I have a problem. Okay, so it isn’t a problem for me but maybe for others. I really cannot bring myself to listen to anything other than music that makes me feel like I am about to be chased through a forest and probably come to a bloody and brutal end. Music that instills fear in me, but at the same time is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever heard. The darker it is, the more I’ll enjoy it. I truly have no boundaries when it comes to stuff like this, and maybe I should. The thing is, if I did I’d be missing out on some incredible music. I must add that I do not sit here and type “DARK MORBID MUSIC” into YouTube or whatever, it just happens. I somehow find it. Or maybe it finds me. Wait, that sounds pretentious. I do actually spend hours looking for new music in the hopes I find something that freaks me out and also makes me feel like I’m being hugged by a friendly bear.
Liverpool is a wonderful city. I can make my way from Lime Street to my friend’s flat now without making her meet me and drag me there, suitcase in tow. Knocking into the locals and tripping up over myself. I’m so clumsy. I’m not tall, but fuck me I am clumsy. I just don’t like to pay attention. My eyes like to wander. There’s a lot to see. Anyway, Liverpool’s music scene is pretty damn good. Well, now it is. I’ve never been a fan of The Beatles. I don’t get it. Never have, never will. I tried and I tried. But I came to the conclusion that they were just boring. I know I’m in the minority but WHO CARES. They’re just a band, big deal. Let’s move on.
So Liverpool is the home of two bands I love a lot. Both are massively different. One is Beach Skulls and the other is a delightful trio called Bird.
Bird make music that scare you oh so delicately. They share a joined love for the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Warpaint and Leonard Cohen. This is enough to make you realise just how wonderful they are. Personally, anyone who loves these bands is a good one in my eyes. Obviously I shouldn’t be so naive but whatever. Anyway.
Bird has a sound that is so different to any band in the UK right now, In fact, the only artist I could say they share a likeness with is The Long Wives, now you know you about my love for this LA based singer so I don’t need to tell you again just now. There is a wonderful sense of darkness in the lyrics and the music compliments the mood in such a romantic way. The drums sound like a battle cry, the guitar causes you to sway and the vocals tug at your soul. You overlook the dark atmosphere and you realise just how beautiful it all truly is.
Adele, Lex and Sian create a magical universe with their music that you cannot help but be moved by. With only one listen you know you have given yourself over to something you cannot bring yourself to be removed from. Find a desolate place to go when you listen to Bird, and let them set you free. They remove you from the bad and take you away. Let all the rage and hostility burn out, and find something pure yet haunting in their music.
They recently supported Tamaryn and did a bloody mind-blowing cover of one of my favourite bands EVER, Bela Lugosi’s Dead by the genius, Bauhaus.
Like with most of the music I listen to, I really cannot put Bird in any genre at all. I wouldn’t know where to start. All I know is that they are a band you must keep a close watch on. Utterly exciting and a joyous experience. An absolute pleasure to listen to.
Time is a bit of an arse, it is also a wonderful thing. Time can make you better and it can heal you. Or it can make you bitter and cold. It can ruin you or it can make you into something positive. Use your time wisely and don’t let time use you. Patience is a wonderful thing, but time and patience are quite different. Everything depends on how you use it; never let it use you.
We all experience moments in our lives that we can remember where we were, who was there, the time and how we found out. It may have happened years and years ago; but the moment is still crystal clear. Sometimes it is a joyful moment but sometimes it is utterly painful to even think about. It happens to us all, and we have choice but to go through it and hope. Hope is all we have I guess. Don’t let anyone crush you and the hope you cling onto. It keeps you warm, maybe safe. It’s yours- keep it.
I remember where I was 8 years ago. I was at work. It was half term, so I was sadly at a place I disliked immensely. I always had the radio on because it got me through. I cannot remember the time, but I remember feeling like someone had told me a family member had died. When they announced that John Peel had died, I felt my heart metaphorically break. This wave of sadness took over and everything seemed like a blur. The man who was responsible for my obsession and passion for music was no longer around. How does that even work? How could it even happen? 8 years have passed, and I still cannot make any sense of it. I don’t think I ever could. I guess it goes beyond being understood by a human. Who knows.
