my brain hurts a lot

Darling of the week - No. 46 - Edwyn Collins

2010-11-15T16:19:00.001+01:00

Yes, again, I know! He deserves an extra bit of respect and admiration.

Darling of the week - No. 45 - Walkman

2010-11-08T16:12:00.000+01:00

Goodbye, dear Walkman! Thanks for the good times. Just so you know, the stupid Ipod is not half as fun as you were...

manic bunnymen

2010-11-02T14:49:00.001+01:00

we are proud to present the Manic Street Preachers' new video:

Ian McCulloch is guest starring the video and they obviously shot it in Liverpool, which is really cool, but it poses two questions: WHEN did they shoot it and WHY was I not invited??

let's call it a comeback

2010-11-02T14:30:00.000+01:00

The "normal" announcement first: Garbage are almost back. A good part of the new album is recorded, a tour planned for next year. yes..

But more disturbingly, old Mr. MC Hammer is desperately trying to make a comeback by making fun of JayZ. Not that we wouldn't appreciate it, but the funniest thing in the whole video is one line: "I don't Roc your Wear". Erm...

Darling of the week - No. 44 - Mystery Jets

2010-11-01T16:07:00.001+01:00

Darling of the week - No. 43 - The Beaks

2010-10-26T10:24:00.000+02:00

Let's just put it this way: we will love IAMX in whatever constellation, as long as Chris Corner is singing. But Dean and Tom will be missed. That's why we concentrate on The Beaks this week!

there's no Tom Toms without Tom

2010-10-25T11:07:00.001+02:00

Looks like somewhere along the way from the "Kingdom of Welcome Addiction" to last weeks Prague gig IAMX lost two vital parts and added two prostheses. We are still not sure what to think about it, especially since there's a lack of information of official character.

Long live the Beaks!

festival season 2011

2010-10-21T11:32:00.000+02:00

It's not even winter and we already have ordered the first festival ticket for May 2011.
The Brain goes Liverpool Sound City!

kick ass

2010-10-21T10:19:00.000+02:00

How long do you think it will take Hollywood to make a sentimental love story out of this?

Darling of the week - No. 42 - Surfer Blood

2010-10-18T13:17:00.000+02:00

Just because we like the album cover in connection with them being residents of West Palm Beach, Florida. And because John Paul Pitts' oceanic voice. Fits!

something for the season

2010-10-12T10:07:00.000+02:00

On the guardian website you now have the chance to stream Antony and the Johnsons new album "Swanlights". Antony Hegarty himself will also be editing the Guardian's music page this week!

Darling of the week - No. 41 - Manic Street Preachers

2010-10-11T12:07:00.002+02:00


Manic Street Preachers, Liverpool Uni, 8.10.2010

Because favourite bands never go out of style!
A little review from last weeks gig is online now.

braindead

2010-09-28T15:02:00.000+02:00

Some full moons ago the brain fell into a coma. It was moved to a nicer place where the surroundings are healthier for a musical brain. Now it has come back to life.

And to celebrate this, we are going to see Edwyn Collins do a gig after being through almost exactly the same thing as the brain. He had a stroke, one half of his body was paralised, and the only thing he could remember was his wife's name. With a lot of help of the latter he made it back to life. He recorded a new album and is on stage again soon. Being very grateful for that, we want to invite you to read Grace Maxwell's book:

flaws make people beautiful

2010-07-12T12:55:00.000+02:00

And that's why we are looking forward to the new Bombay Bicycle Club album, which is out today. The band would appreciate you buying it from your local independent record store, but here are some other ways of purchasing if you do not have one: Buy Flaws

Darling of the week - No. 28 - St. Vincent

2010-07-12T11:13:00.000+02:00

I can see why Paul Smith has a crush on Annie Clark. It's because of the elf-like face with the voice that gives you goosebumps even with 36°C outside - as seen and felt live yesterday in Dachau.

Happy Birthday Debbie Harry!

2010-07-01T12:49:00.000+02:00

I woke up today, put on my Debbie-Shirt, got into my car, turned on the CD-player, and Blondie's Best Of was playing. One hour later I heard the radio guy say it's Debbie Harry's birthday! Coincidence? I don't think so. Happy Birthday!

