Get Back/Run For Your Life - The Beatles
&
Big Wiggly Style/Danger:Wildman - The Devil Wears Prada
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Saturday, 6 February 2010
4am musings on life
Karma's been a real bitch to me today.
On the plus side, I spent last night with Lyd on our 2-year anniversary (happy days) and today played possibly the best gig of my life so far with Sterling.
However.
Today I nearly died of stress after spending 2 hours looking for a bag of keyboard cables that turned up on my bed. After the gig I developed a huge eye infection that has made it water uncontrollably in pain since. I have also burned myself several times, pierced my finger on both a nail and a McDonalds cup and have no phone because I left my charger at uni.
This seems to me to be unfairly disproportionate. Add to this the fact I still don't have a job and you get a set of life-scales balanced very heavily on the side of "Oh for fuck's sake!"
So, Karma, tomorrow I expect good things, and only good things. Because today overall has been fairly shitty. You bloody cosmic reconcilliation device you.
On the plus side, I spent last night with Lyd on our 2-year anniversary (happy days) and today played possibly the best gig of my life so far with Sterling.
However.
Today I nearly died of stress after spending 2 hours looking for a bag of keyboard cables that turned up on my bed. After the gig I developed a huge eye infection that has made it water uncontrollably in pain since. I have also burned myself several times, pierced my finger on both a nail and a McDonalds cup and have no phone because I left my charger at uni.
This seems to me to be unfairly disproportionate. Add to this the fact I still don't have a job and you get a set of life-scales balanced very heavily on the side of "Oh for fuck's sake!"
So, Karma, tomorrow I expect good things, and only good things. Because today overall has been fairly shitty. You bloody cosmic reconcilliation device you.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Anything Ross can do
This is in direct response to the post Mr. Ross Dryden just posted on his blog (look in my followers to find it). He decided to list his top 5 favourite songs of all time, and now I will be doing the same! Please keep in mind that my music taste changes with the wind so these are merely my favourite songs at this current time, it usually changes every couple of months!
In no particular order...
Hoppipolla - Sigur Rós
This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful songs ever written. No other song showcases Sigur Ros' astonishing music in quite this way, despite the numerous other pieces of art they have created with their instruments. I still remember the day I first listened to this song all the way through, walking home with my headphones in, through the woods on a gorgeously sunny day. I honestly nearly cried at the crescendo at about 2:30 in. The emotions that this song bring up will stay with me for the rest of my life. (Also see - Ara Batur from með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, the moment when the gong is smashed along with the choir is just unbelievable)
Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan
This is just Dylan at his best. I won't lie and pretend to be a huge Dylan fan, but you can't argue with this song. Unlike some other songs from the man, SHB manages to be fairly catchy and easy to listen to, along with it's insanely witty and biting lyrics. This is why, lyrically, Dylan is such a massive influence on me. Why write a song with no meaning? Why waste your time? This is a perfect protest song in the sense that it's subtle, but so clear. I'll show anyone who says they don't like Dylan this song to try and persuade them otherwise. Crowning glory - Lennon said that he didn't think he could write a song to contend with this.
The Beatles
Okay, now this was a hard decision. Obviously a Beatles song is going to be in here, but which one?? With so many to choose from I honestly have no idea where to go. We Can Work It Out jumps at me, because for me it shows the transition from a catchy rock band into a more psychedelic and adventurous group. But then there's Taxman, Drive My Car, A Day In The Life, Across The Universe and SO MANY MORE!! So I'm going to go a little left-field and choose one that has meant a lot to me recently...
The End
Obviously not the greatest Beatles song ever written, but The End really was the end. It is technically the last Beatles song on record. Coming at the end of Abbey Road (an amazing album) it gives you everything. The beginning - with the sharp guitars and "Oh Yeah's!" of John and George, the middle - with Ringo's sudden burst of a drum solo(?!?!?!?!) and finally, descending into Paul's trademark staccato piano break. And what better way to end The Beatles than with that line - "And, in the end, the love you take/ Is equal to the love you make"? Finally spiralling into that beautiful orchestration courtesy of Mr Martin. They took a hell of a lot of love, and they gave a shed-load of it back to us all. Perfection.
New Born - Muse
New Born encapsulates Muse. It's not the prettiest song they've written, or the most complex, but it gives the listener everything they need. The piano intro, that riff (Oh God... that riff!) the HUGE chorus and insane guitar solo(s). This song also illustrates Muse's desire not to conform - being the first track on an album they were told to make "radio-friendly" to take the American market. Immediately we get Matt's falsetto piercing the gorgeous piano-tinkling (his voice being just one of the things their previous record label had asked them to tone down) and then we get the bass blown out of our speakers by the sheer savagery of the riff that kicks the song into life. Tone down? Can you imagine what Muse would be like if they weren't larger than life? I shudder to think.
