Somebody To Love Me

Listening to Greg James' Top 40 of 2010 and it got me thinking as to what my favourite songs have been this year.
It's fair to say that music has played a massive part of my life this year. It was over the last year I realised that I don't actually want to be a lawyer - I do want to write about music for a very long time to come.
I graduated this year, I worked at NME twice, I turned 21 and I discovered Glee. 2011 has got a job on it's hands to beat it's predecessor.

So here are a few of my top songs this year...

Glee - Don't Stop Believing
What a song. What a TV Show. Who knew this little old school in Ohio could have such an impact on our lives! My housemates and I just fell in love with this song as did the DJ at Ocean in Nottingham. Every Friday without fail this would play. *Mushy, emotional bit* It was the last song played on my last night out as a student. So many memories are attached to this song.
Let's listen to it again! 3minutes and 8seconds of heaven!



Kanye West - Power
This song will always remind me of The Social Network (which I have just watched again) and that was one of the best films I've seen all year. Saying that, there were only two films this year which really had an affect on me and the other was Inception. Well done Mark Zuckerberg, by betraying your best friend back in 2004 you got Kanye in my top songs chart of 2010!

Bombay Bicycle Club - Ivy and Gold
I remember hearing this song for the first time whilst sat in the NME office next to James Macmahon (features ed) trying to blag a copy of the new (at the time) Klaxons album off him. This song however caught my attention mid sentence - which doesn't happen very often! And as the rest of the Flaws EP played I quite simply fell in love with it.

Kasabian - Vlad the Impaler
One of the best chorus hook's I've ever heard - it littering festivals all summer!
'Get Loose, Get Loose!'
Also, surely a contender for best video of the year?! Noel Fielding parading around the countryside as Dracula? Doesn't get much better in my eyes! (watch out at 0:32 - Hilarious)



Ellie goulding - The Writer
This girl can really do no wrong. I think Ellie is really exciting - she's running around the world (literally) spreading the news that, "Hey, Britain can actually produce amazing female singer/songwriters, so there, up yours America". She's leading the charge and raising our female singers' profile's. Well done Ellie.
Plus her cover of Elton is simply beautiful.

Duck Sauce - Barbara Streisand

Apart from being an instant club classic and being many a night-out anthem for me and my friends, I will never forget when my favourite contestant of this year's X Factor, Diva Fever, performed this song!

And catchiest "woo oooh oooh oooohh" I think I've ever heard!

The XX - VCR

This is a rather sneaky accolade as most of the XX's singles (and their album) was released last year but this tune was released in January and I'm pretty sure it's my favourite. What an incredible year for the XX. Mercury prize winning emo children, the trio's debut album exploded into our lives last year and was surely bigger than they ever could have imagined. Each of their iconic singles have been stolen by one TV show or another though (90210 etc).... eurgh.

Katy B - Katy on a Mission
Loved this song. I love that Katy B and the likes of Magnetic Man, Benga and Skream are bringing Dubstep into the mainstream. Long live Dubstep!

Jason Derulo - Ridin' Solo
Jay-sooon Deruuuuuuulllllloooooooo! We all need a guilty pleasure, don't we?
"I'm putting on my shades to cover up my eyes..."

Klaxons - Echoes
I was desperate for the new Klaxons album to be good. Myths of the Near Future is one of my favourite albums so I naturally, didn't want to be let down. Thankfully, I wasn't.
Echoes is a song of the year for me because it reminds me, vividly, of being at the very front, in the middle of the crowd when I saw them at Leeds this year. I had waited patiently for 3 years for them to return and there was no way some stuck up rahh was going to get in my way (despite how hard she tried). I can only describe their gig as euphoric. Simply incredible. I was tingling all over, I felt high as a kite - in short I was in heaven at that gig and this song was majestic.

MIA - Born Free

Aside from the video controversy and the 'ginger-side' (we'll side step that) this is a great song. I heard this in the NME office again for the first time, had a great chat about it with Jaimie Hodgson and helped him decide what questions he was going to ask the lovely lady herself when he interviewed her later that day.

Jonsi - Go Do
So catchy and fabulous, yet it didn't last. I'm not quite sure why. I still love it!



The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - So Long Goodnight
This album played on the NME stereo for a week before I plucked up the courage to ask Jamie Fullerton who was playing. I was desperate to know - typing the lyrics into google as fast as they were sung trying to find out who it was! I was driving myself mad looking for the artist of this simply amazing new and intense sound so I was brave and just asked Jamie. And he told me. And then I found $5.

Professor Green - Jungle

This song has just hit the airwaves and I LOVE it. I wasn't a big fan of Pro G I have to say - I just thought he was one massive gimmick really. But this song is incredible. It's really from the soul and to me it's his defining single. Rapping about real things gets you places - Mr Mathers showed that. Jungle proves Pro isn't a cheesey 'rapper' sampling old dance songs to make even worse pop songs - he's actually a credible rapper who got his big break with the manufactured crap so he could then release proper music. Clever move, Green, clever move.

Laura Marling - Rambling Man

A stunning song by an unjustifiably underrated artist.

This is a beautiful live performance of the song from the first time it was released. She was only 18 when this was performed, saying that she is only 20 now. It's rare to find such an inspirational song writing talent to be so young and why she isn't celebrated more in the mainstream, I just don't know. She's amazing.

Part 2 to follow tomorrow, my bed is calling!

Rx

Trunk

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

After Make You Feel My Love got a repeatedly oversung on the X Factor Adele got the leg up which only a show like X Factor can give. Adele could have sung about pig muck and Cheryl Cole lovers everywhere would have bought it after hearing renditions of Make You Feel My Love by Katie, TreyC, Rebecca and every other girl in bootcamp...
Thankfully, though, Rolling In The Deep is wonderful!
It's raw and powerful like a savage army heading to battle. Adele takes command of the orchestra and cries down at anything that falls out of line. Theatre and drama resonate throughout the chorus as Adele marks her place giving out attitude that won't be given back. The voice takes charge and shows to all the plan of the offensive to be used against anything that stands in the way of success. As soon as the attack comes it is gone leaving an impression on everyone that came into contact with it.



