Bittles‘ Magazine | Interview with Ghost Culture Ghost Culture is something of an enigma! Sitting proudly in the margins which exist between the worlds of introspective indie, futuristic R&B and dance floor delirium his sound is instantly recognisable, yet impossible to categorize. By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles‘ Magazine I am moving house this month, and have thus gone a little bit insane. But since I have always believed that all great art needs a mixture of talent, madness, depression, anger and despair I’m attempting to put all the stress and emotional turmoil to good use by writing a story about a cowboy rat, (he’s called Bradley Scott, and he doesn’t like ketchup, shampoo commercials, or people who make fun of his hat). By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles‘ Magazine As part of my New Year’s resolutions I was going to give up listening to music, and take up dog-walking instead. Then I realised that I didn’t actually have a dog. And the cat rather unhelpfully refuses to be walked, claiming to be too embarrassed to be seen with me in public. So, a little sheepishly I have immersed myself back within the forgiving world of rhythmic sound. By JOHN BITTLES
Musik | Bittles‘ Magazine Sinking by The Aloof is one of those albums that stick with you throughout your life and it never fails to hit the spot no matter where you are or how you feel. Released in 1996 on EastWest Records the LP saw the five-piece move away from their progressive house beginnings to incorporate a more soulful, almost trip hop feel into their sound. Best remembered for the stunning string sequences and melancholy vocals of One Night Stand, Sinking should be considered one of the great pieces of music of our times. By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles‘ Magazine Some people say that there is no good music released in January and early February. But, as we all know, some people talk shit! It is true that no one is bothering to tour, and hot new releases are thin on the ground. Yet, there is still some wonderful music out there to be found. By JOHN BITTLES
Bittles‘ Magazine | Interview: Mars needs women Every so often a band comes along that breathes new life into that tired old world we know as rock n’ roll. Last year it was Royal Blood bringing back the good old guitar riff. In 2015 the name to be noting is none other than Mars Needs Women. The trio are made up of three rock heroes who are introducing some much needed spontaneity, enthusiasm and, most importantly, fun into our lives, creating a sound that kicks sand in the face of those who say they are sick of guitars. Sounding as
Bittles‘ Magazine | Tracks of the year Inspired by The Mercury Music Prize forum, this year I decided to form my own discussion group with the sole intention of picking out the best tracks of the year. That is why I got together with my cat (who has great taste in music), my elderly next-door neighbour and a random hipster who claimed he had nothing better to do, to compile a list of twenty songs that have made 2014 a fantastic year to be alive. By JOHN BITTLES
Bittles‘ Magazine | The albums of the year 2014 was the year when I finally decided that when I grow up I want to be Taylor Swift. Either that or a Fireman! I really can’t choose. With neither of these dreams looking likely to be realised though, I have been very happily immersing myself in the wealth of fantastic music that has come out over these last twelve months. By JOHN BITTLES
Bittles‘ Magazine | Record Review You have to be very brave to release an album of new material in December! Any money that people have is being spent on presents, protection money to Santa, or on getting as drunk as humanely possible. So let us raise a glass and give a warm round of applause to those who have brought out new records in this most festive, yet culturally void of months. By JOHN BITTLES
Bittles‘ Magazine | Record Review While all of you are out Xmas shopping I have been leaving all my present-buying to my assistant (Whiskers, the cat) and have utilized all the time saved by immersing myself in fantastic new music. And, while I used to think that the vast majority of music released in December was crap, I am glad to report that this is not the case. By JOHN BITTLES