If the world were a bee hive, Cassell would be a straight up worker bee…..no rest, just work 24/7 to achieve his goal. Since our first feature on one of the UK’s most talented but unknown musicians, Cassell has been flat out, working with Plan B, Akala, Bassistry and The Streets.

Where many musicians would rest following a UK and US tour, such as Cassell recently did with The Streets whose 5th studio album Computers & Blues is released soon (stay on point for tour details), The Beatmaker was straight back on the grind, and shows no sign of slowing down. Plan B’s single ‘Stay Too Long’ was top ten in the charts and his much anticipated album ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’ is released in April…all co-written by Cassell. This would be enough for most, but not this man. His work with AKALA on both his ‘Hip Hop Shakespeare’ project and album Double Think! are already creating a lot of hype, and affirm the depth of talent this musician possesses. Add this to the various other projects he has been working on such as producing funk/soul band Bassistry’s entire album and you start to get a picture of how hard some artists work.

His work with these artists will be supported by various appearances on the Summer festival circuit, by which time we are sure there will be a huge amount more that he will have accomplished….

Roll up, Roll up! Our weekly roundup of all things good in music from albums to singles rolls into town once again, with the audible treats that will have your ears salivating…

Albums..

Groove Armada ‘Black Light’

The new GA album seems to be dividing fans and critics alike, with most claiming there shall be no middle ground as a fan…you will either love it or hate it! One thing we can say, is that this album is genre defying, blurring the lines between dance, electro and indie more than ever heard before. The eleven new tracks take the listener on a wild ride that spans musical time zones and genres and leaves you a bit queasy, hence why some die hard GA fans may not like the change in formula. This may be backed up by the fact that there is not a single track on the album that is just Groove Armada, with each of the eleven tinged with influence from the featuring artists. For most, GA ‘See you baby, shakin that ass’ this album however is a quite serious and at times emotional album filled with vocals carrying serious messages…its great music, but is it GA?

Two Door Cinema Club ‘Tourist History’

The Northern Irish Boys are proving that sometimes the good guys do win…more likely to carry a bug to grassy safety than stomp it, their new album is commanding rave reviews…and we can see why. Tighter than a nuns….ill fitting shoe….their punchy, positive-outlook indie music is basically infectious. Opening track Cigarettes in the Theatre sets the pace for the whole album, from 1-10 the only thing that comes close to a softer,slower song drops early on, called Do You Want It All. The fact that this album maintains its pacing from start to end is a welcome change, and suggests that this band are not trying to cover all bases (such as the mandatory slow/almost ballad etc) and are playing the music they want too…which just happens to be incredibly upbeat. Its clear that their music makes them as happy as the listener will be by the end of their album…and with that kind of contagious optimism there is no way they can fail…

Ellie Goulding ‘Lights’ (Above is Not Album Artwork)

So..lets get this straight…Ellie Goulding won the BBC sound of 2010 poll over Marina and the Diamonds?? We knew this was the wrong decision at the time, and listening to both of their debut albums cemented our view that the immense hype around Ellie Goulding is not justified! Its true that both Ellie and Marina posses voices that you love or hate, with Goulding’s resembling a teen-pop American uber-brat, particularly on ballads (listen to cringey track ‘The Writer’ and its chorus….cue cheese induced vomit). The music is the complete opposite from an album such as TDCC’s (reviewed before this!) where it seems like all bases are trying to be covered for maximum success. It seems if someone has a different voice and teams it over some weird electro-synth driven pop they are then new female music saviour…I’m sure Janis Joplin will be spinning in her grave

Singles

Gorillaz-Stlyo

Mainly because of the video, which was officially released on March 1st and is fucking brilliant…Bruce Willis in a video that couples animation with real life and muscle cars…come on, Albarn your a genius. Granted it eclipses the music and is pretty much a soundtrack to an amazing video…but both together are awesome! Just when we were switching off from the song…Mos Def popped in with a blink-and-you’ll miss it rap, and it drew us right back in…..the new album promises to be interesting to say the least!

Foals-Spanish Sahara

To be honest, Foals have always been a band that have crept under the radar…their music wont be number one in the charts, but that is a good thing. This single, Spanish Sahara is epic, and beautiful….the opening guitar melody WILL draw you in and keep you there, building and building until the drums kick in..it is simply amazing.The track is inspired by Vocalist Yannis seeing a dead dog floating in the sea….well, as nice as that is, at least that dead dog inspired something as good as this single..

RJD2 IS GOD…or at least one of his albums would have you believe. He may not be an actual musical god (thats reserved for the likes of Hendrix, J Dilla etc) but he may not be that far off.

