http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ The Blackroom Sessions is a series of gigs recorded at Somethin' Else Sound Directions Ltd. 60 en-uk Copyright 2006 Somethin' Else, All Rights Reserved Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:27:24 +0000 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:27:24 +0000 /assets/img/logo.gif 144 144 http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Black Room Session info@blackroomsessions.com no http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Easily one of the Newcastle band's finest moments, Books From Boxes is a telling story about the end. Whether it's the end of a dead-end town or just a doomed relationship, only enigmatic frontman Paul Smith knows. In this subtle re-imagining he tones down the usual effervescent stage persona to deliver a memorably restrained but touching performance. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else MaximoPark_BooksInBoxes.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else RemiNicole.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ A melancholic take on the 1998 Manic Street Preachers hit that like many of the best MSP tunes takes a nostalgic look at days of certainty and promise, before focusing on the bitter truth of today. An honest and bruising take on regret and empathy. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else JDB_the_everlasting.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else LittleDragon.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ An intimate performance from the hotly tipped London lady surely destined to follow in the inimitable footsteps of Kate, Lily and Amy. On the evidence of this heartfelt take on her debut single, she could soon join the ranks of the afore-mentioned girls and not need her surname for recognition. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else RemiNicole_FedUp.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else JohnHollenbeck.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ It's not just all about shoegazing rockers and idiosyncratic post-pop pixies in Iceland. Rekjavic's Mum create innovative but somehow charming and naive gypsy-jazz nursery rhymes. If that sounds challenging, as trumpets, violins, kazoos and rudimentary voice synths tend to when thrown together, do not fear. Mum make sweetly disarming music for the broad of palette and the open of mind. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else MUM_moon_pools2.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else TerryCallier.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Venezuelen percussion maestro Luisito has performed with jazz orchestras, latin dance groups and even on house records. Here he takes his music back to basics, with the Afro-Cuban influences he grew up with in full evidence. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else TBRS_luisito_Freedrums.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else EugeneMcGuinness.jpg 0:0 http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Another tender moment from rock's leading Geordie songwriters that in lesser hands would surely rank as effete moping. Instead, Karaoke Plays is a resolute, impassioned tale full of evocative urban images. On the strength of this delivery, it's unsurprising the band are feted for quiet moments like this as much as their energetic punky numbers. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else Maximo_Park_Kareoke_Plays.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ As the frontman of Manic Street Preachers, one of Britain's most consistently thoughtful but conversely angry bands, James Dean Bradfield has long perfected a yearning, soulful vocal timbre. Here it's in full flight, as the Welshman performs an acoustic, reflective take on the latest poignant Manics single, Indian Summer. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else JDB_Indian_Summer_T2.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else KanoDavidTheGirlThatIWant.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ A stunning rendition of this live favourite, which was also the final track from the debut mini-album, The Early Learnings Of Eugene McGuinness. Aside from being an auspicious and breezy ditty from the young troubadour with the Celtic roots, there is much to admire in the deft mix of rebel imagery and tenderness. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else EugeneMcGuinness.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Those who thought Massive Attack or Radiohead were the last word in ethereal magnificence are in for a beautiful surprise. Although a Swedish band, Little Dragon evoke a mystical Far Eastern sense of wonder through their precise, unfussy instrumentation. Yukimi Nagano's astonishing voice seals the deal with vocals that recall a century of weary but unbowed blues singers. Stirring stuff. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else JDB_the_everlasting.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else LittleDragon.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Hollenbeck and Bleckmann reinforce what those in the know always knew - that jazz isn't just about easy listening. This experimental piece seems at first to be unstructred, chaotic even. But as the disjointed rhythms and captivating chants progress, the effect is hypnotic, ensuring this avant-garde work is well worth the effort. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else RemiNicole_FedUp.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else JohnHollenbeck.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ An intimate performance from the hotly tipped London lady surely destined to follow in the inimitable footsteps of Kate, Lily and Amy. On the evidence of this heartfelt take on her debut single, she could soon join the ranks of the afore-mentioned girls and not need her surname for recognition. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else MaximoPark_BooksInBoxes.flv NaN:NaN Somethin' Else RemiNicole.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Callier was a friend of Curtis Mayfield and the vocal similarities with the late genius are obvious. It's also apt that this percussively funky number shares Mayfield's measured, mature but blunt take on street hassle. Reflective, but always assured with a refreshing clarity. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else TerryCallier.flv NaN:NaN http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ A modern take on the age old question: Do women really prefer a bad boy? Although never quite managing to answer the question, Kano drives on a tough, witty tune with heavyweight rhyming while Craig jumps in with the occasional harmony. Worth hearing alone for Kano's vocal reference to the origins of drum 'n' bass and his partner's shout-out to one of his early hits. http://www.blackroomsessions.com/ Somethin' Else KanoDavidBadboy.flv NaN:NaN