Villagers are go !

PaulBrewer

http://www.factmag.com/2010/07/20/mercury-music-prize-nominations-announced/

Rockshamrover

The XX are shortlisted?

MilanPan!c

Rockshamrover wrote: »

The XX are shortlisted?

Would not be suprised at all if they win.

Almost everyone I know likes them.

Rockshamrover

I just looked up the villagers on youtube. They are excellent live and the lyrics are brilliant.

The singer reminds me of Damien Rice.

MilanPan!c

Like I said:

"Already the xx and Dizzee Rascal are favourites to win. The xx's album has managed to hang on to its artistic credibility while being ubiquitous in the mainstream media (something the Mercury prize seems to value). Their songs sound as at home on hip music blogs as they do soundtracking Grey's Anatomy – bracing, captivating and aching with languid sexuality."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/jul/20/mercury-prize-nominations

DamagedTrax

the xx FTW :cool:

MilanPan!c

DamagedTrax wrote: »

the xx FTW :cool:

Glad to see you survived that shower.

Rockshamrover

DamagedTrax wrote: »

the xx FTW :cool:

They have a certain charm. They don't sound too polished and overly produced.

They remind me of very early everything but the girl.

SeanHurley

Rockshamrover wrote: »

They have a certain charm. They don't sound too polished and overly produced.

They remind me of very early everything but the girl.

In fairness they are poison live, saw them at Glasto this year and was distinctly unimpressed.

MilanPan!c

SeanHurley wrote: »

In fairness they are poison live, saw them at Glasto this year and was distinctly unimpressed.

I've heard that many many times.

It's also proof that you do NOT need to be any good live to be successful. Though it helps.

SeanHurley

MilanPan!c wrote: »

I've heard that many many times.

It's also proof that you do NOT need to be any good live to be successful. Though it helps.

Aye they must know a few important cats to have gotten to where they are now. Seriously poor band. Having said that I don't mind the record, it wouldn't be one of my all time favs but it is inoffensive.

Rockshamrover

SeanHurley wrote: »

In fairness they are poison live, saw them at Glasto this year and was distinctly unimpressed.

I saw that too, but they seemed to be very nervous. They are touring all over europe at the moment on the festival circuit. I'd say they'll be a lot more polished live by the end of the year.

MilanPan!c

SeanHurley wrote: »

Aye they must know a few important cats to have gotten to where they are now. Seriously poor band. Having said that I don't mind the record, it wouldn't be one of my all time favs but it is inoffensive.

I think this has something to do with it:

"Almost inevitably for a band from south-west London, they also studied music at the Elliott school, the Putney comprehensive that also nurtured the experimental bents of Hot Chip, Kieran Hebden, Adem and Burial."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/aug/13/xx-teen-band

More on the Elliot School - I'd never heard of it until I lived in London

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliott_School_%28London%29

This didn't hurt either:

'After seeing the band's early gigs, Caius Pawson of Young Turks, an imprint of XL, gave them this room to rehearse and record. By this point, they had just finished school and spent their nights writing strange songs after days working at Costa Coffee and Uniqlo. Working by night gave their music its peculiar, dark quality, says Madley-Croft. "Night-time puts you in a weird world. When you're nearly falling asleep, odd thoughts start to come out." She mentions Blood Red Moon, the B-side to the band's new single, Basic Space, and its lyrics about eyes turning yellow and skin turning blue. She recorded it sitting under her duvet at home, on her computer, at four in the morning, trying not to disturb her parents, and listening to the police sirens that survive in the final recording.

The band's album was produced at night, too, in the garage of XL's Notting Hill headquarters. Even more eerily, burglars broke in one night, their spree cut short when Smith emerged from his soundproofed room, completely oblivious, to see shadows in ski-masks running away. The LP that showcases his ghostly, Martin Hannett-like production style also led to two interesting developments – Madley-Croft's parents hearing her sing for the first time, and her starting to write together with Sim in the same room. It's a consequence of their shyness that these things didn't happen before, she says. "Now, though, it's good."'

