Harvest Aftermath

What a festival!

Best festival I have ever been to. Whoever is in Brisbane - make sure you go.. there is absolutely no reason not to!

I saw:

Silversun Pickups: Wasn't a huge fan of their setlist but they were very very good live. Finishing with Lazy Eye was a great move - not one member of the crowd wasn't singing.

Ben Folds Five: Didn't get a chance to watch their entire set but we saw the first 5-6 songs. 2nd song in was 'Jackson Cannery', which had everyone dancing! Would have loved to have seen more, but we all know what festivals are like!

Beck: THE BEST! Honestly amazing. Had the whole crowd dancing like idiots, there was not one person who wasn't smiling. Best part of the day - 'Loser' was probably the best, although 'Devils Haircut' and 'Where Its At' came very close!

Sigur Ros: Incredibly emotional and epic, I wish we could have seen their whole set - we saw about the first 4 songs and was nearly in tears being dragged away :( .

Santigold: Sigur Who?! Santigold was incredible, and was close to the highlight of the day. She is so much fun and she really throws a great show.. had about 50 people from the crowd up at one stage!

I know I missed a few key acts but thats always the case with a festival, and I have no regrets seeing the acts I ended up choosing.

Best festival ever? Prove me wrong, Stereosonic!

Harvest This Week! Poncho Brigade

Get your ponchos ready kiddies.

Harvest is coming to Sydney on Saturday, along with absolute bucketloads of rain.

From my experiences with Harvest it is far edgier than your typical Sydney festival, with the older creating a far more relaxed environment.

However on Saturday I challenge you all to bring along your best wet weather gear. Because yes, in my paralletic state I will still be able to judge you, pending of course that you are at the right stages at the right time (Ben Folds, Silversun Pickups, Sigur Ros, Beck to name a few)

Here's a few you can draw inspiration from:

Radiohead Setlist (Sydney, November 13)

'You're not living, you're just killing time' 

These were the words Thom Yorke sung (pitch-perfect might I add) during the 2nd encore in last night's Radiohead concert in Sydney.

And until I witnessed last night's 2-3 hour set, I'd probably have to agree with him. Quite simply put, that was the best concert I have ever seen. Never have I seen a band been able to convert such atmospheric, unique sounds into such an amazing live ensemble.

Every member of Radiohead is ridiculously talented, to the point where they can go off-beat for bars on end before seamlessly returning. Its unbelievable. There were 3 rhythms in almost every song - 2 drummers playing complimentary beats and a drum machine over the top of this.


It just worked so well.

The band has been changing their setlist each night of their AU tour, with yesterday's setlist having far more Kid A than the Sydney show on Monday, which was very TKOL focused. I've done a bit of work this morning putting together the entire setlist from last night - you can find it here .

Once I get my phone internet working I'll get up a few of the videos from last night. You don't want to miss these!

Here's a sneak preview:

Radiohead Set List: Sydney 13 November

Lotus Flower
Airbag
Bloom
The Daily Mail
Myxomatosis
Bodysnatchers
The Gloaming
Separator
How to Disappear Completely
Nude
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
Reckoner
There There
The National Anthem
Feral
Paranoid Android

Encore:

Give Up the Ghost
Kid A
Identikit
I Might Be Wrong
Street Spirit (Fade Out)

Encore 2:

15 Step
Everything in Its Right Place (True Love Waits intro)

Encore 3:

Idioteque

Infographic on Group Buying

Just for something a little different :) . Source: competitions.com.au
Infographic by Competitions.com.au

Harvest Season

Just over a month out from Sydney's Harvest Festival - and I'm hoping to develop a good idea of the artist's set lists to help attendees pre and post-festival . There's nothing more annoying than finishing off a festival and having no idea of the great song that a little-known act has played.. then searching the internet for ages knowing most of the time you're fighting a losing battle.

Setlist.fm isn't really helping me out.. so any ideas regarding the following acts would be great:

* Sigur Ros
* Mike Patton
* Beirut
* Silversun Pickups (my fav. band over the past few weeks)
* Ben Folds Five
* Beck
* The Dandy Warhols

Anybody who could help - my love to you!

TW

Changing subject Matter

Yes this blog was meant to be about determining formulas in music. Please stop reminding me- I remember!

However I'm very flat out with work and other projects at the moment, so it just seems to make sense to keep this about new releases, concerts, reviews, etc.

Check out my recent post on The xx and their new album Co-Exist. I'll have a review with song-by-song analysis in the next day or so.