Rx

Night Air

So I got my hands on a copy of Olly Murs new album, originally titled 'Olly Murs'.

And here's what I thought of it:

This cheeky chappy from Essex has come a long way since he stole our hearts last year when he sang 'Superstition' to us all on a little old show called The X Factor. Heard of it?



At last, we thought, a contestant with a bit of character and charm who can dance like a wally and make it look good. For those of us who watched this chap unfold into the guy that all blokes want to be mates with and the guy that all girlies want to be with, it will serve as a relief that his massive grin and cheeky attitude are definitely at the heart of his debut album.

The frankly, crap titled 'Olly Murs' is full of catchy and upbeat pop records which will get you sporting the 'Olly' dance move in no time. (3:06 above) The singles 'Thinking of Me' and 'Please Don't Let Me Go' are pounding their way up the charts and it's easy to see why. There is a very summery vibe to this LP, laid back bass lines and sing-a-long choruses make this into a perfect pop record. Cheeky lyrics and off-the-cuff key changes give the album personality and set it apart from the other mainstream pop-crap out there at the minute. A personal highlight is 'Hold On' starting with the old-skool chant "well you might as well quit, if you haven't got it"

Cool and edgy, they're some of the best pop songs I've heard in a long while.

Now let's not forget the ballads in this charm offensive album. I'd forgotten quite how good this guys voice is - there's a reason he got to the final of the X Factor! The romantic ballads show off his range and make girls' hearts melt as that charisma and his smooth, slick charm resonate through the songs. 'A Million More Years' is prime example of this - girls will be daydreaming into their tea about the becoming Mrs Murs...

I think what makes this record so good is that Olly knows exactly what he's doing. He know's who he is targeting his music at, he gets that he's a pop star not another indie kid (though he dresses like one) and he is not taking it too seriously. He's embracing the Pop which means the album isn't cheesy like it so easily could have been. He's had time to become the artist he wants to be and not what Simon says - unlike the other 'winners' of the X Factor.

So coming second isn't so bad after all, in fact, it's bloody brilliant!

Rx

All I Want For Christmas

For the first time in all my 21 years, I have never had a day off work or school for snow. Until now.
It's SNOW DAY!!!!
And it's also the 1st December. Feeling so very festive and this song sprang to mind....



The best Christmas song? It's up there, only to be rivalled by Shakin' Stevens and Chris De Burgh (yes...) in my eyes:





Btw, crappest video for Chris De Burgh ever, but it was honestly the best I could find :/

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!! Ha!

However, there is always one who destroys the mood: http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=146&p=9493&title=indie_bands_stop_with_the_crap_christmas&more=1&c=1
Scrooge.

Rx

Pyro

The Happiest DJ in the World



Best video I've seen in a while.

Rx

Lions In Cages

Klaxons – Rock City, 14th November 2010

Tonight Jamie, James, Simon and Steffan walked out on stage and they just started playing. There were no capes or swords nor enigmatic theatrics just bare bones and a few lights. It was magical.
‘Flashover’ kicked off the journey into the sci-fi/dance-prog/raving world of which the boys have been residing in for two years. The crowd duly jumped on board by graciously singing every bizarre and avant-garde lyric thrown at them.

Surfing the Void was intertwined with Myths of the Near Future to make a set list half the bands out there would give their right arm for. ‘Echoes’ followed by ‘Magick’ made the floor shake beneath us as euphoria hit and the band and the crowd became one. Maturity rung through the madness tonight and in that Klaxons prove why they stand out and why they didn’t get left behind like so many of their peers did once nu-rave was over.

This small and grubby venue in the Midlands has a real place in their hearts. Rock City has the knack for creating electric atmospheres but give it a band that loves it back and all hell breaks loose. Jamie recalls how ‘I met Simon in here, over there’ pointing into the crowd of eager fans who hang on to every word he says - whilst wondering whether the guy next to them can play guitar...

After a short (and very loud) intermission the Four Horsemen re-emerge screaming at us ‘It’s Not Over Yet’. The crowd responds with the biggest circle pit - the band can only stare in disbelief at the love they are receiving. Emotional and heartfelt, the boys are so happy tonight. All the hard work put in for the highly anticipated second album has paid off.
And to finish?
A humbled and loved up band pander to the cries of their adoring fans “At-Lan-Tic, At-Lan-Tic!”
DJ!

Rx

Fluorescent Adolescence

Magnetic Man (feat. John Legend) - Getting Nowhere

As dubstep charges into the commercial you would assume that John Legend and the other soul artists out there would be championing the offensive.
But here we have the merging of enemies for a truely spectacular collision.

John's silky smooth voice matches perfectly to the slow BPM of Magnetic Man's earthy beats and drops.

A musical war? More like a massive hug.



Truely amazing song.

Rx

Getting Nowhere

It's that time again.
Tuesday. 9pm. Radio 1. Review Show. Nihal.

I blooming love this show.

Oh jees. Matt Edmonson is presenting. Most irritating DJ on the radio save for Chris Moyles.

Wolfgang - Lions in Cages
This is right up my street. Wicked beat and a cheery old chorus. The perfect song to dance like a twerp to whilst on the treadmill. Kind of a summer anthem though. You picture a sun setting over Glastonbury when you hear this. And that's always a great sight. :)
90 % (reviewers = 62%)

Bashy - Make My Day
Oh. My. Days. The chorus is awful. Simply awful. Sampling 'Pump Up The Jam' by Technotronic?? Utterly bizarre! The verse is pretty good though, decent lyrics and a great bass line. However, as good as the verses are you will spend that time thinking about how crap the chorus is and why in God's name Bashy sampled such a shit 80's floorfiller. Let's face it. The original is barely acceptable when you are hammered at a family wedding, so it should not be allowed on commercial radio where people can hear it.
30% (public vote = 49%)


Daft Punk - Deressed
This band cannot put a foot wrong in my eyes. Genius' of the electronic dance world.
On the subject of Daft Punk who can forget Daft Hands....

