Fan Art Friday: Alex Turner

Sure, we can use the word obsessed right now. I think that’s fair. But I can’t help it! After listening to The Last Shadow Puppets and Arctic Monkeys near constantly for the last six months or so, what can you expect?! So anyways, since I just reviewed Arctic Monkeys album, AM, pretty recently, here is a drawing of Alex Turner from that time. So suave!

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New Music: Singles Edition

I love new music and here’s a bunch of it!

Foster the People
“Chin Music for the Unsuspecting” – I suppose this is new to me but old to the band because it’s another unreleased track from Torches…ten years ago. It’s quite different from anything I’ve heard from the band before! It’s pretty stripped back for them. By that I mean there’s no synths or pre-programmed sounds. Most prominently is the piano, with a solid drum beat accompanying it. Despite its lack of synths, I could have seen this complimenting “Miss You” off the initial release. Something about it just feels like it would have been a natural flow. After one listen, I don’t love this song, but I love Foster the People and I know this will make its way into rotation soon.

Bullet for My Valentine
“Rainbow Veins” – For the band claiming they’re reverting back to their hardcore roots, this is a pretty light song title. And I suppose, in a way, compared to the other two singles released this is a “lighter” song. Vocally, at least. Matt Tuck is able to float effortlessly between almost whispered strained singing to ripping screams. The lyrics are quite dark, but I’d expect nothing less from this band. Feelings are always visceral for them and this entry is no different. I like how opposite this song sound compared to the others and it’s got me more eager to listen to the rest of the album when it comes out later this month. Could be a more well-rounded album than I was initially going to give it credit for.

AFI
“Caught” – New AFI?! It’s at least new to us. The band really loved this song but felt it didn’t go with the flow of the record. Thankfully they didn’t choose to scrap it, and instead they even chose to share it with all of us! We are truly blessed. I can see what they mean about it not really fitting with the rest of the album. This song is about as close to a ballad as I’ve ever heard from them. It’s bare bones with just guitar, but it’s beautiful and shows off Havok’s always perfect vocals. I do hope his song finds its way into a live setting (could give Adam’s arms a break), but it if not, at least we got it like this.

Ghost
“Hunter’s Moon” – Ghost just keeps giving us little treats and I’m here for it! Especially in lieu of a new record. Everything they’ve done recently I have to imagine has been so fun, and getting to do a song for the Halloween Kills soundtrack has to be right up there! I know the movies are taking place in present day, but this song transports me back to all of the 80s hair metal I’ve listened to in the past (sorry, wasn’t alive back then to enjoy it in its prime). Also lyrically, how can you not think of Michael Myers following you around and stalking you from a distance? This song will likely become very addictive, but in the meantime it has me pumped to go see Halloween Kills next weekend!

Miles Kane
“Caroline” – The latest single off of Miles Kane’s upcoming release definitely carries the same vibe from “Don’t Let It Get You Down.” Especially in the way the saxophone really punches it up. Plus it’s upbeat and seems very danceable. In fact, I’d much rather be hearing about this Caroline at a wedding than the typical one…just saying. It’s got a real oldies quality to it, but I find that I really enjoy it! Aside from that, there are parts of the song where my brain immediately switched to Kings of Leon’s “Supersoaker,” which I suppose is a compliment. I really like that song, so if I’m getting reminded of it, he’s doing something right without copyright infringement happening. This continues to have me excited for the full record in January.

Wallows
“I Don’t Wan to Talk” – Wallows have been hit or miss for me in the past, but did that stop me from buying a ticket to their 2022 tour? Absolutely not. Despite not all of their music resonating with me, I can still appreciate and really enjoy the songs I do like. This new single lands somewhere in the middle. I appreciate the use of the harmonica. I like seeing Cole on acoustic guitar (in the video at least). I don’t like that weird little chirpy noise they’ve got rolling through the whole track, but I can ignore it in certain parts. Sometimes Dylan Minnette’s monotone vocals get me nervous, but I think over time he’s found a way to make it work for their music and that is no exception here. Who knows, maybe after a few more listens this will click with me more. We shall see.

Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare

Back at it! Now that I’ve thoroughly listened to Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, it’s time for me to move onto the Arctic Monkeys’ sophomore effort, Favourite Worst Nightmare. Although it’s a sophomore effort, there was certainly no slump here! In fact, it’s sort of mind-boggling that the band was able to release something so strong in just a little over a year after their debut record.

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Fan Art Friday: The Last Shadow Puppets

Look, I held off drawing this as long as I could. Not because I thought it was going to be too difficult, but because I really only drew The Last Shadow Puppets like a month ago. I don’t want to come off crazy. Also, I do have other things I could draw, but this band has been on constant repeat since I started listening to them a few months ago. Who am I kidding, it’s a full-blown obsession! And I treat my obsessions with fan art. It’s the highest form of flattery I can offer. So with that, here is another drawing of Miles Kane and Alex Turner of The Last Shadow Puppets. I assure you, this will not be the last drawing you see of this band…not by a long shot.

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Fan Art Friday: The Last Shadow Puppets

I mean…I think you all should have guessed that this was coming. After being the latest to The Last Shadow Puppets party, I have listened to their two releases on repeat for the past several weeks, and I don’t think it will be stopping any time soon. Nor will the drawings. So be ready for that.

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Album Review: Everything You’ve Come to Expect by The Last Shadow Puppets

While I have been busy obsessing over this supergroup’s 2008 release, I’d be a fool to never check out The Last Shadow Puppets 2016 effort, Everything You’ve Come to Expect. And before you question me or yourself, yes, you are reading those album release years correctly. Approximately eight years after the first time they came together, they decided to go and make musical bliss again. And I’m here for it!

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Album Review: The Age of the Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets

How have I gone 13 years with never listening to the supergroup that is The Last Shadow Puppets?! I know there’s been a time in the past where I’ve seen the name pop up on Sirius XMU, but I never stopped long enough to listen. Well, it appears the Youtube algorithm finally peaked my interest enough to finally give the band a shot. Best click of my life? For now!

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