My favourite tracks of 2013.

If I wrote this post on a different day the list would probably be completely different, that's the thing about music, it's very mood depending and there's so much good stuff out there it's really tough to pick out solid favourites.

But, here goes.

10. Palma Violets - Best of friends
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjit0AuZNiE

There is still some part of me who is clinging onto my 15 year old self, when I loved anything a bit "punk" sounding or "grungy" - it was a time when I loved (and rightly so) The Clash, Nirvana etc. And Palma Violets embrace that teen angst in their raw sound. Listen and stay young for a bit longer.

9. !!! - One Girl / One Boy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyuWU_Gyu-s

I like to disco. This is the perfect funky disco song, it just makes me feel happy whenever I hear it, and makes me wanna go out dancing. 

8. Darkside - Paper trails
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZVPHzsRp_o

WOW, Darkside is Nicolas Jaar's project with Dave Harrington, and this track is immense, mellow & electronic with a blues feel. I bloody love it. 

7. Chvrches - The mother we share
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mTRvJ9fugM

I first heard this song a while before it's release way back in January, and even posted a link to it straight away on Twitter because I was so impressed. Chvrches have had a pretty good year and released some brilliant singles, this, though remains my favourite. 

6. Daft Punk - Get Lucky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NV6Rdv1a3I

This song needs no introduction or explanation, when it was released it completely took over, definitely the biggest single of the year; no one can deny it's catchy, disco, soul beats and what a great collaboration with Nile Rodgers and the king of catchy himself Pharrell Williams. FEEL GOOD MUSIC AT IT'S BEST. 

5. The National - Demons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N527oBKIPMc

A couple of years ago when I first gave listening to The National a go, I wasn't really won over, I just thought they were okay. I was wrong. They are one of the most incredible bands. If you're ever feeling lonely, listen to them and in their words and music you'll find a true friend. Their latest album is full of wonders but Demons is probably still my top choice, mainly because I can relate to it. Turn off your lights, close your eyes and really listen. 

4. Jagwar Ma - Man I need
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8KCPw9kYpo

Jagwar Ma's 2013 album 'Howlin'' has become one of my most listened to this year, and particularly this song, which I adore. It's lovely indie electro dance, with some decent use of synths. An instant winner. 

3. Disclosure - F for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TUIciKQzxI

What a year it's been for Disclosure, I personally think they should have won the Mercury Prize (as much as I like James Blake) but a nomination is pretty good anyway, right? The whole album is fun and get's you right in the party spirit. Experiemental and unique - this song has it all. 

2. Arctic Monkeys - Why do you only call me when you're high?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6366dxFf-Os

AM could be the best Arctic's album since their debut. It's bluesy, a bit more grungy and I like it. I struggled to decide on which of theirs to have here, it could have easily been 'Do I wanna know?' or even one of the amazing b-sides - "Stop the world I wanna get off" / "You're so dark", but in the end I decided on this gem. Any person who has ever got drunk (high) and called an ex or someone they're involved with can relate to this song, it's a song for a great British generation. Indie lives on, kids. (Also, I fancy Alex, a lot.)

1. Chris Malinchak - So good to me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrMl32cuC2A

And so finally, the number one spot, this song actually made it to number 1 in the UK charts, showing that the masses can get it right. I'm not really good at this whole winter lark and long for the summer. This song sounds like summer and was one I played a lot back during those months. Everytime I hear it it just gives me that feel good factor with it's soulful electro mellow vibes and gorgeous vocals. WINNER. 

* (Other bands/artists that probably deserve to be on the list - Jake Bugg, James Blake, Swim Deep, Rudimental and London Grammar and many more)

It's been a good year 2013 - thank you for the Music. Here's to another year of it.

Cheers! 

Merry Christmas

So, 1 week today and the biggest of anti-climaxes will be happening - Christmas Day. (how very Scrooge-esque of me!)

I do actually love the festive season, mainly for the extra partying, but also for sharing time with loved ones (awwwwww)

Anyway, Christmas songs - only a few get it right

and

!!! have - it's a bit cheesy, but it's funky and fun and bloody catchy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWjfVyjl9Wk

also, last year one of my favourite covers was Lucy Rose doing "Merry Christmas Everyone" - which, is in fact one of my fave Xmas songs of all time

this year.. surprisingly it's a cover of 'Last Christmas' - thanks Peace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vX7tC_BWoA

MERRY XMAS TO YOU x

RECORDS ON REPEAT

*Listen* *Listen* *Listen*

I'm not normally bossy, but you MUST listen to these:

Cashmere Cat - With me
https://soundcloud.com/cashmerecat/withme

Majical Cloudz - Turns, turns, turns
https://soundcloud.com/majical-cloudz/turns-turns-turns

and

Toy - Endlessly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Yre4Gmb-E

They are all dreamy. Lay down, close your eyes and let the music take you there.

