Jamaica are a French duo, formerly known as Poney Poney, who have just recorded their debut album with Xavier de Rosnay of Justice and Peter Franco, the “audio supervisor” for Daft Punk.
Need I say more? YOU NEED THESE GUYS.
Could you be loved
J. X
The Weekend Warm Up
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Niki & The Dove, Simian Mobile Disco & Beach House
Man Citeh are champions (I’m not City fan but did enjoy seeing someone different win the prem), the gallaghers are all smiling/ crying (amusing), the sun was out (BBQ time), we all got to see a load of man united players fans go from smug bastards to whimpering losers in the space of a minute (amazing scenes), and I may or may have not got lucky on saturday night (best 17 seconds of her life).
Think that’s a pretty fair reflection of what was in my book a pretty decent weekend. And if this weeks new releases are anything to go by, the good times are continuing to roll on. There’s three genuine belters out, with a little bit of something for everyone, so I’m being greedy and picking them all as being ripe for purchase, as you can’t go wrong with any of them.
First up, some dark electro dance, from mystical scando weirdos, Niki & The Dove with their debut ‘Instinct’. Think Kate Bush, fronting 80′s era fleetwood Mac, produced by Empire Of The Sun’s Luke Steele, with percussion from some kind of tribal shaman. And it’s ruddy good.
Simian Mobile Disco’s latest offering, ‘Unpatterns’, is up next and in my humble and probably useless opinion, it’s their best to date. Just fugging amazing soulful house, it’s gonna be the soundtrack to many of your summer nights. Or it should be at least.
Finally time to lay back and chillax with some gorgeous synth led melancholic, shoegazy, dream pop, from one of the most consistently amazing bands of the past 5 years, Beach House. It’s Bloomin’ marvellous (amazing pun by me as the album’s called ‘Bloom’). Shut your eyes and let the melodies swill around your brain for a few mins and if you haven’t got a nice warm feeling inside when you open them back up you’re either in the arctic, or you may be dead, in which case give it a few secs and hopefully you’ll soon be off to heaven where this album’ll be playing in the background anyway.
Three great albums. Enjoy ‘em cos chances are next week’s offerings could well all be pure shite.
J x
Remember Me? – Deacon Blue
Deacon Bant
So, I was smashing it up in Soho the other night somewhere really cool and wicked and yes yes I was having a few drinks and some laughs with the ruddy lads. LOCK ME UP! We were in the middle of talking about football to a bunch of chicks, I’m pretty sure they were interested, when BANG out of nowhere the DJ span this belter………..Deacon Blue – ‘Real Gone Kid’. Deacon Blue – Real Gone Kid
Tight snare? Check. Decent keys? Check. Woo’s? Check. 80′s? Check. Scottish band……..? Shit.
We can forgive them though. Get those dancing shoes on and pump up the ‘Mum rock’!
J x
The Check In – Great Escape
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway – Man Like Me
Hungry? Bank Holiday weekend behind us and the flavours of singapore chow mien, bush meat burgers and elephant foot kebabs slowly diminishing from our palette, it’s time some fresh takeaway. Coming at you this week from everybody’s favourite Swedish budget furniture endorsers, it’s Man Like Me.
The London ‘Skankers’ first popped onto my radar at the south coast boutique festival ‘Festibelly’ back in 2010. Their reputation for thrilling live performances has since seen future billings at Bestival and Camp Bestival.
‘Squeeze’ is their latest and arguably most pop release to date.
Stash this one in the locker for the Summer, if it ever rocks up!
Don’t forget to climax on the one…
J. X
The Weekend Warm Up – PP New B
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Here We Go Magic
Apologies for being a been slack this week with my blog action but you know how it is… Bank Holidays = two/ three night bender = incapacitation from monday – wednesday.
But I’m back now, and with a recommendation for you that I reckon is worth the wait. Band’s called Here We Go Magic, album’s called ‘A Different Ship’ and probs the less I mention about it the better. It’s eclectic, and very difficult to really pigeonhole in terms of genre and by trying to do so I’ll more than likely just bugger it up and put you off. But think along the lines of Field Music, Everything Everything, and those kinds of experimental, intelligent guitar pop bands and you’re on the right lines. It’s not false advertising, they are as they’re name suggests magicians for marrying so many sounds/ influences into such listenable coherent musical goodness.
This one’s from the album and it’s called ‘How Do I Know’.
And here’s a nice pic of the band too.
J x
The Check In – Post War Years @ The Camden Crawl
For y’all this fine day, a quick heads up re: one of my fave bands, ‘post war years’. Since signing a significant deal last year, these chaps have been further honing their inimitable brand of synth-driven meets organic indie.
Ahead of the release of their first major body of work in some time, drummer Fred will spearhead the boys’ outing to the ‘waiting rooms’ in stoke newington for a DJ set tonight.
As if to merely lube your taste buds, the triumphant 4 will then be hitting dingwall’s ‘balls out’ on Saturday (stage time 10.15) as one of Camden Crawl’s highlights.
Tuck in to this – our homeboy ‘James Yuill’ rocks a remix of ‘All Eyes’ – phatness:
C u next tonight
J x
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Polica
Fans of Gayngs, The XX, Bon Iver, Drake, & Kanye West’s recent indulgence in heavily auto tuned vocals over minimal electronic R’n'b, line up here cause this is gonna be right up your strasse. Cooler than Jean Claude Van Damme’s leopard print underpants but still managing to display enough raw emotion for you to believe that the band are actually ‘keeping it real’, Polica have pulled off a feat on this album that is incredibly difficult and extremely rare in creating a batch of tunes that has a fighting chance of keeping both the hipsters/ wankers, as well as us normal folk interested. Jay-Z’s apparently a fan too, which helps.
I small warning though just before you part with your hard earned cash, this ain’t exactly a ‘feel good’ record so if shiny happy is your bag then you may wanna give this a bit of a swerve and instead head towards, Steps ‘The Ultimate Collection (Tour Edition)’ which includes Karaoke versions of all your old favourites, for all you wanna be H’s out there, Owen Taylor I’m looking at you.
J x
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Lovelock
Without being too crass it’s boners at the ready for today’s ‘Purchase Of The Week’. Steve Moore, formerly of Zombi, has produced an album of electro dance that’s unashamedly designed to be the background to thousands of students fumbling around in their dirty dank bedrooms, getting their rocks off. Hopefully the album title though isn’t some reference to what they’ll all be getting a couple of days later when they try taking a piss. But forget about that for the minute, live for the now guys and gals, have a listen and get shagging.
J x
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway – Hooray for Earth
You may argue these guys aren’t new having technically formed in NYC circa 2005. They have however recently re branded and made the slingshot across the pond to enjoy some Radio 1 exposure, leading to it springing up on my radar.
The single itself was just released this month and doesn’t have an official video on YouTube yet so you can’t argue this record ain’t #Fresh ish.
Like it? Love it
J x
Bluebell Announce Debut Single!!
So this week heralded some extremely exciting news in the music industry as I’m sure you all know by now. No I’m not talking about Tupac’s hologram upstaging all the living artists/ bands playing at Coachella, nor is it Cheryl Cole announcing her new album (although I did soil myself with excitement at that prospect). What I am talking about is that the best musical duo to come out of England since Chaz & Dave (I’m kidding these guys knock the shit out of those morons), Bluebell have finally put a date on the release of their debut single!!
Obviously us lads at Your Hands Music are busting at the seams with pride after hearing the latest mix of the tracks from the double A side, due to our close affiliation with the band, with our very own production genius, Charlie Westropp forming one half of the duo, with the other half coming in the far more attractive form of Annabel Jones (sorry Charlie).
The two tracks making up the double A are ‘Normal Heights’ which has been mixed by Liam Howe, the production maestro behind Lana Del Ray & Marina & The Diamonds, and is just bloody gorgeously dreamy, epic, pop at it’s best. The second track, ‘Cinderella’ was mixed by our very own Mr. Westropp himself, features a punkier, rockier edge whilst retaining Charlie’s driving electronic pulse throughout. Anyway enough of me pratting on, have a listen for yourself.
The release is due for 11th June through our trendier friends over at the brilliant Killing Moon Ltd, so not long to wait before you can get your mits on a copy. For more info, you can have a read of the original press release here which’ll give you all the details you’ll ever need about the single in far more literate terms than I could ever provide.
Big love.
J x
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Human Don’t Be Angry
Mogwai fan are we? Impatiently waiting for more from those brooding scottish space cadets? Then look no further than moody former Arab Strap man, Malcolm Middleton’s new side project, Human Don’t Be Angry, to fill that empty hole for ya. Enjoy this live rendition of album track ‘Monolgue: River’ why don’t you.
On sale now, it’s my pic of the weeks’s releases, although not really fair to leave without a honourable mentions for the return of space rock kings, Spiratualized’s new record, new kid on the block Oberhofer’s highly impressive debut, and Theesatisfaction’s latest offering too, which all offer good value for your hard earned wonga.
Take it easy playas
J x
The Weekend Warm Up
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Alabama Shakes
So if you haven’t heard of these guys just yet then you probably live under a rock or under the sea as they’ve been hotly tipped by just about every ‘tastemaker’ out there. So fresh from their SXSW gig, their new record ‘Boys & Girls’ hit the stores today. It’s basically exactly what you think it’s gonna be, soulful, bluesy, americana, so if that’s your bag you’d a lot worse than raiding your piggy bank to purchase a copy.
