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Jamie Hince.

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“How it stirs me, how it stirs me now. To think my fire burnt them out.”

There is something entirely captivating about a duo. The way they are on stage makes you totally believe in all they do, all they stand for and all that they are. Duos fascinate me because they seem to make more noise than a band with 4+ members. They seem more inclined to prove themselves. They play with such aggression and sincerity. There is one man who I firmly believe as being one of the most underrated guitarists of the past decade. I say decade because that is how long he has been in the band I have followed since the start. All hail Jamie Hince from The Kills. I’ve already written about my love for Alison, so it is only right I delve into my love for Jamie and why I love him so. This could take some time, this may read like a rant that will never make sense. I know of no other way to write it seems.

I love the way Jamie holds the guitar on stage as if it is a machine gun, as he directs it towards Alison and the crowd. The way he moves on stage and makes the sounds of his guitar with his mouth. The way he plays is how a true musician should play. With power, with passion- with a gang mentality. Do or die. That’s what you get from The Kills. The Kills, for me just go beyond being a band. They become a way of life. Anyone who truly truly loves and adores this band will know what I mean. The way he plays is enough to make me want to start my own duo with someone I can menacingly yet playfully point a guitar at. But I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I just cannot and will not ever be able to play an instrument. I’m okay with absorbing all the music I can from the bands I love rather than try start my own thing.

What fascinates me about Jamie is how he manages to make so many sounds without making you get all confused about what you are hearing. You take in every single note, you take it all in and it becomes part of you. Something takes over. When I listen to songs like Fuck The People or Pull A U, it feels likes some kind of brutal tension building up. With Alison’s delicate vocals and Jamie’s aggressive guitar playing you become so enthralled with what you are hearing. What do you do? Do you just sit there? NO. You fucking dance/move as if you are possessed, as if you are about to start a fight. Why be gentle when you can make a mess.

Their debut record, Keep On Your Mean Side will ALWAYS be my favourite record by them.  I personally feel it shows Jamie at his most aggressive. The record starts with Superstition. You combine THAT scream Alison does with his guitar skills, you fast become aware that you are about to hear one of the best records of all time. It is one of the very few records that instilled something in me that goes beyond words. It is one of those records that I will always look back on and think, “this record defines so much for me.” The Kills aren’t just a band I listen to for any specific reason other than I just HAVE to. It becomes part of my routine. I play them in the shower, singing Jamie’s guitar parts which sometimes causes my mum to yell “WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THERE?!” I just have to constantly have their thrashing and passionate sounds in my ear. Since I first heard them all those years ago, I have not gone a day without listening to them. I love watching how, when Jamie plays it is like he controls how Alison moves on the stage. At times she stalks the stage like a panther. Then you see her move as if something is taking her over. It is the crowd, the energy and the way Jamie plays. Their chemistry goes beyond being able to put into words. It is sacred, but you feel part of it. How she spins around and bends her body from how Jamie slays the guitar causes you to move the same. They both control you in their own way. Jamie causes you to move like a person possessed and Alison captivates you with how she stares deep into you as she sings the songs that own your heart.

One thing I truly appreciate about Jamie’s guitar playing is that you never hear any sadness. With some guitarists, they can make it sound sad. With Jamie it always sounds so full, hopeful, passionate, raw and alive. Pots And Pans is a prime example of this. For me that song just seems so hopeful. I’m not sure what the hope is directed at, but there is something positive there. I’m not sure if I could pick a favourite track by The Kills but I know Keep On Your Mean Side is my favourite record.

Nostalgia and questions fill you as you listen to The Kills. Jamie’s guitar playing makes you feel like you are battling everyone around you. You are part of this road trip that they are taking you on. You’ve been on it for so long, and you know you will never leave. Do or die. Do or die. It will never leave. You feel like you are on some chase. Desert road or highway, you are being sought after by the law. Or someone who possibly hates you. The windows are down, dust hits your face, drive harder, drive faster. Don’t give up. That’s how he makes you feel. You cannot give up. Then Alison’s voice makes you feel comforted. They are on this journey with you. The music is your keeper, your safety net. For me, my lifeline. There is no deeper or greater love.

A band can sum up a generation. A band can be your life. A band can be that friend at 4am when you have no idea what is going on. A band can be that thing you lean on as you stumble home in a drunken haze. A band can be the hangover cure. A band can be the ultimate cure. A band can lead you to wherever you want to go. For me, The Kills are that band. It was love at first listen (and sight of course.)

It does piss me off that Jamie doesn’t get the recognition that he really deserves, but it makes you treasure his genius even more. When I walk around listening to them, I feel like nothing or no one can touch me. They make me feel invincible, less alone and capable. They give me something that I’ll never get anywhere else. The Kills are home. The Kills are all I know. Their lyrics, their songs are like a guide. “It’s alright, to be mean.”

When I saw them live, it was like my eyes had been opened up to another world. I denounced all that came before, all that came after was to be compared to that moment. If it doesn’t move me or make me feel like that night or like a record by The Kills does- then I don’t want to know. I want to feel like my soul has been shaken. That my face has been confronted with Jamie’s machine gun moves. A brutal force takes over and you realise- YOU ARE FUCKING ALIVE.

