FINALLY: Challenge Album #1

Is there a way to chuck a computer out of a window without breaking it? I want to show mine I hate it, but I still want it to love me... I've had sooo many issues with it over the past week or so, hence why it's taken me an absolute age to write this. But I'm gonna get on with it now, before my computer breaks for the millionth time. So, I'm starting with Adele-19. I've played 21 to death, but I never really got round to listening to 19 properly. I think at the time, I wasn't really too bothered with Adele, an opinion which has definitely now changed! I was completely blown away, and kinda mesmerized from the start, which rarely happens if I'm honest.

19 opens with 'Daydreamer,' a beautiful acoustic track which simply showcases the true beauty of Adele's voice.  Sometimes it;s the simply tracks that are the best, and here is a true example of that. If that doesn't draw you into the rest of the album, I don't know what will. As the album moves into 'Best for Last,' we're hit with another minimalistic track, truly proving that that is all that Adele needs to show she deserves her place at the top of the charts. The track builds into a more accompanied chorus, giving it an uplifting feel. There's a strong theme of love in this album, as Adele sings from the heart, and (probably) from experience- "how dare you think you'd get away with trying to play me."

'Chasing Pavements' and 'Cold Shoulder,' bring a different feel to the album, but this in no way damages the album. In fact, the two singles give the album a certain dynamic which not only destroys the idea that Adele is a one-trick pony, but also gives a variety that is important in maintaining listener interest. The album is not short on acoustic and low-key tracks, and I'm personally glad that sometime else is being bought to the table here. 

'Melt My Heart to Stone' is a both lyrically and melodically impressive track, hitting the hearts of many listeners, as Adele sums up a relationship that many have had. She sings of forgiving things we shouldn't forgive ("As you tear your way right through me, I forgive you once again"), with a line that particularly stuck in my head- "I'm the only one in love." The best songs are written from experience, and once again, Adele has used hers to create a standout track on the album.

'Right as Rain,' is an upbeat track, again changing the dynamic of the album and proving that Adele is about more than just acoustic, low-key numbers. Moving through a stunning cover of Bob Dylan's 'Make You Feel My Love,' and a more 'jazzy' (I can't think of the word I want to use, so I'll have to use that once...but please don't let that put you off!) offering in the way of 'My Same,' the album ends with 'Hometown Glory.' This is personally my favourite track, and has been for a long time. Beginning with a beautiful piano solo, with piano continuing throughout, it's the perfect song to end on. Starting as the album began, it simply displays the beauty of her voice, with no gimmicks, autotuning or any of that nonsense. I can't sum up how much I love it.

I can't believe I never listened to this album before, but I'm glad I've finally taken the time too. It's an outstanding album, showing off Adele's amazing vocal talents perfectly. She needs no add-ons or fantasy stuff,  and I hope she continues like this (she definitely did in 21). SO worth a listen, you won't regret it.

(I hasten to add that this is definitely not the best review ever. I really wanted to express how much I loved the album, so I went for it.) Challenge #1- Completed.

Old HMV

Came across this blog via Twitter, and I was particularly interested in these photos. They are of HMV Oxford Street in the Sixties. They are really good quality which is lovely to see, and I'm so glad someone's posted them. Didn't know it's been there for so long! View them here:

http://voicesofeastanglia.blogspot.com/2011/06/inside-oxford-street-hmv-istore-in.html

(I strongly suggest following the blog as well)

General Fiasco are back

..with a bang! 

Huw Stephens was in for Zane Lowe on Monday, and chose their new song 'The Age That You Start Losing Friends' as his 'Hottest Record in the World.' Here's what he wrote on the blog:

"Hey it's Huw here in for Zane. Tonight's Hottest is from a special band, back from a short break and ready to do what they do best; take to the stage and get everyone all sweaty with their sweet sweet music. I love this song, it has a proper energy to it, a message and some beautiful guitar sounds. They'll be on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds this weekend in the returner slot. See you there!"

I completely agree with this. They've come back with possibly one of their best songs. A song full of energy, and one which I think completely sums up what they're all about. The video is here:



I for one cannot WAIT for their next EP.

Here's the link to the blog:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/zanelowe/2011/08/hottest_-_general_fiasco_-_the.html  (there's also an interview with Owen, and a link to Ben Howard- Keep Your Head Up, which is also brilliant).

Whilst I'm on the subject of Radio 1, The Vaccines were in the Live Lounge yesterday, doing 'Norgaard' and a cover of Katy Perry's 'Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F).' Link here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/sessions/2011-08-23_thevaccines . Fantastic live band, really desperate to see them live.

Think that's enough for one post...

One of many...

After some time away, and some frustrating struggles with my internet, I've FINALLY managed to get myself back on this blog. So, I'm gonna do a few posts today to try and catch up with everything. Hopefully I won't clog up feeds and such too much.

So firstly, I just want to give my sympathy to all those affected by the tragedy at Pukkelpop Festival. You've probably read just about everything about it now, so I won't go on too much. It's so sad that such an unavoidable event, a storm, affected the festival in that way. My sincere sympathies and love goes to those affected in anyway, and I hope everyone else got home safely. 

Guilty Pleasure #2

I've neglected this blog for a few days, so I thought I'd get back on before I flee again for a few days. I haven't forgotten about the challenge I proposed for myself. I was gonna start Monday with Adele-19, but I got offered a very sudden day job, and a meal in the evening, so I accidentally made myself really busy, and then today I already had things planned so... this is very dull but I thought I'd clarify.

