The Big Pink.

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Most of the time, I look for a band that make me feel like The Jesus And Mary Chain did when I first heard Psychocandy. That album in my mind is the greatest debut album of all time. The Jesus And Mary Chain is in my Top 3 bands of all time. They make you embrace the loving but brutal side of you.

I’ve never thought a band could give me that same feeling. What I get from The Kills or Metric is completely different. Completely different, it’s on a whole other level. I cannot describe. I probably could, but I’d just ramble. Pretty much like I am now.

Anyway, this year the band that have given me the same feeling The Jesus And Mary Chain release their second album. The Big Pink blew me away when I first heard them in 2009. Their debut album, A Brief History Of Love gave me the same feeling Psychocandy did. It was like an outer body experience listening to it. How someone must have felt when The Jesus And Mary Chain came out is exactly how I felt when I first heard The Big Pink.

The Big Pink has that fucking incredible reverb, distorted and dark feeling to their music. It’s the best sound you can get from a piece of music. So dark, so twisted, so honest. Your heart aches with every single listen. You heart shatters a bit every listen because you cannot get your heard around these deep lyrics.

I hold such a personal connection to the song Velvet. It’s just as if they got inside my head and wrote about all the doubt that’s floating around. The doubt is always there, and is put at ease with every single listen.

When I heard Dominoes, I wasn’t completely aware of what I was getting myself into; all I knew was that this song was quite frankly one of the best things to have occurred in 2009. “Hearts collide and smash any dreams of love.” If I had the money, I’d probably have that tattooed on me. It’s just a brutal line. It’s brutal because it is so true. When your heart hits with another, nothing happens after that. Something bad takes over, and the other person leaves you. You’ll never know why, but it happens. Don’t blame yourself kid, they weren’t worth it. “The hottest love has the coldest end.” Again, another line that is so accurate. You don’t even have to go through a break-up to get this song. Just watch people in the street or see the person you like (but you never told them) fall into the arms of another- this song will rule your heart.

Love In Vain is so stunning. Robbie’s always amazes me, but on this song it sounds so vulnerable. “If you really love him, tell me that you love him again. And go.” You haven’t really lived until you’ve had someone you like and thought liked you, then turn and say they love someone else. I say lived, what I mean is feel so small that you cast yourself away to the universe and you just don’t care. There are various kinds of freedom, this is one of them.

The entire album has mention of love and the harsh side of it. The harsh side is the side most of us can actually relate to. The wanting of a person who just doesn’t want to know, the wanting of a person who is just no good- but you’re no better because you’re a mess. We’ve all been there; we’ve all felt that way. Except you thought you were alone. You’re not, just listen to this record and you won’t be.

The title track off the album could easily be mistaken for The Jesus And Mary Chain. I guess the band is probably sick of people mentioning that, but if I was them- I’d love it. Imagine being compared to one of the greatest bands ever? I’d be so happy with that; I’d probably retire because there’s no greater compliment. It’s just such a gloriously heartbreaking album. You don’t mind that it hurts so much to listen to it because it is so beautiful. I’d compare it to allowing a beautiful person hurting you, but no person has the right to ever harm another; regardless of their beauty. You see, when a beautiful person does something to hurt you; they immediately become ugly don’t they.

The Big Pink is highly underrated. Some may say that guitar music is dead or whatever, who knows. I don’t think it is- there are many forms of “guitar” music. You have your woeful twerp with an acoustic guitar with the personality of a dead flea to the amazing sounds of The Kills, The Horrors, Warpaint etc. It’s very much alive; it just depends on where you are looking.

The Big Pink will probably blow you away with their second album. Have you heard Stay Gold? It’s bloody good. Apparently they’re taking a more Hip Hop approach to the new record. I don’t care for what direction they go in, I just love their music. Songs like Frisk on their debut album has a sort of Hip Hop feel to it, the way in which Robbie sings the verses resembles that kind of feel to it.

The Big Pink’s music is a saviour to some- it’s amazing how after one album such impact a band can have on someone’s life. Just look at what Florence And The Machine’s debut album did to The Smiths first record. An artist’s first album can do so much to a person. A Brief History Of Love is the only album to give me the same feeling Psychocandy did. I am fully aware that no other band will probably make me feel this way again, I’m okay with this. Then you have the second album which can be amazing or utter shit. I have no doubt in my mind that The Big Pink’s second album will be just as stunning and soul stealing as A Brief History Of Love.

Lester Bangs.

