On “World Outside My Room” Liam & co. flip the script with this quieter b-side number. Liam’s voice sounds a more youthful more puerile tone. For a moment, at least on this track, the sneering, the posturing, the qualities about Liam that can at times isolate him as an artist from his vocal performance are replaced with an ease and nonchalance. Notions that better connect with the simple song’s whimsical, sort of adolescent content. Liam sounds 21 years old, 18 years old, 16 years old on this track. Love it.
Here’s our second glimpse of what’s to come on Beady Eye’s forthcoming Different Gear, Still Speeding debut which drops February 28 on the bands own label, Beady Eye Records Ltd. “Four Letter Word” sounds much more Oasis than it’s predecessor, “Bring The Light”, and minus a fab melody and apocalyptic themed guitar riff, the song’s lyrics are really what Liam’ify this track to the next level. The frontman himself has been quoted, “The tunes are as good as ‘Definitely Maybe’, if not better,” and while we dig the Beady Eye sound, and think Lillywhite has done them some justice, thus far we’re skeptical.
“Four Letter Word” comes in tow with a slick new psych-rock Julian House and Julian Gibbs directed music video that originally debuted on the NME. The track is available in a limited, heavy-weight, numbered 7″ which features the b-side, “World Outside My Room”. Score yours on the Beady Eye website here.
Excpected Different Gear, Still Speeding tracklisting:
Four Letter Word
Millionaire
The Roller
Beatles And Stones
Wind Up Dream
Bring The Light
For Anyone
Kill For A Dream
Standing On The Edge Of The Noise
Wigwam
Three Ring Circus
The Beat Goes On
The Morning Son
Eliza Doolittle caught our ears in February with the irresistible UK hit, “Skinny Genes”. Her self-titled debut LP has found itself in heavy rotation here at b3sci HQ and Eliza is currently prepping a US debut and mega year in 2011. We recently caught up to get the 411 on her live cover of Cee Lo Green’s smash “Fuck You“, her Jamie XX collaboration, favorite recipes, Shakespeare and more!
b3sci: When will fans in the States get their next chance to experience Eliza Doolittle in a live setting?
ELIZA: Oooo! Well I’m going to be playing some festivals like SXSW and some others in 2011. And hopefully not long after that I’ll be doing some touring!
b3sci: Your live cover of Cee-Lo Green’s “Fuck You” display’s some incredible musical instincts. How do you do it… what’s your inspiration?
ELIZA: I love performing live so I hope my enjoyment translates and infects everybody watching. I love creating music and when me and my band perform live we try and take the recordings to the next level.
b3sci: On a related note, your voice just seems to find “the pocket” of a great pop melody, has Pop music always been your major vocal influence, or is there a particular style of music that you like to claim the foundation of your soulful delivery?
ELIZA: I loved a lot of different music…growing up, I sang and practiced along to Lauryn Hill, Mariah and Beyonce, really soulful pop vocalists so maybe that’s rubbed off on me but I also love sweet songs like Burt Bacharach music and Beach Boys. And rock like Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers…I don’t know what has directly influenced me.
b3sci: Is there a particular track from your self-titled debut album that you feel especially connected to or proud of as an artist? If so, which and why?
ELIZA: I really love all the tracks …when writing the album I had about 25 finished songs to choose to go on the album and I really loved a lot of them so the ones I put on the album, I really, really love! I think if I had to pick one song I would pick “Rollerblades” as that was the first song I wrote where I really found my own sound for the first time and the rest of the album was based on that sound …so I owe the song a lot!
Eliza Doolittle – Rollerblades
b3sci:Can you shed some light on the happenings behind your connection with Jamie from The XX, and the “Money Box” remix?
ELIZA: I had met The XX a couple of times and am a big fan of their music. I just asked Jamie if he wanted to do a remix and he said yes… so I sent him the parts!
Eliza Doolittle – Money Box (Jamie XX Remix)
b3sci: If you could collaborate with anyone past present or future, who would it be with and why? Keep in mind they wouldn’t need to be a musician, and any sort of artistic collaboration counts.
ELIZA: Hmm, Shakespeare! He is the artistic genius of the entire time we’ve been on this earth!
b3sci: We need to ask you a favorite question of ours… Hypothetical situation, you’re stranded on an island and you can only chose between having with you either 30 songs OR 10 albums! Do you chose to have the albums or songs, and why?
ELIZA: 10 albums definitely because they are pieces of art as a whole album, and I would feel empty without the other songs. Also, an album has 10 songs average on it so that would mean 100 songs!
b3sci: Haha you found the loophole! So what are a few of the albums that you would bring along?
ELIZA: Oooo… Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life, Steely Dan – Aja, Destiny’s Child – The Writings on the Wall, Beach Boys – Pet Sounds. Just to name a few…
b3sci: What’s your take on the internet and your development as an artist? How would you ideally like to see both your career and your fans affected by the internet and your message moving forward?