Treat yourself to this nice live vid of ‘Hold On’.
J x
The Weekend Warm Up
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Michael Kiwanuka
Not really too much out there that flicks my bean this week so gonna go back to a simpler time in early march 2012, when the weather was reassuringly cold and petrol was as easy to get your hands on as a ladyboy in thailand.
Yes just a few weeks ago BBC Sound Of 2012 loser, Michael Kiwanuka’s debut ‘Home Again’ of laid back soulful vibez narrowly missed out on the biggest award in music today, my highly coveted ‘Purchase Of The Week’. It’s music that will perfectly compliment this balmy evening, so pour that glass of Asda Rose you’ve been promising yourself all week, go outside and bang your meat out on the coals ready for your first and last (weather permitted), BBQ of the year.
J x
Note… If I can just say one more thing before I leave, on the subject of the fuel shortage. If you don’t need petrol this weekend then don’t bother going out and queuing for hours to fill up your car and thirty jerry cans, 1) You’ll probs end up blowing up your house and 2) the strike hasn’t even started yet you moron. You don’t have to panic for at least another couple of days and I’ve got complete faith these boys will sort things out before then anyway.
And besides look how much fun you can have riding a bike instead.
The Weekend Warm Up
The Weekend Warm Up
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Kindness
Adam Bainbridge, aka Kindness, may look like the absolute spit of Dave Grohl circa 1990, but he instead shows a taste for some slightly different influences in his music (nostalgia heads are gonna love picking them out), albeit from the same era, producing a gaggle of lovely blissed out synth pop dance tunes, on his eagerly awaited debut ‘World, You Need A Change Of Mind’. And for that he is the pick of the bunch of this week’s releases.
Here’s a nice little vid snippet from the record for ya, called ‘Gee Up’
If this inspires you to go and have a listen to the album, and it really should, there’s the reward of a little pub quiz question in there… Can you name the 80′s/ 90′s era soap theme that their cover of ‘Anyone Can Fall In Love’ originally came from?? And for two bonus points who sang that original??? (And no googling you cheating bastards).
J x
The Weekend Warm Up
Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week – Bruce Springsteen
Watcha
There’s a little Brucie bonus in the new releases section for ya this week. Yep you know it Springsteen’s still bossing it and I’m afraid the other releases don’t even get a look in. He is to our very own Rob Cowen, what Level 42 are to John Stevens… musical viagra. And here you can see why.
Holy gurntastic Batman.
Now back to the music, and a little taster of big bad Bruce Springsteen’s new record, and my purchase of the week, ‘Wrecking Ball’.
Almost forgot to mention, although if you don’t know this already you probably live on a mountain side and your best friend’s probably a goat, but Brucie’s headlining the Isle Of Wight festival this year. Worth the admission on it’s own?
J x
The Weekend Warm Up
Ere mates,
How is its?
This weeks WWU is good. Real bluddy good inn’t she. In fact, it’s so good I heard it today on Fearne Cotten’s Radio One show, via that hip taste maker, Miss Annie Mac.
The original track is “Shinning Star”, by Nneka (see below). This version has been tastefully remixed by Joe Gooddard and I loves it. If you don’t, just skip about 2mins, the vocal will win -
Oh, and the originals well worth a listen to -
Jx
School’s out – Jasper’s Purchase Of The Week (School Of Seven Bells – Ghostory)
Shit post title I know but then I am pretty thick so forgive me. Besides you try coming up with a better pun to use when you’re talking about a band that has School in their name… go on…
Anyway, onto the serious stuff, one my of my favourite bands of the last few years, School Of Seven Bells, realised their latest offering, Ghostory, this week and let me tell you it’s blow your brains out good. I’d go as far as saying it’s their best offering yet, and may even squeeze in to my fave album of the year so far. High praise indeed. It’s dancy, shoegazey, blissed out, goodness, the kind of stuff you can listen to after a night on the razzle dazzle and makes you feel like you’re floating on a giant floating cloud rather than the filthy, food (and bodily fluid) stained sofa you’ve actually ended up on.
If you don’t know of them already then here’s a pic so you know what they look like (talented good looking people like this really annoy me by the way- but I like their music too much to slag them off, which in a way is even more annoying).
And now a vid so you can have a watch and listen to them too.
Now go buy everything else they’ve done cos it’s all good.
J x
The Weekend Warm Up
Hello lovers
One thing I pride myself on is finding music that has already been discovered, released and forgotten about… Todays WWU does not disappoint. Ladies and Gentleman, I am proud to reintroduce “Teeth” -
Released in August 2010 on Moshi Moshi, I heard “See Spaces” for the first time over the weekend. I was instantly hooked (I’m so with it). If Vekk did Guetta…? Just needs a clav.
This remix by the awsome Dreamtrak is worth a listen to -
Jx
The Pancake Day Give- Away Winner Announced – Matt Lloyd-Kerr
On tuesday you probably all noticed we had our first competition of sorts, which had absolutely no relevance to music, but was instead based around my favourite day of the year, Pancake Day. The rules were so simple even the stupidest of our readers could enter and win (and that’s exactly what happened). We merely asked for the your favourite pancake toppings, really that was it. So after a day of stuffing our faces with some of the best/ worst suggestions, our judging panel, which consisted of myself, Rusty Lee, Rik Waller, Jon Snow, Peter Griffin and Barry from Eastenders finally came up with a winner.
That winning suggestion came from Matthew Lloyd Kerr of Bournemouth, who suggested a topping of onions and pumpkin chunks (which didn’t look at all like baby sick).
So to honour this momentous occasion, last night we threw a grand old bash at The Dorchester Hotel, to present young Matthew with his prize, a Your Hands Music sweatshirt and a pumpkin for use on next year’s pancake day. Matthew had this to say to us after winning his award:
‘Hi – it’s a privilege to be involved with Your Hands Music and win this prestigious award’ and we cut him off there, not because it was on live TV but purely cos he was boring the shit out of us.
Anyway, here’s the moment when Matthew picked up his award, which was presented to him by our special guests and big Radio 1 fans, One Direction, Your Hands Music representative Neil Deeks and an always hungry James Corden.
Here’s another couple of Matthew in his favourite new garment post presentation.
And finally of Matthew enjoying himself at the after party with the beautiful girls at Stringfellows.
Lastly, just like to say a big thanks to the other 6 or 7 competition entrants, it just wasn’t your time.
And stay posted for our next comp, it’ll be a little better than this I promise.
In the words of Matthew himself, keep it tight and stay strong.
J x
The Weekend Warm Up
Azari & III & the Great Pancake Day Give-Away
So mine and my fellow Your Hands Music losers, band du jour, Azari & III released their debut album, also called Azari & III (imaginative) on monday. As expected it’s friggin amazing. Here’s ‘Reckless (For your love)’ taken from the album, for your viewing pleasure.
Did someone say 90′s?? Who’s got the Vera’s?? and where’s my day-glo blazer??
Right, if you liked that the rest of the album’s more of the same dance goodness, so go and buy it now, that’s right buy it, don’t steal it (cos that ain’t nice), and give it a few spins and you’ll be more than pleased with your investment.
J x
PS. On another note, it’s my favourite day of the year, Pancake day, so season’s greetings, have fun stuffing your faces full of eggs, milk and flour this eve. And as a little treat, I’ll give away a little mystery Your Hands related, prize for whoever gives comes up with the tastiest pancake topping- all suggestions welcome, just leave your comment either on here, or on mine (if you’re my friend), or the Your Hands Music Page.
But you may wanna bare in mind I like my pancakes as I like my ladies, doused in syrup with a little squeeze of lemon (and a dash of cream??).
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway – Rob Cowen
Rob Cowen?
Yes please Uncle David…
To celebrate last weeks release of “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning”, I felt an introduction or recap for many was in order.
For those of you who have not heard the Yorkshireman’s previous works, all you need know is this – He writes absolute belters.
Here’s one of his latest rippers, “Heartache” -
Unlike most Northerners, Rob also has a Southern side. Fairy…
This version of Alice in Sunderland, the opener from “SNASM” was recorded for BBC 6 music -
You can download “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” from iTunes, Spotify or Amazon now.
And if you still want more, you can check him out on BBC2′s The Culture Show on iPlayer, talking about his also recently released book ‘Skimming Stones And Other Ways Of Being In The Wild’, which came out on the same day as the record (Making him the only man in history to do so- but don’t mention that you’ll give him a big head). Yes he gets about.
Jx
The Weekend Warm Up
YEEEEEEEES!
In celebration of YH favorites “Justice” being announced for this years Bestival, I felt compelled to bust some fatness.
This is my personal bestest -
It would be great to hear some of your favorites, so please feel free to post some of them here.
Laters,
Jx
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway – Madeon
Ok,
So you’ve already heard of this incredibly talented French DJ. You’ve already heard his track “Icarus” all over Radio 1. You’ve already heard his balls smell of gold dust…
This weeks NMT is simply compilation of all his best bits, that you can then forward to all your “uncool” mates as a beginners guide. It’s going to save you a lot of time.. Your going to be talking about him a hell of a lot.
Firstly, the Chris Moyles friendly “Icarus” -
Next, massive skills -
Finally, remix banter -
He’s shit.