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Everyone has the one person who made them realise what they want to do with their life. Everyone has that one person that gives them this energy and motivation to go for what they want. As someone who has a shite level of self confidence and worth, I sought refuge in frustrated writers and musicians from a young age. I still do, kindred spirits I suppose. If there ever came a time where I developed a lot of self belief/worth, I wouldn’t be motivated to write. I wouldn’t be motivated to listen to music and write about it. I wouldn’t do anything. I guess a level of arrogance would ensue and I wouldn’t bother anymore. I’d rather write from a personal angle than write like some jumped up Journalist who writes with no feeling or passion. Keep the self-doubt alive and write with feeling.

I learnt to write this way from a man who died 4 years before I was born. Before I left home to go to Uni, I was given a book by Lester Bangs. It was a book full of his reviews and rantings. I’ve read this book so many times, whenever I feel Writer’s Block is about to smack me in the face I read segments of his book and I feel I can write about anything. Now, whether I’m any good or not is a completely different story.

For me, Lester Bangs is the ULTIMATE Music Journalist. If he was around now, I doubt he’d (and rightfully so) be impressed with the current state of music. The way he wrote was from the heart and this came through with every single article he wrote. Whether he was slagging off Bryan Ferry or praising Iggy Pop; there was so much passion and rawness in his music. He wrote like a Punk rock artist. He didn’t show any mercy in what he wrote- that is what makes a fantastic writer. He wasn’t just a writer; he also fronted a few bands in his time too. His song, Let It Blurt is a fine composition. He had a way with words that no one else has ever mastered. He had a way of making you feel part of what he was writing. Say if you read a review on album he wrote about and you had never heard; after reading the review you felt as if you had heard the album. His descriptions were that deep and accurate. There is no doubt in my mind that Lester Bangs was and always will be the greatest writer of all time.

The way he was portrayed in the film, Almost Famous cemented my drive to be a Music Writer. He showed the real side of being a writer. The frustrations, the passion, lack of money, lack of anyone wanting to publish you- I go through this on a daily basis. I’d be lying if I said I never thought about giving up, I want to give up at least 3 times a week. I just read a part of his book or watch part of Almost Famous and carry on writing. The way his character talks to William in the film makes you believe that is exactly how Lester Bangs would have been if one was to have met him and spoke to him.

There are so many quotes in the film that mean a lot to me such as, “Be honest and unmerciful.” And “I’m always home, I’m uncool.” If you’re not going to be honest about anything then don’t bother. Simple as.  Everything requires honesty, lying is worthless.

His humour was dry but not cruel- he never wrote to shock anyone. He wrote for himself, he conformed to nothing and no one. Authority didn’t phase him. A lot of Music Writers slag off artists because they want the attention. They fail to realise that the attention and focus should be on what they are writing about. A review shouldn’t be full of negatives. For me personally, I don’t want to write a review on something I hate. I won’t review anything by Lady Gaga because I don’t like her at all- so why would you want to read something negative when you can search the internet for many positive reviews about her? I’m not a Musician, therefore I don’t have a write to say “Oh so and so cannot play, this is awful.” It’s the equivalent of me going to a school and saying to a teacher, “You can’t teach!” Writing about something I love and feel something positive about is what I do. Life is already full of negative and dull vibes; I don’t need to add to it. I don’t want to draw attention to my writing; I want the attention to be on WHO I am writing about. That’s how music journalism should be.

Lester Bangs didn’t write to shock, he wrote for his deep love for music. His love just poured out with EVERY SINGLE article he wrote. When you read his articles you cry with laughter, nod with agreement and applaud his wisdom. For me, he was more than a Music Journalist. He was like a mentor/teacher I never met. We all have that teacher in school that motivates us and makes us see what we are capable of- for me; mine was and always will be Lester Bangs.

His tragic death at only 33 was a huge loss to the music industry and just the world in general. If he was still alive, would he be writing? I have no idea, but he would still have that drive and love for music. I would’ve loved to have met him and just talk about music. From the genius of Captain Beefheart to the dullness of Bryan Ferry.

He was a true inspiration and without him and John Peel- I’d probably be some no mark who cared about nothing, no passion and barely existed.

So thank you Lester, thank you for giving this hopeless kid something to aim for.

Warpaint-Billie Holiday.

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Two years ago I heard a song by accident whilst researching something for my dissertation for Uni. This song just did something to me immediately. I wasn’t exactly at my best when I heard it, but it did something that improved life greatly. It also distracted me from doing any work. At this point, I really didn’t care.

Part of my dissertation was about Billie Holiday, I think you know where this is going.

