Month: December 2021

Just Like Honey – Happy 60 To JIM REID!

Posted on by JL

Top singles from the past…

29 December 2021


(Jim: right / William: left)

James McLeish Reid was born 60 years ago today,
on 29 December 1961 in East Kilbridge, Scotland. To
celebrate the birthday of the youngest Reid (his brother
William is 63) I picked a classic from his favorite band
The Jesus And Mary Chain.

“I’ll be your plastic toy
I’ll be your plastic toy
For you
Eating up the scum
Is the hardest thing for
Me to do
Just like honey…”

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN: Facebook

Turn Up The Volume’s 20 BEST ALBUMS Of 2021

Posted on by JL

1. ‘New Fragility’ by CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH (Brooklyn, NY)

Released: 12 February 2021

Ounsworth (mastermind): “The songs are politically motivated,
which is unusual for me. It’s about what I think we’re all experiencing
at the moment, certainly here in the United States, anyway, trying
to move forward amidst an almost cruel uncertainty.”

Turn Up The Volume: Riveting tunes, sharp-cutting reflections,
magical sparks, Ounsworth‘s feverish voice, and his glittery guitar
play make this LP the best one since the self-titled 2005 debut.
Bewitching all the way. My 2021 number one

Key single: New Fragility…

Stream/buy album here…


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2. SEEK SHELTER by ICEAGE (Denmark)

Released: 7 May 2021 – 5th LP

Turn Up The Volume: Finally, Iceage do what they were expected to do for a long
time. Creating a standout album that makes the hair in the back of your neck stand
up. Melodramatic with ardency, impassioned with vigour, emotional with grimness. Charismatic frontman Elias Bender Rønnenfelt leads the troops as never before.

Their fifth, their best.

Key single: Vendetta

Full album…


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3. ‘Calvacade’ by BLACK MIDI (UK)

Released: 26 May 2021 – their second album

Turn Up The Volume: From outlandish sonority – think Scott Walker – to
Zappa-esque adventurousness, from a ‘normal’ song (Marlene Dietrich) to
free jazz weirdness. The sonic search of this impressively inventive band is
both inscrutable and intriguing.

Cavalcade confirms the experimental brilliance of their debut LP.
Miles Davis going post-punk in the 21st Century.

Key single: John L

Full album…

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4. ‘Marriage’ by DEAP VALLY (Los Angeles)

Turn Up The Volume: The drop-dead gorgeous sisters in rock arms Lindsey Troy
and Julie Edwards celebrate their 10th year of producing high-powered turbulence.
Their bond is tighter than ever and their boogie-woogie more varied than ever.

Mind you, don’t expect a jazz record. Deap Vally are still about rocking ‘n rolling
while tackling their demons with vocal bravado and forthright ruminations.

Key single: Magic Medicine

Get married here…


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5. ‘Comfort To Me’ by AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS

Released: 10th September 2021

Turn Up The Volume:

Old skool punk ‘n’ roll? Absolutely. Any good? You betcha!

Amyl and her buddies made another blistering riff-manic-monster of
a hell fucking hell yeah record. Pogo madness is back. Sturm und drang
from start to finish. Holy Moly!

Key single: Hertz

Stream/buy album here…


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6. ‘CARNAGE’ by NICK CAVE & WARREN ELLIS (Australia)

Released: 25 February 2021

Turn Up The Volume: This black and white pearl is the work of
the romantic Cave crooner meeting the haunting Cave crooner. Idyllic
orchestrations, classical arrangements, and bad seed Warren Ellis
showing, once more, his refined grandeur.

A tantalizing tandem made in twilight heaven.

Key track: White Elephant

Stream album here…

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7. Full Spectrum by THE CHRONICLES OF MANIMAL AND SAMARA (UK)

Released: 26 February 2021

Turn Up The Volume: Manimal and Samara are a poetallica sensation.
A new laser light at the end of a mythical and tenebrous tunnel.

Imagine Sylvia Plath fronting a mind-challenging, noise-exploring band.

Their debut album is a multi-faceted opus in sound and vision. Puzzling poetry
exploring life, death, birth, past, present, and future embedded in titanic thunder
and lighting symphonies going from perplexing metal to chill-out ambient.

Surreality becoming reality in a tormented world.

