Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Importance Of The Debut Album.

Posted on by

After 3 attempts write this, this is my last go. Trying to sum up the importance of a debut album isn’t easy, nor is it easy trying to think of the best debut albums ever. There have been so many phenomenal debut albums, some people just overlook and others are regarded as highly influential.

Over the past 3 years there have been some amazing debut albums released such as Lungs by Florence And The Machine to Cults self titled debut which was released this year.

The hardest thing about putting out such a great first album is following it up. How many bands have managed to set such a high calibre with their first album and pull it off with every release? Of course The Smiths managed to do it, and in my biased opinion, more recently The Horrors have evidently done it. More on Strange House later. I always have strong affection towards debut albums as you can truly feel and understand what an artist is trying to do. It’s always good to listen back to a debut album when a band has released 3 or 4 albums into their career. You can really hear how an artist has grown and changed their sound.

My personal favourite debut album of all time has to be Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain. I love the reverb sound, the intense subject matter and of course Jim Reid’s stunning vocals. I adore the production on the album, it has influenced so many bands that I love such as The Horrors. There has never been a debut album as gripping and as brutal as Psychocandy. Although the band have released some fantastic albums, this is the one that stands out for me- it is timeless and just everything an album should be. It’s dark, it is passionate and honest. If more music was to this standard, well, the music industry would be in a better place I suppose. The Jesus And Mary Chain is a band that inspires me in ways no other band ever has, and probably ever will. Of course The Smiths are the band that owns my heart, but I feel The Jesus And Mary Chain own a part of my mind. The heart is greater, that I know. I just love the feeling I get from listening to Psychocandy, it just feels like the first time I am listening to it every time I do. It’s just a perfect debut album from start to finish. I don’t think any album has single-handedly started its own genre in a way Psychocandy did. It’s just everything, and anything after it has just lurked in its shadows.

Last year two debut albums came out that just instantly blew me away. I felt like I was in a different time whilst listening to it- personally, that’s what makes a remarkable album. Regardless if it is a debut album or an artists fifth album.

The two albums are Best Coast’s debut self titled release and of course, The Fool by Warpaint.

Best Coast’s debut was the soundtrack to summer 2010, there’s no denying it. The album instantly became a piece of art that I treasured so much, I still play it every single day. There is not one song that bores me. I don’t really hold any personal situations to the album, give it time I guess. It’s just an album that makes me feel like I am sitting on a beach, staring out to sea and forgetting everything. It’s the perfect form of escapism. I love Bethany’s vocals especially on Our Deal. There’s something so heartbreaking about that song, but you just can’t stop listening to it. Oh her cat, Snacks is quite possibly the cutest animal ever.

Where do I start when talking about The Fool by Warpaint? Anyone who knows me a tiny bit will know that album is one of the most important albums in my life, ever. Of all the albums I own, this one is one I hold very highly. I love how every song makes me feel like I am floating on water towards something better. There’s always something better. Warpaint’s music makes a hopeless person like myself quite hopeful.

Songs such as Lissie’s Heart Murmur and Shadows are so important to me. The way Emily sings on Lissie’s Heart Murmur just moves me in a way I didn’t think could happen. I adore Theresa’s vocals on Shadows, so much frustration in the line,” I feel like the shadows, I don’t even bother for any more than that.” It’s an album to lose yourself in, and probably find parts of yourself too.

I remember seeing a copy of an album with five men wearing high-heels and make-up on the cover and just being in awe of the cover. I found the album in the drawer in the living room at my mum’s house when I was around 15/16. I took the album to my room and just played it. I didn’t move. I was entirely transfixed with the sounds that were coming out of my temperamental CD player.

New York Dolls are quite possibly one of the most important bands ever. They’ve influenced so many artists that I adore with every fibre of my being. Yes, I mean Morrissey. Their debut album has one song on it that just means the universe to me, Subway Train. I adore everything about the song, especially the lyrics. Frustration with a twinge of angst- mixed with longing. They are the best kinds of songs and Subway Train is one of them.

The album is the blueprint of what would later emerge from New York City.

Although Live It Out is my favourite album by them, Metric’s debut release, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is such a fantastic piece of art. The album starts with IOU, and right from the start you fall in love with Metric’s sound. They have a specific sound that I have never ever heard in any band. Whether it be in a band I love or a band I dislike, their sound is something that has never been replicated- thankfully. I highly doubt anyone could. Songs such as Wet Blanket, Combat Baby, Dead Disco and The List are just stunning. I’ve been fortunate to see them live, and the energy they have on record is just the same live. Just with a bit more sweat. The production is just stunning. I’ve been a fan of Metric since they started out and their sound is so distinctive. What I love about their debut is the Punk and Riot Grrrl feel it has- two genres that mean a lot to me, and for a band such as Metric to combine those two genres to create Old World Underground was just brilliant.

