Sunday, December 25, 2011

Reviews

Hi and merry Christmas to all!

Thank you for reading my humble blog, please leave your comments too so I know how to improve this:) Some reviews of cds I´ve been listening to lately. Older stuff, but still worth mentioning.
Let´s start with Erykah Badu. This is the second album she made and the last one I liked. Somehow she in my humble opinion just lost it after this album. The opening track is pure funk and the rest of the album is similar to Baduizm, which is excellent album.Penitentiary Philosophy just doesn´t fit on the album, because it´s only funk track and so different from rest of the cd. I wonder why they put it as opening track. The good part of the song is that Erykah gets to stretch her voice more than on rest of the tracks and really does good job on using hew voice in raw way. That´s the good part of the track, otherwise not my favourite, would work better on other album.

Didn´t Cha Know

... & On

And let´s move on to 90´s:) Kristine W Land Of The Living

Now here´s a legendary singer and the first track I ever heard in club was Feel What You Want. Absolute classic that is and it is included this album. Here you get some slow ones and house tunes, which all work well. Produced by Rollo from Faithless, you can guess this is classy cd of good old house music. Kristine got a strong voice and good melodies. Sounds might be bit out of date, but I recommend this anyway. It has that 90´s house vibe, which you like or not. Good vocals, good tunes, nuff said.

Feel What You Want

Land Of The Living


Last but definetly not least is Dj Zany´s mix cd Godfathers Of Hardstyle. Name tells you all there is to know. You got good selection of hardstyle here. Well mixed and the mix really works well. I still prefer unmixed cds, but this has it pumping all cd long well eventhough there´s 26 tunes on the cd. If you listen to it as dj-mix you enjoy this much more than listening to it as compilation. I think this is a good example of hardstyle music and good selection of that sound. Good tracks, well mixed and put together. Nothing essential or superb, but still worth getting at low price. Quality.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Couple of reviews

Hi all!

Thought I´d write reviews of couple of cds I just listened to and mixed salad this is once again! More reviews coming either on weekend or early next week.


Starting with 3 Doors Down´s latest Time Of My Life. If you´re expecting to hear other Kryptonite, you´re sadly mistaken. This album is much more midtempo than their biggest hit. There are your typical slow ones also thrown in too. It´s not a bad album, I´d say it is bit dull to be honest. I didn´t find any particular highlights on the album, since most songs are pretty similar. Playing works well, vocals are at same par as always with 3 Doors Down, but the last ingredient to make it something special is missing. It´s nice album, nothing exceptional. I´d say the previous ones were better. It is well produced and overall nice.

Believer

Time Of My Life

When You´re Young


Now get ready for something totally different:


What can I say? One of the albums of the year for me definetly. For those of you, who don´t know Angerfist is hardcore group hailing from Netherlands and one of the most-respected players in the genre. What we have here is massive 3cd box containing no less than 45 tracks! Most tracks either have mc or samples thrown in them and this works well. When listening the whole box through, sometimes I found myself hoping for a instrumental track for a change. Eventhough album is one massive box, it is very tight and oozes with quality. Danny really knows how to make slamming hardcore. Album contains some of the biggest tracks, collaborations and some remixes. Absolutely worth of getting!

Voice Of Mayhem


Incoming

And Jesus Wept (Hellraiser sample)

Somewhere Down The Lane (Samples Snow´s Informer)

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Flow news

Hi all!

First Flow festival artist has been announced and it is no other than Björk!!! She´ll be showing hew Biophilia concept on sunday. This is big news! On wednesdays opening concert confirmed is Bon Iver. Ticket sales starts in december.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Upcoming gigs!

Hi all!

I haven´t had a chance to update this blog in awhile, so I thought I´d let you know of some coming concerts, since there are lot of interesting ones!

17.11. CSS has a gig at Tavastia, Helsinki 26€
18.11.David Garrett Finlandia house 52-119€
19.11. Neo has massive psychedelic trance party at Circus, Helsinki. lineup has John '00' Flemming, Astral Projection and Skazi to name few
19.11. Dj Orkidea spins in Turku, Klubi 10€
21.11. Gogol Acoustic Bordello plays at Tavastia club 37€
24.11. Regina at Bar Kino, Pori 10
26.11. An Evening with Soliti: Cats On Fire, Big Wave Riders, Black Twig and New Tigers at Korjaamo, Helsinki tickets 7-9€

3.12. Eric Prydz at Circus 18-45€
3.12. Above & Beyond at Tampereen Tivoli 16,20-30€
6.12. Patrick Wolf at Tavastia 30€
10.12. Red Snapper at Virgin Oil, Helsinki 13€

12.2. Lamb at Nosturi, Helsinki 22€ no age limit
16.2. 3 Doors Down at Helsinki Ice Hall 44€ no age limit

7.3. Anna Ternheim acoustic gig at Tavastia 20€
6.4. Emilie Autumn at Tampere 22€
7.4. Emilie Autumn at Helsinki, Nosturi 22€

1.8. Red Hot Chilli Peppers at Tampere. Ticket sales start on 21st of this month 69€ no age limit

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Reviews

Greetings from autumny Finland and welcome to All About Music! Time to review some records I´ve been listening to lately. I can´t wait for the new Kate Bush album to be released! After hearing the first single it sounds promising, especially if you liked Aerial. We´ll have to wait awhile for that one though...

Here we have another installment to the Soul Heaven series by the New Jersey team Blaze. I always loved their blend of soulful house and here we have same stuff spread on 2 mixed cds and 1 unmixed compilation of Blaze´s productions. The album starts of with latin tunes on both cds and evolves to deep house territory from there. Luckily it doesn´t go too deep and has vocals which usually keep lacking from house these days imho. The album was bit deeper stuff than what I expected and some tracks are qutie similar. Still the mixes build well and have quality tunes to keep things rolling. What I expected was more jazzy/gospel house and there aren´t many of that style. Still I´d say this is quality house cd worth getting for lovers of Blaze.