My love (or obsession) for Warpaint started in 2009. I was listening to a load of Billie Holiday songs, and whilst I was searching for something about her, I saw the words Warpaint-Billie Holiday. I had NO idea what it was, and being the curious bugger I am, I clicked on the link. I wept. I’ve never heard an angel sing before but I’m pretty sure I heard it in this song. All I got from this song was utter love and devotion. If you want to call it a love song, so be it. Since then, I’ve always said if I was ever silly enough to get married (LEGALISE IT PLEASE) I would have this as THE song. Even better, I’d have Warpaint sing it. Actually, I’d just marry Warpaint. Problem solved really, right? I’d love them all equally and all I’d want was for them to sing to me all the time. I have far too much time on my hands and I also stupidly have far too much love to give.

I could quite happily listen to this song over and over. I’ll level with you, I do it anyway. I listen to it all the time. Whether I’m going for a walk or just laying in the dark due to lack of sleep- I play it. Recently the song was remastered. I refuse to talk about it because it hurts. The new version has stripped away EVERYTHING that this song is. The new version lacks the build up. I’m not happy about this. I know that change is good but LEAVE WARPAINT ALONE. I don’t care if you were a member of Pulp- BACK OFF. Now, with my rage out of the way; I will now pour out the love.

Lyrically, it is simple. However the way it is sung is so precious and delicate. If you could physically hold the song you would cuddle the fuck out of it. You’d cling onto it for dear life. “As I walk this line, I am bound by the other side. And it’s for my heart that I live, ‘cause you never die.” The way Emily sings this just makes my heart explode with every positive emotion known to the human race. The song is so pure and fragile; it oozes every single positive feeling imaginable. It is just sheer devotion to another- it is unconditional love. If you listen to this song, and you cannot appreciate how gorgeous the vocals are, then you’re silly. I could use a stronger word but I’m not in an arsey mood today. However, there’s 2 hours left in the day and someone will no doubt irk me won’t they.

The way B.I.L.L.I.E H.O.L.I.D.A.Y is sung over the verses is beautiful. The way they harmonise with each other is so stunning. It makes you wish you could sing something so beautiful. This is the only song by Warpaint that doesn’t create any imagery in my mind. Instead, it just hits me in the soul. That’s more powerful.

When they sing, “As a matter of a opinion I think he’s tops….etc.” then the drums kick in, and they sing B.I.L.L.I.E H.O.L.I.D.A.Y again, it’s so powerful. This song is so angelic and loving. Songs like Baby are so fragile and open. This one is just admiration and unconditional love.

I remember exactly how I felt when I first heard this song, and when I listen to it now; I feel exactly the same way. It’s like looking at the person you’re in love with or whatever for the first time, even though you’ve been with them ages- you get that feeling in your gut that takes you back to the first time you saw them. Even the cruellest of people know this feeling. It’s a killer, but its okay I suppose.

I adore the line, “Well if you want to know me, I’m a war- come paint.” I don’t know what it is about that line, it just stays with you.

Once you’ve listened to this song, it’ll stay with you. You’ll sing along even if it is in a murderous fashion. You cannot help but join in with the harmonising. Except you don’t sound like Warpaint, you probably sound like a cat being stood on. I’ve never stood on a cat, but you know what I mean.

It is a basic song compared to their others, but because it is so simple- it holds so much more. Warpaint do not need to go over the top with guitar solos or mental drumming to prove they are the best band around. Exquisite Corpse and The Fool are stunning works of art, what makes them phenomenal albums is you being able to tell that they really feel the music. When a singer or band can make you sense their passion for what they are creating; you feel it even more.

The song lasts 6 minutes and 45 seconds; again more proof that longer songs are easily the best. The song builds up so many times throughout, and it keeps you on edge- but in a gentle way. The way they sing this song is just like a lullaby. Honestly, if you’re having trouble sleeping listen to this song. Followed by Stars, Lissie’s Heart Murmur and Baby. Actually, just listen to all their music. Don’t go to sleep, you don’t need it; just keep listening to Warpaint. Nothing else really matters apart from their music.

It’s amazing how a song so simple can erupt such grand feelings. Good feelings. There aren’t many songs that make you feel one solid feeling when you listen to it. With Warpaint there’s one feeling I get with every single song- euphoria. Every single song of theirs has a build up within it and this tidal wave of euphoria just captures you. Billie Holiday is such an ethereal song. The vocals, tame drumming and the simple guitar sounds are so enthralling. It’s all well and good just playing this once but when you play it on a loop, over and over again; you notice different layers to it. This isn’t just obvious in this song; it is within all Warpaint songs. Maybe it’s because when you listen to Warpaint you put everything you have into listening to it. You discover different parts, and with discovering these different parts you just get taken to a different place. This place just consists of you and the music. There is honestly no better place than where a song takes you.

