A piano and cello cover of Bloc Party's 'Kreuzberg' appeared on YouTube yesterday, and it's not too bad at all. Maybe they'll attempt 'Ares' next...
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Other_bands, Videos
¶ 7:26 PM 6 comments links to this post
'Flux' entered the Official UK Singles Chart at #8 tonight, making it Bloc Party's fourth top 10 single (along with 'So Here We Are' - #5, 'Two More Years' - #7 and 'The Prayer' - #4).
'A Weekend In The City' gets re-released by Wichita tomorrow to include 'Flux' (at track 10 between 'I Still Remember' and 'Sunday'). Buy it as a standalone CD, or with a DVD featuring all four videos from 'AWITC' plus a video of Bloc Party's recent Reading Festival set. (Paid members of 'Marshals' can download the Reading video for free here).
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Flux, Singles
¶ 9:29 PM 6 comments links to this post
From Stereogum:
[Download] 'Hunting For Witches' (RAC Mix)
[Download] 'Song For Clay' (RAC Mix)
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Remixes
¶ 11:50 PM 3 comments links to this post
Bloc Party have followed hot on the heels of fellow UK-signed act Lily Allen by breaking into the Top 20 of the US albums chart for the first time.
The Wichita Recordings act have debuted at number 12 this week on the Billboard 200 with second album 'A Weekend In The City', which is released through Atlantic in the US. It is a marked improvement on the chart success of their first album 'Silent Alarm', which peaked at 114 on the same countdown in 2005.
The US success of the new album, which debuted at two in the UK last Sunday behind Mika’s 'Life In Cartoon Motion', is accompanied by high chart entries across the globe. The album, which has a worldwide ship of around 0.5m units, has entered at two in Australia, Ireland and on the Japanese international chart for non-domestic acts, while entering the top five in Belgium and Germany and starting chart life in Switzerland and France in the Top 10.
Bloc Party are the latest UK act to win new chart acclaim in the States this year, with Corinne Bailey Rae’s self-titled debut album reaching the top five for the first time, fellow EMI artist Lily Allen’s first album 'Alright, Still' entering at 20 on the Billboard 200 a week ago and Warner’s Paolo Nutini and Universal’s Mika both charting in the States for the first time.
Bloc Party will back their high US debut by playing 14 gigs in North America next month, beginning at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle on March 11, taking in South by South West in Austin, Texas and concluding with two dates at the end of the month at New York’s United Palace Theatre. They are also performing in Japan during the month.
Text © Music Week 2007
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 2:54 PM 7 comments links to this post
From Pitchfork:
Now that the plastic's off everyone's copies of 'A Weekend in the City', it's time to hear what Bloc Party thinks of their second album. Vice Records pulled singer/guitarist Kele Okereke and bassist Gordon Moakes aside to give a track-by-track rundown of the writing and recording process. Here we learn how the band sampled a radio broadcast for their track, 'Hunting For Witches', and also get into the particulars of how the song's bass tracks were laid down. If it sounds a little tech-geek, well, yup. But as Moakes admits, "[We're] kinda nerds when it comes to recording."
Download: [The Making of 'Hunting for Witches']
Edit: here's the rest of the videos...
Download: [The Making of 'Song For Clay (Disappear Here)']
Download: [The Making of 'Waiting For The 7.18']
Download: [The Making of 'The Prayer']
Download: [The Making of 'Uniform']
Download: [The Making of 'On']
Download: [The Making of 'Where Is Home?']
Download: [The Making of 'Kreuzberg']
Download: [The Making of 'I Still Remember']
Download: [The Making of 'Sunday']
Download: [The Making of 'SRXT']
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Videos
¶ 10:21 PM 6 comments links to this post
Well, Bloc Party missed out on the number one album spot, thanks to Mika...booooo! It's still a very respectable position though, and it doesn't look like the album leak affected sales either!
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 12:29 AM 9 comments links to this post
'A Weekend In The City' is either a 'beautifully complex and beguiling sophomore effort' or a 'grim affair' depending on where you read. Most reviews seem to fall somewhere in the middle, with a current score of 67 on Metacritic ('Silent Alarm' has 82). This blog has a nice little summary of the critics' reactions.
You can also check out a whole bunch of reviews here.
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Press
¶ 10:15 PM 5 comments links to this post
There's something special about this record, something that sets it apart from the average modern rock album. Kele Okereke has written one of the most important statements of the 2000's. Every song speaks about something that our culture seems to blindly accept, not realizing the effects. "Our parents suffered for nothing", "the 90's/optimistic as a teen/now it's terror/airplanes crash into towers" or "I have decided/that at 25/something must change" are just small examples of how, rather than succumbing to writing songs about the typical 'boy loves girl' situation, Okereke would rather take a look at what's going on with society. Another dominant theme on the record is Kele's longing for change, which culminates in one of the best tracks on the record, 'Kreuzberg'.