Here we have totally unknown name for me which I think deserves to be mentioned. This Is The Day starts off with beautiful folk song A Small Dream. After this gorgeous opening cd moves to rock and has even hints of country. Through the cd these styles keep take turns and this makes it bit confusing for me. It felt like the cd doesn´t know what it wants to be. To be honest, I loved the acoustic songs, they were beautiful and had tons of feeling, rest of the songs didn´t work for me. Singer has good voice and has small hint of Damien Rice in it. also went too pop for me from time to time. I´d say it is worth giving a go definetly, especially if you like folk and rock/pop with hint of country

Can´t Stop Dreaming


I finally got this cd to my collection and I just gotta recommend it! It is step back to Felt Mountain era finally! I dare to say this could very well be big sister of Felt Mountain. It is nicely laid-back affair with good melodies for which I love about Goldfrapp. It is just beautiful cd, good one to listen to on a dark autumn evening with candles lit. If Felt Mountain was bit sad, this is optimistic and hopeful cd. I can´t explain it, it just gave me a bit sunny feeling. I am lost for words, so you better decide what you think of:)

Happiness


Clowns

Monday, October 10, 2011

Kate Bush and Hey Heather


Hi all and welcome to another edition of All About Music! New Kate Bush single is always an event and here we have Wild Man from upcoming 50 Words For Snow cd. The song is long 7 minutes. What can I say about it? I liked it, it reminds a lot of Aerial material, so some fans might be disappointed with it. It is melodically easy to listen, lyrics are on the darker side. Very promising first take on the album, especially since I really liked Aerial and got into Kate´s world through that album.

Second review is from Finn band Hey Heather. Here´s totally new band for me, but they´ve gotten plays on local music channel. The band plays well together and you can hear they´ve been practising and it paid off well. Singer has rough rock voice, which works well in Hey heather´s rock. Influences to my ear come from punk and grunge. Somehow band reminded me partially of Bush, can´t explain it maybe it was slower parts that had some similar feeling. This might not be excatly my kind of music, but definetly worth checking out if you like your rock energetic and uptempo! What I liked was their energy, which you really can feel. I checked a live clip from Youtube and they seem to be at home at stage, a big plus. Recommended to all rock fans!

Hey Heather Drop dead

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Anna Ternheim Leaving On A Mayday Box set

Hi all!

Time to tell my opinion of this box set, which I bought few weeks ago and finally had time to go through it. Leaving On A Mayday is a good album from Anna Ternheim. I like her voice and the cd is enough different from her previous cds. Title track is more uptempo than most of her previous songs and works well. Hew ear for melodies does not fail this time at all, all songs are beautiful and nice. Also good point is that cd isn´t too long, which tends to be the fault with many cds these days.

I leave main cd there and concentrate on different versions of this cd. There are 3 different editions of this cd: regular, cd+Frank Sinatra cover ep and cd+live ep+acoustic dvd. My vote goes for cd+Frank Sinatra definetly. Those 5 covers are beautiful and quite different from original ones. They are acoustic versions and arrangements compliment Anna´s voice perfectly. As for the package, it´s beautful box and that also makes it worth getting:) As for dvd edition, I was disappointed with it. Live ep is good, better than most of her live ones I´ve heard and quality is good. There´s 5 songs on the ep, my guess is recorded in France but I´m not sure. As for dvd, it was boring. Ok, the acoustic versions were nice, but would be better on a ep than on a dvd. Dvd only shows making the acoustic versions, filming Anna playing guitar, singing and so on, so it´s nothing that special. I hoped for better dvd than this. Think carefully before getting this one. The live ep makes it worth considering unless you´re hardcore fan or completist.

Anna Ternheim No, I don´t remember (acoustic)

Summer Rain

What Have I Done

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hi all!

Back from concert and just woke up to share this show with you. One of my dreams came through when I finally got Tori´s autograph:) And I also got a photo together. Meet and greet in Helsinki started already at 14.00 so be early if you wanna make it! Over here Tori had time to chat with fans and there were some regular faces from abroad. Eventually m&g was rushed thanks to rain, but everyone got to meet Tori.

Opening act, Mark Hole, has gorgeous voice and he knows how to use it. No problem there. Still all the songs are most ballads and about his lost girlfriend, whom he broke up with 5 months ago, so that was bit boring. And it really got my mood down, since I´m going through a divorce, which turned into war.

As for concert, I can only say it is amazing. The string quartet compliments Tori´s songs just perfectly and opener Shattering Sea was really powerful, even more so than on album. Excellet opener for the night and sets the tone perfectly. Cruel was stunning played with string quartet, really cruel and twisted. In another words killer song. Also heard on that night were Graveyard, Baker Baker, Silent All These Years, Marianne, Star Whisperer and Carry. Those I do remember. I guess I was too excited of the concert to remember all the songs:) Tori will also be playing covers on this tour. During concert she also played solo pieces and that fitted just perfectly. And carry as closing song was logical choice. I just am honestly lost for words to describe that gig, so I gotta wrap it up here:)

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Tori Amos in Helsinki this week

Hi all!

Tomorrow is the big day! Night Of Hunters Tour starts here in autumny Helsinki at Ice Hall (worst concert places). To celebrate this historical event, we kick tour off at free party! And best of all, no age limit and posters as giveaways:)

Place: Cafe Helsinki
Urheilukatu 36. Across the street from tram stop, about 150 meters from Ice Hall

Free entry, no age limit

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=245106338861200

No alcohol served, food available

Everybody welcome!

Friday, September 23, 2011

R.E.M. rip

This is really sad news. R.E.M. has called it quits after 31 years in business. Only release left will be compilation and that´s it. To be honest, I am shocked and didn´t expect to hear this in a long time...


"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening." R.E.M.

In their own words: The guys share their thoughts on why now.

MIKE

"During our last tour, and while making Collapse Into Now and putting together this greatest hits retrospective, we started asking ourselves, 'what next'? Working through our music and memories from over three decades was a hell of a journey. We realized that these songs seemed to draw a natural line under the last 31 years of our working together.

"We have always been a band in the truest sense of the word. Brothers who truly love, and respect, each other. We feel kind of like pioneers in this--there's no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We've made this decision together, amicably and with each other's best interests at heart. The time just feels right."

