Author Archives: Olivia

ELBOW.

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“The dream again nobody understands
Walking through the long grass on your hands
It’s not a job to do today
Sleep it off.”

 

I think anyone with even half a brain cell is aware of Elbow and just how wonderful they are. I was a fan for some time, but shut off my interest when someone I used to know was a huge fan and of course, as is the way, didn’t turn out to be that nice. Maybe they’ve changed now. I can only hope because I like to try see the good in people.

In an ideal world I wouldn’t be writing this at 5.45am on a Sunday. I should be asleep. My neighbour came home an hour ago, and has decided to shout and play really bad dance music. Attempting to listen to Elbow with a really awful and irritating bass line in the background is proving to be a bit of a challenge, but nothing in life is ever easy.

Initially I was going to write about their new record, The Take Off And Landing Of Everything but I feel the need to try go deep into their career and what they mean to me. Hopefully I won’t fall asleep on my laptop. Although, I’d really love to sleep right now.

It’s an unwritten fact that bands from the North of England express certain feelings better than other bands from the rest of England. The North is looked down upon for many reasons, I blame Thatcher. But the North of England has so much to offer, it’s just easy to mock it. The architecture in Manchester is beautiful, Yorkshire has glorious countryside. You can find beauty almost everywhere. It is also home to some of the greatest writers of all time; Morrissey, John Cooper Clarke, Mark E Smith, Ian Brown and obviously, Guy Garvey.

If I could remember the first time I heard Elbow and Guy Garvey’s soothing voice, this may be more interesting. Sorry about that. Pin pointing what it is I love about Elbow is really easy- Guy’s lyrics. If you want to hear someone truly pour their heart out in a way that is just so open and vulnerable, then just listen to their lyrics. Or even, read them. Guy’s lyrics read like heartbreaking poetry that were designed to comfort and heal. Their music expresses every good and bad side of being in love, being a failure to yourself, disappointing others and being ashamed of any hurt you’ve ever caused someone. They say the things you don’t have the guts to say just yet, but you feel it. And to feel it is a start. You have to take baby steps sometimes, because it is all you have.

What I love about Elbow is their struggle to get a record deal and to be heard; they’re the underdogs but not in a way that causes you to pity them. If anything, it just makes you believe in their music more than you already do. I guess it’s easy for me to love them, because I can relate all of this to my daily battle with attempting to get a job. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle, and fully aware that at aged 27- I’ve really not amounted to much. The only person to blame is myself, and I make sure I am aware of it. Elbow’s music soften the daily blow of it all, and kind of make me less ashamed with carrying the burden around of being a burden. Maybe I’ve gone far too deep into their music with this, but if I don’t get to the core of it and take myself with it- I wouldn’t be writing this, or anything for that matter.

When people talk about their favourite band or just a band they love, you can see in their eyes that they are trying to find the right words and they try to go back to the first time they heard them, so they can capture it all for you. Sometimes we cannot do it, so a load of rubbish pours from our mouths. Or in my cases, hits the keyboard. When your mind turns into a state of chaos when trying to think of the reasons, that’s when you know the band mean a lot. I’ve never seen Elbow live, but I’ve watched live clips and to see how people react to them is just something else. There is a bond between them and the fans that is truly moving. I think it all goes back to knowing how hard they have worked to get where they are now.

Their signature sound is atmospheric and soothing. Guy’s gentle and vulnerable voice evokes so much emotion as you listen to them. There aren’t many bands that can instantly turn me into a crying mess, but Elbow are easily one of them. I can’t really think of anyone else off the top of my head who does that, but I’m sure there are others. There always is. But none do it quite like Elbow. Guy writes songs in a way I wish I could, and probably how most wish they could. He writes about his faults and the things he’s done that he’s not proud of in a way that makes you own up to your own errors, but you don’t beat yourself up too badly about it. His words on daily life just speak to you. They speak so loudly and oh so clear. The way he describes love; not just in a romantic way but towards friends and family is just something else. He makes you want to hug those you love so tightly and to just let them know that you love them.

