Author Archives: Olivia

The Men.

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Unapologetic brutal, chaotic noise. That’s what I love. That’s what makes me love music and life. I don’t want to hear something without substance and the potential to NOT cause a riot. I want the opposite. The extreme opposite, right now. And I’ve found it..okay, so I found it a year ago, but I am sometimes slow with things/put it off and find something else to do. It’s a shite trait to have, but I have it. And I don’t think I’ll ever part from it.

As you know (maybe, maybe not) I am a HUGE fan of the Sacred Bones label. I have been since around…2009. It all came from Zola Jesus. I have this thing where, when I really love a band or singer- I read up about the label they are on and find other artists I may dig on the same label. For the most part, it really works in my favour. Sacred Bones are proof of that.

So what do you need to know about The Men?

Well, they are from Brooklyn (look, I really can’t help it if most bands I love come from here. There’s evidently something in the water, drink up!) There’s four of them, but their sound is so fucking huge and astounding- it sounds like there is at least 10 of them. It is big, fuzzy, loud and will more than likely make you feel as if your face is being ripped off in the most pleasurable way possible. This is what I get from listening to them, and I love it. If a band can make me feel like my face is melting, I’ll love it.

Leave Home is an incredible album that you really do nee.d However, REAL SOON their new record, Open Your Heart will be released. It is going to be as loud and passionate as before-that won’t ever change. You know when you hear a band and think, “Fuck…They are ALWAYS going to be this loud and brutal.” That’s what The Men make you think.

Enjoy a track from the new record :

Open your Heart is their third record and by rights, will steal your heart and ears.

Michael Davis (MC5) R.I.P

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Don’t trust anyone who never liked the MC5. To ignore the impact they had on music, and everything surrounding it just makes you a fool. An ignorant fool.

You really really don’t need me to write a huge essay on the importance of the band, and how amazing Michael was. The music speaks for itself really.

I have no doubt in my mind that Michael and Fred “Sonic” Smith will be making beautiful music together again, now..wherever they may be.

I’d love to say more, but honestly- it doesn’t need to said. You can find it all in the music.

Rest In Peace Michael xx

Willis Earl Beal.

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From my own point of view, one of the greatest feelings you can experience is finding a singer or band that just leave you utterly stunned. They leave you feeling like you have heard something so rare. It leaves you just frozen in awe.  They have this mysterious quality about them that just makes you want to know what drives them, influences them- everything from an art perspective. You don’t care what they had for dinner- you want to know what book changed their life or what singer made them want to sing. This is what is important. Save the personal details, I want to know what fuels you.

I know NOTHING about Willis. All I know is that he is just a pure, raw talent. Most will label him as “the black Tom Waits.” Oh look at society paying attention to colour before talent again. Idiots. If he was white, would that even be mentioned? No. Not at all. I live in hope that ONE day, we see the person before their colour or any physical form. We aren’t judged on our skin colour, religion, sexuality etc. I have to live in hope otherwise I’ll just give up. Cannot give up…just yet. However, Willis is okay with being “the black Tom Waits.” Ignore colour, anyone who wants to be an artist like Tom Waits is worthy of your time, and devotion. And I firmly believe that Willis will be just as powerful as Tom. In my mind, he already is.

Willis, I think, may end up being my favourite solo artist this year. Anyone who knows me even slightly knows I have a HUGE fucking love for the Blues. The proper Blues. The kind where you can feel all the troubles coming from the singer. You feel all their pain, urges and struggles. You feel it all because it sounds so raw.

http://soundcloud.com/hotcharity/willis-earl-beal-evenings-kiss

Willis’ record, Acousmatic Sorcery is out in the US at the start of April. I have no idea when or even if it will be released in the UK. I’m willing to pay a stupid amount of money for an imported copy. It’s worth going hungry for. The album was recorded between 2007 and 2009. All good things come to those who wait. So if you have been waiting for some honest Bluesy kind of music, then your wait is now over.

He has, at times a dark and tame voice. Then at other times it is gravely and troublesome. Regardless of how he sings, it always sounds so heartfelt. You know he FEELS every single word he is singing. That’s what we need. He is what the music industry need. You can keep your manufactured, overproduced and dull artists. I’m sticking with the ones that are true to their art, and do the unexpected, just like Willis.