MilanPan!c

Rockshamrover wrote: »

I saw that too, but they seemed to be very nervous. They are touring all over europe at the moment on the festival circuit. I'd say they'll be a lot more polished live by the end of the year.

I have a recording of them back before they lost their fourth member and it's not nearly as ropey as some of the more recent live stuff...

They could just be a band unsuited for a big stage...?

SeanHurley

Rockshamrover wrote: »

I saw that too, but they seemed to be very nervous. They are touring all over europe at the moment on the festival circuit. I'd say they'll be a lot more polished live by the end of the year.

Yeah they played a few times at Glasto, and we went to seem them a few times as the missus loves the missus loves the album and wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. IMHO they'd want to put some elbow grease into polishing that act as they are well off the pace.

SeanHurley

MilanPan!c wrote: »

I think this has something to do with it:

"Almost inevitably for a band from south-west London, they also studied music at the Elliott school, the Putney comprehensive that also nurtured the experimental bents of Hot Chip, Kieran Hebden, Adem and Burial."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/aug/13/xx-teen-band

More on the Elliot School - I'd never heard of it until I lived in London

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliott_School_%28London%29

This didn't hurt either:

'After seeing the band's early gigs, Caius Pawson of Young Turks, an imprint of XL, gave them this room to rehearse and record. By this point, they had just finished school and spent their nights writing strange songs after days working at Costa Coffee and Uniqlo. Working by night gave their music its peculiar, dark quality, says Madley-Croft. "Night-time puts you in a weird world. When you're nearly falling asleep, odd thoughts start to come out." She mentions Blood Red Moon, the B-side to the band's new single, Basic Space, and its lyrics about eyes turning yellow and skin turning blue. She recorded it sitting under her duvet at home, on her computer, at four in the morning, trying not to disturb her parents, and listening to the police sirens that survive in the final recording.

The band's album was produced at night, too, in the garage of XL's Notting Hill headquarters. Even more eerily, burglars broke in one night, their spree cut short when Smith emerged from his soundproofed room, completely oblivious, to see shadows in ski-masks running away. The LP that showcases his ghostly, Martin Hannett-like production style also led to two interesting developments – Madley-Croft's parents hearing her sing for the first time, and her starting to write together with Sim in the same room. It's a consequence of their shyness that these things didn't happen before, she says. "Now, though, it's good."'

A case of who you know really isn't it. Personally I think there are far better bands out there, I am not sold on this crowd at all.

MilanPan!c

SeanHurley wrote: »

A case of who you know really isn't it. Personally I think there are far better bands out there, I am not sold on this crowd at all.

yeah, def better bands out there, but I certainly do like the record...

Rockshamrover

SeanHurley wrote: »

Yeah they played a few times at Glasto, and we went to seem them a few times as the missus loves the missus loves the album and wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. IMHO they'd want to put some elbow grease into polishing that act as they are well off the pace.

Interesting stuff. They are getting massive amounts of plays on youtube so they are definitely connection with people.

An awful lot of bands fail to deliver live. Some bands thrive on it, others prefer the studio.

SeanHurley

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Interesting stuff. They are getting massive amounts of plays on youtube so they are definitely connection with people.

An awful lot of bands fail to deliver live. Some bands thrive on it, others prefer the studio.

Don't get me wrong they are obviously connecting with people. Although I have a theory of sorts that sometimes the popularity of a band is overstated by the media. In recent times many bands have had a huge hype based on nothing. For instance Florence and the Machine was famously called Florence and the Publicity Machine as she was seemingly hugely popular without ever having released a record or done a serious tour. (Florence backed it up to her credit). Marina and the Diamonds are another media championed act that to be honest are average - it is nothing Kate Bush or Imogen Heap hasnt already done.