Jx
The Weekend Warm Up
WWU Please…
This one’s a belter -
These guys were formed in Brooklyn, early 00ies, before it was cool. A certain Mr James Yuill put me on to them and I am very thankful he did. There’s plenty to listen to on the net; heres my pick from youtube -
MGMT’s Lynchpin?
Do bear’s shit in the wood?
Stop it please…
Jx
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway – The Heartrates
AlWiiiiiiiiiiiiight,
To celebrate the end of an awfully long January, I’m ordering a shot of some intelligent, sugary pop. Introducing, “The Heartrates”.
http://theheartrates.bandcamp.com/
From North London, this 5 piece is set to release their debut EP later this Year. Produced by YH’s very own Charles Westropp and having heard a few sneaky morsals myself, I can advise its definitely something to look forward to in the coming months…
Get it down you son.
Jx
Remember Me?
Omg!
WTF!
I once heard someone describe this week RM’s sound as, “Kings of Leon, played through a fruit machine.” Not too far from the truth really…
Awful video though.
Remember, “Old School House step 2″ is now out on iTunes and Spotify
Jx
Weekend Warm Up – The Operators “Old School House Step 2″
Is it?
Yes it is…
So, we’re getting to the end of this dreadful month, and if you, like myself, need a helpful kick towards the finish line, this is for you.
It’s the second part of The Operator’s “Old School House” series. Out now on Spotify and iTunes, plug in and say hello to 2012 -
http://open.spotify.com/album/5Fea0F5kB06cYB2pAcfxBJ
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/old-school-house-step-2/id491512084?uo=4
And you should definitely check out this cheeky visual for “By My Side”, edited by the very talented Jdhonata Carlos -
Get your stretch on,
Jx
Remember Me?
In 1994 not everything went to plan. Kurt Cobain and Ayrton Senna were early casualties, and as if to add insult to injury, a small fire at Norwich Central Library claimed some of North Norfolk’s historical records. Given these tragedies, I’m not sure I’d be here today if it hadn’t been for the immense power of today’s ‘Remember Me’.
I know absolutely nothing about this band, but anyone who decides to blast a toddler in the face with techno for a music vid gets my vote.
Ladies and Gents, I present the ecstasy fuelled banjo fest that is The Grid, ‘Swamp Thing’,
J x
The Check In
What’s going on this weekend? Not a lot, forget it. I’m saving myself for Monday night. That’s right. MONDAY NIGHT BABY!!!!
MONDAY 16TH JANUARY
Hot Vox Festival @ Proud Galleries featuring The Operators Album launch of ‘Old School House – Step 2′, with support from Rob Cowen & The Dissidents.
£3 entry! Yes please and I will! Find out more here:
http://www.facebook.com/events/292010397507890/
You will also be able to download The Operators ‘Old School House – Step 2′ album via most digital music retailers… (ITunes/Spotify/Napster etc) as of 16th January too 
Good things come to those who wait…….Tuck in!
J x
Weekend Warm Up – The Operators ‘Cut’
Happy Ruddy New Year!!!
I know I’m particularly late back after the new year, and all you guys have probs been slaving away getting yourselves back into the routine of getting up early, going to work, walking around with bits of paper trying to look busy, checking your facebook/ twitter etc, gossiping with your work buddies, before heading home and moaning to your partners about how tough your day’s been and how under appreciated you are there. But while you’ve been doing that I’ve taken a lovely couple of weeks off as the Your Hands Boss had me working all through Christmas… the heartless bastard.
But anyway, I’m back now so you can rest easy that your favourite quasi music/ bullshit blog is back. And what better way to start back than with the Weekend Warm Up?? It’s probably been well over the usual seven days since you last got on the booze (apart from those whose NY resolutions lasted about 24 hours… losers), let’s get you salivating over that first visit to the local discotheque/ community hall this weekend with a nice upbeat dance track from our very own indie dance supa starz The Operators.
Cut – Old School House (Step 2) – The Operators by yourhandsmusic
The track’s called ‘Cut’ and it’s taken from the lads’ forthcoming album ‘Old School House – Step 2′ which’ll be released next monday 16th Jan. Seeing as several camera lenses have been cracked trying to get the band to come out properly on film, here’s a shot of how lead singer Owen had envisaged the band looking back when he still had aspirations of performing at the Brits before getting trashed and thrown out of the after party for trying to put his head up Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack dress. So here you go ladies get a hand full of knickers out of your washing and proceed to launch them at your PCs.
J x
Jasper’s Xmas Countdown – Day 5
One day left…
And I still have bought my Mum’s “Veet”. There’s going to be a riot in Boots…
Anyways, here’s the final choice from our friend, Owen. Apparently there’s no turkey round his tomorrow. Instead, He’ll be serving up choice cuts of haymaker. Fat handed twat…
This one is truly awful. I’m also pretty sure he has points on it. It reeks of his narrative writing style -
Take your cock out your mouth mate.
Merry shitting Christmas,
Jx
Jasper’s Xmas Countdown – Day 4
It’s no wonder why this is one of John’s favourite Christmas songs. This “cheeky” little number comes courtousey of a double act from Transylvania with a solid “Ca-rear” well and truely “behind” them. With lyrics as deep as “Touch my bum, it is nice” it’s pretty obvious they had big “ass-pirations”.
So please, “Everybody come together”. Oh shut upppppppppp! I will say no more. Here it is. “Cheeky Christmas” by the Cheeky girls.
Enjoy xxxxx
Jx
Jasper’s Xmas Countdown – Day 3
And on the 3rd day of YHM Christmas, Charlie Westropp sent to me….
A brace of festive nonces.
First up, Gary ‘Santa Claus’ Glitter (they both like to empty their sacs in childrens’ bedrooms) with his 1984 ‘hit’ Another Rock n Roll Christmas, a song taken from the the album ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ – make up your own punchline…
On account of Glitter’s effort being absolute dogshit, and because men of his persuasion always hunt in pairs, Charlie has also asked me to post the self proclaimed KOP’s 1995 Christmas chart topper ‘Earth Song’. He adds: “I expressly remember Jackson touching me deeply as a 14 year old. This was the first of several releases from Jackson that enriched and broadened my adolescent mind.” It wouldn’t be Christmas without a sprinkling of pedo-based banter.
So raise a glass to these 2 visionaries, and toast the impending Your Hands legal bill,
Merry Xmas,
J x
Jasper’s Xmas Countdown – Day 2
Right time for day 2 of my very special xmas countdown of all the boyz at Your Hands Music’s top crimbo tracks.
Up today is the selection of our general manager/ overlord/ chief delegator/ lazy c*** Neil Deeks, and my good lord he’s come up with what is probably the gayest (old school definition) Christmas tracks of all time, Mike Oldfield’s ‘In Dulce Jubilo’. It’s on every xmas compilation ever made, but every sane human being I’ve ever come across leaps towards remote control desperately searching for ‘skip’ button at the first sounds of those dreaded recorders. Not our fearless leader though, he’s up and about, skipping around the living room, while the rest of his long suffering family hurl abuse.
So here it is, please direct all abuse for this post at Mr. Deeks, and don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger.
For the record, I happen to think of Mike Oldfield as a bit of a genius, this however, in my humble opinion, not exactly his finest hour.
Hopefully tomorrow we’ll get back to some kind of normality with the selection of our in house production maestro, and all round musical genius (geek) Charlie Westropp’s selection.
J x
Jasper’s Xmas Countdown – Day 1
So, it’s the last week of 2011 in the YH office before the dreaded “x word” period…
Before my well earned festive break and modest Christmas bonus, and in an effort to revel in the seasonal spirit, I’ve asked the other lads at Your Hands to each select their favourite Christmas tunes to share with you, our ever faithful bloggers.
First up, the nothing if massively obvious, Benjamin Peter Athey, who simply replied to my conundrum with the following link:
P.s Christmas Cracker Joke of the day – Noddy Holder makes £250’000 every Christmas in royalties alone…. That is the punch line.
Jasper
x
The Weekend Warm Up
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway
Alwiiiiiiiiiiiight.
This week, the BBC released their annual Sound Of list for 2012. Apparently these gems have been hidden away underneath the foreskins of Low and Grimshaw, waiting to peer from the folds and be adored by the next level of tastemakers (the cool guy at school who doest play by the rules). Thank god for the BBC…
Anyways, heres my pick o’ da’ bunch…
1 – Azealia Banks
Vibes. Word vibes, look vibes, production vibes… Fresh faced with attitude to boot, with the right track I smell smash potato (see MIA).
2 – Frank Ocean
Lush california production. Gurt indeed. Again, show me the money/big chorus please (see Lupe Fiasco).
3 – Friends
The Sugar Hill Plan… Fuck it. Sounds great (see New Young Pony Club)
4 – Stooshe
Pop from the Left? Second Left after Peckham Rye? Loves it. Hit/done. Fan base/Done. Prime time national radio plays/done… Look out Little Mix (see Tulisa off of Xfactor).
Check out the rest of the list here and lets me know your picks. Infact, if your tips still haven’t crept out of the crevasse, I’d still love to hear them.
Byes Bye,
Jx
The Check In
Oh my god we’re back again’ – N-Sync circa 1997…… Congratulations if you took the bait, you’ve just enjoyed what we in the industry like to call A cheese pie. ‘Everybody’ knows its East 17….(write to us if you tucked away a double cheese) Yes, I’m back, your very own weekly tastemaker. Even if the last time I ventured out, DJ’s were actually playing the Backstreet Boys, I still deem mysely worthy, given my reputation, to guide you through your weekend.
