Imagine an exploration into the world of sound that shies away from bubblegum pop or flashy modern beats, and instead, delves into something raw, a throwback to real talent and genuine music creation. This is precisely what 'Late Night Tales: Matt Helders' delivers. The 'who' here is none other than Matt Helders, the highly skilled drummer from the Arctic Monkeys, a band revered even by those who turn their heads away from mainstream noise. The 'what' is a curated compilation, released back in late 2008, an era when music still held integrity. The 'where' finds its roots grounded in Sheffield, England, home to many British rock legends, proving yet again that the Brits take their music seriously. The 'when' points to a time when people were less concerned with Spotify playlists and more about genuine discoveries. But the 'why' is the most insightful – Matt's foray into Late Night Tales was an attempt to reveal the influences of his band and personal taste, showing the world that good music rises from the ashes of genuine expression, not superficial fanfare.
Matt Helders is redefining the late-night listening experience with his track list that's as eclectic as it is cultured. While many of today's 'musicians' are busy crafting tweetable lyrics and dance challenges for TikTok, Helders is keeping it real. His collection is almost like a musical history lesson, and let's face it, most artists today would fail that class.
One of the standout tracks in this compilation is the opener – it's jazz, it's rock, it's a blast from the past. Can we even count the number of times new bands have tried to imitate this style, failing miserably? Helders didn't just pick tune after tune of mainstream mediocrity, he picked songs that tell a story, that represent the backbone of British music.
The cover version of Livin' Joy’s “Dreamer” isn't just a cover; it's a reinvention. Every beat is delivered with the passion and precision of a genuine artist. Let's not sugarcoat it – the original was a club classic, but Helders adds an earthier, grittier spin that won’t ever be found on a playlist called 'Top Summer Hits.'
Toto's “Africa” makes an appearance as well. Yes, even this iconic anthem benefits from Helders' touch. The track was never short on charm, but in this collection, it gains new dimensionality. This isn’t your typical radio-dependent rendition created for the masses; it's Matt’s journey through sound, taste, and inspiration.
The standout element of this collection is its diversity. We're not talking about the trendy kind of diversity used to tick boxes. Instead, this is about musical diversity that echoes the true essence of what great songs once were about. Artists included, like Chuck Berry and the Black Keys, offer conduits to vibrant soundscapes many younger folks wouldn't follow if they were alone. Innovation isn’t about reinventing wheels; it's about acknowledging the greats while crafting something new on their foundations.
As we stride deeper into the tracks, you get the undeniable sense that Helders knows his audience. He hasn't targeted the thumb-scrolling listeners who've hit shuffle as they dash for their morning coffee. This is a playlist for the true audiophiles, those who sit down, put the sender needle on the record, and appreciate the slow return to vinyl’s warm sounds.
There's almost a cinematic element, transitioning from laid-back beats to energy-driven riffs, reflecting our fast-paced world. Yet, it contrasts beautifully, reminding us that art doesn't need to scream for attention to deserve it. Quality over quantity – a principle Helders isn't silently whispering but actively celebrating.
Among the tracks is “Cissy Strut” by The Meters, an authentic piece flouting the trend of mass-produced, over-sampled tunes. While some might hear it and catch only its simplicity, those who dig deeper find layers and artistry lost on the preset-button-mashing DJs.
Helders invites us to reminisce and appreciate the textures of sound that defined generations – from the psych-rock rhythms to subtle funk influences, he once again puts the 'art' back in 'artist.' It’s a pleasant reminder that music history shouldn’t be rewritten by those too focused on viral sensations.
Helders has crafted more than just a mix-tape. He has rekindled an appreciation for music as art, not as a product. Each track whispers tales of their origins, demanding attention and respect. In this politically correct era where liberal thinking dominates the charts, what a breath of fresh air to experience genuine human expression, soul, and grit, altogether standing out from the crowd. 'Late Night Tales: Matt Helders' isn't just an album, it’s a musical odyssey that stands firmly rooted in tradition while looking unflinchingly into the sonic future.