Thursday, 25 February 2010

Bettie Likes It Rough



Bettie Serveert are back with a brand new record which was released beginning of this year. This Dutch band can be considered veterans of the Dutch alternative scene and make an important chapter in the Dutch music history. But what about today?

Bettie Serveert - Pharmacy of Love (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
That's an easy answer: they are just as meaningful as they were 15 years ago. With this new record they even seem to return their roots. It's a typical Bettie Serveert record with some rough edges. Maybe it's the influence of Voicst drummer Joppe Molenaar who lays down some nice rock grooves. It's clear from the start when the album kicks in with "Deny All": Bettie is gonna rough it up this time.

The next couple of songs are a bit more slow though like "Love Lee" but unmistakably Bettie Serveert style. The familiar melody lines, guitar sound and of course Carol van Dyk's vocals fortunately are all there. Then with "The Pharmacy" it's back to speed again. "Calling" is an over 9 minutes long tune that slowly builds up into a heavy slow rocker but without ever getting weary. The album closes with screaming guitars in "What They Call Love" as if they want to make sure what their intentions are.

This album certainly is going to please most of the fans. It's everything Bettie Serveert is about and more. And it will probably win more people over as well.

Read more!

Monday, 22 February 2010

New Vampire Weekend Video 'Giving Up The Gun'

Although I'm not too big a fan of their music here's the new Vampire Weekend video for their song 'Giving Up The Gun'. The video is pretty nice and has cameos by Joe Jonas, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lil Jon and Wu Tang Clan's RZA.

Read more!

Saturday, 13 February 2010

Vacation Back Log


One of the few drawbacks of going on vacation is that when you get home you have lots of things that piled up: work at the office, mail, newspapers. And lots of music and albums to check out. So here are some short reviews to enjoy that ended up on my backlog.

Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
The Norwegian band always deliver quality albums and this is definitely no exception. Returning to their hard rock roots the songs sound rough without loosing their psychedelic side. It includes long repeating grooves that put you in that familiar trance combined with nice harmonies and screeming guitar riffs. But that's one ugly album cover!



Tim Knol - Tim Knol (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
Already considered a unique talent before even releasing an album the debut record of the latest addition to the Excelsior label doesn't disappoint. Nice songs with beautiful vocals he prooves to be a talented musician. He is accompanied by Anne Soldaat who is of great added value here.


The Mad Trist - Pay The Piper (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Debut album of this new Dutch band with stoner rock inspired songs. Heavy rocking albums of a band with lots of potential.


Hot Chip - One Life Stand (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Loosing something of their edge they seem to slow down while their up tempo dance songs work the best. It makes the record unbalanced but still enjoyable especially when they decide it's time to hit the dance floor.


Los Campesinos - Romance Is Boring (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
With their catchy brit pop tunes it is a fun band and record to listen to but just nothing really special. Hopefully they can come up with a bit more creativity next time.


Vampire Weekend - Contra (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
Unlike most of the music world I wasn't really impressed with their first album and unlike most of the music world am not fond of this one either. Maybe I'm missing the point but it all doesn't sound so special to me. Then again I also wasn't impressed by their live performance. I guess it's probably me then.
Read more!

Thursday, 11 February 2010

Dave Grohl In New Band

Besides being in in two kick ass rock bands (Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures)Dave Grohl always finds the time for one of his side projects. And time for a joke. Check out this scetch from SNL where you can see Dave in one of his new projects:

Read more!