This Is Not A Library

MJ Hibbett and the Validators, reviewed.

I'm listening to Mark's album "This is not a library" at last, and I can' tdecide if it really is a concept album, or if there is some clever copy protection in place that knows I got a copy for free and is repeating the titular phrase in each of the tracks as if to say "you really ought to pay for this"... well you should anyway reader, you can get it from mjhibbett.com and also hear samples and that there.



First impressions: Mark is sounding more like David Gedge than EVER, on the opening track ("Things'll be different when I'm in charge" at least, and there is some proper jangling here that will keep the campaign for real indie happy. Also I am pleasantly surprised by the female vocal on this album - on the other tracks I'd heard that had "lady parts" on them I thought they were a bit weak, but this time round it sounds like Marianne Faithful or something, and I'm liking it.



If you're pushed for time, and you don't want to listen to the full range of musical styles, including beat, indie, folk, and country and western, fast forward to track eleven - "Make The World Go Blind" is an amazing piece of work, swirling and gloomy and bursting with passion like Ride or J&MC or something. Fuck this one is GOOD!



The whole album is a clever piece of work, which might put off some people - anything smart put to music can sound smug, but whose fault is that eh? NOT MINE, and Not Mark's, and not The Validators.
Also it's a very full sounding album, every track seems rammed to the rafters with every conceivable sound and idea. It sounds a bit over-produced on some tracks, but whenever you read that in a review it's code for "I saw this artist many times before you did, and it makes me better than you". Possibly it's just a coincidence that this richness of sound coincide's with Hibbett's move to London. On this subject you can look all you like for a retraction of his earlier "Bands from London are Shit", but maybe that'll be on the next album. Looking forward to it.


Catch MJ Hibbett at the next Silver Rocket club night, upstairs at Highbury Garage, Friday 1st of August, more gig listings here... Five lucky winners get a copy of this album when I get back to work and sort through things...

pauly :: 2003 :: Comment / reply

Electric Six, The Crimea and American Analog Set at the Barfly

Right, I messed up my weekly task for Big Brother (AKA Barfly what sit upstairs) so instead of crying in the diary room I am running this news piece for them to make up for it.


If Grandaddy ever had the inclination to trim their beards and tidy themselves up, they'd probably produce records like American Analog Set.
Their new album 'Promise Of Love', is full of soothing melodica that practically collapses under its own humility. Indeed, they promise love, and a whole lot more.



Playing Barfly London "Ones To Watch" Monday 16th June get tickets here...







XFM are bringing Electric Six’s dynamite boogie to the legendarily sweaty confines of the Camden Barfly.
Hot on the heels of a Top Five UK hit with
‘Gay Bar’, the Detriot sleaze-specialists roll into town on 20th June to
play an exclusive show for XFM listeners and competition winners. If you want
to be one of the lucky few witnessing the ‘Six’s blistering live set at
close quarters then just stay tuned to 104.9 XFM (or xfm.co.uk) for details of how you can you can blag your way into the gig for nothing... The band recently replaced guitarists Surge Joebot, Rock’n’Roll Indian and
bassist Disco with three new members; Johnny Na$hinal, The Colonel and Frank
Lloyd Bonaventure, and are once again ready to boogie. With two top five UK
hits and a stunning album under their belts, the Electric Six are probably
the best party band you’re ever likely to see.
Beg, bribe or just be lucky by listening to 104.9 Xfm or checking http://www.xfm.co.uk to get tickets to this gig.




Friday 20th June

For details of events at other Barfly venues click on the following links; Glasgow
Cardiff
Liverpool
York Fibbers
Barfly Acoustic...


For my own part I would have to say The Crimea are playing on the 18th of June (get tickets here, onlyf 5 pounds), they're ace and ably supported by The Koreans too.


NOW PLEASE LET ME HAVE SOME FRUIT (or cider), I HAVE SCURVY!!!

pauly :: 2003 :: Comment / reply