Tin Trains

TIN TRAINS HAS MOVED

2009-06-13T01:24:00.002+01:00

As some of you may have realised, Tin Trains moved from here long ago.

If you haven't found it's new home yet then just click right here.

Cheers.

Rob.

Dasal would not be pleased...

2009-04-10T13:05:00.000+01:00

Last night I saw the wonderful David Byrne (ex-) lead singer of Talking Heads at Oxford's New Theatre.

Despite missing the first 3 or 4 songs due to rubbish train systems it is still by far the best gig that I have been to in 2009. Backed by an incredible band (sure they're not Talking Heads but they would certainly give them a run for their money!) he ripped through several songs from his fantastic 2008 collaboration album with Brian Eno Everything That Happens Will Happen Today as well as a truck load of Talking Heads classics.

The backing singers were pitch perfect and full credit goes to the sound engineer who made the utilisation of two percussionists totally worthwhile.

The band were also accompanied onstage for the majority of songs by a few dancers who performed some of the most bizarrely choreographed dances that I have ever seen, but they suited the mood quite well and were always enjoyable to watch, especially when Byrne himself joined in.

Another highlight of the night was when a bouncer told a dancing member of the audience to sit down, which David Byrne happened to spot. He stopped mid-song to reprimand the bouncer and told everyone that it was ok to have a good time, causing the whole audience to stand up and dance for the rest of the show! Legendary.

Finally came the part that Dasal would not have liked. In total disregard of Dasal's second rule of encores he and his band proceeded to leave the stage not once, not twice, not even three times but FOUR TIMES, pausing to bow on each occasion. They totally deserved it though and it was nice to hear a crowd actually working for the encores for once. Maybe it was because it was mostly full of middle-aged people, but it certainly was a breath of fresh air and created a wonderful atmosphere.

The highlights for me were 'Houses in Motion', 'Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)', 'Air', 'Life During Wartime'... I could go on until I named everything he played. Having missed the first few songs I am very tempted to go and see him again in London this coming week.

Rob

Blog Recomendations

2009-03-31T22:10:00.005+01:00

Since Rob has had his chance in compiling a list of podcasts, I thought I'd do the same for some of my favourite blogs out there. Hopefully, in the process, this will help you get through the "In Transit" cold turkey of the Easter.

Gorilla vs. Bear

This is one of the best MP3 blogs, specialising in rare new music and collaborations. Absolutely packed with cool and exclusive MP3's and has a massive collection of other good music blogs.

Bad Science

This blog, written by Dr Ben Goladacre, is satisfying reading for all advertising pseudoscience sceptics like me. This blog contains all of Goldacre's articles from his guardian article, forums and loads of video and audio. The sit unveils the almost unbelievably (funny?) claims and "scientific facts" presented to us every day.

Fail Blog

Everyone's favourite past time, laughing at pople less fortunate than you has been fully encapsulated in this blog. Need an instant pick up? This blog will do just the trick

The London Review of Breakfasts

Officially (according to me) the best and most useful blog on the interweb! I can't even begin to remember the number of times i've tried to track down a good breakfast cafe in London. This has led me to dabble in numerous establishments, some of which i only remember for a bout of food poisoning. The London review of breakfasts is exactly what it says on the tin, with its mission statement, "The "full English" refers not to our technological, cultural or military achievements. No: we live in a country where the 'full us' proudly refers to the first meal of the day. And yet here, in that country's capital, there seem to be (far) more bad breakfast opportunities than good ones.

Onethirtybpm

Technically not a blog, but featuring MP3's, news, album and live reviews, plus what seems at first to be an unhealthy obsession with the cardboard protecting our beloved music. This packaging love is strangely engrossing though, giving me a new appreciation for this previously neglected part of an album. But best of all onethirty is Tin Trains new home! yay!

Dasal

In Transit Show 29th March 2009

2009-03-29T16:42:00.003+01:00

Guest hosts Ryan Hakimian and Nick Taylor.

Playlist:

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You (Middle Cyclone)
Wyclef Jean - Where Fugees At? (The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book)
The Last Shadow Puppets - Calm Like You (The Age Of The Understatement)
Staff Benda Bilili - Je T'Aime (Tres Tres Fort)
Stevie Wonder - Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing (Innervisions)
Arcade Fire - Wake Up (Funeral)
Marissa Nadler - Mary Comes Alive (Little Hells)
Alien Ant Farm - Movies (ANThology)
The Killers - Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll (Hot Fuss)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Dull Life (It's Blitz!)
Dent May - Meet Me In The Garden (The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele)
Sufjan Stevens - Chicago (Illinois)
Animal Collective - Fireworks (Strawberry Jam)

Download

The lost Art of the Encore

2009-03-26T18:30:00.006Z

What has happened to the encore? I've been to many many many gigs, and in my opinion the encore was warranted in 1. (bloc party doing skeleton at the forum - video)

Now, I'm not against a genuine encore, where a band has played their entire set, and caved into audience pressure. They should be special, not dealt out at every single gig. However, I have come to realised that for many gig attendees, the encore is now expected (its special if there isn't one - damn), so I have compiled my encore rules. If you must:

Make the break short (<>
NEVER ever do the MULTIPLE ENCORE, whats the fucking point Metallica.
Play something special, fan favourites (not big songs / hits - these should have been in the set anyway)
Keep me guessing. Put the house lights on or put the DJ back on, makes a nice little surprise when the encore does happen.

There you go, Dasal's rules for encores. Take note you 1000's of bands that are reading this, my opinion rocks.

Dasal

4am Inspiration

2009-03-25T04:35:00.003Z

If the greater part of The Beatles discography isn't proof enough that doing drugs and making music can incur incredible results here's more:

And for any Conor fans who haven't seen the cover of his new album check it out here.

Rob

Tin Trains Twitter is Launched

2009-03-24T01:14:00.001Z

Pointless I know, but fun nonetheless.

http://twitter.com/tintrains

Follow us and we promise to follow you!