So here it is;
***Friday***
Legends @ 9pm
Yes, you’ve heard it all before but this time will be better. They’ve shaken that freeloader Blackwell (not really ladies, he’ll be back next week). I think the other two just want to share a bit of the lime light -
http://www.facebook.com/events/177640312324378/
***Saturday***
Fight Night Baby @ Your local
One for the lads…
http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/news/
***Sunday***
Cheeky little out of towner but this is set to be a great night for a good cause. Your Hands look set to hook up with this promoter for the Xmas bash on December 23rd…
http://www.facebook.com/events/178568252225510/
***Weekend Curveball***
Try something new, why not learn and instrument. This guy does lessons at a extremely competitive rate!
Wherever you crash it, just be sure to smash it yeh?
J X
The Weekend Warm Up
Deadmau5 is? selling out and we all love it!
For this weekend warm up, an audio/visual treat courtesy of flavour-of-the month DJ/Producer, Deadmau5. If you’d been fortunate enough to be passing the Millbank tower in London last Monday, you would have struggled not to notice this:
Nokia might have footed the bill, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. Enjoy,
J Dogg x
Rob Cowen ‘Heartache’ (Your Hands Remix)
Bit of our patented, Shameless Self Promotion, coming up for you now, but don’t let that turn you off as what we have here is something very special even if we do say so ourselves!! It comes in the shape of our very own Renaissance Man, writer, songwriter, singer (& dancer depending on the night of the week) Rob Cowen.
As you are now aware, or bloody should be, we here at Your Hands Music, will be releasing Rob’s debut album ‘Saturday Night & Sunday Morning’, next year on the 13th February. Again, forgive me for repeating info you no doubt already have, but this will be preceded by the release of first single ‘Heartache’, a banging track that picks up the torch from ‘The Boss’, and very respectfully (he’s The Boss for a reason) carries it forward, as no one else has been able to despite their best efforts (yes we’re looking at you Killers circa Sam’s Town). Seriously if you ain’t smashing your feet under your office desk or beating the steering wheel when you listen to this, you’re obviously either deaf, or you’ve selected a different track by accident (moron!).
Anyway in my very longwinded style, what I’m leading to here is that we’ve done our very own big hairy balled dance remix of the track. It’s the second of two remixes, accompanying the single release on the 23rd January, the first having been done by folktronica Demi- god James Yuill. What you will now notice is that these two remixes are accompanied by facking amazing videos that are in series and will climax with the third vid, to the Single Mix of ‘Heartache’, each edited by the highly skilled fingers of our main man, Fizzy D aka Danny Williams (who is also part of Rob’s band I’ll have you know). So here you are, get your rave on to this…
Now that’s whet you’re appetite for a bit of Cowen, I’m pretty sure you now fancy seeing the first vid and to Mr Yuill’s Remix again (and deciding ours is better… only yoking Yuilly), head on over to our u-tube channel and have a gander now.
And don’t you worry, vid three is only just round the corner so keep checking back here to find out when!
J x
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway
So Joe McElderry (who?), X Factor ‘winner’ 2009, is releasing a Christmas album titled ‘Classic Christmas’. What a dick… Here’s an example of some of the shit to expect on the album here:
Yep, he’s murdering my favourite Christmas song, ‘Last Christmas’ by the brilliant WHAM. Although this is a new release, it’s not ‘new music’ because I don’t think little jordie Joe can do “new”, bless his little cotton socks. Seems to be the way things are done for the X Factor triumphs. Merry Christmas!
Scrooge x
Remember Me
WTF?!!! Remember this bad boy?
What a belter! I can remember throwing some shapes to this one at the school disco. That’s when I used to hit the Panda Pops HARD, bust out some terrible break dancing until I was dripping with sweat, and then try and get a cheeky ‘slowy’ with a chick at the end of the night . Not much has changed, but I’m a lot older…………
J x
The Check In
So, it’s December and christmas is around the corner. This means spending lots of money on things you don’t need or don’t really want to do. For this reason, as well as the usual shenanigans, I’m going to offer up some cheaper alternatives. Yippee!
***Friday***
Jeoff Innocent @The Comedy Store
This Guys funny -
Get tickets here -
http://www.thecomedystore.co.uk/
DJ Owen Taylor (of PowerHouse) @ Legends
Is was only a matter of time. Like all great boy bands, the talented one goes solo…
Twat
***Saturday***
The Kills @ Brixton Academy
Dirty, sweaty, Saturday gig night? Mines a flat pint of Carling please Guv’…
http://www.o2academybrixton.co.uk/event/32782/the-kills-tickets
PowerHouse @ Legends
You know the drill… Great music, Drink promos, Fit chicks and Fit lads (PowerHouse Boys)…
See you there.
Vanilla Sky @ Film 4
2001 remake of the Spanish classic. Cruise for the Girls and Cruz for the Boys. Why nt kick back with another classic from Spain…
http://www.majestic.co.uk/find/product-is-14480?cmp=GoogleBase
And for those going out, here’s the best bit…
Classic
***Sunday***
The Encharted Woodland @ Syon House
One for the Kids/Misses/Inner child that still hopes Santa will fill your stocking this year (does that sound like a paedo joke?)
http://www.majestic.co.uk/find/product-is-14480?cmp=GoogleBase
Bean @ ITV2 @ 3pm
On the coach, hungover, giggling at at Mr Bean? Bliss! What could possibly make this any better? Sweeties please mummy…
http://www.iwtreats.co.uk/
John Stevens
***Weekend Curveball***
http://www.iwight.com/living_here/events/communityevents/EventDetails.aspx?eventId=6580
Jx
The Weekend Warm Up – Moonlight Matters
Out on a school night are we?! You naughty little buggers you!! Well if you must, how’s about a bit of tunage to get you nicely lubed up and ready for action?? Shake off that mid week sag, get down the offy for a 3 litre strongbow and dance around the living room to this mad number from Moonlight Matters. It’s just been released as part of the multi talented and highly brilliant Aeroplane’s latest release of new mixes ‘In Flight Entertainment’.
Remember though boys and girls, you’ve got work/ school (or not due to those rotten strikers!!)… hahaha almost kept a straight face while writing that!! Go get tonked!!
J x
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway – Dreams
This weeks New Music Takeaway comes curtisy of LA scenster ‘Jesse Pimenta’ aka ‘Dreams’.
Not only have I discovered a beloved new artist but also recognised my passion for sample infused original music. ‘Sampledelia’ as its referred to here, brings both the invigoration of fresh new music as well as the nostalgia and familiarity of established hooks and phrases. I’ve spent quite a bit of time ‘tune spotting’, trying to identify the samples, however so well done is the mixing and integration of the sound bites, at times this is very tricky.
Although not the pioneer of this musical approach (see StewRat, Star Slinger & OperatorsLive C.09), Dreams does have the advantage of his own distinctive, underlying sound. Lush synthscapes, built on a foundation of chilled beats and riddled with great samples, what more could you possible ask for?
Check out his band camp where you can specify how much you’d like to pay for his EP download.
Be generous.
Your ears are welcome,
J. X
Rob Cowen ‘Heartache’ (James Yuill Remix)
So here it is, what you’ve all been waiting for, the first offering from our newest signee, Rob Cowen!! And it comes in the way of, friend of Your Hands Music, and International Playboy, James Yuill’s remix of ‘Heartache’ released 23rd January.
For those of you who haven’t been keeping up with my blogs (what’s wrong with you?) and may not know, we have just signed Rob Cowen, and are releasing his debut album ‘Saturday Night & Sunday Morning’ on the 13th February next year. And for the more cultured (old) readers out there, you may well recognise that title as being the same as one of 1960′s ladies man, Albert Finney’s, earliest, and most revered works, as directed by Karel Reisz. And this brings me back to Mr Yuill’s remix of ‘Heartache’. The track has now been placed on the world wide web, and for your viewing pleasure, it’s comes backed by the first of a three part series of videos each containing footage from that cult film ‘Saturday Night & Sunday Morning’, each ingeniously edited by our very own film making wizard, Fizzy D (Danny Williams) to tell it’s own story within the original story, within a dream wrapped in an enigma. Think Inception, but higher concept and set over three parts, backed by different styles of the same soundtrack. Awesome hey.
So without further ado, here is part one. James Yuill’s take on ‘Heartache’.
To be continued with our very own remix in part two… Coming soon!!
J x
The Check In
Is it really thursday again?! Struth mate it’s almost time to get inebriated again no?! That’s a rhetorical question for all you weirdos shouting at your computer screens (you’re spitting everywhere), I know the answer’s YES!
Now that’s decided here’s my cheeky little round up of what’s go down in toy town this weekend to give you some ideas on where you should be seen and who you should be saying so you’ve got something other than the usual inane water-cooler chat we all spew with our alcohol breath back in the office when monday comes around.
***Thursday***
Yeah you read that right, the weekend starts early tonight at Nambucca, on the Holloway Road in Laaannndann Town, where our very own and very special Mr. Rob Cowen will be belting out tunes from his upcoming album ‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning’ (which I’ve had a good listen too now and it’s facking good). Now I know what you’re saying, it’s a school night and all that, but don’t worry about that, it’s xmas after all (you can get away with this excuse from mid november on), and who does any work on fridays anyway?!
