30 Years ago today my ultimate literature idol died. Maybe I should be concerned that most people I look up to are dead, but I’m not.
I first became aware of Lester Bangs when I was discussing what I wanted to do with my life with some relatives. My auntie and uncle dropped Lester’s name. They gave me a copy of Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung and it changed my life. It made me realise what I wanted to do, for real. There’s not much I am sure of, but I’ve always been sure of wanting to be a Music Writer. I know I’ll never get paid for it but you cannot put a price on passion, on the thing you love.
Lester’s writing style is one I admire so much. As easily as I can adapt to in-house styles, I much prefer writing from a personal angle. That’s why I fell in love with Lester’s work. He wrote from the heart, was brutally honest and did it because it was all he knew. I can relate to that so much. I always believe that if you cannot do something from the heart, then just don’t bother doing it at all. There’s no point.
If he was still alive now, I’d probably do all I possibly could to meet him and just thank him. Him and John Peel made me realise that it was totally normal to care for nothing else but Music and to build your life around it.
I could write thousands and thousands of words about Lester and why I love him. And how he inspires me on a daily basis, but I’ve said it all before.
If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be doing this. You can decide if that’s a good or bad thing though.
Found another Italian bands. I clearly mean business with this now. I don’t understand that phrase. I know my love is more than likely reserved for L.A. based bands, possibly in the hopes someone picks up on how vital it is I live there and decides they want to take me under their wing (not a euphemism with this one this time.) Alright, so Italy. What have you gone and done now?
Alright so, Vermillion Sands have a wonderfully weird lo-fi sound. I know a lot of the lo-fi music I listen to has a similar rugged sound. But with Vermillion Sands have a more delicate sound out part of you knows that, behind the vulnerable sound there is something raw just dying to come out. That’s a quality I really dig in music, and people I guess too. When you hear something quite frail but you know there’s a tough tone just dying to come out. Vermillion Sands are, as often as I say it, unlike anything I’ve heard before. They may not take me into a different world but they still put me on a high that I look for in a sound, in a band. Things like that, well, you cannot fault it ever.
I’m just going to throw it out there- I cannot believe music like this is coming from Italy. You have no idea how proud I am to be Italian right now. Sure most of us associate that wonderful country with producing some REALLY bad dance music (Eiffel 65..don’t look it up, you know the song and it’s now probably stuck in your head.) This is the kind of music you’d hear in a dirty, intimate bar. That’s the best kind of music. When a sound sounds quite rough (the good kind, I mean not overproduced you know) with vocals that are so pure and precious, I don’t know. It just makes all the wrong in the world slip away. That’s the power of music right there.
Music should elevate the soul. Make the heart skip a beat Every feeling you are told to feel towards a person you dig. Well, music can give you that too. I’m more likely to find it in music now. Bands like Vermillion Sands make it easy. A lo-fi hillbilly kind of vibe is underrated. Kids, get on board. This is coming back.
I’m a shite Italian, because the only Italian music I have ever listened to are the likes of Vasco Rossi and LitFiba. They were way before my time, and in all honesty? I wasn’t really a fan. Then I got to about 16 and my ears were turned onto Lacuna Coil. If you don’t think Cristina is one of the world’s most stunning women (I don’t care what your sexuality is) then please go get your eyes tested. All that has now changed. I used to think that the best thing to come from Italy was Campari, how wrong I was. How very wrong I was indeed. So, what is the best thing to have come from Italy? Pesaro to be exact. Well, it is THIS :
Be Forest give me that same feeling some of my favourite bands give me. You don’t have to know me on a personal level (be grateful you don’t) to know that my main obsessions are The Jesus And Mary Chain, Siouxise and The Cure. I know it is oh so typical. But I’m not some 16-year-old trying to be cool so I can have one up on my friends. I’m 25 years old, and I was brought up listening to those bands. The darker a band sound, the more I will love them. I just love anything that musically, fills me with fear. I love music that sends my brain into chaos mode. I think it is because I’m a stupidly calm person who just shrugs most things off. I say most things, but there are a couple that I cannot shake off. So they eat at me, and I turn to music to block it out. This is why I’m utterly grateful for bands like Be Forest. They are dark and eerie.