At the moment Picky Bugger and Not A Job are the two songs I really cannot do without. They are the two songs that sum up everything right now. Sometimes you hear a song and think, “I’d be lost without that.” That’s what Elbow do, especially with those two songs. There is something about them that just describe what the mouth can’t get out from the brain. We all need songs like this. Then you have songs like The Bones Of You that describe love like no other has ever done really. Play it to the one you love, the one you cannot do without. Don’t say a word to them, let Guy do the talking.

Elbow are the guts you don’t have just yet. They are the comforting words you need when everything is just really awful, like you have no way out. They’re the kind of band you wish you could tell them just how much they mean to you, but the best you can do is something like this. However, it is a start and I know I’m not the only one who loves them like this. I know I’ve missed so many things out, and there is so much more I could say about Elbow. Maybe I will another time, but for now- I think this is more than enough. And if you want to fall in love with Guy’s record collection and speaking voice, then listen to his show on BBC 6 Music every Sunday.

“You little sod, I love your eyes.”

THE LIGATURE.

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TL

 

Most brilliant music is terrifying or slightly sinister. Psychocandy is the most raw and brutal record I’ve ever heard. Venus In Furs sounds frightening and the subject matter just goes against conventional means- which is why it is so good. Also, Velvet’s song Heroin is a different level of scary. Scary as in it tells the sheer truth in a way most want to turn away from.

But you can create a dark tone to your music with your voice. You can sing about the joys of being in love but make your voice sound so down and out- it’s never what you say, but how you say it. I just enjoy dark, sinister music the most. I want what  listen to, to add a bit of fear in my bones. I want it to make me think. I want it to make me feel unsafe slightly but at the same time, ease everything. In my search for a sound like this, I’ve found one. Sure they only have two songs on soundcloud, but for now that’s all I need to explain why I like them.

The Ligature are a duo from Huddersfield (see, all the best things come from Yorkshire.) That fine fellow, Simon Armitage is from there too. The Ligature are on the same level as another dark synth (not even sure if that is a term!) duo I love, a fine band from London called Natural Assembly. Of course you can put Cold Cave there in the top of that holy trinity of bands.

Empty Hearts is one of the two songs I’ve heard by them, and it sounds like an early song by The Cure-of course it is good. There’s an 80s feel to their sound, but not in that irritating way that every other band seems to want to recreate. Basically (and thankfully) they sound like the good side of the 80s, and not some Wham! kind of rubbish. Chris has  vocals are really reassuring; there is something in his voice that is like a cloak of comfort, it doesn’t matter that The Ligature have a dark sound, you can still find comfort there.

Fortunately, The Ligature are in the studio working on their debut EP which is titled Souvenir and will be out late April. Chris and William will be touring in May, and in August they will be joining The Will To Power on tour. Going by the two songs I have heard by The Ligature, I reckon they’ll be like Cold Cave and have a dedicated but underground fan-base. Cult-like and loyal. I think 1.15am is the perfect time to dive into the underworld that The Ligature have created with their beautifully dark and captivating sound they have created. Falling for something weird and wonderful is always welcomed. I can’t wait to hear their EP.

You can listen to their tracks here: https://soundcloud.com/new-decade-muzik/the-ligature-empty-hearts

And also here: https://soundcloud.com/new-decade-muzik/the-ligature-all-alone-again

BAD GRAMMAR. Hoxton Bar & Grill. 21st March 2014.

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I’ve not been aware of Bad Grammar for long, but it is spiraled into the need to see them live at any chance I can get. I first saw them live when they supported PINS at The Old Blue Last. That gig was proof that the best things in life are free. Who doesn’t love a free gig?!

Bad Grammar are two people (Ben and Lucy) making a lot of noise. Noise that really really needs to be heard by as many people as possible. When I saw them support PINS, I was instantly blown away by how furiously they play. Not with rage, but with a sense of purpose. A lot of bands like to stand around bored, but Bad Grammar really get into it. Ben also broke a guitar string within seconds. I think that sums up how they play really. They make you want to break stuff and will melt your face.

