Author Archives: Olivia

Bob Dylan

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Robert  Zimmerman aka Bob Dylan. The first musician I can remember hearing. My mum is a massive fan of Bob Dylan, I have her to thank for my ever growing obsession with this man and his work.

 

What is it about Bob Dylan that draws you in? Is it his voice? His words? The way he plays? It’s not one single factor, it’s a combination. For me, I love the way his words just work. Lyrics mean everything to me, and Bob Dylan sure stole my heart with his.

I advise you to listen to Hurricane and Forever Young if you don’t know much about his work.

 

One song in particular that I remember being sung to me when I was little was, Like A Rolling Stone. Little did I know how much over the years would that song mean to me. Everything about that song from the words to the music means the world to me. I like to put my headphones on and let Dylan’s words pour into my ears as I go into my own little world. In my own little world it consists of me, Morrissey, Bob Dylan and Cat Power- it’s not as depressing as it sounds.

 

Too many people seem to shrug Bob Dylan off thinking he’s depressing or whatever- you’re missing the point if that’s the case. He’s more than a singer, the guy is a poet. A legend. His songs give advice (please please please listen to Forever Young) and to an extent- guidance. Been screwed over by a friend? Then listen to Positively 4th Street. Unsure about the one you love? Check out Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine). Want to hear an 8 minute long true story? Hurricane is the track for you.

 

Bob Dylan is not just a musician. He’s an artist and a radio presenter. His hourly show on Radio 2 is worth listening just to hear his voice.

 

There’ll never ever be another Bob Dylan. No other musician will ever be able to do what this man has done- how could they? The guy is one in a million. After being called “Judas” 42 years ago just for trading the acoustic guitar for an electric- I think genius was the word they were looking for.

There’s so much to write about him, but words do not do this man justice.

 

I wear my Bob Dylan tattoo on my neck with pride and love.

Santogold

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I first got into Santogold’s music about a year and a half ago. However, it hurts for me to admit that I read about her in NME, in my defence I bought it because…shit, there no good reasons as to why someone would buy that “magazine.”

Anyway, back to Santogold. In interviews she has quite rightly stated that anyone who assumes she is a hip hop artist just because she is black is a racist. Never a truer word has been spoken. God bless her.

Her music doesn’t really fit a specific genre which is a good thing, to hell with music genres! Music genres cause problems.

 

Her debut self titled album is easily one of the best albums of 2008. I’d personally go as far to say it’s one of the best debut albums I’ve heard in a long time- I’m pretty sure I’ve said that before though. There is something for everyone on her album; from the heavy Creator to the relaxed sounds of I’m A Lady. LE.S Artistes is not the best track on the album however, if it is the only track you have heard by Santogold then you WILL love this album.

 

She has also collaborated with Pharrell Williams (N.E.R.D) and Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) for Converse, which some may think  wouldn’t work but luckily these 3 musicians proved them wrong.

I wish I could comment on how good Santogold is live but sadly I’ve missed seeing her live because of some daft reasons, just hope it doesn’t happen again!

Antony & The Johnsons

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Bob Dylan’s Knockin’ On Heavens Door is one of the most beautiful songs to have ever existed. Now, imagine one of the worlds greatest, most beautiful singers take this song and make it so haunting yet so delicate.

I give you Antony & The Johnsons’ version of Knockin’ On Heavens Door.

 

Antony & The Johnsons- Knockin\’ On Heavens Door.

Cat Power. Birmingham Carling Academy 2. June 10th 2008.

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Before I begin, I would like to apologise in advance if I ramble. This was the best gig I have ever been to and I’m not sure if my review will do the gig justice. However I shall try.

It’s just after 6pm and there’s not many people queuing up. Some workers from phone company Orange are putting up balloons to advertise the company- this causes everyone in the queue to take these balloons and attempt to take them into the venue. It doesn’t happen. So, we let the balloons go altogether on the count of 3. We set free our balloons.

The gig was meant to be in the Academy but due to not selling enough tickets (my biased opinion fails to see why not) it is moved upstairs to the Academy 2. I’m rather pleased with this as it’s smaller thus making it more intimate. I’m not a fan of big venues. Give me a venue that holds 200-400 any day! Chan Marshall and the band take to the stage at around 9pm and play til 10.40pm. I wasn’t the only one who wanted her to play all night. She sure has enough songs to do so!

Blazing through most of the tracks off her newest album, Jukebox, Chan also treats us with some rarities such as I Feel (at this point I was in a trance) and Angelitos Negros. She also played tracks off The Greatest and Moon Pix. Surprise cover versions were Tracks Of My Tears and Dreams (Fleetwood Mac) which were awesome.

There are no highlights from this gig, it was all amazing. Two songs in particular that stood out for me were Lived In Bars and Song To Bobby. Mid-way through Lived In Bars the pace was picked up and it felt like you were in the midst of a sing-a-long in a bar. Lovely. Just lovely. Song To Bobby is Chan’s own tribute to the legend that is Bob Dylan, at the end she said “I love this song.I just love it.” She wasn’t the only one.