This is highly intense listening. As someone who hates confrontation and people who are of an intense nature; I love music that is loud, bold and intense. All poor qualities in a person, I look for in music. So, does that make music my girlfriend? Oh go on then.
Be Forest will win the hearts of those who love bands such as Warpaint, The XX, 2:54, Creep. For those who want to go way back in time, if you dig Echo & The Bunnymen, The Cure, My Bloody Valentine- then Be Forest are for you. Well, they’re for anyone really.
If I could put into words what this band mean to me right this very second, I would. But I have no words. That happens at times. Sometimes I have outbursts where I can fully express what is swimming in my head about something or someone. Then sometimes it is too overwhelming for words. Be Forest make me even more proud to be Italian, I want them to be huge. I want them to be as big as The Cure- in my head this will happen. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. Who knows. If any of us could predict the future we probably wouldn’t do anything. Maybe some of us don’t do a thing because we don’t know and the uncertainty freaks us out. Always do something that terrifies you. I did about 3 things that scared me last week. I’ve learnt my lesson and I probably won’t ever do it again. But, I still want to. Who knows. Be Forest take away all that you fear and become a force of strength. They are courage and they are to be loved. To be adored and treasured. Let’s face it, we all want to be adored. I probably do, but I’m not someone you can adore. It’s cool because I know my limits. Sometimes you have to go beyond them. Challenge everything, question everyone.
Be Forest send me off into a different world with their music. A world that sets you free and there’s not much to be concerned about. Yet everything is covered in darkness. I find comfort in the dark, which is probably why I’ve found a huge blanket of comfort in Be Forest.
So thank YOU Be Forest for being the best thing to come out of the best country in the universe, and the country that I’m part from and owns a large chunk of my heart.
If something doesn’t make sense to me, I am drawn to it. I try to figure it out. I rage inside because I’m frustrated that I an’t work something out. I guess I just want to take as much as I can in. Sometimes, you can figure stuff out but you cannot understand it. That’s pretty much how my life has turned out to be. I guess this is why I was up at stupid o’clock this morning watching X-men cartoons. I identified with Wolverine once again. This needs to stop. But I’m not prepared to do anything about it just yet. I guess this is why I suddenly felt some kind of connection to this German/LA synth with Punk twinges band I started listening to.
Horrid Red. Sacred Bones. They done did it AGAIN. I feel as if I should head out to New York, sleep outside their office and beg for a job. I’d brag about being English. Not that it is something to brag about. It’s cool. I won’t do any of this. I’ll just stay here (for now) and write about the bands I love.
Here we go.
Okay, so if you take the heartbreaking and dark sounds of the 80s and mix it with something current, like that whole relaxed vibe- then you get Horrid Red. But do you really GET Horrid Red? They sing in German, and I wish I could understand. It’s a language I’ve always wanted to learn, mainly because I want to live in Berlin for a bit. But hey, got to keep those childish dreams alive somehow.
I’ve got many reasons as to why I love Horrid Red. I think the main thing is that they give me that same feeling I get when I listen to The Cure. I really have no idea what is being said in the songs, but the music long makes you feel like you are in whirlwind of despair trying to claw your way out of it. I guess for some, that’s what life is to them. Trying to claw your wa out but stay focused. It can be hard, but you do what you have to do. If not, well- choose your outcome.
Horrid Red have that prolific sound that stays with you. It is highly distinctive, and honestly? It is like The Fall went all German on us. It is utterly perfect. I have so much love and respect for The Fall, and Horrid Red have something about them that remind me slightly of The Fall. I suppose you can never go wrong with 80s Manchester based bands, who are still going. Mark E Smith is a leader, and I will always follow. Horrid Red make me feel like I am in some kind of pleasurable nightmare. I guess you have to find some kind of pleasure in anything bad that happens. Please do not ask me how, it just depends I suppose.
Horrid Red make me feel like I am trapped somewhere, and I’m unsure if I have it in my to escape. Is my sub-conscious playing with me again? More than likely. The bastard. Their music, even if you cannot understand German, is powerful because it still creates these wild images in your head. The day a piece of music tames you, seek for something like Horrid Red. They’ll send you crazy in no time.
