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 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.

After attending a birthday party which involved the scarfing of five pig’s heads yesterday I still don’t feel capable of eating anything. I may have to fast for the next few days before that little lot gets digested, in fact. Fucking hell that was a meal and a half.

There will be no giggenfun for me this week, unfortunately, despite a couple of natty lineups on the horizon. The label is going to require an absolutel shitload of admin work this week and if I go out gallvanting there is no way I am going to be able to get all of it done. We have Meursault single promos to do, Foxx promos, Split 12″ numbering, Maxwell Panther printing and label sampler cutting and folding. Then there’s the Fresh Air show on Wednesday with the Japanese War Effort, which I’m looking forward to.

Did everyone see that FOUND’s musical cupboard of magnificence won the BAFTA for Best Interactive Thingumajig? Well done lads, brilliant, and thoroughly deserved. Must have been a bit depressing for the others shortlisted though – how the fuck do you compete with something like the bloody Cybraphon?

Anyway, on with the task at hand. What should you be doing while I’m in the house folding paper, cutting out inserts and stuffing CDs into slip-cases? Well if you’ll hang on, I’ll tell you:

Wednesday 11th November 2009: The Pineapple Chunks, Ruthelise Snowe & Andy Brown at the Bowery.

I know little about this gig, so if anyone knows anything about who’s supporting please let me know in the comments. I’ve linked to an Andy Brown MySpace page, but I really don’t know if it’s the right one and, er, I can’t find Ruthelise Snow at all. The Chunks themselves however make, erm… mental guitar music basically. It’s off-kilter, surprisingly melodic and brilliant fun.

The Pineapple Chunks – Dark Halo

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Thursday 12th November 2009: Graham Coxon at the Queen’s Hall.

Most people I know absolutely love Graham Coxon, and cite his departure from Blur as the moment they became shit. That’s bollocks of course, because Think Tank is a great album, but that’s a whole new argument. Anyhow, here I am pootling along in my ignorance, with little real awareness of Coxon’s solo work and no more than a fairly casual liking for what little I have heard. The last album was really quite folky though, and I believe this is an acoustic setup, so that’s about all I can tell you.

Graham Coxon – All Has Gone

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Thursday 12th November 2009: The Leg, Your Loyal Subjects and Lipsync For a Lullaby play Versus at the Voodoo Rooms.

Apparently I sounded a little lukewarm on the concept the last time I mentioned the Versus gigs, but I really didn’t mean to be. All three bands will play separately, together and everything inbetween, and there will be inter-set entertainments as well. Basically it is going to be a gigantic musical mish-mash. The last one was apparently brilliant, so if Ted and his minions can pull that off again this should be a brilliant night.

Saturday November 14th: Riley Briggs from Aberfeldy at Carter’s Bar.

This is a free gig (Riley also plays alternate Thursdays down at the Shore in Leith, I believe) and will be a solo acoustic performance, but the band’s breezy indiepop should be perfectly suited to this kind of setup.

Aberfeldy – Love is an Arrow

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Saturday November 14th: Trashcan Sinatras, Brother Louis Collective & the Seventeenth Century at Cabaret Voltaire.

The Trashcan Sinatras are something of a blast from the past for me, I have to confess. I remember absolutely loving A Happy Pocket when I bought it back in my universoty days. I have to confess to having barely a clue what they’re up to these days, but I’d be really curious to see them. I don’t know Brother Louis Collective really, but the Seventeenth Century are excellent.

Trashcan Sinatras – The Therapist

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Saturday 14th November 2009: Panda Su, John B McKenna & the Last Battle play Trampoline at the Wee Red Bar.

The Last Battle are what happened when Thieves in Suits called it a day and I’ve heard very good things about them, without having had the chance to see them myself. Panda Su seem to be drawing all sorts of praise, and John B McKenna also sounds rather interesting. It’s a low-key lineup this one, but Euan has definitely found a really good spread of underground artists I’d personally like to see, and then kindly put them all in the same place on one evening for me.

[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

As pretty much all of you know, Mrs. Toad and I have been away on holiday in Italy for the last couple of weeks.  In our absence Euan (from The Steinberg Principle, Trampoline and The Kays Lavelle) very kindly agreed to write Song, by Toad for me (and for you) to make sure things kept ticking over in our absence.  In this he was ably assisted by Bart (from, erm, eagleowl* and pretty much every other band in Scotland), assisted by Dylan (from Blueback Hotrod) and rescued by Tart (from Love Shack, Baby).

