Category Archives: Uncategorized

Adam Green.

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I think everyone is insane; it’s how you use your insanity that measures how mental you are. If you use your insanity for the good such as creating masterpieces of art, you will be deemed as a genius. The opposite of this is using your insanity for evil measures such as killing. Obviously killing is wrong- so you are deemed evil. None of us are normal, because normal doesn’t exist.

When a person says, “Oh you’re not normal you’re a girl and you fancy girls.” No dear- I am normal, your homophobia isn’t normal.

Some of the greatest musicians have been labelled as insane (Syd Barrett) and most murderers are labelled as insane (Charles Manson). There’s one artist who could be called insane, I guess most would if they watched his film, The Wrong Ferrari.

I don’t care what you say, Adam Green is a genius. An underrated genius. His lyrics at times may not make any sense- but why should they? His lyrics are genius, he’s just brilliant. Have you ever seen him live? I have, it was the weirdest thing I had ever seen and I loved every minute of it. He lost his mind on stage; he danced like a child that had too many sherbet dips and missed their afternoon nap. His live shows make you feel free and less alone if you’ve ever felt slightly mental. Or, if others make you feel mental. Shame on them.

Before I go into detail about Adam’s music, I want to talk about The Wrong Ferrari. His first film was shot entirely on an i-Phone and he claims to have been off his tits on Ket. I’m obviously against drugs, but watching this film- it made you feel like you were on drugs. I’ve never touched drugs, but the way Adam filmed it made you feel like you were on a trip with him. It’s the most bizarre thing I have ever watched, and I loved it. It makes no sense and the cast in it are brilliant (Dev Hynes is in it and I love him) If you’ve had no sleep, watch the film- it’ll make your head spin even more so! Have a cup of tea afterwards, you’ll probably need it.

Okay, so Adam’s music. He was originally in The Moldy Peaches with Kimya Dawson- there is more to The Moldy Peaches than THAT song from Juno. Go listen to all their work, educate yourself. Free your mind. Adam’s solo work will make you laugh, cry, want to hug him, want to get drunk with him, be his buddy. His lyrics are extremely witty, but although certain songs hold a lot of humour- some contain quite heartbreaking subjects. Listen to Who’s Your Boyfriend, it’ll hurt you. Ever liked someone who said they liked you but they were seeing someone else? This song will remind you of that, “Someone like me should not have a phone.  Jumping the gun despite grief I’ve known. She will become someone I listen for nothing more. Into the hallway with you.” Hurts, right? Of course. We’ve all been there. You ask the person you dig something, and you know their response will hurt you- you shouldn’t have a phone so you can’t talk to them and ask such things. But you do it anyway. You’ve done it, I’ve done it, we’ve all done it. A curious mind is a terrible thing to waste and a bitch to tame.

I can’t write about Adam Green and not mention his song, Jessica. It’s utterly nonsensical but it’s bloody brilliant. He’s quite possibly mocking Jessica Simpson in this song, but he does it in such a caring and loving way. If you listen to his lyrics, you can tell that he wouldn’t make a song being vicious about anyone, he’d add humour to it because he’s a genius. Those who can write like this have more talent and power in their words compared to someone who just writes horrible things about another without adding any depth or substance to it.

“Jessica Simpson, where has your love gone? It’s not in your music, no.” She’s manufactured and her music has nothing to offer anyone, just like the vast majority of pop singers that are polluted across the airwaves. With one listen to this song, I can guarantee you will be singing it out loud in years to come. I heard it years ago, and I still sing it out loud to myself.

 

I think my favourite song by Adam Green is We’re Not Supposed To Be Lovers, I may end up changing my mind by the time I’ve published this, but today- it’s my favourite Adam Green track. “We’re not supposed to be lovers. Or friends, like they’d have us believe. We’re not supposed to know each other. Accept my apology.” Again, we’ve all liked someone we probably shouldn’t. I know I’ve done that a fair few times, I probably apologised for it too, and I have no idea why. The song is vulnerable and honest, you can sense the sincerity in his voice her. It causes you to ache in ways you didn’t think an Adam Green song could.

The last verse of the song is more heartbreaking than the hook, “Picture a person you’ve forgotten, kissing your brother or your friend. Picture a wounded entertainer, cutting his hair again.” The torment you feel from this is astounding, you’ll probably think of the person you don’t want to think about when you hear this song, it’s always the way isn’t it. My advice? Don’t associate songs with people, better still- don’t associate GOOD songs with people, especially if they aren’t worth it.

