This has to be SUPER fast as I have to go finish packing and get on a plane in a couple hours. Bye old life, time to start a new one. Well, that’s my intention anyway. I think I’ve found the song to save my soul and make me feel like maybe..just maybe..I can do whatever I want with my life for once and ACTUALLY succeed. I can always count on Beach House to give me this calming feeling, like I could be of worth. I’ll work on that. There’s always someone and something better, but I’m teaching myself to put myself first and make myself happy. I think I’m doing okay.
I’ll be just fine, because of this song. This song is everything right now. Trust me. It is EVERYTHING. I’ll cling onto it even when my grip becomes weak and I have no idea what is going on. That’s what I always use Beach House for. Victoria’s voice is as perfect as ever. This is just setting in stone that their new record will again be, the record of the year. But please- do not let it be overlooked like Teen Dream was. Do you have any idea how perfect that record was? It always will be. Beach House make you feel like you are in love, even if you are alone. They give you the ability to feel something so pure, innocent and life changing.
I can feel something happening as I listen to this. Maybe it is the panic of “OH SHIT WHERE’S MY PASSPORT” or maybe…maybe I know it is all going to be okay.
I didn’t like Norah’s music when she first came out. See, I get bored easily. The first record didn’t do anything for me. I have no idea why because now..NOW! Now I can see how beautiful it is. It seems the more records she puts out, the more I love her music. The last record she had out just blew me away, and I have every bit of confidence that her new one, Little Broken Hearts (out start of May) will probably blow me away again.
Happy Pills is SO GOOD. I don’t even want to write about it. I don’t have the words. You can listen to it here :
If someone’s pissed you off today, you can have this song. You can have this song to make you feel better knowing you don’t have to deal with those idiots anymore!
I wrote this about a week ago..maybe a bit longer? I lose track. Me and the concept of time just do not go together at all. I don’t own a watch. I just don’t like having to schedule stuff. Anyway, I wrote this little thing about Cam from Uh Huh Her. Except what I wanted to do was write about her as musician. Not as..well, anything but I guess. You know what happened? BAD SHIT HAPPENED. I was called various things and got some wonderfully shit messages from people who evidently took this the wrong way. You see, they failed to see that I was writing about a musician and just got mad possessive over an actress that USED to be in The L Word. Oh, and just so we’re clear- The L Word was a TV show. Shane was a fictional character, she doesn’t exist. You are not her, so please lesbians- stop trying to act like her. However, I’m aware that many try to emulate this character in order to get some vagina. Be yourself. That’s more attractive (however, I’m constantly myself and no one wants to know but..hey, why listen to me right?!) It pissed me off because I stupidly put a lot into writing about Cam. I admire and respect her, as a musician. Yes I know she is highly attractive (as is Leisha, I know.) But I wrote it as a profile of a musician that’s been around for some time now, and I personally felt that her work needed to be recognised. Not just as a member of Uh Huh Her. However, it turns out I was wrong to do that because some that cling onto The L Word had a problem. So, I deleted it. I thought, why should I even bother. I’ll just stick to writing about Garage Rock bands or whatever and leave out anything else. FUCK THAT. I’ve changed some parts, and this is staying. If you cannot see that this is about a musician called Camila Grey- then don’t read it. Just don’t bother. If you feel the need to slag this off, why bother? Go do something productive with your time rather than missing the point on something purely innocent.
So here, have some kind of article about a musician that I just admire, that’s all. Let’s try do this without the negativity from some, alright?
I guess I could’ve just written this about the band, but let’s be honest most know who Leisha Hailey is and what her past music endeavours were (The Murmurs then re-named Gush in 2001..) But, I feel for some horrible reason people are lacking their knowledge on Camila Grey. So, as I am a sadcase who has no life- I’m going to write about her. And guess what? I won’t be mentioning how hot she is. It’s about the music right now, but yes..she is very beautiful. Anyone with eyes can see that.
