Can Stand the Rain by The Talks Reviewed by Jonathan Cain

In the history of Hull's scene, we have seen many different genres of bands all varying from post hardcore to indie rock. However in the case of The Talks, their varying sound is both unique and a delight to listen to, their fusion of Reggae, Punk and Indie has always been a joy to the ear of many. So therefore I am glad to announce another triumph for the Hull lads as they release their latest single, Can Stand the Rain. The single features two tracks both of which are in the styling of old fashioned reggae, both songs, Can Stand the Rain and Why Did You Bring It Up use an offbeat rhythm which sounds an utter delight.

The brass section in both songs (played by Jody Moore and Patrick Petouris) accompany the songs extremely well and the saxophone solo played in Can Stand the Rain is a triumph to any musician as both the rhythm and styling of the solo match the song perfectly. The Talks say the reasoning behind the single Can Stand the Rain is basically talking how to put up with hard times. I'm sure however we can all think of a reason as to what may have brought this song on, therefore giving a good background to the song as it can relate to anyone.

The second track on the single Why Did You Bring It Up, however is simply about relationship issues, which I'm sure everybody can relate to at some point in their lives.

Needless to say, the new single by the Hull quartet is yet another success in the pocket of this bands career and is now available for download on iTunes. I recommend you download it, and if you like this single then you'll love The Talks album, Live Now, Pay Later also available for download. Keep up the good work lads.

Copyright © Jonathan Cain 2011

Album Reviews - Adventure Time by The Cute Lepers Reviewed by Dick Spring
	With opening track Tribute to Charlie (Harper of the legendary U.K Subs) the bar was set high for the third album by Seattle punks, The Cute Lepers. With the sloppy sleaze of New York Dolls in their prime and some bright brass it definitely has a nod to said band.Stevie Nix seems to have mastered the lazy drawling vocal style Read more...

Album Reviews - Live Now, Pay Later by The Talks Reviewed by Jonathan Cain
	Anyone who has been following the local music scene in Hull would be aware of the greatest ska band to ever grace its streets. I am, of course talking about The Talks - fabled to be the most successful band Hull has produced in recent years and prophesied to be as big as The Beautiful South one day by fans. Now that you're reading this you're probably thinking 'What's your point, Jonny?' Read more...

Album Reviews - Ben Parcell - Humble Beginnings Reviewed by Steve Rudd
	Coolly constituting the stunning debut solo LP from former Trailers front man, Ben Parcell, this lush ten-track offering hears Ben's voice at its best. Opening with the subtly anthemic beauty of Close Your Eyes, right from the utterly entrancing off, the production values assert their presence, the textured mix of guitar, drums and vocals luring the listener in from the very first verse. It's difficult Read more...

Album Reviews - Hurray for the Riff Raff Reviewed by Michelle Dee
	The tough looking girl on the cover, the open shirt and upturned collar defy me to press play. By time the opening instrumental track is done I'm hooked. Hurray for the Riff Raff scratch dollars and dimes while leaving a mark on your soul and are the latest signing of London based label Loose Music. I read the sleeve notes by Gabe Soria, savouring the narrative arc. Train-hopping? Crescent City? Whiskey and blood? Read more...

Album Reviews - Signe Tollefsen By Michelle Dee
	It has been four years since Dutch/American singer/songwriter Signe Tollefsen played live at the Lamp in Hull. That night she wowed the audience with a set overflowing with songs of sheer beauty and extraordinary vocal prowess. Since then Signe has been awarded Best Musician at Grote Prijs van Nederland, Holland's most Read more...

Album Reviews - The James Warner Prophecies - Fell Reviewed by Steve Rudd
	I vehemently stand by my claim. The James Warner Prophecies are one of the finest bands in the UK. And that's why I remain so confused, because if you ask the average person on the street, they have never heard of the band, let alone their life enhancing music. If I can help change that, I shall ... beginning now. I've said it before and I'll definitely say it again: this quartet is something Read more...

Album Reviews - Twilight of the Thunder God - Amon Amarth By James Green
	There is a fundamental reason why Amon Amarth were voted international band of the year 2008 by metal hammer magazine, even though I don't read metal hammer magazine due to the fact that I am into much heavier stuff, I could not agree more with metal hammer about the decision they made. Amon Amarth are most likely to be one of the greatest melodic death metal bands of the decade, and in 2008 Read more...

Album Reviews - Nat Johnson and the Figureheads - Roman Radio (Damaged Goods) By Dick Spring
	For 21 years now, the Damaged Goods label has brought the world a riot of punk rock and guitar pop bands, even 'discovering' the Manic Street Preachers along the way. Alongside this indulgence and guiding the career of medway marauders like Billy Childish, Thee Headcoats, Pete Molinari etc, it seems to have a penchant for an interesting female vocal as well. There seems to be a similarly diverse strategy to this also, with the likes of Helen Love alongside Fabienne Delsol, and label stalwart Holly Golightly. Read more...

EP Reviews - The Sugars - Gossip By Steve Rudd
	They might be called The Sugars, but not everything about this band is sweet, for their confrontational rock n roll sound is dark and deadly in equal measure, as exhilarating elements of Blues and Soul creep into their arrangements to make their music all the more interesting and engaging. Released through Bad Sneakers Record, Gossip is a sensational tune, anchored by Alex Lewis's irresistible beat, a funk-tastic bass-line, and genuinely cool Read more...

Single Reviews - Hey Negrita - You Can Kick Reviewed by Steve Rudd
	London-based boys Hey Negrita have been rightfully turning heads with their succulent blend of Blues, Rock and Americana since 2002, and this, their third studio album, helps to further cement their reputation as a highly original band par excellence. Right from the opening strains of Room Service through to the final chord progression of The Last Thing That I Do, the listener can't fail to be entranced by each and every track on this 12-song-strong wonder. Read more...

Single Reviews - Plough and Orion by Skinny Lister Reviewed by Steve Rudd
	Scheduled for release on August 24, this single from London-based outfit Skinny Lister is a simply divine song which deserves as much radio-play as it can muster. Anchored by an irresistible melody and a soothing vocal performance, it coolly tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers, detailing the intolerable cruelty of being away from somebody that you truly adore. A mid-paced gem of a tune, this is Alternative Indie-Pop as it's meant to be, with Read more...

CD Reviews - Winds Of Time - Glenn Williams and The Ullbillies (Lazy Swede Productions) By Jim Soars - Courtesy Of Maverick Country Music Magazine
	Hull's very own Glenn Williams is one of the hardest working composers and musicians in the UK country roots crossover genre. His latest release Winds of Time highlights his song writing credentials with ten new tracks making their first appearance. Again ably assisted by his regular band The Ullbillies that comprise guitarist / percussionist / keys Read more...

Album Reviews - Horse Guards Parade 'EP' (Download from iTunes) By Nick Quantrill
	Formed by former Salako front-man, James Waudby, Horse Guards Parade are one of Hull's hidden treasures. Describing themselves as 'psychedelic anti-folk', this debut EP is, as you might expect, a mixed bag of sounds and ideas. Lead track, As The Plane Lifted Its Wheels is a galloping number which sounds like the soundtrack to a fight in an old country and western movie. Read more...

CD Reviews - London! Paris! New York! Rome! - Andy Mackay and The Metaphors By Michelle Dee
	When you get sent a random CD from an unknown act doing covers, you may not hold out much hope. The track titles read like pretty standard stuff but there's nothing ordinary in the hands of Andy Mackay and the Metaphors. Five musicians, including current members of Roxy Music, Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson, who almost manage to disguise the original tunes completely. Read more...