TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 12/08/12 - Bob Dylan, Bloc Party, Elbow, Mumford & Sons

The Olympic games are over but don't be sad...before you go to Nando's to celebrate, rejoice with these four winners. 

Old Pa's Corner:-

Bob Dylan - Early Roman Kings (2012)

'In their shark skin suits'

  

Well here it is!  the first taste of Mr Bob Dylan's new album  which will not be released until September the 11. The Album is called Tempest and this song is called Early Roman Kings.  There is a great buzz about this album, I have read nothing but great things. There is even a 45 verse, 15minutes song about the Titanic ('The Titanic sails at dawn') called Tempest. There are are all sorts of rumours flying around as you would expect from a Dylan album. Tempest was the last work by Shakespeare, ('Shakespeare he's in the alley, with his pointed shoes and his Bells') could this be Dylan's last album?  Well, it will be until he does another.

Anyway to the track itself. It really is no new ground and it is done in a straight blues format. But I like the feel, there is definitely an enthusiasm there and the production sounds spot on . Even the raspy old voice sounds pretty good too. I don't think I can remember looking forward to a new album by Bob with so much anticipation. I want to hear the album now....I can't wait!!    'Blazin' the Rails'.

Shell Hunter:-

Bloc Party - 'Octopus' (2012)

Welcome back guys! By the time I considered myself a fully fledged fan of Bloc Party, the band dispersed. At least I had Kele Okereke's solo stuff to pasify me. A liked the more electronic approach the group had adopted with singles such as 'Flux' so when I heard this, I immediately liked it. The distorted guitar made me imagine a little sheep with a machine gun and if a song can generate images like that for me, it's got to be a winner! It's also got a great mini 'Van Halenesque' guitar solo in there amidst their indie-tastic signature sound. The single was out back in July but the album 'Four' is due out on 20th August. Fans should quickly click onto their site www.blocparty.com and sign up, as tickets to their gig on 22nd February 2013 at Earl's Court will be available exclusively to members (15th August) 2 days before general release (17th August). Hurry!!

Sfw:-
Mumford & Sons - "I will wait"

Mumford & Sons have just release the video for their latest track "I will wait" - which surely must have been filmed by Bradley Wiggins - and features on their new album 'Babel' (out in September).  The track picks up where their debut album left off with yet more foot-stomping folk.  It's probably just me, but every time I hear them I want to drink Cider, which is surely not a bad thing?

Flycasual:-

Elbow - First Steps (2012)

So it's over now and I just don't know what to do with myself. It has been a magnificent, memorable and truly inspirational couple of weeks. Captivating, from Dressage to Boxing with many unforgettable moments too numerous to mention, Mo Farah's being my particular highlight. 

I'm obviously feeling unusually sentimental but It has also been nice to surf a wave of pride and optimism for a change and I just hope when the euphoria subsides there'll still be some of that good feeling left which can be put to good use (as well as the Olympic village), hmmm.....I doubt it. 

A bit slow off the block I guess but I belatedly found out that Elbow had done the official theme for the BBC's Olympic coverage. Obvious really as the orchestral backing, percussion and gospel choir all bear the hallmarks of their epic sound befitting of such an occasion. Even poking fun of themselves by stating that they wanted to compose something completely over the top. 

I have been a fan for years but love them or hate them, there's no denying Elbow's, or Guy Garvey in particular, song creating talents. Despite their success and inevitable criticism as a result, Elbow have not diluted their sound which made them so endearing in the first place. 

If you can't be arsed with Elbow, check out the breathtaking animated opening sequence for the BBC's Olympic coverage. That and the soundtrack made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Bring on the Paralympics!!

Check out the making of 'First Steps' here.....

Heard any new music recently? Let us know!  

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