The Kills give me hope. They have proven that you do not need much to be heard. And if they can’t hear you- be a bit more mean (alright so I cannot be mean and I’m too gentle for my own good ssshusssh.) and turn it up a touch more louder. Don’t let them take you alive, and always ALWAYS put up a fight.

It feels wrong to write about Jamie without falling back on Alison. They are two of the most important people in my life that I’ll never meet. When a band change your life, you feel as if you have so much to say. I haven’t even covered half of how I feel. The love is there though, the love will always be there.

The Grafham Water Sailing Club.

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 “No one deserves what I put you through, there’ll never be another you.”

Music should scare you. Music should make you feel like something is being pulled out of you. Like a gentle exorcism. I don’t even know if that is a thing. I’ve just made it a thing. You know what else is a thing? I have a disgustingly high phone bill that I have to pay. If I could fake my own death to not pay it, please believe I would do it. I’ve put it off long enough. Anyway, back to what truly matters- music.

Coventry! So much to answer for. The midlands are currently out-doing London in terms of exciting new bands. From Swim Deep to Peace. Yet there’s one band that you may (or may not have) heard of just yet. If the music industry had anything about them, the band I’m going to tell you about would be hailed as the best thing to come out of Coventry since The Specials. However it doesn’t work like that. With a lot of music journalists being pretentious and quick to slag off bands, it makes me realise why no one will ever listen to me and what I have to say. I’m far too nice. But, it’s my general nature. Sure I listen to bands that make dark and creepy music- but that doesn’t mean I have a miserable disposition and hate everything. Most things I dislike aren’t to do with music. Therefore, I’m not going to sit here and slag someone off. What’s the point? Although I am one, I have a severe dislike for music journalists. Or maybe as I head towards hitting 26, I am now going to start hating EVERYTHING. I can’t wait to be 60 years old typing even more nonsense and complaining about my false teeth. That’ll be good for everyone.

The Grafham Water Sailing Club make music that will scare you a bit. They make you feel like someone is coming to get you. You know the scene. Silly person thinks it is totally safe to walk through the woods at midnight then BOOM! A creepy person appears and proceeds to chase them. It’s that feeling the first few records by The Cure give you. There is something sinister about the music, and the vocals. But if you listen extremely closely you’ll find yourself being transported into some insane world where nothing and no one can touch you. I suppose lazy people will say they sound like Joy Division just because it is an easy thing to do. I’m not one for making life easy on myself (or others it seems) so I refuse to go with that. I refuse to compare them to anyone as it isn’t fair. If you want a band that sound like Joy Division, go listen to Joy Division. If you want a new band that sound better than most bands around, then listen to The Grafham Water Sailing Club. Simple as really.

They’ve got some tracks up on their Soundcloud page : http://soundcloud.com/xtxgxwxsxcx

You’ve probably got nothing to do, so hopefully(if you know what’s good for you) you will click on that link and fall in love. If someone asked me what new band I really love right now, I would honestly have to say these lads. They have something about them that makes me remember why I just love music more than anything else. They’re a band you play when you just need something to help you zone out. I know most turn to drugs or whatever to get that kind of feeling- I just use music. It’s cheaper and excess use of it won’t kill me. Nor will I end up looking like Keith Richards.  HUGS NOT DRUGS, KIDS. Whatever..do what you want.

You know how Primary Colours by The Horrors blew your mind because it sounded so different to everything else around? And you probably found yourself thinking, “Why aren’t there new bands coming out with their own sound like this? Why aren’t more bands experimenting and going beyond?” If I had the answers..but I don’t. Instead all I can give you are new bands that are truly brilliant. If I didn’t know that TGWSC were from Coventry, I’d probably think they were from the depths of Berlin and probably make their music at 3am in some desolate warehouse. Maybe they do that, but in Coventry. Who knows.

Pericolo is my favourite track by them that I’ve heard. There is lucid feel to it. You feel like you are falling fast into a trance when you listen to them. I want music to make me feel like I have no control over my mind and limbs. Although for the most part, I am pretty clumsy. Being short and having awkward limbs is the bane of my life. I hate having to say what songs I prefer because I truly love what I have heard so far.

If you love music that makes you feel like you are on some weird trip. Music that sounds so ethereal and just catapults you into a state you never want to come down from- then The Grafham Water Sailing Club are for you. If you want a new band to fall in love with, they are for you. They are yours. Treasure them. Spread the word. Give them your ears, give them your love. I think the main reason as to why I love them is because they cite Salt ‘N’ Pepa as one of their influences on their Facebook page. I’m not being sarcastic reader. I have so much love for Salt ‘N’ Pepa. I used to want to dress like them. I think I wanted to be part of the band too. That desire is still there. Anyway, more to the point- I love their music (TFWSC) because you can tell they are doing their own thing. They make music because they want to and have a love for it. They’re not ripping anyone off which is all the more reason as to why you need them in your life.

The Doozies.

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Forever fascinated by duos in music. I don’t know what it is, or maybe I do. Maybe I presume I don’t know so every time I find a new duo or whatever, I find something else to leave me in awe. Creating false mystery for myself so I can add a brief stint of excitement to my deathly boring life. It’s alright, I’ve stopped waiting for something to happen. Round here, nothing happens. It’s like I have to jump out of bed and cause a head-rush if I want to feel something strange. It’s cheap I guess.

