Song, by Toad

[This week’s Sunday Supplement has been provided by Euan ‘Steinberg Principle’ ‘Kays Lavelle’ ‘Trampoline’ McMeeken, and turns Matthew’s own review of an important local release on its head. Don’t forget if you’d like to see a Sunday Supplement of your own published here, just email us at sunday(at)songbytoad.com. All contributions welcome!]

Before you all get a weird sense of déjà vu, no, you are not caught in time warp.  You’re not going back to the future.  You’re simply reading my review of ‘The Winter of Mixed Drinks’ by Frightened Rabbit as opposed to Matthew’s review that he wrote the other day.  We spoke about this idea the other night and thought it’d be an interesting thing to do: I’d be reviewing this record for my blog anyway so we thought, if my opinion varied greatly from his, it’d be interesting for me to write a review which, in a way, responded to his.

I should make it clear that in undertaking this exercise I’m not just looking for a fight.  I personally think Matthew is one of the most engaging and best music writers out there in Scotland at the moment.  That’s the main reason that I continually read his blog and shun the lifeless and soulless drivel published in many music magazines these days.  However, at the end of the day, what makes music, and indeed a music blog, so interesting is when a piece of music can divide opinion so greatly.

Unlike many on the blog the other day I point blank refuse to pat Matthew on the back for his review of this record.  Sure, it takes balls to say what you think, but I’d expect more from him than “this is awful.”   I think, and hope, what he meant by that statement was that, in the context of Frightened Rabbit’s previous 2 albums, and what his hopes were for this record, this record is awful.  Not that he genuinely thinks this record falls into the awful category because simply put: this album is far from awful.

But is it good?

My answer to this is, in terms of song quality, yes it is.  ‘Things’, ‘Footshooter’, ‘Not Miserable’, ‘Living In Colour’ and ‘Yes, I Would’ are as good as anything that they’ve done before in my opinion.  I believe there’s enough quality songwriting on this record to justify a much more positive review than it received from Matthew earlier in the week.  With the exception of ‘Swim Until You Can’t See Land’  – which I do believe is awful commercial garbage –  this is a really good record.  It feels more like ‘Sings The Greys’ in terms of style and, for me, that can only be a good thing.  Whilst The Midnight Organ Fight captured the hearts and minds of most people who love this band, it’s their debut that still makes me smile most.  The frantic pace and rawness of that record is, at times, just sublime.  And there are moments on this that remind me of that record.  The ending of ‘Skip The Youth’ echoes, in a way, the end of ‘Square 9’ – Matthew, if you don’t hear that then please play them together and realise your wrong about this tune.

Sure, there’s a much lusher sound to this record.  A much bigger production.  But really, what do you expect from a band on their 3^rd album and with the resources available to them?  Of course more money will be spent.  Their music has always lent itself to a sweeter, lusher sound – just compare albums 1 and 2.  I would have preferred if this record had the rawness of their debut as it is what got me hooked into them in the first place but the same applies to TMOF.

Anyways, I’m determined not to let production affect my opinion of the record.  It’s not something I ever used to bother about – until I started reading this blog actually – and it ruined my enjoyment of the Broken Records album, even though the quality of songs on that record clearly speak for themselves.   I guess ultimately everyone has personal taste when it comes to production and it’s easy to let the production of a record distract you from the overall quality of the songs.  It is important to many, I’m not denying that for one second, but, and I never thought I’d say this, I completely agree with Rampant Chutney Consumerism (it really does hurt to say that) in that, if the songs are good then they are good and will shine through no matter what.

There are no instant hits on this record, like there were on The Midnight Organ Fight, but as a piece of music I genuinely think it’s a good follow up and a strong record.  It’s certainly not awful.  I guess at the end of the day you can’t please everyone though.  They didn’t please Matthew.  They have pleased me.  Like he said though, I’m sure they don’t care either way.

