Beatles win ‘greatest band ever’ poll!

The Beatles fought off competition from The Stone Roses to win the title of ‘greatest band ever’ in The Proper Music Blog’s poll. The Beatles, who really need no introduction, amassed 40% of the votes while The Stone Roses came runners up with 30%. The Liverpool lads achieved countless number 1’s and experimented with many styles between 1962 and 1970 gaining enormous critical acclaim along the way.

Oasis, The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and The Stooges also received a share of the votes.

The Beatles - This Boy



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The Courteeners in the running for Guardian award

Manchester band The Courteeners’ debut album ‘St. Jude’ has been nominated for the inaugural Guardian album award. Formed in 2006, the Middleton lads have had a hugely successful couple of years and it’s not been the least bit surprising. Liam Fray’s uncompromising, cocky manner sets the tone for the band and their music certainly justifies his demeanour.

The album is packed full of great tracks, and with singles such as ‘What Took You So Long?’ and ‘Not Nineteen Forever’, the band are helping to create a new scene in Manchester. With fantastic melodies and great hooks, the songs are also proving a massive success on the road. The lads are able to generate an amazing atmosphere with their raucous, sweaty gigs, the crowd almost appearing to be plucked straight from the terraces.

They’ve also come in for some pretty high praise from non other than Morrissey, himself claiming to be a massive fan of the band.

The fact that the album peaked at No.4 in the charts and went gold in the current musical climate, what with bands clogging up the charts by means of selling out, is an achievement in itself. Winning this award however, will more than support their credentials as one of the finest new bands around.

To place your vote, click www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/poll/2008/nov/06/firs-album-award-vote
Voting ends 30th November and the results will be revealed in the Guardian’s ‘Film and Music’ supplement on 19th December.

The Courteeners - Acrylic



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Recommended: Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band

There’s no denying that Captain Beefheart is an acquired taste. Born ‘Don Van Vliet’, Beefheart has produced a wide array of music, ranging from brilliant blues/rock melodies to insane, cacophonous ramblings. However, don’t let the latter put you off, as you will miss out on some superb music. With 12 studio albums in 15 years he was certainly prolific, and his output goes from one extreme to the other.

Debut album ‘Safe as Milk’ offers many outstanding tracks, spanning genres including delta blues, rock, jazz and motown. Beefheart proficiently drifts from genre to genre, his coarse, gravelly vocals accompanying throughout. If you like the video below, I would strongly suggest looking at this album.

The other side of Captain Beefheart is never more blatant than on 1969’s ‘Trout Mask Replica’. Now critically acclaimed and widely regarded as his finest album, it can take a lot of listen to appreciate its qualities. Extremely surreal, lyrically and musically, this album at times appears to be just plain noisy. Not for the faint-hearted.

Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band – Sure ‘Nuff’ N Yes I Do



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Black Keys man to release solo album

Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys has announced he is to release a solo album entitled ‘Keep It Hid’. After 6 years releasing material with The Black Keys, the man from Akron, Ohio has decided to go it alone with an album entirely produced and engineered by himself. The album is due for release in the US on February 10th, however no UK release date has been announced yet.

CHECK OUT THE OUTSTANDING BLACK KEYS' LIVE PERFORMANCE BELOW!

The Black Keys - Set You Free (Live TV)



Auerbach recently stated "This record is a mixture of things I like to listen to, psychedelia, soul music, country harmonies. I wanted a live, organic sound. Nothing was too plotted or planned, just a lot of spontaneity."

The tracklisting for the album is:

'Trouble Weighs a Ton'
'I Want Some More'
'Heartbroken, In Disrepair'
'Because I Should'
'Whispered Words'
'Real Desire'
'When the Night Comes'
'Mean Monsoon'
'The Prowl'
'Keep It Hid'
'My Last Mistake'
'When I Left the Room'
'Street Walkin'
'Goin' Home'


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Lennon comes from nowhere to win ‘best solo artist ever’ poll!

In a bizarre flurry of late voting activity, John Lennon went from having 0% of the votes to a 41% majority in the final 48 hours. Surprisingly sweeping aside competition from Neil Young, Morrissey and Dylan, Lennon raced into poll position and remained there throughout the final hours. David Bowie, Joni Mitchell and Ian Brown also picked up votes during the latter stages of the poll.

John Lennon - Jealous Guy



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Your nominations for ‘best band ever’?

