JIM CARROLLon music
There were probably a few EMI Music executives who choked on their spuds on Wednesday, as they watched a prize asset, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, play for Apple boss Steve Jobs and an audience of millions.
Martin performed a new song, Wedding Bells, at the latest Apple extravaganza to launch new stuff, an event that will receive more coverage than the release of most EMI albums this year.
It should come as no surprise to see Martin playing nice with Jobs. A smart lad, he knows that the traction is now with the technology companies, and that labels such as EMI are just trying to keep up.
There was nothing earth-shattering about Apple’s latest announcements – rejigged iPods, a relaunched Apple TV device and an iTunes-linked social-media network called Ping – with no sign of the much anticipated launch of an Apple streaming service.
Yet for all this, no one is disputing Apple’s importance to the music business. Jobs is, after all, the white knight in a black polo neck who gave the industry a viable, credible solution to download piracy in the shape of the iTunes music store.
That Jobs was only ever interested in music to help shift Apple products is something the industry realised when the deal was done.
All attempts by the record industry to get alternatives to iTunes up and running have come to nothing because none of these “me too” solutions are as good as the original.
And, while there are plenty of decent streaming services out there to connect you with your music in the cloud, you can bet that Apple’s version, when it comes, will be better.
No wonder Martin is happy to play for Jobs – he who pays the piano player calls the tune.
New Music
HIPSTER YOUTH
Dublin teen and 8-bit chip-slinger Aidan Wall is making a battery of fierce, frantic and fun sounds that will rock your brainy head for all its worth. Download his Teenage Elders album for free at hipsteryouth. bandcamp.com. myspace.com/ hipsteryouthh
ALEX WINSTON
Straight out of Detroit with a one hell of a soulful voice, Alex Winston is working with our favourite new-school pop producers The Knocks on a bunch of future classics. Check out debut single Choice Notes or the slow-burning Medicine and prepare to go “wow”. myspace.com/ alexwinston
MIAMI HORROR
Also known as Australian producer, remixer and DJ Benjamin Plant (shown above is the four-piece live incarnation) is another rising star from Down Under demonstrating a fine touch with sleek, sublime electropop. Debut album Illumination is the one to investigate further.
myspace.com/miamihorror
#NowPlaying
BabybeefThunderstruck (Self release) Irish electronica lady Sarah Carroll Kelly gleefully applies the choppers to the AC/DC classic on her banging new album.
Everything EverythingMan Alive (Geffen) Debut album from the Manchester-based band who throw in everything and the kitchen sink for a wonderful post-modern indie slam-dunk.
Restless People Don't Back Down(IAMSOUND) Collaboration between the Tanlines and Professor Murder crews reaps some brilliant new-school Brooklyn pop rewards.
NDF Since We Last Met(DFA) Check out the epic Ricardo Villalobos remix for a haunting, head-spinning remake and remodel.
The Waterboys This Is The Sea(Chrysalis) The original of the big music species: we would pay good money to hear the Stradbally-bound Mike Scott and co play this album live from start to finish.
