Steps - Light Up The World

The second delight I got to review was Steps' Christmas album. Yep, I kid you not, Steps have decided to bring out a Christmas album in ANOTHER attempt for a comeback. I'll be honest, I was a massive Steps fan back in the day, and I am pretty gutted I didn't get to go to their comeback tour (yes, I am THAT sad. I was pretty jealous of my friends that went). Unfortunately though, I just didn't like this album. Sorry. It's 5,6,7,8 all the way for me.

Thought you’d rid yourself of cheesy 90s pop? Think again. Having already attempted one comeback, Steps are yet again trying to infiltrate the charts by entering the dreaded Christmas market. Yes, they are releasing their own Christmas album… sorry. As much as they are a guilty pleasure for me, being a fan of them however many years ago, I think a Christmas album may prove to just be a cheese overload.

This, their first studio album in twelve years, mixes their unapologetically cheesy pop sound with some Christmas classics, although I’m not sure how many are recognisable at first listen. The album opens with History is Made at Night, complete with seasonal saxophone and standard Christmas beat. Perhaps an attempt to secure a more mature audience, they have chosen an album opener that compares a romantic night scene with a school-based scenario. I’ll quickly gloss over the error over ruining a Stevie Wonder song, and talk about the one original song on the album, Light up the World, conveniently also the title track. Not exactly encompassing the Christmas theme, this is where the cheese really hits, and messages of encouragement are showered upon us. “Imagination will set you free/just gotta work it out” is the height of this, encouraging us, I assume, to be creative and achieve our dreams. Only at Christmas I suppose.

If you recognise When She Loved Me, it’s probably from Toy Story 2, as Sarah McLachlan performs it beautifully as Jessie (the cowgirl, if you can’t remember). Although Steps’ vocals aren’t tragic, they can’t match Sarah’s voice, and if you’re anything like me, you may fast forward the song pretty quickly so as not to ruin the film. From Christmas [Baby Please Come Home]¸ the idea of this being a Christmas album really starts, and it’s from here that you can really imagine this being on in the background on Christmas day. Ok, their vocals aren’t great, but they’re not the worst… and there’s always the option of minimal volume. The album ends on the classic Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, a relaxed, pleasant end with a lot of instrumental, to an album that you’re probably sick of by now.

I’m in two minds about this album. The child in me loves the cheese, which you can’t slate Steps for, as their bubblegum pop is still loved by many around the world. The vocals aren’t completely tragic (note: completely), but this album brings an amount of cheese and an element of boredom that doesn’t quite click. I’d love to love this, but for some reason, it just doesn’t work. Sorry Steps.

2/5

Little Mix - DNA

Long time, no blog. Hashtag third year problems. Anyway, I recently did some new reviews for Spark*, the first of which was Little Mix's new single, DNA. I loved this from my first listen, and I still love it now. They're the first successful girl group to come out of X Factor, and the first to actually get past the first few weeks of the show in the first place, and they're continuing to go from strength to strength. They've got great voices, and I think they've got a long, fantastic career ahead of them. 

Look at today’s charts and you’ll see an abundance of girl power, from the ever-present Rihanna to the return of Girls Aloud. Pretty convenient for X Factor winners Little Mix. Having broken the curse of the girl-bands on the show, Perrie, Jesy, Leigh-Anne and Jade have consistently hit big in the charts and gained many a-fan along the way.  

DNA shows a darker and more mature side to Little Mix, far removed from the polished pop sound we’ve come to expect from them. This more grown-up style makes a bleeding good tune, and moves them away from the X Factor manufacturing that has perhaps befallen previous winners. All four girls also get a chance to show why they were chosen in the first place, with solo sections highlighting their fantastic vocal abilities.

Little Mix are definitely bringing back girl power, and we’re more than grateful for it. I’m pretty confident we can expect more pop gems from these four for many years. Dare I say the new Girls Aloud?

4/5 

Panama - It's Not Over

I was a bit dubious about this album, as when I googled the band, I was linked to a heavy metal band... not really my cup of tea. Turns out I was on the completely wrong band, and luckily this Panama is a lot better. Perhaps the album is a little repetitive in places, especially on some songs, but overall it's a fantastic chilled-out listen. I really enjoyed it, and I think they could go onto big things.

Put together the electronic sound of 80s pop and a modern summer anthem and you’ll probably have the sound of Australian five-piece Panama.  Creating a sound that sounds both retro and current simultaneously is a hard feat, but Panama seem to have it spot on, with songs that wouldn’t sound out of place in the coolest clubs then and now.

From the opening synths of Heartbeat, you’re taken to a place where the sun is shining and the alcohol is free flowing.  Though the melody seems simple on first listens, it’s actually packed with layers of synths, keys, drumbeats that mould perfectly together and complement the layered vocals.  Magic, the first single from the EP, sounds like something we might expect from the likes of Friendly Fires, and a song you might listen to the morning after the night before.  More synth focused than Heartbeat, the vocals, however good they are, seem to take a backseat for this track, the complex and hypnotising music speaking for itself.

One Piece brings up the tempo, this is the track that really makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time – in a good way of course.  Listen once, and there’s no doubt you’ll be singing “It brings us back together/one piece at a time” for days.  Along with title track It’s Not Over, it’s one of the rare songs on the EP that brings variety with the melody, with small breaks in the main melody to break up the song.  Ending on a high, We Have Love is an upbeat, happy track that really sums up what Panama seem to be about – fun, dancing and 80s.

You can smell the cocktails and feel the sun with every song on this EP – perfect for forgetting those winter blues.  If you need to relieve the disco years or are bored with looking at the dreary November skies, whack this on.  You’ll be on the beach in no time. 

4/5

M83 - Steve McQueen

I fell in love with Midnight City last year

( just in case you've been living under a rock for the past year)


and luckily for me, their new single is even better. Can't fault it, so I'll let the review do the talking. Get listening.

