Every so often a band emerges that just makes you think you are not in the era that you are currently in. It doesn’t take a wise old soul to realise that current times are a bore and the past is more fullfilling than the present. Mainly because people weren’t materialistic or preoccupied with being something they aren’t. I mean, we all know that one wanker that has to be seen with the latest “thing” or succumbs to any fashion trend just to fit in. They probably don’t read and illegally download music. Arses. ANYWAY.
Weird Dreams are a band that make you feel like you are not here, right now. They make you feel like you are on a beach in the 50s (or even 60s) dousing you in a glorious wave of a surfer-pop vibe.
Their single, Holding Nails is out on 31st October. I suggest you pick it up along with Summer Camp’s debut album and Florence And The Machine’s second album. Treat yourself, you might deserve it.
Music should always give you a feeling that no single person ever could give you. It should take you to an untouchable place; nothing or no one can bother you when you are there.
This is why the band, Childhood exist.
Their hypnotising and euphoric feel is the perfect sound to expose your ears to. To get the full appreciation of this, shut your eyes and plug your headphones in. Listen to relaxing sounds and just let them throw you into a world that you need to be in, because it is better than what you have. With summer ending (it looks like it is actually starting in the UK!) this is the ideal band to listen to as it gets dark far too early (I don’t mind, I enjoy the darkness.)
You’d think that an artist such as Joan Wasser would be some kind of household name by now. More importantly, she’s put out one of the most underrated albums of the year (so far.) The Deep Field is her highly anticipated third album, and honestly it’s her best work. She’s been a huge obsession of mine for some time now, and when I heard The Deep Field, the justification for my love for her just hit me between the eyes.
Nervous is the album opener, and I swear it sends my mind, body and soul into some kind of frenzy. It locks round my heart, I love her voice on this track. So deep and enthralling. The stomping drums is just outrageous; everything about this track is perfect. An intense album opener that just sets the tone for this glorious album. But, this isn’t about The Deep Field. This is about the incredible musicianship that Joan Wasser posses.
In 2009, she did a covers record called. One of the covers is Overprotected by Britney Spears. Seriously? It’s a damn good cover, the record is awesome. Like Cat Power, she covers records extremely well and creates her own feel to it.
Joan has worked with some amazing musicians such as Antony & The Johnsons, Lou Reed and Llyod Cole. She has also supported The Guillemots. Her music is something that you really feel, it hits you in the soul. It has a depth to it that is quite rare right now. Her voice is so powerful and passionate, she makes it seem so effortless.
With such talent, Joan should be massively known. However, to know of her music is to truly treasure it. Everyone has a singer or band that hardly anyone is familiar with, and they keep said artist close to their heart. Joan’s probably one of mine. I will stand by The Deep Field being one of the best albums of this year. Her delicate voice over quite harsh beats and guitar is something that I really adore. What I’ve found in her music is something I’ve not found in any other.
My love for Chan Marshall began sometime in 2000, I think. I think that was the year. All I know is that I was listening to John Peel under the covers with the light out because I should’ve been asleep. Thing is, I did this with every John Peel show but my mum never told me off. She knew how much I idolised John Peel.
Chan Marshall aka Cat Power’s voice was like nothing I had ever heard. So relaxing but full of so much feeling. Her songs were so vulnerable and her voice trembling on certain songs made you really feel what she was singing.
I hold her song Metal Heart very dear to me. I do favour the Moon Pix version more than the Jukebox version, but that’s because it sounds much darker. If it sounds dark and tormented, I’ll love it. Not in a sick, twisted way; but in a way that makes it easy to relate to.
I own all of Cat Power’s records, and I think, as hard as it is to decide; You Are Free is my favourite record. I adore the album cover, with the picturesque album artwork just gives off the freedom feel to it which ties in with the album title. You listen to the album and you do feel so weightless, so free. Any good record will make you that way. Any good record will take you to a higher plain.