In Transit Show 22nd March 2009

2009-03-22T22:03:00.004Z

Guest host Tom Allen

Playlist:

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

Bloc Party - Like Eating Glass (Silent Alarm)
The Apples - Killing (Buzzin' About)
Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Chunk of Change)
Camera Obscura - Honey in the Sun (My Maudlin Career)
Desmond Dekker & the Aces - Mount Zion (Black & Decker/Compass Point)
The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored (The Stone Roses)
Doves - Kingdom of Rust (Kingdom of Rust)
Roots Manuva - Witness (1 Hope) (Run Come Save Me)
Tiny Masters of Today - Hologram World [feat. Karen O and Nick Zinner] (Bang Bang Boom Cake)
Franz Ferdinand - What She Came For (Tonight: Franz Ferdinand)
Babyboom - Sister (Babyboom EP)
Brendan Benson - I'm Easy (Lapalco)
Penguin Cafe Orchestra - Music For A Found Harmonium (Broadcasting From Home)
Radiohead - There There (Hail to the Thief)
[Secret Track: Tom Allen - In Transit Freestyle Rap]

Download

Podcast Recomendations

2009-03-21T17:53:00.004Z

I've only fairly recently discovered the brilliance of a good podcast, but I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourites, and hopefully you can tell me some of yours!

Sound Opinions

Presented by Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis; two music journalists from Chicago who are true music lovers. Each week they present an hour-long show that features music news, reviews, features, in-depth analyses, live sessions and some great music debates. Since I have started listening they have featured, amongst others, Radiohead, The Hold Steady and Frightened Rabbit on the show. These guys know their music from rock to pop to hip hop, classic and modern.

This is what I envisioned In Transit sounding like before Olly came along and gave it a bit of a different odd-ball direction.

Click here for more about the Sound Opinions podcast.

Guardian Music Weekly

Like Sound Opinions; but the British version (and not as good). Presented by Paul MacInnes and Rosie Swash each week they have news, interviews and "singles club" in which they review (and often slate) the newest singles being released that week.

Often there is more emphasis on British music which is a good thing.

Click here for more about Guardian Music Weekly podcast.

RadioLab

Now for something a bit different. This was originally recommended to me by Robin Pecknold believe it or not (if you don't know that's this guy). This a pop-science podcast that comes out in seasons of 5 episodes at a time.

They take a theme such as genetics and present interesting experiments done in the field in an easy to understand and enjoyable manner. They range from 10 minutes long to an hour.

If you want a clearer idea check out one of the most recent ones called 'Mischel's Marshmallows' which was only 15 minutes long but definitely one of the best yet.

Click here for more about the RadioLab podcast.

Most People Are DJ's

Now for something a little more homegrown. This is another show on Rare FM, also on sundays from 9-10pm, presented by our friend Edwin.

The fact that it is named after a song by The Hold Steady only gives you a small insight into Edwin's music tastes. Each week he presents a barrage of great and diverse acts that range from the mainstream to the extremely obscure. In fact listening to Edwin's show often leaves me with a sense of despair at the fact that I will never have the time to fully explore all of the great artists that he has just unveiled to me in as much depth as I would like.

Click here for the Most People Are DJ's blog. (It's not technically a podcast but a weekly download in the same vein as the In Transit one).

------------------------------

Hope you enjoy these, I have some more up my sleeve if you are interested. Please feel free to recommend some to me.

Rob

In Transit Show 15th March 2009

2009-03-16T03:31:00.001Z

Guest Host Wil Benton

Playlist:

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

John Frusciante - Carvel (Shadows Collide With People)
Dr. Dre & Eminem - Forgot About Dre [Kraddy Remix] (The Illegal Album)
Black Lips - Bad Kids (Good Bad Not Evil)
Ponytail - Late For School (Ice Cream Spiritual)
Caspa & Rusko - Caspa & The Others - Well ‘Ard - Sub Soldiers (Fabric Live 37)
Plastic Little - Dopeness (She's Mature)
The Dead Weather - Hang You From the Heavens (Horehound)
Little Boots - Stuck on Repeat [Fake Blood Remix]
No Doubt - Spiderwebs (Tragic Kingdom)
Radiohead - Polyethylene (Parts 1 & 2) (Airbag/How Am I Driving EP)
Bat For Lashes - Sarah (Fur and Gold)
Micachu - Lips (Jewellery)
Paul Van Dyk - Castaway (Cream Future Trance)
Björk - Earth Intruders (Volta)
Nine Inch Nails - The Great Destroyer (Year Zero)
Modest Mouse - King Rat (Dashboard - Single)

Download

Staff Benda Bilili

2009-03-14T16:45:00.006Z

Last night as you probably know was Comic Relief. The quasi-annual appeal to the British public to donate whatever they can afford to the charity which helps out millions of people; most primarily in Africa.

These appeals are interspersed with short videos of various famous people performing something or other, mostly comedy sketches.

I think what they're doing is amazing and I am over the moon that last night they reached their highest ever total. Despite the credit crunch people know that they're in a far better conditions than a lot of people around the world and showed this by donating last night.

The one thing that I would like to increase on Comic Relief is the exposure of the good things to come out of Africa, not just the bad. Africa has an extremely rich culture and music is one of the facets of it that has been exposed a lot recently with projects such as Africa Express. The level of enthusiasm and interest shown so far in African music is amazing but something on national television going out to tens of millions of viewers could raise it to another level entirely.

And so I think I have found the perfect candidates to play at the next Comic Relief; a band that have come to my attention very recently called Staff Benda Bilili.

Staff Benda Bilili are a group of disabled men from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They have been disabled since they contracted Polio in their youth and they now move around on custom made tricycles. Their music is often backed by a group of street orphans and the star of the show is one young boy who shreds on his "satonge": a home made lute that is essentially just a wire and a tin can. It is not just their unique background that makes them stand out; they make fantastic songs too.

Check it out:

I think this is great, but the stuff on their myspace is even better.

There are a few videos on youtube and they also have a myspace. If you like what you hear you should buy their recently released album called 'Très Très Fort' which is available on iTunes now.

Hopefully we'll hear more from them soon; maybe they'll play at Latitude festival?