He’s just stunning. If I could praise him more than this, I really would. But..well, he’s one of those singers that let the music do it all. You don’t need to know anything about him- all you need to do is listen to his music. It sums it up perfectly.

Royal Chant.

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I love Royal Chant for a few reasons. The main one now being that Mark from the band and I earlier bonded over NWA and Ice Cube’s solo work over Twitter. I reckon it would’ve been more entertaining over some whiskey than a screen. But when they come to the UK, I’ll try make it happen. I’ll see if it possible to just do some kind of interview using NWA lyrics. Too be honest, I’d just yell the chorus to Gangsta Gangsta at anyone who would listen.

They’re from Australia, and I think Australia is now catching up with L.A. on the bands I fucking love right now thing I have going on. I don’t have a list. I’m rubbish with lists. And coffee. I’ve had a fair amount of coffee today, and I still want to go back to sleep. It’s 8.05pm..I’m a one girl riot right now, for sure.

I should probably tell you about their music. ROYAL CHANT ARE SO SHIT.

I jest. I love them. I want to hug their music, and spin around and around. Until I collapse in a dizzy haze and nearly vomit. Have you ever done that? Best feeling ever. Some people turn to drugs for this kind of feeling, idiots!

They are influenced by things I love (this is going by their Facebook page) Bob Dylan, Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop, Oscar Wilde..and also, running away and bad dancing. These are things I love and things that keep me going. Especially the bad dancing part.

Their debut LP is wonderfully titled, Raise Your Glass And Collapse. Its happened to us all hasn’t it. More than it probably should. They have this outrageous cheery garage rock feel to their music. Can garage rock be cheery? OF COURSE. This is the kind of music you drink whiskey to, and think you are the world’s best dancer. It all comes down to that doesn’t it.

Royal Chant are another band that make me think, “Why aren’t they huge” They have songs that will just so something to your soul (unlike most.) There’s a hint of 90s grunge in the music, there’s the tone of Idlewild lying around. It’s basically everything I love. I’d love to be a dickhead and say, “THIS IS SO 2011.” But that’s not my style, I don’t understand that.

My favourite track has to be (right now, and I will change my mind instantly) is Coughing Fits. I adore the lyrics to it. Lyrics are a massive deal to me. If I can’t connect, I won’t enjoy it. And I do connect to Royal Chant’s fuzzy and distorted sounds. Are they the band to pick up where my beloved Silverchair left off? YES. FUCKING YES. They have that same angsty feel to their sound. I just love them a hell of a lot.

When you can discuss NWA with a band, you know you have found something truly special. Royal Chant are my spirit animals. I don’t know what that means, but I like the sound of it.

Oh and lads, you will see this so can you please come to the UK soon? Thanks.

You can listen to their beautiful music right here : http://soundcloud.com/royalchant

Bored Awake is now my favourite. Told you I’d change my mind…

Oh, and to quote the band : “The world is rubbish. Let’s get on with it. “

Jess Morgan-Aye Me.

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Pledge Music is a bloody saviour for music. You know why? Because it helps artists like Jess Morgan get their music heard. Personally, I see it as a nice middle finger salute to the idiots who endorse X-Factor wasters with NO talent and won’t even see the year out. Jess Morgan on the other hand is the total opposite.

I’m not really into the whole Folky thing. Well, the traditional sense, I am. But what’s around now? No thanks. You can keep it and place it somewhere no one wishes to go. It means nothing to me. I don’t want to hear about how your heart is broken as you stand on the stage staring at the floor, with your mundane personality. No thank you. I’ll take Jess Morgan though. This music has heart and soul. That’s all I want from music. Heart and soul. I’ve said this before about Jess, she truly does standout from all the others. She has SOMETHING that I wish I could put into words. I’m clearly a wanky Music Writer when I say I don’t have the words. It’s just hard to describe something that is so pure and beautiful because you feel that whatever you say will not do it justice at all. But, I’m going to try anyway.

