Friday, 3 March 2017
Top 5 Album Releases of the Week
Let's start March on a high note with a fresh roster of new records to spin this weekend. Ed Sheeran is back with his long awaited follow-up to 2014's x, ÷, while Minus the Bear drops their first album in five years, Voids. Temples return with their new record, Volcano. Then Chicago's Nnamdi Ogbonnaya is back with his new record, DROOL. Finally, up-and-coming Irish singer-songwriter Holly Macve releases her debut record, Golden Eagle.
Find out more about this week's picks for Top 5 New Album releases below.
'Divide' - Ed Sheeran
Following the immense success of his 2014 album, x, it only made sense that Ed Sheeran would not only ride that train as long as he could, but also take one helluva a break following the international touring of the record. But now that we're getting into 2017, it's time for a new one from the British singer-songwriter. And thankfully, he is back with his latest, ÷.
Now that he's spent the last two albums proving that he can serenade you with the sweetest of ballads while spitting a few bars in the same track, Ed could really go anywhere he wanted with this album. And he's proven this point with the tracks that he's dropped so far. First there was the simultaneous release of "Castle on a Hill" and "Shape of Your Body." While the former was the orchestral nostalgic pop song, the latter was attempt at writing a "Rihanna-esque track." Literally polar sounding tunes, each one had its own charm. And he continued this vein with the release of his piano-driven ballad, "How Would You Feel (Paean)."
Aside from being as romantic as his previous, "Photograph" and "Thinking Out Loud," it also sounds like the melodic candy in the same way that pop rock bands in the '80s and '90s did in their ballads. Do we see this being a 2017 wedding song contender? Probably. Finally, he gave fans one more taste of the new record with the acoustic release of the album opener, "Eraser." Although he's playing guitar on this one, he shows off his hip-hop influences with rapped lyrics on the track. So there you have it. In a matter of four tracks, Ed Sheeran not only touched on my musical styles than most artists can ever really play with as well as proof that he can perform just about anything.
'Voids' - Minus the Bear
As previously mentioned, it's been some time since we've heard new music from Minus the Bear. But their latest record, Voids, is worth the wait.
The album starts off strong with their single, "Last Kiss," and moves seamlessly from one epic rock song to the next. And although each track brings the big sounds like on "Give & Take," "Robotic Heart" and "Tame Beasts," it's the melodies that really grab me as they do on "What About the Boat?" and "Call the Cops." Considering the band has been in the biz for over a decade, they have taken all that experience and their openness to try new things to craft a record that is filled with orchestral beauty while rocking out as hard as we know them to be.
'Volcano' - Temples
Following the success of 2014's Sun Structures, the UK's Temples are back with their sophomore offering Volcano. Although their first album put them on the map, Volcano aims to include all the things that the psychedelic pop band couldn't put into their first record.
Regardless of how familiar you are with their former material, Volcano has the ability to suck you in and take you down this funnel of melodic distortions. While you seem to float away in a sonic trance, songs like "How Would You Like to Go" and "Oh the Saviour." However you'll be able to bounce around to a number of the tracks including "Mystery of Pop," "Strange or Be Forgotten" and "Born Into the Sunset." If you're looking for an album to take you away from reality for a little bit, this Temples record is it.
'Golden Eagle' - Holly Macve
Holly Macve may only be 21, but her debut album, Golden Eagle, speaks volumes of emotion and wisdom that one would expect from someone many years her senior.
From the first track, "White Bridge" to the piano-driven "All Of It's Glory" to the LP closer, "Sycamore Tree," every lyric that leaves her lips makes an impression on you. It's as if you're forced to feel the emotions she aims to convey in her music, even if you're the least emotional of people. On "No One Has Answers," the Galway-born artist channels some old school country vibes. However, the album is, at its core, a folk one. But regardless of what genre you decide to put Holly into, her talent is immeasurable and is definitely one to look out for in 2017. With such a rounded out and mature sound, we can only imagine what future albums will sound like. But for now, we're glad to have Golden Eagle in our song catalog.
