Author Archives: Olivia

Top 10 Male Singers (of all time..sort of.)

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I frequently have internal battles with myself about my favourite songs and records of all time. I place them into categories to make it easier, such as Favourite Debut Record of All Time to BEST SONG EVER PART 1 OF 100. Stuff like that you know? But earlier, I managed to come up with a solid list of my favourite male singers of all time. I basically narrowed it down to singers that were around before I was born because if I did recent ones, I’d firmly place Brandon Welchez from Crocodiles as my number 1. Maybe I’ll do a list for that.

So, I’m going to attempt to list my favourite male singers of all time (that existed before I was born..I was born in ’86. The golden era of Hip Hop.) Of course I may change my mind at some point, but hopefully I won’t fret and lose sleep over this. I’m a born worrier; but I keep it well hidden. Obviously I’ve just admitted to it, so it’s not a secret. Oh well.

10. David Johansen (New York Dolls.) I hate that I’ve had to put this in order because I want to jumble it all around. However, the love I have for David Johansen goes beyond him being my number 10. What I love about him is his flamboyant style and distinctive drawl. I remember my mum playing their first record round the house when I was younger. I didn’t know it was the Dolls but I was hooked on Jet Boy. I probably used to sing it, and get the words mixed up. Nothing has changed. Into my teenage years, I saw a copy of their debut record at my uncle’s. I was drawn to the cover, and I always stand by it being my favourite album cover ever. The sheer beauty of it just drew me in straight away. Utterly gorgeous. So, what is it about David Johansen that makes me adore him? I think he’s one of the best front-men of all time. His charisma and charm just leaves you in awe. The way he moves makes you want to emulate him in a dramatic fashion. He’s one of a kind, and undoubtedly inspired so many to express themselves in a way no one else dared to do so.

9. Townes Van Zandt. My love for Townes started only a few years ago, and it wasn’t his voice that got me hooked. Before I even heard his voice, I read his lyrics. His lyrics were that of a troubled soul. You couldn’t help but connect with him, yet at the same time feel uncomfortable that you connected with his words. Then when you heard his voice, you TRULY got all the pain. Some singers become actors and don’t believe in what they do. Some just want the money. With the likes of Townes, you could tell that music was everything to him. His life was dependant on making music. It didn’t really matter how the listener felt; he just needed to get it all out. We all need an outlet, music is one of the most powerful ones. Townes possessed a unique voice that no matter what, just sounded so vulnerable. He didn’t have to put on an act; everything about him was truthful. At times some of his songs became too painful to listen to, but at best- you just knew someone else understood some of the perils of every day life.

8. Nick Cave. Some singers you remember falling in love with, because it just stays with you for the rest of time. Nick Cave is a prime example of that. My gran used to look after me when I was younger, before I went to primary school. Before chewed up and spat out my soul. Or you know, before I ate paint and sobbed before swimming lessons. My uncle used to live with her in this house, and I always remembered going to his room when he was at work and staring at a poster of Nick Cave on one of the walls in his room. I’d stare at it in utter awe. I don’t know what my toddler mind was thinking, but it was fixated on this person. I felt like I was looking at something untouchable. I guess I knew of Nick Cave’s genius before I even heard his voice or read his lyrics. Fast forward to about 10 years old and I’m hearing Into My Arms and Henry Lee on MTV. Something was happening in my mind. I knew exactly what it was. I knew what I wanted to be. A writer. I wanted to write words like this; but the thing is, no one can write like Nick Cave. The man is a genius. Sure enough his vocals may not be to everyone’s taste, but his lyrics…I fail to find a song that anyone couldn’t relate to. Everything about him just makes you want to expand your mind and explore other worlds.

7. Leonard Cohen. One of the greatest writers of all time regardless of genre. Leonard Cohen and Morrissey were the two song-writers that truly made me care about words. Poets such as Poe and Rimbaud got me hooked on words too. But these two singers just made me see everything in the world in a different way. The darkness and love and romance of everything around us was made clearer by them. Leonard Cohen for me just creates a different world. A world that is free of everything but full of questions. I think that’s a good way to live. It’s hard to live that way, but it gets you through. I always place Leonard Cohen as a poet before anything else, but his voice is so powerful. Some may seek singers that hit high notes and have a stupid range. I don’t want that. I want you to sing in a way that makes me feel like you are telling a story to my soul. Leonard Cohen does this, and so much more. I’ve many reasons as to why I adore him, that’s just one of them. I don’t think I could put the rest into words to be honest.

6. Otis Redding. I’ve found a pattern in the singers I love; they all basically sing songs about loss and pain. I’m a cheerful soul. Of all the Soul singers in the world that have existed, it was Otis Redding that I truly found a life-long love for. Everything about his voice makes you wish you were around when he was starting out. Imagine being one of the first to have heard his voice all those decades ago. His sad songs could break the hardest of hearts, but his joyful songs could bring tears of happiness to your eyes. He had the power to make you feel every single word he sang. He died far too young, everyone knows that. And I also think most know that Otis, although he had a short career, he was truly one of the best. I’ve got a bit of an issue with the term “Soul” music because all music should come from there and you should feel music right in your soul, but regardless- Otis oozed more soul than most.

