» Music Reviews: Roots Manuva, The Blow Monkeys, Justin Broadrick
At the other end of the age spectrum 72-year-old Glen Campbell is a legend of rock and pop, having made over 70 albums, played for some of the greatest including Presley and Sinatra, had a few monster hits, hosted his own TV show for three years, acted alongside John Wayne in True Grit, had problems with alcohol and drug abuse, been married four times…
Well, the old terrier is at it again with Meet Glen Campbell, a collection of covers including tunes by the likes of Travis, Tom Petty, Foo Fighters, The Replacements, Velvet Underground, John Lennon et al. A superb countryrock sound throughout.
Back after 18 years The Blow Monkeys are back with a new album, Devils’ Tavern, and a tour. Robert Howard and old chums have come up with the goods, reminding us that they were actually a top band, ahead of their time in many ways and who combined their essentially joyous music with a strong political sensibility. Full of soul, these glam jazzers have kept the pop faith.
Roots Manuva has proved himself to be the finest UK hip hopper of the last decade, and new album Slime & Reason is another innovative work that combines grime, ragga, hip hop, electro-funk and even African vibes within this masterly work.
For any fans of intelligent heavy music, the thought of former Godflesh, Napalm Death and currently Jesu man Justin Broadrick and Swans collaborator Jarboe is a mouth-watering prospect. Entitled J2, the short term for Joules, a measure of thermal energy, this record is all about the exchange of a kind of sonic energy between eerie vocal flutters and slowly grinding post-metal guitar. A quietly affecting embrace, Broadrick’s trademark densely layered clash between heavy bass and high treble mourning works beautifully with Jarboe’s emotive wails.
With Bestival taking place this week, the release of a compilation of bands involved this year, A to Z: Bestival 2008 is nothing if not timely. A two disc set covering bands old (808 State, Human League), new and ‘hotly-tipped’ (Black Kids, The Shortwave Set) and a little from pretty much every type of music on the bill, this perfectly represents the spirit of Bestival – diversity, creativity and above all, good music. Fresh acts like thecockandbullkid feature alongside rare tracks from more established artists such as Foals.
Alan McGee’s new pet project Glasvegas combines atmospheric, feedback and reverb drenched 50s rock’n’roll with contemporary nononsense attitude on their eponymous debut album. The songs generally segue into one another, the pressure is close to overwhelming and it all sounds huge and menacing. Great song titles too.
