Thursday 30 April 2009
Better Than This
Release: Better Than This
Date: 16 March 2009
Highest UK chart position: N/A
Also available in 7-inch vinyl and for digital EP
Tracklisting:
1. Better Than This
2. Better Than This (Stuart Price Remix)
Perfect Symmetry
Release: Perfect Symmetry
Date: 29 December 2008
Highest UK chart position: 150
Also available in 7-inch vinyl and for download
Tracklisting:
1. Perfect Symmetry
2. Staring At The Ceiling
The Lovers Are Losing
Release: The Lovers Are Losing
Date: 20 October 2008
Highest UK chart position: 52
Also available in 7-inch vinyl
Tracklisting:
1. The Lovers Are Losing
2. Time To Go
Live Recordings 2008: European Tour
Release: Live Recordings 2008: European Tour
Date: 23 December 2008
Not chart eligible
Exclusive to Keanemusic.com
Produced by Tim Rice-Oxley
Mixed by Thom Pierce
Tracklisting:
1. The Lovers Are Losing - Oslo Sentrum - 3/11/08
2. Better Than This - Madrid La Riviera - 11/11/08
3. Again And Again - Barcelona Razzmatazz - 9/11/08
4. You Don't See Me - Barcelona Razzmatazz - 9/11/08
5. Bend And Break (acoustic) - Stockholm Annex - 1/11/08
6. Try Again (acoustic) - Koln Paladium - 6/11/08
7. You Haven't Told Me Anything - Madrid La Riviera - 11/11/08
8. Perfect Symmetry - Copenhagen Valby Hall - 31/10/08
9. Spiralling - Copenhagen Valby Hall - 31/10/08
10. Love Is The End - Rotterdam Ahoy - 28/10/08
Spiralling
Release: Spiralling
Date: 04 August 2008
Download-only release. Free from keanemusic.com for one week, then available from download stores.
Tracklisting:
The Night Sky
Release: The Night Sky
Date: 29 October 2007
Not chart eligible
Released in aid of War Child
Also available in 7-inch vinyl and USB stick formats
Tracklisting:
A Bad Dream
Release: A Bad Dream
Date: 22 January 2007
Highest UK chart position: 23
Also available in 7-inch vinyl and USB stick formats
Tracklisting:
Nothing In My Way
Release: Nothing In My Way
Date: 30 October 2006
Highest UK chart position: 19
Also available in 7-inch vinyl and USB stick formats
Tracklisting:
Crystal Ball
Release: Crystal Ball
Date: 21 August 2006
Highest UK chart position: 20
Also available on 7-inch vinyl
Tracklisting:
Is It Any Wonder?
Release: Is It Any Wonder?
Date: 29 May 2006
Highest UK chart position: 3
Tracklisting:
Bend and Break
Release: Bend And Break
Date: 25 July 2005
Only released in a few European countries.
Tracklisting:
Live Recordings 2004
Release: Live Recordings 2004
Date: 04 April 2005
EP with live versions from 2004 gigs - only released in some countries.
Tracklisting:
- She Opens Her Eyes
- Somewhere Only We Know (Live at The Forum)
- We Might as Well Be Strangers (Live at Collumbiafritz)
- Allemande (Live at the BNN That's Live! session)
- This Is the Last Time (Acoustic) (Live at Mill Streets Brewery)
- Everybody's Changing (Live at Airwaves Festival)
- Bedshaped (Live at Brixton Academy)
This Is The Last Time
Release: This Is The Last Time
Date: 22 November 2004
Highest chart position: 18
Tracklisting:
Everybody´s Changing
Release: Everybody's Changing
Date: 03 May 2004
Highest chart position: 4
Tracklisting:
Somewhere Only We Know
Release: Somewhere Only We Know
Date: 16 February 2004
Highest chart position: 3
Tracklisting:
This Is The Last Time (Fierce Panda Version)
Release: This Is The Last Time
Date: 13 October 2003
Tracklisting:
Everybody´s Changing (Fierce Panda Version)
Release: Everybody's Changing
Date: 12 May 2003
Tracklisting:
CHECK OUT HOPES AND FEARS AT ISLAND 50 SITE
As you probably know by now, Keane's label, Island Records, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Keane's first album, Hopes and Fears, has been chosen from the label's huge back catalogue as one of Island's 50 best albums, in celebration of their anniversary. There is a section at island50.com dedicated to the album which gives the opportunity for fans of the album to write their own review and upload photos.
Each week the site and its newsletter will be giving an Island 50 t-shirt to the lucky reader who has added the most appropriate album/gig review and/or image to the website. And each month the best of those winners will also receive a copy of 'Keep on Running: the Story of Island Records'.