TW

New xx Album Co-Exist completes Great day all round!

So Alessandro Del Piero just signed with Sydney FC - I doubt many of you will care but this is pretty much the biggest story in Australian football history (you can read about it here: http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/we-bring-you-the-ins-and-outs-so-far-from-all-10-a-league-clubs-during-the-off-season/story-e6frf4gl-1226465560343) .

Anywho British gems The xx have released their new record Co-Exist, their first album release since their self-titled debut in 2009. I'm currently in my first listen and so far I am VERY impressed.

The xx are really something special in that their music, while ridiculously simple, is so effective. The majority of their songs are very simply structured, and don't sound like they need any huge amount of talent produce.

I think the key to The xx is the fact that they don't try and do too much. Unlike most artist they're not obsessed with making everything as polyphonic as possible. They can appreciate the raw value of each instrument and this as a whole makes their simple structures and chord progressions just that bit more effective.

Check out the album here and prepare to be impressed.

I'm almost through the album and all I can do is smile. Love this shit!

Frank Ocean Releases "channel ORANGE"

"I sat there and told my friend how I felt. I wept as the words left my mouth. I grieved for them, knowing I could never take them back for myself. He patted my back. He said kind things. He did his best, but he wouldn’t admit the same. He had to go back inside soon, it was late and his girlfriend was waiting for him upstairs." Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean may be about to change the face of urban music. Yesterday channel ORANGE was released, and was a game-changer in more ways than one.

With powerful hooks, unique arrangements and a myriad of great guest appearances, channel ORANGE could be the hit of the year so far.

But the story of self-discovery that the record tells is incredibly moving, with Ocean recounting the first time he fell in love with, surprisingly to his fans, a man!

Read more about it here: http://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Frank-Ocean-review-Bold-words-on-love-3713927.php

Pun Fun Fridays

aisle go first:|

[1:32:32 PM] Jerry: shop while you're still ahead
[1:32:53 PM] Tori: I will sit out of this one.
[1:33:13 PM] Jase Bell: stop being a bag
[1:33:25 PM] Jerry: ew that one was grocery
[1:33:40 PM | Edited 1:33:46 PM] Tori: stop being so peachy both of you
[1:34:41 PM] Jerry: orange you glad we're doing this
[1:34:57 PM] Jerry: its making for some grape conversation
[1:35:04 PM] Jase Bell: i'm plum out of ideas
[1:35:22 PM] Jase Bell: CAN you think faster
[1:35:39 PM] Jerry: dont stop mango
[1:35:47 PM] Tori: My juice is not flowing any faster
[1:36:04 PM] Jerry: i carton think of anything
[1:36:39 PM] Jase Bell: its a raisin to the finish
[1:36:58 PM] Jerry: checkout these puns
[1:37:19 PM] Jase Bell: you're going to make me expire
[1:37:51 PM] Tori: Please stop trolley-ing Jase
[1:37:56 PM] Jerry: surely we're not already reaching our use-by date
[1:38:19 PM] Tori: I havent been manufactered for this kind of stuff
[1:38:41 PM] Jerry: its pretty coles today
[1:38:47 PM] Jase Bell: good going gums
[1:39:08 PM] Tori: We are going to get no work done at this RATE
[1:39:27 PM] Jerry: i don't pear
[1:39:30 PM] Jase Bell: i was bread for this
[1:39:52 PM] Tori: Let's milk most of this afternoon
[1:40:56 PM] Jase Bell: ham i the only one going to come up with more stuff?
[1:41:12 PM] Jase Bell: lettuce not let this die!
[1:41:25 PM] Jerry: im not chicken
[1:41:44 PM] Jase Bell: wha'ts the plan Jerryato?
[1:41:45 PM] Tori: Pun no bar gain what do we by stopping?
[1:42:00 PM] Jerry: we should meat up to discuss
[1:42:48 PM] Jase Bell: use your grains Tori that made no cents
[1:43:46 PM] Jerry: its kind of dairy cow good we are going
[1:43:52 PM] Tori: I am apples at this
[1:44:26 PM] Jerry: yeah i've got no beef with Tori's puns
[1:44:38 PM] Jase Bell: i say you're snapple at this
[1:44:39 PM] Jerry: she knows how to rice to the occasion
[1:45:09 PM] Jerry: this is so a-muesli
[1:45:36 PM] Tori: This is getting a bit oat now
[1:46:14 PM] Jase Bell: i lamb so sick of it:P
[1:47:00 PM | Edited 1:47:10 PM] Jerry: thats so in salt ing
[1:48:15 PM] Tori: Yeah Jase it felt like you were coffeeing at us
[1:50:08 PM] Jerry: you need to ketchup Jase, not sure how great your sauce is
[1:50:39 PM] Jase Bell: i'm worth my salt, pepper you mind
[1:51:04 PM] Jerry: at least youre in appropriate dressing
[1:51:30 PM] Tori: Cake I need to go
[1:51:48 PM] Jase Bell: skim it
[1:52:29 PM] Jerry: you need to stale
[1:53:41 PM] Jase Bell: is there a can the rack will blend?
[1:54:02 PM] Jerry: we'll still egg you on Tori
[1:54:09 PM] Jase Bell: nut on your life my hindu friend
[1:55:07 PM] Tori: Leaf me alone.
[1:55:36 PM] Jerry: pecan do this all day
[1:55:49 PM] Jase Bell: gel hath no fury like a woman corned
[1:56:06 PM] Jerry: donuts Jase!
[1:56:28 PM | Edited 1:56:45 PM] Tori: Candy this anymore. Please let me go
[1:57:14 PM] Jerry: gotta stop trifle-ing with us Tori its a cake thing
[1:57:19 PM] Jase Bell: stop creaming and lining
[1:57:41 PM] Tori: You don't understand. I am melting in here
[1:57:42 PM] Jerry: work is so much butter this way
[1:58:01 PM] Tori: Cheese! Take it easy on me guys
[1:58:27 PM] Jerry: this is no yolk
[1:58:30 PM] Jase Bell: stop jaming on the keys
[1:59:34 PM] Tori: I will jam on the keys. Even Batter them. That's my wish

