LeMec Music Blog

Thank God for Pete Doherty!

2007-08-08T22:58:00.000+02:00

I can't stand this guy. He really pisses me off. Or maybe not so much him as how the music media is incredibly fascinated by his doings and so-called music career. I mean, there's got to be a limit to how little talent you can get away with...

Anyway, I'm pretty sure that, ultimately, the media don't flock around Doherty because of his music skills. It's probably to document this car crash of a person and to be there when he finally explodes. Rather sad, isn't it...

But...to anyone who's ever been star struck, I guess there's some comfort in seeing that fame is not always the same as rising above normal people. Pete Doherty is the devastating example how utterly poor and sad a person can be. Celebrity or not. How he landed Kate Moss is beyond me.

Whatever. He pisses me off.

Le Mec

Lost in the fire - is your digital music collection safe?

2007-07-12T19:35:00.001+02:00

Came across this article on nme.com about how many music collectors who have switched to digital downloads instead of cds may have a serious problem if their beloved computer or Ipod goes up in smoke or otherwise gets lost.

Seems like many insurance companies haven't adapted to the new world of digitalised music and the fact that large music collections now only exist digitally instead of physically. And the few that do will probably look closely at any major claim coming from someone having lost thousands of songs. And how do you document how much money you've spent on downloads? Who really keeps track of this?

I'm still a fan of cds so the issue is not real to me just yet. But how about you? Where would you be if all of a sudden your computer got lost in the fire?

Le Mec

New album from The Cure - Could this, then, be the return to form?

2007-07-12T11:10:00.000+02:00

The Cure are back with a new album in October. A double album even.

A long-time Cure fan, I can't help being fairly relaxed about this. The last couple of albums from the band have been far from exciting so the odds are against them pulling out a stunner this time. However, the word on the street is that the album will be more upbeat and a return to their previous sound - a bit like 1987's 'Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me'.

Were this to be the case, I would certainly rate the new album as a crucial release this autumn. But let's look beyond the hearsay and just wait and see what we get.

Le Mec

Alanis' humps

2007-07-08T16:12:00.000+02:00

You may already have seen Alanis Morissette's take on the Black Eyed Peas hit 'My Humps'.

The great thing about this piece is how, while you're watching it and long after, i rises as a very pointy comment on pop music today and how focus has shifted from the music to everything else (including humps).

It's been a while since Alanis released anything interesting. This one she got just right!

Le Mec

When simple music video concepts really work!

2007-07-08T15:56:00.000+02:00

30-some years into the age of music videos, it's always great when you see something new, innovating or just plain funny.

The video for OK Go's 'Here It Goes Again' probably falls in the last category. The concept is simple: a 3-minute choreographed tread mill dance. Sounds simple but these guys pull it off in an amazing way.

Who says you need to spend a million bucks to make a great video....

Le Mec

Uninspiring benefit concerts

2007-07-07T19:50:00.000+02:00

I don't know about you but I am finding the current stream of benefit concerts rather uninspiring and definitely not worth the attention from an artistic point of view. I'm not attacking the purpose of supporting important causes, such as Live Earth promoting awareness about the current climatic situation. What I'm saying is that I am finding it really difficult to mount any form of excitement over the performances at these events.

I've been watching the events 'Concert For Diana' and 'Live Earth' and am really disappointed by the number of pale performances lacking nerve and real commitment. It may be because the shows take place in full daylight but it seems very difficult for most artists to really get into the groove and deliver a performance worthy of the noble cause they are supporting.

Maybe inflation has set in and the number of these kinds of events are just too high. I for one have lost quite a bit of the fascination and will never again discover the sheer goosebumps of anticipation I experienced back in 1985 with Live Aid. The prospect of gathering so many great artists was simply unbelievable. And the performances also seemed to be more heartfelt. At least compared with today.

I for one will not be marking my calendar and vigurously defend the event against something more interesting when the next 'fantastic' event comes along.

Le Mec

Upcoming wonder boys

2007-07-04T23:12:00.000+02:00

Their myspace site say they are unsigned. I can’t understand how this can be true. No wonder the decline of the record industry, when they leave such talent out...