Head over to the site now to check it all out and represent the Keane massive!
Tuesday 28 April 2009
TOM CHATS TO KM.COM - PART TWO OF TWO
As promised, here's the second part of km.com's conversation with Tom while Keane were in Japan last week.
So, you enjoyed the Latin America tour?
I think it was my favourite Keane tour so far. Just because of the overall atmosphere, as well as the gigs themselves. It's gotta run deeper than just having great shows; you've got to all be vibed up and enjoying the places that you're in. And obviously the shows were all incredible. Places like Bogota, I just have amazing memories of. We played in Belo Horizonte in Brazil, where we've never been before, and you really felt immersed in a different culture. That show was probably the smallest show we did on that tour, but the crowd were just so incredibly electric and excited by it. That's a good memory. I came back from that tour quite brown and I looked after myself. I think those were all factors in making it a really great and memorable tour.
We've not talked about the song you wrote which Annie Lennox has covered for her new greatest hits. Are you pleased with her version?
I think it's great, yeah. She's impressed her own style on it, but she's obviously a pretty legendary singer and part of the Eurythmics, so you'd expect that. She's taken a trusty old song out of the Keane back catalogue and turned it into something fresh and new.
How did she stumble upon it?
I have got no idea. I think we felt it wasn't right for the first album, but we knew was a great song. It just never really saw the light of day. So it's probably been knocking around in demo form and passed to a few people. Then one day I was asked if I felt alright about Annie Lennox doing it, and I was like, "Absolutely! She's a legend!" So it's great. I'm very pleased.
It must add to your confidence as a songwriter that she chose to put it on her greatest hits.
Definitely. Although I did write it nearly ten years ago! But I do like writing and anything which inspires me to sit down at my piano and work on some songs is good. So, I shall be trying to do some more of that when I've got some time this year.
Of course, she changed the title of it.
Yes, from Closer Now, to Pattern Of My Life.
Did you have a say in that?
I did, and I didn't mind at all. I think it still works in terms of the meaning of the song. In fact, it's maybe even better than Closer Now, which was probably just plucked at random to give it a name for a setlist back when we were playing small clubs in London.
It's quite bonkers that a song you probably wrote in your bedroom a decade ago has eventually come to prominence on Annie Lennox's greatest hits.
I know, it's funny isn't it? I think when you have an album like Hopes And Fears you suddenly go from writing stuff in your bedroom to having the keys to the city. And then things get passed on to the right people and suddenly a song that otherwise would've disappeared in the mists of time has found its way onto a legend's greatest hits album.
Have you got any more gems in your archive?
I've got plenty knocking around! Y'know, I am interested in doing something with my own songs when I feel the time is right. I've always said that. But I'm very happy to keep it on the backburner while we're doing what we do with Keane. It's more than enough fulfilment to do what we do currently. But I've got a feeling at some point I will be getting those songs out and using them. It's just a case of picking the right moment.
Moving onto the 3D webcast, were you pleased with that?
Yeah! I'm glad the HD version is going up, because that's even better. I think we felt it was a great thing to do and a great event and it's got people thinking about the possibilities of 3D. It's nice to feel at the forefront of doing stuff that is really innovative and new.
And amazing that fans across the world were watching.
Yeah, I think it's pretty incredible the breadth of our fanbase. People in the UK can be quite surprised to hear that we travel off all around the world and play to loads of different people, and that there seems to be love in all far-flung corners of the world for us. So yeah, the response to the webcast - and just the response to everything that we've been doing through the website - is lovely. I think more so with this album than ever before.
After Japan, it's back to the UK for a couple of weeks before America, with a little trip to Spain in the middle.
Yeah, that Spanish show is our first festival of the year. We've got some fresh ideas for that and I think it'll be the first time we've played in that corner of Spain. So, yes, we're looking forward to that one. And then it's the American tour, which is obviously a big deal for us. Again, we're just stunned by the level of excitement and interest there's been for that. I think maybe because we spent so much time there early on, those fans have remained very committed to the cause. The demand for the gigs has been brilliant and I think we'll go there with a fire in our bellies and really excited about the shows.
It's a proper road trip too.
Exactly. That's good, I think. As I said earlier, when you tour Australia or Japan it's basically just flying around. But when you go to America you can obviously settle down into the routine of getting on a bus every night, doing those long drives and waking up in the morning seeing the great heartlands of America whistling by the window. I think there's something very special about that. We're all very excited about getting back out there.
And you will come home afterwards? The reports are that you're moving to the US forever!
Ha ha! Yes, I think that was one of those comments one of us made as a passing note in an interview which got turned into this great big thing. I don't think I'm ready to leave England quite yet. I love it there, despite the snideyness and cynicism that one has to deal with from some corners.
