do shows then.

That sounds promising! Have you considered what a potential set would look like yet or are you going to use it as a showcase for "ZedNation" rather than draw from all the albums?

The set list is sorted and it's a mixture of all the albums.

You mentioned "Dub Machine" and the alternative "FUNKPUNK", is there a time scale on when these will appear?

"Dub Machine" - which is Ali and I's dub album together will be released later this year. The "FUNKPUNK" dub, alternative mix album will come out sometime in the future. Not sure when. At the moment it's all about "ZedNation". We've had great reviews and I was most proud of the Modern Drummer review, the drummers bible, so to speak, they called me "The British Dave Grohl" which was pretty amazing.

The buzz around "ZedNation" and the universally strong reviews must be hugely satisfying.

Yes it is. We're trying to get it on radio but that's a whole other world mate. The sales are strong, the reviews are astounding - it's going well. We're all so pleased. We even got 9/10 from a metal magazine - I don't know if that's good or bad but we'll take it.

I can see why the metal press would pick up on it in the broader rock and punk terms there is definite crossover potential. That Dave Grohl comparison must be both satisfying and also a big help in getting the album to achieve the breakthrough potential that it certainly has?

Well, I hope it does. If we can have a bit of Foo Fighter sucess that'll be fine by me. It's hard to come from behind the kit to up front. Some people think you're an upstart! "Get back in your place!" But fuck that. I make music and if it's behind the drums, as a producer or playing guitar and singing - it's all the same. I think Dave has proved it's ok: don't panic the drummers gonna sing but it's cool. Loads of front men played drums before they were singers. Iggy, Kravitz - Stevie Wonder - Prince - all these guys play drums really well. Drummers often go to the front, Grohl, Phil Collins, Taylor Hawkins, Roger Taylor. It's nothing out of the ordinary.

As we're on the subject, do you have any words on the passing of Taylor Hawkins?

It was a shock to us all. I just think of his family. He had the hardest drumming job in the world. On stage playing drums with Dave Grohl for 3 hours a night on those songs in front of thousands every night. No wonder he had anxiety issues. I respected his playing enormously and just, as I say: my heart goes out to the family. It's a massive loss to us all and who knows where Foo Fighters will go from here?!

I think it hit home for a lot of people and we can nevr take things for granted but moving things back to "ZedNation" how difficult was it not to have the pandemic infuence the lyrical themes in the album?

I just thought that would be too obvious. Way too easy! I wasn't going to wallow in the situation, I just got on with other things. I was very ill with it as I've said and I wasn't going to let it hold me back anymore than it already had.

What did you draw on for your lyrical inspiration?

My life. It's all there. Nothings made up, nothing is a metaphor - it's all there.

What prompted you to offer a unique hand painted deluxe limited edition of the album?

I wanted to add something personal and special for the Deluxe Edition. First I thought about hand written lyrics but that's been done a lot before and I didn't think anyone would want that from me. Then I considered a bonus track but folk would already have 12 new songs on the album, so that was a non-starter. So, I was watching a documentary about Andy Warhol of whom I'm a big fan, and reading a book about him at the same time. I liked his idea of repetition with the soup cans for example - and the idea of doing 100 hand painted Zed Hed logos came to me. It was kinda extreme because that's a lot of work but I chose to do it BECAUSE it was extreme, because it was difficult. It took me 8 weeks: each one took an average of an hour and a quarter per painting. They're all in the style of Pop Art - influences include, Mondrian, Lichtenstain and of course Warhol. They're being photographed and catalogued, they'll be available all together in booklet form titled "The Same But Different" at some point so that they can be appreciated as a collection.

It also gives a reason to buy rather than stream, if "ZedNation" is to reach a wider audience streaming sites must be a necessary evil but what are your thoughts as an independent artist?

I hate streaming sites. They rip-off artists. We get fuck all! It's a joke. I don't have Spotify because it's legalised theft. They're cunts! Absolute cunts.

So given the traction, the press and reviews what are your hopes and expectations for the album?

Who knows mate - I just want those who've bought the album to like the music and use it. To drive home to, to vibe them up before they go out, to party to, go crazy - make love; just enjoy the music and the attitude.

Having heard the album I'm pretty sure all that is a given! Before we move on to the future I just wanted to go back to the Dave Grohl comparissons that we touched on earlier. I would hope that more people would be drawn to listen to the album but what is your take?