Her music is tormenting, romantic, dark, hurtful, loving, longing; it is just everything, and more. There are so many layers to her sound. I find her to be one of the most charming and alluring singers to have ever existed. She has this quality about her that makes you want to just sit with her and discuss the world. You also feel honoured to have heard her music. It is so rich but pure. All the greats seem to have battled with their own personal demons, from Billie Holiday to Jimi Hendrix. Cat Power is no stranger.
Most are aware of her battle with various substances (drink and drugs.) And her fight with her demons, no one is ever in a place to judge another with how they deal with their battles. We’ve all got our own demons to fight off. You do, I do; no one is exempt. However, Cat Power didn’t let it beat her. Her live performances did suffer for a time. Performances would be cut short or cancelled last minute. This was around 2006. In 2008, I saw her live. The venue held around 250 people maybe a hundred more, but it was tiny. I was finally seeing my favourite singer live, and I will not deny that I had a bit of fear that she would cancel or walk off stage halfway through the gig. Luckily, this was the time she was finally sorted. Her new album, Jukebox had come out and things were looking up. When she sang Metal Heart I felt that a part of me had been found. There is something indescribable about seeing the song that saved you live. It just does something to you that nothing or no one else ever could. I will never forget that gig; I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her band is truly stunning, what I love about them is that they are real, raw musicians. They do it for the music, and the sheer love they have for it.
Her music is one I cannot go a day without playing. It brings confidence and hope, it creates feelings no other could give. It is beyond music, it is a force. One thing Cat Power is known for is her covers. As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of covers, I really do have a soft spot for Cat’s covers. She takes the original and just adds this sensitive and earthy feel to it. I adore her cover of the Velvet Underground’s I Found A Reason. As someone who is obsessed with Velvet Underground, I’m a bit dubious of anyone who covers them. The only two artists that can cover them and still stay true to the sound are The Kills and Cat Power. They keep the same feeling to the songs, but add their own personal touch to it. That’s when you know a cover is given the justice it deserves.
She has covered everyone from Bob Dylan to John Lee Hooker; she takes the songs from those that inspire her and makes the covers her own personal tribute to them. It is so beautiful and passionate.
Her love for Bob Dylan is truly special and just beautiful. You can tell how in awe she of him. Her track, Song For Bobby is the most gorgeous dedication I’ve ever heard. As someone who adores Bob Dylan, you really appreciate how she conveys how you feel for him in her song. “What I feel in my heart from the beginning till my dying day.” She’s loved him from the first time she heard him, and always will. That’s what it is like when you find a musician you really connect with. Nothing can break or decrease your love for them, it is that great. It’s like a lifeline for you. We’ve all got that one artist that means this much to us. The way she sings of her admiration to Bobby is how I feel about her.
Her voice is bluesy and just sets your soul on fire. If you’re not touched by her voice, then I guess there could be something wrong with you. Do you watch X-Factor by any chance and you’ve become a sucker for what the TV tells you to enjoy? Oh dear. I don’t know if you can be saved. Her music is a comfort blanket. Her music makes you feel okay with your insecurities and fears. You feel that her cover songs are her own; she is such a strong figure who allows herself to be weak. Not many do this; many just act like a rock. We cannot relate to that.
The vulnerability that comes through in her music makes you connect with her on a completely different level. You see, most show it through the words they sing. Cat Power is different; you feel it in HOW she sings it; that’s a lot deeper. That takes more out of you.
Of all the female singers that I adore, my heart well and truly belongs to Cat Power, and yes my blog URL is in tribute to Cat Power.
Basically, anyone who has toured with Sufjan Stevens and was is in The Polyphonic Spree is going to be one hell of a musician, right? Of course. What you need to know about Annie Clark aka St.Vincent is that she’s amazing. That’s just the start of it. This could be a rant, or I may stay focused with this. I have no idea. Lack of sleep will be the cause of any strange things that may be written down. Sorry? No. Never.