The Doozies are a duo. They sound like there’s about 10 of them. Okay, maybe 5. They’re brilliant. If they were shit, I wouldn’t write about them. I don’t want to slag anyone off. I’m not *insert name of whoever…* What’s the point? Why would I want to tell you about something shite? That makes no sense. I want you to listen not ignore. Why are most music journalists lazy? My favourite thing is people who have blogs and call themselves a journalist. Piss off man. I gave a friend some paracetamol once, does that makes me a doctor? Alright now. Rage aside, The Doozies. The fucking DOOZIES man. Listen up.

So noisy, so good. I love them. They’re influenced by cheeseburgers. Bands influenced by food- why aren’t there more about? Why can’t bands be more open about that? I mean you don’t want a clinically obese band saying, “Yeah we’re influenced by brown rice and apples.” Would you believe them? Who knows. Anyway, these brothers are influenced by cheeseburgers. I’m a vegetarian so I don’t get how they can be influenced by a dead cow, but hey- each to their own. Once I ate some tofu and ran a mile…okay I didn’t. See, I cannot tell lies. It just isn’t in me.

The Doozies are perfect for those who are fed up and pissed at something/someone. They make you accept that all that is getting you down is a waste of time. Most things quite frankly, are. I guess some things in life have the potential to mean something. I’m not entirely sure.

I’m listening to their tracks, and they give that brilliant basement band thing. It’s just these two brothers making incredible music. It feels personal as in, only they know what the songs are about- they won’t give you the true meaning. You’ve got to find it out for yourself, that’s how it should be. Cryptic in the face of corruption. The world is fucked yo. It’s fine. Deal with it and pay it no mind. You can only change yourself and nothing else.

I love the tracks Trashcan USA and Lemonade. Both are hopelessly comforting. If something or someone has made you feel a bit like “Well fuck you then.” This band are for you. It’s a fantastic middle finger to those that piss you off. That said though, they really don’t sound angsty. They sound truly passionate about the music they are making; that is why I love them.

Bands that play with all they have are easy to fall in love with. When you can sense that the music that they make means everything to them, you find the band meaning everything to you. It’s fascinating how a band from a small town in the States can make someone living in the middle of nowhere near England feel this deeply about a band. I want to see them live. They’ve got to come to England. Better yet, someone fund me to get to the States so I can see them and a whole bunch of other bands I love.

This is noise, this is passionate, this is everything. Maybe bands like The Doozies won’t be plastered all over magazines and sell out arenas. But it isn’t about that; it’s about the music they make. And they make stunning music that is perfect for every mood possible. You don’t have to be a certain kind of person to dig this band. You may not get it at first, but you’ll be won over soon enough. I just love them and I hope someone picks up on these brothers- they’re far too perfect to ignore.

Get to know: http://doozies.bandcamp.com/

(Check out the track Gimme Gum and the new one, Burger King.)

Be careful when trying to find them- there’s another band with the same name.

A Victim Of Society.

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The mind is a terrible thing to waste, they seem to say. The heart is a terrible thing to ignore, I say. Then the conversations stop because I’m apparently in the wrong. I’m not one for ever listening to what my head tells me. I follow my heart and it always leads me to disappointment and what have you. It has never worked out for me, but I do it anyway. It’s not that I don’t learn, I just believe that the heart is the strongest point. Your mind can trick you. The heart doesn’t lie to you. How does this even tie in with the band I’m going to tell you about? Truth is, it really doesn’t. I just wanted to type that out. I hope you skip this opening paragraph and just go straight for the music. There’s always a hidden message. Maybe one day someone will pick up on it and think “hey, that person is my soulmate.” That’d be nice, but I’m nobody’s type. That’s just how it is. But, enough of that. It is highly irrelevant. What I need to do is tell you about a band that have stolen my heart. Corrupted my mind and I refuse to let this be a bad thing. Real love in the form of a record.

A Victim Of Society come from Greece. I don’t know much about Greek bands, but I know this- A Victim Of Society have violated my ears in the most pleasurable way possible. There’s this fucking INSANE lo-fi vibe all around it, and I think I am in love. I am hopelessly and wonderfully in love with this band. It just feels RIGHT you know? You know when you just connect with a band and it seems like it is meant to be? That’s going on right now. I’ve made it a thing, this is a big deal. I like to think having NO life at all whilst living here is a good thing because I kill time by finding bands to love. A Victim Of Society are currently sending every part of me to ridiculous stratospheres right now.

I’ve had them on repeat for quite some time now. The same feeling is building up. It is burning inside of me. Is this what love is? Or did I just drink my cup of tea stupidly fast? Love and tea, easy to mix up. What is going on. Rhetorical. Don’t answer. Let’s back it up…I just really dig A Victim Of Society. I love the name (I love the name a lot.) I love how fucked up and dark their music is. If they see this,  I do not mean it as an insult. Most of what I listen to is dark, tormented and twisted. I love you guys. I love you so much. Fangirling aside now.