Rob

In Transit Show 8th March 2009

2009-03-08T15:33:00.002Z

Guest presenter Mike Afro

Playlist:

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

The National - Secret Meeting (Alligator)
The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Crosstown Traffic (Electric Ladyland)
Buen Chico - Giving Your Gifts (Right to Rearrange)
4 or 5 Magicians - Change The Record (Change The Record/Ideal Man - Single)
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (Thriller)
Junior Boys - In The Morning (So This is Goodbye)
Flight of the Conchords - Carol Brown
Curtis Mayfield - Super Fly (Super Fly Soundtrack)
Louis XIV - Finding That True Love is Blind (The Best Little Secrets Are Kept)
The Postal Service - Against All Odds (Against All Odds - Single)
The Beatles - Ticket to Ride (Help!)
Bran Van 3000 - Drinking in L.A. (Glee)
The Kinks - Strangers (Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One)
The New Pornographers - Testament to Youth in Verse (Electric Version)

Download

Who watches the Watchmen?

2009-03-07T01:39:00.007Z

[Warning: some mild spoilers]

Well for tonight, the answer to that question was me and thousands of others around the globe. Some people have been waiting 20 years for a movie, some less time, some haven't been waiting at all. I personally have been waiting six months, and a long six months it has been since I finished reading Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons seminal graphic novel.

Reviews have been coming in from left, right and centre; there are those who loved it, there are those who liked it but saw a lot of flaws and there are those who hated it, as well as many other good ones.

Now it's my turn. If you bothered to read any or all of those reviews that I've linked above then you're probably already worn out from all the reading/listening so my review is going to be a simple like/dislike lists format. So here we go:

What I liked:

Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) - the perfect unlikely, disgusting but overall loveable hero
Visually incredible from start to finish
Awesome opening credits
Hey that shot's exactly as it was framed in the graphic novel!
"Rorschach's journal..."
All Rorschach monologues
Patrick Wilson's great performance as Dan Dreiberg
Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt definitely made me eat my words over my initial concerns about his ability to pull it off
The Comedian is unbelievably badass
Action scenes brilliantly choreographed and not way over the top
Nice bone breaking
Nice amounts of gore
Very true to the source material
New ending works just as well as the original ending
Some nice bits of cinematography
Grime and grit is not lost
Great sets
Dr. Strangelove war room
The length - I like long movies
Story is well paced
Ambiguous journal ending intact
Looking at Malin Akerman
Malin Akerman's breasts

What I disliked:

Too much slow motion in the opening scene
Malin Akerman's acting in some (not all) scenes
Billy Crudup as Dr. Manhattan
Rorshach's voice is too similar to Christian Bale's Batman (although it does suit Rorschach too)
(Practically) No Comedian in the second half
The scene on Mars - engrossing on the page; but boring on the screen (maybe because it revolved around the two worst actors?)
Music: Great songs (Simon & Garfunkel, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan et al.) but did not at all suit the scenes
Sex scene - too much of a joke (but I wouldn't cut it as it featured the aforementioned breasts)
President Nixon's way too comical gigantic nose
Dr. Manhattan growing and shrinking looked like a piece of clip-art being dragged larger or smaller
No explanation of Rorschach's mask
No in-depth Rorschach psych analysis (though this probably wouldn't have worked in the film)
Linking it all to Veidt took less than two minutes and was hard to follow even for someone who has read the graphic novel

OK so there are quite a few things I disliked about the film, but there are a lot more things that I loved, and they are the more important things too.

I'm really excited to hear what people who haven't read the graphic novel have to say about the ending; I don't think many more divisive (or genius) endings to stories have ever been written.

Overall I don't think we could have wished for a better adaptation; by no means is it perfect, but it's engrossing, fun, thought provoking and overall thoroughly enjoyable. An admirable accomplishment for the "visionary" Zack Snyder.

Rob.

And for those of you who know nothing about Watchmen here is the trailer to (hopefully) spark your interest:

In Transit Show: 1st March 2009

2009-03-02T03:25:00.003Z

This is Olly's last show. If you're interested in guesting in the upcoming weeks get in touch with either me or Dasal.

Playlist:

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Contender (The Pains of Being Pure At Heart)
Pet Shop Boys - It's A Sin (Actually)
The Proclaimers - (I'm Gonna) Burn Your Playhouse Down (This is the Story)
Here We Go Magic - Tunnelvision (Here We Go Magic)
Grizzly Bear - Little Brother (Yellow House)
Bob Dylan - Girl From The North Country [feat. Johnny Cash] (Nashville Skyline)
N.A.S.A. - Spacious Thoughts [feat. Kool Keith & Tom Waits] (The Spirit of Apollo)
Anvil - Metal on Metal (Metal on Metal)
Dr. John - Right Place Wrong Time (In the Right Place)
M. Ward - Stars of Leo (Hold Time)
Jaydiohead - Dust Off Your Android (Jay-Z x Radiohead)
Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon Delight (Starland Vocal Band)
Fleet Foxes - Ragged Wood (Fleet Foxes)

Download

The Pancake Mix

2009-02-28T02:39:00.003Z

A compilation of mine and my flatmate Nick's best (and worst) pancake tosses from pancake day this year.

It gets better as it goes along.

Rob

In Transit Show: 22nd February 2009

2009-02-23T03:58:00.003Z

This week we had the wonderful Nick Taylor filling in for Olly, and he did a great job! Check it out!

Playlist:

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

Joy Division - Disorder (Unknown Pleasures)
Sondre Lerche - The Tape (Phantom Punch)
Nirvana - Lithium (Nevermind)
The Walkmen - I Lost You (You & Me)
The White Stripes - There's No Home For You Here (Elephant)
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Geno (Searching for the Young Soul Rebels)
The Whip - Divebomb (X Marks Destination)
The/Sections - Take Me Back in Time (http://www.myspace.com/thesections)
Michael Jackson - Stranger in Moscow (HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I)
The Smashing Pumpkins - Mayonaise (Siamese Dream)
Supergrass - Caught By The Fuzz (I Should Coco)
Foo Fighters - Baker Street (The Colour and the Shape [Bonus Track])
Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch - Lua (Dark Was the Night)

Download

This is why you're fat.com

2009-02-21T23:40:00.003Z

This is the best diet motivation in the world! I recently came across the gut wrenching, heart attack inducing, cardiac causing "this is why you're fat.com" Check that shit out.