Cannot believe this video has 44 million views!! Wow! I mean I account for about 50 on my own...but still.
75% (reviewers = 35%)

note. Matt Edmonson is struggling through this. Almost painful to listen to. Longest and most awkward conversations ever.

NERD - Perfect Defect
Return of the smoothest R&B artists. Added twinkly sounds which good. Nothing fresh though, slight disappointment.
60%

I Blame Coco - Turn your back on Love
Not great. Forgettable. Not a hit. Like Ladyhawke, but not as good. And sounds like Sting.
40% (56% public vote)

James Blunt - Stay the Night
Catchy, very Radio 2 friendly though. Not a bad little ditty. But will not do well with the kids due to his appaullingly uncool reputation.
60%

Alexis Jordan - Happiness
Number 3 atm. Too much production on her voice, which is bizarre as she can clearly sing from winning American Idol... Not to keen on the 'quick, quick, quick' bit and the 'mmmm ummmm mmmm' bit is very 90's. A dated sound to the whole song.
50% (public vote 65%)

Wolfgang was my favourite. By a mile. Fingers crossed Matt is not doing this next week.

Rx

The Way You Move

Florence and the Machine - Heavy In Your Arms

I love this woman.
Immense passion and depth resonates through Ms. Welch's voice on this follow-up single to Lungs. The song drops with fervent ostentatiousness, portraying our heroin screaming on a misty and deserted moor, Kate Bush stylee but with a simply brilliant song. Theatre and drama bring this song to life with Florence orchestrating the lyrics through the moorland. Whilst being beautifully serene and modest, Florence surely has a long future ahead of her if she can return with such power dismissing any murmurs of 'the difficult second album'. Though only styled for Twilight this song has such ferocity and depth it seems too good to be just for a film. Having said that Twilight is one of the biggest film series ever (of which I have seen none) and I suppose Daft Punk have just done the soundtrack to Tron so maybe I shouldn't be so cynical of soundtracks. But that topic is for another day.
An epic tune.



Just watched the video for the first time. Black and white. Serious. Death. Very Twilight. I imagine.

Rx

Heavy In Your Arms

Sick tunes at the minute:

Katy B (Feat. Ms Dynamite) - Lights On


Jamie Woon - In The Night Air


Beautiful Song.

Rx

Crying Lightning

They say you learn something new everyday. And this is what I learnt today courtesy of Mr Nick Grimshaw.



:O

Who knew the Futureheads copied this??
Where was I?
Serious lapse in the music knowledge box there.

Thank-you Nick.

Rx

Like A Rolling Stone

I thought it was about time I wrote about my new favourite show.
That's right, it's X Factor time!

I know I should be all against what the show stands for, and in a way I am. I think music should be organic and grown naturally obviously, but on the other hand, this show gives a platform for amazingly talented people to show off their talent. I think for me, it's that I love the show, but not anything after the show. Bit of a catch-22 there but what the hell.

I cannot get enough of this boy.



Aiden to win! I love him!

Rx

Power

So I went to see the Social Network this week.
And before you start, I know this is a music blog, but the mere fact that a film has made it into here should highlight the spectacular quality and credentials of said film.

Yeah, its awesome.

Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg - The creator of the site we know, love and hate all at the same time. Andrew Garfield (hot!) plays Eduardo Saverin - The screwed over best friends of Mark and co-creator.
And JT, Mr. Trouser Snake himself plays Sean Parker - The creator of Napster and the destroyer of the paying music industry.

I saw this film a week ago and it is still on my mind. I can't get enough of it. It was so utterly captivating that when it finished it took me a second to realise where I was. The amount of drama and depth of emotion for a 'talky' film is astounding. Passion. Betrayal. Love. Envy. Power. All in abundance in this film. The screenplay is dynamic and frightfully true, it was written by the same guy who wrote 'A Few Good Men' when he was 25, Aaron Sorkin. I haven't been affected this much by a film in a very long time. So much so that I can't actually remember when I last was. Simply amazing.

And a stunning version of 'Creep' is used. One of my favourite songs used on (and I'm putting it out there) one of my favourite films.



If you take one thing from this blog, take this film. Sublime.

Rx

No-one's Gonna Love You

Cannot get enough of this baby....



Check out some famous faces in this vid. Love IT!

Also, I am finally getting round to listening to the mighty Kings of Leon's new offering 'Come Around Sundown'... I shall let you know my findings.
I read a pretty scathing review in the Times. It makes me sad how 'dead inside' KOL are now. I really hope this album is good...

Rx

Gold Digger

So listening to the Review Show with Nihal on Radio 1....

Thought I'd join in...I mean what else is there to do on a Tuesday?

Tinie Tempah - Written in the Stars (Starkey remix)

I like the original. But what is up with the remix? It starts off OK but then it just collapses into, well, noise. You hope the song will drop and it just doesn't. The original song is just lost by the end. It's an original remix, but not a style I want to hear more of.

55%

Devlin - Runaway

Distincly average in this countries massive RnB scene. A forgettable song which won't last. Its such a shame because his previous work is great. He's an amazing rapper and I think he's going to have a great future, but by adding synths and Yasmin's voice (which is incredible) to this song it just feels like its been done before... Rihanna on Eminem's 'Love The Way You Lie' ring any bells?? And any other big RnB number in the last year...

It's a shame. He's good but falls down on this record.

60%

My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na Na Na ...... (you get the picture)

First of all, what a shit title. I think this song is just a bit boring. And that's why they had to make up for it by giving it an 'exciting' title. Its another generic emo song but considering their last two albums, I can't understand why this song is so dull and forgettable. I just think they are so uncool now, but maybe that's because I'm not an emo child anymore. I'm sure the current emo kiddies will love it and it will be the soundtrack to their little rebellious and depressing lives but for me, I heard it before.

