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Music & Sound

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<<Sumday>> by Grandaddy, 2003, V2Music Ltd. ...
Grandaddy releases their new album this summer with a snowy swan lake on the CD cover, but no worry, the songs are so warm and touching this time. A very much laidback album from the band, Sumday is the sum of their beautiful tunes all in one. Yeah is What We Had, and Grandaddy is proud of letting people know that they are so great on song writing too. Sing-along songs are abundant, and you just can't stop from singing in the chorus. To have a break from the rushing time in the hot season with this album is like having a glass of ice water with chilling wind. (8/10)

<<Magic and Medicine>> by The Coral, 2003, Deltasonic Records 2002 Ltd. ...
The Coral is a hardworking and productive band. Shortly after their release of the debut in 2002, they bring us again the new works in 1 year's time. Fasinated by their well acclaimed debut album, I am much anticipated to their follow up works, and Magic and Medicine, I would say, is borne under their success of the Coral last year. Their weird compilation of folk and psychedelic really amused me when I first heard the Spanish Man, and now the album starts by In the Forest, a typical voice from the band. More focusing on the songs, it is still a very short album for me, though you can find more and more elements in each song when you hear again and again. Liezah and Bill McCai are like the Blur in the Parklife, added with a folky sound. Of ocurse, Confessions of ADDD, the most psychedelic tune of the album is my favorite of the time, especially th latter part of the free form jamming by the band. Again, after heraing the 2nd album of the Coral, you will be eager to have the 3rd one. I would say the band has successfully created their brand in the newcomer wave as a high potential group that is prepared to develop exciting tunes soon.. (7.5/10)

<<Pacific UV>> by Pacific UV, 2003, WARM Records Ltd.
A new band from Sweden. The Album is called Pacific UV, and the first tune commences with "Static Waves", a layer and a layer of effects filling the music landscape of the Pacific UV, a much sensational atmosphere and a feeling of warmth. A periodic recall of the effect in "OK Computer" and the sound of Metrotone. "Out in the Blue" is an updated voice of Mojave 3. Pacific UV is a bit more than the previous Swedish wave in the late 90's. "Lapd Vs Nypd" is a nostalgic compilation of memory and sound...like a recall of the past, and along with the drone effects, the song is pushed to the chorus of the tune of GYBE! / Mogwai...hear also "your girlfriend in the ivy" and "Blind"...they are master of the music landscapers, simple but touching. <<Pacific UV>> is a nice debut of the band, together with its nice designed reddish cover of the dreams. (8/10)

<<De-loused in the Comatorium>> by the Mars Volta, 2003, Universal Records Ltd.
A very cool debut of 2003 and a revival of the Progressive Rock in the 21st Century. Again, this is the great debut of the band called the Mars Volta, formerly the "At the Drive-In". The new line up brings us an all-along experience of conceptual epic of what is called music of all kinds in one basket. "roulette dares (the haunt of)" is an expressive chapter of what the band can be in the musical world. The song starts from the progressive framework of works like Yes or King Crimson. Intercepting between heavy hard rock'a'ballad and groovy sounds of effect, it marks an impressive tune to me. "drunkship of lanterns" begins with latin-nova and sitar-like chords fusioned with, again, King Crimson's bridge-building music architecture. The vocal reminds me the sound of Muse and the Music. With the hysteric voice of Cedric and Omar, the song ends in dubby electronica...and like other progressive music pieces, they then make a turn to "eriatarka", this time, it sounds like the material in <<Six>> of Mansun. The music world of the Mars Volta can be so spacious. This is like an awakening moment of the sleeping dinosaurs when you hear the album. Definitely "cicatriz esp" is the most wonderful journey in the album, especially the free rock session in the middle of the tune. The jazzy drum and guitar with layers of effects of the retro 70's develop a full psychedelic atmosphere that is magnificient. In a word - COOL!! (8.5/10)