The melodies in his songs are simple, but his lyrics are the complete opposite. He’s the first person in his family to have not gone to college, you can’t tell when you listen to his music. One of his good friends and one of the first people to witness the talents of Adam Green is Julian Casablancas from The Strokes, he pretty much summed up Adam Green in one short sentence, “It always amazes me how he can express such deep meaning with such twisted humour.” So true. All of Adam Green’s songs are works of art. His music takes you on some weird trip that you never want to come back from.

The Kills-Black Balloon.

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I’m not one for enjoying songs that are about sunshine, rainbows and love. It isn’t real. I like songs that are dark, creepy, frightening, fragile and thought-provoking. I like songs where you can really feel what the singer is going through. If the song oozes desperation, I’ll probably fall in love with it. However, just because I like songs like this doesn’t make me a morbid bugger- most like to think I am, but they’re wankers.

There’s a song by The Kills on every album that always breaks my heart. Keep On Your Mean side has Gypsy Death & You, No Wow has Rodeo Town and Blood Pressures has The Last Goodbye.

Midnight Boom has Black Balloon. I know that whatever I say about this song doesn’t do it justice, but that doesn’t stop me. Well, sometimes it does. Not today.

Lyrically and musically, it is painful. In a good way, not in a “this is so bad make this shit here stop” kind of way. Alison’s voice on Black Balloon is so vulnerable, the way she sings “Let the weather have its way with you” makes you feel for her. That whatever or whoever this is about, you really connect with her. It’s a simple song but with such wonderful imagery in the lyrics.

“Elevator straight into my skull. An escalator rises as it falls.”  Personally, I feel that the elevator is this feeling she cannot shake, and it constantly gets to her. The escalator is a symbol for the highs and the lows. As soon as you feel good, some fuckwit has to come along and drag you back down. Maybe that isn’t the case, but it’s what I get from that line.

“You can hold on, but I wouldn’t waste your time.” It’s so true isn’t it? You hold on for something or someone, and in the end it’s actually a waste if your time. It just turns out to be so awfully pointless. I love the honesty and disappointment in this line. We’ve all felt this way, and you get to a point where you know waiting around is just a waste, there’s no point- so why bother? My advice? Don’t bother; you’ll get further if you don’t.

“….on the edge of a dream that you had. Has anybody told you it’s not coming true?” Again, the honesty and disappointment here is just beyond. You can dream all you want to, but they will not come true. You’re taught to dream as a kid, but when you hit adulthood it just goes to shit. Maybe if you hold onto the dreams a little bit, it’ll get you through the day. I wouldn’t bother though.

Then comes the giving up, “Let the weather have its way with you.” Sometimes, whatever it is or who it is that you were holding out for, in the end, you just have to let it go- hand it over to fate, so fate can have its way with it. One of the best feelings a person can experience is the euphoria of letting something go. Go on, get a balloon- and watch it go away. Seeing something just float away on its own is such a grand feeling. When you let a person/emotion go, when you get past the feeling awful stage- you reach this part where nothing matters because you are free. You’re a person again who isn’t being held down. I know a lot of people who have trouble walking away from something or letting go, I don’t understand why. Or maybe I’m a terrible person because I can leave things behind without feeling bad? I have no idea; I don’t feel bad for it. Everyone is different. This is why Black Balloon means so much to me.

When I bought Midnight Boom, I had heard it before its proper release, so I just played Black Balloon over and over. It is a sad, dark song but if you dig deeper you can see it’s got this sense of freedom to it. What I love about The Kills is how fearless their music is. They can sing songs that are about being rock bottom or just bring frustrated, they are not afraid to indulge in what many regard as ugly emotions. They have this real, raw feel to their music which makes them so approachable and easy to relate to.

Black Balloon live is emotional, you cannot take your eyes off Alison as she stands there singing this song. I used to think that this was their most emotional song, but The Last Goodbye has taken over from that. I imagine The Last Goodbye live will just cause a wave of emotions to take over, not that I mind. Its how a gig should be.

Black Balloon has a bluesy feel to it mixed with a hint of the Velvet Underground, and also the despair of a Townes Van Zandt song. Everything I love in one.

I know I haven’t done the song justice with my words, if that was the case- I’d be paid to write like this. That won’t ever happen; instead I’ll just kill time and keep my brain busy by doing this. The Kills have taught me a lot, you don’t need to know- but its songs such as Black Balloon that keeps this tired heart going.

Friends.