35%

Misty Miller - Evergreen Love

Another solo female with a guitar and a quirky alternative voice. Oh joy, one would think. But this is actually a cute little ditty by one of the new folksie singers about. At 16 she's a promising talent. An emotional narrative which will captivate all the Mumford and Goulding fans.

80%

Danny Byrd - Ill Behaviour

LOVE THIS SONG!!

I'm really getting into drum and bass and I'm so glad it's starting to get the recognition it deserves in the main stream. I think this is a really hot remix and beautifully produced. Can't get enough! What a great song to give a remix to as well. Club classic for the fall.

95% 

Shakira and Dizzee - Loca

Bizarre. Latino and Dizzee don't really go. I think they are both good artists in their own right but putting them together just does not work. A bit like apples and cheese. Good on their own. Not good together.

45%

XX - VCR (Four Tet Remix)

Wow. Four Tet have made a brilliant song even better. I think this song can only work in favour of the Mercury Prize winners to gather more fans. Progression in this track is the key to this song. It gathers and grows into a massive tune. Wicked.

80%

Drake - Best I Ever Had

I like this. A lot. But it's getting over played. It's been around for too long and now I'm getting a bit bored. It has a great beat and it produced really well.

70%

Dinosaur Pile Up - Mona Lisa

I love this. It's so fresh, haven't heard sounds like this in a while. It's kind of early Foo Fighters with a more alternative (and I think better) voice. They have a really good energy, it's get up and dance and mosh out and create memories. Great tune.

85%

And that is the end. The winner on the show was XX, a worthy winner.

Rx

Rules Don't Stop Me

'The Bike Song' is wheely good.
Mark Ronson and his entourage's second single is Spoke-tactular. It brings the biggest smile to my face. I'm like a kid who has had his stabilisers removed! (I could write for the Mail with this writing...)
I'll stop.

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl - The Bike Song
Sorry for the advert...

Bike puns aside, this is the song that gets you singing into a ladle as you prance around the kitchen whilst pretending to be in Legs & Co. Its got a wicked marching beat and addictive keyboard riff - perfect for making dance routines to! "And grapevine!" Unbelievably catchy and with an 80's/early 90's hip hop/synthy vibe it will have you humming and jiving all day as you do the photocopying and tea-making at work. Kyle from The View has also reappeared for this song, and for once, we can make out what he's saying! He's come a long way from 'Skag Trendy'... Maybe its the brake from chain smoking...
I don't know anyone who doesn't like this song, nor anyone who isn't bopping around in a bomber jacket, fighting crime with an army of bikes in London nor sporting a platinum blonde 'do...

Thumbs up, all round.

Btw, got this from the crappest, most pointless, irrelevant and poorly constructed article ever. http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/pictures/2010/09/08/peter-andre-brad-pitt-and-other-famous-males-who-have-gone-blonde-115875-22546728/

Now, I've gotta make like a wheel and roll...

Rx

I'll Be There For You

So Adam has left the Drums :(

Sad times. I can't say it surprised me, he did always look down on stage. At Leeds he looked positively miserable.
Let's hope the band doesn't suffer and they can find someone soon.

He's the one on the left... Doesn't he look like Yannis from Foals.

Look how happy he was...

What a shame.

Rx

Echoes

Radioactive.

It's been a long time coming. I was so worried that the Kings were losing themselves and this record was the turning point for me. But, this song is bloody good. And I'm thrilled!
Returning to the music is what KOL needed to do and thankfully they have. After 'Only By The Night' and the massive success of it, the Followills got a bit too big for their own brand leather boots.

A slow drawl builds up to a big chorus backed by a choir. It's celebratory of their past and in that helps shape their future. A wonderful little ditty. And here is it live... (see below)



There is one issue though...what the hell is up with the official video? At first I thought it was a Live Aid type video and Bono was going to pop up, preaching. It makes a bit of a mockery of the song. Really cringy. I mean come on lads, you're cooler than that. Let's not lose it.




Rx

William Powers

And on to the Libertines.

An emotional start of projections from the good old days set the tone for this simply brilliant performance. There was a little wobble from Pete after two songs when he realised the enormity of the show he was in - he looked terrified, legged it off stage and after Carl ran after him and dragged him back with a fag and a drink he was fine.
Kicking off as usual with 'Horrowshow', the gig was heartfelt and it was clear the boys were doing it for much more than just the money. A giddy, coy smile here and a man hug there showed that Carl and Pete have let by-gones be by-gones and they are ready to move off that horrible road of self-destruction. I was touched to the core by the love shown on stage and the emotion seeping out of each and every band member. A nice long group hug at the end pulled at everyone's heartstrings and left everyone completely humbled.

A simply wonderful performance.

1. Horror Show
2. Delaney
3. Vertigo
4. Last Post On The Bugle
5. Tell The Man Who Would Be King
6. Boys In The Band
7. Music When The Lights Go Out
8. What Katie Did Next
9. What Became Of The Likely Lads
10. Can't Stand Me Now
11. Death On The Stairs
12. The Ha Ha Wall
13. Don't Look Back Into The Sun
14. Time For Heroes
15. The Good Old Days
16. Radio America
17. Up The Bracket
18. What A Waster
19. I Get Along

Unforgettable.

Rx

·

Horrorshow

So Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds!!!!! :D :D :D :D

What an AMAZING weekend!

Band of the weekend had to be Klaxons. I have fallen head over heels for them once again. And I was right at the front; the world is so much better when you are at the front.