Splendour in the Grass 2012

The lineup for Splendour in the Grass 2012 has been announced, with a mix of local and overseas acts being placed in one of Australia's biggest festivals.

Jack White, Smashing Pumpkins, Bloc Party and At The Drive-In are some of the big acts heading this year's festival which I must say leaves me less than impressed.

The Smashing Pumpkins are, well, terrible live. Billy Corgan really has lost it - their shows have just become so indulged in him that it becomes really hard to appreciate what a great band they were and what classic songs they have. Corgan often ends up just playing his extremely average solo material.



Have a look for yourself. While I love the Smashing Pumpkins I definitely wouldn't be going out of my way to paying $300+ dollars to be seeing this.

Bloc Party might be a bit better live, but after seeing the video below I have understandably lost alot of respect for them:



The Full Lineup:

Jack White
Bloc Party
Smashing Pumpkins
Azealia Banks
Tame Impala
Explosions In The Sky
At The Drive-In
The Shins
Chet Faker
Here We Go Magic
Hilltop Hoods
The Kooks
Gossip
Mudhoney
Band Of Skulls
Miike Snow
Dirty Three
Lana Del Rey
360
Ladyhawke
The Afghan Whigs
Missy Higgins
Wolfmother
Metric
Kimbra
Spiderbait
Django Django
Gypsy & The Cat
San Cisco
Last Dinosaurs
Electric Guest
Muscles
Angus Stone
DZ Deathrays
Howler
Lanie Lane
Fun.
Big Scary
Michael Kiwanuka
Seekae
Friends
Yacht Club Dj’s
Bertie Blackman
Jinja Safari
Blue King Brown
Youth Lagoon
Pond
The Beautiful Girls
Tijuana Cartel
Ball Park Music
The Rubens
Ben Howard
Bleeding Knees Club
Zulu Winter
The Medics
Shihad
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Husky
Kate Miller-Heidke
Father John Misty
Emma Louise
Parachute Youth
Mosman Alder
The Cast Of Cheers
Wolf & Cub
Gossling

My Top 10 Albums (So far)

Hi all,

Here are my top 10 albums of all time, from 10 to 1.

10. Bloc Party - 'Silent Alarm'

The British indie act have released some solid albums since their debut, but nothing compares to the unique sounds that blossomed from Silent Alarm. The percussion-heavy tracks are brought into life by the unreal drumming of Matt Tong. Its through this percussion in my opinion that Bloc Party have pioneered their sound, and this is done to perfection across Silent Alarm.