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I know virtually nothing about the band Friends apart from I’m in love with them and that they are from Brooklyn. Brooklyn is in New York which again proves my point that most music from New York is amazing. I’m not going to write much about Friends, I’m just going to link you with some tracks that show exactly why I love them so much:

2011- Songs.

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I know I’m doing this too early in the year, but if I do it now- maybe I won’t change my mind. I know I’ll change my mind as soon as I publish this. I’ll hear a song and think, “SHITTING HELL. THAT NEEDS TO GO ON MY LIST!” Hopefully I will gain some self control and not do that. I’m not doing this in any order, however the last song I mention is my song of the year. It’s pretty obvious what song it is. I’ve got a cool story to accompany it too, it’s just given it so much more meaning to me and I love it more than I did before.

Let’s begin :

Dirty Beaches- Lord Knows Best.– When I first heard this, I honestly didn’t think it was something from this year. I just thought it was an old old song being re-released. I was stupidly wrong. Lord Knows Best is taken from Alex’s album Badlands which was released in March this year, it’s such a beautiful album. What I love about this song is how old it feels, the sample on a loop and Alex’s vocals. His voice sounds so desperate, which is what drew me in straight away. I love anything that sounds dark, angry, frustrated and painful. This doesn’t mean I’m some morbid wanker, far from it. I’m just someone who is always drawn to the dark side of things- it just means more to me than hearing something cheerful. However, this is lyrically, not a dark song. It’s about loving one person and nothing/no one else matters. Just this one person. I guess you could call it a love song. Whatever it is, it’s one of the best things I’ve heard this year.

Wye Oak-Civilian.– You know when you hear a song, and you give all your attention to the lyrics? That’s what happened when I first heard Civilian by Wye Oak. The album is just stunning. This song means so much, “I am nothing without pretend. I know my faults, can’t live with them.” It just screams out fragility. The whole song does. It’s almost as if, you can use this song to admit to all your faults- you’re human, and it is how you feel. I adore the build up in the song. Their musicianship is so strong and so inspiring, it’s just so stunning. It’s one of the songs that make me wish I could write something as powerful as this. As far as duos in music go, Wye Oak are one of my favourites.

Widowspeak-Wicked Game.– I know it’s a cover, but it’s so good. I love how haunting they have made it, but at the same time still has the same feel as the original. I usually hate it when a song I love is covered, but this is just stunning from start to finish. The way, “This world is only gonna break your heart” is sung is damn hypnotising. The song makes you feel like you are in some kind of trance. It’s just perfect. If you’ve never listened to them before, start with this cover.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart- Heart In Your Heartbreak.– I know this came out late last year, however the track is taken from their second album which came out in March this year. So, I’m going with that. Their album came out at a time that I wish to never go through again. This song was my crutch for 2 months. I used to listen to it to stop myself from feeling like shit and realising…well, I don’t want to make it too personal. Basically, when you think you can’t get over having your heart broken- you actually can. And when you do, you becoming strong and nothing can touch you no more because you have felt so shit, you’ve experienced rock bottom and you will do anything to never feel that way away. I cannot pick out a lyric that I love, because I just adore it all. This song was around when I didn’t know what to do with myself or what to do with how I was feeling.

Novella-The Things You Do.– When you listen to Novella, you wouldn’t be alone in thinking you were listening to a band from LA. They have that gorgeous lo-fi/sufer pop feel to their music. They formed in Brighton and are now based in London. If you love Dum Dum Girls and Best Coast, you are truly going to fall in love with Novella. I hope next year beings them great success because they really do deserve it. This song causes your head to spin and your body to float. It’s so beautiful.

Zola Jesus-Vessel.– I am going to struggle putting this into words because the music Nika creates owns a large part of my heart. Her music is so enthralling and haunting. Everything about her music just makes my soul shake and my head swim. I am constantly in awe of her talent. She’s only 21 years old, she’s so bloody gifted. Hopefully I’m seeing her in November. I’m oretty sure it’s going to be like some kind of religious experience. I have every confidence that her album Conatus is going to be one of the best albums of the year. Her voice is so distinctive and powerful. I love the dark feel in her music. I love how her music can make everything better. I took a walk today and just played her music. It was like I was drifting off into another world. A dreamland. I honestly cannot praise Nika’s talents enough. I really don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like her music. She’s a massive credit to the music industry, I just hope they realise that instead of obsessing over pop stars that contribute nothing.

