Sunday, November 10, 2013

Suede Live At Porto Coliseum

Two days after the concert, I'm still perplexed and completely amazed of what was, without a doubt, the best concert I ever attended in my life!
Suede played an incredible and magical gig in Porto Coliseum last Friday!
The gig was very intense, a lot of rock songs in the beginning without stops between the songs. Brett was with the devil inside him and almost didn't rested for a minute. He was always in the first row, close to the grids (where I took a photo with him) and he went a lot of time to the middle of the crowd during The Drowners and Can't Get Enough. The public was hysterical and really happy with Brett's performance, actually I think that this was the best public I saw in Suede shows! In the break for the encore, we kept singing the "La La La" from Beautiful Ones until the band returned, which was a nice surprise for them and made Brett do a beautiful and silly dance with his legs. The singer told also nice things about Portugal, about Portuguese people and about our Coliseum. It is special for someone that lived almost all of his life in Porto to hear this things.
For me, the highpoint of the night was when they played This Time! If I'm not wrong, it was only the third ever they played this song and it is one of my favourites. It is so romantic and nostalgic song, I remember to listen to it repeatedly when I bought Sci-Fi Lullabies a lot of years ago. One of the best collaborations of Richard Oakes and Brett Anderson and, as I said, stands as one of my favourites with Trash, Filmstar, Beautiful Ones and Europe Is Our Playground.
The Living Dead was a very special moment too, Brett looked like an actor, performing a very sensitive and sad scene.
The classics were always powerful and the public enjoyed them as it was the first time they ever listened to it.
She's In Fashion is back to the setlist and in an acoustic version. Very suave and elegant!
The new songs sound great too, I'm glad they played Snowblind, pure rock n' roll!
It was a pity that they left out Barriers but I'm glad they didn't forget For The Strangers and Sabotage!
Resuming the concert in one sentence, it was the best live performance I ever saw in my life!
Check here This Time!

Setlist:
Still Life
Snowblind
It Starts and Ends With You
Trash
Animal Nitrate
Filmstar
Sometimes I Feel I'll Float Away
Sabotage
The Drowners
Can't Get Enough
This Time
The Wild Ones
The Living Dead
For the Strangers
So Young
Metal Mickey
Beautiful Ones

She's in Fashion
New Generation

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Suede Songs For The First Time


Suede are making a really special tour at this moment.
Almost every show they play a very rare or a live debut song, it's amazing.
So far they played:
- Where The Pigs Don't Fly (first time since 1992)
- Painted People (first time since 1992)
- Modern Boys (first time ever played)
- God's Gift (second time ever played)
- Leaving (first time ever played)
- Heroin (first time ever played)
- Positivity (first time after the reunion)

They also brought back some old songs not usually played live:
- The Big Time
- He's Dead
- Daddy's Speeding
- Europe Is Our Playground
- Together
- Another No One
- He's Gone
- Indian Strings

Porto's concert is next Friday, I can say I'm with very high expectations about it!
Check out the live debut of Heroin!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Lou Reed Died


Today, 27th of October of 2013, is a very very very sad day for music.
Lou Reed. the american musician and artist, died ate the age of 71. The cause is still unknown but it suspects to be related with his liver transplant that occurred in May.
In my opinion, "Transformer" is one of the most important albums ever, so revolutionary, so dirty, so natural, it's epic. It's really sad to see him pass specially when he was still active in the music business.
Songs like "Walk On The Wild Side","Satellite Of Love", "Candy Says", "Vicious" and mainly the hymn "Perfect Day" will last forever.
Rest in peace Lou...
"You're going to reap just what you sow"

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

The Queen Is Dead Considered Best Album Of All Time By NME


NME has made a countdown of the 500 best albums of all time. The albums were selected by previous and current journalist of this magazine. Each journalist had to make a list of their own top 50 best albums of all time. I don't know yet the rest of the list but the number 1 is The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths. I wouldn't select it for sure, I don't even think it is the best work from Morrissey, and, in previous interviews both Moz and Johnny Marr stated Strangeways, Here We Come as they favourite Smiths album.
Although, this is an amazing week for the emblematic English singer. Besides this conquest, his new Autobiography book is on the top of the most sold books last week.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Bloodsports


As last months I was not writing on the blog, some CD's were released and I never did a review. Maybe the most important of all of them was Bloodsports of Suede. As a big fan of the band, I think I should write something about it.

