I’ve always had a soft spot for David Holmes. In fact he was one of the first leftfield artists whose discographies I explored deeply alongside people like DJ Shadow. Everything he has done has been superb. From Let’s Get Killed to Bow Down to the Exit Sign (‘69 Police’ is still one of my favourite songs ever) to the Essential Mix compilation to The Free Association and beyond (though I have to admit I’m less familiar with his film soundtracks). His new album The Holy Pictures is inspired by his hometown of Belfast (and named after a pub) and the death of his parents. It’s also notable because it features Holmes as the main vocalist for the first time ever. The album is rooted in the same territory as psychedelic-era Primal Scream, Death in Vegas with a bit of his own unique stamp thrown in. It’s quite an introspective shoegazing “rock” record all things considered. Certainly, a return to the forefront for Mr. Holmes, one which I glady welcome. The album is streaming at Myspace right now.
I’ve also got three double passes for his launch gig this Saturday in Andrew’s Lane where Holmes takes over Clampdown by DJing alongside Johnny Moy and Arveene with a live set from TwinKranes. All you got to do is tell me your favourite David Holmes track in the comments before Friday at 3pm. Just leave a valid email address and be contactable on Friday afternoon by email.
If you’ve been listening to Phantom, you’ll have heard the fantastic single ‘I Heard Wonders’ so here are two album tracks for you to try out. Don’t forgt to listen to the Andrew Weatherall remix on our most recent podcast.
David Holmes – Story Of The Ink
'I Heard Wonders' David Holmes
Tagged under: Alternative / Rock, Dance / Electronic, Irish
Have always had a soft spot for him too, and not just because he was the person who put me out of my misery and told me that that Blue Boy sample was Marlena Shaw’s live version of ‘Woman of the Ghetto’ – and he had the original album, Spice of Your Life. I was very impressed.
Not entering the comp, but I still love Gritty Shaker, it’s one of the those feel good, itchy feet songs.
I’m a big fan too. His soundtrack stuff is great, particularly “Out of Sight” and the Ocean’s trilogy.
I rarely describe a song simply as “beautiful” but
Theme/I.M.C from Holy Pictures would be one for me. It just clicks!
Are any of you guys entering for tickets?
Great to have him back, love the new album and it’s got me delving back into the older albums recently. I remember when I was in first year in UCD back in auld days everyone seemed to have a copy of ‘Let’s Get Killed’, don’t know how he isn’t a national treasure. Possibly because we’re all secretly afraid of Nordies. Well I am anyway. Anyway. I’d love to go to the ALT show but unfortunately won’t be around this weekend. For what it’s worth I’d go with either ‘69 Police’ or ‘No More Time-outs’ from Out Of Sight- an even more pretty and spine-tingly song than the closer on the current album.
Favourite David Holmes track has to be Pickpockets!
Awesomeness in a track.
Possibly because we’re all secretly afraid of Nordies.
LOL!
not entering either, but just wanna say, the arab strap remix of ‘don’t die just yet (the holiday girl)’ is one of the best things ever.
hxxp://www.imeem.com/itsonlyforev3r/music/wYmlNjyk/david_holmes_the_holiday_girl_dont_die_just_yet_arab_st/
Still feelin ‘This Films Crap, Lets Slash the Seats’ :)
In related news rumour has it he’s involved in the re-opening of one of Belfasts much loved ‘alternative’ venues, The Menagerie (think burlesque shibeen in a converted warehouse and you’re along the right track). Nothin to be scared about dem Nordies!
My mate Paul because its a good track and i to have a mate called Paul.
Yeah Im in
Fave track is “Tub Scene” from Out of Sight soundtrack.
Comment 1 (BlackHatBootCamp) is spam, just got the same one and googled the first line. Feel free to delete my comment by the way.
Story of the ink.
Great new album from homer by the way!
…i’m tempted to delve into the wall of vinyl and find the track i’m thinking of, but that’s too daunting right now. Sick City? Album 3? Bobby G and Andrew Innes were on the track and Primal Scream took to covering it thereafter. or the Melody Nelson thing?
Or the only song titles I can remember: De Niro & Johnny Favourite…
xxxx
fav track is still My Mate Paul,,,,although the new album sounds great,,,, i’m in…
“Possibly because we’re all secretly afraid of Nordies.”
Speaking as a Nordie, I’m nae so much feeling the love round these parts.
Chris, the inevitable Jinx Lennon “Balaclava Boys” was bound to make its way onto your spamspace page ;)
(Actually, that *would* seem quite threatening if you did not detect the hyper”jinx”link!)
Count me out on this, but I’d either probably go for gimcraics selection, or, to continue the Scottish vein, DOTR’s Skullcrusher…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yea-eiJaR2Y
… just coz it features the line “It’s all in Mickey Mouse’s ass”.
Now that’s good craic innit.
Off topic fo’ sho, but this is wan cool ass wabbit! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6wglqzmW_8
Let’s get Killed is still one of my fave albums. brings back fuzzy memories of happy student days. Don’t Die just Yet is really beautiful.
It’d be awesome if he’d play live with a band. He’s not the worst DJ (I enjoyed his New Year’s Eve set in the TBMC a few yrs back) but a lot of his songs are screaming to be played live.
69 police, its been a while since ive heard it.
ive heard it played multiple times in a short space of time and it didnt get old.
i guess im saving the next listen for a special time in the future, hopefully this saturday ;)
Have to say my fav DH track is Sabres of Paradise – Smokebelch II (David Holmes Mix) – 15 minutes of bells and whistles.
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