Brooklyn trio We Are Augustines' debut album sounds like it's been pieced together with spare parts from various other big indie-rock bands.
The Barometer: Hooded Fang; Little Comets; Charlotte O'Connor; thenewno2; Willy Moon; Whales in Cubicles; The Staves; Chinese Christmas Card; High Highs
Friday 02 December 2011
What's hot on our playlist
Album: Hard-Fi, Killer Sounds (Necessary/Atlantic)
Friday 19 August 2011
Hard-Fi's third album certainly talks a good fight, with tracks titled "Feels Good", "Excitement" and, of course, "Killer Sounds", which perhaps reveals their ambition to become the British equivalent of The Killers.
Album: Big Talk, Big Talk (Epitaph)
Sunday 17 July 2011
Big Talk is the side project of Ronnie Vannucci, eccentric drummer with, and everyone's favourite member of, The Killers.
John Walsh: Is university going to be worth it?
Thursday 30 June 2011
The Coalition is going degree-tastic. They're expanding the number of university places available to students with fewer than three As at A-level; they're going to allow universities which charge less than £7,500 per annum to attract more students – up to 20,000 more. Not only that. Students, according to this week's Government White Paper, will soon be giddy with empowerment. New measures will "allow" them to rate their lecturers as part of a students' charter or review; and "allow" them to complain about their courses.
Hard Rock Calling, Hyde Park, London
Wednesday 29 June 2011
Despite Glastonbury's moves ever further mainstream, London's mud-free alternative remains distinctive. Who could imagine Somerset hosting a tent-full of fans crooning "Lifted" by Nineties soul-poppers Lighthouse Family?
The Killers, Scala, London
Friday 24 June 2011
It's a treat to see a multi platinum-selling band in such a small venue. Tonight, the intimacy of the Scala's modest space is magnified by the presence of the world-famous musicians who take to the stage with a smile.
America's first Mormon president?
Thursday 02 June 2011
The Church of the Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest-growing and wealthiest religions in the world. But can the Mormons convince America to vote one of their number into the White House?
The ski season starts here: Three more months
Saturday 12 March 2011
After a promising start at the end of 2010, the ski season in the Alps and Pyrenees stalled for two months with little fresh snow. That's changed now, with big falls – up to a metre in 48 hours – in recent weeks. So the last two months of the season are looking excellent. Snow depths at Engelberg ( engelberg.ch) in the Swiss Alps are above 3.3 metres and touching 2.5 metres at the snowiest resorts in the French Alps, such as Flaine ( flaine.com).
Kuyt ensures reward for Liverpool’s effort
Friday 25 February 2011
Elton's Heroes: No. 4 - Brandon Flowers
Wednesday 01 December 2010
Amy Macdonald, Hammersmith Apollo, London
Thursday 28 October 2010
"Ordinary Life" is a somewhat ironic choice of opener for Amy Macdonald. The Glaswegian sings: "I don't care about the spotlight" in a voice that matches Dolores O'Riordan for stridency and adds KT Tunstall's huskiness. Amy, there is a spotlight 40 feet above your head, pointing right at you. It is not the only odd moment in a slick but ultimately underwhelming set.