I dunno I am suspect, youtube and myspace stats are easiy rigged and a money can by media coverage.

I now feel like Mel Gibson in Conspiracy Theory *wraps all belongings in tin foil.

MilanPan!c

SeanHurley wrote: »

Don't get me wrong they are obviously connecting with people. Although I have a theory of sorts that sometimes the popularity of a band is overstated by the media. In recent times many bands have had a huge hype based on nothing. For instance Florence and the Machine was famously called Florence and the Publicity Machine as she was seemingly hugely popular without ever having released a record or done a serious tour. (Florence backed it up to her credit). Marina and the Diamonds are another media championed act that to be honest are average - it is nothing Kate Bush or Imogen Heap hasnt already done.

I dunno I am suspect, youtube and myspace stats are easiy rigged and a money can by media coverage.

I now feel like Mel Gibson in Conspiracy Theory *wraps all belongings in tin foil.

I don't know...

I mean I hear what you're saying, but almost everyone I know has their record... I mean that literally...

I'm guessing that that kind of buzz can be a self-fulfilling prophecy (and I'm willing to find out), but at this point, everyone has actually heard it and almost all of them like it... IMO

It's sooooo slight and yet catchy and low-key yet distinct...

SeanHurley

MilanPan!c wrote: »

I don't know...

I mean I hear what you're saying, but almost everyone I know has their record... I mean that literally...

I'm guessing that that kind of buzz can be a self-fulfilling prophecy (and I'm willing to find out), but at this point, everyone has actually heard it and almost all of them like it... IMO

It's sooooo slight and yet catchy and low-key yet distinct...

My conspiracy theory was more a comment that went wider than the XX

As I said earlier I have the record and I don't mind it. I suppose it is taste really isn't? I suppose they aren't a million miles off what you are doing with the riot tapes and for that reason maybe they appeal to your tastes a little more than mine. As I said the record is grand and I know a lot who do really really like it. I think I was just smelling a rat when I saw them live they were average and based on their live performance didn't warrant the success they are getting. I am a live man dude. I love making records and the studio but not as much as I love live music.

MilanPan!c

SeanHurley wrote: »

My conspiracy theory was more a comment that went wider than the XX

As I said earlier I have the record and I don't mind it. I suppose it is taste really isn't? I suppose they aren't a million miles off what you are doing with the riot tapes and for that reason maybe they appeal to your tastes a little more than mine. As I said the record is grand and I know a lot who do really really like it. I think I was just smelling a rat when I saw them live they were average and based on their live performance didn't warrant the success they are getting. I am a live man dude. I love making records and the studio but not as much as I love live music.

No, I totally get that...

My old band - a punkish band (http://www.myspace.com/bradshawrock) we're a very good live band, lots of show (the two videos up there aren't hugely representative of that) and drama... a good time...

Still, I think that lots of good records/bands are essentially the same "sound" or "vibe" over and over again... and that works for them...

In fairness, I'm not sure how you'd make a band like the xx kill live...?

???

SeanHurley

MilanPan!c wrote: »

In fairness, I'm not sure how you'd make a band like the xx kill live...?

???

I take your point. I suppose as well my judgement is being coloured by the fact that this band were built up so much and my expectation was high. The fall of disappointment is much harder after that.

I felt there was no show, they looked nervous and didn't try to connect with the crowd. I have seen plenty of band who you would have said wouldn't blow you away live but did just because of the connection they made with the crowd. Iron and Wine's Sam Beam on his own with just an acoustic guitar blew my mind becasue for that hour and a half I felt as tho he was singing to me and me alone. Sigur Ros without the orchestra behind them was probably the best gig I have ever attended (and I have been to a few).

For me a live show should be an intense affair, to make you feel like you are experiencing something special and unique. I don't want to see 4 lumps looking at their feet and looking distinctly bored and wishing they were something else.