ANYWAY. A while back, I wrote something about guilty pleasures, and there's a certain song that I can't get enough of at the moment that is another one. Yup, it's Dappy- No Regrets. I don't know whether it's the gospel choir, or the fact that it doesn't sound anything like I thought it would (a naff spin-off N-Dubz, as much as I actually quite like them), but it's really quite addictive and actually quite good. Less humour than Spaceship (YouTube it, really random but annoyingly catchy), and almost guaranteed to make people sit up and take notice and realise that he's not just 'that guy from N-Dubz,' I think Dappy has set himself up for a hit. But of course, it is Dappy, so it kinda has to be a guilty pleasure...if that makes sense.

Next time, I WILL have started my challenge. Promise.

Saturday Night

It's 9.15PM and I'm drinking tea, sitting on the floor and wallowing in my own self-pity. But instead of moaning, this is just a quick note urging you all to check out You Me At Six's new one, 'Loverboy.' Verrry good.

Probably off to bed soon. WILD NIGHT. 

Challenge

If you go into my room, you'll quickly find out that I buy A LOT of CDs. I spend as much money on CDs as I do on clothes, and that's saying something (mainly screaming 'THIS IS WHY YOU'RE IN YOUR OVERDRAFT', but I try to drown that voice out). As is the norm these days, the album quickly hits my iPod and the CD goes straight in the CD rack. For no specific reason, other than perhaps laziness, I never really make time to properly sit down and listen to my new purchases (always plural, always). Yes, in time, I do hear all the songs, but once I've listened once I tend to move on and rarely revisit. So I've decided to change this. I'm not sure it's really a challenge, 'cos it's gonna be quite fun, but I couldn't think of another way to describe it.

In the next few weeks, I will go through my music collection and take the time to listen to all those albums I've been too lazy/busy/whatever to listen to properly. I know I've got some real gems in there, so I refuse to let my money go to waste. I will report back with a review each time, which in itself is good 'cos I feel like I haven't written a review in aaaages.

'Til next time...

Noah and the Whale

Noah and the Whale did a fantastic live lounge yesterday, including a brilliant cover of Robyn's 'Call Your Girlfriend' (obviously changed to Call Your Boyfriend). Listen here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/sessions/2011-08-10_noahandthewhale

Riots

I'll do a proper blog post on this later, but just thought I'd post a link which lists all the labels affected by the fire at the PIAS Distribution Warehouse thanks to the rioting idiots.

http://www.the-fly.co.uk/words/news/top-news-stories/10474/pias-distribution-warehouse-set-alight

Laura Marling- Alas, I Cannot Swim

Just a quick post today. Yesterday, I finally got round to buying Laura Marling's first album, Alas, I Cannot Swim. As expected, it's a beautiful listen, full of charm and sung with a voice that is so pure and adored by many.

Strangely, one of the best things about the album came right at the end. Hidden at the end of 'Your Only Doll (Dora)' is title track 'Alas, I Cannot Swim.' To sum it up in one word, it's a gem. Although said to be connected to depression, and her possible battle with, the track itself has a feeling of joy. Simplistic and chilled, it brings the album to a perfect end, rounding off a collection of her finest work. If you've got the album, make sure you listen to the very end so you don't miss it.

Arctic Monkeys

By the looks of things, I'm in the minority with this, but there we go.

I'll be honest, when I first heard Arctic Monkeys, I was really impressed, and thought their 'hype' was thoroughly deserved. 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' is a brilliant record, jammed full of huge songs with some of the best lyrics around. 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' mirrored this success, showing their progress and confirming their place as one of the best bands around. However, in my opinion, Arctic Monkeys started to dip with third album 'Humbug.' Whilst their musical skills were still apparent, a certain energy seemed to have been lost, and the excitement of their new release faded. After seeing them live at Reading Festival, expecting big things, I was disappointed, and ended up leaving the set early.

And now we hit album four, 'Suck It and See.' I was initially interested, verging on excited, to see their next step, but after hearing 'Don't Sit Down 'cos I've Moved Your Chair,' I was extremely disappointed. To me, the track comes across as bland and lacking the magic that first propelled Arctic Monkeys to their success. The lyrics don't seem to match the genius of the first couple of albums, making the track seem all the more mediocre.

Latest track 'The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala' redeems the band slightly, as some of their lost energy is found. But I'm still not completely convinced. I hope I am proven wrong, as I believe there is something special in the band, but for now, I'll be switching off.

Jar of Hearts

I was introduced to this song by a friend today, and it's really got my attention. The lyrics are what really makes the song for me, as Christina Perri really sings from the heart. I'll let the song speak for itself...

Another day, another bunch of songs

Too many too include YouTube links, so I'll just write a short list. At the moment I am loving...

Wretch 31 ft. Josh Kumra- Don't Go
Nero- Promises
Charlie Simpson- Parachutes. A great follow-up to 'Down Down Down,' a song that has been on repeat for me
Two Door Cinema Club- Undercover Martyn. A re-release of one of their best songs.
Bon Iver- Holocene. Another absolutely beautiful offering from Bon Iver. Can't get enough
GIVERS- Up Up Up
The 2 Bears- Bear Hug. Weird, but strangely addictive.
Noah and the Whale have also released my favourite song from their latest album- Life is Life

I'll post the YouTube links to my two favourites:

Calvin Harris has come back strong, providing some of the summer's biggest tunes, including this:



High energy from The Vaccines:

You Need Me, I Don't Need You

New one from Ed Sheeran. He always delivers, and this is no exception.