Such Great Heights – The Postal Service
Originally uploaded by MoreInterpretations

The Postal Service is a particular love of mine: Give Up will forever be in my Top 10 albums of all time. It was the soundtrack to my teenage years and appeared on every mix CD I ever made. Needless to say, the relationships didn’t last, but the musical love affairs did. Ben Gibbard’s unique vocals and the glorious mix of electro, pop and indie rock make nearly every song on the debut album one to remember. Who, indeed, can forget Such Great Heights? A song covered by everyone from Amanda Palmer to Ben Folds to Iron and Wine. The Postal Service, with one album, inspired bands all over the world with simplicity and inventiveness. Kowalski and Two Door Cinema Club mention Gibbard and Tamborello as influences, for example.

Another love of mine is KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic. Despite being in little ol’ Belfast I discovered bands such as Rilo Kiley, Death Cab for Cutie, Elliott Smith and The Decemberists amongst others as a result of Nic Harcourt’s radio show. He may have left the show last year, but Jason Bentley continues the great tradition of playing good live music from nearly any genre. I guess it’s like a better version of Jo Whiley’s Live Lounge.

This week’s download is a combination of both of these wonderful things. Accompanied by the mesmerising Jenny Lewis, the trio play a lovely set featuring many of their hits. The idea of the Postal Service playing live is rather unusual in my eyes- I don’t like seeing a band that sound exactly the same live as they do on CD and there’s not much room for manoever in this genre of music due to the processed electronic instruments.

However, it’s a great recording- The District Sleeps Alone Tonight sounds better than it does on Give Up, due to Jenny’s harmonies and keyboard part adding a little something to the mix. The lead singer of Rilo Kiley doesn’t actually feature on the album but took part in all of the live performances: her talents clearly show through on Nothing Better as she more than adequately fills in for Jen Wood. Jenny’s voice is sultry and indeed sexy, adding a little bit more (necessary) emotion to the duet. Finally, the version of Brand New Colony sums up this band perfectly. You’ve got the catchy, upbeat tune, the genius lyrics of Gibbard and the lovely distorted guitar part in the outro of the song combining with the electro beats reminding us where Gibbard and Tamborello come from.

Download Postal Service Morning Becomes Eclectic

Such Great Heights – The Postal Service
Originally uploaded by MoreInterpretations

The Postal Service is a particular love of mine: Give Up will forever be in my Top 10 albums of all time. It was the soundtrack to my teenage years and appeared on every mix CD I ever made. Needless to say, the relationships didn’t last, but the musical love affairs did. Ben Gibbard’s unique vocals and the glorious mix of electro, pop and indie rock make nearly every song on the debut album one to remember. Who, indeed, can forget Such Great Heights? A song covered by everyone from Amanda Palmer to Ben Folds to Iron and Wine. The Postal Service, with one album, inspired bands all over the world with simplicity and inventiveness. Kowalski and Two Door Cinema Club mention Gibbard and Tamborello as influences, for example.

Another love of mine is KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic. Despite being in little ol’ Belfast I discovered bands such as Rilo Kiley, Death Cab for Cutie, Elliott Smith and The Decemberists amongst others as a result of Nic Harcourt’s radio show. He may have left the show last year, but Jason Bentley continues the great tradition of playing good live music from nearly any genre. I guess it’s like a better version of Jo Whiley’s Live Lounge.

This week’s download is a combination of both of these wonderful things. Accompanied by the mesmerising Jenny Lewis, the trio play a lovely set featuring many of their hits. The idea of the Postal Service playing live is rather unusual in my eyes- I don’t like seeing a band that sound exactly the same live as they do on CD and there’s not much room for manoever in this genre of music due to the processed electronic instruments.

However, it’s a great recording- The District Sleeps Alone Tonight sounds better than it does on Give Up, due to Jenny’s harmonies and keyboard part adding a little something to the mix. The lead singer of Rilo Kiley doesn’t actually feature on the album but took part in all of the live performances: her talents clearly show through on Nothing Better as she more than adequately fills in for Jen Wood. Jenny’s voice is sultry and indeed sexy, adding a little bit more (necessary) emotion to the duet. Finally, the version of Brand New Colony sums up this band perfectly. You’ve got the catchy, upbeat tune, the genius lyrics of Gibbard and the lovely distorted guitar part in the outro of the song combining with the electro beats reminding us where Gibbard and Tamborello come from.

