R.E.M. - Murmur

R.E.M. - Murmur (I.R.S. Records, 1983). Debut albums don't get better than this. It's thirty years old and, for me at least, the finest record the band recorded. It's well conceived, great song upon great song, flowing seamlessly from start to finish and like all the best albums it cultivates a unique atmosphere, making you feel connected to the music. Mitch Easter's glorious production highlights the elements that made the band special from the get-go... 

Peter Buck's arpeggiated guitars jangle in a fashion reminiscent of The Byrds, while Mike Mills adds great, melodic bass lines, vocal harmonies and lush piano parts - the perfect counterpoint to Bill Berry who serves each song beautifully with his measured and wonderfully presented stick work. Michael Stipe's distinctive vocal delivery is more of a murmur, as suggested by the album title, making his lyrics near impossible to decipher. It's impressionistic, mysterious and alluring. You end up with no idea of what he's on about and that's the charm, the songs still hold together perfectly. It's an album that will never stop growing on you.

I saw R.E.M. (Rapid Eye Movement, referring to the stage of sleep where dreaming occurs) perform live a number of times. The last show I took in, as they neared towards their eventual break up, disappointed me. I left early. I remember hoards of fans chatting impatiently, waiting for them to play songs like Losing My Religion and Everybody Hurts. The band seemed to have lost touch with the elements of their sound that appealed to me and in turn attracted a fan base built around their major label success, not their earlier, pioneering indie work. I guess the problem was that it seemed like artistically at least, their best days were behind them. But every time I hear Murmur I'm transported back to where it all began and reminded just how great a band they were.

TGOTL Exclusive - Liam Hayes & Plush live recording from 2008

There are perks to writing about the things you love. A few weeks ago I posted about one of my favourite artists Liam Hayes & Plush and the man himself retweeted my blog, catching the attention of a guy called Dan Crawford. Dan emailed me with an invitation to hear an unreleased live recording of Liam from 2008. Dan's band (Owen Tromans & The Elders) had recorded themselves when they supported Liam and managed to capture his set too. I had no expectations. Live bootlegs are often disappointing - performances diluted by crappy recording quality and crowd noise. But to my surprise the recording was stellar and the performance, a solo Liam Hayes singing and playing a Telecaster guitar through a Music Man amplifier, magical. It seemed a real shame to keep something so good a secret. I asked Dan if I could create some awareness about the live recording and share it here on my blog. Thankfully he obliged me.

So here it is. An exclusive, previously unreleased, eight song set of Liam Hayes originals, live at The Railway in Winchester, 02/09/2008. Fans will love these guitar led interpretations of songs from More You Becomes You, Fed and Bright Penny. Liam's relaxed banter between songs makes it an even more rewarding experience. It's half an hour of pure gold.

The Sailor

Take A Chance

If I Could

Getaway

Born Together

(See It In The) Early Morning

Soaring and Boring

So Much Music 

 

This wonderful music and all rights pertaining to it are reserved by Liam Hayes & Plush.

Special thanks to Dan Crawford & Owen Tromans.

I See Angels - Your Memories Are You

My band released a new album this week, so I've been busy doing interviews and playing shows to support it. I'll be posting and celebrating the things I love here again soon. In the meantime check out the music I make...

I See Angels are an Alternative Rock band from Manchester featuring Paul Baird (Vocals/Guitar/Keys), Martin Cowan (Bass) and Chris Norwood (Drums). New album Your Memories Are You was recorded entirely in basements, bedrooms and on stage. It has a raw edginess about it, a reaction to the studio recorded sound of 2011's self-titled debut album. Stylistically it's diverse and enticing, vital sounding - raucous, smash and grab indie rock collides with experimental programmed beats, lush ballads and beguiling piano tapestries. A must listen, Your Memories Are You is available exclusively at iseeangels.bandcamp.com for name your price/free download now.

Read my interview for [sic] magazine about the new album.

I See Angels support Dean Wareham (Galaxie 500), Wednesday 4th December at The Ruby Lounge, Manchester & Loom, Thursday 19th December at The Castle Hotel, Manchester.

               
               

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