The band I’m talking about is DE CAPULET from Arizona. Band members Jakob Johnson and Benn Mendelsohn are some of the most talented musicians i’ve heard in a long time. They describe their music as “...a fusion of The Beatles, The Shins, Counting Crows, and even Death Cab for Cutie...” and “...indie rock you can dance to...”.

Unfortunately I haven’t found a way to buy any of their music. Please tell me if you know where! Until then I have to be content with daily visits to DE CAPULET myspace site, where you’ll find five f...... amazing songs.

Visit http://www.myspace.com/decapulet

…or take a look at the video “Love at a High Speed”

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1093080

'stoffer

Remastered re-issues: Re-invention or rip-off?

2007-07-04T14:45:00.000+02:00

I admit it: I am a music collector, which means I am in the target group whenever great albums get remastered and re-issued. I am part of the group of people who may just buy the album once more to get the new and improved version.

Now, some would say that it's just a rip-off by the record companies and that it's a smart and sneaky way to blow new life into old and burried material. Well, I can understand this point of view if you're not really that interested in the little (sometimes big) improvements in how the old release sounds when it's been through the remastering process. Or if it means a higher price for the new version. However, most often the new version just replaces the old and usually at the same price (at least after a little while). So I don't see too many drawbacks for the normal consumer. For the collector it may be a different issue if you then can't resist re-newing the entire catalogue of for example Rolling Stones (honestly, who would want to...?). That can be a costly affair. And I guess that, ultimately, this is what pays for the remastering (I'm sure Mr. Record Label has done the math).

Anyway, I'm a sucker for these new releases and I have a hard time not wanting the new offering, knowing that the one I've got may now be inferior sound-wise. Even though the sonic improvements may be hard to hear. So more than once, I've been through a process, like snakes, of shedding my skin and face-lifting the collection of favourite artists. I just love it when new life is breathed into old material. I mean, most 80's albums sound much better and more dynamic in their remastered form. Who does not want that?

I know there are those who prefer the sound of the original release, which is often a bit more dusty and analog (at least for many 70's albums). Not me. As long as more clarity, dynamic and focus is brought to the soundscape, I'm all for it.

So bring on the remasters. If the album still holds it own, I'll probably end up buying it once more.

Le Mec

Affair with French pop

2007-07-04T00:30:00.000+02:00

I have had a love affair with French pop music going for the last 15 years. I know a lot of really bad music comes out of France, but they do also make very special pop music, which contains that very special French flavour and sensual element. That's when things become interesting.

I've been particularly following artists Mylène Farmer, Zazie, Jean-Jacques Goldman and Francis Cabrel. Where the first two are female pop with a twist, the last two are singer-songwriters or troubadours. All are characterised by a very atmospheric and very French flavour. J'aime beacoup!

Take a highly recommended tour:

Mylène Farmer: California

Zazie: Des Rails

Jean-Jacques Goldman: Sache Que Je

Francis Cabrel: Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimerai

Le Mec

rodrigo y gabriela rules!

2007-07-02T19:02:00.000+02:00

Who the f... are they. Well take a breath and spare a few minutes to hear their music. I’m sure they’ll convince you of their potential.

“Rodrigo y Gabriela” (Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero) are a mexican acoustic guitar duo, who plays – as described by The Evening Standard – (acoustic) “Latin Metal”!

They met while playing in trash metal band "Tierra Acida" back home in Mexico City. But very soon they found out that their was no future for this kind of music in Mexico. So they travelled to Dublin, where they finally got success.

Their self-titled album “rodrigo y gabriela” (2006) entered the Irish Albums Charts at #1, leaving - among others - Arctic Monkeys debut album behind.

The album was re-issued in the spring of 2007, where it was highly acclaimed by music magazines; “The MOST exciting acoustic act in the world” (Acoustic Magazine), “A storm of an album” (Word), One of the best guitar albums in ages; one of the best discs this year” (Billboard) and “This music is the sound of passion as interpreted by and spoken for in a new rock & roll language” (All Music Guide).

Recenly they have supported Muse at the new Webley Stadium (June 16, 2007).