[There were a couple of songs to be included in this post, but give I already have two tracks from this album available for download I didn't think I could include these - don't want to give too much away for free, sorry - Matthew]

[Welcome back to the first Sunday Supplement of 2010, with Euan from the Steinberg Principle, amongst other things, returning to his regular slot.  Next week will see the return of Campfires and Battlefields]

So I might as well us this blog as the place to announce that The Kays Lavelle’s debut album entitled ‘Be Still This Gentle Morning’ will be released through Wiseblood Industries on 17th May this year. Or that is the intended release date. It may get pushed back, but we are definitely hoping to stick to our targets and make it happen. Anyways, lead of single ‘The Hours’ is now ready to go and attached to this article. It will be a free digital download on the Wiseblood site shortly. Two album launches are planned for 8th and 9th May, keep an eye out on my blog and the Kays lovely new MySpace page for more information about this. In the meantime, hope you enjoy ‘the hours’ which was recorded by Neil Pennycook of Meursault and mixed by Alex Fenton (Fentek Audio).

The Kays Lavelle – The Hours

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[Welcome back to the first Sunday Supplement of 2010, with Euan from the Steinberg Principle, amongst other things, returning to his regular slot.  Next week will see the return of Campfires and Battlefields]

Trampoline this month is going all pop on your asses. The shimmering guitar sounds will be out in full force. Matthew [the Astronaut, not the Toad] has organised this month’s show, so I will use his very words to describe what’s happening. Why write something myself when somebody else has done so for me:

This month’s Trampoline, Saturday 13th February, is a poptastic treat; headliners Kid Canaveral are supported by Babygod and Cancel the Astronauts, and it promises to be a real treat. As usual, doors are at 7 and it’s £5 pounds entry, unless you’re a student in which case it’s £3, and unless you’re a flirt, in which case it’s free.

Here is some blurb:

Fence affiliated Kid Canaveral have long been one of Scotland’s finest indie bands, and their joyously melodic punkpop has won high praise from Scotland’s blogging community and the mainstream press. Four single releases over the past few years (self released on their own label Straight To Video Records) has seen their popularity and profile steadily increase, and the band are currently adding the finishing touches to their hotly tipped debut album, out, well, soon hopefully. The band recently released a free download, Good Morning, as a teaser for the record, as it sounds bloody brilliant. 2010 looks set to be a big year for Kid Canaveral.

Babygod are simply the most exciting and original band in Scotland right now. Led by Gerry Campbell (who played on Belle and Sebastian’s first record) their intelligent, literate and inventive art pop (they list Talking Heads, David Bowie and The Associates as influences), and superb (though sadly only occasional) live performances has led to national recognition from Mojo and The Guardian, as well as radio play on Stuart Maconie’s BBC Radio 6 show. They deserve to be enormous, and I expect they will be. The band have rather enigmatically hinted that they are soon to to release new material. Huzzah!

Edinburgh’s Cancel the Astronauts are the hairiest indie pop band in Scotland. Hairier even than The Stormy Seas. Fact. The do have probably the handsomest frontman in Scotland though. Support slots with Frightened Rabbit, Attic Lights and Marina and The Diamonds, as well as last year’s well received release of their debut EP has seen the band grow in stature and popularity in Edinburgh and beyond. They are working on a new EP which they hope to release in the next few months.

So do go along and support the night. I actually won’t be there myself as I will be in Glasgow seeing Fionn Regan at King Tuts. Don’t worry though, I wasn’t there last month and it was more efficient with more people than any month in the past 3 years, so it should be a cracker.

[Welcome back to the first Sunday Supplement of 2010, with Euan from the Steinberg Principle, amongst other things, returning to his regular slot.  Next week will see the return of Campfires and Battlefields]

So I was sitting thinking the other night about what I could write about for my monthly soirée here on Song By Toad when, as if by magic, my train of thought collided with an article that I was reading over on Nick Mitchell’s blog. Whilst a really good article, it was not Nick’s words that struck me most but those of his fellow Under the Radar writer and all round top bloke Billy Hamilton. It all stemmed from Milo over at Product of a Gaseous Brain having produced his first ever fanzine. Yes, a blog actually producing a physical fanzine, and a bloody good read it was too. Anyways, before I get accused of hijacking that particular thread, that is not my intention and I would encourage you to go to Nick’s blog and check out the article because it’s a really interesting read and discussion. Anyways, as I was saying, some of Billy’s words caught my eye as it was something I’d be thinking about that very evening and I quote:

“Bloggers seem to justify their existence on comments and google analytics.”