MilanPan!c

SeanHurley wrote: »

I take your point. I suppose as well my judgement is being coloured by the fact that this band were built up so much and my expectation was high. The fall of disappointment is much harder after that.

I felt there was no show, they looked nervous and didn't try to connect with the crowd. I have seen plenty of band who you would have said wouldn't blow you away live but did just because of the connection they made with the crowd. Iron and Wine's Sam Beam on his own with just an acoustic guitar blew my mind becasue for that hour and a half I felt as tho he was singing to me and me alone. Sigur Ros without the orchestra behind them was probably the best gig I have ever attended (and I have been to a few).

For me a live show should be an intense affair, to make you feel like you are experiencing something special and unique. I don't want to see 4 lumps looking at their feet and looking distinctly bored and wishing they were something else.

Yeah, that all makes sense.

I would say that those guys are playing to a HUGE crowd, which is hard to connect to... and their playing low-energy music, which makes it harder...

Add to the that the HYPE, which is hard to live up to... and the fact that they are prolly still feeling the loss of the long term bandmate...

and..

they're like what 21?

They'll get better... one can only hope.

SeanHurley

MilanPan!c wrote: »

I would say that those guys are playing to a HUGE crowd, which is hard to connect to... and their playing low-energy music, which makes it harder...

I think this is the point tho, playing the smaller gigs early in your carreer you learn your craft, you learn to connect. When I was starting out a friend from a a relatively successful band told me "always play to the back of the room as you already have the people at the front" I think that is good advise and I have tried to do that (unsuccessfully at times). I think when a band when gets the success the XX did at such and early stage they sort of miss out on the invaluable learning experience of gigging to people who don't want to see you. I think that is why they have no show about them.

I take your point about losing a band member but a band worth their salt should be able to get over that and kick on.

All I can say is their show turned me off, and if you do a google on reviews of their gigs I am not alone in this.

MilanPan!c

SeanHurley wrote: »

I think this is the point tho, playing the smaller gigs early in your carreer you learn your craft, you learn to connect. When I was starting out a friend from a a relatively successful band told me "always play to the back of the room as you already have the people at the front" I think that is good advise and I have tried to do that (unsuccessfully at times). I think when a band when gets the success the XX did at such and early stage they sort of miss out on the invaluable learning experience of gigging to people who don't want to see you. I think that is why they have no show about them.

I take your point about losing a band member but a band worth their salt should be able to get over that and kick on.

All I can say is their show turned me off, and if you do a google on reviews of their gigs I am not alone in this.

Absolutely. I agree with all of this.

Not looking to excuse, just explain... IMO of course.

They prolly should've stayed smaller a lot longer, but the way the economics work, playing good paying gigs is essential for the financial security of bands and labels.

Rockshamrover

MilanPan!c wrote: »

They prolly should've stayed smaller a lot longer, but the way the economics work, playing good paying gigs is essential for the financial security of bands and labels.

Spot on Chris, this is definitely a case of too much too soon but I do think they could be very good if they can keep it together.

MilanPan!c

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Spot on Chris, this is definitely a case of too much too soon but I do think they could be very good if they can keep it together.

thanks and yeah, I think so too... they're so young... let them put out a few more records, tour a bit more... it'll sort itself out...

Aridstarling

Interesting little chat there on The xx. First off I'll say I love the band and I think the album was one of the finest of last year. Hasn't lost any of its impact either.

I can definitely see the reason behind not enjoying their live show but I loved them the time I saw them. Electric Picnic last year I think. As far as I can see there are two main reasons for their supposed sub-standard Glasto appearance:

Firstly, they lost their fourth member. She played some keyboards and extra guitars. Having to adapt songs written for four people to three person performances mid-tour certainly shook them up quite a bit. Romi's guitar lines are now much busier than before and Jamie is playing three MPCs!

The second reason I'd consider is the fact that they released the album last August I think? They were touring quite a bit before the album but they've literally not stopped since it came out. They must've played upwards of 250 shows in the last year. I would cut them some slack on that basis alone. They must be incredibly tired.

