Clever Eleven July 2009
No, you haven't missed out on one. I'm celebrating two full years of C11 by skewing the calendar system. I found it a bit misleading that my monthly mixes usually were published the week after the month after which they were named, so from now on, C11 will be published mid-month.
This unfortunately means that you'll miss one month's worth of clever tunes, but I've made it up to ya by making one hell of a compilation this time: Old faves and new names, loud guitars and snarling synths, party anthems and summer chillers - and even a big beat remix!
1. A-ha - The Bandstand
- They are Norway's undisputed kings of pop, having scored 19 top 10-hits back home.
- This is the opening track off their 9th album Foot of the Mountain, which sees the trio returning to their synth pop roots.
- Sounds like Depeche Mode without the heroin.
2. The Cinematics - Love and Terror
- They are gloomy Glaswegians giving Editors and White Lies a run for their money.
- This download-only single is a taster of their second album, out "sometime in the fall".
- Sounds like an improbable Duane Eddy/The Cure collaboration.
3. Jet - She's a Genius
- They are presumably a band on the run, being named after the Macca/Wings tune.
- This is the first single from the Melbourne quartet's third longplayer.
- Sounds like My Sharona's naughtier (and appearantly smarter) sister.
4. Pete Yorn - Paradise Cove
- He is New Jersey-born singer/songwriter, soon to release a duet album with Scarlett Johansson. Bastard.
- This is a summery gem from his fourth studio album, cleverly titled Back and Fourth.
- Sounds like Josh Rouse before his fatal move to Spain.
5. Kamera - Misfortune Strikes Again
- They are another proof of the "bands with names that begin with a K are kool"-theory.
- This is the catchy spearhead of the Swedes' third album, Blank Expressions.
- Sounds like they're gonna give The Cinematics a run for their money (wait a min...)
6. Idlewild - Younger Than America
- They are Scottish punksters-turned-songsmiths who self-released their 6th full-length, Post Electric Blues, this month.
- This is the album opener, showcasing their fascination for the US, musically and lyrically.
- Sound like a surefire hit from R.E.M.'s Green, played by better musicians.
7. Better Than Ezra - Turn Up the Bright Lights
- They are US rock veterans based in New Orleans.
- This is not a dark Interpol cover, but a rather uplifting track from their 7th album.
- Sounds like readymade for alt.rock radio stations.
8. The Duckworth Lewis Method - Flatten the Hay
- They are a baroque'n'roll supergroup comprised by devine comedian Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh of Irish power-poppers Pugwash.
- This is off their self-titled debut, presumably the first-ever concept album about cricket.
- Sounds like post-Smile The Beach Boys, added English whimsy. Latter-day XTC, then.
9. Reverend & the Makers - Silence is Talking [Jagz Kooner Remix]
- They are political poet Jon McClure and his gang, soon out with their sophomore album.
- This is the first single from it, based round the famous horn theme from War's Low Rider.
- Sounds like a coked-up Tomorrow Never Knows with a mariachi touch (a song they actually interpolate when played as the opener of their current live set).
10. The Twang - Barney Rubble
- They are baggy Brummies heavily indebted to Madchester.
- This is the first single from their media-butchered second album, Jewellery Quarter.
- Sounds like they're really trying to do psychedelic scouse, but not quite getting it.
11. New Education - Another Miracle
- They are Stoke-on-Trent foursome specialising in soaring smalltown anthems.
- This is only their second single, hinting of big things to come for the lads.
- Sounds like the guitarist might own a Stone Roses record or two.
SUBS:
Engineers - Sometimes I Realise
Defend Moscow - Die Tonight
Mew - Repeaterbeater
Tiny Spark - For You the World Waits
The Proclaimers - Love Can Move Mountains