I was honoured to be compared to Dave Grohl, he is an exceptional musician and so it was so flattering to get that accolade from Modern Drummer Magazine: incredible. Because I'm known as a drummer first as is Dave and because I have my own band I suppose there are similarities. Let's hope we can have a little bit of Foo Fighters success.

It would certainly be deserved that's for sure and I truly think that "ZedNation" has that potential for a much wider audience. If the past has taught us anything it's probably to expect the unexpected in relation to RT-Zed so what's next for you and the band?

I hope we can reach a wider audience but it's difficult - we want to play more live and we are trying to get radio play but for an independent act it's extremely difficult. We are supporting Spear of Destiny at their Westworld Weekend Friday 13th May but we are looking for a set of dates in November, December time. I just want to continue to make music with these guys. When I'm not with SLF, I'm doing this - it's a compulsion. 😉

That would certainly be great to see and as you mentioned SLF what's on the horizon now that you've finished the delayed 20/20 Vision tour apart from a few rescheduled dates due to Jake being unwell?

Jake just got a head cold and it went down into his throat. 4 days rest and he was back in the game. We hope to record an album in 2023 and tour more extensively internationally. As for 2022? It's all UK shows where we are going to places we haven't been for a while. For all dates go to SLF.rocks. It's great to be back with the lads ans we can't thank the audience enough for coming to the shows. The numbers increase year upon year and we are amazed and grateful.

It sounds like 2022 is going to be a very interesting year! Steve Grantley thank you very much!

"ZedNation" is available now - order now by clicking HERE!

Billy Liberator - "Companions" album review

 

Life as an independent artist is never an easy one and it's rarely a glamourous one either. Writing songs from the heart that won't be heard by nearly as many people that they should be and playing small gigs often with just a guitar, microphone and solitary spotlight Billy Liberator has chosen this life. Through passion, talent and a warm nature though Liberator has secured the help and support of Steve "Smiley" Barnard who has drummed, recorded and toured with a variety of household names including the iconic Joe Strummer as part of The Mescaleros.

Recorded at Smiley's Sunshine Corner Studio the multi-instrumentalist co-wrote the music as well as providing the musical backing alongside Liberator's guitar and words. This is quite a coup and has given the album a great overall sound and polish, maybe too much so in places as I'd love to hear some of these songs in a starker solo setting. Nevertheless it's undeniable that songs such as "Stand Up For Love" and "What Needed To Be Said" benefit from the full backing and lush production.

The album works best for me as a songbook of a great songwriter and standouts include "Get Up, Make It Better", "As Good As You Are" and "Evelyn". There are others crying out to be heard live with a good band behind him and a slight strain in his voice, "Boxcar Revival" is a definate dancefloor filler whilst "The Stuntwoman" is just waiting to find a roof to raise!

Liberator says his next album will be looser and that is something I can't wait to hear as "Companions" does a bloody good job at laying out his stall and whetting your appetite.

Find out more at billyliberator.com including purchase and streaming links.

RT-Zed - "ZedNation" Reviewed & Pre-Order Goes Live!

 The last RT-Zed album, the aptly named "FUNKPUNK", saw Steve Grantley's project explore a mix of genres but with the return of original guitarist John Magner alongside Grantley, Jonesy and bassist Jamie Alleyne "ZedNation" is very much a gritty rock and punk album. Not that Magner's return is a backwards step, the album very much moves the band forward and bolsters a sound that is now so meaty it should be illegal for a vegan to listen to let alone have made!

Lead single "Why Did I Ever Care" whetted the appetite but when the opener "Black Heart of Love" kicks in you know that you had been lulled into a false sense of security and from then on the album just doesn't relent.

"Don't Hit The Brakes Until You Crash" reinvents Slade for the 21st Century with a massive beat and added punk vibes striaght into "Superfaker" which will please fans of both Grantley's past and present endeavours.

Grantley is definitely an underrated lyricist and on the albums most acerbic tracks such as "Little Bitch" and "Teach You A Lesson" it provides a great opportunity for him to add a sneer element to his vocal delivery that fit the tracks perfectly.

The whole sound seems a lot fuller than previous albums thanks to both the expanded band line up and also the excellent production, you get the feeling this is the album RT-Zed have been building to and have succeeded in producing something truly special.

With the obvious comparisons of drummer becomes frontman then Grantley could easily be viewed as the British Dave Grohl with all of the fight of his American counterpart but with a decidedly different accent!

Will this be the album that brings them to a wider audience? - It certainly should be!