Well.., visit their myspace site or the bands own website. You won’t be disappointed.

http://www.myspace.com/rodrigoygabriela
rodgab.com

'stoffer

Music to look out for this autumn

2007-07-02T18:25:00.000+02:00

As always, the summer is pretty slow when it comes to new album releases. People are away enjoying the summer and record companies are holding out for the autumn with the release of new material.

This usually means that the end of the summer marks an interesting time for new music and this year's no different.

On my list of albums to look out for, I've got quite a few albums from established artists who will again grace us with new music.

First and foremost, DURAN DURAN are lining up 'Red Carpet Massacre', an album containing collaboration with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. I'm sensing it'll be a less guitar-driven album but am hugely looking forward to their collaboration with the hottest pair in dance pop right now. This simply cannot go wrong!

Swedish indie rockers KENT also return with the follow-up to their brilliant 'Du & Jag Döden'. Over the years, this band has steadily grown into a personal favourite of mine and I am expecting more melancholic guitar-based indie pop with that special Scandinavian mystique layered around great melodic anthems.

One of the revelations of 2006 were Danish synth rockers SPLEEN UNITED. Their new material has already been previewed at a couple of shows and critics are saying that it's even better than their debut 'Godspeed Into The Mainstream'. If this is actually the case, doom and gloom will once again sound ever so sweet.

Staying in Denmark, TV-2, the essence of being Danish, will once again shower us with '80s flavoured pop songs commenting on Danish life. It's a bit odd praising a band, which most foreigners will no doubt have a hard time understanding, but nevertheless their upcoming album will be an essential release for me this autumn.

The same can be said for the solo debut from Del Amitri frontman JUSTIN CURRIE. While we wait and see if the Del Amitri break is permanent or not, it will be good to get another doze of his bittersweet pop hymns. Hear some of them on his MySpace page.

Legendary westcoast rockers THE EAGLES are rumoured to be lining up an October release for their long-awaited album. Besides 'Chinese Democracy' from Guns N' Roses, there's probably not an album, which has been spoken more about and looked forward to. Having heard some of their recent stuff, however, there's also a certain risk that this will be a huge let-down. I hope they will come across less patriotic American and more like the old Eagles...

Trance heroes CHICANE release 'Somersault' on 23 July, which should make for a great summer soundtrack. They are still the bearers of one of the greatest trance albums ever ('Behind The Sun').

Finally, UK indie newcomers HARD-FI are back with their second album. I thought the first one was packed with great indie pop and a real grower, so I'm sure the second will be worth checking out.

All of the above are looking like October/November releases.

Stay tuned for more recommendations.

Le Mec

We're back!

2007-06-29T09:24:00.000+02:00

Just wanted to mention that things are finally going to pick up again at LeMec Music Blog after a year or so in the dark. My life kinda took various turns keeping me away from blogging. But now it's time to sharpen the pen and get back into it.

And it's not only going to be me. I will be inviting a couple of my mates to be co-writers, and I'm sure they will contribute with slightly different points of view on music. It's going to be good, I'm telling ya...

Anyway, come back in a bit as we gets things sorted and finalise the new posts...

Le Mec

That's It! I'm hanging up on mindless radio pop muzak

2006-03-25T10:57:00.000+01:00

It's been on the way for some time now: The feeling that life just isn't long enough to keep an open mind to all music I hear. Having endured the last few years of increasingly stupidifying radio and music TV crap I believe this is the time to officialy check out.

It's not that I'm surprised by the low, low level of intelligence and musical integrity in today's average pop music. The tendency towards sex, sex, and easy but unjustified fame has been on the way for years now. What amazes me is that the people actually exposed to all of this - YOU (or mostly the younger audience) - have absolutely no critical sense. They just swallow it all with no expectation or demand for the slightest bit of substance. Music really has become something you use and then spit out when the next trend or cool comes along. Nothing sticks and building a name for yourself without first taking off your clothes, bad-mouthing everyone or being part of Paris Hilton's entourage is a hard, hard battle.