Watch Debbie and Kermit!

Darling of the week - No. 25 - The Stars

2010-06-21T14:54:00.010+02:00

The Canadian talent collective The Stars has something new coming up, an album called "The Five Ghosts", to be collected here.
Well, it was about time...

to all creative minds:

2010-06-18T08:46:00.000+02:00

Kashmir want you to be in their new video for "Pursuit of Misery". All you have to do is take two arrows, hold them up or paint them down and make sure you are somewhere near them when the camera rolls.
To give you inspiration, Kasper explains everything to you in this instructional video.

The rest can be found on Kashmir.nu

Darling of the week - No. 24 - German football world cup team

2010-06-14T20:25:00.001+02:00

Yes, they were group-hugging a lot last Sunday. It was the first really exciting game and the best team so far in this world cup. With an end result of 4:0 goals they stomped the Australian guys' work ethic into the deep grounds of South Africa's fake grass. That is worth a non-musical darling (Because the Vuvuzela-concert does NOT count as music).

Darling of the week - No. 23 - Rue McClanahan

2010-06-07T11:20:00.001+02:00

Good Bye Blanche, thank you for being a friend!
You have helped making a revolutionary step in TV history. This innocent looking, sweet candy coloured show called "Golden Girls" has had senior ladies living in the 80's talking about AND having sex all the time, which made even the early Madonna look like a bit of a yawn.
For all you kids who are too young to remember her as Blanche: just imagine her as the first draft of Samantha Jones - there you go.

Postcard From A Young Man

2010-06-01T12:28:00.001+02:00

is the official title for Manic Street Preacher's new album. Looks like it will hit us in September already, and there are many many UK dates confirmed....autumn will be beautiful this year!
Manic Street Preachers official

Darling of the week - No. 22 - Vampire Weekend

2010-05-31T12:44:00.000+02:00

Or: Vampire Amadeus Weekend. In their video for "Holiday" they are dressed up as pale little Mozarts (a style that is especially flattering to Ezra Koenig btw.). Only they teleported their 17th Century selves to the plastic beach sun world of this years Los Angeles. It's a little nuts and god knows which substance gave the idea, but it's fun to watch. Sometimes that is enough to be a darling!

Canada news

2010-05-27T16:50:00.000+02:00

Arkady Fireovitch, the fourteen-handed multi-musician persona of our favorite Canadian band, has written us a letter - and, most importantly, told us the release date of their new album, which will be called "The Suburbs". There are already some pre-order links, so get your credit cards on fire!

Darling of the week - No. 21 - Smukfest

2010-05-24T09:34:00.000+02:00

Danmarks smukkeste festival surprises us with a line up we couldn't have done better ourselves. And as a cherry on top of that whip cream festival they give us Suede. Thank you very much!

Happy Birthday Morrissey!

2010-05-22T10:55:00.001+02:00

The story of me and Pepper Rabbit

2010-05-19T11:37:00.000+02:00

Sometimes it pays off reading magazines from overseas. In "Under The Radar" I found an article about a band called Pepper Rabbit. Yes, the band name is discussable, but it's got a really sweet story behind it. You know, dead furry pet, beloved and know forever remembered by, as far as I can see, a lot of people around the world. Anyway, I listened to some of the songs on their myspace and really liked what I heard. They only got two EPs out so far and I couldn't quite figure out how to get them here in Europe besides the amazon and itunes download. And I'm not a fan of that. I want to touch music as well as to hear it! So, if anyone finds out how to get me those EPs, let me know.

Darling of the week - No. 20 - Arcade Fire

2010-05-17T09:34:00.001+02:00

Finally some news from Arcade Fire. On their homepage you can find a little scratchy vinyl you can turn by clicking on it. If you have enough feeling in your mouse hand you can pre-listen into two new songs called "The Suburbs" and "Month Of May". That should water your mouth for the new album.

big fat recommendation

2010-05-13T17:27:00.001+02:00

If you have never seen Kashmir live, do it, do it now! We had the pleasure of seeing them the last couple of days in Berlin and Munich. Read more about the night in Munich.

