Live: Lady Gaga at O2 Arena

I went to see Lady Gaga yesterday in London. I was tired of listening to her songs being overplayed on the radio, so while I was excited, I was still a bit unsure whether I would enjoy the Monster Ball Tour. Alas, she blew my mind away with the craziest, most fucked up show I think I’ve ever seen in my life. Amazing!

New Music: The Like

The Like have actually been around for ages, but this is the first I’ve heard of them – probably because their new record has been produced by Mark Ronson and it’s my kind of groove. Their new stuff is a bit of a cross between that plastic Motown sound Ronson goes for, but with a bit of a dark indie vibe thrown into the mix. It’s reminds me a bit of poprock from the mid 90’s too… Check out here.

Live: Jamie Lidell at 229 The Venue

I love Jamie Lidell. He’s just amazing in my eyes. Some people ooze musical talent without even trying, and he’s one of them. I was really looking forward to seeing him tonight, and he didn’t let me down in the slightest. His drummer was out of this world, and he had loads of funny machines that made sounds I’d never heard before in my life. I left the 229 a happier man, with a spring in my step and a tune in my head. Above is the live version of my favourite track on his new album, Compass, called ‘Your Sweet Boom’. It doesn’t sound anything like the recorded version- but then that’s not Jamie’s style!

Sugarcubes vs Diana Vickers

Sugarcubes (i.e. Baby Bjork) had a little hit called ‘Hit’ back in 1991. That same year, a girl called Diana Vickers was born who ended up being on the UK’s X Factor a couple of years ago. If Norah Jones was a cat, she would sound like Diana Vickers. Diana didn’t win the X Factor, but she ended up making an album anyway that was released earlier this month (which got to number 1, and I must admit, I did buy it… sorry… it was made by Guy Sigsworth and Ellie Goulding and I couldn’t resist). Diana has a cover of ‘Hit’ on her album, which I actually really like. See which one you prefer…

Is this song too cool for Eurovision?

This is Estonia’s entry for Eurovision this year. Word is going round that this is too underground to do well. Say what you want about Eurovision, but every so often it makes people aware that there’s other countries out there that like to experiment with music. I kinda like it.

Jamie Lidell – Compass : Best record of the year so far

I brought Jamie Lidell’s new album, Compass, yesterday and it’s all I’ve been listening to all day. This guy can do no wrong! It’s a cross between soul, blues, a little bit of soft electro and that unique Beck beat (Beck produced Compass). I’m seeing Jamie play in London tommorrow, so excited! Check out here.

Live: Active Child at Relentless Garage Upstairs

I went to see Active Child at the Relentless Garage Upstairs a couple of nights ago but only just managed to upload this clip just now (my videos take ages to load on Youtube- but I guess the sound quality is pretty good no?).

The music was kinda stunning, and he played around with a mini harp which is always good ‘When Your Love is Safe’ is so far my favourite track of his, but he also played another track that was really upbeat but I couldn’t figure out what it was called. Anyway, if you get a chance to see him, go do it! Cold Cave were supporting and left my ears ringing for ages after; but ‘Theme from Tomorrowland’ blew me away.