There’s more, but it was this particular sentence that caught my eye, for I’ve been amazed recently, and if I’m honest, slightly confused, by the stats on my blog, The Steinberg Principle, of late. What I mean by this is that in January 2009 I had 540 people view my blog. In January 2010 it had risen to 17,245. This approx a 3000% increase in readership in a year. If my output at work went up 3000% I think I’d be the boss by now. I’m really not sure where these people came from though. Honestly, it kind of happened over night and took me massively by surprise! Thing is. I don’t care. Billy may well be right that many bloggers justify their existence on comments and google analytics, but it’s not something I have ever or will ever base the existence of my blog on. Of course, I am proud and delighted that my readership has increased so greatly who wouldn’t be.

But wanting people to read what I write was not the main reason for me starting a blog. I started a blog because I love to write. I love to write my thoughts down. I love to write about things that make me happy. I love to write, specifically, about music. And I loved writing as much in January 2009 as I do in January 2010. If my readership drops to the low thousands or hundreds by January 2011 it really does not mean that I will stop writing. Cause I write for me. Just like I write songs for me. It’s a wonderful feeling when people contribute. Just like it’s a wonderful feeling when people take notice of your band or like your music. However, I will always write for me and me alone. If you like it great. If you don’t. Nevermind. And whilst I am sure Billy’s words are actually very true, for me, I hope I never adopt such a frame of mind.

[Welcome back to Euan's monthly column on Song, by Toad.  This is all running a bit late due to a somewhat apocalyptic levels of drinking at our Christmas Party last night, so apologies.]

Whilst I have your attention, I might as well do some self promoting. So I’ll take this opportunity to tell you all about what’s happening in the world of me in 2010.

Firstly, and as most of you may already know, The Kays Lavelle’s debut album, entitled ‘Be Still This Gentle Morning’, is due for released on Wiseblood Industries in the first quarter of next year. It’s an album that, for the most part, has been recorded by Neil Pennycook of Meursault. I am very excited about it but, if I’m honest, relieved that the process is nearing an end. Due to the pressure of being in Meursault Neil’s time has become far too scarce and precious to finish the record and we have been working with Alex Fenton (Fentek Audio) to get everything completed. I am pleased to say we’re almost there. It’s been a long and lonely process at times but I cannot thank Neil enough for his advice, enthusiasm and commitment to the project from the beginning and Alex for making sure we see it through to a conclusion soon. Both of them are stars. There is no official release date as yet, but it will likely be April, if things go according to plan.

On top of the Kays record, I have a number of tunes lying about, which I plan to release under my own name as a solo EP. This EP is tentatively titled ‘Memorials’……cheery, I know……and recording should take place soon enough. Again, no idea when this will be coming out, but it will be 2010 sometime, that’s for sure. Recording this with Fraser from Small Town Boredom.

Then there is the project I am working on with Heidi Kuisma of We Sink Ships, which is very exciting. Heidi took 4 sets of pictures, 6 pictures in each set, which I am now in the process of putting music too. I am going to be working with Jamie from the Japanese War Effort on these pieces and maybe Bart Owl too if time permits. All the pieces are going to be “produced” by Paul Elam, better known as Fieldhead and then we’re going to put all the music together, package it up with the 24 pictures and release it. Not sure whether it will be on Wiseblood or mini50 as yet, still to be discussed. But the project is an exciting new way to work for me and one I’m really enjoying. The chance to work with Jamie and Paul is also very exciting given how much I respect them as artists.

Moving on to mini50. We are going to be releasing a number of records in 2010. First up is likely to be the debut album from Russell Kostulin, better known as the artist formerly known as Team Turnip. Now known as Mammoeth’s his debut album will probably be coming out around about the same time as the Kays record, though dates still need to be finalised.