(*There... someplace, well, nice)

RECORDS ON REPEAT

Nile Rogers, Disclosure and Sam Smith. Utterly smooth, totally funky. This makes me happy -

https://soundcloud.com/methodrecords/sam-smith-x-nile-rodgers-x?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook

I love finding new covers of songs, here's a great one of Galaxie's 500

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

and

although I first heard this a while ago, it's only recently I've grown to love it so much.

Country can be good and Valerie June gets it spot on:
https://soundcloud.com/valeriejune/workin-woman-blues

Gig Review: Palma Violets, Childhood & BabyStrange

Monday 18th Nov, I got off the train at Wolverhampton station to be greeted by a sea of parka coats - Beady Eye were in town, but I wasn't off to see them (as much as I love LG) I was heading to the Slade Rooms for Palma Violets - a four-piece indie band from London, who have received praise and backing from the likes of NME and Radio 1's Zane Lowe.

The bands debut album '180' peaked at no.11 in the UK album charts, not bad eh?

The song that brought them to my attention was 'Best of friends' and it still remains one of my favourites.

Whenever I go to see any live music, I like to make sure I get there to see the support acts too, you never know who you might discover... if it wasn't for getting to a Bombay Bicycle Club gig early I would never have discovered Theme Park, who pretty much filled a lot of my summer soundtrack last year.

So, Palma Violets were suitably supported my BabyStrange a punk-esque 3 man band from Glasgow, their angry grungey sound seemed to suit the Palma Violets attitude, and the masses of moshing 15 year olds seemed to approve. I don't think I'll be adding them to my playlist anytime soon, but, live they had an exciting energy and I'd happily watch them again, if not only to feel like a rebellious teen.

Childhood were up next, a very different band, one that seemed a bit of an odd choice really in the line-up, mellow indie with a bit of a psychedelic dreamy feel (I'd already got their song 'Solemn Skies' on a mix CD so I was pretty happy when they performed that one... swaying and singing along...) the rest of their set was nice, easy-listening stuff, not ground breaking, but, there is definitely potential there, they could be ones to watch out for...

And, then, eventually Palma Violets took to stage - the atmosphere was pretty impressive, and the audience was buzzing, the whole set had a great feel to it and band and audience gave it their all, they have a real Clash sound about them, something that for many of the youngsters present might be something completely new, but for the 20+ lot, it was just nice to have a bit of punk indie back in our lives. I would 100% see them again, just wish they'd take off the sunglasses, Boys - I know rock n' roll image is important BUT YOU'RE INSIDE.

Anyway, if they're good enough for Stuart Pearce (weirdly in the audience) then they're good enough for the rest of us.. I think that works.

RECORDS ON REPEAT

This week my records on repeat:

Skin Town - Midnight Lover
https://soundcloud.com/skintown/midnight-lover

90s dance, Rn'B vibezzzzzzzzz

----------------------------------------------------------------
Blood Orange - You're not good enough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbZ3s8XWJlA

Some really funky disco - worthy just for the lyrics alone

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I like David Bowie, he's one of the music greats. And here is him being remixed, well, rather well:
https://soundcloud.com/davidbowie/love-is-lost-hello-steve-reich

LOVE MORE AND WORRY LESS

Love more and worry less,

That's some important advice - something we should probably all take on board

Bipolar Sunshine:


https://soundcloud.com/bipolarsunshine/love-more-worry-less-2

The National *new release*

I'm a relatively new National fan, but now, I dunno what I'd do without them. It sounds cheesy but when I listen to some of their songs, like 'Demons' or 'Start a war' - they actually make my heart ache. And I rarely do emotional...

Their new song is for the soundtrack of Hunger Games, and they haven't let us down.