So here’s what you need to know. Cam isn’t just some beautiful woman prancing about with instruments. Oh no, she’s not like that. Actually, before I go into detail about her past music deal, I’m going to mention something that caused me to have a mild fit. I was watching an interview of Cam a while ago, and she was mentioning bands she liked. I kind of already knew she probably had a solid music taste judging by the music she makes. So, she lists a couple of bands then BAM! She mentions a band that I have loved since I was a baby. I had their music played to me at a very young age, and partially the reason as to why I’ve always been drawn to lyrics. She mentioned The Fall. Camila Greys digs THE FALL. Fucking..Mark E Smith. She is a fan of one of the best bands to have EVER come from Manchester. You really cannot imagine my reaction to this. I felt like someone had told me I had won the lottery or some shit. I think I yelled “FUCK OFF!!!” at the computer as she said it. I couldn’t get my head around it. You never really hear someone mention The Fall anymore, I have no idea why as they are such a vital band. Mark E Smith’s way with words is hilarious and accurate, for someone who I think is nothing short of amazing to mention The Fall? No words. Honestly. Oh, and she collects vinyl- so combine all these factors and you pretty much have my favourite person in life that I have never met. Just watch this clip :
Right, I’ve had my brief outburst as to why I personally think she’s amazing. Now I’ll be a bit more “professional.” Oh, before I continue- I stand by my wish to sit in a pub with her and discuss The Fall. I own a few albums on vinyl, and I think her and I need to discuss The Fall together. Can someone make it happen? Thanks.
Cam was educated at Berklee College of Music. She met her former band mate of Mellowdrone (listen to them, seriously they were/are pretty damn good) Jonathan Bates there. She’s worked with Busta Rhymes, in my head this means she has done a rap album with him full of mental freestyles over blues samples..and it has yet to be released. The world isn’t ready. This is what goes on in my head, and sometimes I worry myself. Would be pretty cool if we ever heard Cam rap, right? Oh wait..what?
I think this justifies my idea that she has done a rap album with Dr.Dre and Busta. And as you know, she also toured with Adam Lambert. I think he may have rapped on the record too. Probably did a little beatbox freestyle. This has to happen. Can we make this happen? I know I said I was going to be “professional” with this, but I’ve clearly messed that up.
Alright, so what I love about Cam (I don’t want you to think I don’t love Leisha, because I do. I just think more need educating about Camila, that’s all. No bad feelings here.) I love that you can tell she fucking loves music. You read any interview, watch any live performance or read any interview- you can just feel the pure passion she has for music. I got into Uh Huh Her’s music in the summer of 2008. I have no idea how I found their music but I know I was listening to them before I ever watched The L Word. That’s right, I am such a SHIT lesbian. I heard Common Reaction and just thought it was an incredible debut record. I didn’t even know Leisha was in the band. I watched the video to Not A Love Song and thought..”SHE LOOKS FAMILIAR!!! Oh wait..there’s a unicorn.” The fake unicorn impressed me more than it probably should. And because of that, I now stick ice cream cones on the heads of horses… I don’t, just in case any anti-animal cruelty people come knocking. I’m a vegetarian, I love animals. Probably more than I love people. Animals are more loving and compassionate aren’t they. So yeah, I didn’t know Leisha had a band. So I read up about Uh Huh Her, got the record and fell insanely in love. I think I played Common Reaction to death, however I never ever listen to Dreamer. That song ruins me. I don’t care that I’m a stable person now, but listening to that song can make me just fall to pieces. I can’t think about it. Wait Another Day is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, and I think I now hate how much I can currently sort of relate to it.
After hearing Common Reaction, I went back and listened to their EP, I See Red. The title track is probably my favourite by the band. Although, if you play Another Case to me..I’ll probably do anything you want. Within reason. Oh, and Explode makes me think every single part of me is going to just combust. In short, the band mean a hell of a lot to me. However, when I listen to them at the gym I really don’t enjoy Debris coming on when I’m on the rowing machine and an attractive woman is near me on the treadmill. That song wasn’t made for that kind of situation. It always seems to creep up on me at times where it shouldn’t. But I just love how it has a Grunge feel to it. The guitar..good lord the guitar. That alone is enough to send me funny. If they do this when I see them in April (SHEPARDS BUSH!!) I’ll probably have to leave the room.