M83 has quickly established himself as someone who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries to create music that is inspiring and daring, but has undeniably gained critical success.  Steve McQueen is no exception, initially sounding like part two of former massive hit Midnight City (if you haven’t heard it, I’m guessing you’ve been sleeping for the past year).  Laden with mesmerising synths and big drumbeats, building into a massive track with so much to give, it’s hard to take it all in with just one listen.  Not that this is a bad thing, since it leaves you wanting more with every listen.  The vocals are layered to perfection, and are enhanced by the instrumentals, rather than being lost in them.

Overall, M83 has done it again.  Steve McQueen is a gloriously uplifting track, screaming of creativity and ambition.  As everyone seems to be saying, their time in the spotlight is coming.

5/5

Leona Lewis - Glassheart

I was all ready to attack this album, really not being a Leona Lewis fan myself - Bleeding Love is one of my least favourite songs of the last few years. However, I was pleasantly surprised by her latest album. I didn't like it QUITE as much as Mumford & Sons' album, but it was still much better than I thought. 

These days, it’s rare that someone can actually develop a long-lasting successful career from winning the X Factor – think Steve Brookstein  and Matt Cardle. Luckily for London-born Leona Lewis, she seems to have overcome this ‘X Factor Curse’ and has managed to create a outstanding music career for herself. Since winning in 2006, she has gone on to win an Ivor Novello, two MOBOs, an MTV Video Music Award, three World Music Awards to name but a few. The list really is endless, especially if you add in all the award nominations she also received. With her ever-powerful voice continuing to grow, Leona Lewis is going from strength to strength.

Leona seems to take a new turn for this album, evident from opening track Trouble, a completely different sound to previous hits. Faster paced and a more complex and dark beat, clearly Leona’s sound has progressed for the better, while still showing off her mezzo-soprano voice brilliantly. The lyrics seem to be personal too, as she sings “I’m a whole lot of trouble/We’re in a whole lot of trouble”. This album opener sets the theme for the majority of the album, with Come Alive and Shake You Up, a particularly old-school pop nugget, following suit and showing a more upbeat, dance-y and perhaps darker side to Leona’s music. It’s refreshing to see this new direction, as not only are they good tracks, but it shows how much variety she is capable of. Glassheart brings perhaps the biggest shock of the album, as it unlike anything we’ve ever heard from the usually down-tempo singer, with elements of dubstep as well as dance, a hook of “and I love you with my glassheart,” and an infectious beat that draws you in.

Of course the album incorporates the classic Leona Lewis songs we’ve come to know and love. From Stop the Clocks to Un Love Me to the beautiful and serene album closer Fingerprint, these tracks are the ones that really showcase how good her voice really is. Fireflies is a particularly highlight, as it’s completely calming and one of those ‘feel-good’ tracks that can always put a smile on your face. From the piano opening, to the addictive “Fire/It’s only fire” through what sounds like an amazing gospel choir, this track fits the album like a glove.

Leona Lewis has outdone herself with this new offering, challenging herself to try new styles and succeeding. Perhaps not an outstanding album of 2012, but a triumph for Lewis none the less. Most definitely worth a listen, at least.

3/5

Everything Everything - Cough Cough

I've always been a bit on/off about Everything Everything, although I've definitely been a fan for the most part. I had to listen to this new offering a couple of times, but now I constantly have it on repeat. I can almost guarantee it will be stuck in your head for days to come.

Nominated for two Ivor Novello awards and shortlisted for Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize, Everything Everything have made a name for themselves in the music world. Not wanting to follow any specific genre, and with one of the most eclectic influences lists ever seen, ranging from Nirvana to R. Kelly, the band simply make the music they want to make.
Cough Cough follows a string of successful hits, including MY KZ,UR BF and Photoshop Handsome. Characterised by an infectious drumbeat and fast vocals, cough cough is the recipe for the perfect fun indie hit. The track keeps you on your toes, switching between fast-paced and the slightly more chilled sections,  giving you a breather from all the dancing that you’ll no doubt be doing. As well as all this, the main hook of “I’m coming alive/I’m happening now,” is sure to turn into a chant at their live shows, which won’t be a bad thing.

Get ready to have this on repeat all day and all night. You have been warned.


4/5

Mumford & Sons - Babel

First review for Spark* this year was Mumford & Sons new album, 'Babel.' Although it sounds a lot like the last album, you can hear how they have progressed their sound and I really liked it. The album's out now if you wish to buy it.

There will always be the myth of the ‘difficult second album’ for any band, regardless of any first album success.  Mumford & Sons can’t escape this, needing a show-stopping second album to follow a debut album that went 4 times Platinum in the UK and achieved the Brit Award for Best British Album in 2011.  No pressure then.

From the opening notes of Babel, the powerful and bold opening track as well as the album title, it’s pleasing to hear they haven’t lost their folk charm.  That’s not to say their music hasn’t progressed, as their time in Tennessee seems to have influenced them and given a different edge to their well-recognised folk style.  I Will Wait, the first single to come from Babel, has already proved to be a hit, with the infectious “I will wait, I will wait for you” hook that begs to be sung by the festival crowds.  Broken Crown echoes the theatrical and dark point in Sigh No More, giving Babel the variety it needs to match the success of their debut.

But it’s not all fast, live-inspired tracks.  There are moments where the album slows right down, and an offering of peace is given.  Ghosts That We Knew is a chance to sit back and reflect for five minutes, and admire how good Mumford & Sons really are as both musicians and songwriters, as Marcus Mumford pleas “just promise me we’ll be alright.”  Babel hits an even better note, when these slower tracks are combined with the energy of I Will Wait to create something like Lover’s Eyes, that builds to a triumphant and riling climax.  

More ambitious and transatlantic writing and recording sessions, as well as the introduction of the 10 song game during recording, where each band member has to write 10 songs in a certain time period, has led to Babel.  The result is a bigger album, with more instruments and a slightly less polished sound.  Although Babel doesn’t offer anything particularly new or outrageously different than we’d expect, there’s no denying the band have progressed, and that this is a great album, from the opening energy Babel down to the closing calmness of Not With Haste.