Everybody needs a prayer, and needs a friend
Everybody knows the world's about to end
Everybody wants to know what the end will be
Everybody wants to look before they leap
Everybody wants to sip of wine to drink
Everybody wants a little more time to think 
Everybody needs a reason why they run
Everybody wants to know what they're running from
And I can see your fever's on the riseI can see the waters in your eyes
And I can see the way the water leads
Love will lead us all to smithereens
Dying is easy, I believe my love and my love relieves me
Dying is easy, I believe my love and my love relieves me
You said it was everything... 
Everybody takes forever to fall asleep, 
Everybody's got a life they don't want to keep 
Everybody needs a prayer, and needs a friend
Everybody knows the world's about to end
And I can see your fever's on the rise
I can see the waters in your eyes
And I can see the way the water leads
Love will lead us all to smithereens
Dying is easy, I believe my love and my love relieves me
Dying is easy, I believe my love and my love relieves me
You said it was everything... 
i'm gonna let it in... 
And I can see your fever's on the rise
I can see the waters in your eyes
And I can see the way the water leads
Love will lead us all to smithereens
Dying is easy, I believe my love and my love relieves me
Dying is easy, I believe my love and my love relieves me
You said it was everything... 
I'm gonna let it in...
And I can see your fever's on the rise
I can see the waters in your eyes
And I can see the way the water leads
Love will lead us all to smithereens
Dying is easy, I believe my love and my love relieves me
Dying is easy, I believe my love and my love relieves me
You said it was everything... 
I'm gonna let it in...


https://soundcloud.com/universalrepublic/the-national-lean-the-hunger/s-5Ft3p

I'm gonna have a listen to the whole soundtrack, I think there could be some gems on there, I'll let you know..

RECORDS ON REPEAT

My records on repeat for this week:

Glass Animals - Psylla
https://soundcloud.com/glassanimals/psylla

Wet - I don't wanna be your girl
https://soundcloud.com/wetnyc/dont-wanna-be-your-girl

and

Eyedress - Nature trips
https://soundcloud.com/eyedress/nature-trips

The Arctic Monkeys take a walk on the wild side

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nHeZJfQ69I

OUTFIT. they're cool

A few months ago, I'd only really heard the name Outfit (a band from Liverpool) a few times, I think I may have caught a snippet of one of their tunes on 6music, but after a radio pal recommended I gave them a proper listen, I did, and she was right, they're kinda special.

So, I was really excited to being going to see them at The Institute in Brum (supporting Everything Everything, who are pretty decent too) but very annoyingly a couple of days before I got ill, cheers for that immune system, nice one. I think I had a fever *cold* but whatever it was, it must have been pretty bad cos nothing stops me from enjoying myself... So while I sobbed into my ticket whilst sipping on Lemsip, everyone else was living it up at the gig, bad times indeed.

But, the missed gig and 20 quid wasted aside...

Their album Performance (released on Aug 12th) is a mixture of dance, techno, indie. It's different, it's a bit messy, but most of all it's good.

Here's one of my faves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APAUl2Fc_0g

Lou Reed. RIP.

Lou Reed died on 27/10/13

So, you may think I'm pretty late with this post about him, you'd be right.

When I read the news (on Twitter) which is how I find out about a lot of breaking news, like many people, I was genuinely shocked and saddened.

Velvet Underground have and continue to play a massive part in my little music world. 

Without people like Lou Reed creating amazing songs, my life would be pretty empty, music just means so much.

Here's Reed at possibly his most tender:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcDuR9BF0Oc

PALE BLUE EYES. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Moby and Jake Bugg release new records (not together) (not quite sure how that collaboration would work out)

Moby's album Play is one of my most loved albums, 'Natural Blues', 'Porcelain' and 'Why does my heart feel so bad?' are some of my favourite songs, since then, I enjoyed 18, but after that, he did kinda fall off my radar & I just dipped in and out of his other albums...

But he's back, back again, this time with Innocents

And it's good, it's really good

Familiar melancholy melodies, and slow dance beats, that make it seem the perfect summer chill-out album (shame it's October eh?!) it all still sounds very Moby-esque but fresher and sharper, with some superb guest vocals.

My favourite so far:
6. The Last Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEFQZEYRNYk

AND
19 year old indie boy Jake Bugg, is due to release his second album 'Shangri La' in about a months time (18th November to be precise)

His first single 'What doesn't kill you' available from end of September, is a move away from the acoustic sound that was dominant on his debut (Mercury nominated) record. 

Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxjZbFpBpbE

To be honest, I'm not a fan of the videos intro where it's him just talking about 'stabbings and car parks' etc, it seems a bit try hard "cool" to me, but once the song starts, well, it is pretty cool - faced paced guitars, catchy lyrics; just makes me wanna dance. It's a winner. Well done JB.

Let's see what the rest of the album brings...!

Clouds and silver linings.

