Author Archives: Olivia

The Strange Boys.

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“That way chase everything,  aches you and it aches me.”

There comes a time in someone’s life where they just denounce everything and all around them. Sort of like, “FUCK THIS. FUCK THAT. FUCK YOU. FUCK THEM. FUCK ME. NO MORE.” Something like that happens. I think it happens to me once a week. It happened to me today. I’ve spent most of the day asleep or listening to the radio. I also have a headache, but that’s highly irrelevant. So, as this a day where I pretty much want to punch my reflection and sleep it off until it feels right- I might aswell try write. Write to live (fucks sake) and write as a distraction. Play music that makes you feel like you’re sat in the basement of the band in question, watching them play. It’ll all come alive. I can feel it right now. Either that, or my headache is getting worse. Or I’m just getting worse, as a person. Alright so let’s expose these ugly feelings and channel them into something else. You ready? Ahh fuck it. You’re probably reading something about rainbows and cats now anyway.

The Strange Boys. They’re fucking awesome, and if I can find it in me to do so- I’m going to try tell you why they are. Obviously you could just go listen to them, and you’ll find out they are all by yourself. When you first listen to them (and it happened the first time I did) I automatically thought they were from the 60s. I listened a bit more, looked the band up..they formed in 2001. And in 2009, the changed the line-up a wee bit. Regardless of past and present members, they’ve consistently made music that makes you feel like you should be drinking whiskey straight from a bottle in some dingy bar. This is the kind of music I love. Music that puts in a real rough place. I don’t mean in an emotional way. Oh no. I mean music that makes you feel you are in the roughest bar possible. A true dive bar, you know? That’s the best. The songs don’t have to hold spiritual and deep meaning. They just need to wake something up. I’m starting to feel right again.

So when they formed in 2001, there was only three of them and they were a Punk band. When you listen to them now, they still have that vibe. But they’re more Garage rock now. They combine both, which is probably why I love them so much. The new line-up signed a deal with one of the most influential and powerful labels EVER- Rough Trade. Their second (Be Brave) and third record (Live Music, came out October 2011) were both released on the label. For me, I think I still hold a lot of love towards their first record, The Strange Boys And Girls Club which was released back in 2009. There’s something about that debut record that makes it very hard for the listener to believe that it is a new band. How could a band make music like that? It belongs in the 60s. And because it has such an old feel to it, you love it even more.

I’ve got to say, my favourite track EVER by the band has to be Heard You Wanna Beat Me Up. If you’ve ever been in trouble with someone, and most of us have- you’ll probably relate to it. Failing that, you’ll just want to drink a lot of whiskey. Whiskey and The Strange Boys go well together. Or if you’re poor like me, tea works just as well. Go for tea, save the whiskey for a better time.

I wanted to make this super long and just continuously praise the band, but I don’t need to do that. The music truly speaks for itself. Three albums into their career, and I think it is safe to say that The Strange Boys are one of the best bands around. I mean, no one is else making music like this. No one else is making it as delicate as them. Most just want to make it brutal but without anything to back it up. The Strange Boys aren’t like that. Alright sure some tracks are brutal but the thing is, you believe in it. It’s dangerous but enough for you to believe in. And we live in a world where our beliefs are tested every day. Believe in music, it won’t let you down.

*I still have the “FUCK EVERYTHING” thing going on, but since listening to The Strange Boys when I wasn’t napping today- I think they’ve made it easier. So the lads cure boredem and whatnot.

The Jesus And Mary Chain.

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“Step back and watch the sweet thing. Breaking everything she sees. She can  take my darkest feeling, tear it up ’till I’m on me knees. Plug into her electric cool, where things bend and break.  And shake to the rule. Talking  fast couldn’t tell me something. I would shed my skin for you, talking fast on the edge of nothing.  I would break my back for you.”

 

Hopeless teens and angry adults, they all fell for The Jesus And The Mary Chain didn’t they. I fell in love with them when I was very young. Of course it happened by listening to John Peel. It was another dreaded night before school. Academically, I loved school. Everything else about it? Well, I truly hated. Maybe if I wasn’t bullied I may have enjoyed it. I don’t know. So, as usual I was staying up late to listen to John Peel and he played an old session by The Jesus And Mary Chain. I’m not sure which song it was that I heard, but I know it was off Psychocandy. I also knew that everything this band made me feel was terrifying. Terrifying because my young ears could relate, and the distorted sound freaked me out. It freaked me out in a way that made me feel less terrible.

The Jesus And Mary Chain covered me in darkness, but they did it in a way that didn’t make me feel low. If anything, they provided some kind of comfort. I’d much rather listen to songs that expose ugly and dark feelings than songs about how the sun is shining and how in love a person is. To me, those songs are depressing because they’re not real. You cannot compare someones eyes to an angel because you’ve probably never seen one. I wanted to use a different description, but I can’t actually think of one. So maybe that’s redundant? Who cares, no one is reading this anyway.

