October was a big month for music. We had underground online promotions, trippy viral music videos and an appearance from the great Bowie himself, courtesy of Arcade Fire. Paul McCartney refuses to show his age with yet another album (New), and a remastered version of Nirvana’s last ever album (In Utero) was released for its 20th anniversary.

So without further ado… Here are some of my music highlights of October 2013.

The Fratellis are back.

Arguably one of the most exciting bands to enter the music circuit, Jon and his Fratellis are back on the scene with their third album (their first since 2006). ‘We Need Medicine’ boasts their usual quirkiness, and feels as though it has been produced with as much passion as its earlier successors. With songs such as ‘This Old Ghost Town’ and ‘Jeannie Nitro’ providing the perfect party music, and a variety of catchy tunes that will be stuck in your head for days, the album seems to be a success. Though the cream of the crop comes in the form of the title track ‘We Need Medicine’, where Jon sings his pretty little heart out. As the Italians would say ‘Bellissimo!’

Dr. Dog release an album.

That’s right. Dr. Dog have released their 7th Album. And if you are as half-excited as me when I first heard the news, you have every right to be. Although a good album, which will see any stoner melt uncontrollably into their pillow, the album just doesn’t quite cut it. It feels like a child’s picture, where the blue, red and orange have been coloured, leaving the green and yellow unused. It’s just not complete until squiggles find their way outside the lines. Though, saying that, there is one song that I really took a liking to. This comes in the form of ‘Distant light’. It’s got a nice retro feel to it, with a nice background sound. Definitely worth a listen (if you consider yourself one of those 60/70’s people).

Arcade Fire’s bizarre album promotion.

I know, I know, I already mentioned this in the opening paragraph (and it started in September), but the promotion was too much to pass up on. It started with a single being leaked onto the internet. With fans jumping on the opportunity to hear the bands newest song, it was later revealed that Arcade Fire themselves leaked the song. This was followed with a video of, what seems to be, the strangest party known to man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fFAKrIntzY). Go ahead, have a watch. You only need to see the first two minutes to be left amazed/confused.

A second video later hit the world-wide-web, where you are in charge. That’s right, get your webcam out for Arcade Fire’s interactive music video (https://www.justareflektor.com/). An easy 7 minutes of entertainment. Finally, after a set of random promotional gigs under a fake name, hiring artists to graffiti neighbourhoods in their honour, and a couple of high profile appearances, they leaked their full album onto the net… 5 days early.  Make way for Reflektor!

 

The rise of Lorde.

The young Kiwi has been the name on everyone’s lips this last couple of months. She is turning into common knowledge, and for those few who are still oblivious to her music, you will know of her soon enough. With her debut single, ‘Royals’, giving her great success, especially in the States, she has the soul and potential to make a great name for herself.  Although her album doesn’t quite pack the punch that I believe she can throw, it is a great base for a young budding artist. Make room for Lorde, for in a few years, the girl will be huge!

 

The death of Lou Reed.

Okay, not a highlight. If anything, one of the most devastating pieces of news to any music fan. A legend in his own right, the former Velvet Underground vocalist had an incredible career spanning six decades. Although he never made it big with his albums (not a single gold/platinum record from either Velvet Underground or his solo career), he left behind a legacy which has been spoken fondly of by some of the greats, including Morrissey, The Strokes and David Bowie (since his latest release, he can’t get away from the headlines). So for the love of god, get on YouTube, stream a version of ‘Perfect Day’ and pay respects to a man who gave so much to the world of music.