<<Stains on a Decade - A Single Compilation>> by Felt, 2003, Cherry Red Records ...
Felt, a name that could be a past tense, but emotional. A band of the 80's, the era of romanticism. A decade of passionate and love, and we could find Felt the band. After a decade, we have again a compilation from the Cherry Red featuring again the loss sound of the Felt. They are still so sexy when we hear their voice again now. A waterfall of guitar sounds, clear and flowing, it's a drowning experience to hear tunes like "Primitive Painters", "Penelope Tree" and "Ballad of the Band". A tribute to the Sarah sound or the Smiths, suddenly you will notice that there has been a band that have brought us a good old day on a green field with the unregretable youth. It's called stains, decolorising stains that are being covered by the faster and faster wheeling time...to another decade of no return. "Be Still" is a low of the Felt, the landscape of dreamy quiet world is a break to the hectic life. Easy to stay in and difficult to get wake up again. (8.5/10)

<<haha Sound>> by the Broadcast, 2003, Warp Records
This is the third album of the Broadcast, and starting from the beginning, the band has established a very unique, apart from the comment on their similarity to the Stereolab, sounds of electronica and harmonica. It is a special sound to me, an appropriate mix of the electronic music and the organic sound of voice and feeling. Released in May was their first single of "Pendulum", it's a nice revival of the Krautrock sound with jazzy drums and loops. The band adds impressive drum set to their songs in the Haha Sound. From the "Pendulum" to the "Distorsion", the Broadcast introduces their music in good shape. This is a nice album which I am more happy to receive as their third present. (8/10)

(July 2003)

<<!!!>> by !!!, 2003, Gold Standard Laboratories ...
!!! is the debut album of the band called "!!!". A real surprise in this summer of 2003. Very rebellious and anti-norms are the smell of !!!. The band was formed in 1996 at a dance party in Sacramento, and this is the first full album of the band. Be aware, once you have put this in your CD player, you gonna rise and dance!! With the blood of punky spirit, their songs remind you of the Clash, the Stone Roses and the Campag Velocet. It's a seven-man band, and so you can feel the power from their chords and basslines. "Hammerhead" and "KooKooKa Fuk-U" demonstrate their massive arrangement of rhythm and beats. Nic Offer, the vocal of the band, has a soulful and rebellious sound. They can be a gorgeous and famous band, if they are being recognised in the commercial game. "Intensify" is just a can't-stop-rolling masterpiece of this newcomer!!! It is very interesting in seeing their live performance, and I am sure it's gonna be a hotty energetic one. (9/10)

<<Tour de France>> by Kraftwerk, 2003, EMI Records Ltd. ...
The Kraftwerk is a long live band, once an legendary, and now they are still here releasing their brand new album after nearly 20 years' time. After over 30 years when they firstly opened the scene of Krautrock, what will their music be now. Trance, I can say it's very trancy. Because of the 100th Anniversary of Tour de France, the Kraftwerk produced their tribute to the event with the brank new songs. From the vocoder to the beat of the tunes, it is still very much like their tune, but apart from their Hall of Fame status, the songs are not very impressive compared with the dance and club scene in 2003. "Vitamin" is a nice tune, and "Elektro Kardiogramm" brings us back to the years in the 70's. It's nostalgic to hear their tunes and to recall the music in the past. It's not to say that their music now is very old-fashion, but it's more like meeting an old friends and finding that they are still fine, they are still futuristic...after all, time never waits for us (7/10)
Also Watch their Single here ...

<<So much for the City>> by The Thrills, 2003, Virgin Records Ltd.
The 21st Century's Beach Boy?? It's another great band in the decade? The Thrills seems to be a lucky one with much exposure and acclaims after the release of their debut album in 2003. They are also one of the nominees of the Mercury Prize together with the Radiohead and Coldplay!! Are they really so good?? I would say they are able to capture the nice and song-based tunes of all their precedents. Classic songs and nice hearing. But to be the best, there is still a long way to go. (7/10)

<<Servant of Secret Places>> by My Beloved, 2003, Quartermain Records ...
My Beloved is from Denmark. The Album is called the Servant of Secret Places. It is not really important to know where these secret places are but apparently they are from the dark side of the atmospheric noisy world. From the beginning tune of Body Builder, you can sense the building work of the band in setting up layers in their music architecture. Some of their tunes recall the essence of the Godspeed while their drum lines and uses of electric guitar is from the same root of Billy Mahonie. Like the waterfall, the music of My Beloved flows on waves. The jamming session in Doctor Helmer and . Erazing Tracks and Almost Dead, on the other hand, begin with a misty atmosphere like the dusk of a day...quiet and deep. Germany and Jam for Annie show their talent like the Mogwai or the Godspeed. The band seems to have established quite a stylish tunes with structured music lines. Expecting their next album. (7/10)