Download Postal Service Morning Becomes Eclectic

BELLE AND SEBASTIAN: If you’re feeling sinister
Originally uploaded by Christoph!

Belle and Sebastian have been a long running obsession of mine. Ever since the first few bars of “I’m A Cuckoo” back in the day the ever changing troupe have never been off my MP3 player- twee they may be, but without doubt they’re one of the best bands to come out of the UK in the past 20 years. Witty lyrics and ridiculously poppy melodies are all the hallmarks of Belle and Sebastian and with seven albums released they’re stalwarts of the music scene. From the techno brilliance of “Electronic Renaissance” the disco extravagansa of “Your Cover’s Blown” and the T Rex inspired “Blues Are Still Blue” there simply isn’t a genre that Stuart and the lads haven’t explored.

With the upcoming release of the God Help The Girl soundtrack (the soundtrack is scheduled to be released before the film of the same name, oddly) I thought it was time to pay homage to Belle and Sebastian. I went to see the band at the Ulster Hall the last time they played here, and to be honest I was disappointed. Musically they were excellent, but the crowd were lacking a certain something. It’s difficult to appease everyone in a crowd when you’ve been around for so long- everyone has their favourite album or favourite track and it’s pot luck whether you get your perfect setlist. However, this Washington recording of the band at the 9:30 Club shows what can happen when the crowd and the band are on form. 

It’s a long ol’ concert but it doesn’t drag on- Stuart Murdoch and Stevie Jackson have this wonderful on stage chemistry with a fair bit of banter and a live “confession” from Stevie. There’s even sectarianism! Joys of joy. Old favourites like Expectations and newer tracks like Sukie in the Graveyard seamlessly mix while tracks from Tigermilk sound better than ever. Stuart even gets to fulfill the dream of every single frontman alive- he introduces his band, part by part, as an intro to White Collar Boy. Quality. 

Listen and love, my dear readers. Ignore the negative connotations associated with Belle and Sebastian and enjoy.

Download NPR All Songs Considered (Belle and Sebastian Live In Washington)

BELLE AND SEBASTIAN: If you’re feeling sinister
Originally uploaded by Christoph!

Belle and Sebastian have been a long running obsession of mine. Ever since the first few bars of “I’m A Cuckoo” back in the day the ever changing troupe have never been off my MP3 player- twee they may be, but without doubt they’re one of the best bands to come out of the UK in the past 20 years. Witty lyrics and ridiculously poppy melodies are all the hallmarks of Belle and Sebastian and with seven albums released they’re stalwarts of the music scene. From the techno brilliance of “Electronic Renaissance” the disco extravagansa of “Your Cover’s Blown” and the T Rex inspired “Blues Are Still Blue” there simply isn’t a genre that Stuart and the lads haven’t explored.

With the upcoming release of the God Help The Girl soundtrack (the soundtrack is scheduled to be released before the film of the same name, oddly) I thought it was time to pay homage to Belle and Sebastian. I went to see the band at the Ulster Hall the last time they played here, and to be honest I was disappointed. Musically they were excellent, but the crowd were lacking a certain something. It’s difficult to appease everyone in a crowd when you’ve been around for so long- everyone has their favourite album or favourite track and it’s pot luck whether you get your perfect setlist. However, this Washington recording of the band at the 9:30 Club shows what can happen when the crowd and the band are on form. 

It’s a long ol’ concert but it doesn’t drag on- Stuart Murdoch and Stevie Jackson have this wonderful on stage chemistry with a fair bit of banter and a live “confession” from Stevie. There’s even sectarianism! Joys of joy. Old favourites like Expectations and newer tracks like Sukie in the Graveyard seamlessly mix while tracks from Tigermilk sound better than ever. Stuart even gets to fulfill the dream of every single frontman alive- he introduces his band, part by part, as an intro to White Collar Boy. Quality. 

Listen and love, my dear readers. Ignore the negative connotations associated with Belle and Sebastian and enjoy.

