Album review requests

Im kinda struggling to come up with albums to review so i wondered if anyone has any requests for me? I ll review anything.

Thanks Nathan.

Sleaford Mods-Divide and Exit review

Sleaford Mods
Divide and Exit
2014

Sleaford Mods are a band seen to be the antidote to much of the vapid safe music of today. They have lyrics which generally deal with being at the arse end of life. It social commentary with a very cynical twist.

Although the message is a serious one, the band are actually quite funny. "The smell of piss is so strong it smells like decent bacon" what the hell does this mean?" There are a lot of surreal sounding lines like this and the excessive profanity is used in way that does not make it seem annoying and childish.

The band is made up of just two people - Jason Williamson the vocalist and lyricist and Andrew Fearn creates the music. Although it is electronically made, it sounds more like instrumentation.

Although the music is original sounding in todays climate, there are definitely hints of other artists such as John Cooper Clarke, The Fall, Crass and the Sex Pistols. It probably isnt for everyone but those looking for something a little more abrasive sounding than Adele and Ed Sheeran, this band is definitely worth a look.

Nathan.

Good news

Ive been accepted on the national enterprise scheme into self employment. Hopefully the future will start to look better. Wish me luck,

Nathan.

Grind Madness at the BBC

In today's climate its almost impossible to imagine and radio one dj like John Peel playing something like grindcore on his show. But "peel sessions" are legendary things, particularly in this case. "Grind madness at the BBC" features 118 tracks over three discs and is essential for anyone who is a fan of this genre.

The bands featured are Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror, Bolt Thrower, Godflesh, Carcass,  Heresy, Intense Degree and Unseen Terror. Napalm Death are always the first band that spring to mind and the intensity of the sessions makes it easy to see why. Early Napalm in the studio is terrifying stuff but this takes it to a whole new level. The same goes for ENT whose even more extreme sound is given an extra raw element here. In the case of Carcass, their sound on here is somewhat clearer the their studio output at the time, but in does not take away anything from the sound and the riffs are heard better than on the debut Reek of Putrefaction album, which suffered from a very muddled production.

With the lesser know bands like Heresy and Intense Degree, the sound is not quite as groundbreaking, they still sound very good and in the case of Godflesh, their very brutal sound is defineately given an added kick, with the version of the song "Pulp" on here, being a noteable work by itself and out of the context of the studio version. The added saxophone on the track is defineately something that sticks with you for a while. Bolt Throwers sound on here is not as different as their studio recordings but still sounds solid and powerful.

Grind Madness is an important historical document and still definitely is an intense listening experience nearly thirty years later.

Definitely recommend.

Nathan.

Any requests?

Hi,

Just wondering, does anyone have any albums that they would like me to review? I will do pretty much anything.

Cheers
Nathan

Righteous Pigs-Stress Related

Righteous Pigs
Stress Related
1989

Righteous Pigs are best known as the former band of Mitch Harris, who has been the guitarist for Napalm Death since 1990. This is unfortunate as they should be recognized as a band in their own right, with the likes of Pantera's Phil Anselmo citing them as an influence. Unlike the likes of Napalm and Terrorizer, the Pigs were not really grindcore being more extreme hardcore. Listening to them is definitely recommended if your feeling a little well...stressed.

This is their second album and has a better sound than their first one. Its just better made and written overall. It has decent production which helps, The guitars are heavy and the riffs impressive. The best way to describe the tone would be angry and cynical.

The best thing about this band though is the lyrics. Vocalist Joe Caper delivers them well with a tone in his voice that sounds genuine. They generally deal with negative aspects of life such as drug addiction and general things in life to be pissed off about.

Check it out.

Nathan.

Review-Discharge-Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing

Discharge
Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing
1982

1977 as the year punk exploded onto the world and changed the face of music and much of popular culture as we know it. Discharge from Stoke-on-Trent formed that year and at first were little more than one of many bands who sounded like the Sex Pistols.

By 1979 the original punk explosion had ended. It gave way for off shoot movements such as post punk and new wave. At this point, Discharge started to develop their own original sound. They were now joined by a new singer called Cal and were taking punk firmly into an underground direction.

