Following on from last weeks spotlight, annnddd of course my obsession with Alex Turner, I thought I would shine the spotlight on a lovely little supergroup called ‘The Last Shadow Puppets’ consisting of Miles Kane (The Rascals), James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco, Simian) and the one and only Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys).
This superb group may have been quiet for the past couple of years, but the beauty of their music created by their atmospheric, cinematic, innocent and oh so very adorable sound is one that no doubtably puts a smile on my face.
Here are 5 delightful pieces of lyrical and instrumental genius that you deserve to hear
1. The Meeting Place– The Age of the Understatement (2008)
You are already well aware that Alex Turner is a lyric genius, and this song again just continues to prove it. This tune tells the tale of an ending relationship and a boy who is stuck in the heartbreak of it all. It is such a cute little tune, despite the sad lyrics. The addition of the orchestral elements in the background just rounds off the atmospheric nature of the song and is just purely awesome. This song would be perfect as the soundtrack for a very lovely European silent film and I love it very much.
2. Calm Like You– The Age of the Understatement (2008)
I love how each of TLSP songs are their own little songs- their album becomes a collection of short stories. This song is of more an intense nature and I love bursts of the guitar layered with the drums- pure genius
3. My Mistakes Were Made for You– The Age of the Understatement (2008)
I love how this song combines those sexy and powerful bond-like instrumental elements and chords with those cute little Alex Turner vibes. All I can say is, I hope Alex Turner’s mistakes were made for me- I love him mistakes and all.
4. The Age of the Understatement– The Age of the Understatement (2008)
This song is like a theme song for the supergroup. It sounds like the song that would accompany the opening scene for a Western film about a desirable and heroic Outlaw and perfectly combines all the film-soundtrack sounding elements that are scattered throughout the songs on the album. Sheer brilliance!
5. Standing Next to Me– The Age of the Understatement (2008)
This is my favourite song written by this lovely little group. Its the perfect combination of unromantic romance, innocence and unintentional cuteness. The harmonies are powerful and the strings add such a light and pretty element to the song. It is awesome on the album and even better live- especially when it is performed when nobody is expecting it.
Each song is so unique, yet laced in the cinematic and atmospheric feel carried throughout the discography of The Last Shadow Puppets. I love how they have revived elements of the 70s and old Bond films and placed them in a new and terribly adorable light.
Rumours have spread that Miles and Alex have written a film- hopefully they will reunite to record the soundtrack because, if I haven’t made it extremely evident already, they ROCK at making music.