Key single: Psychopath’s Monologue

Stream ‘Full Spectrum’ here…

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8.’Infinity’ by GHOST PATTERNS (UK)

Released: 3 September 2021

Turn Up The Volume: The amplified haziness of Slowdive, the mystifying
soulfulness of Spacemen 3, the multi-layer-constructing skills of My Bloody
Valentine.

Hallucinating soundscapes, synth shadowplays, and guitars dueling with
each other while tireless drums dauntlessly beat, and wailing voices wander
in an enigmatic fog of reverberation.

This is what the (sur)real world of Ghost Patterns sounds like.

Key track: House Of Lies…

Stream/buy album here…


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9. ‘Pressure Machine’ by THE KILLERS

Released: 13 August 2021

Turn Up The Volume: This time the bombastic rockers take another direction
to express their emotiveness. Moody, nostalgic, melancholically romantic with
frontman Brandon Flowers looking back at his teenage years in his hometown
Utah. Think Bruce Springsteen‘s sentimentality on his masterpiece Nebraska.

Overall an emotive and melodramatic
record without going over the top.

For some critics, it’s too mellow.
For me, its gripping mellowness
that works just fine.

Key track: Quiet Town

Dim the lights…

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10. ‘Mutator by ALAN VEGA (US)

Released: 23 April 2021

Liz Lamere (Vega’s widow) remembers: “Our primary purpose for going into the studio
was to experiment with sound, not to ‘make records. I was playing the machines with Alan manipulating sounds. I played riffs while Alan morphed the sounds being channeled through the machines.’

Turn Up The Volume: Most of the lost albums that eventually came/come to the
surface one day should have stayed lost forever. If they were good enough to be
released the moment they were recorded they would have never ended up in a
smelly cellar or, worst case, in a trash can.

So what about Alan Vega’s lost one? One: it feels special to have the legend back.
Two: the album seems to come from a very dark mind, from the obscure places
of Vega‘s soul, creating a nightmarish and Kafkaesque chill-out atmosphere for
a 30-minute David Lynch film-noir.

Talking about a great find!

Key track: Nike Soldier

Stream/buy full album here…


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11. ‘WE… ARE DOOMED’ by THE IRRATIONAL LIBRARY (The Netherlands)

Released: 15 January 2021

Turn Up The Volume: The rap and roll venom of Rage Against The Machine, the
fuck-you-hypocrites grimness of Black Flag, the punky saxophone of X-Ray-Spex,
the sharp poetic spit and sneer anarchy of Mark. E. Smith, the challenging spirit
of open-minded-and-ass-kicking-anti-establishment doom and gloom crusaders.

Sounds like 2021, like the end of the world as we know it.

Key single: And The Next Song

Stream album here…

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12. ‘For The First Time’ by BLACK ROAD, NEW ROAD (London)

Released: 5 February 2021 – debut LP

Turn Up The Volume says: Like Pavement going prog rock with the sound- exploring
state of mind of Mogwai. Jazzy and classical music textures make sure your curious mind
is focused all the time. And singer Isaac Wood‘s voice resonates freakishly identical to the chilling voice of American songwriter Conor Oberst from indie band Bright Eyes.

It’s not a happy record, but who needs a tsunami of cheesy pop tunes in these science-fiction-like times, anyway. I know it’s their first time, but these hungry noise crusaders
will stun us again in the future.

Believe the hype!

Key track: Science Fair

Full album…

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13. ‘SURVIVORS’ by ONISM E (San Antonio / NYC)

Released: 19th February 2021 – debut album

Turn Up The Volume wrote: Gusto, high-spiritedness, and anxiety are the
keywords here. This warm-blooded record is a heart-rending reflection of the
group’s state of 2021 mind. A galvanizing collection of cohesive poignant emo
songs influenced by the disturbing way our troubled world is handling human
issues, once-in-a-lifetime dramas, and the personal turmoil of frontwoman
Eline Chavez.

Her soul-stirring and powerful (Aretha Franklin / young Tina Turner) vox, the weeping
guitars, and the electrical intensity are at times overwhelming and heartbreaking. Impressive!

Key track: Stay


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Stream/buy album here…


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14. ‘Putain Royale’ by PINK ROOM (Belgium)

Released: 12 Match 2021

Turn Up The Volume: The essential message of this new powerhouse album is loud and clear: noise-challenging turbo Pink Room is here to stay! Their tsunami energy is beyond any decibel regulation. Again, loudmouth Bart Cocquyt leads the rip-roaring trio.