And finally...
You Keep It All In - The Beautiful South
Yes, I know it's not a cool song. Neither is it a cool band. But The Beautiful South were a huge part of my childhood, being pretty much the only band that my parents ever listened to. I could have chosen any song from their back catalogue but You Keep It All In just jumps out at me as being one of my favourites, and it's a great tune too. The witty interchanges between Briana Corrigan and Dave Hemingway gave the song that perfect Beautiful South style that made so many of their songs great to listen to. The idea that the two lead singers were conversing through the song was amazing to me in my younger years. I think I need to thank both The Beautiful South and Queen for at least making me aware of music during my first 15 years on earth. Without them I don't know how I would have ever experienced the joy that I feel now when I hear a new band/an old band that I love.
That was fun! There's so many more I want to talk about though...
In no particular order...
Hoppipolla - Sigur Rós
This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful songs ever written. No other song showcases Sigur Ros' astonishing music in quite this way, despite the numerous other pieces of art they have created with their instruments. I still remember the day I first listened to this song all the way through, walking home with my headphones in, through the woods on a gorgeously sunny day. I honestly nearly cried at the crescendo at about 2:30 in. The emotions that this song bring up will stay with me for the rest of my life. (Also see - Ara Batur from með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, the moment when the gong is smashed along with the choir is just unbelievable)
Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan
This is just Dylan at his best. I won't lie and pretend to be a huge Dylan fan, but you can't argue with this song. Unlike some other songs from the man, SHB manages to be fairly catchy and easy to listen to, along with it's insanely witty and biting lyrics. This is why, lyrically, Dylan is such a massive influence on me. Why write a song with no meaning? Why waste your time? This is a perfect protest song in the sense that it's subtle, but so clear. I'll show anyone who says they don't like Dylan this song to try and persuade them otherwise. Crowning glory - Lennon said that he didn't think he could write a song to contend with this.
The Beatles
Okay, now this was a hard decision. Obviously a Beatles song is going to be in here, but which one?? With so many to choose from I honestly have no idea where to go. We Can Work It Out jumps at me, because for me it shows the transition from a catchy rock band into a more psychedelic and adventurous group. But then there's Taxman, Drive My Car, A Day In The Life, Across The Universe and SO MANY MORE!! So I'm going to go a little left-field and choose one that has meant a lot to me recently...
The End
Obviously not the greatest Beatles song ever written, but The End really was the end. It is technically the last Beatles song on record. Coming at the end of Abbey Road (an amazing album) it gives you everything. The beginning - with the sharp guitars and "Oh Yeah's!" of John and George, the middle - with Ringo's sudden burst of a drum solo(?!?!?!?!) and finally, descending into Paul's trademark staccato piano break. And what better way to end The Beatles than with that line - "And, in the end, the love you take/ Is equal to the love you make"? Finally spiralling into that beautiful orchestration courtesy of Mr Martin. They took a hell of a lot of love, and they gave a shed-load of it back to us all. Perfection.
New Born - Muse
New Born encapsulates Muse. It's not the prettiest song they've written, or the most complex, but it gives the listener everything they need. The piano intro, that riff (Oh God... that riff!) the HUGE chorus and insane guitar solo(s). This song also illustrates Muse's desire not to conform - being the first track on an album they were told to make "radio-friendly" to take the American market. Immediately we get Matt's falsetto piercing the gorgeous piano-tinkling (his voice being just one of the things their previous record label had asked them to tone down) and then we get the bass blown out of our speakers by the sheer savagery of the riff that kicks the song into life. Tone down? Can you imagine what Muse would be like if they weren't larger than life? I shudder to think.
And finally...
You Keep It All In - The Beautiful South
Yes, I know it's not a cool song. Neither is it a cool band. But The Beautiful South were a huge part of my childhood, being pretty much the only band that my parents ever listened to. I could have chosen any song from their back catalogue but You Keep It All In just jumps out at me as being one of my favourites, and it's a great tune too. The witty interchanges between Briana Corrigan and Dave Hemingway gave the song that perfect Beautiful South style that made so many of their songs great to listen to. The idea that the two lead singers were conversing through the song was amazing to me in my younger years. I think I need to thank both The Beautiful South and Queen for at least making me aware of music during my first 15 years on earth. Without them I don't know how I would have ever experienced the joy that I feel now when I hear a new band/an old band that I love.