Download NPR All Songs Considered (Belle and Sebastian Live In Washington)

First Night Fireworks
Originally uploaded by iceman9294

In addition to the free downloads hosted every week on Secret Fireworks, every month we will have a special feature on music, past and present, from all over the world. I want to keep things nice and legal at the minute, so no direct downloads are available. However, we will be using the wonderful, wonderful Spotify service for the time being. As a consequence of this, the music collection is limited, but Spotify are expanding their music collection daily so this might be a temporary thing. Anyway, this month, we’ve got Department of Eagles, Patrick Wolf, Belle and Sebastian, The Divine Comedy and Ida Maria as well as a number of other superb artists.

Download March’s Secret Fireworks Playlist

A Fond Farewell- Elliott Smith

A gorgeous song as always from Elliott, just highlighting the desperate decline of a soul as his “companion” leaves. It’s such a pretty guitar part as well.

Becoming More Like Alfie- The Divine Comedy

Neil Hannon: he’s a very witty man. This song is full of clever comments and snide remarks as well as an awesome trumpet part. Due to it being the Divine Comedy, a great melody comes as standard.

Bixby Canyon Bridge- Death Cab For Cutie

The opener to Narrow Stairs, Death Cab kick things off with a darker sound and a more rocking feel, with Ben Gibbard making a tribute to the legendary Jack Kerouac.

Faster- Manic Street Preachers

I barely understand a single lyric of this song, but it’s face paced and dark. Considering the upcoming release of the new Manics album Journal for Plagued Lovers is based upon the lyrics of Richey Edwards, it’s a nice reflection of the past Manics.

Holy Pictures-David Holmes

My favourite song off The Holy Pictures, the title track is a deep shoegazetastic anthem full of hooks and mystery.

I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked- Ida Maria

Great bassline and great vocals. Witty lyrics and such a ridiculously catchy song.

Keep Yourself Warm- Frightened Rabbit

Scott Hutchinson is the most exciting voice I’ve heard in recent times, and this track demonstrates why. An amazing talent. Frighened Rabbit, on the whole, were the most impressive live band I saw in 2008, and this track is simply incredible live.

No One Does It Like You- Department Of Eagles

Ominous, creepy and pretty at the same time. A song laden with hooks and layer upon layer of instrumental excellence.

Sealion- Feist

Completely reinvented the old American folk song and shows off the talents of Feist perfectly.

So Far Around The Bend- The National

The second best track on the Dark Was The Night compilation (Sleepless, by the Decemberists, is the best in my opinion) is possibly the most poptastic song released by the National. It’s catchy as hell: listen to it at your peril.

The Magic Position- Patrick Wolf

Such a simple song, such a wonderful single.

Your Cover’s Blown- Belle and Sebastian

This is less of a long and more of a symphony- about four different tracks within one. Funky bassline, witty lyrics and Stuart’s wonderful vocals as per usual. And that wonderful section of the song where it just goes a little haywire? Amazing.

First Night Fireworks
Originally uploaded by iceman9294

In addition to the free downloads hosted every week on Secret Fireworks, every month we will have a special feature on music, past and present, from all over the world. I want to keep things nice and legal at the minute, so no direct downloads are available. However, we will be using the wonderful, wonderful Spotify service for the time being. As a consequence of this, the music collection is limited, but Spotify are expanding their music collection daily so this might be a temporary thing. Anyway, this month, we’ve got Department of Eagles, Patrick Wolf, Belle and Sebastian, The Divine Comedy and Ida Maria as well as a number of other superb artists.

Download March’s Secret Fireworks Playlist

A Fond Farewell- Elliott Smith

A gorgeous song as always from Elliott, just highlighting the desperate decline of a soul as his “companion” leaves. It’s such a pretty guitar part as well.

Becoming More Like Alfie- The Divine Comedy

Neil Hannon: he’s a very witty man. This song is full of clever comments and snide remarks as well as an awesome trumpet part. Due to it being the Divine Comedy, a great melody comes as standard.

Bixby Canyon Bridge- Death Cab For Cutie

The opener to Narrow Stairs, Death Cab kick things off with a darker sound and a more rocking feel, with Ben Gibbard making a tribute to the legendary Jack Kerouac.

Faster- Manic Street Preachers

I barely understand a single lyric of this song, but it’s face paced and dark. Considering the upcoming release of the new Manics album Journal for Plagued Lovers is based upon the lyrics of Richey Edwards, it’s a nice reflection of the past Manics.

Holy Pictures-David Holmes

My favourite song off The Holy Pictures, the title track is a deep shoegazetastic anthem full of hooks and mystery.