That's just from a small proportion of people. You don't want to worry about them.
Exactly! Steve Coogan was very interesting on that subject, actually. He said he's got to the point now where he just feels like he can do and say whatever he likes - obviously within reason. He no longer cares what people's reaction is going to be. I think he feels like the best things always come out of that carefree approach. That's certainly the approach we had with making Perfect Symmetry. And the approach we have in general now. So far from moving to America, we'll just keep doing our thing and eventually we'll be given the respect that we deserve! Ha ha!
Finally, what's this about you chaps spending a few days in a studio with a rapper before you went out to Australia?
That's correct! The mighty K'naan. We've had a few songs knocking about for a while now and we wanted to work on them with someone who was in a completely different world - although it's still a world that inspires us, as Tim's rendition of 99 Problems reminded us! We were desperate to work with somebody like K'naan. What I like most about him is that he's very emotional for a hip hop artist. I was describing him earlier as like Eminem with a heart. But he stamped his mark on the songs and they sounds great. Once we've got it finished production-wise - which we were actually working on in a studio in Brisbane the other day - I think people are gonna love it.
Is he actually rapping on the song, or did he just help with production?
Yep, there's a little bit of rapping and some singing. He's a great singer, with a very soulful voice. Our voices seemed to work really well in tandem, which is great. You never really know what to expect with a collaboration, but when the singing side of it gels I think you know you're onto something good. In this case, it seems to have been a really successful combination.
Was that done with any purpose in mind?
I think just because we fancied doing it. It boils down to that attitude of, why not just give it a go? It doesn't matter if it goes wrong, because you don't stand to lose anything. And I think when you just forget about the supposed limitations of doing something and just do it, that's very often when you get the nicest surprises. And this has certainly been one of them!
3D IN HD (NEW)
Keane, Live 3D gig from Abbey Road from Inition on Vimeo.
Yes, reach for your 3D glasses again, because we're very pleased to offer you Keane's 3D show from Abbey Road in high definition quality. Enjoy! (It may take a little while to load, but it should look great when it does.)
Monday 27 April 2009
TOM CHATS TO KM.COM - PART ONE OF TWO
Last week, we gave Tom a call in Japan. Here's what he had to say...
Hello Tom. How are you?
Very well, thanks. A little bit tired and rough around the edges, but generally good. We had a crazy day of travel yesterday. We spent two hours driving, then two hours in an airport, then nine hours on a plane, then another another hour and a half in an airport, then another couple of hours on a plane, then another couple of hours in a car. I think it was perhaps the most gruelling day of travel we've ever had
Sounds like you'll need to plant some trees now too.
Yeah, I think you're probably right. The problem is, flying is the only way to get around the places that we're in in any constructive way. You feel guilty, but I guess it'd be worse if all your fans came to see you than if you travel round seeing them. So I think we can just about justify it.
So, how was Australia?
It was brilliant actually. We had an amazing time. I kept saying it on stage, but I can't reinforce it enough, it was amazing that we've not been there for five years but were met with such a raucous response. The reaction of the fans and the way everyone welcomed and looked after us was fantastic. Hopefully people will have gone away from the shows telling their friends that Keane were absolutely brilliant and a revelation. Then hopefully the next time we come over, there'll be more and more people there.
Were they good crowds?
Definitely. We took a trip to a lower level in terms of the size of the venues, but I loved playing them - and you've got to start somewhere when you haven't been to a place for five years! It was actually a really good, refreshing contrast to go from the great big South American and UK shows to those more intimate places. It's a good reminder of where you came from. The shows were absolutely rocking and it felt like everyone was a real part of the show. You can't really get that level of intimacy and intensity in a big arena.
Did you get time to have some fun in Australia too?
Well, we were followed everywhere by the rain, which was unfortunate. So there was a big sea fishing trip planned for our day off in Brisbane which had to be canned. That was a bit of a shame.
Did you play any golf?
I did, actually. I got to play at the Royal Sydney golf club, which is where they've had the Australian Open. I think in terms of places I've played on tour, that's probably the best one. So that was a nice little surprise. And we got to see a bit of Australian night life too. In fact, we had a bit of a karaoke night in Brisbane.
What did you do?
Well, it was all very spontaneous; we went from a quiet, posh dinner to a pretty embarrassing, raucous and very drunken karaoke session in some bar. It was great.
Everyone's very impressed with your Neil Tennant impression in the third part of the LA documentary. Did you do any Pet Shop Boys at karaoke?
Do you know what, I was actually looking for some, but they didn't have any! They were slightly lacking in the Queen department too. But Tim's rendition of 99 Problems by Jay-Z was a highlight. That will be in my memory forever.