The arrangements in her music are beautiful and manic. Trust me, the two can work very well; mainly in music. Her sound is like a massive panic attack mixed with a wave of joy. It throws you up the air several times, then brings you back down in such a calming way. I am totally and utterly in love, it’s just so beautiful. Her voice, oh bloody hell her voice. It’s strong and gentle; in an Emily Haines kind of way.
Her third album, Strange Mercy was released around two weeks ago. Is it one of this year’s best releases? Yes. Will it get overlooked at the end of the year when “experts” make their Top 10 list? More than likely. It’s so frustrating because this album is just so bloody good. Good isn’t even the right word. It’s beyond words. It’s as powerful as Conatus by Zola Jesus, it’s as honest as Blood Pressures by The Kills and it is as passionate as Skying by The Horrors. She doesn’t sound like any of these artists, I’m just linking her sound to others in a sense of how you hear it; not the exact sound or style. I know what I mean anyway.
As much as I love her debut album, Marry Me there is something more in Strange Mercy. I don’t want to say “mature” because I fucking hate it when anyone says that. It has a more developed sound, that she is more comfortable now. I don’t know. All I know is that Strange Mercy is a stroke of genius.
Bob Dylan is one of my heroes. I don’t have many, but he’s easily one of them. There are thousands and thousands of reasons as to why I am in love with his music. Some may say he never believed in his own words, that it was all an act. I don’t care, the fact that his music made me believe in something- fake or not, is a good thing. It’s always good to believe in something; it doesn’t matter what it is. It’s a personal thing. Whether it’s religious, spiritual or even music. It’s all powerful, and it is all yours.
Bobby’s music has been with me all my life. My mum is a huge fan of his. I remember when we were in Edinburgh 2 years ago seeing Morrissey and we walked past the venue Bobby was playing. She saw his tour bus and made me stand looking at it for ages just in case he came out. See, this is exactly where I get it from. I’m not sorry, and neither is she.
His music was always being played around the house or my mum would be singing a song of his. Forever Young is one song I always remember my mum singing a lot.
With a career like Bob Dylan’s, where on earth could one begin? I don’t want to dissect his career; I just want to discuss what it is that he means to me and why he means what he does to me. His way with words, his voice, the way he never listened to anyone and just did his own thing; all of this is so inspiring.
One of the first songs I remember listening to, after raiding my Mum’s Bobby collection was Like A Rolling Stone. At over 6 minutes long, I couldn’t get enough of this song. I played it over and over. Every verse amazed me, with every listen; I found something else to love about the song. I love the song so much; I have Like A Rolling Stone tattooed on the back of my neck. For me, this song is just everything. I’d heard it many times before but I truly paid attention to it the summer before I went to University. I spent that summer working a job I hated with all I had, but I wanted to have money in my pocket for when I buggered off to Uni. I’d walk to work playing this song; I’d walk home playing this song. It was just everything to me. I could lose myself in this song like no other. I could get over the dullness and bore of every day life during that summer.
Whilst at Uni, whenever I missed home all I had to do was play Forever Young. It just made the homesickness easier to deal with. I studied Bobby a lot whilst at Uni. Not in the sense that I was told to by lecturers, but I bought as many books as possible that were about his music, read articles online about his work- I just took so much in about him. I didn’t care for his personal life; I just wanted to know what drove him and influenced him to make the music that he did. I even used his lyrics as part of my dissertation. If it wasn’t for Woody Guthrie, we wouldn’t have Bob Dylan. I spent my free time listening to anything and everything Bobby had ever done. I was just in constant awe of what I was hearing. There was also a hint of sadness because I knew nothing would ever be this good again. People like Morrissey, Patti Smith and Bob Dylan are rare. They don’t happen often; maybe another will never come along again. I’m content with that though, nothing and no one could ever compare with those three at all.