'Drool' - Nnamdi Ogbonnaya
Nnamdi Ogbonnaya may not be a household name, but he sure as hell should be. His new musical offering, DROOL, is a crazy explosion of sound that may not logically make sense. But that's the beauty of it. With distorted vocals and buzzes throughout some of the tracks, it may be too trippy for some, but for those who are brave enough to venture into his sonic world, Nnamdi will welcome you with open arms.
"HWT // nO nEeD" is one of those that will take you to another dimension while "let gO of my egO" has elements of Outkast embedded in there and will get you bopping your head almost involuntarily. And you can continue your groove with "Me 4 Me." DROOL sounds so different and interesting that you'll need to take it for at least one spin.
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10 Reasons Why We'll Miss Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
Say it ain’t so, Hugh! Today (March 3) marks the release of the first blockbuster of 2017, as Logan hits theaters. It also marks the final time we will be seeing Hugh Jackman play the iconic X-Men role of Logan aka Wolverine.
Little did he or any of us know that when he replaced Dougray Scott as Wolverine back in the 2000 film X-Men, that he’d still be playing the role 17 years later. But that’s exactly what’s happened as Logan marks the 9th and final time Jackman will be playing Wolverine, as he’s made it known that this is his last hurrah as an X-Men.
Hugh has enjoyed the greatest comic book run that any actor has had. He’ll always be synonymous with Logan, just like Sean Connery is with James Bond and Harrison Ford is with Han Solo and Indiana Jones.
The time has come for Hugh to put away the claws and shave off the mutton chops, so we join many heartbroken fans and look back at his amazing run. Hop to the next page to see 10 reasons why we’ll miss Hugh as our favorite cigar smoking mutant.
He Loves The Character
Nowadays, you see actors going after superhero roles because it’s the hot thing to do and it’ll bump their pay. Hugh Jackman, however, genuinely loves the character and respects the rich history that comes with portraying such a famous hero. The man owes his career to Wolverine, as the role made him an international star, opening many opportunities that he wouldn’t have normally be considered for. His passion for trying to do justice to the character is worthy of thumbs up from us.
He Knows How To Wield Claws
Simply put, it’s all about the adamantium claws when it comes to Wolverine. As cool as the character is, without them he’d just be a hairy, pissed off guy that can heal fast, and that’s not exactly something kids like to dream about.
We’d seen Wolverine’s claws in comic book pages and in animated form, but Hugh Jackman finally gave fans the live-action Ginsu-like weapons. In the original 2000 film, we all squealed with joy when Wolverine busted out the claws inside that Canadian tavern scene. Next to Freddy Kreuger, only Hugh can look bad-ass while threatening your life with sharp metal pressed against your neck!
The Dude Got Ripped
Most actors cut out the donuts and hire a personal trainer once they land a superhero role. It comes with the territory. Even though most costumes come with padded, faux muscles on them, Jackman wasn’t having any part of it. Considering he’s been shirtless in every X-Men film, Hugh had to go to another level to achieve the mutant’s physique. It’s not easy being Wolverine.
In order to have all those muscles and keep that superhero build, Jackman kept to a strict training and diet regime. Having kept the shredded look for so many years, he’s now earned the right to have a dad bod and enjoy a burger or two!
The Famous Mutton Chops
Hipsters love to accessorize, and in order to really pull together the Salvation Army chic look, some turn to the mutton chops to help them stand out. While we won’t blame Hugh for that, we will applaud how well he wears the chops! Facial hair and Wolverine go hand in hand. Over the course of the films, Hugh’s mutton chops have slightly changed but have always been an essential part to the character. The chops are right up there with Superman’s curl or Tony Stark’s goatee.
He’s a Dick to Cyclops
Wolverine and Cyclops will never be BFF’s. They aren’t fans of each other in the comics or on the big screen. Sometimes personalities clash and when a woman comes between two men, it just adds to the drama. Jackman’s Logan and James Marsden’s Scott Summers/Cyclops are frenemies, as they don’t see eye to eye (get it?), both wanting to end up with Jean Grey. There’s never a shortage of insults when both guys are in the same room!
