OMAM - 26th Feb

I have felt pretty lucky recently, after seeing Jake Bugg on 19th Feb, I had my next gig lined up for exactly a week later at the same venue - HMV Institute in good old Brum.

I don't think I ever feel happier than when I'm watching live music and if I had the money to do so I'd probably be going to gigs every night of the week.

So, OMAM...

They are a six-piece band from Iceland, who have found themselves compared to the likes of Mumford and Sons, but they are so different, the only similarity really being that both bands fall into the "folk" and "indie" categories.

What works so well with this group is the harmonies between Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar "Raggi" Þórhallsson, theres something truly special about male and female voices that match so perfectly as theirs do, and then you've got a piano, guitars, an accordion, drums and the occasional trumpet thrown in for good measure.

Their presence on stage was undeniable - so full of life, they totally looked like they were having the best time and as part of the crowd watching it just made me and everyone else clap and sing even more, I even felt the urge to run onto stage and hug them for being so much fun! Or at least give each and every one of them an almighty high 5.

If you want a real good time, go see this band.

Check out their album: My Head is an Animal.

(Little Talks is probably still the best track but Love Love Love, Mountain Sound and Six Weeks are pretty damn good and to be fair, so is the whole album.)

Jake Bugg - 19th Feb

I first found out about Jake Bugg thanks to YouTube and it's right hand side featured/suggested videos.. the first track I heard was 'lightning bolt' and on first listen I actually wasn't convinced, however, after a couple of replays and also some sourcing of some of his other tracks, I just grew to love him more and more.

The young'un has been quoted saying he's been influenced by the greats of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix and if you listen to his songs this becomes very clear - it's a mix of country, folk, indie and rock.

Back in October I ordered tickets (for the winter 2012/2013 tour) and in the meantime he's supported the hero that is Mr  Noel Gallagher on tour and been nominated for 'best british breakthrough act' at this years Brits, as well as achieving a number 1 album.

So on the 19th Feb I finally got the opportunity to see him live at one of my favourite venues - HMV Institute in Birmingham, after feeling pretty ancient in the queue to get in (everyone literally looked about 15) but then again Bugg himself is only 18..) I bought a very overpriced cider and was ready for some glorious folk guitar.

Despite a lack of audience interaction from Bugg, except for a 'thanks you've been a great audience'(he seems a more just stand there and play kinda guy),  it didn't effect the atmosphere or the chanting along to his songs.

Personal favourites of the night were - 'slide', 'note to self' and 'two fingers'. The lyrics can be shared by many - topics of: love, mundane life and crappy towns - he's got that working class indie attitude that gives it a bit of grit.

If you get the chance, go see him, preferably at a small venue, ideally it would be perfect to have him pop down your local pub for a session... here's hoping.

Brit Awards 2013

So, my birthday is always near the Brit Awards and this year as I turned the tender age of 25 - the Brits actually took place. On the very same day Rihanna, like me, officially left 'young' behind. I think we all know who is winning at life.

ITV1 8pm and the show began...

Winners:
Ben Howard, (British Break through and British male)
Emelie Sande, (British female and album)
Frank Ocean, (International male)
Lana Del Ray, (International female)
One Direction, (Global Success)
Mumford and Sons, (British group)
The Black Keys, (International group)
Adele, (single)
Tom Odell, (critics choice)
Coldplay (Live act)

I was really pleased The Black Keys and Frank Ocean won their awards and overall, most of the winners I couldn't dispute with too much.

Having just seen Jake Bugg live in Brum the night before (he was totally brilliant) it had heightened my want for him to win 'Best British Break through act' even more - something I felt he really deserved (so much so that I EVEN took the time to actually vote.) I like Ben Howard nevertheless and found his performance of the pretty 'Only Love' to be one of the best at the Brits this year, for it's genuine emotion and simplicity.

Adele was over in LA but still won an award for- Skyfall, although I am an Adele mega-fan, I didn't think it should have won best British single - a tad predictable and yawnzzzzz, and most of the other singles in the category seemed more deserving.

One thing that did stand out was Mr JT's comeback performance, looking suave, new hair cut and all. He does know how to work a stage. AND they may well murder the amazing amazing Blondie track 'One Way or Another' - but hurrah for One Direction - (oh my very guilty pleasure!), who in fact injected some much needed energy and fun into the night and let's face it, without Harry Styles, James Corden and most of the celebs presenting the awards would have been lost for jokes. Styles needed for LOLS.

Talking of Presenters, I heart James Corden, but kinda felt his heart wasn't in it last night, despite the repeated 'they're brilliant, brilliant album, amazing, amazing performance', he just seemed a bit bored? He didn't seem to believe in his one-liners either. Time for a new host maybe? Greg James and Russell Kane? Or yes - Jack Whitehall? He is the king of comedy after all.

Overall, I enjoyed the 2 and a half hours of it, there was no over the top cheesiness and as awards shows go, I still think it's one of the best. It's part of tradition for me, from as young as I can remember I have watched it and with every year I get older, I can't see that changing.

I like this dance remix.

As a kid, my parents played me lots of amazing music (their vinyls now all packed away in the loft) The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, James Taylor, 10cc, Bob Dylan, the list goes on. I can remember from the age of about four dancing around our lounge with my dad to all these artists. And from young as I can remember I always watched Top of the Pops- once a music junkie, always one, right?! So for my 8th birthday I asked for a walkmen and '(What's the story) Morning Glory?' and was so excited when I got them. That set the way for my music taste - I just adored Oasis and brit-pop indie, as I got into my teens I got into a bit of 'grunge' too, stuff like the wonderful Nirvana.

I am still an indie kid at heart but as I've got a little bit older- late teens and into my 20s, I was able to accept there was more to music than just Oasis. I appreciate all genres, and especially - pop, soul, blues and more recently dance.

If someone had said to me 10 years ago (when I was 15 - yep, unfortuntaely I am 25 next week - oh lord) that I would actually choose to listen to dance music I would have probably responded with some smart-arse comment like "er no, I like GOOD music".

So here I am, now tutting at the 15 year old me. Rudimental and Disclosure amongst others are slowly taking me into a world of dance and I kinda like it.

And today I stumbled across this from London Grammar. Should get you ready for the summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsyg7Zq8h-A

ON REPEAT

Since I first heard this song, I have not been able to stop listening to it, I have literally listened to it at least ten times a day for the last week. I have always liked the Foals but this is probably the first track of theirs that I have actually ADORED.

And some great words for people experiencing a break up/going their separate ways/ the end to some loving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAsGFnLl2u0

some new releases, worth a listen

Here are a few songs that are being released in the next week or so:


The Family Rain - Carnival

A bit of indie-rock, jumpy guitars and slightly whiney vocals. This is a festival pleaser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bheYjwfjis

Cat Power Feat. Angel Haze – 'Manhattan (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)'


One of the biggest rising female stars- Angel Haze - lends a verse to the start of this dreamy track with it's simple bass, giving it another edge. Close your eyes and you almost feel like you're floating

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yo2RvJJxCw

Chvrches - Recover

I really loved the previous single 'the mother we share', and this is looking to match up. Melancholic lyrics, great electro sound. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RulxRH1SAK8

James Blake - Retrograde

Gentle, minimal, lovely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p6PcFFUm5I

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