Jonathan Hatchman (@JonHatchman) picks out the sounds and stories that have been making headlines over the last seven days… and presents them all as a handy playlist
Following news of a third Libertines’ album finally on the way, Pete Doherty has unveiled his latest solo single, premiered on radio last night (22 January). Teaming up with Babyshambles guitarist Drew McConnell for Flags Of The Old Regime, an emotionally striking number that’s dedicated to Amy Winehouse, with all proceeds going towards the Amy Winehouse Foundation, discouraging drug abuse in young people. Have a listen here.
One of this week’s most biggest developments in music has been the return of The Vaccines. Having conquered the globe with their first two albums, soon becoming one of Britain’s best loved indie poster boys for some time, bringing their emphatic live show to some of the world’s most prestigious venues as well as delivering a slew of high profile festival slots. However, after a short break spent writing and recording album number three, The Vaccines are back and played two intimate shows at the beginning of the week. Using the opportunity to rile through some classics as well as providing a chance to preview some new material from their new album. Followed by the fun Kung Fu inspired clip for new single Handsome appearing online, Tuesday’s Q Track Of The Day. Comprising just less than three minutes of short, sharp, scuzzy alternative rock that picks up from where the band left off with their last album – Come Of Age. Here it is again.
Also making a return are The Cribs, revealing a new song An Ivory Hand from their new album. The follow up to 2012’s In The Belly Of A Brazen Bull is pencilled in for late March release. Having worked alongside producer Ric Ocasek, the band’s sixth album takes strong influences from The Replacements as well as some 1980s pop gems. Here’s a snippet of what’s to expect.
Over the weekend, news broke that one of the founding members of New York Hip-Hop collective A$AP Mob, A$AP Yams had passed away at the aged 26. The cause of the young impresario’s untimely death is still unknown, yet rumours surrounding a possible drug overdose have been circulating, although Yams death has now been linked to severe sleep apnoea. Ever since, a stream of musicians have been sharing tributes to the artist through social media, as well as a track from Joey Fatts dedicated to the deceased artist.
In other news, The Lexington in North London hosted a sold-out show from Los Angeles’ Mini Mansions, ahead of the release of their second album The Great Pretenders which is scheduled for a March release. However, fans of the band received a shock when Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner joined them onstage, straight from the crowd, to perform the band’s Vertigo with them. As is now customary, hundreds of phones and cameras were whipped out to attain some lo-fi footage of the collaboration. Here’s one of the better fan-shot videos.
Jonathan’s pick Of The Week
South London’s Elephants & Castles released their brilliant debut single at the tail-end of 2014, and now as we journey further into the new-year, the band have returned with a follow-up – L I L O. Allowing a handful of evident 1990s Brit-pop influences seep into the mix, as well as an ear-worming lead guitar fill that’s almost as catchy as the “L-I-L-O” breakdown. Providing another example of Elephants & Castles’ penchant for simple indie pop twee, as it’s supposed to be.