Last night they played Hoxton Bar & Grill. I really like that venue, mainly because I first (and finally!!) saw Dum Dum Girls there in December. I’ve only been to one gig where there was about 10 people there, and it was when S.C.U.M played The Sugarmill in Stoke. I was annoyed because I felt more people should have seen them because they were a bloody good band. The same goes for Bad Grammar. They played supporting Shiva And The Hazards (we left after their first song) and Abjects, who were on after Bad Grammar. Abjects were really good. They reminded me of Camera Obscura mixed with The Shirelles. They play shows in London quite regularly, so go see them if you can.

So, Bad Grammar played to about 10 people but it felt as if they were playing to about a thousand. I’m usually in awe of drummers than can sing and drum at the same time. However, Lucy does the damn near impossible- she can smile and beat the living shit out of the drums. She’s one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen, and manages to look wonderfully happy doing so. Ben sings every song as if his life depends on it- that’s how you believe in a band. I watch him play his guitar, and I can’t help but think he’s going to hack a finger off from playing like that. It’s brilliant to watch; to see a band give it everything they have when around 10 people are watching them. I’m sure there are arrogant wankers out there who would refuse to do so, but they’re not worth listening to. Bad Grammar obviously are.

Their energy is like a toddler that’s eaten a load of Skittles and washed them down with some cheap lemonade (Cresta Lemonade, that’s the best one.) A lot of bands claim to have the essence of Punk in their music, when really they just sound like Paramore and it makes you want to throw up and cry. Bad Grammar have the kind of songs that would make Iggy Pop proud. They’ve got short punchy songs like the Ramones- but they play a little bit harder than them. Their sound is a little bit louder- but they play with a proper Punk attitude. It makes you want to start a band.

I was sad that there weren’t many people here to see Bad Grammar yet they all piled in for the main band. I hate missing support bands because for the most part, they are really fucking good. I sincerely hope that Bad Grammar become one of the biggest bands around, because this duo have something a lot lack. If you see them live (if you live in Manchester, you swines will get to see them more than most! Jammy gits!) you will understand why I’m pissed off at those who missed out last night and also, why this band aren’t fucking huge.

Their EP, Forced Fun is out 31st March on Flatpack Recordings. Buy it.

Have an action shot:

BG

Sorry about the quality, I don’t have steady hands it seems!

ABJECTS.

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Girl bands are the best aren’t they. From the likes of The Girlfriends to September Girls. However, it is important to not define a band by the bits they have down there. It isn’t relevant to the music they make and how good it is. Gender is just a thing. Music is much more than that.

Abjects are a band from London that quite simply, sound like everything I love. They’ve got a Wall Of Sound feel to their music mixed with some creepy Garage Rock going on. They’ve recorded for Haus Of Pins (PINS label) so obviously this band are incredible. They have hypnotic songs that are made to be performed live; they have songs that just lure you in much like PINS and Dum Dum Girls.

Abjects have a delicate sound, but they are tough enough for you to pay attention. Noemi has gorgeous and quite ethereal voice that makes you sway along gently to Alice’s drumming. Then you have Luki blowing your mind on guitar. Sure for the most part their songs are quite tame, but the INSANE Aburrido is a pure face melter (it is Spanish for boring. Noemi is Spanish. Fun facts for you.) Aburrido is a ferocious piece of Garage Rock fused with the fast pace of Punk. Get into it. This band is super talented.