As the poll for ‘best solo artist ever’ draws to a close, it’s time to take some nominations for the next poll. The difficult question this time is the ultimate one. Who is the greatest band ever? Click on the comments link below and let me know who you think should be on the shortlist. On Tuesday 18th November, I’ll take these nominations, along with some of my own suggestions, and compile the shortlist to decide ‘Who is the greatest band ever?’

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Fleet Foxes scoop Uncut ‘Best Album’ award

Fleet Foxes self-titled debut album has become the first winner of the inaugural Uncut music award. The band triumphed from a shortlist of 25 albums released between September 1st 2007 and August 31st 2008, and was voted for by a panel of 10 experts including Edwyn Collins, Peter Hook and Linda Thompson.

Fleet Foxes, currently out on a world tour of their much coveted album, are a five-piece indie band from Seattle who describe their music as “baroque harmonic pop jams”. The quintet grew up listening to their parents music and were inspired by the likes of The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, The Zombies, Joni Mitchell, Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Love, Marvin Gaye, Bach, Crosby Stills & Nash, Bob Dylan and Buffalo Springfield.

Emerging in 2006, the boys from the Emerald City didn’t waste any time in getting noticed. After self-releasing an EP in 2006, they went on to release another EP, two singles and a critically acclaimed album with the label Sub Pop. It’s been a great start for the band, and upon listening to their music, something tells me they just might be around for some time to come.

Fleet Foxes - He Doesn't Know Why



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The Smiths win poll!

So, The Smiths have won ‘The Proper Music Blog’s’ ‘Greatest Manchester Band’ poll with 44% of the votes, after staving off challenges from The Stone Roses and Oasis.

Undoubtedly one of the most important bands in music history, The Smiths were only together for approximately five years, during which time they released 4 studio albums and 18 singles. With the brilliantly melodic, haunting riffs of Marr and the brutally honest, witty lyrics of Morrissey, it’s no surprise that the band achieved the level of success they did.

The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out



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Second Longcut album on the way

An eagerly awaited second album looks to be on the horizon for fans of The Longcut, after the latest news on their official website indicates good progress is being made. The posting states that ‘We’ve nearly recorded whatever turns out to be album no.2 (we think). Things are going well, apart from the sore fingers and head colds.’

The Longcut began to break through in 2004 when they were signed to Liverpool’s Deltasonic label, subsequently releasing a whole host of outstanding tracks including ‘Transition’, ‘A Quiet Life’ and ‘A Tried and Tested Method’.

The band will therefore be keen to emulate the critical success achieved by their debut album, and with a bit of luck (and no more head colds), the follow up to 2006’s ‘A Call and Response’ shouldn’t be too far round the corner.

The Longcut - Transition



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Shed Seven: Love them or loathe them?

After many discussions down the years with fans of varying genres of music, one thing I’ve always found is that Shed Seven are a band you either love or loathe. Personally, I sit firmly and undeniably in the ‘love’ camp, leaving me bewildered when people express an apparent hatred of them! What is it that makes them great, or on the contrary, what makes people despise them?

With songs like ‘Dolphin’, ‘Bully Boy’, ‘Where Have You Been Tonight’, ‘Feathers’ and ‘Chasing Rainbows’, it’s hard to imagine how people could not warm to these Yorkshire lads. Should they be held in such high esteem as bands like The Charlatans and The Verve? Maybe the root of the problem could be their lesser releases such as ‘She Left Me On Friday’ and ‘Disco Down’, or maybe it’s something else altogether?

So, love them or loathe them, express your own personal opinion, or see what others have to say by clicking the comments section below.

Shed Seven - On Standby



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Morrissey to release album in Feb 2009

Morrissey has announced the release date of his forthcoming album ‘Years Of Refusal’. A statement given on his ‘True To You’ website confirmed the 12 track album will now be released on February 23rd 2009. The album had originally been scheduled for release in September but was delayed due to the tragic death of producer Jerry Finn.

In a recent interview on BBC Radio 2 Morrissey cited the work as his best yet, saying “It’s fantastically strong. It’s very, very strong and it’s interesting for me after all these years, but it’s the strongest.”

The album will be preceded by the single ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris', although no official date has yet been given. The single will also be supported by two new offerings, ‘Because Of My Poor Education’ and ‘Shame Is The Name’ featuring backing vocals from Chrissie Hynde.