Although they’re not hugely popular, I mean who cares- but with a band like Uh Huh Her, you do NEED them in your life. What I admired about them the most is how they self-funded Nocturnes (one of the best records of 2011) It also showed just how loyal their fan base is..even if some are partial to yelling “I LOVE YOU ALICE” at gigs. If that happens on the 24th April, I will NOT be responsible for my actions at all. It’s just disrespectful more than anything.
Have I spoken about Camila enough? I haven’t? Okay. I love her voice. It has a seductive but gentle feel to it. I feel like a right arse typing that, but it is true..isn’t it? Her voice can sound so delicate on some tracks, yet on others she sounds so…I don’t even know what the word is. Just listen to Criminal..then go listen to I See Red. You should be able to get the general gist of what I am getting at. Oh and also she absolutely and amazingly mothereffin’ KILLS the guitar. It is seriously enough to make you want to grab the nearest person to you, and get up in their face and yell “WHY IS THIS THE MOST PERFECT THING I HAVE EVER HEARD.” My friends are already concerned about my welfare and general behaviour at the gig in April. It’s okay. So long as I have a bit of whiskey and a fruit tea, I’ll be totally fine. It’s just after the gig that could be the problem. I’ll compare everything in life to it, and just end up experiencing disappointment. Something which I force myself to never feel, it’s been working just fine in my 25 years on this planet.
So there you have it. A brief rambling as to why I love Camila Grey and as to why she is a bloody incredible musician. I don’t think I’ve done her justice have I? But all I can do is write as a fan who adores those who make amazing music. When you feel some kind of connection to a band, you feed off the love they have for what they do- and it makes you believe in them, and yourself even more. What I learnt from Uh Huh Her, especially with regard to the second album is that you should never EVER compromise who you are to get what you want. Do it your way, and only your way because it is the only way you will reach any kind of satisfaction with yourself, and what you do.
I’m writing this for two reasons. 1- the band are fucking AMAZING and 2- the guitarist is my Uncle.
As I’ve mentioned in a few things I’ve written, my Uncle has gotten me into some bands. Bands that have changed my life, saved my life and given it meaning. I have no idea what my life would be like if I didn’t ever get familiar with Captain Beefheart, Velvet Underground and Nick Cave. His music taste is pretty much perfect. I guess you can call this a wee thank you to him for the music he’s given me. So I’m returning the favour by writing about his band.
I don’t feel weird writing this. No one has told me to do it. I just think it is time. Given that I listen to mainly Garage rock, this just has to be done. This music will creep you out. Everything about this is just everything I love. This is the kind of music that makes you think you’re in the 60s wearing your beaten leather jacket avoiding eye contact with people you don’t like. It is just so bloody perfect.
My favourite track off the record is C’mon Chicken. It is so sinister. I want to hear in the midst of a murder scene in some gruesome and piss poor horror film. You know the kind. If I had my way (and I guess you’re lucky I never will) The 13th Pillar would be as big as half the mainstream shit you are forced to listen to. DON’T GIVE INTO IT! GO listen to these guys, you need them.
If you love the atmosphere you get from The Jesus And Mary Chain, the bluesy feeling you get from the Velvet Underground. The way a certain vocal stays with you, or how a riff just makes your soul feel like it has been shaken to the very core, a bass-line that makes you want to throw your limbs about, a drum-beat that makes you nod your head so much you feel like you’ve developed a twitch- this is the band for you.
I’d listen to these guys even if the guitarist wasn’t my Uncle. If a friend of mine heard a band and thought, “That’s a Olivia band!” They’d say it about The 13th Pillar for sure.
When Blood Pressures came out last year, it was all I listened to. For a solid week it was all I cared for. Thing is, it still is. I play it every single day now. I play every album by The Kills every single day. I just have to do it. If I get to about 9pm and I haven’t heard anything by them, I stop what I’m doing and just go listen to them. They go beyond being a band to me. Blood pressures is a perfect record. There’s gritty moments, there’s soft moments. Like all their records. With each of their records, I’ve always found one or two songs that utterly captivate me in ways I didn’t know a song could. Then I heard Baby Says.
