oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Mar 17, 2007 23:48:30 GMT -5
This album is going to be epic. Everyone is turning toward the epic, even the no-frills garage acts.
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roentgenizdat
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Post by roentgenizdat on Mar 19, 2007 11:54:30 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys Get A Lift From Warner Bros.March 17, 2007, 9:00 PM CT Jonathan Cohen, N.Y. Indie label Domino has linked with Warner Bros. for the April 24 release of breakthrough U.K. rock act the Arctic Monkeys' sophomore album, "Favourite Worst Nightmare." Billboard.com understands the arrangement is similar to Domino's deal with Epic providing marketing and sales support for Franz Ferdinand, who hit big with its 2004 debut. Distribution for the Monkeys disc will continue to be handled by ADA in the United States and Outside in Canada. The band's 2006 debut, "Whatever People Say That I Am, That's What I'm Not," was a runaway hit that became the fastest-selling debut album in British chart history when it shifted 360,000 copies in its first week. In the U.S., it has sold nearly 300,000 copies to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" reached No. 7 on Billboard's Modern Rock Chart. The Monkeys will begin a U.K. tour April 9 in Southampton. North American dates begin April 27 at the Coachella festival in Indio, Calif.
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Post by joker on Apr 2, 2007 12:47:40 GMT -5
First new Arctic Monkeys song available todayA taster of 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' is online now Arctic Monkeys are giving fans the chance to get a sneak peak of their forthcoming album by making their new single available online today (April 2). The Sheffield four-piece have made the track 'Brianstorm' available to download ahead of the single's physical release on April 16. To access their new single go to Dominorecordco.com now. The CD format and 10" version will come backed with three new B-sides including 'If You Found This It's Probably Too Late', 'Temptation Greets You Like Your Naughty Friend' and 'What If You Were Right The First Time?'.
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Post by joker on Apr 3, 2007 13:11:01 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys: 'Brianstorm' (Digital Spy single review) The Arctic Monkeys have become increasingly hard to like and get into in recent times. With the success of their first album came huge numbers of new fans, and with issues such as forgetting lines onstage, a general lack of personality within the group and a succession of so-so singles, it didn't look too positive for the boys, but hopefully their latest release can change all that. Luckily for the Sheffield foursome, they seem in recent times to have regained a semblance of the melodic interest that made them so exciting for so many at the beginning of their career. Latest single 'Brianstorm' is a brilliant, throbbing piece of indieclash that brings some thrills back to the group's style. Purportedly written about a schmoozer the guys met whilst touring the US, pointed lyrics like: "Brian/Top marks for not trying," and the later, cleverly sarky note of: "We can't take our eyes off the T-shirt and ties combination/Well, see you later innovator!" show that lead singer Alex Turner hasn't lost his touch for lyrical snappiness. As well as the great lyrics, 'Brianstorm' showcases the throbbing bass line and complex guitar work that the Arctic Monkeys specialise in. Turner's harsh, accented vocals juxtapose perfectly against the sped-up melody, all of which serves to form a cool little song that shows that when the Arctic Monkeys try hard, rather than resting on their laurels, they can achieve great things.
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 3, 2007 19:27:14 GMT -5
send me them, please! I haven't had time for song-searching lately.
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 3, 2007 19:34:18 GMT -5
Oh my God, deleted! I'm not going to grovel for them. lmao No, I have NOT been a good girl lately.
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 3, 2007 20:03:43 GMT -5
thanks, dude!
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hidizzyguy
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Post by hidizzyguy on Apr 4, 2007 0:39:11 GMT -5
I'VE BEEN A GOOD GIRL!! I'VE BEEN A GOOD GIRL!!
:)
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hidizzyguy
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Post by hidizzyguy on Apr 4, 2007 11:03:21 GMT -5
You completely rock!...
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Post by Felicia on Apr 4, 2007 12:14:11 GMT -5
'Brianstorm' will debut in the Top 20 (could be higher) this week on just downloads. Mega-smash hit, it's bound to happen anyway.
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 15:11:39 GMT -5
Meanwhile, it's barely visible in US chart territory.
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Post by jaxxalude on Apr 4, 2007 16:16:19 GMT -5
As if such an insular band as the Arctic Monkeys had any real chance beyond the White Isles...