So, I have just spent an amazing few days in Budapest.. If you haven't been before I cannot recommend it highly enough. And the Szimpla Kert ruin pub is a MUST. One of the best bars I've probably ever been to - how can you not love a bar that has chairs made from old bath tubs and a table in a car?

Anyway, upon my return it was Glasto ticket sales time, but due to an overnight flight I was putting all my faith in my mother and brother to get my tickets ordered for me. They failed. Well, to be fair the website was a big let down. SO GUTTED, the first time I've actually planned properly to go and tickets sell out faster than ever AND now I've just read that Fleetwood Mac are probably gonna be the headline act. OUCH. Excuse me while I lock myself away and cry until , well, forever. (ok, maybe that's a tad dramatic, but only a tad)

I am still holding onto a tiny bit of hope for the April re-sale. PLEASE LET ME GO.

Anyway, while feeling sorry for myself in my no glasto ticket gloom, I've found some nice tracks -

Every cloud and all that....

Ben Khan - Eden
https://soundcloud.com/benkhan/eden
electro, synth, R n' B. Unique.

I loved 'Royals' & here's another impressive release from the young talented Lorde:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g03b4U_aPk

Connan Mockasin - I am the man that will find you
https://soundcloud.com/connanmockasin/connan-mockasin-im-the-man
weird, dreary high pitched vocals, a little bit like he's been sucking the helium outta a balloon for too long, but somehow it works. After all, weird is good.

Two songs that you need in your life right now.

I can't get enough of these two stunners:

Movement - Us

https://soundcloud.com/modularpeople/movement-us-1

Movement are a trio from Sydney, this is the first track of theirs I've ever heard, and instantly I loved it, it's a mix of 90s dance and r n' b beats with some dark lyrics. 

Darkside - Papertrails

https://soundcloud.com/daftside-2/paper-trails

This is a song from electronic producer Nicolas Jaar’s and guitarist Dave Harrington, has a downbeat sound featuring bluesy soul guitar and a husky soft vocal. BEAUTIFUL. (it deserves the caps lock).

wanna try summat new? course you do...

I spend hours, days, weeks, (you get the gist) researching new songs, new artists, I love that moment when you discover new stuff that makes you stop and literally say WOW. The proper 'WOW moment' happens occasionally, but, for now, here's some songs that have caught my attention.. they're worthy of a listen:

Fyfe - Solace

https://soundcloud.com/thisisfyfe/solace

J£ZUS Million - Memo

https://soundcloud.com/jezusmilli/memo-feat-yadi/s-ypz3s

Snakadaktal - Hung on tight

https://soundcloud.com/liberation-music-oz/snakadaktal-hung-on-tight-2

The Strypes - What a shame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gQbnLCgLCU

The naked and famous - hearts like ours

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMSWS0B_9Tw

The Vaccines - Do you want a man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLUaWd8FPxk

Gent Mason - Eden

https://soundcloud.com/gentmason/eden/s-mFNls

V Festival 2013.

So festival season has been well a truly under way for months now and I have patiently been waiting for my live music dosage. I have felt distraught seeing peoples updates and photos about various music festivals from Glastonbury to Hideout, from Secret Garden to Unknown etc.

I would love nothing more than to take the whole of summer off work and attend a music festival every week - now that would make for the BEST summer ever. Unfortunately, I'm not rich and not able to just jet set around (how cruel life can be eh..) so I had to settle for just one festival ticket, and like an old holey jumper that you know is passed it's best, but you just can't throw away, my ticket ended up being one for V Festival.

...I have been attending V since the tender age of 15, crikey, I am old school.

These days, now, more than ever, V is seen as the most commercial and "pop" of the UK festivals, it is has kinda become the 'uncool' festival choice, viewed by many music lovers out there as the one to skip, and to be fair the line-up this year did seem a bit weak. Nonetheless, I was excited about the prospect of being with my pals in the sunshine, cider in hand, watching some live music. 

We started our music weekend with... 5ive, yep..5ive and it was amazing! As a kid, I unlike a lot of my friends, didn't have much interest in boy bands, I liked Oasis and Travis and stuff like The Rolling Stones (thank you parents) so except for my necessary dose of girl power from the wonderful Spice Girls - I wasn't too fussed about 'pop'. But, I did always have a soft spot for 5ive, the "bad boys" (LOL) of the pop world.