First let's see the background of the album. Suede released their "Best Of" without new tracks and then they re-released their 5 studio albums with b-sides, demos and unreleased songs.
Brett Anderson finished Black Rainbows and Richard Oakes his debut album with Artmagic. Brett's album was, according to his own voice, a pop/rock album something like Coming Up (which I disagree). The album is good but I think he made big expectations for it and some songs on it are not that good. The album is still brilliant but it is my least favourite from his solo career. Richard's album was more concise, more worked and more poppy. I love the album (although, with all the respect, a think it deserved a stronger singer), it is powerful when it has to be, nostalgic and deep.

Let's go to Bloodsports now. On the end of 2011 Suede played a special gig in Saint Petersburg when they premièred 7 new songs. The songs were nice, but they didn't seem to be as good as the band could do. They were too simple, too rocky, small riffs. From those 7 only two were released: Sabotage and the b-side Falling Plains. In my opinion the other songs were good enough to record. Maybe not as album songs but as bonus tracks or b-sides. I really liked Cold War for example. Suede didn't like the songs that much so they started again to write what would become the album. Some months later they played live "For The Strangers". At first listen I was not to keen on it but my opinion would change a lot really.

The first studio song to be heard from Bloodsports was Barriers, track #1. It was available as a free download some weeks before the release of the album. Again, at first listen, I tough it missed something, that the chorus where a little bit forced to the melody and that the guitar riff missed production. I was wrong again. Today, after some listening, it is one of my favourite songs from the album. The "Trash" spirit is completely in it and the lyrics are absolutely uplifting and beautiful.
Now let's see track #2 from the CD, "Snowblind". It was, and it still is one of my favourites. It is the most powerful and rockier song of the album and it is so quick that it is almost breathtaking. Although the chorus is not so catchy, the outro guitar is one of the most beautiful guitar lines I heard for years!
The main single, "It Starts and Ends With You" it is a nice and poppy song, but I wouldn't choose it for first single, in fact I wouldn't choose it to be a single at all. The riff is great and the chorus is catchy but there's something on it that I don't know, I love it less than the other songs. However it remains as a great piece of music.
Then we can listen to "Sabotage" the only survivor of the Russian concert. The studio version is far better than the live version and it is simply great. The bass line of Mat Osman are great and the guitars on the chorus (specially on the last chorus) are perfect. Brett's voice is not so high as on the other songs but I quite prefer it like that.
"For The Strangers" comes next and it's Anderson's favourite song from their last album. Really beautiful, when you are listening to it, it seems that Brett's voice is surrounding you room. The guitars are making riffs during the entire song which makes it maybe the most complex song in the album. It is the 3rd single and I think it can turns easily to a live favourite for the fans.
The second single was "Hit Me". The best part on it is without a doubt the guitar riff in the chorus and Richard's solo (finally a solo). It is poppy and the chorus is mesmerizing. I understand why the song was a single, however I think it deserved a better video clip (it's like Can't Get Enough part 2).
Then, we enter to a new part of the album, a darker one without catch pop songs but with great hymns.
The first is "Something I Feel I'll Float Away", a Anderson/Oakes song. melancholic ballad which turns into a great anthem in the end with a long Brett's voice and a very powerful Richard's guitar. The riff in the chorus, mixed with the singer's voice is a perfect combination. It really makes you feel you are floating.
"What Are You Not Telling Me?" is the most slow song on Bloodsports. A sad and soft song which bring the most sensitive part of the band. It's so sad that it makes it completely beautiful. Even the little solo is slow and heartbreaking. It's the only song without drums on it.
I think that, "Always" can be seen as a modern "The Asphalt World". It is the longest song on the album (but it's not that long, only 4:43) and it has a break in the middle for a growing up solo more or less in the same style of the Dog Man Star song. Brett's voice in the end are amazing, he really can scream and hit the notes perfectly, his voice really made great progresses during the last years.
The last song is "Faultlines", a nostalgic celebration and hymn for the album. The chorus is great, again the power of the guitar on the chorus are great. I think it could be longer, with a nice instrumental part in the end or some kind of solo but, it is a perfect ending for an album. After 9 great songs, this song is like the peacemaker song to make you go back to the real world. Amazing.

As overall review I can say that Ed Buller's work (the producer) was determinant for the album to sounds as it is sounding. He could bring the magic from the beginnings of the 90's and, as an outside member of the band, he could advise and help them to select the songs.
Brett Anderson's voice is amazing and he really improved it. If you compare his singing today with "A New Morning" era you think he has rejuvenated. Richard Oakes' guitar riffs and creativity are better than ever, he can pick always great lines at every song. Neil Codling is more present in the songwriting than in the real song from the album, this album doesn't use too much keyboards but we can see great work on the last 3 songs. Mat Osman is one of the most underrated bass players ever. Although he only co-wrote "Always", the bass lines in "Sabotage" and "For The Strangers" gives really an identity to the songs. Simon Gilbert is consistent as he always was. Best parts must be heard probably on the chorus of "Faultlines", in "Always" and in the main single too! He is a world class drummer and team member!