Escapism is a beautiful thing to experience from music. I get that every single time I listen to Warpaint.

Chelsea Wolfe.

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I love all kinds of music, I don’t really care for genre- so long as it has meaning. I favour anything that is dark and vulnerable. I can relate to it more than I wish to at times, but that’s how it is. There’s more in it.

Chelsea Wolfe is on the same level as Zola Jesus, well to me she is. She’s got a dark quality to her music that immediately grabbed me the same way Zola Jesus did. I wasn’t expecting it to happen, but it did. To be honest, I was quite reluctant to feel like about any artist other than Zola Jesus.

Hailing from the City Of Angels aka Los Angeles, Chelsea pretty much justifies that a LOT of excellent music is pouring out of LA right now. I mean, it alsways has; but recently the surge of amazing artists coming from there is amazing. Her album Apokalypsis is fucking creepy. It’s enthralling, eerie and ghastly. It’s perfect. Chelsea and Zola Jesus have both put out this year’s most eeriest and darkest albums; it’s beautiful.

Apokalypsis consists of haunting vocals and BIG drums.The sounds echo in your hear, leaving you shaking. Be afraid reader, be very afraid. The album feels like the end of the world, but you don’t care for the world ending. You just want to sit inyour own corner of this world and listen to this amazing record.

Last year’s release The Grime And The Glow is just as eerie. Think Bat For Lashes versus the worst nightmare you could possibly imagine having. It’s a beautiful record, and one that was highly underrated last year. Such a shame. Something takes over you as you listen to her music. What happens is, her music sinks deep into your soul and wraps itself around your heart. It becomes part of you. Her music stays with you through all that you do. It stalks your mind.

The piano on the track, Benjamin has a wintery feel to it. It sends shivers down your spine. Your body becomes cold. It’s a flawless song. Personally, I feel Fang is the stand-out track from last year’s release.

If her album was a season, it would be Winter. Cold and unapologetic. She is such a brilliant artist that for the life of me, cannot understand why she isn’t massive. She has a sound that you want to listen to as you take a walk on those early, dark, cold nights. Her voice will haunt you. Her music will send you floating. If you’re looking to be moved by something, then invest in Chelsea Wolfe’s music.

 

Dum Dum Girls-Only In Dreams.

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When a band names themselves after The Vaselines and Iggy Pop, you know they are going to be something very very special. Also, when they cover your favourite song of all time (The Smiths-There Is A Light That Never Goes Out) and do not fuck it up- you know you’ve found a band you are going to love for life.

Their debut album, I Will Be is a phenomenal debut album and now I am enjoying their second album as the rain beats hard against the windoe. Dum Dum Girls have a sound that fuses 60s girl groups and surfer pop/lo-fi. Two things which I adore. My love for 60s girl groups is possibly a borderline obsession, I’m not sorry. What I love about Dum Dum Girls is that make you think you are anywhere but where you are. They make you want to go surfing, lay on a beach (I don’t care that it is October, the beach is always perfect regardless.) and they make you want to lay on a hill in the middle of the night gazing at the stars. Probably alone because you are the only person who will appreciate it, another person would just ruin the scenario and all you feel. Humans have a wonderful way of getting in the way of other people’s joy sometimes don’t they.

Before I delve into the album in full, I must say that Coming Down HAS to be the highlight of the album. Anyone who is familiar with Dum Dum Girls knows that their songs last around 3 minutes. Coming Down is double that, and it is a truly gorgeous song. It just shows the sheer strength and power in Dee Dee’s vocals, it’s beautiful.

A lot of the songs feel like lullabys and just put you at ease. Songs such as Caught In One and Bedroom Eyes. The album has a grander sound and there is such growth in comparison to I Will Be. All band members play on this record, and with Dee Dee giving up the control on the record, it really does pay off. I know a few bands have the “DREADED SECOND ALBUM” nerves trembling through them, but with this record it honestly feels like a record you’d expect from a band well into their career. It sounds so different from I Will Be. This isn’t a bad thing, both albums are highly remarkable. Besides, if a band was to keep making the same album over and over, and not developing there would be no point.

I could easily write a thousand words and more on Coming Down, just because it is one of the most chilling, eerie and stunning songs I’ve heard all year. It has a sense of loss and giving up in it, that isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes we need to hear a song like that because we all feel that way. You’re lying to yourself if you claim to have never wanted to give up. You’re human, not a machine. When she hits that note in the middle, if it doesn’t cover you in goose bumps or make you emotional- you’re probably dead inside.