Darling of the week - No. 19 - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

2010-05-10T11:08:00.001+02:00

Been to their Munich gig on May 5. Unlike Meg White or that girl from The Gossip, BRMC's new drummer girl Leah Shapiro looks actually pretty cool with the sticks. We need more of that kind.

Darling of the week - No. 18 - The National

2010-05-03T10:56:00.000+02:00

There is this wonderful new record, "High Violet", that is worth a darling alone. All the other great things about this band set aside.

Darling of the week - No. 17 - Broken Social Scene

2010-04-26T09:50:00.000+02:00

We've been waiting long enough. They are coming on tour and bring a new record with them. "Forgiveness Rock Record" will look good in your shelves and sound well through your speakers. We promise.

Darling of the week - No. 16 - Turboweekend

2010-04-19T10:10:00.000+02:00

Another day, another darling from Denmark. Seems like we can't get enough of them. Turboweekend are what comes out when you give Seal a friendlier face, call him Silas and make him record a mix between underground pop and electronic club music with two friendly faced friends of his. If you don't know how that could sound, have a listen on their website.

good news vs. bad news.

2010-04-14T19:14:00.001+02:00

Bad news first: Supergrass have split up. "Musical differences" or, whatever...

Good news: The National give us another good reason to spend some money. "High Violet" will be available on 7th May - here.

bit of a blur...

2010-04-12T19:15:00.001+02:00

Blur are about to release at least one yet unnamed song as a support for the Record Store Day on 17th April, a day to give independent record stores some recognition. The single will only be available on 7" Vinyl and will be limited to a copy of 1.000. The question is now, how the heck to get one of those precious pieces?!

sometimes I'm ashamed

2010-04-05T14:30:00.001+02:00

regarding "Bunny Lake": why only those Austrian bands are called the biggest shit and talent who produce the most boring songs on earth and are as authentic as silicone breasts is simply beyond me. And who the hell calls himself "Suzie On The Rocks"?! Pathetic.

Darling of the week - No. 12 - I Am Kloot

2010-03-22T10:46:00.001+01:00

Thank you for a lovely night im Munich!

Darling of the week - No. 10 - Bombay Bycicle Club

2010-03-08T19:43:00.001+01:00

Turns out it feels like cheating when you have a ticket for a gig and still don't go, simply because you can't get your ass off the couch and even if you really like the music. I'm a bad person. I'm sure they will be back soon, but not in that kind of intimate location, and that really sucks.

I hereby apologise to Bombay Bycicle Club for not showing up yesterday - at least I sponsored you a little.

American Ghetto

2010-03-07T18:25:00.001+01:00

Portugal. The Man will release "American Ghetto" in May. You can already pre-order all sorts of Vinyl, CD and download packages (CDs will be limited to 16.000) AND pre-listen the album here. You don't need to buy a pig in a poke here, very customer friendly!

Darling of the week - No. 9 - Jukebox The Ghost

2010-03-01T19:36:00.004+01:00

We haven't figured out what it is, but supporting bands normally don't leave much impression on us. That is why Jukebox The Ghost need a short introduction here. They were supporting Adam Green and it was so good we actually listened!

The world is a peach...

2010-02-25T10:41:00.002+01:00

...and we are the mould. This is Adam Green's poetic view on human being. But not the only colourful story he had to tell when he was in Munich two days ago. Adam Green 2.0: same hardware, new software. I have been there and reported.

The dead dog

2010-02-23T07:02:00.001+01:00

It's give-away-day in Portugal. The Man-Land! Klick here to get "The Dead Dog", a little snippet from their new album "American Ghetto" which will be released on 2nd March.

Darling of the week - No. 8 - Spleen United

2010-02-22T19:28:00.013+01:00

Denmark weeks at mybrainhurtsalot. These guys earn our full attention and support, for they don't even have a label over here.

utterly beautiful music

2010-02-18T10:12:00.001+01:00

I stumbled across this yesterday evening and I was stunned. It is orchestral, epic and voice-reduced, and the melody seems to be split up in three layers who muliply each other but are still so incredibly soft. It's like someone kissing your ears!

Listen to Field Music - "Measure"

From the album "Measure" which is out now.