It was good to see that 5 of the 10 songs were written by a combination of Anderson/Codling/Oakes, something that was not usual. The band are working more as a band and another proof of that is that Brett didn't wrote any song on his own. Always is credited to the five members of the band which is curious and great!

I will not give a classification to the album but I think I can't be impartial when it concerns Suede, so I'll just say it is one of the best albums I heard for a long long time and it was the best reunion album ever. Take a listen to it here:

Friday, October 18, 2013

Morrissey's Autobiography Out Now


Morrissey's Autobiography was officially release yesterday (17 of October).
The long awaited book covers the ex-Smiths singers life from his childhood until today. As I've been reading on the internet, the book is being a success and is on the top of Amazon's most required items.
I'm planning to buy it soon and after reading I'll make a personal review but, there's no doubts that it is going to be a fascinating reading, as Morrissey's career and life was and still is.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Next Day To Be Re-Released


Less than one year after its release, "The Next Day", David Bowie's first album in 10 years, will be re-release in a deluxe edition on the 4th of November. It isn't so much orthodox to re-release an almost new album but, Bowie already prove several times that he is a master of the unexpected. Maybe he is taking vantage from the attention that the press is still giving him and wants to re-release this double CD edition while his album is still fresh. The new release will contain 5 new unheard songs and a bonus DVD.
The tracklist is:

CD1:
1. The Next Day
2. Dirty Boys
3. The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
4. Love is Lost
5. Where Are We Now?
6. Valentine's Day
7. If You Can See Me
8. I'd Rather Be High
9. Boss of Me
10. Dancing Out in Space
11. How Does the Grass Grow?
12. (You Will) Set the World on Fire
13. You Feel So Lonely You Could Die
14. Heat

CD2:
1. Atomica
2. Love Is Lost (Hello Steve Reich Mix By James Murphy For The DFA)
3. Plan
4. The Informer
5. Like A Rocket Man
6. Born In A Ufo
7. I’d Rather Be High (venetian Mix)
8. I’ll Take You There
9. God Bless The Girl

10. So She

Remember below the amazing last single from "The Next Day": Valentine's Day

Friday, October 11, 2013

Paul McCartney Plays Surprise Concert In Times Square


Yesterday, on the 10th of October, Sir Paul McCartney played a surprise gig in New York's Time Square.
He tweeted about it on his official account and then, some fans were able to see him perform 4 songs from his next album "New".
It was the second time McCartney made an unexpected performance this week, as he made a not programmed concert in a school in that same city.

Paul played:
1- New
2- Save Us
3- Everybody Out There
4- Queenie Eye

See here some parts of the concert:

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Dog Man Star is 19!


Happy Birthday Dog Man Star!
It looks this times are times for anniversaries, yesterday Mat Osman and today the mythical Suede album Dog Man Star!
This album was released in 1994 and it is considered Suede's masterpiece. The band left their rock and punk sound of the previous album and started to explore a lot more of dark sounds.
Songs like The Asphalt World, Still Life, The Wild Ones or The 2 Of Us are complete classics in the group's history.
We are hoping for a big celebration next year! Listen to the entire album here!

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Happy Birthday Mat Osman!


After more than half a year of silence, Strange Sound is back and to stay!
And, let's celebrate the come back, wishing a happy birthday to Mat Osman, the bassist of Suede, who is today 46 years old! In order to do that, I'll post my own, top 5 of Suede songs written by Mat Osman and Brett Anderson.

5 - What Violet Says
This is the only contribution (for now) of Mat Osman as a songwritter after Suede's come back. It's a proof that he can still makes good songs!


4 - Golden Gun
It looks like that, back in 2003, after A New Morning, the writting partnership in Suede was more into Mat Osman than into Richard Oakes or Alex Lee. Mat wrote the main single on that year and the main b-side.



3 - Lost In TV
One of best songs from "A New Morning" and, despite this album is viewed as the worst Suede work, this song, along with Obsessions, it is one of the most appreciated by the fans. Very sweet and cool vibe and great backing vocals.


2 - Attitude
Attitude was the new single from the singles compilation release in 2003. After the flop of A New Morning, the band needed to creat a new type of sound, something more catchy and charming. In my opinion, Attitude reflects that very well and is one of the most under-rated songs by the band.


1 - Europe Is Our Playground
The classic Coming Up b-side that is still one of the favourites among the fans. Personally this is my travel song, every time I am in a bus, train or plane making a big trip I loose myself listening to this song. "Europe is our playground, London is our town, so run with me baby now..."

