Albums of the year 2012

Another fast year and in 12 months I have picked 12 albums you may like. Enjoy. 

Anneke van Giersbergen, Everything Is Changing

Former The Gathering singer has done a few solo albums but with her first three under the name Agua de Annique. This album is the first with her name and I can see why she changed. 

The Gathering were a great band and Anneke simply wanted to move on and do other music. The First albums under a different name were really good and I understand the name change as it can be very hard going into the music world with the tag of being a former metal lead singer. But those who know her previous band will know how great her voice is. 

So album number four (or three depends on how you view Pure Air) and not so much a change in direction as it is still the pop rock all out great music but I think she has moved on. Her real name on the album really means nothing but I think it just makes it right and the album for me seems more personal. Upon listening to the album I find this to be so. 

Album opener "Feel Alive" is a perfect start, pop music and fun. It feel warm and the music is catchy. Flowing into "You Want To Be Free" some hint of guitars help back up her rock roots. Nice catchy riffs flow over the song and keep you singing along. "Everything Is Changing" is a song everyone could write as wehn you get to a certain age you do notice difference's but her voice and the simplicity of the music just melt into a great song. Next two tracks are more rock than pop "Take Me Home" and "I Wake Up" are no album fillers but listen. Her voice changes to the lyrical content. The album sounds very good on my HIFI and production is spot on. "Circles" is the big ballad type of song, it really is just her and a piano. That voice comes out so well on this song, I have had this on repeat and each time it sounds better and bigger. "My Boy" has a great video made where video has been recorded of her son on web cam using a laptop. The footage is taken over a couple of years and cut together showing him growing. Lyrically personal and a real special song to share with the world.  

Next up is "Stay" more of an all out rock song, borrowing from her past but her voice has been recorded on a few tracks and widened over the two speakers. More Anneke's voice the better I say. 

"Hope, Pray, Dance, Play" takes us back to pop and more catchy rock music in "Slow Me Down" each track on the album has a similar sound and feel but still retain individuality. Album closer "1000 Miles Away From You" is a nice band song with the whole band getting in here and showing there skills. Again her voice steals the show and sounds so great all the time. 

This album was a surprise to me as I do like her work and enjoyed this immensely but the replay factor is so great. An album that makes you feel better on a crap day is an album that is special. Anneke really opens up here and you can tell she is a rare breed of singer one who loves music and is in the business for the right reason. 

Converge, All We Love We Leave Behind

Yes yes yes, I get to put converge in my albums of the year. Last album Axe to Fall was a great return to form and an album I still play. But could they do better? YES and by hell it is better. Over ten years after Jane Doe they have made another amazing album. Converge to me do not equal big riffs or loud music or even screaming vocals. To me it is quality, each and every time. All I ask is to put as much of you into the music as you can and they do it every time. It is pointless reviewing each track as they all are fantastically brutal and so concise. The drums are faster and louder firing between all out lunacy and epicness in a millisecond. Riffs and many of them, loud cutting and making Slipknot look like a children's party entertainers. The guitars know how to throw you about the room with big rhythm and lead switching before you can blink. Yeat another album to show the kids how it is done. Great stuff!

Deathspell Omega, Drought

I have been very close to putting Deathspell Omega in my albums of the year a few times. So much so in 2011 Mass Grave Aesthetics, Diabolus Absconditus should have been in my top albums. I think it is more time that was why I didn't put it in. You need some real listening time to really get this band as each listen opens up new tantalizing extremities of music. This years offering Drought is another one of there EPs and I think it is there most easily accessible release to date. Clocking in at 20 minutes (but feeling way longer) the six tracks here cover more ground than most bands do in a decade. Some real care has been taken on the music. Production is fantastic and the music is just so well made. I have praised this band so many times in the past but this one is the album for all.

Enslaved,  RIITIIR

Not another black metal band? No not really as this band have come so far from there first few album. This one follows on from past great album in Isa (2004) and Ruun (2006). More a progressive metal sound that a Black Metal classic.
They have taken the time on this album and you can hear it in every note. This is there twelfth album and what a way to hit the dozen mark. The music is heavy but very melodic, the guitars sound like they were conducted by a mathematician. Epic but not overwhelming and nothing as wanky as Pink Floyd. They go from the first track to the second as if they had more ideas but had to move on so give you a riff that takes off your head.
The vocals are heavy and growling but you rarely notice as the music is so good. The clear vocals come in when you really don't expect and just help the flow of the music.

Nile, At The Gates Of Sethu

And I can put in Nile this year not just because they are great and I like them but because this was the best Death Metal album this year. Add in the fact it is one of there best albums and it is better than my favorite In Their Darkened Shrines (2002).
Ten years is a long time in music and the band are still going strong and this album still uses Ancient Egyptian/Near Eastern mysticism as the focal point. An album and band that give you a history lesson as well as an ear full of the best death metal in the world. Many bands exist in the DM underground that call themselves technical and extreme but few can really make it cross over to the masses.

Pil, This is Pil

Oh yeas so happy to have this here as was the first full length in 20 years. I did think this was not making my album of the year but it is still being played even today so job done Mr Rotten.
Not quite as direct as past albums but times have changed. The band was formed after that butter commercial as John had no money do do Pil again. As record companies will not pay for the album or band. The one off butter add paid for this and the first tour and I like to think money well spent. This album has so many styles and it is like a best off album in a way as past albums were varied but more focused for the whole LP. This album carries the same F you attitude but just gets over on the radio (watch the PIL performance on Jooles Holland and see what I mean). This is a fun album and a very well made one at that. The backing band is made up of some ex Pil members and also prolific pop musicians and i think that gives the sound John wanted. Direct and fun, easily assessable to all.