Ramble John Krohn,born in 1976, started as a DJ with turntables brought from a friend He claims his name originates from another friend who referred to him as “Rjd2″ in his raps, and the name stuck. Originally working the role of DJ in the Columbus rap group MHz, he later signed to Bobbito Garcia’s Fondle ‘Em label, releasing the self-proclaimed “mix CD” Your Face or Your Kneecaps. A year later he signed to El-P’s record label Definitive Jux and released his solo debut album Deadringer to much acclaim. Rjd2 later collaborated with Columbus rapper Blueprint under the name Soul Position, releasing Unlimited EP in 2002 and 8 Million Stories in 2003

Countless classic collaborations with prominent musicians such as Aceyalone, MF Doom, Cunninlynguists Radiohead and even the composition of the theme tune for hit TV series Mad Men have confirmed RJD2’s talent to those who didn’t know. After what many consider a slip up in the form of last album The Third Hand which saw RJ sing and play instruments on nearly every track (more of an experiment than a slip up in our opinion) his new album The Colossus is a return to the good ol’ days, with his usual hip-hop/funk feel the theme of the record. Tracks such as Games you can win remind you just how good this guy is, and the whole album is a testament to what he does best. The fact he has still managed to maintain his credibility with the hype and popularity he has gained is a testament to the fact that this guy is a straight up musician, in it for the right reasons, doing it his way, and making people get on board or get out the way. We can only salute that at FLY53

Like we said last week, we can do more for our 24 hour party people! Sometimes you want to try a new scene out without stickin’ out like a midget amongst dwarves. This is where we come in. Face down is the countries biggest Rock night, held at the Scala, Kings Cross…and is basically anarchy from start to finish. Don’t expect bimbo’s teetering around in high heels, more like mohawk punks in biker boots…so here are some ideas from our Spring/Summer ‘10 collection to help you stick out in the right way..

Already Dead Tee

Sneaks Jean

Diva Jersey Vest

Like always, these are just suggestions….anythin’ from our collection can be teamed up with your existing wardrobe to breathe a little new life into your weekend outfit…we can make you the clothes, we can make you look good but we can’t make you fit in…..thats your department…so pull on,wear in and rock out…with the help of our gear you may end up more than face down…

]]> http://www.fly53.com/where-to-be-what-to-wear-2/feed/ 0 http://www.fly53.com/weekend-scene/ http://www.fly53.com/weekend-scene/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:22 +0000 Matt Wurmli http://www.fly53.com/?p=5042 This Weekends best shindigs…

If our style guide event wasn’t your scene and your still wondering where to spunk all your earnings this weekend, as always FLY53 can help by bringing you our pick of some of the countries best events…

Hadouken! Birmingham O2 Arena, Saturday 6th

FLY53 favourites Hadouken! work their little bones off touring the country following the release of their new album For The Masses, released in January. Their live shows always get rave reviews due to the bands onstage energy and sound, so check them out and expect a review and tour update from the band right here on the FLY53 Blog..

Club NME, 12 Dirty Bullets, Koko, Friday 5th March

Since Kaiser Chiefs declared it open in 2004, Club NME has been the place to catch the best new bands before they usually catapult to mega stardom. Couple this with the fact the night is usually held at KOKO in Camden (really one of the most amazing venues in London) and your always in for a memorable night. 12 Dirty Bullets are headlining the night, and NME has promised that their debut album will be a ‘milestone for London’….which is quite a statement, so this is a band to catch before they blow!

Sasha, Matter-London, Sat 6th March

Legendary Dj/Producer Sasha returns to Matter for the first time in over a year. If you have not seen this man DJ live, it is an experience. One of the most talented tech-using DJ’S around, combining every element of the craft from new to old techniques creating live remixes to ensure you will hear something you’ve never heard before!

Ray Mang, Horse and Groom, Shoreditch, Friday 5th

Hustle residents Neil Thornton & Guille Bo welcome one of true pioneers of the whole modern Disco Sound Mr Ray Mang (Eskimo/DFA) plus the lovely In-house girls will be taking control upstairs in the parlour!

Best Of The Rest…

Bristol Hi-Fi, Big Chill, Sat 6th

Crookers and Plastician, Sankeys, Manchester, Friday 5th

The Slippery Belle Burlesque,Subculture,Leeds, March 6th

Propaganda, Sheffield O2 Arena, Friday 5th March

Shlursday,Purple Turtle, Oxford

Fly53 Spring/Summer 2010: The Slacker Collection

The Fly53 Spring Summer 2010 season is about saluting the slacker. But what is a slacker? Slackers, are understood mostly as males in their twenties and thirties who may be regarded as belonging to counterculture, and that ideal personifies Fly53, the outfitters for the resistance not the establishment.

The slacker look itself draws many different influences from many different styles, with its roots often linked with the Grunge music scene. The very term ‘slacker’ is a label by the establishment that suggests laziness and a low chance of success. Many groups fell into this category, from the Grunge rockers, to Bikers, Anoraks, Beaten up shoes and even lazy collegiate students. Each of these possible slacker sub-groups all have their own particular style, and these elements are what inspired part of the Fly53 Spring Summer 2010 collection.

All of the different influences can be seen throughout our Spring/Summer ‘10 collection and will be featured in our blog over the next few weeks… so Turn on, Tune In and Drop out with Fly53 this summer.

For the last few months the FLY53 Blog has been giving you the heads up on some of the best events throughout the country each weekend….but we think we can do more! Our new weekly post will not only tell you the events, but pick one event for our ‘What to Wear’ feature, with some wardrobe ideas for the event from our new Spring/Summer ‘10 range….we are too good to you!