Ably driven by Kele Okereke's unique vocals and inventive lyrics, Silent Alarm is a fantastic debut for a band that has been very influential in all my avenues of composition

Notable Tracks:

1. Like Eating Glass

3. Positive Tension

10. So Here We Are

9. Tool - Lateralus

It doesn't have the effect it used to have on me.. but gee whiz this album is still amazing. Its got that post-humous appeal to it - metaphorical lyrics, powerful vocals from Maynard James Keenan, amazing percussion from Danny Carey and enough melodic material to warp your mind.

There's no doubt that this is hard-rock band Tool's strongest release. It is a perfect mix of their clever lyrical content, driving guitar riffs, mesmerising basslines and inventive percussion. The seamless interweaving of songs, emphatic tempo changes and all round musicianship make 'Lateralus' Tool's magnum opus.

Notable Tracks:

1. The Grudge

8. Ticks & Leeches

11. Reflection

8. The Streets 'Original Pirate Material'

Mike Skinner's style isn't for everyone - thats for sure. Mockney vocals bashed over garage beats with themes of alcoholism, drug use and brawls prominent, its clear that The Streets appeal to a very limited amount of people.  

Luckily enough for Skinner I happen to be one of these people. 

Original Pirate Material is Skinner's debut album, and by far his strongest effort, only to be matched by 'A Grand Don't Come for Free'. Relatable lyrics, catchy hooks... the albums pretty much about getting pissed, meeting women and the thought processes involved in between. What young adult can't relate to this?

Though some may find the content repetitious there's no doubt in my mind it works flawlessly as an album, and is a deserved addition to this list.

Notable Tracks:

2. Has it Come to This

7. Its Too Late

12. Weak Become Heroes

7. Beck - 'Odelay'

This album has really grown on me of late. Lets not beat around the bush - Beck is a genius. And while I haven't ventured through his entire discography there is no doubt that Odelay is an exquisite album, and a deserved addition to the list.

An interesting mix of samples, artificial sounds, guitar slides and inventive lyrics surround Odelay, and it is one of those albums where there simply isn't a bad track. Its best listened to from 'Devil's Haircut' to 'Ramshackle', and the fact that Beck is able to integrate so many styles into such an enjoyable listen throughout is testament to his creative genius.

Notable Tracks:

1. Devil's Haircut

6. Novacane

8. Where It's At

6. Radiohead - 'The Bends'

After releasing a lukewarm debut in 'Pablo Honey' Radiohead just exploded. My favourite band of all time for a definite reason, and their 1995 album 'The Bends' is at the forefront of their impressive discography.

This is the album that changed the scene of music. WIthout 'The Bends' there would be no Coldplay, no Travis, no Muse.. this was the album that the 90's needed and had been waiting for.

Thom Yorke's falsetto lyrics are powerful but emotive, and is perfectly suited to the musicianship of the other band members, most notably the aggressive stylings of lead guitarist Jonny Greenwood. The album has ballads, anthems and experimental elements that would revolutionise Radiohead's sound over the next decade or so.

Starting with the powerful and haunting themes of 'Planet Telex', the album showcases Radiohead's ability to showcase the entire spectrum of human emotion, with tracks like 'Fake Plastic Trees' and 'Street Spirit' becoming instant classics in the TW songbook.

Notable Tracks:

4. Fake Plastic Trees

10. Black Star

12. Street Spirit

5. The Avalanches - 'Since I've Left You'

What an ingenius album 'Since I've Left You' is. Its stuff like this album from the Melbourne group that make you oh so proud to be an Australian.  

Skipping tracks on this album would be a cardinal sin - because I love to treat this album as just one big song. It flies through different styles and lyrical content, and it feels almost like one big story. There's over 3,500 samples used throughout this album - and they have all been put to good use. Producers Robbie Chater and Darren Seltmann haven't put in all the effort in vain - this is truly a masterpiece.

Starting out with the title track we are introduced to 'The Avalanches' and their truly unique style of funky, feel-good music. Its good for every occasion, one of those albums that is as good under the microscope as it is in the background. 'Frontier Psychiatrist', the first single for the duo, is explosive and is just absolute bliss on the ears.

If Australians make more albums like this I may have to get a southern cross tattoo on some part of my body.

Notable Tracks:

3. Radio

10. Electricity

13. Frontier Psychiatrist

4. The Mars Volta - 'Frances the Mute' 

This album won't appeal to you on the first listen. Maybe not even on the fifth. But never has an album grown on me to the extent that 'Frances the Mute' did.  