MICHAEL

"A wise man once said--'the skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave.' We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it.

"I hope our fans realize this wasn't an easy decision; but all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way.

"We have to thank all the people who helped us be R.E.M. for these 31 years; our deepest gratitude to those who allowed us to do this. It's been amazing."

PETER

"One of the things that was always so great about being in R.E.M. was the fact that the records and the songs we wrote meant as much to our fans as they did to us. It was, and still is, important to us to do right by you. Being a part of your lives has been an unbelievable gift. Thank you.

"Mike, Michael, Bill, Bertis, and I walk away as great friends. I know I will be seeing them in the future, just as I know I will be seeing everyone who has followed us and supported us through the years. Even if it's only in the vinyl aisle of your local record store, or standing at the back of the club: watching a group of 19 year olds trying to change the world."

------------------

READ Warner Bros. Press Release below:

ATHENS, GA--(Marketwire - Sep 21, 2011)

"During our last tour, and while making Collapse Into Now and putting together this greatest hits retrospective; we started to ask ourselves 'what next?'," commented Mike Mills. "Working through our music and memories from over three decades was a hell of a journey. We realized that these songs seemed to draw a natural line under the last 31 years of our working together. The time just feels right."

R.E.M. is unique in that they are very much still the group of friends from Athens, Georgia that they've been since the band formed in 1979. While their career has spanned 15 studio albums and huge global success, the band itself only ever comprised the four original members. The one person to leave this tight-knit group was drummer Bill Berry, who retired two years after suffering a brain aneurysm on-stage during 1995's "Monster" tour. But not before extracting a promise from his band mates that they would continue on as R.E.M.: "Bill insisted he would stay, if his leaving meant breaking the band up," remembers Michael Stipe.

Mills adds: "We have always been a band in the truest sense of the word. Brothers who truly love and respect each other. We feel kind of like pioneers in this -- there's no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring off. We've made this decision together, amicably and with each other's best interests at heart."

"A wise man once said -- 'the skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave," agrees Michael Stipe. "We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it. I hope our fans realize this wasn't an easy decision; but all things must end; and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way. We have to thank all the people who helped us be R.E.M. for these 31 years, our deepest gratitude to those who allowed us to do this. It's been amazing."

Buck picks up on his thoughts: "One of the things that was always so great about being in R.E.M., was the fact that the records we made and the songs we wrote, meant as much to our fans as they did to us. It was, and still is, important to us to do right by them. Being a part of their lives has been an unbelievable gift.

"Mike, Michael, Bill, Bertis, and I walk away as great friends. I know I will be seeing them in the future, just as I know I will be seeing everyone that has followed and supported us through the years. Even if it's only in the vinyl aisle of your local record store, or standing at the back of a club; watching a group of 19-year-olds trying to change the world."

R.E.M. will release a career-spanning Greatest Hits album through Warner Brothers in November. More information to follow.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Night Of The Hunters review!!


Hi all!

I am more than honoured to have the honour of being first finn to review Night Of The Hunters cd. Big thank you goes out to Universal Music for trusting me enough to send the cd in advance!

I first have to be honest, I don´t like classical music at all. To me it´s too difficult and art for art´s sake. So I was bit sceptical of this album when I heard it has influences from classical music. And another thing to get out of the way is that I absolutely love the booklet! The photos are stunning and beautiful! They have same theme as the album which is just perfect. All the styling on both Tori and Tash si really cool and the photos would make perfect pictures to hang on the wall.

As for the album, Anabelle is second person on the record, whom Tori meets and teams with. Anabelle´s parts are sung by Tash who sounds really like Emiliana Torrini. These dialogues between these two women work like charm. I just also love the flute and the string arrangements, they are really strong. Battle Of Trees opened up bit too close to classical to my liking but moved onto Tori realm and blew me away. It is not easy pop album, so don´t even expect that. It might take couple of listenings to get into but it is worth it. I dare to say this is the closest album Tori has made to Pele and Under The Pink. Some songs reminded me a bit of Not The Red Baron and other slower songs from those records. There isn´t that same anger here, but melodies, strings and structurually it reminds of those two. And atmospherically also. I´d say this is one of the records that will divide fans to those who like it and to those who don´t.

Most radio friendly song on the album has to be Job´s Coffin which is sang by Tash. That song wouldn´t even be out of place on Emiliana Torrini´s album Fisherman´s Woman. Also from Tash´s voice comes Adele to mind. I know some fans are sceptical of her singing on this album, but give it a go, she does bloody good job!

Only minus thing on Night Of The Hunters is that, it´s not much varied album. All the songs remind eachother, but are enough different from eachother to keep things evolving and interesting.

The melodies, ah the melodies are strong and string arrangements compliment the piano and Tori´s voice perfectly. Whole album is at best midtempo cd, so gone is anger from American Doll Posse. As for Tash singing, I think she´s doing really well, she´s got beautiful voice. It was quite bold move to let her sing on this album and it pays off.

Overall absolutey beautiful, eventhough quite heavy album with really beautiful booklet:) Can´t wait for the Helsinki concert! And as reminder, remember there´s a tour opening party at Cafe Helsinki starting at 15.30. Urheilukatu 36, across the street from tram stop.

Monday, September 12, 2011

New Kate Bush album!!


New Kate Bush album is on it´s way called 50 Words For Snow! Now this is a fast follow-up to Aerial which I loved. This album is 65 minutes long and contains these songs:

  • 1. Snowflakes
  • 2. Lake Tahoe
  • 3. Misty
  • 4. Wild Man
  • 5. Snowed In At Wheeler Street
  • 6. 50 Words For Snow
  • 7. Among Angels
Yay! Now this is good news! Already availabe for pre-order from HMV and Itunes

Monday, September 5, 2011

Record fair in Helsinki

Hi all!

This weekend there will be international record fair at Tavastia Club on saturday. Starts at 11 and closes at 16, tickets cost 3€. This is the legendary one in Helsinki which is held twice a year normally. I sure hope to make it there this year... Each year I plan to go there, but end up too broke to go there:)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Tori Amos tour opening party

Hi all!