I am so bloody impressed that Jess has supported Ellen And The Escapades and First Aid Kit- this is on the back of just ONE record. I’m not usually easily impressed, but with music- it’s a much simpler process. Her second record, Aye Me is a stunning body of art. You know if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t bother writing about it. It is such a lovely record.

You know the dreaded second album curse? That happened to Jess. Recordings of the record were lost, so she had to start again. But hey, what’s life without a few minor hitches right? The end result is just a glorious second record that I hope (I know she is) she is proud of. If you’re wanting songs that talk about love, lust, heartache and those kind of feelings- you won’t find it here. Aye Me is storytelling at its finest. This is a kind of record you play around a fire. Except, I won’t. Because I am shite around fire. I once nearly set fire to my books whilst trying to light candles. Romance isn’t dead, but it can turn you into an accidental arsonist!

Leave A Light On is 5 minutes of positive energy. It just makes you shrug everything off, and feel content with your surroundings. The first single off the record, Workhouse is beautiful. I think though, if I have to pick a favourite, I’d go for Ugly Women or Since I’ve Known You, but this is only from one listen. I’ll change my mind after listening to it another 5 times. It is a beautiful and pure record from start to finish. There’s no pretentious vibes- it is an easy record to fall in love with, so just allow yourself to do so. You probably will with first listen like I did.

Jess is heading out in tour very very soon. You can get all the details from her site : http://www.jessmorgan.co.uk/

She is also heading out on tour with Paper Aeroplanes in May. I’d like to kindly suggest you catch her on tour, wherever you can. You will NOT be disappointed (okay so I haven’t seen her yet, but I will try my best to!)

Aye Me is out on 26th March. There is still time left for you to pledge at : http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jessmorgan

I’ve said it before, so of course I’ll say it again- support the REAL independent artists who are in it for the music, and the love of it.

Rusty Bear-Source To Sea.

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I wrote over 1000 words originally, and the computer decided to bail as soon as I went to publish this. So what I am going to do is assume that what I wrote the first time round wasn’t good enough, and this is a sign to do better. If I go with this thought, I will  want to throw the computer out of the window and kick the router. I will try to remember as much as I can, but I have a really bad memory most of the time…

As someone who is half from Yorkshire (my mum is from sunny Doncaster) I feel like I need to fully back Rusty Bear and Mollusc Records with all I have. So I will.

Before I attempt to give you some kind of album review, I am going to hit you up with some FUN FACTS about Rusty Bear. You ready? Okay.

– The name comes from a French beer, Rusty Bière. I’ve never tried it, and I’m not a fan of beer to be honest. Wine on the other hand…

-Some of the tracks were done in an outside toilet/coal shed. I cannot tell you how impressed I am by this. You probably aren’t but for me- it shows just how important it was for Matthew to make music that he would record anywhere…even in toilet.

For now, they are the facts I am giving you. If you’re lucky I may throw in some more throughout this review. I say it is a review, but it isn’t. It’s just me trying to get you to listen to music that deserves your attention. Okay, so maybe it is a review but I refuse to let it be some generic bullshit like, “This album is really good. There are some nice songs on this record that you may like.” Bollocks! If an artist or band put their all into a record then I feel I need to return the favour by giving my full attention to it, and writing something about the record with all I have. Besides, I can only write from the heart anyway.

As far as debut records go, this one has some pretty solid production about it. You probably won’t believe me, but I am obsessed with the production side of things. I love hearing something that isn’t overproduced or too polished. I love being able to hear something that sounds raw and has possible flaws in it. Obviously I’m not saying this record has any flaws in it at all so far from it. It’s almost like, when you are in love with someone and, you just love them. You love the bones of them, and you even find their faults endearing and you just love them even more. That’s pretty much how Source To Sea makes me feel. The record was produced by Xander Edwards and was mastered by Carl Saff (worked with Real Estate) for a debut record, this is a pretty big deal you know.