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Joy Division omitted from poll

I have belatedly noticed that I have carelessly omitted Joy Division from the ‘greatest Manchester band’ poll. As many of you will probably agree, this is an obvious oversight and unfortunately cannot be rectified for this poll. If you think Joy Division are the No.1 Manchester band, please feel free to leave a comment on this post.

Joy Division – She’s in Control



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Beirut to release double EP in Feb 2009

Zach Condon, the man at the helm of Beirut, is set to release a two-pack EP in February 2009. It will comprise a six track EP as Beirut entitled ‘March of the Zapotec’ and a five track release under the moniker ‘Real People’ entitled ‘Holland’. The release comes off the back of 2007’s ‘The Flying Club Cup’ album.

Santa Fe born Condon crept onto the scene with his Beirut debut album ‘Gulag Orkestar’ in 2006, possessing real oldy-worldy songs including highlights ‘Postcards From Italy’ and ‘Brandenburg’.

Beirut - Postcards from Italy



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Neil Young Night (TV)

With TV slots usually reserved for the likes of Dylan, Clapton and Cash, it’s now time for the true greatest to be the main focus of attention. After more than 40 glorious years of profilic genius (including the much criticized 80’s!), Young’s career is tonight celebrated with a host of programmes on BBC4.

The viewing begins at 9:30pm with ‘Neil Young Live at the BBC’ (1971) in what is one of his great early performances. The gig is intimately set with Young on stage alongside piano and guitars with the audience right at his feet, in what is so relaxed it could almost be in your front room. This performance is so up close and personal it almost offers a window into the man’s soul. Performing classics including Old Man, A Man Needs a Maid and Heart of Gold, this is certainly one not to be missed!

Neil Young - Old Man (1971)



Next up at 10:00pm is the brand new documentary ‘Don’t Be Denied’ in which it is reported there are two extensive interviews with Neil, prompting him to look back over his illustrious career. Along with these hopefully insightful interviews, is a collection of previously unseen performance footage.

At 11:00pm Crosby, Stills and Nash accompany Neil in the documentary ‘Déjà vu’. This follows the 60’s supergroup on their ‘Freedom of Speech Tour’ around the US delivering Young’s anti-war message to a array of crowds, both welcoming and hostile. At one point they even play their anti-Bush repertoire to a Republican audience in the South. I think on this evidence we can safely assume that sixty-two year old Young is not ready to pack it all in just yet!

If you’re still yearning for more after this Neil Young feast, then there’s another fine documentary at 00:30am entitled ‘Hotel California: LA from the Byrds to the Eagles’ that focuses on the rise of folk rock in the 60’s and 70’s and includes appearances from the likes of Joni Mitchell. Enjoy!

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The Maybes? - Promise (2008) - Album Review

One thing you can certainly say about these lads is that they’ve paid their dues. After touring up and down the country regularly since 2002, their debut album ‘Promise’ is long overdue.

The album starts with ‘Turn Me Over’, with its chugging rock riff that sounds like it’s gearing you up for something special, something that’s about to explode into life, and boy does it explode! After the jingle-jangle pop melodies of single ‘Boys’, ‘Modern Love’ picks up the baton and runs with it. This stomping rock number drives along with great force, supplemented by the powerful, rasping vocals of front man and lead guitarist Nick Ellis. ‘Trick of the Light’ is next on the track list. A sublime, heart-wrenching and moving composition that is arguably the best track on the album, with the band delivering a sound that my own scribed interpretation will fail to do justice, so I won’t bother! Check it out via their myspace link at the end of this blog.

What follows on the next few tracks is yet more proof of The Maybes talent and versatility, the highlights being ‘The Come Around’ and the beautifully composed and delivered ‘Ronnie Loves Julie’. Packed with rock, pop, love, harmonies, great guitar riffs and a reggae score, this album delivers in all areas. After the brilliant indie-pop tones of ‘Talk About You’, the album reaches its climax, by which you are gradually drawn deep within by the dark, yet joyfully eternal indie-dance title track ‘Promise’. A massive live favourite, the lads regularly play this almost immortal track to a crowd who could clearly dance to it for eternity, and those same feelings transpire when listening to the album version. The only downside is that unfortunately... it does end!

Listen to tracks from the album at www.myspace.com/themaybesliverpool and let me know if you agree with the review.

