joshjem

Nice discussion here. Not a bad review or anything like that but personally I'd rate it higher, where I don't know. I think there's a hidden depth to it; I also say this about The Teenagers. There's a lot to be said for pop nostalgia these days.

I went in 2003 and 2005, and I can concur the walk to the festival site is indeed a "scenic stroll". It's such a laid back festival, compared to the likes of Reading or V. You'll have a great time. Just don't take the French too seriously once they are wasted. Mob mentality + general French arrogance can be annoying but just learn to take it in your stride! enjoy

Yet another tumescent review. "Fortunately, normality ensued for 'VCR' and continued therein after. Phew." Gee, what great writing mind came up with this? There's a reason they are what you term 'mainstream', they are just a really great band. Oh and please write more about your hangovers next time.

just lovely.

This is weak journalism, especially for a supposed muso site.

... as far as I can tell. Surely Mr Adams should know that the blogosphere is not to be trusted on new musical opinions. And also, to which generation do you refer to in this review? I want to know If I belong.

I didn't really gather anything from that. More concise writing please.

I'm wary of waring it out too soon however This has made me want finally delve into their 2nd album. Beautiful production. GUSH GUSH GUSH

What does it matter if mums like it too?! My mum likes it, I like it, the panel obviously liked it, and some bright spark at Plan B obviously liked her. I think they got it right this year.

I've probably been to the pub too early in the day but I like a fair few of these tracks and think it's more a 6/7 out of 10 personally . But hey, what do I know, The Teenagers record was one of my favourites from last year...

Hope I can make one of these , really fucking do .

You make fair comments on my comment. I wrote mine up quickly in shoddy defence. I did agree with the overall rating though, and although my knowledge of electronic music and its history is limited I'll agree there are likely many more interesting producers around at the moment. I did not mean to defend the release of this, more the open-mind ethos behind it which probably seemed a better idea at the time.

I like the first couple of minutes of that Trojan Horse (John D) remix :) . And I disagree with the We Have Band love-in. Although I like them, their remix misses the mark for me; a turgid affair. "As it is, in putting their names to this Bloc Party seem to be saying they either don't care about what they ask fans to spend their money on" . Surely most savvy fans will only download they're fave remixes (most probably on hypem) after listening to the album online? Any die-hard fans with a commitment to buy everything should simply take another look at their life. A probably fair review, but to imply they know nothing about electronic becuase of some lacklustre remixes from mostly unknowns is surely unfair. I hope they didn't hand pick them, but even if so I'm not going to let this superfluous collection affect my liking for the band themselves.

really really enjoying his stuff .

Although I agree with the "gleaming melodies" comment. A very nice album. 'Just in Case' has been on repeat this week. Love the casual guitar strums. Great production on this record.

I'm only just realising I haven't listened to enough albums all the way through this year. And also that my favourite albums this year (Moffat's I Can Hear.... The Field, Burial, Adam Gnade) aren't even from this year! despite this:

George Pringle - Poor EP Poor EP Without a Name (an EP)
Santogold - Santogold
The Wave Pictures - Instant Coffee Baby
Why? - Alopecia
The Teenagers - Reality Check
David Bowie - Low (I told you I've been slack). best wishes all. j

Never mind the opinion, the actual review doesn't even mention any of the music from the album! what sort of a music review is that. You pick ONE LYRIC from arguably one of the srongest tracks on there! seems like you spent less time on this than Skinner did on reviewing his layman philosophy on this average effort. And the first two efforts were absolutely Sterling. stop trying to stir shit just for the sake of it.

I've heard the sampler from the new album and I think the Dodo track may annoy me but I actually love this track. Obviously his last album didn't come as easily as the first two, but hopefully he is back on track. This is definately not 'GASH'. Lovely. One of my favourite British lyricists.

I also found him utterly mesmerising at Explosions ATP. Venue definately didn't suit him though. One of my favourite gigs of the weekend, although I naively expected him to bring out the band at any moment.

.. but I wouldn't put it in the same category as this album. It's definately better than 4/10 and your review is terrible. I purchased it so therefore I am an utter cunt apparently. Thanks. I'm glad somebody else thinks you 'missed the point' whatever that point may be. If it's sexist, which I don't think it is, it's smarter than you seem to realise. I'm not going to stand up and say this is a great piece of art, the fact it is slightly 'throwaway' is one of the reasons I like it. Where does the Backstreet Boys reference come from aswell, I can't see that one.... j

You know, like the A-Minor chord on a guitar tab. Chan seems to use it quite often.