And, finally, at the age of 25 I was about to see them inside the Arena tent. It was absolutely full - mainly of females in their 20s ! Maybe the fact it had began to rain outside helped, but either way the atmosphere was bouncing, every singly person was singing, dancing and cheering as they came out on stage with their version of Queen's classic 'We will rock you'. They sang and rapped hit after hit and you could tell they were having as much fun as the captured audience ( FYI - I totally fancy Scott and Abs, and Ritchie's arms alone deserve a special mention..) I never wanted their performance to end, it was THAT good, when, it did finish though (sigh), I thought I'd lost my voice - so much passionate 5ive singing has it's dangers after all.

Over the weekend I also caught moments of Laura Mvula, The Vaccines, Olly Murs (mainly for a quick perve of everyones favourite cheeky chappy), Deacon Blue, James and Paloma Faith - all who were pretty damn decent and all warrant a cheers!

Nevertheless, stand out acts included: Rudimental - the crowd went crazy at the Channel 4 stage to their set, which was brilliant, when 'Waiting all night' was being performed, every person was jumping about - holding hands - just having a good time, and after all, having fun is what it's all about right?!

Surprisingly,  I enjoyed Emelie Sande (she was one of the few people I was kinda bullied into seeing by my festival mates), it's not that I actually dislike her music, I can just take it or leave it, but live she was good, I did however, get more excited about seeing John Bishop at the side of the stage to be honest, but anyway..

Two Door Cinema Club smashed their set - perfect summer sunshine tunes and when I caught end of The Courteeners they were looking and sounding as good as ever, and let's face it 'Not 19 forever' and 'You overdid it doll' are perfect indie festival anthems. 

Back inside the Arena tent (I always think that at festivals like music venues in general, the smaller the venue the better) I saw Travis and MY GOD it was literally sensational, packed out, everybody chanting - hugging each other, dancing around, it was the best set of the weekend I reckon and when Fran Healey cried on stage thanking everyone, I almost shed a tear myself. 

Headline acts on Saturday - Kings of Leon were, as expected, incredible and well worthy of the lead spot on the main stage, having followed Stereophonics who didn't disappoint either, my indie heart was all a flutter.

And, finally Queen B... finished it all off as healiner on Sunday... half hour late (DIVA) she was worth the wait, if not for 'Single Ladies' alone but for the remix of 'Halo', which sampled some of Whitney's 'I will always love you', me and my girls cheesily sang it to each other. Girl Power lives on. 

What a weekend - music and sunshine makes me happy and content. Thanks V, you've been a loyal friend, but I think next year it is probably time to move on. HELLO GLASTO...x

Another brilliant single from Alex Turner and his gang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6366dxFf-Os

The next single from the Arctic Monkeys forthcoming album is another helping of dirty moody indie guitars..

Beaut.

I just wish Alex would change his hair.

Variety is the spice of life. So, here's some spice:

These bands/artists are all fairly new, well, new to me at least, and with a mix of soul, dubstep, jazz, hip-hop and of course a good measure of indie, there's a lot of variety. feel the heat?

The Hics - Tangle

(Who are ya? Sam (vocals, electronics), Roxana (vocals), Jacob (drums), Geordan (guitar), Matt (Bass), David (sax).)

https://soundcloud.com/the-hics/tangle#t=0:01

Likely to LIKE: james blake, the xx

Pawws - Slow Love

(Who are ya? Lucy Taylor (voice, keyboards). from N London)

https://soundcloud.com/pawws/slow-love-1

Likely to LIKE: any beautiful female voice 

Nick Brewer - Ashamed

(Who are ya? An Essex Rapper)

https://soundcloud.com/itsnickbrewer/nick-brewer-x-the-confect

Likely to LIKE: Jamie T, Plan B, The Streets

Boho Dancer - Gemini

(Who are ya? A Danish trio, from.. well, Denmark)

https://soundcloud.com/boho-dancer/gemini

Likely to LIKE: folky pop

Az&Tor - Sit Back

(Who are ya? A Bristol twosome - Aisha Zoe and Rich Main)

https://soundcloud.com/madtechrecords/sets/kcmtdl014-az-tor-sit-back-1

Likely to LIKE: AlunaGeorge, MRMS)

Happy Sunny Friday !

this remix is sounding good in the sunshine...

(Tame Impala and Kayne)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsVERuZncaU&feature=youtu.be

and let's be honest, anything that makes use of Disney brings love.

Old Monkeys

Orchestra or some strings always make live performances that little more beautiful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74f3hXBn1K8

Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum (Glasto 2013)

Still sad I didn't get to go to Glastonbury. Next years dates are already in the diary!

Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party (And others..) have shiny new tracks.

Bloc Party - Ratchet.