Their quick and punchy songs are Ramones-esque. Quick, loud and bold. They remind me of Suede; their dirty and wonderfully trashy sound. I just think Abjects are wonderful. You see, a lot of bands give you that hazy Summer feeling. With Abjects, they make you want to wander round in the cold and dark as rain starts to fall heavily. There is something gloriously sinister about their music that just makes them stand out. When I listen to a band, I try to pick up these little details to get a better understanding of their sound. I’m aware I could be entirely wrong, but it’s just how I hear it. You can pick influences out of the air when you listen to Abjects, but it just means you’re not listening to them properly. Sure they do sound influenced by those I’ve mentioned, but they’re not ripping anyone off. Abjects are for real, and like I’ve already said- they are a band that need to be seen live. I’ll be seeing them this Friday at Hoxton Bar & Grill. Tickets are only £5, get yourself one.

I like music that sounds like the past, a time I was too young for but is in fine tune with what is going on now. Abjects do it wonderfully. When I first heard them I thought I was listening to a band from the 60s- that’s how good they are. Next time it’s pissing it down, go for a walk whilst listening to them. Throw yourself into something creepy and in the lairs of the underworld, let Abjects be your guide.

You can listen to their eerie tunes here: http://abjects.bandcamp.com/

You can see the trio live in London at the following venues:

AUTUMNS- Mini LP.

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Last year I wrote about Autumns. Autumns is one guy from Derry who makes music that is entirely atmospheric and beautifully noisy. I got the chance to interview him shortly after that piece, and when you speak (in this case email) a musician you really like about their music, you sort of become more sentimental towards their music.

When I first heard Autumns (Christian) I straight away felt like I did when I first heard Dirty Beaches many years ago. I was yet again in awe that one person could make a sound like this. One person could make this much noise. It was a delight to hear, and it still is.

Christian’s LP will be released on 31st March through Downwards Records.  There will only be 300 copies made and you will be able to purchase it here: http://readymade.bigcartel.com/product/autumns-mini-lp-autdn1

I’m really pleased that Keep On Sinking and It’s Sooner Than You Think will be on the LP; they were the first two tracks I heard and they just blew me away then.

Autumns is one chap making a whole load of noise. You can’t really turn away from someone with talent like this. Make sure you buy a copy at the end of the month. His music is like a cloak of darkness, but at the same time it is exceptionally comforting.

You can listen to some of the songs here: https://soundcloud.com/ready-made-2/sets/autumns-mini-lp-autdn1

There’s so much heart and passion in his music, I’m fairly sure he will be listed amongst the likes of Dirty Beaches with his ability to make music that is haunting, heartbreaking and a pleasure to listen to. He just leaves you in awe with his talent.

BAD GRAMMAR- Temper Temper.

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One of Manchester’s finest noise makers, Bad Grammar have just put out the video to their exquisitely loud new single, Temper Temper.

The video shows a few blokes on an evening one, with one of the hugging a traffic cone at the end. It’s alright pal, happens to us all eventually. So I’ve heard.

Bad Grammar are playing at Hoxton Bar & Grill this Friday, tickets are about £5. Someone buy me a ticket? I’m pretty poor. You can buy a ticket (or two) here: http://billetto.co.uk/events/shiva-and-the-hazards The line up is pretty cool. You’ve got Shiva And The Hazards, Abjects and of course Bad Grammar.

Bad Grammar’s EP, Forced Fun is out 31st March on Flatpack Recordings.

THE CREEPING IVIES- Ghost World.

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I am so excited to finally write about the new record by The Creeping Ivies, which is out next Monday.

I first wrote about The Creeping Ivies in April 2012. I immediately loved their frightening sound. I loved how they mixed the backbone of Punk with a bit of Rockabilly; and also managed to scare you. Becca’s voice does some AMAZING things, when she wails on certain songs (she does it brilliantly on The Creeps) and Duncan just makes you want to play the drums. In fact, both of them make you want to be in a band. When a band can make you feel that way, you know you’ve found something to treasure.

Ghost World is another creepy installment from this fantastic Scottish duo. It features the hits (in my mind they are) What Would Joey Ramone Do? (this is pretty much my mantra for daily life), the Valentine’s hit- Love Kills and Ramona Wolf. They’re all here, and a hell of a lot more.