Swans, the Seer

Michael Gira: 'The Seer took 30 years to make. It’s the culmination of every previous Swans album, as well as any other music I’ve ever made…'

Too right and it feels like it. Again a band I love and one that have really changed my tastes in music. I feel this list and all the other music I review would not exist if it was not for this band.
An album spanning two hours over two CDs and made to fly by in seconds. I have listened none stop to this album and I still get more form it on each listen. Seeing the band play like is a real treat and this album just adds a slice of lemon to the experience as they have captured that live feel so well here. The 30 minute track was made over all the gigs they played and added to over the last two years. Music for this is for very few as past albums are pretty out there but if you have the guts (and time) get this and prepare to change.

Baby Godzilla, Oche

More an EP or even a mini album but that is all I need to hear of this band. Saw them support another band I instantly loved them, with a live set that would make most metal bands blush. They run, jump and show the rock bands how it is done. The guitars are at 11 and the amps are at 12 here. Loud and proud and you can feel the anger and energy just on the first few tracks. It is nothing new but it is a great all out debut. If they can take 10% of the energy here to the first full length album then we may have another album of the year. "Powerboat Disaster" is one of my songs of the year and also video of the year (Check it out on you tube). Great music that makes me proud to be British. Now to go and break something. 

Goat, World Music

A band steeped in mystery, they are said to come from a remote village called Korpolombolo in deepest darkest Sweden. Being a band for 30-40 years and practicing voodoo.

It is a nice story and for a second you want a quick listen. Wow what an album. It is called World Music for a reason and it mixes so many styles. Track one and two are so different that I wondered if my CD was broken. But no this is a real treat and an album that has psychedelic rock mixed with post punk funk and African beats. I saw them live as well and again a real treat to the ears and eyes, they can play and do all this on stage and more so make it better. This album has topped a few album of 2012 charts and I can see why. Very addictive album and one that will stay with you for a long time.  

Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Psychedelic Pill

Classic Neil Young and Crazy Horse. You may have seen this in some shops as it is pretty good. A little change of direction from that last few albums. More of a classic southern feel to it bit like Lynyrd Skynyrd but on some really good drugs.

This is a 2 CD set and track one is a whopping 27 minutes. But that is the good news. The band are playing and sounding great and Neil is playing lead guitar and chucking out feedback and whammy bar riffs a plenty. But all of it feels great and you get into the music so well. The lyrics are basic and repetitive just the sort of music to get you singing along.

Much of the album is set firmly in the fuzzy folk rock of the 60s but it never sounds too old or even boring. The guitar playing is fantastic and always keeps you interested. This is one of those albums that has been done in the studio after jamming for weeks. The highlights are plenty on this 90 minute album. "Ramada Inn" on CD1 and "Walk Like a Giant" are fantastic and the two alone could have made up one great album. Add in the great first track "Driftin' Back".

There are times music like this can be boring and it if a fine line at times as well. This is not at all boring or even commercial. It is a music lovers album as double albums never seem to be that big in the casual music listeners taste. There are plenty of bands who cater for the AOR side of music taste and I feel this is not for them and thankfully so. Two discs of sheer bliss go buy it now.

Ian Mcnabb, Little Episodes

Slight change in sound for Mr Mcnabb. Well I say a change it is more a forced changes as this is really just an acoustic album. Recorded and mixed in December 2011 it was all done very quickly. And sometimes that is the best way of doing it.
With Ian being a great guitar player and also having one of the best voices in rock music you can get away with it. What Ian has extra is a great songwriting ability as well.
The songs are simple and the lyrics are sing along material "Only Children" has me singing along to one of the catchiest tunes you could ever get on the radio. Some songs have a little electric and even some drums but very little and when it is there it is still his voice and what he is singing that captures you.
The title track I can see being re recorded in the future as it is a song that you can come back to every time. Adding in some nice harmonies to the music of which most of it is his own voice it keeps it simple but effective.
In a music industry obsessed with production and how people will understand the recording this is a much welcomed back to basics and one that could me used as a lesson to all up and coming bands to just record what you feel. A great album.

Ginger Wildheart, 555%

If you have got to this page via my Twitter feed then you have seen something about this on my updates. The reason being it was all done via a music site called Pledge Music. It is not a new thing or even all that cool. All it is you pledge to buy an album before its made. But if the target is not made you don't have to pay. Simple eh?

Ginger asked for £30,000. The target for his triple album deal and with the money he could enter the studio and try and give the fans 30 or so songs. The target was nothing big but just enough for Ginger to make say one new album with great production then the two other albums would be what he has had left over. Take it to be acoustic numbers and demo style quality. 

Lets just cut to the chase. The target was 100% but as you see the name is 555%. The target was met within hours and so much so it made the ITV news and Ginger was on the telly getting interviews on how he could do it. The real total was £250,000 in real money all collected the second the target hits 100% and after that all immediate payments. The goals changed on the spot, now the money is there to make a triple album of better quality. The odds and sods take on the album is binned and writing starts on a load of new material. Add in a timescale as well as the record is promised to be delivered by a certain date. Taking 12 weeks to write, record, mix, master and upload the music. There was also physical copies to make, CD and LPs had to be mastered, artwork chosen, mastered and printed. Also they have to be mailed to each of the 6000+ fans who asked for it. For one album that is just about do able but this is a TRIPLE ALBUM.

Each album was uploaded on a Friday at 7pm and all fans were asked to share there opinions with Ginger and the rest who were involved via Twitter. CD1 goes live and for myself it was one of the albums of the year on first listen. 'Forget About It' was downloaded on my phone as I was out that day. I went to a coffee shop and ordered my usual Americano and took my seat. Instantly the voice of Ginger hits me over my tiny headphones. Melodic and big choruses it is a cross of classic Abba and Cheap Trick. 'I-N-T-E-R-N-A-L R-adio' is next and written by Gingers kid. It should be a big hit and not just in the UK. Having fun with words and melodies like the music was secondary. 