The album feels like an album full of healing and letting go. It’s a comfort blanket, it’s one of this year’s greatest releases. And for me personally, it’s one of the few albums I have been so excited to hear.

 

Homophobia In Music.

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Around a week or so ago, something happened in America that made me realise even more that homophobia is disgustingly and sadly more alive than ever. A young lad named Jamey Rodemeyer who was only 14 years old, a baby, took his own life due to being bullied for being gay. He was part of the It Gets Better campaign. A few days later duo, Uh Huh Her (Leisha Hailey and Camila Grey) were taken off a flight just for kissing each other.

Do we throw straight couples off flights for kissing? No, we don’t. No one fucking looks, no one bats an eyelid. However, when it is two people of the same gender showing their affection for each other it is treated as if it is the worst thing in the world. It’s wrong how people will be vile towards two people of the same gender kissing each other, yet no one says a word when a parents hits their child in public.

We live in a world where love and compassion is no longer a core feature in society. We live in a world where all kinds of hatred are glorified and encouraged. This cannot continue. We are harming each other and neglecting unity. It is vile and HAS to end. Thing is, will it ever end? Will we ever live in a world where we just live and let live?

Homophobia is growing. I always knew it was bad and I’d be lying if I said I’d never been on the receiving end of it- more recent than I wish to acknowledge sadly. But for some reason unknown to the good people of the world, it seems to be getting worse. People kill themselves every single day because they are being ridiculed and shunned just because of their sexuality. It isn’t right. How can you possibly judge someone based on their sexuality? Why would you want to hate someone because they’ve found someone to love? Love is love. It has no race, it has no gender, it has no religion; it is just LOVE. When you find someone who can stand you even when you’re being a massive wanker- you’re one of the lucky ones. Not many of us find it or will ever find it. So why on earth would you want to stop someone finding something so precious, so sacred.

Uh Huh Her are a band that I adore, not because they are lesbians but because they make excellent music. Their sound isn’t defined by their sexuality. Just like Holly Miranda isn’t. She’s a singer/song-writer; her sexuality plays no part in her music. That’s how it should be.

Michael Stipe never used his sexuality to sell records for R.E.M; they sold records because of their talent.

Do musicians need to announce their sexuality? Well, it depends how you want to look at it. I don’t care for any of the artists I’m a fan of personal life at all. However, when a band you love has a gay band member you feel you can identify with them more; it gives you a personal connection. It gives you something to identify with.

For instance, Gossip was a band that helped me accept who I was. Now, I don’t use my sexuality to define who I am. Never have, never will. But when I was at Uni, I was away from a place that was so homophobic and small minded. I could finally live my life the way I wanted. I could finally be happy. I’d been a fan of Gossip before Standing In The Way Of Control was released, but when I heard it; it gave me strength and courage. If the song was around a few years prior, I would’ve saved myself a lot of hassle and hurt.

I know I frequently say music should bring us together, but a lot of Reggae/Dancehall artists are STILL promoting homophobia. It’s got to stop. In the Hip Hop community, artists such as Common are working towards stamping out homophobia in Hip Hop. It’s going to take baby steps to get rid of such a big problem, but hopefully people will see sense and stop being small minded. You cannot catch homosexuality- but homophobia is spreading. Kids are becoming more and crueler. Adults are becoming less and less understanding.

Seek refuge in music and just be yourself. People will try to take and take from you, but don’t ever give in. Something has to be done, it’s just a shame it takes a tragedy for people to wake up to what is happening.

Music is such a powerful force and if anything, it should be bringing us together. We need it now more than ever. We cannot be divided anymore. This HAS to end.

I want to finish this with something my mum posted on Facebook a few days ago, of all the people I know; she is by far the most wisest and compassionate human beings I know. I like think, no- I KNOW I inherited all my good qualities from her. My bad ones are just habits I picked up along the way of growing up and learning. Reading what she wrote made me proud to be her daughter and to be who I am. I’m lucky to have such an accepting mum. I know of so many that aren’t as lucky as me, and it makes me so sad. Like my mum has always said- my personal life isn’t her business so long as I am happy and safe. That’s all that matters. Here’s what she wrote :

