Coldplay - New single and album

Early this morning, before the birds were singing, Alex Zane announced some huge news on Xfm's Breakfast Show. 'Violet Hill', Coldplay’s first single from the new album 'Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends' will be available as a free download for one week starting April 29 at 12.15pm. The single will be played for the first time on Xfm and will simultaneously be available free to download, a week ahead of its general digital release.

Coldplay's website will have preliminary details of two free shows that the band will play, one at Brixton Academy on June 16 and the other at New York's Madison Square Garden on June 23.

Everything you need to know is on Coldplay's website and Xfm's website

Meanwhile, their new album 'Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends' has been moved forward four days in the UK to bring it into line with the global release date June 12. The album comprises ten tracks produced by Brian Eno and Markus Dravs.

The track listing is:

1. Life In Technicolor
2. Cemeteries Of London
3. Lost!
4. 42
5. Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love
5. Yes
6. Viva La Vida
7. Violet Hill
8. Strawberry Swing
9. Death And All His Friends

Amplified! - Professor Murder

photo by jamesryang.com

Last year, I was rummaging on RCRDLBL and set myself a task to pick out only band names that I liked and download tracks even before listening to them. I recommend that everyone should give this a try because boy, did I discover some gems. The one diamond that is shining brightly at the top of my list is Professor Murder.

The New York four-piece seem to thrive on putting all their loves and influences into one big, bubbling pot and mixing it altogether. The final dish is a mash up of old music, new music, computers, loads of percussion and lyrics that I can just about understand. They don't seem
to care about conforming to whatever is 'cool' or considered a proper band. All they seem to care about is having fun and mixing beats into the crazy world of music. So call it what you like - dance, acid house or as their myspace states, happy hardcore and jam band - one thing's for sure, this is music that you just have to ring your cowbell to.

Professor Murder at RCRDLBL and MYSPACE

RCRDLBL also have a few tracks that you can download
Flex-It Formula
Civilization Three

The Remote Part

HUGE NEWS!! Scottish indie gods Idlewild are making a brief appearance during July with a few dates at some rare intimate venues.

02/04/2008 - Birmingham Glee Club
03/04/2008 - London ULU
04/04/2008 - Manchester Rugby Lounge

More news at Idlewild

Amplified!

photo by David Straight

The following have been on I-pod rotation this week.

Still Corners

London based duo Still Corners have been whispering through my speakers with their shoegaze, Doors style tunes. Vocals that hold a Karen Carpenter delicacy with psychedelic organs and dazed guitars that lead me dreamily through these miserable spring days.

Check out 'History of Love' and 'Cremona' at Still Corners myspace

photo by Gregory Nolan

The New York Fund

It's nice to see there are grown up bands in London. None of these kids with neon slashed t-shirts and hi-tech trainers showing off their new angular hair cut that covers one side of their face. It's good to know there are bands that stick to dreamy guitars and heart beat basslines. That's the beauty of country rock n roll - sweet love songs, with the occasional burst of dirty, explosive rock. The New York Fund bring their rugged handsomeness and Jack Daniels fused heartache that they so rightly declare. To make your life complete take a look at The New York Fund myspace

photo by Shervin Lainez

Jukebox The Ghost

Washington DC trio Jukebox The Ghost might be getting bored of the Ben Folds comparisons so apologies for adding myself to that list. However, it is certainly not a bad thing. With their uplifting piano-pop that douses you with happiness, it's hard not to fall in love with these three lovely men. Heartfelt, energetic and simply contagious - and that's only through my stereo. Jukebox The Ghost are currently on tour across the States and should be making their way over to the UK soon. More info and downloads go to Jukebox The Ghost myspace

Shout Out Louds and The Brunettes @ Bush Hall 10/04/2008

Time has never been on my side when it comes to a Shout Out Louds tour. Every London show has always clashed with me being out of the country or an irrelevant activity that I am not needed for.
However, last week finally saw their return and I was most definitely not going to miss it. Bush Hall provided the venue and a most fitting venue at that. Beautiful cupid statues coming out of the walls, red, velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers that added a touch of class and sophistication. Perfect for a band of similar sorts.

New Zealand youngsters The Brunettes offered their bouncing girl/boy pop as support and kept things upbeat with lots of wooden percussion,
trumpets and clarinets. The crowd didn't seem as excited as The Brunettes but that's the London audience for you. The appreciation was eventually expressed with the unfolding of arms and waving them sporadically in the air as The Brunettes challenged the audience to a dance off competition. The ladies had no problem with one in particular chosen as the winner.

The Brunettes continued their set with a child-like, 60s inspired sweetness and some unusual chanting of Mary-Kate and Ashley. Their youth and bubblegum-pop ballads provided the ideal opener for our headliners.


With a new EP recently completed, Shout Out Louds return with their love struck urgency and new song 'Impossible' opening with The Cure tinged vocals like 'I don't want to feel like I don't have a future.' Lead singer Adam, holds that overwhelming appreciation in his eyes which shows how much he is happy to be on that stage soaking in the enthusiastic crowd. He shuffles nervously in between songs and hugs his guitar lovingly when the moment suits.

They perform an amazing set using every instrument they can get their hands on and spoon feeding us classics 'Please Please Please, Very Loud and Tonight I Have to Leave It.' On one occasion Bebban leaves her keys and glides to the front mic to sing in delicate, hushed tones and once finished returns back to her original spot as if she never moved. Once they finish their intense encore to disapproving fans who wish the night would never end, Adam cups his hands together and shakes them on each side of his head like a boy that has just won a gold medal proving Shout Out Louds have a grip firmly on our hearts.

More live photos at Amplify This! Flickr

Man Man

Man Man - To tie in with the release of 'Rabbit Habits,' Man Man are making an apperance across the pond. The Philadelphians are bringing their Captain Beefhart licks and Tom Waits drenched vocals to the UK for a few dates in May. Catch their unique sounds if you can because I am sure it will be a night to remember.


Review of Rabbit Habits along with some tasters at Pitchfork
Have a look at their lovely little home at Anti Records

11 May - Dublin Whelan's
12 May - Glasgow Stereo
13 May - London Cargo
14 May - Manchester Phoenix
15 May - Bristol Start The Bus

News & Tributes

Wolf Parade's follow up to Apologies To The Queen Mary is out on June 17. With a working title of 'Kissing The Beehive,' the Montrealers seem to be continuing along quality paths with their quirky rock. Find an interview and tracklisting at Billboard and listen to a taster at Pitchfork.


Rodrigo y Gabriela are scheduled to play London Roundhouse on June 25th. I have been lucky enough to see this Mexican acoustic rock duo several times in tiny venues and I cannot stress enough how they are the most amazing live act I have seen to date. The energy in their simple performance is so captivating it leaves you transfixed long after the show has ended.



Book your tickets at Roundhouse Box Office
Further information at Rod y Gab site and myspace


Maxïmo Park has announced a special one off charity show at the Kentish Town Forum on 28th May. A very rare opporunity to see these Newcastle elfins in intimate surroundings. The show is in aid of two cancer charities including The Royal Marsden. All proceeds go straight to charity and support comes from Mystery Jets, Blood Red Shoes and Pete and the Pirates. I would suggest a good deed for the day and purchase your ticket but they sold out within minutes. I suppose we will all have to watch it on TV.