I think the most important part of 'A Weekend In The City' is summed up in the chorus of 'Waiting for the 7.18': "Just give me moments/not hours or days". People are going to criticize this record to death: "it's too produced", "it's not as good or as poignant as their last record". I'm trying not to be a cynic, and this record demands a person to look at it with open eyes. This record is a statement for the moment we're in, whether our generation wants to accept it or not. We buy too much, we drink too much and we waste far too much time on "crosswords and Sudokus". Bloc Party are just four guys looking for a home, discontent with city life, and I think that longing for home is all too familiar with every twenty-something. What are we going to do about it?
Jamison D.
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 4:17 PM 1 comments links to this post
Yet another new track! This time it's a Purevolume exclusive, and you can download it for free here!
There are now 11 brand new b-sides and bonus tracks. It's getting pretty complicated, but here's the details of all of them so far:
- Atonement - 'A Weekend In The City' (iTunes US pre-order only)
- Cain Said To Abel - 'A Weekend In The City' (iTunes US version)
- Emma Kate's Accident - 'A Weekend In The City' (Best Buy version)
- England - 'A Weekend In The City' (Japanese version) and 'The Prayer' 7" single (vinyl one)
- Rhododendrons - eMusic exclusive
- Secrets - 'A Weekend In The City' (Target version) and listen here
- Selfish Son - 'A Weekend In The City' (Napster version) and Rhapsody
- The Once And Future King - 'A Weekend In The City' (Target version) and listen here
- Version 2.0 - 'A Weekend In The City' (Best Buy version) and 'The Prayer' 7" single (vinyl two)
- Vision Of Heaven - Free download here
- We Were Lovers - 'A Weekend In The City' (Japanese version) and 'The Prayer' CD single
Phew!
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Audio, Other_releases
¶ 4:19 PM 13 comments links to this post
From MusicWeek:
Bloc Party ahead in mid-week album tussle
It's all-out war in the mid-week album charts, with Bloc Party currently topping the pile with second album 'A Weekend In The City' (Wichita), just ahead of Mika’s 'Life In Cartoon Motion' (Island). Despite the early lead, Mika is likely to sell steadily throughout the week, as opposed to the East London quartet, who are likely to sell more strongly at the beginning of the week.
Albums
01 Bloc Party
02 Mika (2000 behind)
03 Fall Out Boy
Those who are yet to experience the delights of Mika...have a read of this review. We cannot let him beat Bloc Party to number one!
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 7:34 PM 8 comments links to this post
Today's date has been circled on every Bloc Party fan's calendar since October last year. (Unless you've been hiding in a cave for the past four months, in which case you'll be unaware that Bloc Party's second album, 'A Weekend In The City', is in the shops NOW, or tomorrow if you're in the States!)
So, as Gwen Stefani once said, what you waiting for? Follow this seven-step plan for instant gratification:- Buy 'A Weekend In The City' now
- Grab a comfy chair
- Listen to said album through expensive headphones
- Read the lyrics
- Dance / fall in love / shed a tear / spontaneously combust
- Form an opinion and send in your album review here (the best ones will be posted up)
- Buy another copy of the album for your Mum / great-grandfather / pet gerbil in an effort to get 'AWITC' to #1 in the albums chart!
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 1:27 AM 22 comments links to this post
Anyone who's not yet pre-ordered 'AWITC'...order it from 7digital.com to be automatically entered into a competition to win this rather snazzy T-shirt, plus an 'AWITC' poster and badge.
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 4:43 PM 1 comments links to this post
Tune in to BBC Radio 1 between 7pm and 9pm GMT tonight to hear Bloc Party performing at BBC's Maida Vale Studios. They'll be going out live on Zane Lowe's show, and you'll also be able to listen online.
Also, you can now listen to the new album on Bloc Party's Myspace!
edit: listen to the 45 minute live session here.
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Audio, Radio_sessions
¶ 12:51 PM 4 comments links to this post
Pre-order 'A Weekend In The City' on iTunes for some bonus Bloc:
- iTunes UK users will receive the 'The Prayer' (Does It Offend You, Yeah? Remix).
- iTunes US users get the better deal...two brand new songs: 'Cain Said To Abel' and 'Atonement'!
'Atonement' was played on last March's fanclub tour, and was described as being "centred around a breakbeat evocative of The Stone Roses' 'Fools Gold'. Contains a very sparse verse, with the only instruments being Russell's guitar and Kele's vocals against the drums. Has a huge, anthemic chorus."
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 10:55 AM 1 comments links to this post
- Watch an interview with Matt and Gordy on MSN.
- Two competitions: win tickets to see Bloc Party in Reading and Glasgow.
- Listen to three new Bloc Party songs (including 'Hunting For Witches'!) right now on MTV2's The Drop.
- Watch Bloc Party perform 'The Prayer' live on Channel 4's T4 this Sunday. They're on at around 9:40am, so set your alarm for 9:35am and go back to sleep after!
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Television, Tour, Videos
¶ 4:02 PM 4 comments links to this post
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Interviews, Press, Videos
¶ 4:47 PM 4 comments links to this post
Bloc Party have teamed up with Channel 4 to host a week of exclusive track performances. '4Music Presents Bloc Party' is to be aired on Sunday 4th February and will see the band showcasing new tracks from 'A Weekend In The City'.