Their first proper release in 1981 already had shocked people who thought that punk could not get more extreme. The Why? ep was definitely brutal sounding but this album, released in 1982 fully showcased their apocalyptic sound. Definateately taking their cue from Motorhead, their had truly been nothing like heard at the time.

Clocking in at 14 tracks, the formula on Hear Nothing does not deviate much. The blasting snare beats and thrashy guitars are a constant presence throughout the albums run. The amp for the guitars are turned up way beyond 11. Although somewhat repetitive, it is very direct and that what makes it stand out.

Its a wonder that drummer Gary Maloney was ever able to play again given his performance here. This pioneered a style that was to become known as D beat. Many bands who fell under that lable paid tribute to Discharge by having "Dis" in their name such as Disrupt and Disfear.

Although the vocals are rather incomprehensible, the lyrics are as minimal as the music, with phrase often being repeated over the course of not usually much longer than two minutes. The theme of the album is nuclear war. This, combined with the albums graphic artwork of genuine images from nuclear wars, makes for a chilling experience.

Its safe to say that without Discharge , much of extreme music wold not exist. From Napalm Death to Metallica to even the likes of Nirvana, Discharge have much to thank for.

Nathan Foster.

Album review- Extreme Noise Terror-Holocaust in your head

Well ive decided that this blog is now goin to be mainly album reviews as other ideas aren't really working.

Extreme Noise Terror A Holocaust in Your Head.
1989

The first Extreme Noise Terror record is easily the best thing they have ever done. That probably has something to with the fact the  songs ae actually original here and not re-recordings like much of their later output was.

As the name of the band and album would imply this is not pleasant sounding music. It is pure undiluted hardcore crust punk. The production is raw. This is very much an album long before the days of pro tools. The drums at absoulutely punishing and relentless. Then there's the bass that sounds muddy and heavy.

The noteable thing about ENT was that they had two vocalists. One with a low death grunt and the other with high pitched screams. You definitely need a lyric to know what they are saying. This is th case with most crust punk. The lyrics cover anarchist and anti capitalist themes with the most famous song being the vegetarian athem "Murder."

An essential for anyone who likes their music extremely noisy and terrifying.

Classic album review- Napalm Death-Scum

Napalm Death
Scum
1987

The album that pioneered (but didn't invent) the grind core genre is nearly thirty years old. So how does it measure up now?

It's always interesting to listen to an artists earlier work when they have been around as long as Napalm Death has (getting on for forty years now). In a way it feels good because unlike anything else in their discography, apart from their early demos, nothing has come before it so it does not have expectations to live up to. Then again, as it now considered a milestone in music, maybe it does in a different kind of way.

Ground-breaking is a word that is often attached to this album. Although it was probably the band Repulsion with their Horrified who truly invented grindcore , Napalm Death were the band who brought it to public attention and became the flag bearers with this album. So hoe seminal is it?

In a way, this album is arguably not a proper album because it is cobbled together from two different recordings featuring two different line ups . For younger listeners who have discovered the band at a different point in their career, this album may seem unfamiliar on a first listen. The fact that their are no members in the bad today who even played on this album kind of put the idea across that this is arguably not really the same band. Technically it isn't. Even on this album there is barely one actual original member. Founder member Nick Bullen lefr after recording the a side, guitarist Justin Broadrick also departed around the same time, leaving Mick Harris to build a new line up and thus be the only person who played on the whole of this Delete repeated word


The main characteristic of this album is speed. There are no tracks longer than two minutes. The production is almost non existent. You cant tell that line up changes after the first twelve tracks unless your listening very carefully.

The A side was recorded in August 1986. Contained within it is one second long "You Suffer." But that is the thing with this album, it is about being listened to as almost one big long song, as the individual songs themselves are too short and fast to really be recognised as songs on their own.

The A side flows very well into the B side. It does not feel tacky or too different. The early days of Napalm Death was like a constant revolving door. And one thing is for sure that new members have always bough something new to the table. There is a little more production on the B side and more metal influence (the a side was more rooted in punk.) Future Cathedral vocalist Lee Dorrian's vocals sound like he is in intense pain, and to many calling them vocals would be a bit of a stretch.  Another thing about this album is that it seems that the vocalists are not really singing the lyrics properly, as trying to follow them on the lyric sheet is very difficult.

All in all this album does naturally sound somewhat dated due t its lack of production, but never the less it still remains a classic and a milestone.