Also the “Best of Trampoline, Volume 1” will be coming out on mini50 in 2010. Featuring artists such as The Japanese War Effort, eagleowl, Little Pebble, Rob St John, White Heath, Woodenbox and many more, this cd will feature 20 artists in total. Each track will either be a unique track written specially for the project or a live track that is unlikely to be used for any other purpose. It’s going to be cool. And hopefully, in terms of best of releases, a little different because the artists took the time to do something different on purpose. Also coming out on mini50 will be the live cd we recorded of performances during the festival in 2009. This will feature tracks from The Kays Lavelle, Adam Stafford, Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers, Lovers Turn To Monsters, Shenandoah Davis, Jonnie Common, Conquering Animal Sound and The Japanese War Effort. It should be ready to run soon. Keep an eye out at http://mini50records.wordpress.com for more info.

We’re also in the process of talking to a couple of Edinburgh artists about releasing their work in 2010, one of which is my absolute favourite band of the moment Conquering Animal Sound. Discussions have started about mini50 and CAS releasing something in 2010. So again, keep your eye out for that on the blog, as well as news on other artists and projects as well. Small tentative steps, but I’m very excited about the artists we could be working with in the near future.

And finally, there’s Trampoline. Well you all know about the December 12th show, or you should do. I have no doubt that Matthew will promote it like crazy next week despite it clashing with his own Toad xmas party. January will see How To Swim, Over the Wall and Thomas Western grace the Trampoline stage and I am confident that the mix that having Michael, Dav and Matty on board will bring is going to make 2010 the best year for Trampoline yet.

Thanks to everyone for all their support in all my projects. It means a lot. You all know who you are.

[Welcome back to Euan's monthly column on Song, by Toad.  After (sort of, not really) telling me off for weaseling out of doing a Favourite Albums of the Decade list, here he presents his own.]

You know, I was planning to reveal my top 10 albums of 2009 on my own site, then I decided, where better a place to post my top 10 than on Matthew’s page. Given the indifference that my top 50 of the decade seemed to spark amongst his readers, I thought it would be worth doing my top 10 on Matthew’s page for one simple reason. I don’t think they will be 10 records that either Matthew or you as readers would choose. Maybe I’ll introduce you to something new. Maybe not. But I really do see a point to these lists. Just like I see a point to music journalism in general. As I said, to dismiss an exercise like this with comments like “I just don’t care” would seem foolish given the blog you are using in the first place. I care about Matthew’s top 10/20. And that applies to most lists. I even read, in its entirety, the NME top 50 of the decade.

Top 10 lists for a particular year perhaps have less significance? I don’t know. I was just thinking the other day that what’s so appealing about a top 50 or 100 of the past decade are the personal reasons for the choices. Why was Yankee Hotel Foxtrot my number 1? Why will it not be Matthew’s? It’s fascinating. And something I really do enjoy at this time of year.

Anyways, you can check out my top 50 of the past decade over at www.thesteinbergprinciple.wordpress.com if you can be bothered. In the meantime, my top 10 records of 2009 would be, in no particular order:

Withered Hand – Good News
J Tillman – A Year In The Kingdom
Fieldhead – They Shook Hands For Hours
The Antlers – Hospice
My Latest Novel – Deaths and Entrances
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
The Builders and The Butchers – Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well
Sufjan Stevens – The BQE
Wilco – The Album
Peter Broderick – Music For Falling From Trees

[Welcome back to Euan's monthly Sunday Supplement column here on Song, by Toad.  His writing can be found over at the Steinberg Principle, where he habitually does crazy things like confessing to liking Lionel Ritchie.  Don't worry though, I know how achingly cool my readers are - there'll be none of that sort of shit here.]

I’ve written about Phil Quirie’s music a couple of times over at The Steinberg Principle but I think it’s only fair that since I have the attention of a bigger audience on Matthew’s page I draw your attention to his work. Phil is now known as the guitarist in Meursault. That in itself is a pretty great honour as almost everyone who uses this blog will surely agree. He’s also one of the best guitarists I know.

