Posts tagged ‘Jeremy Warmsley’
Summer Camp EP coming in September!
Summer Camp are slated to release Young, the London band’s first EP, featuring forthcoming single “Round the Moon.” As with previous single “Ghost Train,” the EP and 7″ will be released through Moshi Moshi and, let’s face it, they will probably sell out during pre-order yet again. Hot cakes!
Young tracklisting: Round The Moon / Was It Worth It / Veronica Sawyer / Why Don’t You Stay / Ghost Train / Jake Ryan —- “Round The Moon” tracklisting: A – Round the Moon / B – It’s Summer
Recently, NME started a “Behind the Buzz” video series where they’re pretty much hoping to get the low down on some of the most talked about new artists. The first episode featured Summer Camp’s Jeremy Warmsley and Elizabeth Sankey going video shopping. Check ittt:
Stream the entire ‘Communion’ compilation
As the buzz surrounding Thamesbeat began to fade in the mid-noughties, for lack of better word, a new folk inspired music scene was beginning to emerge in small venues around London. In 2007, Kevin Jones and Ben Lovett started the club night Communion, offering a safe place where folk musicians could rally with like-minded artists and showcase their music.
In less than five years, Communion has come to witness the extraordinary success from regular club night acts like Johnny Flynn, Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling, and most recently Mumford & Sons, of whom Lovett is a member. Communion has also expanded beyond London, now holding nights in Brighton and Leeds, as well as growing into a full-fledged record label. It’s on this label that Lovett and Jones are releasing Communion: The Compilation, consisting of (mostly) formerly unreleased songs from established acts like Jeremy Warmsley, Johnny Flynn, and Mumford & Sons, and up-and-coming artists Peggy Sue, Alan Pownall, Beans on Toast, Elena Tonra, Andrew Davie, and many more.
Communion’s Kevin Jones says: “”We always wanted to document what was happening on the London folk scene and champion newer artists alongside more established ones. What’s fascinating is you can hear the influence of artists such as Laura Marling, Noah and the Whale and Mumford & Sons filtering down into the newer artists and also cross referencing each other along the way. There really is a new music movement happening in London and further afield, and having seen so many of these acts play Communion over the years it’s an honour to be responsible for putting some of the pieces of the puzzle together.”
You can listen to the Communion compilation in its entirety below. It makes for a good listen whether it’s your introduction to the scene or you’re already hip to the beat. If you’d like more info on the songs/artists included in the compilation, I highly recommend checking out Kevin Jones’ interview with The Independent.
Personal highlights: The inclusion of Jeremy Warmsley, new Johnny Flynn FTW, proper recorded version of Peggy Sue’s “February Snow,” Alan Pownall, M & S, Beans on Toast, and Elena Tonra. But really, it’s all pretty damn good.
Communion: The Compilation is available to purchase tomorrow, March 1st 2010, on 12″ vinyl. BUY IT HERE. Have no fear, every order will come with a special digital download code so you can enjoy your folky tunes on your computer/ipod.
I fall in love with songs, not people.
It’s true. Some people think it’s sad, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Some love songs to swoon for on this day dedicated to love:
Cut Copy – Autobahn Music Box (XFM Session) – I watch the sun go down and up again and think of you
Alan Pownall – Up and Away - Whatever I do, I’ll always find my way back to you
The Features – The Idea of Growing Old – We can play charades when there is nothing to say
Regina Spektor – Bartender (XFM Session) – Love is so fickle, it starts with a flood and ends with a trickle
We Are Scientists – Be My Baby (cover/Oui FM Session) – For every kiss you give me, I’ll give you three
Lulu & the Lampshades – Cherry Coke - Have a cup of tea and marry me
Jeremy Warmsley – I Keep the City Burning – I stop the rain from falling, I keep the city burning for you
The Maccabees – About Your Dress (acoustic) – You stood out like a sore thumb, the most beautiful sore thumb I’d ever seen
Bonus tunes sans italicized lyrics:
The Rakes – The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect
One of the most genius/beautiful song titles ever. In my opinion, at least. Plus it’s a great song.