(June 2003)

<<Hail to the Thief>> by Radiohead, 2003, Parlophone Records Ltd. ...
You are not unexpected to hear for the first time how Radiohead is creating their musical world in the album, and then again you are not surprised to find that when you hear more and more the songs, you feel something interesting in the world of electronica + OK Computer Part II. (8.5/10)

<<Happy Songs for Happy People>> by Mogwai, 2003, PIAS Recordings ...
Mogwai is the band you cannot miss...one after another, they are using their sound to express themselves and to influence you. Happy songs are for happy people, they are the people and they are the song. No introduction, no gimmick, the album starts from the tune Hunted by a Freak, a long-time-no-hear reminder of the sound of the band...they are for the evening and the time when you are alone. Their basses and strings are still touching you. Moses? I amn't is a hollowing down experience. They are further and further away from their initial approach of rock style. From the Come on Die Young album, Mogwai commerced to reduce their vibrating rock elements in their songs, and this time is neither an exception. Silent-laid back but more touching...the more you listen to the album, the more you are addicted to the tunes. This time, Mogwai creates also interesting names for the songs...freeform, scenematic, and dreamy. This is a Silver Album of Mogwai and it's also a very shining album of the Year. (9/10)

<<Shootenanny!>> by Eels, 2003, SKG Music LLC ...
Eels, walking on his own way, and quite regularly, he brings us new works year by year.From a young man who looks himself as a freak, E steps into a man with beard and mature view of life. (7/10)

<<Paper Monsters>> by Dave Gahan, 2003, Mute Records Ltd. ...
Dave's debut solo album shortly after the solo Project of Martin Gore in May. Comparatively, Dave offers us a more rockaloic album. Song type is rather diversified in the album, and it catches much spirit of the previous DM work of Home & Barrel of a Gun. Dirty US Rock. Still, Dave is strong in it's charismatic voice, but seems that in this session, Martin wins the Solo contest. (5.5/10)

<<Waiting for the Moon>> by Tindersticks, 2003, Beggars Banquet Records ...
A long awaited album in 2003. Tindersticks is moving away from their sorrowness in the past. They are like the more than matured with an orientation of laidback music and back to nature. The new album starts with Stuart's familiar voice in "Until the morning comes". Tindersticks is still the kind of band that cannot be replaced, at least at the moment. They are the low, and they extend their mood further. This time we can have light tunes for a sunny afternoon like "Running Wild" and "Just a Dog". To me, I still like "My Oblivion" most... (7.5/10)

(May 2003)

<<There There>> by Radiohead, 2003, Parlophone Records Ltd. ...
Radiohead is back...and this time, there there...a much retro to the ok computer era, a single of Radiohead after their electronica attempts in Kid A and Amnesiac. There There, a concentrated dose of the classic structure of Paranoid Android, induce intense desire to their to-be-released 6th Album in June. The 2 B-sides, as expected, are very Warp-like tunes. Paperbag Writer, a bit more organic though, shows again Thom's voice in the landscape of cybernetic world, while Where bluebirds fly is very Auteache-like with a electronic laying of background beating while the song is very inorganic in nature, experimental but not new from the band. (8.5/10)
Also watch Thom at there there ...

<<Cordion>> by Cordion, 2003, Beatservice Records ...
A band from Norway. The music is much like those from Foehn Records...musical, atmospheric, beautiful, soulful, especially the vocal's performance in Home. The Band reminds me of tunes from the Alpha. But what's more from the Cordion is their usage of additional dormitory eclectonic music and harmony voice of cordion in Snutt. This is quite an impressive debut from a time and a place where snow is falling thick. A relax-giving album in a dizzy dawn or Sunday afternoon. (8/10)

<<Draft 7.30>> by Auteache, 2003, Warp Records Ltd. ...
The cover design of the CD is very Gundam. This is an experience of surfing on electronic tunes and sound. Very inorganic and ironic mood, but rather like a homework from Auteache only this time. (6/10)

<<Counterfeit2>> presented by Martin Gore, 2003, Mute Records Ltd. ...
Martin comes first for his own solo project this year away from DM. All are covered songs of others, and on the hand of Martin Gore, the songs are so moody and a bit sad. The balance of human voice and DM-electric is nice. This is my choice of May, and the only pity is that there is no song written from Martin himself...maybe this is what he calls counterfeit. (7.5/10)

