So Interpol’s frontman Paul Banks has joined the growing ranks of blokes in bands releasing solo records, but does the world need another outlet for his creative juices?
On first listen, and particularly on first track Only If You Run, you’d have to say a big fat ‘no’. It plods, it whines, and it lacks any of the tense energy of Interpol at their best.
Lo-fi legend Daniel Johnston has turned his back on his traditional homemade recordings and teamed up with Beck and Paul McCartney producer Jason Falkner for his forthcoming album Is And Always Was.
The album, which will be released 6th October, has high-level production and features Falkner on guitar, bass and keyboards.
On the back of the success of 2006 documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston, Daniel has also signed independent filmmakers Regererate to make a feature length film about his life.
Brian’s been a bit of a lazy owl this morning after a rather hard night on the acorn juice. But here, better late than never, is his third Monday playlist — with a lovely bit of Ane Brun, Dolly Parton, The Decemberists and Jenny Lewis – to make the start of the week that little bit brighter.
Over the coming weeks FFS will be submitting the same set of questions to the Schmercury nominees. Today, Roddy Woomble answers on behalf of Drever McCusker and Woomble, who are nominated for their album Before the Ruin.
The Schmercuries is FFS’s best album prize (apart from there is no prize other than the glory of being deemed brill, ace AND skill by our lovely readers). You can see the nominated albums and vote for your favourite to win here.
Jeremy Warmsley’s never been one to rest on his laurels, but the man’s really excelling himself in the next few months. Not only is he debuting his new band, Acres, Acres, this week at two London venues, producing lovely covers with the Little Words, and taking himself off to the big apple, he’s also putting together a tour for October. Fwooft.
In 1986 Sam Baker was blown up Peruvian terrorists. He spent days in hospital unable to move, he underwent weeks of surgery including on his brain and treatment for shrapnel and gangrene. After the explosion Sam had to learn to walk and talk again. He’s deaf in one ear and the loudest sound in the other is ringing.