Elvis Costello, the Buddy Holly on acid, the Punk troubadour of the late nineteen-seventies, one of the most prolific and consistent artists of his generation.
To go through his canon of albums would be a long, although exciting adventure, but here we celebrate with the stand out, with the first record of his people discovered and latched onto, and one which is still listened to and love passionately “Armed Forces”.
Some have said this is one of the best albeit subtle political statements of the twentieth century, a bigger statement than one which the late Woody Guthrie would have attempted.
Wrapped in a fold back cover and front picture of elephants charging is an electrifying, rock steady album and an enigma to some albums in one that doesn't contain a dud track.
Released in January 1979, the working title says more than the given one; “Emotional Fascism”.
A daring album, one to dance to, this was the album where Elvis Costello came into his own as a songwriter, a melodic and textured work, hiding songs of a strong political nature, delivered with Costellos unique and demand to be listened to vocal.
Only two singles released; “Accidents Will Happen” the albums catchy opener and the number-two hit “Olivers Army”.
Based on a trip to Belfast, Costello being of Irish descent, “Olivers Army” remains one of Costellos most memorable songs.
The trip to Belfast opening his eyes to the young men, almost boys, armed and in uniform, from this was born his anti-occupation song.
A song about the young, working class men always sent to do the killing, name dropping along the way, apart from Belfast, ‘Checkpoint Charlie', Palestine, Cyprus and South Africa, wrapped nicely in bubblegum pop. Wether the listener knew or not is another story, but that was Costellos gift, the subtly.
The phrase 'White Nigger' remaining in the song when played on the airwaves for thirty years up until March 2013 when the BBC decided to censor the phrase, leading to a backlash as it damaged the songs intentional anti-war, anti-racisim message.
The album 'Armed Forces' produced in full by the irrefutable Nick Lowe,the 'Stiff Records' in house producer, but a notable pub-power-pop rocker similar to the style of Elvis Costello so an understanding of the sound and handling of the songs was best served by Lowe.
Although having produced the previous albums by Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe is also responsible for the production on The Damned’s first single and albums,aswell as other Stiff and associated acts. These including Wreckless Eric, The Pretenders, Dr Feelgood and of all artists Johnny Cash.
The other significant footnote of this album is it lists The Attractions as the band, although their second album with Costello, 'Armed Forces' is the first album to state them on the cover.
This artistic work is a combination of everything a record should be, no filler and a deep thinking political statement, but not one that overpowers the positivity of the album, so if you haven't heard it this is the call to dig and find it.
Kevin Burke December ‘18
Today 27 years ago, the British EBM and Industrialists Nitzer Ebb released their single Godhead (December 30th, 1991). This single was taken from their fourth and previously released studio album EbbHead (Mute Records, September 1991), co-produced by Alan Wilder (Depeche Mode) and Flood.
Enjoy the Godhead video below!
Godhead
Hey now, what's this
The place I'm living's a fucking disgrace
Don't talk 'bout that
Get on your knees and pray that you're safe
But what to believe in
It's all so deceivin'
How about something else
The times ain't changing
It's what I been cravin'
How about something else
Where's this I'm at
There's more excitement
At a laundromat
Who's he, mmm looks good
He ain't a god
Well he fucking well should (be)
Now wait a minute, look at that
He's a god without a doubt
Can't you see it in his eyes
Got all of you to despise
One of the Belgian albums that we will certainly remember from 2018 is 'Restless' by A Slice Of Life. An album containing ten great post-punk songs with a little wink to the great acts like The Cure, Joy Division or The Sisters Of Mercy. To put this fine record in the spotlight again, the band has released a second video taken from their latest album, 'Life As It Is', the song that perhaps sounds most close to The Cure (Not so surprisingly when you know singer Dirk Vreys is also the head and voice of The Cure-tribute band The obsCURE). The clip is based on an animation by Erick Oh, called 'Heart', which several artists have already made music to.
'Restless' is one of many records released by Wool-E Discs, and as it happens Wool-E will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2019. This could not pass without some parties and that’s why A Slice Of Life is invited. The first celebration event is called 'Porta Wool-E' and will take place on 9th March in De Klinker, Aarschot (a collaboration with Porta Nigra that has organised festivals there before and not entirely coincidentally on the same date as the annual New Wave Class-X that takes place around the corner). On the bill are: Der Klinke, A Slice Of Life, Dead High Wire and Hatchling.
Part two of the ten years of Wool-E celebration will continue in De Kreun, Kortrijk on 12th April. There you will get the presentation of the new Neon Electronics release as well as the farewell performance of Simi Nah.
10 jaar Wool-E: Neon Electronics en Simi Nah (12 april 2019)
On this day, two years ago, Nine Inch Nails released 'Not the Actual Events'.
On this day, two years ago, Nine Inch Nails released Not the Actual Events (December 23rd, 2016), an EP released on Trent Reznor's own label The Null Corporation. On this EP Trent worked together with long-time collaborator Atticus Ross, his wife Mariqueen Maandig (How to Destroy Angels), Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction / Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Dave Grohl (Nirvana / Foo Fighters).
Not the Actual Events is meant to be the first part of a EP trilogy. In July 2017 the second part Add Violence was released while the announcement for release from the third and final EP can be expected any day now.
The overall sound on this EP reminds to the 1990's sound of Nine Inch Nails’s, electronics, distorted bass, noisy guitars and of course one of Trent's most recognizable trademarks... The nostalgic piano tunes.
Reznor himself described the record as “an unfriendly, fairly impenetrable record that we needed to make.”
Tracklist
1. Branches/Bones
2. Dear World
3. She's Gone Away
4.The Idea of You
5. Burning Bright (Field on Fire)
All tracks written by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
www.nin.com
LORDS OF ACID Announce PRETTY IN KINK TOUR 2019 with ORGY, GENITORTURERS, LITTLE MISS NASTY, & GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE
Legendary Industrial band LORDS OF ACID has announced dates for their highly anticipated PRETTY IN KINK TOUR 2019 with special guests ORGY, GENITORTURERS, LITTLE MISS NASTY, and GABRIEL AND THE APOCALYPSE.
Launching February 21st in Phoenix, AZ, the tour winds throughout the United States before wrapping up March 27th in Las Vegas, NV.
Tickets go on sale FRIDAY 12/7/2018 at 10:00 am local time!
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