Music Mashup
Hello Scenesters. Spring is upon us and people are slowly stripping off ‐ woof! This month sees me reviewing Nitin Sawnhey and Franz Ferdinand live, the album offered to the masses by MGMT and Natty, and to finish off I’ve got a few top suggestions about the good gigs coming up. Bring on the sunshine and the musical nights of mayhem!
Story Highlights
- Nitin Sawhney at Shepherd’s Bush Empire
- Franz Ferdinand at Hammersmith Apollo
- Album Reviews
- Future Gig
Nitin Sawhney at Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Nitin Sawhney is loved by those who favour his eclectic mix of ambient and melodic beats, fused with musical elements from across the world. This was a night to marvel and relax as we were taken on a musical journey that included some of the most frantic tabula playing I’ve ever seen by Aref Durvesh! It was followed by flamenco, Drum and Bass, and then a dose of traditional Indian music. The very diverse crowd lapped it up, although this was a gig I should have bought seats for because at the end of the day it was a pretty relaxed affair. A particular highlight was his support act ‐ Natty. Natty gave us a few choice titbits from his second album ‐ Man Like I, and my musical appetite was more than whetted by his good looks and deliciously soulful voice. Check out his album review later on.
Franz Ferdinand at Hammersmith Apollo
Well I gave the lads a pretty scathing review for their third album and I have to say, it was a good thing I got in for free to see their London gig because I would have been pretty miffed if I’d paid to see this overrated group perform live. I couldn’t quite understand why the venue was so full when the music was so average. I, like the crowd, responded best to songs from their amazing first album, like Ulysses and Do You Wanna.
Album Reviews
MGMT ‐ Oracular Spectacular: Weird and wonderful electronic Pop which tries too hard to impress. It wouldn’t be so bad if it was actually listenable but I couldn’t even get through the whole album. Apparently it sounds like being on a trip, but to me it sounds like you need to take drugs to be able to listen to the whole thing.
Natty ‐ Man Like I: I first heard of Natty on the LMHR CD back in 2007 with the track ‐ If I, and then again last year with Bedroom Eyes. However it was his mellifluous performance that persuaded me to part with my hard earned cash and buy his album. It’s the perfect soundtrack for Sundays ‐ when your head hurts from debauched nights out or when you just want to chill. The songs Last night, Cold Town, She loves Me, Stoned On You and Bedroom Eyes are my favourites, but the whole album is pretty good. The man himself playing live is pretty impressive too.
Filthy Dukes ‐ Nonsense in the Dark: This album is due to be released later this month and if you like your house jacking, then I suggest you check this out. Having worked with the likes of Erol Alkan and Justice, and also running club night ‐ Kill Them All, their musical pedigree is proven and I’ve already pre‐ordered the album.
Future Gig
Guru’s Jazzamatazz, Cargo, April 11, 2009: Cargo continues to go from strength to strength and you can’t beat £10 to see Hip Hop legends ‐ Guru and Solar, with special guests performing Guru’s Jazzmatazz Volume 4, The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger. If you’re already familiar with the Jazzmatazz series then you know there is pure Hip Hop goodness to be had. Be there or be square!
‐ DJ Michelle
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