For me, they felt like every bad feeling was being poured out in every song. When I listen to It’s So Hard it feels like some kind of demon is being exorcised. I can pretty much describe all of Psychocandy as being like that- an exorcism. It’s a record that I can associated with things my mind won’t allow words to form. A thing, a person, something that has been unspeakable but that record just sums everything up. The Jesus And Mary Chain, as I get older end up meaning more and more to me. I notice different things about their songs. I find myself relating to them even more. I will ALWAYS regard Psychocandy as being the best debut record ever and probably my favourite record of all time. There is something about it that just makes me compare all I listen to, to how that record makes me feel. If I’m not moved by it like I was moved by Psychocandy then I won’t care for it. Maybe this is a horrendous thing to do, but I always want that feeling. I always want that dark, euphoric and intense feeling surrounding me. Although I’m a calm person (my ability to ignore most things around me is a gift and a curse) feeling something intense isn’t too bad at all. It doesn’t leave me biting at my hands at 4am because I’m an anxious mess. I’m probably likely to be reading at book at 4am..if I can’t sleep.

I know of two people who know of and LOVE The Jesus And Mary Chain. One’s a relative (my uncle) and the other is a friend. We’ll call them a friend as..well, that’s what they are. A few months ago I found a couple of 7″ singles of The Jesus And Mary Chain at a market. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy. I rarely play them because I don’t want to ruin them. My records are my prized possessions. To find something like that over here truly blew whatever was left of my mind because well, I just didn’t expect it. I looked at the other records on the other side of the stall and they had Level 42 and Dire Straits, so you can see why I got excited and bought all of TJMAC 7″ singles. I go back every Saturday in the hopes more turn up. I may go look tomorrow, feeling quite rebellious on a Tuesday- why not? I’ll take my excitement where I can get it right now.

Bringing it up to date- I had a MASSIVE outburst when I saw they were playing SXSW this year. I may have cried. Obviously it was silly to get joyful over this as I live nowhere near Austin, Texas. But part of me kept thinking “they may do some UK dates…” I’m keeping that dream alive. If it gets to the end of the year and there’s been none, I’ll probably still keep a bit of hope aside for them. I have to. I sometimes think if I’d want to see them. It’s like my view on The Smiths reforming- I don’t ever want it to happen. The Smiths had the 80s. That was their time, not now. Morrissey’s solo career means more to me anyway. So part of me thinks, would The Jesus And Mary Chain still have IT(whatever IT may be) now? Well, I watched some live clips from their SXSW show and I’m going with YES. That fucking brutal, distorted and intense feeling is still there. That atmosphere I remember taking me over when I first heard them was still there.

The Jesus And Mary Chain made music that I can only describe as romantic. There’s more to it than that, but they let out a side of romance that I feel most are ashamed or maybe scared to face. Romance, love and lust all have different layers. Giving someone flowers isn’t romantic. Making them a mixtape/cd with songs that portray how you feel in the most open way possible or telling them how you feel in the most honest way possible-that’s romantic. Sharing the same ugly and worthless feelings-that’s love. Skipping about in a meadow is NOT romantic. Maybe because I have views like this is why I have shit luck with girls. That and my face is a huge failure.

They give you hope. Hope that even those who plod along with messy hair and black clothing may meet the light to their dark. My love for The Jesus And Mary Chain could be borderline obsessive. I play Psychocandy on a daily basis. Whilst working at HMV last Christmas, I served a guy who was buying the remastered version of their debut record. I spoke to him about how they are the best band ever, and he told me that he has their albums on vinyl. I’m pretty sure I told him he was my hero. He seemed stunned that someone my age loved them as much as he does. That’s the brilliant thing about TJAMC fans, you cannot spot them. You have to dig around and find them. You sometimes find them by accident. When you find them, hold onto them. They’ll probably change your life- like the band did, and still do.

King Tuff.

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“When you bury my body, make sure I’m wearing all of my rings.  And my  favorite clothes. Yeah, everything with patches and everything with holes.”

Sundays are boring. Every day is boring, in this boring town..or whatever it is. So, you ignore everything and everyone around you to find something that makes sense. You spend hours, days trying to figure IT out. Fuck knows what IT may be. You’ll never know what it is. You’re not supposed to. You’re never meant to figure anything out, because you’ll hit 70 and think “I still don’t know now.” I live that way, and I’m not saying it is right. Nothing is wrong, nothing is right. I belong nowhere and to nobody. You wouldn’t want to claim this as your own. This is leading somewhere, and I’m going nowhere. Eyes open and it is all a nightmare. Close your eyes and nobody can touch you. What is it that you want? Legal highs and illegal thoughts. We are all so fucked up, so just enjoy it. Who cares? Probably no one. If they are staring at you, wink at them.

I don’t understand what I just wrote, and I don’t think I wrote it so you understood. King Tuff yo. King Tuff. You need this guy. I needed someone like this guy, and I just exposed my ears to him. Heart has just been won over. I hope he sees this (somehow) just so he can see how much his music can touch someone with first listen. Listening to his voice makes me feel like I am on drugs. Now, I’ve never taken drugs in my life (I’ve never wanted to, but I don’t care if someone takes them- just be safe..and if you think you can fly..PLEASE GO SIT THE FUCK DOWN. YOU CANNOT FLY.) Anyway, King Tuff is probably going to be my Summer music love. I’ll listen to him and I’ll pretend I am somewhere else. It’s better if I do this with my eyes closed obviously, as when I open them- I hate my surroundings. Dear reader, never visit the Isle of Man. It’ll drain your soul and you just may end up hating yourself. Someone please get me back to London or Manchester. Or if you’re feeling super kind- Los Angeles. I’m okay with any of these three places.