“To be gay isn’t a choice it is a heart and soul felt emotion. To be gay is no threat to heterosexuals, you aren’t their type. How many gay serial killers and rapists have you heard of; gay people are not the enemy. The world has enough hatred without throwing it at vulnerable, gentle souls that want nothing other than to be left to live quietly and with dignity. If your child is gay its not really your business, did you love them before- hopefully yes- if so then how do you not love them now? If you can’t understand same sex relationships, don’t bother live in your ignorance, but leave them alone. How on earth can you harm someone just because they are different to you, try deflating your anger.  You know you are seriously mentally unstable when you can harm an innocent person that you don’t know just because they are gay. LIVE AND LET LIVE, LOVE AND LET LOVE. Everyone is special, everyone is worthwhile.  As Moms we love our children equally and without thought of gender, sexual preference or belief. We have to realise that hatred is killing the planet, starving us of compassion. We need to gently show the people of the world that being “gay” is not a reason to be hurt by ignorant homophobic “people” who don’t want to understand that if we were all exactly the same it would be a mighty lousy world. Embrace your children, all of your children, and for those who cannot understand same sex love, well then don’t bother-but for God’s sake leave them alone to be happy and content. Gay is no threat to your world stop being afraid they don’t want to convert you.  You are vicious and hateful, you aren’t their type. God Bless Everyone, especially young gay kids. xx”

One last thing dear reader, never hide who you are from the world. Be yourself and don’t give up or give in to the hate. You’re better than them. Have heart and be gentle.

Being a fan/obsessive-Is there a difference?

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I’m not aiming to make any sense with this. I never make any sense. Maybe I’ll write stupidly short sentences or I’ll just rant with poor punctuation. Thank fuck for spell check. I’ll just get excited about mentioning certain bands and lose any sense of intelligence I have. It happens a lot, be grateful you don’t know me; you’d probably want to punch me. Most want to anyway, I fully get it. It’s okay.

Everyone has a band or singer that when they listen to them, a wave of emotion just takes over. They lose their mind, their body goes into some kind of fit and their heart beats double time. I don’t care who it is for you. I don’t care if Converge make you just lose your shit, if Ace Of Base make you so happy you piss yourself or if The Cure make you feel so fucking alive. I don’t care. This isn’t about the artist, it’s about the feeling you get from the music. It doesn’t have to be everything a band has done, it can just be one song that sends you into some ridiculous frenzy that you can only express by making noises only dogs can understand and flapping your arms about like a person trying to rid themselves of a wasp.

This year, I’m sure it was the start of February, I heard a song. Since hearing that song on that dull February day, I have played it every day since. No day goes by where I do not play I Want You by Summer Camp. It’s vital that I play it every day, I have no idea why. It’s just the best song I have heard this year. You know what it does to me? EVERYTHING. It makes me feel so fucking happy inside and out. I’m not the world’s most cheerful human being, but then again; who is? Nor am I total misery guts. I have good and bad days, I’m not afraid to feel disgustingly low. It doesn’t scare me. When I hear I Want You, I am just overcome with joy. So much joy. If I ever heard it in a shop or wherever, I think I’d have to sit down….or have a nap. I’d be uncontrollable. I love the synths; I love when it kicks in and just smacks you so hard in the face; but in a pleasurable manner. I adore Elizabeth’s voice, it’s stunning. I’d probably slap someone if they said they didn’t like this song. However, I’m not a violent person so I’d end up slapping myself in the face by accident. I’m book smart, not street smart. I Want You is just one of the many songs that cause me to react this way. Some eat cake to make themselves feel better, I just listen to music. Especially this song. Hand on heart; I can say it is my favourite song of the year. NO DOUBT.

I’ve always said I could never love a person as much as I love Morrissey. Obviously, I welcome the challenge. No ones challenged how I feel about this, so I’ve come to the conclusion that one is unlovable (yes that is a Morrissey based pun, it’s also true.) For me, Morrissey is THE ONE. The ultimate one. My lifeline and my life saver. Everything about his music and just him makes everything worthwhile. I know sometimes it is hard for us humans to carry on, but when I listen to Morrissey; I can’t help but feel okay with how I feel. I could feel so awfully low, but then I play one of his songs and I feel, “someone gets me.” He says the things I cannot say. He says the things I wish I could say. However, I know people who do not allow you to have an opinion so I just keep quiet. It’s the quiet ones you should watch, that’s what people say. I’m not a menace, I’ll stay quiet. Morrissey’s live shows feel like coming home. They make me feel like I can do anything. His live shows are like an epiphany. Anyone who has seen him live knows exactly what I mean. I don’t believe you can like just one or two Morrissey songs. I believe that once you hear a Morrissey song, that’s it for life. You become hooked. You don’t just like him, you love him. You love him unconditionally.