Modern English – I Melt With You
A classic. We can listen and imagine that sweet sequence in Valley Girl. Or think of people who claim Modern English is one of their favorite bands and we can laugh because who in the world calls Modern English one of their favorite bands? It’s like if I said Kajagoogoo was one of my favorite bands because I really like that ONE song.
A cover is a cover is a cover.
A while ago my brother made me listen to some cover song that he promised I would “love” since I was a fan of the original. Yeah, he was wrong.
Covers are tricky business, aren’t they? Bands either cover songs for fun or as a joke (i.e. most of the Live Lounge session tracks) or they seriously commit and take it very seriously. The latter is when things get risky because when the final product sucks there’s really no excuse.
So in the spirit of Halloween and pretending to be someone or something you’re not, here are some cover songs that I personally love and you might enjoy, maybe. I tried to show some self-restraint and only post ten songs. It was tough, there’s probably going to be a part 2:
Florence and the Machine – “Postcards From Italy” (Beirut)
I think it’s impossible for me to talk about Florence and the Machine without mentioning this song. She’s no stranger to covers (from “Girl with One Eye” by Ludes to Lightspeed Champion’s “Galaxy of the Lost Florences” to “Flakes” by Mystery Jets), but her voice is perfectly suited for this song and it absolutely shines. Girl’s got some crazy chords.
Jamie T – “A New England” (Billy Bragg)
Billy Bragg is Billy fucking Bragg, I know. “A New England” is one of his most recognized songs, I know. But Jamie T manages to deliver it beautifully. But maybe I’m just biased since I’ve seen him perform it live and it sends chills down your spine, seriously.
Kid Harpoon – “Keep The Car Running” (Arcade Fire)
I think it’s safe to say that one of Kid Harpoon’s most beloved songs by fans is his version of Leonard Cohen’s “First We Take Manhattan”. Sweet baby jesus, it’s good. But as you can see, it’s not the song I chose to share. Mr. Harpoon (Mr. Hull, if you want to be legit) is kind of a genius in the art of cover songs. So much so, that last year he took requests straight from his fans and recorded five pretty unique covers. Why did he do all this? Because he’s awesome, that’s why. They were all good (search ‘kid harpoon covers week’ on YouTube and listen for yourself), but his take on Arcade Fire’s “Keep the Car Running” is hands down my favorite because he managed to take that other-worldly, majestic sound that’s signature to Arcade Fire, strip it down to nothing but an acoustic guitar IN HIS SHOWER, and somehow keep that beautiful majestic feeling. So great.
Jeremy Warmsley – “Non, Rien de Rien” (Edith Piaf)
Jeremy Warmsley is also very good at choosing just the right songs to cover, therefore making it difficult to narrow down to just one choice. Here he is singing in French with only a xylophone as accompaniment. Did I mention he’s singing in French? Because he is singing in French.
Mystery Jets – “Pioneers” (Bloc Party)
GENERAL RULE OF THUMB: Always be weary of being covered by Mystery Jets because the chances of their version outshining your original is 99.9%. It’s just kind of a fact. Choosing one song was near impossible, but I can’t even find words to describe what I feel when I listen to this song so I knew it was the one that needed sharing. I’ve never been a fan of Bloc Party. It’s not like I hate them, their music just never made me feel anything. While I understand that it might be unfair, maybe even ridiculously biased, to say Mystery Jets’ version is superior to the original because both bands have very different musical styles, I think it’s safe to say one version definitely tugs at your heartstrings in a way the other just can’t. (For comparison purposes, Bloc Party “Pioneers”)
The Maccabees – “Boom Boom Pow” (Black Eyed Peas)
The Black Eyed Peas really hit a new level on the ‘WTF is this shit?’ scale with “Boom Boom Pow.” They truly outdid themselves and proved to us all that yes they could produce something more annoying and idiotic than “My Humps”. Luckily, The Maccabees have a sense of humor and had some fun with the song on Jo Whiley’s Live Lounge. My favorite part of listening to “Boom Boom Pow” is hearing Orlando trying to hold back laughs as he sings lines like “I’m so 3008 you’re so 2000 and late, I got that boom boom boom.” Good times.
