It seems like a very long time since I have wrote a review of music I have been listening too. I thought it probably would be best to make a stab at reviewing the bands that are bringing new albums and singles out so that it would be easy to find if any of you readers are slightly inspired by what you here.

With that information, I think that leaves us with Bon Ivan and Franz Ferdinand as the genuine interest of the week.

Franz Ferdinand

It seems that Franz Ferdinand are back again, for the third time. As a point of reflection, can anybody remember how there first album was was masterfully put together? Big hits including 'Michael,' 'Matinee' and then the legendary song 'take me out' grabbed a whole new indie audience with it's fantastic intro.

After this album eventually left the current trim of radio play list's, there was a time when we only found Franz Ferdinand on our I Pod's from shuffling through occasionally. The release of the second album brought our ears another banger in the form of single 'do you want too' proving to be a popular dance tune, but although fantastic at the time, provided a false hope of the potential Franz put forward on an album which can now be found in bargain buckets costing about a pound.

This brings us to their new release. I would say 'Ulysses' will most certainly be a big hit amongst the crowded dance floors of the indie world. I can foresee many remixes cropping up and Xfm playing it far too many times before we are finally finished listening too it. It's true to say the song has captured be due to it's actual lyrics about finding something greater than drug's, but is this song great? The answer is no. This song does not get the '8 or 9 out of 10' that the first albums singles achieved, but more likely 7.

Franz Ferdinand - Ulysses


Bon Iver

What I write now it what I thinking as I listen the Bon Iver for the first time. I would immediately say that I do not think that it is not anything particularly that I have not heard before. Artists such as Chris Martin's Coldplay spring to mind immediately and some elements of Snow Patrol.

The first song I chose to listen to was 'Blood Bank' which is their new single just out. It's calm, relaxing and will probably be a big hit with those loving acoustic artists like Damien Rice. The second song I listened to is titled 'Beach Baby' which features yet again, another relaxed chilling guitar,that has made me slightly tired. That song was short, and now the third song I am listening to is 'Babys' which features a very repetitive piano intro. The lyrics sound very much like a Cold Play album track which never gets released. I can imagine listening to it for a while and loving these guys. Although, they have not grabbed me straight away which would suggest they are not amazing. I would however recommend adding them to your 'chilling out' play list.

I will leave you with another song, The wolves Act 1 & 2

Not Coldplay again?! I have disliked Coldplay's sell sell kind of music for a long time, in fact i cannot remember liking them at all. The best thing about music is that it is personal and you can change your opinion as quick as the wind can change. So for the first time ever i am going to say it ...... I like Coldplay.
I think if you heard the new album you opinions may change slightly too. I don't think they have particularly changed their style of music, nor do i think they have come up with any lyrics that are better than the previous three albums. I think it is that i am growing up and realise their music is catchy like pop, mellow and can be listened too on a Sunday morning, whilst reading a newspaper and preparing for a nice roast. I still however maintain, i wouldn't go see them at a gig or concert am it would be too boring, but i now feel they have a play in my music collection.

I feel that with with album, the band will go from a very well known band to the heights that U2 have being known worldwide and their leading song is 'Viva la Vida' which i think is a fantastic song which is on loop as apart of my play list on my computer. The reason why i like is because its not a love song which seems to be every other song. Its a songs translation is 'live the life' or 'long live life' which has has a strong link to Mexican politics.

Other good songs to listen out on the album is the other release, Violet Hills which is a very strong song which can be sung to with and is catchy. I also like Strawberry swing. Looking at the album as a whole, Chris has managed to change from a more straight forward, to a more visual descriptive and more abstract approach. I would say, worth a good listen, maybe a purchase. Pleasant album. 7.9/10.0

Album Playlist

1. Life In Technicolor
2. Cemeteries In London
3. Lost!
4. 42
5. Lovers In Japan / Reign Of Terror
6. Yes
7. Viva La Vida
8. Violet Hills
9. Strawberry Swing
10. Death and all his Friends

Video

Voilet Hill