The Horrors- I Can See Through You.– I could pick any song of theirs, but I Can See Through You is my favourite off Skying lyrically. The album is beautiful, but more on that when I write about my favourite albums of 2011. Faris’ vocals on this song are so strong. The band sound as perfect as ever. So captivating and hypnotising. I know a lot of people are getting into The Horrors based on Still Life. What pisses me off is that they dismissed them during the Strange House era. That album will always be one of my favourites. The raw, brutal sound to it is amazing. The garage rock vibe it has is stunning. However, those that are only just getting into The Horrors have missed out on many years- their loss.

The Kills-The Last Goodbye.– It was close to impossible to pick which song by The Kills I wanted to include. I toyed with the idea of putting Satellite in because I love the reggae electro feel it has. Then I wanted Baby Says because I love it like someone would probably love their child. Then it was Nail In My Coffin. I went through the whole album, until I chose The Last Goodbye. Why did I choose The Last Goodbye? Well, it has the best and my favourite lyric from a song I’ve heard this year. This line describes me better than I could. This line owns my heart. This line makes me feel okay with being a sensitive bugger. The line is of course, “How can I rely on my heart if I break it, with my own two hands.” I read an article about the album before it was released, and they spoke about this song and mentioned the lyrics. When I read that line, I was instantly blown away by the honesty and vulnerabilty in the lyrics. Then I listened to the song. I cried. It was like finding the piece of you that you had missing for so long. I have no idea what will happen when I see this live. I’ll probably want to get on stage and hug Alison. When she sings this, you can see she puts all she has into it. It is so heartbreaking and so perfect. You can take what you want from this song, that’s what I love about The Kills- you can create your own meaning to their songs. If I could thank them personally for this song, I bloody well would.

Florence And The Machine-What The Water Gave Me.– I guess anyone else would pick Shake It Out, but I like to be difficult don’t I. I’m choosing What The Water Gave Me because I love the darkness around it. Shake It Out is beautiful, and it feels like Flo is taking you to Church. The lyrics are haunting and gorgeous. Much like What The Water Gave Me. I love how the song builds and builds, when she sings “Let the only sound be the overflow. Pockets full of stones” it sounds and feels so enchanting and euphoric. All her songs are euphoric. Her music makes you feel free and weightless. That’s why I love her. I cannot express it in a way that you will understand, but that’s as close as I can get right now. Pretty sure Ceremonials will be the best album of the year. October 31st cannot come quick enough.

It’s honestly no surprise what I’ve picked as my favourite song of the year is it? I said it in February and pretty much every other day since. You ready?!

SUMMER CAMP-I WANT YOU. – This is the only song that I have heard this year to have such a grip over me. It’s done something to my brain. I have to listen to it every single day. If I don’t, I get the shakes (I don’t really….) Elizabeth and Jeremy have created the best song of the year EASILY. I know I love Flo and The Kills but this is honestly the greatest thing I have heard this year. No other song has had this hold over me. The lyrics, oh jesus, the lyrics. So true! It states exactly being in love is like- cruel, intense, dark and grand. Being love can turn you into a dickhead sometimes can’t it. However, if you listen to I Want You, you can see it isn’t always the case. Some have said it’s the stalker anthem of 2011. I don’t think it is. I think it’s quite simply, intensely liking/loving and wanting someone; and you just want them to feel the same. You believe you can make them feel the same. The synths, the guitar and the drums…oh lord. When it drops and kicks in it is like a glorious kick in the face. I’ve only been in love for real once. It’s more than enough isn’t it? If I was to ever feel that way again, I’d use this song to clarify how I felt. I’d play it and think “Does this person make me feel like this?” And if the answer was yes, it’d be love. If the answer was no, then I’d go back to my books and records to save myself disappointment. If any of you listened to BBC 6Music yesterday morning, on Lauren Laverne’s show. They played Better Off Without You and I Want You. I tweeted them saying it was amazing, and Elizabeth replied with, “I was thinking of you when we played I Want You. Not in a weird way.” HOW AMAZING IS THAT? Seriously, so fucking cool. It made my year, no doubt. I’ve decided, if I ever decided to inflict my presence upon a girl and start a relationship, when we split up- I’m going to play Better Off Without You to drag me through it. Oh, I’ve not heard Summer Camp’s album yet but I can tell you it’s the best album of the year. It’s right up there. Trust me. Now, get your ears around my favourite song of the year. If it doesn’t cause your bones to move, heart to skip several beats, your head to spin and your soul to feel reignited- then I think you have no braincells left. Cheers Summer Camp, for making the best song of the year!