You need King Tuff because there is something extremely fun about his music. Alright, I hate myself for using the word “fun.” I don’t think I’ve ever used that word to describe anything. I’m sorry, but it is a really shit word. Much like “cool.” Or “sexy” Or “nice.” Words are quite toss at times. Much like the words I write. I feel like I owe every band I’ve written about a huge apology.

King Tuff creates music that I refuse to lump into some kind of pretentious sub-genre just so I look like I know what I’m talking/typing about. I know nothing, nobody knows anything. I just really love music, and I’m writing this out of love. I’ve got a lot of love to give you see..and I think most of it right now is being directed to King Tuff. So here’s the thing, if you want to escape. If you want to feel like Summer is hugging your bones or something delightful- King Tuff is for you. His voice has that beautiful delicate but woeful feel (like Christopher from Girls. It is honestly beautiful.) You crazy Garage Rock kids are going to piss yourself over this- this is excitement to the fullest. Or maybe you already know about King Tuff? I know nothing about his background, where he’s from, his favourite member of Backstreet Boys (if he has one, please let it be AJ.) He just creates music that’ll make you want to lose your mind. Or lose that last part of it. Never keep hold of your mind. It’s either you lose it yourself, or someone does something to you in order for you to lose it. Always do it yourself, never let a person get that close.

King Tuff makes you want to just find a quiet place and take his music in. Do something poetic or whatever such as..inhaling it gently and slowly, allowing it to get right into the depths of your soul. Baby Just Break The Rules is one of my favourites. Look, if King Tuff says you should break the rules- then you should. It’s why they’re there,right? I condone small acts of rebellion. Go on, do it. Nobody is watching anyway. They are too busy staring at their own reflection, pretending to be all they aren’t. Whilst hating themselves on the quiet.

King Tuff is close chums with a guy I really fucking love. Hunx (as in Hunx And His Punx.) King Tuff aka Kyle Thomas was also in the bands Feathers and Witch. So it’s pretty much fair to say that this guy knows exactly what he is doing. But does he know the power his music actually has? Or maybe I just feel a lot towards really good music like this? I don’t know.

His self-titled record is EASILY one of my favourites of the year. I’ve already put Warpaint’s second album as my favourite..it isn’t out yet, I don’t even know when it is out/if it is out this year, but the place has already been taken. So when I do that annoying and clichéd thing of listening my favourite records of this year- I will be mentioning King Tuff. You need his music in your life. If you think your life is missing something (everyone gets like that, you’re not alone kid.) Then give King Tuff a listen. Maybe you’ll fall in love, I hope you do. It won’t hurt, not like the other times where you thought you had. This time, it’ll be real. Swamp Of Love, to me is such a beautiful love song. If I ever met someone (god help us both) I’d probably want them to listen to this. I doubt they’d understand, so I’d have to end it..and go back to my boring life of books and records. Except..it doesn’t bore me. It doesn’t bore me anymore now I’ve got King Tuff.

Dear Kyle Thomas, I think..no, I know I love you. Thank you for making such beautiful music!

Bass Drum Of Death.

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I like music that is obnoxiously loud, bands that make you feel as if you are watching them rehearse. A true basement band. They have no fear, and they probably condone stage invasions. Bands that when you leave their show, you are covered in sweat and possibly a part of you is cut open, and bleeding. All that leaves a disgusted expression on another’s face leaves a smile on yours. Best way to be, right? Right. Sure.

I have a massive thing for bands that fall into the garage rock category. I’ve got hate for genres, but like most- I still give into them. I don’t mind admitting it. I hate it when people say, “Oh I’d never listen to R&B..it is truly awful.” FUCK YOU. Have you EVER listened to D’Angelo or Jodeci? Don’t shun a genre you’ve never listened to. I don’t like people who are like that. I hate those kind of people, much like I hate olives and racism. There’s not need for music snobbery, olives or racism. And other things. If you want to know what I dislike and like- ask. I’ve got the time, but I guess you probably don’t.

I think I love garage rock bands because they make it okay for you to feel like an utter loser. Not that any of these artists are. Far from it. I mean really, they make it okay for you to feel utterly hopeless. If you have anything going for you, you may not love garage rock as hard as others may do. I think you truly have to have hit rock bottom at some point in order to truly get their despair, rage, dissatifaction and frustration. If you’re utterly content with life, then good luck with that. Personally, I find never being satisfied and knowing there is something better one of the very few things that gets me out of bed (even if I do return for a nap a couple of hours later.) I don’t have any shame in admitting I feel useless, probably because I am. I know what I am, but do you? Anyway, I’ve found a band that make it all alright. That make me want to kick an empty pop can around the street and sing along to their songs because I truly feel it.