If you’re looking for something to lose your mind to, but also find a part of yourself- listen to Horrid Red. Their record, Celestial Joy is just divine. If I’m right, it is their debut. Are debut records meant to be this good? I think so, it just proves they’ll be making memorable music for a long time. I’m not one for begging, but please- go listen. Alright, so it may not change your life but maybe you’ll learn some German in the process. That’s always useful. If you loved how The Cure’s record Seventeen Seconds made you feel, and still does; then you will probably get the same feeling again when you listen to Horrid Red. I may be going by personal opinion on this but hey..
Their debut record is released on Terrible Records.
I find probably half the bands I listen to by accident. I guess this proves that there isn’t always a bad side to accidents. Much like the other morning when I walked head first in a girl’s chest because I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going..and I’m not really that tall. I think it was the only time I’ve enjoyed being a short arse. My accidents are more fun than yours?
As I dedicate my life, and time to music (I’m not waiting for a distraction, I like this) finding bands like The Creeping Ivies just make me glad I do this. They are influenced by all the bands I love. Now, a lot of the time some put Velvet Underground and the Ramones as an influence just to sound “cool” and when you listen to them, they sound like something bad like Blink 182 you know? I hate that. Pop-Punk makes me want to tear my ears off. There is nothing Punk about it at all. Joey Ramone spins in his grave when you call him as an influence and play that style of music, serious.
Okay, enough of the rant. I just had to get that out. I did it as tame as I could.
The Creeping Ivies take all they are influenced by and create this intense, eerie sound. It probably scares you shitless. But if you look at Becca and Duncan, they seem pretty harmless. Yes, there’s just two of them. Another duo I can put on my list of duos that I adore. I’ll place them just above Beach House.
They come from Scotland, and ever since my love for Garbage started I decided that Scotland produces amazing music. The Creeping Ivies fully justify my love for Scottish bands and also, duos. They’re just a really good band that you can lose your mind to. Maybe do some dancing if you feel like it, that’s your call. I won’t tell you to dance. It’s an act that you cannot force upon a person.
So I guess they’ll get The Cramps comparison thrown at them constantly. It’s not a bad thing, but I guess it can get tiresome. They’ve perfected their own sound that will probably shock people when they discover where they are from and the fact they exist NOW. A brand new band. Their track, Shake It Up reminds me so much of the early Yeah Yeah Yeahs stuff. The Creeping Ivies have this fucking brilliant rustly and distorted sound, it really comes alive on their track Buggin’ Around (which is my favourite for now)
They create so much noise and there’s only two of them. They have a sound that you think you have heard before, listen a bit harder and you’ll realise that this is unlike anything else you’ve heard.
It is dark and intense at its finest. This is going to go beyond being just another band crush. This is probably going to be cemented in my way of life. Whatever the hell that may be right now.
When you feel like you do not belong in the place where you are. When you feel like you just cannot understand all the hate and god knows what else around you; that whole outside looking in way of living- it drags you down. Only a small amount of bands can actually make you feel alright with your current state of mind. I remember when I first heard The Smiths, it was like someone was finally getting out these pent-up frustrations. Then I was turned onto Morrissey’s solo work which has always been apt and highly descriptive of how I feel about certain things and certain people. Those that observe and write in a way that puts you in the scenario are the best ones.
This is why I have a lot of love and respect for The Chapman Family.
Maybe it’s a Northern thing. Maybe us Northerners see the world for what it truly is and put it out there in a way that anyone can relate to. Just read the works of John Cooper Clarke, listen to The Fall- they have this way of just being so honest in a way that doesn’t harm anyone. It is real, and you relate.
Cruel Britannia is bloody brilliant EP which includes a fantastic cover of Morrissey’s Everyday Is Like Sunday (which it probably is really.) I firmly believe that these guys deserve to be huge, and I just don’t get why they aren’t. I feel as if I cannot praise this EP enough, and anything I write will make me sound like some obsessive fan. Well maybe I am. Maybe I am.