In the week prior to the 4Music Presents special (Sunday 28th January - Thursday February 1st), Channel 4 will also show an exclusive performance of one track per day from 'AWITC'. Viewers will be asked to choose which of the five songs is their favourite and this will determine the playlist for Sunday's programme. The most popular Bloc Party song will be announced on T4 (Saturday January 3rd). Keep up at the back!
The special will be presented by Miquita Oliver and as well as playing four new tracks from their new album, Bloc Party will also give an exclusive performance of one of their old hits. Phew. Anyone for a garibaldi?
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City, Television
¶ 4:18 PM 4 comments links to this post
The first 1000 people to pre-order the new Bloc Party album, 'A Weekend In The City', from Insound will receive a free limited edition 7" vinyl. This will feature two tracks: 'I Still Remember' and non-album track 'We Were Lovers' (formerly known as 'Cells Shaped Like Stars' and' Into The Blue'...it's getting a release at last!). This vinyl won't be repressed, so it looks set to be a sought after collector's item.
Pre-order the album from Insound here.
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 12:09 AM 16 comments links to this post
Here's the final cover artwork for 'A Weekend In The City':
The photo, entitled 'A Modern Project', was taken by German photographer Rut Blees Luxemburg, who's well known for her gritty night-time views of London. It shows London's Westway at night, streaming with traffic and towering over an illuminated sports complex.
In this week's NME, Luxemburg explains why this particular artwork was chosen: "All the complex activities that the city encapsulates are expressed in this work, all the possibilities of city life. This album cover really reflects the main thrust of the record."
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 10:43 PM 18 comments links to this post
This week's NME has a full-page preview of 'A Weekend In The City', a whole three months before it's due out in the shops. So for anyone who hasn't had chance to pick up a copy, through geographical, monetary or moral reasons, here's the track-by-track guide, complete with some lovely fan-created artwork.
SONG FOR CLAY (DISAPPEAR HERE): With Kele singing falsetto, this dramatic opener delves into a battle between hedonism and conscience. "I’m trying to be heroic in an age of modernity," sings Okereke, before clunking Muse-esque guitars tear into the song. "East London is a vampire/it sucks the joy right out of me", he yells as the night takes hold.
HUNTING FOR WITCHES: With a rhythm built around vocal samples, this track confronts the cultural aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings. Okereke mocks one particular tabloid: "The Daily Mail says there are enemies among us/Taking our women and taking our jobs". 
WAITING FOR THE 7:18: A snapshot of city life, 'Waiting for the 7:18' is set on the London Underground but aims to capture the alienation of modern living. "We’re surrounded by people all the time, yet we sit in silence", muse Bloc Party over an intense chorus of harmonies. 
THE PRAYER: Over crunching beats and humming backing vocals clicked together with crunk-style production, this examination of insecurity turns weakness on its head. "Is it so wrong to crave recognition?" wonders Okereke before begging a higher power: "Tonight, make me unstoppable and I will charm, I will dazzle, I will outshine all". 
UNIFORM: This description of identikit mall-rats slowly drowning in mindless consumerism initially feels like another look at hedonism. Then, after a stark key change it suddenly dives lower, looking for a deeper cause. "I am a martyr/I just need a motif", howls Kele as Bloc Party ponder the dangers of where a need for fulfillment might lead. 
ON: Pulsing beats open this very personal song charting the buzzed-up high of falling in love. With references to London pubs and the singer feeling "hopeful and stutter-free", soaring strings slip into the track, taking it to a euphoric and optimistic climax. 
WHERE IS HOME?: Another autobiographical song recalls the funeral of his 18-year-old cousin Christopher Aleneme, who was killed in a racially motivated attack. The lyrics articulate the "second generation blues" of British-born children of immigrants like Okereke. "In every headline we are reminded this is not home for us," he laments. 
KREUZBERG: Matt Tong’s urgent drumming creates an out-of-control atmosphere for this song which is set on a night out in Berlin. The singer is disillusioned after mistaking a drunken sexual encounter for love: "After the sex the bitter taste of being fooled again." 
I STILL REMEMBER: Beginning with a chiming guitar, this is a delicate but joyous head-rush which recalls lost love. "You should have asked me for it/How could I have said no?" belts Okereke, not with regret, but with happy memories. 
SUNDAY: "It was a heavy night/I can’t remember what I said", sings Okereke. With atmospheric guitars and stirring drums, it celebrates the little things that make life worthwhile. "I love you in the morning when you’re still hung over", goes the smile-inducing climax. 
SRXT: The closer starts off with brooding guitars, before a Sigur Ros-like wall of sound crashes in. "I called up Eugene/Told him I was drowning", cries Kele as this unexpected finale draws together the album’s themes of insecurity and alienation, yet remains inspiring and hopeful.
NME article typed up and all artwork created by members of AlwaysNewDepths.com
Labels: A_Weekend_In_The_City
¶ 7:49 PM 10 comments links to this post