I know they have over 10 years worth of material. All the B-Sides, albums, covers..they have so much. So why did it take a song from their most recent album to have such an impact on me? What is it about Baby Says that just makes it one of Alison and Jamie’s strongest tracks? It is because the lyrics are nothing like I have ever heard before? Is it how wonderfully Jamie plays the guitar during the song? Is it their voices? All of this, plus much more? Of course it is. If I could pinpoint what it is exactly that I love about this song, I would. I think though, I’m going to have to say it is the lyrics. Not just how amazing they truly truly are- but how their voices together, just create a scene in the song that nothing else has ever done. I have no idea how I’m going to do this, but I have Baby Says on repeat to try to help me make sense of the words that I am about to write. (I need more tea!)
“Baby says she’s dying to meet you, Take you off and make your blood hum, And tremble like the fairground lights.”
I just love this, what a perfect way to open a song. Everyone knows how the band are influenced by the Velvet Underground. There’s a fine line between being influenced and straight up ripping off. This to me, just sounds like a perfect tribute to them. Jamie has said that the lyrics to this song are the ones he is the proudest of, and so he should be. They are just so bloody amazing. It reads like a poem. Even if you do not like The Kills, just read the lyrics to Baby Says and it will just come across as a beautiful and romantic piece of literature. There are two verses to this song that just make me shut my eyes and think “This is what euphoria feels like.” The first one is :
“Baby says a howl of romance I’ll get. From all your sleeping dogs, you thugs of God, I’ll get one yet.”
If I could tell you what this does to me and how it makes me feel, I would. It is one of those verses that makes you think, “Was this written for someone like me?” I have no idea who or what this song is about (I know Jamie sometimes dedicates it to his wife, Kate at gigs) but I like not knowing and being able to just create your own meaning. This is the kind of song that I hope, someone hears and it makes them want to start a band. I write songs, and I cannot play an instrument..but when I heard Baby Says, I took how I write songs in a different direction. However, I rarely show anyone what I write because it is a bit personal and..you know, I can handle someone saying “Oh Olivia..you really are a shit Music Writer.” But if someone read my songs and said something bad, I’d probably cry. You should never mock or belittle a persons feelings. Ever. Feelings are personal. They should never be toyed with, mocked or ignored.
The other verse that just sends me into an internal frenzy is :
“Baby says for all I’ve forsaken, Make something of all the noise, And the mess you’re making. And all the time’s it’s taken.”
Blood Pressures just shows how much they have grown, in so many ways. For me, this verse is one of the best things The Kills have ever written. I love it so much. Favourite part for sure. What I take from this verse is that, no matter what you are doing- or trying to do, if you are creating chaos in the process, just turn it into something positive. You can ALWAYS do it. It doesn’t take something big to realise this, I found it in this song. I guess this song could be my crutch or something. I listen to it, and I just think, “Fuck it..I’m going to amount to something. I’ll make something out of this.” That’s probably not what the song is about, but that verse especially for me, just feels like that. Like I said earlier, and many times before- The Kills go beyond being a band to me. This song is a perfect path to escapism and growing. I’ve cried to this song, I’ve solved things to this song, I’ve gained confidence because of this song. Baby Says makes me feel like there is something. You cannot wait for something, you’ve got to go get it yourself.
If you are broken, play this song. It’ll fix you up real good. If you just want to feel part of something, feel this song. If you want to feel like you’ve got to where you want to be, listen to this song. If you feel like you haven’t quite got there yet, listen to this song and you’ll get there.
Things take time. Look at what The Kills have accomplished in their 10 years as a band. It is something that makes me honoured to be fan. Then I play this song, and I just..I don’t know. A lot of feelings are involved. It has everything I want in a song. Lyrics that just reach me to the core and make me feel okay with how things are.
Blood Pressures made 2011 worth seeing out. It wasn’t the best year, but it is one of the records that made every bad feeling worth living through. Baby Says is one of the few songs that I had playing over and over in my head when it all got too much. When a band can do that to you, nothing in the world can ever compare to it. Nor can anyone ever take it from you.