I guess I'm not really bothered that much by the above. After all, this is how the world is today and I can accept that. However, the utter lack of personality (you know, the stuff that's behind the facade) really is frightening. I mean, even Modern Talking had some sort of personality back in the '80s. A crap one, but a least there was a story behind the band. Today, everyone in pop music seems to have been either professionally casted, participated in some kind of reality show, fucked their way onto the scene, or is just ridiculously good looking.

Anyway, if at least all of this slickness could result in decent and interesting music, much would be forgiven. But this is obviously not the case, and, judging by the way things are moving, it will only get worse - not better.

So, I believe I will do myself a favour and step off the crappy rollercoaster and just spend my time on music I really find something in. After all, there's still a lot of it out there, even though you may not find it on TV or radio.

And, as always, you can find my reviews and recommendations of all the good and not so good stuff coming through on the music scene at LeMec Music Net.

Hope this will spark some kind of inspiration...

Le Mec

The most anticipated spring releases of 2006

2006-02-11T18:21:00.000+01:00

After a traditionally quiet start of the year in terms of album releases, we are gearing up for more pace as we move into the spring. There are quite a few interesting releases on the way and the next 6 months already look very good music-wise.

I want to mention six of the ones I'm mostly looking forward to. They are all by artists I already know very well, so my anticipation is probably based on the knowledge that I'll be getting something quite good but also without too many surprises. But what the hell, I expect at least a couple of these six albums to be on the list when I collect the top ten for 2006 at the end of the year.

First up is the new PLACEBO album called 'Meds'. I actually already have this (promo copy) and it is quite simply brilliant! I'm thinking that it may even be their best yet, so if you're into Placebo you will have a lot to look forward to when it comes out in March.

Next up is the new CHARLATANS album 'Simpatico'. The last couple of albums have been really really great and I hope they can keep this up. I guess the biggest shame is that way too few people know about the band. You really should care less about bands like Coldplay and turn your attention to overlooked bands like The Charlatans. I'm quite sure you'll like it...Try out their fine albums 'Wonderland' and 'Up At The Lake'.

Another big favourite of mine is LIVE. Their new album 'Songs From Black Mountain' should enrich us with another set of fairly traditional rock anthems of high quality. There was a time when Live could serve up new and refreshing ideas on the alternative rock scene. They don't really do this so much any more and rely mostly on a decent fan base. But their music always has a distinct sense of urgency and substance.

Sad neurotic MORRISSEY is also back with a very melodic and string-driven album. It's called 'Ringleader Of The Tormentors' and the title alone indicates that we're in for yet another journey into melodic depression. Well, at least Morrissey has a cunning ability to make tristesse rather appealing and somehow positive. Prepare to rip out the Prozac...

One of my all-time favourite artists, PET SHOP BOYS, return with what has been rumoured to be a really great album. It's called 'Fundamental' and it is probably the release I'm looking most forward to (now that I already know the brilliance of the Placebo album). A Pet Shop Boys in form just cannot be beaten!

Finally, there's some quality lounge/chillout music on the way from ZERO 7 who return with 'The Garden'.

So I guess there's something for most corners of my music taste. 2005 was a pretty good year with many great releases. 2006 is shaping up to follow that high quality level.

Le Mec

British overhype watering down good music journalism!

2006-02-05T11:38:00.000+01:00

The British music media have always been extremely good at building up the hype surrounding upcomings bands....and then breaking it all down again once the band has reached a level where both the creative flood and public recognition start to wither.

This hype is sometimes justified and does have the very important function of making sure that some upcoming bands are handed a chance for the fasttrack to super stardom. However, often there just seems to be so much of a pattern in how the hype is constructed and blown out of proportion in the British media that it comes across rather calculated.

Take for example the worst of the lot - British music paper NME. And let's take an example: newcomer Arctic Monkeys. The band has just released its debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' to immense praise from the critics. NME is hailing the band as nothing short of the saviours of British rock music (at least this year's saviours...). The last 3-4 months have been packed with media focus on the band and a paper like NME has spoken absolutely nothing negative about the phenomenon Arctic Monkeys. The album is given a 10/10 review and everything the band does is pure genius.

I'm sorry NME, but something just stinks here. I know that hype is most often more interesting than realism but every now and then it just gets too much. Yes, the Arctic Monkeys make quite good music, but no, they are really not that special and contribute little to an already well-developed and covered music scene.