I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked- Ida Maria

Great bassline and great vocals. Witty lyrics and such a ridiculously catchy song.

Keep Yourself Warm- Frightened Rabbit

Scott Hutchinson is the most exciting voice I’ve heard in recent times, and this track demonstrates why. An amazing talent. Frighened Rabbit, on the whole, were the most impressive live band I saw in 2008, and this track is simply incredible live.

No One Does It Like You- Department Of Eagles

Ominous, creepy and pretty at the same time. A song laden with hooks and layer upon layer of instrumental excellence.

Sealion- Feist

Completely reinvented the old American folk song and shows off the talents of Feist perfectly.

So Far Around The Bend- The National

The second best track on the Dark Was The Night compilation (Sleepless, by the Decemberists, is the best in my opinion) is possibly the most poptastic song released by the National. It’s catchy as hell: listen to it at your peril.

The Magic Position- Patrick Wolf

Such a simple song, such a wonderful single.

Your Cover’s Blown- Belle and Sebastian

This is less of a long and more of a symphony- about four different tracks within one. Funky bassline, witty lyrics and Stuart’s wonderful vocals as per usual. And that wonderful section of the song where it just goes a little haywire? Amazing.

Well, it’s not so much an album, but more of a sampler. In the next few days I’ll have my first interview with the wonderful Jane Bradfords, and in honour of that I’m choosing the lads for this week’s free download.

I first saw The Jane Bradfords as the support act to The National in Mandela Hall, and I was pleasantly surprised- a fresh, talented band that combine electro and a little rock into a neat little package.

The highlight of their set was “The Evening Angels Gather Here”: the closest to an anthem we’ll probably get from the JBs. The song gets a bit of time to get going but when it does, it’s great- be it the simple, wonderful guitar instrumental or the unique vocals of Declan Gallen, it’s a hit. “Starlight, starbright, the evening angels gather here” is one of the more memorable lines from local music in the past few years.

The next track, About Our Love, is a bit of a departure from the typical Bradfords song but the essential qualities remain- there’s a lovely repetitive guitar part, the occasional synth and Deci’s vocals, possibly paying homage to Matt Berninger from the National? Make up your own mind on that. I love the acoustic sessions because sometimes the lyrics are difficult to hear or understand, a terrible shame considering the lyrics are more perceptive and memorable than your typical band.

The track Ninety Nine is the more well known track by the lads- it would slot seamlessly into any indie disco. With a strong electro beat pulsating constantly and a harsher sound it’s a great track. I love the whole electro movement in Northern Ireland (such as Kowalski and Two Door Cinema Club) and Deci and the lads have got a great talent for a catchy hook and a decent melody. It’s wonderful live as well.

Finally, the last track is October Eleven from the eponymous debut album. It’s by far my favourite track from it: great guitar parts, some wonderful hooks and those memorable lyrics once again from the Jane Bradfords. “So beautiful I’d break a million hearts to be with you” is just one of many excellent lyrics within this song.

The Jane Bradfords are stalwarts of the local scene, and long may it continue. Their unique sound has gained support from Queen’s Radio to, well, Qatar, and if their recent Valentine’s Day session is anything to go by we’re in for a great 2009. Check out the lovely video for The Evening Angels Gather Here below.

Keep reading in the next few days to read the interview along with another couple of nice surprises….

About Our Love (right click, save as)

The Evening Angels Gather Here (right click, save as)

Ninety Nine (right click, save as)

October Eleven (right click, save as)

MySpace

Well, it’s not so much an album, but more of a sampler. In the next few days I’ll have my first interview with the wonderful Jane Bradfords, and in honour of that I’m choosing the lads for this week’s free download.

I first saw The Jane Bradfords as the support act to The National in Mandela Hall, and I was pleasantly surprised- a fresh, talented band that combine electro and a little rock into a neat little package.

The highlight of their set was “The Evening Angels Gather Here”: the closest to an anthem we’ll probably get from the JBs. The song gets a bit of time to get going but when it does, it’s great- be it the simple, wonderful guitar instrumental or the unique vocals of Declan Gallen, it’s a hit. “Starlight, starbright, the evening angels gather here” is one of the more memorable lines from local music in the past few years.