4/5

Back to Uni, Back to blogging...

I'm now in my third week of my FINAL YEAR of University. I can safely say I am already bricking it. Trying to find my way through work, dissertation, writing for Spark*, finding a part-time job and finding an actual real life proper job for after I graduate is pretty overwhelming to say the least. Still, what else did I expect from this year?! Anyway, after a very long summer break from blogging duties, I am returning.

Over the summer, I visited Japan for a couple of weeks, and I'm currently, very slowly.... uploading photos here if you're interested:
Japan 2012 Photoset

I also went to London for a week's work experience with Top of the Pops magazine, which actually turned into two weeks (bar the last Friday, when I wasn't needed) when they asked me to come back. I really enjoyed my time there, and if I get a chance at Christmas or Easter, I'd love to go back and do some more work for them. I also got my name in the magazine several times, which excited me probably more than it should. It also caused my Nan to firmly believe that I am definitely going to be famous. Positive thinking and all that! Here's said name in said magazine:

I also moved house during the summer, and obviously spent a lot of time with friends and family. Overall, it turned out to be a very hectic but really good summer than went far too quickly for my liking. Back into hardworking mode (kind of) now. Next few blog posts will be of much more interest - a couple of album reviews and single review. If work allows, I'll try and keep this blog as updated as it should be. Fingers crossed.

Nicki Minaj - Pound the Alarm

I've been back from Japan (which was AMAZING, just FYI) for a while now, but I am FINALLY getting my butt in gear and getting back into this blog, so sorry for the long break. I'm back with a banger too, as Nicki Minaj released the video for Pound The Alarm just a few hours ago. Featuring lots of boobs and bums, à la Starships, I actually prefer this video, because it has a lot more in it. Really like the carnival theme, and I think it fits the song well. Like it or not, I think we can all agree that the video will yet again please the majority of the male population. If not all of them.

Conor Maynard - Vegas Girl

I'm going away for two weeks, so I'll leave you with Conor Maynard's new song, 'Vegas Girl.' Just like Can't Say No, it's ridiculous catchy, and I can't not like it. The video is here:



Also, I'm really addicted to Rita Ora's How We Do (Party), and I'm currently regretting not putting it on my iPod for my stupid long flight. Hmph.

Catching Up

Basically, over the last few days, there's been a few pieces of news that I've thought "I should put that on my blog," but then I've looked at the packing that needed doing, and I forgot. Needless to say, the packing didn't get as done as it should've been, and a day before moving out, I am slightly panicking. But that's another story. Anyway, this post is to quickly catch up on things that have been missed. Apologies if there's been anything missed.

1) Katie Holmes has filed for divorce from Tom Cruise. Obviously the Daily Mail is now full of speculation as to how much Katie will get, but that's not a surprise. This news was a bit of shock for me, as they have only been married 5 years, and I never noticed any stories of things going downhill (then again, I might've missed that...).

2) Adele is pregnant! My friends was especially excited about this, and I think it's brilliant news for Adele. Although it has made me wonder what her next album will be about. The trials and tribulations of motherhood?

3) This is a few days old now, but Spice Girls have launched their musical 'Viva Forever!'. It will open at The Piccadilly Theatre, and is written and produced by Judy Craymer and Jennifer Saunders. I'll let the videos below tell you the story, but I'm personally a bit unsure on how good it will be. I am in no way doubting the comedy genius of Jennifer Saunders, as I'm sure she's written something great, but I have such high hopes for this, and I don't want to be disappointed after my childhood years of being a HUGE Spice Girls fan. It's a can't miss for me, and I'm sure for many girls my age too. (P.S two of the videos below are pretty much the same, but I thought I'd put both incase you wanted to see both).

Sorry this isn't more interesting/well written/more full of opinion and all that, but as you can probably guess, I still have packing to do. WOOHOO.

Video of the Day - Lana Del Rey - National Anthem

Decided to make a 'Video of the Day' thing, since Lana Del Rey has released a 7 minute video for latest single 'National Anthem.' This is one of my favourite songs off the album, so I'm glad it's being released. The video features A$AP Rocky, as they play the roles of John F. Kennedy and his wife. I won't spoil any more of it for you, so have a watch, and feel free to let me know what you think.

Katy Perry and The Killers

Finally got myself a spare moment to do a brief update here. Firstly, here is Katy Perry's video for new single 'Wide Awake.' Bit strange, and I'm not quite sure what's going on, but what else did we really expect?

Secondly, The Killers have released an album trailer for 'Battle Born.' They're not giving much away, but it sounds like it's going to be very good as per usual. I personally can't wait.

A longer update is due, and I'll try to do it in amongst packing up my uni room and panicking about packing for Japan next week.

Usher - Scream

Yesterday, Usher released the much-anticipated video for his latest single, 'Scream.' The video is filmed at a New York show of Fuerza Bruta ( http://fuerzabruta.net/). I first saw this on America's Next Top Model, and it is pretty cool. Youtube it or look on that link and you'll see for yourself.

Anyway, here's the song. I feel a bit wrong when I sing along to it, but it's just too catchy.

Coldplay - Princess of China

I went to see Coldplay last night, and they were absolutely amazing, as usual. If I've got a chance these next few days, I'll do a quick review, but in short, everything was so perfectly planned to make more than just a concert - it was a show. From the flashing wristbands to Coldplay and the songs/performance themselves, I couldn't fault it. Yes, I did almost cry at one point. I think it was even better than the Wembley show, and they never disappoint.

Anyway, yesterday they released the video for 'Princess of China,' featuring Rihanna. And here it is:

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly - Daylight Robbery

REVIEW TWO. Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Yeah, it was alright. Not as good as The Subways one, but still good. Was gonna give it 3.5 but thought that sounded a bit like I couldn't make up my mind, so 3/5 it is.

