The Futureheads - The Futureheads

The Futureheads, "Robot"

The Futureheads, "Decent Days and Nights"

The Futureheads, "He Knows"

Since I mentioned it yesterday, I couldn't not post some highlights from the Futureheads' first album that I talked so highly of. The Futureheads is a great pop-punk album, combining punk's energy with pop's catchiness. Again, don't expect anything original, as you will get the feeling that you've heard this before. There are some clear influences like XTC, The Clash, maybe some early Elvis Costello & the Attractions and The Ramones. The best comparison I can give is to imagine a punk band that moonlights as a doo-wop group, as the music comes fast and hard but the vocals feature four-part harmonies and "Woo woo woos" and other classic touches. The Futureheads follow in the path of those bands, opening up the punk sound by using harmonies and a real emphasis on the early peroiod of rock 'n' roll.

It really works, as this is one of the better albums you are going to here straighthrough. Very little chaff, mostly wheat. There were 11 songs that I considered uploading, which shows the consistency of the album and the quality of the songs. You could argue that it's a problem of sameness, but with 17 tracks clocking at 35 minutes, I would say it's more of a quick, great trip. Not a lot of need for diversity. Oh, and shout out to the band for naming a track for the legendary photographic artist Man Ray, nee Emmanuel Radnitzky, born in Philadelphia (!!!). Great song as well, the only one that seemed to deserve the post-punk label.

Kwaya Na Kisser and nialler9 have one of the best tracks from this self-titled debut, "Hounds of Love." That's right, the lads take on a Kate Bush cover and outdo the original. Make sure to check out that song, then go and cop this album. It's highly recommended. Don't worry about all of the comparisons and names bandied about, this is just good, exciting music.

-Part 2 of the Kwaya Na Kisser tribute begins with Futureheads-influncer The Clash, live in Jamaica from 1982. I'm not the biggest Clash fan to be honest, but this is a cool set from the Bob Marley Center, which I'm sure made this a special show for the group. Next up, Iron & Wine and Calexico from their tour last year in support of their album. Then, there is the Artic Monkeys set from January of this year, a great chance to hear a Futureheads-influenced band. Finally, peep the Bonnie "Prince" Billy (Will Oldham) John Peel session. Then, go here and leave a comment voting for what John Peel Session you would like Pierre to up next. I'm gonna vote for Cat Power, or maybe PJ Harvey, or Pulp, or Yo La Tengo.

-In looking around for info on the TV on the Radio/Voxtrot show in Prospect Park June 30 (free!), I came across this not-too secret vault of Voxtrot mp3s. I'm still waiting on their 2 EPs, but this is a great chance for everyone to get up on this band that is getting tons of hype and most importantly, comparisons to Morrissey, The Cure and Joy Division. Yum.

-Yeti Don't Dance has a track from !Forward Russia!, considered essential listening for 2006. Having listened to "Sixteen" on a Saturday night alone, it was so good it almost made me forget about my pathetic condition. Holy shit, it's a keeper! The last few minutes are so intense, with the music and vocals getting louder and faster in an almost-hypnotic.

-Cocaine Blunts & Hip Hop Tapes has the first single, "The Mighty O" from the upcoming Outkast album, Idlewild.

-Congrats to Naeem and XXXchange a.k.a Spank Rock, who've been chosen to open for Gnarls Barkley at their sold-out Webster Hall show tonight. So proud of those guys, so proud.