Anyways, I do hope they win it. Certainly my favourite band off the list. What are the odds on Corrine Bailey-Rae coming out of nowhere and taking it? Worth a fiver I'd say.

Rockshamrover

Aridstarling wrote: »

Interesting little chat there on The xx. First off I'll say I love the band and I think the album was one of the finest of last year. Hasn't lost any of its impact either.

I can definitely see the reason behind not enjoying their live show but I loved them the time I saw them. Electric Picnic last year I think. As far as I can see there are two main reasons for their supposed sub-standard Glasto appearance:

Firstly, they lost their fourth member. She played some keyboards and extra guitars. Having to adapt songs written for four people to three person performances mid-tour certainly shook them up quite a bit. Romi's guitar lines are now much busier than before and Jamie is playing three MPCs!

The second reason I'd consider is the fact that they released the album last August I think? They were touring quite a bit before the album but they've literally not stopped since it came out. They must've played upwards of 250 shows in the last year. I would cut them some slack on that basis alone. They must be incredibly tired.

Anyways, I do hope they win it. Certainly my favourite band off the list. What are the odds on Corrine Bailey-Rae coming out of nowhere and taking it? Worth a fiver I'd say.

I think Corrine is to mainstream to win this particular prize. I'd say it's the XX or the Dizzie fella.

Aridstarling

Precisely why I think she might get it. The old double bluff, Mercury love a little surprise.

SeanHurley

Aridstarling wrote: »

Precisely why I think she might get it. The old double bluff, Mercury love a little surprise.

She also fulfils the "Triumph of the Human Spirit" requirement coming back after her husbands death to restart her career.

I might put a fiver on Villagers tho, crazy odds on him.

Although I would say Dizee or the XX are the liklier candidates. although Dizee has won it before. hmmm Bonkers indeed.

Rockshamrover

SeanHurley wrote: »

She also fulfils the "Triumph of the Human Spirit" requirement coming back after her husbands death to restart her career.

I might put a fiver on Villagers tho, crazy odds on him.

Although I would say Dizee or the XX are the liklier candidates. although Dizee has won it before. hmmm Bonkers indeed.

Can anyone remember a favourite winning this?

SeanHurley

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Can anyone remember a favourite winning this?

What about M People in 1994

Rockshamrover

SeanHurley wrote: »

What about M People in 1994

Really? And that far back?

The bookies must make a fortune on this.

SeanHurley

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Really? And that far back?

The bookies must make a fortune on this.

That's why I might stick a fiver on Villagers: stranger things have happened

MilanPan!c

I don't know about all of that:

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Prize?wasRedirected=true

the winners list is pretty much a list of popular records.

SeanHurley

MilanPan!c wrote: »

I don't know about all of that:

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Prize?wasRedirected=true

the winners list is pretty much a list of popular records.

Yes but at the time they probably weren't I think those records/bands are popular post Mercury Prize (not saying Mercury Prize is related to their success I just think that at the time they recieved the prize they werent as popular as they are now?)

MilanPan!c

SeanHurley wrote: »

Yes but at the time they probably weren't I think those records/bands are popular post Mercury Prize (not saying Mercury Prize is related to their success I just think that at the time they recieved the prize they werent as popular as they are now?)

well... I think that goes without saying... it's meant to be a prize for up and coming bands right?

So.

That being said, it's not like Suede and PJ Harvey and Elbow and Franz Ferdinand were ever "dark horses"...

I personally think most of their choices are pretty safe...

So, I think prolly xx... though it could of course be someone completely different!

And personally I say, GO VILLAGERS!

I mean, it's help a lot of other bands out if a Dublin band one I think.

PaulBrewer

Weller might get a look it too, a late 'hurrah' from the ole codger.

He hasn't lit my fuse since Sound Affects and I don't rate the current offering at all personally but they might doff the cap ?