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, otherwise known as Sam Duckworth, has come a long way since being signed in 2006. Now on his fifth LP, Duckworth has even grown to include a live band behind him, far removed from the days of just him and his computer.  Latest single Daylight Robbery is taken from recent album Maps.

On first listen, the thing that is probably most noticeable about this track is the use of “woo.” Listen deeper, and you find the arrangement is light and upbeat, and the lyrics are honest but charming, as has come to be a feature of Duckworth’s music. There’s no doubting how much this track will grow with a live band behind it on stage.

The only danger with this bigger sound is the fear that Duckworth may begin to sound like any generic ‘indie’ band. For the time being however, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly are safe in the knowledge that they’re still unique, and still on form.

3/5

The Subways - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

There has been a severe lack of updates on here, so apologies. It's been a mix of exam hell, extreme relaxation after exams, and then being thrown back into dissertation prep and group presentations. FUN. Anyway, since I haven't done a review for AGES, I finally managed to make it to a meeting and picked up a couple of CDs. First one is The Subways (I know this was released a while ago but I really wanted to hear it), and I really like it. So this is my review. I promise I will try and get back to my regular updates as soon as possible.

It would be an understatement to simply say you’ve been ‘missing out’ if you haven’t heard of The Subways by now.  I would also wonder where you’ve been hiding. YouTube My Rock ‘n’ Roll Queen and I guarantee you’ll know who I’m talking about.  Now on their third album, Money and Celebrity, The Subways are ready to release latest single Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Despite being old hands in the music business, The Subways are always evolving and improving, never in fear of boring their fans.  Latest single continues in the same vein, mixing the vocals of Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper with another impeccable and contagious melody.  Written by singer Billy Lunn about a ‘fiery relationship,’ the track holds a chorus full of energy, and a hook of “kiss kiss bang bang,” that is nigh on impossible to sing-along to.

The Subways never fail to impress, with their lyrics and musical abilities getting better and better with every track and every album.  I defy you not to dance along to this. 

4/5

Ed Sheeran - Small Bump

Ed Sheeran has just released the video for 'Small Bump,' the fifth single to be released from his debut, and stunning, album '+.' The video is beautifully simplistic, and fits the song like a glove. I'll be honest, I found the video quite emotional (yes, I am a soppy git, but I didn't cry don't worry), which I guess fits the song to a tee - that's not saying the video is action packed and full of people crying, because it's not. It's simply a typical hospital scene I guess, but I'll let the video speak for itself, instead of me babbling on. Sheeran's done good again.

Ben Howard - Only Love

Ben Howard has just (and I mean literally just. I think it was only about half an hour or so ago when he tweeted it) released the long-anticipated video for next single 'Only Love.' I cannot fault him or his music, with nothing I don't love on his album. I'll post the link to his live lounge when it's up too, because it was brilliant. And I absolutely LOVED his cover of Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe.



EDIT: As promised, here is the video for Ben Howard's cover of Call Me Maybe. ENJOY

Nicki Minaj - Starships

While we're on the subject of new videos, this is (FINALLY) the view for Nicki Minaj - Starships. To sum it up, it's basically Nicki Minaj on a beach, then on a hill, amongst various other places (my guess is that it's some kind of island) in a bikini, with varying hair colours. Who doesn't want to dance on a hill in a bikini (I think) and killer heels, in the middle of Spring?! There's also the obligatory beach party, which looks like a lot of fun. I was kinda hoping for a bit more from the video, since it's been a long time coming, but I can confirm from experience, guys love it. Bloody good tune anyway.

Rihanna - Where Have You Been

Didn't get a chance to post this yesterday, but here is Rihanna's video for new single 'Where Have You Been,' which has a somewhat African, and dare I say in one part near the end of the video, a slight Bollywood theme to it. One of my favourite songs, if not the absolute favourite, off the album (Talk That Talk), I've been wanting this to be released for a very long time. As usual, Rihanna is being too bloody sexy for her own good, and putting the rest of us to shame, whilst showing that yes, she definitely can dance. Yeah, just go away now Rihanna please.

Maverick Sabre - I Used To Have It All

I was just looking for the video to this, but came across this live version instead, and it's absolutely brilliant. I was never a huge Maverick Sabre fan, but he's really grabbed my attention with this new song. Perfect for a late evening listen (not in any creepy way or anything).

DJ Fresh ft. Dizzee Rascal - The Power

Taking a quick break from revision/looking at endless tables/crying inside to post the video for DJ Fresh's new song with Dizzee Rascal, - 'The Power.' I first heard this on Zane Lowe a while back, and I've been waiting for a video for a long long time, and now I've finally found it. DJ Fresh has yet to disappoint me, and this collaboration screams 'TUNE.' Pure goodness, and pretty good at revision motivation (for any of you that are currently experiencing the exam hell that I am). Turn it up and have a dance break (how cheesy that might sound).

Drake ft Rihanna - Take Care

Short and sweet today. Before anyone thinks I'm completely out of the loop, I know this isn't a new song. I've loved it for ages, and the video has FINALLY been released... so here it is:

Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars - Safe and Sound

This won't be to everyone's tastes, but this track blows me away. I love its complete simplicity, letting Taylor's vocals shine through beautifully, perfectly accompanied by The Civil Wars. I've only recently got into both Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars, and I can safely say I couldn't think of a better match. They don't need anything fancy, just their vocals and a smooth and effortless melody alone make this track so wonderful, to put it bluntly. It's on repeat for me as my revision and essay-writing soundtrack, since it's so peaceful, calming and downright relaxing.

Enough of my rambling about how much I adore this. I hope you do too.



(P.S. If you've seen The Hunger Games (I have not), apparently this is the song is in the ending credits)

These are some songs

Haven't posted in a while, so just posting some songs I've been listening to a lot recently, as well as Lana Del Rey's new video for 'Blue Jeans,' and Katy Perry's video for 'Part of Me.' Eat/listen your heart out, and apologies for a bit of a boring/long post, but I thought it would be better to have them all in one post, rather than all other the place. Logical?







