Year Zero - The Spitfires Hatch Records Released 27th July 2018
Watch some Promo Videos and listen to the album Year Zero here:
Tracklist A1 Remains The Same A2 Front Line A3 Over And Over Again A4 Something Worth Fighting For A5 By My Side B1 Move On B2 Sick Of Hanging Around B3 The New Age B4 Year Zero B5 Dreamland
The Spitfires are: Billy Sullivan - Lead Vocals, Guitar Sam Long - Bass Matt Johnson - Drums Chris Chanell - Keyboards
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The tagline "the difficult third album" proved to be irrelevant when it came to the boys from Watford because they just seem to progress with every release.
I find it very refreshing that as I get older that there are still up and coming bands that thrill me when I listen to them. The Spitfires, from the first time I heard them, made a mark on me and as an old guy I'm more than happy to sing their praises.
I have a feeling that they might not like it too much if I suggest that there are signs here and there in their music that remind me of bands like The Jam and The Purple Hearts but for me they do. Whereas Old Paul Weller has opted this year to release an album of quiet, acoustic and very pastoral songs, The Spitfires have a fire in their belly dealing with social issues and an ever changing politcal landscape. They have added a few Ska/Reggae touches here and there that add good weight to the songs as well which I found most appealing. Billy Sullivan is currently one of a good crop of British Songwriters I think and his band deserve all the good things that are coming to them.
I've seen a number of really positive reviews of the album, even on a couple of Punk websites, and hope that they continue to grow as a band and carve out a niche that is all their own.
The New Age - The Spitfires Hatch Records 13th July 2018
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Watford based band The Spitfires just seem to be getting better with each new release. 'The New Age' was released on 7" vinyl two weeks prior to the release of their third studio album 'Year Zero'*.
There were a few tracks from the album that could have made the list for My Favourites Songs of 2018 but I'll nail my colours to the mast for this one.
*This album will be featured on the next post: My Favourite Albums of 2018.
Be More Kind - Frank Turner From the album 'Be More Kind'
(Interscope Records/Polydor/Xtra Mile Recordings) Released 4th May 2018
Be More Kind
written by Frank Turner History's been leaning on me lately; I can feel the future breathing down my neck And all the things I thought were true When I was young, and you were too Turned out to be broken And I don't know what comes next
In a world that has decided That it's going to lose its mind Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind
They've started raising walls around the world now Like hackles raised upon a cornered cat On the borders, in our heads Between the things that can and can't be said We've stopped talking to each other And there's something wrong with that
So before you go out searching Don't decide what you will find Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind
You should know you're not alone And that trouble comes, and trouble goes How this ends, no one knows So hold on tight when the wind blows
The wind blew both of us to sand and sea And where the dry land stands is hard to say As the current drags us by the shore We can no longer say for sure Who's drowning, or if they can be saved
But when you're out there floundering Like a lighthouse I will shine Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind
Like a beacon reaching out To you and yours from me and mine Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind
In a world that has decided That it's going to lose its mind Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind
"In a world that has decided That it's going to lose its mind Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind"
Yesterday was apparently World Kindness Day so in one sense I'm probably a little late posting this but in another sense I'm not. Kindness is not something that is just for one day in the year but should be an attitude of heart on a daily basis.
I first heard Be More Kind by Frank Turner back in 2017 sometime if I remember correctly and I recall thinking that this song could actually be one of the finest he's written to date. I was more than pleased when it was announced that it would be the title track to his seventh studio album. The fact that the subject matter of the song is extremely relevant to the days in which we are living makes it even more of an impressive song.
This actually almost ended up as My Favourite Song of 2018 but it was just pipped at the post by something else equally as gripping (that I will post within the next couple of weeks or so).
The inspiration for the song if I have this correct was a line from a Clive James Poem that was published in The New Yorkermagazineback in 2013 in which he describes his own mortality called "Leçons des Ténèbres". The line which inspired the title reads: "I should have been more kind. It is my fate. To find this out, but find it out too late."
The last line of the song, "In a world that has decided that it's going to lose its mind" is such a powerful statement about the world in which we live.