Cedric Bixler's booming falsetto vocals definitely take some getting used to, but once you begin to appreciate them in spearheading a vicious arrangement of guitars, strings and brass, it truly is something.

'Frances the Mute' is the only concept album I have on this list. And this is not some love-story arty farty concept.. this tells a perverse story that I would truly hate to have to view. I hope that nobody ever makes a film interpretation of this album - something about the idea of intense abortion, rape and murder themes being thrown into a film makes me seriously shudder.

The opening track of 'Frances the Mute' is pretty much as epic as they come. 'Cygnus... Vismund Cygnus' is intense and really showcases Volta as the progressive rock band that they are. Numerous time signatures, unorthodox chord progressions and interchanging Spanish and English lyrics are hurled together to create a story that almost bleeds emotion from the ear. Its brilliant.

Notable tracks:

1. Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus

3. L'Via L'Viaquez

5. Cassandra Gemini

3. Jeff Buckley - Grace

There won't ever be a better singer than Jeff Buckley. That's my opinion anyways.

Buckley's debut album 'Grace' is simply gorgeous, and there's little doubt to why it accumulated such commercial and critical success. His ability to bring a song to a climax through vocals is truly breathtaking, and is just one of the features that make 'Grace' such a perfect album.

Leading in with 'Mojo Pin', Buckley reveals to us his talents as a lyricist, composer and performer. Lines such as 'Send whips of opinion down my back give me more' and 'Don't wanna weep for you, I don't wanna know' become haunting through Buckley's piercing, perfect voice. The song continues to grow in stature before erupting at the climax, as is the case throughout the proceedings of the album.

The album is just full of classics. Buckley's rendition of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' is definitely a highlight, and understandably a connotation that regularly is brought forward when discussing his works. But it is through his originals that we see the absolute peaks of his talent. The perfect 'Last Goodbye' showcases everything Buckley is perfect at - his delivery, song structure and of course his surreal voice.

If you don't own Grace please talk to me. I own four copies just in case three go missing.

Notable Tracks:

1. Mojo Pin

3. Last Goodbye

9. Eternal Life

2. The Strokes - 'Is This It'

'I just wanted to write music that could touch people. [As] a songwriter, you play a few chords and sing a melody that's been done a thousand times, and now you're a singer-songwriter. I think it takes a little more than that to do something that matters. And I wish I could write a song where all the parts work. When you hear a song like that, it's like finding a new friend.' - Julian Casablancas

As far as debut albums go, this is the pinnacle.

US band The Strokes' 2001 release 'Is This It' is pretty much everything anyone can want in an album. Through the first few tracks we are introduced to the raw, post-punk sound that would revolutionise the first decade of the new millenium. A unique, distinctive style that holds its own and is quite simply timeless.

'Is This It' is purely timeless. 35 Minutes of just pure joy on the ears. Strong lyrical content, refined sound and unique vocals from Julian Casablancas are at the forefront, and the album really just sounds like one big fucking awesome song.

While elements of the Sex Pistols and The Clash reign through, there is something truly unique about The Strokes and their debut album. It moved people from DJs and Pop Music to Skinny Jeans and Guitars.. through just 35 minutes The Strokes were able to define not only a musical style, but a 'ragged revolt' as The Rolling Stone put it.

The title track introduces us to Casablancas rasping, unique vocals and the raw accompaniments of the likes of Albert Hammond Jnr. and co. (raw.. thats the only way I can really explain 'Is This It' now that I think of it).

From there explosive tracks such as 'The Modern Age', 'Barely Legal' and 'Hard To Explain' shine through, and through their inventive style create just one friggen awesome album.

Notable Tracks:

2. The Modern Age

5. Someday

8. Hard to Explain

1. Radiohead - 'In Rainbows'

Here we are folks. Its 4am in the morning and I feel like killing myself if we're to be honest. But despite this, I could go on for days about my all-time favourite album - 'In Rainbows' by Radiohead.

Guitarist Ed O'Brien I believe best captures what this album is truly about when he says ' There wasn't a political agenda. It's about being human' . And that's simply it - as far as albums go, no album captures what it is like to be human quite like 'In Rainbows' does.

The album does not have a weakness. There is no track that you get to that pisses you off and you skip halfway through. It is 40-odd minutes of just pure enjoyment on the ears.

Thom Yorke's vocals are perfect. The lyrics are perfect. The sampling, musicianship, percussion is perfect.

Heck, even the marketing was perfect.