5. Joey Ramone. No idea how to get into writing about Joey because let’s face it- he possessed the greatest voice in Punk. The way he towered over the mic stand. Pulling it to and fro like a man under a spell made you want to start something of your own. Easily one of the most distinctive voices of all time. His voice was like no other. His stage presence has obviously been an inspiration to many over the years. From how he stood to how he dressed. He wasn’t just part of a band, he was part of a movement that fuelled the souls of so many lost people. Myself included, and also justifies why I was born in the wrong era. To be in New York in the 70s would have been perfect. What do we have now? Of course we do have wonderful things, but imagine being part of one of the most powerful movements in music (and possibly society.) One of my most prized possession are my Ramones records. I rarely play them as I don’t want to ruin them; but when I do, I can truly hear all they stood for. Joey was the voice for so many, and you know what, he still is.

4. Lou Reed. I’m going to try keep this as short as possible because I truly have no issues with writing a massive essay about my love for Lou Reed. However all I want to say and could say about him has been said before. Again, this is another genius my uncle got me into. He got me into Velvet Underground then after he saw my love for them he told me to listen to Transformer. Is Transformer one of the best records made? Damn right it is. Wagon Wheel is one of my favourites for sure. I just love Lou’s style of writing. He’s a genuine story-teller who takes you into the underworld of all around you. You think all you see is all that exists, then you listen to a Lou Reed song and it’s like you fall into a different world. Something quite dark, wonderful and weird. You never want out of it. I think, once you listen to Lou- that’s it for life. Once you give yourself over to his words, you feel part of something that no one or nothing could tear you from. You even forgive him for that Lulu record because Transformer exists.

3. Scott Walker. I guess like most I have already mentioned, Scott Walker is an acquired taste. His debut record is by far one of the greatest records ever made. My Death is probably my favourite Scott Walker song, you know, with me being a ray of sunshine and all that. But in all seriousness, my love for Scott Walker came from of course, The Walker Brothers. His solo work is just a work of art. Every record is a masterpiece. You really cannot deny that he’s a genius. The way his mind works, the way he writes, the way he sings- he’s just out of this world. He’s an enigma, for sure. I cannot wait for his new record to come out in December. Every record of his sounds entirely different from the last; but they always remain timeless and as important as each other. To have a career that reads like that is rare, and something that should be treasured.

2. Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart.) A strange soul who made even stranger music. Safe As Milk changed a LOT for me. I think it honestly changed how I listened to music, and the ways it affected me. It opened up my mind. What did Trout Mask Replica do? Well, it freaked me out in the most pleasurable way for sure. I think it is one of the weirdest records I’ve ever heard.  I loved the way his mind worked. From his songs to his paintings- everything about him just oozed freedom and creativity. The two go hand in hand, but not many can make them work as perfect as Don Van Vliet did. He was a rare spirit that made you feel so free. When you listen to Safe As Milk, whether the first time around or if you’re a new fan, everything about it just gives you something you are never going to get again. I guess you can only get it from a Beefheart record. Certain musicians give you certain feelings, I think what Beefheart gave you is something that goes beyond words you know. I’ve tried so many times to pick a favourite song by Captain Beefheart, but instead I’ve narrowed it down to a moment. It’s when he says, “A squid eating dough in a polyethylene bag is fast ‘n bulbous, got me?” at the start of Pachuco Cadaver. No idea what it means, but it’s wonderfully strange.

Okay so for Number 1 I just couldn’t decide. Bob Dylan or Morrissey. I can’t choose. There’s no way I can do that. So, joint first place are Bobby and Morrissey. So I’m going to keep it brief.

1. Bob Dylan. Where do you begin when attempting to write about your love for someone so inspiring? I have my mum to thank for my obsession with this man. I’m proud of my Dylan tattoo on the back of my neck. It’s of a song that guided me through hell and back. Through hell some more, and back again. His words provide guidance through life- the good and the bad. It is like he is reassuring you every step of the way. My mum used to sing Forever Young to me when I was a baby before I went to sleep. His music is perfect for long train journeys or just walking around on your own. He makes you feel okay with whatever is going on. You stare out to all you see with his words echoing delicately in your ear, and you’re to restart/carry on. I hold Blonde on Blonde very dear to my heart, and I think it is possibly my favourite Dylan record. But with so many, I think it is hard to choose a solid favourite yet it seems to always be the one I go to for various reasons.