But I guess you need your heroes to keep finding your jobs interesting enough... But what happened to all the other saviours? I mean, where are

- Starsailor
- Travis
- The Libertines
- Pete Doherty

now?

These artists were all at one time hailed as something quite incredible and turned out to be just one of the bunch. And relatively ordinary.

Hype is good when it's justified. In the UK, most often it is not and it has simply watered down the concept for me. So the next time NME hypes a band, they will have to scream REALLY LOUD for me to pay attention or even care...

Le Mec

SMALL and DEDICATED better than big and popular

2005-12-08T18:58:00.000+01:00

Robbie Williams will be playing two huge live shows in Denmark in the summer of 2006. So will the Rolling Stones. And so have a lot of other BIG names done in the past.

The truth is - I don't really care. I have never been into large stadium concerts where you spend 4-5 hours standing in a big crowd fighting to get a good view and subject to often suspect sound quality. It seems, however, that going to these concerts is the thing to do - being able to say that "I went and saw Robbie". At least that must be the case since almost 90,000 tickets can be sold in just a couple of days.

Well, I'm much more into the smaller, more intimate concerts where you spend 1-2 hours indoors in the company of maximum a few thousand dedicated fans. And then that's it and you go home with a short and sweet experience - hopefully. At least I think these kinds of things tend to become more focused and dedicated shows with a better sound.

Recent examples of this kind of great live experience have been shows with French pop rockers PHOENIX and Norwegian electronica gods RÖYKSOPP. Both shows were short and sweet (75 minutes) and characterised by a great atmosphere, sound and contact between artist and audience. In other words, the kind of show that puts a smile on your face and does not contain distracting elements like with the big concerts: getting there, queing with thousands and thousands of people to get in, waiting for 1-2 hours standing before the show, being frustrated because outdoor shows tend to invite people who are there more for the beer than the music, getting away from the concert again........

I've tried to think of all the artists and bands I love and which of them would be able to draw me to one of these huge outdoor concerts. I really can only think of a few.......Tried it with R.E.M. this summer. It was great but still contained the distracting elements listed above. And I more or less agreed with myself that I've just grown too comfortable to do that again.

Anyway, if you get a chance to experience PHOENIX or RÖYKSOPP live, I recommend you check it out. They're awesome!

Le Mec

Coldplay fatique

2005-11-09T19:06:00.000+01:00

Three albums and about a million (or so it seems) TV appearances into their quite impressive career, it seems like Coldplay have somehow hit a wall. At least in my mind, and things have started moving in another, more negative direction.

It's not really that their music has gotten worse over the three albums. In fact, the latest album 'X & Y' is quite good and, although not as good as 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head', can definitely hold its own. I have just had enough of their constant whining. Or put in another way: I am getting increasingly tired of the lack of width and depth in Chris Martin's vocal and am really starting to miss a little more edge.

When you add the fact that Coldplay have become rather over-exposed in terms of being on every single award show with that song over and over again ('Fix You') - a song Chris Martin doesn't sing particularly well live - things have become just a little bit too much.

I mean, Chris Martin and Coldplay may be the nicest people on earth and instantly appealing, but this very fact may actually be working against them from now on. Take Scottish band Travis, for example. In 1-2 years they went from being one of the hottest new bands in the UK to people completely turning their backs on them and record sales falling faster than a rock with a turbo engine attached to it! Simply because they stuck to the same old sound and were too nice and uninteresting as people. I'm not saying the same will happen to Coldplay but I do think the 'nice guys' factor may be working against them from now on. Unless they manage to spice it up with a little more edge, both musically and reputation-wise.

Who knows - maybe a dirty affair with bitch Paris Hilton followed by a bunch of spiteful love/hate songs could be the answer for Chris Martin.

I for one will be looking for a big change on their fourth album if I am to keep up my Coldplay fascination. Let's all hope for a little more SCANDAL!!

Le Mec

The demise of physical record shops

2005-09-25T22:36:00.000+02:00

I'm having a hard time remembering the last time I bought a new cd release in a physical record shop. These days I opt for the cheaper and more practical alternatives online.