Dream Baby Dream has some incredible sax on it. My girlfriend can play the sax, she’s at work- I might go get it and try cover this song. Can you imagine? I’d only have some strange accident. Maybe I won’t bother. Dream Baby Dream sounds like it should have been on some really bad horror film from the 50s/60s. I mean that with utter respect, because those horror films were actually worth watching. What you get constantly when you listen to The Creeping Ivies is the sense that you’re in a film. Their music is destined to be in a film.

Their sound, especially on this new record is just a mixture of the kinds of music that I love. This is a much-needed distraction from the soul-destroying daily task I have of looking for a job. Trippin’ Out is the perfect song that sums up the feeling of going utterly mad. Seeing things that aren’t there and feeling things crawl upon you that aren’t there. This band makes beautifully creepy music; most try too hard to sound like this. For The Creeping Ivies it is simply effortless. Of course people are going to want to throw around as many comparisons as possible, but the thing is, they really sound like nothing else.

Sure I’ve exposed my ears many times to the ghoulish sounds of The Cramps and the haunting tones of Siouxsie And The Banshees, but The Creeping Ivies are really something else. Their ability to take you to a different time with their music is something others should be envious of, better yet- it is something that they should take note of. They have this wonderful way of making you forget what year you are living in. They make you feel as if you are constantly in some old black and white film full of whirlwind romances wearing your best leather jacket.

I’m not just saying this because I’m a huge fan of The Creeping Ivies, but they are truly one of the most exciting and brilliant bands I’ve ever heard. Yes they are a duo, but that’s not just why I love their music. Their music has a of freaking you out yet makes you want to hear more and more. If I had the ability to find the word to use to describe their sound, I’d have done it by now. But I guess that’s what makes them stand out from others. Ghost World may only be their second full length record, but they just make you feel like you’ve been listening to them your whole life.

The Creeping Ivies make music for ghouls, punks and misfits- everything right in the world. The kind of music to have playing in the background as you read something by Poe with a candle flickering. Go on, have a romantic moment by yourself.

Ghost World is out next Monday (24th) and will be self released digitally on Jet Black Records. You can listen to Ghost World here: https://thecreepingivies.bandcamp.com/album/ghost-world

R.I.P. SCOTT ASHETON.

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“No fun to hang around
Feelin’ that same old way
No fun to hang around
Freaked out for another day.”

 

The Stooges are evidently one of the most important bands of all time, regardless of the kind of music you’re into. They were fearless and ahead of everyone else.

Iggy is probably the greatest frontman of all time. But next to him were two of the greatest musicians to have ever lived, brothers Ron and Scott Asheton.

Sadly, Scott passed away this weekend. There’s not much you can say when this happens. Just a few hours ago I was listening to Iggy’s show on the radio, and from it I gained more insight to The Stooges and what they were about. They were loud, all over the place and just amazing. A band I’ve really loved listening to for so long. Raw Power is easily one of the best records of all time, and I just don’t think music sounds as raw as anything that The Stooges created.

I don’t want to write too much, the music just speaks for itself.

Scott was one of the best drummers in music, wherever he is now- he’ll be with his brother Ron making a lot of noise.

 

THE VACANT LOTS.

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“I got me a Cadillac,
I ain’t coming back.”

Today is my mum’s birthday, and with only £30 in my bank account I am pretty much sulking (and sad) that I’ve not seen her as it costs a lot more to fly home to see her . I’m probably turning into some recluse, but for now I don’t really care. I’ve got things to keep me occupied, and with my neighbour being an obnoxious tool again- I’m resorting to playing my music loud enough to drown out his awful dance remixes of Lana Del Rey and fuck knows what else. I wish it would stop.

