Where Death is not the End but the Beginning – “Murder Ballads” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

When you think of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, you cannot not think of gothic Americana and a sense of the gruesome and uncanny. You cannot not think of serial killer folk epics and the monstrous beauty that may hide behind the mask of everyday lovers. You cannot not think of that certain twisted… Continue reading Where Death is not the End but the Beginning – “Murder Ballads” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

A Magnus Opus for the new millenium – Sparks’ “Lil’ Beethoven”

Sparks, America's most renown art rock band consisting of brothers Ron and Russell Mael, have consistently been releasing music since 1971. They have created an impressive catalogue that includes 25 studio albums and multiple compilation records. Regardless of this constant outpouring of musical material, their 2002 record, Lil' Beethoven was perceived by my parents as… Continue reading A Magnus Opus for the new millenium – Sparks’ “Lil’ Beethoven”

Long Live the B-Side! Radiohead reveal their future on “My Iron Lung”

Where do the offcuts go? The songs that don't make it onto the album, that got demoted to the B-side of the single releases in the era of vinyl pressings? This beautiful concept of the past, essentially tied to the musical medium, almost unheard of in times of streaming and youtube. But still common enough… Continue reading Long Live the B-Side! Radiohead reveal their future on “My Iron Lung”

Like Rivers to the Ocean – Genesis play “Wind & Wuthering”

A monochrome watercolour landscape with a lonely tree in the distance. Almost faded, misty, forlorn. The opposite of inviting yet a view that somehow entrances attention. It may only be for a second. A second of interest followed by a deep feeling of loneliness and a quick desire for a view more lush and colourful.… Continue reading Like Rivers to the Ocean – Genesis play “Wind & Wuthering”

Songs on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – Syd Barrett’s “The Madcap Laughs”

The name Syd Barrett, much like the name Pink Floyd, always brings with it a certain myth. A certain flair of misunderstood genius, of an artist lost to the depths and despairs of his own psyche. It is a name that conjures up stories before music, summons the image of a struggling artist before the… Continue reading Songs on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – Syd Barrett’s “The Madcap Laughs”