Adding a fifth member to the band has given them a slightly bigger sound. They have this sound that make you want to change everything around you. Sure it is hard when nobody will listen or lend a helping hand. Go your own way. Stand on your own, and don’t back down. All you have is yourself. It’s not always a bad thing.
Summer Song is my favourite. As Kingsley sings, “I’m wasting away.” A statement that evokes a sense of feeling worthless has never been so comforting.
The Chapman Family are touring throughout June, and the EP comes out 18th June.
In short, if you’re going to play on the same stage as Toots & the Maytals you’ve got to be bloody good right? In fact, you have to be better than that. You have to have something that will leave the crowd remembering you. You have to have something that sets you apart from what everyone else is doing. How do you do this? Ignore what everyone else is doing because comparing yourself to anything and everyone else around you kills your self-esteem. Or something like that. I really don’t think I’ve had enough sleep and I’m still not over seeing Uh Huh Her on Tuesday. Anyway, I’ve found something else to shift my focus.
Yes Sir Boss are signed to Joss Stone’s label, Stone’d Records. I’ve loved her ever since I heard her cover of Fell In Love With A Boy/Girl. I hate covers usually, but I loved her immediately. It isn’t about her, I know. But you can have that as a casual fact of the day.
Yes Sir Boss have this strange (the good kind) funk sound to their music. There’s something powerful about them. Is it the horns? Is it the riffs that blow your mind and feel like something is erupting in your ears? Probably both to be honest. I didn’t know my speakers could go this loud, I think I’ve destroyed them. That’s a good thing though.
There’s this INSANE breakdown during Not Guilty. I kept going back to that part and playing it over and over. I don’t know what it is, but I just wanted to keep hearing it over and over. I get like that sometimes. Find a part in a song that just leaves me in awe and I ignore everything else. I’ll stop doing it one day, I guess.
Some background. The band formed at Darlington Arts College then moved to Bristol, and they’re pretty much-loved down there. But it’s now time that the love expanded. The lead singer, even by just hearing his voice on record makes you feel as if he has this amazing stage presence. The way he sings with such clarity and character makes you want to see their live shows.
I’m not into lumping a band into a genre or some pretentious sub-genre. What’s the point? That just encourages the music snobs to come out and play. I say play, but they’d probably turn their nose up and say..”it doesn’t sound like this art band I know from *insert some place that is probably made up*”
Yes Sir Boss are different to anything around. If you love anything that sounds a bit ska, reggae..or just makes you feel good then check them out.
Their new EP, Desperation State comes out 7th May, and they are playing an album launch show at the Fiddlers club in Bristol on 5th May.
Writing this on nearly no sleep means this will not make sense. There’s a good chance that this will read as some strange emotional outburst. I’d apologise, but I’m not sorry. I’ll save them for a time where I am actually sorry.
When you have loved a band for so long, finally seeing them live gives you this feeling that, at best, you cannot describe. But at worst is the most frustrating thing in the world. That’s the thing about Music, you can have these frustrating feelings that sooner or later- will get the better of you. Going to a gig, you can just let it all out. You can justify your tears because certain songs make you feel less alone. Certain songs you feel were written for you. Certain songs give you the courage to do something that terrifies you. Sometimes, you’ve just got to face your fears. Or a band help you do so.
I first started listening to Uh Huh Her when Common Reaction came out. I was in a bad place. It was worse than bad, but you don’t need to know. Sometimes you’ve got to destroy who you were in order to become what you want to be. In the process, you let go and leave behind. The songs on this record made every change and fuck up I caused around me less daunting to face. I still can’t listen to Dreamer without wanting to cry like a baby, it’s just a really sad and longing song. Even the most emotionally stable could be reduced to tears after hearing this song. I’m totally fine now, but if I listened to it now, I’d still breakdown. Some songs are just that powerful. Their latest record, Nocturnes in my mind was probably one of the most underrated records of last year. The production on all they’ve ever done has always been something I have admired. Then came the live show.
Waiting to see the band that have meant the world to you for such a long time is intense and a long process, yet it is beyond worth it when the time comes around to see them.
Everything about Uh Huh Her justifies why I have so much love for duos (okay so live they’re not a duo but still..) They just have a better chemistry, and the stage presence is perfect. You can see this in the likes of Beach House, The Kills..and all the other duos I constantly declare my love for. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to keep it together when the PA system played The Horrors followed by The Kills, standard behaviour I guess.