I have two more debut albums to write about. Both have this brutal sound to it and contain such a force that just shakes your world and your whole being. I know that the albums I have mentioned and are about to mention are probably odd choices for some, but they are debut albums that just mean a lot to me, and to others I’m sure. I could mention the usual such as The Smiths debut album and Is This It by The Strokes, both albums of course are masterpieces and mean a lot to me. I have Is This It tattooed on me. Some may think it’s a morbid thing to have tattooed, it isn’t- it’s a declaration of love for such a phenomenal album.

Strange House by The Horrors is a frickin’ amazing take on Garage-Rock. I remember skipping a lecture at University to go out and buy the album. I did it a lot whilst at College and Uni. My priorities have always been based on music; it’s a good and bad thing. Good for me, and it probably pisses others off. They don’t get it, I don’t expect them to.

I feel Strange House has been overlooked by so many. Guaranteed it sounds nothing like Primary Colours and Skying- none of The Horrors albums sound like their last one at all. That’s why I love them. Their music means a lot to me, I cannot describe why. Strange House reminds me of my first year of Uni. Probably the happiest I have ever been. Everything was new to me and I was becoming the person I always wanted to be. The sound on Strange House just instantly took over me. From Faris’s screams to Rhys’ mental keyboard skills. I remember going back home during the holidays and my mum telling me she loved Count In Fives. I’ve played her all three albums by them, and she too is in awe of their sound. I’ve got a pretty cool family. My auntie and uncle both adore The Horrors.

The way The Horrors dressed during the Strange House era was just beautiful. If I was a guy, or hell, if I was skinny I’d probably dress like that. I know they will never create an album with the same sound as Strange House but each album still has that raw, brutal feel. A feel that is not evident in a lot of music right now. A lot of people are getting into The Horrors based on the single Still Life. However, I urge you new fans to please listen to Strange House. It’ll do you a world of good if you do.

The last album that I am going to bore you with, if you are still with me is, Keep On Your Mean Side by The Kills. The title alone is bloody great. The album defines the whole sound of The Kills. Unapologetic brutal, dark, intense, raw and powerful sounds. Everything about this album is sheer perfection. From start to finish the album has you in a chokehold. The Kills music feels like a pleasurable punch to the face. It hits you over and over- you don’t care if it hurts, it is the best feeling ever. The music has this hold over you. Alison’s beautiful and vengeful voice twinned with Jamie’s genius guitar playing steals your heart away. It takes you to a place that is dark, poetic and sublime. I love how they have captured the same feeling people must have got when they first heard The Velvet Underground when they started. They are my generation’s take on The Velvet Underground. The dark lyrics with harsh guitar sounds, it’s just everything that music should be.

I adore Alison’s vocals on Wait and Gypsy Death & You. It is so pure, just enthralling. I love the aggression in their music- songs such as Cat Claw, Fried My Little Brains and Kissy Kissy just pour out such aggression that overwhelms you and leaves you thinking and feeling “The hell have I just exposed my ears and soul to?!” It is hands down, one of the most brutal debut albums I have ever heard and probably will hear. It’s brutal in an Iggy Pop sense, true Punk ethic. The Kills are a band that I look up to; I love the connection Alison and Jamie have with each other. I love that just two people have created a sound that so many need so many others around them to create and just cannot get it right- The Kills just need each other to make that sound. I admire them so much; I’d say they are quite possibly the hardest working musicians around. I cannot praise them enough nor can I express my love for their music in good enough words. Each album they put out has the same level of intensity and frustration in it- with no apologise or explanation. It just is. And what it is, is truly beautiful.

I know there are so many albums I could have written about such as The Long Blondes debut album, Scott Matthews debut solo album, Richard Hawley, Ramones- the list is endless. I just wrote about the ones that mean something to me.

Recently my mum posted me a Morrissey book and Scott Matthews debut album. She knows of my love for The Walker Brothers and I was familiar with Scott’s solo work. It’s a beautiful debut album. As are debuts from others such as Zola Jesus, The xx, Aaliyah, Jay-Z. Honestly, the list is endless and the more I mention the more I want to write about these albums. It just shows how vital the debut album really is, and a lot of the time- inspires others to pick up an instrument and start their own movement. I’ve written over 2000, I think I’ve bored you enough now haven’t I?!

Ellie Herring.

Posted on by

I think my new favourite artist is Ellie Herring. Without sounding like a raging feminist, it’s bloody lovely to have a GOOD female electro musician/producer. I’m not going to tell you who she sounds like or who her production skills replicate. She’s, as hard as it is to believe with music right now, unique.

Her debut EP, Flailing In Attraction (awesome title) was released this year and her full length LP, Until It Feels Foreign is out this winter. I absolutely adore her track, Died To Meet You. It’s so atmospheric and so perfect. She creates music that you can just close your eyes and forget everything to. The best musicians makes music like that. Her music is beautiful, she’s beautiful. Maybe here in England we’ll catch on to her amazing talent, I really do hope so.

The music she makes has a dark and mysterious feel to it. Most music I listen to is like this, which makes it so easy for me to love Ellie Herring’s music. Tracks such as Hunters Dreamboat and Touch Point evoke such wonderful imagery and feelings. I have no idea why she isn’t huge, talent like this should not be ignored at all.  I just can’t stop listening to her music. It reminds me slightly of The XX mixed with James Blake and a hint of The Weeknd.