***Friday***
So after getting completely out of your tree tonight, time to take things a little easy tomorrow night and what better than a bit of comedy to sooth those aching, hung over bones?? Laughter is the best medicine (or something like that) after all. So get down the Soho Theatre and laugh your ass off watching Edward Aczel perform his side splitting routine whilst pretty brilliantly not actually telling one gag. Here’s a little teaser.
***Saturday***
So you’re now completely refreshed and ready for round three. And have I got a gig for you. Get your indie glad rags on and get ready to go dancing/ raving down south of the river at the O2 Brixton academy cos playing there for one night (or maybe a few, I didn’t check) we have none other than The Friendly Fires, Little Dragon & Tensnake. Now I love Little Dragon, I very much like Friendly Fires, and I know near on bugger all about Tensnake, but two out of three ain’t bad eh?!
Then you can just roll out of the gig, bump into these guys (below) and find the nearest sweaty rave.
***Sunday***
Yep this weekend’s a biggie, a four night wonder. I know you’re gonna be struggling by now but there’s one last gig to get too before the weekend’s out. Get a little bottle of wine in, wolf down that roast and then ease your way up Chalk Farm Road (there’s a few very pleasant stops to be made there) into Proud Galleries and go see our buddies Downtown City Gardens pop their london cherry, with their first ever gig in the big smoke. Exciting hey!!
***Weekend Curveball***
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Cockroach?! Me neither but those bright sparks over at the Science Museum obviously thought someone must have whilst coming up with this:
http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/whats-on.php?event=63037
From the sounds of things you just dress up like a cockroach and wonder round the museum… normal
J x
Mint Julep
If I was a young female from essex i’d be saying that this is ‘totes amaze’. But I’m not, so i’m just gonna say it’s bloody brilliant.
Lovely song, great video, beautiful album. Buy Buy Buy.
J x
Weekend Warm-up
WWU PLEEEEEEEASE MUMMY!
So it’s mid week and we all need a pick me up. Check out DEADMAU5 REMIX of Calvin Harris’s ‘I’m Not Alone’. Ok it’s not brand new off the shelf, but it’s a cracking remix to tuck into for mid week dancing/chinning/sleazing/shagging.
Mines a Bombay Pot Noodle and a wank.
J x
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway – Worship
IIIIIIIIIIII!
Get on your knees….
This weeks NMT are Worship.
Hailing from Reading and looking the part, they have the melodramatic, synth pop vibe down to a tee. And what’s this I hear? Radio 1 are all over them? There’re being touted as the new White Lies……….?
Despite all this negativity, there’s a lot more to Worship than meets the fan parade.
‘House of Glass’ is driven by a deliciously dirty side-chained bass, produced pristinely and wrapped neatly with the type of melody that gets music critics feeling all nostalgic. “Midnight Sun” shows a willingness for exploration, with a looping vocal standing somewhere in between Thom Yorke and an early 90s house track. Another positive – Their pop sensibilities. Never does the experimentation take over, nor its elements become too distorted. Everything is fundamental.
Get you’re rat round this -
Cracking….
House of Glass came out yesterday (21/11/11) on Killing Moon Records and features a YHM remix (which is obviously amazing – see below).
House Of Glass (Your Hands Remix) – Worship by yourhandsmusic
Jx
The Check In
***Friday***
THE CUBAN BROTHERS @ Paradise by way of Kensal Green
£4 after 10pm
“JESUS CHRIIISSST!” What can I say, get along to see these chaps if you haven’t done already! The Cuban Brothers are unique. Born of the loins of seventies Havana, nurtured on a diet of soulful, sexy tunes and inspired by Cuban historical fact and mythology their fresh approach to live entertainment whips up a frenzy at every gig. A few of the ruddy lads @ Your Hands Music are gonna let their hair down for this one! “Just kidding……not really”. See the event link below:
http://www.theparadise.co.uk/whats-on
***Saturday***
It’s gonna be a big one this Saturday for the Your Hands Music DJ’s. It’s time to iron your shell suit, light a cigar, accessorise with BLING and don the biggest pair of red tinted shades you can find for the POWERHOUSE 90′s **Special Edition** Saville tribute night @ Legends, Newport, Isle of Wight 9.30pm onwards.
For those of you who are too young/ignorant to remember Jimmy aka Sir James Wilson Vincent Savile, OBE, KCSG (31 October 1926 – 29 October 2011), he was one of England’s finest media personality’s: A disc jockey, and television presenter best known for his BBC television show Jim’ll Fix It, and for being the first and last presenter of the long-running BBC chart show Top of the Pops. “How’s about that, then?”. Let’s face it, he was a ruddy LEGEND! No one will ever quite pull off a shell suit the way Jimmy did. Miss it, miss out!
Legend x
***Sunday***
After smashing it double time why not treat yourself to a sunday roast? All you need do is go to the supermarket and buy all the ingredients; prepare the meat in a manor to your taste; peel potatoes and carrots; whip up some cauliflower cheese; go back to the supermarket to buy some Aunt Bessy Yorkshire puds’ as you don’t actually know how to do them yourself; Stir the gravy for ages and ages so it doesn’t go lumpy…(loads more admin)… Finally, sit down to your burnt roast potatoes, lumpy gravy (you will get bored) and dry beef.
Now do the washing up.
Alternatively, ask this nice young lady to do it and crack open a beer.
That looks yummy…
***Weekend Curveball***
Got an ‘appetite’ for blogging? Maybe this ones for you:
http://bite-n-write.co.uk/about/
***Traffic check in***
Damn son!!!! It’s gonna be a mental one for the TFL crew this weekend. Check out all this s^*t:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnews/realtime/track.aspx?offset=weekend
Shag Traffic
Wherever you crash it, be sure to smash it.
Jx
Weekend Warm-up
It’s on a well known car ad, but that doesn’t stop it from being ace.
This week’s mid-week tiramisu comes courtesy of the UK’s very own ‘Fiction’. Look out for the London 4 piece’s debut album, out early next year.
Big Things pleeeeease,
J Flex x
Jasper’s New Music Takeaway – Bos Angeles
With the week being so thin on the new releases front I decided to go back to my music industry roots and scour the endless online abyss of new acts looking to break into the mainstream of today’s music scene. Something, I am from this point on, gonna plan to do on a reasonably regular basis. However, I warn you now, I am quite lazy so when I say it’ll be a regular feature, what I mean is it’ll pop up whenever I can be arsed to trawl through the millions of bands in cyberspace, or if someone decides they want to send me some new stuff direct (which I welcome by the way – as it cuts down the amount of shitty myspace/ soundcloud/ youtube/ etc pages I have to wade through) and I can find a minute in my high octane lifestyle of eating, sleeping and sitting down, to have a listen. Obviously I do still have to feel it is worthy of this hugely insightful and intelligent blog, so it does need to be good.
So if you do want to send me some stuff then please do so through the contact button above or email to jasper.laubscher@yourhandsmusic.tv (but please, links only, my inbox ain’t big enough to handle a load of mp3s).
So anyway, onto the first of my new band selections, Bos Angeles. Now having spoken to my colleague here at Your Hands Music, Neil, it seems that purely by chance, these guys are actually from the same delightful little south coast town, Boscombe that he also calls home. Naturally on hearing this I asked Neil for a little background on what parts of the town a young inspiring band would take inspiration from, and in his usual charming way by flipping me the bird and telling me to f-off. So I was back to doing my own research and here is what I found… Boscombe is in fact the heroin capital of the UK, according to a recent article in the local echo, it’s also the most deprived town on the south coast, and incredibly features one of the world’s first artificial surf reef… which doesn’t actually work. How have there not been more famous bands from this beach wonderland I hear you cry?!
Going back to Neil armed with this info, and catching him on one of his more serene moments, he did in fact, enlighten me that despite it’s reasonably poor rep, it is in fact well on it’s way to becoming a much nicer place, and is now teaming with new ’boutique’ hotels and cafes with even couple of nice boozers too.
Having listened to Bos Angeles, that does make more sense. The music created by this three piece (the happy lads pictured above) doesn’t sound like it was made by a bunch of down on their luck scag-heads, but neither does it have the pretention of what you’d expect from a bunch of over cerebral public school boys. It’s somewhere in between. It’s got a kind of bittersweet tinge to it, combining sunny californian west coast surf rock of the Drums with moody early New Order-ish vocals, some Stone Roses-esque guitars, a dash of the Mary Chain’s shoe-gaze all back by some wildly frenetic drumming. It’s low fi, it’s fun, and it sounds like it was produced during the golden age of british indie back in the late 80′s/ early 90′s. So if that sounds intriguing to you, then have a little gander at the vid below for ‘Beach Slalom’, one of three tracks you can find on their Bandcamp page, and whilst you’re over there, the live music nuts amongst you’ll find out that they’re about to embark on a tour across the nation too. Everyone’s happy.
J x
Remember Me?!
Now last weekend’s a distant ship on the horizon, the beer fear’s subsided along with the taste of kebab (rodent) meat and cheap whiskey, and all you’re left with are a load of hazy half memories of dominating dance floors and the implicating photos now circulating the interweb of your exploits with the local beauties, you thought nobody had clocked (see below, one for my family album). Now be honest, how much does all that misty eyed nostalgia, make you wanna jump back on the booze train?! So come on, stop kidding yourself this isn’t gonna be a weekend off, let’s go and do it all over again (for ideas see my Check In).