Bass Drum Of Death. Three lads who make music that’ll melt your heart and face. Three strapping young lads who beat the shit out of their instruments (musical ones, calm down groupies.) They’re just a band that with first listen, I knew I had found a band that evoke summer sadness and a constant wave of being unsatisfied. I look for kindred spirits in music, I seem to have found it in Bass Drum Of Death. Sure I really love the band’s name, but their music. My god. Alright here’s the thing, I want everything to make me feel like I am listening to The Jesus And Mary Chain and The Cure for the first time. Am I getting that vibe from Bass Drum Of Death? Hell yeah! I wouldn’t write about them if my love wasn’t that strong. If I just casually liked them, I’d probably make reference to them at some point. But this is genuine love right here. This is, “I WANT YOU GUYS TO COME BACK TO THE UK SO I CAN BUY YOU A DRINK FOR JUST BEING FUCKING INCREDIBLE” kind of love. The kind of love that makes me seem strange. Have you seen Almost Famous? I’m William Miller. (I’m not, my name is Olivia. Nice to meet you.)

Bass Drum Of Death make it bloody impossible for me to pick a song that I love the most. They make me so happy, think my heart’s going to burst. Or I may just have their music on super loud and the vibrations are spreading (calm down now!) They just make you feel like nothing really matters. You had a shit day? Fuck it, who cares? Nothing is ever perfect. No two days are the same. It’s alright. They make it okay for you feel like you’re at a loss. Their distorted and fuzzy sound comforts you in the most wonderful way. Their debut LP dropped last year, and I reckon it was one of the most underrated records of last year. It seems everything good about music last year was ignored a bit. Always the way isn’t it. Feed shit to the masses, those who know better seek pleasures elsewhere.

They have an amazing big drum feel to their sound. This is pretty evident on the track Spare Room. I’ve got a lot of loved reserved for that song. GB City is an incredible record. The more I listen to it, the more amazed I am that this is a debut record. It sounds like something a band who have been making music for decades would make. That’s when you know you have found a band that are going to be making GOOD music for many years to come. The kind of band that live and breathe what they do. They play with such passion, to not connect with this..well, I feel bad for you. You’re missing out.

They’ve recently finished a tour of Europe and are currently ripping the States to pieces with another favourite of mine, DZ Deathrays. Dream lineup? No doubt.

Oh, and they’re another band that back up my theory that duos are the best!

Sun Kin.

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To deal with having to spend my Summer in a really shitty place I’m going to just listen to music that makes me feel like I’m somewhere else. I’m not sure if I’d be as driven to leave if I didn’t really detest where I am. Detest sounds stronger than hate, right? Cool. I’m sticking with detest. So, I’ll keep listening to music that makes me feel like I am somewhere else until I get out. This is honestly like being in prison. SEND HELP NOW.

Sun Kin are another West Coast band that are just bloody brilliant. They come from Berkeley (CA) and are about to put their debut single out. The single is produced by a chap I think is awesome, Oliver Ignatius (he’s in Ghost Pal, you should get to know.) And much like Ghost Pal’s music, Sun Kin have that massive sound to their music. It feels homely. Much like Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros. There’s such a community feel to their music, it just feels like one big party. Other bands that are like this vary from Broken Social Scene to Sons Of An Illustrious Father. They make you feel part of the music, and as a music lover (or obsessive) this ia big thing for me.

Although they make you think there’s about 50 of them in the band; there’s only two. Kabir Kumar and Patrick James.

The single, Rust is beautiful. As is Branches Out, the b-side. For those who know they are going to have a really shit Summer- this one is for you kids!

“Have I lost my track again? Will I run the train into the wall, will I locomote until I’m dead? I’ve been acting like a child, so confused about the zest for life that I do not want.” (Branches Out.)

You can get the single from their bandcamp page : http://sunraykin.bandcamp.com/album/rust

Enjoy, play loudly, sing along. And leave wherever you are.

Iggy Pop: “I am the world’s forgotten boy. The one who’s searchin’, searchin’ to destroy.”

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“No fun to hang around, feelin’ that same old way.  No fun to hang around, freaked out for another day.”

Ever had a really embarrassing moment involving someone you look up to and a relative? I sure have. 10 years ago I was reading something, and I turned the page. On the next page was a full on naked photo of Iggy Pop. Next to me, was my mum. I was embarrassed and those few seconds felt like forever. It’s alright. Iggy has been one person I’ve frequently looked up to. Not because he strips off a lot, but because he just doesn’t seem to care what anyone thinks. Besides, he’s the forefront of the genre of music that owns my heart-Punk.

My love for Iggy started out when I was really young. I Wanna Be Your Dog was the song I first remember hearing. The intro just blew me away, but as soon as Iggy’s voice kicked in- I felt like I had found something I had been missing for a long time. At such a young age, you think everything is missing. As you get older you realise you are still constantly searching. You’re not entirely sure what for though. I don’t know, maybe you are. Maybe you aren’t. I guess that’s what keeps most of us alive. If I was content with who I am and my life, I’d probably throw myself off a cliff. I can’t imagine ever settling and never not thinking “There’s more than this.” I just can’t. It makes no sense to enjoy routine. Maybe it is because I get bored so easily. The only thing I don’t grow tired of is music and books. The energy that Iggy has really clicked with me. I know I move really slow, and I do enjoy a nap. But when you listen to songs such as Search And Destroy, you feel so much energy. Sorry for the really bad pun, but it is all down to RAW POWER. That’s what it is. There’s no other way.

I grew up bored. I hated where I grew up. I’m back there now, and I’m sick of it. I don’t understand why this place exists but hey- I guess it must. I’m bored with it. There’s nothing to do at all. I find myself constantly wishing for Aliens or whatever to take me away at 3am so I can go do something interesting. This constant feel of boredom surrounds me everywhere day, so I suppose that is why I felt such a connection to Iggy and his words. A lot of his music really does touch on being bored, feeling isolated and frustrated.