I used to stay up late listening to his show when I was younger. Fall asleep with the duvet over my head cuddling up to the radio with the volume low down so I wouldn’t get told off for being up so late on a school night. Thing is, my mum always knew. She knew that music was (and always will be) my greatest love. Music has always been the thing I go to for everything. I lack courage with mentioning what sometimes bothers me; I’d much rather stick some music on and go for a walk. I like the inner peace I feel when I do this. In time, maybe I’ll change that. I wouldn’t bet on it though. It was because of John Peel I developed a massive love for The White Stripes, The Fall and PJ Harvey. He brought bands like Captain Beefheart and The Jesus And Mary Chain to the airwaves. If it wasn’t for him, would all these bands (and more) have ever been heard? He thrived off bringing us the weird and wonderful. The kind of music that makes your stomach flip and your ears prick up. He went beyond just being a DJ.
I sometimes listen to bands and think, “If John was still alive he’d love them.” Bands such as Warpaint, The xx, Beach House and The Horrors. I cannot help but think he’d love them as much as I do. He truly believed in the power of music; the sheer passion he had is no longer around on certain radio stations and I think the art of radio may have died with him. Maybe hints of music did too. Imagine hearing the likes of Crocodiles, Dum Dum Girls, Zola Jesus and Dirty Beaches all doing a Peel Session. It’d just be bloody incredible.
Music is a safety net, but when the one who gave you the music is no longer around- it is utterly painful, but you carry a part of them and all they gave you inside of you. I probably sound mental writing like this, but there are two people who basically made me realise that I had to write about music in whatever capacity I could. Lester Bangs and John Peel. Lester died before I was born. The love and passion they had for music was enough for me to know that music would become my life. Everything music gives me, well..I can only hope maybe one day I could give that to a person. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. I honestly have no idea.
We all have words to live by. Some are serious, some are a little bit silly. A quote by John Peel is one that is constantly on my mind when I look for new music, “I just want to hear something I haven’t heard before.”
There will never ever be anyone like John Peel. There will always be a massive void but the legacy he left behind is enough to get us through. Playing records at the wrong speed and ranting never sounded so good. He made you feel as if was just talking to you, and you alone. Yet he made you feel part of something.
I have time to kill before I need to leave for the airport. It’s raining outside and I think the sun wants to make a brief appearance, but the rain clouds are proving to be persistent. Relentless and unforgiving. So I’ve found a band that bring the sun on this otherwise grim Thursday afternoon. I’m not flying anywhere exotic, I doubt I could sit still for longer than an hour. I’m off to see the one I love/adore..how that one happened I have no idea, but it feels good.
Birmingham (or B-Town if you want) is obviously blessing us with amazing bands such as Peace and Swim Deep. There’s another band you can put in there; Heavy Waves.
Heavy Waves are three (I think there’s three of them) chaps from sunny Birmingham..no idea if it is sunny there today but the music that they create makes you think it is always sunshine and FUN up in Birmingham. Heavy Waves make music that makes you want to surf. A lot of the stuff I listen to usually makes me want to lie down and close my eyes, and go somewhere magical. Heavy Waves makes me want to actually do something. I’ve opted for surfing, which is actually quite silly as I cannot swim. Still, we must do silly things in life or learn something new. Maybe both at the same time. Calm down.
I love music that sounds distorted yet relaxing. Heavy Waves have mastered this; I’ve only heard a couple of tracks by them but it is enough for me to believe that next year they’re going to do some amazing things. I won’t do the whole “I TOLD YOU SO” thing when it happens because I’m not like that. I’m not an arrogant/pretentious arsehole. Hell..I don’t even know if anyone will read it. But if they do, I hope you also believe in Heavy Waves as much I do. I hope you fall instantly in love with them much like I have done. I hope, I hope, I hope.
I love their song Edward. It’s the kind of song that just makes you want to get out and do something. Surfing is optional. However, if you live in England and can’t get to beach; I suggest you go outside and find a puddle then use an ironing board as a surf board. Imagination kids, don’t be scared to use it.
You can listen to the glorious and enchanting sounds of Heavy Waves right here : http://soundcloud.com/heavywaves and tell them that you love them. Do it. I’m sure they’d enjoy that.
The uncool and the lonely trade nauseating stories about how hard it is; how leaving the house is a chore. How standing up rids them of energy, sitting down zones them out. Some kind of feeling takes them over. The find some kind of identity in the songs that cause others to feel as if their ears are bleeding. They feel like something full of shame. Full of shame, drained of devotion. How you seen it happen? A haunting glare is in their eyes. Maybe you’ve been this person. Maybe you’re getting there. There is always one person you fight to not be anything like that. Their traits make you feel ill. The things they’ve said and done are placed inside of you; you’ve let it go but it doesn’t let you go. It is frustrating because you are someone who doesn’t have a tight grip. But this thing…this THING has got a grip on you. You could call it a death grip, but you know it won’t be the end of you. For you know you’ll rise above it.