The next track, About Our Love, is a bit of a departure from the typical Bradfords song but the essential qualities remain- there’s a lovely repetitive guitar part, the occasional synth and Deci’s vocals, possibly paying homage to Matt Berninger from the National? Make up your own mind on that. I love the acoustic sessions because sometimes the lyrics are difficult to hear or understand, a terrible shame considering the lyrics are more perceptive and memorable than your typical band.

The track Ninety Nine is the more well known track by the lads- it would slot seamlessly into any indie disco. With a strong electro beat pulsating constantly and a harsher sound it’s a great track. I love the whole electro movement in Northern Ireland (such as Kowalski and Two Door Cinema Club) and Deci and the lads have got a great talent for a catchy hook and a decent melody. It’s wonderful live as well.

Finally, the last track is October Eleven from the eponymous debut album. It’s by far my favourite track from it: great guitar parts, some wonderful hooks and those memorable lyrics once again from the Jane Bradfords. “So beautiful I’d break a million hearts to be with you” is just one of many excellent lyrics within this song.

The Jane Bradfords are stalwarts of the local scene, and long may it continue. Their unique sound has gained support from Queen’s Radio to, well, Qatar, and if their recent Valentine’s Day session is anything to go by we’re in for a great 2009. Check out the lovely video for The Evening Angels Gather Here below.

Keep reading in the next few days to read the interview along with another couple of nice surprises….

About Our Love (right click, save as)

The Evening Angels Gather Here (right click, save as)

Ninety Nine (right click, save as)

October Eleven (right click, save as)

MySpace

The Killers. You may hate them or love them, but I love their fans. The offical board to the band may have its fair share of “OMG BRANDEN IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOT” kids but for every fanboy/girl there’s a couple of fantastic music fans. So fantastic, that they’ve kindly provided a number of bands for us to enjoy.

First up is a New York band called The Depreciation Guild. They’re not exactly the Polyphonic Spree: according to their MySpace they’re just “two guys and a Famicom (that’s a NES to us youngsters)”. Their debut album, “In Her Gentle Jaws” was put on their website for free and I really, really recommend you download it. It’s a superb listen.

Their sound is so lush and beautiful, yet so full of energy and enthusiasm when the time is right- I keep thinking this is what the Postal Service would have sounded with a younger Ben Gibbard and more input from Jimmy Tamborello. The guitars and the techno/shoegaze mixture is just perfect, with great melodies and sweet vocals. Sadly, you sometimes forget about the vocals when listening to In Her Gentle Jaws- and that’s a huge shame, as some of the prettiest lyrics I’ve ever heard were just drowned out by crashing guitars. Granted, they’re not poetry, but they certainly get the job done. It’s an uptempo musical extravaganza that will appeal in some way to every self-respecting music fan.

Songs to recommend: Butterfly Kisses, Nautilus.
If you like this you’ll like:… tough to call. The album’s free, so go ahead and download it!

www.inhergentlejaws.com free download of the album.

The Killers. You may hate them or love them, but I love their fans. The offical board to the band may have its fair share of “OMG BRANDEN IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOT” kids but for every fanboy/girl there’s a couple of fantastic music fans. So fantastic, that they’ve kindly provided a number of bands for us to enjoy.

First up is a New York band called The Depreciation Guild. They’re not exactly the Polyphonic Spree: according to their MySpace they’re just “two guys and a Famicom (that’s a NES to us youngsters)”. Their debut album, “In Her Gentle Jaws” was put on their website for free and I really, really recommend you download it. It’s a superb listen.

Their sound is so lush and beautiful, yet so full of energy and enthusiasm when the time is right- I keep thinking this is what the Postal Service would have sounded with a younger Ben Gibbard and more input from Jimmy Tamborello. The guitars and the techno/shoegaze mixture is just perfect, with great melodies and sweet vocals. Sadly, you sometimes forget about the vocals when listening to In Her Gentle Jaws- and that’s a huge shame, as some of the prettiest lyrics I’ve ever heard were just drowned out by crashing guitars. Granted, they’re not poetry, but they certainly get the job done. It’s an uptempo musical extravaganza that will appeal in some way to every self-respecting music fan.

Songs to recommend: Butterfly Kisses, Nautilus.
If you like this you’ll like:… tough to call. The album’s free, so go ahead and download it!

www.inhergentlejaws.com free download of the album.