A lost teenager has evidently resorted in me turning into an adult who wants more from life; but has no means at all in doing so. I have nothing, and I own nothing. The most expensive thing I own are my Docs. They were about £50. I don’t own any expensive clothes, my laptop is breaking, I own 2 pairs of jeans- but you make do with what you have. Maybe I could turn my books and records into clothes. Having nothing and wanting more, to just get the fuck out really makes me connect even more with Iggy Pop. More than I did when I was 14. At 25 years old, every word he sings seems to be more and more apt.

I’ve shut off the world so many times playing The Passenger over and over. It is the perfect song to remove yourself from everything to. Iggy just has this way. I like it when an artist gives the listener the freedom to make up their own mind about what a song is about. I don’t like it when they give you a solid explanation. Music is all about freedom, so the listener should also have the freedom to make up their own meaning and make the song their own. For me, The Passenger is like the outsider of society finding comfort in it all. Finding a sense of inner peace by gazing at the street lights and drifting in and out of all that is happening during the night-time. I much prefer the night to the day. Then again, I’m probably not normal. But who truly is? Nobody.

Aged 65, Iggy is still performing (topless) and to be honest- his energy and presence really shows up some of the singers and bands that are around today. What I absolutely adore about Iggy is that he managed to be the voice of so many, and I still he is. I hope that some lost and isolated teenager in the middle of nowhere finds Iggy’s music and finds themselves in the music. I hope they carry it on into adulthood. Once you listen to Iggy, that’s it. You’re hooked completely. I can’t imagine just casually listening to his music (solo and with The Stooges.) Maybe it is because he is someone I just unconditionally have a lot of love and respect for. Maybe it is because his music kept me going through my teenage years. I’m still kicking and screaming my way through adulthood (okay maybe not screaming..just silently disliking it.) But he’s ALWAYS been there. At times his music feels like he is saying, “You know what kid? I know what it’s like to have nothing and to want to be something. You’ll get there eventually.” Maybe eventually I will.

His insane stage antics are another reason as to why I love him. Anyone who launches himself into a crowd and covers himself in peanut butter is a hero to me. Then again, I think Iggy could be the only person to get away with that kind of behaviour. See, you may think Lady Gaga is apparently “wild.” Whatever. Go watch some Iggy Pop live clips. Read some Iggy stories. I’m not saying he started that kind of behaviour, but he sure as hell brought it to the media’s attention. Everything he has ever done stays with you. From the insane stage invasions to him parading about naked to him singing the songs that sum up your thinking.

He goes so far beyond being the Godfather of Punk. He’s just this figure that has provided guidance for many generations who had no one. His music is a lifeline for those who feel drained. Feelings of exhaustion leave you as soon as you hear his distinctive voice. He manages to charge you up when you feel like you have/are nothing. He’s an incredible force that, to just describe him as a “singer” is quite disrespectful. He exceeds that, and more. One of my favourite interviews I have ever seen is the interview Faris Badwan (singer in The Horrors) did with him. To see someone interview one of their idols, and ask questions as a fan is truly beautiful and inspiring. It is one interview that constantly sticks out for me. The shyness that Faris has around Iggy, and the way Iggy is with Faris is sort of like father and son in a way. You can see him guiding Faris in a different way aside from musically. It just shows how sensitive and gentle Iggy is. His music may give you the impression that he’s some angry man. Truth is, he isn’t.

What you can take from Iggy is that you should never judge. Those that look angry or as if they may rob you are probably the most gentle beings you’ll meet. My mum says to me, “How you dress and how you are..they’re just totally different. You’re so gentle and kind.” When you watch an Iggy performance, it does make you think he’s pretty crazy. Then you read interviews or watch him being interviewed. He’s sensitive, well-spoken and well-educated. How could you not fall in love with this man?!

I honestly cannot imagine what it’d be like with someone as strong as Iggy around. He took a genre of music and made it for all. The way he commands a stage to his intelligence is so easy to feel comfortable with, and feel part of. Even if you still feel a bit lost, his music will always feel like home.

 

 

 

Friends-Manifest!

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Today, I got some wonderful life advice from my Gran as I helped her do her shopping in town (I don’t just read and listen to music ya know! I sometimes go out..sometimes.) She said to me, “Liv..it is important to drink 4 cups of tea a day. 2 or 3 just isn’t enough. 4 is what you need.” I’m going to treasure that. Of course if she switched whiskey for tea I’d have been even more delighted with this advice, but it’s okay. Advice can be found anywhere. Sometimes on the back of a food item or from the mouth of your favourite person in the world. Or from a band, or a piece of literature. It usually comes to you when you least expect it. That’s when good, and also bad things happen. For instance, err..actually, I don’t have a solid example of this so I’ll just talk about this record instead.