Ratchet? W.T.F. A cool, catchy number. despite the strange song title.

https://soundcloud.com/blocparty/ratchet-1

Franz Ferdinand - Right Action

It feels like Franz Ferdinand arrived in 2004 and then had disappeared in a puff of indie smoke a year later. Back with a vengeance here though. Not as strong as the Arctic Monkeys newbie but definitely something that will make you remember them for good again. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZa-FHRmoGg

Scott and Charlene's Wedding - Lesbian Wife

Possibly the worst band name ever? Or so bad it becomes great? I can't make up my mind. Anyway these boys from Oz not only love a bit of Kylie & Jason, but guitars too..

http://vimeo.com/69010421

Money - Hold Me Forever

Truly elegant stuff from the northern lot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6lPO_rSGjY

Cheers Pete.

So Friday came (21st June) and I was all ready to see Mr Pete Doherty at the Underground in Stoke.

I'd been listening to the Libertines, Babyshambles and his solo stuff all week, which had been really getting me in the mood for seeing him live and for a bit of partying... the sun was shining as we made our way up Hanley - few (many..) drinks down and we were feeling the love entirely. Then....




He didn't turn up. No explanation, just an announcement at 10.30pm, 2 hours after we'd arrived at the venue. Little bit annoying.

Anyway, I'm hoping he will make it up to me some time.

For anyone who has had the chance to see him on this little tour or is due to see him with Babyshambles in the autumn, but especially those that have been stood up by him - close your eyes and listen to one of his greatest songs, well one of my ultimate favourites. I guess I still love him, eh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lc2lchixWM

They're back - Arctic Monkeys release their new single:

Released straight to iTunes on June 18th - Arctic Monkey: Do I Wanna Know? comes from their forthcoming fifth album

Quite a few people have been saying it sounds a tad Black Keys-esque and I can see where they're coming from, when the intro begins you wouldn't be wrong to think it could be a song off the Brothers album.

A great stomping return from the band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpOSxM0rNPM

Girl Power.

I loved the Spice Girls, I STILL love the Spice Girls (Mel C was always my favourite just in case you were wondering)..

Now, girl power is stronger than ever in music, with new female artists emerging all the time and gaining wide success critically and commercially.

Here's some new stuff that again shows 'sisters are doin' it for themselves':

This girl from New Zealand is only 16, with some serious attitude in her voice and words. After the first listen to this song, I played it consecutively 10 times. Must be good...

Lorde - Royals 
https://soundcloud.com/lordemusic/royals/s-TufDW

Some Rn'B love from :

Phlo Finister - Coca Cola Classic
https://soundcloud.com/night-beach-records/phlo-finister-coca-cola

Solange Knowles, is so cool it actually hurts a little, here's her latest:

Solange Knowles ft. Kendrick Lamar - Looks Good with Trouble

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LA3vIH34Ry8

Named after Radioheads' third album: Kid A bring us:
KID A - BB Bleu
https://soundcloud.com/technicolour-music/bb-bleu/s-Sw4wV

and

M.I.A is BACK

I'm not sure this is gonna be a proper favourite of mine, but, here it is:

MIA - Bring The Noise
https://soundcloud.com/miauk/bring-the-noize


x

3 little treats..

Childhood - Solemn Skies

Formed at Nottingham Uni back in 2011, these four lads could be the 'next big' Indie band, having already toured with Palma Violets, things are looking good.
Dreamy:

https://soundcloud.com/childhoodmusic/solemn-skies


Gaz Coombes - One Of These Days

Supergrass were a really decent indie band, listening to their music - it oozes youth and fun but Mr Coombes has grown up quite a bit since those days and this is clear from the sound of his solo stuff too -  this track is the latest release from his album 'Here come the bombs' and it is gorgeous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCepx8Ti_M

Junip - Your Life Your Call

Swedish band Junip is a trio including José González. This song is from the self-titled album which was released about month ago. Moody folky, soul with a synth undercurrent. 

https://soundcloud.com/junip/junip-your-life-your-call

The Stone Roses Film has arrived

Shane Meadows (This is England) has (as I'm sure you will already be aware!) directed a documentary about The Stone Roses.

'Made of Stone' will première today in the bands home-town of Manchester at the Victoria Warehouse.

When tickets were released back in April they sold out in one minute - that's one minute. Pretty impressive, right?

What is different about this music documentary, is, that it's created by an award winning Director but who, himself, is a massive fan of the band, in fact, Meadows has described The Stone Roses as his 'favourite band'.

The film covers the highs and lows of the bands time together, their rise to fame and success but most of all the come back - the band reunited and taking on touring all over again.

