Nastinos

Archive for the ‘Features’ Category

Hello handsome people.

With Muse about to drop their 5th studio album “The Resistance” there are going to be a lot of people writing a lot of words about them this coming month and, in true ’sheep with a keyboard’ style, i’m going to be one of those people!

Now, to try and retain some degree of originality, rather than looking at the new album, or simply being another voice in the crowd saying how amazing their live show is (their live show is amazing by the way!), I’m going to have a bit of a look backwards at some remixes of Muse songs and  present those un/lucky few with their very own MRA! (Muse Remix Award)

Retro Remix Award

Muscle Museum – Soulwax Remix

First up is the retro remix award and the winner is the genius’ that are Soulwax. Muscle Museum from Muse’s first album Showbiz is given an uplifting errrm… uplift from the belgian mixing masters. The mix stays true to the original song’s format, but replaces guitars for electronics and ups the tempo , the result is a, blistering, very danceable 3:45 seconds, even if it does compromise on some of the epic power of the original.

The Award For Stopping A Muse Song Sound Like A Kylie Song

Uprising – Does It Offend You, Yeah? Remix

Uprising, some people like the new single, some people dislike it, others think it’s decent but sounds too much like something kylie should have released. Well, this special award for ’stopping a muse song sound like a Kylie song’ goes to Read the rest of this entry »

Greetings from Singapore, the Lion City. I arrived here during the final week of the Singapore International Arts Festival, and thought it only couth to sample some of its musical offerings as I am here. The headliners for the final week are Russian classicalists, viola-virtuoso Yuri Bashmet, leading the Chamber Orchestra Moscow Soloists, accopanied by the Moscow State Chamber Choir. Now, I know classical music isn’t the usual remit for this blog, however, I thought it would be an opportunity missed to go along and not attempt to review this act, so here goes…

First, to set the scene.  The performance was held in the iconic Esplanade. It really is a spectacular piece of architecture. Inside, the main concert hall resembles a cross between an upturned Noah’s arc, and a wooden cathedral, and the acoustics are excellent, I’d say better than the Albert Hall’s from past experience. During the interval I wandered out to the bar to grab a swift beer, which enjoys fantastic views overlooking the marina which is really quite stunning lit up at night.

I really enjoyed most of the programme. It opened with Stravinsky’s Concerto in D for strings, which sounds very contemporary despite it being over 60 years old. The first movement, Vivace, really stood out, a frantic, bustling piece, which conjured up images of a busy metropolis such as Singapore, and with a fantastic recurring discordant motif which feels like it’s always teetering on the brink of crashing, but remains beautifully balanced throughout.

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The success or failure of any holiday or long trip abroad hinges on many things – Have I got my passport? Has the hostel/hotel been booked? Do I know where I’m going once I get there? Have I got enough money? – These are all very important issues, but one of the more crucial questions which can either have an adverse effect upon holiday vibe or enhance the experience is “What music should I take with me?”

Planning your holiday playlist is not a task which should be left to the last minute, like say, packing! Much care, thought, and attention needs to be invested in it. You need to think about the place you’re going to and match your choices accordingly. For example, if you are planning a trip to the top of a tall landmark like say the Eiffel Tower or Niagara Falls, then it might not be a good idea to have Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ suddenly blaring out of your headphones! Clearly Balearic grooves are more fitting for sun, sea and sand rather than a skiing retreat to snow-fettered mountains, for which something post-rock would perhaps be more apt. For a relaxing retreat, chilled-out ambiance is probably more desirable than banging party anthems.

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