A Victim Of Society riddle your ears with a distorted sound that you only thought you could find in 80s shoegaze kind of bands. WRONG. You get it right now. Right NOW. With this band. That feel surrounds all their music. Put on your battered leather jacket, your ripped jeans and your favourites shoes- act mean. Stare, and fall in love. Don’t let them tear themselves away from your eye. This is fucking intense. This is what you live for. It is aggressive. It’s going to shake up your bones something good. This isn’t a band you make love to (although, high 5 if you have done.) This is a band you probably fuck shit up to. If you’re strange like myself, you’ll probably find this band relaxing. There’s something about them. There’s just two of them and they make this grand sound. It is incredible. Oh look, another duo. I’ve really got something going with this you know. You may think I don’t, but I’m right. Partially.

I want to get into the song Car Chase with you real quick. You see, it is terrifying. It’s a song you’d probably hear in a murder scene or in some twisted David Lynch kind of film. Their music feels like a David Lynch film. It is strange but ethereal in its own way. It is beautiful but tormented. Some of the best things in life are exactly like that. They are dark, but have a beautiful smile. I don’t know. Why is a sense of romance coming out right now? I’m shunning it. Car Chase is probably my favourite track I’ve heard so far. But you know by the time I’ve put this out for the rest of the internet to see, I’ll probably change my mind about 10 times. I just love them.

They formed last year and..I really cannot tell you how much I enjoy their music. They have this brilliant Garage Rock thing going on that I just adore (I really love Garage Rock bands) The thing is, when bands sometimes go that way they sometimes don’t do it quite right. It is like they are trying super hard to sound like something else. A Victim Of Society remind me slightly of Dirty Beaches. A lo-fi sound with deeper meanings. There is something hidden, and when you find it you will treasure it for as long as you possibly can. That’s just how I feel about the band. There’s something you’ve got to be willing to give yourself over to. This isn’t just a casual listen, this is commitment. They don’t want your blood, they just want your time and ears. Your love too. Give them your love.

 

Poolside.

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SUMMER IS HERE! Oh wait..no it isn’t. No, it’s gone. Unless you’re in LA. It never rains in Southern Californiaaaaa..but it fucking pisses it down in the UK. That’s a better version, more accurate. Alright, so I no longer really care for much. I’m at that point now where I want to turn my phone off and never turn it on again. I want to stay indoors and avoid my own reflection. Avoid mirrors and anything else. I don’t know what it is. I think all the constant job rejections are taking their toll. I’m getting too serious, and you really don’t need to know about how much of a failure I truly am. So, let’s have some music that does the opposite of making you feel like shit alright?!

Poolside is an LA based duo. If you’ve ever read anything I’ve written you’ll know I have huge love for LA and the music from there. I’ve never been there, but in my heart I know I’ve got to live there. I want the dive bars and basement bands. I want the rough and uneasy. I want to struggle in the sunshine. I want to leave England, basically. Poolside are nothing short of heavenly.

They make music that makes you feel good about yourself. There’s something there that no other band can probably pull out of you right now. It’s impossible for any other band to get this fucked up feeling out of you. They make you want to dance, drink as many cocktails as you can before you feel like you’re going to vomit out a rainbow. They just make you feel so alive. I want to make shirts and banners, parade them about with them reading “LISTEN TO POOLSIDE.” You’ve got to listen to them kids, you’ve just got to.

The duo’s new track Slow Down makes you want to hide in the shade and close your eyes. Forget doing anything at all when you listen to this duo. You won’t be able to keep up the focus. Your brain will wander off and your eyes won’t know where to look. Juts try to relax and take in the beautiful moment.

You create your own beautiful moments in life. They can be anything. Some may regard it as looking deep into the eyes of the person they love. Then you have those who feel listening to a certain song just creates that beautiful moment. I’m with those kind of people. They’re the kind I’d want to be chums with. Poolside’s sound has been described as “daytime disco” if anyone wants to elaborate on that, go ahead because I really don’t understand. Are you now going to have evening metal? Dusk rap? No. Stop with your silly sub-genres. Stop it. Just listen to the music and don’t be so preoccupied with categorising it. When you do that, you take away the true art. STOP IT.

The band is currently working on their debut record, and going by what they have released so far it is pretty safe to say that when it does come out, it will blow your mind.

I’d make a hipster joke but I don’t feel quite humorous today.

Cat Sized Panda.

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If a band/singer has a strange name, I’ll probably love them. If they make music that also sounds a bit strange, I’ll love them even more. I don’t understand people who limit themselves to one genre of music. Do you have ANY idea on what you’re missing out on? Sometimes I really hate going to sleep because I just want to stay awake and find new music. To any bands that have a “YOUR SONG HAD 69408409 HITS AT 3AM” that was probably me. When I can’t sleep, that is what I do. I look for new music. I know I should be looking for a paid job (actually during the day, that is what I do..it causes me to hate myself so I wait for the evening so I can do this.) Finding new music or being sent new music makes me happy. When a band/singer emails me or something with their music, it makes me happy. And most think I’m miserable! (I’m not, I’ve just got an unfortunate face..like I’ve said many times before, I’m trying to change it.)