Nathan.

Ok, so ill ask you a question...

So I  guess the idea of asking me questions didn't really work out...

So who wants to answer a question from me?

Who is your favourite band and why?

Please tell me.

Nathan.

Review - Stewart Lee Content Provider

 Stewart Lee-Content Provider
Faber


Before I start this review I should state that I am left wing which is not a popular position today. I voted to remain in the European Union. I also do not think that immigrants are causing the problems that we have in this country. I personally think things like tax evasion are a bigger problem. I am a big believer in what is today generally called "social justice." I think that paying more tax is small price to pay (no pun intended) if it meant a smaller gap between the rich and the poor. For anyone who does not hold this kind of belief this book is not for them.

For those not in the know Stewart Lee is a comedian. He is not an observational comedian. He often has long repetitive routines. The difference here is that the columns are not long. With this in mind you could say that they don't quite play to his strengths. The format is a lot tighter when compared to his lose style of stand up. The concept of the book is not entirely original as Charlie Brooker has done the same thing before, however, this is Stewart Lee so it is not going to feel unoriginal. The book acts as something of an account of everything that has happened in British politics over the last five years, starting with the Royal Wedding, through to  the Olympics, UKIP, and the NHS all the way to the present day with the medias demonization of Jeremy Corbyn.

Lee makes use of a past idea by having many of the articles followed by a comment that someone has made online, which is ill informed and out of context. These people do not understand that much of the content provided (ha!) is exaggerated and fictionalised.

Ill admit that sometimes the book does verge on self indulgence and some of the articles probably  do require repeated readings to truly understand, but ultimately your enjoyment of this book is dependant on how much you agree with the views that are being put across.

All in all, if you like Stewart Lee, youll like this book, if you don't you wont.

Nathan Foster.

Ask me some questions!

Hey

To the few people who read this, who wants to ask me some questions about absolutely anything? Ill be happy to answer. Post in the comments below.

Interview requests

In order to get this blog moving forward a bit more I am going to attempt to ask people for interviews. I think this could be very interesting and I hope that someone will actually get back to me, which is not something that has happened so far. I there are any writers or artists who are interested please let me know.

Nathan.

A little help please

Hey Guys,

Well today I'm wanting to ask a favour. I've talked about this a bit before but now I'm on my last chance to be put through to the National Enterprise Scheme. Basically can anyone direct me anywhere that shows real concrete proof that self employed writing is sustainable. I have to show my advisor in two weeks. Basically, absolutely anything at all which proves that you can make a living of it would be much appreciated. I'm researching it myself and I'm finding a few things, but any help I would be much grateful for.

Thank You,

Nathan.

Film Retrospective- August Underground Trilogy Part 3

August Underground's Penance (2007)
Director- Fred Vogel


The August Underground series isn't exactly up there with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings as one of the all time great movie trilogies. Or even Evil Dead. However, like those series, it is a complete piece of work collectively. This film, which was released four years after its predecessor completed the cycle and there ha been no more since. This film is arguably the least horrific of the three, and there is something of characterisation which was not really there in the previous two. With this film Vogel seems to have "matured" somewhat as a director. This is something that definitely spills into the film.


Vogel is once again joined by Christie with Maggot gone.  They are up to their old tricks of committing atrocious acts on camera. However this is a few years later and things seem different. Whilst they are still psychotic serial killers, they seem to have gotten older and less crazy. This is something that is evident from the start in the characters rather than the films content. In this film, their actions seem to be taking their toll on them. It would seem that the supposed death of Maggot maybe has created something of a wedge between the relationship of the two remaining characters. t would seem that Vogel realised with this film that making another mayhem-fest like the previous to would seem generic and would not have the same kind of effect. With this said there is plenty of ultraviolence and gore. And the gore does look real. It just seems that Vogel new he had created something of a monster with the first two films and the character he plays seems to be thinking that also in terms of what he has done. Vogel had worked on other projects in between the last film and this one and it seems he wanted to become a better film maker. This is just speculation, but it seems to be the reason why the protagonists seem to be tired of what they are doing onscreen.