You know when a voice is just so perfect, and when you listen to it you are so unsure of the right words to use to describe it? That’s pretty much my feelings towards Holly Miranda. I started writing this last year (sometimes, I’m really slow with important stuff. I know my bad traits all too well) and for some stupid reason I left it. I guess I just didn’t know what to write, or how to write it. So I re-read what I had written and in a fit of “I AM SO SHIT” I deleted it. I deleted it just before starting it again. Normally I’d just ignore it and never think about it again, but it has been on my mind most of the evening. It makes a change because most of the time my thoughts are all over the place. Maybe it is because I haven’t had a nap today.
I was a huge fan of The Jealous Girlfriends. Organs On The Kitchen Floor is a song I play a hell of a lot still. It reminds me of self-indulgent cowards, we all know some. I try to avoid them. However there are some things in life you just cannot avoid. So enough putting off writing this. I spend my time just writing and writing. Seems like the quote to sum up my life is from the film, Almost Famous : “I’m always home, I’m uncool.” It doesn’t phase me anymore, especially when it means writing about Holly Miranda.
So yes, it all started with her being in The Jealous Girlfriends. I have no idea where I was when I first listened to them, I think I was at University to be honest. Seems about right. I think it was around 2007. Then a year or so later, I really go into Holly’s solo work. It just blew me away. I just wish I had the right vocabulary to express to you how much I love her voice. It isn’t your typical kind of voice, it’s why I love her SO much. You know when you hear a singer, and you just think “I want to meet this person and talk about music, and everything about it.” That’s how I feel. I’ve got about 10 musicians I feel this way about, Holly is one of them for sure. I’m just drawn to musicians that make music with all they have. You can tell they do it for the love of the art- not for the money. Selling out massive arenas isn’t what its about- it’s about staying true to your art. I just love that. Those who do not compromise who they are and what they do are people I find easy to admire and connect with. I find it to be the most inspiring trait a person can have.
Her voice is so damn soulful. It has such a bluesy feel to it- much like Janis Joplin. Did I just compare Holly to Janis? Yeah, I did. I went there. I’m not sorry. I don’t expect you to agree, but seriously..they both have that rugged yet vulnerable texture to their voice. It is so so perfect. Aside from me absolutely being in love with her music, there’s another reason as to why I’m writing about her.
Like a hell of a lot of musicians, Holly has a Pledge page where you can donate money in order to help the record be funded. Even if you’re not a fan of her work, please check out the Pledge site because you may just find your new favourite band. You can check out Holly’s page at : http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hollymiranda Also, money will be going towards a charity Holly has chosen to endorse which is : http://www.i-live-here.com/malawi.html
I don’t regard sexuality to be a big deal in music, and I don’t see how you can use it to define a sound. Maybe it’s because I’m secure in my sexuality and don’t use it to define who I am. Who knows. Anyway, Holly is gay (big deal, I know but stay with me..) and I read a quote once and it pretty much said,
“I have no problem being out, but I don’t think it has anything to do with my music.”
Can we just take a moment to applaud her for speaking the TRUTH. Her personal life is just that..PERSONAL. Same with anyone. I don’t care who you’re involved with. Just be happy and safe, you know? Music is music. It’s a force that brings people together regardless.
Holly’s music is just something I hold very dear to me. As you know by now I’m not a fan of covers but she’s done some AMAZING covers such as Ex-Factor, Let’s Get It On (her version of it is a serious deal..if it doesn’t sexually frustrate you, seek help), I’d Rather Go Blind..she’s just..man, if I had the right words I’d use them. But, I’ve done all I can. Holly if you see this (I wish you would) then I am so sorry I haven’t done you justice with this. I just think you’re incredible. I’ve put this under my “Influential Women In Music” category, because I believe she truly is influential in so many ways.
Anyway, have some songs to make up for the fact that I’m useless and she isn’t. ENJOY!
70 years today one of the greatest musicians of all time entered the world- LOU REED.