"ZedNation" is released on April the 28th but is available to pre order now from RTZed.com

Smiley - "2021" review

 The first album from Smiley not to bear the "Friends" tag yet it still manages to sound both new and familiar despite the change to a core band set up. Without having to accommodate the various styles that his always well chosen guests bought "2021" is much more focussed but still explores the trademark indie with sixties influence sound of the previous albums.

The song writing again shines through and manages to achieve a sense of optimism and healing in "Another Day", acknowledge loss in "Goodbye Old Friend" while the whole album is set up with the mantra of "Just Show Love". Those upbeat Smiley bangers are , of course, present in droves and rest assured "Rise Above", "The Last To Know", "Hollywood" and "The Firm" have hooks galore as well as choruses that you can belt out not to mention a few tasty guitar solos!

So do you miss the "Friends"? Well, yes, no and maybe! It's certainly been a long time coming and building a core that can make live dates more of a possibility as well as grow into each other is a fantastic prospect however there are times where you wish that you had the presence of a voice like Kerry Barnard Schultz to bring something else to the mix but as a debut for the new direction the potential is limitless and you won't be disappointed!

ORDER FROM smileysfriends.co.uk/music

Smiley's Friends On Sunshine Corner Reviewed

For those of you lucky enough to be going to The Gathering next month you will not only get the chance to pick up the fantastic new album by Smiley early but he will also be on hand at the merch desk on the Saturday afternoon to sign it for you! Those that can't make it to Llandudno can pre-order it now by clicking HERE!

For those waiting to know more then here is my review!

As Smiley comes to the third album in his “Friends” series my anticipation and expectations were extremely high after his previous release “Friends In Far Out Places” proved to be one of my favourite albums of the year and rarely strayed from my playlist. The first thing to tell you is that this album delivers, in fact it delivers in a big way.

For me it no longer really matters who is playing what part on what track as the whole project feels natural and fluid, a band more than a solo outing with guests, and they know they sound fantastic!

Stylistically “On Sunshine Corner” has continued the development that was so obvious on the last album which doesn’t mean that Smiley and co are afraid to experiment and go from a groove-tastic horn laden James Brown tribute in the shape of “What Would James Do?” to the politicised musings of “Oh Lord” which is delivered in a track that Bono would be proud to sing!

The song writing seems more confident here, maybe as Smileys writing partnership with Graham Turner continues to grow, while the use of the different vocalists helps to showcase the diversity of styles.

This is an album that does very little wrong, I’m not a massive fan of “Overfamiliarity” if truth be told and after seeing the track listing I did initially question the need to include a remix of the epic “End Of The World” from the previous album but once you hear the richness of the new mix you won’t mind one bit that you have another version of it. “Rock N Roll Comedown” could quite easily be a very close relative of “Far Out Places” track “Million Smiles” but both tracks work so I’m ok with that, there are plenty of other highly original tracks on offer here.

This is an album waiting to be discovered and demanding your attention, it’s amazing this is coming from an authentically indie background and you wonder how much attention great songs like these could get given different circumstances. Will you hear these songs on the radio? You could, you certainly should but the truth of the matter is that you probably won’t. This is music driven by you, get it, love it, tell your friends, shout it from the rooftops…Smiley has loads of friends in all sort of places and now it’s time to count yourself among them!

RT-Zed "Crunch" reviewed

Steve Grantley follows up the fantastic "Zed Hed" album from his RT-Zed project/band (delete as appropriate) with "Crunch,  a limited edition cd of the bands debut live gig recorded at the Bullingdon Club Oxford in 2012.

So with only an albums worth of source material to draw from (not including the RTZ Global album) it's just a live run through of "Zed Hed" right? Wrong! Of course there are tracks from "Zed Hed" accounting for 6 of the 10 songs on "Crunch" but it's very noticeable just how different these versions are live.

The band is spot on and full of energy, the songs raw and bursting with attitude even in "Room No. 5", a track that deals with the loss of Steve's father, there seems more anger in the live version making it totally different from the "Zed Hed" original and just as essential.

"You Are Free" makes a great set opener and it is obvious how well that Steve paced the set slipping in a few covers just to give those present something familiar rather than exclusively presenting them with material they hadn't heard. "Rebel Rebel" works well with a vocal sneer that merges glam, punk & rock, "Crazy Horses" is more Osmonds than Alex Harvey and is beefed up to the Nth degree while "Saturday Nights (Alright For Fighting)" goes full pelt as the gig races towards its conclusion...Elton John this ain't!