I’ve rambled a bit, so I guess I should tell you which songs I love. I would, except…I pretty much love every single track. I spent most of the afternoon listening to Source To Sea, and just finding new parts to love. I could say I love Moth but then I’d listen to the record again and find it is actually Russian Horse that I love. So it is just safer if I say that every track is stunning. I’m going to sound mental but the track Falling Stones makes me imagine someone being chased though a dark, neglected woods by someone holding a rusty (I’m sorry!) hammer or something. It has that sinister feel to it, which I absolutely adore. This is the kind of feeling I look for in music. Something that scares me and causes my imagination to run wild. It does make me sound mental, I know. I like to think it is endearing, it gets me though. I love the song If She. It just feels like a wonderful piece of advice that I’ll probably have to take on board at some point…again!

I’m probably not going to be able to get this back up to 1000 words again, am I? Well, I’m going to keep trying anyway.

Rusty Bear/Matthew moved from Yorkshire to London (I’ll probably mention the fact he’s from the best county as often as I can, just because) and he is proving that Arctic Monkeys aren’t the only Yorkshire folk that can make some noise. I’m not going to do the whole, “If you like…then you’ll like Rusty Bear.” If you love honest and heartfelt music- then you will love this. That’s the only thing I can give you. At times this record does have its dark moments but at best it just feels like a lovely warm cuddle. I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a record before, and I think I hate myself for saying something so daft- but it’s all I have to be honest. It just makes you feel content and safe- but can leave you on edge at times. The fact that you can tell that this record was made with such drive, honesty and heart makes me love it even more. When you can find that in a record, you know you are listening to something so special and sacred. Listening to this record is a partially sacred experience mainly because you know that not everyone will be hearing it. Which is a good and bad thing. It’s good because no one can take that private moment from you. It is bad because the whole world needs to hear it.

So here’s the thing, as I want EVERYONE to hear this record- I am going to fully endorse Rusty Bear and all of the Mollusc Records family as much as I can. The fact that they are Yorkshire based has NOTHING to do with it (I’m such a crap liar aren’t I?!) I will always support something I believe in, and want everyone to hear. I’m just one person but, I like to think someone will read this and check out Rusty Bear. I live in hope, I have to.

Source To Sea will be released 26th March. For more information about Rusty Bear and Mollusc Records, you can check out the following links:

http://molluscrecords.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mollusc-Records/18118

http://soundcloud.com/mollusc-records7661960721

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rusty-Bear/303757273003789

Looks like I did hit over 1000 words 😉

On a serious note, I know it is nice and all to support big acts and whatever, but we NEED to keep supporting Independent labels and artists. This is where you find the honest and passionate stuff. This is why I will be fully backing Mollusc Records.

Ellie Herring-Satiate

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When I wrote about Ellie Herring last summer, I said how it was about time we had a female producer/musician as good as this. I know gender isn’t important- but society does like to bang on about gender roles and how we should be. Fuck it. Fuck with your gender, and break the rules. Who cares.

That out of the way…

Satiate is Ellie’s new record, and I’m going to attempt to tell you why and how it is vital that you listen to it. I’ll just throw it out there now, I wish I could make music like this. If I won the lottery (oh the things I would do!) I’d probably pay for Ellie to come to my house and do a mini gig. It’s incredible. But, I do need to attempt to go into detail as to why I love her music.

Ellie’s music, and especially the new record had a beautiful electro euphoric vibe. Its is the kind of music you’d play during the summer at night, whilst laying on the beach with the tide slowly coming in. You don’t fear for your life or if the waves will eventually take you because the music puts you in such a calming state- nothing can snap you out of it. Even now, just sat here trying to figure out how to write about this record is slowly making me sleepy (I really need a nap…) but it is so beautiful. You know when you hear something, and the sheer beauty of it just leaves you in awe? Like, you really cannot understand why the person making this music isn’t huge. You feel all of this, and it makes the listen much more sacred.

Musically, it is as dark as Zola Jesus and Fever Ray. Sure it feels quite eerie and ghastly, but then you have the vocals which are so delicate. If you like artists such as Creep, Chelsea Wolfe, The Knife- then I don’t see why you wouldn’t love Ellie Herring. This is the kind of music you want to hear at 4am when everyone is sleeping, and you cannot switch yourself off. It will kill all anxiety and any feelings of despair. It has a subtle comforting feeling. When you least expect it, Satiate makes you feel so fucking good about yourself. I know that it is such a boring thing to say and typical- but this is a feel good record. I’m not really one for listening to music that makes me feel good. I don’t actively seek music out to make me do that, I just wait for it to hit me. This is what this record does. You just think, “Oh cool, an electro album.” Then you listen to it..and you start feeling weightless. Almost like you’re tripping or something (I’ve never done drugs, but I’m going to say that the feeling this record gives you is better than any form of artificial bullshit.)