If you’ve seen Cam and Leisha on this tour (or live in general) you’ll know it’s pretty much an amazing experience. You treasure it so much more because they do not tour the UK/Europe all that often, I guess that’s why their fans are pretty fucking loyal. And maybe a bit mental too (the good kind.)
I have no idea where I was when I was just stood there singing along. It still doesn’t feel like it has happened, it doesn’t feel real. I’ve had this feeling before. The first time I saw Morrissey I had this exact same feeling, and I got it last month when I saw The Horrors. When a band are such a huge part of your life, the very second they walk on stage it is like every feeling you have is fully justified. When you listen to their songs on a daily basis, you do truly connect but when you see it live, you pick up on certain lines lot more. It’s a bit like, “OH SHIT…NOW I GET IT!” Wait Another Day’s meaning to me just hit a new level last night, I’m pretty sure I felt part of me break and fix at the same time. Something clicked and I’m trying to work out if it’s a good or bad thing, maybe I’ll never know. Maybe I’m not meant to. But it did something. I’ve Had Enough is on the same level too. I’m also pretty sure I See Red acoustic is one of the most stunning things I have ever witnessed.
Throughout the gig I had a few mini outbursts (good ones, I don’t mean I hit anyone. I’m not like that.) The main one occured when Cam introduced Ladyhawke to come out and play Black And Blue with them. For that moment it wasn’t like you were at a gig. It was like you were watching a group of friends have fun at band practice. It was amazing that a venue this size could produce something so intimate. With music, especially live music you can allow yourself to forget everything for a while (with the occasional reminder.) For me, last night for that hour and a bit I could forget all I had on my mind. From worrying about my mum to other stuff, I allowed myself to let go for a while. Now, I’m back to clinging onto it and worrying again. But, I’m human and sadly I cannot switch off. Uh Huh Her’s music make it okay for you to cling onto certain feelings, maybe they are the ones that keep you going. Even if they could be the ones that are eating you up a bit.
Waiting this long to see Cam, Leisha (and Josh of course!) was something that was truly worth it. And I guess with life, sometimes you just have to wait for what you want. No matter how long it takes- it’ll happen, if it is meant to. I know that this is probably the worst thing I’ve written but I’m still in the process of taking the gig in. It was just perfect, if you were there-you know it was. If you’ve seen them on this tour, again, you’ll know how perfect it was. How they are. They deserve to be fucking huge. Their DIY approach to how they make music is so inspiring and much-needed. Another thing that needs pointing out is, at the end of their shows they truly make time for their fans by selling the merch and doing signings. There’s not many bands around that do this, and it is one of the many many reasons as to why Cam and Leisha are an asset to music and the industry.
Until next time…
*(But seriously, I am sorry for how all over the place this is. Lack of sleep and stuff does this to you. Sorrysorrysorrysorry! xx I also think the gig has left me wanting a hug. I may go buy a puppy or something.)
Hip Hop is a massive love of mine. They’re not rappers, they are modern-day poets. Well, some are. Not all. Read the lyrics of Tupac and you will see that it is poetry. Read the lyrics of Soulja Boy and well, maybe not yeah? Maybe not. However, the Hip Hop industry has always seemed to favour men. I don’t know why, you may not know why. Nobody may know why. Thing is, there are SO many female rappers around. Go back to the start of Hip Hop and strong female MCs have ALWAYS been there.
The first ever female rappers I remember hearing were Monie Love and Queen Latifah. They did an amazing track together, Ladies First. Not only was it incredibly produced; it was also (and still is) one of the cleverest Hip Hop tracks written. The way they bounce off each other was probably enough for any female of the early 90s hearing this song, want to rap. More importantly; make a difference.