People's reactions to things which they dislike, whether it be politics, music, sport, fashion, books, film, the media in general, religion/faith, and sexual orientation are sometimes so shocking to read. Many times I've read an overly agressive comment on a Facebook post or even on a You Tube video that has been so full of hatred that I have often wondered what on earth that person had actually been watching or reading to provoke such an OTT response. Even on posts that seem incredibly harmless there are people venting their spleens for one reason or another and that seems to stir others to respond in like manner leading to "raising walls around the world" instead of creating bridges! The message of this song though is to put across the totally opposite reaction (and to quote an old House of Love song, "But I won't fight and I won't hate").
I would count myself among the many who have often said a word that has been harsh toward someone (especially toward folks I don't really know on Social Media) but it's not just words that are the driving force of Frank Turner's song but also our actions.
The call of the song is to act with kindness rather than putting up barriers and making judgements about situations and people before we have even given a moment to actually consider what on earth is really going on.
This song certainly came as a rebuke to my own hot-headedness and I trust that in more ways than one that I have sought to do exactly what the song says, "Be more kind, my friends, try to be more kind".
Lucy and the Rats - Lucy and the Rats Dirty Water Records (CD in the UK) Stardumb Records/ Surfin' Ki/Monster Zero (Vinyl in Europe) Produced by Johnny Casino Released 13th April 2018
Released as: 200 x black vinyl 180 x clear and green marbled vinyl (Stardumb Records) 120 x clear and purple marbled vinyl (Surfin' Ki exclusive) 100 x green vinyl (Stardumb Records exclusive) 100 x white vinyl (Surfin' Ki exclusive) 100 x orange vinyl (Monster Zero exclusive) Download at Lucy and the Rats Bandcamp Page
Lucy and the Rats, the name was new to me but the lead vocalist Lucy Ellis was definetely not unknown to me (she formerly went under the name Lucy Spazzy as a member of the excellent Australian Pop/Punk band The Spazzys). Lucy brings that same Pop/Punk meets 60's Garage Rock Indie vibe to this band as was in her previous band The Spazzys.
Prior to the release of their Self-titled album in April of this year they had released they had released two 7" singles (Girl / Lose My Mind - December 2016 on Surfin' Ki Records and This Situation / Melody in January 2017 on Monster Zero).
The band are based in London (Lucy having been in the UK since 2015 apparently).
I'm not even sure how I stumbled on this one, I probably read about it somewhere whilst surfing around (the Web, not literally surfing because I don't think I'd be able to stand up to catch a splash let alone a wave! 😁).
Ever since picking it up way back in April it's been one that has been played on a regular basis because there's something delightful and bouncy about it. It actually reminds me in places of The Darling Buds, back when they were first playing around and releasing Indie singles before they signed to a major. I don't think this one was ever going to be left off the list of my favourites for 2018.
See You On The Other Side - Brian Fallon From the album Sleepwalkers
All my life I've been a slave to a pardon My eyes transfixed some where far over the Jordan And all my years I've wanted some one to die for So I had a reason I've earned But I've never been where you were born Or felt the things that broke your heart Come talk to me Come talk to me I want to understand
And when we both grow old And there is nothing left to say I want you to know That I loved you all my days And when we close our eyes on this life time I'll see you on the other side Yes I'll, see you on the other side
I would count myself lucky, loved, and entertain you To find myself in the things that complicate you And spend my life in your majesty service And I call myself satisfied
But in all of my boring ways In time and love and body aches I loved you more I loved you more But a clock keeps ticking down
And when we both grow old And there is nothing left to say I want you to know That I loved you all my days And when we close our eyes on this life time I'll see you on the other side Yes I'll, see you on the other side If you hold on Hold on Hold on to me
And when we both grow old And there is nothing left to say I want you to know That I loved you all my days And when we close our eyes on this life time I'll see you on the other side Yes I'll, see you on the other side
Released in February, Brian Fallon's second Solo album Sleepwalkers (on Island Records) is an absolute gem. Loaded with some great songs and I could have picked almost anyone of them but I've gone for the closing track from the album.
I wasn't too overwhelmed with his debut album Painkillers but his second ticked all the boxes and even sounded a little bit like Gaslight Anthem in places! If you haven't heard the album then CLICK HERE to have a listen.