 "Get What You Want" is left to close the proceedings and by this point you can almost feel the floor bouncing while the sweat runs down the walls and the smell of beer hangs in the air! This is a club show, warts and all by a band doing what they do best and playing up a storm while they do it. From the heartfelt thanks that Steve gives to those that have travelled to make the show so special you know he is moved and you know he is happy!

With so little downtime at the moment afforded to him be the reinvigorated Stiff Little Fingers it is hard to tell how many chances you will get to catch RT-Zed live which makes this release even more essential....get it before time runs out!

TO ORDER CLICK HERE!

Smiley's Friends In Far Out Places Review

The countdown has well and truly started for those eager to get their grubby little mitts on the new Smiley album "Friends In Far Out Places" (the follow up to "Friends In High Places") which is due for release on the 1st of November. For those of you that description applies to I'd like to ensure you that your wait will not be in vain - this album delivers time and time again track after track!

Ok first of all for those familiar with "Friends In High Places" this will seem like a natural successor, the album artwork is again provided by the ever talented Karl Parsons and mirrors the style of the first album and that to an extent is true of the music too. There are still the obligitory nods to Britpop, Kerry again features on vocals and expands her presence here giving us more opportunity to hear her amazing voice ahead of the release of the début Q The Music album. The real difference with this album is that it is much more immediate, both the songs and music are richer and more fluid providing a collection of songs that flow in a way that the first album didn't at times.

So lets do some name checking. Smiley has friends, LOTS of friends! Here we have all of The Alarm minus Craig (next time Smiley ensures me!), From The Jam band mate Bruce Foxton, Hard Fi's Richard Archer (some fans will have seen him join The Alarm on stage in London on the Vinyl tour), former band mates Martin Coogan (Mock Turtles), Pablo Cook (Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros), Jonny Wiles (One Iota) who duets on the album closer with Dorie Jackson, Gary Nuttall (Robbie Williams) alongside Robin Foster who Smiley has toured with, Dale Davis (Amy Winehouse) and John James Newman who some may know from the BBC show The Voice.

So with a roster like that you would hope for something pretty special and that is exactly what you get! There are plenty of tracks that stand out even after only a few listens from opener "You Say" to the slow burning "Interstella Aliens", the Kerry tour de forces of "Hide & Seek" and "H2O" to the club anthem waiting to happen "Higher". "End Of The World" could be the next big Robbie Williams single such is the talent of the song writing and style, it's a song that will seem familiar on the first listen, like a track you've been singing along to on the radio for weeks! 

So mark the date in your diary, save the download link and make sure you get this one in your collection!

You will be able to buy the album direct from Smiley by clicking HERE from the 1st November.

James Stevenson - "Everything's Getting Closer To Being Over" album review.

When James released the preview EP "The Shape Of Things To Come" at last years Gathering (and via mail order) I don't think any of us expected such a long wait to hear the full album! However James had a pretty busy year even by his own standards with 100 gigs spread across 7 bands so we are probably quite lucky to have this album out so soon this year!

So having been lucky enough to hear "Everything's Getting Closer To Being Over" prior to the "soft launch" at The Gathering next week (the official launch for the UK will be March 10th via Absolute Marketing and i-Tunes etc) what strikes me over the EP is the sheer diversity of the album, each track seems to take you by surprise and I guarantee you will experience some genuine "wow" moments!

So first of all let's cover off who's on the album as it is a real who's who of amazing talent....James handles all guitars (what a shock!) and also lead vocals, Mark Taylor all keyboards, Peter Rizzo provides the lions share of the bass with 3 tracks in the capable hands of Glen Matlock and one track featuring Mr Craig Adams! Drums come from Chris Bell, Barriemore Barlow, Geoff Dugmore & Igor Marjanovic while we have Steve Norman on Saxophone & percussion, Dennis ILett on trumpet and Peter Walsh on piano for "Suzi's Problem". Providing backing vocals are the amazing Sexpistilletos comprising of Maggi Ronson, Elizabeth Westwood and Tracie Hunter whose harmonies compliment the music brilliantly.

Anyone who picked up the EP will be familiar with the albums first track, the slow build "Suzi's Problem" which will get you used to James' vocal style, his natural understated style allows you to appreciate the lyrics and music. Musically the album works well, no showboating just musicians at the top of their game playing great songs. There are some teasing solos before James finally lets rip and then frustratingly fades the track, if the live dates ever happen I really hope we will see some extended guitar work allowing the track to really explode.

