Opinion
Our music writers share opinion pieces on everything from the state of our music venues to who should have won various musical awards. Discover new music and get the latest insight on all things music savvy.
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Albums Of The YearA Year in Records #3: TV On The Radio – Dear Science,
TV On The Radio loosen the coils of angst and sonic density they once wound so tight Read more »| 09 Dec 2008 -
Albums Of The YearA Year in Records #4: WHY? - Alopecia
“Sometimes I claim to know a guy, but I can’t tell you what his hands look like,” mutters Jonathan ‘Yoni’ Wolf part-way through... Read more »| 08 Dec 2008 -
Albums Of The Year
A Year in Records #5: Portishead - Third
Let's admit it: Third is a flawed album. A handful of songs, including the mesmerising opener Silence, end too quickly, and Hunter is ambitious but lifeless.... Read more »| 05 Dec 2008 -
Albums Of The YearA Year in Records #6: Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
Since its June release, Fleet Foxes, by the Seattle band of the same name, has become a coveted artefact in its own right; a tasteful ornament for the discer... Read more »| 05 Dec 2008 -
Albums Of The Year
A Year in Records #7: A Silver Mt. Zion -13 Blues For Thirteen Moons
A stirring, tectonic collision of folk and classical music Read more »| 04 Dec 2008 -
Albums Of The Year
A Year in Records #8: Deerhunter - Microcastle
Deerhunter ain't playing hard to get no more. Before, it was a bit difficult to find the patience to absorb a body of work like Cryptograms, an album that cr... Read more »| 03 Dec 2008
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Albums Of The Year
A Year in Records #9: Foals - Antidotes
Coming into 2008, several genres commonly associated with Foals were either in crisis or hampered by growing pains: dance-punk was becoming as stale as week-... Read more »| 02 Dec 2008 -
Albums Of The Year
A Year in Records #10: Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
After overcoming growing pains with the uncomfortable (but excellent) Plans, Death Cab For Cutie settle into their status as major label chart toppers with Narrow Stairs Read more »| 02 Dec 2008 -
Opinion
In the Studio: Jubilee (Part Two)
In the second installment of Aaron North's three part missive from the studio, the singer and guitarist explains how his band achieved the jaw-dropping feat of harnessing the creative energies of Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Liars and Queens of the Stone Age for a track - and then made it a B-side Read more »| 12 Sep 2008 -
Opinion
In the Studio: Jubilee
The first in a new mini-series of missives from Shabbey Road Studios sees ex-Icarus Line and Nine Inch Nails guitarist Aaron North document the genesis of his new band and explain why he felt the need to lighten the mood. Read more »| 29 Aug 2008 -
Opinion
Living On The Edge
Take a break from Comedy and Theatre, and let Chris McCall steer you towards some of the top notch bands at this year's Festival Read more »| 28 Jul 2008 -
Opinion
Tennent's Mutual: Redressing the Balance?
Well over a decade ago, the folks at Tennent's decided to push their brand through a series of live music offerings designed to enhance the community spirit and shift a few extra cans of lager along the way. More power to 'em Read more »| 08 May 2008 -
Opinion
XFM Charts
Jim Gellatly's X-posure Top 10 Singles of 20071. The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name2. Richard Hawley - Tonight The Streets Are Ours3. Biffy Clyro - Living I... Read more »| 07 Dec 2007 -
Opinion
XFM Column
Smells like lounge spirit... Read more »| 07 Dec 2007 -
Albums Of The Year
2007: A Year in Music (Part 1)
10. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (City Slang / Sonovox)No term in the music press is bandied about as flippantly as 'difficult second album'. This ostensible lon... Read more »| 07 Dec 2007