There will be pre-party to the first show of the tour! Here´s all the info:

Place Cafe Helsinki on Urheilikatu 36. Just across the street from the tram stop.
No age limit
start time 15.30->
Food available ( a la carte menu), no alcohol. It´s a cafeteria.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Review time! Zoot Woman, Blaze and d'n'b

Hi all!

Time to review some records I just got and borrowed from library. And let´s start with electronic pop music of Zoot Woman


I gotta admit, I´ve liked Zoot Woman´s previous records too, but this just might be most mature and best one yet. It´s just killer in every way. Not too long clocking 44mins and that suits album perfectly. 12 tracks mainly bit uptempo, danceable electronic pop which Zoot Woman is known for. It´s not too electronic to be sterile luckily, the vocals soften things up and make this very accessible cd. It reminds a bit of Kitsune comps, but it feels more organic. Good tracks, few slower ones thrown in too and the cocktail works like a charm. Might not be anything groundshaking but still recommended for lovers of electronic pop with melodies and vocals.

We won´t break

Memory


Next up is another killer from Hospital record´s cannon. Ok, this one is bit old but still worth mentioning, since it´s excellent cd. As for Hospital, you know the score: liquid Drum'n'Bass is the course here with disco influences. Only minus for the cd is that it´s mixed. I prefer to hear songs in their full length and separately. Cd is mainly discofied, melodic d&b but wanders off sometimes to more bass-heavy jump up which suits the album quite well. I don´t like those wobbly tracks without melody, but this one has got the package right. Diane Charlemange features her beautiful vocals on Don´t Follow and album also featrues Logistics and Matrix. This one goes well in home as well as in club, which can be said of most Hospital records releases.

Ghetto Blaster

Don´t Follow


Solar Flares

Cover Story feat. Matrix


And let´s venture to the world of house music for a change. Here we have legendary duo from New Jersey, USA, Blaze. They´ve been making their mark to the house scene from day one and here we have a compilation of their older material. It is a good compilation, but it´s not near to the best Blaze have made. It´s good, quality house with one acappella track thrown in and another one with rap influences. It is good showcase of their older material and so worth mentioning here. If you expect their usual jazzy/soulful take on house, you might be disappointed with this one. Tracks are old and sometimes you can hear it. Some were bit odd additions to the compilation, especially the acappella of Funky People guise Accaliberation. It is quite varied since included are offbeat gems of Seasons Of Love and My Beat.

Klub Family feat. Sybil when I fall in love

Seasons of love

Funky People Funky people

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Upcoming gigs special

Hi all!

Time to see what´s going on in Finland. In Tampere, things look like this:
1.9. The Mutants, Death Letters (Bel), The Vivisectors (Rus). from 6,50 € (door 10 €)
2.9. Acid Symphony Orchestra
from 11,50 € (door 16 €)
4.9. All Age -S- Sunday: One Morning Left, For the Imperium. from 6,50 € (door 10 €), -S-
7.9. Circle, Motelli Skronkle, Keuhkot from 11,50 € (door 13 €)
8.9. The Irrationals, Jo' Buddy & Down Home King III. from 6,50 € (door 10 €)
Pe 9.9. Jukka Poika ja Raappana & Sound Explosion Band. from 11,50 € (door 16 €)
La 10.9. Circus meets Burlesque (Klubi)
from 11,50 € (limited amount) normal price 17,50 €
La 10.9. X-karnevaalit (Pakkahuone)
from 11,50 € (limited amount) regular 21,50 €
Circus meets Burlesque + X-karnevaalit - yhdistelmälippu. from 21,50 € (limited amount )regular 31,50 €

In Helsinki:

Milow 15.10.2011 Helsinki, Tavastia 24,50/26 door
Marissa Nadler 14.10.2011 Tampere, Klubi
tickets from 10,50 €, K-18
Su 16.10.2011 Helsinki, Kuudes Linja
tickets from 13,50 €, K-18

Also on tour is Amorphis, finn metal band and a good one too!
31.8. Helsinki, Tavastia-klubi
24,50 € (ovelta 25 €), K-18

8.9. Pori, Bar Kino
19,50 €, K-18
Turku, Klubi
23,50 € (ovelta 25 €), K-18
10.9. Eura, Osmantupa
18,50 € (ovelta 20 €), K-18
7.10. Helsinki, Nosturi
Liput alk. 24,50 €, no age limit
14.10. Tampere, Pakkahuone
26,50 €, K-15

24.8.2011 Helsinki, Kuudes Linja
11,50 € (door 12 €)
Linkki
Tickets to all these events are sold by Tiketti

Also this friday is Night Of The Arts The program can be found here in english, Swedish and finnish. There´s too much going on to be listed here, for example book shops have special events, at club YK is Helsinki dubstep+Drum´n´Bass conference, art exhibitons, photography comptetion, performances and so on.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Sade and Hurts to Helsinki

Hi all!

I just heard that Sade will be performing in Helsinki for first time! The date is 3.11.2011 and place is Hartwall Arena. Tickets are pricey though 78/82/89€ and can be bought from Lippu.

Another concert news is that Hurts returns to Helsinki! This time gig is at Ice Hall and there´s no age limit. Sade should also be without age limit. Hurts tickets start at 40,50€ and can be bought here.

Have a good week and more stuff coming up here at All About music!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Bertine Zetlitz, Moodymann, jamiroquai

Hi all!

Again we start off with female artist:


Bertine Zetlitz from pop´s promised land, Sweden. Here we have her most radio-friendly cd ever. Other ones were lyrically darker and here lyrics are lighter and sunnier. The main course on this cd is electronic, partially danceable pop music which has enough hooks and singalong chorouses to appeal to mass audience. Album is good and enough short (40min) and that keeps the cd tight. Eventhough I liked this cd, I still prefer her older albums, where she sang you´re here just to adore me:) Still worth checking.

