Christmas Countdown // The Maccabees :: Walking In The Air

In a valiant attempt to trump Jona Lewie's Stop the Cavalry as No Action's favourite Christmas song, perennially under-rated The Maccabees have recorded a haunting, dramatic version of Walking In The Air. Staying true to the original, it's take off at just under two minutes in is spectacular, while Orlando's voice is a perfect fit with its mix of innocence and unhinged portent.

Smith Westerns // Weekend II

Further to our post declaring Smith Western's new single Weekend as the boys' finest, shiniest pop achievement to date, they've further whetted our excitement for the new album with a quite brilliant video. A typical Western weekend apparently includes video arcades, Claire's Accessories, cheese-slathered nachos and tree felling. I know what I'll be doing come Saturday.

Arbutus Records

Prompted by the semi-religious experience of seeing Canada's foremost alt-rockers Arcade Fire at the O2 temple this week, No Action set out to discover where the new wave of Canadian music was brewing.

Step forward Outremont, Quebec's Arbutus Records. Spawned from the now-defunct Montreal art collective Lab Synthese, its raison d'etre is to showcase the DIY musical talents nurtured there and offer a home to the weird and wonderful Quebec pop community. Here's a sample from but three of said talents.

Grimes - a debut EP good enough for GvsB's top 30 says it all for the year Caroline Boucher, aka Grimes, has had. Geidi Primes is a record full of unexpected joys, a study in understatement and psychedelic samples, followed up by a second record, Halfaxa, of ethereal wonder.
Grimes - Rosa by Arbutus Records

Silly Kissers - If you thought that Kisses made the best electro pop record of the year with a snogging related band name, you'd be wrong. It was, infact, Silly Kissers. Precious Necklace is but seven songs long, but each is brimming with playful John Hughes film score synths and playground love lyrics.


Silly Kissers - Treat Me Like You Do by Arbutus Records

Sean Nicholas Savage - If Sean Nicholas Savage had room for more middle names they'd be Pop Troubador. Stripped to its bare bones without excess or distraction, Savage's infectious, melodies and lyrical flair are bonafide genius. Warning: If you listen to the video below, from Savage's Mututal Feelings of Respect and Admiration LP, you will be singing it all day.


Sean Nicholas Savage - Disco Dancing by Arbutus Records

Christmas countdown // The Futureheads :: Christmas Was Better in the 80s

A fact, which I firmly refute on the grounds that it only serves to confirm my own rapid aging but that their PR insists, is that The Futureheads are 10.

To celebrate both this anniversary and that of Jesus, the band are putting out new single Christmas Was Better in the 80s via their own Nul Records. Sounding firmly like The Futureheads have for the last 10 years, all likeable art-rock and four part harmonies, but with a twist of Christmas jingle, it's a satisfying reminder both that the band still have the verve they delivered on their debut and that not all Christmas songs are rubbish.