Alright, so some new music. Cat Sized Panda makes music that makes you feel like you are drifting. What you are drifting to- or even from is..well, I don’t know. That’s up to you. Start the journey the same as ever, but I cannot give you the destination kid. His music makes you feel weightless and spaced out. Do you want comparisons? I cannot give you one. But if you like Boards Of Canada and Burial, you should hopefully dig Cat Sized Panda. Like he said to me, “to be honest I find it difficult to place what I do into a specific genre.” And it is true, as I listen to the tracks on his bandcamp page I find it impossible to find where you’d place his music. This is a good thing, a bloody good thing. You see, when you listen to a piece of music and no part of you understands what it is- that’s when you know you’ve found something truly special. A lot of the music I listen to can probably be classed as “weird” but with Cat Sized Panda, I’d just call it beautiful.

Personally, I wouldn’t listen to his music whilst doing stuff such as putting the bins out or whatever. This is the kind of music you play on the night-bus or when you’re alone in your room just searching for some depth to whatever it maybe or when you just need to go for a walk and get outside of your own head for a while. Listen to it alone and through headphones.

A lot of bands will say “Oh this is experimental what we do.” GOOD. All music should be experimental so I won’t disrespect Cat Sized Panda by saying he’s experimental. I’m just going to say that this is exciting music. This is music that you need. This guy will get you through. There’s no words in his music, and as someone who is obsessed with lyrics- I find this to be equally as moving and heartfelt as I do towards a Morrissey song. You don’t always need words to reach hearts and make people listen.

Please please head over to his bandcamp page :  http://catsizedpanda.bandcamp.com/ and just enjoy.

My personal favourite so far is the Fallen EP. Bollocks to it..the man is a friggin’ genius!

“Throw her to the earth through the burning air. Big bang survivor.”

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Over the past few weeks..maybe months I have ended up playing the same few songs every day on repeat. Fully aware no one will care about what I’m listening to, but maybe one person does. If one person does, then goes to listen to the following songs and likes them- then I’m okay with that. I have no idea how many I’m going to list as there’s a few. I’ll try cut it down.

My love for Jesca is BIG. Big love for her. Her voice is stunning. She is a fascinating artists. She needs to be huge. I want her to take over the world and as many hearts as possible in the process. This song is bloody brilliant. Born To is quite inspirational, then again it depends on the kind of person you are really. Anyway, I think the chorus is just beautiful. I love her..that’s all there is to it really. 

 POLIÇA are SO good. This is the kind of music you just zone out to. Nothing really matters when you listen to them. That’s what you need, you need something that just cancels everything out. It’s sort of like having a friend or whatever that means more to than anything, and no one or nothing can take you away from it. I could be wrong. It’s a beautiful song. Their debut record is utterly perfect. It’s like Heaven in record form.

Alright, I cannot put into words how much I love Metric and how excited I am that their new record is FINALLY here. Was it worth the wait? It’s Metric! Of course it bloody well was. I love this song SO much. Probably my favourite off the album, and if you don’t have it- why not? Mug someone for the money if you must, and buy it. I just love it. Artificial Nocturne is such a wonderful opener to Synthetica. I love the lyrics so much. “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.” Think I’ve found my favourite lyric of the year.

You know how much I love Crocodiles. They’ve pretty much been my life since 2009. They’ve dragged me out of hell and into whatever I seem to be in now. All three of their records mean a lot to me. Endless Flowers is EASILY in my Top 3 favourites of the year. I cannot fault, why would I want to? How could you find fault in this band? You just can’t. Endless Flowers is going to get me through Summer. I’m going to need all the help I can get. I did want to choose another track, but I think (I may be wrong) Endless Flowers is the next single. It’s bloody excellent anyway!

THEESatisfaction are a duo that pretty much, again back up my theory that duos are the best. There’s something about two people making music. You feel more connected because you know they probably work harder as there’s less of them. Just look at The Kills, Beach House etc- you can feel the connection so deeply. You cling onto every word. THEESatisfaction are incredible. Their record will blow your mind. They’re one band I am utterly desperate to see live. 

I never would’ve listened to this song if I didn’t know Shirley Manson had co-written this song. I never would’ve known Sky had a new song out if it wasn’t for Sky. I’ve had this on repeat most of the day. And yes, I love the video. Sky is beautiful. I can ignore the bastarding thing with 8 legs that’s all up in this video and accept it is art. I really can. The bass in the intro reminds me of that song, Owner Of A Lonely Heart for some odd reason. I absolutely ADORE this song. And you know, regardless who co-wrote it or not- this song is fucking insane. It feels like a massive “FUCK YOU.” For that reason alone, it reminds me of Garbage’s Stupid Girl. I just love this song. And if her new record sounds like this, I’m buying it. Actually, I’ll probably buy it anyway. So long as there are no more spiders featured… 

My love for Cold Cave is EXACTLY like my love for Crocodiles. I discovered them both at the same time. On the same day. I’ll always remember it. Something so miserable turned into something worth sticking around. I’ve ALWAYS had much love for Wes (I was a fan of American Nightmare.) I love his lyrics. He’s extremely clever, dark and intense. Everything I love really. I just love this b-side a hell of a lot. His lyrics never cease to amaze me. 