When I heard Ladies First, I just immediately became aware of how sexist the world was and how society viewed women. I was so young, but after watching the video and hearing the song..I just kept asking my mum so many questions. She just sat me down and said the world and life, was unfair- but I didn’t have to settle for it. Ever. That I shouldn’t be told I couldn’t do something because I’m a girl. The term “Feminist” leaves the tongue of some many like a bitter taste. Like it is a bad thing to want rights for your own gender. But, I firmly believe that you don’t have to have boobies and a vagina to be a Feminist. It’s just called being a decent human being, you know? Any good person wants equality for all. Regardless of age, gender, sexuality, colour, religion, disability or no disability. With so much hate and hurt in the world- we need to come together and be kind. Be gentle and comforting. There is nothing weak about wanting to be held. There is nothing weak about having a kind heart.
A lot of female rappers seem to think, if they talk about having sex with whoever, wearing next to nothing and just selling themselves out-it’ll bring them money. Sure it will, but will it give them respect? I say this, but I really really adore Foxy Brown. She’s always been a favourite of mine. She’s struggled with a hell of a lot. Gets knocked down and ridiculed, but in my eyes- she’s one of the greats. Now, I know she wears hardly anything- but listen to her lyrics (okay maybe not Hot Spot or Candy) but she has some songs that are just mind-blowing. B.K Anthem just tells you about Brooklyn in a way that’s never been done. The Letter (which features THE legend Ron Isley) and Broken Silence are heartbreaking and honest. To put yourself out there in that way, well fuck it, I respect her. I respect anyone who metaphorically rips their heart out and spills their guts out. Admitting to their faults and just being so open- I just admire that. I don’t care who you are, if you’re honest- then that’s all that matters.
Hip Hop is one of the most honest genres of music. It’s real. You believe in every single word. Everyone faces struggle in life. Some every so often, some every single day. Some use Hip Hop as a crutch to just plough on through. To hear songs like those I mentioned by Foxy Brown are enough to make a woman who is feeling utterly low and damaged, to just pull through. She’ll feel comforted by it because another female is expressing those insecurities and has cut herself wide open for all to see and hear.
Then you have the whole, Lil’ Kim vs Foxy Brown thing. It was ugly, and it was brutal- but it made for great entertainment for those voyeuristic blood suckers. Of course it got personal, it always does. It was almost impossible for the Media to state that these two female rappers were both as good as each other. For me, I was always on Team Foxy. I couldn’t really connect to Kim for some reason. Her early stuff was too much, but gradually, I guess she became more grown and easier to listen to. But like I said, Foxy is the one.
If you want to class M.I.A as a rapper, she’s probably the best around right now. She has a message. Maybe it is too political for most, but as far as I’m concerned, Hip Hop has always pointed out all the wrong in the world in order to make it right. That’s what M.I.A does, most of the time.
I want to touch briefly on Nicki Minaj for a second.
She’s probably hated as she is loved. Some claim she’s a gimmick, some see she’s for real. The only person who knows what she is about is, well, her. Personally? I love her. I’ve been a fan since 2008 when I was listening to some of her old mixtapes I heard online. I just became obsessed with what I was hearing. Sure it was a bit vulgar and overly sexual, but her honesty well, was admirable. To have the guts to be as open and nasty as some male rappers- well fuck it, she was playing them at their game. And she was winning. Now look at her. Her second record, Roman Reloaded is free of those topics. I can’t find fault in it. And I’ll admit, I do get pissed when people slag her off. They seem to ignore her background. They seem to think she just came from nowhere and became a star overnight. Bullshit. She’s always been a star, she was just busy in the background working hard to get to this point. She’s frequently laid into because she is apparently a gimmick. Some dressing up and not going by her real name/creating alter egos has never been done before? Sure..I mean, Ziggy Stardust was real wasn’t it? It isn’t cool to be someone who gets off on being disrespectful to others. If you want to slag her off, go ahead. But it just makes you seem pretty childish. Are you on stage every night pouring your heart out? Nope. So shush your noise, and go put your hate into being frustrated at the state of the world instead. Maybe I care too much, or maybe I just don’t get why anyone would care that you hate someone you do not know? I mean, it does seem pretty stupid to hate someone you do not know doesn’t it? Maybe I’m alone in that. Maybe..maybe.