Apart from merely thanking them, which I genuinely do, I wanted to say what a fucking great job they did.  I knew Bart would do a fine job of the Monday listings because, before he packed it in, his Magic Marker listings page was always the first page I checked before writing my own.  Dylan’s general oversight was much appreciated as well, particularly as he wrote Toad himself for two weeks last year, so it was really nice of him to supervise generally, and provide training and the Friday Fives.  And Tart, thanks for stepping in and sorting out the filehosting issue, it really is much appreciated.

Most of all, though, it really has to be said and said again what a fantastic job I think Euan did with the site.  He and I agree on a lot of music, and disagree on a lot as well, and I think he was a little concerned that he might in some way alienate my readers by posting slightly off-message stuff.  Honestly, I think that was actually the strength of his choices.  From my perspective, and hopefully from yours, it felt a little like a fresh breeze in a dusty room – I actually thought it was brilliant that he posted slightly different stuff and gave everyone a change.

I also appreciate how much of a community we seem to have, that people are willing to donate their time for no real benefit to themselves and help out, and that really the whole site didn’t skip a beat in my absence.  I’ve been trying to think of ways to broaden the participation a little on this site, but have always been a little nervous of loosening the reins, and this was a really good sign that this wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.

So thanks so much guys, Euan in particular, it really was appreciated and I thought you did a superb job.  And for those of you who want to read a little more, please go and check out Euan’s blog, because it really is worth reading.

And while we’re at it, congratulations are in order to Dylan, who has parlayed what began as ‘helping out with some pictures for the Toad Sessions’ into a first paid photography gig.  Go here to have a look.  They aren’t all his, just “most of the good ones” to quote the man himself.

Maximilian Hecker – Sunburnt Days

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And just to show you that things really are back to normal:

* Bart, you should know that it pains me every single time I have to respectfully decline to capitalise the name of your bloody band.  Every damn time.

It’s an unusually busy Monday this week, for some reason. Normally even one gig on a Monday would be midly unusual, but this week there would have been three, but for Come On Gang having to cancel their show a the Wee Red Bar relatively late last week.

Monday 13th October: Anni Rossi at Henry’s Cellar Bar.
I know about Anni Rossi from listening to The Waiting Room, presented by DC, one of the regulars here. Personally I am somewhat ambivalent about her – there’s a lot to enjoy, but some of the Bjorkish yelping means I do sometimes have my doubts. It’s all about proportions with these things though, so as long as it doesn’t overwhelm the music it might be no problem at all.
Anni Rossi – Wheelpusher

Monday 13th October: My Kappa Roots at Cabaret Voltaire.
My Kappa Roots used to be a staple of Tracer Trails lineups, back when the prettiest posters in town were yet to be retired. Pablo has moved through to Glasgow now, making an appearance in the capital all the more rare, so this gig might be the only chance I get to seem him play for a while.
My Kappa Roots – The Lord of Rosyth

Friday 17th October: Hot Club de Paris at Cabaret Voltaire.
I’ve never been entirely convinced by these guys on record, but live was how I first saw them and they were excellent – they were chirpy, witty and the music was much more arresting – so it might well be worth popping along to this.
Hot Club de Paris – This Thing Forever (Live on Welcome to Our TV Show)

Saturday 18th October: 7VWWVW play Trampoline at the Wee Red Bar.
Mammal set film-makers Super8Super8 the challenge of creating short films to run alongside three of their songs. So there will be multiple Super 8 projectors, apparently, and as Mammal perform three short live sets, the films will play. Sounds bloody intriguing if you ask me, and nice to see Trampoline mixing up the media a bit, which is something they have been keen to do for a while.
7VWWVW – SingerSongwriter

Ho hum, what’s going on this week then? Well I am having a fairly dry one, that’s for sure. Last week descended into complete mayhem, largely musical, and by Sunday morning I wasn’t sure whether it was Thursday’s, Friday’s or Saturday’s hangover I was so desperate to sleep off.

Friday night was the return of the Mr. & Mrs. Toad late night booze-and-tunesathon. It was loud, and went on until five in the morning, and I still managed to drag my sorry carcass out of bed to go to football training at ten the next day. Christ I had the cold sweats though.