This time of year we focus a lot on those who we have lost as the spotlight has been on commemorations for the 100 years since the end of World War I and of course in the midst of that our attention has been on those who served in the wars since then who bravely gave their lives in pursuit of freedom. But the song can be seen in many ways especially when it comes to personal loss, whether it be a family member, a loved one, a close friend who has departed this earthly shore or one who is close to the end of their days due to illness or old age. I really like the sentiment of being able to say your goodbyes with these words: "And when we both grow old And there is nothing left to say I want you to know That I loved you all my days And when we close our eyes on this life time I'll see you on the other side Yes I'll, see you on the other side"
So, I want to dedicate this one to a number of friends who at this present time have had to say goodbye to someone special in their lives and trust that the precious memories you have of them will bring you comfort in your time of grieving.
Just like with the albums I decided against providing a chartlist of my favourite songs of 2018 and have decided over the next few weeks or so to share some of the individual songs, whether released as a "Single" or just an Album Track. Once again be prepared for a whole bunch of diverse sounds.
My first pick actually had it's Video Premiere just this morning (about an hour ago) but the song has been around for a wee while and features on the Equals album by The Alarm.
It's one of Mike Peters best songs in a long time I think. Anyway, hope you like it. The main part of the video was filmed at an event for World Album Day a few weeks back on which MP played the whole of the Equals album before a very small gathering.
I decided that I wasn't going to do a chart list of my favourite albums of the year but rather I would just share a few albums that have been bringing me a lot of joy in 2018. It's a nice mixed bag of musical stylings that I trust maybe one or two might be a little pleasing to your ears. The final one in my list will be what for me has been my overall favourite, you are just have to keep coming back to see what that one is. I haven't been posting an awful lot this year but am grateful to those who have stuck by to read and listen to what little I have shared. The Blog reached over 500,000 Page views a couple of weeks back and for some reason it kind of passed by without fanfare. Thank you whatever land you are in across the globe for visiting Soundtrack4Life. I am really grateful for the continued interest despite my absences throughout the year.
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Encore - Anderson East Elektra Produced by Dave Cobb Released 12th January 2018 US Billboard 200 Chart #48 US Folk Chart #3 US Rock Chart #5
*Here are live versions and Promo Videos of songs from the album taken from various places. Click onthe Linksto watch.
Anderson East hails from Alabama but currently is based in Nashville, Tennessee. I have to confess to knowing very little about him but earlier this year I heard him cover Ted Hawkins''Sorry You're Sick' (the Cover Version features on the Encore album) and was blown away by it so much I had to check out more from him.
I liked the fact that Dave Cobb had produced the album. His previous work on albums by Jason Isbell, Sturgis Simpson, Zac Brown Band and Chris Stapleton impressed me a lot.
Another Cover Version on the album is a Willie Nelson song ('Somebody Pick Up My Pieces') whilst the rest of the songs are co-writes with a number of folks including Chris Stapleton (his wife Morgane Stapleton also has a co-write credit for 'King For A Day'), Natalie Hemby (who has written for Lee Ann Womack, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town), Avicii (Tim Bergling, Swedish DJ/Producer who died in April 2018), Johnny McDaid (Snow Patrol), Ed Sheeran, and Steve McEwan (who has written songs for the likes of Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Kylie Minogue, Roger Daltrey, Eminem and more). With a lot of Country type folk involved you might expect that Encore was going to be a Country album but it isn't at all. Yes, there are some tinges of Country (or Country Rock, whatever you want to call it), but there are nods to Southern Soul, Folk, Americana, Pop and R&B as well which all make for an album that is really worth listening to for its sheer diversity of sound. Encore was the first album of 2018 to really impress me and there were many more to come. Keep your eyes opened for the next one in a couple of days time.
On the 14th anniversary of the death of John Peel once again it's time to celebrate musically by Keeping It Peel. I have chosen 30 John Peel Sessions spanning the years (the oldest dating back to 1968) and taking in many different musical styles just like his Radio Shows of old did back in the day. I hope you enjoy them.
