champion_versions

I think 'Time To Die' is a stronger effort than it's predecessor.

Didn't think they were much to write home about but they might have improved. Isn't one of The Unicorns in these lot?

England's Finest....i suppose. They've already recorded some amazing music, but there's still so much potential to do more.

Outstanding! As someone who hasn't really paid this record much attention, I'll definitely be getting a copy of it over the weekend. I probably do owe it one - you're right.

That record is brilliant....anyone who likes Sky Larkin will naturally love it i reckon.

Awesome line-up

is available to stream here : http://www.bbc.co.uk/glastonbury/2009/artists/horrors/

but i've really enjoyed what i've heard. I thought his forst effort was just a little lightweight for my taste and it all felt like Pulp-offcuts at times. This seems to be a much more personal record, more in keeping with a solo-effort.

on most days. It's in Aberdeen's Castlegate and apparently someone wanted to make a film about it.

I've listened to this and can't help thinking he's lost his way, but perhaps that's the way he wants it.
I was obsessed with Wind In the Wires and had never really listened to Lycanthropy prior to buying that. Maybe thta's why some of his more synthetic-sounding recordings don't do all that much for me sometimes. It neither puts me up nor down most of the time, but when he uses more traditional music, he seems to be capable of more interesting (and in my opinion, less contrived) records.
By the way, too many parallels are drawn between your own experiences and those you perceive the songs are regarding. Were YOU bullied at school by any chance...? ;)

but perhaps those moments don't last the full 3 or 4 minutes of a complete song or 'single'.
For me too, 'Ready, Able' is the best song on the album. It's got a playful majesty about it that I think may take on a whole new dimension when performed live. Wonderful record by in large and i keep finding little moments that I didn't hear in previous listens. A good sign is that......

I really, really like Fog.

as that is a vital addition to the album in my opinion. Some of the best music i've heard all year is on that bonus, but this is a very good and agreeable review.

most of which do not seem to progress from their first article.

Between this column and Aidan Moffat's 'I'm No Expert...' on The Quietus, my love and sex life is fine and dandy. Thanks.

a solid 8 and it's also exceeded my expectations. The production on some of these songs is stunning.

Musically, that's my favourite album of theirs and it's certainly the most interesting. It also hasn't dated as much as other efforts, so without the presence of the album on the setlist, it just seems a bit wrong really.

The 2nd paragraph exactly sumises 'my 2 cents' on this record. If anyone has got an incomplete Pavement collection where this is the missing record ; FOR SHAME!

I miss your writing most i reckon.

I really like number 15. Life affirming!

It IS my album of the year.

Good tape that one...

don't they always mind....Jagjaguwar may scoop my album of the year in 2009 (as they probably have done in 2008).

His music sounds far more relevant and innovative than 90% of 'The Magic Position'. he's not a visionary either mind...but, ye know...

and have taken my pipe, slippers and comfy pyjamas with me. Having now left the wife, i doubt i'll want to return any time soon. Bye.

The pricing model used to sell music relied on the premise that they could make optimum revenue from new release and then spin revenue out through mid-pricing, bundling, repackaging or any other way of squeezing the last drops out of essentially the same product. The technology available should always (in my opinion) have been used to drive down the cost of providing the buyer with their music, but the industry (predominantly the major labels and traditional simply thought that they could use it as an outlet to sell the same product more directly. This totally misses the point of digital formats, in that you are then leaving the door wide open for people to say 'I don't agree that I should pay for something that should be way cheaper anyway', therefore these people will elect not to pay and receive the same product.

I buy far less CDs than I used to (but I would wager this is far more than most) and fully admit that i probably pay less (and receive far more in return), but a fair proportion of this is now P2P. To be honest, I find P2P just a necessary evil. If the whole industry made a concerted effort to reduce the overall cost of music (where technology allows a far greater amount to be accessed or 'consumed') then I would be more than happy to ditch P2P and walk in line with the industry again.

I'm now 28 and have enjoyed listening to and finding out about music new and old since I was 11. I will safely say I'm never going to get bored of it. However, when I was 11 and bought my first CD from a shop, I never ever thought that I’d be effectively breaking the law in order to do this. I really hope the industry puts me back on the straight and narrow by creating a pricing model that is fair for all. I used to like knowing that I was putting some cash (not very much mind you) into the pockets of the musicians I enjoyed. It seemed to be a fair deal. I hope to feel that way again once I start to feel like I get a fair rub too.

particularly with reference to the tone of the review itself.

http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/champion_versions/republic_partydresses-ad.gif

Shame that, as he's a decent songwriter.

;)

It's one of the best things they ever recorded.

I'm pretty much a sucker for a tidy lass in her knickers without the blatency of a lads mag pose, particularly if the lass is accessorised with some sort of synth/programmer. Luverly.

It's barking mad but absolutely compelling from start to finish. Absolutely impossible to resist listening to on repeated occasions with near perverted fervour. Their best yet and teh second best album of the year so far, behind Deerhunter's 'Microcastle'.

Look forward to reading more from yourself.

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but nest level will do...

but it's a pretty worthy winner overall. Clearly, this is a nod with the intention of projecting them to 'the nest level'. They have the potential to fill the enormodomes in years to come.

Not even in the top 5...woot?
I agree with the above...the kidz were out in force for this vote.

It's got it's moments, but when i listened to it as a ahole, i thought it was a bit meh.

Is that just Freddie Ljungberg wearing Henrik Larsson's hair in that photo?

Those 2 singles were easily up amongst the best of last year. A brilliant band getting a deal with a decent label. Win/Win! Really looking forward to the new material. Congrats.

cos he seems to have a stiffy over the lead singer Charlie. I'm sure i saw him on the telly doing 'Back To Black' live at a festival....
In truth, it seems like a relatively logical relationship and they might sell some records. Not that it puts me either up or down.

He's also the holder of the 'best ever Essential Mix' by some distance.

Let's Get Killed is a masterpiece, but i was a bit underwhelemed by Bow Down To The Exit Sign if i'm honest. As above, really looking forward to the new LP.

Makes me realise that music is sometimes best when not taken too seriously. Very good and look forward to more of these in future....!