Flailing In Attraction and Until It Feels Foreign were wonderful releases, and I still listen to them now. And I’m not just saying this, but Satiate is better. It has a bigger sound that makes you feel like you are drifting peacefully into a different world. Thing is, when you get there you won’t want to leave. So just keep hitting repeat and stay there because nothing is going to beat this feeling at all.

I’m so happy that Died To Meet You is on the record, it is one of the first songs I remember hearing. Other favourites include (the whole album) Seriously Pale, If You Were Still Alive and Hide In Gold. I just really love the record. It’s one I’m proud to be listening to. I can only hope you feel the name.

You can listen to it here : http://soundcloud.com/ellieh/sets/untitled-ep-15/ When you’ve finished with Satiate, go back and listen to her other work including her remixes. Oh, and check out her Boards Of Canada mix that she uploaded yesterday. It is stunning.

Happy WARPAINT Day!

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“Oh wonderful one, why are you like that?”

It isn’t just The Kills that are celebrating an anniversary today- Warpaint are now 8 years into their career. Yep, it goes way back before 2010’s The Fool and 2009’s Exquisite Corpse.

The band formed on Valentine’s Day 2004. The band have gone through some changes over the past 8 years. Jenny’s sister  Shannyn Sossamon and current Red Hot Chili Pepper’s guitarist Josh Klinghoffer were part of the band during the start. As well as David Orlando and Michael Quinn. However, it is with Stella Mozgawa, that they found a soild with. When you watch Warpaint play, or just even on record- you can really feel such positive energy coming from them- much like The Kills.

It is fairly obvious how much I love Warpaint. I think my Warpaint tattoo has cemented my love for them, but like The Kills- my love goes beyond the music. It is the way their bond can make you feel so positive about..anything and everything. Even when it all seems a bit well, shit I suppose. Music can make you feel so much, and Warpaint’s music does that. Some songs feel like a powerful confrontation, others feel like a personal confession. I can quite happily just sit in my room, in the dark listening to their music and just allowing the sounds take me to a different universe. That’s what is so beautiful about music. When you find a singer or band that you connect with on an almost spiritual level, you allow yourself to feel so weightless and just drift off into a whole different place. A place where you can feel free without the shackles of every day life.

I remember first hearing Warpaint for the first time in 2009. I was researching some Billie Holiday songs for my dissertation, and I was using Strange Fruit as part of one of my articles. As I was watching a performance of Strange Fruit, I noticed in the corner “Warpaint-Billie Holiday.” I clicked on it. I was immediately hooked. Much like The Kills, I knew with first listen that I had found something sacred. For some reason, Warpaint aren’t a band I want to listen to with other people. It’s a thing I always feel comfortable doing alone. I guess it’s because I know of no one that connects to it like I do. I don’t mean it in a superior way at all. Most that I know that have claimed to listen only dig one song, or just fancy Jenny. Come on now. If you’re going to claim to be a fan- listen to EVERYTHING. I listen to Warpaint and I lose all my senses. I feel like I’m having some outer obdy experience. I’d feel like a massive idiot if I listened to them with someone and announced that to them. They’d probably punch me, and tell me to snap out of it. Honestly, if you listen to Shadows or Lissie’s Heart Murmur and do not feel like something has taken over you- you’re not listening to it properly.

The music is so ethereal and pure. Jenny’s bass playing is enough to make you wish you could play bass like that. Fuck it, the way they all play makes you wish you had musical talent (obviously if you already play an instrument this isn’t the case.) It’s the kind of music that makes you want to explore everything. The kind of music that just makes you want to become a better person, and discover things about yourself that you may have worked hard at pushing away.