When I first saw him play with his old band Kartta I was just blown away by his playing and the sounds he created. I actually asked him to join the Kays when he originally told me he was planning on moving to Edinburgh but I didn’t really stand much chance with Meursault also asking him to join and he politely declined. Anyways, though Phil will be known to many as being in Meursault, what I think he should be best known for is his solo stuff.

His project, known as ‘Debutant’, or simply Philip Quirie to the people of Inverness, is a solo project involving Phil, his guitar and a plethora of pedals. Think Eluvium if you can. If not, bear with me. In a nutshell Phil creates wonderful atmospheric soundscapes by layering guitar line upon guitar line. This really is intelligent music. Each individual component in itself appears simple, yet the overall impact and construction of the music is technically gifted and brilliantly pieced together. There’s a real mix to his work of instrumental, atmospheric beauty and lovely little pop melodies. I’ve said it before but every time I see him live he’s getting better and better and better. I really would recommend you check him out now. I hope he can maintain Debutant as well being in Meursault, I guess time will tell. But for now please check out his music and catch him live if you can.

Debutant – Means to an End

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[Welcome back to Euan's monthly Sunday Supplement column here on Song, by Toad.  His writing can be found over at the Steinberg Principle, where he habitually does crazy things like confessing to liking Lionel Ritchie.  Don't worry though, I know how achingly cool my readers are - there'll be none of that sort of shit here.  And apologies for the picture.  I did a Google image search for 'the morning after' and that turned up.  I like it a lot, so I ]

I have spent a lot of time of late studying my cd collection and wondering where it all came from?! How did it get so big? How much money have I spent on cds since I really started to buy cds around about the age of 15? I guess you could say that I am somewhat of a collector. Where others have embraced the internet and started downloading music, I have tended to stay true to the physical release (behave yourselves!) and continued to buy cds. I was wondering exactly why this was the case the other night, because with Pamela’s last remaining itunes vouchers she bought both Mumford & Sons and Editors new records for about 14 quid. This is a hell of a lot cheaper than it would have cost me to buy both of these records on cd. So what is it that draws me to having the actual physical product rather than simply the music that is encoded in the product?

Well, call me old fashioned, but there’s something really romantic about going to a music shop and browsing the cds, records and of course, when I was much younger, the cassettes. There’s always been something really important about this process for me. Something I now strongly relate to my adolescence and something that was, and is, and I think always will be a pleasure rather than a process. Perhaps even a form of relaxation? For some, the ability to sit on their sofa and hit “download” is a wonderful thing. I totally understand this. You can get on with life without having to leave your home to search for a record. You can make dinner and download the new record by Frightened Rabbit, The Twilight Sad or Broken Records. It’s all so easy. But for me, there is nothing more exciting about taking a walk along to Avalanhce or Fopp or indeed any record store and just browsing. Searching out little gems. Its one of life’s little pleasures.

For me, the physical release (again behave people!) is very important. I love having a record, with the art work, the acknowledgements, the lyrics. I love the love and attention which is put into these things. Not just the music. Take the ‘Nothing Broke’ EP by Meursault for example, or ‘For The Thoughts You Never Had’ by eagleowl. Each of these records was put together by a group of people. Each piece of art lovingly created. Time and effort to make sure every detail was just right. And I love that. I love knowing that. I love owning that. Another great example is Sigur Ros’ packaging, art etc. Absolutely every detail of the album is important from the music right through to the material used for the packaging. It’s all relevant and it’s all important. And I love owning these things.

I remember being a teenager and sitting in my pal David’s room and sifting through his dad’s collection of vinyl. Everything from James Taylor, to Queen, to the Humble bums, to Abba, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Sitting and going through all those records is one of my fondest memories of being a teenager. Whilst others were out getting boozed up and caught by the police, we were sifting through old records and learning about music. I know – what a sad little kid I was! But it was magic then and it is still magic now. Looking at my cd collection now it amazes me how much I’ve bought over the years, but I really am excited about the thought of Roddy, when he’s old enough, sitting and sifting through all those cds. Learning about music. Learning about what he likes and dislikes. Discussing these things with me. When I think of it in those terms, I’m glad I’ve not wasted my money on cds.