The Sexpistilletos are in full force on "Go Mister!" as James, ever the passionate biker, accuses the government of "wanting to take my dough" through hidden speed cameras and the like. A great catchy chorus but it is the next track "Twilight Riders" which hits you with one of those promised wow moments! Marks keys are to the fore and James' tone is rich as he solos over a steady beat and vocal accompaniment, again the track finishes too early for my liking....don't get me wrong, it's not short at 4 minutes but this could be Allman Brothers territory...I'm hungry for more and already lost in the music so extending the track would work for me!

By the forth track "Come On People" you know what to expect and you wouldn't be wrong, there's that build again, all the signature sounds of the album so far and sweet guitar solo but then we also get treated to some great trumpet which works well. "Give It Up" follows which has a funky, choppy vibe to it. Something that surprised me at first before recalling that James has a love for Johnny "Guitar" Watson who dabbled in his share of funk as well as blues. The probing keyboard work of Marks is a marvel, proving he could quite easily play some great dance music if he ever wanted to!

"Why Am I Still Waiting For You?" is a slow soulful track with sparse acoustic and electric guitars with a keyboard soundscape that gels it all together before Steve Norman plays us out with a suitable sax passage.

The next two tracks are the final ones from the EP release and both are great in their own right, however, I'm not sure that "Been A Long Time Now" works well in the albums flow, it's the first track where the pace and focus seem to waver and may have been a better closer, a way to come down on a mellow groove. Once again Steve Norman features with great effect. "Naturally Wired" kicks in with it's great modern blues riff which would surely appeal to fans of Jack White or the Black Keys...not that this album will get the radio play those artists seem to get so often which is a sad reality check.

The albums title track shows James as the comfortable vocalist but again for me it fades as it is just getting going.

James' passion for riding returns for the closer "I'll Know Where I'm Going When I get There" which is a real stripped back affair predominately featuring James singing over a carefully picked guitar before the band joins him about two thirds of the way through the song. The song will disappoint you however, not because you won't enjoy it but you will know it's the final track on the album and it's an album that's over all too soon.

So it may have been a long wait but what an amazing pay off at the end of it! With "Everything's Getting Closer To Being Over" James proves not only has he been in some amazing bands but is more than capable of standing under his own name producing some brilliant music.

 This album delivers, whether you get it next week at the gathering or have to wait for the official release, just make sure you get it!

Tom O'Driscoll "Tenacity" review

When I heard that Tom O'Driscoll had just recorded his first solo album at Smileys Sunshine Corner Studio enlisting his production and drumming skills as well then I was quick to get in touch to find out a little about Tom and the new album. One of the first things he said to me was "Would you like me to send you a copy?" so I eagerly said yes!

I've been listening to the ten tracks that make up "Tenacity" for about a month now and the album has grown and grown on each play. It's funny hearing an artist for the first time with no expectation or exposure and what Tom and Smiley have created here is a great album with a retro vibe that is also modern and relevant. 

Tom and Smiley split all the instruments between them with Tom playing acoustic and electric guitars as well as bass and obviously all vocals leaving Smiley to play drums (naturally), keyboards and even lending lead guitar to the track "Light and Shade".

There is certainly a sixties influence running through the album, even vague hints of psychedelia in parts but it also has some of that later mod vibe and you could imagine messers Weller, Foxton & Buckler ripping through some of these tracks (or should that be Hastings, Foxton & Smiley?). Toms vocal style has a dream like fluid lilt that bounces along with each track and you wonder if the music is chasing the vocal or the vocal pulling the music along just behind it, there is a symbiosis that makes them inseparable.

Stand out moments for me include "The Other Side Of Life" - great guitar solo that leads into a Smiley keyboard workout, "Apathy" (complete with audio samples from the legendary film "Zulu"), the "angry" "Sadder Than Sad" and title track and album close "Tenacity". I do think though that this is one of those albums better appreciated as a whole, for instance I don't see many people singling out the acoustic guitar instrumental "The Mumtaz" but it's a great track and works well in the album running order. It's not a long album by todays standards clocking in at 37 minutes so it doesn't demand much to listen to it as a whole.

It seems a shame that currently the album is only available at Toms gigs (but also gives you a good reason to seek out his live dates!) and I would urge Tom to look into paypal or something similar in order to widen the geographical demographic who can access "Tenacity" which is a fine release!

Connect with Tom on Facebook (also check out his live dates) HERE

For those that don't do Facebook email Tom on tommobass@yahoo.co.uk

Joe Silva - "Blue" Review

You might remember the interview we did with Joe Silva a few months back or you may have been lucky enough to catch him at this years Gathering and now his much anticipated album "Blue" hits the virtual shelves so to speak!