Keeping It Peel Playlist
On The Playlist Roxy Music 1972 The Cramps 1986 The Psychedelic Furs 1979 T.Rex 1970 Leonard Cohen 1968 The Slits 1977 Linton Kwesi Johnson 1979 The Sisters of Mercy 1984 Killing Joke 1979 Joe Jackson 1979 Joy Division 1979 The Human League 1978 Motorhead 1978 Wire 1978 The Adverts 1977 Elvis Costello and The Attractions 1978 The Vapours 1979 The Ruts 1979 Ultravox! 1977 Culture 1982 Buzzcocks 1977 The Fall 1985 Siouxsie and the Banshees 1977 The Cranberries 1992 The Only Ones 1978 Prince Far-I and Creation Rebel 1978 The Damned 1979 Graham Parker and The Rumour 1976 The Motors 1977 Half Man Half Biscuit 1985
One Step Beyond - Madness Stiff Records Produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley Released 19th October 1979 UK Chart #2
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Specials - Specials 2 Tone Produced by Elvis Costello Released 19th October 1979 UK Chart #4
Two of the bands at the forefront of the 2 ToneSka Revival released their Debut Albums on this day in 1979. Madness of course had moved on from the 2 Tone label to the "Most Flexible Label in the World", Stiff Records and The Special A.K.A. had been dropped in favour of the more simple Specials.
Out of the two I preferred One Step Beyond, mainly because I didn't think that Elvis Costello had properly captured the urgency and frenetic nature of the Specials that they displayed when playing live, whilst with Madness, Langer and Winstanley did manage to capture the energy of the band.
It was One Step Beyond that had the upper hand when it came to the Charts peaking at #2 whilst Specials made it to #4.
Both bands are still out and about playing live (with newer personnel) and I think I read somewhere that the Specials are hoping to record a new album soon. Can't Touch Us Now in 2016 is the latest studio album from Madness (their 11th) and the first not to feature Cathal Symth (Chas Smash) who had left the band to focus on a Solo Career.
Pauline Murray - vocals Fred Purser - lead guitar; keyboards on "Reunion" Neale Floyd - guitar Robert Blamire - bass Gary Smallman - drums, percussion
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It's amazing to think that Moving Targets is 40 Years Old today! It's an album that I have never had to blow the dust off or brush off the cobwebs because it gets played often and even after 40 years I never tire of listening to it.
Penetration were formed in 1976 in County Durham but at first were called The Points and played their debut live show at the Rock Garden in Middlesbourgh in October 1976. Their second live performance saw them supporting The Stranglers at Newcastle City Hall! The change of name came from the Iggy and The Stooges track Penetration that was released in 1973 on the Raw Power album.
The band signed to Virgin Records and in November 1977 released their debut single Don't Dictate which is widely regarded as a Punk Classic. They followed up in March 1978 with the excellent Firing Squad single.
(Firing Squad Picture Sleeve)
Neither single dented the chart and the single released as the forerunner to the debut album, Life's A Gamble, didn't set the chart on fire either!
It's a shame because all three singles were really decent quality tunes and fortunately the debut album would be the one to open the door to some much deserved chart activity.
The first two singles were not included on the album though when reissued on CD both A & B Sides were present.
A John Peel Session was recorded on 5th July 1978 and it included Future Daze, Vision, Stone Heroes and Movement, all of which would appear on the Debut album.
Nine of the eleven tracks were written by members of the band and it ends suprisingly with two cover versions, firstly Nostalgia which had been on the second album Love Bites by Buzzcocks (released only a month before!) and secondly Free Money, written by Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye (and had originally appeared on the Horses album from 1975).
Whilst those cover versions are excellent it's actually the quality of their own writing that really stands out for me. They had grown musically as a band from their debut single to what is offered here on the debut album. A lot of that I think can be put down to the twin guitar attack of Neale Floyd (who had replaced the original guitarist Gary Chaplin, who departed in March 1978) and Fred Purser (who joined in July 1978).
Whilst the studio versions of the songs are just brilliant it was actually the live performances that really captured the sheer force and energy of the songs.
Listening to this once again brings up great memories of shows at The Marquee in Wardour Street and The Lyceum Ballroom down at The Strand in London.
"Sometimes there's a song in my brain And I feel that my heart knows the refrain I guess it's just the music That brings on nostalgia for an age yet to come"
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