As you listen to the music you can tweet to Ginger and let him know what you like. Track three was downloading as I was tweeting and started playing and again big tunes. There is nothing underground here but just some great rock n roll music. 'Lie When You Tell Me The Truth' makes me think the pledge was worth it even for these three tracks. One listen and I am singing along on the bus home later. 'Incidental Noises' has a nice guitar intro and takes the album down to a slower feel. Yes, more catchy vocals and sounds that could snag a top ten. 'It Appears That The Party Is Over' is a great title and so untrue it has a nice sort of funky feel to it. 'Deep In The Arms Of Morpheus' is a track that Ginger was never going to make as it was written years before but fans asked for it. And as I say we are paying so he gives us the song and thinking its not one of his best is found to be totally wrong, twitter erupts and the fans clamber to say how good it is. Big piano sound much like a classic rock ballad. Guitars help to give it that slow rock number. Some nice drumming with little drum fills and knowing when to hold back keeps the keen listener happy.

 'Baby Skies' Brings us back to that poppy Abba sound. Some nice keyboards keep the feet tapping and help from gingers friends in the vocals really fill the sound up well. 'Silence' is one of the rock numbers here, nice chugging guitars and drums that complements the riffs. 'Powderkeg' is a hidden gem here, twists and turns. It is a rock song one minute then you can swear you know the lyrics already. Last song 'Time' is a blinding closer and I feel it may end the first album on a great high as CD 2 and 3 could never better it. The riffs on the last track would give Rush and Van Halen blushes. Nice simple guitar arpeggios repeat but never bore. 

The nest two CD s do not disappoint but I feel this is my favorite album out the three. As I type this Ginger Wildheart has just released his fifth album this year. 5 albums in a year and one still to come out in a week or so. That is a release schedule that makes the Fall look part timers. 

Follow me on Twitter @29xthefun

I am available for children's parties, by the way.

I am available for children's parties, by the way.

Ok so now I am 33 I can now tick of something I wanted to do. Yup, sad but 33 is an age at one point I did not think I would get to. Nothing to do with being a grumpy sod just a little bit of reality as many people do die young (or old as I used to think 33 is).

Why did I think this? Take it back to the early 90s and Bill Hicks is the best stand up in the UK. His popularity was never that high in America but he made it over here in the early 90s. He was big enough to get a full tour and even a live video made here so we could watch his routine over and over. And I did, thankfully channel 4 were a fan and showed him as well.

But sadly he never really took over as the biggest stand up as he died on the 26th February 1994. At the age of 32 (Gulp).

To see a man on stage just a few months back on TV looking well to being dead IS a big shock to a teenager, more so as his routine and personality seemed to be invincible. I liken him to when you get an invincibility pick up in a game where you flash. And as you grow up through your teens his sort of stand up becomes more enjoyable as it is more than just alt stand up or satirical he was a political philosopher. His routines are now read in books and sold on CD.

Eight months after being diagnosed of liver cancer he was dead. He toured the UK and America while still gravely ill and while getting treatment. He did die due to complications from the treatment he was given to cure him of the cancer.

I remember hearing of his death and finding it unbelievable someone could die of cancer in their 30s but the smoking was not all to blame. He did go to AA all the time and years later more truths were published about his life. His drinking problems came on later in his life than many as he was sober till he was 20 or so. But the stand up lifestyle of touring clubs and halls were what made him hit the bottle.

He always was open on everything in his life and said so on stage. With the alt comedians now making money on telly and doing very little live work he was able to take some light in the UK comedy circuit.

As I hit 20 I could see 30 being an age away, I even remember the day I thought that. Then as my 20s trundled along I could see the big 30. It has never been a key age in history we all take the sweet 16, key to the door 21 and the 40s and 50s as a real age to stop and think (and most likely have a party).

But now at 33 I still feel as if I was 20 or even 18. A bit older and with some added grey hairs. Now I can see after 33 and onto 40. I just wish he could have had that chance.
Bill authored a verse to be published about him after he was dead

"I left in love, in laughter, and in truth and wherever truth, love and laughter abide, I am there in spirit."

Album Covers 2

While looking through my LP collection I have noticed some amazing album covers again. Enjoy.

Queen drummer Roger Taylor made a solo LP in 81, the album was more rock than the anything else. As Queen were doing a dance orientated sound he had to get back to his roots as a rock n roll guy (yup we get that Hot Space was shit). It is a great cover and one of my favorites. It is easy to get, what we think is an alien reading a magazine. But the subject is none other than a human. little unknown fact- The 'alien' writing on the magazine on the front cover consists mainly of upside down Hebrew scripture. The actual words are meaningless.- ha love it.

I don't like this cover. You don't like this cover. We all hate it right? Why is it here? Well it was banned thats why. Can you believe this was banned in Germany? It is true, the country deemed it too graphic. Yeah right as if a jean clad dead man will come alive and eat himself! ha ha so silly and so great I hate it. I hate everything about this cover yet I own it and love it. The music does not matter here as the album cover alone is a seller. I am not a fan of banning anything as people should have a choice and most choose to not buy this. This cover pretty much describes death metal to most people but as a fan I hate it. The band would go on and make more albums with similar covers but the first was a big talking point. The cover caused such a big stink the band were also banned from playing the music from the first three album. Amazing stuff, and I like Germany as well.

Its so simple its brilliant. Again back to my geeky love of photography it really just some nice computer touch up job of a photo. Heroes Square in Budapest is the location and adding in the darkness seems to make sense. I have the LTD LP and it folds out into the best inside artwork I have ever seen. If I could id have it hung on the wall, But that be silly right?

Solo album number... erm he has done a few. Icicle Works front man Ian McNabb makes some amazing solo albums and after a while you run out of ideas for covers. Well take an old photo of yourself in a superhero costume and have that as the cover. I love it, so innocent and so right. This is a man who enjoys making albums so much he lets you into his life and a photo to most people would be hidden away and only shown when the family have had a few.

Lets talk about the music first.... no no lets do as this is the best Hole album! yup music aside the artwork again is a photo. A dress worn by the singer in the 90s on show in a museum. Or as we can all tell a mock up of a museum. But it looks so good and the fact is Courtney did wear it. Compilation albums are great for fans and also artists as you can go off the wall a bit. Never going to be promoted as a main album so it can be a bit mad. But in the madness is some genius, so well thought about and in the mind it should not work.