<<Summer Sun>> by Yo La Tengo, 2003, Matador Records
An exciting journey continues from Yo La Tengo...tienes musica buena...the jazzy and soulful songs at the end is a marvelous attempt. The three in one group can still bring us excitement and satisfaction. Like summer sun, you don't want to lose them. (7/10)

<<Pendulum>> by Broadcast, 2003, Warp Records Ltd.
This May, atypical enough, carried music from quite a few favourite bands of mine. Broadcast is one of them. Enhanced from their second album years before, This EP demonstrates their every style and talent in producing nice tunes. Again, the drum performance in their jazzy session reminds me of Can. They are still fond of expressing themselves in the drum machine and electronical music. Welcome back, and what will be the next? (8.5/10)

<<Cut to the Chase>> by MJ Cole, 2003, Mercury Records Ltd.
Garage garage...you got MJ Cole. Cut it, and then chase it. The choice of MJ Cole this time is even more diversified than his previous works. More technical in creating the layering and structure of the album, this is another cup of tea for the month. (7/10)

(April 2003)

<<Think Tank>> by Blur, 2003, EMI Records
Blur, no longer so young, yet chic...the band continues their successful formula from the Blur and 13...and this time they even add the rhythm of bosanova drumming into their tunes. If Parklife is their brit-pop epic, Think Tank would be a mature presentation of their lo-fi and carnival faces of their cotinuation of Blur+13 albums. The first half of the album, rather commercial though, satisfies needs of both US & UK Charts; while the second part of Think Tank demonstrate a more talented Blur with the druggy "Brothers and Sisters", lowering "Caravan"; the rhythm-beaties"Moroccan Peoples Revolutionary Bowls Club" and the beautiful last century extension - "Sweet Song". Without Coxon the Guitarist, Blur tilted their songs more to tunes and beats...Blur is still marching forward, as time goes by... (8/10)

<<Black Cherry>> by Goldfrapp, 2003, Mute Records Ltd.
You can't imagine how the pale fountain would become in 2003...Goldfrapp released their Album 2 as Black Cherry. This time, a sexy and electric return, Goldfrapp would like other to know that they can also exist on the Fashion stage. More powerful, more riffy. Black cherry catches the essence of Goldfrapp and inserts additional discotheque to the group. This is a beautful strike back, but what misses me is their angel-like voices they used to touch the deepening heart. (8/10)

<<Phoenix Album>> by The Warlocks, 2002, Birdman Records ...
<<Rise and Fall>> by The Warlocks, 2001 (First Release), Bomp! Records
What a miss. The Warlocks did not appear in any focus in the past 2 years, but now, they are the hurricance in UK. With BCMC, the Warlocks proves their capability as well. The 2 albums tell everyone that they are the one who should not be look down on. Very strong smell of guitar sound, you will get high with the guitars jamming on the stage. I am sure their live performance would be even more exciting. (8.5/10)

<<Socialisme ou Barbarie>> by Monade, 2003, The Bedroom Recordings ...
A side project of Stereolab...after the sad accident, the album released in the name of Monade to give a nostalgia to fellowers of Stereolab. Very French accent are the glazing songs of the old friend. Await the new move of the band soon... (7/10)

(March 2003)

<<Sleeping With Ghosts>> by Placebo, 2003, Virgin Records Ltd.
A nice return of the Placebo. It's great that after the Black Market Music, Placebo brings us again the energy and joy of cool music. The songs are coated with electronic element. Of course, the band does not forget to bring in touching moments in the album. The tune of Molko is still sexy. The cover of the CD reminds me the design of the Suede's debut. (8/10)

<<City Reading * Tre Storie Western>> by Air AND Baricco, 2003, Record Makers ...
A piece of poem and music performed by Air and Baricco. Words and music, that makes me imagine a lot their live performance in an ancient concert hall . It's a pity that I can't understand Italian... (6/10)

<<Swimming Time>> by Nephew, 2000 (First Release), Martian Records ...
Listen to their tune by chance another day in the CD shop. Interesting sound, sounds like the group like the Puressence, Placebo etc. Energetic, and exciting. Let's get a try of the Nephew from Danmark. (7/10)