I mean, it is fairly easy to get sucked into something you despise, and turning your back on it also exhausts you. Self-exclusion is a sign of strength, but others don’t see it that way. But why should you care how others see it? Do what you want, always.
It is draining stopping yourself being like someone you cannot allow yourself to be. Sometimes someone says, “You’ve got their eyes” or “I’ve seen that look before from….” That shit crushes you, but you carry on. The only person who can stop you from doing anything or being anything is yourself I guess. Comments can put your self-belief in the ground. You seem to caress the bad and shun the bad. Why is that? Because the shit people say about us, that ruins us- is easier to believe. You’ll pull yourself above it at some point. Patience gets you further than anything else. As you get older, you learn that more than before.
Eternal youth starts inside. The lines on your face and the heaviness in your eyes are stories. Tell them how you want, but tell it from the heart.
I frequently have internal battles with myself about my favourite songs and records of all time. I place them into categories to make it easier, such as Favourite Debut Record of All Time to BEST SONG EVER PART 1 OF 100. Stuff like that you know? But earlier, I managed to come up with a solid list of my favourite male singers of all time. I basically narrowed it down to singers that were around before I was born because if I did recent ones, I’d firmly place Brandon Welchez from Crocodiles as my number 1. Maybe I’ll do a list for that.
So, I’m going to attempt to list my favourite male singers of all time (that existed before I was born..I was born in ’86. The golden era of Hip Hop.) Of course I may change my mind at some point, but hopefully I won’t fret and lose sleep over this. I’m a born worrier; but I keep it well hidden. Obviously I’ve just admitted to it, so it’s not a secret. Oh well.
10. David Johansen (New York Dolls.) I hate that I’ve had to put this in order because I want to jumble it all around. However, the love I have for David Johansen goes beyond him being my number 10. What I love about him is his flamboyant style and distinctive drawl. I remember my mum playing their first record round the house when I was younger. I didn’t know it was the Dolls but I was hooked on Jet Boy. I probably used to sing it, and get the words mixed up. Nothing has changed. Into my teenage years, I saw a copy of their debut record at my uncle’s. I was drawn to the cover, and I always stand by it being my favourite album cover ever. The sheer beauty of it just drew me in straight away. Utterly gorgeous. So, what is it about David Johansen that makes me adore him? I think he’s one of the best front-men of all time. His charisma and charm just leaves you in awe. The way he moves makes you want to emulate him in a dramatic fashion. He’s one of a kind, and undoubtedly inspired so many to express themselves in a way no one else dared to do so.
9. Townes Van Zandt. My love for Townes started only a few years ago, and it wasn’t his voice that got me hooked. Before I even heard his voice, I read his lyrics. His lyrics were that of a troubled soul. You couldn’t help but connect with him, yet at the same time feel uncomfortable that you connected with his words. Then when you heard his voice, you TRULY got all the pain. Some singers become actors and don’t believe in what they do. Some just want the money. With the likes of Townes, you could tell that music was everything to him. His life was dependant on making music. It didn’t really matter how the listener felt; he just needed to get it all out. We all need an outlet, music is one of the most powerful ones. Townes possessed a unique voice that no matter what, just sounded so vulnerable. He didn’t have to put on an act; everything about him was truthful. At times some of his songs became too painful to listen to, but at best- you just knew someone else understood some of the perils of every day life.
8. Nick Cave. Some singers you remember falling in love with, because it just stays with you for the rest of time. Nick Cave is a prime example of that. My gran used to look after me when I was younger, before I went to primary school. Before chewed up and spat out my soul. Or you know, before I ate paint and sobbed before swimming lessons. My uncle used to live with her in this house, and I always remembered going to his room when he was at work and staring at a poster of Nick Cave on one of the walls in his room. I’d stare at it in utter awe. I don’t know what my toddler mind was thinking, but it was fixated on this person. I felt like I was looking at something untouchable. I guess I knew of Nick Cave’s genius before I even heard his voice or read his lyrics. Fast forward to about 10 years old and I’m hearing Into My Arms and Henry Lee on MTV. Something was happening in my mind. I knew exactly what it was. I knew what I wanted to be. A writer. I wanted to write words like this; but the thing is, no one can write like Nick Cave. The man is a genius. Sure enough his vocals may not be to everyone’s taste, but his lyrics…I fail to find a song that anyone couldn’t relate to. Everything about him just makes you want to expand your mind and explore other worlds.
