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)

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/)

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).

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).

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

The 54th Grammy Awards

Obviously I'm a bit late on this, sorry about that. Attack of the university work once again. Excitement all round...

Anyway, here are the nominees for all 78 categories in the 54th Grammy Awards, due to be held in February 2012. Adele, Bon Iver and Bruno Mars all have a high chance of grabbing a few awards for themselves, having numerous nominations each. Adele in particular in surely on the way to at least winning a couple, having 6 nominations to her name. So here's the list, try not to fall asleep whilst you read it...

http://www.grammy.com/nominees

Old HMV...again

Really sorry, it's been a horrific amount of time since I last blogged. I got bogged down in uni work/I have the memory of a fish sometimes. Anyway, thanks to Twitter, I've just come across some more pictures of HMV in earlier years (my original post is here: http://rachelannewriting.blogspot.com/2011/08/old-hmv.html) so I thought I'd share. Enjoy...

http://www.voicesofeastanglia.com/2011/11/more-from-hmv-oxford-street-store.html

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...

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

Friendly Fires Live Lounge

Friendly Fires were in the Live Lounge today, sounding brilliant as always. Their 'mystery cover song' was genius too. You can listen and look at photos here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/sessions/2011-07-21_friendlyfires

Tumblr

Through my complete boredom today, I have decided to start a Tumblr. I'm going to try and use it mainly for photos and audio, to make sure this gets used for mainly writing. There's a link on the right if you scroll down (just above Twitter). Take a gander!


Oh, and I have moved the Blog Archive to the bottom of the page. Felt the right hand side was getting a big clogged!

Awful Memory

I've been away for a couple of days, hence a lack of updates. Whilst I've been away, I've seen/heard a couple of things that I thought deserved a mention... problem being I can only remember one of them. It's a good one none the less- The Guardian/Observer have made a list of their "Music Power 100." Opinions on the list?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/may/26/music-power-100-full-list

Nominate songs you grew up with for Domino Radio | Music | guardian.co.uk

Pretty self-explanatory...

Nominate songs you grew up with for Domino Radio | Music | guardian.co.uk

Kaiser Chiefs

Kaiser Chiefs released their new album today, but not in a conventional style. Instead, they are letting the fans choosing 10 tracks from 20 to create the album they want. You can even create the artwork! Although this could result in a loss of money for the band, they should be applauded for branching out and doing something different. This way, the fans can really connect with the music, as they can choose exactly what they want to hear. It's good fun too! Mine is here:

Kaiser Chiefs - View album

Gil Scott-Heron

Terrible news today about the death of Gil Scott-Heron. He is a legend who will be truly missed. There's a couple of newspaper articles here:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/gil-scottheron-songwriter-and-poet-dies-aged-62-2290290.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/may/28/gil-scott-heron-obituary?INTCMP=SRCH

I've also just been linked to this blogpost by the boss/producer of XL Recordings, which pretty much sums up why he will be so missed:

http://richardxl.tumblr.com/

Digital Rights

Interesting article in the Guardian, giving an overview of how digital licensing rights works at the moment, and how EMI are changing it.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2011/may/24/emi-music-publishing-digital-licenses?CMP=twt_fd