That was fun! There's so many more I want to talk about though...
Cherie Blair
Okay, I know I usually blog about music, but this has really annoyed me.
In her infinite wisdom, Ms. Blair is letting a man who broke another man's jaw over a place in a queue in a bank off without a sentence, because he's religious. Surely I'm not the only one who thinks this is ridiculous?
If I broke someone's jaw because they stood in front of me at the bank would I be let off for not being religious but knowing what I did was wrong? Do those of us who choose not to believe in a higher power not understand the difference between right and wrong? In Cherie Blair's eyes are we all violent thugs who will go around raping and pillaging until one day we're left behind when God takes the righteous up to heaven (even the ones who punch another man over a spot in a queue) and leave the rest to be punished on earth for an eternity?
Cherie Blair's job, as a judge, is to look past the superficial aspects of a man's life (such as religion or wealth) and focus on the facts. She knows that this man caused ABH to another, and yet she is willing to let him off because he knows what he did was wrong. Personally, I think a lot of criminals know what they did was wrong, but I don't see any mass murderers walking around at the minute, or convicted thieves pushing a trolly around Tesco.
That decision needs to be overturned and Cherie Blair should come out and explain herself. It honestly mystifies me that she could possibly think that an excuse like that would be seen as acceptable by today's standards. 1510, maybe.
In her infinite wisdom, Ms. Blair is letting a man who broke another man's jaw over a place in a queue in a bank off without a sentence, because he's religious. Surely I'm not the only one who thinks this is ridiculous?
If I broke someone's jaw because they stood in front of me at the bank would I be let off for not being religious but knowing what I did was wrong? Do those of us who choose not to believe in a higher power not understand the difference between right and wrong? In Cherie Blair's eyes are we all violent thugs who will go around raping and pillaging until one day we're left behind when God takes the righteous up to heaven (even the ones who punch another man over a spot in a queue) and leave the rest to be punished on earth for an eternity?
Cherie Blair's job, as a judge, is to look past the superficial aspects of a man's life (such as religion or wealth) and focus on the facts. She knows that this man caused ABH to another, and yet she is willing to let him off because he knows what he did was wrong. Personally, I think a lot of criminals know what they did was wrong, but I don't see any mass murderers walking around at the minute, or convicted thieves pushing a trolly around Tesco.
That decision needs to be overturned and Cherie Blair should come out and explain herself. It honestly mystifies me that she could possibly think that an excuse like that would be seen as acceptable by today's standards. 1510, maybe.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
FOB
Yesterday, Pete Wentz comes out and releases a story saying he "doesn't know if he'll play in Fall Out Boy ever again" which can be read here:
http://www.nme.com/news/fall-out-boy/49567
As a big Fall Out Boy fan, this of course saddens me. It's almost as if FOB might not come back, which I maintain would be a shame. They're a good band, with two VERY talented members in Patrick Stump (working on a solo album which I can't wait to hear) and Andy Hurley (now drumming in The Damned Things - a metal super-group) who wrote some very catchy tunes, as well as pushing the boundaries of their own musical prowess (on Infinity On High in particular).
But this has got me thinking... Would FOB be any worse without Pete? I mean, don't get me wrong, as a publicist there is no better. Look what he's done with Cobra Starship recently, capitolising on Gabe Saporta's "geek-chic" good looks to push them right into the limelight, and into the path of 15 year-old emo girls. But Wentz is NOT a great musician. He can talk the talk, but only toddle the walk.
His bass lines in FOB were dirt simple, his "screaming" was sub-par on record and even worse live, and his lyrics (while held in high regard amongst some) are nothing but regurgitated phrases, changed round slightly to match his songs or nonsensical drawling that documents his "depression" - probably because of all his money and success and gorgeous wife. So, yes, as a means of becoming famous, Wentz would be missed, but FOB are already famous! If they re-formed without him, it wouldn't make a shred of difference in my mind. Stump writes the songs, Wentz takes the credit, and that's the way it's always been. They find a better bassist (and a better lead guitarist while they're at it) and you've got yourself a much better band, capable of writing and performing better songs than they have now. And hopefully, Patrick Stump will start getting the credit he deserves.
I feel better about the whole hiatus thing now. Don't you?
http://www.nme.com/news/fall-out-boy/49567
As a big Fall Out Boy fan, this of course saddens me. It's almost as if FOB might not come back, which I maintain would be a shame. They're a good band, with two VERY talented members in Patrick Stump (working on a solo album which I can't wait to hear) and Andy Hurley (now drumming in The Damned Things - a metal super-group) who wrote some very catchy tunes, as well as pushing the boundaries of their own musical prowess (on Infinity On High in particular).
