Glenn Ensor

Just lovely, 8 Feb 2010

The Watson Twins don't seem to have a particular "thing", by which I mean there's nothing gimmicky about their music, the style isn't uniquely "them" or even instantly recognisable in the way more idiosyncratic or even showy acts seem to be.

However, before appearing to damn with faint praise, I ought to add that what the Twins certainly are is in love with song. As such and like many talented artists who share that particular obsession, they seem to be drawn to soul and country. Fair enough - all musical roads worth following eventually end up in either place, or at least they should. So, where their previous album, "Fire Songs" leant quite noticeably in a country direction,… Read more

Yes indeed..., 3 Aug 2009

I disagree with another reviewer on this page who suggests one cannot detect Josh Homme's influence on this album. True, "Humbug" is no Desert Rock album, but the more primordial, often erotic and sweaty stew, which permeates QOTSA's music is very apparent here.

This makes for a particularly beguiling listen; Alex Turner always writes with a real pop sensibility, so where QOTSA might go off on an extended jam from time-to-time, this wonderful record has not an ounce of flab on it. 10 songs, 39 minutes, every moment made with the listener in mind.

On their previous album, "Do Me A Favour" and "505" in particular hinted that in terms of song structure and growing lyrical… Read more

Antidote to Stupidity, 5 Jan 2009

In telling of the horror of working on the recording of the pilot of Chris Evans' loathsome "TFI Friday" vanity project, the author muses on the inexplicaple popularity and influence peddled in those days by the self-appointed "Goebbels of Britpop". He offers the resigned conclusion that "..in the Land of the Blind, the Four-Eyed Man is King."

This is a typical moment in a brilliant book, which uses wit, honesty and a fair degree of bile to puncture the most egotistical and truly stupid "movement" the British music industry ever foisted on an ever gullible public - myself included.

As such, "Bad Vibes" provides a very welcome dose of perspective from a truly sharp… Read more