Every word sang and every note played was full of passion. Just watching them all play together looked like one big happy family. At the end Chan handed out flowers to the crowd, it seemed like she didn’t want to leave. She mouthed she wanted to take us all home and we all wanted the same. A memorable night that will never ever be forgotten and will be talked about by all those there in years to come.

What would have made the night even better(if possible) would be if they played The Greatest and Naked If I Want To. But that’s only because I adore the songs!

A few of the many photos I took from the gig :

 

Chan throwing flowers into the crowd.

Because it’s nearly summer….

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The Isley Brothers- Summer Breeze

0.43 seconds into this song your ears will be exposed to one of the greatest guitar riffs EVER. Ronald Isley’s voice is beyond perfect. If I may also add, this band are actually perfect. This song defines summer. It is timeless.

The words are beautifully written and sung, I don’t think any other song could define the summer better than this one.

The Isley Brothers are one of my favourite bands ever, so maybe this blog entry is SLIGHTLY biased, but ya know…still an amazing song.

I hope you enjoy!

Amy, her god daughter and Pete.

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If I Ain\’t Got You

Uploaded either today or yesterday is another video of Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty. It’s a billion times better than the baby mice thing…I didn’t really understand that one but never mind!

This video is of Amy and her god daughter covering Alicia Keys’ song If I Ain’t Got You. Some of the comments up on YouTube are just rude, some aren’t. Personally, I think her god daughter has a beautiful,strong voice- just like the god mother and the person who originally did the song.

Enjoy! x

Lightspeed Champion. Birmingham Academy 2. 1/5/08

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DevLightspeed ChampionOperator Please

Firsty, I was probably one of the eldest there- not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.

Secondly, I think everyone there pulled their clothes out of the same wardrobe.

Let’s proceed with the review, shall we?

The first support band on were Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man. They reminded me a little bit of Editors, yes I know- that means they aren’t that good, but ya know..it’s better than saying they were like James Blunt or something. Their music gave off a Shakespeare kind of vibe, rather haunting too. I wasn’t blown away- just quite amused.

Second band up were a wonderful Australian band called Operator Please who played a handful of songs from their album Yes Yes Vindictive. The album is amazing, and to hear it live (again!) is one heck of an experience. They are are aged between 17-19 but play like complete professionals. There are absolutley no faults in their performance at all. It was truely wonderful. They played with their new keyboardist, no idea what his name is. He looked a bit bored, but maybe he was nervous. Sarah used to bounce around and play the keyboard. The new guy just sort of stood there with his head down. Operator Please even treated us to a cover of Devo’s Whip It, and what a treat it was. I saw Operator Please in October last year and hardly anyone danced let alone sang along- but luckily, it was different last night. People were moving and singing. A band worth taking note of.

And finally, the main event. Lightspeed Champion. Dev Hynes walks on stage saying “Hey guys” down the mic and picks up his guitar. Every song from Falling Off The Lavender Bridge is played along with 2 new songs. The prostitute song, which is now called Madam Van Damn included- this version no longer sounds like a demo. It is awesome. The other new song is described by Dev as being “funky” it’s more than that though. His killer guitar solo mid song is perfect. In fact, the whole set is perfect. First saw Dev play in February and Dry Lips was played acoustic but tonight- full band and electric guitar. As this is my favourite song off the album- this version just blew me away. I was in awe of everyone on stage- not just Dev. The Star Wars theme was crazy too. Playing that before Midnight Surprise was wicked. Mid set, Dev took his jacket off to reveal a fetching shirt- blue polo shirt with yachts on. He bought it earlier in the day- only Dev could make this shirt look cool, and yes- the hat was on too!

You cannot find any fault in Lightspeed Champion’s performance, going from strength to strength. Dev’s live shows are something you really do need to see for yourself. He’s got a really really good stage presence too, after every song there was a bit of banter, saying “thanks everyone” at the end of every song was really cute. A little diss to The Wombats was amusing too, he wasn’t dissing them, he was just being silly, or something 🙂

 My words do not do it justice. I took some photos but they didn’t come out that well because we were stood on a box at the back of the venue eating Wham Bars (they’re still 10p! In your face Space Raiders!)

 

 

Am I The Only Person Who Can’t Stand….

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Madonna. Bloody hell.

I gave in and watched on YouTube her new song (4 Minutes..lasts longer and is crap). I wish I didn’t. It hurt my ears and the video hurt my eyes. Oh how I wish I didn’t bother! It’s awful. Just sheer crap. How did they even manage to let this excuse for a song to be recorded? I don’t know what I hate most…her or Justin Timberlake. I do like Timbaland..the stuff he did with Aaliyah is timeless and always will be. His partnership with Missy Eliott was beautiful too. Timbaland, Missy, Ginuwine and Aaliyah..some of the best music I’ve heard- but we can’t go back.

Anyway, this “song” is awful. Madonna is awful. I’ve never liked her music and I’ve seen interviews of hers- I don’t think much of her to be honest.

4 Minutes is 4 minutes of crap really. The song doesn’t go anywhere. She should have quite like 10 years ago.

I’m going to stop before I completely go off on one!

I just feel like the only person who simply cannot stand Madonna.