I do feel bad for leaving out some songs that I fell in love with this year, so have a few more :

Blood Orange-Sutphin Boulevard.

Marina And The Diamonds-Fear And Loathing.

The History Of Apple Pie-You’re So Cool.

The Weeknd-House Of Balloons/Glass Table Girls.

Lana Del Rey-Blue Jeans.

Seapony-Where We Go.

Best Coast-How They Want Me To Be.

Wavves & Best Coast-Nodding Off.

Morrissey-Action Is My Middle Name.

Youth Lagoon-Montana.

I got carried away….I’m not sorry though.

 

 

 

Florence And The Machine-Shake It Out.

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You know when you hear a song for the first time and it just captures your soul and steals your heart? When you listen to it, you know decades from now you will feel exactly the same as you did when you first heard this song. It becomes something to you that you cannot describe, because no words can actually sum it up. All you know is that this song owns your heart. It’s become a part of you that NO human being can ever EVER come close to. This song just means the world to you. Maybe you’ve had the worst day ever, or maybe you’ve realised a lot of things about yourself- then you hear this song, and everything has changed. It’s like letting everything and everyone go. Sometimes you have to do it. You just do, for your own sanity. Start doing things for yourself dear reader- because no one else will.

I felt like this as soon as I heard Shake It Out by Florence And The Machine today. I felt like some outer body or religious experience sort of thing had taken me over. I always get this feeling when I hear Flo’s voice. It does something to me that no other artist aside from Morrissey can do. She said in an interview that music should be frightening. She’s right, but her music is comforting. It is dark and euphoric. This live is going to have the same reaction Dog Days Are Over has- when everyone just goes totally mental and lets go of all they feel. They lose themselves in this moment. So euphoric, just sheer bliss.

Lyrically, it’s as beautiful as Cosmic Love. It is also quite vulnerable in some respects. I love the line, “And I am done with my graceless heart.” I just want to hug her again and thank her for that line. I love how she can say the things I wish I could, but I don’t have the guts anymore. I have no doubt in my mind that Ceremonials is going to blow us all away come October 31st. Album of the year? Oh go on then.

Oh and does anyone else agree that she NEEDS to write a book of poetry and make an audio CD of it? When she speaks, it’s as beautiful and as enchanting as when she sings.

Amy Winehouse.

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Today would’ve been Amy Winehouse’s 28th birthday, nearly two months have passed and it still doesn’t feel right. It never will feel right. She should still be here blessing us all with her beautiful soulful voice and endearing presence.

As tribute to her on her birthday, a new song with Tony Bennett was given its first play on BBC Radio 2 this morning.

Their voices go so well together. It’s just so beautiful. You can just imagine them in the studio together recording this. It is quite painful to listen to this- but it just shows how amazing she truly was.

Happy Birthday Amy….Wherever you are. xxxx

Tupac Shakur.

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Most think my love for lyrics came from the likes of Morrissey and Bob Dylan. Yes, my mum played them around the house whilst I was growing up. But there was one person who made me fall in love with music and words on a completely different level. His words made me see the world in a way no artist or person ever has. I doubt they ever will.

I own all his albums and when my auntie and uncle came back from New York when they went for the first time many years ago, they brought me back some bootleg mixtapes of his. Tapes, not CDs.

The person is Tupac Amaru Shakur (or birth name Lesane Parish Crooks.) Today is the 15th year anniversary of his untimely death. To some, they just dismissed his music and labelled him trouble, a thug. Those that took the time out to listen to his words, realised he was a poet. Thing is, he’s more than a poet.

A lot of his lyrics I can relate to, I know what you’re thinking. How could someone like me relate to his words? Easily, because I dug deep enough to see his music wasn’t about the same generic bullshit many accuse rap music to posses.

His words poured out so much emotion from love to hate to frustration to joy to abandonment to rage. Every emotion that was humanly possible to feel, he felt and he projected it so majestically in most of his work.