1.Morrissey. I’ve always declared Morrissey as being the one true love of my life. Mainly because his words/songs have been there when I thought I had nothing else. Speedway has been the song that sums up my life for the most part, as does Alma Matters. Everyday Is Like Sunday fully describes where I unfortunately live. I could honestly write an essay about every Morrissey song and still feel I had more to say. His words are a safety net and a force of hope to guide you through. He manages to release every unwanted and wanted feeling you have ever had, and will have had. Dismiss him as a moody sod all you want; but maybe you are scared to see yourself in his words. Seeing him live..every single time feels like a healing process. For some reason, every time before I have seen him- something shit has gone on in my life, and I’ve seen him and it all feels okay. His music goes beyond just being music, and I know every Morrissey fan feels like that. He’s not someone you just stick on as background music. He’s the soundtrack to all you do. He’s someone I don’t think I could actually sit and listen to with. It’s a very personal experience, mainly because I relate to a vast majority of his lyrics. I just adore everything about him, he’s the reason as to why lyrics are so important to me. I wear my Morrissey tattoo on my arm with unconditional love and pride. He changed my life and saved my life; that’s why he’s my number 1.

SISU.

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If I had any ounce of normality or even sense left in me, I’d go to bed. But no, I’d much rather write. After I’ve done this I’m going to head to my room and write some songs. Maybe read. Then maybe sleep. I’ve got the perfect band to create a calming atmosphere. Are you ready?

SISU is Sandra from Dum Dum Girls other band. She thrashes the drums in Dum Dum Girls, but with SISU she calms you with her utterly divine vocals. She kind of makes you want to make your own music. I’m not musically talented at all. I can only write about it, but even my “talent” with that is bloody questionable.

What is it about SISU that grips you? Well to start with, EVERYTHING. As you delve deeper and deeper into their music, you cannot help but get a wonderfully New Romantic feel from it with hints of Siouxsie. Light Eyes is a prime example of this. If you’re getting into SISU on your own accord without knowing one of them is a Dum Dum Girl then you’re going to just fall in love. If you’re listening as a fan of Dum Dum Girls, you will also fall utterly in love with SISU.

Songs such as Infinity Net feel like a lucid dream. The best kind. It feels comforting yet quite haunting. The best songs make you feel this way. You conjure up images in your mind of desolate woods and total darkness. The things that stir you in your sleep, but at the same time inspire you to make something of your own. To make something of yourself.

The vocals on Sharp Teeth are INCREDIBLE. Enough to make you lose your mind and kiss the next person who walks past you. Providing it isn’t someone you dislike; but even then you may find enough tenderness in yourself to cast your dislike aside for a brief moment of kindness. Everything about Sharp Teeth is beautiful. You want to sing along; so do it. However, I must advise you be careful of your surroundings when doing so. Yesterday morning I was singing along loudly to Crocodiles and the postman knocked at the door. He heard me sing my little heart out. These things happen, they have to happen.

If you’re looking for a band that are going to give you delightful feelings that you may not be able to describe in words only noises or something, then SISU are for you. They are utterly for you. So just give yourself over to them.

Their music is dark and good for the soul. I know I haven’t done them justice with what I have written, so what I want you to do is go listen to them. Shut your eyes and open your mind to something truly out of this world. SISU are like falling in love with something/someone amazing for the first time, and with every listen you find something else to love about them. It is so pure.

SISU are delicate and stunning. You can listen to them right here : http://music.sisuband.com

Enjoy!

Popstrangers.

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It’s all well and good listening to music that makes you think as if you are floating away and into something better, but sometimes you’ve got to violate your ears in the most pleasurable way possible. Something loud is needed. Not the kind that makes your ears bleed, but the kind that makes you glad you’re breathing. You dig? Alright.

I don’t need to write some bullshit prose as to why you must get yourself turned onto Popstrangers; their music justifies fully why you need them in your life. However, it’s 11.10pm on a Friday night and I’ve spent my evening re-writing my CV and applying for jobs. All I want to do is fall asleep, but it won’t happen. Instead I’m finding bands that are waking up the dead parts of me. Popstrangers are doing that. They’re doing it better than most. I function when I’m really tired, but I feel this may turn into some awful rant. I’m going to try stay on track, but my attention span is all over the place. I’m not saying sorry for it. It adds a bit excitement to my mundane life.

Popstrangers are three exceptionally talented guys from Auckland. I’m not a fan of New Zealand for one reason only- my best friend moved there a few years ago, and I now only see her once a year. Aside from that, I’ve got nothing against the place at all. So let’s discuss music.

I firmly believe that, when you find a band that play with such heart and passion- you fast find yourself loving them with all you have. That’s why I believe music writers need to stop being silly you know? I don’t care if you hate a band, I want to hear about what you love. There’s enough negativity in the world; please don’t add to it. Music writers or anyone else. Just don’t be that asshole who carries around negative vibes.

This is why I adore Popstrangers. They play with such heart and it’s almost like a riot brewing in their music. The force and brutality are enough to make you want to throw stuff around your room and tell everyone to go fuck themselves, but as I’m a peaceful person- that won’t be happening. Although, I did nearly throw my phone into the road this afternoon. Stupid piece of shit. But, yes. Popstrangers have this ability to make you want to brawl or something. I’m a calm person, so feeling like this is new to me. It’s an alien concept but one I am enjoying because the music is just amazing.