And with that theme nostalgia, to get you into the swing of things, i’d like to introduce another of my new blog features… ‘Remember Me’. It’s a series of songs that’ll get you warmed up for the weekend by bringing back some of those golden memories you tucked away all those years ago, in the deepest dirtiest parts of your memory box.
They’re the tracks that soundtracked all those life defining moments, your first kiss, your first taste of white lightning or 20:20, your first time fumbling around in the dark, and then your first time trying it with the opposite sex (with distinctly unimpressive results… it happens to all guys, right?!).
First up, it’s a track that’s smoother than John Stevens on the charm offensive, it’s cooler than Owen Taylor’s trendy hair, and it’s one that never fails to entice, the new face of the english modelling scene, Benjamin Peter Athey, into bringing his A- Game onto the dance-floor. It’s ‘I Can’t Wait’ by 80′s one hit wonders Nu Shooz.
J x
The Check In
A quiet weekend for myself and the YH’s boys this weekend. No Gigs, No DJing and not a single red carpet event. So what do we do with our down time? Sort out the flat? Visit the in-laws? Stay in and watch X factor?
Answer: None of the above. We do what we do every weekend. Get pissed with the lads, fail to talk to any ladygirls and end it all with a lamb donner, reasuring each other, “You could of had her…..”
Anyway, the following is what we’re doing. Feel free to let us know your vibes.
***Friday***
The Peter Westropp Banana Memorial @ Various bozzers in the East London area.
If you’re a banana, this is the place to be. A nod to the late great, I’m sure everyone will have a skin full (I believe thats banter). Get in contact if you fancy paying your respects with 70 other holigans dressed as bananas. Be warned, no outfit, no entrance
Sammy Sammy Huff Huff
***Saturday***
Rocket Ronnies Pool Hall @ Newport, Isle of Wight, behind Boots.
Its not quite the ritz, but if you’re about on the Island this Saturday night and fancy taking on the Powerhouse boys for a frame or to, pop down to RR. The lads will welcome you with open arms, just be warned, Mr Blackwell is a bit of a shark.
Scott Blackwell @ The Crusible
***Sunday***
Ok, so I got it wrong last week. The much anticipated release of “Video Game” from the Southern’s finest electro fiends “Council Estate Super Models”, is in fact this Sunday.
Buy it……….!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=232513556811115
***Weekend Curveball***
Fancy pretending to be in the army? Try this.
http://www.iwight.com/living_here/events/communityevents/EventDetails.aspx?eventId=6697
Jx
Weekend Warm-up
Sticking with the November mash up theme here’s a tune that breaks down the barriers between new wave and hip hop – Granted on paper these may seem like two flavours you wouldn’t ordinarily mix but without pioneers like Popchop we would never have had the pleasure of unforgettable marriages such as Gin & Tonic, Bangers & Mash and Glover & Gibson.
Enjoy.
Jx
Yours & Mine
I know, I know I haven’t posted for quite a while, and I’d like to say it’s down to my ultra busy schedule of exciting events and meetings with the music industry’s top brass, but in reality it’s down to me going way overboard with the whiskey sours over the weekend and as a result being so full of self loathing ever since that I just couldn’t bring myself to do anything that may be seen outside of my dark and dingy lounge.
But triumphantly, on this tuesday morning I find myself rising from the ashes of a booze soaked saturday night slightly less impressively than a phoenix, and probably more akin to one of the Tit family, to bring you news of my next night out… tonight.
This grey rainy evening, I’m venturing out again to go and see a band that has us lads over at Your Hands Music, all frothing over their potential to be the next big thing, whatever that means nowadays, Yours & Mine (see pic). And we’re extremely proud to say that we’re releasing their first single, ‘Yesterday’s Girl’, early next year, so all you uber cool labels out there can keep your filthy mits to yourself, cos we got ‘ere first.
We’re still finalising all the finer details of the release and will let you have all the info as and when it’s confirmed but for now I’m gonna leave you with a little taster of what’s to come it’s a little live vid recorded on the Isle of Wight at our good friends over at the wonderous Studio 5A‘s gaff.
Now that’s whet you’re appetite for some punk tinged 50′s/60′s guitar pop, back to tonight. These guys’ll be playing at the Dublin Castle in Camden, from around 9, so girls you’ll have the chance to come along armed with handfuls of pants to throw, and lads, they’ll be knocking around after if you wanna nail them for style tips, or if you’re like me, you’ll be trying desperately to bask in their reflective cool.
See you on the other side
J x
The Check-in
666th twitter follower achieved, and I’m in the mood to celebrate this weekend. I’m all for a piece of the firework bant, but the first person I see in a V for Vendetta mask will be administered a swift kick to the groin, whatever their gender.
***Friday***
Quality Controll “Thank Funk it’s Friday”
Jez Court//Maxx Traxx//Kaf-tan//Mitsubishop @ Wight Rock BAr
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=249993838378060
What a way to kick-start the weekend. This cosy little venue plays host to some of the Islands best music disk jockeys. Expect some Nu Funk, Old Funk and even some actual Funk. Get down there early, this once going to pack out.
***Saturday***
Bonfire Night @ The Gypsy Camp
A run down of the top ten bonfire nights for those that are keen:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
I will be attending the following with ‘Your Hands’ folk svengali/bant merchant Robert James Cowen:
Needless to say, I will spend most of the evening trying to penetrate the ‘Ladies Circle’ (the first of which was formed in Bournemouth in 1932 – will be phoning ND for tips).
POWERHOUSE @ Legends Bar
Twice in two weeks? The boys must be skint…. Check out my Weekend Warm-Up for an idea of the flavor.
***Sunday***
CESM release “Video Games”
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196531707085463
Yes please!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do it. It makes sense.
***Weekend Curveball***
http://www.ealing.gov.uk/events/event/55/line_dancing_lessons
My boot scootin’ baby is drivin’ me crazy
My obsession from a western – my dance floor date
My rodeo romeo, a cowboy guy from head to toe
Wanna make you mine, better get in line
5-6-7-8
Jx
Weekend Warm-Up
The Check In…..
Listen up yo’ll…
So… The Check In.
We are living at the forefront of a generation obsession with partying. Even amid a recession, people aged between 18 – 30 literally work all week for the privilege to play all weekend. The Check In is simply our forecast as to where the action is the coming weekend. Ear to the ground, we look at events, both music and otherwise, Drink Prices/Offers and general banter.
The radar spans from London’s West End to the South Coast and the modest yet quirky delights of the Isle of Wight. Whatever you get up to, you can follow live ‘Check in’ updates via the Your Hands Music Twitter account. Yes we drink, and wouldn’t dream of selling something to you, our dear followers, without getting our own balls out the bath and tucking in as well.
***Friday***
The Operators//Arcade Eden//Born In A Barn @ Coburgs
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=220808487972297&ref=ts
Exactly what it says in the tin. Albeit slight biased given our affiliation, this will go off. People in attendance will talk about it for weeks to come – people who shy away probably had something better to do.
***Saturday***
POWERHOUSE Halloween Special @ Legends Bar
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=292111720818555
Following a pro longed PH draught, the boys are back to offer a fix to all those 80′s & 90′s addicts. With a seasonal twinge, the infamous interactive DJ’s and their shape throwing are back. This night will no doubt haunt you for sometime…
***Second Chance Sunday***
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12447516099142
Big league shift from the super cool Sunday Best collective…
Weekend Curveball…
http://events.onthewight.com/2011/10/29/roman-history-homework-sessions
As always if the rest doesn’t tickle your fancy here’s one from left of centre…
Wherever you crash it, just be sure to smash it.
M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
Their last album was without doubt one of my fave’s of the naughties and their recently released follow up doesn’t so much as pick up where the it left off as it does kick it in the nuts and leave it for dead.
There are tunes on this record that are so epic they make the Lord Of The Rings trilogy look like an episode of Dora The Explorer. Suffice to say I love it, and so should you.
J x
Mylo Xyloto – Exciting new dawn or MOR bore off?!
So yet another of the world’s mega bands have returned with a new album this week from professional Bono impersonator, Chris Martin and his merry bunch of egg heads. Yep Coldplay are back with what could be, if you’ve read any of the pre-release hype, shock horror, their last ever album!!!
Now come on guys pick those jaws up off the floor, and fight those trembling lips and watery eyes, because we can still revel in Chris and co’s glorious soundscapes one last time before he and gwynny move onto far more important things like joining their mentor/ overlord Bono’s brain trust in educating us in how to become better people.
After listening to ‘Paradise’, the second single from the album (I think), I was mightily surprised as it’s genuinely very good and leads you to believe that with the end being possibly nigh, Chris has actually begun talking and singing through his mouth again. Could the album herald a very welcome return to form for the oxford supergeeks??
In a word… no. Why? Cos it’s just sooooo boring. Even a cheeky cameo from barbadian filthbag Rihanna can’t sex things up. So instead of going out in the progressive, experimental blaze of glory they promised they’ve instead produced the musical equivalent of an episode of Spielberg’s TV new snoozefest, Terra Nova. It’s the kind of album your gran would by you ‘cos that Chris is such a nice young man’. So do yourself a favour, if you haven’t already bought it, don’t, stick to ‘Paradise’ (below) or even ‘Every Teardrop…’ too if you like, but then erase from memory any knowledge that the rest of the record exists (unless you’ve been searching long and hard for that elusive cure for your chronic insomnia or perhaps a soundtrack for your Nan’s upcoming 114th birthday).
