“I don’t think your ability to fight has anything to do with how big you are. It’s to do with how much anger is in you.”
Time drags. Time goes fast. Sometimes you have to remove yourself from everything and everyone to make sense of even the tiniest of events. Events that mean nothing, events that can possibly mean the world. Change your world. Destroy your world. Your heart breaks from one event. An event that many may think “oh it was bound to happen.” Whereas those with heart know it never should’ve happened. I don’t want to write this. I feel the same as I did the day it happened. It will never feel right, it will never be justified. Personally, it still doesn’t feel true.
I’m writing this listening to Amy’s voice..the first time in a year. If I listen to anything else, the words won’t come out. I don’t want the words to come out, this isn’t fucking right. There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said at all. Hearing what had happened..I remember everything. I remember where I was, and who I was with. I was crossing a road with my best friend. We we’re going back to my house before we went to a gig, for his birthday. You just don’t forget. We must never forget.
The whole “27 Club” pisses me off. You cannot glorify death. You cannot glorify tragedy. Glorify the talent.
We’ll never ever have another singer like Amy, that’s pretty obvious. I don’t mean just vocally but personality wise too.
I don’t know why I’m even writing this. It won’t bring her back, it doesn’t make the missing any easier. I used to play her music all the time. Frank is easily one of the greatest debut records of all time. Back To Black is one of the most vulnerable and pure records ever made. I cannot listen to them in the same way..not right now.
I’ll leave it here. There’s nothing I can say, it’s all been done.
I’ve been staring at the screen for a while in the hopes this review writes itself. Not because what I’m listening to is awful, far from it. I cannot find the words to describe such a beautiful record. But, I’m going to try. Sun Kin blew my mind when I first heard them a few months back. Now they’ve put out a record, Good Feels and my love seems to have blossomed.
Good Feels is full of all the good feelings music should give you. Alright sure you may not feel like you are on some lucid trip. You don;t always need that. Sometimes you just need to feel as if your body is leaving you, and floating away. That’s a pretty special thing to get from music. You see, a lot of music seems to be quite soulless of late. But you always find a band that mean more than most. A band with so much heart, soul and passion; they make it easy for you to forget your surroundings. Sometimes you just need that. There’s an art to acceptance and carrying on. A band can help with this, Sun Kin do that.
My favourite track off Good Feels is Rust. Lyrically, I can pretty much relate to that now.
All the songs make me feel less shit with not doing anything of worth with my life. Sun Kill are though. They make music that is beautiful and 100% for the soul. You just need to be reminded of it sometimes you know? It’s alright to be pissed off. It’s okay to be vulnerable.
Sun Kin have some of New York’s finest on this record from Oliver (Ghost Pal) to Daniel Kolpin (Hooves.) The record was also mixed and mastered by Oliver. So you know, it is fair to say that this record is nothing short of perfect.
Kabir and James are just wonderful musicians who are an absolute credit to not just the New York music scene, but to music in general. They make music that makes you believe. They make music that is soothing and delicate. Yet it is enough to carry you through. They are the essence of Summer and a band that you NEED in your collection. Their lyrics are pure poetry and the music is sheer magic.
