Maximo Park

Maximo Park’s Paul Smith announces UK tour and debut single

Maximo Park's Paul Smith announces UK tour and debut single

Maximo Park’s Paul Smith announces UK tour and debut single. Paul Smith of Maximo Park will release ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ on 1st November, the first single from his debut solo album ‘Margins’. The single will be released on 7′ vinyl (with b-side ‘Loop for Becca’) and download (with a version of ‘A Little Lost’ by Arthur Russell). Written and recorded in less than 24 hours, Our Lady of Lourdes has a propulsive beat, lush echoing guitars and dream-like melodies. ‘The song is like a short story describing a sign language conversation. It also touches on how religion provides comfort to those who need it’, explains Smith of the mysterious lyrics. It’s one of the more electric songs on a record that also finds Smith exploring his love of acoustic and experimental sounds. Margins is released on 11th October on Billingham Records, run by Smith, the label on which Maximo Park’s first ever red vinyl was released. The album is a collection of personal and intimate self-penned songs recorded with friend and co-producer Andy Hodson (The Matinee Orchestra/Warm Digits) at Hodson’s home in Newcastle over the past four years. Field Music’s David Brewis plays bass on the record. Maximo Park, together with Smith, are currently writing new material. Smith, accompanied by a band, will take to the road in November. He says ”ve been waiting to play these songs live for a while now so that should ensure an excitable performance although the songs will require a different execution to those of Maximo Park; less frenetic movement but no less emotion or commitment.’

UK TOUR DATES

26/11 – Bodega – Nottingham
27/11 – Brudenell Social Club – Leeds
28/11 – Glee Club – Birmingham
29/11 – Thekla – Bristol
01/12 – Bush Hall – London
02/12 – Deaf Institute – Manchester
03/12 – Classic Grand – Glasgow
04/12 – Sage 2 – Gateshead

Saint Etienne headline The Apple Cart Festival

Saint Etienne headline The Apple Cart Festival . The Apple Cart Festival, one of the most exciting collaborative projects of the year, brings together some of the most forward thinking creative minds in the UK, with an agenda to enthrall and delight all your senses. The Apple Cart is proud to announce the only UK performance from headliners Saint Etienne. A true London musical institution, the band deftly fuse the English swing of sixties London with a post acid house backbeat and are responsible for classic anthems such as ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’, ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’, You’re In A Bad Way’ and ‘He’s On The Phone’. Expect Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs to charm the crowds with their grown up, stylish pop musings and sing along anthems. Next up is legendary DJ and widely acclaimed musical tastemaker Gilles Peterson whose eclectic musical selections will be a highlight of the inaugural festival. Fusing hip-hop, jazz and soul with newer musical genres, Gilles has garnered universal acclaim for his Worldwide show on Radio 1 and compilation albums of the same name. His DJ gigs have cemented a huge audience and his eclectic and vibrant set is certain to bring the carnival atmosphere to Shoreditch Park. Former front man of post punk outfit Orange Juice, Edwyn Collins is a welcome addition to the bill. The Ivor Novello winner who has influenced everyone from Franz Ferdinand to Maximo Park will be performing his soulful, heartwarming jangly pop tracks including international hit ‘A Girl Like You’. In support are Liverpool psychedelic rockers Clinic who are cult heroes for their unique and conceptual take on garage rock. Their visually arresting sets in surgical masks and Hawaiian shirts have become a classic trademark of their fun and experimental style. Expect a set of high octane, off-kilter carnival electronics, guaranteed to get the crowd going. Also on the bill is Steve Mason, one of the Britpop generations few genuinely brilliant and original songsmiths, Steve has delivered on the promise of The Beta Band’s ‘The 3 EP’s’ – the masterpiece that introduced his extraordinary talent to the world. He will perform tracks from his amazing new Richard X produced album ‘Boys Outside’, released on his new home Domino records in May, which is currently gaining strong radio play across the UK.

Arctic Monkeys refused to mix with other acts on Reading Festival

Arctic Monkeys have been blasted for their unfriendly attitude at the Reading Festival. The ‘Crying Lightning’ rockers – who headlined the music event on Saturday (29.08.09) – have come under fire for their insistence on a segregated backstage area and refusal to mix with other acts on the bill. A source told Britain’s Daily Star newspaper: “At festivals most bands take the opportunity to hang out with each other but the Monkeys demanded privacy. “They had their own area set up away from the other acts on the bill, which was guarded at all times by two security guards. “Now they’re on their third number one album they can make any demand they want and Continue reading →