The Album
Sunny side up – Paolo Nutini
You get the feeling that this Scottish sensation did not like the idea of being pigeon holed. I am sure it is not because he doesn’t like or respect the musical talents of the James Blunts and Morrisons of the world and instead is more about expanding his musical repertoire. This second studio release is best described by his own management team – ‘almost unfashionably eclectic’. Most reviewers have given this latest musical offering a relatively hard time but I am quite enjoying Sunny Side Up. I believe it is a move that he deliberately chose in order to prove his longevity in the music industry; releasing a collection of songs that reflect him and his current headspace. A CD of similar acoustic love songs to its predecessor would have been too easy, showing little musical growth.
It is certainly not as polished and perfectly produced as These Streets and blends the groove and feel of soul, reggae and ska with the emotion and warmth of folk. Nutini’s vocals are still of the highest quality but the difference lies in his pronunciation, slurred and slightly accented. There is a hardened emotional edge to his voice, resulting in fuller sounding tunes. There is a wider range of instruments used – the Hammond organ, a bigger brass section, shuffling drums, harmonicas and even the banjo. The result is an eclectic and eccentric blast from the past with shades of Otis Redding, Bob Marley, Cab Calloway and, I may be alone in this one, Johnny Cash.
Sunny Side Up, produced by genius Ethan Johns, has a little of everything. The album opens with the reggae/ska inspired 10/10 ; the horn opening is instantly uplifting and the piano reminiscent of a silent movie car chase or bar scene. Coming Up Easy is a Hammond organ heavy Springsteen/Motown and is one of my favourites. Growing Up Beside You, a sweet summery number, makes the accordion cool.
The first single, Candy, is an endearing example of Nutini’s erudite lyrical talents. It is hard to stop yourself from swooning to this one. The lyrics of Tricks of the Trade are also a testimony to his skill – it’s a stripped back track with just backing vocals and a guitar; there are shades of David Gray. Listen to Pencil Of Lead for its jumping jazzy New Orleans feel and the bluesy, and in my opinion stand out track, No Other Way.
High Hopes has a hopping Hawaiian sway to it with percussion that wouldn’t be out of place in The Lion King. Chamber Music lends itself to Paolo’s lower register and personally reminds me of listening to a Scottish Johnny Cash. Similarly with Simple Things and the haunting Worried Man.
Sunny Side Up closes with the aptly named Keep Rollin, a slower eerie track that feels more like an outro than a song. It is a brave move by Paolo to release an album with such a vintage eclectic feel, one which has had mixed reception. I for one am enjoying his refreshingly vintage sound. Give the album a chance; it’ll grow on you as it did me.
The Single
Paparazzi – Lady GaGa
Oh look, I had to give it to her. Her self indulgent 3 minute and 5 second video intro to her latest release, Paparazzi is worth the viewing. So is the video, for various reasons. The low point is the dancing in crutches after being wheeled into a lobby by over enthusiastic jaunty male dancers. There are moments of pure gold in this clip, some fantastic concepts shadowed by lashings of self love. The song itself is undeniably catchy with another infectious hook and bouncing beat.
The Artist
Alison Sudol aka A Fine Frenzy
Originally born in Seattle, Sudol moved to Los Angeles at the age of five. She was immersed, from a young age, in the wondrous collection of music talents that all children should be exposed to. Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Elton John, The Beatles, Louis Armstrong and various swing bands were part of her earliest musical education. Sudol also surrounded herslf and consequently fell in love with the literary worlds of CS Lewis, Lewis Carroll and Charles Dickens, spurring a two pronged obsession; music and writing.
In 2007, Sudol appeared at the South By Southwest conference opening for The Stooges. Soon after, One Cell In The Sea was released. This debut album was received with positive reviews and had the beautiful, highly relatable track, Almost Lover. Mid 07, Sudol opened for Rufus Wainwright on his tour and 2008 saw greater success with her personal tour of the USA, Canada and Europe.
There is a timeless element to her lyrics and tunes, you could say influenced by her formative musical and literary years. After teaching herself to play piano, Sudol increasingly invested her internal narratives in song form. She became a fan of talents such as Coldplay, Keane, Aqualuna, Philip Glass and Bjork. Her sound, inspired by all aforementioned influences, shaped and developed the sound of A Fine Frenzy – the professional name she now goes by.
A Fine Frenzy is hypnotic, with piano-heavy songs complimented by Sudol’s poetry, largely about love and heart break. Europe has opened their arms to the shy red head and she has returned a few times for festivals, and headlining tours. Her popularity has been growing, with recognition on iTunes, Vh1 and entering charts across the globe. Sudol has announced the release of her second album, Bomb In A Birdcage early September. Her first single will be Blown Away.
The Gig
Serenik @ Bar Me, El Rocco – Kings Cross 26th of June
Serenik play an acoustic set at one of Sydney’s best kept secrets, El Roccos in The Cross. Supported by John Vella and Jess Maynard.
Emerging Sydney band, the incredible Serenik have recently experienced significant success performing their blend of pop rock in an acoustic setting at some of Sydney’s best venues. Their sound is impressive, slick and smacks of great success. Having performed up and down the east coast of NSW, Serenik have fine-tuned their live shows and this special acoustic performance at Bar Me will be a great representation of what’s to come. With the completion of their new EP nearing, the lads are very excited about the coming months. You might even be able to get your hands on an advance copy of the EP at this show. You do not want to miss this intimate gig. Get down to The Cross, Friday the 26th of June. I highly recommend pre purchasing a ticket, they are almost gone and the venue is quite small.
Happy listening
Dee xx
