V day.

Yep, so the shops are full of reds and pinks, Valentines day is on its way.

I find it difficult to believe anyone enjoys it, if your in a relationship it costs unnecessary money (and probably unhappy reactions to chocolates and disappointment of the missing "50 shades" hopes)

and then if you're single it's like a brainwashing that you should feel sad and lonely. Going into a card shop can be like taking a bullet.

Not sure I could sound any more bitter? Like Kate Nash said, think I've been eating too many lemons.

Anyway - this love stuff that everyone bangs on about does have great use, it can lead to some of the greatest songs. Without a bit of heartbreak, we'd be missing a great deal from the music world.

So what are some of your favourite love songs?

Oasis - Songbird (Liam Gallagher, yeah that's LIAM wrote this beautiful simple real little love song, apparently about his then girlfriend (now wife) all sainter - Nicole Appleton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KJgBkreAuw

Pete Doherty feat Wolfman - For Lovers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lc2lchixWM

Kings of Leon - On Call
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouUxlZ6xeOs

Paul Weller - You do something to me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM1rSTOs7Zs

Ottis Redding - That's how strong my love is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7T9HKmERv0

CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE?

For the love of London.

London is one of my most favourite places, it feels different to anywhere else and I enjoy the buzz of busy city life. I think Great Britain should give itself and pat on the back for having such a fabulous capital...

Whilst travelling down there this weekend, I was sat on the train listening to my Ipod - songs on shuffle - and quite fittingly "Waterloo Sunset" came on, which made me think about different songs that mention London in the title. And there's quite a few.

Here's a sample:

The Kinks 'Waterloo Sunset'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyh__QQD2js

Gerry Rafferty 'Baker Street'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo6aKnRnBxM

The Jam 'Carnaby Street'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9CpX1cK8po

Frank Turner 'The ladies of London'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfAQoCggaZM

The Temper Trap 'London's burning'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k44FXkCPtik

One of January's gems...?

See you later January, you rubbish rubbish month.

HELLO BIRTHDAY MONTH.

Anyway..

It hasn't been a bad start to the year for music and emerging new bands/artists has been a plenty.

And if you like the sounds of late-70s rock, here's a track from a London 5-piece with a look and attitude so cool,  it actually hurts a little.

Simple riffs, smart rock n' roll.

Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs:

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

White Noise

So sometimes tracks come along that you just can't get enough of and when I first heard Disclosure feat AlunaGeorge 'White Noise' a couple of weeks ago, I instantly loved it. Hardcore Disclosure fans may be moaning a bit that it sounds too "mainstream" but to me it just sounds effortlessly cool. It's also hiding some pretty powerful lyrics in there too. LOVE


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

'Just noise, white noise
I’m hearing static, you’re like an automatic
You just wanna keep me on repeat 
And hear me crying..'

BBC Sound of 2013

So the BBC recently announced their list for the "Sounds of 2013", the bands and artists they think will be making the biggest impact over the next 12 months.

1. HAIM
2. AlunaGeorge
3. Angel Haze
4. Laura Mvula
5. Chvrches

I like all that have made it to the top 5, and it would be difficult for me to choose a fave, but I have been listening to both HAIM and AlunaGeorge for the last few months and would definitely give them a High 5, or even a pat-on-the-back for the great tunes they are providing.. But I am currently really enjoying:

Chvrches - The Mother we Share (a track that has so much going on in terms of electro beats, synthesizers, gentle vocals, that it almost shouldn't work, but it completely does and it is unique and wonderful)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j73ZGLKu9Sc

The others that made the shortlist are:
A*M*E, Arlissa, King Krule, Kodaline, Little Green Cars, Palma Violets, Peace, Savages, The Weeknd, Tom Odell

Here's a few goodies to get you going:
Little Green Cars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoQCJqaNz8Q

Peace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcf6iQDWPEo

Tom Odell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwpMEbgC7DA

Arlissa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF9HjYeOC30

Here's to 2013, Hoorah.

HNY

So another year over, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

I saw the new year in on a roof in London, watching the fireworks

and enjoyed a few cocktails while a live band sung

                                             http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhw_zbvxvb4

BEST SONG TO DANCE TO.. EVER.

Let's hope 2013 will bring lots of good music...

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Christmas has been approaching, well, since August time really.

But in the last few weeks the real countdown has begun - all the Christmas classics can be heard, anywhere and everywhere.

During this time Radio One has been getting artists to cover some of the biggest Christmas tunes.

They are well worth a listen - 

The XX cover Wham

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSc-9577mZ4

Jake Bugg - Happy Christmas (War is Over)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqZY26E3wWI

AND my FAVOURITE, the truly beautiful...

Lucy Rose - Merry Christmas Everyone... this should turn any scrooge feelings into ones of sparkle and cheer. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEhpTKnf5Kk

ARGGHHHHHH

sometimes there is nothing like the outlet of a bit of screamy angry punk pop music

Had a crap day? Pissed off about something?

Take a listen to these two tunes and SCREAM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poFXWUTEs1k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OV4oyd1yYs


Feel better now? I do.

Sounds of 2012

Another year almost over, WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE - we all cry?! Soon it will be 2013

But before the new year begins, I wanna take a look back at 2012

MUSIC has had it's lows (Taylor Swift - we are never ever getting back together (oh the pain)) BUT also some very very high highs...

I would probably have a different list of my favourites throughout the year, changing my mind everyday,  based on my mood, but I've given my overall top 10 tracks of this year a good go...Here they are:


1. Jessie Ware - Wildest Moments
2. Of Monsters and Men - Little talks
3. Rhye - The fall
4. AlunaGeorge - Your Drums
5. Theme Park - Jamaica
6. Jake Bugg - Two Fingers
7. Azealia Banks - 212
8. Haim - Go Slow
9. Jack White - I'm Shakin'

and a bit of good old GIRL POWER POP...

10. Girls Aloud - Something New

NEW MUSIC: TAKE ME BACK TO THE 90S

Minimal 90s beats seem to be sneaking their way back onto the music scene, but with new twists

These gentle electro bases, piano tinkling and dreamy vocals (floating over the instrumental) are a little bit lovely.

Rhye "The Fall"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJS5ywEIsA4

and

Tropics "Pop up Cinema"

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


I LIKE THEM.