The British Are Coming
The Young Knives, Albert Hammond Jr. and new music from Neon Neon
The Young Knives latest album, Superabundance, was released this past week in the UK, and they are already talking of future collaborations for the next. Guitarist and singer, Henry Dartnell, had this to say, "I'd like to do one of those Mark Ronson ones when he gets everyone on stage to sing somebody else's song and show off my beautiful voice and talent. Do you think he'd have me?" Let’s hope that for the sake of The Young Knives they steer clear of Mr. Ronson; they already play as if they are on crack. Look for a stateside release of Superabundance mid-spring.
Orange Juice, solo and producing legend, Edwyn Collins, is set to return to the road this April. A very welcomed return after suffering two brain hemorrhages three years ago. This past fall saw the release of his sixth album, Home Again. Collins’ biggest stateside hit, "A Girl Like You," is sure to be featured on a short stint of Britain this April.
Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes and Drew O'Connell of Babyshambles are teaming up for one substance ridden good time. Speaking recently to the BBC, O'Connell revealed his and Hammond's recent studio excursion, "We all needed it, Albert had been on tour with his solo thing and he was a little tired. It was good for everyone to get in the studio for a few days and have some beers and make some good music. Not worrying if a label was going to be happy with it or whether an A&R man was gonna check if the chorus came in, in the first 40 seconds."
Did you know that Britain has one of the highest rates of cocaine use in the European Union? Like Damon Albarn said in the mid-90's, "There's a blizzard going on." Well that blizzard is still churning - according to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the criminal justice system in Britain has a tendency to grant leniency on celebrities. Kate Moss, Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse are contributing to the downfall of youth culture and we needed a government funded study to tell us that? I don't care what the United Nations says. When Pete Doherty falls out of car going 40 mph whacked out on a speedball and lives, well…that's pretty cool.
Featured Artist: Neon Neon
Nothing better than a simple synth-pop song that makes you feel icy cool, and Neon Neon have achieved just that. Super Furry Animals singer Gruff Rhys and Los Angeles based producer Boom Bip have teamed up to form Neon Neon. Their debut album, Stainless Steel, is said to be a concept album based upon the life of John De Lorean, founder of Alex Keaton's time machine. The first single,"I Lust U," features Welsh singer Cate Le Bon, who offers a chilling Human League vibe - while Gruff does his usual smoky Elvis Costello vocal. Stainless Steel will be available March 18.
STREAM: Neon Neon - I Lust U
Posted by Joe Roth on Mar 12, 2008 @ 12:00 am