So these three guys mix this out of this world dreamy feel with something noisy and bold. You think “Oh this cannot be!” But it’s real, and it exists. It’s heavenly and wonderful. To find fault in it would just make you entirely silly. Don’t be that person. If you don’t like it; move along and find something else.

The ferocious guitars, the furious drums and the feral bass sends you wild. It makes you shut your eyes and just go somewhere. I can’t tell you where it takes you, you’ve got to make that journey on your own. But when you get there, you’ll never want to leave. That’s the power of music; it makes you feel things you never thought you could. And it takes you places no plane could ever take you. It’s a magical journey that feeds the soul.

Their new song, Heaven is just gorgeous. It is one of the best songs around. It is hypnotising and soothing. It makes you feel like you are on some ethereal trip. Utterly divine.

Everything about Popstrangers is why I care so much about music. They make the kind of music that makes the most passionate person overwhelmed with emotion because it is THAT good. Hell..the word “good” doesn’t do this band justice. I think I’ve rambled. I’m sorry for that, but my love for Popstrangers? I cannot say I’m sorry about that. It’s the kind of love that stays with you. I’m hooked, in every way possible.

You can listen to their sounds right here : http://popstrangers.bandcamp.com/

“A confession’s not a cure. There’s always darkenss to endure, on the path to be redeemed.”

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Last night I went through all my stuff that I finally got out of storage. It had been in there for the past 11 months. It had been left in a place that I wouldn’t wish my worst enemy to go to (it must be added that I personally don’t have one, but I’m sure there are enough that hate me.) It was a place that’ll drain your soul and probably catapult your self-hate to a whole new level. I mean sure where I am living now does just the same, but I can hide from it easily. Places that ruin you cause you to go in on yourself. They also cause you to loath the skin you are in; but what can you do about it? Whilst I was going through all my stuff; I found some books that I’ve put to one side that I just need to re-read again. I’ve got a few books that I can read over and over again, and every time I do I find something else to love about the author and the book. Anyway, amongst all my stuff was an old mobile phone. I charged the phone for a bit, and I switched it on. My gut was saying “Why are you doing this?!” Turns out my head did the same too. So, I went through old messages. That wasn’t a smart move. But something clicked. Maybe all the texts from certain people were a lie; but things are different now. Maybe I had more than than I do now. Or maybe what I have now is a billion times better than it was. Truth is- I have nothing. I really don’t. I don’t mean this in a “woe is me” kind of way. Far from it, I’m not that kind of person. Self-pity is one of the worst things in the world. I mean, I don’t really hold onto things. So I went through some messages and turned the phone off. Sure it made me sad for a few minutes but then I saw some messages on the phone I have now. You compare the two and what I have now is more believable. I don’t know what it is, I may never know- but it’s working. It’s fine. I may have nothing going for me in a “job” sense but I’ve got other things that you cannot put a price on.

I know I am far too sentimental and sensitive for my own good. I know I need to toughen up; but if I did, that’d mean I was going against all I am and all I stand for. I don’t stand for much. Just the basic rule of being gentle and kind. That’s all I’ve got, that’s all I am. I feel like a boomerang and I need a home. I need something permanent. I’m nearly 26; I just want to settle anywhere but here. The year is nearly done, and I’ve done nothing of worth. Maybe I can change that next year. I tried to change it this year, but I didn’t get very far. Some of us are meant to succeed, some of us just waste our time trying. I need to figure out what I’m doing, but I feel sometimes that it’s too late. Should I have gone to uni? Should I ever have started writing? Should I start again? I have no idea. The only thing you can do is carry on in the hopes a solid answer just smacks you in the face. The things I want to do are constantly being shunned and told “oh you’ll never do it, you can’t do that.” In my head I think, “Fuck you.” But I just lower my head and carry on. What else can you do? I was told recently by a stranger, “The bands you love, they all started out with nothing and now they’re something. Use that.” A total stranger believes in me. Strangers are kind; they’re not all bad. She also said I had “lost eyes” but I’m not sure what she meant by that.

So anyway, my point is- leave the past in the past. It is okay to have self-doubt. It is okay to not be your biggest fan. It is okay to have shit days; but don’t forget the good ones. It’s okay to walk away and leave things/people behind because they probably didn’t realise you had gone anyway. To hell with what anyone tells you; do what makes YOU happy and for shits sake- put YOURSELF first because no one else will. Let them say you’re selfish if they must, but they’ve got it wrong. Try a different point of you, and be kind.

Dumb Talk.

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“Until the sun goes down you’ll be the one for me.
Until my brain burns out you’ll be the one.”

I’ve decided that bands from New York are the ones that truly own my heart. Obviously I have so much love for bands from the West Coast. I’m just basing this all on my love for New York Dolls, Velvet Underground and Ramones. The level of love I have for those three bands is ridiculous. Maybe borderline psychotic obsessive, or something. They can’t lock me up for that. Not yet. I just love them, that’s all.