I have no direction in life. I know what I want, but the realist (or cynic) in me knows I’ll never get there. If I do, I’ll welcome the surprise and probably buy a bottle of Ribena to celebrate. If I expect nothing; I’m not left disappointed. They say this makes for a lonely existence. Maybe for them it does, but not for me. You can be alone even when surrounded by people who apparently like you. It’s hard to like people isn’t it. I used to think “oh everyone is lovely la la la.” It’s not the case. You grow up and you see what people are capable of. I’m not perfect. I’ve probably done more harm than good. But I’m not going to beg for forgiveness and waste my life doing things people approve of. I don’t understand people who need to seek the approval of others in order to be whole. I don’t get why you’d want to dumb yourself down to fit in. I don’t get a lot, it seems. Thing is, self-doubt carries me through. I spent an afternoon the other day at the beach, on my own. These thoughts came into my mind and poured out into the songs I was listening to. We all have bad days, we all have good days. My bad day was enough to make me think, “Is this rock bottom?” It wasn’t. I’ve not hit there in a long time. I put up a fight with myself to make sure I never feel so shit again. I can write this so freely and not care for it. I’ll write this and never look at it again. I never look back on what I have written. Whether it be the nonsense I put here, my songs or my poems. I never look back at them. I don’t know why. Maybe I just think as soon as it leaves me, I don’t need to bother with it. Maybe one day I’ll look back and be proud. As I stood looking at the sea last week, I felt at peace. I also felt like shit. But the wave of peace that came over me was something I’ve not really felt before. I stared blasting Coming Down by Dum Dum Girls in my ears. I felt a connection to that song I had never felt before.
Very early Friday morning..Dee Dee Penny from the band had emailed me her over of Just Like Honey by The Jesus And Mary Chain that she recorded just for me. Quite frankly, it is the best thing I had been given. The tears of the day before were quickly taken over with happy tears. I’m not someone who cries a lot. I’m too sensitive, but I can stop myself. You shouldn’t be afraid to feel. You shouldn’t be scared of the bad days. You shouldn’t throw away the good days. We seem to be afraid to feel. To feel like shit, to love and to feel hurt. It all ties in, but you cannot ignore one side. You just can’t.
The more you hide from something; the worse it’ll be when it comes back around. Luckily, no one I am really close to will read this so I can just let all this out. Like I said earlier, self-doubt isn’t a bad thing. If I ever thought I was good at something; I wouldn’t try. If I thought I was even a decent writer, I’d stop. I’d rather be told “you write really well” rather than “you’ve got a good face.” I don’t believe any of these things, not because I want attention. If I wanted attention I’d get drunk and shout something from my bedroom window. Keep me in the background, part of the furniture. Let someone else shine. Let them over-take. I’m okay with moving slow and doing what I want rather than doing everything rushed and missing out the details. I’ll never be the love of someone’s life. I’ll never be able to play the drums. But I will do a Bob Dylan impression after a few glasses of whiskey if I feel it needs to be done. I found life lessons in the songs I played. I’ve never felt at home anywhere, maybe I’m one of those people who never is at home anywhere. I don’t like routine or structure. I don’t like plans. Everything around you can be beautiful, find an escape route. Or be the escape route. Maybe fate is something that doesn’t exist. The lack of control we have isn’t always a bad thing. I don’t get why you’d always want to be in control of everything. If it is unknown, keep it that way.
I live in a very judgmental place and I cannot wait to leave again. To leave for good. I left one place I hated for good. I’ll never go back. Leaving is easy when you let no one tell you what to do. Advice is alright, but you shouldn’t always do what is right for you. Put your OWN happiness first. Put yourself first. Don’t let anyone sway your heart. Go the beach, and listen to the songs that give you courage.
HEY SUMMER COME BACK! WE WERE JUST GETTING TO KNOW YOU. I understand that you want to leave, can’t force yourself to say. Come back in November? I want the sun to shine on my birthday. I’m going to need it. Approaching 26 is making me feel uneasy and strange. I feel that way most days, but more than usual recently. I don’t know what it is, I know what it is. Maybe I don’t want to face it just yet. Give me music. That’s all I need. I probably need some other things to, but simple things make me happy. That doesn’t mean I’m stupid. I’m not stupid. I’ve stopped dumbing myself down for others. That was a silly thing to do. Never do that. But I promise you, you will find at least ONE person who makes you feel like you can be yourself and change nothing just to be in their company. This person will make you happy. This person will make life easier. You will mean the same to that person. This isn’t for life lessons, this is for music. But you can get life lessons in music. I get them all the time. Or maybe it is just a realisation I get. I’m not sure. Maybe they are the same.
Here’s a new band for you.
