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