I've always thought I have a bad diet, what with chocolate, cake an the Woody Grill featuring in my diet, however when I stumbled across this website, I realised I have treated my body like a temple.

I am so, so, so glad that I don't live in the USA, a place where food like this is still legal. Possibly the worst dish on here is the "Baconnaise."

Oh dear.

Truly yours,

Dasal

In Transit Show: 15th February 2009

2009-02-16T03:19:00.004Z

Jeff Buckley - Mojo Pin (Grace)
Jonathan Richman - Abdul and Cleopatra (Back In Your Life)
Brooke Benton and Dinah Washington - Baby (You've Got What It Takes) (Endlessly: The Best of Brook Benton)
Fanfarlo - The Walls Are Coming Down (Reservoir)
The Beta Band - Wonderful (Heroes to Zeros)
Paul Simon - 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (Still Crazy After All These Years)
The Dears - Money Babies (Missilies)
Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position (The Magic Position)
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - Ain't No Mountain High Enough (United)
Grizzly Bear - He Hit Me (Friend EP)
Tilly and the Wall - Love Song (Bottoms of Barrels) [N.B. We played the version from their Daytrotter session]
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps (Fever to Tell)

Download

scattergories

2009-02-15T12:55:00.001Z

Things that are sticky
Famous landmarks
cars
herbs and spices
bad habits
cosmetics/toiletries
celebrities
cooking utensils
reptiles/amphibians
mountains
leisure activities
things that fasten

The Life Traumatic : Episode 4

2009-02-14T16:55:00.002Z

In Transit Show: 8th February 2009

2009-02-09T02:50:00.004Z

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

Modest Mouse - 3rd Planet (The Moon & Antarctica)
Seasick Steve - Dog House Boogie (Dog House Music)
Blink-182 - Adam's Song (Enema of the State)
Green Day - Welcome to Paradise (Dookie)
Sly and the Family Stone - Everyday People (Stand!)
M.I.A. - Boyz (Kala)
Radiohead - Climbing Up the Walls (OK Computer)
Beach Boys - Surfer Girl (Surfer Girl)
The Flaming Lips - Brainville (Clouds Taste Metallic)
GDSP Music - Not Right Now (http://www.myspace.com/gdspmusic)
Aretha Franklin - I Say A Little Prayer (Aretha Now)
Panda Bear - Comfy in Nautica (Person Pitch)
RevoLucian - Bale Out
Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters (Ghostbusters Soundtrack)
Doves - There Goes The Fear (The Last Broadcast)

Click to Download

The Life Traumatic : Episode 3

2009-02-06T17:27:00.001Z

NoRave

2009-02-04T22:02:00.002Z

Hate nu-rave? Feel the joke has gone too far? Too hipster for ex-hipster music? Then NoRave music is for you.

Last week i found out about the brilliant no rave genre whilst "DJing" an event. I rushed home eager to find out more. I had only been told about it, now I needed to hear it. The premise of NoRave is essentially to be a big wet slap in the face of pussy southerners bopping along to their supposedly cutting edge hipster rhythms, a.k.a. nu rave. In their own words,

"The whole thing came about because we were listening to a lot of music that was quite experimental and joking about the acts that were supposedly the hip new things but that were really conservative. So we thought, why not create something like an inverse of what is happening in London and that is musically exciting?"

This compilation album comes from Glasgow label 'little rock records' and essentially features artists all from their label or artists originally from Glasgow itself. The music itself isn't too bad, but the principle of it is in my eyes, funny yet a little pointless. While all the music on the album is listenable, I wouldn't say it was enjoyably listenable. Whats the point of music which isn't enjoyable, or even remotely danceable. This isn't intelligent dance music, just novelty. Actually, no the only use I can think of it is scary horror films or some sort of torture to give people on acid. Euurgh. I'll probably play a song next time I'm DJing just for kicks.

Dasal

In Transit Show: 1st February 2009

2009-02-02T03:31:00.001Z

Playlist:

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

Bruce Springsteen - Outlaw Pete (Working On A Dream)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Turn Into (Show Your Bones)
Bobby Darin - Don't Rain On My Parade (Something Special)
Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes (Merriweather Post Pavilion)
No Age - Teen Creeps (Nouns)
The Four Seasons - Walk Like A Man (Big Girls Don't Cry And Twelve Others)
John Frusciante - Central (The Empyrean)
The Spinto Band - Oh Mandy (Nice and Nicely Done)
Joe Cuba Sextet - Mambo of the Times
Dent May - Oh Paris! (The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele)
LCD Soundsystem - North American Scum (Sound of Silver)
Star Wars Cantina Band - Star Wars Cantina Song
Franz Ferdinand - Lucid Dreams (Tonight: Franz Ferdinand)

Click here to download

Retro = Awesome

2009-02-01T15:19:00.000Z

I want this, it's awesome: click

Rob

I hate these kids

2009-01-29T00:09:00.005Z

Now anybody that knows me will know that I've never fully understood Animal Collective's appeal but I'm starting to come around to it. I'm saying this because I don't want you to think that I hate the kids because they're saying bad things about a band I like; the reason I hate them is their reasoning for hating Animal Collective: they've become "too popular".

In Dasal's earlier post obscure and pretentious we had two guys making fun of and being ironic about dudes who try to act cool because they listen to way obscure music. That video is funny. The fact that there are people out there like it makes me mad, especially with the demeanor that the kids in this video have as if they have some God-given right to tell everyone what's right and what's wrong.

What also makes me mad is that they don't even give a good reasoning for turning against Animal Collective apart from the fact that now more people have heard of them, surely a good thing right? My personal favourite band Radiohead have garnered quite a lot of press attention surrounding the release of their last album, shit, they're even playing at the Grammy Award Ceremony but you don't see me flying off the chain about it.

They try to act cool by turning each song title into a pun that makes fun of Animal Collective. This bit's actually quite funny but only to laugh at how pathetic they are.

The bit where my blood really boiled is right towards the end when they say "it was cool to be a fan", thus admitting that they only listen to Animal Collective because they're trying to look cool and are now jumping ship because they don't want to be grouped with everyone else. They need to stay "indie".