Fake Your Beauty

Ah Ah

Keeping things electronic, next up is Moodymann


Time to go all the way to the house genrer with Moodymann´s Black Mahogani. Moodymann is a legendary figure in house genre and he hails from the deeper end of things. He produced for example Norma Jean Bell´s classic I´m The Baddest Bitch and has I think 3 albums on his own. This one has strong jazz influences and that hooked me into the album, since I love jazzy house music. It also has more jacking stuff which is more in typical Peacefrog records vein. I gotta say I have respect for Moodymann eventhough I don´t like all his productions. This one is a good album if you like your house jazzy and funky. This one grooves well and has hints of 70´s disco. Highly recommended!

Black Mahogani


I Need You So Much


Holiday


And off we go with funk. This album is not as good as the older ones. It sounds pretty much similar to albums before, especially later ones. I felt like they are losing the edge. It´s not completely bad album, it´s just too poppy for me. And sounds more commercial than ever before. I found it to lack soul. I hate giving bad reviews, but gotta be honest. This is just ok album and had few boring tracks which were fillers. This time influences are drawn from old soul which seems to be the trend at the moment. It is listenable, but far cry from their best albums. All I can say, not bad but nothing new. Nice tracks which work and groove, but still bit of a disappointment.

Lifeline

White Knuckle Ride

Blue Skies

More reviews comng as soon as mailman delivers my cds:) At least coming up is Blaze, Nu energy 100 the final chapter, Xtravaganza records compilation, new Tori Amos hopefully early next month!

Have a great weekend, peace!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Hospital special

Hi all!


Just had to tell you about this best of cd by Danny Byrd. Medical History is absolutely another stunning album out on Hospital records, which logo means quality. The album is just gorgeous drum & bass! Beautiful melodies, vocals and tight production. Absolutely essential! I honestly had to write the review right away because I fell in love with this album. I´ve always been fan of Hospital and this is one of their best releases so far. If you like your drum & bass rolling with strong melodies and intelligent, look no further.

Junction 18

Soul Function

Dog Hill
Another killer from Hospital records. This is another one with strong melodies and beautiful vocals. Tony Colman is co-founder of Hospital records and has really good ear for harmonies and melodies and it shows on this album. Here´s another slice of intelligent d&b which works at home and at club. Jazz infulenced trip with ethereal vocals makes this album also essential!

Just One Second

Point Of No Return

USKA

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Some reviews

Hi all!

It´s review time again. It´way too hot outside, so all I can do is relax at home with a book and listen to music:)


And woman starts off again:) I do listen to more female artists than men. They have that sensuality in their music and it´s not as tough as male music mainly is. She´s got nice voice and got the looks but the album itself was disappointment. It is your typical radio pop with a good singer. Opening tracks first half a minute reminded me of Regina Spektor and after that Bluebird moved on to be your typical pop song. Same goes for rest of the album too. It´s excatly radio friendly as is Sheryl Crow, Aimee Man et al. No winner here then. Jar Of Hearts was b est one from the album.

Jar Of Hearts


Arms


Another female artist coming right up! Billie Ray Martin is a legend, especially in dance music. I still remember when I first hear Your Loving Arms (Junior Vasquez Soundfactory mix). That song blew me away. Here we have one of her albums. And this is far from house. This time we have soul, hint of country, northern soul and drum´n´bass in the mix. Blended with Billie Ray´s vocals which you either like or hate. I gotta say this album was suprise for me, I never expected anything like this from her and it´s a positive thing! Fools Rush In is absolutely fantastic northern soul stomper. And slow ones are ok also. I still love above all house versions of Billie Ray Martin´s songs. They are killers:) This is a good album gotta admit. Different from what I expected but recommended. This second album is lotta better than the first one, which was moe euro dance than anything else. I only found this one live clip from the album, sorry:(

I´ve never been to Memphis

Friday, July 15, 2011

Concert Update

Hi all!

This time it´s time to check what´s going on in Finland. Here are my picks of concerts and upcoming raves:

Club B52, Ähtäri
Friday 15.07.2011 Eläkeläiset

Guitar Wolf from Japan plays 2 gigs. One in Helsinki 19.7. and other in Tampere 20.7.

As for festivals, there are some in Helsinki: Tuska metal festival, next month sees Summer Sound System rave take over Suvilahti and Flow is at same place later on.

1.10. Ane Brun will play at Tavastia, Helsinki

On a same day legendary Goblin plays also in Helsinki. They are best known for their work with director Dario Argento

18.10. on offer is Sondre Lerche at Tavastia, Helsinki

10.12. Within Temptation plays at Helsinki

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Patrick Wolf

Hi All!

I am more than pleased to write good review of latest Patrick Wolf album Lupercalia!

This is album I was waiting for and was scared itwould be another disappointment as was R.E.M.s latest. Luckily I can announce that this cd hits the bullseye:)

This has to be most mature cd Patrick has ever made. Gorgeous string arrangements and piano played together make beautiful harmonies. Most of the album is slow and raises only few times to midtempo and that suits album as whole very well and it has been a good choice to make it so. Patrcik knows how to use his strong voice and it shows here as it always has. This one has less violin than previous cds and main instrument is piano. That was bit unexpected move. I kinda miss the violin, eventhough the record is absolutely beautiful. It brings enough new sides to be interesting and enough old stuff to be recognisable. Absolutely must for fans of melodic pop. And say, do you hear traces of Abba here and there... Hmm...

The City

Time Of My life

And even better news is that Patrick will play a gig in Helsinki at Tavastia! Last time it was sold out, so get tickets in time! The date is 6.12. and tickets are 30€. Age limit is 18.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Jamie Lewis, Florence & The Machine

Hi all!

Since summer is here and it´s sunny outside, let´s trat off with sumemry house music by a legendary Jamie Lewis!