I’ll never ever forget the day I interviewed Theresa. I haven’t done much that I am proud of, but I honestly believe that day to be the best day of my life, and one I am so fucking proud of. They say you should never meet people that you class as your heroes. I stick two fingers up to that declaration! I loved the interview because it didn’t feel like I was sat with “someone from a band.” It was like talking to someone you’ve known for years about something you both love- Music. The love they have for each other, and what they do is so beautiful. If you’ve ever seen any videos of them being interviewed, you will see that they are the most hilarious and warm people. They don’t take themselves seriously, and just love what they do. Like The Kills, they haven’t compromised who or what they are in order to get where they are now- they stayed honest to their art, and have made music that fast became timeless.

The euphoric feeling their music gives you is something every music lover searches for and craves in a band. That feeling of safety with hints of “where is this taking me?” It keeps you hooked for a lifetime. I honestly couldn’t imagine my record collection and life without their music. There was a huge void, but the wait for a band like Warpaint was truly worth it.

With only an EP and a full length album, they have fanbase that is just so loyal and passionate towards the band- and towards each other. It’s like the unity they have with each other is shared between the Warpaint fans (not the ones who buy the band shirt from Urban Outfitters and have NEVER fucking listened to the band.)

When I listen to their music, I always feel like I am in some kind of dreamy state. That I’m floating through life, and everything is just passing me by. Even with songs like Majesty- I still get that feeling. A feeling that, as much as I love certain bands- only Warpaint can give me. Each band that I hold so very dear to me does this. Each play a part, and give off certain feelings. Some feelings that, I just cannot explain. It’s almost as if words are not good enough to even try. However, if you listen to the music, you’ll probably understand what I mean.

Although I’ve met them, I’m still waiting to see them live. I just know it again, will be worth the wait and it will be some kind of life changing experience. There’s so much more I could say about Jenny, Emily, Stella and Theresa- but what good would it do? It’s obvious how much their music means to me.

Warpaint are one of the few bands that keep me going with regard to writing. There are so many times where I just think, “Fuck this fucking shit. No one reads this. I’m wasting my time. I’m really shit.” I think that at least once a week, maybe more. But, it’s this mind-set that keeps me going. If I thought I was any good, I wouldn’t bother. Warpaint inspire me to always write with heart, honesty and passion- the day I stop writing like that is the day I just give up forever. They make me feel like it is okay for me to put everything I have into something, even if it may seem so small. It will pay off eventually. I guess, they just give me hope. I also think they are a bit responsible for my huge urge to live in L.A.

Theresa, Emily, Jenny, Stella- thank you. Thank you for the music and for creating a sound that my ears were so in need of hearing. Big love. Olivia xxxx

The Kills – 10 Year Anniversary.

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“Lost a lot of blood. Lost a lot of cool, cool, cool.”

Ten years ago today, Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince aka The Kills played their first gig together. On the tenth anniversary of my favourite band- I’d like to attempt to put into words just why I love them and what they mean to me. Over the past few days I have read peoples stories about the anniversary gig in New York on Saturday. I managed to watch it online (no, I didn’t stay up until 4am to watch it because of the shitty time difference. I’m too old for staying up ast 11pm it seems!) Even though I wasn’t there, I could feel the love in the room. You could see just how much Alison and Jamie love what they do. More importantly, you can see just how inspiring and loving their friendship is.

Like most who adore The Kills, it goes beyond adoring the music that they make. It is an admiration of two people having a vision, and going with it- not giving a fuck about anything but the art. Staying true to their hearts and not ever compromising their art in the process. Over the past 10 years of being a fan, this is just a hint of what they have taught me. The Kills haven’t just opened my eyes and mind to a different world, they, in some respects have made me who I am. Now, for most- who I am isn’t exactly good. But for me, I’m bloody well proud. Their music has been the one  of very few that I turn to when I’m feeling low, and has also been there when I feel insanely happy. It’s everything to me. Do or die.