But this has got me thinking... Would FOB be any worse without Pete? I mean, don't get me wrong, as a publicist there is no better. Look what he's done with Cobra Starship recently, capitolising on Gabe Saporta's "geek-chic" good looks to push them right into the limelight, and into the path of 15 year-old emo girls. But Wentz is NOT a great musician. He can talk the talk, but only toddle the walk.
His bass lines in FOB were dirt simple, his "screaming" was sub-par on record and even worse live, and his lyrics (while held in high regard amongst some) are nothing but regurgitated phrases, changed round slightly to match his songs or nonsensical drawling that documents his "depression" - probably because of all his money and success and gorgeous wife. So, yes, as a means of becoming famous, Wentz would be missed, but FOB are already famous! If they re-formed without him, it wouldn't make a shred of difference in my mind. Stump writes the songs, Wentz takes the credit, and that's the way it's always been. They find a better bassist (and a better lead guitarist while they're at it) and you've got yourself a much better band, capable of writing and performing better songs than they have now. And hopefully, Patrick Stump will start getting the credit he deserves.
I feel better about the whole hiatus thing now. Don't you?
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Sophomore Slump? Or Comeback of the Year?
Okay, so first post of the new year (at the end of January - LAZY) and I'm going to focus on an issue that this past year has given us in multitudes. Following on from the success of a debut album.
As is understood in the "biz", a band/artist's second album is undeniably their hardest. If everyone loves your debut, then they'll be expecting your sophomore attempt to be even better! However, countless bands have fallen short of the mark they set themselves, and in today's world of 15-second popularity, there aren't many producers who are going to forgive a second-rate follow-on from a smash hit debut. And just look at the amount of huge debuts that have come through 2009.
Florence and the Machine, Lady Gaga, La Roux, Mumford and Sons, and the list goes on. People went so nuts for these albums that it's going to be damn near impossible to make any kind of impact with the second offering. Of the 12 nominations for the Mercury music prize 2009, 7 were debuts, and 4 of those were incredibly successful (namely - Florence, La Roux, Glasvegas and Friendly Fires) throughout the year.
So the question remains; How are they going to do better??
Even Florence Welch has come out and admitted she now fears for her career after the success of her debut album Lungs, and with very good reason. The modern music fan is a fickle, unfocused leech, with the attention span of a gnat. One minute they love La Roux, the next it's the XX, and ol' big-quiff is sent a-packin' to the shelves along with Wheatus and the Dandy Warhols!
But. It can be done. Arctic Monkeys gave us Favourite Worst Nightmare and Kasabian gave us Empire. Proof that you can out-do yourself the second time around. And I really do hope that the bands under pressure this year pull it off, because it's never nice to see an artist fade away. Unless it's N-Dubz... In which case... I'd rather they faded away. Painfully.
Na Na Niiiiiiiiiii...
As is understood in the "biz", a band/artist's second album is undeniably their hardest. If everyone loves your debut, then they'll be expecting your sophomore attempt to be even better! However, countless bands have fallen short of the mark they set themselves, and in today's world of 15-second popularity, there aren't many producers who are going to forgive a second-rate follow-on from a smash hit debut. And just look at the amount of huge debuts that have come through 2009.
Florence and the Machine, Lady Gaga, La Roux, Mumford and Sons, and the list goes on. People went so nuts for these albums that it's going to be damn near impossible to make any kind of impact with the second offering. Of the 12 nominations for the Mercury music prize 2009, 7 were debuts, and 4 of those were incredibly successful (namely - Florence, La Roux, Glasvegas and Friendly Fires) throughout the year.
So the question remains; How are they going to do better??
Even Florence Welch has come out and admitted she now fears for her career after the success of her debut album Lungs, and with very good reason. The modern music fan is a fickle, unfocused leech, with the attention span of a gnat. One minute they love La Roux, the next it's the XX, and ol' big-quiff is sent a-packin' to the shelves along with Wheatus and the Dandy Warhols!
But. It can be done. Arctic Monkeys gave us Favourite Worst Nightmare and Kasabian gave us Empire. Proof that you can out-do yourself the second time around. And I really do hope that the bands under pressure this year pull it off, because it's never nice to see an artist fade away. Unless it's N-Dubz... In which case... I'd rather they faded away. Painfully.
Na Na Niiiiiiiiiii...
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Let's try this again.
Okay. I'm going to try this again, because let's be fair I need the practis.
Get it? I spelt practice wrong. HA...
First new blog tomorrow :)
Get it? I spelt practice wrong. HA...
First new blog tomorrow :)
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