This week we go for Club NME at KOKO on Friday 26th

Club NME is quite a varied event, from Dance music to Indie…and the variation is the focus of NME KOKO this Friday night. Featuring bands The New Wine, Goldhawks and I Was a King the night is guitar based music at its best. Best described as Indie-Pop with a twist and at the legendary KOKO the night promises to be a winner. Check out these threads in our Online Store and pick up something fresh and definitely in tune with the musical vibe:

Die Cut Check Shirt

Sneaks Connor Wash Jeans

Spam Trilby Hat

Remember, these are just ideas….there are plenty of other combinations in our Online Store, so head on over and have a look, we are sure there will be something you like! Womenswear ideas will feature too when the full collection drops!

If you were not feelin’ the Club NME KOKO feature then don’t worry, there are still plenty of other options for your weekend! Here are our picks of special happenings and just rockin’ clubs to be seen at:

Europe, Newcastle O2 Academy 27th…Legendary Rockers still refusing to hear the final countdown…couldnt resist!

Hot Chip, O2 Brixton, 27th….fresh on the back of their recent album release the electro-dance kings continue the domination of the UK

Sterophonics,Metro Radio Arena Newcastle, 29th….They have not released anything for a while, but the old classics still sound great, these boys know how to write a catchy guitar riff

Best Of the rest…

Big Chill Bar, Sat 27th, Brick Lane- House

Glitteratti, Jewel, Fri 26th,Covent Garden- Funky House

Red Bull Music Academy-Futureboogie, Sat 27th, Motion Ramp Park, Bristol- Everything!

Filth 3rd Birthday, 26th, Leeds O2 Academy, Leeds- Electro

Four releases this week worthy of the FLY53 blog, one from a FLY53 sponsored artist!

Alkaline Trio: This Addiction

The seventh studio album from the legendary punk rockers is a noticeable return to their punk roots, teaming up again with producer Matt Allison, who worked on their earlier records. The band have come along way in their 14 year career, and although This Addiction is a worthy attempt to reclaim their roots, their growth won’t allow this band to ever recapture their initial innocence. The theme of the album stems from guitarist Matt Skiba’s recent, painfull divorce, and it’s presence is definitely felt. All in all a welcome return to the past for the trio and definitely worth a listen.

Johnny Cash: American VI, Aint No Grave

Lets get it straight from the start, cash is THE shit…and always will be, but like every dead rock star…when is enough going to be enough? There are indeed (from every dead artist of any merit) songs which went unreleased, that need/deserve to be heard…from Tupac to Hendrix. That being said, the American Recordings could (and should) have been made into 2-3 double albums and left at that…left with all killer no filler. American VI is unimaginably sombre even for Cash, you can really hear that this is a man who is dying in his voice. Although this is what was to be expected from his the recordings prior to his death, this may be a bit much. Certain songs on the album are great such as the title track but this album definitely could have been a better cut down EP.

We are Wolves: Invisible Violence

This music is true mash up. With clear strains of garage, synth-washed post-punk, and heavy metal! The first track we heard was Blue which is basically a blend of 80’s synth pop, new wave dance with a chorus that sounds like a cross between Motorhead and Black sabbath! The whole album stays in this same vein, and some how works, maybe because of lead singer voice sounding like a cross between Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist from The Hives and Ozzy Osbourne! To hear the genre range of this album, listen to track Blue, then Holding Hands…it will blow your mind, but you will like it!

Marina and the Diamonds: The Family Jewels

The FLY53 sponsored Welsh songstress is set to blow up like a pigeon eating bicarbonate of soda after this ‘dazzling’ debut. The album was released Monday the 22nd, and is expected to chart very highly this Sunday. It’s clear that this girl is very talented, and has the type of voice that you won’t forget in a hurry…but would the album live up to the hype? Well the answer is an emphatic yes, with songs ranging from melancholy, depressed subjects like breaking down in supermarket to upbeat, high energy friendly tracks such as single Hollywood. This range gives this album a varied depth missing in most ‘kooky’ new pop stars. This album will be on heavy rotation on the airwaves…another home run for the FLY53 team.

In 2010, FLY53 are going to introduce you to not only great clothes, but new musical talent that we think is going to blow up. Last year we hit the nail on the head by scoping huge talent ‘Marina and the Diamonds’ early and tommorow night is set to inflate the hype around the rare gem even more.

The Welsh songstress released her debut album ‘Family Jewels‘ yesterday and unsurprisingly the reviews already are more than enthusiastic (NME called the debut dazzling)

The 24th Feb will see Marina team up with Biffy Clyro at the NME shockwaves awards in Brixton, London. The event, hosted by former Pulp-er Jarvis Cocker showcases both the best established acts and the most hyped and anticipated newbies…and we think Marina’s performance is going to sparkle/be flawless/dazzle..you choose the cliche.

We wish Marina luck, and thanks for affirming the FLY53 blog’s talent knowledge!