I want to talk about their bond before I really get into the music because I feel this may take up a lot of space. When I first heard The Kills..shit I can’t remember but I know it was Fried My Little Brains. I probably saw the video whilst flicking through the music channels aged 15/16. That age where everything sticks and the smallest thing can change you in a way you never thought something could. This noise that was coming through just blew me away. How could two people make such a noise? I wanted to know everything about their music, what influenced them, their music background- I wanted to know it all. So, I read up about them. Read as many interviews as I could find. I remember staying up late and hearing them on a John Peel session. I think that really nailed my dedication to them. From then on, I knew I had found the band to be my guide. They would be the ones to make me feel less cack about growing up and becoming a person I was probably scared to be. I’ve always been a bit socially uncomfortable, but a band like The Kills broke that down. Their bond is the most inspiring friendship I’ve ever EVER seen. Alison pretty much gave up her life in America to move to London to make music with Jamie. Listening to him play the guitar, like a loveable stalker then turning into being one of the most influential and honest bands around. Things take time, they say- and in those 10 years everything they have done has been so open and passionate.

The way Alison stalks the stage with her hungry eyes, caressing the mic in her hands singing the words that make you think “FUCK YES. THIS IS THE REAL THING RIGHT HERE.” You sing along with everything you have. Jamie stands beside her using his guitar as a weapon. Holding it, aiming his guitar at Alison and the crowd like a gun. Every note he churns out is a bullet to the soul. It wakes you up. It shakes you. His violent gestures merge so heavenly with Alison’s sweet, delicate voice. The way he mouths the notes he his making from the guitar like a man possessed. Alison looks at the crowd and moves like a woman possessed. They both are; by the music. And you, the audience are also taken over. Everything takes you over. You take in every single movement by Alison and Jamie. You are in awe of their chemistry. Some like to say it is sexual chemistry. Personally? You can honestly see how they are like brother and sister. It probably goes deeper than that. They are each others life. You can see how much they love what they are doing, and how happy they are sharing the moment with each other- and the crowd. It’s them against the rest of the world. That’s how it should feel when you meet your best friend, your soulmate. With them, you can do anything. Without them, they are still around somehow to make you feel like you can do it. It’s the most innocent and beautiful thing one can ever feel. It is unconditional and forever accepting.

Now, the music. Where on Earth do I begin with this? From recording on an 8-track in a soundproof cupboard to touring the world with their incredibly distinctive sound- The Kills are EASILY not only the best band around, but the best duo around. Two people can make a Hell of a lot of noise kids, don’t ever think they can’t because they really fucking can. Over the past ten years they have given us brutal riot infused songs such as Cat Claw to haunting heartbreaking songs like The Last Goodbye. Every record of theirs has played such a great role in my life. To someone who doesn’t love music, everything I have written here, and ever write will just seem like utter nonsense. Maybe that’s the case. You know, if I was going to be professional about this- I’d ignore the fact that I am a fan and write from a critic standpoint. I just cannot do that. What I learnt from The Kills is one thing in particular- always do it from the heart and with all you have. That’s how I write, and how I live. If it doesn’t feel right in my heart, I’m not playing any part in it. This is why I will NEVER write on here about something I hate and rip it apart. The world has far too many negative vibes; I don’t want to add to it. I want to write about things that I am passionate about, in the hopes someone reads it and thinks..”I feel the same.” And they don’t feel so alone with being passionate about a band, or even a song.

I will ALWAYS say that Keep On Your Mean Side is my favourite record by The Kills. However, when Blood Pressures came out last year I was in a wonderfully low place. Certain things happened that I had no power over. I couldn’t do a thing (my job at the time ended, my mum was diagnosed with cancer and a bunch of other shit.) To say I wanted to throw in the towel was a fucking understatement. I heard Blood Pressures and every ounce of passion and love in me just came back. It’s like it filled me up with fight and hope again. DNA and Pots And Pans are two songs that just made me think “Fuck..I gotta do something.” The Last Goodbye broke my heart, and I stand by “How can I rely on my heart if I break it, with my own two hands.” As being my favourite line of 2011, and the lyric that saved my soul. The vulnerability in that song made everything easier. To know someone could sum up how lost I felt, knowing it was someone I look up to- it made it mean more than the World to me. It became my world.