While it is not as relentless as the previous film, the performances from the two leads are still very strong. They show their age by committing that are still repulsive but quite so much as Mordum. The fact that they almost seem to be showing remorse at times suggests the "penance" that the title alludes to. However, it seems that despite their slight reservations they cant exactly just stop doing what they are doing.


The audience watching the film could get the same feeling as the characters. The film definitely is a little duller at times. The ending of this film establishes the finality. This is easy to understand but it does feel as complete as it should. Never the less, it is shocking in a different kind of way. It definitely deserves props for adding an element of humanity that was never really there before.


In conclusion, you should see the first two before this. While it is more extreme than a lot of stuff out there, it is the tamest in this trilogy. As previously stated, the element of maturity in the characters makes it something of a more easy watch than the others. The more mature approach from Vogel surprisingly does not make the film seem pointless within the context of what the series appeal is. It's definitely the weakest and is bet viewed as part o a collective work. You could almost call it a coming of age story in a fucked up kind of way.


So that's it for this series, see you in the next blog.


Nathan.

Film Retrospective- August Underground trilogy part 2

August Underground's Mordum (2003)
Director- Fred Vogel


After disgusting everyone with the original film, two years later Fred Vogel produced a sequel. This time Vogel brought some other people in, which meant that this time the chaos was twice as big. Although it uses the same formula as the original, it adds a little more in terms of narrative and a lot more in terms of shock. I may have said that the first one was the most extreme film ever made in yesterdays blog, but I really meant that in terms of this being its sequel. Lets face it, if your going to make a sequel to a film like that then its got to be something pretty well... memorable.


This time the camera man from the first film is gone and Peter is now accompanied by a girlfriend and her brother. They basically do the same thing as in the original, which is torturing and killing people in the worst ways possible. Within the three characters is something of a love triangle. Yes, the brother and sister are having an incestuous relationship which Peter is actually aware of. This is something that makes the film more fucked up in addition to the killing.


Even though it follows the same formula as the original the performance from Christie Whiles as "Crustie" matches Vogels performance in terms of general insanity which is something that stops it from being boring. Her character essentially make his even more intense than before. Micheal Todd Schinder also gives a decent performance as the brother "Maggot"  but is somewhat overshadowed by the other two. He does have his moments however, particularly at the end.


The gore is definitely stepped up from the original which is something of an achievement given this films slightly sharper looking video quality. As well as blood, there is puke and all kinds of other bodily fluids. Blood and Gore is one thing. Puking, especially when its on people who are already being tortured and humiliated is another. However, I pretty certain that it is not real. At least I hope not. I'm not going to spoil anything here, but there are several scenes where I am glad I was not eating at the time.


When I say this is the most shocking film ever made, I am not exaggerating.  I truly believe it is. This film is not mere torture porn. It has a scene of necrophilia which looks so real that the fact that it is not does not matter. It also features paedophilia which  personally feel is something that is a little over the line. This is the last scene of the film and personally I don't see how anything could ever top it. Even though its not real it gives you the same feeling as if it was. This kind of thing was used in "A Serbian Film" but it still doesn't quite compare to this. I'm not trying to put anyone off, but brace yourself for it. Everything up to that point is sick without quite overstepping the mark.


In conclusion, this film is repulsive but it features solid performances. One thing it lacks from the original is that this time people are sure that it not real. However, with that in mind, it outdoes the original. I would probably the original is a generally better film though.


See you in tomorrow's blog for the final entry in the series.


Nathan.

Film Reterospective- August Underground trilogy

Hey all, todays blog will be the first of a new idea I have - Film retrospectives.


As the month is August, I thought it quite apt to do a retrospective on a trilogy of films that a lot of people wont have seen- The August Underground Trilogy.


August Underground (2001)
Director- Fred Vogel


The original film, released in 2001, staring it's director Fred Vogel in the lead role of serial killer Peter. When this came out people thought it was a snuff film and it is easy to see why. It unsurprisingly was not shown in theatres and was initially distributed on tape to a limited 200 copies. Many who initially saw it genuinely believed that what they were seeing was real.


Accompanying Peter (who is not named in this film) is unseen person filming the murders that he carries out. This person is also not named and barely speaks. It looks like home video footage of these two doing things to people that are beyond unspeakable. This is interspersed with footage of them doing normal things and just basically messing around. The way in which it was shown would suggest that the actors were basically pretending that it actually was real. For people who are not used to seeing "found footage" films it would be very easy to com to the conclusion that what they are seeing is not make believe.