J x
Weekend Warm Up…
A new weekly feature….
Everyone needs a midweek pick-me-up after the drudgery of Monday and Tuesday. For this reason I hope to bring anticipation and promise to all of you, every Wednesday. It will come in the form of music song, and be it hefty in beat or chilled in bliss, I’m sure it will see the final curtain call for those retiring post weekend blues.
The Weekend Warm Up.
Avicii – Levels, this week’s choice for WWU is sure to be smashing the shit out of dancefloors across europe in 2012. ‘Avicii’ produced hoarse faced warbler Leona Lewis’s penguin sampling penultimate effort (collide – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4a82LRNdlQ) and this is his much awaited follow up. A little bird also tells me that the lads at ‘Your Hands’ have chanced their arm at a cheeky topline for this banger… Watch this space.
J x
Return Of The Mancs – Part 2
So it’s now confirmed The Stone Roses are back for a bloody long awaited tour. I’m doing cartwheels in the dark janitor’s cupboard I call my office. There’s gonna be two shows on the 29th & 30th June at Heaton Park in Manchester before they head off on tour (dates tba).
Now get on the blower and get’em booked. And if may I suggest going for one of the earlier ones, to avoid disappointment when they start arguing again and split up after 3 gigs.
Now I suppose you’re gonna hear ‘I Am The Resurrection’ everywhere, what with the comeback theme and everything, or maybe ‘Fools Gold’ as it’s more than likely that the tour’s been slightly influenced by the mountains of cash it’ll no doubt produce, but I’m gonna ignore all my trashy journalistic instincts and use this as an excuse to post ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ (which I do), as it’s always been my fave track of theirs. So here you go.
Right I’m off to get an angular mod hair cut, buy a Parka and ride a lambretta up to watch Man City in the champions league….
J x
Return Of The Mancs (part 1)
So this week it looks like we’re being treated to the return of the mancs. We have the much anticipated new Noel Gallagher record and then, later this afternoon, it’s sounding highly likely that The Stone Roses are going to be announcing a comeback tour. One of these things gets me slightly more hot under the collar than the other but on the whole i’m pretty happy about both. So firstly let’s deal with Noel & his High Flying Birds as this return has already taken place with record being released yesterday.
After seeing Oasis disappear further and further into a dark dank hole (i’m not gonna say who’s) with every album since What’s The Story…, and then sitting through the utter shite that was Beady Eye, it’s very refreshing to hear Noel coming up with a collection of songs you can genuinely listen to again without wanting to stick forks in your ears. It’s actually a very good album. Ok there’s nothing particularly revolutionary here, but that’s kind of the idea right? It kind of sounds like at long last Noel’s finally doing what he wants to do without a gurning monkey dragging his knuckles around the studio taking the piss out of him.
It’s like listening to a album of unheard Oasis B-sides, and that’s a good thing. Yeah there’s evidence of Noel’s usual penchant for some crap lyrics and some pretty overblown production at times but if you can’t put up with that why are you listening?!
So there you have it, Noel’s debut is a very fine one, and if you’ve can erase the last 15 years, you may just be able to get away with telling all your mates that the Gallaghers (one of them at least) are still worth listening to.
Right i’m off to go bask in the suuuuuunnnshiiiiinne (can’t quite believe I’ve just written that… what a cock), and wait for the next bit of news coming out of madchester (via london) this arvo.
J x
Amazing Forthcoming Attractions….Rob Cowen, The Operators
Two big, huge, massive (ok average sized but very good all the same) events to shoehorn into your diaries next weekend that us guys at Your Hands Music have a little hand in.
First up, for all those trendy londoners amongst you, who’s up for heading straight out after work for a few light beverages and a spot of epic folk a week next friday?! Well if the answer to that was an emphatic, fist pumping yes (and if it’s not, what’s wrong with you? it’s an excuse to get lashed), then head on down to The Borderline and go and see Rob Cowen and his band of Dissidents. I’ve extremely cleverly put a link to the facebook event in with this lovely picture of Rob thinking about something extremely important, completely oblivious there’s a camera half an inch from his face snapping away (so just click on those very intense features for more deets). The gig takes place on the 21st of this very month at a very manageable time of 7.30pm, so you can turn up, watch Rob do his stuff then go and get spanked somewhere else.
I’m sure you’re also very excited to know that we, at Your Hands Music are releasing Rob’s debut album in the new year, which we’re extremely happy about, as it’s very very very good. So checking here and on Rob’s fb pages etc (or ours) for more news on release dates and tracks etc.
Right onto our second feast of live entertainment, and for this, the very next day from Rob’s gig, we’re all catching a lift on Cliff Richard’s open top bus for a trip to the seaside, where The Operators will be playing in Bournemouth to a bunch of tax dodging students. The gig’s on the 22nd October at The Old Firestation, and they’re gonna be onstage at about 10.30, and as a nice little bonus, you’ll also be able to see both Rizzle Kicks and Aaron Delahunty on the same night… bargain. You know the drill by now, just click on the e-flyer below for more info on tickets etc.
Bye
J x
Bjork – Genius / Freak??
Like her or loathe her, the reindeer eating weirdo’s back. The end.
J x
England, Jasper Loves you… and Neon Indian
Two England sporting events in two days… amazing!! What a start to the weekend!! Savour this, we now have a rare excuse to go get lashed tonight and smashing straight on through tomorrow morning all in the name of sport and patriotism!!
First we get to watch our footballers (the loveably overpaid, self-centred scamps that they are) toil aimlessly against a bang average average Montenegro team that my 6 a-side team FC Sleaze could more than likely sweep aside.
Then 5-10 sparkling wines, a bit of drunken fumbling with the rather rotund girl you swore to your mates you’d never go near, a breakfast doner and 9 hours later, it’s time to watch the dwarf throwing, egg chasers batter/ nervously scrape past, the french in the ruggers, safe in the knowledge that England’s heroes have probably prepared for the game exactly the way you just have.
So before you launch it the weekend’s festivities here’s a little warm up track to get you out of work mode and ready for the big night ahead. It’s got no real relevance to the sporting events or England in general, but I like it, it’s from Neon Indian, it’s called Polish Girl and it’s got a bloody good video. Enjoy!!
J x
Zola Jesus
Have to be honest, i’m not really feeling this friday morning. Maybe it’s the fact that I’ve started a new cabbage soup diet in a vain attempt to get rid of my summer holiday weight, maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t had a drink since last weekend, or maybe it’s just that it’s now getting dark at 6pm and i’m starting to feel a real chill around my nether regions. Who knows, but what I do know is that I’ve found some music that ideally fits my general disposition this morning, and it comes from this young lady.
She’s weird, quite dark, and pretty moody. And seems to have a liking for netting twisted round her face (strangely alluring or just odd?). She also has an album that came out this week. Happy clappy feel good music this ain’t, but if you find listening to haunting vocals over atmospheric electro and picturing someone out there even grumpier than you strangely uplifting, then give this a little whirl.
J x
Steve Jobs 1955- 2011
I’m sure everyone has already heard and begun to digest the extremely sad news that Steve Jobs last night lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
We have lost the true genius of our time. His vision revolutionised the entire world through some truly amazing inventions & innovations that will stand up to any of those that went before them.
A truly great man who was taken far far too young.
Thank you for everything Steve Jobs. Rest In Peace.
Big Love from Your Hands Music x
Jasper’s Nazi Advert Corner…
Just seen this. Interesting sounding name:
J x
CANT
I love this. I literally CANT tell you how much (see what I did there? I’m very clever). If it was a girl, i’d bring it flowers, take it for a steak dinner and then let’s face it try and lure it into my love cave for a 15 seconds of unrivalled ecstasy, and when all that fails to secure a second date… i’d probably go and stalk it for at least a few days.
Have a listen here and I challenge you not to join me in my obsession
This track comes from CANT’s album ‘Dreams Come True’, and I can tell you they do indeed when listening to it. The geeky types among you may also be keen to know that CANT is in fact the side project of the weird and brilliant, Grizzly Bear’s bassist Chris Taylor. What a talented man he is.
J x
Picklebacks
Just back from a cheeky little excursion to NYC with a couple of close friends. Managed to smuggle my late 80′s IRA terrorist chic influenced disguise through customs no problem – snaps to follow. In the mean time check out these lunatics (shared a couple of ‘picklebacks’ with Eric from the band – in contrast to the vid, the chicks were repelled):
Big love, J x
Shameless Self Promotion – Your Hands Music Presents… Live at Underbelly Hoxton
Right, it’s cringeworthy I know but it’s self promotion time for YHM as the bosses are on my back that I still haven’t posted about the night they’re running a week today at the extremely lovely Underbelly in Hoxton Square. That’s in trendy East London for any americans living in the UK, that I didn’t offend in my american X factor rant a couple of posts ago, who may like to come along??
Anyway here’s the deets in our beautifully designed poster/ eflyer (big thanks James Yuill).