Ramones bass player does a rap album. Yes it is real but most take it serious and hate the music. In my mind its all fun as is the cover. Dee Dee knows what he is doing and is having fun as much as me. Dress up like a rapper and and smile. Love the cigar in the middle photo it adds way more comedy than a team of Friends head writers.

The older you get the more knowledgeable and traveled you get. Lets make an album of music that sounds like my travels. The cover has to show this as well. Job done! Not sure about the dead rabbit but love the silver skull. I would have a tenner on someone putting on the diving helmet for a giggle. The font for the album is well chosen. Classical music in mind but you are wrong. Redcoats are still worn just in London mind you but is all ok as the empire is no more now and its all just fun. The album ends with 'Ca The Yowes' a personal favorite and one of yours as well if you buy it.

I don't know if this exists but I have this album on CD but with a different cover. This comes up on my media player as the cover. it may be an alternative but it is amazing. bad quality as it is all I can find but documented here for prosperity or until google delete it. A blurry photo of a woman, or is it? Could be a man. Or a mannequin. Reminds me to put my seatbelt on.

Chainsaw a baton and a gun. Cheap Trick are a great band but a band with an imagination and also humor. Why has rick got a cap and the rest sailor style caps? Is he the leader? He does have a chainsaw. I think much gin was used before hand but the patched on the jackets reminds you of the album name. Also a song and a great one at that.

Does this make you want to listen? It should, worked for me. My first Celtic Frost album and a highlight of 00s music. Religion is amazing, more so when you don't believe in it. The cross for the T is why I have this here. Yeah the cover is good and makes you look away. But the name and that cross... Is it a tribute to Black Sabbath (Who had inverted crosses in there albums) or a statement?

Album covers

As we all know the music industry has changed quite a bit. From the way music is promoted to how we buy our music to the format its on.

I have never been a big fan of MP3 and as much is CD is great sound each time we choose to switch the music quality is dropping. I will not bore you on the technical details as I have blogged on this before.

The album cover is also something that suffered. One thing you got in the old LP days was a 12" square piece of artwork. A piece at times you could hang on a wall it was that good. And people did, take the above album cover from Iron Maiden. Released in 1981 the band changed metal music forever with there artwork. Many bands have emulated it but this album is just had that little bit extra. Eddie is the star of many and just about all Iron Maidens covers. but this one was that bit more important. The cover sums up the early 80s. As the victim is none other that Lady Thatcher. Not a nice cover and not even the best album but the impact is so strong. As a kid picking it up it really looks amazing, better than any other cover that was out at the time. This was not boring, nor was it looking back. If anything it looked forward and the "killing " of Thatcher is why.

 I have always loved this album cover, and again more so than the music. Simple photo here but the timing is spot on.
You have no idea where the photo was taken, or why the dog has a chain attached to it, even the dogs expression is cast in mystery. Simply amazing, so many stories in one photo. The colour has been changed as well, could be to help printing but I feel it was done like this for a reason.

Man with head in bin? Is it or is it a woman? of is it a human like creature. Painted up in something and holding onto the bin for dear life. As if trying to get in it like its a portal to somewhere else. Notice how much clutching of the handle to the point it has been moved upwards. Love it again simple but effective. I would buy this on cover alone. Add in its one of the best rock album ever made and you have a cover for life.

Another painting and by a band I love, Swans made many a great cover and this was one of a line featuring the rabbit. (check out Love of Life as well).
Notice the rabbit is standing on a red heart and has more human features than rabbit? A nice day is depicted and on a nice green bit of land. i wish I could own this LP but as prices are over £100 at times this one sadly will stay on E bay. I love the yellow bow tie and shoes.

Again I show my geeky photography love here. A street again somewhere, and number 96 is shown. A blurry band member walking by what looks to be a beggar. Ir is it? Could be about to take drugs, or looking closer about to make a call. it is 98 and cellphones were about. Why is the door handle so fecking low?! and I am sure i can see a light on.

As a Cad tech (I do technical drawings on a computer) I love this. We all know what blue prints are right? this is a black print ha ha. Well it is black and shows design of something. Could be electrical or even pneumatic but what ever it is it's great. City has a great album cover and the contents of the CD help change me forever as well. For some reason the reissue was changed to a different style cover. This to me is best and does actually relate to the music,.... somehow.

Metal bound again! Yes I love some metal as do many people. got this album simply because of the cover. The wicked punch from the classic seaside Punch and Judy puppet show. Oh but look he has a truncheon with nails on it. The addition of the light bulb is simply amazing and the fact the other two have blowen (with one just doing so). The character was called Edison and was only used here on this album. Add in the fact the cover was also changed for some countries as it was considered too gruesome. i have the UK Ltd edition with a poster, the puppet is coming out of a man that is looking on in horror. Ha ha great stuff.

What else to say... Done by Alec Galloway http://www.alecgalloway.co.uk/index.php
Love the iconic cranes and near full moon. There is a lot of the singer songwriter here, you need to be a fan to get it. The artwork is amazing but I also love the typeface for the wording, bot seem so diffrent, could be the size. Love how the light of the city is made with a yellow paint splatter and to the right looks a bit like a dragon (Could be me). One of my all time favorite covers.

Love, love LOVE this album cover. Jason Ringenberg is the lead singer of a Cowpunk band Jason and the Scorchers. From the south and proud he wears his cowboy hat wherever he goes and quite right too. Negative reactions to his attire seem to follow him when in Europe. This album was born. People think the southern cowboys are all racist and want to make people slaves.... but are we not worse in Europe? Take a look at a history book and only a few years ago people were killing each other on the fringes of Europe because who they may be. How dare people treat Jason differently I mean it is not as if he is waving the confederate flag in people faces. Jason sees the ignorance and utter simplicity in people and instead of reacting wrote this album and the album is great but the cover says it all. From my travels the people on the cover are German (no UK football shirt on) and the city could have been any number of ones in Germany after the second world war. Camcorder out filing it all as if it just happened. The identity of the people is kept to a minimum with the sunglasses. The typeface is classic LP days and listing the songs on the front as if its a country album from 1972. Fucking love this cover. If I ever get a tattoo it be this, showing peoples utter stupidity and suborn inbred prejudices. How dare anyone react negatively to someone wearing cowboy clothes. Well done Jason.