When you love a band, they become part of your life in a way you could never imagine. You think you’ve reserved this kind of love and emotion for your significant other, it overwhelms you. The love you have for the band or singer is on a completely different level. It’s the definition of love, respect and loyalty. You won’t let anyone say a bad word about them. You form friendships based on mutual love for them. If I wasn’t so shy, I’d probably attempt to form friendships in record shops. Then again, I can’t even chat up girls so I’d be useless at making friends. I mean, I do have friends but I didn’t mean them in record shops. Ranting now aren’t I.

When I was in secondary school, a section of my life I wish I could erase, all my work books were covered in band photos and lyrics. To this day, I still decorate my lyric books with lines from songs I love and writing the names of bands I love. The feelings a piece of music can give you can really take you aback sometimes. You wonder if the artist had the intention of having such power to do that to the listener when they made the record. Did Bob Dylan ever think he would be such a huge influence to people? Did Patti Smith ever think she’d inspire people to stand up and say something? How do they feel about it? It must be overwhelming for them too. Imagine walking on stage every night and having thousands and thousands of people sing your words back to you. Words you broke your heart to write and the audience feel every single word. I just don’t think there is any greater feeling in the world.

So what is it exactly that draws the line at “regular” fan to someone who is just obsessed? I’d never sleep outside my favourite singers’ house and present them with oranges when they opened their front door. You hear about people breaking into singers’ homes, casually taking a bath or whatever. Why would you do that? Bathing is private- USE YOUR OWN BATH. Are these people registered as mentally ill or do they actually love the singer? Only they know. I don’t condone such behaviours. There is nothing wrong with losing yourself to the sounds of your favourite band and/or at a gig; but don’t bloody follow them home. They’re people too, they are entitled to privacy. We all are.

I’ve always been obsessed with music. I remember dancing to Kraftwerk and Dee-Lite when I was a baby in the living room, in my nappy. I had moves dear reader, I had moves. Now? I don’t like to unleash them. I don’t want to threaten anyone; they’re not ready for them at all.

The best thing about feeling a song so deeply is when you meet the ones responsible for creating the sound, and just seeing what it means to them. I will always say interviewing Warpaint is my greatest achievement. I took so much from that interview, just being in their presence meant so much. If you watch their interviews or performances; you can truly see that they feel the music. It is their live. As it is their life, you fall completely and utterly in love with it; and it becomes your life. When a band or singer gives you their all, and they believe in their words- you can’t help but believe it too.

Everyone has a singer or band that they give themselves over to. They skip school to buy the record on the day of its release (I’ve done this, I’m not sorry.) They decorate their rooms with posters, name pets or children after the singer they love, have tattoos in honour of them. You follow a band everywhere on tour; you spend all your money on seeing them live. The best conversations are had whilst waiting in line to see your favourite band live. It just takes over, people call you obsessed. Don’t listen to them. We all need something or someone to believe in. It’s easier if it’s a singer because they cannot hurt you. All they do is project your nagging insecurities, your weaknesses, your joy, your pain, love, tears- everything. They do it all. They are there for you at 4am when the world is asleep. They provide the comfort no other can or ever will. Music is a crutch; it’s up to you how you use it.

There’s one thing that expresses the true meaning of being a fan. It isn’t in a song, it’s in a film; Almost Famous. I watched this film during my first year of University. I was full of self doubt, and didn’t know what to do. A relative told me to watch the film. I watched it, and it changed my life. It made me realise that all I want to do with my life is write. I may not be any good, but music and writing are my passion, I just have to do it. I don’t want to do anything else. My role models aside from my mum are two people who I believe changed music- Lester Bangs and John Peel. They fuelled something inside of me that caused me to love music as much as I do. It’s more than just a passion for it, it’s my life. Everyone has that one thing that is their life, mine is music. When I listen to The Kills first record, it makes me feel so fucking alive and like I can do anything. When I listen to the Velvet Underground, I fall in love with their raw sound and just want to create something wonderful.

When you truly love something like this, you are made to feel like you can do anything and be whatever you want. And you know what, you really can.

Zola Jesus- Vessel (video.)

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Nika amazes me. Every album, every video, every song just totally blows me away.  Her voice is one of the most stunning voices around. Her sound is so distinctive and powerful. It shakes your soul and wakes up that part of you that yo allowed to become quiet and untouched for so long.

Vessel is the first single to be taken from her latest album, Conatus. If you don’t own it- the hell are you playing at? One of the best albums of they year, easily. A lot of artists go with having a dark vibe to their music in order to seem “cool” or something daft. Thing is, it’s a natural thing. Having a dark sound is natural, you cannot force it. Real recognises real. The true Zola Jesus fans are the ones who believe in the power of her music and know that it is all natural. When you have such a natural approach to your work, you become believable. You become something to invest in.