Certain places have a specific sound. You just know straight away when you hear them where they are from. Or you THINK you know where they are from. It becomes like a guessing game. You don’t win anything though, such is life.

When I first listened to Dumb Talk no part of me knew where they were from; I was just blown away by their songs. And you know, that’s just how it should be. To hell with where a band is from, all that matters is the music. But if you must know, they’re from New York. They don’t sound like a “typical” New York band at all. Instead they mix a dreamy feel with brutal distorted sounds. Think along the lines of Wavves meets Beach House. Hyper meets calm. That kind of thing. Basically, they’re awesome.

Dumb Talk got together late last year, and this August put out their debut self-titled record. Now, this year has seen some amazing releases. Some were highly anticipated records from established artists and some were debut records that have put others to shame. Dumb Talk have done just that.

Dumb Talk do not sound like a band that have been together for a short time nor does their debut record sound like one. They sound like a solid band that have been around for at least 5 years. You see, when a band can do that; that’s when you know you have found something truly promising. Their songs just ooze the innocence and uncertainty of love. When you love someone, you want to keep it as pure and as precious as possible. I guess that’s one way of approaching Dumb Talk’s music too.

My favourite track so far (I’ve played the album on repeat over the past few days) is Princess but I also love Cry Baby. I’ll change my mind as soon as I hit “publish.” I can’t help it, it’s just a bloody good record.

Dumb Talk make ethereal garage rock music. I know that is seems like something that shouldn’t work. That garage rock music is brutal and bashes you in the face with every listen. Dumb Talk take the backbone of garage rock and add dreamy tones to it. It is utterly perfect and works in the most stunning way possible.

So what you should do is listen and get yourself a copy of their record here : http://dumbtalk.bandcamp.com/ and if you don’t want to listen to anything else but them for a while; then you’re listening right. Enjoy.

The Holydrug Couple.

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I think because my life is so utterly boring and dull, I have to listen to music that makes me feel like I am part of another universe. Part of a world that I actually feel some connection to. Have you ever walked around and thought, “This isn’t right, this isn’t for me.” It is almost like everything around you, you feel utterly disconnected from. I don’t mean this in a depressing way (Sundays are shit anyway, so no harm done.) I just mean, it makes you see that there is more to what you know than what you know. And you know this, and you just want to find it. You’ll find it eventually. I had a talk with a stranger last week, and she made me feel at ease that I don’t know what I want from life. She told me that people over the age of 40 feel the same. So, I guess it’s alright to remain lost. She said I had “lost eyes.” I’m still trying to figure out what she means, and how to take it. What you’ve got to do, what you must do is ignore all that is expected of you and put your own happiness first. Invest your time and being into what works for you. You’ve spent enough time being miserable. Let it go.

This is why we have bands like The Holydrug Couple. They send you off into a different universe. The colours and shapes take over your mind. Your eyes light up, and everything becomes clearer. You feel like you’re in some kind of haze, but it’s alright. It is like they have held out their hands for you to grab. You grab it, and you gently go with them on this mind-altering trip. They’ve got a song called Ancient Land, and it is 11 minutes of genius and perfection. One of my weaknesses in life are songs that go over 5 minutes. Songs that make you feel a sense of euphoria all over; they’re the best kind. It’s all well and good thinking “This songs sums up my LIFE.” But sometimes you just need to be taken on some euphoric trip.

The Holydrug Couple are two amazing musicians from Chile. Again, another band proving my biased theory that duos are the best. Everything about them leaves you wandering around in a daze after you’ve listened to them. I just got up to make a cup of tea, and I feel like I’m floating. They are a perfect headphones kind of band. Some bands are just made for that personal experience you know? When you find a band like that, your connection with the music just deepens. Your feelings towards the music heightens, and nothing can really compare to it. You gaze out of the window on the bus or fall asleep listening to it. You feel part of it.

I know it sometimes takes a lot for one to truly love a band from first listen, but when you find gems such as The Holydrug Couple you cannot help but fall recklessly and completely in love with their music. This feels like something from the 60s, and that alone gives you faith in “modern” music.

Go listen : http://theholydrugcouple.bandcamp.com

Lyrics Of 2012.

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I know the second I publish this I will want to change everything. I hate that I do this, but maybe I’ll write this and not look back on it. I hate looking back on anything I ever write because I always find fault. It is like looking in the mirror the second before you leave the house, and you think “I’m actually going to go outside with this face, and people will see…shit.” But, some things you have to do. Of course I don’t have to do this, but I want to. Mainly because I may be slightly bored. I don’t even know.

Lyrics are hugely important to me. I won’t care for a song unless I feel something for the lyrics. Lyrics can make you feel less alone, less shit and just give you comfort that you cannot get from a person. Yes it is all well and good knowing you are loved and can love; but at 4am when you’re alone and you feel like you’re hitting rock bottom- sometimes all you have is a song. You may turn on the radio and you catch a part of a song that just sums up how you feel. Or you may play your favourite song of all time to just get a piece of mind. So you can fall asleep without anything disturbing your mind.