Patti Smith’s new record, Banga is perfect. That’s the only word to describe it. I could pick any song off the record, but I had to..I just had to pick her tribute to Amy Winehouse. We’re sadly (it never should’ve happened) approaching a year since Amy died. I’ve not listened to her music since that day. No part of me has been able to sit down and listen to it. I just cannot do it. I wish I could because I used to play her music every single day. Since she died..I physically cannot do it. Patti’s tribute to Amy Winehouse is just beautiful. I hope her family hear it, I really do. For someone such as Patti to do this is truly wonderful. Most just give Amy a quick mention in thank yous or whatever- but Patti has created such a beautiful tribute. You take it as a reminder that Amy was so delicate and loving, no matter what- we must never forget that.

Swim Deep put out the best song of the year with King City. Don’t question it, don’t doubt it. These lads are the best thing to have come out of Birmingham in such a long time. They’re just fucking insane. Beach Justice is equally as perfect as King City. King City mentions Jenny Lee Lindberg from Warpaint, so obviously I’m going to have a lot of love. Beach Justice has a more, and as much as I hate to use it, “dream-pop” feel to than other songs I’ve heard from them. I’ve pretty much abused my soundcloud account listening to Swim Deep all the time. I’m not even sorry. Swim Deep truly show London up. Don’t always assume London is where it is at! Pay close attention to Swim Deep. Best new band of the year. Easily.

 2:54 have no doubt, put out the best debut record of the year. I could’ve picked any song off the record. I probably would’ve put the whole thing up, but I settled with Easy Undercover because for some reason (which I am currently trying to forget) the lyrics mean the most. I’ve had the record on constant repeat since it came out. I cannot bring myself to take the cd out of my cd player. I cannot go outside and listen to anything but this band. Since 2010 I’ve been in love with them. The first few seconds of Creeping stole my heart away. You know how I feel about Warpaint? Well, it happened with 2:54. They just have something that is not in any other band around right now. Every song they’ve done (album and b-sides) well, they’re just everything I love about music. I’m going to stop before this turns into a “Reasons as to why I love 2:54” thing again.

The Strange Boys.

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“That way chase everything,  aches you and it aches me.”

There comes a time in someone’s life where they just denounce everything and all around them. Sort of like, “FUCK THIS. FUCK THAT. FUCK YOU. FUCK THEM. FUCK ME. NO MORE.” Something like that happens. I think it happens to me once a week. It happened to me today. I’ve spent most of the day asleep or listening to the radio. I also have a headache, but that’s highly irrelevant. So, as this a day where I pretty much want to punch my reflection and sleep it off until it feels right- I might aswell try write. Write to live (fucks sake) and write as a distraction. Play music that makes you feel like you’re sat in the basement of the band in question, watching them play. It’ll all come alive. I can feel it right now. Either that, or my headache is getting worse. Or I’m just getting worse, as a person. Alright so let’s expose these ugly feelings and channel them into something else. You ready? Ahh fuck it. You’re probably reading something about rainbows and cats now anyway.

The Strange Boys. They’re fucking awesome, and if I can find it in me to do so- I’m going to try tell you why they are. Obviously you could just go listen to them, and you’ll find out they are all by yourself. When you first listen to them (and it happened the first time I did) I automatically thought they were from the 60s. I listened a bit more, looked the band up..they formed in 2001. And in 2009, the changed the line-up a wee bit. Regardless of past and present members, they’ve consistently made music that makes you feel like you should be drinking whiskey straight from a bottle in some dingy bar. This is the kind of music I love. Music that puts in a real rough place. I don’t mean in an emotional way. Oh no. I mean music that makes you feel you are in the roughest bar possible. A true dive bar, you know? That’s the best. The songs don’t have to hold spiritual and deep meaning. They just need to wake something up. I’m starting to feel right again.

So when they formed in 2001, there was only three of them and they were a Punk band. When you listen to them now, they still have that vibe. But they’re more Garage rock now. They combine both, which is probably why I love them so much. The new line-up signed a deal with one of the most influential and powerful labels EVER- Rough Trade. Their second (Be Brave) and third record (Live Music, came out October 2011) were both released on the label. For me, I think I still hold a lot of love towards their first record, The Strange Boys And Girls Club which was released back in 2009. There’s something about that debut record that makes it very hard for the listener to believe that it is a new band. How could a band make music like that? It belongs in the 60s. And because it has such an old feel to it, you love it even more.

I’ve got to say, my favourite track EVER by the band has to be Heard You Wanna Beat Me Up. If you’ve ever been in trouble with someone, and most of us have- you’ll probably relate to it. Failing that, you’ll just want to drink a lot of whiskey. Whiskey and The Strange Boys go well together. Or if you’re poor like me, tea works just as well. Go for tea, save the whiskey for a better time.

I wanted to make this super long and just continuously praise the band, but I don’t need to do that. The music truly speaks for itself. Three albums into their career, and I think it is safe to say that The Strange Boys are one of the best bands around. I mean, no one is else making music like this. No one else is making it as delicate as them. Most just want to make it brutal but without anything to back it up. The Strange Boys aren’t like that. Alright sure some tracks are brutal but the thing is, you believe in it. It’s dangerous but enough for you to believe in. And we live in a world where our beliefs are tested every day. Believe in music, it won’t let you down.

