Blogspot and I have parted ways.
It's not B it's me. I'm more attracted to another blog and I didn't have the same feelings for B as I once did.
I'm now with WordPress.
Come visit me at:
http://rachelspeed.wordpress.com/
Peace and Love.
Rx
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Sunday 22 January 2012
I'd Rather Go Blind
The music industry lost an icon this week. Etta James died aged 73 of Leukaemia.
Famous for being the matriarch of Blues and Soul she became an icon for many in the music industry today. Her song At Last which was famously sung by Beyonce at President Obama's inauguration ceremony. Ms James was not pleased.
As well as X Factor contestants slaughtering At Last each year her popularity continues to grow and influence the younger generations. Perhaps the most famous use of a song covered by Etta (originally sung by Muddy Waters) is I Just Want To Make Love To You for the advertising gem that is the Diet Coke adverts in the 1990s.
Her presence in modern music is still felt, her song Something's Got A Hold On Me is sampled in Flo Rida's latest offering to the dance world, Good Feeling.
A life which was scattered with suffering and struggle, Etta proves to the world that whatever card you draw, you can make something of your life with the talents you are given.
The Guardian has produced a brilliantly touching obituary for this wonderful star. Rx
Sunday 15 January 2012
Little Lion Man
So I've been kicking back to the 80's this afternoon.
Power ballads, big hair and bigger dance routines. Wonderful stuff.
The highlight of the 80's afternoon was this cracker:
Rx
Power ballads, big hair and bigger dance routines. Wonderful stuff.
The highlight of the 80's afternoon was this cracker:
Rx
Thursday 12 January 2012
Sappho
It's that time of year again when the beautiful, rich and talented trot down red carpets to collect favours for their hard work. And one of my favourite awards shows, the Brits, announced their nominees today:
Adele.
I think its a sad state of affairs when Ed Sheeran, who isn't that great, really, is potentially both our leading male solo artist as well as the breakthrough act... Vaccines for me. Jessie J makes me want to punch myself in the ears.
I think a lot of amazing albums are missing from this list such as Arctic Monkeys' incredible Suck It And See, but I guess I'd pick Coldplay out of this bunch
I'm sure the other 3 members of Bon Iver will be thrilled at this nomination. They are the best in this list.
British Male Solo Artist
Ed Sheeran
James Blake
James Morrison
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Professor Green
Talk about slim pickings. It's hardly the categories best year but I'd say Pro Green deserves this or James Blake
Talk about slim pickings. It's hardly the categories best year but I'd say Pro Green deserves this or James Blake
British Female Solo Artist
Adele
Florence & the Machine
Jessie J
Kate Bush
Laura Marling
Adele.
British Breakthrough Act
Anna Calvi
Ed Sheeran
Emeli Sandé
Jessie J
The Vaccines
I think its a sad state of affairs when Ed Sheeran, who isn't that great, really, is potentially both our leading male solo artist as well as the breakthrough act... Vaccines for me. Jessie J makes me want to punch myself in the ears.
British Group
Arctic Monkeys
Chase & Status
Coldplay
Elbow
Kasabian
This is a very difficult category to call but I'm guessing its going to be a close call between Arctic Monkeys and Coldplay. I can't choose!
This is a very difficult category to call but I'm guessing its going to be a close call between Arctic Monkeys and Coldplay. I can't choose!
British Single
Adele - Someone Like You
Ed Sheeran - The A Team
Example - Changed The Way You Kissed Me
Jessie J ft Bob - Price Tag
JLS ft Dev - She Makes Me Wanna
Military Wives/Gareth Malone - Wherever You Are
Olly Murs ft Rizzle Kicks - Heart Skips A Beat
One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
Pixie Lott - All About Tonight
The Wanted - Glad You Came
Got to be Adele - Someone Like You, surely?!
Got to be Adele - Someone Like You, surely?!