ELIZA: Well the internet is a blessing and a curse. Through Twitter etc, I can promote my music and shows but through illegal downloads, I can’t make very much money out of my record. I would love for people to respect the hard work that’s put into making a record and not steal the music but I don’t know if that’s ever going to happen.
b3sci: So what’s your take on the blogosphere? Do you participate?
ELIZA: I have my own blog and I love making it. I love documenting my journey and it’s a great way to interact with my listeners and show them some of my interests other than just music. So you should check it out… http://blog.elizadoolittle.com
b3sci: Is there something killer that you’re listening to and influenced by at the current moment?
ELIZA: I’m loving Cee Lo Green’s new album The Lady Killer. It’s superb! Love Janelle Monae and The Drums too!
b3sci: What are your general observations about the reception of emerging artists from the UK in the states, and the same vice-versa?
ELIZA: I’m not sure really, I hope people will listen to my music regardless of where I’m from. I hope people will like it!
b3sci: What in your eyes are some of the popular misnomers about pop stars and the music industry among the public?
ELIZA: I think people take being in the public eye way too seriously. People judge very quickly for the smallest things. Sometimes I make a spelling mistake on Twitter and have a bombardment of tweets picking me up on it and making a massive unnecessary fuss. I would love it if people just listened to my music and took me in for that rather than my grammar skills etc! Haha! And I’m sure other singers get the same jip.
b3sci: We LOVE to cook! Give us one of your favorite recipes to try out.
ELIZA: Baked beans on toast is my specialty!
b3sci: Well that’s interesting, might need to try that. We’ve got to ask you, happiness… what in this world of ours does it for you?
ELIZA:Great music, great friends and family! And lots of laughter …That’s all you need.
Summer Fiction are one of our favorite surprises of 2010. b3sci recently had the chance to catch up with frontman, and singer/songwriter, Bill Ricchini to ask him a few questions about music and life. Check it out:
b3sci: Where can fans expect to see Summer Fiction perform in 2011?
Bill: We mostly play on the east coast, in NY and Philly, but yes, we’re coming to a town near you, hopefully. We’re planning some touring and speaking to some possible booking agents. We also just booked PopFest in NYC for the spring. Possibly SXSW…
b3sci: When people experience Summer Fiction for the first time, is there a particular message that you’re hoping translates?
Bill: I like to leave it pretty open ended and hope the audience or listener brings their own thing to the songs and performances. I will say the music is coming from a place of sincerity and hopefully that comes across on an emotional level.
b3sci: Just listening to the album, you can tell songwriting seems to just resonate in your bones. While your songs seem basic at the core they are complemented by fairly intricate arrangements and counter melodies. What has inspired you to be a songwriter, and what sort of education, experience, or vision leads you down your path of record production?
Bill: Thanks! I’m pretty obsessed with songwriting and arrangement. While I never studied music formally, I think I studied all of my favorite records growing up and somehow that is all in my DNA. I also enjoy producing, I feel it would be hard to give that up to someone, although maybe I will try it if Jon Brion calls.
b3sci: What’s your dream collaboration?
Bill: I’d love to write an album for a female singer and produce it. There are lots of gorgeous pop and torch songs I have ready to go but just need to find my muse… I’d also love to meet Brian Wilson. A while ago, one of the guys from Wondermints passed him one of my demos.. and I heard he liked it! That was kind of surreal… Music for film also excites me. I think Wes Anderson would like this record for some reason. Maybe it is the font choice.
b3sci: Is there a particular track from the album that you feel especially connected to or proud of?
Bill: I think “Kids in Catalina” has been really popping live. I like the construction of that song, the vocal choir and the vibraphone.
Summer Fiction – Kids in Catalina
b3sci: How would you say the music scene in Philadelphia has or hasn’t helped Summer Fiction along?
Bill: Philly has been 100% supportive. Bands, journalists, fans all came out for this record and many good friends from other bands contributed.
b3sci: Here’s a question we love to ask people… hypothetical situation, you’re stranded on an island and you can chose between having with you either 30 songs OR 10 albums? Which take the space?
Bill: 10 albums; no question. I like the thematic element of my favorite records, call me old fashioned but I like the way songs brush up against one another and form a complete thought. That’s what I went for with Summer Fiction. One of my choices would be It’s a Shame About Ray which is a perfect record.
b3sci: What are five things you can’t live without?
Bill:
1) Guitar
2) Digital voice recorder
3) Marble notebook
4) Good food
5) Books
b3sci: What are five things that you could totally be cool living without?
Bill:
1) Rent
2) TV
3) East coast winters
4) Hangovers
5) Traffic
b3sci: Has the internet played a role in the development of you as an artist?
Bill: Uh not sure. I tend to focus more on the message than the media, but the fact that the web is a great tool to share my art is gratifying.
b3sci: How do you discover new music?