For someone who used to enjoy going to the local shop to check out new music and hopefully find the ocassional bargain or two, it's a very sad development and the end of an era. And with digital music snapping up increasing chunks of the market, it seems like there's only one way this can go: even fewer shops with even fewer paying customers.

But it's really the fault of the record companies and shops themselves. I see at least three main reasons why physical shops will only have an even harder time in the future:

1) The lack of instore assortment makes it much less exciting to browse through the racks. Many shops these days focus only on relatively new releases or the charts and if you can't be sure to find what you're looking for in the shop if it's a bit older, you may as well go online where the assortment is always great.

2) A lot of the record shops I go to employ a very young staff and it hits me every time how poor their music knowledge and guidance is. If you're not asking about a relatively new release or something they can look up in the catalogue, you're not likely to get a useful answer. One more reason for doing your own research and subsequent shopping online.

3) The high prices. In my opinion, the record companies have chosen a completely wrong strategy to battle the decreasing record sales. I mean, when it's been proved that a lot of people don't buy new music because cd prices are too high, and that lower prices would most likely mean that more people would buy the original cd rather than download it or burn an illegal copy, I simply don't understand why record companies insist on keeping prices and profit margin per cd very high. Do they really think they can gain the lost revenue via increased margins? I think not.

All in all, my days in physical record shops may not be over, but the visits most certainly can be counted on much fewer hands than before.

Sad...but I don't see it changing.

Le Mec

Duran Duran flashback on December 9th

2005-09-25T11:09:00.000+02:00

As an old (and current) Duran Duran fan, December 9th will be a pretty interesting day:

Duran Duran are playing live in Denmark and I can already feel my inner '80's child beaming with expectation. I wonder how long my hair can get in two and a half months' time...

Saw the band twice in 1987 and 1988 so it's been a while. So it'll be fun to re-live the screaming and mayhem....although the female screams have probably gotten a bit deeper since then, I mean with age and all. And even though Simon Le Bon is gradually annoying me more and more, I'm sure his whining and slightly arrogant presence will be towered by the quality of the music. After all, this is the first time I get to see the original line-up.

By the way, if you're into Duran Duran, there's a live DVD coming out at the end of October, filmed in 2004 at Wembley Arena.

Anyways, I'm sure I'll be talking much more about this event after the show...

If you live in Denmark, tickets are still available.

Le Mec

Reggae and R&B rubbish on the airwaves!

2005-09-24T11:48:00.000+02:00

Oh God, free me from all the reggae/latin-inspired and R&B drewling pop muzak filling my radio and TV!

Why did they ever invent someone like Shaggy, Puff Daddy and all the R&B divas? Ever since they infested the music scene we've had nothing but hundreds of clones imitating them or taking lots of inspiration from their music.

It is definitely causing me to lose a lot of interest in chart music (more than I would have anyway, since I'm now in my thirties and officially too old to really be down with the scene).

So excuse me for asking back the 90's where chart music seemed to be a little heavier on both quality and substance.

Oh, and by the way, while you're at it - get all of those kids off the chart as well! They belong in school, not on my damn stereo!

Aaahhhh.....that felt good. Now I'm all calm again. Anyone for some death metal??

Le Mec

MEW - a Danish revelation

2005-09-24T11:34:00.000+02:00

This post is mainly to draw your attention to Danish band Mew.

Mew makes indie-shoegazer-dreampop and is beyond doubt one of the most exciting bands within this genre at the moment.

Their fresh new album is just out and it's called "Mew And The Glass Handed Kites". Never mind the stupid title, it's a journey into fantastic soundscapes of melancholy and delicacy.

The album is available internationally and you should do yourself the favour of listening to it. It's guaranteed to bring new depths to your music collection.

Mew's website can be visited at www.mewsite.com.

All hail melancholy!

Le Mec

REM delivers powerful live experience

2005-06-28T20:36:00.000+02:00

As part of the European leg of their current world tour, R.E.M. paid a visit to the small Danish city Horsens and delivered a truly remarkable concert in front of 23,000 people.