7. Leonard Cohen. One of the greatest writers of all time regardless of genre. Leonard Cohen and Morrissey were the two song-writers that truly made me care about words. Poets such as Poe and Rimbaud got me hooked on words too. But these two singers just made me see everything in the world in a different way. The darkness and love and romance of everything around us was made clearer by them. Leonard Cohen for me just creates a different world. A world that is free of everything but full of questions. I think that’s a good way to live. It’s hard to live that way, but it gets you through. I always place Leonard Cohen as a poet before anything else, but his voice is so powerful. Some may seek singers that hit high notes and have a stupid range. I don’t want that. I want you to sing in a way that makes me feel like you are telling a story to my soul. Leonard Cohen does this, and so much more. I’ve many reasons as to why I adore him, that’s just one of them. I don’t think I could put the rest into words to be honest.
6. Otis Redding. I’ve found a pattern in the singers I love; they all basically sing songs about loss and pain. I’m a cheerful soul. Of all the Soul singers in the world that have existed, it was Otis Redding that I truly found a life-long love for. Everything about his voice makes you wish you were around when he was starting out. Imagine being one of the first to have heard his voice all those decades ago. His sad songs could break the hardest of hearts, but his joyful songs could bring tears of happiness to your eyes. He had the power to make you feel every single word he sang. He died far too young, everyone knows that. And I also think most know that Otis, although he had a short career, he was truly one of the best. I’ve got a bit of an issue with the term “Soul” music because all music should come from there and you should feel music right in your soul, but regardless- Otis oozed more soul than most.
5. Joey Ramone. No idea how to get into writing about Joey because let’s face it- he possessed the greatest voice in Punk. The way he towered over the mic stand. Pulling it to and fro like a man under a spell made you want to start something of your own. Easily one of the most distinctive voices of all time. His voice was like no other. His stage presence has obviously been an inspiration to many over the years. From how he stood to how he dressed. He wasn’t just part of a band, he was part of a movement that fuelled the souls of so many lost people. Myself included, and also justifies why I was born in the wrong era. To be in New York in the 70s would have been perfect. What do we have now? Of course we do have wonderful things, but imagine being part of one of the most powerful movements in music (and possibly society.) One of my most prized possession are my Ramones records. I rarely play them as I don’t want to ruin them; but when I do, I can truly hear all they stood for. Joey was the voice for so many, and you know what, he still is.
4. Lou Reed. I’m going to try keep this as short as possible because I truly have no issues with writing a massive essay about my love for Lou Reed. However all I want to say and could say about him has been said before. Again, this is another genius my uncle got me into. He got me into Velvet Underground then after he saw my love for them he told me to listen to Transformer. Is Transformer one of the best records made? Damn right it is. Wagon Wheel is one of my favourites for sure. I just love Lou’s style of writing. He’s a genuine story-teller who takes you into the underworld of all around you. You think all you see is all that exists, then you listen to a Lou Reed song and it’s like you fall into a different world. Something quite dark, wonderful and weird. You never want out of it. I think, once you listen to Lou- that’s it for life. Once you give yourself over to his words, you feel part of something that no one or nothing could tear you from. You even forgive him for that Lulu record because Transformer exists.
3. Scott Walker. I guess like most I have already mentioned, Scott Walker is an acquired taste. His debut record is by far one of the greatest records ever made. My Death is probably my favourite Scott Walker song, you know, with me being a ray of sunshine and all that. But in all seriousness, my love for Scott Walker came from of course, The Walker Brothers. His solo work is just a work of art. Every record is a masterpiece. You really cannot deny that he’s a genius. The way his mind works, the way he writes, the way he sings- he’s just out of this world. He’s an enigma, for sure. I cannot wait for his new record to come out in December. Every record of his sounds entirely different from the last; but they always remain timeless and as important as each other. To have a career that reads like that is rare, and something that should be treasured.
2. Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart.) A strange soul who made even stranger music. Safe As Milk changed a LOT for me. I think it honestly changed how I listened to music, and the ways it affected me. It opened up my mind. What did Trout Mask Replica do? Well, it freaked me out in the most pleasurable way for sure. I think it is one of the weirdest records I’ve ever heard. I loved the way his mind worked. From his songs to his paintings- everything about him just oozed freedom and creativity. The two go hand in hand, but not many can make them work as perfect as Don Van Vliet did. He was a rare spirit that made you feel so free. When you listen to Safe As Milk, whether the first time around or if you’re a new fan, everything about it just gives you something you are never going to get again. I guess you can only get it from a Beefheart record. Certain musicians give you certain feelings, I think what Beefheart gave you is something that goes beyond words you know. I’ve tried so many times to pick a favourite song by Captain Beefheart, but instead I’ve narrowed it down to a moment. It’s when he says, “A squid eating dough in a polyethylene bag is fast ‘n bulbous, got me?” at the start of Pachuco Cadaver. No idea what it means, but it’s wonderfully strange.
Okay so for Number 1 I just couldn’t decide. Bob Dylan or Morrissey. I can’t choose. There’s no way I can do that. So, joint first place are Bobby and Morrissey. So I’m going to keep it brief.
1. Bob Dylan. Where do you begin when attempting to write about your love for someone so inspiring? I have my mum to thank for my obsession with this man. I’m proud of my Dylan tattoo on the back of my neck. It’s of a song that guided me through hell and back. Through hell some more, and back again. His words provide guidance through life- the good and the bad. It is like he is reassuring you every step of the way. My mum used to sing Forever Young to me when I was a baby before I went to sleep. His music is perfect for long train journeys or just walking around on your own. He makes you feel okay with whatever is going on. You stare out to all you see with his words echoing delicately in your ear, and you’re to restart/carry on. I hold Blonde on Blonde very dear to my heart, and I think it is possibly my favourite Dylan record. But with so many, I think it is hard to choose a solid favourite yet it seems to always be the one I go to for various reasons.
1.Morrissey. I’ve always declared Morrissey as being the one true love of my life. Mainly because his words/songs have been there when I thought I had nothing else. Speedway has been the song that sums up my life for the most part, as does Alma Matters. Everyday Is Like Sunday fully describes where I unfortunately live. I could honestly write an essay about every Morrissey song and still feel I had more to say. His words are a safety net and a force of hope to guide you through. He manages to release every unwanted and wanted feeling you have ever had, and will have had. Dismiss him as a moody sod all you want; but maybe you are scared to see yourself in his words. Seeing him live..every single time feels like a healing process. For some reason, every time before I have seen him- something shit has gone on in my life, and I’ve seen him and it all feels okay. His music goes beyond just being music, and I know every Morrissey fan feels like that. He’s not someone you just stick on as background music. He’s the soundtrack to all you do. He’s someone I don’t think I could actually sit and listen to with. It’s a very personal experience, mainly because I relate to a vast majority of his lyrics. I just adore everything about him, he’s the reason as to why lyrics are so important to me. I wear my Morrissey tattoo on my arm with unconditional love and pride. He changed my life and saved my life; that’s why he’s my number 1.
If I had any ounce of normality or even sense left in me, I’d go to bed. But no, I’d much rather write. After I’ve done this I’m going to head to my room and write some songs. Maybe read. Then maybe sleep. I’ve got the perfect band to create a calming atmosphere. Are you ready?
SISU is Sandra from Dum Dum Girls other band. She thrashes the drums in Dum Dum Girls, but with SISU she calms you with her utterly divine vocals. She kind of makes you want to make your own music. I’m not musically talented at all. I can only write about it, but even my “talent” with that is bloody questionable.
What is it about SISU that grips you? Well to start with, EVERYTHING. As you delve deeper and deeper into their music, you cannot help but get a wonderfully New Romantic feel from it with hints of Siouxsie. Light Eyes is a prime example of this. If you’re getting into SISU on your own accord without knowing one of them is a Dum Dum Girl then you’re going to just fall in love. If you’re listening as a fan of Dum Dum Girls, you will also fall utterly in love with SISU.
Songs such as Infinity Net feel like a lucid dream. The best kind. It feels comforting yet quite haunting. The best songs make you feel this way. You conjure up images in your mind of desolate woods and total darkness. The things that stir you in your sleep, but at the same time inspire you to make something of your own. To make something of yourself.