I’m drawn to people who are close to their family, especially their mum. I firmly believe that the relationship you have with your mum is the most sacred thing ever. She’s the only person who will love you no matter what, she will never judge. I guess this is why when I first heard Dear Mama by Tupac, it just meant so much. To hear him say all these things to his mum, I’d never heard it before. It showed that he was such a sensitive soul, regardless of how the media portrayed him- those who pay attention to his lyrics saw how wise, soulful, passionate and honest he was. It breaks my heart knowing he’s not here, I know it’s been 15 years- but you don’t forget. He died a year after my dad died; I remember seeing MTV News with the headline saying he had died like it was yesterday. Throughout the years I’ve bought all the books written about him, I’ve got VHS tapes of documentaries, his poetry book, albums and mixtapes. I don’t collect these things because it could be of worth one day. I collect them because it keeps his memory alive. He’s the only rapper to have truly had this affect on me. How his words affect me are different to different artists I love such as Morrissey and Lou Reed. See, they can paint pain in such an eloquent manner. Tupac didn’t, he wrote about it in the rawest sense.

The tragedy is, he envisioned his own death. When I hear certain songs, it makes you just want to reach out to him and say it doesn’t have to be this way. I guess some people are placed on this Earth to do certain things in a specific amount of time- like Angels walking the Earth and we only appreciate them when they are gone. It’s always the way.

I absolutely adore his song Runnin’ (Dying To Live) the chorus is so ridiculously fucking heartbreakingly brutal, “You know, I wonder if they’ll laugh when I am dead. Why am I fighting to live, if I’m just living to fight. Why am I trying to see, when there ain’t nothing insight. Why I am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try.” It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from- you cannot deny you have never felt this way before. Maybe more times than you wish to admit to yourself, its okay; you’re not alone. The frustration in the chorus is so easy to relate to.

His lyrics were not all about degrading women at all. His music spoke up about social injustice, his own problems, racism- he touched on everything. He was one of the most intelligent rappers ever. He was inspired by the Black Panther Party to Niccolo Machiavelli- whose work influenced him to adapt the alter-ego Makaveli.

How many rappers can say that he influenced them? Hardly any. The album he released under this name, The 7 Day Theory is easily his darkest work, and possibly one of the darkest rap albums created. He had a way of describing the darkest of subjects that could break the hardest of hearts.

His debut album, 2Pacalypse Now is so politically charged- it was no surprised that the shitstain of life, Dan Quayle tried to get the album banned. Too honest for you? Can’t handle the truth? You cannot shut someone up, especially when they are someone like Tupac. 2Pacalypse now touched on so many topics from racism to police brutality to teen pregnancy.

The song Brenda’s Got A Baby was Tupac’s first debut single and was about a teenage pregnancy. The song as influenced by a 12 year old girl who got pregnant by her cousin- as she didn’t want her family to know, she threw the baby away. There’s a part in the song that just shows how Tupac could write a song about something so painful in a way that just leaves you in awe. “…she had it on the bathroom floor. And didn’t know so, she didn’t know, what to throw away and what to keep. She wrapped the baby up and threw him in the trash heap.” No one else has ever EVER written anything as hard-hitting as that. It wouldn’t seem right if anyone else did, they couldn’t make you imagine it as harshly as Tupac did.

I honestly could not pick my favourite track by Tupac, he had so many. From official releases to unfinished demos, he was probably the hardest working rapper ever. He said things most were afraid to say. He wasn’t afraid to speak up and say when something was wrong. That’s what I took from his work- to never be afraid. To never be afraid to be honest, to speak up when you see something wrong. If someone is going to hate me for being honest and being vocal about something that is wrong- then so be it. I’ll keep doing it. Tupac taught me so much. I hate how personal I get with my writing, but his music saved me throughout secondary school. From the day I started to the day I left- I was bullied. I constantly felt worthless and like shit, but his words provided so much comfort. His words made me feel like, things could get better. I wrote my first song when I was 13 (I just write- I can’t sing or play an instrument.) He channelled how he felt through writing- which is what I did. There’s a suitcase of old notebooks at my mum’s under my bed full of all my old notebooks with songs and poems I have written. I still write now. His way with words made me write my own stuff. There will never be another rapper like him, ever. He had this gift that made you want to know him and be around him.

15 years on, and it still doesn’t seem real. But we have his words and music. He created a legacy that will never fade away.

Thank you Tupac, for your words and music. R.I.P.

Summer Camp- Better Off Without You (Video.)

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My favourite duo have put out the video to their new single, Better Off Without You. As you know, I Want You has been my main obsession this year. I play it every single day, it’s just so perfect. Song of the year? No doubt.

The video has a lovely 70s feel to it, it’s shot so beautifully.

Oh and….Remember, remember the 31st October- their debut album comes out!

The single is out now, SUPPORT IT!

Chillwave?!