What do you know about music from the Liverpool area? Oh you’re a fan of The Beatles? We probably won’t get along. I was never a fan. I’m aware this is much like me saying I like to kick kittens and rip off their tails. (Hey, I’m a veggie and I love animals. I will hug anyone. I give money to the homeless, and I help old people with their shopping..I’m not a twat, I’m okay.) I just don’t like The Beatles. They’re not what I’m into. Personal choice. Let me give you a wonderful band.
Beach Skulls.
Beach Skulls make music that you’ve got to play when the sun is out. I know the sun rarely comes out, so you make your own Summer I guess. Throw a mix CD together and hope you can feel some heat on your bones. I get it, I really do. You need to do that. You need to feel the sun on your back, you’ve got to. I spent most of today in the sun on the beach. Nothing exotic. There was a trolley covered in seaweed, a bird carcass and litter. Maybe I should’ve stayed indoors. Beach Skulls bring it all to you. Their music is so relaxed and atmospheric. They have a LA vibe going on; you know what I mean? Super laid back with melodic vocals that catapult you somewhere beautiful.
Beneath The Waves EP is truly truly fantastic. I firmly believe that this year, more amazing EPs than LPs have been released (from The Creeping Ivies to Clara Engel to Beach Skulls..fantastic EPs.) Beneath The Waves makes you want to get away. Actually no, it makes you believe you CAN get away. The EP gives you hope and love. It gives you chills but warms your soul. I’m utterly baffled as to why Beach Skulls are insanely huge. In good time, in good time.
Until then, if you should read this- treasure them. Keep them as a secret if you want. But, I think you should tell as many people as you can about them. Music should fill you with feelings you sometimes cannot understand. It should also make you feel alive; just bless you with sheer happiness. They make me feel like I am floating towards something peaceful and beautiful. I don’t like to be rushed, ever. You should always take your time with everything in life. Beach Skulls make you leave everything behind, all that matters is this moment. The moment you spend listening to them. It’s like Nick Cave during a really good Summer. I just love them. (I also adore Nick Cave.)
My personal favourite track by them is Grey Today, the cynic in me loves songs like this.
A wise author called their book, “The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things.” This same person also changed my life with their books, but my love for JT Leroy is a different thing altogether. Sure some may call her a fake, but I refuse to. We all create something don’t we. Everyone does. The heart does lie at times, but other times our head tries to make us believe things that aren’t true. People become paranoid and in the midst of their silly ways, unleash hell. They lose YOU. You don’t lose them. Did you ever have them in the first place? My days are spent walking on the beach and thinking. One of these things is good for the soul. The art of growing up is a struggle and a pain. Thing is, it is all worth it. Peace and quiet comes from within. Everything comes from inside of you. Sometimes it takes someone to drag it all out. People are placed in your life for a reason. These reasons are your own, and you find them in your heart. Sometimes the words do not fall so freely from your tongue. Keep quiet until the time is right. Let it out eventually. I know what it’s like to keep years worth of..something or other and have it fall so easily, and freely. Be free, be kind. Be yourself.
Music is a form of freedom. Expression of the soul. Pati Yang does all of this and more. Her last EP, Wires And Sparks truly blew my mind. I wanted more and more from her. I just thought she was a wonderful . Her music just reaches into the depths of your soul and makes you less scared of your own feelings. Her new EP, Hold Your Horses is like looking into the mirror and at the same time offers so much reassurance. The vulnerability and honest in her lyrics makes you connect so much. I cannot praise her lyrics enough. You know when you hear a song and think, “Yep, that was written for me.” You get that frequently with her songs, she is utterly hypnotic and stunning.
Her vocals will grip you in a way you never thought you could be gripped. The music will be the beat in your bones. The lyrics will be your soundtrack. Sometimes an artist just leaves you in complete awe, and whatever you say about them just isn’t enough. I feel that way about Pati; she just leaves me in utter awe. I wish I could write lyrics as passionate as this.