Did anyone film it?!
Richard might have done. But I'm not sure it'll ever see the light of day, if I'm being perfectly honest.
What did you sing?
I think the best songs for karaoke our Elton John and Beatles songs. They're just so firmly ingrained in your memory and other people's memories. One of the problems with karaoke is that you can get up and start singing something, then realise you don't know the song as well as you thought you did. But with Elton and Beatles songs, not only do you feel comfortable singing them, everyone else gets going as well. So there were some good singalongs. It was just a really funny night.
Did Richard sing too?
No, Richard was a bit of a coward. But we're hoping to find somewhere here in Japan for another go. The first session was just a warm-up!
What else did you get up to in Australia?
We went to see Steve Coogan, which was great. He's touring out there at the moment, so we went along, then hung out with him afterwards. He's such an interesting man.
Is he a Keane fan?
A very big one, yes. We've met him a couple of times now. He really loved Hopes and Fears, and we actually did an interview with him for the Times when the second album came out. I remember he'd ask the question and then sort of start answering it himself, which was good, because he's funny and entertaining and all of those things. So, yeah, it was great hanging out with him again.
How was his show?
Oh, it was really funny. I like the way it's called Alan Partridge and Other Slightly Less Successful Characters. And, actually, I thought the other characters were as good as the big man himself.
Is he popular in Australia?
Well it was his second night in quite a big theatre, so he seems to be. I think a lot of people know Alan Partridge and come to see the rest of it out of curiosity. But he's brilliant. He's got a song called Everybody's A Bit Of A C**t Sometimes, which is a big, musical-style finale. That was great.
And now you're in Japan for a couple of dates.
Yes. Interesting part of the world to be back in; it's obviously got a couple of skeletons in the cupboard for me! But we're in such a different space now, mentally, so it's really nice to be back in my current frame of mind. It is a little bit whistle-stop, but we went out and had a really nice lunch today. We ate loads of very fresh fish - you could tell it was fresh, because there were tanks of it still alive in front of us as we were eating. That's about as fresh as it gets!
Is it frustrating going to these amazing places and not getting much time to explore them?
It is in this case. But I think we had enough breathing space in Australia - and certainly in South America - to really make those tours feel like they weren't just airport, hotel, venue, airport. In South America, there was a real sense of soaking it up and enjoying the experience. I mean, looking back at Buenos Aires, the sense of anticipation there was for the show, with all the fans camped outside the hotel, was just amazing. It's really good to be able to get a real flavour for a place and we definitely had that there. It is a bit unfortunate that we're not quite getting it in Japan, but we'll try to make the most of our time here. The gigs are quite early, so we'll definitely go out afterwards and explore a bit.
Look out for part two of the interview tomorrow...
Sunday 26 April 2009
THE VIEW FROM THE CREW
Konichi-wa KEANE fans!
Firstly, apologies for the radio silence - life on the road and particularly for a tour manager can be somewhat relentless as we fly around the world, but now seems the perfect opportunity to catch up with you whilst we glide along effortlessly on the bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo. As I look around my boys are all engrossed in their Macs, headphones on and shiny new prototype sneakers glistening proudly on their foot-rests. Richard's boxset DVD of choice on this tour appears to be The Shield whilst Jesse's is Little House On The Prairie and I'm pretty sure I saw Tim taking in The Wire. I have to say it's a nice feeling to be able to catch a train between shows - no tour buses in this part of the globe so we spend a large chunk of our time hanging around airports, which is not the most relaxing of environments.
It's been just shy of 2 weeks since we arrived in Australia for the first time in 5 years. The last time the boys were here in 2004 was only my second outing with them and we've been together ever since! I must love those guys!
Despite everyone's jet-lag fears most of us have escaped relatively unscathed. There is something about the warmer climate countries that encourage you to get up early and enjoy the day more. Having lived in LA there is nothing quite like getting up at 6am, going for a run as the sun comes up and washing down some healthy granola with a freshly-squeezed orange juice. The pace on this tour has been fairly relaxed compared to the norm which has allowed more time to see the cities we are visiting and enjoy the local culture. Beth's even managed to fulfill her childhood ambition by hugging a koala - aaawwwww! I've taken to finding a picturesque jogging route whenever I can, which is a good way of getting your bearings in unfamiliar surroundings whilst benefiting from burning some calories at the same time! When you get to 48 you gotta work a little harder on these things you know!