Deny is talent, well you must be mental. His song-writing skills have influenced so many. His music is perfection- whether solo or with Velvet Underground. There’s nothing I can say about this GOD that hasn’t already been said. Velvet Underground are one of my biggest loves, they are one of the few bands I felt this instant connection with from the very first listen. The haunting sounds of Venus In Furs just drew me in. That debut record is a masterpiece. I have mixed feelings about Warhol, its best if I don’t explore them. Lou is just everything.
The way he explored so many subjects in his songs..so freely and in such a poetic manner has always been an inspirational thing for me, personally. He was part of the reason as to why I did part of my dissertation at Uni on the relationship between with Punk and Poetry.
I know most say it (and lets face it they are right) Transformer is one of the best albums ever made. If I was the kind of person to have the will to stick to a list of my favourite albums of all time- it would be up there. I always change my mind. Sure it is a solid, but I’d end up faffing around with the list.
I honestly don’t need to go on and on about how important Lou is, you should already know that. So with that…Happy Birthday Lou. Thank you for EVERYTHING.
Every so often a band come out, and they have the most striking lead singer EVER. You find it hard to actually decipher what it is about this person that has lured you in with great speed, but the thing is- trying to explain it would ruin the mystery. This person holds more than most. You’re unsure of if you want to BE the person or if you just want to be in their company. Who knows. But, you are sure of one thing- you admire them. Sure they may not have been around as long as some others, but they’ve impacted your life in a way that is close to the likes of Kim Gordon and Patti Smith. They have everything you want in a lead singer, they are just the pinnacle of all you admire. Call it a band crush, if you want. Call it just straight up admiration. Whatever the word is, you’ve never managed to understand it.
I’ve loved Dum Dum Girls since I first heard them in 2009. I heard a song called Catholicked. It was just my mind that was blown, it was my heart that was stolen too. The absolutely incredible girl group and garage rock band fusion probably left me curled up in a corner from being overcome with so much joy and happiness over the fact I was hearing something so new, but with such an instantly historical feel to it. I am not ashamed to say that their music has reduced me to tears many times. Last year, I heard Coming Down and froze. My body froze and all the tears my eyes could produce streamed from my eyes. You know when you just connect with a song, and think “This is my life. This is how I feel, this is what is going on.” I was feeling pretty low, for reasons which are obvious (my mum got ill…people’s general shitness..you know the deal) and I heard this song, and I just felt like, every fucking frustration in my bones and every bout of despair was just falling out. I’m sure Coming Down stopped me from going insanely insane at the time. I listen to it now, and I just get this euphoric feeling coming over me. Anyone who has heard this song and connected to it, knows exactly what I mean.
What is it about Dee Dee Penny aka Kristin Gundred that I just adore? Well in short, EVERYTHING. In person, I’m not someone who has many words. However, with this I need to be extremely vocal. You see, I firmly believe that Dee Dee should go down as one of the best females in music. Her style, her musicianship, her song-writing, her shy demeanour it is all something any fan of the band treasures. There’s one thing that I always seem to fall for in a singer- if they seem shy in interviews and at home on stage, I will probably adore them. For some reasons being confronted by one person is more daunting than spilling your heart out on stage to thousands. I don’t understand it, but I think I get it. I guess you can be someone else on stage, or maybe you can be yourself. It’s the one on one thing that is too much.
Of course I love the way Dee Dee and the rest of Dum Dum Girls dress, anyone with eyes can appreciate just how heavenly stylish and flawless they all are. I’ve always said that, you should wear your clothes and not let your clothes wear you. I think I once blurted that out in a drunken emotional outburst once. Don’t give me Rum because THAT happens. I turn into Yoda or something..or when I’m extremely tired, it just all comes out. I can sort your life out. But my own? The less said about that, the better. I’ve read many interviews with Dee Dee and I’ve watched some too and you can see how shy she is but the thing is, you can also see how important making music is to her. That’s another thing that draws me into a band. I don’t care what genre of music you make, if you are making it with all you have and every ounce of passion you have is filtered into your art- I will admire that. For instance, I’m not a fan of say..Jessie J but I can see how important making music is to her, and how much she adores her fans. And for that, she gets my respect. You don’t have to be a fan to acknowledge the heart someone puts into something. To dismiss it and brush it off just makes you ignorant.