I remember when I first started listening to a band called Sensual Harassment, and I’ve got the same feeling I did when I listened to them when I listened to Ellie Herring. My words do not do her music/talent any justice.  Check out the tracks on her Soundcloud.

Aaliyah.

Posted on by

I don’t want to write this, because although it has been ten years it feels entirely wrong. It will always feel wrong.

I remember being sat in front of the telly watching MTV I was about 8 or 9 years old, and I was just in awe of this beautiful person on the screen. I wanted to be just like her, she instantly became the most important musical force in my life. I carried my love for Aaliyah’s music from primary school onwards. I remember saving up enough money to buy her debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number and just playing it every day. I probably ruined it, which explains why I have more than one copy of all 3 of her albums. There are only 2 or 3 artists I have more than one copy of their albums due my excessive play of their albums.

I was drawn to Aaliyah’s music the same way most are- her delicate voice. A voice that no other singer has ever mastered aside from her. Certain singers have evidently tried (and failed) to copy the whole vibe Aaliyah had, she truly truly was one in a million.

The more I write about this using past tense, the more wrong this just feels. She should still be here making music and making films. There is no way at all where anyone can justify this beyond awful loss.

If I had to list my favourite albums of all time, I would easily put her 3 albums in my Top 10.  However her second album, One In A Million for me, just showed the world how amazing she really was. Her vocals on this album were so strong but with that gentle feel. Her smooth vocals were what she was best known for- again something which have attempted to copy but just cannot come close to it at all.

Aaliyah was just easy to love and relate to. The way she was in interviews and how she touched on so many subjects in her music just made it easy for you to fall in love with her music. Every once in a while a singer comes around that just leaves a mark- in your life and in music that nothing and no one will ever replicate. Nothing will ever replace it. It’s just like having that one person in your life that nothing and no one in the world is better than or will ever take the place of.

One of my favourite videos by Aaliyah was Hot Like Fire. I don’t know what it is, but I just loved the way it was shot and Missy popping up and doing her little dance was pretty cool too. I remember watching her at the VMAs, and she took her brother with her. I thought that was one of the coolest thing ever, but I think what shocked most was that she was wearing a dress. If you watch any of her music videos up to that point- she never wore a dress. She, as ever, looked stunning. She always did. She could wear ridiculously baggy clothes and still be the most beautiful person in the world. Her style was perfect, everything about her was.

Her last album had a sound to it that no other R&B artist has ever managed to come close to achieving. The sound on songs such as I Refuse, Those Were The Days and It’s Whatever- you just know it’s her.  The aggression on What If is something that was never felt in any of her music before, but it worked. It just proved that Aaliyah could sing any genre and just own it. She wasn’t just an R&B singer, she was so much more- and that is what I and others will always remember her as.

She was one of the greatest entertainers of my generation. Not many artists are worth looking up to. But Aaliyah, well, she really was. She was the perfect all-round entertainer. Aaliyah was a fantastic dancer, singer and actress. There will never be anyone else quite like her. Since that first time I saw her on MTV I have always looked up to her and admired her, I just cannot put it into words. I’d constantly try and learn the dances in her music video. I think at one point I knew every move in the videos to Try Again and More Than A Woman. I probably made my own up too. My mum always promised me that she would take me to see Aaliyah is she ever toured the UK, sadly, it never happened. If I could’ve seen anyone live, it would’ve been her.

She was such a creative force and constantly ahead of her time from her style, to the hair over her eye to the music she created.

I’ve been told that with every negative there’s a positive, at the time I didn’t believe it- but a few months after her death I met someone who instantly became not only my best friend, but my sister too. She knows who she is, and through this tragic loss I gained someone who changed my life. She may now live on the other side of the world, but she will always be one of the most important and special person in my life. Without her, well…I have no idea really.

Writing about Aaliyah in past tense just doesn’t feel right, and I don’t believe I have done her any justice with what I have written, but as ever- it has come from the heart.

R.I.P. Aaliyah xxxx ~/.\~

“Everything is worth it. The hard work, the times when you’re tired, the times where you’re a bit sad . . . In the end, it’s all worth it because it really makes me happy. There’s nothing better than loving what you do.” ~Aaliyah Dana Haughton, 2001 (MTV Diary.)

Anna Calvi.

Posted on by

When I first heard Anna Calvi’s music in 2008 I was instantly in awe of what I heard. She makes the kind of music that causes your head to jolt back and your jaw drop. I suppose it’s not the most attractive physical attribute to attain in public, which is why it’s safer to just listen at home with no one around.

I remember hearing Blackout and her cover of Jezebel in 2009; I was enthralled with the big drums and the romantic sound of her voice. What made me fall in love so quickly with her music was how dark, intense and dominant it was. I loved how her music made me feel I was wandering through a creepy and devilish film set, like a “film noir” or even something distinctly twisted such as a David Lynch film. For me, her music feels like a mini-movie, a dramatisation. Her music is so intense; it makes you feel on constant edge (in a good way) as you listen to it.