This cover misses out the bands name in the top corner, it was the best picture I could find. but does it need it? The band is Stampin Ground UKHC (United Kingdom Hardcore) band from the late 90s.
The cover says it all and says it well. Album is called An Expression of Repressed Violence. The figure is human with wings, some religious undertones perhaps? The tools could be used as torture devices or simply to get the car going. The figure seems to be framed with a window/doorway, why? So much going on here I love it.

Well thats it, ten covers I like and I have many more, I may add to this if I get board again.

If any band/artist want the image taken down simply ask and it will be done.

Vinyl hints and tips

And finally it comes, the sad audiophile vinyl blog.

Ha ha well it wont be that bad. Really just some info and advice I have collected over the years. I hope it helps you and feel free to ask any questions. 

Lets go to the start, when you buy the disks. Best place is Amazon.co.uk. Reason? a few, cheap, free postage and they are very quick to deliver. Also a handy tip is pre ordering as amazon get confused over CD and LP prices and list the LP for £9. Respect to them as they honor any pre order price. 

If buying second hand more likely on e bay, get the seller to package the disc outside of the sleeve. this will stop the disc from going through the insert. That is something that bugs me so much. Again respect to Nuclear Blast records who do this to all there records. 

Buying in store is easy, see what you want (that shiny wrapper get me every time) and buy it. But second hand shops like charity shops and boot sales can be great. And dirt cheap. Always look at the record for any scratches and well you know any damage. Also records can look in good condition but when playing it the record sounds pretty bad. A great way of getting an idea of how much it has been played is to look at the stickers around the hole of the LP. The labels pretty much are always made of paper and most people when putting on a LP will just miss the spindle. This will cause it to rub a little when going on. You can sometimes tip the LP a bit for a better look getting the light to shine on it. If there are tons of marks I would stay clear. 

Also the tip above can be used to get money off. Selling as "brand new" as I see some shops and e bay people do. "here bud this has been played" see there face as they know that you ain't a daft. 

When buying second hand ask if they have another copy, that one may be far better condition. Also buying a whole batch say 5 or more is great for asking for a discount. Shops seem happy to do that for LPs and not CDs. No idea why. 

Ok now you are home any waiting to play the LP. Not so fast, take off the wrapping and I mean not just cut down the side and think it will protect the thing. Big mistake the wrapping can damage the cover and covers next to it. Get the LP covers from a shop. They are cheap and way better. Some decent shops sell you an LP with that as well (Like Monorail Glasgow).

Everybody knows how to clean the LP, but I find people do that even when not needing to. If the LP looks dust free leave it alone. Cleaning can be done with a micro brush again cheap and easy to find on e bay. Now the best part playing the record.

Sit back and relax as the record plays and you get the superior sound of an LP. I have done a blog on why this is so. http://29xthefun.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/hi-fi.html

I find closing the lid these days is not as important but it does keep dust at bay. also I like to leave the cover on the top. Now comes some geeky info, buy one of those click counters that bouncers use (again e bay) and click each time you play an LP or round it to say when you have played an hour. The reason is most needles last about 1000 hours and even less so on a new turntable. If the needle is over this you could be damaging the LP. And I mean real damage. A great way of telling if a needle is on its way out is records will sound a bit quieter that you remember. No that is not you getting deaf its the needle not quite getting to the whole grove. So get your needles and get many.  http://www.stylusplus.co.uk/ is as good as it gets, cheap and fast. 

Storage is easy, always store the LP on its side and as close to 90 degrees as you can. Never store flat as that can damage them. I use the packaging from the LPs in the post as a few dividers in my collection just stops any real weight hitting them. More for keeping the covers in a better condition. Talking of covers if ripped never tape them up. The tape will rot and start to make the LPs next to it look the same. 

There is a revival in buying vinyl, more to do with people now thinking it is cool to buy them. Many companies now add in the CD of the album as well. This is great for people wanting to burn the tracks for an MP3 player. If so take the CD out of the LP cover and store elsewhere as again this can get in the way when putting the LP in and out also it can damage the cover , more so leave a mark where it sits. 

Pretty much all the LPs made now will be worth money in the future, record collecting is back and I think in 20 years time it will be as good as the 70s so look after them. Just think of the kids now getting into the back cataloge of Queen and who have a big bag of money to buy the originals. I sold an Iron Maiden album (X Factor) on e bay for £130 as there has never been a reprint and may new fans want the LPs. So look after em and they will look after you. 

If you really get into collecting then you are going down a road of nerdiness you may never get back from. I have sold an LP to someone simply due to when it was printed in the factory. On many older LPs the LP will be pressed with the master. When making say 300,000 albums the master will need to be remade. Look at an old record and in the run out groves are markings like A1 B1. This tends to reflect what master you have. Not always thou but it is a good way of seeing what era LP you have. Some people say the first master is the best some like me don't care that much and some like to collect all the A1 A3s and all that. 

"A Porky Prime Cut" is also as nerdy as it gets. Look at where the grooves end. Here you can find all manor of messages to the buyer/fan. One mastering engineer and possibly regarded the best was George Peckham or Porky for short. Added his own little messages to albums. His messages could be of a political status and sometimes a personal opinion on the LP. His markings were added to people and bands could tell who mastered the LP. HE is the reason Black Sabbath albums sound so good. Some people collect his his LPs that have odd messages. 

 Something that ahoys me is when people say they don't like vinyl as it sounds all hissy and crackles. Not so if you look after them, follow what I say and an LP will sound as good in 20 years as it does now. Many of my records don't crackle and hiss. Also add in a decent turntable and HI FI and are sorted.  