Mastercard British Album of the Year
Adele - 21
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
Ed Sheeran - +
Florence & The Machine - Ceremonials
PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
I think a lot of amazing albums are missing from this list such as Arctic Monkeys' incredible Suck It And See, but I guess I'd pick Coldplay out of this bunch
International Male Solo Artist
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
David Guetta
Ryan Adams
I'm sure the other 3 members of Bon Iver will be thrilled at this nomination. They are the best in this list.
International Female Solo Artist
Beyoncé
Bjork
Feist
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
Gaga or Rih Rih. Probably Gaga.
Gaga or Rih Rih. Probably Gaga.
International Group
Fleet Foxes
Foo Fighters
Jay Z/ Kanye West
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5
Another questionable category, but Foo Fighters should walk this.
Another questionable category, but Foo Fighters should walk this.
International Breakthrough Act
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Foster The People
Lana Del Rey
Nicki Minaj
Bon Iver have been around for 5 years and are on their second album... Hardly breakthrough, though it's nice their efforts are being recognised. Them or Foster The People need to win.
Bon Iver have been around for 5 years and are on their second album... Hardly breakthrough, though it's nice their efforts are being recognised. Them or Foster The People need to win.
Outstanding Contribution to Music
WINNER:
Blur
Wooooooooo!!! Truly deserved, one of my favourite bands.
Wooooooooo!!! Truly deserved, one of my favourite bands.
Critics Choice
1st - Emeli Sandé
2nd - Maverick Sabre
3rd - Michael Kiwanuka
British Producer
Paul Epworth
Flood
Ethan Jones
Rx
Rx
Wednesday 11 January 2012
Earthquake
That lovely band, Tribes release their debut album this week and it is wonderful:
Tribes – Baby
Tribes are one of those bands who have been under the radar for a while now and finally their debut album Baby is ready to be unleashed on the world. And boy, it was worth waiting for.
Once you’ve whacked the CD in your Walkman you’ll be greeted by the glorious Whenever - a brilliant indie-rock anthem which will instantly grab your attention. The punching drum line and loud guitar riffs absorb you into the stadium-filling chorus. Such an uplifting start to an album.
After an amazing first song it’s natural to expect the tracks that follow to lack a bit of something special but this remarkable album doesn’t let you down. It delivers on every song, each one has it’s own little spark which gets brighter and better with every listen.
Whenever is followed by We Were Children another stunning song with an anthemic chorus which will be stuck in your head for days – but instead of driving you mad you’ll fall more in love with the song.
Powerful and rousing choruses really are the swansong of this record and Himalaya is a wonderful example of such a chorus. As lead singer Johnny Lloyd croons “Does it move you?” you realise just how moving the entire album is. The chorus is destined for big venues. In fact, the every song on this album is made to be sung by thousands of fans at stadiums and festivals. The underground quartet from Camden is thinking big with this debut and I'm pretty sure this band is on their way up.
Tribes put on their website that Sappho is a “fittingly heart-racing call-to-arms for a generation left crying out for band name worthy of being Tip-Ex’d onto a satchel.” There isn’t a more appropriate description for this brilliant lead single, Sappho won’t fail to impress.
The album slows down in places for quiet consideration. Corner of an English Field is a particularly poignant and emotional song about the death of close friend to the band, Charlie Haddon of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool fame. The grief-stricken lyrics are very touching, a perfect tribute for a sad loss.
Tribes got producer Mike Crossey on board for this record. Mike has previously helped create some iconic records – he has Foals, Razorlight and that little band called the Arctic Monkeys plus many more to call friends. His presence is felt on the album but in no way distracts from the boys’ hard work.
Taking influence from the likes of Suede, Radiohead and Blur, the four-piece’s sound is so easy to listen to – it is fresh and exciting but with hints of the old favourites, Baby ends up being just plain enjoyable to listen to. Lyrics filled with thoughts of the past could have ended up too despondent but with stirring guitars the music becomes a wistful and content reflection on the bygone.
The album is rounded off with the song Bad Apples. A thought-provoking finale which will leave the song and the album in your mind until you can't help but press that play button again.