I think females have a long way to go in the Hip Hop industry, and Music in general. There’s still blatant sexism floating about. Not just in Music, but everywhere in life. It’s like, “Oh she’s a female rapper, she must be a lesbian.” Oh please do fuck off. kd lang’s a lesbian and she doesn’t rap. You don’t need to dress like a tramp to be taken seriously and to be heard. Kids aren’t inspired by that- they need something real. Something they can hold onto for life. Something that teaches.
One of the first female rappers I really admired was MC Trouble. She sadly passed away in her sleep during the production of her second record. She may not have been around for long, but she’s easily as influential as the likes of Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Roxanne Shante etc.
I cannot mention female rappers without mentioning the one who had THE most distinctive voices ever in Hip Hop, and was part of one of THE most influential female groups ever. Lisa Lopes aka Left Eye from TLC was just so perfect and pure with her words, and the way she rapped. She totally owned the mic and every stage she stood on. Her small frame didn’t stop her from being so great and highly influential. I remember when she died (10 years on Tuesday) I just broke down. It was a shock, it always is. A truly heartbreaking moment in music. Maybe the standard of female rappers slipped when she passed. I have no idea. I don’t know. All I know is that she had something that will now always be missed. She was such a strong character. She taught girls how to be strong and utterly fearless. My love for her is totally different piece altogether. Maybe one day when it stops being a sore subject, I’ll get it out.
Hip Hop will always be a huge love of mine, and a vital part of my life. I do believe female rappers have a long way to go, but we’re getting there. You don’t need to be half-naked to be sexy. You don’t need to have a vulgar tongue to be heard. Be strong, stand up and say something that hasn’t been said before.
There is probably no better feeling than hearing something for the first time and just totally falling for it. You hit the repeat button and by the third listen, you know every word. Nobody else does. Sometimes, you’ve just got to share this with someone. Anyone. You see, you get these people who are all..”I LOVE THIS BAND AND I REFUSE TO LET ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THEM.” Well, you’re daft. Sharing is caring. And, I’m a pretty caring person. Probably too much to be honest. Whatever. It just annoys me when people do this. Do you really think a band want YOU to be the only person that listens to them? NO. If they did, they wouldn’t play shows or sell their records. I ould rant about how much this gets to me, but not today. Instead, I’m going to share a band with you. I mean it’s up to you if you actually check them out.
Do you love The Cure? Did you love Doll And The Kicks?Do you love hypnotising bass lines? Do you love drums that make you thrash your body out in an unsexy way causing you to break out into an intense sweat within seconds? If you’ve said yes to any of this, then you’ll probably love Xray Eyeballs.
The band name fascinated me. It sounds dark and fucking creepy. I was praying that they sounded this way. I really don’t think I’d have been okay if they didn’t. So I listened. It was intense. It was dark. It was eerie. So dark. Everything I started to hear just made so much sense, but I’m not sure what of. Every so often I have some kind of epiphany whilst listening to band. Something clicks. The cogs turn. I have no idea. Something just happens. And it is happening right now, again. As I listen to Xray Eyeballs. As dark as their music sounds, something is coming alive inside. I don’t know what it is. I’ll probably spend the rest of the day, or my life trying to work out what is happening right now. I don’t know if anyone else will get this from listening to them. But, maybe you’ve had this happen to you before when you’ve heard a band for the first time. They pull something out of you that maybe you’ve been fighting to hide/destroy for so long. I guess you should just go with it.
I really dig Gotham Low Lifes. I love the build-up. I love how it builds and builds during the last-minute of so. Then all you can hear are thumping drums. It resembles, to me- the heart. The heart as you step closer to something you fear. Something is chasing you, and as it creeps up you start to realise you’ve got to give in. Crash and burn. Crash and learn. It’s cool. Always.
It’s not like I’m getting life lessons from Xray Eyeballs. I’m getting so much more. I’m not sure what. Maybe it is going to bug me that I cannot figure it out just yet. Their sound is the sound I love. It’s something I cannot describe because I don’t want to get it wrong and insult the band. I mean, I really fucking love these guys so I’d never do that. But sometimes, I say things that get taken the wrong way so..but basically, their sound is RIGHT.
Brooklyn….Brooklyn. You’ve gone and done it again haven’t you. Don’t ever stop.
Beat In My Bones. 