The venues are somewhat more intimate than what we've been used to of late, but no less enjoyable. The brightly coloured wardrobes may have stayed back in the UK and Tom's gold jacket may have been laid to rest, but the boys have looked no less dapper on these shores and thrived on getting up close & personal with y'all which has made for some exciting shows along the way. The reception at the shows has been so raucous the boys even came back on AFTER Bedshaped at the 2nd Sydney show leaving their VIP pals alone in the dressing room to drink the band's beer whilst they ripped it up on stage performing Under Pressure! (hint - if you scream loudly enough & long enough after Bedshaped you see what happens!).
So, after a spider-free trip (although a dirty big 4" long cockroach did fall on me from a tree one night) everyone was sad to leave Australia but rest assured it will NOT be 5 years until the band's next visit...
Limited flight options meant we stayed in Brisbane the day after our last show so the boys showed some dedication to their art by getting up bright & early to spend the day in a studio working on a couple of new tunes - and thumping they are too, which bodes very well for the future!
Arriving into the kaleidoscope of neon that is Osaka soon brightened everyone's spirits despite a fairly arduous travel day! One of the most exciting parts of our job is experiencing the shift in cultures from country to country and it doesn't get more exciting & diverse than Japan! It was a lightening quick visit this time and a couple of great shows (fear not we'll be back in August sharing the same stage as Beyoncé at Summer Sonic Festival - looking forward to that!) but nevertheless we managed to make the best use of our 2 days here and the crew still had just enough time to spend all their per diems in Tokyu Hands!
Stage times in Japan are early so it allows time after the show to venture out and sample the local cuisine. We spent our last night in Japan at Gonpachi which the film buffs amongst you will know was Tarantino's inspiration behind the famous fight scene in Kill Bill! No time for a karaoke bar but the boys were still recovering anyway from their very late night jaunt to one in Brisbane where they entertained the locals with some classic renditions of 'It's Raining Men', '(I've Had) The Time Of My Life', 'Clocks' & 'Don't Leave Me This Way'! I'll leave you to ponder who song what!
An all too short yet fabulous and inspiring trip out to Australia & Japan then - thanks KEANE fans!
Thanks also to team KEANE for yet another job well done...
On the flight home now, supping on a peppermint tea and plotting the next few months of touring - it's no easy being me!
Looking around the cabin the boys are still engrossed in their Macs although Tom appears to be fast asleep with a wee smile on his face - probably dreaming up some way to wind me up - it'll NEVER work Tom :-)
Later dudes.....
CD
TMTTS
RICHARD´S AUSTRALIAN PHOTOBLOG
london / sunday / 0511
my cats are confused, wondering what the hell i am doing up so early.
i've had Anna and Charlotte's third blog in my bag for a few days now, and it's time i put it up, so here you all go. look forward to the final chapter soon...
Travel tales from Melbourne to Sydney
On reflection the “GO saver fare” $2 plus taxes, was probably the wrong flight choice. Check in at 5.15am post Melbourne gig night, still hyped, the master plan was to go from our hotel to the airport and “sleep”. We can confirm zero shut eye was achieved, but some 4am airport photos were captured - Exhibit A:
We took the double decker tube train from the airport into Sydney, which was quite a travel experience. No doubt we blended seamlessly in with the commuters with our massive ruck sacks (day bags/carry on luggage) and trolley bags, plus the additional ruck sacks purchased to fit all our souvenirs (TAT) that has been purchased.
Sydney greeted us with a beautiful sunny & warm day. Factor 50 applied. We sat and enjoyed Hyde Park in the Sydney sunshine, before wandering to the venue and met up with yet more enthusiastic Keane-starved fans.
Metro Gig Night One - Friday 17th April 09:
The universal symbol for toilets - the golden arches - was right next to the venue, however, it is not every day the interior looks like this:
The most freezing venue we have experienced, air con clearly stuck on -15, but the warmest of crowds (LOL!) The Ivys cranked it up and performed a good set, a hometown gig we believe.
With much excitement from the crowd Sydney welcomed Keane and greeted them with note for note renditions from start to finish. Tom enjoyed a stage dive (gazelle-like) during Perfect Symmetry. NB: Keane crew looked a bit shocked and worried. Awwww... it was brilliant.
We thought the UTIS songs really went down a storm, NIMW, IIAW and CB all bringing the house down. Too soon it was Bedshaped. The crowd was left wanting more, and 5 mins of shouting and cheering continued, to no avail. We left happy.
Saturday 18th April 09:
7.30am at the Harbour Bridge - first climbers of the day, against all odds we arrived on time. It really is a “must do” in your lifetime, the views are spectacular, and you feel totally safe. We had excellent weather and could see for miles. Sadly no cameras are allowed but we did pay $65 for 4 “stunners of us” (we decided that these were for our eyes only - clearly working the woolly hat boiler suit look to the max).