Their efforts are finally being recognised by the masses, having just played XFM’s Winter Wonderland gig they are soon to embark upon the NME Awards Tour supporting Two Door Cinema Club.
Baby is released on 16th January
http://www.rhythmcircus.co.uk/music/tribes-baby/
Rx
Tribes – Baby
Tribes are one of those bands who have been under the radar for a while now and finally their debut album Baby is ready to be unleashed on the world. And boy, it was worth waiting for.
Once you’ve whacked the CD in your Walkman you’ll be greeted by the glorious Whenever - a brilliant indie-rock anthem which will instantly grab your attention. The punching drum line and loud guitar riffs absorb you into the stadium-filling chorus. Such an uplifting start to an album.
After an amazing first song it’s natural to expect the tracks that follow to lack a bit of something special but this remarkable album doesn’t let you down. It delivers on every song, each one has it’s own little spark which gets brighter and better with every listen.
Whenever is followed by We Were Children another stunning song with an anthemic chorus which will be stuck in your head for days – but instead of driving you mad you’ll fall more in love with the song.
Powerful and rousing choruses really are the swansong of this record and Himalaya is a wonderful example of such a chorus. As lead singer Johnny Lloyd croons “Does it move you?” you realise just how moving the entire album is. The chorus is destined for big venues. In fact, the every song on this album is made to be sung by thousands of fans at stadiums and festivals. The underground quartet from Camden is thinking big with this debut and I'm pretty sure this band is on their way up.
Tribes put on their website that Sappho is a “fittingly heart-racing call-to-arms for a generation left crying out for band name worthy of being Tip-Ex’d onto a satchel.” There isn’t a more appropriate description for this brilliant lead single, Sappho won’t fail to impress.
The album slows down in places for quiet consideration. Corner of an English Field is a particularly poignant and emotional song about the death of close friend to the band, Charlie Haddon of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool fame. The grief-stricken lyrics are very touching, a perfect tribute for a sad loss.
Tribes got producer Mike Crossey on board for this record. Mike has previously helped create some iconic records – he has Foals, Razorlight and that little band called the Arctic Monkeys plus many more to call friends. His presence is felt on the album but in no way distracts from the boys’ hard work.
Taking influence from the likes of Suede, Radiohead and Blur, the four-piece’s sound is so easy to listen to – it is fresh and exciting but with hints of the old favourites, Baby ends up being just plain enjoyable to listen to. Lyrics filled with thoughts of the past could have ended up too despondent but with stirring guitars the music becomes a wistful and content reflection on the bygone.
The album is rounded off with the song Bad Apples. A thought-provoking finale which will leave the song and the album in your mind until you can't help but press that play button again.
Their efforts are finally being recognised by the masses, having just played XFM’s Winter Wonderland gig they are soon to embark upon the NME Awards Tour supporting Two Door Cinema Club.
Baby is released on 16th January
http://www.rhythmcircus.co.uk/music/tribes-baby/
Rx
Friday 6 January 2012
First of the Year
So the Sound of 2012 chart goes something like this:
5. Niki and The Dove - saw the Swedish duo supporting Wolfgang on the NME Radar tour and they were very good. Check them out!
4. Skrillex - This video is messed up but utterly captivating.
3. Azealia Banks - she needs her mouth washing out with soap, but that's why we love her.
2. Frank Ocean
1. Michael Kiwanuka
I think Michael is a worthy winner, his mash of folk and soul makes for lovely listening and sounds fresh is the market which is drowned in R&B. Good luck to him!
Rx
5. Niki and The Dove - saw the Swedish duo supporting Wolfgang on the NME Radar tour and they were very good. Check them out!
4. Skrillex - This video is messed up but utterly captivating.
3. Azealia Banks - she needs her mouth washing out with soap, but that's why we love her.
2. Frank Ocean
1. Michael Kiwanuka
I think Michael is a worthy winner, his mash of folk and soul makes for lovely listening and sounds fresh is the market which is drowned in R&B. Good luck to him!
Rx
Friday 30 December 2011
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