Revolution Baby (after about 20 listens) is probably my favourite off the EP but I have a strong love/obsession developing towards Kiss It Better. When it kicks in during Kiss It Better you feel every part of you come alive. That’s pretty much what Pati does. She awakens those dormant feelings you have. She is something else, something wonderful that needs to be known.
Is she the best singer to have ever come from Poland? Sure. No doubt about that. Her voice is grand like Kate Bush mixed with the dark electro sounds seen in Fever Ray. She is just bloody brilliant. My words do NOT do her justice. Just buy her EP when it comes out 17th September.
“Disembody my voice, let the rivers fly up to the stars. I’ll never look back, and i’ll never look down.”
Last year, I developed a healthy music based obsession with a Canadian singer called Clara Engel. I loved everything her music did to me. It made me feel like I was in some kind of horror movie being metaphorically chased by demons and ghouls. Everything scared me, but at the same time made me feel like I had found a singer that I needed to have amongst my collection. A singer that speaks so much truth in every single song. A singer that I will always back and be constantly frustrated that isn’t signed. A singer that deserves all the hype these manufactured idiots get, and she gets virtually none. If I had my way, I’d have my own label and all those I love (and aren’t signed) would be signed, and would basically take over the world. However, I am familiar with “you don’t get what you want.” SO true, so very true.
Clara’s words are as sinister, romantic and as honest as my favourite writer of all time- Edgar Allan Poe. Her lyrics read like an Edgar Allan Poe story. The Lovebird’s Throat is such a gorgeous EP that I wish everyone could hear. For anyone that somehow sees this- please get a copy of it. Everything you have ever heard before will not mean as much as her new EP does. Everything you have ever heard before may seem shallow in comparison to the depths in her music.
The Lovebird’s Throat takes you on a devilish trip to the underworld. If you want to come back from it, you’re not listening to it right. If it makes you want to slip further into the dark-side, then you have connected. Her music will drag you from hell and into a world where such feelings aren’t only just felt by you. The atmosphere she creates is nothing short of perfect. The tension and fury in her voice leaves you in awe. She’s a much-needed force, there is no denying that at all. She’s a singer I cannot praise enough. The Lovebird’s Throat is an EP I equally cannot praise enough, you may as well call it as one of the best EPs to come out this year.
“Ask me no questions, and I’ll tell you no lies. Ask me no questions, I’ll be yours tonight.”
There’s always one band that you remember the first time you heard them, and it stays with you for life. Or maybe there is one musician who just made you feel so alive by the way he/she played their chosen instrument. Something about them made you feel so alive, and those that called you out as a “freak” are nothing to you. Let it mean nothing. Let the right one in, and when it becomes clear it is wrong- well then you will have learnt for next time. But will there be a next time. I think too much. I’m thinking too much. About an event and a person I can do nothing about, that’s when you know the person owns a part of you no one in this universe can ever claim. But you should’ve given it away to them about 3 or 4 years ago. It’s not a mistake, it’s repeatedly kicking yourself because you realised to late. What part of you is bruised? This means nothing to you, the person reading this. So skip this and read to where I make my point. What is my point? JOHNNY.THUNDERS. The original. The one and ONLY. The man who won your heart over with the opening to Jet Boy, and since then- he owned it. Boy did he own you something good.
60 years ago today Johnny was born. I remember when he died. I remember my mum and uncle being in shock about it all. The passing of a musician has the power to break so many hearts. I’ve cried over the passing of a number of musicians. When your hero dies, it is like part of you dies with them. Yet part of them lives on in you. The bad and the good, what a clash of worlds it truly is. What a terrible thing is it. But, you pull through and cling onto the music. That’s all you can ever do. Let go of the person, hold onto their art. This isn’t just musicians that you do not know you can apply this to. I’m not going to give you a life lesson, you’re not stupid. You know how it is.