Of all the albums, it is Blonde On Blonde that owns a large segment of my heart. I remember getting into a discussion with my mum about the best album of his. She couldn’t see why I thought Blonde On Blonde was my choice. I explained why pretty much every single song is a work of art, how gorgeous the production is on the album and just how honest to the core each song is. I received a text off her a few days after this conversation, “Liv, you were right about Blonde On Blonde xx”
So why is Blonde On Blonde his greatest album? Well, it’s a matter of personal taste to be honest. Some may not think so, and that’s okay. He has around 34 studio albums, it’s impossible to pick the one that rules your heart. Highway 61 Revisited is a work of art. Then you have Blood On The Tracks; one of the most exquisitely written albums with regard to pain and heartbreak ever. The bitterness and anger in the songs is brutal, but in Bobby’s own special way. However, I still stand by Blonde On Blonde being his best album. It’s also one of my favourite albums ever.
Bobby’s touring the UK this year, and I did want to go but I asked my mum if she would want to and her reply was, “I want to remember him how he was when I first heard him.” I can see her point. I think if I was to see him now, his performances would not be the same as they were in the 60s and 70s. He changes the way he plays his songs a lot, and I’m not sure if I want to see that.
There’s no way I could possibly pick my favourite Bobby song, but one that always seems to have meaning is Positively 4th Street. I love how he conveys the disappointment from another into this song, how seeing someone is such a drag. Everyone knows someone who causes these feelings to erupt, it can be quite draining. But with a song like this, it makes the feeling easier to just shrug off and let go. That’s the best way to deal with anything.
Without Bob Dylan’s music, I probably wouldn’t love lyrics as much as I do. I know I regard Morrissey as my favourite lyricist, but Bobby has something else. A completely different take that I don’t think I can describe without boring you to death. Which, I have no doubt already done. So I am going to leave it here. It’s all been said before how wonderful people think Bobby is. I love the way he is in interviews, quite like Lou Reed. There’s never been anyone like him, and there never will be again. That’s just how it should be.
I hate remixes. Okay, maybe hate is a bit harsh. I dislike greatly. Keep the song as it is, do not mess with it. However, if you feel the need to do so- you better make sure it’s bloody good.
This year, one of my favourite artists has EASILY been The Weeknd. He’s taken R&B to a different level. He’s doing something that’s not been done before, and I’m still in awe of his sample of Siouxsie & The Banshees on House Of Balloons.
He’s recently remixed Florence & The Machine’s Shake It Out. If I wasn’t a fan of The Weeknd, I’d probably dislike this. But, I’m a huge fan of him and of course, a massive fan of Florence. It doesn’t have the same hymn/Church feel to it, but that’s okay. The whole pont of a remix is to make it different, and that’s exactly what The Weeknd has done.
I’ve seen a lot of websites and blogs bang on about how Lana Del Rey is just a gimmick and has no talent. Shall we assume that those saying these things are just hipsters that think listening to really obscure music makes them so different and better than us all? Probably safer if we do.
I really cannot bring myself to care about any other female solo artist right now apart from Lana Del Rey. She has this thing about her that just draws you in. Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, you are drawn in and you become so attracted to her. Her voice makes you weak at the knees and you feel you’d do anything she told you to do. She has such power over you. You know when you’re really into someone, and all you see is them. All you want to hear and see is them; that’s EXACTLY what Lana Del Rey does to you. She has the grip over you, and you fucking beg with all you have that she doesn’t let you go.
You know what? I don’t care if it’s an act, if it is just a gimmick. I love her. I love her an unhealthy amount and I really don’t care. No female singer has EVER has this affect on me. I feel far too much towards her music. It’s insane, no singer should do this to you. She is so striking. You get lost in her huge eyes and powerful voice. You look at her and think, “You’d probably shoot me but I don’t care.” She has this danger vibe about her. She’s said she’s like Nancy Sinatra but gangster. It’s so true. I wouldn’t care if she backed me into a wall and beat me black and blue. So long as she was singing Blue Jeans or Video Games at me whilst she did it.
This is more than a music based crush. This is something to give your heart over to. This is something to give everything else up in order to believe in. I’ve honestly never felt this way about a singer before. I cannot but it into words. It’s mental, well and truly mental. I’ve never heard a voice like this before, and I never will. I don’t care if everyone rips her because of her “botox lips.” Fuck your shallow vibes. Have you heard what comes out of those lips? It is HEAVEN. It is a voice that breaks your heart into pieces. It is a voice that makes you want to fall in love with someone your shouldn’t and just ride off into the sunser; just leaving everything and everyone behind. There is so much pain,longing, aching, soul and passion in her voice.