Like many other adoring fans I cannot wait to see this film, but unfortunately I'm gonna have to... not too long now though - the highly anticipated documentary will be at cinemas nationwide from 5th June. EEEEEEeeeeeeeee (that's me excited)

But just to get yourselves even more ready, why not watch the trailer - I have done so about 20 times already. I WANNA BE ADORED...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oMZkW0RjE4

Gig review: High House

Back in summer 2012 when I was working at a local radio station - Stafford Music Festival had taken place, ending, as it usually does with a day of live music outside Stafford Castle. At this event local unsigned band High House performed (unfortunately I was not there that day) , but many of my colleagues were and they were well and truly wowed. The next day everyone at the station was talking about them "you've gotta here High House, they're brilliant" and some of their songs were swiftly added to the stations music library.

I was a bit sceptical about whether they would be any good but decided I'd check them out, and I was pleasantly surprised - I went onto their Facebook page and had a listen to a couple of live sessions of their tracks 'Dreamer, Drifter' and 'Photographs' and was more than impressed.

There are quite a few indie/folk bands emerging, and after the success of Mumford and Sons - commercially and critically, that's no surprise. But unlike quite a few other bands that kinda sound the same and all merge into one, High House do like a couple of others (Of Monsters and Men for example) have their own distinct sound. I think this is mainly thanks to the uniqueness of lead singer Dan Croppers voice but I think without Laura's vocals it would feel like something was missing, the songs are just right with their voices entwined.

Since last summer, I have continued to listen to the band mainly via their Soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/high-house

and so I was incredibly pleased to find out I would finally have chance to see them live, when they once again took part in this year's Stafford Music Festival. They were scheduled in for 22nd May at the Gatehouse Theatre as part of the Folk and Blues night. Myself and a couple of others from XL-FM headed down early to have a chance to interview the band (you can hear my chat with Laura here: )

When they took to the Met Studio stage you could sense a real buzz in the audience (a sell out show!) the harmonies sounded even better live, and the musical talent of all members shone - guitars, drums, keys and so much more. They played old favourites and also debut some new material that showed further development and the maturity of the band. My ultimate moment of the evening though, came at the finale, when without any mics, electronics - they sang and played Fleetwood Mac's: Dreams - covers of songs can go either way, they can either destroy an original or interpret it so well that you forget it's a cover, luckily High House did the latter - beautifully making one of my favourite songs completely their own.

Trouble Will Find Me

The National release their sixth album this week,

The first single, "Demons," was released on April 8, 2013. The second single, "Don't Swallow the Cap," was released on April 11, 2013. 

And

The first video from the new record can be seen here, 'The Sea of Love'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIWmRbHDhGw


Beautiful stuff.

More new Daft Punk joy

"Get Lucky" is pretty much the song of the summer, (still a non mover at number 1 in the charts) and I adore it, when you need to feel good, that song hits the spot. But, I am also really really really (that's...REALLY) liking this from the new album:

Instant Crush -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZk0acgfUTI

And we will never be alone again
Cause it doesn't happen everyday
Kinda counted on you being a friend
Kinda given up on giving away

Covers.

Most of the time you can't beat the original of any song - how the artist wrote it, how the artist intended it to sound.

But I've always been interested in 'covers' I like to hear different peoples' interpretations of the lyrics, of the emotion, and how a song can be altered in so many ways.

This in mind, here's a few cute ones:

Laura Marling & Eddie Berman - Dancing in the Dark (Springsteen)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ul0aWaPAkak#

Bombay Bicycle Club feat Lucy Rose - Video Games (Lana Del Ray)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QvWVfUqTnM

The XX - Finally (Kings of Tomorrow)

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

Alex Turner - Strange (Patsy Cline)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6cgNMD5d9A

AND,

Daughter have done a gorgeous version of the song that is anywhere and everywhere - Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Cp55MvX54

Motown, baby.

Har Mar Superstar has been seen as a bit of a 'joke' in some ways - how he presents himself and how he performs, yet, he's supported some amazing acts: The Strokes, Gossip and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

However, he may be really proving that the 'joke' was on us after all. 

His newest stuff is taking us back to a smooth cool Motown groove....

Lady, you shot me:
https://soundcloud.com/dragontoaclown/lady-you-shot-me-har-mar-superstar

*Drought* *SOS*

I'm going through the worst kind of drought ever, EVER (okay so a may be exaggerating a little, or a lot) but I am currently experiencing a live music drought. I am SO thirsty.

