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

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

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:

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

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!

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?!

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.

International Group

Fleet Foxes

Foo Fighters

Jay Z/ Kanye West

Lady Antebellum

Maroon 5

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.

Outstanding Contribution to Music

WINNER:

Blur

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

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

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