Metro Gig Night Two
A complete LEGEND of a gig. Leaving So Soon and Strangers were great new additions to the set, we love the fact that the band keep mixing it up. After another stonking performance, tonight was the night for something special to happen - a second encore! Thank you Sydney for making it possible. We stood with jaws open wide, and tears in our eyes as the band stormed through an awe-inspiring performance of Under Pressure. They made two ladies extremely happy. Celebrity spot - Ronan Keating leaving the building.
We leave Sydney having met some wonderful people, and memories that will go on a lifetime. We HEART Sydney.
Sunday 19th April 09
Woke to glorious sunshine, and headed to Circular Quay - Sydney Opera House. Then took the ferry across to Manly, bit choppy in the middle, but well worth it. Manly is a surfers paradise, with stunning views of the city from North Head.
Anna & Charlotte
Saturday 25 April 2009
PHRΛSΞS: JΞSSΞ QUIN
And, if you read this interviews, you might asked yourself: "Where the hell are Jesse´s phrases?" Well, here they are, they´re just a couple, but they are awesome.
- Keanemx: Why the name of Jesse Quin and the Mets?
Jesse: When I was growing up my Dad used to always tell that’s what I should call my band. So I did!
- Keanemx: What do you feel was your most important contribution during the recording process of Perfect Symmetry?
Jesse: The humour. I just bought ALL of the great jokes.
- Keanemx: What do you think of Keane fans?
Jesse: Full of passion.
- Keanemx: It's been over a year since you started playing with the band. How do you think your performance has evolved from standing on one spot during the first shows, to rocking the ego ramp in the UK tour?
Jesse: Well the hardest thing from my perspective is knowing how much to rock out. I’m not a member of Keane, I’m a session musician. So it’s important I’m not too obvious. Usually session musicians stand at the back and you don’t notice them too much but with Keane, because there are only three of them it would probably look a bit strange if I just stood at the back. Also, Tim and Richard can’t run around. So it probably helps if I do a little bit so the stage is more exciting. Either way, it’s very difficult to stand still when you’re on stage in front of thousands of people with loud music in your ears! They encourage me to run down the ramp and rock out and stuff. They’re creating a monster!
- Keane Backline: Was it a daunting prospect to step up from working behind the scenes to going on-stage at the Warchild and Mencap shows in 2007? You've obviously played with numerous bands, but Keane is probably the most widely known, playing to the largest audiences. How did the idea of getting you to play bass live for those shows first come about?
Jesse: Well, I remember being pretty nervous. I had to play on Under Pressure and the bass part is one of the main musical hooks so I knew if I fucked it up I'd be in trouble!
FΛVOURITΞ SONGS FOR TTR
We´re pleased to say that we have another exclusive post for you: We have the favourites songs for Tom, Tim and Richard from all their Cd´s. We´ll be quick, so here they are:
Favourite Song From Hopes and Fears:
Tom: She Has No Time
Tim: Fly To Me
Rich: Bend and Break
Favourite Song From Under The Iron Sea:
Tom: A Bad Dream
Tim: Atlantic
Rich: Put It Behind You
Favourite Song From Perfect Symmetry:
Tom: Better Than This
Tim: Perfect Symmetry
Rich: You Don´t See Me
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Ace.
KΞΛNΞ VS PΛPΛ ROΛCH?
Remember about the Papa Roach song inspired by Keane? Well, we have more news from that. Keaneshine has made a post with a lot of information:
"Keane vs. Papa Roach?
The new song “Lifeline” by the band Papa Roach has got many people up in arms on whether or not Papa Roach plagiarized parts of their new song from the Keane song “Everybody’s Changing.” The two songs share a very eerie resemblance to each other in their introduction riff and other parts throughout the song.
One Keane fan from the official Keane message board whose screen name is “Siddles” had this to say, “The intro is suspiciously familiar, and it would be a remarkable coincidence for two composers to come up with those independently of each other. That's not necessarily to say any plagiarism was deliberate: sometimes when someone hears a catchy song when they're not really paying attention, they'll remember it only subconsciously. As for the actual song, the timing is similar but I don't think the melody really is.”
Other Keane fans are quite upset with the fact that the two songs sound so very similar. Some Keane fans even think that Keane should take legal action.
Another Keane fan named Chris Flynn, well known for his work on the “Beyond the Iron Sea” podcast and wonderful FAQ and informational site “www.keaneshaped.co.uk” had a simple comment to make on the subject, “What is being taken away from Keane with this song?”
So is it possible that this is a case of a “remarkable coincidence” or just a way for showing tribute to a great song? The same can be said about the case between Joe Satriani and Coldplay where Satriani claims that Coldplay plagiarized from their instrumental song “I Just Wanna Fly” into the song “Viva La Vida”. That case is still ongoing.