*I still have the “FUCK EVERYTHING” thing going on, but since listening to The Strange Boys when I wasn’t napping today- I think they’ve made it easier. So the lads cure boredem and whatnot.

The Jesus And Mary Chain.

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“Step back and watch the sweet thing. Breaking everything she sees. She can  take my darkest feeling, tear it up ’till I’m on me knees. Plug into her electric cool, where things bend and break.  And shake to the rule. Talking  fast couldn’t tell me something. I would shed my skin for you, talking fast on the edge of nothing.  I would break my back for you.”

 

Hopeless teens and angry adults, they all fell for The Jesus And The Mary Chain didn’t they. I fell in love with them when I was very young. Of course it happened by listening to John Peel. It was another dreaded night before school. Academically, I loved school. Everything else about it? Well, I truly hated. Maybe if I wasn’t bullied I may have enjoyed it. I don’t know. So, as usual I was staying up late to listen to John Peel and he played an old session by The Jesus And Mary Chain. I’m not sure which song it was that I heard, but I know it was off Psychocandy. I also knew that everything this band made me feel was terrifying. Terrifying because my young ears could relate, and the distorted sound freaked me out. It freaked me out in a way that made me feel less terrible.

The Jesus And Mary Chain covered me in darkness, but they did it in a way that didn’t make me feel low. If anything, they provided some kind of comfort. I’d much rather listen to songs that expose ugly and dark feelings than songs about how the sun is shining and how in love a person is. To me, those songs are depressing because they’re not real. You cannot compare someones eyes to an angel because you’ve probably never seen one. I wanted to use a different description, but I can’t actually think of one. So maybe that’s redundant? Who cares, no one is reading this anyway.

For me, they felt like every bad feeling was being poured out in every song. When I listen to It’s So Hard it feels like some kind of demon is being exorcised. I can pretty much describe all of Psychocandy as being like that- an exorcism. It’s a record that I can associated with things my mind won’t allow words to form. A thing, a person, something that has been unspeakable but that record just sums everything up. The Jesus And Mary Chain, as I get older end up meaning more and more to me. I notice different things about their songs. I find myself relating to them even more. I will ALWAYS regard Psychocandy as being the best debut record ever and probably my favourite record of all time. There is something about it that just makes me compare all I listen to, to how that record makes me feel. If I’m not moved by it like I was moved by Psychocandy then I won’t care for it. Maybe this is a horrendous thing to do, but I always want that feeling. I always want that dark, euphoric and intense feeling surrounding me. Although I’m a calm person (my ability to ignore most things around me is a gift and a curse) feeling something intense isn’t too bad at all. It doesn’t leave me biting at my hands at 4am because I’m an anxious mess. I’m probably likely to be reading at book at 4am..if I can’t sleep.

I know of two people who know of and LOVE The Jesus And Mary Chain. One’s a relative (my uncle) and the other is a friend. We’ll call them a friend as..well, that’s what they are. A few months ago I found a couple of 7″ singles of The Jesus And Mary Chain at a market. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy. I rarely play them because I don’t want to ruin them. My records are my prized possessions. To find something like that over here truly blew whatever was left of my mind because well, I just didn’t expect it. I looked at the other records on the other side of the stall and they had Level 42 and Dire Straits, so you can see why I got excited and bought all of TJMAC 7″ singles. I go back every Saturday in the hopes more turn up. I may go look tomorrow, feeling quite rebellious on a Tuesday- why not? I’ll take my excitement where I can get it right now.

Bringing it up to date- I had a MASSIVE outburst when I saw they were playing SXSW this year. I may have cried. Obviously it was silly to get joyful over this as I live nowhere near Austin, Texas. But part of me kept thinking “they may do some UK dates…” I’m keeping that dream alive. If it gets to the end of the year and there’s been none, I’ll probably still keep a bit of hope aside for them. I have to. I sometimes think if I’d want to see them. It’s like my view on The Smiths reforming- I don’t ever want it to happen. The Smiths had the 80s. That was their time, not now. Morrissey’s solo career means more to me anyway. So part of me thinks, would The Jesus And Mary Chain still have IT(whatever IT may be) now? Well, I watched some live clips from their SXSW show and I’m going with YES. That fucking brutal, distorted and intense feeling is still there. That atmosphere I remember taking me over when I first heard them was still there.

The Jesus And Mary Chain made music that I can only describe as romantic. There’s more to it than that, but they let out a side of romance that I feel most are ashamed or maybe scared to face. Romance, love and lust all have different layers. Giving someone flowers isn’t romantic. Making them a mixtape/cd with songs that portray how you feel in the most open way possible or telling them how you feel in the most honest way possible-that’s romantic. Sharing the same ugly and worthless feelings-that’s love. Skipping about in a meadow is NOT romantic. Maybe because I have views like this is why I have shit luck with girls. That and my face is a huge failure.

They give you hope. Hope that even those who plod along with messy hair and black clothing may meet the light to their dark. My love for The Jesus And Mary Chain could be borderline obsessive. I play Psychocandy on a daily basis. Whilst working at HMV last Christmas, I served a guy who was buying the remastered version of their debut record. I spoke to him about how they are the best band ever, and he told me that he has their albums on vinyl. I’m pretty sure I told him he was my hero. He seemed stunned that someone my age loved them as much as he does. That’s the brilliant thing about TJAMC fans, you cannot spot them. You have to dig around and find them. You sometimes find them by accident. When you find them, hold onto them. They’ll probably change your life- like the band did, and still do.

