2013 Album Preview

His Master's Voice has kicked the bucket and now for many people the only source of physical music is the pop ridden warehouses that are The Supermarkets. That's the end of 'obscure' music, back catalogues, rariteies, singles, new discoveries and passionate staff.

But in the face of what seems like grim times for music there's a bubbling, defiant wave of energy which could leave 2013 in music history.

If you can find somewhere to get them, there's a set of albums on their way which could put the guitar well and truly back onto its pedestal.

NME 2013 Tour Special (Jon & Ross's choices)

So, the Five Song team and friends are hitting the first date of the 2013 NME Tour in Newcastle in February to find out the answer to a vital question: is indie music dead? The pundits say this is the year the guitar bands come back.

It’s been over a decade since The Libertines and The Strokes brought us the Indie Revolution that inspired a generation and it’s hard to see the genre reaching those heights again but it’s a stubborn movement that could be on the edge of a renaissance.  Here’s what NME pins its hopes on.

Co-Choices #3 - Andy and Jon

Doom and Gloom – The Rolling Stones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPFGWVKXxm0

Jon - I’ve always been more attracted to The Stones than the Beatles. Undoubtedly The Beatles pushed music forward in a way which was and will for a long time be unprecedented but The Stones raw animal sex appeal is something that feeds my appetite for Rock & Roll. The fantastic BBC documentary ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ shows how rebellious and powerful The Stones were in their prime. In age saturated with authority and ideology rock music provides a respite. No band can transport us into a world of hedonism quite like Jagger and Co. Doom and Gloom is the Stones latest single and not only proves they can still write World-class songs but it also provides us with a portal into the energy of the 60's in an increasingly similar political landscape.

Guest Choices #3 - Thomas Jones

 Home Away From Here - Touché Amoré 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6rGV5p8A2c

Hailing from Los Angeles, Touche Amore might be one of the best bands I’ve ever found. With not one song off their two studio albums being as long as 3 minutes this is easily questionable to anybody who dislikes bands that step away from ‘conventional’ song writing. However, once you realise that each 1 to 2 and a half minute track is just sheer hard-hitting new wave punk then you should notice just how good this band are.

This particular track is easily my favourite track at the moment and, bearing in mind it’s only 1:50, I have it on repeat constantly and never get bored. For me, the best thing about this track is how powerful not only the music is but also the lyrics and vocals. It really feels that the band actually put their heart and soul into writing their music and for me, that’s one of the most important things about being a musician.

Co-Choices #2 - Andy and Jon

Thug Nation (feat. Krayzie Bone) - Layzie Bone 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS0jWFEYoDY

Andy – Why am I bringing this clichéd example of previous-level modern rap to your attention? Because, if you forget the subject matter, this track has some of the best rhythm that I have ever heard in a rap track. Krayzie and Layzie Bone both guested on the last verse of Chamillionaire’s all-too-popular track “Ridin’ Dirty”, and that is how I discovered them.

The ideas are stereotypical, the “N-word” is overused and there is a distinct lack of originality, but I think the quality of the word-based beat overrides all of these facts.

Guest Choices #2 - Ross Watson

American Slang – The Gaslight Anthem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAqbnTKQBIY

I think this song, the title track from their third album, sums up the band’s style: no nonsense American rock and roll.  I love the way the song slowly builds and then bursts into life at beginning. I think the lyrics in this song hold a lot of meaning to the band. They could maybe represent the long forgotten ‘American Dream’ or could just be about someone’s dream of fortune.

Co-Choices #1 - Andy and Jon

Atoms for Peace – Default

Jon – Atoms for Peace are a super-group (featuring Flea and Nigel Godrich) formed by Thom Yorke to tour his solo album ‘Eraser.’ They had so much fun together playing live they started to write songs together. Default is their first song released as AFP and although it may be too similar to KOL era Radiohead it’s a truly addictive electro song with a fantastic rhythm section.