I may add to this when I remember some other things. 

The Live Album

We all love a live album don't we? I know I do. The live album was for years something that bands hid away from. Mostly to do with the technology in capturing the sound of the show. Not really till the 70s did the live album really start to sound good and also become popular with fans.
With multi track technology now at the point it could be installed in a moving van the live record had a great way of being recorded.
The live album has been for years mocked as a cash in and over the years it has been cool to make one then uncool. It pretty much does not exist anymore as live DVDs seem to have taken its place. Also many bands seem to use the B side of a single as an area to place a live track. But I for one love a good live album and at times it can be my favorite album by a band.
The live album can be at times a way for a band to get out of a contract as it can count as one of the 4 albums the band are contracted to make. Many live albums were used like this. Sometimes they were released between long periods of a bands inactivity just to keep there name out there. The best live albums tend to be done to give the fans something to remember as a kind of memento of the gigs.

Below is a run down of some of my favorite live albums and as ever some geeky info is included. Enjoy?

Ramones, Its Alive (1979)

No introduction needed for the Ramones. Four albums into the bands career the time was right for this record to come out. Recorded in the UK on New Years Eve this album is one of my favorites. An amazing live band who really did tone it down a bit for the records they made. They were fast and loud and well this album shows this. Twenty eight songs over two LPs you really just had enough time to read the sleeve to see what the track was till the next came on. Recorded on the third night of a sold out three shows at Rainbow Theater, London. The show was chosen simply due to the fact fans ripped up seats in the front rows and chucked them at the stage after the band finished. The band felt this made a great feeling for a live record and I agree, the sound is patchy but it is punk so I am happy. Most people don't know but the album does have some overdubs on the guitar and this ear can hear them but it really does not ruin the album as Johnny Ramone is still up there with the best rhythm guitar players in the world and to play a whole gig like that and not do something wrong is just impossible.

Hypocrisy, Hypocrisy Destroys Wacken (1999)

This for me is the best this band ever done not so much a live album but a best off as the band was about to split up. Fans packed into the tent at Wacken in 1998 to see what was being rumored to be the last gig. So the record label bought the rights to the music and video and released this. The gig itself is just simply stunning and some really good reactions from the fans to every song. the older music comes out sounding really good as the bands earlier work was troubles with bad production. Each track comes out sounding so good and with the band themselves mixing this at the Abyss studio they make sure you hear it all. The gig itself was played flawlessly and with only a few parts on keyboard and small tape intros between a few songs are the only parts not live by the band. The reaction to this gig from the fans thinking the band was no more prompted the band to stay together and as a thank you they tacked on four new tracks that were intended to be released as an EP that was shelved due to the possible split.

Cheap Trick, at Budokan (1978/9)

Ha ha I bet you are rolling you're eyes. Not a fan and if so still rolling. Ha ha well what can I say it has to be in my list. I have always loved Cheap Trick. They pretty much invented the whole rock n pop sound that was refined and amplified by the likes of Nirvana and the Pixies. The band had three great albums out and no real success in America. But in Japan they were very popular and to the point they could tour big venues. 12,000 fans packed the Budokan and made more noise than the band. The band were mostly told by the record label to calm the albums sound a little, more so the guitar sound as Rick Neilson loves to just go for it. So a live gig shows what the band is about and that is something all fans love more so the Japan fans who just went mental for the band. The live album was released in 1978 in Japan and was an instant hit. But fans In America and the UK wanted a copy so the imports came in. Record companies want to make money so when the sales of 30,000 in the US came to the attention of the label they went on and released in in 1979. The band went on to be massive and rightfully so. What a great way to make it with a live album that shows what the band is about. This sold 3 million in America awarded 3 times platinum and helped the band to sell more of there other albums. Thank fuck Japan got it, we may never have heard much more if the band didn't have a hit as the fourth album could have been a deal breaker with the record company. The band sound great on this album and it was pretty much the blueprint for all other live albums from then on.

The Wildhearts, Tokyo Suits Me (1999)

At this point the band had been on hiatus for two years. Reforming for three shows in Japan simply to pay the bills. Nothing wrong with that but UK fans could not afford to see them. Next best thing is a live album. But the band are loud and very much a full on rock band. So hard to record but they did. I asked Ginver (lead singer)  about the making of this album and he says he had nothing to do with it. That could have been the key as it mixing is fantastic and shows the whole band very well. Not that Ginger is bad at mixing but anyone in a band knows that you can't really hear yourself. The PA can really make you sound so much different in a big hall so getting someone else mixing is a good idea. As a fan at the time this was expensive I think it cost me £30 but worth it as the tracks listing is spot on. The album is loud and at times a little too loud (Fucking yes) the riffs are heavy and crush you. Add in a band having a ball and some stunning audience reactions, listen to the fans sing "Weekend" is a better drug than anything known to man. "Everlone" from the 1994 album Earth Vs... is extended with heavy guitar riffs that at times forces you to nod your head in time. Chart hits come out sounding like they were played by Metallica but really well (ha ha). The last track "Love You Till I Don't" ends and the fans sing the last few minutes. This ain't the radio and the fans are hardcore fans in Japan, don't sing the biggest hit or even a favorite track but a song that is hidden on at the end of the bands P.H.U.Q. album. Fans around the world copy this singing of the track to this day. I like to think as a small tribute to the fans in Japan. Rock fans have to hear this album as it is a classic and still only released in Japan its never been reprinted. First editions had a bonus CD of Ginger playing with an acoustic guitar to some fans.