When you watch live clips of her or even actually see her live you are drawn to have passionately she performs on stage and her presence. She doesn’t have to say anything to the audience; you are just immediately captured by her music. That’s just how it should be.

As I listen to her album, I find it breathtaking and inspiring that something so grand can be someone’s debut album. This is why I regard it to be the best debut this year and quite possibly the only debut album to cause such emotions since Florence’s debut, Lungs back in 2009.

It is easy to compare the tow due to them both having powerful voices that hurl you into a different world. But that is the only comparison.

I love how there are slight twinges of vengeance in Anna’s voice, a monster of a feeling takes over as you listen to songs such as Desire. “It’s just the Devil taking my hand to the fire” I love the way she puts across the feelings that desire causes us to feel and the things it makes us do. Sometimes when you desire something or someone it just causes you to do daft things. However, I don’t need to feel this way to do daft things.

She’s toured with the likes of Interpol, Nick Cave and Kaki King- all this and she’s only one album into her career.

Her music has a ritualistic chant feel mixed with heavy drums, it’s a sound that many have tried to create and at times failed. They just get it wrong. They let certain parts take over and no talent comes out.

This doesn’t happen with Anna Calvi’s music. Maybe I am slightly biased due to her also having Italian genes. It’s the best gene to have I reckon, again- being biased but still. Anyway, her music. Her music is just perfect. She has a strong, big voice that just throws you. With a lot of female singers they seem to warble to show how strong their voice is, but when they do this they lose the power they could potentially posses. Anna doesn’t do this, it just sounds so effortlessly grand. When you listen to songs such a Suzanne and I, her voice is so, and I hate to bloody say it, but it’s so seductive. You could just sit playing her album with someone you are fond of- but to be honest; I’d just keep my attention on the music and not the other person. That’s just how I am, it explains a lot. I refuse to change though. Music is more constant than a person really.

First We Kiss is so poetic and dark. The album has quite an old fashioned feel to it. You could imagine music like this being played during the Victorian era when they had parties that were so decadent and never discussed to the outside world.

The build-up in First We Kiss is so gripping, the whole album is. It has a hold of you, but you don’t want to loosen the grip. You want to keep it as tight as possible until you gasp for air, but even then you want to keep hold onto it. It just takes over you- your body and soul. Her music just owns every part of you. It makes you feel you are in the scenarios she creates with her music.

Aside from having one of the best voices I have ever heard, Anna Calvi is a fantastic guitar player. When you watch her play she makes it seem so effortless. I cannot put into words just how beautiful the sound it. It sounds so viciously haunting. It really comes across on the track, The Devil.

What I love about her music is that you can tell that no specific genre or singer has influenced her music. Yes she has the dark lyrics and feel to her music with comparison to Nick Cave. However, she has this soul-gripping voice like Edith Piaf. I cannot and will not throw her music into any genre/sub-genre at all, it’d be impossible to do so, and that is exactly what makes an artist like Anna Calvi so good and much needed in music right now.

In an ideal world, music like this would take over. But an ideal world will never exist, that’s why you can lose yourself in music like this. Her music just moves you and inspires you in ways you didn’t think music could right now. Her voice is so much stronger and a billion times more soulful than what is being (unfortunately) played on certain radio stations. It’s why I don’t listen to them. In a few weeks the winner of the Mercury Music Prize will be announced. By rights, Anna Calvi should win. Not because I love her music but looking at the list (bar PJ Harvey of course) she is the only one that is doing something different. She is the only one creating music so dark and atmospheric right now, and it is something that needs to be recognised. Guaranteed if she was to win, she’d be one of the few that are actually remembered in years to come. But, awards aren’t everything nor are the important. All that matters is that singers like Anna Calvi exist.

Rachel Zeffira.

Posted on by

Whatever I say about Rachel Zeffira’s voice does not do it justice. Personally, if someone cannot hear how stunning her voice is-then they’re just daft. She posses a voice most wish they could. It is so delicate and angelic. Her voice is like hearing an Angel sing.

Seeing how she has such a gentle voice, it’d be silly for her to sing a song by a band such as, say….My Bloody Valentine, right? I mean how can someone with such a pure voice take on a song by a band that have quite a raw and dark sound. Well, she’s done it. Rachel has covered one of my favourite songs by My Bloody Valentine, To Here Knows When as part of her solo project which is soon to be released.

Who thought a Soprano trained singer could take on a song by My Bloody Valentine. As most of you know, she is in Cat’s Eyes with Faris Badwan from The Horrors. The music Cat’s Eyes make is just wonderful. Think 60s girl group/Wall of Sound. It’s just perfect.

Rachel Zeffira has one of the most angelic voices I have ever heard. I’m not a massive fan of Opera, but I could quite happily listen to her music all day.

She has a voice that makes you smile from the inside out. It’s just so beautiful, she leaves you in sheer awe.

 

Marina And The Diamonds- Radioactive.