So, much to my neighbour’s annoyance and my own pleasure, I am currently listening to a band called The Vacant Lots. Yes, they are a duo. What of it? As if you expected anything else from me. The Vacant Lots sound like The Jesus And Mary Chain with hints of Rimbaud in their lyrics. They also remind me of Spiritualized, so basically I’ve just found my dream band. High And Low is my current favourite. The come down in this song is beautiful. As someone who feels low (but not to the point where it is up for discussion with anyone) this is the kind of music that makes it all a little less daunting. Hope can abandon you, and when it does its evil counterpart comes to take over. I thought this only happened in books. Fuck.

The Vacant Lots are a band I am really excited to hear more from, their debut record is set to finally come out this year, and I think they’ve released some stuff via the ever wonderful, Mexican Summer label.

You listen to their music and you’re thrown back into a time where music was pleasantly dark and grimy. The kind of music people were scared to listen to. I always wish I was old enough to have seen The Jesus And Mary Chain live at the start where fights would erupt at the end of the shows; I’m pretty sure if The Vacant Lots were a band back then people would be beating the shit out of each other to their music. However, violence is wrong and disgusting. So you should just listen to them and zone out. Nod your head furiously, as if it might just snap off your body. Let loose and all that jazz.

6AM is dark. A real gnarly song that isn’t for those who are afraid of the dark. The kind of song that makes you feel as if you’re being followed. I’m playing it pretty loudly, and I think it is the way to go. As I listen to The Vacant Lots, I immediately get that feeling I got when I first heard Pop.1280- as if I’m listening to something really menacing. Sacred Bones Records should sign up this duo because they would fit right at home on their label. Any label would be lucky enough to have these guys. They make me wish I had my own label, because this is the kind of stuff I would put out.

Jared and Brian started the band in 2010 I think, and as I’ve gone through what I can find of their music- I can safely say they are on something else. A lot of bands I listen to are quite loud and sinister, but The Vacant Lots take it somewhere else. They pretty much take you where other bands may want to shy away from. I always though Seventeen Seconds by The Cure was one of the most haunting records I ever heard- but as I listen to The Vacant Lots, I’m fairly sure I’ve found a solid competitor. This the kind of music that gives you a high like no other. I’ve never touched drugs (I flinch at having to take paracetamol for my frequent headaches) but I’m positive you can experience a high from other things. From a really good book to music that really shakes you up. The Vacant Lots are that kind of high. I just want them on repeat. The perfect band to listen to as darkness falls.

The hints of reverb in their music is something a lot of bands want to replicate and sound real desperate when they do it. The Vacant Lots do it, and it sounds natural. This is a band with a sure-fire sound. A real solid groove that will probably make most turn their nose up at because they don’t get it. But I get it, and I love it. This is the kind of music I play on a daily basis, and it just does something to me. It is a fearless sound for someone who is sometimes a bit of a coward.

I’m aware I write too personally, and it means hardly anyone reads what I write. So if you’ve skipped over what I’ve written, I get it. But do me one favour, and just click this link and listen to The Vacant Lots because they are one of the best bands around: http://thevacantlots.bandcamp.com

I have no idea when their record is out, but I’m pretty hopeful it’ll be one of the best releases of the year for sure.

THE VELVET UNDERGROUND- The Velvet Underground.

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“If I could make the world as pure
And strange as what I see
I’d put you in a mirror
I’d put in front of me.”

 

There are some records that, regardless of how many years pass since it was first release will always sound new every single time you play them. The records that do this are the ones that will tower above anything else you expose your ears to. They are the records that have a significant part in your life and are etched upon your heart like nothing else. They are the records that have led you down a road to self discovery and aided with your self-loathing ways. One of the records that I regard this highly is 45 years old. I think it was yesterday or today that 45 years ago that The Velvet Underground released their third record, and in my mind it is the best thing the band ever did.

