New Blog.

To anyone reading,

I am currently now blogging over at: http://commerciallifestyle.wordpress.com. Movie reviews mainly.

Thanks,

Will.

Before Today.

What is it that makes records like Before Today so special? I couldn’t even begin to figure that out. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, headed by the enigmatic mastermind Ariel Pink have been hanging around for a while. Since 2004, solo and as group Haunted Graffiti, have released countless LPs, EPs, live recordings, tapes. It really seems like an endless stream of music which reaches its culmination on Before Today. It serves as a work which combines Ariel Pink’s sensibilities for catchy hooks and melodies, and gives them a much-needed polish. Ariel Pink’s prior recordings had a very DIY motif. Beyond Today is filled with high quality, studio recordings.

Before Today stands as a record which is a piece of eclectic, shimmering pop music. Ariel Pink constantly tries new things, mixing up instruments and sounds, and all come off incredibly successfully.

Take “Round and Round” for example. It is the centerpiece of the album. It deserves to be. As great as they are (“L’estat” and “Fright Night” both catchy and endlessly re-playable tracks), it all feels like a warm-up. What serves as one of the greatest single tracks in recent memory, succeeds on so many areas. It’s catchy-as-anything bass line grounds the whole track as it drives through different parts before it reaches the chorus, a simply joyous moment. It’s a song so well structured, and just so right that it is nothing short of brilliant. Now, it’s practically impossible for the rest of the album to live up to “Round and Round.”

How could it? What we’re offered instead are various songs in different styles. “Beverly Kills” continues the bright pop mood of “Round and Round” before “Butt-House Blondies” changes the tone with its rough guitar riff. “Can’t Hear My Eyes,” unashamed 80s influenced pop is another highlight, before the album tapers off in to the great-but-less-memorable “Menopause Man” and “Revolution’s A Lie.”

For such an underground figure, Before Today showcases Ariel Pink’s ability to create pop music, clearly influenced back to the 70s and 80 lo-fi era. It will stand as a truly memorable album; “Round and Round” may be the showcase, but what is offered up is all brilliant, endlessly re-playable and full of unforgettable melodies. Before Today cements Ariel Pink as a great talent and offers up one of the best of 2010, and he does it all through simple pop music.

Splendour Updates Happening Right Here.

In an unashamed attempt to bring in viewers to this blog, right here from the early morning of Friday the 31st of July, I will be blogging photos, thoughts and whatever I feel like like from the annual Splendour in the Grass festival, in to a live blog type situation. Whether I last throughout the 3 days only remains to be seen. But for anyone taking notice, that is what will be happening. Unless there is literally no phone reception out at Woodford. Then not much will be happening.