Closer – the new single from Winter Moods
Closer is the name of a brand new four-track EP from leading Maltese rock band Winter Moods. The title track is the band’s new single and the first taste of the new album, currently still a work-in-progress but already keenly anticipated by the band’s fans. The EP also includes another new song, Not Enough, which was written with the African people’s plight in mind. The other two tracks are well-known songs, but have been specially re-recorded for this EP. The first of these is a version of the popular ballad Everyday Song, which was recorded with the Voices choir, and an acoustic version of Come To You, taken from a recording of a live session that Winter Moods recorded for Radio Voyager.
The EP is available from all record shops and Vodafone outlets as part of a drive to raise funds and awareness for animal welfare and particularly, the voluntary organizations that exist to take care of animals in need. During the press launch of the EP, Winter Moods’ singer Ivan Grech reiterated the band’s support for such organizations, also stressing the importance of raising the public’s awareness of the suffering that so many animals go through, unfortunately more often than not, through the cruelty of less worthy individuals in our society. Anyone wishing to make a donation to SOS Animals Malta can do so by sending an SMS to 50616000 (50 cents); 50617358 (Lm1); 50618071 (Lm2); 50618914 (Lm3) and 50619209 (Lm5). For more information about the EP, visit www.wintermoods.net.
Manic Street Preachers – Lifeblood
Music for the masses
Like almost every album since Everything Must Go - the Manics’ first post-Richey album – their latest outing, Lifeblood, bears a lot of 80s references. Back then, this assimilation (which often also included the words New and Order) was largely attributed as part of the band’s efforts to shake off Richey Edward’s ghost of bleakness past and find a different path to go on without the gloomy consequences of his mysterious disappearance. Yet despite the diversion in musical direction, the Manics never lost sight of their social conscience nor their political perspective and every album has featured manifestations of these themes regardless of whatever effect this could have on the band’s popularity or commercial success!
On first listen, Lifeblood sounds as streamlined as both Everything Must Go and the less-touted This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours, but bears a more nostalgic vein than any one of these albums. What is also prominent is the return to a more melodic vein after the less infectious but politically proficient Know Your Enemy. Tracks such as Empty Souls, 1985, Emily and The Love of Richard Nixon are perfect examples of the Manics’ songwriting tact, proving that over and above all the comparisons that have been pitched their way, James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore remain one of Britain’s more inspiring bands on both a musical and lyrical level. A must for Manics’ fans!
Summer of Love 2005 @ Paradise Bay
Sunday the 5 of June will see the fusion of two prime movers of the dance circuit for what should be one of the best dance events this summer. Jason Jones, whose track record includes several memorable Lovesexy events and other parties over the years, has teamed up with Burn to bring out the best of Ibiza’s Bora Bora for an all-new Summer Of Love right here in Malta – and all for a good cause too!
The beach festival, which will be held at Paradise Bay, is sure to be remembered for its unusual theme, namely the inclusion of classic tunes from the 1920s, 30s, 70s and 80s to set the vibe for a lengthy lounging session in the sun! According to Jason Jones, vintage tunes are set to be the next big thing in the lounge music scene, and it’s definitely worth getting there ahead of everyone else to check it out!
The schedule so far includes a long list of attractions – so long that a full day and night is needed to fit it all in. In fact, one can not only reserve a sunbed for the daytime, but also a room at the Paradise Bay for a sleep-over, meaning you won’t have to worry about drinking and driving. That means you’ll be able to relax, soothed by ethnic sounds from live didgeridoo and bongo players; the chilled vibe that makes Balearic beaches so popular, as well as the presence of a Bali-style hippie market complete with ethnic crafts and henna tattoo artists!
DJs Toni Tony, Carlo Borg Bonaci and Right Said Matt will be in charge of keeping it chilled but groovy, but later on in the day, the atmosphere will pick up the pace and start to get seriously funky all over four dancefloors. The ‘Bora Bora’ main stage and ‘LOVE’ VIP area will be hosted by Jason Jones, Steve Caesar and Kinky Malinki, while Ruby and Mario will be hosting the second VIP area, Sunset Sundays, which will feature a set of old skool tunes from Ruby himself! Other DJs who will be keeping the groove going include Ren-d, Stevy Vee, Jewel Kid, Joseph Armani, Trevor C, Martin Dimbleby, Duncan F, Ryan, Mathew B and Jason B. The event, which will be filmed by renowned VJ Tim Metz for transmission on British TV, will also feature Bora Bora founder DJ Gee Moore and ‘deep and funky’ British DJ Will Johnston. Entrance is free upon presentation of an invitation up until 4pm, but a small donation (minimum Lm1 per person) will be required since all proceeds will be going towards the YMCA Foundation. A limited number of tickets for the VIP terraces are available at Lm5 and Lm7! For more information, contact Jason Jones on 9949 2757.