Despite the presence of beer-drinking hillbillies clearly without the dedication to this rare visit of a world name, the band managed to reach the majority of the audience with a sparkling performance and great sound.

And as completely dominant front figure, Michael Stipe once again proved that his stage presence oozes charisma and that he is without doubt, along with the likes of Bono, one of the best frontmen today.

The concert did have a couple of low points where 2-3 relatively anonymous songs followed each other but the band always managed to pull the ship back on course with yet another one of their greatest songs. So the overall impression is one of a band who may have seen their greatest day but still possess a lot of strength and a back catalogue most other bands would sell their mother for.

And when those songs are delivered in radiant form like on this night, R.E.M. are hard to match for any band.

Set list:

01 I Took Your Name
02 What's The Frequency, Kenneth?
03 Bad Day
04 Drive
05 The Outsiders
06 Don't Go Back To Rockville
07 Animal
08 The One I Love
09 I Wanted To Be Wrong
10 Wanderlust
11 Leave
12 Leaving New York
13 Everybody Hurts
14 Turn You Inside-Out
15 Orange Crush
16 Electron Blue
17 Electrolite
18 Walk Unafraid
19 Losing My Religion

Encores:
20 Imitation Of Life
21 The Great Beyond
22 She Just Wants To Be
23 I've Been High
24 Nightswimming
25 I'm Gonna DJ
26 Man On The Moon

By the way, if you're new to R.E.M. and wonder where to start, my personal top six of their albums is:

1. Automatic For People
2. Around The Sun
3. Reveal
4. New Adventures In Hi-Fi
5. Out Of Time
6. Up

Good luck!

Le Mec

DJ River - excellent dance/chillout mixes

2005-06-12T15:14:00.000+02:00

If you're into dance/trance/chillout music, here's the best offer you'll find for some time: This Swedish DJ called DJ River regularly posts some awesome 70-80 minute long dance mixes, compiling some of the greatest dance and chillout tracks into one long epic of melody, atmosphere and soul.

One of the greatest things about the mixes is his choice of songs. They're always brilliant songs, making every mix a joy from start to end. And it's also top-notch car music.

But the best of it all is that all the mixes are completely free! All you need to do is download the high-quality sound mixes and burn them onto a cd.

Anyway, give it a listen at:
djriver.com
...or go straight to the page with the mixes here.

My favourites include:
Chicane Anthology Vol. 1
Chicane Anthology Vol. 2
Ambient Chillout Mix 4
Chill House Mix 4

Happy downloading!

Le Mec

Why I don't like live albums

2005-06-12T11:44:00.000+02:00

I'm not a big fan of live albums. There are people who swear by live recordings and think that this is when a band really comes alive and brings the music to life. Well, I come from a totally different place...

Most of the music I listen to has a certain feeling, atmosphere or energy which is created via the sound and production of the music. Often it can be a certain keyboard sound, guitar rif or hook that makes a great song become a brilliant song. And when listening to a song, certain sections of that song are often defined by these special moments.

The transformation from recorded album to live situation is often where things go wrong. To me, live recordings most often fail to capture these small recorded details of brilliance and many songs become a lot less layered sonically and thus less interesting.

Also, live albums rarely manage to capture the atmosphere and excitement at the concert and will therefore always be the second best way of experiencing a band live.

Finally, too many bands just try to reproduce the album versions when they play live. In my book, this will almost always make the live rendition of a song inferior to the recorded version.

If I'm going to buy a live album, it's either going to be because I was there at the concert and want to cherish the experience or because the band plays the songs in more interesting ways live. Otherwise, why bother at all?

Albums to look out for

2005-05-22T14:00:00.000+02:00

The next couple of monts will spawn a number of higly profiled album releases as well as some less known but equally interesting ones.

The two obvious ones must be Coldplay and Oasis who will be fighting for the throne in the UK (probably and fortunately with Coldplay as the winner). While Oasis will most likely present us with more retro rip-off rock, it's going to be more interesting to see how Coldplay cope with that difficult third album. Not only will they have the challenge of expanding their sound - they also have the eyes of the world staring at them. This is probably one of the most anticipated releases in recent years. Anyway, from what I've read there should be no need to worry. It's gonna be all good and this year should be another triumph for Chris Martin and lads.