There are so many songs I could have chosen for this. I know I have missed some out, and that alone pisses me off. I’ve limited myself to ten lyrics, but I know I could easily listen a lot more. These aren’t lyrics that I thought were clever or sounded good. They are lyrics that just mean a lot to me. Okay, so maybe the Swim Deep lyric I chose may not mean a lot- but the innocence behind it means a lot. Oh and they reference Warpaint so obviously I needed to mention it. One of my main issues was choosing which Dum Dum Girls lyric to use. Mine Tonight, Lord Knows and I Got Nothing have all got lyrics that mean a lot to me. All of End Of Daze is so pure and beautiful. But I went with Season In Hell because this specific line just grabbed me a bit more, I guess. I’m writing this listening to End Of Daze, and I’m close to changing my mind… I’ll try to refrain from doing so.

So, in order..here are my favourite lyrics of 2012 (I know it’s October but the world may end on 21st December so I’m just being prepared.)

10.  Swim Deep-King City : “And fuck your romance. I wanna pretend that Jenny Lee Lindberg is my girlfriend.” When I sing this, I always change it to all members of Warpaint. Sometimes I just use Emily Kokal’s name instead. I remember hearing this song for the first time and just being utterly in awe of the dream-like atmosphere they create with their sound. They are truly one of the best bands to have come out of Birmingham in a bloody long time. If their debut record comes out next year, I reckon it’ll easily be one of the best things we hear.

9. Mystery Jets-Someone Purer : “I was gripped with a bit of fear. Worried the one thing that I loved back when I was just a kid, might now never be enough.” Radlands is one of the best records of the year, that is so obvious. The opening of Someone Purer is one of my favourites of the year. Blaine’s delicate voice makes you cling onto every single word right from the start. You tremble and identify with every word. We’re told that, as we get older we should be more sure of ourselves. Thing is, I think someone of us get older and become less sure of ourselves. It is seen as a bad thing, but I don’t believe it is. We’re all works in progress and you cannot progress if you think you are above change and being honest with yourself. You can adapt to your surroundings, but at some point you know you want to be more. You want to see more. Someone Purer echoes adult frustrations through child-like innocence. It is just beautiful.

8. Willis Earl Beal- Monotony : “Could it be malaise? Or am I depressed? Just a life-long phase. I am not indirect, don’t consider me blessed. But don’t consider me cursed, in this chaotic mess. I guess that it could be worse.” Willis Earl Beal is the year’s greatest solo male artist. Sure he’s been around quite some time now, but his debut record came out this year and when I listened to it, Monotony was the song that gripped itself around my heart and head. These lyrics alone just show the sheer genius of Willis. His music hits you right in the soul.

7. Saint Lou Lou-Maybe You : “And if you’ve got an emptiness inside, you should let our worlds recollide.” I’m fairly sure Maybe You is my favourite song of the year. All year I had been waiting for a song to have this hold on me. I have to listen to it about 20 times a day or I just feel a bit sad. The lyrics are quite sad, but the music is so soothing and gentle. Yet, when you truly listen to it- you feel your heart-break. I know nobody ever wants to feel sad. But the sadness you get from listening to Maybe You is the kind of sadness that can be created and cured by the same thing. Music does this a lot, it’s not a bad thing. Sometimes you just have to feel sad; to remind yourself. However, the song also offers some reassurance and any wrong that has been done to you doesn’t have to matter. One person will get you through, even if their eyes are sad.

6. Garbage-Beloved Freak : “People lie and people steal. They misinterpret how you feel. And so we doubt and we conceal.” Garbage are my life so whatever I say about this song, I have more than likely said about their songs a hundred times before. They’re one of the few bands that, when I mention them or if anyone mentions them to me, I just feel instantly better. Not Your Kind Of People was the only record this year that I had truly truly been waiting for. It was all I wanted, and had been wanting for so long. I guess this year everything I wanted/had waited for, had actually happened. Some are music based, but the most important thing wasn’t music based. But I’m not telling you. You don’t need to know. What I love about Garbage is how vulnerable Shirley’s lyrics are. One every record of theirs, they have at least 2 or 3 songs that just ooze vulnerability. Or songs that are for those who aren’t sure and a bit lost. Run Baby Run to Medication to The Trick Is To Keep Breathing to Tell Me Where It Hurts and all in-between. Beloved Freak made me bawl when I first heard it, and I still get teary-eyed when I play it. It is the perfect end to a wonderful record. It just makes you feel less horrendous and allows a small dose of self-acceptance to creep in. Something we all need.