The video is stunning. The imagery is just perfect, it fits the song completely. Nika doesn’t have to do over the top videos nor does she have to be overproduced to be popular. You can tell she doesn’t care for fitting in- THAT is what makes her easy to relate to. You see, you have artists such as Gaga who bang on and on about “EMBRACE BEING A FREAK!” Fuck that, for serious, just fuck that. Just be who you are, you don’t need to always be the centre of attention to be loved. You don’t have to turn it into a self-absorbed show and demand attention. That doesn’t make you real. You’re just masking it. That’s why I love Nika, she just makes music for her and doesn’t demand attention. Yes she’s different- but we all are. She doesn’t need to go on about it. She has a human touch to her music that many seem to lack.

The video is artistic and dark; but not in a pretentious way nor does it seem like she’s trying too hard. It’s just perfect, she’s perfect.

Janis Joplin.

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There’s always a singer or a song that you remember hearing for the first time. You remember where you were, who you were with, the date and what you were wearing. I’ve got an atrocious memory, but when it comes to music; I remember more than I probably should. It’s a good job we can’t read each other’s minds because I’d probably be fucked.

One Christmas, my mum bought me a Janis Joplin album. She knew of my love for female singers with strong voices that made your whole body tremble. She used to play Janis Joplin around the house when I was younger, and to finally have my own Janis Joplin album made me insanely happy. I spent that Christmas morning sat in my room just playing it over and over. I probably would’ve spent the whole day in my room listening to her if I could.

Janis’ voice is one that, regardless of what genre of music you favour; you still have a place in your heart reserved for her. Her voice could warm the coldest of hearts; it could break the hardest of hearts. It had such power; you couldn’t believe a voice like this could come from someone who seemed so gentle and fragile.

As someone who is drawn to anything that seems vulnerable- I don’t mean it in a creepy way, I just love voices that project such fragility and vulnerability; I fell instantly with Janis’ voice, I can’t understand how anyone couldn’t. With every note that she sang, you could really feel it. You didn’t feel it in your heart, you felt it much deeper. You felt it in your soul. Thing is, you still feel the same way now which proves that Janis Joplin will ALWAYS be one of the greats, if not the greatest.

Of course you get those who are obsessed with the “Club 27” theory; they fail to see that a talent was well and truly lost 41 years ago today. During the 60s, the two most valuable and important women in music were Janis Joplin and Grace Slick. Both had a voice that had you in a chokehold. But the kind of chokehold that you didn’t mind to be in, you wanted them to grip you harder and for as long as possible. They were more than icons, and still are. They paved the way for how a front-woman should be; fearless but with a fragile side. I say front-woman, but it can apply to anyone who fronts a band. Her favourite drink was Southern Comfort, when I drink it, I lose my eyesight. This has nothing to do with any of this; I just felt you needed to know. Y’know, casually adding a personal touch and whatnot.

I don’t need to write hundreds or thousands of words to tell you just how greatly missed she is or how gorgeous she was or how wonderful her voice was; it’s obvious in every single performance and recording of hers. You can tell, even with album recordings, that Janis Joplin put her heart and soul into all she did. You felt every single word she sang because you knew she felt it too. Your heart broke because she was expressing your heartbreak and frustrations. Sure there are some semi decent singers around now, but none will ever have the power Janis had. None will ever be as inspirational. She set the trend, it’s just a shame the standard has declined since.

“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.“

Lana Del Rey (part….I’m not even sorry.)

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Yes I love her and no I don’t car if it’s all an act. Truth is, she has an amazing voice. The kind that makes your whole body turn to jelly and your senses to just fail. It grips you and pins you against a wall. She sings as if she is singing to you and you alone. That every word is just for you, that you are the one that she painfully love. The kind of love that more than likely doesn’t exist in the real world; the kind only singers tell us about because we are too afraid to feel it for ourselves.

Before we knew her as Lana Del Rey, she was known as Lizzy Grant And The Phenomena. She didn’t sound so much of a 50s classy lass with a gun in her pocket then, but the seductive voice was just as strong.

It’s the perfect song to sit under a tree, embracing the shade on an insanely hot day. Her voice has this tone to it that just holds your heart. You don’t want her to let it go, ever. Song such as Disco just make you lose your mind.

Who gives a fuck if the Lana Del Rey thing is a gimmick- she has pure talent. Unlike all the others who use a gimmick to sell records. Her voice moves you; it’s just you and her. It is so powerful in a gentle way. It’s so passionate but with no fury.

As Lana Del Rey, well I think it’s obvious how I feel about her music. The last time I was this moved by a female singer’s voice was Florence Welch in 2007.