As I said before his vocal range is out-of-this-world. He easily could front a death metal band (Stay Black/Stay White) or a Nirvana reunion (Losing/Skin) or kick Ozzy Osbourne‘s ass (Hail Satan). Expect ear-shattering jackhammers, over-the-top frenzy, and clamorous lockdown paranoia.

Putain, putain, c’est vachement bien, nous sommes quand même tous des bohemiens.

Key track: Losing

Stream/buy here…

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15. ‘G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END!’ by GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR

Released: 2 April 2021

Turn Up The Volume: A exquisite soundtrack for the funeral of the present,
and at the same time for the re-birth of humankind in the future.

Somber, apocalyptic and longing.

The Canadian mavericks are looking
for a way out of all the (pandemic) mess
with a mesmerizing fervor. Remarkable.

Stream/buy album here…


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16. ‘Crawler’ by IDLES
17. ‘Blue Weekend’ by WOLF ALICE
18. ‘Better Than Life’ by GLASS SANDS
19. It’s Critical by SAVING JACKIE
20. ‘Vivre’ by ARNO

Coming In 2022 – Debut By Hype Of The Year WET LEG

Posted on by JL

29 December 2021

Band: WET LEG
Who: Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers
from England’s Isle Of Wight.

Rhian Teasdale: “Wet Leg is sad music for party people, and party music
for sad people. It is cathartic and joyful and punk and scuzzy and above all,
it’s fun. Wet Leg was originally just supposed to be funny. As a woman, there’s
so much put on you, in that your only value is how pretty or cool you look. But
we want to be goofy and a little bit rude. We want to write songs that people
can dance to. And we want to people to have a good time, even if that might
not possible all of the time.”

New album: WET LEG – self-titled debut LP
Out: 8 April 2022 – order info here

Turn Up The Volume: I just can’t resist their amplified twist and turn
pop liveliness, their hilarious deadpan stories, and their drop-dead-cool
attitude.

Singles: Too Late Now / Oh No / Wet Dream / Chaise Longue

– CHAISE LONGUE –
(More than 2 million views on YouTube)

– OH NO –

– WET DREAM –

– TOO LATE NOW –

All 4 singles on Spotify…

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WET LEG: Facebook – Tour Dates

Prick Of 2021… ERIC CLAPTON

Posted on by JL

28 December 2021

What is it with all these former cool rockers turning into billionaire dickheads over the years, talking right-wing bullshit? John Lydon, Morrissey, Van Morrison, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and many more old flop stars became the radical opposite of being liberals when they started their careers. Pathetic, just pathetic!

This year ERIC CLAPTON wins the Turn Up The Volume award for greatest dickhead.
Why? Because of his anti-vax rants, being hypocritical about it afterward, and suing
a German woman for selling 1 bootleg CD for £8.45!

Clapton, the anti-vaxxer

“I took the first jab of AZ and straight away had severe reactions which lasted ten days, I recovered eventually and was told it would be twelve weeks before the second one. About six weeks later I was offered and took the second AZ shot, but with a little more knowledge of the dangers. Needless to say the reactions were disastrous, my hands and feet were either frozen, numb or burning, and pretty much useless for two weeks, I feared I would never play again, (I suffer with peripheral neuropathy and should never have gone near the needle.) But the propaganda said the vaccine was safe for everyone.”

The young Clapton was a junkie for several years shooting heroin into his veins.

Meanwhile, international medical reports confirm that vaccinations greatly reduce the chance of infection and that a minority of vaccinated people have psychical problems after the injection.

Turn Up The Volume: In my opinion, principally, people have the right to refuse
the anti-coronavirus vaccinations but then again, 85% of the world population (me too)
is pro-vaccination and already got their (2 or 3) injections. In a democracy 85% is an absolute majority, so everybody should actually follow the government’s safety directives (including vaccinations) to battle the pandemic, or the anti-vaxxers should at least agree with the imposed restrictions for them.

Clapton, the hypocrite

“I feel honour bound to make an announcement of my own: I wish to say that I will
not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present. Unless
there is a provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show.”

