Merchandise are returning with another slice of pure pop gold.
Hot on the heels of last year’s much praised single Sometimes, and offering another tantalising taste of their forthcoming album For the Masses, Listen Up! is so life affirming the band had no choice but to stick an exclamation mark after the title.
While Listen Up! may be a tale of heartbreak and emotional torment, it is told against a sparkling musical backdrop – a tune more infectious than a winter flu pandemic and a pounding beat which sounds like it’s just punched its way out of a Wigan Casino all-nighter.
This acoustic guitar driven two and a half minute gem showcases the electronic production techniques and pop songwriting that have become Brad B Wood and Conrad Astley’s trademark, while pointing to the energy of the band’s live shows which include John A Stewart on bass and Matt Maher on drums.
At its heart is the irresistible refrain: “All I’ve ever really wanted is a girl to make me shout, Hey lads now listen up – this is what life’s about!”
B-side Lonesome Beauty, meanwhile, shows yet another side to the band’s musical vision, with gentle bossa nova and worn velvet vocals giving way to a blistering chorus, sly drum samples, and a bassline more groovy than anything heard since Chic were last in the house.
With both tunes, Merchandise have produced the perfect antidote to winter’s greys and blues, and have once again produced a familiar, yet unique cocktail of charming, disarming and seductive music.
So go on, treat yourself to a taste of Merchandise.
Press: Paddy @ Paddy Forwood PR on 01258 830 014 or pad.forwood@virgin.net
Radio/ TV: Liam Walsh @ Ask Me PR on 0161 832 9443 or liam@askmepr.com
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"Uplifting piano led pop with a summery tint to it…" Subba Cultcha.com
"This Breath of fresh air is the perfect introduction to Merchandise’s uplifting pop sound. A story told through stirring optimistic lyrics with a simple, catchy musical accompaniment, this radio-friendly treat has the potential to put Merchandise on the Map." Music Week
"This isn’t a record for the cynics or noisemongers amongst you, but there must be some pop fans left out there?" Diskant
"Almost guaranteed to have the listener skipping down a sun kissed Summer avenue."
Clash
Sept 25th - Doll & The Kicks @ Sub61 - fresh from 2 sold out Apollo dates with Morrissey, D&TK returun for a headline show in Manchester - £6 from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/50385
LOTS LOTS MORE GIGS ON THE MYSPACE SO CHECK THE FULL LISTINGS......... IF YOU WANT TO PLAY A GIG FOR US MESSAGE US VIA THE MYSPACE
La Folie are having a launch party on the 8th of June at The Forum in Sheffield! £2 advance tickets/£3 on the door! Plus the added bonus of if you film some stuff from the night of us, you or anything else connected and send it us, we will send you a free copy of 'Risus Sardonicus'
Our latest all ages (16+) show has just been announced so make it down if you can cos this band will be massive
Let us know what you think of them
ADVANCE TICKETS
June 19th - The Ruling Class @ Manchester Roadhouse - Just been on tour with The Charlatans and The Twang - £5 tickets from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/47829
June 20th - The Sand Band @ Roadhouse - one time Coral guitarist and just played Manchester gig with Nick McCabe / The Black Marquee - £5 tickets from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/48101
Hey hey hey it's Jimmy The Fingers! If you haven't seen this video please take a peek... This is me singing my song "Grace." If you buy one mp3 this year make it a jimmy! BUY NOW – CLICK HERE!!!!!
DOVES The Ceder Room MI AMI New Guitar WOODPIGEON Cities Of Weather DAN AUERBACH I Want Some More MAYOR McCA How 2 Right A Song SHOLI Tourniquet SHOLI Dance For Hours JIMI HENDRIX Spanish Castle Magic MERCHANDISE Listen Up SHRAG Long Term Monster PALE SAINTS Kinky Love PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart DEARS Money Babies ALIENS Theremin PIXIES Wave Of Mutilation --------------------------------------------------------------------- WEBSITE : www. popscenewithjalal. com MYSPACE SITE : www. myspace. com/popscenewithjalal --------------------------------------------------------------------- POPSCENE with J*A*L*A*L Radio Weser [Bremen/Germany] 92.5 FM [antenne] / 101.85 FM [cable] Fridays at 18 hrs [since 1994]
Guestlist for seal cub clubbing club, the aftershow @ Moho Live 27th feb. If anyone wants guestlist for this show, £5 entry instead of £7 otd message me your name and email address. This way also saves you paying any extra booking fees!
Full line up includes; Main Room: Seal Club Clubbing Club, The Little Tremors, The Shaiyans, Merchandise, NoLife, No*Tokyo, The Tides
Second Room: Designer Magazine & Vega Music presents.... The Velvetines, Dirty Avenues, Intervention, The Sport, The Troniks
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