Idiots. Even the cat looks unimpressed, he probably has more brains than any of them.

Rob

Franz Ferdinand review

2009-01-26T23:18:00.004Z

Just thought I'd let you know that my review of Franz Ferdinand's new album 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand' is up at onethirtybpm.com

Click here to read it.

Cheers, Rob

Ateaseweb.com - A Community. A Way of Life. A Religion. (My reply to Dasal)

2009-01-24T02:49:00.009Z

I feel in Dasal's previous post he has been a bit harsh on atease, which to me is the greatest community on the internet.

Yes, most people there are attracted to the Main Forum where the only thing discussed is Radiohead, Radiohead and more Radiohead. I spent my first two or three years on atease only in this forum in threads where we made up and posted fake IM conversations with band members or discussed why Phil always wears a purple shirt or ranked their songs for the THIRTY MILLIONTH TIME.

But one day I ventured outside the Main Forum and discovered that atease offers SO MUCH MORE.

If I were to list for you all the bands that I have discovered through the atease Music Forum it would... well it would be a damn long list!! If you want to be cool and talk about bands that nobody's heard of, go to gigs that aren't sold out, criticise Pitchfork yet still comply to what it dictates as 'Best New Music' or develop an addiction to obscure music that means you have to download at least 5 albums a week then this is the place for you!

Atease has also led me to discover plenty of other great things such as what.cd, Arrested Development, last.fm, Twin Peaks, the ABSOLUTELY AMAZING Mark Gormley... I could go on, whereas Dasal has introduced me to, amongst other monstrosities, Ken Park and Girls and Corpses.

On atease there is always somebody there to listen. Who else out there is going to debate with me over whether Locke is actually dead or not? Where else can I state my opinion and have a 50% chance that someone will listen (and a 10% chance that they will give a crap)? Where else can I complain about my musically ignorant friends and know that they'll never find out?

So if any of this sounds of any interest to you, please come and join us at Atease, the coolest place on the internet for uncool people.

Rob

p.s. Avoid Main Forum and only go into General Chat if you aren't easily offended.
p.p.s. If you decide to join us, I'm Temporaryism, say hey!

Scattergories - i hate/love it

2009-01-22T23:55:00.007Z

Our house has found a new love, the board game without a board, the brain aching word puzzler. Scattergories.

This game sees each player try and come up with a word for each category on a prechosen list. Unfortunately this isn't so easy. The word must begin with a letter randomly chosen by a 26 sided die, and the list must be completed in a time limit. Tricky.

Since getting this game before for Christmas, it seems our house, and everyone who visits our house will be unwittingly drawn into a game. Even worse, once you've played one game, you can't stop, and invariably carry on till your brain cells collapse. I wouldn't be surprised if this game led me to a stroke one day. I hate this game, but unfortunately I'm addicted to it. I seem to have an uncanny knack for it and end up winning nearly every time, leading to a small fleeting high. This game is worse than crack.... I'd imagine.

Essentially we on In Transit have become so obsessed with this game that we're spreading it to the world, evangelising (dealing) this game (drug) to the masses by playing the game live on air in next weeks show. Don't worry we won't waste your time, we'll use song time as our timer! Anyway, you won't get bored, you'll get hooked and intrigued, possibly even buy it. Don't get drawn in, those damn Parker Brothers don't need any more money.

Dasal

Internet Music Forums - A Dark Place

2009-01-22T23:24:00.005Z

The ever lovable Rob, has a dark secret. Well, i say secret, but if he's within 10 yards of a computer you'll see it soon enough. That's right, he's an ateaseweb member.

I recently decided i needed to get to know my co-host better, and, as i was bored, i thought there was no way better than to delve into the depths of the most argumentative, pretentious and critical music message board around.

For those of you who have never heard about this shady place, atease is originally an radiohead message board, but has grown since its conception into a music and even general message board. I personally ended up spending most of my time browsing the food threads, but i found my enemies even in this seemingly benign topic.

I think atease can be summed up by encylopedia dramatica's article in:
"There are three types of people on Atease: those who post strictly in the main forum and worship Radiohead members' various body parts, those who post strictly in the other music forum and compulsively create lists to prove their musical nerdiness, and those who stay mostly in general chat and are obsessed with pwning one another"

My first horrific encounter with this obsessive and frankly angry side was when i was posted a thread asking if there are any foods which Americans like and British people don't; such as root beer. One ateaser came up with the sensible suggestion of grapefruit. This was followed up with "gRAPEFRUIT - brilliant cut in half, sprinkled with sugar then shoved up a girls c*!t." Highly inappropriate and ungentleman like behaviour I'm sure you'll agree. Unfortunately these sorts of replies are far too common. However, even more annoying are the pointless polls such as "is ice a real food?"

Damn these people are bored.

After my short spell on ateaseweb, i have concluded that this world isn't for me. I can't cut it with these people, there constant need for oneupmanship, pretentiousness and inappropriate conduct have got to me. How this website has been going for 10 years is beyond me. Actually, its because of the obsessive and ever so slightly neurotic fans. I believe I've gained a quintessential view into Rob's psyche, and can happily conclude he isn't one of these sorts of fans, but is simply part of the small minority of ateasers that are actually normal.

resources, if you dare - ateaseweb

Dasal

New Issue of Under City Lights!

2009-01-22T10:37:00.006Z

The newest edition of UCL's amazing music fanzine has just been released!

It features contributions from myself, our good friend (and editor) Edwin and lots of other knowledgeable people from around UCL!

Features include:

Interviews with: High Places, Crystal Stilts, Male Bonding and Graffiti Island
Reviews: Franz Ferdinand and Deerhunter albums, Okkervil River Live
Our Mixtape: An eclectic mix of songs chosen by all of the different contributors and it's FREE to download!
and more!

So check it out now at: http://undercitylightszine.blogspot.com
or if you're on the UCL campus pick up a physical copy from the Union or the CSC.

