2012 - The Music

Oh bloody hell, two of these things in a week.

Here's music for 2012.

It's Christmas - The Polyphonic Spree (2011)

Okay, so I absolutely unapologetically love the Polyphonic Spree. When I saw them a few years back it was the first gig I've ever been to where the absolute joy of the occasion had me crying with happiness - with the first song.

And they do these hokey wonderful Christmas songs, and great Christmas shows, and it's the end of the year, and that means it's Christmas....



Going Home - Leonard Cohen (2012)

I love to speak with Leonard
He’s a sportsman and a shepherd
He’s a lazy bastard
Living in a suit

But he does say what I tell him
Even though it isn’t welcome
He just doesn't have the freedom
To refuse

He will speak these words of wisdom
Like a sage, a man of vision
Though he knows he’s really nothing
But the brief elaboration of a tube

The whole Old Ideas album is a beauty, full of brilliance. But this opener.....



Mercy Seat (12”) - Ultra Vivid Scene (1989) 

Imagine if you have a list of your favourite ten artists. And one of these artists; Ultra Vivid Scene has a sum total of 3 albums of material, plus a few b-sides.

And then imagine how happy, nay, how delighted you would be to discover that this artist had released a 12" version of one of your favourite singles and you never knew about it.

That was me in November 2012 that was.



Spitfire - Public Service Broadcasting (2012)

Really, spoken word over an anthemic electronic thing? I'm obviously going to adore this aren't I? It's got that wondrous slow build to it that I've always instantly fallen for.



On Her Majesty's Secret Service - Propellerheads (1998) 

Oh, in the year of Skyfall, there had to be a Bond thing. But dear god, it couldn't be Adele.

OHMSS was/is/always will be the finest Bond music, John Barry creating something incredible, familiar yet totally new to Bond. And this Propellerheads version/remix/remake/re-whatever is a 10 minute slab of over the top greatness - Bond goes big-beat.



Do It With A Rockstar - Amanda Palmer (2012)

Another one many people don't like. But I head Dresden Dolls a few years back and just got them. Palmer's first album was amazing, this may be better.

It's one of those albums where you find yourself shouting the lyrics out of tune much to the dismissal and scorn of your family. Or is that just me?



Little Red Wagon - Audra Mae & The Almighty Sound (2012)

A new band, a new band, a new band. Heard first in the very tail end of the year, but instant classic status. Album equally great.

Video a bit crap though. Close your eyes if it offends you so.

And no, I don't really think she's singing about a car either.



Battling The Bottle - Jim Bob (2007)

Another one who receives scorn.... Jim Bob out of that there much loved Carter USM of old. He writes fantastic songs, full of classy, clever, funny lyrics. Always has...



The Only Place - Best Coast (2012)

Another one of those new bands, or at least new on me things... great song...



Please- Paul Hartnoll & Robert Smith (2007)

So, no Cure on this year cd thing, no Kraftwerk either. Although I did get to spend all day fruitlessly trying to get Kraftwerk tickets for their London Tate shows.

This is Robert Smith doing the vocal thing on Orbital's Paul Hartnoll's solo thing. Effortlessly manages to be the epitome of both bands. Damn good.

The video I could find is some crappy remix thing though. It gives you the vague idea of what it's like....



212 - Azealia Banks & Lazy Jay (2012)

Here's one of those moments Molly hates. I walk into a room where this is playing and immediately start going on about how great it is. Remember, that's the great thing about being old, the sheer don't give a stuff what other people think. This is just one of those great, great songs, music really drives along, weirdness goes on throughout, and Azealia Banks does a great, great job of vocals and writing those very, very, very rude words.

How rude? Well... very. I was going to put the uncensored one on here, but it really is just a little too out there.

Bloody great song though...



586 (Live at the Troxy) - New Order (2011)

And here we are again at New Order. On last year with The Perfect Kiss live video, and here with the rather bloody brilliant live version of 586. The original is good, but there's just something about this that is so wonderful - classic New Order and something newer and more Kraftwerkian...



Proserpina - Martha Wainwright (2012)

Beautiful, haunting, terribly sad....



Our Lips Are Sealed - Fuxa (2012)

Weird. Rather cleverly brilliantly weid. But weird nonetheless.



Das Testements Des Mabuse - Propaganda (2012, original 1994/85)

Propaganda are one of my top 10 bands. One of the bands that, no matter what the mood, will always always be mentioned. If you're interested the rest include Kraftwerk, Caberet Voltaire, The Cure, Carter, Ultra Vivid Scene, Steve Wynn, Duran Duran, The The, The Shamen, That Petrol Emotion.

And yes, I am aware it's 11. What the hell.

With Propaganda the situation is even more desperate than with Ultra Vivid Scene. UVS made 3 albums and a few B-sides. Propaganda have (arguably) 11 songs - I only count Propaganda as being the band from 1985 who released A Secret Wish. But somehow, I have 50 Propaganda tracks on itunes. The explanation is simple. Blame ZTT. Somehow, between Propaganda, Paul Morley and Trevor Horn, there are so many wondrous variations of each Propaganda song, all subtly different, all esoterically named, making it a fun 'gotta collect them all' moment everytime a new compilation or deluxe edition comes out. And they do come out, fairly regularly.

This version of the classic Dr Mabuse is from the latest compilation 'Noise and girls come out to play'. I was determined that, after buying both albums three times (original on casette and cd, followed by deluxe repackages of both) and the 'Outside World' compilation a while back.

And then came Spotify. A few listens and they'd got me again. Damn them. Damn them all to hell. etc etc.

Nah, only joking. Keep them coming. Whether there is actually anything else to release from just a few recording sessions I have no idea, but I'm pretty sure that if it is there, I'll be sold it at some point. And I'll gladly hand over the cash once more.

This video isn't the actual audio version I've put on the Christmas cd, and yes I can tell, but it's about the nearest you get to it online at You Tube anyway.