Here we have triple cd of unmixed tracks eihter mixed by or performed by the man himself, Jamie Lewis. Before I say anything else, I gotta admit I just love that Purple Music sound. I´ve been into house music since mid 90´s and lately got totally bored with it, since it became so formulaic and everything was just that Benny Benassi/electrosound. Then I came across with this cd and it reminded me, why I love house music so much. There isn´t a single filler on the album whihch has 30 tracks! All full-length, unmixed and cd has even separate tracklisting sheets for cdj use. Very dj-friendly package indeed, since no dj would carry a digipack with them, they just put cds in a cd wallet. Main focus on this album is that glorious discofied garage aka vocal house. I prefer term garage. Some tracks even have gospel vibe in them and hint to that direction and they make you wanna shake it. If you like summery, discohouse/garage/vocalhouse, this is one of the absolute must haves! And it doesn´t even cost much at Purple Music shop 12,99€ is ridiculously cheap price for this kind of gem. Absolutely one of the best house cds ever! If you like your house music more soulful, try Blaze or Joe Claussell/Ibadan camp. Ibadan goes in jazz direction and isn´t danceable, but absolutely beautiful.

Samples:

Jamie Lewis ft. Kim Cooper - Mo´ Butter (Jamie Lewis Darkroom mix)

Cerrone ft. Jocelyn Brown - Hooked On You (Jamie Lewis main mix)

Jamie Lewis feat. Chance - Streetlife (Classic Vocal mix)


I acutally borrowed from library the Between Two Loungs edition of this cd, but coudln´t find a correct cover, so that´ll do. According to media I should bype this cd to be one of the best ones in ages. Eventhough the album is very good, I wouldn´t go as far hyping it as media has. don´t think it´s that good. The album has some songs I would have left out, since they don´t fit album at all. But good things first. Florence has a strong voice and she knows how to use it. Melodies are nice and instruments are played well. Rhythm sections do sometimes remind me bit of Adam And The Ants somehow. There´s something similar in the drum sound. Strong rhythm, good vocals and nice melodies. And now for the bad parts. Kiss With A Fist doesn´t suit the album at all and should´ve been either outtake or b-side. Girl With One Eye is so-so track. It´s a good bluesy track, but it doesn´t suit rest of the album and those two break the album. Made me feel like who the hell switched the cd. And after those two we go back to where we started from. Rest of the album is in similar vein and is solid. Just those 2 songs are too different from the album and just split it up. They´d be better as two last tracks than than being number 5 and 6, right in the middle of the album. So, overall good album, good songs but not lifechanging.

between two lungs has bonus cd of acoustic versions from Itunes festival, 2 remixes,2 other tracks and 2 other live tracks.

Friday, July 1, 2011

The XX Album

Hi all!

This time only one review, but more on the way, when I have time to listen to latest cds I got (Patrick Wolf Luprecalia 2cd set and Florence & The Machine). So this time it´s XX.


This one is another mid-tempo album of minimalistic electronics and nice vocals. The male vocalist sounds like Damien Rice and that voice suits the album well. It is good package and all the songs play well together. So the album is good as whole. Not too long and luckily it has no fillers thrown in. You couuld argue that the albums songs are too similar, bu that didn´t bother me. As I said before the it is rather minimal and leans heavily on vocals to bring soulness to the record. Somehow it reminds me of Knife´s Silent Shout partly, especially slower tunes from that record. It has bit similar feeling. Album has 11 tracks and that is very good amount of them. Sleeve is stylish as is the pictured cover. So the cover art is also simplistic as the cd, so they go hand in hand also well. This album is definetly worth checking out, if you like Fever Ray, Knife or Damien Rice´s voice.

Crystalised

VCR

Stars

Night Time

Friday, June 24, 2011

Watson's Heart - Hard Talk

Here´s a totally new band for me. They really play well, singer got a good voice, nice backround harmonies. It´s not completely mainstream sound, it has that nice bit of funkiness in them. Somehow reminds me of early R.E.M. and partly of David Bowie. Guitar sound like it could be played by Brian May. I´d say this band has all the elements in place and could very well go far. Good song check it out here

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Varied reviews

Hi all!

This time I really have varied pack of reviews for you! Acid jazz/latin of Montefiori Cocktail, singer-songwriter Tom McRae´s b-side collection and some hardcore techno thrown in by Angerfist. So it really is varied pack this time, but that´s the way I like it. As I always have said, it´s not up to styles, it´s up to music to end reviewed here. No Nrj/Mtv crap here.


let´s first goto Italy and meet Montefiori Cocktail. Montefiori is made up by Federico and Francesco Montefiori. This album is latin/acid jazz and has 21 tracks. Some tracks run less than minute, so that explains the numerous tracks. It´s one of those records not to be taken too seriously (band has made some bizarre covers for example of Star Wars theme), but is a good record to put on for a dinner or cocktail evening. Album flows well and is well produced. Almost all tracks are instrumentals and are good. If you like Senor Coconut And His Magic Orchestra you´ll most likely will like this one too. Also I´d recommend this for lovers of Bebel Gilberto. It has that easy listening vibe though and the intro tracks are pretty much useless. Overall I´d say it is enjoyable album for backround music. I liked it.

Samples:

Easy Trip

Theme from U.F.O.


I just love that cover, let´s start with that comment. This is self-released collection of b-sides and has 18 tracks on it. You can get this one from Tom McRae´s web site and I do recommend you to get this fast! You can well hear from the songs which albums they were released as b-sides and that is a good thing. It keeps this collection varied and doesn´t get boring. My favourites are the ones that remind Tom´s first album. Piano/guitar and cello work so well together with Tom´s voice and create something magical. The ones that are All Maps Welcome/King Of Cards time have more rocking attitude and are midtempo. Rest of the cd is slow stuff like the first album. Those songs that are All Maps time really stand out of the album, since they are so different from rest of the record. They are more radio-friendly songs than rest. I gotta say All Maps Welcome had it´s moment as well as King Of Cards, but they aren´t my fave albums. Alphabet Of Hurricanes was superb return album. Cd comes in a slipcase, so don´t expect artwork. If you like Tom´s music, get this one. It is essential purchase!

And them we go banging!


