By Mary Chang on Friday, 13th October 2017 at 4:00 pm
Header photo by Lawrence Watson
Incredibly, it’s been 2 years since the release of ‘Chasing Yesterday’, the platinum-selling previous album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The first taster of the group’s new material comes in the form of single ‘Holy Mountain’, a collaboration between the ornery Gallagher and none other than the Modfather himself, Paul Weller. Described by many as Noel’s psychedelic album, it should be interesting to hear the rest of it and how it stands up against the other Britpop elder statesman who dared to go in a psych direction, Richard Hawley on 2012’s ‘Standing on the Sky’s Edge’. The video for ‘Holy Mountain’ waffles between shots of Gallagher himself singing and playing guitar, stylised views of his profile and other cartoons, with plenty of colours and blinking lights to give you that psychedelic feel without actually being under the influence of, er, something…
The ex-Oasis songwriter and cofrontman seems to be playing a bit of a game of chicken with his younger brother Liam, who released his solo album ‘As You Were’ last week. Older brother will be unveiling ‘Who Built the Moon?’ on the 24th of November. ‘Holy Mountain’ is out now on digital and 12″ vinyl formats from Sour Mash. To read more on Noel Gallagher’s continuing project with his High Flying Birds, use this link.
By Martin Sharman on Thursday, 7th July 2016 at 10:00 am
As Glastonbury fades into the distance, the only evidence that it ever happened being clods of mud on the soles of one’s wellies, hours of BBC catch-up to plough through, and the occasional sweaty 3 AM nightmare featuring a gurning Charlotte Church. Oh, and several acres of Somerset farmland piled high with litter and abandoned tents. I’m sure we all had a blast. Whether you were there in body or only in spirit, those wishing to relive the hedonistic peaks and chilled-out troughs of a top-class festival, without, shall we say, the negatives of an enormo-fest like Glasto, should look no further than Kendal Calling.
Less crowded, less pretentious, (slightly) less muddy, and, most importantly, more Northern, Kendal Calling has occasionally been called the Glastonbury of the north. And in spirit, that’s certainly true. Fair enough, it can’t attract the likes of Adele as a headliner, but if you want a sweary Londoner there’s always Rat Boy. Kendal’s biggest strength is its party atmosphere: wherever you are, you’re never very far away from the hoedown that goes on in front of the main stage all day. This year will climax with sets from d’n’b stars Rudimental, Brit-ska legends Madness and a prime slice of dad rock from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (pictured at top). There’s something for everyone on the main stage: hard rock from Band Of Skulls, The Hives and the Darkness, urban sounds from Sugarhill Gang and Too Many Ts. And, um, authentic North West humour in the shape of the inimitable Lancashire Hotpots.
Having said all that, TGTF’s favourite stage is the Calling Out tent. Want to know who’s going to be big next year? Look no further. From burgeoning youngsters like Sundara Karma, The Amazons and Rosie Lowe, through acts on the verge of mainstream breakthrough like Teleman, Eagulls and Spring King, this is where the smart money hangs out. Headliners Blossoms, Ghostpoet, and, astonishingly – if he turns up! – Pete Doherty, make Calling Out a mini-festival all of itself.
That’s not to mention the other little nooks and crannies of the beautiful Lowther Deer Park. Those fond of a hot spiked beverage can chill in the always-reliable Chai Wallahs. Obscurantists and beard-strokers are to be found in the Riot Jazz tent, hosting the unique brilliance of Gideon Conn (again, hurrah!), with the Riot Jazz Brass Band performances always a Kendal highlight. If you fancy a Tim Burgess-themed bacon sandwich, then head to the Tim Peaks diner. If, instead, you’re partial to a sit-down and some profound spoken words, Carvetti’s your spot (last year’s Aziz Ibrahim interview was particularly instructive). And let us not forget the 3 AMm intensity of the Glow Tent’s beats. There’s only a handful of tickets left at the time of writing. What are you waiting for?
The last few adult weekend tickets to Kendal Calling 2016 are available for £135 plus fees. To purchase yours, get them from Ticketline.
By Mary Chang on Thursday, 10th December 2015 at 4:00 pm
The Mancunian loudmouth we love to hate – or is that love to love? – Noel Gallagher was the In Concert star Monday night on Radio 2, performing with a backing band semi-acoustically. In addition to more recent material from the crotchety Northern singer/songwriter, naturally he trotted out an Oasis classic, and arguably what will be his legacy, not his contentious relationship with baby brother Liam, is ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’. It’s definitely my favourite Oasis song, and I explored the lyrics of the song on Music in Notes earlier this year.
In case you missed Monday night’s performance, the BBC have made available the song being played live to everyone on YouTube. (If you’re in the UK, you’re in luck: you’ve got 27 days to watch the entire set live on BBC iPlayer.) For more on Noel Gallagher and his post-Oasis band Noel Gallagher and His High Flying Birds, head this way.
By Mary Chang on Thursday, 16th July 2015 at 6:00 pm
So what goes on in the day in the life of Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds? In his new video for ‘Lock All the Doors’, you can watch the singer/songwriter, legendary for his hatred of filming promos, doing what he loves best – performing – and you’re also treated to some behind the scenes clips of life on tour. Watch the new promo below.
Can’t get enough of the opinionated Mancunian? You’re in luck. We have more articles on Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds here.
By Mary Chang on Saturday, 17th January 2015 at 10:00 am
‘Ballad of the Mighty I’ is the latest Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds track to be released, and this one’s mighty special, no pun intended: the song stars the guitar-playing talents of another Mancunian legend, Johnny Marr. I don’t know if I can handle the level of coolness on the stage in this video. Can you? Wait for it, there’s also a humourous moment at the end too. Watch the promo below.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ second album ‘Chasing Yesterday’ is released on the 2nd of March on Sour Mash Records.
By Mary Chang on Sunday, 30th November 2014 at 10:00 am
Ex-Oasis brain Noel Gallagher might hate making music videos, but that didn’t stop him from promoting his latest single ‘In the Heat of the Moment’ by commissioning this promo for its b-side ‘Do the Damage’. A futuristic roller derby with women fighting practically to the death…um, ok, and your point is, Noel? Not sure really but I guess if you’re itching to hear the song, here’s your chance. Watch it below.
The next Noel Gallagher‘s High Flying Birds album, ‘Chasing Yesterday’, will be released on the 2nd of March 2015 on Sour Mash Records.
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