Review : Kings of Leon – Only by the Night

I’ve had a whole week enjoying the new Kings of Leon album – and it is an absolute corker.

By the time I post this – I fully expect them to be number one (yep – they are) with ‘Sex on Fire’ and so this album will be eagerly awaited.

This is a monster of an album – a spaced out desert sound – loads of reverb and squealing guitars. Super vocals from Caleb Followill, and ample backing from the rest of the brothers.

In a nutshell – buy this album, you won’t be disappointed – I’d love your opinion if you’ve heard this – I’m new to the Kings of Leon in detail, so what should I listen to next?

For a track by track, click more

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Nice Garvey write up after winning the Mercury

Last Elbow post for now (promise!) – but Garvey writes about winning the Mercury.

Mercury Music Prize – Elbow win!

My mum just IM’ed me here in the US, to tell me that Elbow have won the Mercury Music Prize for their album ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’

I wasn’t convinced that it was a winner – and I know that Burial had some big bets on it, but I’m really happy – it has been my album of the year so far – and now it’ll pick up some more sales and good reviews.

I even had a cheeky tenner on it when it was announced – so I’m richer as well as happier today!

Leonard Cohen – The O2, London (Review)

I’ll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

At 73 – many men would be settling down to a life of repose, but Leonard Cohen has been on a comeback tour – taking in festivals and arenas all over the shop. Last night he took to the stage in sharp suit and hat and delivered an amazing set ‘just the other side of intimacy’ at the O2.

So I couldn’t resist my first trip to the O2, to see Leonard Cohen playing a sold out arena for his only solo date in London on this tour. Some new tour dates have been announced  – tickets on sale tomorrow.

The band were truly sublime, mixing gentle jazzy sounds, with precision arrangements and delivery. The backing vocalists – Sharon Robinson and the Webb Sisters were fantastic.  There was a selection of songs from right across the catalogue, Bird on a Wire, Suzanne – through to Democracy and In my Secret Life.

Leonard Cohen was wonderful – humble, but with a just a touch of stage aristocracy. The voice rumbled around the huge auditorium, roaring at the right moments – soft and gentle in between songs when he recited a few lines or made some funny comments.

Highlights for me were a spoken word version of ‘A thousand kisses deep’, ‘Everybody Knows’ and the most amazing version of Hallelujah – which totally reclaims the song from every piss-poor cover version of recent years.

It was a truly sublime concert – and ticks one of the boxes of live music that I need to see before I die (Scott Walker is the other if you’re interested – and that box may remain empty for some time).

The O2 is a little bit sterile for this sort of gig (great venue in terms of sound and size – travel from the west of London is a bit of mission) – I suppose it will suit the Coldplay/Elton John gigs down to the ground, but you can’t blame them for picking a venue with great sound (if a little quiet) and loads of seats.

Tracklist after the jump – although my memory is a bit shaky.

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