THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

By Alexandra McLoughlin

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are an indie rock band originally from New York. They consist of members: Kip – Guitar/Vocals, Alex – Bass, Kurt – Drums and Peggy – Keyboard/Vocals.

Despite having been together since 2007, the first time I heard of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart was in February 2009 when Toby Kidd (Lead Singer of Hatcham Social) came as guest on my radio show and recommended I should check them out. Since listening to them I am now addicted to the band.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart last toured the UK in May and June 2009 when they performed at many venues around the country and not only that but they were also one of the few bands invited by the legendary Tim Burgess (The Charlatans) to play at the Isle Of  Weight Festival.

Following their success in Europe, they are returning to London in August 2009 for the UK release of their self-titled album on Fortuna POP Records which has been said to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The same album has already been released in the US by Slumberland Records on 3 Feb 2009.

The album features enduring melodic tunes like the ones that stay in your head no matter what. Your imagination goes far from beyond the past and you are once again that young teenager who is left home alone by the parents and all you want to do is party with your friends dancing the night away.  The album is undoubtedly perfect to share with people you love and has become very popular with DJs playing their tunes at clubs around the US.

The harmonious drumming and shoegaze guitar pop combined with Kip and Peggy’s vocals that are wonderfully soft and somewhat loose, leave you craving for more.  As for the album itself, it’s an amazing collection of songs that are overloaded with joyous and impeccable choruses and yet tender upbeat tunes followed by touching and heartfelt lyrics that make The Pains of Being Pure at Heat unquestionably a band to watch out for.

 THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

TRACKS:

1 – Contender

2 – Come Saturday

3 – Young Adult Friction 

4 – This Love Is Fucking Right! 

5 – The Tenure Itch

6 – Stay Alive 

7 –  Everything With You 

8 –  A Teenager in Love 

9 – Hey Paul 

10 –  Gentle Sons

Check out their Myspace and website for details on tour dates and how to purchase the album on:

 
http://www.myspace.com/thepainsofbeingpureatheart
http://www.thepainsofbeingpureatheart.com

An Introduction to Artery

by Alexandra McLoughlin

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back into the past and re-live the excitement of the 80s? With so many bands reforming recently there is certainly no need for time-machines. One of these bands are “Artery” which were originally formed in 1979.

The band have undoubtedly written some astonishing songs, however despite being appreciated by many personalities including the late John Peel, unfortunately back in the 80s Artery didn’t get much recognition by the press and they consequently split up in 1985.

Two decades later Artery are one of Sheffield’s most influential bands of the new generation. One of their biggest fan is Jarvis Cocker who in August 1980 saw Artery were headlining a festival at Leadmill Sheffield whilst “Pulp” were second from the bottom on the bill. Jarvis went to described Artery as “great unsung bands of the post punk era” and following this statement, in 2007 he invited them to reunite and play an one-off show at Meltdown Festival. The band have been together ever since.

Although having been compared to bands such as Joy Division, Artery are quite unique with their own infectious style which make them such a damn good band! Their songs are lovingly crafted masterpieces with inspiring, upbeat tunes and real life lyrics. This can be heard on their new EP titled “Standing Still” released by Phantom Power Records and launched at the 02 Academy, Sheffield on Saturday February 21st 2009. This EP contains four incredible tracks that seem endearing to our ears. They are: Standing Still, A song for all the lonely people, The seeds of youth and the final track “Who’s afraid of David Lynch?”

In June 2009, enthusiastic fans gathered at the Dice Club in Hoxton Bar and Kitchen to watch Artery’s come back London show which was delivered with a powerful rendition resulting in great entertainment for the fans whilst for Artery, the unexpected success was visible.

Artery’s energetic live performances are something that has to be witnessed. With Murray’s guitar hypnotic riffs and dynamic-sounds, combined with Mark‘s “Savage” vocals followed by talented John on the bass, David on the keys and Garry on Drums creating a feel good atmosphere. It all sums up ultimate proof that good music can captivate and bring together a crowd.