New York Dolls are a band that have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I used to be fascinated by the artwork of their debut record. Their made-up faces and killer heels, it was a world I wanted in on. I was so young, I didn’t know the power it would have over me. As I got older and listened to their music (15 onwards) I realised that this was the music that was meant for me. This was a genre of music I just needed to have surrounding me at all times. I didn’t want anything else. Their gang mentality and their true to life lyrics resonated with me. Every single part of me was in love with this band.
Music without the Dolls just wouldn’t have ever been the same. They made their mark in a way no other band ever has, or ever will. They caused their own scene. Made their own movement. They were everything and much more. Johnny Thunders was THE most charismatic guitar player of all time. I will always stand by him being the greatest guitarist of all time. This is just my personal view, and that means I am probably wrong. Being right is far too hyped up. Most things are. Follow your heart kid, and don’t bite your tongue. What good comes from holding back? I know, I truly know. I leave it too late. New York Dolls make you want to roam the streets and kick empty cans out of frustration towards your own life, and your surroundings. They tell you to make a change, but you try. You try real hard, but no one wants to give you the chance. The Dolls were and always will be my get-out card. The go to when I need to feel something no other band can give me. A sense of freedom, and the capability to do it my own way. I don’t know where I am going, or what I am doing- but the Dolls are providing the soundtrack.
Subway Train is my life. A constant reminder of missing out, being thrown about and trying to get out. There is so much romanticism (I’m too romantic and I’m starting to think it’s a bad thing.) But for me, this song oozes so much from nostalgia to accepting someone else has won. You try to win them, but there’s something greater than you that holds their attention. Force quit on your affections. I just love the song a lot. Then you have Trash, Personality Crisis, Looking For A Kiss..the whole debut record is probably one of the best things ever. If you can’t see this, then maybe you haven’t listened to it. As it would’ve been Johnny’s 60th birthday today, you should probably go listen to it. Paint up your face, put on your favourite outfit and play it loud. You’ll feel good from the inside out. You’ll feel alive.
We must never forget the impact and the role Johnny played within the music industry. His rebellious stance and gifted guitar skills made him stand-out from those before, during and after. In my heart, he will always be the greatest. The true meaning of a New York Doll.
“And you should always know how wonderful you are.”
Your gut instincts should always be trusted. You should always go with your heart, because although someone/you may get hurt, it is the right thing to do. This is just personal experience and you shouldn’t listen to me. Only listen to me when I tell you a band/singer than you should listen to. Anything else, well I’ll probably ruin your life. I’m just being dramatic. I won’t ruin your life, I’ll put your heart first. I’m too sensitive and thoughtful. Recent actions have proven this, but there’s always one who will disagree. Anyway. Who cares? Throw it away, cast it aside and carry on.
There’s a guy that lives in Pittsburgh that makes music that is a trillion times better than what is all over the airwaves. His name is Sean Atkins. Please remember his name. Please look him up. Please listen to his music.
I’m not big into acoustic music. I prefer something that has about 50 layers to it and makes me feel like I’m floating on a bed of water. Do I need to say who? I do? Okay. Such as Warpaint..there said it. Move on. But sometimes, I listen to a voice and an acoustic guitar- and I get the same feeling I get as I listen to The Kills to Nick Cave. The feeling as if someone is telling my story, that someone gets it in a way that no one else could.
How can someone a million (okay not a million) miles away get how I feel? How? Quite easily it seems. That’s what makes someone a brilliant writer. They just get it. Sean’s words are beautiful. He writes the songs you wish you could write. He writes the songs that project every feeling burning inside of you. His songs are the songs you want to give to the one you adore because your words aren’t enough. Because your words came a few years too fucking late.
Please for the love of music and all it should stand for listen to his music. You can find it on his bandcamp page here: http://seanatkins.bandcamp.com/
My favourite track of his has to be Turn Out The Light. His vocals, his words really hit you in the heart. When an artist can hit you right in the heart, regardless of the genre of music- if it speaks to you, if it reflects all you feel then please keep hold of it. Treasure it and never let it go. Go gentle, and let the music be your strength.