It has to be said that this is probably the most extreme horror film ever made. It is absolutely relentless and there is very little relief.  Even for the most hardened horror fan, there are things shown here that are not easy to watch. Watching can make you feel somewhat violated and in need to watch something a bit more conventional afterwards. For someone who does not enjoy watching horror ,films they must avoid this at all costs. However, for those who are intrigued by it, it is hard to take your eyes of the screen. I did not particularly enjoy it in the traditional sense of the word, but I never the less watched it from start to finish in one sitting. I don't know what this says about me but maybe I must just be desensitised.


There is very little in the way of plot which makes it seem more real. Vogel's performance is not really one that is that far removed from his real self. Knowing this makes it more disturbing. Personally, if I was involved in making this film, I probably would feel somewhat scared. There is also very little to be found on the process of how this movie and its sequels were made, which is another thing that adds to it's realism. Vogel is clearly quite a talented actor, as none of his performance ever comes across as forced or over the top. This is quite clearly the reason why so many people are of the opinion that this film should never have been made. One piece of advice, watch this film out of the way of your grandparents or small children.


However, ultimately it is not real. It may be realistic, but there is a difference. \Watching it you do have to wonder what its purpose is. The fact that there is nothing really to like in the normal sense of the word seems to be its appeal. Now that the film has a wider distribution, people going into it probably have a clearer idea of what they are going to see. The film will also raise questions in yourself about why you actually wanted to see it. Mainstream film goers need not apply. If you think you will like it by all means give it a try but you have been warned.


In conclusion, there are not many people I would recommend this film to but what cant be denied is that it is a milestone in film making. It pushes boundaries and whether or not that is necccecarily a good or bad thing, it is never the less something. Compared to this, even A Serbian Film does not compare. If there is little to cherish in terms of the film as a piece of work, it deserves an honourable mention as something of a revolutionary experiment. Is there a film that tops this? Yes, it sequel which will be the focus of tomorrow's blog.


Nathan.

Back from Edinbrugh

Hey guys,

Sorry for the late blog. I was supposed to blog daily whilst in Edinburgh but unfortunately on the Friday I lost my internet access.

Basically the last two days I was there was the first two days on the international fringe festival. I saw quite a few shows, mostly at the stand club, which included Stewart Lee who was excellent as ever as well as some I had not seen before such as Stephen K Amos. I saw one show at another place called the Taverse Theatere which was Mark Thomas who I had seen twice befor and was also very good. All in all I had a good time but I don't think ill be going again for anoher couple of years.

Nathan.

Edinburgh day 3

So on the third day of Edinburgh I took in some of my first fringe shows. I saw two comedians who I had never seen before who were Daniel kits on and Andy zaltzman. They were both pretty good, very different styles and insightful as well as funny. At night we went to see a band called Alabama 3 who were pretty good. I didn't really know anything about them but I was pleasantly surprised. Anyway, that's it for now. See ya later, Nathan.

Edinbrugh day 2

So yesterday was the second day of Edinburgh. We got up in the morning and spent the first part of the day recceing out places where we are going later on during the week. After doing that we went back to our apartment for a bit and then went around the town. Later on we went to the cinema to watch the new Star Trek film which was alright  but to be honest it not really my thing. After that we got an indian takeaway and then went home to bed.

That's it for today

Nathan

First night in einbrugh

So I arrived in Edinburgh last night and the place where we are staying is pretty nice. Basically me and my parents just went out for a few drinks last night. We went to pubs that we have been to when we have been here before. To be honest though, drinks were pretty expensive with one place being £3 a pint. We didn't stay out for to long but it was alright. Other than that there is not much more to report at the minute. Today we are going to aim to see some off the shows that are part of the Fringe that runs throughout the whole of August, even though that doesn't actually start until Friday.

Anyway see ya later,

Nathan.

Just arrived in edinbrugh

Hey guts,

Literally just arrived in Edinburgh not much to report right now. Just in the place where I'm staying and I will talk about what I get up to tonight in tomorrows blog.

Going to edinbrugh

I'm going to edinbrugh this week with the last couple of days being when the festival is on. Hopefully ill do an update on what ive done when I'm there.