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Post by jaxxalude on Apr 4, 2007 16:36:17 GMT -5
Unless, of course, some iPod commercial or something like that comes along. Until then...
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 17:26:00 GMT -5
As if such an insular band as the Arctic Monkeys had any real chance beyond the White Isles... I am so sick of you dissing my people! f**k that! I really thought you were better than that.
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Post by jaxxalude on Apr 4, 2007 17:38:07 GMT -5
LOL!
Sorry for stating the facts. I mean, do you really think that an average Joe outside of Britain will actually get into a band that takes so many musical cues from The Jam or The Undertones, who themselves never took off outside of the islands? And for a good reason: their references were too seeped into the British reality to really be understood by people either outside of the country or with not sufficient knowledge of them? I mean, why doesn't Country music get exposure outside of the US, unless it's a real poppy version of it, a la Shania or Faith Hill? Exactly: cultural reasons. You can't forget that just because me and you like it and understand the references, it doesn't mean the whole world will. ;)
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 18:01:27 GMT -5
Why don't you ask deleted? And you yourself are an example of a non-white (if you really consider Portugese non-white) who can appreciate "white music". More people need to expand their horizons. I understand the cultural limitations of some music, but I think these can be overcome by a more adventurous public & in any case, it certainly isn't the band's fault. They need to be true to themselves. Is Air ever going to stop being French? No, of course not. And I hope they never would. Those little nuances are what makes the music really expressive of a cultural perspective, and I think it is beautiful. I can appreciate music from all parts of the globe, and so should everyone else. A sophisticated global and historical perspective does include appreciating white music, despite what current apologists like to pretend. And as for me, well it isn't hard to understand why it appeals to me: it DOES reflect my heritage & cultural perspective. My family is British. We just live in America.
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Post by jaxxalude on Apr 4, 2007 18:26:16 GMT -5
First things first: the majority of Portuguese people are as Caucasian as you are, myself included (it's on my MySpace profile and everything, along with the "Some extra baggage" part ). As for your take, I understand where you want to get. But by including Air, you're forgetting a tiny little detail here: they move in a scene (electronic) where the place where you come from doesn't matter that much, since most of their music doesn't carry any voice to begin with. In that aspect, electronic music is like music's Esperanto. Of course, the way Air broke through in the first place is another thing, and it goes to show that, when it comes to having the power to break acts, Esperanto shouldn't be called upon here : the Brit dance press started to take a liking on them, which lead to Source Records UK (a semi-indie connected to EMI) being interested. Only AFTER the Brit dance press made all the hype was when the French people really took notice. So, all things considered, they couldn't rely on their own French turf for international recognition. The "Esperanto" thing is more of an issue when it comes to other styles of music where the voice has a much more predominant presence. Of course we can always point out to most of the Latin girls and guys that broke through. But there you go: first, they had to sing in English. Second, they had to work from the US to get a real wide international exposure (and I mean "real" because most of them had a small following internationally, but mostly limited to Latin territories such as South America or the Iberian Peninsula, where, as you may know, Portugal is included). In the Arctic Monkey's case, it's just what I already stated: they have it easy by being British, thus living in one of the music industry's centers. But at the same time, their music, their lyrics and other stuff are maybe too specific of the British reality to be really be understood by a real international audience. I mean, most American music gets international exposure, that's for sure. But there's also a lot of stuff that's successful in America which isn't outside of it, and probably never will. Country music is the most obvious case, but also a big chunk of American Urban music only gets a niche recognition outside of Uncle Sam's territory. For example, Jay-Z's albums were never big sellers in Europe, even though he got one or two mild successful singles in the UK. And the "Laffy Taffy" or the "Chicken Noodle Soup" were never really heard outside of America too. I could be here all night giving you examples, but I think you already got the picture. ;) In the meantime, think a bit about why Coldplay, Snow Patrol or James Blunt managed to break America where most of the Britpop stars couldn't. ;)
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 18:38:56 GMT -5