Cheers, Rob

In Transit Show: 18th Jan 2009

2009-01-19T03:11:00.004Z

Playlist:

Format: Artist - Song (Album)

The Flaming Lips - Fight Test (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots)
El Guincho - Palmitos Park (Alegranza)
Modest Mouse - The View (Good News For People Who Like Bad News)
Coldplay - Lovers in Japan (Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends)
Born Ruffians - Barnacle Goose (Red, Yellow & Blue)
The Shins - Girl Inform Me (Oh, Inverted World)
The Hold Steady - Stuck Between Stations (Boys and Girls in America)
M83 - Graveyard Girl (Saturdays = Youth)
The Contours - Do You Love Me (Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance))
The Stooges - TV Eye (Fun House)
Whiskeytown - Mirror, Mirror (Pneumonia)
The Tallest Man On Earth - The Gardener (Shallow Grave)
ABBA - Does Your Mother Know (Voulez-Vous)
B.J. Thomas - Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid OST)

Click here to download

So Long Astoria

2009-01-16T17:12:00.005Z

The closing of the Astoria Theatre on Tottenham Court Road has been on the cards for a while now, but that doesn't mean that it hasn't come as a shock. Walking past it as I do generally at least once a week and seeing it in it's current decrepit state with no advertising posters or any sort of excitement emanating from it, I can't help but feel a pang of remorse at the loss of one of London's best mid-sized venues.

I went to some great gigs there including shows on my 18th and 19th birthdays. The highlights included my discovery of Metronomy and my first time seeing Los Campesinos! live and I had hoped to see many more there in the future.

The reason behind the demolition of the Astoria is because that area is to become part of a new cross-London rail service. Previous Mayor of London Ken Livingston put the final nail in the coffin last March, but at the same time promised a new venue nearby. I'm not entirely sure of his sincerity in that matter at the time and the fact that he has now been replaced in office by Boris Johnson probably means that those plans are even less likely if not forgotten completely.

Another point of contention for me is the fact that the new venue that Livingston promised is supposed to be bigger - we don't want bigger! At the moment it seems that there are not enough 2-3000 capacity venues in London. Even if they were to build a new one it would not have the history that the Astoria had, a great example of this is Radiohead's Live at the Astoria DVD of their performance there in 1994. For decades now it has been a cornerstone in many band's careers to play at the Astoria on their path to fame; I mean, even Nirvana played there!!

Perhaps most enraging is the fact that the Astoria had to cancel it's final send-off party because Transport for London gave them 28 days notice to get out, which did not give them enough time to organise it. I mean honestly, I know this is not the death of a person, but where is the respect!?

Oh well, goodbye Astoria, you shall be missed.

Rob

The Life Traumatic : Episode 2

2009-01-16T17:04:00.003Z

Episode 1

In Transit says Sorry!

2009-01-13T20:38:00.002Z

This is our collective apology for promising you a show on the 11th of January and then not being able to provide you with one. We hope you forgive us.

Indie - Obscure & Pretentious

2009-01-10T14:48:00.004Z

"In Transit" and therefore "Tin Trains" is supposedly an indie targeted show. I think we can all acknowledge this, what with the show featuring the likes of The Muppets and Mary Poppins whilst displaying a penchant for Leonard Nimoy.

Lately, we have been shocked at how "un-indie," and thus obviously uncool (not pretend indie uncool) we have become. Everyone knows, at least the ones who are hip, that indie is a state of mind, a nirvana if you will. A constant quest that we must all strive for and only a few of us, such as In Transit, can ever possibly achieve. Unfortunately for the normal human being this is all too hard and thus, we are better than you. However it seems we have lost sight of this, so in an attempt to revive all credibility I tracked a video which explained just how. What it means to be indie.

Summing it all up is my favourite line, "You're born Indie, they've proven it, it's genetic."
Bastards, these guys are wannabe In Transiters. They'll never be as obscure and pretentious as we are in heart. This new year the radio show will be back, better, and even more obscure and pretentious, probably not on the last one .

Dasal

The Life Traumatic : Episode 1

2009-01-08T21:03:00.008Z

The Life Traumatic is the new cartoon strip from the designer of the background of this blog, Ryan Hakimian. It focuses on the more bizarre, unseen side of life. A new strip will be out weekly.

Do not watch "Ken Park" unless Recording a Reaction Video

2009-01-06T21:03:00.007Z

It seems i have received a veritable flurry of messages (2), law suits (1-ish) and threats on my life (0) from people who have, against my advice, watched the controversial film "Ken Park" by Larry Clark.

I mentioned "Ken Park" in my first blog on Tin Trains as an example of a director who made one messed up awful film and followed it with a fun, cool and still slightly strange film (Wassup Rockers). It seems i didn't make a good enough case for how weird, distasteful and well, fucked up this film is, instead making it sound almost intriguing. Now i had two ideas on how to correct this. One to write a post explaining how shocking the film is, and the other was to try and post a few more blogs around making it sound more enticing, creating some sort of new, albeit longer, "2girls1cup."

This idea appealed to me. I could see it. Five years from now there would be 1000's of YouTube videos of peoples reactions to watching the film and office workers would send each other disguised links to the worst bits of the film just to mess with their minds. A more elaborate, extended rickroll say.

However i decided to choose the first option, missing out on my chance of becoming an urban legend. There is a reason why "Ken Park" isn't heard of much. It wasn't allowed a cinema showing in 100's of countries. I'm not even talking the fun ones like Saudi Arabia or China, even supposed liberal ones such as New Zealand banned the film. The film almost made it to release in the U.K. until Larry Clark, the director, punched and strangled the head of the film's distribution company backstage at a film festival. I have decided to create a user-friendly handy list for all the reasons why this film shouldn't be watched / will scar you for life.

Suicide in the 1st minute of a teenage boy
Incest
Rape
Auto asphyxiation Masturbation - choking oneself whilst knockin' one off
A naked kid murdering his grandparents in their sleep
A false marriage of a father and daughter
BDSM
Underage sex - incredibly graphic ( actors weren't actually underage)

Right, i think i made a good enough case for how messed up this film is, and hopefully now that i have educated the masses, i won't get anymore complaints. Hopefully in the process, somehow i have made it sound even more intriguing, giving me hope of starting something horrific.

DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM

Dasal

All Things Weird and Wonderful

2009-01-05T17:10:00.008Z

Every time I return to the USA it seems like they've come up with something bigger, stranger and funnier than the last time I was here. Here are a few photos of why I love America, mostly in the food area:

Disclaimer: If you are from the USA you might find it strange that I find these things strange.

If you're ever feeling homesick just pick up this heart of England FIVE CHEESES IN ONE cheese and you'll feel five times less homesick! But maybe five times more sick to your stomach...
My brother actually did manage to eat a whole one of these...
Why don't we have a great cake selecgtion like this in supermarkets in the UK?
Just love the name of this one.
OMGZZZ NOW I CAN HAVE THAT SUPER HOT ZAC EFRON LOOK AT ME WHILE I EAT MY CEREALZZZZZ!!!!!!! HE IS SUPER HOT!!lk"£k:

A nice bucket o' ice cream for you (nicely modelled by my brother to give you an idea of size). Afterwards you can take it to the beach and make sand castles!!Live Music Society needs to score some of these...

This is the classy way to drink green tea... by the gallon.Edible Lego!! Build something... AND THEN EAT IT!!

Basically the same idea as the lego but in the shape of animals, made by your favorute tractor company!!!
Why go to Starbucks when you can go to BAD ASS COFFEE!!?

All this for ten bucks? Damn that's the cheapest guaranteed ring sting ever.The new graffiti; tag the sky.

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-03T15:39:00.005Z

It's that wonderful time of the year again where i can make wishful promises to myself, talking of turning over a new life and taking my life in a better direction. This annual ritual is always a highlight of my year along with its accompanying healthy constructive week which, as custom dictates, follows.

This year my two main resolutions are biggies.

Get fit and healthy enough not to loose in the annual 10km race against one of my friends as per every year (whom unfortunately for me is also a triathlete).
Give up the horrific devil machine which every day cons me out of £1. It lures me in with it's promises of riches and without fail, 10 minutes later i leave empty handed. Of course i am talking about that dreaded device, the "It Box."

Now, these two resolutions seem simple enough, well not really, but in this hopeful optimistic time of the year i have geared up my lumbering body and mind to confront this Herculean challenge. Why? I have no idea. I put myself through this arduous assault of aspiration every year to no avail. This year however, this is THE year.

So far, this has taken me to new all heights of exercise, a whole 2 trips to the local "leisure centre" in the past two days accompanied by 8 fruit and veg' portions a day. Wow. I only tentatively use the term "leisure" centre. To get to the gym in this place takes one through seemingly endless lengths of cold bland subterranean corridors till one finally enters a cavernous cold room which i could only compare to some soviet "Olympic excellence camp." Even worse, upon leaving there is an arduous trek back up to sea level through dark dismally lit passageways, all the time with my muscles and joints aching. I liken this "leisure centre" experience with medieval torture.

Upon typing this I have started to question the point to this mission of turning over a new leaf because at the moment i feel shit. Heck, I can't wait till i fall to peer pressure and drop these resolutions. I'm missing my baby It Box and Woody Grill Kebab. I've heard there's a new game on the It Box, "Are you smarter than a 10 year old?" I know i am, I'm going to win this time, i can feel it. I can't wait. Screw my student debt and health.

I call for a resolution revolution. Down with theses foul things! What have they ever done for us except give us hope! nothing, and i intend to keep it that way.

Dasal

'Moab is My Washpot' - Stephen Fry

2009-01-03T15:17:00.005Z

Before I proceed I'd like to state that this is not a book review per se, but more of a book recommendation.

At twenty years of age it seems like the perfect time to read Stephen Fry's wonderful autobiography, not only because it is the age at which he writes up to in his life, but because it is a clear message to all of us in doubt about our futures that no matter how badly you mess up things can still turn out well for you. Now you might say that we're not all going to have the same level of success and become the next host of QI but on the other had I doubt that the majority of us will get in anywhere near as much trouble as the young Mr. Fry did. I won't spoil the "plot" for those of you who don't know it, but it's safe to say that he had a torrid, tough and overall fascinating childhood and adolescence.

However it is not only the stories in the book that make it worth reading, but moreover the style and honesty with which they are written. Fry tells us about falling in love with English language early on in his life and how that love affair blossomed into something beautiful and terrifying throughout his life. It is obvious to anyone who has read, seen or heard anything that he's ever done that it is a flame that still burns in his heart today. The vocabulary is exceptional (you'll learn a lot of new words from reading this, and then if you're anything like me you'll have forgotten them by the end of the page), his influences range from modern day comics to nineteenth century poets and beyond, he can turn a simile like a hooker turns a trick and probably administer just as much pleasure in doing so. His writing style is not a stream-of-thought kind of style a la Jack Kerouac, but he does often go off on tangents in the middle of an anecdote to give his opinions on a range of things from homophobia to school games lessons. It may at first seem confusing or annoying but in the end will endear him more to the reader.

In this book he will make you laugh, cry and pause in awe at some of his feats; he holds nothing back (excpet a few identities); his emotions, sexuality and sins are all laid bare and put under intense scrutiny. A true tour-de-force of a life story that is a must read for any Stephen Fry fan.

Despite all the marvelous facets of this book that I've already mentioned perhaps the nicest one is that with the high brow writing style and flourishes of French there is no way to read this book without hearing Fry's deep and smooth voice articulating it to you inside your mind. It's a must read.

Rob

Computer Sings in the New Year

2008-12-30T23:30:00.007Z

Just before Christmas i stumbled upon the unstoppable electronic harmonizing vocalizing wonder laptop belonging to a "Mr Hopkinson." This is no Microsoft speech generator though, Mr Hopkinson's laptop is a true emotional heart touching performer, the likes of David Bowie and Thom Yorke. However he prefers to compare himself to "Cylob, Morrissey, Eddie the shipboard computer, Stephen Hawking, Satnav & BT call minder."

This Winterval / Christmas / Hannukah / Eid / Divali / Winter Solstice has been passed not with the usual selection of classic tunes but instead to the vocoder tender tones of Mr Hopkinson's computer. My festive fave covers of his are "Happy Xmas (war is over)" and "Fairytale of New York."

