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Link . Blimey, James certainly speaks for me there. Good stuff.

I've only heard bits from the Spotify version of the album. Yes, it's different from their first two efforts and the 'rock star' trip to the States, hanging out with Josh Homme, etc, has probably created an album that will please and appall in equal measures, but I, for one, think they still represent the best and brightest of current guitar bands - 'Cornerstone' is one of the best songs I've heard this year. I'm not one to slavishly defend a poor effort just because of who produced it - if that were the case I'd have a shelf bulging with all of Oasis' albums, but I don't - I think we have it in us to be a tad more accommodating to a fine band who have at least attempted something different, however much it's judged by some to have misfired?

Still, one man's opinion and all that (or two men's, if BJ's vote counts...)

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Pukka Pie pest

Embrace the margin
Always Changing at Retford http://sptxx.tumblr.com/
Not Changing at Retford http://sptxx2.tumblr.com/

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Pukka Pie pest

Embrace the margin
Always Changing at Retford http://sptxx.tumblr.com/
Not Changing at Retford http://sptxx2.tumblr.com/

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In work not working

[quote="Devilish Red"]
I've heard that the first album in particular couldn't be interpreted by American listeners, for example, the accent and wording of the lyrics not crossing the pond very well.

[quote]

Weirdly, a couple of my Ecuadorian/American friends have the early demoes by them and love them to bits (one of them can now sing in a perfect Yorkshire accent). I suspect this is the exception rather than the rule, though.

Personally I loved them in the early days-saw them in a working man's club in Barnsley having heard a couple of their demoes and they were absolutely fantastic. The sight of 80 sweaty teenagers singing along to every word while being stared at by the old fellers at the bar was a memorable one. I've never really liked their later stuff as much and was totally underwhelmed both times that I saw them at Leeds Festival. I'm not sure if that's a reflection of their diverging sound or just me being an indie snob, unable to engage with stadium-sized bands.

Damn tricky, that quote function .

'Brianstorm' was a great comeback single after a hugely successful debut. it showed that they weren't happy to simply retread the same ground, and i respect that.

i haven't heard the new stuff, maybe one day i'll come across it somewhere. but i'm aware that they now look like rockstars (except for Helders, best rock drummer since David Grohl) and hang out in America and all that other shit which, to be frank, saddens me.

still, if growing my hair and dressing like a twat meant i got to leave Alexa Chung's face looking like a plasterer's radio every night...

i'd probably do the same.

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Crazy haired surfin' slacker

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If Ian Curtis had lived, and enjoyed the ale…

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In work not working