His music is pure and beautiful, there’s honestly nothing else I can say about him that does him justice. Please listen. If you are someone who wonders about the right thing, who is to honest for their own good, does everything with heart- this guy will truly be your light.
Yes I dislike covers. And yes I also dislike remixes. I like things, I dislike some other things. My mind is easily swayed when a band I love more than I can put into words covers a song I love. Fleetwood Mac are a band my mum used to ALWAYS play to me when I was a baby. Anyone who isn’t moved by the bass in The Chain doesn’t have a heart. Anyone who cannot connect to a Fleetwood Mac song is emotionless. However you’ll get some smart-arse who thinks they’re overrated blaaah blaaah. It’s alright, I think The Beatles were just overhyped nonsense so we’re equal.
The Corrs covered Dreams didn’t they. It’s okay, I liked it. You’re not alone. The Corrs were alright weren’t they. I probably fancied the main one. Is Jim alright? No one ever really paid him any attention. I hope he’s okay. Right let’s move on.
The Kills are obviously more than just a band to me. They’re a life-line, a way of life, they give meaning and answers. They’re the two best friends I will never meet. But their songs are memories and advice for all I seem to drag myself through. I’m careful with who/what I associate their songs with. Anyway, today their cover of Dreams was given to us all. I don’t know if you’ve heard it yet or not but..shall we get into how mind-blowing it is? ALRIGHT.
What I love about Jamie and Alison is that ANY song they have covered, they always make their own. And for the most part, make it better than the original. When you listen to the original of Dreams you just hear it as a song that offers wisdom. When you hear Alison Mosshart sing it, you hear so much. You hear pain, disappointment, wisdom and truth. It provides more comfort than the original. Right now the line, “Women they will come and they will go” means everything. Especially hearing Alison sing it in her own way. I guess it is something I need to hear, even if I don’t want to hear it. The Kills have this way of making you feel so involved in their partially sinister version of Dreams. They sing this song as if they wrote it. There is no denying that Dreams is one of the greatest songs ever written, and for a band like The Kills to take this song, strip it all of what it once was and make it this dark yet empowering song- well, I am confident it makes them the best band around.
My love for The Kills means my love for this cover is just going to make me stupidly emotional about the song. The Kills bring up every emotion possible but don’t leave me in a weeping heap on the floor. Instead they give me the strength to shrug it off, and no longer let anything matter. Sometimes, that is what you truly need. You can cling on all you want, but sooner or later you’ve got to let go. Trust me, the letting go is a euphoric feeling and as Jamie’s guitar gets louder and louder you feel as if you have reached the point of realisation.
The way Alison sings this song is truly beautiful. As she reaches higher notes, it hears like a plea. Like she is telling you to not go that way, but to stay with who you are. A band will always guide you where you need to go, that’s why I trust Alison and Jamie. I believe in their music to be my constant crutch. They’ll never fail their fans, this cover pretty much justifies it.
My favourite cover of all time will always be Oh Those Eyes by Dum Dum Girls but I’m going to place this cover by The Kills right next to it. If you’re going to cover someone elses work, you must always make it your own- as if YOU wrote it. Jamie and Alison go beyond this. I cannot put into words how much I love this. It is truly beautiful. I think if you had never heard the original, you’d think this was their own. They’ve made it into a stunning work of art.
Well alright now…for better or for worse I’ve had days to traipse around a city (Brisbane), and have been doing some thinking (for better or for worse). I’ve been getting downright depressed, mostly because I can never say what I mean, but if you’re any kind of writer you should be used to that. In fact, that is one of the curses of writing, or trying to write. “A picture is worth a thousand words” is not just a cute & clever saying: it’s the truth. Words separate us from our meaning, but still we rage and wail away at getting to the “truth” of it all. Rather than try to fight this head on I’ve decided to try a different tack: there are no answers, only solutions.
What I mean is that I’d like to start talking about things that have no final answer (at least not in…
Beat In My Bones. 