I honestly would slap someone if they couldn’t see how truly remarkable her voice is. She’s like an enigma, she has something about her that makes you want to get close. But at the same time, stay away from her. She’s a no and a yes. She’s everything you want to have. She’s someone who would probably love you even if you were an awful human being because she’d probably see the good in you. Anyone who doesn’t seek for that in another is lying. When you listen to Blue Jeans, you want to find someone who’s good for you; but be bad for them. Because you want that uncoditional love that one rarely experiences. I never have, and I never will. But this song makes you want it. This song makes you want so much that the heart cannot handle. She makes you to go on the run with someone. Lay on a hotel bed with them, watching some awful Western film and every so often; you reasurre them that you won’t get caught. That you’ll protect them. She’s got such an overwhelming talent. If she doesn’t move you, then you are made of stone. You’re also missing out.
It’s nearly 3am and I’ve just come home from a night out. I will still feel the same tomorrow with a sober mind and heavy heart.
There’s one thing I really really fucking hate with regards to music. It’s when cretins dismiss music because it’s “Mainstream.” Now, I listen to music that is never going to be placed on Radio 1’s play list. I don’t do it to be difficult; I do it because I like different stuff. SHOCK FUCKING HORROR. Y’know, god forbid ANY of us doesn’t take NME or Radio 1 as Gospel. Holy shit no! Fuck off. I’ve sworn a lot, I’m not sorry.
This has all stemmed from a conversation from an extremely good friend of mine; he knows who he is. He won’t read this though.
As you know, I admire/love/respect/adore Marina Diamandis SO much. Meeting her last year was the highlight of my year. So obviously, I’m going to feel a bit protective when I see wankers slag her off. So I guess this is an open letter to those twits.
Dear dickheads of the Internet,
It has come to my attention that many of you are slagging off Marina’s new track Radioactive because she seems to have gone a bit “Mainstream.” If Mainstream means making a record that sounds different to the last, then damn near every single fucking artist out there is Mainstream. If being Mainstream means everyone gets to hear the artist’s music, then how the hell is that a bad thing? If you start a band, you want people to hear your music. Am I right? Of course I bloody well am. Yes Marina has had songs play listed on Radio 1, how is that a bad thing? It bloody well isn’t.
The Family Jewels is a pop record, has she ever stated that it wasn’t? No. It’s a pop record, but it has depth and substance to it. Hollywood and Oh No are catchy tracks and have a pop feel to them. Read the lyrics and you will see there is depth to them. Have you heard Numb? Guilty? Rootless? Nah, bet you haven’t you dumb shit. The meaning on those 3 songs is heartbreaking. Especially on Guilty, I say this because I identify with it more than I wish to. I hate it, but I love it. I hate I can identify with it but I love it because it says everything I wish I could.
Marina doesn’t give a fuck if you think she has sold out or not. Are you on stage every night singing your insecurities? NO. Have you toured the world on the back of one record? NO. You’re just some B.O. smelling, cheese and onion crisp eating, shit stain of society that feels the need to hate on others to mask your own insecurities and jealousy. I don’t pity you nor do I feel sorry for you. You’re pathetic.
My problem is that I care too much, but this is getting on my left one (and right one to be honest.) Mainstream isn’t bad, pop music doesn’t always mean bad. Talent is talent, you cannot deny that. So go on, go listen to your obscure music that only YOU care about and cry to your mum that you’ve ran out of Diet Coke even though you cannot move because you’re too lazy and chubby to do so. You’re riddled with hate because you are idle. Leave the house, read a book. Put your hate and disappointment into something worthwhile. You know, like how the Government screw us all over. Surely that is worth more angst than Marina making a record that has synths and drum machines.
