We cut through the hype and give the one thing lacking in so many places these days: an honest opinion. We're not going to put something down for the sake of it either. For an honest outlook on music (and other subjects), you're in the right place!
It’s time once again for a roundup of the best videos to find their way to our inbox this week, so let’s see what we’ve got for you this time around!
First up we have Two Door Cinema Club with Undercover Martyn, the lead single from their forthcoming album. This is a superb slice of subtly angular indie pop that we think is well worth a look!
Rox is a hotly tipped young artist with a beautifully soulful vocal. We like her a lot and think you will too. Check out the video for My Baby Left Me and let us know what you think
We know Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg as First Aid Kit and we love them for their powerful and simple tunes and the lovely dual vocals. Check out I Met Up With The King and I think you’ll fall for them too.
Of course we couldn’t ignore the video for the latest release from Mumford & Sons. The Cave is one of our favourite tracks from their album, and this promo clip does it justice, keeping the visuals simple to let the sound dominate!
Last, but not least, we head behind the scenes on the making of Placebo’s new single Bright Lights, which is released tomorrow!
Placebo capped a brilliant 2009 last night in Berlin by scooping the award for Best Alternative Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. The band beat off stiff competition from Paramore, The Prodigy, Muse and The Killers to pick up the prize which is just reward for their constant touring and brilliant new album “Battle For The Sun”.
Brian Molko said of the award “What makes it so significant is that it’s been voted for by fans and MTV viewers and that’s why we’re so touched.”
You can check out the moment they won here and the post-victory interview here.
As the end of the year closes in, the upcoming tour is the perfect chance to see the band do what they do best and show just why they are worthy winners of the award as they play dates in December, including the O2 in London, which is set to be the highlight of an already breathtaking live calendar.
The tour dates are:
Tuesday 8th – Birmingham LG Arena
Wednesday 9th – London The O2
Friday 11th – Bridlington Spa
Saturday 12th – Manchester Central
Monday 14th – Glasgow SECC
Tuesday 15th – Dublin Olympia Theatre
Wednesday 16th – Dublin Olympia Theatre
Having already toured numerous countries across the globe including Mexico, Japan and Thailand, Placebo are ready to head out on their winter 2009 tour, where they will play to over 300,000 people across Europe.
To get fans buzzing for the dates, Placebo have put together a free Tour Bundle download which features tracks from all the support bands coming along on the various dates as well as a live version of “Breathe Underwater” performed live by Placebo at this year’s Pukkelpop.
The bundle not only features the free tracks, but also offers a PDF booklet which gives fans an introduction to every band appearing on the tour and promises to get excitement levels brimming before what promises to be a tour of epic proportions.
Such an original offer shows Placebo never do things by half and it is this forward thinking which has seen their legion of fans queuing time and again to see the live show.
1. PLACEBO – ‘Breathe Underwater’ (Live At Pukkelpop Festival 2009)
2. EXPATRIATE – ‘Get Out, Give In’
3. SILVERSUN PICKUPS – ‘Panic Switch (Recorded live for KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic”)
4. THE HORRORS – ‘Sea Within A Sea’
5. UNITED – ‘For What I Feel’ (Live At Debaser)
The tour dates are:
Tuesday 8th – Birmingham LG Arena
Wednesday 9th – London The O2
Friday 11th – Bridlington Spa
Saturday 12th – Manchester Central
Monday 14th – Glasgow SECC
Tuesday 15th – Dublin Olympia Theatre
Wednesday 16th – Dublin Olympia Theatre
It’s a singles corner with a twist this week, we’ve got a new reviewer. Things have started to get busy here at Call Upon The Author and rather than keep letting things slip, we’ve got some fresh blood to share their opinions with you. There’s one gentleman still to introduce yourself, but today Emma joins us with her take on this weeks single releases
PLACEBO – Never Ending Why
Dreambrother
The first listen of Placebo’s latest offering almost makes you think of their mid-nineties heyday, bringing to mind classics such as Bruise Pristine. However a rockier guitar sound makes this a potential favourite for any ‘alternative’ club night.
ZERO 7- Medicine Man
Atlantic Records
A good first release from their forthcoming album but it feels as though they may have missed the boat with a September release date. With a distinctly summery vibe tinged with early Prince you can’t help but feel this would have been a fantastic soundtrack for a day at the beach.
DUB PISTOLS – I’m In Love
Sunday Best
Featuring Rodney P and Lindy Layton, this track conjures up images of chilled out sunny Sunday afternoons. The Influence of Beats Internationals is apparent and not just in their choice of Layton as vocalist but also in the laid back vibe of the song.
LR ROCKETS – Renee Loves Losers
CRTL. ALT. DEL.
Proving that Ramones influenced pop-punk is definitely not dead, Renee Loves Losers is a forceful guitar-led track. One first listen this is easily dismissed but stick with it, this tale of anti-romance will win you over.
FLORENCE & THE MACHINE – Drumming Song
Island Records
A definite favourite here at Call Upon The Author, Drumming song is another fine example of Florence’s fine talent. Right from the opening the passion in her vocals and the intensity of the backing music draws you in.
It’s video time again folks, and we’ve got some treats for you, including the promo for the awesome Punk Spirit by Wave Machines (easily the best track on their debut album). Manchester Orchestra will be releasing I’ve Got Friends on limited edition vinyl, but you can check oput the video here. Rockers InMe return with a new album and here’s the video for Single Of The Weak! Last, but by no means least, we’ve got some fascinating Tour Diary videos from veterand Placebo, well worth a look-see!
Placebo are pleased to announce, for the first time ever, a WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVE FAN PLAYBACK of their stunning new album ‘Battle For The Sun’. The playback will take place at www.placeboworld.co.uk/battleforthesun on Friday 29th May from 9am GMT.
Fans must sign up to www.placeboworld.co.uk to receive an exclusive code that will allow them access to the ‘Battle For The Sun’ playback site. They will have access to listen to the entire album before anyone else and prior to its release. The playback will end at midnight on the 31st of May. The critically-acclaimed ‘Battle For The Sun’ album is officially released June 8th.
Placebo are pleased to announce a UK and Irish arena tour in December.
December
Tuesday 08th Birmingham LG Arena
Wednesday 09th London The O2 Arena
Friday 11th Bridlington Spa
Saturday 12th Manchester Central
Monday 14th Glasgow SECC
Tuesday 15th Dublin Olympia Theatre
Placebo are also set to return to the main stage of the Reading/Leeds Festivals this August, and make a headline appearance at Rockness Festival, Scotland, on June 14th.