I'm not denying the occurence of this phenomenon. I mean look at The Kinks. I just think people (mainly Americans) need to broaden their perspectives. The music shouldn't have to cater to them. I listen to artists who sing only in Spanish, French, Russian, German, etc., and I don't feel marginalized by this (it helps that I speak Spanish & French, but whatever). I do enjoy when popular English songs are recorded in other languages, even if those songs were already popular in the territories targeted. I kind of miss that element of 60's pop. I can see what you mean about Electronic music being the musical equivalent of Esperanto (a language based more in a globalist fantasy than reality, something I realized in middle school while studying it), but the energy of a song can be culturally specific while still nonverbal. For example, German minimal techno still personifies a certain Teutonic spirit, and I enjoy that. We can't help but put our culture into our art; however, when we seek out art, we shouldn't necessarily immediately flock to whatever seems most familiar, even if it is natural. In fact, I believe in the idea of music as a universally approachable medium, language & "musical" barriers (if those even truly exist - I think we might perceive them only) aside. Let's face it - "Brianstorm" doesn't sound "specifically" British - there's lot of American surf rock in there, as well as the type of theatrical intensity for which Muse & other bands are being embraced in this country. And bands like The Undertones, when GIVEN THE CHANCE FOR EXPOSURE, are widely accepted by anyone who hears it (unless you have some hideous aversion to upbeat punk numbers). The Fratellis, arguably, sound more Celtic than anything on "Flathead", yet because of the context in which it was delivered to Americans, it became seen as "approachable". Gorillaz, too, feature a sound that could possibly be seen as simultaneously too "British" AND too "global" for American tastes, YET look how well the lead single did THANKS TO THE PLATFORM IT WAS GIVEN. The universality remains intact IF the product in question can be delivered in a familiar norm for the time & place. I truly believe any song can become popular by the Mere Exposure Effect. It's just a shame more don't get that opportunity.
American music forms- the most generic brands - are anonymous enough to sell anywhere, but that doesn't mean this music hasn't shaped the cultures of the countries whose radios it infringes upon. The same way McDonald's has changed the global menu, so has American disposable culture, including our music. Oh, Capitalism. We will put out, but never intake any other culture (unless we can exploit in Vegas as a themed casino). America: The Great Exporter. We've created for the world a demand and as such, we continue to supply you with what we made you want in the first place. The great cultural vacuum effect.
Anyway, from observing American xenophobia (and current anglophobia), it doesn't surprise me that we "self-sustain", at all. I guess you could say we are experiencing a mini British invasion right now, but only on the sidelines. Maybe that can change. It's ironic that a country as closely tied to Britain as we are pretend that we owe nothing to them culturally. It's kind of hilarious & tragic, really. It's weird to feel like a stranger in your own country, but it's probably for the best, in my case.
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Post by jaxxalude on Apr 4, 2007 18:58:30 GMT -5
You know one funny thing that's happening here? In the last few years, hip-hop's finally getting a bit of mass attention in this country. The mainstream success of Eminem or 50 Cent certainly helped, and the exposure it too got through MTV Europe (before MTV Portugal existed) certainly didn't hurt either. But what's happening now (even if the charts I post here don't reflect it) is that most kids prefer Portuguese hip-hop over the American one. While there's certainly a lot of 14-to-16 year old girls and boys listening to the American stuff (your Snoops, The Games, 50 Cents and all of that), there's also a good part of them who prefer the Portuguese version of it. First, because most of them see American hip-hop as this hyper-commercialized thing where everything's a fantasy and it's all far away from their own reality anyway. Second, they view most of the Portuguese hip-hop as closer to the original spirit of things, with the bonus that most of it doesn't brag about chains or money (and there's not much to brag about in that aspect, anyway ), but instead talks about their every-day experiences, thoughts, occurrences and realities. And they rap in their own language too, so that's another way of relating. But since most of the music comes out either on indies not registered on the AFP (the RIAA equivalent in here) or self-released, it doesn't register on the official charts. But anyone who goes out a bit to the street or uses public transportation like I do can see this right in front of their eyes. This goes to show you how the majority of people want something that speaks directly to their hearts, and are not that open to new realities. And really, before you become acquainted with other realities, it's best to know your own first. That way you won't feel so alienated. ;)
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 19:06:38 GMT -5
my post has some added points
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 19:11:30 GMT -5
Contemporary American culture doesn't exist, jaxxalude. It's all a feedback loop of marketing trends & reversals. Don't try get me to embrace it. It's an imitation era that I find little redeeming value in. There are media, fashion, and literary factions here & there that are original and unfettered by commercial ambitions. Perhaps these subcultures will gain some national exposure if they are absorbed or exploited by trendhunters, but on their own, they will remain low-key, perhaps for the best. The greater American commercial world is one that has very little to do with me.