The band have recently been invited to headline a few shows so make sure to check out their MYSPACE for a list of forthcoming events and details on how to purchase their EP at:

http://www.myspace.com/arterysheffield

Check out Artery on FACEBOOK at:

http://www.facebook.com/srch.php?nm=artery#/pages/ARTERY/96186409004?ref=search

BAND MEMBERS:

Mark Gouldthorpe – vocals

John Clayton – bass

Murray Fenton – guitar

David Hinkler – keyboards

Garry Wilson – drums

HATCHAM SOCIAL: You Dig The Tunnel, I’ll Hide The Soil 

Album Review by Alexandra McLoughlin

Despite being released back in March 2009 after nearly 2 years of preparation,  Hatcham Social’s debut album  ‘You Dig the Tunnel, I’ll Hide the Soil’ is a mandatory inclusion on any list of greatest albums for the summer of 2009.

The album which was produced by the experienced musican Tim Burgess (from The Charlatans), overflows with sunny feelgood tone and flawless melodies yet featuring melancholic vocals by frontman Toby Kidd.

Previously a trio (please see my last post/introduction on Hatcham Social) and now a four-piece band after the addition of multi-talented Jerome Watson, Hatcham Social are an 80’s influenced indie band from South London and although they were formed only in 2006, their success is predicted to last for a long time mostly because of their enthusiastic and energetic live performances.

As for the album I can best describe it as an EXUBERANT MASTERPIECE.

Check out Hatcham Social Myspace on:

http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial

BAND MEMBERS:  Toby Kidd , Finn Kidd , Dave Fineberg, Jerome Watson

RECORD LABEL:  TBD Records (USA), Fierce Panda (UK & Europe)

TRACKLIST:

1. Crocodile

2. Sidewalk

3. Murder In The Dark

4. Hypnotise Terrible Eyes

5. So So Happy Making

6. Superman

7. I Cannot Cure My Pure Evil

8. Jabberwocky

9. My Opinion

10. Penelope (Under My Hat)

11. Give Me The Gift 

By Alexandra McLoughlin

Toby Kidd - Pic by Alexandra Mc

Dave - Pic by Alexandra Mc

All in all, the three band members work as a unit so they all share the same energy that rev up the crowd. They are obsessed with getting the crowd to go mad and yet they have the ability of keeping everyone in calm mood however hyper they might be. It is like being in “limbo” and yet thoroughly fun to watch.

The guys have been very busy since playing at the London Calling Festival in Amsterdam and the La Fleche D’Or Club in paris and headline a show at The Borderline in London last month. They have also been recording some taster tracks which is available as a FREE download EP to members of their forum at http://www.aclearinginthewoods.co.uk

The download only EP of cover versions includes 5 songs and one of them is “Love Buzz” which was written by Robbie van Leeuwen of Dutch rock band “Shocking Blue” and later the American grunge band “Nirvana” recorded a cover version of the song for their debut single which gained a lot of popularity in the early 90’s. However Hatcham Social’s version is a little different and must be heard…

You can listen Hatcham Social’s amazing version of “Love Buzz” right now on their myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial

In regards to their debut album which is called “You Dig The Tunnel, I’ll Hide The Soil” produced by Tim Burgess and Jim Spencer will be released soon (possibly in March) through their UK record label Fierce Panda and in the USA through TBD Records.

And finally, if you still can’t get enough of the boys, tune in for my radio show (Don’t Let Me Get Me Show) at Wired Radio which is the Radio Station for Goldsmiths College part of the University of London this Saturday the 7th February from 1.00 to 2.00 PM (UK time) where Toby will be talking about the band and I will be playing some of their music. The show will be streamed online so everyone shall be able to listen to at: http://www.wiredradio.co.uk and don’t forget to visit the band’s myspace on:
http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial

For those of you that are more comfortable speaking and reading Spanish and Portuguese I have tried my best to translate my introduction on the band in both languages on the Spanish and Brazilian Lastfm sites at:

http://www.lastfm.es/music/Hatcham+Social/+wiki
http://www.lastfm.com.br/music/Hatcham+Social/+wiki

Background Information:

Members

Toby
Finnigan
Dave

Band Introduction by Alexandra McLoughlin

Hatcham Social Myspace

By Alexandra McLoughlin

By Alexandra McLoughlin

Are they monsters? Are they explosive metal machines? Or are they just masquerade mutants in limbo? They are everything that has been mentioned and more… we are of course talking about the 9 piece metal band from Iowa, Slipknot that have been busy entertaining huge crowds at the Hammersmith Apollo in London.