I feel obliged to include some guilty pleasures here as well. I don't even know if these songs are good or not anymore, but they're stuck in my head ALL THE TIME. So I'm passing them onto you. Don't blame me if you end up singing them 24/7 from now on.



 

S Club 7 Reunion

According to Digital Spy, (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a372267/s-club-7-reuniting-in-summer-for-tour-two-albums.html) a S Club 7 reunion is on the cards for this year, which I'm not gonna lie, has pretty much made my day and more. S Club 7 were my childhood, my first ever concert, my first band t-shirt (which I can still fit into, not that I've tried or anything...) and probably the first band I fell in love with (not in a creepy or relationship-y way, I was only about 8 years old). As my parents and neighbours can testify, I knew every word to every song, and every dance move. Yeah, I know, I was the definition of cool. Anyway, I for one am willing this not to be just another rumour, because I would pay good money to relive my childhood and see them one last time.

And yes, Rachel was my favourite because she has the same name as me. Oh yeah.

Gonna be honest, it took me a while to decide which song to put on here. Decided this one might be best, but they're all good.... my 90s kid is definitely out to play today.

(500) Days of Summer Soundtrack

This soundtrack, although I know it's 3 years old now, has completely taken over my listening over the past few days, thanks to randomly finding in on Spotify during hours of essay writing in the library (finally, something I can actually thank the library for. Rare). The film itself is one of my favourite films, and the soundtrack is amazing. In case you wanna know the tracklisting -  http://www.amazon.co.uk/500-Days-Summer-Various-Artists/dp/B002BAODSC/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1331853956&sr=1-1

There are some crackers on there from The Smiths, Black Lips, Doves, Regina Spektor, Simon & Garfunkel... I could go on but I'd end up listing the whole whole.

Anyway. just thought I'd share probably my favourite song off the album. It's Regina Spektor - Hero (there's no proper video I'm afraid). Her vocals are beautiful and powerful, and there's a real message behind the lyrics (sounds so corny and whatever, but just listen. No-one's got it all, and even heroes need saving sometimes...). I don't even know if they're the right words to describe it, so just listen to it. Oh, and if you haven't actually seen the film, DO IT.

Any other recommended soundtracks? 

Reading Festival 2012

Bit late posting this but here is the line-up for Reading 2012 (and Leeds). Bit skeptical at first as the last of years have had some shoddy lineups, but this actually looks pretty good!

(Thanks http://www.thrashhits.com/2012/03/reading-leeds-festival-confirms-foo-fighters-paramore-bullet-for-my-valentine-among-first-41-acts-announced-for-2012/ for the photo)

Alex Day - Lady Godiva

Is this a badly rated review?! Proof I can actually do them. I don't hate Alex Day, and I didn't completely hate the song, I just didn't like it that much. Last review for now...

With an almost 500,000 subscriber-strong channel, musician and famous YouTube Alex Day has already demonstrated the modern day power of the internet, gaining a number 4 Christmas hit last year with single Forever Yours, a hugely respectful achievement for a young guy that was then barely known away from YouTube.

Unsurprisingly based around on the historically famous woman herself, second single Lady Godiva is Alex’s own version of the classic by Peter and Gordon.  Although holding a fun and upbeat melody, yet it’s one that sounds more at home in a musical theatre setting.  Although this gives it something of a charm, mixed with average-at-times vocals, the track sounds somewhat amateur – not that we were expecting a hugely over-produced track from an independent artist-, perhaps something that would relate best with his adoring YouTube fans.

All credit to Alex Day, for someone who’s background is the internet, his achievements are second-to-known.  There’s no doubting his tracks will progress and get continuously better as time goes on.  Lady Godiva is sadly not there just yet.

2/5

Bombay Bicycle Club - How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep

Short intro: I picked up 3 CDs to review this week so here's the second one. It's Bombay Bicycle Club's next single, and I bloody love it.

Already on their third album, Bombay Bicycle Club have long reigned as one of the most-loved ‘indie-folk’ bands in today’s music scene.  With their simplistic but powerful melodies combined with lead singer Jack Steadman’s vocals, they’ve found a recipe for successful, and an army of bloody good songs.

How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep fails to slip from their line of success, starting with soft, harmonious vocals, building piece-by-piece, instrument-by-instrument, into the mix we’ve come to know and love.  The track continues to build as it continues, turning the seemingly steady and simplistic melodies into a more complicated but intriguing sound that can’t help but draw you in.  Add repetitive- in all the right ways- vocals, and the track becomes a tranquil but exciting piece that makes you stop and listen, right from the opening seconds until a simple and charming end. 

The perfect track to calm you when you’re stressed, and a perfect track to bring in the summer months.  Bombay Bicycle Club maintain their reign at the top.

4/5

Stooshe - Love Me

Feel like I haven't done a review in ages, probably because I couldn't make it to the last newspaper meeting and blah blah. Anyway, here's a (rather badly written because after a day in the uni library, I'm falling asleep) review of Stooshe - Love Me.

Since the surge of girl-bands in the late 90s/early 00s- I’m thinking Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, even Atomic Kitten- great girl-bands have been few and far between. With a pop resurgence seemingly taking place, there’s surely no better time for a new girl-band to step out.

Say hello to pop/R & B/hip-hop trio Stooshe. Hailing from London, they’re not just your average girl-band- think an up-to-date Destiny’s Child with amplified attitude and the songs to match. Latest single “Love Me” may take a few listens to get used to, but it lies just on the right side of radio appropriacy (providing you don’t venture into the explicit version). Whether you know the words or not, I guarantee you’ll want to get up, dance and attempt to sing along. With added vocals with renowned rapper Travie McCoy, there’s really nothing about this to dislike.

Unashamedly upbeat, fun, and full of three girls’ attitudes (in the right way), Love Me has set Stooshe up for a huge hit. Watch out, girl-bands are back with a vengeance.