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Post by jaxxalude on Apr 4, 2007 19:19:05 GMT -5
Well, if you put things that way, most of what's mainstream in Portuguese culture doesn't register a blip to me either. If it was that way, then I'd be a fan of Pimba music. This is the kind of music that gets the most exposure on terrestrial TV here, especially on variety shows. And since the total audience numbers for radio listening have been dropping each year, that's the music most people here are exposed to. Damn, this year was the first one where the Eurovision Song Contest winner was voted by the public, and the one true Pimba entry won! I mean, if this was the only Portuguese music you knew, you'd think this would be a total moron country, right (and, in a way, this country has high levels of illiteracy and lack of culture, so... )? PS: I like it more when you call me Ricardo instead of jaxxalude. It sounds sweeter.
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 19:40:15 GMT -5
How about if I scream, "harder!" into the night instead?! I guess we are both outcasts of our given societies then! Anomolies! Bad consumers! Individualists! Just like everyone else who matters in history.
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 21:00:56 GMT -5
Back to the music...."Temptation..." = mindnumbingly great. Someone on last.fm said "it's great until the rap starts!" (That's fucking Dizzee Rascal, show some respect!) "505" & "The Bad Thing" are early favorites. I like everything so far, though, which is a relief. I'm always scared of being let down.
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Damage
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Post by Damage on Apr 4, 2007 21:34:59 GMT -5
Damn, oscillations. just damn!
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 4, 2007 23:05:39 GMT -5
?
What do you mean, deleted?
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Post by busyboy on Apr 5, 2007 14:01:52 GMT -5
From thesun.co.uk
Arctics: Radio One play cr*p
Harsh words ... Monkeys THE ARCTIC MONKEYS really don’t give a, er, monkeys about who they wind-up.
Radio 1 — the station who gave them a huge helping hand when they were mere marmosets — are the latest victims of a tongue lashing from the Sheffield scamps.
And I reckon the criticism won’t go down to well with the likes of DJs CHRIS MOYLES, JO WHILEY, ZANE LOWE and SCOTT MILLS.
Cherubic guitarist JAMIE COOK lobbed a verbal hand-grenade at the nation’s favourite station.
He said: “English radio is terrible, and Radio 1 plays a lot of crap music.
“I realised that the other morning when I had the radio going.
“Even music I don’t usually listen to, like hip-hop, is obviously bad at the moment.
“There is no real hip-hop anymore.”
And frontman ALEX TURNER weighed in too, backing his pal and claiming rap has too much airtime on radio and telly.
He said: “TIMBALAND is in every video.
“He is just standing there, looking confused.”
Jamie added: “All right, he’s a good producer, but he’s in every song right now.
“Come on, there are other producers — and other beats.”
Alex had the final word: “Still, what he does is good. I hate all those Pop Idol singers. And let me tell you what I can’t stand — that f****** R’n’B cover version of Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before.”
He’s referring to MARK RONSON’s catchy version of THE SMITHS’ original — which just happens to be out on Monday, a week ahead of the Monkeys’ new single, Brianstorm.
I have got no doubt the Sheffield scallies have a surefire No 1 on their hands with their second album Favourite Worst Nightmare, which I reviewed last week.
No doubt Radio 1 bosses will be hacked off with the cheeky Monkeys for their comments about the station.
But I wonder if they would be so childish as to drop the band from their playlist as a result?
Zane Lowe and Jo Whiley have credible playlists and are bound to be crying in their cornflakes this morning.
Moyles often hints that he’s not a fan of the playlist on the breakfast show and openly berates some of the tunes.
I bet the motormouth will have something to say about Jamie’s remarks on the show today...
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Post by busyboy on Apr 5, 2007 14:06:58 GMT -5
And frontman ALEX TURNER weighed in too, backing his pal and claiming rap has too much airtime on radio and telly. He said: “TIMBALAND is in every video. “He is just standing there, looking confused.” Couldn't help but laugh hard and agree... Poor Timbo, he's getting an almost universal bashing... ;)
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Post by jaxxalude on Apr 5, 2007 14:44:08 GMT -5
Spoiled schmindie brats!
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oscillations.
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Post by oscillations. on Apr 6, 2007 1:12:33 GMT -5
Radio 1 isn't that bad; Radio 6 is AMAZING.
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