There is no time or place or moment I feel happier then when I am watching a band or artist perform live, it could be in someones' living room, a working mans' club or Wembley Stadium - It just makes everything feel right. In fact, the last time I witnessed any live music was a cover band performing at a friends wedding - they were good, and it really made the day for me (after witnessing all the lovely love stuff, of course.)

But, (apart from the wedding) the last time I went to watch a band was all the way back in February. I actually feel sad and ashamed, but mainly sad, that it's been that long. HELP.

The problem is with other social things and work (always gets in the way of fun doesn't it?) I just haven't had the opportunity to go to any gigs. I must change this...so,

I am going to see an unsigned band - High House next week (phew) in Stafford,

then hoping to follow that up with Swim Deep on 31st May (B'ham) and The Strypes at the end of June (Wolverhampton)

If it's been a while since you've seen any live music, get to it, nothing is greater, check out local venues, little pubs etc you'll find some right gems along the way. 

Time to get booking. x

a quick newbie for ya:

this took a few listens for me to make up my mind, but now I like like like it.

Glass Animals - Black Mambo

https://soundcloud.com/glassanimals/black-mambo

here's the link to their LIVE dates, just in case you fancy checking 'em out. I know I will. 

http://glass-animals.tumblr.com/live

Pete and Paris.

This clip of Pete Doherty (Babyshambles) performing in a bar in Paris has found it's way onto Youtube.

J'adore Paris (that's about the extent of my French vocab used right there..) and..

I have a weird relationship with Pete Doherty, weird in the sense that an ACTUAL relationship doesn't exist, obviously, but I half fancy him despite him always looking, well, a bit of a sweaty mess.

When The Libertines were at their peak, I really had a massive crush on him, but even now, those feelings still linger on a little. Anyway, putting my maybe bad taste in men aside.. anything Pete seems to do musically is right - Libertines, Babyshambles, solo stuff etc - I can't seem to fault pretty much any of it.

And now he's dabbling in a bit of reggae it seems, this might be the next Babyshambles single. From the footage here, I already think it is a good'un:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR9y2iEM5Ys

A bit of this, and a bit of that.

Here's a mix of some nice new stuff, hopefully you'll hear summat you like here:

Folk/hip-hop/classical all combined from this violinist
Emily Wells - Passenger
https://soundcloud.com/emilywells/passenger

Chapel Club - Good Together
https://soundcloud.com/chapelclub/08-good-together-2

Kelis - Jerk Ribs
https://soundcloud.com/kelis/jerk-ribs

Waxahatchee - Brother Bryan
https://soundcloud.com/don-giovanni-records/waxahatchee-brother-bryan

A bit... Swim Deep/Peace, (drawing on from likes of Dinosaur Jnr)... it's all about dreamy indie grunge at the moment, TRENDY kidzzz
Splashh - All I wanna do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UUNArMF_vDI#!

MR MS - Hurricane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sj684zcmzw

Wolf Alice - Bros
https://soundcloud.com/wolfalice/bros

Polica - Tiff
https://soundcloud.com/polica/tiff

Jagwa Ma

YOU. NEED. THIS. SONG. IN. YOUR. LIFE.

Since finding it about a week a go, a day has not passed without me listening to it
https://soundcloud.com/jagwar-ma/man-i-need-white-label-version

Is there another being before this?
Is there another life?
Is there another …? Are you willing to die?

‘Cause I’m about to submerge the ocean
And resurrect the sky
And I’m about to recognize all of your body

But all you say to me is what you wanna see
You’re not the man I need, that’s what you said to me
You’re not the man I need, you’re not the man I need
Well, let me show you baby just all the man I can be

https://soundcloud.com/jagwar-ma/man-i-need-white-label-version

chilled out dance LOVE

Here's some 'dance' tracks - I'm using inverted commas, because really it's difficult to properly categorise these songs, they draw on influences and sounds from all over the place, like a lot of new music, they don't fit neatly into a typical genre box. I like things a bit messy. Neat is a bit boring, right?

This is looking like it could be number one, maybe? If it can tackle the mammoth giant that is Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky'..
Chris Malinchak- So Good to Me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVcG9lpZV24

Gorgon City - Intentions:

https://soundcloud.com/gorgon-city/sets/intentions?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=twitter


Close - My Way:

https://soundcloud.com/getting-closer/my-way-feat-joe-dukie

Too high to dance?

This is Good (yeah, it even deserves a capital 'g'...)

Gramme - Too high 

Watch the simple, quirky video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG3zOTYdQBo