The record opens with the heartbreaking and relatable Candy Says (about Candy Darling.)  Candy Says is one of those songs that truly delves into self-disgust and being really uncomfortable in your own skin. Regardless of age, it is something anyone can relate to. What I’ve always loved about Lou Reed’s lyrics is the way he crafts his words in an old-fashioned, romantic poetic way. There will never ever be anyone else like him. As I listen to the songs on this record, I cannot help but miss him. I know I never knew him, and maybe this makes me stupidly weird, but not much has felt right since he died. I can’t explain what it is, but maybe someone else who loves Lou/Velvet Underground as much as I do will understand. Maybe they have the words to describe it, because I really don’t. Hand on heart, I firmly believe “What do you think I’d see, if I could walk away from me” to be one of the most beautiful lyrics of all time. It is fragile and hits you right in the sacred part of your heart. It’s the kind of lyric you’d want to have tattooed on you, as a reminder.

Whenever I mention The Velvet Underground I always end up talking about Pale Blue Eyes. There is just something about that song that rips your heart out. It can make you ache and can break you; but it is so beautiful. It’s a song that once did that to me, but I learnt very quickly to stop associating people with songs I love. I remember once speaking to someone I still hold quite dear to me about this song, and they got it. I’ve never met anyone else who understood how I felt about that song. You treasure those moments. Pale Blue Eyes has been covered quite a few times, but I think the only ones who have ever covered this song and really conveyed the meaning of it fully (and any song by The Velvet Underground) has to be The Kills, who are obviously influenced by them but not in a ripping off kind of way. Of course, you’ve got to mention how brilliantly messed up The Murder Mystery is. I never know what’s going on in that song, but when I listen to it through headphones it is like something is taking over. It’s mighty strange and fits perfectly on this record.

Sure their debut record was one of the best things to have ever happened to music, and let’s be honest no one is ever going to do for music what Lou Reed did; but their third record is one of the finer things in life. If this was their debut record, they probably would have caused more of a scene than they already did. This record is a just a body of dark poetry; words you wish you could write. Words you wish you had written.

The Velvet Underground’s third record is my favourite record because of how delicate it is lyrically. With their debut record, some of the sound is quite harsh but the one thing that has always been constant (and in his solo work) is that tone in Lou Reed’s voice. He has this way of singing about horrifically dark topics (if you listen to Heroin and you don’t feel the need to cry, then something is up with you) but at the same time really soothing your soul with his voice. His voice was one of a kind, and of course so was he. It’s really tough writing about him in past tense. It still doesn’t feel right.

I went through a phase some time ago of listening to Heroin followed by I’m Set Free. I just felt like those two songs had to played one after another. I have no idea what my mind was up to and why I decided to do it, but I did it. I guess it made me appreciate the songs more and in a different way. The way Lou’s lyrics really touch you are truly evident in those two songs. Play them one after each other, hopefully you’ll get what I mean.

The Velvet Underground made music that has influenced so many bands. Lou Reed’s solo work has obviously done the same. Anyone who loves both has probably tried to write something similar to them. I have, and I’m not ashamed to admit that. Of course nothing I’ve written has come close to it, not even a fraction. If anything, Lou Reed (and others) told me to write from the heart. It is easy to write all this down about his music and his words. I can take my time with it. But I probably would struggle to physically talk about the music because it just does something that is beyond expression.

In another 45 years I hope I am still listening to this record and feeling this way. Some bands, some records just stay with you throughout your life. They don’t go, they become something you really cannot do without. The Velvet Underground are a band I have taken walks by myself to, just to figure shit out. I’ll never figure anything out, and I’m okay with that. I’ll probably always feel a little uncomfortable in my skin, but I’m okay with that. The darker and things that are classed weird by others will always appeal to me, Lou Reed taught me that that’s okay. It’s really fucking okay to not be like everyone else. It’s okay to feel a little awkward in yourself and to want to shut off for a while. Lose yourself in a book, in a record. When it’s over, you’ll find whatever it is you were looking for.

Lou Reed taught me more than any teacher could. The things they don’t tell you about or prepare you for, he taught me it all. Music heals, music teaches. Just listen to this record. Play I’m Set Free so loud and with your eyes closed. If you want to cry, then cry. Just cry. It doesn’t matter. The record oozes freedom from others and from your mind. You won’t always be trapped.