I’ve been in love with Friends since last year. I went through a phase (it’s always been there and it will never go) of solidly listening to bands from Brooklyn. Most of the bands I listen to come from Brooklyn or LA. It wasn’t something I was really aware of until recently. I don’t know, I guess it’s because they just make the music that I really want to hear. Music I can really connect with. That’s what it is all about. Connecting to something..a person or a piece of music is just really important, for me. I’m more likely to connect to a band than a person. It’s alright, I’m denouncing my lesbian ways and just no longer caring about that part of my life. I get more joy from listening to music than appreciating someone’s beauty. Where do I sign up to be a Nun? It’s alright, I’ve gone off track again.

Friends. The band, not the shitty programme. Friends have possibly put out the most exciting album of the year. I know all my love for debut album of the year is all for 2:54. However, what Friends do to me is completely different. 2:54 make me want to walk forever and just escape. Friends (if I don’t pay too much attention to the heartbreaking lyrics) just make me want to dance. And yes, by dance I really do mean flail my limbs about. Hitting myself in the face, and probably anyone who is near me. Like most who really love this band, it all started with I’m His Girl. I just heard the first few seconds of it last year, and my mind was instantly blown. My heart was instantly won. They have this wonderful 80s/early 90s feel about them. You know what I mean? Double denim, tie-dye and bumbags (FANNY PACKS if you’re American. Call them fanny packs, makes everyone feel a bit uncomfortable.)

If you’re looking for an album to take on your summer holiday. Whether you’re going to Skegness or the South of France- this album is probably going to be the one you really need to have on constant repeat. They have this brilliant atmosphere going on, that even when you listen to them on a cold, miserable November day- you’d feel as if you were laying on a beach in July. They just fill your bones with heat. What I love about Friends is that they have this sexual energy like Peaches but have a relaxed, dream-pop feel to them. They’re just incredible.

The only downside is that those damn hipster kids are going to love this band. Thing is, they’ll just love them because they want to seem cool. Don’t they know that the term “cool” is highly redundant? Nothing and no one is cool (unless your name is Jamie Hince, Alison Mosshart, Lou Reed..then you are cool.) Sure they’re a band that those kind of kids will like, but if you really want to do the band a favour-love them because you ACTUALLY love the music. Don’t do it because you feel you have to. It’s like when you see someone wear a Ramones t-shirt and they have NO idea who the band are and what they’ve done for music. It’s why I have yet to buy a Ramones t-shirt, because I don’t want anyone to think that of me. Not that I’m one for paying attention to what anyone thinks of me. Most dislike me. It’s alright, I dislike me too. But I really fucking love Friends and I want this album to be so big. But at the same time, I don’t want them to be ruined by immature folks who use their laptop in the park you know? I don’t want that.

Alright, some of the tracks that I really love (okay so I dig the whole record but I have a few that are currently making me really happy.) Ideas On Ghosts is my favourite, EASILY. The music is currently sending my soul to a different place. I think my ghost is possibly writing down these silly words. My body feels like it has experienced something truly strange. But when you pay close attention to the lyrics in these songs you will hear a fair bit of self-doubt, heartbreak and struggle. The music on its own makes you want to have a good time. If you listen to this on your own, through headphones you will pay close attention to the lyrics. You know a band is really fucking good when they can disguise pain through upbeat music. I love music that does that. Pretty sure most of my music collection consists of bands that do this. Freud would love that shit.

Ruins is just over 2 minutes long, but there’s a build-up in this song that is so bloody powerful. There’s a lot of funk and disco influence in this record. You know how I hate the word “sexy.” Well, as much as I hate that word- this record is truly sexy. It makes you want to dance. It makes you want to sit in a park or on the beach just watching everything and everyone pass you by. Maybe it’s the album you will find your summer love to. Or maybe it’s the album that’ll help you get over a love. Maybe it’ll just make you have a decent summer, you probably do it. Even songs such as Sorry, which is quite sad, will still make you want to dance or move about.

I love everything about this record. As far as debut records go, I can imagine this being one someone finds in 10/20 years time in a discount section in a record store (please let them still be around) and they’ll pick it up and think, “You know…I remember this band. This record really did something to me. I’m going to buy it again!” I want that to happen. It’ll probably be me that does that anyway.

So, go support an amazing band from BK! Go support your local record store, and buy Manifest! by Friends.

Idiot Wind.

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As much as I love music that makes me feel like I am being smacked about the face and having my insides ripped out. There is a part of me  that enjoys music that is a bit tranquil. Music that is opposite to what I usually listen to. I don’t favour genres, I just like music that sounds quite brutal at times. What I have accidentally just exposed my ears to is easily one of the most stunning voices I have heard in a long time.

I love singers such as Cat Power and Feist. Singers that truly use their own voice as the main instrument. Anything else is just an addition. Their voices carry them. As gentle as their voices are, it is enough to stop you in your tracks and just listen. Their voices are so delicate. Every song echoes in your ear as a story you wish you told. But you take it all in. Sure your heart breaks because it is such a beautiful moment, but it doesn’t really matter because all that matters is that moment where you feel so bloody alive as this gentle piece of music takes you over.

So who is responsible for doing this to me on this grim and boring Tuesday evening? Idiot Wind. Before Idiot Wind she was known as Hajen and Jaw Lesson..I think? Her real name is Amanda. But for now, you can get to know her as Idiot Wind. Despite these various alias, her voice has always been a constant. Her voice is so angelic. You treasure every single word. You fall in love with her voice straight away. I honestly don’t recall the last time I heard a voice like this that just captivated me straight away. She has the same vulnerability in her voice like one of my main inspiritations- Cat Power. I have no idea who Idiot Wind has ever been likened to, but I think the only suitable artist is Cat Power. Both have that darkness in their voice that is haunting but at times you are blessed with sounds so pure and delicate.