His Friendship With Rogue
Wolverine isn’t the typical mentor/older brother figure most people would turn to for guidance but throughout the character’s history, he has formed special connections with other X-Men. In the comic books it’s been with Kitty Pryde, in the ‘90s cartoon it was Jubilee and in the films it was Rogue.
Bryan Singer made Rogue younger, giving her Kitty and Jubilee’s characteristics. The chemistry and friendship Hugh and Anna Paquin (Rogue) were able to build over the original trilogy really gave both characters depth and softened Wolverine in a good way. We imagine that his connection with the young Laura/X-23, in Logan will further cement that protector role Wolverine started with Rogue.
Wolverine vs Sabretooth
Simply put, we never got a satisfying story between these two enemies that was on par with their history in the comics. 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine tried to do that, focusing on Victor Creed/Sabretooth’s relationship with his half-brother Logan. The film sucked. The fights between Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber) and Wolverine (Jackman), however, were the best thing in the film. The original 2000 X-Men film gave us more memorable onscreen battles with this time Tyler Mane, playing the monster mutant. Their battle on top of The Statue of Liberty was impressive, but Wolverine and Sabretooth’s first fight in the snow is what stands out.
The Fastball Special
Comic book fans know what it is. A popular move used many times in ink form that has Colossus putting his super strength to use, hurling Wolverine into the air towards a target. In the 2006 X-Men: The Last Stand, during a Danger Room simulation, the X-Men were pinned by an attacking Sentinel. Wanting to put a stop to the robot, Logan enlists the help of Colossus (Daniel Cudmore), ordering him to throw him at the Sentinel, just like a baseball. Colossus obliges and the next thing we see is the head of the robot tumbling down, after Wolverine cuts it off.
Jackman in Berserker Mode
If the Logan trailers are any indication, chances are high that we’ll get to see Hugh in Rated-R berserker mode, clawing his way through enemies.
Fans of the comics have seen Wolverine explode into a rage, resulting in the painful death for anyone around. While the X-Men films really haven’t gone full blown with this berserker mode, we have seen bits and pieces scattered throughout. During the mansion attack in X-2, Wolverine put those indestructible claws to use mowing down black-op soldiers. In Jackman’s cameo in X-Men: Apocalypse, we got berserker rage minus the blood and guts, as the character in full Weapon-X mode, escaped from an experiment facility.
Go Where?
Three simple words perfectly encapsulate everything we love about Hugh Jackman as Wolverine: “Go fuck yourself!”
That’s the greeting/answer Jackman’s Logan gives Professor Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, the first time the characters meet in the movie universe. Hugh’s brief cameo in X-Men: First Class is not only one of Hugh’s best moments as Wolverine, but also probably the most cherished scene in all the X-Men films. At a bar, having a drink, enjoying a cigar while being surly, is how we’ll always remember Hugh’s version of Wolverine.
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Thursday, 2 March 2017
Alec Baldwin is Co-Writing a Book in Character as Donald Trump
Having famously portrayed the President on Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin is now co-writing a satirical book in character as Donald Trump.
The actor is teaming up with novelist Kurt Andersen for the book, which has been titled You Can’t Spell America Without Me: The Really Tremendous Inside Story Of My Fantastic First Year As President Donald J Trump.
Like Baldwin, Andersen has form when it comes to lampooning Trump. He is a former editor of Spy magazine, which regularly mocked the business mogul in the ’80s.
“I didn’t think this former hobby of mine would return with this ferocity,” Andersen told the New York Times. “I think we’ll be channelling and amplifying the real Trump. Writing for a five – or 10-minute sketch is different than writing a book, which has to be a narrative.”
Baldwin added: “I think it’s fair to say that Kurt will do most of the writing. We have that arrangement whereby he doesn’t put on the wig, I don’t open up a Word document.”
The book is expected to be published by Penguin Press in November.
Baldwin’s impersonations of Trump became a major talking point in the run-up to last year’s US Presidential election. Michael Stipe even blamed Baldwin’s impression of the billionaire businessman, in part, for his unexpected political rise.
The post Alec Baldwin is co-writing a book in character as Donald Trump appeared first on NME.
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Listen To Three Legged Fox's "Remember Me" Exclusively On Myspace!