The performance was impeccable. Despite not talking to the crowd much they brought charisma and charm to the North on Saturday night. A showcase of the new album 'Surfing The Void' intertwined with the iconic 'Myths of the Near Future' led to an enchanting, euphoric, heart-racing and emotional show. The music really spoke for itself and during a pause in 'Magick' the crowd let them know just how loved they are - the loudest cheer/screaming/wooping/clapping of the weekend. And with a coy smile from the boys, they finished the song. Moments like this are rare and should not be forgotten; I know I will treasure that show forever. (Corny, I know, but it was bloody good).

Set List:

1. Band on Stage

2. Flashover

3. As Above So Below

4. The Same Space

5. Gravity's Rainbow

6. Venusia

7. Golden Skans

8. Twin Flames

9. Two Receivers

10. Magick

11. Valley of the Calm Trees

12. Echoes

13. Future Memories

14. It's Not Over Yet

Encore

15. Surfing The Void

16. Atlantis To Interzone

Phenominal.

Rx

Katy On A Mission

Caspa - Back For The First Time

This is wicked. I heard it on Grimmy's show. I liked the sound of it. Here it is.





Also, I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THIS SONG



The Chemical Brothers are amazing. In my eyes they are the best DJ duo for longevity, diversity and creativity. They are the dance-world's Madonna.
<3 to the Bros

Rx

ONE (Your Name)

So The Hoosiers.
A naff pop band I've thought for so long.
But there new song is actually pretty cool.
It's cheesy 80's all over - think Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet's love child with better clothes.
You can picture the threesome bopping along and miming into impeccably thin mics on Top Of The Pops. And I LOVE that image!
Wicked tune for those jigging around your room, let your hair down and dance like your in Pans People moments.



So, I guess we can all change our mind. The power of music prevails I suppose.

On another note, this song has made it onto a school uniform advert. I think it's the happiest song ever. I can't help but smile when I hear it! :D




And another vintage classic I heard today....



God bless the 80's!!!

Rx

The Ha Ha Wall

For once, the content of this blog is going to correspond with the title of it. (Well sort of...)

I found the most beautiful and picture of the Libertines today, from way back when; Pete and Carl were still 'bezzies' and it was cool to take pictures in black and white.

It got me thinking about their highly anticipated scheduled gig at Leeds/Reading at the end of the month. Half of me wants to scream to high heaven about how excited I am! But part of me is saying 'no, don't get your hopes up, they won't show, it will be an hour of drooling and arguing at best' etc etc.

I just don't know what to think. The optimist inside me naturally wants the former, and I'm fairly positive they will show up (I don't think they can turn down the £1.5m they are getting). There is debate as to how good they actually are live. The delicate ditties and lyrics often get lost amongst the chaos of the rough approach taken. Lyrics and solo's are missed out, its out of tune in places. It's definitely not perfect.

But does that matter?

Is that just not their style?

Doesn't the atmosphere of a gig ring much louder than any speaker? Of course it does.

Some bands do strive for perfection when live such as Muse where the songs sound like the album. Others make a right mess of it but its still great and I'm guessing the Libs will be in this second category. I have never seen the boys live. But if they can get the crowd on their side, the gig will go down in history. Now, I am seeing them at Leeds, a much less forgiving crowd than Reading (Leeds booed The Killers...). And we get them on the Friday. Hmmm. Could be interesting...

But this is a beautiful picture... :)

Rx

Swoon

Madder Red - Yeasayer

I confess I'm not really on top of Yeasayer like I should be. After hearing ONE, I should have jumped them  like a broke smack addict would. Actually, after hearing Ampling Alp I should have been on them like a fat kid on cake. But alas, I was tending to other things that day. I probably got distracted by a simile.
I digress. 'Madder Red' is the next single from 'Odd Blood' and its fabulous. It's full of 80's vibes which remind you of Top of the Pops with those super thin mics, dodgy hair and brightly coloured suits. But once you start listening to the lyrics a tragic love story evolves. Haunting lyrics and beautiful harmonies in the chorus illustrate a painful picture. The lonliness conveyed is so sad. This could have sounded like a depressing Smiths-esq car-crash of a song; but Yeasayer know how to write a good song. Interjections of 'whoooo-eeeoooo-eeooooo' lift the song completely to make it a masterpeice of a broken heart.
The repetition of 'Please don't ask me why' at the end brings the message home and the song lingers in your mind. The more you listen to the song, the more you get out of it. An amazing song.





Rx

Celestica

The Wanted.

I have to ask, are they really wanted? I'm going with No.

And with their new single 'All Time Low' we get this new boyband, which frankly, we haven't asked for. The singer sounds all emo (just like Pat Stump) which clashes with its RnB and Pop vibes. And then they top off the song with bizarre production, adding in a dance beat and strings. It's an odd one. Steve Mac, I expect better.
Yes, the little girls of the country with be falling head over heals for their good looks. Yes, it's commercial success in a tin. Yes, we will have forgotten about them this time next year.
Their problem is a lack of identity. Crappy lyrics which don't mean anything to them mixed with a lack of musical direction does not spell out longevity. Take some of the better boybands. The Backstreet Boys (my personal favourite, no joke) had catchy songs and danced. They didn't try to be anything other than that. And it worked perfectly. The Wanted's management should take a leaf out of The Successful Boyband's Handbook, written by Gary Barlow.

Why the hell did this get to Number 1?! I'm angry.

Also, check out the video. It's full of boyband cliches like staring longingly into the camera lens and dodgy dance moves (i.e.Actually dropping down low when they sing the word 'low'. Gimme a break, no context and patronising!)




For a lovely picture of these 'hunks' preened and positioned beautifully.... http://twitpic.com/2aqcr1 check out second in from the left and the one on the end....dear god.

Yours Faithfully,

Angry at my own life so taking it out on The Wanted.

Rx

Bang Bang Bang

I can't get enough of this song!



BOB certainly is doing well. His first song (Nothin On You) is a summer anthem, which hasn't got tiresome yet, and his second is this corker. Hayley Williams makes this song what it is, much like Bruno Mars did on the first single. This isn't an insult to BOB, he just has very good friends. His album 'The Adventures of Bobby Ray' also features T.I., Eminem, Lupe Fiasco and River Cuomo, which isn't a half bad group to have on your debut album at 21 years old...