Posted on by

There are some wankers (it’s the less offensive word I could think of) that seem to think Marina has “sold out” or become mainstream with her new single, Radioactive. They’re not real fans, they’re not Diamonds. So I think labelling them as wankers is okay, right? No? Good. Means I’ll call them wankers even more. Anyway, enough about them. More on Marina.

“I’m the one who left you, you’re not the one who left me” THAT is a fucking good line isn’t. I’m probably going to swear too much. I’m not even sorry, unless my mum reads this- then I am a bit sorry. I love Radioactive. The acoustic version, the original version- I don’t care, I just love the song. Her lyrics to every single song of hers just leave me speechless. I’m just in awe of how amazing she is. Most of the time I feel she is in my head writing down and saying all the things I don’t have the guts to say. She says the things I wish I could say, but if I did..I’d be called every name under the sun. The line, “I take one look at you and I grow cold” is just so damn beautiful and so bloody accurate. Everyone, I don’t care who they are, everyone has someone that they just look at and they feel so much bad feelings towards them. Their very existence just irks you. Seriously, when you hear that line- you will think of them. But then, you’ll stop thinking about them because they don’t deserve to be associated with such a song.

The acoustic version will, if you aren’t a heartles twerp, leave you covered in goose bumps. You’ll feel differently to the song. You’ll have more of an emotional attachment to it. There is something so gorgeous about Marina and just a piano. If you’ve ever seen her live, you will know exactly what I mean. Her live shows are euphoric. So liberating. This is why i love her music. It’s almost as if one can feel so bloody free from someone else’s words. When I hear certain songs by her, I just think and feel, “Fuck it…it’s okay to have these frustrations. It’s okay to dislike yourself. It’s okay to dislike others. It’s okay to be totally honest.” There’s just so much I take from her music, and Radioactive is just so enchanting. It just steals you away. “Now I’m heading for a meltdown” I challenge anyone to not relate to this lyric. You’re lying to yourself if you deny it.

There’s so many songs of Marina’s I just feel this connection with. At times it’s frustrating because I dislike having such feelings being brought up and such, but then again- who does. I remember when I first heard I Am Not A Robot and it was just so on point. I remember listening to The Family Jewels all the way through and just being in awe. Guilty is the song that at times I find impossible to listen to, just because it is so personal, it means so much to me. I was fortunate to meet her and tell her this. When you can tell the person who you admire so much what their music means to you, it’s one of the best feelings ever. She is truly one of the most loving and amazing human beings I have ever met. It was such an honour, she fucking loves her fans to pieces- and we feel the same back. The other week when she put out Fear And Loathing, there are no words to describe how it made me feel. It’s just perfect. Her music is perfect. I know perfect doesn’t exist- but sometimes, you can make an exception and with Marina I do.

2011- Musically, you weren’t that bad.

Posted on by

I know it’s only August, but I feel I need to write this down now. Was 2011 awful? For music? No. For other things? More than likely. Yes this year was shit due to Gaga putting an album out, Amy Winehouse’s tragic death and ITV still allowing X-Factor to exist. Why it exists, I have no idea. But it is does, for those who don’t know any better.

I’m going to attempt to think of 10 reasons (in NO order because I will want to change my mind if I do that) as to why music this year was not shit. I may rant, I may not be able to think of 10 reasons.

-The Kills : Finally my favourite duo EVER released the flow-up to Midnight Boom. Blood Pressures is probably my favourite album of the year. However, come 7th November and I will say Florence’s album is. The Kills are a band that I will always love. They could (I know they won’t) make the most wankiest record ever, and I would still find something to love about it. Blood Pressures has a bluesy feel to it but still has the same raw vibe No Wow and Keep On Your Mean Side have. The Last Goodbye is the saddest song I’ve heard this year. If a song could break your heart, that would be it. The lyrics to Baby Says are stunning. I just ove how Jamie and Alison’s voices fit together. I think their bond is one of the greatest things ever. Everyone needs a friendship like that. “Send your love on a rampage, give her everything you’ve got. And when you come to hate her, show her more than just a spark” is one of the best lines off the album. However, not just from The Kills but my favourite line from a song that I have heard this year is easily, “How can I rely on my heart if I break it, with my own two hands.” The way Alison’s voice sounds on this is so beautiful but it just tears you up so much. I’m just happy to have another record by The Kills in my collection.

-The Horrors: I still want to slap people who dismiss The Horrors. Just like I want to slap those that think Skying sounds like Simple Minds. I think those that are saying these things are actually deaf. Or just extremely fucking stupid. Skying is the best album put out this year by an English group. I am still in love with the sound they had wth Strange House. But, I love how they have developed with each album. You cannot deny how much of a masterpiece Primary Colours was and still is. They’re just everything a band should be. They don’t justify what they do to anyone. They make music for them. That’s how it should be. They haven’t bought into a gimmick and gotten famous based on that. They are ALL fantastic musicians. Joshua is genius on that guitar. There aren’t enough words for me to describe my love for The Horrors.