4/5

Labrinth - Last Time

Back to less serious business, here is a song I'm slowly becoming obsessed with. He's going from strength to strength, and I personally can't wait to his album. That's all I've gotta say.

Kony 2012

(I'm hoping this works. University computers only have internet explorer and this blog seems to be struggling. We'll see).

[EDIT]: There's been some controversy about this campaign today (http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com/), some of which I agree with, some I don't. The most important thing at the moment is raising AWARENESS, so even if you just spread the video, you're helping. I'm not claiming to be an expert on the situation, I'm just going on what I know so don't blame me...

This is not another music review, song of the day, or anything like that. This post is more important than anything, and if you don't read anything else on my blog, PLEASE read this.

Hopefully you've heard by now about the vile Joseph Kony and what he does, and has been doing for 20 years. If not, I need to inform you, which is why I'm writing this now. For 20 years, Kony has been abducting children in Uganda, and turning them into sex slaves and child soliders, and making them kill their own parents. It's not just a few children. As the video I'm going to attach will tell you, those who knew never knew how to stop him. There was an attempt, but Kony discovered what they were doing and changed his tactics. I'll be honest, I never knew about any of this until yesterday, but it completely shocked me, and now I believe everyone HAS to know about this, and help stop it. Every child has the right to a childhood like the one I'm sure the majority of you all experience. If you're reading this and you have kids, how would you feel if your child was abducted and forced to partake in these horrific activities?

I'm not going to write much more, because quite frankly the video does a much better job than I could ever do. It is an amazing video, and I URGE you to watch it. If you've got twitter, tweet out #stopkony #KONY2012, whatever you have to tweet to get attention to this extraordinary campaign (Invisible Children). 

This link should work to pledge etc.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kony2012/kony-4.html

And I'm putting the video here (you can watch it on Vimeo, and if it works, the link above to):



Thank you.
KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

The Cribs - Come On, Be a No-One

The Cribs are BACK with a vengeance, with stonking new track "Come On, Be a No One," taken from new album In The Belly of the Brazen Bull, due to be released 7/5/2012. They never fail to disappoint, and I am now even more excited to hear their new efforts. You can hear the track here:



(thanks to Stereogum for the link. http://stereogum.com/969202/the-cribs-come-on-be-a-no-one-stereogum-premiere/mp3s/)

Lissie - Go Your Own Way (cover)

Thanks to Edith Bowman for bringing this to my attention on Twitter. Bit skeptical about listening to it at first, as the Fleetwood Mac original is a classic, and no-one can really beat it. However, Lissie does a brilliant job, and brings her own charm to the song. Her vocals are charming and the whole arrangement was fantastic. No-one can replace the original, but this is one of the best covers I've heard.

Song of the Day...ish.

Just a quick post, because I haven't posted in a while. My friend's tweets about this song reminded me how feelgood it is, and just how addicted I've been to it lately, so I decided to choose it as my 'Song of the Day'...although I'm sure something by The Cure would've been more appropriate since I've listened to them A LOT this evening. Maybe tomorrow... I'm also going to post Stooshe soon, because their track has completely grown on me.

Anyway, here's Nicki Minaj - Starships (there's no official music video yet).

Bon Iver - Towers

The official music video for 'Towers' from Bon Iver's stunning self-titled album has been released. Gonna assume this will be the next single, so I'll try and get a review up in the next few days, Uni-work allowing. 

Sax.co.uk

Just doing a bit of plugging on my sister's behalf. She went to college to learn how to be a woodwind instrument repairer and designer, and now works at Sax.co.uk in Crowborough, East Sussex (and London once a week) as a saxophone repairer. She absolutely loves it, and the Crowborough shop was actually on South East Today recently thanks to Yolanda Brown. Anyway, I'm basically here to plug both shops. The Crowborough branch is HUGE, and is located on Brooklands Park, Farningham Road. The London branch is located on the famous Denmark Street, and has seen many famous faces in there (many of which I'm pretty jealous of)!

They've got a YouTube channel too, where they showcase saxophones (and their saxophone skills). Here's a taster: 



So if you're ever in need of saxophone repairs, or fancy buying yourself a saxophone (I hope you're rich), pop in to sax.co.uk!

(www.sax.co.uk is their website if you're interested).

Walk Off The Earth

Been meaning to bang on about this for a while, so I'm finally sharing the video. I know it's already doing the rounds on the internet and has been for a while, but if you haven't been lucky enough to see it, here it is. The brilliant 'Walk Off The Earth' covering Gotye. 4 guys 1 girl 1 guitar. Exceedingly good. No other explanation needed.
(P.s not only should you look at their other videos, you should also check out 'Sarah Blackwood.' She is very very good)

Brits 2012 Review

Guess who's procrastinating again...

I'll write this now while it's fairly fresh in my mind. A quick (since it's boring to go through every category and say "Yes they deserved it" or "No, they did not) review of the Brits last night. 

In general, the first hour (at least) felt REALLY slow, and it felt like the organisers were trying to get all the performances out the way. Not many awards seem to be being given out. But some of the performances were really special. Coldplay opened the show in completely the right way. Another knockout performance from them, and it's made me SO excited to see them in June. Adele needed no special effects to go with her stunning vocals, and she definitely knocked everyone else right out of the water. I also really enjoyed Bruno Mars' performance, and I think he proved he can definitely sing live. Rihanna also put on a great show, although me and my Dad did spend a lot of time discussing how much mess they'll now have to clean up. Sad I know.

In terms of not-so-great performances, I felt Florence & The Machine was weak. I don't know why, I just found it a bit dull. I was also expecting to be completely blown away by Blur, but for me, they were underrated. I still absolutely love Blur, and I heard their performances on ITV2 were brilliant, but I was disappointed with the songs I saw/heard.