5. Cat Power- Always On My Own : “I want to live my way of living.” Everything I just said above about Garbage, I feel about Cat Power. Sun was another record I had been bursting to hear this year. Highly anticipated and greatly loved from the first listen. I cannot pick a favourite song off Sun, but I can easily pick my favourite lyric. This line is just so utterly perfect and so fucking true. When you have to change your way of living because of your surroundings, it gets you down. It breaks you and ruins you. Then you leave; and you’re happy. Then you come back, and you’re just a shell of who you are. Yet, the only good thing is that the ones you love don’t get to see that. Imagine if they saw you at your lowest. No thanks. Cat Power has always provided comfort for the soul. My love for You Are Free is insane. That record is like a guide for life. I guess most of her songs can be seen as that. I just love her so much.

4. Beach House-Myth : “Can’t keep hanging on to what is dead and gone. If you build yourself a myth, you’d know just what to give. Materialise, or let the ashes fly.” I remember where I was and the day when I first heard Myth. I needed it. I was just about to leave here to try start my life again somewhere else. My life consists of false starts; this eventually would turn into a massive false start, but I had to do it. I’ll probably keep doing it, and I may never get it right. Beach House are good for the soul. Beach House mend you. They put you back together again. They make every part of you feel warm and loved; even if you are without love. They make you feel as if you are in love, even if you’re not with anyone at all. The power in their music constantly leaves me in awe. So delicate and ethereal. For me, Myth is the process of letting go. Let go of the bad, and create something better. It may be make believe for others, but who cares? So long as you believe, nothing else matters. This specific part of the song just means the world to me. You know when something is so personal, no words can actually describe it and all it means to you? That’s how I feel about it, and how I feel about the vast majority of their songs.

3. Metric-Artificial Nocturne : “I’m just as fucked up as they say. I can’t fake the daytime. Found an entrance to escape into the dark. Got false lights for the sun. It’s an artificial nocturne; it’s an outsider’s escape for a broken heart.” Oh Emily Haines. How you manage to unleash a fraction of my thoughts in one verse. You’ve done it again. You always do it. This is another example of a perfect album opener. Hearing this was enough for me to know Synthetica was going to be an incredible record. I’m still going through my phase of playing this song about 5 times before I play the rest of the record. Artificial Nocturne just shows that Emily Haines is more than a song-writer. Her words are poetry. Her words are life, her life, your life, my life- everything. There is something so vital about this song. It provides a lifeline. It gives hope. It makes you feel as if she is projecting all your ugly feelings and making them into something beautiful. We all need that, sometimes we need it more times than we care to acknowledge.

2. Crocodiles- No Black Clouds For Dee Dee : “No more lost girls walking from you. No more sickness sleeping in you. No more
fools spit judgements on you. No more dead birds raining on you.” Quite possibly the best love song of the year. Endless Flowers is probably my favourite full length record of the year. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love them. After FINALLY seeing them live this year, and this song too; my love for them just grew. I didn’t think it could, but it turns out after waiting over 3 years to see a band that mean more than the world to you, causes your love and admiration for them to just explode. I could pick any song off Endless Flowers, but I chose No Black Clouds For Dee Dee because it is such an honest yet simple love song. It just oozes devotion and the urge to look after the one you love. When you listen to this, you cannot help but think of the one you love. The keeper of your heart. Romance and love isn’t expensive gifts and pretentious prose. Romance and love is being totally honest and gentle actions. This song just portrays this in the most beautiful and open way possible. I love everything about this song.

1. Dum Dum Girls- Season In Hell : “A confession’s not a cure. There’s always darkness to endure, on the path to be redeemed.” At first I wanted to go with something from Lord Knows. Then I went to Mine Tonight. I decided on Season In Hell because I just really love this lyric. I cannot tell you how many times I have played End Of Daze since it came in the post last week. It’s on constant repeat. I play it EVERYWHERE. Season In Hell is just perfect. It makes you feel GOOD. The line I chose to use is so true, so apt. Dee Dee is one of my favourite song-writers easily. I personally feel she is my generation’s Patti Smith. Her words are so powerful, even when they seem quite frail and delicate. You take such strength from it because you know someone else has endured the same battle as you. I could quite happily write a thousand more words on this song, this lyric but you just have to listen to it, to fully understand how important it is. The whole song just lifts your spirits. Not everything stays shit forever. You won’t feel like this forever, because nothing in life is permanent. Not even life itself. I love the ending too, “Lift your gaze, it’s the end of daze.” It is just wonderful. There are so many words I could use to describe the lyric I chose, but none are good enough. All I know is that it is my favourite I’ve heard all year, pretty much speaks for itself really.

Rainy Milo.

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Kind of getting annoyed with a lot of female singers trying to be like other female singers that aren’t that good, you know? They use auto-tune because they can’t hold a tune. The same redundant and plain lyrics every single time. I know that some people like this; some people think songs about getting drunk in a club are actually of worth and have depth. But hey, each to their own. I’d rather hear something dark and a bit creepy. You can make of that what you want. You may be wrong though.

Rainy Milo is a fantastic singer from London. Yeah I know, roll your eyes and think “Oh another one.” But not this time. Rainy not only has a beautiful name; but a truly beautiful and heartbreaking voice. When you can hear the pain and every emotion in a singer’s voice, that’s when you truly connect to them.