Will 2009 be the case of Keane vs. Papa Roach?!"
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If you haven´t seen the video yet, check it here:
Jesse Quin: Creating A Monster - Keanemx Interview
Hi Jesse. First of all we would like to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions that hopefully will prove to be entertaining (at least a bit!).
First of all, how are you?
Muy bien! Gracias! Actually, that’s not true, I have a cold and I’m feeling very sorry for myself! You’ll probably notice as you read that I’m in a bad mood! Ha ha.
We'd like to start talking about your musical background? Where did your interest in music begin?
Well there was always a lot of music in my house. The first record I fell in love with was Yellow Magic Orchestra’s first album when I was still a toddler. My mum and dad used to play it to me on big headphones and I carried the record around with me everywhere I went. Apparently I liked looking at the cover too. It had a picture on the front of a Japanese lady with a fan but she had cables instead of hair. I still like them and I got Tim into them last year and we went to see them live. It was fun. They’re all about 70 but one of them still plays the drums. Way cool.
We’ve noticed you play several instruments. Out of curiosity, how many instruments can you play?
Not very many really. Drums, guitar, bass and keyboard. Just enough to make a lot of noise. I need to practise the piano more.
Have you participated in other projects besides Keane and The Mets?
Yes, I’ve played with lots of people. I’m very lucky. I’m also lucky to be able to say that everyone I’ve ever played with has been really good. Keane’s definitely the biggest band I’ve played with though.
Tell us about Jesse Quin and the Mets? How did you start, etc?
I had another band called The Ordinance, which kind of turned into The Mets. It was time for a change. The Ordinance was VERY frustrating and The Mets is great fun!
Why the name of Jesse Quin and the Mets?
When I was growing up my Dad used to always tell that’s what I should call my band. So I did! He’s pretty smart so I usually pay attention when he tells me I should do something.
How would you define the music of JQ & the Mets?
Copy cats.
Are you considering or planning any future releases of your own or with the Mets?
Yes indeed! I’m doing as much Mets work as I can.
What do you feel was your most important contribution during the recording process of Perfect Symmetry?
The humour. I just bought ALL of the great jokes.
What’s your favourite song from Perfect Symmetry?
Either You Don’t See Me or You Haven’t Told Me Anything. I would say My Shadow but it’s not really on the album.
Keane have been doing it together as a three-piece for several years now, was it difficult to adapt to their ways?
Not at all. They’re all very, very nice guys and very easy to get along with as friends and they also have a very open work ethos where everyone is allowed to say what they think without being shot down. They live in the here and now as well, not the past. So the fact that they’ve know each other so long is never really obvious.
It's been over a year since you started playing with the band. How do you think your performance has evolved from standing on one spot during the first shows, to rocking the ego ramp in the UK tour?
Well the hardest thing from my perspective is knowing how much to rock out. I’m not a member of Keane, I’m a session musician. So it’s important I’m not too obvious. Usually session musicians stand at the back and you don’t notice them too much but with Keane, because there are only three of them it would probably look a bit strange if I just stood at the back. Also, Tim and Richard can’t run around. So it probably helps if I do a little bit so the stage is more exciting. Either way, it’s very difficult to stand still when you’re on stage in front of thousands of people with loud music in your ears! They encourage me to run down the ramp and rock out and stuff. They’re creating a monster!
The last couple of months you've toured throughout Europe and the UK. What was that like?
Well it was great being on a bus and not having to fly. Firstly because I hate flying but secondly because you do all the travelling while you’re asleep and you have a little home everywhere you go. It’s really boring constantly moving from hotel to hotel. The crowds were really brilliant as well. Keane crowds always make me feel very welcome which is nice.
What has been the fans’ reaction? Were you nervous about interacting with the crowd?
It’s very difficult when people don’t know who you are to go up to them and be in their faces trying to get them going. The Keane fans who know who I am are the ones that make the show great for me. Their energy and support fires me up. It’s awful when the front row don’t give me their energy. Imagine how you would feel standing in front of ten thousand people that didn’t know you and looked at you funny and you had to run around making a fool of yourself. Not a nice feeling! Fortunately it very rarely happens.
Occasionally, fans can be very generous. Have you gotten anything nice or extraordinary?
I’ve had loads of nice gifts. Lots of cool t-shirts and chocolates and things. But the best gift that they ever give me is when they shout and wave to me in the crowd. That’s the one thing that I really love because it makes me feel that I’m good at my job.
What’s the main difference between working with the other projects and with Keane?