-Zola Jesus: Quite simply one of my favourite female musicians ever. Her voice is so haunting. It takes over you and before you know it, you have been thrown into a world that you never thought existed. I love how dark and eerie her music is. I have every faith that her new album, Conatus is going to be nothing short of amazing. I love that her music just blows me away with every listen. I listen to songs such as Trust Me and Run Me Out, and this wave of amazement just takes over me. She has this force within her music that I’ve never heard in anyone before, she’s only 21 years old! I love the build-up in all her songs. It’s like this intense and euphoric takeover. Why didn’t this year suck because of Nika? Well, just listen to Vessel.

-The Weeknd: Of all the artists I found at stupid o’clock in the morning due to not being able to sleep, The Weeknd is hands down, the best thing I have discovered this year on the internet. I love his voice so much. So soulful. I love that he’s sampled Aaliyah’s voice on one of his songs and he’s also sampled Siouxise & The Banshees too. His Mixtapes are utterly mind-blowing. Trust me, you need this guy in your life. Head over to his wesite and get his Mixtapes. You’ll here amazing songs such as THIS TRACK!

-Cults: Okay, so I heard about this duo last year but their debut album came out this year so it’s allowed. What I love about this duo is their 1960s feel they have to their music. Never Saw The Point means so much to me, “I never saw the point in trying, ’cause I would only let you down. And I just couldn’t take you down there with me, I couldn’t stand to see you drown.” It’s just such a gorgeous and fragile song, I suppose that is why I adore it so much. Since its release lat year, Best Coast’s debut album has been played every day- I’m clearly going to do the same with Cults. I love that it doesn’t sound like anything around now. A fantastic debut album.

-Seapony: Seapony make me want to leave everything and everyone behind and just go live on a beach. I can’t swim, so I guess it’d be boring after a day or so. However, there is nothing more peaceful than looking out to a strectch of water listening to your favourite music. I’d love to do that to Seapony. I love the summer vibe they feel. Is it chillwave? I don’t know, I reckon they fit under the dream-pop genre. They remind me of The Drums mixed with Beach House and a hint of The Raveonettes. I just adore the whole sound and the gentle vocals. Especially on ongs such as Dreaming and Late Summer.

-Blood Orange: This year Dev Hynes released the first album of his current project, Blood Orange. I love everything he does. Whether it’s for others (Solange Knowles), as Lightspeed Champion or Blood Orange. Coastal Grooves is a MUST-HAVE in your collection. It’s such a strong album. It feels like New York City must have felt in the 1980s. It has a brilliant feel to it. It’s music you can just relax to and walk round the park  in the sun to. There is no denying the genius that Dev is. He kills the guitar, he’s got such a distinctive voice. I just love love love him. Anything he does is just perfect.

-Summer Camp: Another duo that have won my heart over this year. I love everything about their music, however it is one song in particular that since first hearing it in February this year I have played every day. Not a day has gone by where I haven’t played it since. The synths kick in during this song and it is is SO good. Elizabeth’s voice is stunning. The lyrics to I Want You are so dark, and slightly brutal. But hey, all comes with liking someone, right? I don’t know. I like to think I don’t know. “You’re so smart, you break my heart” if someone said that to me, I’d be so flattered. It’s probably my favourite song of this year. If I was a DJ I’d play this all the time, and if no one danced to it- I’d bar them from the club.

-Morrissey: I could write an essay on this man until my hands were numb from typing. I’ve probably done it before to be honest. This year on Janice Long’s show, she played three new songs by my god, Morrissey. Every single song was perfect. For me, I fell more in love with Action Is My Middle Name. The lyrics are typical Morrissey- witty and oh so bloody charming. People Are The Same Everywhere- well, the title speaks for itself really. So true. What I love about Moz is that he has always done what is real and honest to him, he’s never answered to anyone. It’s something I admire and love about him. It’s why I love him. We should ALWAYS do things for us, that makes us happy- because the day you let others rule you, you are no longer a person. I saw him twice this year- and yes as soon as he walked on stage, I bawled. I’ve seen him 4 times so far, and each time I have gone with my mum. She loves him as much as I do. I could never ever go to a Moz gig with anyone but my mum, it’d be wrong. I told her this, and she agrees. Hopefully he wil release his new album soon. “Biting my initials into your neck. You are my possession, you don’t realise yet. Am I moving too fast for you? Am I begining to confuse you?” Only Morrissey could say such a thing. Hero. Absolute hero.

-Florence & The Machine: I really couldn’t make this list without mentioning Florence could I. After hearing What The Water Gave Me (studio version) I cannot ait for 7th November. I just know that her second album will blow my mind. My last article on Florence just sums up my love for her, so I won’t bore you with another essay. Her album is out in time for my birthday (HI MUM!!!!) and I am hoping there’s a tour. The sound has a more soulful and gospel feel to it which I love so much. I’m beyond happy that the album is out this year, some said that it would be out the start of 2012, I guess it’s too good to make us wait. Besides, she’s worked with Paul Epworth on it- you just know it is going to be THE album of the year.

As I feel like I have missed so much out, here are some tracks by artists that have made 2011 less shittier than it was:

Yuck.

Washed Out.

Anna Calvi.