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I’ve only cared about two sub-genres of music ;  Shoegaze and Riot Grrrl. The latter isn’t really a sub-genre is it? More of a movement. One that was much needed, and it still needed.  I still hope a wave of it takes over once again booting out all the shit in the music industry. Until then, I’ll just scream along with Kathleen Hanna in the comfort of my own home. It’s frowned upon whilst on a bus or train….apparently.

Over the past year and a bit a sub-genre has emerged. Some have dismissed it without listening, some claim it doesn’t exist and some actually love it. Now, those that are a fan of this sub-genre are frequently called “hipsters” and no feck all. I’m not a hipster and I’m pretty intelligent. So HA! In your FACE dumb music critics who slag things off just to look “cool.” I may rant, stick with me. I’ll try to keep on topic.

Chillwave. Where does one begin when talking about Chillwave. Yeah, the start would probably be wise. It all began a few years ago in America. As America has legit Summers- they can probably capture the Summer vibe, sunshine and beaches feel to their music better than an English band. Summer was a lovely day in England. Chillwave has a very 80s feel to it. Synths, electro, slightly distorted sound. I love it. I’m not sure why. I do think it could be that when I hear a GOOD Chillwave based act, I feel like I am sitting on a beach staring out at the sea- thinking about nothing and everything at the same time. Trust me, this happens about 5 times a day. Real life, you truly bore me.

I’m going to give you some artists that I love that fall into the Chillwave category. They should make you feel like you are floating and that nothing can touch you. I want you to listen to these songs and think about nothing and no one. The last thing/person you thought of- forget it/them. From now until you’ve listened to these songs- nothing matters.

I’ll start with one act that is probably one of the best Chilwave acts. Even those who dislike Chillwave love this guy.

Ernest Greene aka Washed Out has put out one of the best albums of the year. Within And Without is a close to perfection album, and he’s one of the stand-out acts in the Chillwave scene. His atmospheric tone just eases your soul. It’s pissing down with rain outside, but as I listen to his music- it just sends me off to some place beautiful. If you come to dislike Chillave music, I do hope you reserve some love for Washed Out as he’s truly wonderful.

Lay Bac’s music feels like a carnival, it’s just so joyful. Out of all the Chillwave artists I’ve been listening to for the past year or so, this guy is probably my number one. There’s something slightly different to his sound compared to others. His music feels like waves crashing as you watch from a cliff. It’s got this euphoric feel to it, I just love his sound a hell of a lot.

Blackbird Blackbird were another musical discovery at around 3am a while ago. That’s when I usually find new music to fall in love with. In under 3 minutes, this song defines Summer. The bass-line in this song is just simply gorgeous. It doesnt ripple through your chest, it just rocks your heart ever so gently. The music that Blackbird Blackbird create is so soothing and gentle. You just get this warm feeling inside when you listen to it.

If Beach House made a Chillave record, it would sound like this. Youth Lagoon’s take on Chillwave is much more emotional. That’s just what I take from it. I love the lyrics to July, “If I had never let go, then only God knows where I would be now. I made a bridge between us then I slowly burned it.” Aside from The Last Goodbye by The Kills, this song has my favourite lyric this year. It’s just a wonderfully haunting song, and his music is beautiful.

Okay, so Soft Powers isn’t Chillwave but I just wanted an excuse to include him. Who would’ve thought someone that was once in a Post-Hardcore band could create something like this? That’ll teach you to judge! If you like MGMT and Empire Of The Sun, you’ll love this.

I was reluctant to mention Teen Daze as I personally don’t regard them as Chillwave, but after going further into their career- they do have some aspects of it. For Paulina is their most Chillwave-type of song I think, it’s also one of my favourites. Saviour is a beautiful track, but For Paulina- the first time I heard it, I fell in love. For those less curious to explore Chillwave, listen to Teen Daze.

As somone is slowly growing tired of seeing people stand on a stage with an acoustic guitar singing awful love songs, I’m accepting Chillwave with open arms. The feel in the music is more haunting and distorting- the only person who could make an acoustic song sound haunting was Townes Van Zandt. Those NOW that stand about with an acoustic guitar just sing the same whiney songs, I don’t want to hear it anymore. With the dark nights coming early, I want to hear something that doesn’t make my bones feel cold and my soul tired. I’ll stick with Chillwave and Lo-Fi/Surfer-Pop. Oh, and I can’t be called one of those “Hipsters.” I don’t buy my clothes from charity shops- I think I’d feel uncomfortable knowing someone had died in what I was wearing. Oh, and just because it has a rip in it- doesn’t mean it is vintage. Stop wearing those MASSIVE glasses, you have 20/20 vision. Stop pouting in your photographs, you look like a dick.