So currently the digital age gets a jump start over the physical disc which will appear later and you can download "Blue" from I-Tunes from whichever side of the Atlantic you are. SO the big question you are bound to be asking is...."is it worth my money"? My honest answer (after playing this back to back about five times today) is yes!

I had a few preconceptions before I bought "Blue" based on the interview we had done earlier in the year and was expecting Joe to wear his influences firmly on his sleeve and some of those do come through like his love of The Beatles and especially George Harrison ("Out Of The Rain" shows this most clearly and could even be from Harrison's "Cloud 9" era). The one real comparison that I kept making though was just how reminiscent of latter day Tom Petty this feels which to me is no bad thing but may be doing Joe a massive injustice as he is no imitator.

The album opens with the title track "Blue" which features some great instrumentation with the guitar keeping steady allowing the other instruments to "dance" all around each other.

The previously mentioned "Out Of The Rain" follows and is a great track that to me could have been from the "Cloud 9" sessions albeit without the Jeff Lynne production job! For those of you that haven't read our interview with Joe "Blue" was produced by drumming legend Anton Fig and recorded at the famed SUN studio in Memphis by the way!

"Break The Chain" features a wonderful piano line that weaves in and out of the vocal, flowing as if it is caught on an unseen breeze.

"Didn't Mean It Like That" is a moving break up song (the lyrical theme for a lot of the album) that would be or SHOULD be a perfect fit for radio...how much do I wish I could get a job on commercial radio as a programmer?!

"We Had It All" is piano driven with hints of themes from "Let It Be" and when the keys join in maybe even elements of "Whiter Shade Of Pale" and this is the track where I began to realise that many tracks end before they feel they have reached their full potential. Maybe others will agree with the less is more approach however I would love to hear more exploration in some of the tracks.

"Walk Away" features drums very much to the fore (remember Joe made his name as the drummer and singing in The Threats) which despite being really tight they do distract from what else is going on. Never the less you will be singing along with the chorus by the time the last refrain comes. Even on the first listen I was singing this!

"Coldest Day Of The Year" features another great lyric ("the coldest day of the year came in June this year") exploring the break up of a relationship once more with some great steel guitar work (if my ears don't deceive me).

"Should You Realise" features a great Sax line but honestly mostly past me by.

"Where You Are" is a simple guitar and drum based track that starts with a nice echo laden vocal and soon becomes another great one to sing along to.

That leads us to the album closers "I Do" which again features some great lyrics and finishes on a much more positive theme despite being the shortest track on the album. I love the opening line "You walked into my room, you undressed my doubt", one of many great moments on "Blue".

I get the feeling that "Blue" will be an album that keeps giving as the melodies and lyrics grow more familiar with every listen but it is great from word go! Joe is getting some good exposure and hopefully if enough of us go out of our way to buy this and support him then we may see some live dates on these shores.

BUY IT NOW ON I-TUNES UK http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/blue/id543666130
or USA http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/blue/id543666130

Archive - Controlling Crowds (Parts 1-3) Review

Archive remain largely undiscovered in the UK despite the rest of Europe having taken the band to their hearts. Connected to The Alarm via the presence of Smiley on drums and Steve Harris on guitar (who played with the band at this years Gathering) it is about time you discovered this fantastic band for yourself.

From the earlier "trip-hop" days to the latter full blown modern prog they continue to release albums to critical acclaim, here to introduce those not familiar with Archive is Joff's review of the bands 2009 album "Controlling Crowds (Parts 1-3)".

Not many albums these days really stand out yet alone be considered as classic, but this one does both! The genre free Archive have made some stunning albums over the years but "Controlling Crowds (Parts 1-3)" may well be their masterpiece. The band are so often classed as being a trip hop act but nothing is further from the truth, sure there are some electronic drum loops that wouldn't be out of place on a Massive Attack release, but it is Smileys drumming that gives the sound more depth and feeling. Indeed on songs such as the title track "Controlling Crowds" it gives a deeper experience taking the songs to a whole different level and providing the album with an extremely "meaty" sound.

"Controlling Crowds" is a touching experience completed by it's haunting vocals and atmosphere. There is no need to highlight any stand out track as this album needs to be listened to as a whole, every single note is needed and nothing goes to waste. The importance that the guitar of Steve Harris contributes is sometimes overlooked as the synths and keys of Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths are very prominent thoughout the album but it is Steve's guitar that is essential as it bonds the tracks together and brings the whole experience to life.

