Maybe, if ever

What does this picture say about Kings of Convenience?

a) It could be that the rumoured album they've been recording over a decade now (it sure felt like it) has been postponed indefinitely and might not even see the light of day, as these young men are tired of the 'life in the fast lane' they've become so accustomed to since the release of their first two albums.

b) It could be that they're trying to play a prank on fans, and they've actually recorded the album and it is currently locked up somewhere impenetrable, like a vault somewhere, or somewhere unexpected, like the depths of someone's refrigerator.

c) It could be that they haven't done any recording and have in fact, been lazing around their beautiful Norwegian beaches in the sunrise and sunset, procrastinating and maybe even secretly dreading the fact they haven't had any work done in years.

d) Or maybe they're trying to point out that the title of their album is "MAYBE" in a clever and humorous manner.

God only knows how much we pray that option 'd' is the case, but somewhere deep within our hearts we are almost sure it's the horrible and agonizing 'a'. But perhaps they may be forgiven, for "Riot On An Empty Street" remains as utterly listenable today, 4 years and 11 months since it's release. Come June, it will be a full five years, which is clearly bad for a popular recording artist as momentum works wonders for chart positions, and chart positions are amazing for publicity.

We hate it when artistes take hiatuses, let alone ones that last longer than 12 months. So imagine our pain when brilliant stars like Natalie Imbruglia and Bic Runga take anywhere from 3 to 5 years between albums. But perhaps it's always worth it.

Still, sadness beckons.

Also Glorious

Natalie’s new album leaked a few days ago. It is quite interesting. On 2005’s Counting Down The Days, there was a little something done to the songs that made them kind of old-sounding and endearing. In Glorious: The Singles 97-07, that “little something” has drenched all the new songs. I found a few days ago while toying around with Nero Wave Editor that this “little something” was in fact just reverb.

Too much of a good thing is not good. Despite that, new track Amelia benefits greatly from too much reverb. However Against The Wall doesn’t, and it is a terrible excuse for a song on a Greatest Hits album.

Stuck On The Moon is quite nice. Be With You, after more than 20 listens, seems to be the most radio-friendly track of them all. Unfortunately, it is scheduled for a release. I think we already know how it will chart.

In fact, if she is going to film a music video for a doomed single, why not make it Amelia? The track is one of the most unique songs ever recorded by Natalie and it sounds dark and weird and strange and amazing. Also it is not happy but it isn’t depressing either. Plus Amelia has an extremely unique structure, like it was written for Girls Aloud but got rejected due to the sound. There are no sections repeated, so there’s no real verse, chorus or bridge.

In any case, go and buy Glorious: The Singles 97-07 now.

Also Natalie

Some of you might already have heard of the supposed second single from her hits compilation album. It's called Be With You and it sounds very, very Natalie, unlike first single Glorious which also sounded like Natalie, but frustrated Natalie forced to create a commercial hit song to satisfy the record company.


First listen, it sounds like a album track. On second listen, it sounds quite lovely. On third listen, most possibly single-worthy. However, most people won't really bother to listen to the same song thrice so this wouldn't be a very good single I think. Also the arrangements are absolutely gorgeous.

And this could make an appropriate Christmas single. Maybe that's what they are planning. The piano/bell/chime thingies are terribly warming and endearing and delightful. Also Marc said it "sounds like Xmas and Santa Claus falls from the top of the mall" so ok.

Also yes, Natalie is one of the most amazing pop artists in the world.