Phoenix & Daft Punk At Madison Sq Gardens

Now I usually hate dodgy fan made Youtube videos of gigs like the below. But this had to be documented and now ranks along Jay-Z at the Royal Albert Hall in my 'wish I was there' gig list.

I love Phoenix and love Daft Punk and even the screams when the audience realised what was going on sent a shiver down my spine. You lucky New Yorkers.



Check out my best of Phoenix spotify playlist here

My Gigs Of 2009

A TOP THREE (in no order)

Phoenix- Brixton Academy

For some reason I never thought I'd see the French band live but they absolutely smashed it down the road from my flat. I actually paid for this one too which I think makes it even better. Listen to my own personal Best Of Phoenix on Spotify here...

Radiohead- Reading

Had almost forgotten that Radiohead are the best band in the world until this. In Rainbows is their most complete album and the tracks from it sounded perfect here. Plus there was still room for National Anthem, Everything..., Idioteque, Paranoid Android and Street Spirit. Proper magical. Read a full review at my day job here...

Blur- Hyde Park

The sun shone, the Essex boys wore Fred Perry shirts and played nearly all their best songs in central London. It was truly astonishing if you ask me. Just a shame that new material seems highly unlikely. Buy the CD here...

Three others...

Jamie T @ Electric Ballroom
New song Spider’s Web features ukulele and rhymes Intifada, Robert Palmer and er, pyjamas and yet somehow still doesn’t sound forced, while the killer chorus reminded us of The Clash’s pop moments. On 368 there were echoing 80s style guitars and a rapid Beastie Boys-a-like rap, coupled with a gently sung hook, and while new single Sticks N’ Stones loses some of its breakbeat clarity live it still showcases the solo star’s knack for writing choruses - boasting two so good they put a lot of indie bands to shame. (review here)

Jay-Z @ Ally Pally
Referencing his 10 successive number one albums in the US the rapper thanks his loyal fans before mentioning the previous record holder. He tells the crowd: “Elvis has left the building!” Jay-Z definitely hasn’t. (Full review here)

Kraftwerk @ Bestival
Backed by superb visuals, the four Germans ran through their often sampled bleepy hits including Tour De France, Man Machine and Computer Love. (Full review here)

10 Best Tracks Of 2009

In my opinion (obviously)

Dirty Projectors- Stillness Is The Move-
Bat for Lashes- Daniel
Jamie T - Sticks n Stones
Lily Allen- Back To The Start
La Roux- In For The Kill (Skream Remix)
Phoenix- 1901
MSTRKRFT (+ John Legend)- Heartbreaker
Eminem/ Dre/ 50- Crack A Bottle
Mos Def- Auditorium
Major Lazer- Hold The Line

Hear these and other things I like here: GET STRAIGHT BEST OF 2009

Phoenix

Phoenix are one of my favourite bands ever but for some reason I never expected to see them live.

I did last week at Brixton Academy though and they were absolutely incredible. With gorgeous crisp guitars, keys and drums. The lighting and stage design were impeccable too with lazers, projections and backdrops to suit the music.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a great album but i'm more into their first two records. After playing most of their new disc in the main set it was the encore that kept me (very) happy.

Everything Is Everything (stripped back)/ Playground Love/ If I Ever Feel Better/ 1901

It was just perfect.

HEAR MY FAVOURITE PHOENIX TRACKS ON SPOTIFY HERE

Phoenix From The Flames

One of my favourite bands have returned with a leak from their forthcoming fourth album.

Phoenix are a French group who channel their country's soft rock sensibilities and add funky basslines and electro twists. Members of the band were once in a group called Darlin (great name) with the Daft Punk guys.

Have a listen to Funky Squaredance and all of their second disc Alphabetical. Singer Thomas (who is the partner of Sofia Coppola) once said that their lyrics worked better because English is his second language. He said it meant he didn't sing about 'the kitchen sink.'

GET PHOENIX- 1901 HERE