Never yours,
Olivia.
Now, with that out the way; I shall continue.
I know I’ve written about Marina’s new stuff recently but I guess I feel the need to elaborate. I usually do. I’ve got a lot to say, but nobody ever listens to me when I talk so I write it down. Not that anyone reads what I have to say.
Radioactive is a pop song. OH MY JESUS HOW WILL WE COPE. Grow up. Yes it is a pop song, but if you listen to the lyrics you will hear so much going on. The lyrics are fucking amazing. Marina is a bloody clever human being. By rights, she should be massive. But as the media only supports brain-dead singers with nothing to say- she goes ignored. The Family Jewels should’ve sold a shitload of units, but it didn’t. That doesn’t mean she has failed in any way. The REAL Marina fans know this. Her music has evidently touched many people’s lives, myself included. Surely having that kind of impact means more than going Gold.
What I love about Marina is that her lyrics just ooze the frustrations of being insecure and pissed off. How many other pop artists do that? NONE. The lyrics to Fear And Loathing are beautiful, “Got different people inside my head, I wonder which one that they like best. I’m done with trying to have it all, and ending up with not much at all.” People expect far too much from others, so you develop these different personas to please everyone. However sometimes you just have to give it up. We’ve all done it, and it takes courage to give it up and just be who YOU want to be. If that isn’t inspiring, then I have no idea what the hell is anymore.
Radioactive is STILL very much a Marina song. She hasn’t changed with her lyrical content at all, it’s still extremely her. Do you want artists to make the same record over and over? If you do, then you’re pretty much a small minded fool. Take The Horrors for instance. Skying sounds NOTHING like Strange House. I adore Strange House but I also adore Skying. I love that they have changed, what’s the point in making the same record over and over? It’s bland and isn’t daring. Music should be challenging. A real artist challenges themselves and breaks boundaries to do so. The Horrors have done it, and so has Marina.
If Marina being “Mainstream” bothers you that much, then you have only one solution- don’t listen to her. It’s your loss though. You’d be shying yourself away from this county’s greatest pop artist that we have seen in years. She goes where no other artist dares to go. She says things you wish you could say. She’s inside your head. Maybe that’s why you don’t like her new stuff, because she is inside your head saying all the things you wish oh so badly you wish you could say. You’re going to have to give in sooner or later. She’s the music industry’s wild card, and you’d be a fool to not invest in her.
If you look hard enough, you will find your new favourite band. You will also discover that next to nobody has heard of them. However, when you do this a lot of twerps call you “pretentious” don’t they. Oh how AWFUL you are as a person for finding something different and unknown. How awful you are for wanting something more. Fuck ’em. You don’t need them, they may need you. Who knows. Never need anyone, that just causes problems.
Got a problem? I’ve got you a solution. His name is Ryan Mandelbaum, but you’ll end up knowing him as Young Waves.
If you’re a fan of Blackbird Blackbird, Teen Daze and Youth Lagoon; you’re going to fall ever so in love with Young Waves. This wonderful influx of bedroom musicians is highly inspiring. Maybe it’ll stop people from assuming one is a recluse when they spend their time cooped up indoors- they could be creating a masterpiece; much like the folks I’ve just mentioned.
As I like to mention, Music should really make you feel something. Like….really REALLY make you feel something, y’know? All Music is emotional. It should launch you into a different world. You should be able to escape the coldness of reality and fall into a comforting dream whilst listening to Music. I got this feeling instantly when I listened to Young Waves. I felt at peace. Nothing even mattered; that’s the feeling I strive for whilst listening to Music. If I don’t feel it, I don’t enjoy it.
This is the kind of Music you fall into when you are all alone. Probably at 3am when the world is asleep and you can’t. I’m going to spend a lot of time listening to Young Waves, probably at 3am. It’s also the kind of Music you’d probably play whilst holding someone as the Sun goes down. I’ll stick to being alone at 3am drifting in and out of a dreaming state with Young Waves’ sounds flowing through my headphones.
Beat In My Bones. 