Albums 2009

Ricky Warwick - Belfast Confetti

For some this may be a little surprise but most people know me as a music fan and if it is good it is good. Here you have the Almighty singer/songwriter moving away from his old rock n roll past and into a classic Celtic/folk style of music. Ok the tunes are still here and it isn’t all tin whistles and hand clapping. It does still pull a punch with the classic feel of rock. Rickey’s voice sounds amazing on this album as if we have missed something all this time. He was asked by a friend when in New York to write a song about Belfast. The title song is a great single and if I had my way would be a huge hit. Not just that but the whole album has classic song after classic covering all feelings that you can in one album. Northern Ireland has its troubles and that has been used to write the album, Ricky says when I saw him live that while in New York he was drinking with a Belfast friend that pointed out that they couldn’t stand in the same pub in Belfast and have a pint together. This album is well produced and the backing musicians play a great part in making the music sound to rich. The sound is so real on this album if you turn it up you could think it was live in the room with you. By far my album of the year, albums like this are what make me always till the day I die a music fan.

Mono - Hymn to the Immortal Wind

Japan has so much to give the music world and here we have another gem of an album. Think of more of an opera mixed with a classic Led Zep guitar with sounds from the sea. Yeah a bit strange but a totally compelling piece of work that keeps you listening the whole time with your eyes closed. I like to play this album while reading as it can really relax you. Each listen you can hear something new or something even better than before.

Zombie - Spirit Animal

Now here we have a real surprise for me, I got this just on the name alone but I was not prepared for the contents. The album is on Relapse records and if you know anything about the music world you know that it’s a metal label, more so a grindcore metal label. My ears were ready while pressing play. I needn’t have as the music is so relaxing and pleasant. Electronic music passes from one channel to the other with slow riffs from bass and guitar passing round as well. Nice drumming on this album make the whole feel just right. With a full on electronic set up like a mix of Devo and Carpenters soundtracks from Escape from New York. Haunting piano and strings build up and then tear ya down again all with only five tracks. By the way the limited ed 12” is sold out and if you have one or see one buy it for me.

Tinted Windows - Tinted Windows

This is a full on pop rock album made by a set of musicians I never thought you would ever see together in a band. Each song is simple and sing along and so catchy you can easily think that it was the middle of a summers day outside. As the year has mostly rained and we have not had much sun this helps to fill in the gap.

Spinnerette – Spinnerette

Brody Dalle was the singer/songwriter of The Distillers, split the group up in 2003 after three albums of great punk rock. She then went on to do some guest appearances in other bands for a bit while working on this album. It is a real change in direction, more of a pop album than much else. She has moved very well from the guitar to use other instruments to make her music. Also her voice has changed into a real dark sounding melodic whisper. The songs are catch and very bleak at times but the whole album has a real must listen attitude as she has a story to tell. Production wise it is fine not sounding to over done but still retaining the classic punk sound. A fine debut for her new change in direction but I would still love the Distillers back some day but till then this is great.

Behemoth – Evangelion

I have liked this band on and off for years now. Some good albums some not so good but this is a stand out album at last from the polish death metalers. So much of Death Metal is the same it is easy to just sweep it aside and move on. But at last a great sounding technical album.

Cheap Trick – The Latest

Over 30 years and going strong and what a band. From going indi in 97 the band have been putting out album after album that is at times better than the 70s highlight (Check out 2006 Rockford). This is all out pop rock no frills and no bullshit. All the usual Cheap Trick riffs and sing along tunes are here. This album was sold on the old 8 track tapes in a limited amount as some fans still use them and why not. Always a band for the summer this helped put some sun in my year as it was very bland this year. The album sounds fresh as does the vocals, and still the band don’t come across as old school. They really could show the bands of now a thing or two on song writing and live performance. Remember no Cheap Trick no Nirvana, REM, Pixies and many more great bands.

Converge – Axe to Fall

Converge have been going a while and 2001 Jane Doe came out and put the hardcore band on the map. It was a fantastic album and one they have never even got near to. Well till now the new album is at times better but not quite in the same breath as the 2001 masterpiece. The new album is as heavy and bass driven as all the albums but it seems to contain a more mature style in the music. The riffs are awesome as are the vocals, hardcore music at times can wipe the floor with most metal bands and I think Converge could wipe the floor with Metallica and Megadeth no problems. I have this album as my evidence.

Dark Castle - Spirited Migration

I have been a fan of Isis for years and rate the Celestial album as one of my top albums. But they have not made many real great albums of late. But here we have a great stand in for them in Dark Castle. Classic heavy riffs and big bollocking drums get the music flowing and in the great sludge style that I love. Nothing wrong with the same riff over and over if it is good and done right.

Drudkh – Microcosmos

This is an album by a band that does no press or even live shows but seem to knock out a great album now and again. This is a great album from whomever they are a blend of rock and old school black metal. Some nice bass lines help to keep a slightly groovy edge to the songs. It is classic in old school metal in very few vocals and big passages or rhythmic rock. It does work well and I would like to hear the band live to see if they can still do what is on the album.

Napalm Death - Time Waits For No Slave

You can tell what time of year it is as this band put out an album every summer. I have a real soft spot for this band as they really have came through all the nu metal crap and are still going strong. Another album of political over the top screaming and riffs that make you stop and look at the album cover in disbelief. They are still as good as ten years ago or even twenty. The songs are so well written and performed you are struggling to take it all in. Second and third listen gets a nodding foot tapping response and after that you may just form your own band and try to emulate what is on this album. It would be near impossible to play this well, or even scream like Mr Greenway. Is that a set of drums that are being played or the sound of the world crumbling around you? In 1986 this band went out and changed the face of metal and punk and took a silver award home as the prize(60,000 albums sold). Time has served them well and this is better than 2001’s Enemy of the Music Business. An album I felt was the best they have done. This is the sort of album Peel would have played none stop on his show. Always out for something new or fresh this is as fresh as extreme metal can get. Europe may have better metal bands and Scandinavia has most but this would rip through any of them.

Rancid - Let the Dominoes Fall

The east bay boys do it again with a great sing along punk rock album. Never ones to do anything half arsed the album does sound very good and the music is direct and fun. Good album to get you in the mood for a night out, just to get you in the mood, and cheer you up and that is what I like about it. Still on the bands own label and still selling bucket loads of albums.