With Keane there is A LOT more equipment and schedules and things but much less to do! I don’t have to set up or pack up my equipment, which is nice! We get fed nice food as well! It’s all a lot less stressful.
Is this your first visit to Mexico/Latin America?
Yes it is. I love it. The weather is great and the cities I’ve seen so far have been amazing. There’s only one real problem with touring Mexico and South America and that’s all the flying. 16 flights in 3 weeks. Horrible.
What were your expectations for this tour?
I didn’t really have any because I’d never been here before. There was about 100 people at Bogotá airport when we arrived which was pretty insane. So far so good!
Have you enjoyed the shows in Mexico so far?
The Mexican shows were sooo great! The crowds were AMAZING!
We’re not professional journalists but what do you think of this interview so far? [If you think it sucks, then stop now, if you like it, carry on to the next question]
Describe what you'd consider the ultimate fresh trainer.
Ooh, I’m glad you asked! For Christmas, Keane’s manager very kindly let us all design custom Nike trainers and then he ordered them. The one’s I’ve designed are without doubt, the freshest trainers you are EVER going to see. They haven’t arrived yet though. They’re blue, yellow and orange. YOW!!
Complete: The instrument I play the best is the fool and the one I suck at is the violin .
Complete: Before the tour started, the thing I forgot to put in my suitcase was: Nothing. I always pack WAY too much stuff. I’ve had to off load half of it into the dressing room trunk because my suitcase was going to explode.
Some records you would like to recommend.
Off the top of my head: The Joshua Tree by U2, Peaceful The World Lays Me Down by Noah & The Whale and Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg & Wilco.
Last gig you attended (not a Keane one, of course!)
Oh dear. I haven’t been to one for a while actually. The last one I remember going to was Metallica at the O2. Richard and I went and it was VERY loud and VERY good. I need to go to more but when you spend your whole life at gigs it’s the last thing you want to when you have time off!
Mention 3 things you know about Mexico (besides Tequila!)
Number one. Mexico produced Frida Kahlo who is one of my very favourite artists. In fact, most of my favourite art is Mexican. A lot of it’s very macabre. I like that. Number two. People in Mexico speak Spanish except they seem to say ‘S’ instead of ‘TH’ like they do in Spain. Number three. Everyone’s very friendly. I got sunburned the first day we were there because I couldn’t find a cash point or a super market to buy sun-cream. When I finally did I was getting quite red and the ladies in the shop, although they didn’t speak English, gave me lots of friendly help and free moisturiser samples because they seemed to think I was getting wrinkly.
Some questions inspired by Mr Tom Chaplin.
What do you think of England?
Full of anger.
What do you think of bongos?
Full of fun (as long as no one’s watching).
What do you think of badgers?
Full of worms.
What do you think of Keane fans?
Full of passion.
Complete: If these two lunatics ever ask me again for an interview I will definitely accept the request.
Hopefully you had fun answering this, as much as we had setting it up. Wish you (and the band of course) all the best for the Latin-American tour. Good luck and thanks!
Lots of love,
Ana and Alejandra – www.keanemx.com
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Note: If you didn´t understand some things and/or you want to see the interview on spanish, click here.
FORUM TOPICS
Mornin´ everyone. There are a couple of things going on with the Keane world. So, welcome to another Kma exclusive post! Today, we´re going to talk about the Keane Forum, wich has a lot of things to check out...
Note: You have to be a member to view the topics. You´re not a member? Then, click here.
Here are a couple of exciting sub-forums, check them out:
- Jesse Quin: Creating a monster - Keanemx Interview
A funny interview to Mr Jesse Quin, coming soon on Kma, also.
- Keane & K´naan collaboration...
As we said here, Keane has been collaborating with this guy called K´naan, your disscusions, there.
-Sanna Annuka
Who is this person? Well, she actually is the magnificent person that made the `Under The Iron Sea´ album artwork. Your thoughts of her, there.
-New Dvd? What about...
Keane are making a DVD coming soon this year. Many people have seen them with cameras and the necesary equipment on Argentina. But that´s not all... Enter there for more info!
-Keane Live in 3D
On April 2º, Keane made history with the first live broadcast on 3D. Your oppinions, disscusions and whatever you want to know, there. And by the way, check out the 3D wecast by clicking here.
-How Did You Discovered Keane?
Here is a enjoyable topic. The title says all, what else can we add? Check it out!
-Your Ideas for a Better Than This Video...
Here is a curious sub-forum also. As there is not an `official´ Better Than This video, here you can give your ideas... But remember, up to now, this is the official vid. Again, hope we are wrong!
As well this are some of the topics, there are LOTS MORE! Check them out, they´re awesome! Working on the Keanemx interview with Jesse right now...
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