It's not quite that, obviously sounding "fuller" is going to be a bonus, I just feel theres been too much added to it's overall texture needlessly... It's still a great song though. I just think it could've sounded slightly more raw, after all they're only young, polishing a band like this kind of misses the point for me.

I can't beleive no one has mentioned how much better the demo of this song sounds than this over stylized shite! It's shocking in my opinion, although maybe it'll grow on me. Not the only ones I'm sure, but first it happened to the Arctic Monkeys, then Kate Nash and now this, let the artists speak for themselves and stop messing with already brilliant songs.

" (I blame) The government for allowing the media to control the thoughts and opinions of a nation so thoroughly, sinisterly and downright dangerously."

Kudos for an ok article that at its essence has the right idea, but what does this statement really mean? I mean it's so sweeping and unintelligent it's absolutely meaningless.

Test Icicles ride would close on day one. KISS will feature surely. Looking forward to seeing where they take this idea. You've gotta love the American way.

(Johnny Borrel hall of mirrors I like.)

Perhaps too concise? I could talk for hours about the majesty of this album. Absolutely bonkers in the most beautiful manner. 9/10 is about right. j

May I throw a coin at you EJamesB ?

I for one love this album, and now DiS for appreciating this album in a similar manner . Mr Diver, i think you've mostly hit the nail on the head . One thing though, the vulnerability and "irritation" in the lyrics are to me a plus point more than anything (in refusing to 'uniform themsleves' for want of a better phrase) and 'I Still Remember' obviously has a simpler arrangement in comparison to other songs but that is also part of its beauty , its an anti-pop pop song constructed with that in mind. Kele said himself, "When was the last time you heard an interesting pop song that actually tried to give you a different perspective on desire?".

The bloc doubters used to frustrate me on this website, now they just make me laugh.

gourlay's reviews appear to be improving, however slowly that task may take i am midly impressed . although, again his review indicates his lacking appreciation for original music . If he'd listened to either of just jack's albums he'd realise there is more to offer in his music than the mere streets-esque parent friendly banter he describes . gourlay, kudos, jack even more . would've got a 6.5 from me, way better songs on the album, 'Disco Friends' for one .... j

what the fuck are nme on ? is it just me or have they really, really gone downhill in the past years , or is it merely the state of british music ? apologies if this is said already too lazy to read through all the comments . the winner is obese ? the winner disgusts me

nice to see them alongside the likes of bloc party / saul williams etc etc finally . j

Fantastic to see bloc party getting some well deserved and oft misplaced attention for a stunner of a (as you rightly say) debut, BRITISH album. Got tickets for the next UK leg of the tour, cannot wait. A Weekend ... is looking and sounding exemplary might i add, please ignore any weak OK Computer comparisons and appreciate bloc party for the unique and extremely talented group that they are. Kudos to DiS. j

i mysef rate him rather highly but he is brand new in many respects so give him time i say ... i don't think theres much to get other than a fresh sound from a new urban voice ? nothing complicated bout that . j

eh ? what ? who ? why ? when ? another EXTREMELY average to poor review from mr saunders . j

and if anything you're about the right age to enjoy this in my eyes . a 34 yr old loving might be weird , but even that i'd commend . Very well written . I adore the indie snobs remark . j

i mean , come on , its not THAT bad surely . i really don't think the reviewer comprehends the angle / level at which this song comes from . it's not meant to be THAT deep . The album is highly listenable and although this isn't the best track on it by any means i feel it deserves a fairer review than this rubbish , sheesh . does DiS have pet hate bands which only their haters can review ?? j

shocking review with absolutely no relevance to the the construction of the song which i happen to enjoy . the original with pete through the whole song was better but i don't know where thats gone ... i'd have given 7 , 2 nice b-sides to this (deluded... and dreams) if you're a fan of the streets get it for that if you don't like the boy doherty.

another great single from an extremely underrated and underplayed band . Mr Gourlay's questionable tastes leave something to be desired ...

bad review , its got it all wrong . read the pitchfork review instead . great song , album tracks are even better , give it time .... j