Sunday 27 November 2011

Picking up good vibrations

Heavy with reverb, the Trailer Trash Tracys could be an exciting proposition.

Signed to Domino, they are apparently 'inhabiting their own beautifully dark, ethereal corner of the music universe'.

Debut album Ester is due out early 2012 and there are European dates throughout December.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Hatred rules ok

Luke Haines, of The Auteurs, vents his spleen in this memoir of the early nineties. Bad Vibes, Britpop and my part in its downfall, tells the story of Haines' star ascending for a short and troubled time.

All of this takes place in the context of the Britpop boom and Haines watches with disbelief as oafish Northeners dominate the music industry.

Good fun, if vitriolic.



Wednesday 16 November 2011

Modern lovers

Had a first foray into the world of minimalist modern American composers last Tuesday, appropriately enough in the pared –down surroundings of Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall. Under the expert guidance of the Hebrides Ensemble, the audience was treated to five varied pieces of music composed in the last 100 years.


The first and only one by a female composer was Jennifer Higden’s Smash. It was also the only item on the programme to involve all five musicians - the piece was a crash headlong into the world of modernity.


John Adam’s Road Movie followed. The three movements for violin and piano, were my favourites of the evening. The second movement transported me to the long dead-straight roads through the American desert, before being pulled back into a world of busy-ness. For more on this very interesting artist, check out his blog at www.earbox.com.


Then came Charles Ives’ Piano Trio using cello, violin and piano. Clearly the best-known piece of the programme, it is apparently loaded with references to folk tunes and hymns. As a newbie, most of this bypassed me, as did the ‘joke’ of the second movement which is known as TSIAJ: This Scherzo Is A Joke.


Steve Reich’s Electronic Counterpoint was the next piece – unusual in its use of recordings and loops – think My Bloody Valentine for clarinet. Sadly, this just confirmed that I feel no affinity for woodwind….


Finally was The Voice of the Whale by George Crumb. Written in the 70s and you can tell, the composer unusually provides stage directions – blue light and masks. The techniques seem much more experimental than in the other music of the evening as the flautist sings into her flute as she plays and the piano is strummed. The resultant reverberations are supposed to sound like the humpbacked whale. You can see where they’re coming from… An interesting intro to this eerie wowrld of music.

Sunday 6 November 2011

New musical experiences

November's theme is new music, but Daughter of a Pistol is not the place for the newest bands or whatnot, so we'll be focusing on new music experiences.

There are a few interesting classical concerts on the to do list this month, as well as my usual stomping grounds in the indie/alt/ post rock fields.

But to today's business! Over the last year of so I've been exploring the bewildering world of internet radio. This massive universe of radio exists online and allows radio stations of all sizes and interests to broadcast their own often very specialist programmes to a handful of likeminded earholes.Here are some of my top sites from the indie world.

WFMU - well known in the world of 'alternative' music, WFMU's strength lies in its diverse musical programme and the distinctly laid back approach of the DJs. A great place to check in for some really interesting sounds.

East Village Radio - sticking with the East Coast of the US, East Village Radio is another station which takes an eclectic approach. And it has shows hosted by both Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke which is kind of amazing.

GimmeNoise - over on the West Coast, GimmeNoise, unencumbered by the witterings of DJs, makes it all about the music. a typical hour's listening might include some 70s punk/ new wave like the Stooges, mixed with more contemporary sounds and the band Mclusky pop up alot. Hadn't heard of them before GimmeNoise....

Kokomo - broadcasting from France, Kokomo also offers non-stop music, often with a melacholy air.

Primavera - the station associated with one of Europe's most amazing festivals, Primavera serves up an endless supply of live performances from previous festivals. On heavy rotation at present are recent headliners Fleet Foxes, as well as the many less well known folks that make the Barcelona festival such a treasure. That and the endless sunshine.