New Music

Rather fortuitously, or perhaps even annoyingly, new material from my favourite artists always seems to be released at the same time. I think that this is, in part, due to the natural life cycle of the music these artists produce - a new record every two or so years with a string of tours and music videos in between. But it's the waiting that gets me! I love hearing bands progress musically and the prospect of something new, refreshing and on CD is undoubtedly one of life's little pleasures. 2011 has a wealth of awesome new music in its midst and I thought I'd share some of the prospective records and the artists behind them that I am very much looking forward to.

Bon Iver - Bon Iver (Released June 20th, 2011)

I've written on here before about my love for this act's previous effort, 'For Emma, Forever Ago', and how the album is probably my all time favourite collection of music. Where Justin Vernon and Co go from here is what excites me most however, and I simply cannot wait for what they do next. June 20th needs to be now!

Death Cab For Cutie - Codes and Keys (Released May 29, 2011)

When 'Narrow Stairs' came out in May 2008, I had just finished my first year university exams and was ready for the summer. It was unseasonably warm and I remember taking my CD player, my Sennhesier HD650 headphones, a deck chair and a long extension cable to listen to this album in its entirety, uninterrupted, in the garden. Rest assured, I will be doing the exact same thing this year with 'Codes and Keys'. Weather permitting of course...

Saves The Day - Daybreak (Released Summer 2011)

Saves The Day's previous effort 'Under The Boards' came out in 2007 and four years later,'Daybreak' will complete the three-part conceptual triad that started with 2006's 'Sound The Alarm'. The band are taking their time over it though, and whilst the album has been completed, its exact release date is still a topic of contestation. When it does arrive though, I will be the first person at my local record store ordering it in.

Face to Face - Laugh Now, Laugh Later (Released May 17th, 2011)

My love for this band stems back to being 13 years old; playing in punk rock / ska bands, skateboarding and bleaching my hair. Whilst I don't do any of the above anymore (although I wish I could pursue to former of the three), this band will always have a place in my heart. It will be their first effort as a band since their breakup in 2005 and I can only hope they tour the UK in line with its release (the whole band actually has an irrational fear of flying so that might not happen). If I could urge you to listen to anything from this SoCal quartet though, it would be 1992's 'Don't Turn Away', it's straight up melodic punk rock at its absolute best.

Jonty x

All Time, Top Five...

Favourite Chocolate bars or, to recognise my somewhat transatlantic audience (if there even is one anymore), favourite 'candy bars'. Next to some of my other top fives, I feel this one will be slightly easier but who knows. Who knows...

1) Snickers - Simply perfect. I went through a phase about four years ago where I needed to eat one of these every five hours or so. You probably think I mean 'wanted to eat' but no you are wrong, I needed them. Actually, I just think a chocolate bar that has stood the test of time like this tasty treat deserves a place in anyone's all time top five - even if you're allergic to peanuts. No excuses.

2) Lion Bar - A childhood favourite, this one really does require a strong set of teeth. Caramel and wafers galore it's a pretty intense eating endeavor in itself, but oh such a tasty one. As far as I'm aware, this one isn't available to American markets so you'll just have to imagine what it tastes like. Or I could tell you. It tastes good.

3) Dairy Milk: Fruit & Nut - Dairy Milk chocolate is a British staple and with the added raisins and nuts, it's even better. When chocolate's this good, you're not doing yourself any favours by purchasing an individual 'snack size'. No, you want to be on at least 500g a serving. Again, no excuses.

4) Drifter - It was a toss up here between a Twix and this slightly more obscure piece of confectionary, and given my propensity to be ever so counter-culture, I'm going for the latter. Whilst the two are indeed very similar through their whole two finger appearance, the Drifter is a fair bit softer in texture and more caramel infused in taste, but don't ask me - eat them for yourself! In fact, why are you even reading about someone's favourite chocolate bars?

5) Maverick - Very old skool and very cool, little is known about this fantastic piece of snack food. Although my memory of its appearance is somewhat hazy, its awesome taste still lingers somewhere within my subconscious and should Nestlé bring it out of retirement, I would seize them by the crate load. In fact, I would pay very, very good money to try one of these again.

Jonty x