After this statement, on 18 September, he played a show in New Orleans. He broke his vow as according to the venue’s website, they require all those in attendance to have received at least one dose of a vaccine or provide a negative test result taken within
72 hours of attending an event and wearing a mask while not eating or drinking.

Clapton, the anti-lockdown and conspiracy theorist

Following the first lockdown (in 2020) he wrote a protest song called ‘Stand And Deliver‘ about it together with grumpy old bear Van Morrison containing these lines…

Magna Carta, Bill of Rights / The constitution, what’s it worth? / You know they’re gonna grind us down, ah / Until it really hurts / Is this a sovereign nation or just a police state? You better look out, people / Before it gets too late.

Turn Up The Volume: Oh dear, oh dear, what a lot of bollocks

Clapton, the racist

The attention surrounding Clapton’s lockdown remarks has led to the resurfacing of racist and xenophobic statements the guitarist has made in the past. In a 1976 concert,
a drunk Clapton asked from the stage for “foreigners” to raise their hands before recommending they leave the show. He went on to rant about “keeping Britain white” and said that he “used to be into dope, now [he’s] into racism. It’s much heavier, man.”

Clapton has since apologized for the comments. Following the release of “Life in 12 Bars,” a documentary following the guitarist’s life, Clapton blamed his drug and alcohol addictions for “sabotaging everything got involved with.”

Turn Up The Volume: The young Clapton was a devoted fan of black blues artists, copied them, and made a fortune with it.

Congrats, God, you’re THE 2021 dickhead!

 

(Image on top: cover of his 19th solo album)

TURN UP THE VOLUME’s 5 Best EPS Of 2021

Posted on by JL

The 5 best extended plays of the past 12 months to Turn Up The Volume’s ears

1. ‘American Cockroach’ by DEAP VALLY

Talking about being productive. The two charismatic rock queens
Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards from the city of angels, Los Angeles
released two EPs and their 3rd LP titled Marriage (with some of
the EP songs on it) this year.

Extended Play American Cockroach is the one I listened to the most
with its two steamrollers (I Like Crime / American Cockroach) and two
slower beauties (Give Me A Sign / Better Off With Nothing).

First-rate score!

Stream/buy here…


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2. ‘Body Electric’ by ULTRA SUNN (Belgium)

This cool black leather duo turns darkness into a stroboscopic
disco place where you can shadow dance yourself dizzy.

Their electro electricity, doomed drones, Goth echoes, eerie
baritone vocals, and synth riffs that stick as first-class glue
have both a mind-intoxicating impact and a sensual feel.

Thunder and lighting beats for the twilight hours.

Their brisk 6-track EP is a fitting soundtrack
to kick another virus year into oblivion.

Stream/buy Body Electric here…


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3. ‘Bad Time’ by PEEPING DREXELS (UK)

I discovered these London misfits last October in Amsterdam playing there
as part of an indoor festival at the legendary Paradiso club. What I felt was
what felt so many times when seeing their mates Fat White Family slash and
trash stages.

You know, that feeling of pumped-up confidence to go out in
the street and kick some fascists’ asses. Hell bloody hell yeah!

Bad Time will tell you all about it…


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4. ‘This Sceptic Isle’ by SHATTERCONES (London, UK)

Who: Politically outspoken rock outfit from London.

Opener Ghoul Driver sets the tremendously torrid tone of this jaw-dropping
extended play. An ominous outburst that threatens to explode any second.
Say Goodbye both surprises and impresses with its longing Mexican tango
melodiousness.

Fulminating stroke Butterly Room is an acrimonious reflection on the state
of chaotic Brexit England and closer The Man Who Ate Capitalism progresses
at a funeral pace, lamenting and dolesome. Throughout, ill-omened vocals
cause goosebumps.

Awesome stuff!

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5. ‘The Space In Between, Part 1 by TMCF (UK)

TMCF is a British pop/rock duo unafraid to blend ambience
with indie hooks to create a psychedelic experience. Formed
in a time of hopelessness.

Expect an instrumental synth/guitar opener (The Space In Between), a shadowy
prog-roller-coaster with twists and turns, and a magnetic bass riff (Thaumaturgy),
darkwavish pop-scapes (From Green To Grey / Collapse), a sparkling dreamtune
(The Lions Den ) and a euphonic, vocal symphony with mellow piano touches
(Soon The World Goes Black). Top!

Stream EP here…

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