Amy Winehouse

I'm attempting to claw back some semblance of credibility today. I'm also continuing to give the impression that my music collection isn't comprised almost exclusively of skinny white-boys with guitars (expect a deluge of awkward art-rock in the near future). Thus I give you Amy Winehouse's Rehab. Tune!

Can't say I know much about the artist, other than Steve Lamacq's been giving her some serious airtime. And that I like it: I think growing up with my Dad's obsession with early Motown probably leaves me predisposed to her sound.

Lily Allen

Now, I'm on dangerous territory here, as Lily Allen (daughter of British comedian, Keith Allen) is both mainstream and old news, having been at number one in the UK charts this past summer. However, I can't resist her chav-charms, and frankly I gave up any aspirations of being cool quite some time ago. This is her brilliantly cute/edgy ode to London. Favourite line: There're people from city having lunch in the park, I believe that is called "al fresco". She's sharply naive.

As a bonus, here's Lily covering Bowie's Let's Dance, with some help The Rakes (more from them later):

Lily Allen and The Rakes - Let's Dance (mp3)

Here I go again on my own.

Despite things, I've decided to start this back up, cos I kind of like doing it. And I'm bored at work. So more music shortly...

Belle and Sebastian

Now, I'm not a huge fan of Belle and Sebastian, and I think recordings of live performances are a bit of a waste of time (as they're necessarily imperfect renditions in comparison to studio recordings, yet they also that fail to capture the buzz and energy of "being there"). So here's a video of The boy with the arab strap from Coachella a few years ago. How could I resist a track that follows the line I am a lazy git with a recorder solo (I'm informed by a reliable source that "recorders are kewl". I'm fairly sure use of the term "kewl" is not cool, but with kids nowadays, you can never be sure).

And yes, this track was used as the theme tune to Teachers, a show that was undoubtedly kewl skill.

The Upper Crust

Oh yes! I've been looking for a decent video clip of these boys for a while now, as I wanted you all to bathe in the insanity of The Upper Crust, as I did a few weeks ago at The Middle East. It's been a long hunt, but I finally found a watchable clip - only problem is, it's Windows Media Player, so all you FireFox/Opera devotees are probably gonna have to fire up Internet Explorer for this one. It's painful, I know, but worth it. Trust me (I am a doctor...).

This is the video for Rabble Rouser, take from the album Once more into the breeches. Yes, The Upper Crust are a novelty act: at live gigs they wear full 17th century nobility gear and maintain a suitable aloofness, while continually blasting AC-DC riffs into the ears of the surrounding "peasantry". You might think their Jane-Austin-meets-Malcolm-Young shtick would get old quick, but while the songs may be generic, they're just ridiculous enough to hold your attention for a full set*. And I have to say I never tired of the between-song banter**, particularly between the Jagger-mouthed lead singer and Lord Basey (I guess I don't need to tell you which instrument he plays?). 'Roque and Roll!

* Disclaimer: I'd had a few beers.
** I was really quite inebriated.

Darren Hanlon

No videos today, just mp3's. As a quick side note, these mp3's are links to other sites, which often have quota limits. So if they appear down, just try again later.

Today's artist is Darren Hanlon, who I decided to give a spin solely due to him having the same surname as a mate of mine (who is completely devoid of musical talent). I figured some kind of universal conservation law would mean Darren Hanlon is great - and he is! I don't know if the Hanlons are related, but as one is a Welsh/Irish mutt, and the other is Australian (and therefore may have links to British criminals somewhere in the family tree. Was that softly worded enough?), I'd say chances are high.

As for the music, he's being referred to as the Australian Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists), so I'm predestined to like him. Personally, I'd say he's closer to The Lucksmiths, as he's far more whimsical than everybody's favourite peddlers of anachronistic shanties (totally check out my pseudo-muso-babble!). I was slightly disappointed to learn that (There aren't enough songs about) squash is an ode to the sport rather than the orange-flavoured cordial, though still inclined to sing along.

Darren Hanlon - Punk's not dead (mp3)

Darren Hanlon - (There's not enough songs about) squash (mp3)

The Decemberists

The war theme continues today. War, huh! Good God, what is it good for? Inspiring quality rock songs. Say it again! In fact, while you listen to The Decemberists gently croon about the loss of fallen comrades, I shall share with you the loss of a much anticipated gig. The Decemberists are playing at the Orpheum on Saturday night, and I've been harping on about going for at least two months. I then go and agree to a dinner party the same night. Fucksocks.

I did, however, look at the Ticketmaster (hold on a minute while I disinfect my keyboard after typing those letters) website - only the fancy-pants tickets are left at $28 a pop, which in itself is not too bad for such a quality band in a cool venue. But get this, Ticketmaster (may their souls burn forever in the eternal fires of the ninth circle of purgatory) want $9.05, PER TICKET, as a "convenience charge". And just how much "convenience" are you getting for a third of the price of a ticket? Um, not a lot - delivery of said ticket is an extra $3! I have become enraged.