Monday, February 04, 2013

It Starts And Ends With You

Finally!! Suede's comeback single is available now on Youtube! It Starts And Ends With You shows the band on a very catchy and poppy sounds completely beautiful! The comeback couldn't be better!
Barriers was great! Sabotage and For The Strangers in live versions too but this is "the suede song"! Happy, nostalgic, lyrics that describe life as everyday and that anyone can identifies himself there!
Completely Richard Oakes style guitar riffs (it's a pity they don't film him that much on the video) and Anderson's vocals are better than ever!
The video is good too, very simple and normal. Just the band performing but you can see their energy on it too. And it starts with the traditional Brett Anderson's swing of the microphone!
The single will be released on 18th of March as download and 7" vinyl, on the same day that Bloodsports, their new album is released too!
Listen to the song here and feel Suede again!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Delta Machine

Delta Machine is the name of the new Depeche Mode album!
It will be released on the next 26th of March and the new video for the new single "Heaven" will premier next Friday, 1st of February on YouTube!
The album will have 13 tracks and will be released  in two formats: standard CD and deluxe edition with 4 bonus tracks and a special hard book with photos from Anton Corbijn.
Ben Hillier is the producer again and Flood the mixer.
Martin Gore and Dave Gahan are really excited with the album as we can read on the band's official website.
March will be a special month with Suede, David Bowie and Depeche Mode new albums!

The Tracklist of Delta Machine is:

STANDARD:
1 - Welcome To My World
2 - Angel
3 - Heaven
4 - Secret To The End
5 - My Little Universe
6 - Slow
7 - Broken
8 - The Child Inside
9 - Soft Touch / Raw Nerve
10 - Should Be Higher
11 - Alone
12 - Soothe My Soul
13 - Goodbye

DELUXE EDITION: (includes hardcover 28-page booklet)
DISC 1
1 - Welcome To My World
2 - Angel
3 - Heaven
4 - Secret To The End
5 - My Little Universe
6 - Slow
7 - Broken
8 - The Child Inside
9 - Soft Touch / Raw Nerve
10 - Should Be Higher
11 - Alone
12 - Soothe My Soul
13 - Goodbye
DISC 2
1 - Long Time Lie
2 - Happens All The Time
3 - Always
4 - All That’s Mine

The tracklisting for the “Heaven” CD single is as follows:
“Heaven” CD SINGLE:
1 - Heaven
2 - All That’s Mine (b side bonus track)
“Heaven” CD MAXI:
1 - Heaven
2 - Heaven (Owlle Remix)
3 - Heaven (steps to heaven rmx)
4 - Heaven (Blawan Remix)
5 - Heaven (Mathew Dear vs Audion Remix)

Friday, January 18, 2013

Bloodsports

As I told before, Suede's next album will be called Bloodsports. This was revealed on the days that Barriers was released as a free download.
Yesterday the band showed the artwork and track-listing through their official site and facebook page.
So, the Suede's first album in 11 years will be released in 18.03.2013 and be available in 4 different formats: CD, Vinyl, Hardback Book Box Set and Deluxe Edition!
The deluxe edition is the most complete one witch includes de album in CD and Vinyl, a extra 7'' vinyl of an unreleased song, a USB stick with special features, a expanded high-quality booklet and a t-shirt.
The first single will be "It Starts And Ends With You"
The track-listing is:
01. Barriers02. Snowblind03. It Starts And Ends With You04. Sabotage05. For The Strangers06. Hit Me07. Sometimes I Feel I'll Float Away08. What Are You Not Telling me?09. Always10. Faultlines

Magic times are coming!

Monday, January 14, 2013

More New Music

After the return of Suede and David Bowie, this week saw Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds releasing a new song via YouTube. Jubilee Street will be available on their next album "Push The Sky Away" to be released on February. The song is fantastic, just away of the ballads of Nick Cave, slow and sad but at the end with a lot of hope. Hear it here:

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

After All David Bowie Did Not Retire!

David Bowie, one of the best and most influential artists ever is finally back!
When everything pointed to a retirement (Bowie didn't release any album of original songs since 2003 and rejected to make a special appearance on the London Olympic Games ) Bowie has announced a new album and a new single!
"Where Are We Now?" can already be listened on YouTube and it looks amazing!
The album is called "The Next Day" and will be released in March!
Bowie made this announcement on the same day that he completes 66 years old!
Take a listen to the song here!

Monday, January 07, 2013

New Suede Song Available As A Free Download

Long time since I wrote here last time but I'm coming back for a good reason!
The new Suede single is available as a free download! The song is Barriers and it sounds like nothing more than Suede. Catchy chorus, catchy guitars, it sounds very good and very fresh.
According to the download the new Suede album will be called Bloodsports!
Good times are coming!