The Unbearables – Rock
Austin, Tx based four piece The Unbearables release a new EP “Rock.” “Rock” is the first in a companion set with the second due later this year. In their promo shots they are sitting around a table eating and I just have to give them points for that. These four songs were very enjoyable. “The Shape” starts off the album, it’s got a some very thick and chunky bass, something you’d think you would hear in some post punk. The vocals are almost inaudible but they sound quite cool. “Parking Meter” is the song we have all been waiting for. Again, some very heavy bass, but the guitars and vocals have a bit of pop feel to them. The band again get it right, this formula is incredible. “Charity” has a bit of 50s style bop to it. This EP was very enjoyable and quite a surprise. The recordings had a very raw feel but it really adds to the songs. The band is definitely one to keep an eye out for.
By John Siwicki
Depeche Mode – The Best Of Depeche Mode Volume 1
The Mode are back with another ‘best of’ they released a huge career spanning set back in 1998. But this one is beefer and bigger. They have added there stellar out put over the last few years onto the new compilation. The main problem with Mode is that they have to many essential tunes. It is very hard to boil down their best work onto one disc. Yes, I realize that it is “volume 1″ but why not release a “volume 2″ at the same time. But we still get treated to eighteen delicates slices of pop. For, most of us we all know and love the tunes and this set really isn’t for us. There is a new single to go along with this “Martyr” and yes, its out on i tunes so those don’t have to by the album to just get the song.
For, the newbies to this band this is the best place to start. All the essential ingredients are here. You get the recent goodies like “Dream On” and “Precious” which, are just as good as any of their older material. The essential hits like “Enjoy The Silence” “Personal Jesus” “Just Can’t Get Enough” are all here to fill your need for the Depeche. Its a great item to throw on the holiday lists or by the younger person in your life as you try to teach them the ways. But otherwise just buy the new single.
By John Siwicki
The Charlatans – Forever: The Singles
The first Charlatans album, I had the privilege of listening to was their self titled album from 1995. I was still in my musical youth at the time. A few years later, I picked it back up again and the rest was history. Through the years, I snapped up everything the band released. I am probably not the best person to be critical of the band because I have been a fan for so long and they have been instrumental in my life.
“Forever” throws done eighteen singles from the band in chronological order. The band has released roughly 28 singles to date so a few of them had to be left off. “Tremelo Song” is left off but other than that you get all the juicy big singles.
From start to finish this collection just blows you away. The Charlatans always were great at reinventing themselves. “Indian Rope” starts us off its the band first single and you can tell its from 1990, its got that very distinctive Manchester sound from the early 90s. Heavy heavy keyboards and Tim almost sounds like Ian Brown at moment. “The Only One I know” is next and it was the bands first big hit. It shows the band branching out more and coming into their own. Then “Weirdo” comes up and that tune will always be a special one for me. Then the Charlatans hit a bit stretch where there fame and stock just rose. “Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over” “One to Another” “North Country Boy” and “How High” where a huge string of big singles. These singles were out in the 1995-97 era which, of course was the hight of the brit pop era but, it was still one of the best moments for the band. Their self titled album and “Tellin Stories” are simply masterpieces and are some of the most under rated records of the 90s. The 7 and half minute “Forever” is here as long as “My Beautiful Friend” from “Us and Us Only. “Love is The Key” “A Man Needs to Be Told” and a new version of “You’re So Pretty” come in from “Wonderland.” Another great things is that it makes you appreciate some of the bands albums as well. “Wonderland” was such a change for the band but they really managed to make it work.
I love the Charlatans and finally they have a nice compressive greatest hits package. The band have been going at for 16 years now and while it was not all amazing. They certainly have earned an important place on my shelve.
By John Siwicki
Snow Patrol – Set The Fire To The Third Bar
“Eyes Open” was a bit of a let down for me. But, you got to give credit were it is due and the boys got it right with this song. “Set The Fire To The Third Bar” features Martha Wainwright on vocals. If any are unfamiliar with Martha she is the sister of Rufus. But what makes this song work so well is the vocal interplay of Martha and Gary. They could not of found a better choice than Martha as her voice just fits in with Gary’s so well. It sounds natural its a perfect fit. Now we need to is get more songs like this on on the next record boys. It is songs like this which, make singles still relevant. Grab the single but forget the album.
By John Siwicki