CocknBullKid.

Marina And The Diamonds.

Love Inks.

Sleigh Bells.

Youth Lagoon.

Warpaint (Video Of The Year.)

Widowspeak.

I’ll stop now because I could carry on with about 50 more artists.

Florence Welch.

Posted on by

With Florence’s new song being released today, it’s only right that I, again, write a few words on her.

I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Florence’s voice. It was in 2007, just into my second year of University. It was a clip of her and Dev Hynes singing in his flat. I was instantly blown away by the strength and how intense her voice was. It was something I hadn’t heard in such a long time; I just didn’t ever expect to hear a voice so strong- especially by someone so young.

Fast forward to May 2009. I have two tickets to see her play a venue that held at least 200 people. I didn’t know who to take; I very nearly didn’t go to the gig. But, I got myself together and went with someone who I am honoured to call my best friend. She knows who she is (Hi Amy!). During the support act, Flo danced in the crowd- how many artists would do that?

Move on to September 2009 and she plays a venue that holds possibly around 1000 people. In the space of 4 months she had gone from playing to 200 people to 1000.

After the gig, we were beyond lucky to have met her. I shared a drink with her, a few hugs and a kiss on the cheek. Life complete? No doubt.

I’ve only seen her live 4 times, but each time I have seen her it just does something to my soul. What you feel in your soul is much deeper and greater than what you feel in your heart. It triggers something off in you that makes you feel so alive and just lost in the moment of what you are experiencing.

 

Hand on heart, I can say Florence Welch’s music changed my life and to an extent- saved it. Her gig in May 2009 was at a really shit time in my life, and to see her live was a form of healing I suppose. It was just something that I will always hold so very dear to me.

So what is it about her music that caused me to feel this way? It’s the dark lyrics, the soulful voice, the big sound her band has, the intense feel in her music- everything about her music just means everything to me.

Lungs as my favourite album of 2009. I cannot put into words what Cosmic Love and Blinding meant to me at that point, when I see them live now it’s so overwhelming- it’s just so perfect. There’s a part during Blinding when performed live, Flo just goes mental. I remember once when I saw her, she picked up one of the lights on the stage and just shone it on the crowd. She has this elegant but raw stage presence- not many can merge the two in such a wonderful way, but Flo does.

As someone who adores lyrics and how words are used in songs/how they are sung, I absolutely adore her dark and intense lyrics. I love how dark and loving My Boy Builds Coffins is. When she sings, “And it just isn’t fair” the frustration that comes through is so beautiful, in a weird way. I suppose you’ll get it if you’re a fan of dark lyrics.

Her love songs are not your stereotypical love songs. None of this “I love you and I miss you when you go to the toilet” kind of bullshit. No way, not with Florence. She shows the REAL side of hat true love is. True love breaks your heart; true love fixes your heart. It is eerie, it is overpowering, it exhausts you, it is dark and it is intense. Anything else isn’t real love.

Take Ghosts/I’m Not Calling You A Liar, “I love you so much, I’m going to let you kill me.” I know I could’ve picked any line to use, but that one line has always stuck out for me.

When you love someone so much, you don’t care what they do to you. Good or bad, you don’t care- because you love them. And your love for them is greater than anything in this world.

I’ve never felt this way, but I can imagine how it must feel. A person can consume so much of you that you don’t care for what they do to you. You just want and need them there.

Bird Song for me, as comical as the topic may be- there is such depth to the lyrics. It’s quite similar to Edgar Allan Poe’s Tell Tale Heart. It’s quite a cruel song, but you can feel the angst of having a conscience come through, again making it easy for you relate to Florence’s music. That’s what makes her so perfect, that’s why her music means what it does to me.

I listen to her music with Ashok (the album isn’t too bad) then I listen to her demos such as Tear Out My Tongue/Ye Olde Hope, Donkey Kosh and My Best Dress. Then I listen to Lungs and I just cannot get my head round how strong and powerful her voice is. Her music feel so soulful, you can tell she sings from a part in her that many singers just do not do.

A few months ago a live clip of What The Water Gave Me appeared online, it just blew me away. Today, the studio version just catapulted all my feelings about her music everywhere. It was listening to something so euphoric. That’s the only word I can use to describe her music- euphoric. It is out of this world. It is heavenly. I love the vulnerability in her voice in Water The Water Gave Me. When you watch her sing you can see she is in a different place, she really connects with what she sings. Maybe some of it is heartfelt, maybe some of it is her being a fantastic songwriter and she can make herself feel the words. Personally, I feel she feels and means every single word.

I love the gospel feel to Water The Water Gave Me. I cannot wait to witness this live, especially when the gospel vocals kick in.

When I listen to Florence’s music I just feel this spark inside me, it makes me feel alive. There aren’t many artists that make me feel this way. I love how her music can make you feel vulnerable and at the same time, not so alone. Her voice is as powerful as Edith Piaf’s, as distinctive as Janis Joplin and as soulful as Erykah Badu.