Archive do not sit well in any one genre which may be why they remain so little known in the UK where everything must have it's own little box. Some bands produce music that doesn't want to be compartmentalised, it is what it is and that's how it is meant to be, this is where you will find "Controlling Crowds". If you need to picture this is terms of other bands then I would say it would appeal to fans of How To Destroy Angels, Gary Numan, Porcupine Tree, No-Man, latter day Marillion and even elements of Pink Floyd.

If you want an album that will pull you in with every note then I recommend putting "Controlling Crowds (Part 1-3)" on and when it has finished press play again...and again....and again! After that experience then it is time to explore the bands follow up album "Controlling Crowds (Part 4)"!

Big Country - The Crossing Deluxe Edition Review

"The sound made pictures. It spread out wide landscapes. Great dramas were played out under it's turbulent skies. There was a romance and reality, truth and dare. People being people, no heroes just you and me, like it always is."

STUART ADAMSON

Many many words have been written about Big Country's timeless debut album "The Crossing" which was first released in 1983. I would even go as far as saying it is an album that, in one form or another, probably graces most of our collections already so is there really any more to say about it? Well other than to say that this remaster sounds warm and fuller than the previous one then the answer is probably no!

There are some strange omissions like the absence of non album single "Wonderland" (included of the previous version) and also not to include the 12" mixes as a bonus especially the brilliant extended mix of "Fields Of Fire". We do get some additions over the previous release including a live rendition of the Smokey Robinson classic "Tracks Of My Tears" but the main interest for fans will be disc 2 which is rammed with demos and rarities.

The frustrating thing is the lack of information on the sleeve about what you are actually listening to. The Amazon listing supplies some illumination stating there are demos recorded by John Brandt and mixes by Chris Thomas and we have included this information on our post regarding the release of this album. The first 3 tracks ("Angle Park", "Harvest Home" and "We Could Laugh") would appear to be Portastudio recordings made by Bruce and Stuart and despite the quality warning on the sleeve it is only really on "Harvest Home" that you notice it.

So do the demos really matter? Well they won't change your opinion of "The Crossing" but they do provide a tantalising glimpse into the development and progression of the band and the songs building up to the albums release. We have extended and shortened versions as well as tempo changes to the finalised songs, "The Storm" for instance clocks in at a mere 2 minutes rather than the eventual 6! "Angle Park" is missing the "Love Will Tear Us Apart" guitar melody and "In A Big Country" is without it's drum intro. We have a few different versions of "Lost Patrol","Inwards", "1000 Stars" and "Fields Of Fire" the latter is represented by a demo version and an early BBC live appearance. The demo is noticeably lacking the vitality of the finished classic and also the famous yell of "Fire"!!! The John Brandt demo of "Lost Patrol" is extended and opens with a brilliant celtic rock guitar part that would have done Eric Bell proud in the early Thin Lizzy!

So do you need this second disc? Well to be quite honest that depends on how you define need, as a bonus it is a great piece of history and will be of interest to all fans but it shouldn't be your sole reason for purchasing this edition. However as you will want the remastered version of "The Crossing" then it's a welcome addition to your collection.

Live At The Gathering 2011 Review

It seems that you can count on a release of the previous years Gathering on DVD as certain as you can be sure that Xmas will fall on the 25th of December yet every year they seem to keep on getting better and better! "Live At The Gathering 2011" is no exception and contains the whole Saturday set plus highlights of the acoustic show spread across 2 DVD's and 2 CD's - a veritable feast for fans!

The first surprise is the decision to to open with "Blaze Of Glory", a track traditionally placed near the end of a gig as a crowd pleasing sing-a-long. The Gathering soon starts rocking as the band head straight into "Absolute Reality" followed by some fast and furious numbers including "Direct Action" which is a personal highlight. Mike announces "Deeside" as a song not included in the set for sometime but it fits very nicely in this one!

Mike disappears before popping up in the middle of the crowd to perform some acoustic numbers including Declarations "Shout To The Devil". Another triumphant Gathering performance is topped off with former Pistol Glen Matlock joining the band for a run through of "Pretty Vacant" (a sight that was repeated in London on the "Sound And The Fury" Tour in 2011).

All in all this is another superb performance which provides a brilliant document of the Gathering of 2001 for both  those that were there and also those that weren't! The only thing that could be improved for future live releases would be an investment in some HD camera equipment or rental to improve the sometimes fuzzy visuals. This doesn't cloud what is an essential purchase which does well at capturing a fraction of the enjoyment and atmosphere that the Gathering offers.

BUY IT HERE!

