Caught out there – The Seahorses
If I were a full time musician, and had conquered the world with a blinding debut album, but had seen others misunderstand my genius then, upon starting up a new band I’d be out to prove people wrong. Instead John Squire of Stone Roses fame hooked up with a busker and two other non-descripts (one who had a very dodgy goatee) and formed The Seahorses. It was promising initially, a bit of support from Noel who penned his own track (Love me and Leave me) and even toured with them, trademark wizardry on the guitar from Squire…but actually, a couple of songs aside you had to be the most dogged of Squire fans to hang on to this lot.
For those of you who like the Stone Roses I know you fall into one of two camps. You’re a purist or a realist. Half way through ‘I Am The Resurrection’ the song effectively ends, there’s a pause and then John Squire gets all fancy with a 5 minute guitar solo. Purists get all indignant when an indie club/radio station stops the song halfway through. Realists walk when they don’t. Not sure where you stand? Imagine watching the real resurrection. I mean, that’s going to be some event. Now imagine people banging on about it for the next 2000 years. That’ll be the guitar solo.
The Seahorses see Squire continue his preaching, except now the congregation is dwindling.
There was, however, one good indie ballad, written ironically by the busker. Blinded by the Sun. For a chance to believe again, the whole album is here.
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Seahorses
Verdict: Smart money was always on Ian Brown
Guilty parties – hmmm, only me? I reckon Vicki W, Si, Andy T and secretly, Russ
Recommended for:
Nick – despite all the above you can always improve on Jamiroquai.
Beccy – the Busker has a solo slot at LSS
Steer clear:
Donald – the unnecessary warbling and guitar nonsense will wind you up no end
Hypewatch – MGMT
MGMT
“For all its musical philandering, unbridled excess and shrouds of irony, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a record with more musical depth and warmth all year than this one.” NME 8/10
Irony in music and ridiculous clothes are not going to get my music juices flowing. In fact, these types need a proper clean up and perhaps a word from whathisname, Gok? (see pic at http://www.nme.com/reviews/mgmt/9519)
A snippet of Electric Feel and I’m whisked off to one of those hideous clubs, y’know, in places like Birmingham where you step in at the tender age of 29 to hear 70’s funk and you realise you’re still the kid on the dancefloor about to be chatted up by a 45 year old with a blonde wig. This is one the wedding DJ’s will be playing in 10 years…
But halt! ‘Time to Pretend’, now that’s a proper, prick up your ears tune that will be bounding round your head for a while.
And there’s enough buried deep within songs like Weekend Wars and The Youth to forget for a moment that they have oversized sunglasses and silly high voices. Hmmm, i think i agree with NME. Oh dear.
Verdict – Go on then, if you must.
Recommended for
Claire – you too like big sunglasses
Vicki W – It’ll bridge the gap between your indie cool and James’ cheese!
Si – Somehow, i think they’d be worth seeing live
Steer clear
Kris – It’s just too wierd
Andy Brown – or possibly not, i just can’t tell with you. You might like their alleged ironic side