Another preposterous news from the Gallaghers

2010-02-17T19:24:00.000+01:00

The year is still so very young and already one of the Gallagher-twat-twins has lost it again. In public. At the Brit Awards. Almost every word he said was muted on TV, which made Liam so angry he threw away his mic and even the award. It's things like these that make you wish he would spare us the horror of his wrinkly face in the future...

Darling of the week - No 7 - Apparatjik

2010-02-15T19:41:00.000+01:00

This is what you get when you put together one guy from A-ha, one from Mew, one from Coldplay and the #10 Billboard 2009 producer of the year. You have to see for yourself, don't expect anything less than extraordinary!

Darling of the week - No 6 - Shout Out Louds

2010-02-08T13:55:00.001+01:00

Ok, I did not win this free show in Williamsburg, but wtf. Their new album "Work" will be out February 26 and a worldwide tour is just around the corner. Something to look forward to!

Shout Out Loud!...

2010-02-01T20:21:00.003+01:00

...or the wonderful things a mailing list can do. Won't give you too much hints though, I wanna win this myself!

Darling of the week - No. 5 - Kashmir

2010-02-01T19:11:00.003+01:00

The world really needs more of this kind of band. The kind that can heal wounds and souls.
And the kind that simply is from Denmark. ;-)

Darling of the week - No. 4 - Bell X1

2010-01-25T13:33:00.001+01:00

Bell X1 - We didn't really listen to them when they supported the Nada Surf shows in 2008. But their album "Blue Lights On The Runway" isn't half bad, and they're Irish. Two legitimate reasons to make them DotW!

Project Coachella 2010

2010-01-20T14:56:00.002+01:00

It might not sound very exciting to Westcoast Americans, but for me my latest crazy idea that is about to turn real definitely is exciting: I finally decided to at least consider seeing Coachella festival this April. To me this means more than just going to a festival. It means going 6.524 miles, on a plane, living in hotels, to a place I've never been to - all of this just to see a couple of bands. Well that's me. Obsessed and a tiny bit insane.

First step 'til realization will be: getting time off from work for mid April - this should be done easily. Then I will need a hotel, I'm not eager to sleep in a tent again (see the Roskilde diaries). Then tickets. But I can't do all of this today, I have to cool down first, 'cause right now I'm still so excited I would book tickets and rooms immediately out of impulse and no matter what it costs. I have to sleep one night over this idea and then make grown-up, wise decisions.

Ah, and about the music: I only found out about the line up this early morning and it is HUGE. Huge not only in quantity, but in quality... Faith No More. Muse. Them Crooked Vultures. Mew. Grizzly Bear. Miike Snow. Phoenix. Thom Yorke. Echo & The Bunnymen. Gorillaz (THAT will be interesting!)...To name only a few.

Once the crazyness in my head has vanished and I'm being reasonable again, I will keep you posted. This would fill up some gaps in my review list, I'm telling you...

All about this year's Coachella.

Darling of the week - No. 3 - Steve Hewitt

2010-01-18T19:21:00.013+01:00

He doesn't really need a big band name behind his back. Since last summer, he traded the sticks for the mic and sings in a band called "Love Amongst Ruin".

The man with eight hands...

2010-01-13T15:39:00.003+01:00

...I'm sorry, but Jack White and his 125 projects are getting really annoying. He's like the Heidi Klum of music - seen everywhere, doing everything, never getting tired, even his voice freaks me out just as much as Mrs. Seal's squeaky sounds. Give me a break! If he'd just put his energy back into the White Stripes and take some time to make a bombastic new WS-album instead of doing five bands at the same time. With Alison Mosshart it is just the same: we want The Kills, they are great, they are genius. Maybe it is because Jamie Hince spends more time with cocain-Kate than with his guitar and poor Alison is feeling lonely. In the end (and I probably shouldn't say it, but wtf, I'll say it anyway): I don't think The Dead Weather are more than a colourless, poor copy of a wannabe The Kills band and they will not last. Pretty soon ADS-Jack will get bored again and find some new friends to play with.

In the NA!

2010-01-13T09:50:00.004+01:00

The Hidden Cameras will be spreading some love again around here. Next spring they will tour throughout Europe to help kickstart their recent album "Origin:Orphan". Don't miss.