Set List


Blaze Of Glory
Absolute Reality
Release The Pressure
Alarm Calling
Unsafe Building
Direct Action
Deeside
Majority
My Town
Without A Fight
21st Century
Shout To The Devil
For Freedom
One Step Closer To Home
Strength
Superchannel
Right Back Where I Started From
The Drunk & The Disorderly
45 RPM
Spirit Of '76
Rescue Me
The Stand
Marching On
Where Were You Hiding?
Sixty Eight Guns
Fade In Fade Out Fade Away
One Guitar
Pretty Vacant (With Glen Matlock)
Rockin' In The Freeworld


Unplugged Set


Sold Me Down The River
Rain In The Summertime
High On The Hill
Unbreak The Promise
Love Hope Strength

Smiley - Smiley's Friends In High Places Review

Albums by drummers? Who would had thunk it! We do of course jest and Steve "Smiley" Barnard has gathered some of his friends together to help on on this fine release. Some names will be familiar such as Chesney Hawkes who takes the vocal on "Halcyon Days" or Mike Peters who provides backing vocals on the Madchester-esque "Stars" but many, like Kerry Schultz, are great discoveries. Kerry sings the beautifully crafted ballad "Leave You Now" whose lyrics will certainly resonate with a lot of people and also the album closer "L.O.L.A" which has nothing to do with The Kinks or cherry cola...C.O.L.A. cola!

For me stand out tracks are "So So Long" and "Hearing Is Deceiving". "So So Long is very radio friendly and would do well if programmers actually took a chance on "independent" releases. Think "Hey There Delilah" by The Plain White T's covered by The Beatles or even The Monkees or something with jangly Rickenbackers! (ok maybe not The Byrds!)

"Hearing Is Deceiving" (which is solely performed by Smiley) would be heralded a classic if it had Noel Gallagher's name attached to it.

Other tracks such as "You" would not sound out of place on today's commercial radio stations nor would the previously mentioned "Stars". This album has a lot of diverse influences and isn't afraid to wear them on it's sleeve (so to speak) and you will find a little bit of Crowded House in the mix as well which is no bad thing.

So will this album get the attention, praise and sales it deserves? I'm sad to say it won't unless someone takes a chance and puts music rather than money first. Ask your radio station to play "So So Long" who knows if enough of us do it someone might just take that chance!

Order your copy HERE!

Craig Adams - Demon King

Craig has released his "Demon King" album which is planned to only be sold at gigs where he is playing, at a guess then you will be able to get it on The Alarm "Vinyl" tour and the as yet to be announced dates The Mission promised for this year at the very least.

So what should we expect from someone that has added distinct styles of playing to bands ranging from the Sisters Of Mercy, The Mission, The Cult, Spear Of Destiny and of course The Alarm? Well, it's not like any of these bands but at the same time it is the sum of all of them! (Well maybe not The Cult!)

Craig wrote all the music and lyrics on the album bar the lyrics to "Close My Eyes" which were provided by Dave Gregory (I'm guessing the same Dave Gregory formerly of XTC and currently the under rated Tin Spirits but I stand to be corrected!). Well...we have been corrected! It is not that Dave Gregory...it is Dave Gregory brother of Paul Gregory who was with Craig in the Expelaires. Paul is also an author who uses jottify under the name Gravyboy. Check out his novel on there (free download for i-pad and Kindle) which is called "Smoke And Mirrors"

All instruments are played by Craig and co-producer Mike Kelly except for some notable guest guitarists namely Matt Buffey, Kirk Brandon and James Stevenson who play on separate tracks before uniting on the song "Freeze".

"Demon King" opens with a short ambient piece lasting barely a minute but sets the scene for what's to come with the fair ground hustler telling us that "the louder you scream, the faster we go!"

Vocally Craig has hints of Guy Garvey of Elbow fame or at least to my ears he does! Musically however he doesn't settle on one genre. "Crying" wouldn't be out of place on a Sisters release , brooding and stripped back - you can almost picture the dry ice and white lighting! Tracks "Looking" and "Freeze" (the albums Spear Of Destiny moment) are great solid rock numbers where "Soul In Light" musically could pass for The Alarm even before the acoustics kick in! Vocally and lyrically it is a different story and is it's own master. Album closer "Lipstick Bruises" has a stark beauty which sums up the album nicely, it has a depth that will keep you coming back to it

This won't be the easiest album to find as you can't just click add to basket (though that could always change I suppose) but it is definitely worth hunting out when you head for the merchandise stall.