Which brings me onto probably the most talked about moment of the Brits, disappointingly. Unless you've been hiding throughout today, you should know that Adele's Album of The Year speech was cut off because ITV were running over. I don't blame James Corden or Blur for this, I blame the organisers. Firstly, if they're going to cut people's speeches off, do it fairly. Blur's speech, although I'm not saying they didn't need their time, was probably way too long, and could've easily been cut off. Secondly, if they knew they were going to run over, they shouldn't have made such an effort to build up to the biggest award of the night, and then not let whoever won speak. I think ITV are big enough to run over by 1 minute to just let Adele say all she needed to say. I found the whole thing hugely unfair, and I think most other viewers did too.

Enough of a badly written rant, onto the awards. I was going to refer back to my original post, but I think it'll turn out way too long winded. Adele deservingly won two awards- British Female and British Album. As great as Laura Marling is, and as amazing as Coldplay's album is, I was more than happy that she won these two. She's had a HUGELY (which still feels like an understatement) successful year and she's worked so hard, so it's great to see that pay off. Ed Sheeran also won two- British Male and Breakthrough. I was expecting Breakthrough to go to Jessie J, so that was a bit of a shock, but a great result none the less. He proved his worth in his simplistic but beautiful performance on the night too.

British Single showed that the result is actually a popularity contest, as One Direction won. Don't get me wrong, I bloody love One Direction, and I got a little bit over-excited when they won. However, I can guarantee that if industry experts had decided the winner, it would've gone to someone like Adele.

Elsewhere, my predictions were pretty spot on I think. Coldplay won British Group (YES!!), Foo Fighters won International Group and Lana Del Rey won International Breakthrough (yay, but also boo for Bon Iver :( ). Overall, I think most of the right people won. I'd love to have seen Bon Iver take International Male, but it was always obvious that wasn't going to happen. I was happy Rihanna got International Female, but I'll always be rooting for Beyoncé.

This was supposed to be some sophiscated review of the Brits, but it's turned into more of a ramble about awards and rants about bad organisation... so sorry about that. Forgot to add, James Corden was a brilliant host, and I hope he presents again next year.

Your thoughts on the Brits?

Brit Awards 2012 - Predictions

Ahead of the Brit Awards 2012 tonight, and to procrastinate some more, I thought I'd share my predictions with you, as well as who I would like to win.

British Male Solo Artist
Ed Sheeran
James Blake
James Morrison
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Professor Green

Tough one to judge, but I think it will be between Ed Sheeran and Professor Green. Having said that, Noel Gallagher has really impressed with his solo work, so he's got a big chance of walking away with the title. I'd personally like James Blake or Ed Sheeran to get it. 

British Female Solo Artist
Adele
Florence & The Machine
Jessie J
Kate Bush
Laura Marling

Although Jessie J and Florence have had great years, I'm 99% certain Adele is going to win this one, and she absolutely deserves it. I'd love Laura Marling to win for a second year, because her third album is a beaut, but I'd definitely put my money on a well-deserved win for Adele.

British Breakthrough Act
Anna Calvi
Ed Sheeran
Emeli Sandé
Jessie J
The Vaccines

This is another tough one. Anni Calvi was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, but I think this is going to be between Ed Sheeran and Jessie J. The Vaccines have also had great success this year, and I'd love a win for them. But I'm rooting for Ed Sheeran, and I think he may well get it.

British Group
Arctic Monkeys
Chase & Status
Coldplay
Elbow
Kasabian

I'd like Kasabian to win, but I'm rooting for Coldplay. And I think they have a huge chance of winning this category. To be honest, I'll be happy with any, as long as it's not Arctic Monkeys...

British Single
Adele - Someone Like You
Ed Sheeran - The A Team
Example - Changed the Way you Kissed Me
Jessie J ft BOB - Price Tag
JLS ft Dev - She Makes Me Wanna
Military Wives/Gareth Malone - Wherever You Are
Olly Murs ft Rizzle Kicks - Heart Skips a Beat
One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
Pixie Lott - All About Tonight
The Wanted - Glad You Came

There's too many to go through them all, but there's some really good ones in the list. I think Adele may well get this one as well, considering how long Someone Like You held on at the top of the charts. I'd love One Direction or The Wanted to win too, since I'm still addicted to both those songs (bringing out the 14 year-old in me yet again...). I can't call this one for definite.

MasterCard British Album of the Year
Adele - 21
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
Ed Sheeran - +
Florence & The Machine - Ceremonials
PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

Another category that's too close to call for me. PJ Harvey won the Mercury Music Prize, but I have a huge feeling that Adele could definitely walk away with this one too. 21 is a stunning album, so I have no issues with that. Coldplay's album is also a standout, and has been on repeat for a while. Ed Sheeran's album is also a winner for me. Too much goodness here!

International Male Solo Artist
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
David Guetta
Ryan Adams

I'm thinking that Ryan Adams is the Bruce Springsteen in this category this year. I'd LOVE to see a win for Bon Iver, since the album is too good for words, but I think this could go to Bruno Mars or David Guetta. Tough one.

International Female Solo Artist
Beyoncé
Bjork
Feist
Lady Gaga
Rihanna

All these categories are too tough this year. This could easily be a win for Beyoncé, Gaga or Rihanna, no questions. I'm rooting for Beyoncé.

International Group
Fleet Foxes
Foo Fighters
Jay Z/Kanye West
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5

Jay Z/Kanye West's album got amazing reviews, so they definitely have a shot here, as do Maroon 5 after THAT track that got stuck in all our heads. However, I think this one could well go to Foo Fighters. No qualms.

International Breakthrough Act
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Foster The People
Lana Del Rey
Nicki Minaj

I think Lana Del Rey could well grasp this one. She's had all the hype and has been all people have been talking about recently so it wouldn't surprise me. Foster The People and Nicki Minaj could also be front runners.

(Outstanding Contribution to Music and Critics Choice have already been decided so no need to cast judgement there).

British Producer
Paul Epworth
Flood
Ethan Jones

Think this could be a well deserved win for Paul Epworth, especially after the amazing success of '21' in particular.