I'm expecting big things from Bobby Ray.

Rx

I'm Not Made Of Eyes

It's official. I'm going out of my mind in Retford. I honestly don't understand why everyone doesn't leave here.
I can't wait to get out. 
I hate it. 
It makes me so angry.

And it's when I feel all crap I revert back to my emo-child days and listen to screaming music and I vent through The Used for 4:07...


Prepare yourself for super-emo but this song, in all honesty, gives me chills. It's one of my favourite songs. Turn it up.

"Love is not like anything, especially a fucking knife."






*aaaand emo rant over*


Doesn't that feel better?
No? Just me? Ahh well, I tried. ;)


R <3

XXXO

So, loving the new Mark Ronson and The Business International. What a bloody cool name.

And to 'Bang Bang Bang,' as we all expected, he's done it again - touched a song and it's turned to gold. Sampling the French nursery rhyme, 'Alouette' of all things, Ronson has yet again made it work.
Ronson is taking a different direction for his new album (out September). He's dropped the horns of 'Version,' to the delight of many I'm guessing, personally, I quite liked the trumpets... Anywho, this new dance/synth/beat heavy concoction definitely has something about it. It's catchy and fresh-sounding even though our charts are flooding with dance tracks, it stands out. You take note of this, and that is one of the biggest compliments you can get from the fickle bunch that we are.

Also, what a great opportunity for MNDR and Q-Tip. They both sound great on this track, if this isn't a leg up into the business, I don't know what is.

Check it out. Now. Look, it's right there.




Rx

Going Through Changes

Bombay Bicycle Club - Ivy & Gold


The happiest song ever made?? Maybe not but pretty damn close. Off 'Flaws', the new acoustic album from Bombay Bicycle Club. Short and sweet at only 3:04, this is another beautiful little ditty from the indie boys of Crouch End. It screams of summer and has you picturing yourself in the park chilling with a picnic. What a lovely thought. The boys are shining again and after a tremendous first album, Ivy and Gold promises that the ‘difficult second album’ will be no problem for the Club. Also there is a great whistling melody through this tune, and they are always fun, bring back the whistle!

Just got the internet after like a month at home #slowlygoingcrazywithoutit


Off to find new music!


Rx


ps listening to Recovery by Eminem as I type this, it is so much better than Relapse (not that that was hard to do, some cynics say). Thankfully Eminem realised that his last CD was "Ehhh" (Not Afraid)

Valley Of The Calm Trees

I'm at NME, woop! did a cheeky little review of a really crap song. Here it is:

Violent Soho – Bombs Over Broadway

‘Fuck the system’ is repeated far too often to have any effect in this half-arsed attempt at an anarchic rant. The lyrics are poor and have little impact, the riffs and the drums are too simple so the music just becomes boring. ‘Bombs Over Broadway’ has the feel of a teenager rebelling against his parents, then realising its time to go in for tea. The insurgence envisaged by Violent Soho falls flat as they clearly don’t believe what they are singing; you can tell they put all their rubbish in the bin and their TV sets remain in their hotel rooms. The start of a revolution? Not a chance.

It's so bad, there isn't even a YouTube clip to put here....

So, with it being Glastonbury this weekend (and I am reminded everyday here at NME that I am not going) here is a lovely video of Blur from last year, singing Tender, one of my highlights from last Summer.

Rx

NYC Moves To The Sound Of LA!

Eminem is back.

There is a lot of expectation here. Is he still as vibrant and controversial as in his Slim Shady days, or is he back as Marshall Mathers being dark and serious, which has been described as stale and boring.... http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=10&p=8399&more=1&c=1 nb. check out the comments on this article -feisty stuff!

Marshall has come out to play today. He's at peace with himself yet retains his venomous tongue to keep you on your toes.
Turns out he's clean (again) and being brutally honest (again). And for those sceptics thinking he's gone too dark and it's gritty depressing angry shit, they're right; but boy, this song is amazing. 'Not Afraid' hits you like a sharp slap around the face, you can't help but pay attention. It has the euphoric-ness of 'Sing For The Moment' but here, Eminem doesn't need Steve Tyler to help him along. Eminem's maturity and experience gives the song a depth which he could just not achieve back in the Slim Shady days. He recognises that Relapse was not up to scratch ('that last Relapse CD was ehh') so his rhymes have got tighter, sharper and he proves he is not on that horrible and embarrassing downward-spiralling road of awful albums we have seen so many artists tread through the years. 'Not Afraid' tells a great story and has a powerful beat behind it which let's us know there is much more to come from the boy from Detroit. And lets be honest, it wouldn't be right if Eminem left the scene without a bang so I for one am glad his reign lives on.

Best Lyric:
I think I've got a tear in my eye, I feel like the King of my world.




Rx

The Sun

Blogspot is being a massive pain in the arse.

Rx

Hotel California

U2 have had to cancel their Glastonbury slot due to Bono's bad back.

Is it wrong that I'm secretly a little bit happy as it makes my not going a bit easier to handle...

That is until they announce Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys or the Kings of Leon as their replacements.

Rx

The Kill

So I'm staring out my window at into the most amazing blue sky listening to Radio 1's big weekend. I can smell a barbeque and can hear people drinking and laughing because they are lucky enough to have finished their exams, either that or they have given up. I should be revising about corporate insolvency law. To be honest, I can't stand law and it's the last thing I want to do. I hate revision and I'm bored out my tree.
Bombay Bicycle Club have just finished and they were as good as ever; now I'm listening to Pete Tong vs Vernon Kay. Tong is wiping the floor with him to be honest as expected obviously, but we all love Vern don't we? :)

I want to be in the sunshine at a festival! I keep catching the festival bands wrapped around my wrist out the corner of my eye and I smile at the most amazing memories attached to each of them.