I was reading a few interviews before I began typing this, and I found a quote from Dee Dee that just hit me right in the heart. I just felt this immediate understanding of it, and thought “Fuck this is the quote I need right now.” Anyway, here’s the quote :
“You can work so hard and put everything you have into it, and there’s an overwhelming chance that nothing will come of it. I don’t know: I’ve always had something inside of me that has helped me to keep going, despite basically failing at what I was trying to do for years.”
As someone who has been writing for the past 6 years and getting nowhere, and is increasingly amounting to nothing by the day- this quote is the damn TRUTH. For this alone, my love for Dee Dee can be 100% and more, justified.
When I listen to Dum Dum Girls I try to think of all the reasons as to why I love them, and to grab strangers and just yell “YOU NEED THIS BAND IN YOUR LIFE. YOU NEED TO ADMIRE THEM. LOOK AT THEM.” But I have learnt that I need to keep it inside, however if you were to discuss music with me, Dum Dum Girls would be one of the bands I’d talk about and would find it hard to stop.
Dee Dee’s voice is so crisp and pure. She sings every word so wonderfully clear. The pronunciation in the words just makes you feel it so much. On the song Just A Creep, you can sense how pissed she is at this person but she has such a beautiful voice that your attraction goes to her voice rather than the words. The vast majority of Only In Dreams is heartbreaking. I don’t want to go into detail, mainly because I don’t want to delve into Dee Dee’s personal life. But knowing she was going through quite possibly the worst thing ever, you really feel every song. But, you do have certain songs that just make you so bloody happy. Bedroom Eyes is such a fantastic song. Do you want to call it pop music? Okay, well if that’s the case- it was the best pop song of 2011. The repetition for some may be annoying but to them I say SHUSH. I listen to it, and I just want to sing it at people. Maybe a person in particular. I have no idea, it just makes me so happy. Dum Dum Girls just make me so happy. Even the sad songs make me feel alright. That’s what music is about- making you feel alright when you’re not so sure.
The first record, I Will Be. Oh my god. Jail La La, Bhang Bhang, Yours Alone..the whole record is just a bloody brilliant first record. I remember hearing Jail La La when it first came out, and just thinking “Is this from the 60s?!” I was in total awe of what I was hearing. The distorted sound mixed with a girl group feel and garage rock. I was in Heaven. Nothing else could compare.
I’m close to wrapping this up, just a few more things to touch on.
Their cover of There Is A Light..see, I knew Dum Dum Girls were forever owners of a part of my heart when they did a song by The Smiths justice. I stand fully by them being the ONLY band to cover this song and do it well. Any song by The Smiths really. I don’t need to rage about the one who RUINED Please Please Please…over the Christmas period. I will always be angry at that.
There’s so much that I admire about Dee Dee Penny, and to be honest I’ve only briefly touched on it here. She (and the rest of the band) just has this amazing talent. If you’ve never listened- please go listen. Your soul will be lifted, you’ll feel enlightened. If you feel a bit shit, they will improve your mood. Dum Dum Girls just caused my 60s girl groups obsession to go mental. It was always a bit too much, but since listening to them it has gotten way out of hand. However, I’ll never wish for it to be tamed.
I’m going to end this piece with my favourite line from my favourite track by them. It’s a verse that just means so much to me. You already know my feelings on Coming Down, and I believe that song shows Dee Dee at her finest. She hits a note..you know the one, and it just makes you gasp and be enthralled in the talent and range. It is just so haunting. First listen, that note made me cry. I’ll own up to this, it doesn’t bother me.
I’ve yet to meet someone who understands my love of this band. I keep it sacred, much like when I listen to Warpaint, Ramones and Captain Beefheart. Dee Dee isn’t your typical front-woman, and that is why I have a lot of love and respect for her.
“You abuse the ones who love you, You abuse the ones who won’t. If you ever had a real heart, I don’t think you’d know where to start.”