Corey Taylor and Joey Jordinson by Alexandra McLoughlin

Every time that the Grammy Award winning band Slipknot, produce an album each member makes a distinctive change to their mask and as this tour was based on the new album All Hope Is Gone the fans were very excited and looking forward to seeing what masks they would be revealing this time.

Slipknot On Fire - Pic by Alexandra McLoughlin

When the band finally appeared on stage the waiting was over, there was a huge explosion of sound coming from the drums and lead man Corey Taylor started to shout at the crowd. It became obvious that chaos was on its way…

Shawn Crahan also known as “The Clown” looked hilarious as he kept zipping and unzipping his mask whilst their sound and lighting effects went beyond expectations, with pyrotechnics and a phenomenal strobe effect with a pinch yet an electrifying darkness!

Shawn Crahan – Picture by Alexandra McLoughlin

During the violent performance of “Duality” Shawn Crahan attemped to break an empty barrel with a baseball bat and at that point the crowed became even more insane that empty bottles were thrown on the stage.

Corey Taylor - Pic by Alexandra McLoughlin

It wasn’t until Corey screamed these words “F..k it all, f..k this world, F..K EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR!” than loud gunshot noises came out from Mick Thomson, Jim Root and Paul Gray’s guitars and the crowd became even more uncontrollable.

The fans seemed to enjoy their performance of “Wait and Bleed”.

But what everyone was looking forward to the controversial performance of “Spit It Out” which is also referred as the “Zero Bullshit”. Near the end of the song there was a pause with a coda where the music builds up to a highly energetic section and Corey Taylor screamed very loud to the crowed:

“Get the f**k down on the ground”

So all the fans obeyed as if they were in a concentration camp.

Then he said: “when I say jump the f**k up, what are you gonna do?!”

There was a silence.

Then Corey shouted again: “I asked you a f**king question, when I say jump the f**k up, what are you gonna do?!”

Crowd answered: “JUMP DA F**K UP!!!

The screams and the jumps were so powerful that it appeared the ceiling was going to collapse especially because the ground was vibrating intensely.

To make things even more exciting Shawn Crahan’s elevating drum kit ended up in the air as it slowly spun and Sid Wilson decided to dangle off it and start swinging. When he wasn’t attached to Shawn’s drums, Sid Wilson continuously ran around the stage and even jumped onto Chris Fehn’s drum as it tilted backwards and forwards.

Shawn Crahans Elevating Drums by Aleaxandra McLoughlin

Craig Jones’ spike mask looked lethal whilst he was head banging along to the to Joey Jordinson’s sensational drumming. Both members were definitely having a good time and putting all their energy into pleasing the crowd.

Craig Jones (Picture by Alexandra McLoughlin)

All in all the show was extraordinary, unpredictable, fierce, funny and had everything you could possibly expect from a “metal band”. Spectacular!!

Joey Jordinson pic by Alexandra McLoughlin

*My rating* 10/10

Review by Alexandra McLoughlin

CANADIAN BOYS SIMPLE PLAN ARE BACK IN TOWN

By Alexandra McLoughlin

Simple Plan playing at London Forum pix by Alexandra McLoughlin

After having sold over SEVEN million copies worldwide on their two albums the Canadian boys SIMPLE PLAN were back in town to promote their third self titled album “Simple Plan” which has already gone Platinum in Canada  and Gold in Mexico.

The band kept their promise of treating their British fans to a signing section at the HMV Store in Oxford Street. The event which took place on the 29^th November 2008 at 5.15 in the afternoon had fans lining up at the store as early as 8.00 am however no one was disappointed having the opportunity of not only meeting the guys on their last day of their UK tour but also the chance of grabbing their latest album.

The band sold out gig at The Forum in Kentish Town London was another huge success in a goody bag full of funny surprises and great entertainment. Despite having plenty of energy to feed those starving fans with greatness and glory and yet they have managed to leave them feeling hungry for more.

 Their new single “Save You” was written in tribute to Pierre’s brother who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 28 and the boys are trying to increase awareness of this illness by setting up the SIMPLE PLAN FOUNDATION where all the proceeds from each download sale will be distributed through their foundation to cancer charities around the world.