Here´s a album by a group that looks like they escaped Friday The 13th movie set with Jason´s hockey masks. That´s their trademark, hockey masks and black hoodies always when playing live. I saw them live at Mayday this year and it has to be one of the best gigs of all party! They really blew the roof off! Mutilate is double cd and it´s impossible to find anywhere (if anyone knows where to get it, please let me know!). It´s a damn fine album of modern hardcore. It really rocks well and eventhough being a double cd, it´s not too long album, like some are. Raw energy, check. Ideas, check. Melodies, check. Sounds are good and tracks are enough melodic to be accessible to wider audience. Mutilate has that flow and raw energy and tons of those. It´s a damn fine wholeness. This newer hardcore is much better than the old early 90´s hardcore which almost every time sounded the same. They are also responsible together with Outblast for one of my fave hardcore tracks Voice Of Mayhem. It just kicks ass!

Samples:

Bite Yo Style

Strangle And Mutilate


Stainless Steel

and bonus, Voice Of Mayhem


Time for the hard lady of hardcore, Korsakoff and her latest album Pink Noise! If you can´t stand mcs skip this album. If your answer is yes, give it a go. 15 tracks of good mainstream hardcre is served here. Some are bit formulaic, lasting around 5 minutes, but I´m not saying they are bad. I really liked this cd. Good tracks, good sounds and enough energy to start the party. Also includes melodies. Album also has anthem Unleash The Beast together with Outblast. Absolute killer here. Just right amount of tracks and if you liked Unrivalled, you will like this one too. Nice progression from Unrivalled, which is good album too. Only minus is that inlay could have been better.

Digital Voodoo

Outblast & Korsakoff Unleash The Beast (Angerfist remix)

Daydream

And some other stuff too. Flow festival has sold all 3 day and 2 day tickets out. There are some daytickets left for friday and sunday. If you want a ticket, be fast!

2.7. is busy day in Helsinki. If you´re in town, you got 2 parties going on outdoors. First there´s gay pride week´s parade and party in Kaisaniemi puisto with Pmmp. Other choice is bit harder edge of dance music of Distortion Outdoors. That takes place in Hesperia puisto starting at 13.

So lots of stuff going on next weekend for free. Also coming up in autumn is Säde 13 year anniversary party, which is something to look forward to. In Tampere there´s party by Kolina productions 16.7. at Mixei.

In Mäntyharju we have open-air festival 29.-31.7.2011 Choice of music is finnish hip hop/rap and varied electronic music. More of this can be found here.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Just in

Hi all!

Just in bad news for Duran Duran fans. The Helsinki show has been cancelled due illness of Simon LeBon. They are working on new date and tickets can be changed to that date or you can get a refund.


And to celebrate upcoming Tori gig, here´s my review of Tori´s limited edition dvd (Barns & Noble exclusive item) Live From The Artists Den. This has to be best concert dvd I´ve seen. The historical building itself is magical place to have concert and add Tori´s solo performance to that you get pure magic. She played less-played songs this time ( Ruby Through The Looking Glass, Ophelia, Maybe California) too and some old faves like China with piano and keyboard creating something familiar but still adding new spice to the song. Only sad point is that she didn´t speak with audience this time, but that might have ruined the atmosphere. Also included on this dvd is interview (bit over 10 min), Tour and history of the building, building the stage (worthless speeded-up) and info of Artists den series. The dvd is in beautiful book, which inclused historical drawings of the building, tori quotes and history of the Park Avenue Armory. The book itself is stunningly beautiful and this is really worth you hard-earned dollars.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Some reviews

Hi all!

Time to update the blog, now that the weather is bit cooler and looks like it might rain. There are still tickets available for Tori Amos concert and Prince concert. As for Prince it´s no wonder, since he has already 3 times cancelled his concert. Let´s see if he makes it with try number 4. My guess is there are too many big concerts and festivals around this summer, since for example Foo Fighters are coming to town. And time for some reviews...


Now here´s a good record, which is recommended. Regina has obiously matured as artist and it can be heard on this album. I think this is her easiest record to date. Soviet Kitch was pretty accessible as well as Begin To Hope, but this is still more so. Main instrument is as always piano and some strings thrown in for good measure, especially cello on Blue Lips is awesome addition. Songs are either slow or midtempo, which suits the album well as package. Some might find her vocals partly annoying her singing e-e-e-e on couple of tracks. Gone is Mary-Ann´s art pop luckily and back are good songs. There´s also deluxe version of the album available, which has a dvd.

Some clips

Far

Man Of A Thousand Faces

Blue Lips live


Next up is Funki Porcini´s Fast Asleep.

Here´s a album that isn´t easy to review. The album is a painting made of different sounds and layers. Of style, I think it would be downtempo. Fast asleep takes it influences from jazz and partly from Dj Shadow school. Album uses samples, which my guess would be, taken from movies. Mainly Fast Asleep is really laidback album, but there´s one track that sounds more of a track from horror movie. It´s not easiest album and might take few listenings to get, so be wary of this one. If you like Ninja Tune stuff, Dj Cam or Dj Shadow, most likely you will like this album. Also comparison to Herbaliser wouldn´t be off the mark. Especially basslines remind me of jazz, the way bass is played/sampled and melodies too. It´s bit odd cd and has tons of tracks. It is, like I said, bit of a painting made of sounds. A good journey, worth giving it a go. btw, Amazon.com has clips of all the tracks.

What Are You Looking At?

The Great Drive-By


The Big Sea



The legend is back! Mayday is truly legendary rave in Dortmund attracting crowds all over the world with 25000 people attending to it every year. I was one of the lucky bastards to make it there and what can I say? Best party I´ve been to. Soundsystem is loud and incredibly clear, lights flashy 5 different arenas, no queing anywhere. And fantastic atmosphere. So here we have the official compilation, there was no hymn this year though.

Spread on 3 cds and mixed, we have 20 tracks on each cd. Main focus here is bit more housier, electro tinged sounds on first two cds. I usually am not into electrohouse, but the cds were goo, no super, but good. Nice mixes, which flow nicely. The third cd also has Mayday classics mix, which has some legendary tracks like Jones&Stephenson´s First Rebirth. That one is true classic. most tracks are instrumental, so if you´re looking for us garage/vocal house this is not for you. If you like good, solid mix try this.