The vocals on Sharp Teeth are INCREDIBLE. Enough to make you lose your mind and kiss the next person who walks past you. Providing it isn’t someone you dislike; but even then you may find enough tenderness in yourself to cast your dislike aside for a brief moment of kindness. Everything about Sharp Teeth is beautiful. You want to sing along; so do it. However, I must advise you be careful of your surroundings when doing so. Yesterday morning I was singing along loudly to Crocodiles and the postman knocked at the door. He heard me sing my little heart out. These things happen, they have to happen.
If you’re looking for a band that are going to give you delightful feelings that you may not be able to describe in words only noises or something, then SISU are for you. They are utterly for you. So just give yourself over to them.
Their music is dark and good for the soul. I know I haven’t done them justice with what I have written, so what I want you to do is go listen to them. Shut your eyes and open your mind to something truly out of this world. SISU are like falling in love with something/someone amazing for the first time, and with every listen you find something else to love about them. It is so pure.
It’s all well and good listening to music that makes you think as if you are floating away and into something better, but sometimes you’ve got to violate your ears in the most pleasurable way possible. Something loud is needed. Not the kind that makes your ears bleed, but the kind that makes you glad you’re breathing. You dig? Alright.
I don’t need to write some bullshit prose as to why you must get yourself turned onto Popstrangers; their music justifies fully why you need them in your life. However, it’s 11.10pm on a Friday night and I’ve spent my evening re-writing my CV and applying for jobs. All I want to do is fall asleep, but it won’t happen. Instead I’m finding bands that are waking up the dead parts of me. Popstrangers are doing that. They’re doing it better than most. I function when I’m really tired, but I feel this may turn into some awful rant. I’m going to try stay on track, but my attention span is all over the place. I’m not saying sorry for it. It adds a bit excitement to my mundane life.
Popstrangers are three exceptionally talented guys from Auckland. I’m not a fan of New Zealand for one reason only- my best friend moved there a few years ago, and I now only see her once a year. Aside from that, I’ve got nothing against the place at all. So let’s discuss music.
I firmly believe that, when you find a band that play with such heart and passion- you fast find yourself loving them with all you have. That’s why I believe music writers need to stop being silly you know? I don’t care if you hate a band, I want to hear about what you love. There’s enough negativity in the world; please don’t add to it. Music writers or anyone else. Just don’t be that asshole who carries around negative vibes.
This is why I adore Popstrangers. They play with such heart and it’s almost like a riot brewing in their music. The force and brutality are enough to make you want to throw stuff around your room and tell everyone to go fuck themselves, but as I’m a peaceful person- that won’t be happening. Although, I did nearly throw my phone into the road this afternoon. Stupid piece of shit. But, yes. Popstrangers have this ability to make you want to brawl or something. I’m a calm person, so feeling like this is new to me. It’s an alien concept but one I am enjoying because the music is just amazing.
So these three guys mix this out of this world dreamy feel with something noisy and bold. You think “Oh this cannot be!” But it’s real, and it exists. It’s heavenly and wonderful. To find fault in it would just make you entirely silly. Don’t be that person. If you don’t like it; move along and find something else.
The ferocious guitars, the furious drums and the feral bass sends you wild. It makes you shut your eyes and just go somewhere. I can’t tell you where it takes you, you’ve got to make that journey on your own. But when you get there, you’ll never want to leave. That’s the power of music; it makes you feel things you never thought you could. And it takes you places no plane could ever take you. It’s a magical journey that feeds the soul.
Their new song, Heaven is just gorgeous. It is one of the best songs around. It is hypnotising and soothing. It makes you feel like you are on some ethereal trip. Utterly divine.
Everything about Popstrangers is why I care so much about music. They make the kind of music that makes the most passionate person overwhelmed with emotion because it is THAT good. Hell..the word “good” doesn’t do this band justice. I think I’ve rambled. I’m sorry for that, but my love for Popstrangers? I cannot say I’m sorry about that. It’s the kind of love that stays with you. I’m hooked, in every way possible.