Love in a Torn Land

Love in a Torn Land by Jean Sasson

 Reviewed by Alexandra McLoughlin

 Synopsis:

Best-selling author Jean Sasson tells the dramatic true story of a young woman caught up in Saddam Hussein’s genocide of the Kurdish people of Iraq. One morning Joanna, a young bride living in the Kurdish mountains of Iraq, was surprised to see dead birds drop silently out of the clear sky. They were followed by sinister canisters falling from bombers, bringing fear and death. It was 1987, and Saddam Hussein had ordered his cousin ‘Chemical Ali’ to bombard Joanna’s village, Bergalou, with chemical weapons. Temporarily blinded in the attack, Joanna was rescued by her husband, a Kurdish freedom fighter. After being caught in another bombardment and left for dead in the rubble, they managed to flee over the mountains in a harrowing escape. Now living in the UK and working for British Airways, Joanna has told her story to Jean Sasson, the best-selling chronicler of oppressed women’s lives in the Princess trilogy and Mayada.

My Personal Review: This book although it  is easy to read and understand I must warn you that it can be quite intense due to real facts which occurred at that time and had to be told otherwise it wouldn’t be a “true story”. You will be dragged into a world that you would never have imagined existed and wonder how reality can be so distressful. Reading this book you will be taking your emotions to a certain limit where you will be glued to the story to a point that you will forget to eat, drink and perhaps to breathe.  

I felt stuck in a little bubble and refused to put the book down, I had to finish reading it; I had to know what was going to happen next and to understand the reason why all these dramatic events took place somewhere in the world whilst I was living the most “wonderful” life.

“Love in a Torn Land” tells the dramatic life story of Joanna Al-Askary Hussein. From her childhood to adulthood living in Iraq where there was constant war to when she falls in love with a man whom she suffered so much during that time in order to be with him. She also lost many people in her life and yet has still come out stronger then ever. Joanna is a warrior and a survivor with an amazing personality. Her dramatic story makes me appreciate life even more than ever and all those things that I took for granted.

One of the most shocking parts of the story is when Joanna’s uncle was put in a prison under Saddam’s orders, however this wasn’t an ordinary prison; he was put in a hole underground. The hole was only big enough for one person to stand in the upright position; He had to stay standing for many days inside that hole. Can you imagine his pain? I certainly could and even smell the drains in that village made worse due to the extreme heat.

Despite many dramatic events mentioned in this book, the story has a happy ending and that’s why it is so interesting the read.

If you ever feel down and believe that life is not worth living, after reading this book I promise you that you will appreciate life more. I am only 18 years old and this story has already changed my life and my way of thinking about others. How life is heaven compared to those people who live in a place under constant war.  Joanna is an inspiration to everyone; she is a fighter and a winner. Fight like Joanna, never give up and believe in yourself. My rate: AAAAA

Reviewed by Alexandra McLoughlin

This is my interview with George and Mark from ONE NIGHT ONLY in the backstage coumpound of the Glastonbury Festival 2008.

Please check One Night Only’s
website/myspace on:
http://www.onenightonlyonline.com/
http://www.myspace.com/onenightonlyon…

Hope you enjoyed this interview. Sorry for the background noise.

Please check out my other videos and interviews on youtube.

© Alexandra McLoughlin

Debut single out 1^st September 

 ‘Jesus Wont Dance in My High Heels’

Turn up your speakers and put on your leather jackets because ‘Jesus Wont Dance in My High Heels’ will have you rocking out with your mates! This fantastic Psychedelic Rock anthem will have you craving more rock ‘n’ roll! This is a highly impressive debut from ‘Four Dead in Ohio’ as the song is catchy, has a captivating riff and beautiful hypnotic vocals. Recorded with top producer Mark Wallis (The La’s, U2) it is bound to be a huge hit for the band!

For fans of: Primal Scream, Stereophonics, The Charlatans and Oasis.

Links:-

The Band: http://www.myspace.com/fourdeadinohioband

Label: http://www.myspace.com/yoyoacapulco

Review by Alexandra McLoughlin

Whilst viewing the photos you will hear a song which I have added to my montage called: “Seen It all before” by my friend Gino D’Andrea.

If you enjoyed the song please visit GINO D’ANDREA’s myspace on http://www.myspace.com/afraidoffear

Don’t forget to check out my other videos on youtube and my interviews with bands at: http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=AidenQueen&p=r