However where this pitch perfect machine comes in to his own is with, in his own words, "indie songs from the 80's & 90's." His cover of Fake Plastic Trees was even described by Radiohead themselves as "better than original, way better. It's amazing, it brings tears to your eyes, his voice is so beautiful. I wish we could have done that." Now that's a pretty mighty accolade.

No robot should ever be able to bring tears to my eyes, not until Skynet invents the T-1000 and fucks us all, but Mr Hopkinson's laptop does. On a side note I reckon Mr H's Computer is our last chance against this, as Arnie is too busy driving his hybrid bioethenol electric hummer. I won't stop till i get to see Mr H's computer perform live (and he does). Infact iwon't stop till i get Mr Hopkinson's computer to headline UCL.

Some of his highlights include:
Fake Plastic Trees
Fools Gold
The Power of Love - duet w/ laptop The Audrey 3000
Nude

But my favourite, if not simply for his stage presence in this live video is Where is My Mind, the Pixies Cover.

Myspace - myspace.com/computersings

Dasal

MERRY (late) CHRISTMAS

2008-12-26T15:52:00.003Z

I stumbled on this amazing website recently. It allows you to make videos of yourself using some premade templates by just uploading photos of yourself! Sooooo, merry christmas from us and here's our christmas present dance to you:

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The Muppets Rock

2008-12-24T16:23:00.006Z

Our 7th December radio show had the classic "Mahna Mahna" and ended with my two muppet heroes, "Statler and Waldorf," otherwise known as the two grumpy guys on the balcony.

Everyone loves the Muppets, and if they don't, they HAVE NO SOUL. I remember my days toddling along to Sesame Street and the Christmases spent watching the muppet movies. Heck i might even go to the extreme of saying that the combination Dr Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker inspired my love for science.

This sudden resurgence in love for the muppets made me track down some of their best musical moments. Who knew furry monsters with guy's hands shoved up their rear ends could produce music gems like these:

and finally, the immense james blunt:

Dasal

I hate Myspace Bands

2008-12-24T00:24:00.010Z

I've finally had it with myspace.

No, it wasn't the horrific design, or the fake profiles, or the scams, or the $500 Macy's gift cards, or the bulliten whores.... the list goes on. It's the annoyingly massive number of bands that seem to single me out every week to add me as a friend!

Okay, i have nothing against am up and coming band trying to promote itself, but no, i don't like mexican soul or mongolian techno (maybe a little), but i most definately do not enjoy being deluged with requests and messages from these bands telling me that i'll love there new EP. They somehow think they can read my mind, admitedly myspace adverts try there hardest to this already.

Oh myspace, where once you were new, savvy, cutting edge and hip, now you just irritate me. You're lucky you have all the music and bands on your side, but even that is starting to wear thin now.

Dasal

Skate Log: Damn, I'm rusty.

2008-12-19T17:06:00.003Z

Dasal's post about skateboarding inspired me to pick up my skateboard and ride again. Luckily I don't live too far away from a skatepark, so I took this relatively mild winter day and skated on down.

After a short session within which I managed a few ollies, a couple of kickflips and minimal injury (small bruising to the right knee) I realised one thing; I'm rusty.

Maybe it was just because of the salt in the seaside air...

But this was the start of my glorious return! Unfortunately I forgot my ipod so I couldn't try any of Dasal's musical suggestions. Maybe if I listen next time they will help me regain the low-level abilities that I once had.

Rob

Science > Sex

2008-12-18T21:59:00.003Z

,The great heads of European science realised that as a continent we are shit at knocking out scientists. That was until they decided to produce this ad to get hip young kids partying down to the beat of chemistry.

Unfortunately this advert doesn't seem to have worked its magic on 2/3 of the in transit crew.

Dasal

I LOVE SKATING (and punk)

2008-12-18T17:32:00.005Z

About a year ago at a party i was treated to the experience of watching a film called Ken Park. I was in for the long ride. Its a film by director Larry Clark based upon his and his friends' experiences of growing up. All i can say is that after watching that film he had a strange youth full of underage drugs, drinking, sex, murder, BDSM, incest, suicide, religious extremism....... and most importantly the art of "Erotic Asphyxiation." An all round family film then, one for the post Xmas meal some might say, i wouldn't. This film is only just watchable and extremely weird, and I'm sure will one day make it onto the radio show for conversation.

Recently at a friends house i decided to give Larry Clark another try, this time it was the turn of the film "Wassup Rockers"

Wassup Rockers is a far more tame affair which was a welcome respite from the last film. This film is loosely based on the experiences of a group of teenage Hispanic boys from South Central L.A. These kids, in stead of conforming with the usual gangster and hip hop culture they were surrounded with instead decided to pull on the drainpipe trousers, t-shirts, bandannas and skate to an awesome soundtrack of punk. They do some awesome skating and eventually end up in Beverly Hills where there adventure begins. The kids manage just about piss off / charm a whole range of Beverly Hills socialite caricatures, two of which manage to accidental kill themselves. My favourite being a gay fashion photographer who falls down his stairs whilst spying on one of the kids in the bathroom. This films is immense, and the kids are brilliant (all playing themselves). The DIY feel on the film, the almost inconceivably plot and the brilliant soundtrack make this film, well, Punk.

This film has most definitely re awoken my passion for skating and punk music, the kids in the film reminding me of what i used to be like, or what i used to want to be like more realistically. My inner skate self has been recharged to the extent that tomorrow I'm determines to get myself down to my local skate shop and get myself some new gear.

The second superstar in this film after the skating is punk music. I have long teased my punk flatmate about her music taste, but I've suddenly decided it ain't actually too bad, in fact its immense, at least in the right situation. (preferably not whilst I'm trying to have a nice evening in with the cocoa) I've decided to make myself a punk play list with all my favourite stuff, most of which i used to skate to.....

Wolves in Wolves' Clothing - NOFX
And Out Come the Wolves - Rancid
Americana - The Offspring
Sing Sing Death house - The Distillers
Hey Ho Lets Go - The Ramones
Enema of the State - Blink-182
Haunted Cities - The Transplants
London Calling - The Clash
The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground
Dookie - Greenday
Stranger Than Fiction - Bad Religion
Losing Streak - Less than Jake
Wasted Again - Black Flag

Dasal