There are really only a couple of gigs I’d be in a rush to get to this week:

Thursday 17th July 2008: Come On Gang, Plaaydoh & Be a Familiar at the (shit) Ark.
This is a Broken Friend Records night, who released the Jesus H. Foxx single. I am a little dubious about Plaaydoh and Be a Familiar, but they both have some decent aspects that you notice during a cursory MySpace listen. Come On Gang, on the other hand, are pretty good and have a new single out so this has the makings of a good fun night about it.
Come On Gang – Spinning Room

Thursday 17th July 2008: Grace Emilys, Punch and the Apostles & Reformation play Limbo at the Voodoo Rooms.
It’s been a while since I plugged a Limbo gig, which feels a bit mean because their lineups are good, it’s just that I’ve not quite been as grabbed by some of the recent lineups as I might have been, but that just happens I suppose. Well continuing their knack for spotting the finest of Scottish indie pop, this three-band lineup looks rather promising. I know nothing of any of the bands in question, but a quick MySpace listen sounds promising to me. Definitely worth going along to.
Grace Emilys – Down in Mexico

Friday 18th July 2008: Ballboy at Cabaret Voltaire.
One of the somewhat underestimated pillars of Edinburgh’s indie landscape, Gordon MacIntyre writes warm, witty songs, delivers them with genuine charm and throws a cracking tune on top of pretty much each one. They can be sad and wistful melancholia or bouncy indie pop and it appears there’s a new album in the fairly immediate offing, so it’ll be interesting to hear what they’re been up to of late.
Ballboy – Dumper Truck Racing

Saturday 19th July: Meursault, Boyfriend/Girlfriend & Davie Lawson at the Wee Red Bar.
Trampoline has grown up! Graduating from sproradic weekdays, Euan now has a regular monthly Saturday night slot for his excellent gig nights. He’s shite at marketing too, so hopefully the new slot will result in more people coming to these shows. As to this first bill, well I don’t know Davie Lawson at all, I’ve seen B/G once before and rather enjoyed them and I think Meursault are fucking brilliant. So not a bad start to his new life as a gig circuit high-roller.
Boyfriend/Girlfriend – The Greatest High

It’s a jam-packed fucker of a week in Edinburgh this week.  On Wednesday there are no less than three gigs that I want to attend, and we even have some sold-out cutting edgeyness to boot – unheard of for the unofficial Least Rock ‘n’ Roll City in the Universe, Including Bath.  The Kills and The Courteeners are both playing here this week, but seeing as the latter is sold out and I had no intention of going to see either I am not sure this merits further mention.

Monday 14th April: The Radar Brothers at Cabaret Voltaire.
They’re signed to Chemikal Underground and sound a little bit like early Grandaddy did in their gentler, more reflective moments.  Every reason to take a chance and go along.
The Radar Brothers – Hearts of Crows

Wednesday 16th April is where it all gets messy.  There are  three gigs to attend tonight, much to my frustration:
Hollow Heart Parlour at Henry’s Cellar Bar.
This is a folk night, with the excellently-named My Kappa Roots headlining this week.

Y’All is Fantasy Island, Gasgiant & Rob St. John at the Wee Red Bar.
Euan at Trampoline has put together another brilliant lineup, with Gasgiant (I know nothing, sorry) and very well-regarded indie-popsters Y’All is etc etc.. joining the brilliant hush-folkster Rob St. John for what should be a brilliant night of upcoming tunesmithery.
Y’All is Fantasy Island – With Handclaps

Broken Records Single Launch Party at The Bongo Club.
The fact that this feels like partly my party too perhaps helps explain the culture of liggers and groupies that grows up in the music industry, but a combination of being one of the first to spot these guys, the fact that they did the first Toad Session and of course the fact that a combination of beer and their live show is the reason Song, by Toad Records exists makes this one more personal than most.  Congratulations lads, I’m really looking forward to getting irredeemably pickled in celebration.

Wednesday’s Conundrum: Euan at Trampoline and the lads from Broken Records have tried to come to a compromise so people can see everything.  The last band at the Wee Red Bar will be over in time for people to high-tail it down to the Bongo Club to catch the Broken Records set and any Broken Records ticket-holders will get a deal on the door at the Wee Red as well.  Myself, I have really thought about it and I am going to be at the Bongo Club all night.  The reasoning?  Well this is a really special night for a group of lads I consider friends, so as much as I would like to catch YiFI and Gasgiant, I will get a chance to see them again, and I saw Rob at Homegame quite recently.  So apologies to Euan for not supporting his excellent Trampoline night this time, but it wouldn’t really feel right somehow.

Friday 18th April: The Mystery Jets at The Hive.
I’ve never been to the Hive before, and this gig is just a little pricey, but I’ve been rather enjoying the new Mystery Jets songs, so I might pop along to see what they’re like.
The Mystery Jets – Flakes

Sunday 20th April: The Wave Pictures at Cabaret Voltaire.
Yes, the fucking Wave Pictures!  Oh yes, yippee, hooroar!  I can’t believe these lads are playing here, but fuck me I’m delighted.  Free oral sex for whichever genius booked them – male or female!  You have got to get your arses down to this gig in the name of all that is rough, scratchy and faintly out of tune.  And to make matters even better, support comes in the form of an acoustic (well, bassless and drumless) set from The Kays Lavelle.
The Wave Pictures – My Kiss