MFM PLAYLIST: (30th November)

words: Jamie Milton/ David Molloy (TNP)

It’s a frightening thought. When you compare the top ten selling UK singles of the 80’s (‘Relax’, ‘Careless Whisper’) to those of today (Bob the Builder, Hear’say), it hits you very hard that there’s been a slight (ok, catastrophic) demise in pop. Winners of talent shows are dominating the charts, journalism is dead, apparently and I’m about to fail my driving test. Life is good. Here’s a playlist to brighten the spirits. None of these will sell in the millions but they’ll make a few people’s days.

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Free Energy – Dark Trance

A name bound to pop up countless times fairly soon, as well as being the kind of band to put Spoon out of business, left wondering why they didn’t become “massive” like Free Energy probably will. There’s a Strokes-esque confidence to this band and working with James Murphy will help spread the word. ‘Dark Trance’ is a stylish, stripped-down anthem worth taking notice of.

6.8

(mp3)
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Laura Marling – Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)

The finest contemporary female singer-songwriter Britain can claim to have returns with frostbitten feet and a damaged heart. This song, released in time for Christmas, helps you picture those snow-covered February days without the hyperbolic news coverage and grumpy drivers with slippery tyres. This is all about the warm feeling in your heart when the novelty of snow falling arrives.

8.0

(mp3 – Marc Riley session)
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The Middle East – Blood

‘Blood’, taken from a coherent ‘The Recordings Of The Middle East’ EP, is a delicate treat encompassing the gentle, lullaby sounds dripping from every corner of this warm and lovely space The Middle East record their songs in. But it’s not all cuddles and high fives; the closing third of ‘Blood’ shows the kind of bold spirit that’ll ensure a good many eyes are opened.

7.3

(mp3)
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These New Puritans – We Want War

These New Puritans’ debut ‘Beat Pyramid’ suggested a band with plenty of ambition to spare. The first single from the band’s second album ‘Hidden’ shows just how elaborate the album’s set to be, with it’s loud percussion and cryptic lyrics, still very much New Puritans but still unlike nothing else, stretched and thickened into a seven minute monster. If this is any indication, ‘Hidden’ may well turn heads and be one of the most exciting albums of next year.

8.8

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We Were Promised Jetpacks – It’s Thunder And It’s Lightning

“The body was black and blue” is about as morbid a piece of visual imagery that you’re likely to encounter on daytime radio. But, as of last week, ‘It’s Thunder And It’s Lightning’ made a surprise appearance on BBC 6music and everyone in the office took notice. We Were Promised Jetpacks appeal because they produce Frightened Rabbit-esque harmonic charm (making their songs radio-worthy) but they also manage to add that extra little piece of darkness. Gutsy stuff.