NME described the album as 'otherworldy', and too fucking right! This is bliss from the get-go... the inventive beats and melodies of '15 Step', fading into the driving guitars of 'Bodysnatchers' to move to the beautiful 'Nude' and then of course 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi', the best song on the album and of Radiohead's entire discography.

You'd be extremely hard pressed to find an album anywhere near as good as 'In Rainbows', and I consider myself very fortunate to have been blessed with being able to hear it in my lifetime.

Notable Tracks: All of them! But if I had to:

1. 15 Step

4. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi

7. Reckoner

Okay well its time to get some sleep now but I'd love to hear your subjective thoughts on these choices. I know some of these albums might not be classics but music is such a beautiful thing because it is subjective!

Peace - T

Coachella 2013

The Hologram lineup for Coachella 2013 has been announced. After Tupac's recent success as a hologram promoters have decided to fuck reality and focus on the classics.. whatever state they may be in!




Enjoy! T

Thoughts on Coachella

So its a been a while since i posted, but i've been busy with moving places and now feel finally settled enough to get back into this!

Coachella 2012 is currently taking place and I thought I'd give my thoughts on a few of my favourite artists who were part of this spectacular festival.

Looking at the lineup is like combining every Sydney festival into one big, kickass festival. It transcends genres and vibes and looks simply amazing. I really want to fucking go!

Bon Iver I think were my pick for the best act to play at Coachella. Justin Vernon sported an unusually clean-cut look, but his howling vocals were as good as ever. Opening for was always going to be a difficult task, but jeeze they put in a terrific performance. Technically very tight, some cool instrumental interludes and plenty of harmonies were the main elements that I paid attention to, and Vernon should be feeling pretty proud of himself after kicking some serious butt.




Frank Ocean is by no means my favourite artist - I think he's incredibly talented and a great hook singer but his songs just don't do it for me. However his performance was a notable one at Coachella - some really haunting vocals and a strong stage presence. I can't really understand all the trash talk about his performance - it was really good!

Radiohead were, well, Radiohead. Just simply brilliant. A very electronically-driven set list that almost hit 2 hours, with plenty of classics and a haunting new tune in 'Identikit'. Thom Yorke's new ponytail was swaying around as he did the Thom Yorke "spasmodical" dance. I cannot wait to see this band in November after watching this riveting performance.




One of the acts I was most looking forward to seeing was young Abel, better known as The Weeknd. After listening to his trilogy of mixtapes on repeat for much of the last 6 months I was looking forward to seeing him in his first big live gig.

Unfortunately he didn't live up to my expectations.

This could have been because they were set extra high for this young dude, but I just feel that he should have done alot better after all the hype he's been able to generate from those brilliant mixtapes. His vocals started okay (a little flat but we're all human!) but he really lost it in the middle... he sung 'The Zone' an absolute mile off key and seemed to be completely oblivious to it!

What he has going for him is that he's young - there's alot to look forward to in this young man's career and I'm sure with a bit of vocal and performance training he'll be killing it by the time he tours Sydney.

Of course we can't forget the brilliant Hologram of the legendary Tupac Shakur . What a brilliant moment that was as him and Snoop blasted out '2 of Amerika's Most Wanted'. The 100-400k they payed for that was definitely justified and it was such a treat for all those fortunate to see it.

Among these some other great performances came from Neon Indian, Gotye, Dre & Snoop, At the Drive-In, Justice, Miike Snow and The Black Keys

Would love to know your thoughts on Coachella - who you loved, who should have stayed home.. did anybody surprise you in any way?




I'll get into the more serious shit next week.

Peace. T

Welcome to SoundTrace

Ok, so this shit's about to get real.

I'm sure a few of you visiting here have seen the very clever Axis of Awesome sequence "Four Chord Song", where they blast out numerous sounds without once changing their chord progressions.

It got me thinking- there's got to be a formula to developing a tune that attracts mainstream attention. I'm not just talking chord progressions, I'm thinking pitch intervals, tempos, key changes, the whole she-bang.

Over the next couple of weeks we are going to look at music and develop graphs of the soundscape. From this I plan to develop a formula (or formulas as it may result) that will cover the ability to write successful tunes over a number of music genres.

We're going to start with looking at the following:
* Current top 40
* Most successful number 1's over the past 2 decades
* An aggregated list of critic's picks.

Using CSV files and a bit of handy programming we'll be able to have a look at patterns and work our way from there. If you have any suggestions / criticism please drop me a comment and we can work through this all together.

Wish me luck,
Tom