I still play No Wow, Keep On Your Mean Side and Midnight Boom every day. Not a day goes by when I don’t listen to The Kills. Over the past ten years, they have been more than just a band. If you regard The Kills as “just a band” you’re no fan. They are more than two people making the best music around. They are two people who give music obsessives like me something to cling onto and hold so deep within their heart. Their music will never stop being like the blood in my veins. I do not care if any of what I have written makes me sound mental. I know that at least one person in the world who may read this will connect, because fans of The Kills are the most passionate and sincere people you will ever meet and know. We are a dedicated bunch.

This has been my tribute to the two most perfect human beings I will probably never meet. If by some stroke of luck they see this- I just want to say Thank You. Thank you for giving this hopeless kid a fuck load of hope and passion ten years ago, and with every listen- I gain more hope and passion. Thank you for making music that allows one to feel so much, and that feeling mean isn’t always a bad thing. Thank you for having a bond that makes me, as a fan, want to find my own. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. Thank you for teaching me to stay true to myself even though at times it can be hard. Thank you for that gig in November 2008 in Stoke at The Sugarmill. You left me speechless and inspired.

Alison, Jamie- thank you for the past ten years. Here’s to many many more. Much love, Olivia xx

Emeli Sandé-Our Version Of Events.

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Here’s the thing, I honestly do not need to write a load of carefully crafted sentences for me to tell you just how bloody good this record is. If you listen to it, and it doesn’t move you- then you’re not a music fan. You probably think X-Factor is good for the music industry. BOO! YOU WHORE (I had to quote Mean Girls, I’ve been dying to.)

Emeli has a voice that will make you emotional. Or maybe it’s just me. I don’t like singers that warble and think hitting high notes is the best thing in life. I love Emeli’s voice because it is so soft and delicate. Every word that falls so beautifully and freely from her mouth is so clear and crisp. You feel everything she is singing. I remember when I heard Lungs by FATM, and I just cried all the way through because it was so beautiful. It was that powerful. I did the same about 11 years ago when I went out and bought Songs In A Minor by the queen, Alicia Keys. I’m going to hop on that bandwagon for a sec and say that Emeli is OUR Alicia Keys. She has that quality to her and her music that just makes you relate. The words here, especially on Mountains makes you feel like a whole world of love and strength has taken over your body.

I am not ashamed to admit that this record has reduced me to tears. I look like I’ve been crying for weeks and weeks over a broken heart. I haven’t been crying for that reason. It’s just such a gorgeous and open record that just..oh bloody hell, I have no words. Please please go buy this record. I don’t care if your favourite band is Cradle Of Filth or if you are partial to a bit of The Cramps- this is is a stunning record. Listening to it, you cannot help but be blown away by the fact that this is Emeli’s debut record. WHAT THE HELL?! It sounds like something someone 4 albums deep into their career would make.

With the music industry riddled with singers having to remove clothing in order for people to pay attention and buy their records, Emeli is truly one in a million. Her music isn’t for a certain kind of person at all. It goes beyond a typical genre of music. It is just the most heartfelt and honest record I have heard in a long time. This is THE debut record of the year. Fuck whatever I said before, and what anyone else has said- this is THE ONE. This is where it is at kids. This is the record you need.

You know how Alicia’s debut record influenced so many? I’m going to proudly stand by this- Our Version Of Events WILL do the same. Hand on heart, I firmly believe this. Fuck, it makes me wish I could sing. This is the best female singer in the UK right now. She is just a beautiful human being with such talented. Some people are gifted and can just make you feel so much with even just one saong- Emeli is like that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu1tiUtqV54

I think what makes this an emotional listen is that, my mum loves her. My mum was pretty ill when Emeli was starting last year properly..and every single time I heard Heaven I’d just cry. Now I have a whole record that does the same. I’m pretty sure when my mum hears this she will have the same reaction as me. I never write as a Music Journalist, I always write as a fan because I hope my love for what I’m listening to comes across as best as I can get it out. I just think this is truly the most passionate and perfect piece of art I’ve heard in such a long time.

If I could thank Emeli personally for this record, I would. It’s just on a different level to anything I have ever heard before. It will make you see the world in a different way. You’ll be left feeling loved and hopeful after you have heard this record. Debut record of the year, and I’m standing by that.