GOOD EVENING!

The Kills-Midnight Boom.

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I was doing a work placement a month before Midnight Boom came out, and whilst I was there Midnight Boom was constantly played. Before it was released, I knew every word to every song. My obsession with The Kills has been huge ever since the first time I heard their first album, Keep On Your Mean Side. Midnight Boom just catapulted it to great heights, and I know that there is no coming down from this. I don’t ever want to, if I’m honest.

The album opens with U.R.A. Fever, one of the best singles The Kills have ever put out. I’m not fussed on the singles bands put out, I prefer albums. I love having a collection of songs. Luckily, The Kills are perfect so I don’t have to worry about ever feeling disappointed with any release. Besides, they put Black Balloon out as a single- personal favourite.

I came up with an analogy of The Kills last night, well 2.30am this morning. Basically, Jamie’s guitar sounds like a machine gun and Alison sings like a frustrated Angel. If I had to describe them to someone, I’d use that description. I’m pretty proud of it- and I’m rarely proud of myself.

U.R.A Fever is amazing to watch live, just like any of their songs. When they sing together, all this mind-blowing chemistry just flies out. You want it for yourself, but you know it’s rare. What you witness between Alison and Jamie is so rare. Maybe you’ll have your own version of it one day, just don’t go looking for it.

The term Midnight Boom refers to the time where the moon comes up and everyone goes to bed. However, if you’re like me and sleep is your enemy- the term is lost on you. I’ve always loved the titles The Kills come up with for their albums, Keep On Your Mean Side will always be my favourite.

Alphabet Pony hits you hard, it attacks you in a way that you cannot defend yourself from- but why would you want to? Their sound on their third album is as brutal as ever. The video to Last Day Of Magic just sums up the fury in their music. Loving but just oozing frustration. Not in a, “I hate myself and the world” kind of way, but just knowing you can do something, it’s just doing it. I don’t know, I’m not very good at wording things like that, I just feel too much I guess.

Lyrically, this album is just as cruel as previous releases. Recently a perfume advert has decided to use Cheap And Cheerful as part of their ad campaign- I bet their perfume isn’t. I know, poor joke.  I love the line, “I’m bored of cheap and cheerful. I want expensive sadness. Hospital bills, parole. Open doors to madness.” Alison’s cough at the start is strangely attractive too. The way she sings, “It’s alright, to be mean.” Over the little drumming solo is pretty damn good too. The album just bursts so much energy and harsh lines. Like all their albums, there are no bad tracks. Every song just flows into each other so perfectly.

The album closer (if you don’t have the bonus track, Night Train) Goodnight Bad Morning is so fragile and vulnerable. At times, their lyrics pour out so much vulnerability- especially with how Alison sings them. “The jailers in my mind are all dead. I love you so much. Never forget.” The way Alison and Jamie sing this together, you just believe them more than ever. It’s just a gorgeous song. Everything about it just moves you.

Hook And Line is another ruckus (noisy not unpleasant) track. “Nail it down with jealous bones.’Til it goes off like a feather on its own.” Try all you want to, but you cannot control or stop her/The Kills. Reading their lyrics, it’s almost a guide to life. Teaching you that sometimes it’s okay to do bad things (not to the point where you hurt someone on purpose.) Its okay to keep your guard up, you probably always should.

Tape Song for instance, “Time ain’t gonna cure you honey. Time don’t give a shit.” So true. People are quick to fool themselves with the idea that time heals all. It doesn’t. What you do is, you adapt. You’re never cured, whatever is irking you will always be there. Time is just a concept- not a healer. As they point out that time doesn’t heal, you have to do what you can to move forward, “You’ve got to go steal ahead.” If anyone is in need of some kind of guidance in life, then listen to this song. It’ll sort you out, no problem.

Midnight Boom gave Alison and Jamie more success than previous albums. They featured on Jools Holland, Jonathan Ross- I remember sitting on the floor staring at the screen like an attentive child watching their favourite cartoon. I was just proud that my favourite band was finally getting the recognition they deserve. I’ve loved them since the start, and to see them finally being praised for what they are doing is just beautiful. This album caused their career to take off, but if you listen to all their albums- this sound has always been there. That raw, bluesy feel- no one else has done it as well as The Kills and honestly? I severely doubt anyone else could.

Oh, and remember “It’s alright, to be mean.”