Age isn’t important (unless you want to buy things that need ID) so we don’t need to mention that. No idea how old Rainy is, but she gives you that same feeling Amy Winehouse gave you when you first heard her. How can someone so young have such a powerful voice?! When I try to sing, I sound like I am..well, doing anything but singing. Rainy’s songs are easy to relate t. It doesn’t matter who or what you are; you’ll identify with her songs. She’ll make you feel like you’ve found someone who is telling your story. You can’t get the words out, but she can. She does it in a way that you wish you could. Keep trying, you’ll get there.

Come Up And See Me is so so beautiful. Rainy’s vocals are so pure and heartfelt on this song. You give yourself over to the song, and you put yourself in her position. You take the pain in the song, and you truly feel it. Rainy just has an exquisite and passionate voice, this really cannot be said for so many around. She’s got something different to offer so err..don’t be stupid and TAKE IT.

You can listen to her stunning music right here : http://soundcloud.com/rainymilo

Myla Smith-Drugs.

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Our vices and habits can sometimes be the things that destroy us, or are sometimes the only things we have. And what do we have? Do we ever own anything? I own nothing of worth. The most expensive thing I own are my Docs, they were £50. Material things mean nothing, but I really did need a pair of shoes at that time. They’re close to being ruined now; but they’re all I have. The more money you have; the more you want. I have no money. I panic when I find change in my pocket because I don’t know if it is mine. Like Bob Dylan sang, “When you got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose.” Bobby provides the soundtrack to my life, always has. Always will. Pour out what makes you vulnerable, and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re wrong.

When you listen to Myla Smith’s EP, Drugs you cannot help but think about all the things that make you weak. The things that make you a mess inside and you can only unleash them when you’re alone. A person could be your weakness, I think for most that is the case. One of mine is animal programmes. Watched a programme about a zoo yesterday and pretty much cried all through it. I may look like I’d mug you or something; but I’m too sensitive for my own good. My (fake) leather jacket is my shield. The song, Chemistry shows how a person can sometimes take over our minds and god knows what else with one look or one word. Sometimes this is a good thing; sometimes this is a bad thing. I don’t think I’ve ever let anyone get that close in order to fully relate to that though. But I know what it is like to have someone in the front of your mind. Always. That isn’t a bad thing.

This Time I Mean It is almost like letting go. You realise you need to let go of all the bad surrounding you. We’ve all got things in our lives that make us weak and make us think we’re dependent on them. Truth is, letting go is one of the strongest things a person can do. When you can turn your back on something or someone who is no good for you, it’s like you become a different person. You can become all you want to be. All you know you can be. Walking away is not always a bad thing.

As someone who is massively into lyrics; I simply cannot find any fault in Drugs (the album, actually substances? I do have an issue with. HUGS NOT DRUGS.) Not that I listen to anything to find fault in them. I’m not that kind of person. I’m too kind, I always must see the good in things and people. It’s a vice of mine, or maybe I’m just stupid. It’s alright.

What I’ve noticed this year is that a lot of strong EPs have been more evident than LPs. You can sure put Drugs up there in one of the most honest and beautiful EPs you’ll hear all year.

Drugs is released on the 16th October. Memphis is the home of many inspiring artists from Aretha Franklin to Otis Redding to Howlin’ Wolf, It is just the home of great music, and great musicians. Myla is easily one of them.

http://www.mylasmith.com/

Dum Dum Girls-Lord Knows (video.)

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“Together but all alone.”

Have you got End Of Daze yet? You should. It’s the best EP you will hear all year. Okay, so after what seems like an eternity the video to Lord Knows is finally here.

Before I declare it as VIDEO OF THE YEAR (which it is) you must watch it with a clear mind. Maybe feeling a bit week and lost; because when the video has ended, you will feel complete again. This basically is what happens when you listen to Dum Dum Girls anyway. They give you everything you need, and much more in order for you to carry on. I know it is hard at times; I know more than I should. Lest we try to forget. Fight to forget it, and you end up wearing everyone else’s scars. What a bastard it is. But anyway, Lord Knows is like a call to change. To stop the hurt; to just be better. If this song was around a few years ago, I may not have been such a horrible person to a few. Maybe that all had to happen. I am without them, and I feel much better. Dum Dum Girls make it okay for you to have vulnerable and unsure feelings. The way Dee Dee writes is nothing short of great poetry. I’m talking the genius of Rimbaud. Mixed with the heart of Patti Smith and the soul of Lou Reed. She’s the Patti of my generation for sure. Don’t turn a blind eye, you’ll be missing out. You don’t want to miss out.

Lord Knows is dark and will ease you into self-discovery. If it doesn’t make you emotional then you are watching it wrong. The fragility of the video and song just hits you right in the gut. Christin Turner ( http://www.christinturner.com) has truly directed the best video of the year for sure. It is just 4 minutes and 19 seconds of pureness and honesty. The song and the video are nothing short of beautiful.

End the daze kids, end the daze xx