Sometimes, summertime flings aren’t meant to last. Three Legged Fox reminds us of summer’s carefree vibes on "Remember Me," the first single from their upcoming record Watch the World. Kyle Wareham’s smooth vocals tell the tale of a gal quickly coming in and out of a guy’s life over a reggae rock backbeat.
"She said, 'Don’t worry… ya know I’ll be fine,'" sings Wareham. "Look up at the stars in the summertime / That’s where you’ll find me."
"[It's] a simple song for un-simple times. Sometimes people meet, and their interactions cause emotional fireworks but for many reasons it's not meant to last, at least not for now. But they leave an indelible mark on each other. 'Remember Me' is an appreciation for a good time, no matter how short it lasted," says drummer Kory Kochersperger to Myspace.
"These are the songs where we have to very consciously keep it simple. I also enjoy trying to occasionally place the listener in a very specific place. So lyrically it has some descriptive elements to help deliver a feeling. Summer, 'feel-good' music."
Watch the lyric video for "Remember Me" below.
Stay tuned for Three Legged Fox's upcoming record Watch the World, out on March 31.
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Sejo Turns Pop into Emotion and Power
Italian dancer, singer and actress Valentina Ottoboni renamed herself Sejo – after Sjø, the Norwegian word for sea. A dancer since she was 5 years old, she realized she wanted to be a singer at the age of 11. “After a dance show in a theater, I remember a lot of people [telling me] how emotional I made them feel through my performance. I felt fulfilled, and I understood what art really stood for. I wanted to move and entertain people for the rest of my life.”
Her debut single, “Too Young” is a worldly and sophisticated pop take of feel-good choruses and remix-ready beats. She talks to Myspace about the creation of the video, and her 2017 resolutions.
Hometown and homebase: Cremona, Italy
What is your song "Too Young" about?
"Too Young" is a song that talks about how you live your strongest emotions and desires towards other people and how you face situations at my age. Sometimes emotions can be so strong that a single night can seem an eternity and you actually feel like living forever with someone, even though reality will be quite different. In short, it’s a piece that deals with emotions and their power. It was written, arranged and produced by my team of producers together with me to convey, through the music, strong emotions and at the same time lightness.
What inspired the video?
The idea was to create a magic atmosphere, exotic, danceable and energetic, but also imbued with a wide range of musical contaminations, a real melting pot of diverse cultures in a borderless world. For these very reasons New York is the perfect set for the video, no other city could have embodied this cultural mix and its unique outcome. A whole day spent wandering aimlessly, dancing whenever and wherever I wanted to, free and mindless, was the perfect choice to express what we had in mind.
Were you involved in the creation of the video at all?
Yes, after performing the song, I suggested creating a video that conveys spontaneity and lightheartedness. In the video I really live the streets of New York, dancing and singing while I face the camera, to make the viewer feel more involved.
Shooting the video was awesome! I took a liking to the director and his assistant. All the shooting was actually performed live. The screenplay and the choreography were deliberately sketched to leave space for improvisation. It was an amusing and challenging experience. Three crazy guys running around New York! We laughed a lot, between the heat, fatigue and the unexpected.
How did you know you wanted to be a musician?
Music has always been part of my life. I’ve been dancing since I was a kid and this made me approach many musical genres, mainly thanks to modern dance. When I was 16 I had a crush on a guitarist from my city and he introduced me to prog, rock and metal. I watched his band rehearsing and composing new songs. From that moment on, the world of music captured me and I wanted to be a part of it.
Who are your musical inspirations?
James Blake, Bon Iver and Lana del Rey.
What's your songwriting process?
Sometimes the first thing I write are lyrics, then I write music and sometimes I write music first and lyrics after.
How do you describe your music to people who haven't heard it before?
If I had to describe ‘Too Young’ to someone who hasn’t listened to it yet, I would say that it is a song in which electronica and pop, and East and West, meet. A song that makes your mind and your body move!
If you were a hashtag, what would you be?
#sejotooyoung obviously!
What are your 2017 resolutions?
I would like to take my music around the world as much as possible and create a nice bond with my audience and make it dream and enjoy itself. This is what I will focus on during this year!
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