As one man once said ‘the times they are a-changin’. I forget his name though. Bob something? If I can’t remember then it can’t be important. And it is this that is the essence of what I’m referring to. It’s all about me. Me me me memememe this is my column. Yes I’m supposed to be reviewing something or other, or maybe drawing your attention to some overlooked dusty treasure in the corner, but why bother when I’m so much more interesting?
So in that vein, I’d thought I’d try something a little different. Three columns in, I reckon I can get away with a break from the norm. So boys and girls, are you all sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin. This week’s theme is….NARCISSISM! As hard as it maybe to believe, there are actually other people out there who think more of themselves than I do of me. Maybe not Anthony….but that’s a different story for a different time. Anyway, congratulations for getting this far, now I’ll get to the point.
Albums
Razorlight – Up all night
The Libertines – The Libertines
Oasis – Don’t believe the truth
Art Brut – Bang Bang Rock and Roll
Thoughts
Rock stars tend to be narcissistic creatures. Belief in themselves and their own music is key if they want to succeed in the notoriously fickle music industry, but some are far more obsessed with their own image than others. One fine example of rock vanity is Oasis. They have made a great show of being the sole upstanders of British rock, leading the Britpop standard with beer soaked anthems. Unfortunately that was ten years ago. The music scene has changed considerably in that time, but Oasis’ conviction that they are the best thing since the proverbial sliced bread hasn’t and each successive album following ‘95s Morning Glory has ridden on the coattails of their debut successes. Therefore, Don’t Believe The Truth has arrived with the traditional Oasis hype that it matches those two era defining albums. Unfortunately for them, they are wrong again. Whilst being a solid album, possibly the best of the last 4, it is still mediocre stuff, shamelessly lifting ideas from other, better, artists. Its certainly not going to endear them to a new legion of fans. At best it will maintain the fan base they already have, due to the fact that its still true Oasis.
Johnny Borrell loves himself. He is utterly convinced of his genius. Fortunately, some of his songs are actually quite good, and coupled with this cocky swagger of an attitude means that he is adored by legions of fans. I myself know plenty of girls in love with him, prepared to make any concession to his arrogant statements, especially a certain girl from down south. Up All Night boasts some great tunes and ripples with barely contained sexual fever. At times the beat poetry style of delivery is a touch annoying, but what would you expect? It’s a sprint through a late night London wonderland, unlike Art Brut who take the listener on an ironic journey through the media. At times its clever and witty, the English LCD Soundsystem. At others though its drawn out normal scuzzy indie rock that isn’t as funny as it thinks it is. Finally the album that made me think of this theme, the Libertines. One of the songs is called Narcissist doncha know. It’s a heartfelt journey of exploration through the troubled relationship of Doherty and Bar’t, one that is compelling to listen to. As with Johnny, it is easy to love this pair (just refer to Steven and Mikes’ blogs) and they do also love themselves. This album documents their mythology as it happens and it is a roller coaster ride through English culture. Not to be missed.
