The inaugural post

After the twelfth consecutive issue of Spin which recommended me a British band I'd been listening to for four months already, I decided the time had come. To join the (massive) masses who have music blogs. I've often thought it would be nice if there was one for aspiring expatriate Americans like myself, who are tired of the US's tragic musical output (re: T-Pain). So here we are. I'm thinking a weekly post with my favorite tracks, old and new, and the occasional other post when I find something so excellent that I can't wait to write something about how awesome it is, and also how much better it is than T-Pain. (Damn, I really hate T-Pain.) Prepare yourself for lots of skinny jeans, Mighty Boosh references, and obligatory comments about how Pete really hasn't done anything that can rival What a Waster. 

Songs of the Week (April 19)

1. Two Sisters- Fiction Plane

Just saw them opening for The Bravery and, unlike a lot of openers, they were quite enjoyable. Their sound is a little harder live; it ends up as a sort of Franz Ferdinand-Art Brut-ish mashup, with slightly more guitar solos. Fun fact: the lead singer is Sting's son.

2. Chateau- The Brute Chorus

Longtime favorites of Hawley Arms regulars, their album came out a few months ago and I'm shocked they aren't all over the place. Chateau builds slowly with a good beat and whispery vocals until the great crescendo at the end. The longstanding London tradition of underproduced, garage sound, but with something extra. Bonus points if you can track down the fab cut "Nebuchadnezzar," which has tragically disappeared from their Myspace.

Check them out here: 

http://www.myspace.com/thebrutechorus

3. The Age of the Understatement- The Last Shadow Puppets

Everyone is writing about them this week. Believe the hype. Alex Turner's wordy Monkeys lyrics are recognizable in Understatement, the lead single from their new album, but the musical aesthetic is a definite change. Still some of the racing guitars that Arctic Monkeys fans are expecting, but with experimental touches like...Morricone-esque string sections? Yeah, it works. Can't say I really get the video though...see for yourself.

The Classic (one of my all time favorite tracks)

Love on the Dole- The Libertines

From the never officially released Legs 11 sessions. Not quite the speed-induced punk that makes Up the Bracket such a stunner, but still quintessential Libs. If you're a fan of Radio America or Pete's later stuff with Babyshambles, this is exactly what you're looking for. (Slightly shoddy) guitar melodies, Pete and Carl harmonies, and lyrics all about dreams of Albion.

Listen to it here

Also check this page for some other great Libs sessions.