When you hear something that is so innocent and honest, you feel part of it. You feel as if it was meant for you. Most bands and singers that I am in love with have been found by accidents. So when someone says to you, “you’ll have an accident doing that!” Don’t sweat it, it’s totally fine. Good things come from accidents (unless your nose or something falls off!)

Her debut album is coming out this year, and her debut EP was released a few years ago I think. She fully backs the theory that any band or singer from Sweden is pretty much incredible. Swedish bands seem to posses so much emotion in their music, creating such an atmospheric vibe without having to overproduce or play over the top riffs in order to amaze you. They posses such a basic quality that makes you connect. It is just you and them. That’s all you need. Simple things are sometimes all you need. Idiot Wind (Bob Dylan song, taken from Blood On The Tracks) creates music from the heart and just elevates your soul. Passionate, stripped back and soulful. She deserves your attention.

Crocodiles-Endless Flowers.

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“..and they have fallen in love with you.”

You don’t understand how much I have been wanting this record. You just don’t. If you did, I’d probably want us to be best friends so we can bond over this. Seriously, I feel like the wait for this record has gone on for what seems FOREVER. Although, forever doesn’t exist. It is just an illusion we present to others in order to give them hope or comfort. Truth be told, we are going to be left behind and we will all do the leaving at some point too. Cheerful mood tonight! (I’m not really in a shit mood, but I would like to go to  sleep right about now.)

Crocodiles are one of my favourite bands. You know it, they know it. I seriously cannot put into words how much I smiled (and most likely swore) when I saw Brandon had read what I wrote a few weeks ago. His kind words mean so much to me, and I carry them with me. When you can tell a band how much you love them, and they are so kind to you- that’s when you fully know your love for them goes beyond. I discovered Crocodiles in a heartbreaking haze and my desperate days were dragging. I listened to them, and all hope came back. No desperation, no longing for all that was metaphorically dead and gone. I found romanticism in the shit feelings I was carrying around. How I immediately felt towards Crocodiles is how I imagine many felt when they first heard The Jesus And Mary Chain. All the reverb and distortion that was soothing my ears and healing my heart made me kick my frustrations and love based hurt to the curb and move on. Always thank the ones who metaphorically break you- because you turn into a better person.

Summer Of Hate and Sleep Forever are two fantastic records that I hold with such high regard. Not just for the emotional attachment I have, but for how bloody brilliant they are. Are Brandon and Charles geniuses?! I think so. I bloody well think so. So, with two phenomenal records to their name- what on earth can they achieve with Endless Flowers?

Endless Flowers is surprise surprise, PERFECT. I’d never write a bad review. I don’t have it in me to do so. If it is bad, I leave it alone and never acknowledge. I love writing about something that is so passionate, dark yet hopeful. I love music that makes you feel like you are not here. I love music that just makes you come alive. I love music that makes you connect with it in a way that makes you want to have some kind of outburst and tell everyone about it. My thoughts on this record aren’t as important as some hipster twats perspective…obviously. They probably dig Crocodiles because they want to seem cool. I love the band because they truly saved me from hitting lower than rock bottom. But hey- this kind of love is never taken on board. It’s all about the ratings and what it sounds like. I’m not like that. I won’t compare the record, nor will I give it marks out of ten. All I’m going to do is attempt to write how amazing Endless Flowers is.

The album should be held up as one of the finest records of the year. It is perfectly perfect from start to finish. We live in a world where we seem to be content with anything that is half-arsed and made to just kill time, fill some space. Music is heading that way too. It breaks my heart, but it is happening. I guess this is why I adore bands like Crocodiles because they make brutal music that just makes you come alive. It mixes everything I love about music. There’s the big drums (similar to 60s girl groups), you have the  fuzzy guitars that just make your head so fucked up you cannot help but flail your limbs about. Then you have Brandon’s vocals which, as awfully clichéd as it sounds- his vocals on this record sound so powerful and so much stronger. His vocals aren’t as gritty as they were, but he still posses that raw vibe that caused me to fall in love with Crocodiles back in the summer of 2009.

My Surfing Lucifer makes you feel RIGHT. I think if Lester Bangs was alive, he’d really love this song. I believe he’d love Crocodiles. The song is so strange, and utterly wonderful. Much like the whole record. I think personally, my favourite track so far has to be No Black Clouds For Dee Dee. It is so beautiful, romantic and passionate. Every word is so delicately sung. It is like Brandon caresses every single word he sings. I also have fallen deeply in love with Dark Alleys. These two are joint favourites.

What I love about Crocodiles is that, they have this brilliant way of making you feel as if you are watching them rehearse. They have such a personal feel to their sound, as if it was only meant for you. That you are there witnessing them craft these sounds. A true basement band vibe going on. As much as I adore Summer Of Hate and Sleep Forever, with Endless Flowers- it just sounds like a huge leap. It sounds NOTHING like the first two, which is what I love in a band. To keep making music that sounds nothing like what they have done before. It is why I love bands like The Horrors, The Kills, Beach House etc. Every record just sounds entirely different, but at the same time reminds you why you fell in love with them. You fall in love with them a bit more when you hear something new. It is almost like it reaffirms your love for them.