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The Cribs - The Cribs (2004) - Album Review

In a time when a large number of indie bands seem to be turfing out new material only with the intention of making money and becoming ‘big’, it is more than refreshing to see an English band shine through like a beacon of hope. Though we find ourselves in the generation of indie bands intent on producing that second ‘stadium’ album, the Cribs are doing a fine job of keeping things real and putting the music first. The fact that the band recorded their debut offering in 7 days at Toe Rag Studio, London (known for it’s vintage set-up) only emphasises this theory.

The Jarman brothers deliver what is destined to be a classic album here and one of the things that sets them apart from their counterparts is their ability to consistently produce great melodies, not just catchy ones! Each song stirs something inside you and leaves you longing for more. Raw, gritty and frequently stunning, the Cribs give off a sound all of their own. Ryan’s vocals are certainly unorthodox, almost drawl at times, his broad Wakefield accent prominent, yet that only adds to it’s charm. All said, the combination of the qualities they possess enable them to conjure up a sound that’s both enchanting and nostalgic.

I feel almost compelled to name-drop certain tracks from this sublime album but truth be known, it’s an impossible task as it’s simply awash with them. The three singles (‘Baby Don’t Sweat’, ‘You Were Always the One’ and ‘What about Me’) are a fantastic taster of what lies within the album, but these are only the tip of the iceberg. This album is without a doubt a must have for any self respecting indie fan. You need it in your life!

The Cribs - You Were Always The One



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Shakey Archives Delay

It is with renewed disappointment that the Neil Young archives Vol.1 was again delayed this week. Some of you will already know that this has been a regular fixture in music news for a few years now and will almost certainly make another appearance in the near future. It has been revealed (with great hope) that the latest pencilled-in date for the 1963-72 installment of the much anticipated archives is now set for release in Jan/Feb of 2009.

It is however consoling that the great troubadour continues to release, with what is expected to be more sublime live material as part of a running ‘performance series’ he has embarked upon. November 25th will see the release of Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968 in both CD and CD/DVD format. If the release is anything near the quality of performance offered in previous releases ‘Live at Massey Hall’ and ‘Live at the Fillmore East’ then we are in for another treat!

Neil Young - Sugar Mountain (Cow Palace, San Francisco, 1978)



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The Last Shadow Puppets last dance . . . for now!

So, Alex Turner and Miles Kane are scheduled to return to the ranks of the Arctic Monkeys and The Rascals respectively leaving The Last Shadow Puppets in the shade. That is of course, after the small matter of completing a nationwide tour which will end a fantastic year for the two puppeteers. With a second album in 2009 rumoured by Miles Kane himself, the duo will part company for the foreseeable future to work on all things Monkeys and Rascals.

It’s been a successful collaboration for the two young musicians, one that probably exceeded even their own expectations. They reached No.1 in the album chart, won the MOJO award for ‘Breakthrough Artist’ and delivered barnstorming sets at both Reading and Leeds, with a full 16-piece orchestra in tow! It was apparent from their live performances that the two rather enjoyed the first installment of their side-project and will now return to more familiar, and potentially stressful surroundings. The Monkeys have produced one outstanding album and a highly respectable follow-up and the pressure will no doubt be on to reach the same heights with their third offering. Somehow though, I can’t see this being a problem for Turner, given his output thus far. With The Puppets outselling The Rascals however, I can’t see Miles Kane suffering the same level of duress!

The Last Shadow Puppets - Meeting Place (acoustic)



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Music, music and more music…

These days it is far too easy for the large majority of the public to settle for the kind of insipid, substandard music that they are force fed! The simple fact is that without looking beyond the easily accessible, you will unquestionably miss out on the some of the finest bands and musicians to grace this Earth…

Welcome to the proper music blog. This blog has been created purely out of a passion for great music and is designed to serve many functions. It will unearth and expose great artists and bands you may never have come across before. It will be updated regularly with album reviews covering a number of genres and will provide you with the opportunity to voice your opinions on these artists and chip in with reviews of your own. There will also be regular news updates regarding the world of proper music and notification of programmes coming up on tv and radio that you won’t want to miss! I’ll also be hoping to spark debates with top ten lists and worst lists too!!! Anyway, I could write forever about what features I want to include on the blog so I’ll just get started eh?! Keep an eye out for the next post and enjoy the blog…

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