Sorry if some of this is pretty vague, but some of the categories are too hard to call. I would sit and add who I think was forgotten about in these lists, but this post is too long enough already and you're probably all bored of reading it. I'll blog asap after the Brits to cast judgement on whether the right people won (in my opinion).

The Brits are on at 8pm tonight, ITV1 (or 7pm ITV2 if, like me, you want to watch all the Red Carpet stuff).

Changing Musical Tastes

Just like to point out that I'm finding it hard to concentrate on writing this blog because I can't stop watching and 'aww'-ing at this:



This is actually kinda appropriate for this post though.

Since I started University last September, my music taste seems to have changed quite dramatically. Before Uni, I was probably the definition of a 'NME Kid,' never really listening to anything past indie etc. I hated most chart-y music (note: most, I had my guilty pleasures), and most my money went on concerts, CDs, band t-shirts etc. I also had that nu-rave phase... yes, I did wear some stunning neon trousers and cover myself in glowsticks for concerts. Don't judge. I still do spend the majority of my money on CDs, and went I can spare some money, concerts, but I have branched out my music tastes.

Nowadays, if it's in the charts, I know the words to it and it's played in a club on a regularly basis, the chances are I will love it (with exceptions. I do still have some musical taste). For example, I would probably have hated  any boyband before University, but now, I'm pretty obsessed with One Direction and The Wanted, and I love JLS. If What Makes You Beautiful comes on in a club, I will sing my heart out, no questions asked. I can pretty much guarantee that everyone else will also be singing every single word. Why? I don't know.

I'm not sure if it's a sign of our generation, of general university life, or of the influence of friends. I do still love my less-chart-y stuff (I'm in love with Lana Del Rey (I know she's pretty bleedin' radio friendly at the moment), Bon Iver and Ben Howard at the moment), but I've become more open to the pop music that has taken over the chart at the moment. I used to call it a guilty pleasure, but if it's really good pop, then I'm not ashamed to like it. I'm actually glad I've opened my mind to other music, because I think I was stuck in a bit of a rut.

So, does a change in environments, such as going to university, change our musical tastes? Is it a conscious decision? I'm not sure. But I'm going to blame university, and clubs... our union in particularly. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and unashamedly listen to One Direction's album. 

Grammys 2012

I will update this properly later, but I'm far too distracted by Laura Marling this morning. Been watching these videos for hours:



ANYWAY. GRAMMYs. In short, Adele expectedly and extremely deservedly won 6 awards, giving a very emotional speech in thanks (youtube it). Bon Iver also did well, picking up a couple of awards. Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse also won an award, with her parents gratefully picking up the award on her behalf. To add controversy to proceedings, Chris Brown performed at the awards and picked up Best R&B Album, causing quite an uproar following his conviction of abuse (involving Rihanna. If you don't know what I'm on about, where have you been?!). Rihanna and Coldplay's performance was a highlight for me, but Adele's performance of Rolling in the Deep really blew everyone out of the water.

I'll try and write something a bit better later, when I've stopped being distracted by YouTube.

Full List of Winners:

http://www.grammy.com/nominees

News Associates' Journalism Workshop

Also thought I'd blog about something completely un-music related. Last week, two employees from News Associates came to my university to run a workshop on how to report breaking news. They got us to do an exercise that they normally give students on their NCTJ course after a couple of weeks. We were put in a pretend situation, where we had the task of writing the front page story for the Birmingham Mail. 'Luckily' for us, breaking news occurred just as we were about to start writing, so we were immediately thrown in the deep end. It was tricky to start with, as you only receive minor details of the incident at first, but you have to keep writing so that you don't run out of time and have no article for the front page. Our word limit was 500, although this was upped near the end of the task. We also got a chance to speak to the policeman involved in the incident (obviously not a real one, since this was a fake event) which was great experience for when we'd have to interview people in situation like this.

It was definitely harder than I expected, as there's such tight deadlines and you're constantly getting new updates on the situation, and with an unbreakable word count, it can be tough to decide what needs to go in the article. There's also the issue when you put in some news/assumptions, in ours this was that a bus of schoolchildren were still missing, which is then proved wrong or solved half an hour later, causing the whole article to potentially change. We were given the opportunity to email our articles to the people running the course, and I'm currently awaiting feedback. It was a great experience, and I gained some brilliant tips from it.

Anyway, thought I'd include my efforts on this blog. If anyone's got any comments, they'll be greatly received!

If anyone's interested in the NCTJ course at News Associates, the link to their website is below. They run courses in Wimbledon, London and Manchester.
http://newsassociates.co.uk/ 

A huge gas explosion has occurred at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Solihull, Birmingham at around 2.04pm this afternoon.

The explosion was heard as far as Lozells and Perry Bar, around seven miles from the NEC.

Emergency services arrived on the scene within five minutes. Deputy Chief Constable Andrew Satterthwaite, responsible for operations at the scene, has reported around 60 casualties, with no fatalities. Ten people are said to be in a critical condition.

Heartlands, Moseley Hall and Sandwell and West Birmingham hospitals have all activated serious emergency plans. Alan Richards, present at Heartlands Hospital, has said “it’s like they are arriving from a war zone.”

NEC eyewitness Simon Chiles has described the event as “chaos and pandemonium.” Mr Chiles reported hearing “three or four loud bangs,” presumed to be due to the size of the explosion.

Bus driver John Hodgson described the explosion as “the loudest thing I’ve ever heard.”

The M42 is currently closed between junction 4a and 7 in both directions to facilitate emergency services. The M6, A45 and roads around Birmingham International Airport are reporting severe traffic delays and some closures. Police are advising to not travel unless absolutely necessary.

Future events at the NEC are on hold. Details on rescheduling are available on the NEC website.

Deputy Chief Constable Andrew Satterthwaite has stated that the second incident on the M6 is not connected to the explosion. Possible links to terrorism have been dismissed.

The emergency contact number for those concerned about relatives or friends is 0800 81 2583. Information can also be found at www.west-midlands.police.uk.