Another interesting release comes from The Tears, the collaboration between former Suede members Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler. I've only heard the first single off the album but to me it sounds very much like Suede and there should be instant appeal to the huge Suede fan base. Guess the big question will be if the rest of the world will take notice or if the Suede sound has already been stretched as far as it can go. I myself await the album with a sceptical yet positive feeling.

I'm also looking forward to the new album from The Wallflowers called "Rebel, Sweetheart". It'll most likely be more mainstream American rock from Bob Dylan's son but I've found something really appealing in their open and relatively light sound. So that's probably one I most own.

Norwegian melancholy princess Lene Marlin will release her third called "Lost In A Moment". I'm pretty sure that if you liked the other two, here's more pristine melancholy for those rainy afternoons. Don't forget the tea...

Saint Etienne release their "Tales From Turnpike House" in June and despite the fact that they're apparently working on a childrens album, this one should be just in the right time for the summer. Saint Etienne still have their own sound and when they're best they are still unmatched.

Former Smashing Pumpkins captain Billy Corgan has scrapped the Zwan project and now stands on his own two feet on "The Future Embrace". It should be a relatively positive album compared to the dark Pumpkins days but I'm sure we'll still get the occasional guitar noise. Mind you, my favourite Pumpkins album is "Adore" which was their most quiet and reflective. So more of that would be right up my alley.

Norwegian chillout duo Royksopp's eagerly awaited second album "The Understanding" will be with us at the end of June. Since their debut was quite brilliant, expectations are high in my book.

There are other releases by the likes of Black Eyed Peas, Foo Fighters, Stevie Wonder, Jamiroquai and The White Stripes to get you excited. So reserve some room in your budget for cds. It will be well worth it and should ensure a sonically great summer!

For more info on upcoming album releases, visit this spot.

Peace,

Le Mec

Eels, Kylie & Oasis

2005-05-20T21:33:00.000+02:00

Well, while creating this blog I've been listening to this new album by Eels, one of my favourite US indie singer-songwriter bands. I can't help feeling that Mark Oliver Everett - aka E - the lead singer is really a sad motherfucker. In the positive way. Seems like the harder his life gets, the better the music we get to hear. Pretty much like Robert Smith from The Cure. The worse and more frustrated he feels, the more darkness and chaos he puts into his albums. And, being a sucker for melancholy, that's just right for me.

(Eels: Blinking Lights And Other Revelations)

Other than that, I guess the big news in music this week has been Kylie's breast cancer diagnosis. What strikes me is how well-liked this tiny Aussie is. It's really quite heart-warmening to hear how much support she's gotten from the public. I really can't image anyone not liking Kylie. I mean, you may not like her music, but as a person she's just so sweet, unspoiled and charming. That's quite unique in a music business where making a name for yourself by standing out in some way is almost certain to get you some hate. But not Kylie. I can almost see for myself how the guys in the local death metal club are having a quiet nod towards Kylie before they're off to spew death and destruction on the world.

Finally, in about a week the world will be hit by the new Oasis album. Can't say that means much to me, though. In fact, I've never been less excited by the thought of a new Oasis album. Even though the album has received quite good reviews I have a hard time acknowleging the genius of Noel Gallagher. Looking back, there really has been a lot of rip-off in Oasis' music and the fact that they are still being hailed as rock gods in the UK says absolutely nothing about the quality of their music and much about the average UK rock fan's need to cling to a working class rock dream....or illusion.

Anyway, these were the words for now. Will be back soon.

Welcome to LeMec Music Blog

2005-05-20T19:23:00.000+02:00

LeMec Music Net has been running for seven years now. Seven years of me spewing my opinion about music at whoever wants to listen. It's been happy times...and many more will come.

Well, instead of me just imposing my views on you guys, here's your chance to comment or shoot back at me.

I'll post on this blog when and as I feel like it and you're most welcome to participate.

I'm counting on you to be dead honest and to shoot from the hip. This blog has no censurship and I'm not a sensitive person.

Much respect!

Le Mec