Some tracks from the mix:

Members Of Mayday Ravemobil

Kris Menace feat. Emil - Walking On The Moon (Adam Shaw Mix)

Jones & Stephenson The First Rebirth

And one more


As I always said, this blog concentrates music as whole, not in any particular genre. Here we have latest installment in State Of Trance Classics series, which is high-quality trance series. All versions are full-length and cds are unmixed, so it´s value for money. This is sadly most boring installment in the series. It still has good, melodic trance, but it doesn´t have those big classics, which previous ones had and they were also more varied. Here´s full-on trance, not much change in tracks. All are in similar, melodic style. So you either like it or loathe it. It is good compilation even with it´s faults and worth mentioning here. Artists include likes of Salt Tank, Brainbug, Oceanlab and Armin Van Buuren himself.

Oceanlab Beautiful Together

Union Jack Two Full Moons And A Trout (Caspar Pound remix)
Classic!!!!

Nu Nrg Freefall

That´s it for now, more stuff coming soon! News and reviews as I have time to listen to latest cds I´ve bought/borrowed from library:)

Have a sunny Week!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Night Of The Hunters Tour Dates



Hi all! Here are known tour dates for Tori´s Night Of The Hunters Tour and where to get tickets. More stuff coming soon:)

Sep 28
Helsinki, Finland
Ice Hall
Onsale - June 1 - www.lippuplavelu.fi / www.tiketti.fi

Sep 30
St Petersburg, Russia
Oktyabrsky Hall
Onsale - May 27 - www.muzbilet.ru

Oct 2
Russia, Moscow
Crocus Hall
Onsale - May 5 - www.parter.ru

Oct 4
Luxembourg
Den Atelier
Onsale - May 5 - www.atelier.lu

Oct 5
Paris, France
Le Grand Rex
Onsale - May 5 - www.rodrigue.fr

Oct 7
Milan, Italy
Teatro Arcimboldi ** Please note change of venue
Onsale - May 16 - www.ticketone.it

Oct 8
Rome, Italy
Auditorium Parco della Musica
Onsale - May 16 - www.ticketone.it

Oct 10
Hamburg, Germany
Laieszhalle
Onsale - May 13 - www.eventim.de

Oct 11
Berlin, Germany
Tempodrom
Onsale - May 13 - www.eventim.de

Oct 13
Warsaw, Poland
Sala Kongresowa
Onsale - May 5
www.livenation.pl

Oct 17
Amsterdam, Holland
Carre
Pre-sale to previous ticketbuyers of Tori - Thursday 5th at 10am local
General onsale -Saturday 7th at 10am local - www.ticketmaster.nl

Oct 18
Amsterdam, Holland
Carre
www.ticketmaster.nl

Oct 20
Oslo, Norway
Sentrum Scene
Venue presale - Friday 6th
General onsale - Saturday 7th at 10:00am local - www.billettservice.no

Oct 21
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Royal Theatre
Onsale - Monday 9th at 10am local time - www.billetnet.dk

Oct 24
Lucerne, Switzerland
KKL
Onsale - May 13 - www.ticketcorner.ch

Oct 25
Vienna, Austria
Stadthalle F
Onsale - Thursday 5th at 9am local time - www.oeticket.com

Oct 26
Frankfurt, Germany
Alte Oper
Onsale - May 13 - www.eventim.de

Oct 28
Antwerp, Belgium
QEH
Onsale - May 6 - www.proximusgoformusic.be

Oct 29
Brussels, Belgium
Bozar
Onsale - May 6 - www.bozar.be

Oct 31
Essen, Germany
Philharmonie
Onsale - May 13 - www.eventim.de

Nov 2
London, UK
Royal Albert Hall
11th May - O2 Pre-sale
12th May - Live Nation Pre-sale
13th May - General on-sale
http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/tori-amos/default.aspx

Nov 3
London, UK
Hammersmith Apollo
Wed. 8th June Tori Pre sale: 9.00am / 02 Pre sale
Thur. 9th June: Live Nation 24 hour Pre sale
Fri. 10th June: General Sale 9.00am
Ticket link - www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Nov 4
Manchester, UK
Apollo
48hr pre-sale - Wednesday 11th at 9am
General onsale - Friday 13th at 9am
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Nov 6
Glasgow, UK
Royal Concert Hall
Pre-sale Wednesday 11th
General onsale - Friday 13th
www.gigsinscotland.com

Nov 8
Belfast, UK
Waterfront
Onsale - May 12th at 9am local time - www.waterfront.co.uk

Nov 9
Dublin, Eire
Grand Canal Theatre
Onsale - May 12th - www.ticketmaster.ie

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Patrick Wolf Tour

Hi again!

Here are Patrick Wolf´s Tour Dates! They´ve been released now and some new shows added.

Date City Venue Country
12 Jun 11 London Get Loaded In the Park United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm. Address: Clapham Common. Buy tickets
20 Jun 11 London HMV Garage United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
25 Jun 11 Somerset Glastonbury Festival United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
30 Jun 11 Borlange Peace and Love Festival Sweden
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
3 Jul 11 Duisburg Traumzeit Festival w/Alec Empire Germany
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
6 Jul 11 Lisbon Optimus Festival Portugal
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
16 Jul 11 Berlin Melt! Festival – Ferropolis Germany
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
13 Aug 11 Hildesheim M’era Luna Festival Germany
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
19 Aug 11 Hasselt Pukkelpop Festival – Kiewit Belgium
Time: 12:30pm.
26 Aug 11 Reading Reading Festival United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
27 Aug 11 Leeds Leeds Festival United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
9 Sep 11 Robin Hill Bestival United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm. Buy tickets
22 Oct 11 Edinburgh Edinburgh Liquid Room United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
26 Oct 11 Manchester Ritz United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
27 Oct 11 Leeds Cockpit United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
28 Oct 11 Sheffield Foundry United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
30 Oct 11 Cardiff Millennium Music Hall United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
31 Oct 11 Oxford O2 Academy 2 United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
1 Nov 11 Bournemouth The Old Firestation United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
2 Nov 11 Brighton Komedia United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.
4 Nov 11 London Roundhouse United Kingdom
Time: 12:30pm.