Force Majeure

So the volcano at Eyjafjallajokull finally went off. Clouds of ash preventing air travel. People moaning about not coming home. People moaning about not going on holiday. People moaning about how quiet it is with no planes. Incidentally, Ladbrokes are offering odds on one of the three leaders saying Eyjafjallajokull in the next debate (via John Lanchester). I don't know if you can put a stake on correct pronunciation though.

But I feel we're missing an opportunity to celebrate all the volcano themed music out there. Volcanoes are, after all, the orifices of the earth; linking inner and outer, they both create (see the Giant's Causeway) and destroy (Pompeii). And if you present me with an opportunity to put on "Eruption", turn up the volume and "ROCK OUT", I'm going to seize it with both hands.

Islands - Volcanoes
Van Halen - Eruption
Snoop Dogg - Sexual Eruption (remix - via Yousendit)

Islands

Compared to the current controversy surrounding sovereignty over the Falklands' deep sea oil reserves, these Islands are a far less divisive bunch. Their excellent third record Vapours was released last year to an understated reception , well-reviewed but with none of the fanfare which accompanied many of 2009's major releases.

Unjustly so, I feel. It was a superbly crafted piece of synth-esque pop, catchy and sweet and melodic. Arm's Way is also a fantastic under-rated record.

Well I've got news for all you haters out there. Islands are in town - catch them at Cargo on 24th March. Sadly I'm not going to be around for that, but am tempted to nip up to Leeds on April 2nd to get my fill.

Dare I say it - music on the sea, literally.

Islands: Vapours

Disarming the Car Bomb

Heartbeat