Bill: Online, jukeboxes, shows, SXSW, radio, my friend Mike…
b3sci: What are you listening to at the moment? Anything influential?
Bill: The last Beach House record kills me. Arcade Fire and Deerhunter are really on their game… Kurt Vile is great too.
b3sci:In your opinion, what are some of the popular misnomers about being an independent and emerging artist/songwriter in today’s music industry, and with the general, casual listening public?
Bill: Maybe just how much discipline and focus it takes to make a good record.
For every situation, every instance, there’s a John Lennon quote which sums up nearly the whole gamut of human existence. Catharsis after hubris: “I was feeling insecure; you might not love me anymore.” Dissatisfaction, apathy, and ambivalence: “Living is easy with eyes closed.” The optimism, sometimes blind, which drives dreams: “Imagine all the people, living life in peace…”
What can be written about Lennon which hasn’t been written already? Let us grieve Lennon’s death in equal parts for his family’s loss and the cultural significance. Mired in the wake of JFK’s assassination, The Beatles on Ed Sullivan helped a nation move forward and be happy again. And throughout the political tragedy of the 60’s, The Beatles spearheaded a musical revolution which, in retrospect, is the saving grace of that particular decade.
For as long as I can remember, my dad has told me the mythic story about when he was nineteen and driving around late at night in his ’66 GTO when he heard Strawberry Fields Forever on the radio for the first time. I think everyone who loves Lennon’s music can remember a similar consciousness-expanding moment. For myself, it was Sophomore year of college and my friend James came over to my dorm with his newly purchased vinyl of Plastic Ono Band, and laying across my floor pillows absolutely slayed by the prophetic nature of the album. “Working Class Hero” precipitated Bruce Springsteen’s entire career! The emotional nakedness of “Well Well Well,” the Neitszchean declaration of “God,” the simple plea of “Look At Me,” Lennon’s music teaches us to look into our own souls and uncover the art and the beauty which lies within.
Pop mix! This set includes some fresh Chase and State-us, a sick laidback La Roux remix, and something new from Bjork in the form of a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen.
Chase & Status – Blind Faith (Feat. Liam Bailey) via the dz Purchase / Info
York, UK’s Benjamin Francis Leftwich recently recorded this slow jams version of the Arcade Fire MTV 2 hit. We’re big fans of the 21 year old and his subtle yet cinematic approach to the singer-songwriter genre. We rep’d his killer “Atlas Hands” tune in September and we are pretty psyched to bring to you this new cover. So let your fingers do the walking over to play button below, and let the jamming commence.
“I Know That You Hate Me” comes from The Taste debut LP, Popularity. One of our favorite discoveries as of late, this guy/gal duo from Munich offer a little something for most any music aficionado. It’s experimental, it’s pop, it’s avant-garde, it’s garage… it’s just damn GOOD! Get into it!
Sheffield has done it again, if you like the Libertines, and our new faves Summer Fiction, then you’ll LOVE The Crookes. Shouts to Can You Hear This for the heads up on these guys… Check it below!
B3SCI TICKET GIVEAWAY! Hip-Hop icon, Nas, and Reggae royalty, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley have announced three UK live dates that are surely to be among the most anticipated events in Spring 2011. Experience Nas and Damian perform choice material from their own solo catalogues as well as tracks from their recent collaborative effort Distant Relatives. A definite highlight from 2010, Distant Relatives explores the musical and ethnic roots of both artists and the connections between them and features tracks with Lil Wayne, K’NAAN, and more. Get it here!
blahblahblahscience is giving away a pair of tickets to their April 2nd performance at the O2 Apollo in Manchester! Just drop us a line here and let us know you want them… simple as that. Also, if you dont win the tickets from us, don’t fret, you can still get your hands on some here. For more performance dates and information check out www.distantrelatives.com.
LIVE DATES
London – 31st March – Wembley Arena
Glasgow – 1st April – O2 Academy Glasgow
Manchester – 2nd April – O2 Apollo Manchester
Liam and the boys make good on the b-side of their new 7-inch with a remake of the 1991 underground NY hit “Sons of the Stage”, from indie-brits World of Twist. It’s a psychedelic stomper and we love it. This tune wants you to dance.. so DANCE!
Beady Eye‘s debut LP is expected February 28. They also recently announced a handful of European tour dates (below). Apparently the band will be in Europe during the end of March… no SXSW guys? Get a free download of “Bring The Light” at the bands website HERE …
Beady Eye Tour Dates 2011
Glasgow Barrowland – 3 March
Glasgow Barrowland – 4 March
Manchester O2 Apollo – 6 March
Manchester O2 Apollo – 7 March
London Troxy – 9 March
London Troxy – 9 March
Paris Casino de Paris – 13 March
Koln Live Music Hall – 14 March
Milan Alcatraz – 16 March
Madrid La Reviera – 18 March
Amsterdam Paradiso – 21 March