Church of Misery - Houses Of the Unholy

This band gets better and better each time I hear them but this is the fourth album from the doom metal band. I love how funky this album feels with a mix of classic Black Sabbath and new school Electric Wizard. This is more of a doom album than anything else but the heavy bass comes out in a mix of jazz and funk that really should not work or even ever be mixed but does come out sounding astonishing. This has been done before with many of the nu metal bands and years ago by a great band called Grove Family Cyco. But this real mix of doom metal drills the guitar riffs home with a bass lick to make sure it stays in. For a great experience use a subwoofer as well(My neighbours must hate me) to get the maximum out of this.

Shining - VI – Klagopsalmer

I am not sure why this album is under Black Metal as it is way more of a rock n roll album. Coming from Stockholm they have some great bands to look to in the Hellacopters and Backyard Babies. But the album does crank it up to the level of extreme music from time to time and every so often back to a fantastic Megadeth guitar solo that can cut through bricks. This is a real great album with twists and turns through all things heavy.

Grind Madness At The BBC - Various

Another year and another best off in my list. I have always stated I hate covers bands and compilations and I am right in doing so. But this album does deserve to be in my listing as it is so good. Many people may not remember a guy called John Peel he was a DJ on BBC Radio 1. Yes the rather shitty pop channel. But when this guy was on it was a free for all over the radio, any band could get a slot and always did. Here you have three cds of the most rapid grindcore you can here. We have all heard Napalm Death but this is a really down tuned heavy young version that does even all these years later make you think that you have never heard that. Peel was right to get this music in session as it well stands the test of time. Extreme Noise Terrier, Carcass, Godflesh and other are all here in a nice box set with a very good booklet. It even has a pic of John peel on the sleeve.

Cerys Matthews - Don't Look Down

Never said Goodbye from 2006 was a great return to the music industry for Cerys. She did have an album before that but it did seem to get over looked. The tv celebrity show followed and thankfully the experience has not damaged her musical talents. Still a great voice and back to a more popy album sound for here her here. I do like how this album flows keeping you interested with a great start to each song. Like the first track starting like an old crooner style. The next with a classical sounding guitar then the third her voice then a harmonica, Great stuff. She really can cross many boundaries from blues to pop. By the way this album is also available in welsh, something that I do respect as to write and sing songs in two languages is very hard to do as it may sound good in one and not in the other. She is a very talented singer and I hope many more albums flow out over the years.

Marduk – Wormwood

Marduk are one of many Black Metal bands who really just made the same album over and over again. But at last a change in direction, ok to a point. This has a big slab of doom metal with the slow slugging riffs and bellowing drums going along with the classic black metal. Not a million miles away from each to be honest. Think of the less noisy Electric wizard mixed with Emperor and that is where this album sits. Great punchy production and a clear drum sound that does not get too overloaded.

Black Metal

I am a big fan of Black Metal and to many people they tend to think the whole style of music is a joke. Not so much because they have listened to it and decided they don’t like it but because what they have read or have seen. Yeah back in the early days a few churches were burned and someone was murdered. Why was this linked to Black Metal? When Phil Spector murdered Lana Clarkson did everything he was associated with become linked to murder? Remember he has produced many bands and artists from former Beatles to Gene Pitney and the Ramones. So when Tina Turner sings a song live is it told as “And Turner is now singing the song that was produced by murderer Phil Spector”?

Nope this is never the case, and again when the Columbine High School massacre happened it was linked to the two murderers listening to music and the Goth trend. How come when someone is murdered you never read that the murderer had an ELO cd in their car or that they had a concert ticket to see Kylie?

So just to make a point forget the fucking murder and move on.

Next up is the look of the music from the artwork to how the fans dress. People see the face paint and the bands having photos taken dressed as warriors and stuff and think the band are being serious. Come on think about it, it really is just for fun, a giggle. Most of the fans are like me and don’t feel the need to dress in leather spikes and studs. Ever thought of any good things to come from the dressing up? How about you can’t get recognized in your own country or town. This gives you some sort of freedom. Most bands really don’t do the gimmick stuff now and many don’t even play live, just no money in it and the whole genre is still pretty much underground. Only one band has ever signed to a major label. Many of the early bands started in smaller towns in Norway and I am sure dressing up and pissing about in spikes was a way of starving the boredom as well.  

Again forget the fucking makeup and clothes, look at Bono he dresses like a prick but pop music is not mocked as one because of it.

Artwork on albums is something most people find artistic. Many artists have featured on albums and singles and the right cover can sell more copies. But the whole look of Black Metal still comes from the early days. Tape trading in the 80s was very big and the only way to find out about new music. Just think no internet and people were still able to get into new and exciting music. With the BM underground getting more popular you then get fanzines and demo tapes being sold to people directly from fans and bands. I remember a friend asking me why the bands have logos that you can’t read. It can be said it is to stop outsiders from gaining entry to the music but really think about it.

Back in the 80s when you photocopied something the copy tends to have many defects in quality. So a big reason why you can’t read the text may be linked to crap photocopying and not to some secret plan made by the king of metal. Ok some of the artwork is a bit out there but it IS still art and at times fucking amazing art. Unique and inspiring is something I would say but to an outsider it can be said to be mental or weird. And again all music has a style for the cover art, it is just the way it is. 

Would a blind person not listen to a CD just because of the cover?

Now the most important part of it all, the music. People have a very odd idea in that all BM sounds the same. “It’s just noise” or “I could make better music throwing cans down stairs” well ok go on then. Fill me in on how many people buy it.

The term Black Metal was first used by the UK band Venom to name their second album. As the album was a big change from the first sound wise they wanted a name to suggest this. So the name does not go with a sound much like how you have many names for heavy metal sub genders.

“it’s just too fast” Ok listen to some Burzum “Too loud” well turn it down “No tune” exactly if you want a tune go buy a Coldplay album. Many more reasons are given for not liking the style and ok I will let people away with the fact they just don’t like it but don’t say it is shit if you don’t get it. 

John Peel got it and he was one cool guy.