On the other hand Cheryl Cole has just started singing 'Fireflies' by Owl City. Maybe I'm not missing out too much.

It's incredible how much music can change your mood, and how much not knowing what to listen to can bring your mood right down. It's amazing when that one song comes on the radio or on your iPod and it just lifts you more than anyone's hugs or words can. Whether it's an 80's power ballad which gets you dancing around your room into a hairbrush or a huge drum and bass number which results in you screaming and jumping around like an idiot or even something slow and uplifting like Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car', there is one song out there which one person just gets. You can't explain it, but that particular song speaks volumes. And your best friend may think the song is crap or the lyrics are shit, but who cares? These songs are so personal, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, fuck 'em all.
Here are the 3 songs which make me smile, even when I'm at my lowest point. I just can't get enough of them.

Jump In The Pool - Friendly Fires




Dominoes - The Big Pink




Golden Brown - The Stranglers




The sun is still out. I'm still inside. Revision sucks arse, but at least I've got a smile on my face now...

Rx

Ignorance

So I guess we all know that John Lewis couldn't afford Billy Joel then.
That doesn't mean that Fyfe’s version is bad, not by any stretch of the imagination. However it is essentially a carbon copy of the original.
Fyfe’s stunning voice is naked and exposed on this track which is a nice change as his voice often gets lost amongst the chaos of the Guillemots.
The song has such beautiful lyrics - everyone can take something from it; it is definitely a weepy one if it catches you at the wrong time.
It's a great advert for Fyfe's album 'Fly Yellow Moon' and will no doubt end up in the top 10. Good on Fyfe!



Rx

So Long Goodnight

Revision sucks. A lot.

No time for music = rubbish!

Rx

Two Step Twice

So, I went to see Foals last night!
AMAZING doesn't even cover it.

They showcased their new album, 'Total Life Forever' and of course classics from 'Antidotes'.

Ahh, the illusive and difficult second album from the quintet. I think it is fair to say they have silenced the critics. Spanish Sahara was beautiful and of course Two Step Twice - incredible.

I do have to say, I prefer it when Yannis doesn't speak which thankfully he didn't do much of last night. His silence makes you forget the pretentious and arrogant Oxfordian that he is, so you can just concentrate on the music. So it's good all round!

Rx

-

So I went to see good old Dev Hynes the other night, Lightspeed Champion to those less in the know...

Lightspeed Champion – Bodega – Monday 3rd May

Tonight’s gig was a showcase for ‘Life is Sweet! Nice to Meet You’, Lightspeed’s latest album. His performance was relaxed and fun whilst still being seamlessly precise despite the rough and ready approach taken by his technicians; even after he broke a guitar string on his first note, he continued to scurry around the fret board like ants after jam. There was quite a mix of fans in the crowd, ranging from the young keen-beans practically sat in Lightspeed’s lap to the middle-aged balding bloke at the back singing along to every word with his eyes shut. Lightspeed seems to have found himself with this new record, he’s letting his amazing guitar solos and personal charm do the talking as opposed to him just being ‘cool.’ This change gives him a much better chance of attracting fans other than those who tick the box ‘pretentious’, and they will undoubtedly stay with him because of it.

Rx

Black Gold

Haha!

This Ain't A Love Song

This is EPIC. I mean its Mega-lols.
Simply epic. I mean seriously, just epic.
Oh I love the banter.
Yah.



On my gap yah I'm going to Orrstrayliah.

Rx

Underdog

Alas, a lack of internet makes for very little blogging.

But...I'm going to Leeeeeeeeds!!
Blink 182
Libertines *fingers crossed*
Klaxons
Guns and Roses

Phenominominominal! http://www.leedsfestival.co.uk/home/

Returning to my favourite festival for the 4th year running and I'm so bloody excited!!

Also, cannot get enough of this. What a corker. Though it does scream out 'remix me, remix me'... I only hope the DJs that remix are worth their salt and do a decent job, instead of just putting a happy hardcore beat on the back.



Rx

I Feel Better

The weirdest and most fabulous video I've seen in a while.
The song's wicked as well!

Well done Hot Chip! :)

Rx

New Fang

Amazing session by supergroup Them Crooked Vultures for Zane.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rhddt

I remember seeing them at Leeds Festival 09, they turned up in a secret slot and my god they were brilliant.

To see three legends unexpectedly just took my breath away. Incredible memories!

Rx

Rude Boy

'We Still Got The Taste Dancing On Our Tongues' - Wild Beasts

What a beautifully haunting and charismatic song. The lead singer's falsetto voice is mesmerising and evokes so much emotion from the very first listen; this song is captivating. I can't seem to just listen to it once!
The production on the song is also great, it gives a really sophisticated buoyancy to the song; it's beautifully layered. The lyrics are meaningful and relevant to today's society. It makes you think of Skins, youth culture and the apathetic nature of the current generation but against an artistic marvel like this melody, Wild Beasts create perfect juxtaposition, adding yet another diverse layer to this work.
They really have hit the nail on the head with this song.
I'm excited to hear the rest of the album :)



Thats all for now.

Rx

Spanish Sahara

This will be up for a Best Video next year no doubt...



Shame the song's not up to all that.
And is this better than 'Here It Goes'? I'm going to go with no...

Rx

Radar Detector

Yay my foals tickets arrived today! Can't wait to see them, even if it is at Trent...
Oooh... haha.

Anywho onto some music.

A new band I'm really interested in at the minute is the Two Door Cinema Club.
I heard 'Cigarette In The Theatre' around Christmas thought they had a really good fresh sound about them and then recently got their new song free off itunes...

'Eat Them Up, It's Good For You'

This is a great little ditty, perfect for listening to on spring days to remind you that summer is just round the corner. It reminds you of festivals, chilling with your friends and hanging out and doing nothing just because you can. TDCC are fighting against the rain and snow to create some wicked, popping and dance-until-you-fall-over summer anthems :)
This song is a catchy indie disco classic in the making along with all the other songs I've heard from the band from Bangor.
Two Door Cinema Club are producing sharp and to the point pop songs which grab the attention, lighten the mood and leave you with a smile on your face. I love them!
...Basically check them out!