Tourdates

Darling of the week - No. 2 - OK Go

2010-01-11T18:36:00.001+01:00

The masters of crazy music videos strike back! The title of this new one is self explaining...

If the rest of the new album is anything like this song, then dear Prince: watch out. We have some better looking version of you!

Adam Green video diary No.1

2010-01-11T13:12:00.001+01:00

Adam's new album "Minor Love" is out since January 8!

There are some tour dates for Germany:
18.02.2010 Hamburg - Uebel & Gefährlich
19.02.2010 Köln - Gloria
20.02.2010 Berlin - Postbahnhof
23.02.2010 München - Freiheizhalle

Fran Healy going solo

2010-01-08T10:50:00.003+01:00

Yes, it is true, Travis frontman Fran Healy is working on a solo album! And that is not even the biggest news: Sir Paul McCartney will be the name of the supporting bass player in the credits of this album. Lord, Fran, you must have used all your charme packed up in a bundle to get HIM to play for YOU! Respect!

Charming Fran blog

The Gossip Phenomenon

2010-01-05T14:23:00.005+01:00

The year 2009 was definitely a year of The Gossip. Formerly known as the indie scenes best kept secret darling, touring tiny stages in sleazy bars, you now can find them on “Top Hits”-Compilations, as background music on TV spots, in charts lists and as studio guest in every single entertainment show. Well, congratulations to that success. But can anyone explain to me why that is? Is their last album really that fabulous? ‘Cause I don’t see it. I think it is a good piece of music, but not the world-moving, life-changing kind like some other albums that came along last year. In fact, I think their debut was way better, more original, self-fuelling. Why are they suddenly, after “Music For Men”, such a big pop hit and appearing on charts shows next to some casted, empty faced teenagers? And why does everybody hype them as the best band in the world? I just don’t get it.

Darling of the week - No. 1 - Kissogram

2010-01-04T09:16:00.003+01:00

Because their mix of 90ies disco samples, hard drums and absurd lyrics (just listen to "Grass, Grass, Grass"!) is so wonderfully weird and proofs that Germany's music scene has more to offer than whiny Hamburg-school interpreters.

feel good music

2009-12-31T12:43:00.005+01:00

Just heard a song on radio FM4 that made me smile and my heart shine of good memories!

You're very uncool and forever wonderful!

another one is over...

2009-12-30T14:11:00.009+01:00

...and the next one can only get better.

We wish you all a very happy new year!

We spare ourselves the completely needless custom of making a pseudo-important "favorites of 2009"-list, there are millions of them online already and it's so totally subjective. The only thing we are sure of: La Roux, Oasis and the Arctic Monkeys' new album are NOT on our list. Amen.

Have a rocking merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T11:14:00.006+01:00

We hope there are lots of good CDs and (for us older people) also some beautiful old-fashioned vinyl underneath your trees! Get drunk and get out partying!

Darling of the week - No. 52 - Brittany Murphy

2009-12-21T13:21:00.006+01:00

Brittany Murphy
She made us laugh so many times with that contagious smile. Now all these awful rumors will rise and will not give her beloved ones the time to mourn her leaving...

I hope people like Perez Hilton choke on their own impious, insensitive drivel.

Expect beautiful beats in 2010...

2009-12-17T11:22:00.004+01:00

...Nada Surf announced a cover album including Depeche Mode's biggest hit "Enjoy the Silence". As this one is especially annoying due to every day power play on radios all over the world, we are really looking forward to hear Nada Surf's version! Well, about the idea of doing only covers...we will have to wait and see about that. Normally this is kind of a sinking ship, but let's give the boys a sympathy bonus.
Also, the guys have already posted tour dates for next spring - unfortunately only a few. We hope their calendar gets fuller in the next weeks and the tour visits some places close enough for us to go.

Oasis Schmasis...

2009-12-15T14:57:00.001+01:00

Really, who needs Oasis 2.0? And what an awfully ridiculous name is that anyway? I mean, come on guys, you got rid of one annoying Gallagher, you should use the fact to start over new. It's getting old...

...the tragedy was reported here.