The dark feel is alive and well in this record, but if you listen carefully you will hear some of the most beautiful lyrics you’ll hear in a long time. It is as intense as ever and so fucking raw. The bold but vulnerable songs just make you connect so much. Maybe you’ve just had your heart torn out and Crocodiles are your new discovery. If that’s the case, then I understand. I can only hope they do to you, what they do to me. It is just a perfect record from start to finish, I honestly cannot praise it enough. Fight the fury, and immerse yourself in something truly stunning.

2:54-2:54.

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“It’s easy undercover. Hiding away.”

Sometimes a band does something to you that makes you feel like you have felt the most wonderful feeling ever in life. When you hear this band or a specific song, everything you feel is heightened. You cannot control what your limbs do and all that floats around your head. You fall out of yourself and you find something else to sink so deep into. It’s like being in love, but without the nagging. It is a sense of freedom and feeling utterly content with your surroundings. I first felt this way when I first heard A Forest by The Cure. How that song makes me feel, I compare to most bands/singers. If I don’t feel this way when I listen to something, I won’t be a fan. However, sometimes my affections are delayed. It all depends. How I feel about Warpaint, well, you know how I feel about them. Everything they make me feel is EXACTLY how I felt the first time I heard A Forest. Every single time I play Warpaint my whole frame of mind changes. It is almost like meditating in a way. I don’t know what the exact word is for how I feel; but it truly is like being in a euphoric state. Warpaint have had this reign over me since 2009, I know it won’t go away. Yet, could I ever feel this way about a band again? YES. In short, YES. Late 2010 I heard a song called Creeping. I didn’t pay much attention to it, but every so often I’d listen to it and just feel something I couldn’t put into words. Then I delved deeper into the band, and it became much like how I feel about Warpaint. By “much like” I mean EXACTLY the same.

2:54 make me sway, shut my eyes and go some place where another could never take me. I’ve been waiting for their debut record for SO long. I think this proves just how patient I am. My love for my favourite musical siblings (best siblings in music) goes beyond. To even try put into words how much I love their debut record is going to mentally exhaust me. It’s cool because I’ve had hardly any sleep, and when that happens I have an outburst. I have no idea how I function most of the time. I’ll try to write this in a way that makes sense. It won’t though.

Their debut record sounds like something a band that have been going decades would create. The production is so bloody perfect. Everything. The bass, the drums, the guitar, the vocals. All of it. It is just like a chunk of Heave echoing in your ears, making your bones tremble and shake. You find yourself slipping into some strange trance as you listen to this album. Part of you wants to stay still, the other part of you seems to think jolting your body is the best way to go about this. Do what you want.

This record will make you happy. It’ll make you aroused. Your body will move, your will nod your head in a way that may cause a headache afterwards. You will feel every beat in every song. You just cannot sit still. There is something extremely special about this record. It has a haunting feel to it that just sounds so powerful and beautiful. For every nightmare you have, there is a dream waiting to come out from it. From every demon you have to chase away, something good will eventually happen after the fight, This record is like a symbol of this. It’s something so truly special, I really cannot express it enough. I’m going to call it as DEBUT record of the year. There’s no other way of putting it. It’s on a different level to everything out now, which is probably why it’ll be overlooked. Dear Sod’s Law, kindly piss off.

2:54 have this way of making you feel as if you are leaving your body as you listen to them. When the record ends, the only way to deal with the harsh reality is to keep playing the record. I spent most of today travelling from Birmingham back to my mum’s (Isle of Man, sadly.) I had the album on repeat. Everything just felt better. I’m trying my hardest to write this in a way that isn’t personal, but I can sense I am about to fuck up soon. Although I am trying to do this, I hold a lot of sentimental value to the album. Easy Undercover is lyrically my favourite, probably because it sums up how I feel right now. “If you go, you will never know.” I am terribly good at leaving something and never finding out. I just adore the album.

When you wait for so long, you sometimes become a bit dubious and wonder if it’ll be worth waiting for. The impression a debut record leaves will always be greater than any other. A false start can fuck it up forever. Obviously 2:54 have gone beyond all expectations. Every song has creepy riffs and haunting vocals that are enough to make you want to start your own band. (I really want to start a Garage rock tribute band of the Backstreet Boys and call ourselves Alleyway Whores..anyone?!)

They have a hold on you that you are fully okay with. To let go or to even turn a blind eye to 2:54 would be utterly foolish. They really do deserve to be bloody huge. I have a feeling it is going to be how I listen to Warpaint- an utterly sacred experience.

I could easily have summed all of this up by saying it is brilliant, but when you know a band have put their all into something- then you must do the same in return. This is an extremely atmospheric record that will cover you in goose-bumps, and for every part of you that you feel is lost- you will find it in this record. Their debut record has the darkness of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, the eerie feel that is found in Seventeen Seconds by The Cure and the power of sending you deep into another universe much like Warpaint. Put that all together and you have something truly remarkable and something you must treasure. Colette’s vocals remind me of Siouxsie Sioux. The way she lingers on every word, and sings with such passion really does place a firm hold around your heart.

If you buy this record, your collection will look a billion times sexier.