Aside from Punk, Garage Rock is the only other genre to own my heart. I’d put Shoegaze and Riot Grrrl up there but for me they were more like a movement rather than a genre. Of course Punk was a movement too, but..well, you know what I mean. For me, Garage Rock is such an important genre of music. As much as I love songs that last over 5 minutes and take me on some weird trip, I also love music that lasts about 2 minutes and has the ability to make me feel like I’m being punched right in the chops. Passionately furious and enough to make you want to dance. Throw in some psychedelic vibes and I’ll be the happiest person around. It isn’t just Garage Rock bands from the 60s that make me feel this way, bands that are around now that can be seen as Garage Rock make me feel this way too. Take the debut record by The Horrors for instance. It had EVERYTHING that was Garage Rock. Short songs, loud guitars and vocals enough to deafen you. Sure not all Garage Rock is like that, but fuck man..as far as debut records go that one was a SOLID.
So this is what I am going to do. Instead of rambling on and on about it, I’m going to give you my 5 favourite OLD Garage Rock bands and my 5 favourite NEW Garage Rock bands. If you want to disagree or hit me with some bands I should check out, then PLEASE let me know. Just be gentle if you’re going to be negative, okay? Thanks. Alright, here’s the first lot.
I must add that, although I don’t think I could ever list my favourite songs of all time..but if I did, I’d put Count Five in the Top 3 EASILY.
There are many more than I would’ve loved to have included, but I kept it to 5 each otherwise I would just get carried away!
I do listen to what others would call “happy” music, but it doesn’t make me happy. Music created from bands such as The Horrors, The Kills etc make me happy. You know why? Because I can sense how much they believe in what they are saying. It is all about connecting. Music, books, people- if I cannot connect to it, I won’t stick around. Slug Guts, aside from having a pretty cool name are nothing short of brilliant. I’m listening to Howlin’ Gang, and it is just what I need after having a really shitty and fucked up day (I’ll spare you the details..I’m trying to spare myself from it too.)
I love music that has the potential to scare me. I want music to make me feel like I’m being chased through a dark, misty forest with no way of getting help. A joyful sense of being trapped, and being so far removed for society and any way of being contacted. Isolation isn’t always a bad thing. Just society likes to drill into your skull that you must ALWAYS be around people. You must ALWAYS try to impress others and find a partner. Oh really? Cock off love. It isn’t about that, it never has been. Or will be. Strike out on your own, and accept yourself. Then see if anyone else will; consider yourself lucky if someone is willing to and wanting to spend time with you. I’d say I’m waiting for it to happen, but it is obvious it never will. Instead, I’m constantly seeking out new music to bang on about rather than seeking some kind of person to love. I think music will always be the only constant thing I ever have. I’m cool with that.
So let me tell you something about Slug Guts. They come from Brisbane. What I take from their music is that, it makes you feel like you are driving along a dusty, desolate desert. Driving in a rage that is slowly creeping up on you. You’re escaping something. I know that feeling too well. You’ve got what you own in the back of the car, and you’re playing music like this to get you to where you want and need to be. This is the only time where your wants and needs are the same. They are usually conflicting. The music just screams out “I GOTTA GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE” to me, and I love that. I cannot think of anyone who I can say that they sound like, you know I hate doing that. I try my best to never do that because it is lazy and it isn’t fair. I’m a lot of things but I’m not lazy or unfair (depends on who you ask though, some wanker will say I am. Ignore them, they don’t know.)
Their songs may be short, but they get right to the point. Besides, you can just keep on hitting that repeat button when it is over.
I love the vocals. I want to say that they remind me of Nick Cave, but again- lazy and unfair. So I’m just going to say that the vocals and the sheer musicianship is just utterly and perfectly perfect. I just want to listen to Slug Guts over and over..slip into some kind of trance. Wake up, and some kind of Armageddon will be about to start. Typical. Well, as long as I don’t miss it..
Oh, and their new record is out just in time for Summer. I think it’ll be one of those that you wander around in the blistering heat (maybe not if you’re in the UK, it’ll probably snow or something.) Sweat it all out as you listen to something truly heart-racing and fucks with your mind in such a beautiful and haunting way.
Beat In My Bones. 