King Tuff.

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“When you bury my body, make sure I’m wearing all of my rings.  And my  favorite clothes. Yeah, everything with patches and everything with holes.”

Sundays are boring. Every day is boring, in this boring town..or whatever it is. So, you ignore everything and everyone around you to find something that makes sense. You spend hours, days trying to figure IT out. Fuck knows what IT may be. You’ll never know what it is. You’re not supposed to. You’re never meant to figure anything out, because you’ll hit 70 and think “I still don’t know now.” I live that way, and I’m not saying it is right. Nothing is wrong, nothing is right. I belong nowhere and to nobody. You wouldn’t want to claim this as your own. This is leading somewhere, and I’m going nowhere. Eyes open and it is all a nightmare. Close your eyes and nobody can touch you. What is it that you want? Legal highs and illegal thoughts. We are all so fucked up, so just enjoy it. Who cares? Probably no one. If they are staring at you, wink at them.

I don’t understand what I just wrote, and I don’t think I wrote it so you understood. King Tuff yo. King Tuff. You need this guy. I needed someone like this guy, and I just exposed my ears to him. Heart has just been won over. I hope he sees this (somehow) just so he can see how much his music can touch someone with first listen. Listening to his voice makes me feel like I am on drugs. Now, I’ve never taken drugs in my life (I’ve never wanted to, but I don’t care if someone takes them- just be safe..and if you think you can fly..PLEASE GO SIT THE FUCK DOWN. YOU CANNOT FLY.) Anyway, King Tuff is probably going to be my Summer music love. I’ll listen to him and I’ll pretend I am somewhere else. It’s better if I do this with my eyes closed obviously, as when I open them- I hate my surroundings. Dear reader, never visit the Isle of Man. It’ll drain your soul and you just may end up hating yourself. Someone please get me back to London or Manchester. Or if you’re feeling super kind- Los Angeles. I’m okay with any of these three places.

You need King Tuff because there is something extremely fun about his music. Alright, I hate myself for using the word “fun.” I don’t think I’ve ever used that word to describe anything. I’m sorry, but it is a really shit word. Much like “cool.” Or “sexy” Or “nice.” Words are quite toss at times. Much like the words I write. I feel like I owe every band I’ve written about a huge apology.

King Tuff creates music that I refuse to lump into some kind of pretentious sub-genre just so I look like I know what I’m talking/typing about. I know nothing, nobody knows anything. I just really love music, and I’m writing this out of love. I’ve got a lot of love to give you see..and I think most of it right now is being directed to King Tuff. So here’s the thing, if you want to escape. If you want to feel like Summer is hugging your bones or something delightful- King Tuff is for you. His voice has that beautiful delicate but woeful feel (like Christopher from Girls. It is honestly beautiful.) You crazy Garage Rock kids are going to piss yourself over this- this is excitement to the fullest. Or maybe you already know about King Tuff? I know nothing about his background, where he’s from, his favourite member of Backstreet Boys (if he has one, please let it be AJ.) He just creates music that’ll make you want to lose your mind. Or lose that last part of it. Never keep hold of your mind. It’s either you lose it yourself, or someone does something to you in order for you to lose it. Always do it yourself, never let a person get that close.

King Tuff makes you want to just find a quiet place and take his music in. Do something poetic or whatever such as..inhaling it gently and slowly, allowing it to get right into the depths of your soul. Baby Just Break The Rules is one of my favourites. Look, if King Tuff says you should break the rules- then you should. It’s why they’re there,right? I condone small acts of rebellion. Go on, do it. Nobody is watching anyway. They are too busy staring at their own reflection, pretending to be all they aren’t. Whilst hating themselves on the quiet.

King Tuff is close chums with a guy I really fucking love. Hunx (as in Hunx And His Punx.) King Tuff aka Kyle Thomas was also in the bands Feathers and Witch. So it’s pretty much fair to say that this guy knows exactly what he is doing. But does he know the power his music actually has? Or maybe I just feel a lot towards really good music like this? I don’t know.

His self-titled record is EASILY one of my favourites of the year. I’ve already put Warpaint’s second album as my favourite..it isn’t out yet, I don’t even know when it is out/if it is out this year, but the place has already been taken. So when I do that annoying and clichéd thing of listening my favourite records of this year- I will be mentioning King Tuff. You need his music in your life. If you think your life is missing something (everyone gets like that, you’re not alone kid.) Then give King Tuff a listen. Maybe you’ll fall in love, I hope you do. It won’t hurt, not like the other times where you thought you had. This time, it’ll be real. Swamp Of Love, to me is such a beautiful love song. If I ever met someone (god help us both) I’d probably want them to listen to this. I doubt they’d understand, so I’d have to end it..and go back to my boring life of books and records. Except..it doesn’t bore me. It doesn’t bore me anymore now I’ve got King Tuff.

Dear Kyle Thomas, I think..no, I know I love you. Thank you for making such beautiful music!