The Holloways – “The Sweet Escape” (Gwen Stefani)
This is another Live Lounge gem. As most people know, I love No Doubt. And yeah, I totally love Gwen Stefani. But while I was all over her first solo album, I had to draw the line at solo album #2 after I heard her first single and saw her album cover and almost vomitted. I can proudly sing along to all of Love. Angel. Music. Baby. and thanks to this cover by The Holloways I can sing along to “The Sweet Escape”. Hell, most of the time I forget it’s even a Gwen Stefani song.
Franz Ferdinand – “All My Friends” (LCD Soundsystem)
I was very close to choosing Franz Ferdinand’s cover of Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?” but figured maybe that was too much Stefani and one too many Live Lounge performances, so instead here you have an LCD Soundsystem cover. I love this song because while it remains true to the original, they’ve injected that beautiful Franz Ferdinand quality that just makes you want to get up and dance. Alex Kapranos’ voice doesn’t hurt either. Mmyeah.
The Spinto Band – “Shortnin’ Bread” (Paul Chaplain and a ton of other people)
Oh, Spinto Band. What to choose, what to choose? From ELO to Seal to The Motors, these boys know how to do a damn good cover. It was a toughie, but this is a good one simply for the fact the choice to perform this song during a radio show seems so random yet the song is incredibly recognizable AND it features handclaps. You know I’m a sucker for handclaps. BONUS: Oh Mandy (Throw Some D’s breakdown) – Deep down, this is what I really wanted to share but I don’t think it technically constitutes a “cover” since 99.9999% of the song is a Spinto Band original and only 20 seconds are devoted to a Rich Boy/gangsta breakdown. BUT BUT BUT it is one of the greatest things ever. Seriously, after you’ve heard it this way + seen it live, there’s no going back to the original. Then again, maybe that’s just me. Really, this isn’t even my favorite version but it is the best sound quality version I own, so listen to it!!
Whirlwind Heat – “Another One Bites the Dust” (Queen)
I love Whirlwind Heat. Seriously, I LOVE Whirlwind Heat. You should too if you know what’s up. This cover is fun, a little bit crazy, and a whole lot of hot. Swanson’s vocals are spaztic as ever. Listen for the breathing, people. Gene pool style.
Have a Listen: Acres, Acres
So about a month ago I mentioned Jeremy Warmsley had a new project up his sleeve called Acres, Acres, perhaps you remember? Well, the band is officially a-go and you can sample some of their tunes over on their official myspace.
Acres, Acres isn’t the usual melodious electro-influenced-pop we’ve come to expect from Warmsley, a style that’s becomes all his own. For now, the synthesizers have been set aside and the guitars have been strapped on. I always find it awkward trying to compare bands to one another in order to describe their sound, since you’d hope they were trying to be creative and original, but for the sake of this ‘Have a Listen’ post, you could describe Acres, Acres as an alt-folk band combining Beach Boys harmonies with Wilco-style americana, except a whole lot catchier and with more pizzazz.
But hey, judge for yourself. The band is giving away a free download of “Diamonds from Coal” via bandcamp.com. Just enter your email and get your free download.
DOWNLOAD “Diamonds from Coal” here@bandcamp.com or here@mediafire
Speaking of fun free stuff, you can snag yourself a copy of Warmsley’s 5 Versions EP, comprised of acoustic versions of his personal favorite songs from his first two albums and an ABBA cover, at any of the shows on his upcoming tour or DOWNLOAD IT HERE. Sweet baby jesus, gotta love free goods.
Jeremy Warmsley plays New York City TONIGHT!!!
Alright NYC peeps, TONIGHT (September 23rd) you have a great opportunity to catch Jeremy Warmsley LIVE at Pianos. He’s on at 8pm and there’s no indication that the show is 21+, unlike a week ago when Johnny Flynn graced the same stage you young kids are in luck!!
It’s only a matter of time before the world catches on to this man’s genius (seriously, have you heard The Art of Fiction??? it is LONG overdue!), so do yourself a favor and head out to Pianos tonight. Then one day when he’s selling out bigger venues you can be one of those snobs who’s all “Ugh, I remember when I saw him play this tiny venue and only a couple of us were there because we really cared. Where were all these people back then?” Whether you want to admit it or not, you know you love saying that kind of shit. Don’t front…
New York City is the one U.S. city that seriously makes me hate my life more than a normal person should.