It’s going to be a mega fun night, with live sets from the very special musical genius of The Guy Page Trio, as well as our own The Operators bungling their way through 30 odd mins of stage time before the party really gets started with James Yuill & the Killing Moon DJs (our bestest blog friends) pumping out the crunkiest, filthiest tunes in the big smoke.
Come on down the price is right (as ol’Brucie Forsyth used to say). We’d very much like to see you.
Here’s an Operators vid as well just to remind you guys what it is i’d like to say they do best.
J x
St. Vincent
Now including this one, I’m fully aware I’ve posted twice in quite quick succession about two mushy slow tracks. You maybe wondering… is he losing his nerve? has he gone all soft and goey? has Mrs Laubscher cut his balls off and started keeping them in a jar on her bedside table?? Well I can tell you none of the above are true and there is no Mrs Laubscher (calm down girls and form an orderly line… there’s plenty of Jasper to go round). It just so happens that two incredibly beautiful tracks have come to my attention in the same week, it’s just a quirk of fate, so if you don’t like it suck it up and go read another blog!
Anyway, the second songstress that’s grabbed my attention is St. Vincent, she’s american (see I do really like you guys, even if I do still think your x factor’s shit) and she’s been about for donkeys in previous band, the happy clappy Polyphonic Spree, starring in Sufjan Stevens’ live show and now being into her third solo album since 2007, all of which are well worth a listen.
So without further ado (is that how you spell that or is it ‘a do’?!), here’s ‘Champagne Year’ (unofficial vid) from recently released album Strange Mercy.
J x
Yanks are cXnts??
Ok, come back come back, the vast majority aren’t. However, like OMG, the American Xfactor is so awful. Why do they all talk like there’re from the ghetto? Why do the all love God so much? Why do they dress like its 2000? Why is Paula Abdul so repulsive (I literally would not have sex with her)?
Whoop Whoop
J x
P.S Would you?
Kathleen Edwards (Feat. Bon Iver) – Wapusk
Now it may be that i’m now feeling a tiny bit of remorse for my last post but thought i’d put a bit of positive energy back out into the world by spreading this breathtakingly beautiful piece of music and trying to do my bit to get it out to the wider audience it so deserves. So go make yourself a nice cup horlicks, sit down in your comfiest armchair, shut your eyes and then press play below… maybe press play first actually otherwise you might end up poking around in the dark for a while.
Kathleen Edwards – Wapusk (featuring Bon Iver) by Kathleen Edwards
Assuming you’ve now opened your eyes again, take a deep breath and think about just how lovely a place the world is again.
The track is released on 7″ on October 17th and is by a lovely young Canadian lady called Kathleen Edwards who’s been quietly making her music since way back in 2003, releasing three albums since. However thanks to the midas touch of Justin Vernon AKA Bon Iver, (who features on backing vocals and his haunting production duties and who in my eyes can do no wrong) if there’s any justice this new track will propel her into being talked about in the same breath as some of her better known folksy contempories such as Laura Marling, Joanna Newsom et al.
So go go go people spread the word and share this bit of loveliness everywhere. It’ll make you feel like you’re a good person I promise… it worked for me after all.
J x
Superheavy… Superdump??
I first found out about this extremely ‘exciting’ project a few years back from a fellow baked bean bather who’s name I will only name here in an uncrackable code – chr1st0ph3r gr3y. Anyway, when I heard that Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley & A.R Rahman had been ‘jamming’ together on Microsoft Co- Founder and recluse Paul Allen’s super-yacht with ambitions of forming a supergroup, my mind started racing through endless mental imagery of what that scene was like. So i’d like to invite you to take a look through my mind’s eye and let me describe what I saw…
Mick Jagger sat in one corner, sucking on a lemon sour, his face turning into one massive crevice, the living dead, Dave Stewart lurking menacingly in the shadows, ‘Jr Gong’ Marley rolling the world’s largest joint, A.R. Rahman cooking up a madras in the kitchen while Joss Stone pads around Paul Allen’s expensive shagpiles serving her special ultra organic broccoli blueberry smoothies, while Mr. Allen himself peaks into the room through the eye holes of the life size portait of his great grandmother.
My fantasy world aside, and fast forward to the present day, the fruits of the ‘Supergroup’s’ labour are ripe and ready for the picking. So this week I’ve had a good listen to our heros’ album in full and I can tell you it’s exactly how I expected. If listening to the sound of one legend puckering up to the next’s fleshy (and most likely wrinkly) behind, human centipede style, is your bag then you’re in for a real treat. There’s 16 superbloated, superboring, supernauseating tracks on offer here. It’s exactly the kind of album that’ll probably sell millions world wide and further inflate all five’s egos and wallets further, but for me it ain’t.
If left you the lead single here but I’ll be excusing myself from watching as my over active imagination leaves me cowering at what horrors might lay in wait in the vid.
But if you’re intrigued, you’re probably slightly warped, but each to their own…
Enjoy
J x
Original Wilfred….
Wilfred makes me do poops… Don’t worry, I scoop it up. Here’s the original bant, in Australian, without sub-titles - Wilfred
J x
Heroismo – Justice – Audio Video Disco (Heroismo Remix)
Posting this awesome little unofficial Heroismo remix of Justice’s new single ‘Audio Video Disco’ today with a great deal of pride because I know for a fact that for once I’m almost first on the scene with it in the blogging community (partly due to being tipped off by the man of mystery Heroismo himself), which is something I can almost never claim partly because their are so many bloggers out there that work harder than I do and partly because they’re also a lot better than I am.
But enough of my bitter ramblings let’s get back to the track. Mr Herosimo describes himself as a DJ/ Producer/ Remixer and so far this is his only remix to date but I bloody love it. Not taking anything away from the original as that’s also amazing, but if like me you’ve massively overplayed it already this is a delicious little change of pace.
So without any further ado get listening…
Justice – Audio Video Disco (Heroismo Remix) by heroismo
J x
PS. In my lengthy 5 minute quest to find some more info on the man himself I had a little goose at his twitter page which despite being in it’s infant stage is also well worth a look if you’re into that shiz. twitter.com/helloheroismo
Big Troubles
The sun came out for a bit earlier just while I was listening to this. It was kind of three minutes of sun drenched bliss…. then it pissed it down again.
I still like this though.
J x
Electric Guest
Short and sweet on this post. These guys are so new they’re as yet unsigned but i’m gonna stick my neck out and say it’s probs not gonna be too long before they begin feeling the chubby little fingers of label A&Rs poking around in their business.
Have a listen for yourself here
J x
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Housse de Racket
If you’re bored waiting for the next release from Phoenix (the uber cool french electro popsters), go and have a listen to these guys…
They’re Housse De Racket, they’re also french and they play keytars and tennis rackets wearing head bands in suits, so they’re obviously pretty cool too. The music’s alright too.
J x
The Drums are back!!
As it says in the title The Drums are back today with their second album and it’s good. You should buy it. And if you need convincing watch this.
J x
Shameless Self Promotion – The Operators -”Tonight”
Right suppose I better get round to posting this little number. It’s called ‘Tonight’ and it’s by The Operators who we obviously love because it’s us at YHM basically, minus the distinctly untalented Neil & so talented it’s embarrassing, me.
It was released earlier in the summer and it’s actually a really good tune too so go and have a listen and if you really like it head over to itunes and buy it, and while you’re there, buy the first part of their album too.
J x
Bombay Bicycle Club
Gonna make quite a bold statement here, but in my humble opinion (i’m not humble at all I actually know everything about everything), I think that Bombay Bicycle Club are one of, if not the best band in England at the moment. There I said it and if you don’t agree then stuff you!! Only yoking, come back beautiful people. In all seriousness, before you write me off and decide never to read this blog again, wait til next week, have a listen to their new album and if you still disagree then come back here and tell me who you reckon is best and i’ll stand by my opinion but you can at least voice yours. Happy?!
Anyway here’s a little teaser, ready for next week’s album, called ‘Shuffle’.
J x
Shameless Self Promotion – Bluebell – “Normal Heights”
Let me introduce you to the bloody amazing Bluebell (you guessed it the YHM lads have one of their grubby little fingers in this musical pie, but don’t hold that against the lovely young lady). By now you should have at least seen this vid but if you’ve been living in a cave for the last 2 months and missed the buzz have a gander at this and what’s even better is if you follow the link below you’ll get a free download of it too. so go on do it. Do it now.
J x
Hello I’m Jasper
Hello, I’m Jasper Laubscher and just wanted to take a few secs to introduce myself as the guest blogger for the Your Hands Music web blog/ site. The lads at Your Hands Music have asked me to basically take charge of their blogging on here as they’re far too busy/ important/ bone idol to do it themselves.
So thanks to those lovely lads (mugs) I have free rein to write and post whatever the hell I want about whatever the hell I want so long as it has some kind of tenuous link to music and popular culture really. There’ll also be some shameless self promotion from YHM and there acts telling you about what they’re up to writing, producing, releasing, gigging, shagging, etc but unfortunately if I don’t do this for them I’ll lose my cushy minimum wage job.
Apologies in advance if I offend anyone with anything, or if you wholeheartedly disagree with some or all of what gets published on here but if you do please feel free to air your opinion by writing a comment on the post in question and
i’ll get back to you/ completely ignore you.
Cheers
J x
PS. Wanted to post a little video with this to get you guys
A little bit excited over what you can expect from future posts so here it is. Sexy x