Another TUNEEEE knocking around at the moment is this baby...



So refreshing. So summery. So weird.
Possibly the catchiest song around.
And its got a pretty cool video.
And Darwin has amazing hair.
Lets hug.


Rx

Ps my internet is driving me mad!! Its so sloooowww!

You've Got The Dirtee Love

Songs I'm addicted to at the minute:

You've Got The Dirtee Love - Florence and Dizzee from the Brits

Starry Eyed - Ellie Goulding (Woo, she's at my grad ball!)

Pass Out - Tinie Tempah

Why Don't You - Gramaphonedzie

Opposite of Adults - Chiddy Bang

My Propeller - T'Arctic Monkeys

Don't Stop Believing - GLEE (I am no way ashamed of this :) )

Superstition - Stevie Wonder (He will be amazing at glasto!)


Guilty Pleasure....

One Shot - JLS

Rx

Standing In The Way Of Control

Here's a little review I did of Marina and the Diamonds new song, 'Rootless'.

With a sudden start you get really involved in the depth of the sober and seductive lyrics of this song. The baseline is addictive and captures the listener at once, and then the song erupts into a hugely powerful chorus. There is an enchanting quality to the melody of this, almost of euphoric hymn-like proportions, which makes me think of epic Kate Bush-style dramatic pieces. And after this theatrical anthem has reached its peak, it ends as quickly as it started; great production.
Marina and her Diamonds just seems to be getting better and better; here, she proves she is more thank just another pop star. As good as 'Hollywood' is, I wondered whether this girl was going to be another one hit wonder, who we would expect too much from and yet again we would be let down. But if 'Rootless' is anything to go by, she is marking her place in the Industry and won't be moving for a while.
Check her out!



Also, I have rediscovered the sensation that is Skins series 1 :)
I'd forgotten how great Chris is.




















Rx

One Shot

Possibly the best music video cameo ever?



They've still got it, what a cracking bass line. Guaranteed hit? I think so.
Can't wait for the album!

Rx

Resistance

Professor Green - I Need You Tonight
What a great song. I absolutely adore the original sample by INXS and think this a wicked remix. It's a really great pop/dance/rap record which you can't help but smile to :)



Eww that Daisy Dares You song, Number One Enemy has just come on the radio... I can't for the life of me figure out why people are going mad for this pile of crap. It's got such an irritating sound to it. I have no idea who this is aimed at or who is buying such rubbish!
Angry rant over. Muse just came on :)

Rx

Evening/Morning

A really great interview with Johnny Depp and Tim Burton on Alice in Wonderland and their binge drinking...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFBC556kLdQ

I can't wait for the film to come out :)

Rx

Dominos

NME Award were this week:

Godlike Genius Award - Paul Weller
Outstanding Contribution To Music - The Specials
Best British Band - Muse
Best International Band - Paramore
Best Solo Artist - Jamie T
Best New Band - Bombay Bicycle Club
Best Live Band - Arctic Monkeys
Best Album - Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Best Track - The Big Pink - "Dominos"
Best Video - Biffy Clyro - "The Captain"
Best Live Event - Blur, Hyde Park
Best Festival - Glastonbury Festival
Best TV Show - The Inbetweeners
Best Film - Inglourious Basterds
Best Dancefloor Filler - La Roux - "In For The Kill (Skream Remix)"
Best DVD - The Mighty Boosh Live - Future Sailors Tour
Hero of the Year - Rage Against The Machine
Villain of the Year - Kanye West
Best Dressed - Lady Gaga
Worst Dressed - Lady Gaga
Worst Album - Jonas Brothers - Lines, Vines and Trying Times
Worst Band - Jonas Brothers
Hottest Man - Matt Bellamy
Hottest Woman - Karen O
Best Website - Muse.mu
Best Album Artwork - Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Best Band Blog - Radiohead (Radiohead.com/deadairspace)
Giving It Back Fan Award - Lily Allen for her Twitter ticket treasure hunt
Phillip Hall Radar Award - The Drums

to go over a few...Matt Bellamy as the Hottest Man - undisputed, he's stunning. :)
Speaking of Matt Bellamy, Muse won best band which I think is thoroughly deserved. They have been nominated for so long as best band and have unfairly been dismissed and almost forgotten about behind bands such as the Arctic Monkeys and Oasis. That is not to say those bands don't deserve the award either but they seem to get more recognition for their work and are talked about more etc that Muse have ever been. This award, I feel, marks a change in public attitude and heads towards a more appreciation of this incredible band.

Also really happy about Jamie T getting best solo artist! he works so hard and I have been a big fan of his for so long, that now I finally feel like he's getting some credit for all the work he does. :)

Dominos - Best song of the last 6 months by a country mile.

Future sailors = best dvd! I <3 the Boosh!

Also really chuffed for Bombay Bicycle Club getting best new band. Their album 'I had the blues but shook them loose' is such a winner. There isn't a bad song on that album. Their sound is really fresh and energetic which just gets you going. Its great :) And I saw them at the NME awards tour in Nottingham too and they were fab. I can't wait to see them again. I think they will go far this band.

Godlike Genius went to the wonder that is Paul Weller. I adore this man, both solo and in the bands the Jam and the Style Council (bad hair in those days). Known as the Modfather, Weller has shaped a generation of rebellious youths into our parents today. I don't know anyone who doesn't like this man! A well deserved prize :D

Paramore winning best international band? Obviously a glich, votes made by twilight-obsessed teens. Boo. Should have gone to the Kings.

Overall a pretty good night, I think in the whole, the right awards went to the right people. And also how funny that Lady Gaga got both best and worst dressed. I think that is a perfect metaphor for her split it the public eye.

Until next year...

Rx