[Welcome back to Euan's monthly Sunday Supplement column here on Song, by Toad.  His writing can be found over at the Steinberg Principle, where he habitually does crazy things like confessing to liking Lionel Ritchie.  Don't worry though, I know how achingly cool my readers are - there'll be none of that sort of shit here.]

When Matthew asked me to do a monthly column on his blog he did say that I could write about anything I like. Normally I mention what’s happening with Trampoline over at my own blog but I decided that now was a good time to promote what is happening over the next few months and into 2010.

As many of you will be aware I had planned on winding up Trampoline in December and doing so by holding an all day event. Well, thanks to the wonderful Michael and Dav from the Stormy Seas and Matty from Cancel the Astronauts Trampoline will live to fight another year and will celebrate it’s 3^rd birthday in March next year. I cannot thank these 3 guys enough for being up for being a part of trampoline and I am sure that 2010 is going to produce the best set of shows yet. Basically, the plan for 2010 is that each of us will take 3 months of the year to plan shows. Michael is up first in January, followed by Matty in February, Dav in March and me in April. And then we’re back to the start. I think what this whole set up is going to do is provide a nice diversity to the trampoline nights. Each month being planned by a different person should ensure such diversity rather than every month being bands to my taste. So yes, trampoline will continue in 2010 and hopefully will go from strength to strength thanks to the commitment of Michael, Dav and Matty.

As for the rest of 2009. Well in November on Saturday 14^th we have John B McKenna and The Last Battle lined up with one more to be confirmed. Then in December, the all day event will take place on Saturday 12^th December starting at 2pm and will feature Jill Leighton, Debutant, Lady North, Conquering Animal Sound, Jonnie Common, The Scottish Enlightenment with a couple of more artists, including the headline act still to be confirmed. It should be a really great day of music. You can find out all the information about all shows at www.myspace.com/trampolineuk.

If you are interested in being added to the trampoline mailing list please do contact me at trampolinemusic@gmail.com

[After his highly successful stint Toadsitting while we were away on holiday, Euan returns to write what is going to become a monthly column in our new Sunday Supplement section.  You can find more of his stuff on his blog, at his gigs or with his band, so please go and have a sniff.]

Sometimes you find a band that gets you really excited. You know as soon as you hear their very first tune that this is a band you’re going to fall head over heels in love with. Conquering Animal Sound are for me, one of these bands. I’d heard their stuff on myspace when I booked them for Trampoline. I knew Jamie from his time with Boyfriend/Girlfriend, his bass playing in the Occasional Flickers and his wonderful solo project The Japanese War Effort, so I was surprised to find him set up Conquering Animal Sound so quickly after setting up his solo project.

However, such is the output and creativity of the man. When I set up mini50 records and asked 20 artists to provide me with a song, he’d recorded one and sent it to me within about 3 days of asking . And it’s mint. Absolutely superb. It will be a great way to start the “Best of Trampoline” sampler when it eventually sees the light of day.

Anyways, I recently got back my Trampoline Edinburgh festival shows from Alex Fenton (Fentek Audio) and on it are 3 tracks from Conquering Animal Sound’s set. I missed this show but boy am I glad Alex recorded it and sent me these tracks. They are awesome. Really amazing. For financial reasons, I am not able to put any of them up on this site but I’m sure Matthew will add a couple of their tunes, from MySpace or elsewhere, for your pleasure. Simply put, CAS are brilliant. They are interesting and they captured my imagination from the word go. Jamie and Anneke have something special going on. In amongst the bleeps and clicks and atmosphere are the looped and beautiful vocals of Anneke. The loop is a tried and tested format. It can be tiresome. It can get a little dull. It never does with CAS. I am excited about sharing this band with you. You can find them here. Enjoy.

Conquering Animal Sound – Champion Sound

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