<<Abstract Funk Thoery>> Presented by Lo Fidelity Allstars, 2003, Obsessive Recordings. ...
Still miss the LFA, this time is about Funk from them. In their choice of the 15 tunes, you will feel their funk soul all along. Unexpectedly, their choice at the beginning of the Mercury Rev and Bill Withers are cool. It's good looking at the back cover of the album seeing the heads of the LFA. The world is still fine and alright. Awaiting their next brand new album. (6/10)

<<Televise>> by Calla, 2003, Quatermass, Arena Rock Recording Co. ...
In the never ending highway in the countryside of US, Calla presents their third album this March - the Televise. A demonstration of their musical cells and the touching beats, this is a brillant album of them. When you hear the tunes, you will feel like your heartbeat inside. A recommendation credit, please. (8.5/10)
Watch also the Video of "Televise" ...

(Feb 2003)

<<100TH Window>> by Massive Attack, 2003, Virgin Records Ltd.
Another masterpiece!! The atmosphere of the 100th Window extends their hostage to the goth-hop. An enclosed construction of the sound, the album brings you to the misty dark underground world. A must in the year. (8.5/10)

<<Mary Star of the Sea>> by Zwan, 2003, Reprise Records Ltd. ...
A new start for Billy Corgan. I miss the Smashing Pumpkins, but I also look for something new from the vocal. And now we have the Zwan. The casting of Zwan is cool!! With half team from the previous Smashing Pumpkins, David Pajo of Papa M also plays the guitar and plays some jazzy tunes for the Zwan in the tune Mary Star of the Sea. I would regard the release as an extension of the Pumpkins. Though not much surprise, we still need them. (6/10)

<<Master and Everyone>> by Bonnie "Prince" Billy, 2003, Palace Records Ltd. ... / Drag City Inc. ...
A laidback album by Will Oldham, the Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Without any special effects, his tone with the guitar chords are just in harmony. Marty Slayton also contributes in the vocal part of the songs...

Quoted from S.M. Maggioni, this is <<The Gypsy>>: -
Who my father was, what country I'm from, In vain the people ask ne, The first never existed and my home...The earth that gives ne fruits and flowers. Wherever destiny leads me, I find a smilem I find a love. Why should I worry about thoughts of the past when the hours of the present are glad to my heart? It's true that tomorrow could cast a turbid veil over. The serene breezes waiting for me. But if today, my skies are all blue, why should I worry about things that may not happen? I am a plant, never frozen or bare, that deflies even the harshest winter. If a leaf falls here, another will grow in it's place. In every season I am full of flowers!" (7/10)

(Jan 2003)

At the beginning of the year, a pair of ears are usually in a state of excitement, a wish of expectation, a nostalgia of the yesterday glory. In 2003, a quiet morning started the cycle of 365 and something...a passionate hope under a threat of quarrel and fight, the clouds are thicker than before...and at this time, we have again the Asian Dub Foundation

<<Enemy of the Eneny>> by Asian Dub Foundation, 2003, Rinse It Out Ltd.
Continue to be anti-governmental, with attitude, the Asian Dub Foundation carries on it's mission to arouse social attention to the deprived and the tribal societies. The enemy of the enemy is the enemy which you would have to know. More instrumental pieces, this is the reflection of the other side of the ADF apart from their brutal vocal-hop. The appearance of Sinead O'Connor in the 1,000 Mirror is gorgeous!! My motivation to the beginning of 2003 (8/10)

<<Acuarela Songs>>, Compliation, 2003, Ediciones Acuarela ...
A compilation of songs from the Record Acuarela. There are altogether 2 songs from the Band Jack / Jacques. Nice tiny tunes. Awaiting their new releases soon. Surprise from the many pleasant songs from various bands like the Migala, the Victory at Sea, P:ano, Encre and Mus of course. A nice listening experience in the moody European breeze. (7/10)

<<Looks at the Bird>> by Brokeback, 2002, Thrill Jockey Records
Brokeback is a special band in the Thrill Jockey that draws my attention because of their use of double bass as key instrument. This time Looks at the Bird is a more attempt to their music boundary. Maintaining their virtue of nostalgia, the double basses create a deep hollow of memories and thinking field for listeners like me. In front of you, it's the wide open seas with birds flying above... (8/10)
Review also at thrill jockey ...

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For exciting tunes in 2002, please click here ...

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