Her songs such as Are You Hurting The One You Love, Hardest Of Hearts and Swimming are so gut-hitting and so wise. Are You Hurting The One You Love is ever so heartbreaking. We’ve all hurt someone we shouldn’t have hurt, “Are you hurting the one you love, bite your tongue until it tastes like blood.” I guess sometimes you just can’t stop yourself.

I love that someone may age has achieved so much. I’ve been a fan of Florence before she was signed, and to see all she has accomplished and how many lives her music has touched makes me feel proud and honoured to be a fan. When I watched her perform at the Oscars I did get a bit emotional.

I remember when she won the Brits Critic’s Choice Award two years ago, and her speech mainly consisted of her saying “Fuck” a few times- I was just so bloody proud to see her on the stage and for people to recognise the talent she has.

Her live shows are like a religious experience; it is just as if something takes over your body- it is entirely indescribable. With her album being released 7th November (a few days before my birthday, ideal birthday present!!!!) I am sure a tour is to follow. By that I mean, I am hoping a tour happens and a date on my birthday occurs.

I’ve read a few interviews where Florence was listening to White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane and her dad herd her yell, “Oh my god! I’m having an epiphany!” whilst listening to it. I fully understand how she feels, and the first time I heard her voice I felt exactly the same.

Dirty Beaches.

Posted on by

Canada produces amazing music. From Metric to The Weeknd and all in between. The music scene there is something to be proud of. However, it’s just about to get a hell of a lot better and it is all down to one man- Dirty Beaches aka Alex Zhang Hungtai.

Many critics have labelled his music as “lo-fi” and maybe, he is. However I’d just say that he is astounding. There is NOTHING like his music around right now, and I doubt anything like this has been done before. Honestly, music like this makes me glad to not me deaf. Outrageous comment, I know. But it’s a Sunday, and Sundays are dull for everyone. So I thought..oh, never mind.

Personally, when I listen to Lord Knows Best I imagine someone floating up to Heaven, or just someone at complete and utter peace with themselves and all around them. It’s a highly emotional song, the sample of the piano on a loop is so hypnotising and angelic. I can’t help but wonder why music like this isn’t dominating charts and winning over hearts. There is so much feeling and honesty in music like this. There is a severe lack of passion in pop music these days. I on;y want to listen to music that has meaning and depth. Music that makes me feel that nothing matters. That’s exactly what I get from Dirty Beaches.

Badlands is 2011’s hidden gem. It’s the album that you have stupidly slept on. If you haven’t heard it, you are missing out. If you haven’t heard it, please go out and buy it. There’s a brilliant 1950s feel to the album and to Dirty Beaches’ voice, especially on the track Horses where he does sound scarily like Elvis. I’m not really a fan of Elvis, but this is just remarkable. It makes you feel like you are in some kind of Western being chased, it’s just fantastic. He makes music that frightens you and takes your breath away, sort of like a David Lynch film.

My hero, John Peel once said, “I just want to hear something I haven’t heard before.” I understand completely. With Dirty Beaches, I’ve never ever heard anything like this before. It’s just mind-blowing and perfect. Coincidently, it was John Peel’s son, Tom Ravenscroft that got me into Dirty Beaches when I heard him on his show. It is mind-blowing that one person is making music like this. But hey, if you’re on your own- you have no one to answer to and for no one to say that you cannot make music that sounds like this or that. Thank goodness for artists like Dirty Beaches.

The Weeknd.

Posted on by

What’s 21 years old and makes sexy music? I hate the word “sexy.” It’s so tacky isn’t it. Not with this. Oh the answer by the way is, The Weeknd.

The Weeknd is 21 year old Canadian Abel Tesfaye. He’s slightly like James Blake but with soul. A lot more soul. I love James Blake but The Weeknd is on a whole different level to what is around right now. I imagine this is the kind of music you play to a lover or something. I’m starting to sound like either someone’s Grandma or a pervert. I’m neither.

I was aware of his music just before I started listening to James Blake. I heard the name being mentioned on several American music sites I read, so I listened. And with his mixtape causing the internet to go mental a few days ago, I thought now would be a good time to share him with you.

Wicked Games was one of the first songs I heard by The Weeknd. Mind was well and truly blown. Seriously. This isn’t music you lay on your bed thinking about life too. It’s music to play on the nightbus just wanting to get home. It’s got that feeling to it, I can’t explain.

I honestly have no idea if the UK will care about him, they should. But sadly, the media is wrapped up in vile reality shows so anything with real, raw talent is constantly ignored. I’d take someone like The Weeknd over your generic, repetative chart music any day.

I’ll tell you what The Weeknd reminds me of- The xx. It’s dark and atmospheric. Yes the lyrics are sexually charged, but that is by no means a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s fucking brilliant. I just love everything about The Weeknd’s music. The way it’s produced, his voice, the drum machine. Everything and anything. It’s just so utterly perfect. The build-up in all the songs will cause your body to tense up and leave you covered in goose-bumps, like all good music should.

Oh, and he samples Aaliyah’s vocals on What You Need which is just beautiful. She’s my favourite female singer of all time, and he uses her vocals in such a gorgeous way.