The Fiery Furnaces 'I'm Going Away'

A while back I used this blog to indicate my excitement at the imminent release of a new Fiery Furnaces' record. Well the album was out this week and I'm delighted to say it's a real peach.

The Fiery Furnaces - Charmaine Champagne from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.

Critics have been generous in their praise and the general consensus is that I'm Going Away in many respects owes more than a nod to their debut release Gallowsbird's Bark, certainly in terms of it's accessibility.

While the new album is sweet, sleek, tuneful pop in comparison to the more angular bluesy sound of Gallowsbird's it shares that record's 3 minute, more emotive, more traditionally structured style. While shorter, more structured tracks were something they were clearly returning to with the last two records (Bitter Tea, Widow City) after their deviations with Blueberry Boat and Rehearsing my Choir it is with this record that the idea is again fully realised.

I'm Going Away is a much more immediate record, and this is largely down to the fact that the Friedberger's gift for insanely catchy pop hooks is allowed to take centre stage, almost entirely unobsured by the extra layers of discordant noise, errant notes and snyth effects which while adding greatly to the Furnaces' records are something that often makes their albums challenging first listens, if ultimately hugely rewarding. I'm Going Away is the record to use when first introducing somebody to the band, or to win over your sceptical mates.

A different talent

Kseniya Simonova, winner of Ukraine's version of 'Britain's got Talent' doesn't sing crap covers of Mariah Carey tracks or perform dull break dance routines. Her act goes rather deeper emotionally and artistically. Indeed, she reduced judges and audience members to tears.

Her talent is to tell stories by manipulating sand with her hands. In something akin to stop-motion drawing objects appear, morph and fade as her hands cross the board. The non-stop speed which she goes about creating the scenes of her tales and the way a series of seemingly arbitrary and careless flicks of the hand can suddenly turn into something as definite as a group of trudging, miserable humans is truely beautiful.

It was the cat! Honest!

We've all heard the cliche about the dog eating the homework but a Florida resident has found a new twist on the classic tale for police probing child-pornography offenses.

Keith Griffin told investigating police that the 1,000 offending images had been downloaded my his pet cat when he left the room. The cat was unable to give evidence in it's defence, but happily for the feline Griffin was charged. No word as the whether the cat will sue for defamation of character.

The WORST Penalty miss ever!

Aston Villa won the final of the pre-season Peace Cup last night on penalties against Juventus. Villa were aided greatly by what can only be discribed as a truely abysmal penalty attempt from Alessandro Del Piero. Penalties are largely regarded as a lottery and while embarrassing, no great shame is attached to missing - provided of course that the taker makes a reasonable attempt to score. Del Piero however, tries to do something clever but doesn't so much shoot as pass to the opposing goalkeeper.


He misses the rebound too...

Hertha Berlin Jacket

The new football season is fast approaching and brings with it a whole bunch of fresh kits and teamwear.

Nike have produced a range of two-tone zip up jackets for some of the biggest clubs that they sponsor, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona. This one for Hertha Berlin is my favourite of the bunch. I have to confess that I'm very tempted!