Last night I went through all my stuff that I finally got out of storage. It had been in there for the past 11 months. It had been left in a place that I wouldn’t wish my worst enemy to go to (it must be added that I personally don’t have one, but I’m sure there are enough that hate me.) It was a place that’ll drain your soul and probably catapult your self-hate to a whole new level. I mean sure where I am living now does just the same, but I can hide from it easily. Places that ruin you cause you to go in on yourself. They also cause you to loath the skin you are in; but what can you do about it? Whilst I was going through all my stuff; I found some books that I’ve put to one side that I just need to re-read again. I’ve got a few books that I can read over and over again, and every time I do I find something else to love about the author and the book. Anyway, amongst all my stuff was an old mobile phone. I charged the phone for a bit, and I switched it on. My gut was saying “Why are you doing this?!” Turns out my head did the same too. So, I went through old messages. That wasn’t a smart move. But something clicked. Maybe all the texts from certain people were a lie; but things are different now. Maybe I had more than than I do now. Or maybe what I have now is a billion times better than it was. Truth is- I have nothing. I really don’t. I don’t mean this in a “woe is me” kind of way. Far from it, I’m not that kind of person. Self-pity is one of the worst things in the world. I mean, I don’t really hold onto things. So I went through some messages and turned the phone off. Sure it made me sad for a few minutes but then I saw some messages on the phone I have now. You compare the two and what I have now is more believable. I don’t know what it is, I may never know- but it’s working. It’s fine. I may have nothing going for me in a “job” sense but I’ve got other things that you cannot put a price on.
I know I am far too sentimental and sensitive for my own good. I know I need to toughen up; but if I did, that’d mean I was going against all I am and all I stand for. I don’t stand for much. Just the basic rule of being gentle and kind. That’s all I’ve got, that’s all I am. I feel like a boomerang and I need a home. I need something permanent. I’m nearly 26; I just want to settle anywhere but here. The year is nearly done, and I’ve done nothing of worth. Maybe I can change that next year. I tried to change it this year, but I didn’t get very far. Some of us are meant to succeed, some of us just waste our time trying. I need to figure out what I’m doing, but I feel sometimes that it’s too late. Should I have gone to uni? Should I ever have started writing? Should I start again? I have no idea. The only thing you can do is carry on in the hopes a solid answer just smacks you in the face. The things I want to do are constantly being shunned and told “oh you’ll never do it, you can’t do that.” In my head I think, “Fuck you.” But I just lower my head and carry on. What else can you do? I was told recently by a stranger, “The bands you love, they all started out with nothing and now they’re something. Use that.” A total stranger believes in me. Strangers are kind; they’re not all bad. She also said I had “lost eyes” but I’m not sure what she meant by that.
So anyway, my point is- leave the past in the past. It is okay to have self-doubt. It is okay to not be your biggest fan. It is okay to have shit days; but don’t forget the good ones. It’s okay to walk away and leave things/people behind because they probably didn’t realise you had gone anyway. To hell with what anyone tells you; do what makes YOU happy and for shits sake- put YOURSELF first because no one else will. Let them say you’re selfish if they must, but they’ve got it wrong. Try a different point of you, and be kind.
“Until the sun goes down you’ll be the one for me. Until my brain burns out you’ll be the one.”
I’ve decided that bands from New York are the ones that truly own my heart. Obviously I have so much love for bands from the West Coast. I’m just basing this all on my love for New York Dolls, Velvet Underground and Ramones. The level of love I have for those three bands is ridiculous. Maybe borderline psychotic obsessive, or something. They can’t lock me up for that. Not yet. I just love them, that’s all.
Certain places have a specific sound. You just know straight away when you hear them where they are from. Or you THINK you know where they are from. It becomes like a guessing game. You don’t win anything though, such is life.
When I first listened to Dumb Talk no part of me knew where they were from; I was just blown away by their songs. And you know, that’s just how it should be. To hell with where a band is from, all that matters is the music. But if you must know, they’re from New York. They don’t sound like a “typical” New York band at all. Instead they mix a dreamy feel with brutal distorted sounds. Think along the lines of Wavves meets Beach House. Hyper meets calm. That kind of thing. Basically, they’re awesome.
Dumb Talk got together late last year, and this August put out their debut self-titled record. Now, this year has seen some amazing releases. Some were highly anticipated records from established artists and some were debut records that have put others to shame. Dumb Talk have done just that.
Dumb Talk do not sound like a band that have been together for a short time nor does their debut record sound like one. They sound like a solid band that have been around for at least 5 years. You see, when a band can do that; that’s when you know you have found something truly promising. Their songs just ooze the innocence and uncertainty of love. When you love someone, you want to keep it as pure and as precious as possible. I guess that’s one way of approaching Dumb Talk’s music too.
My favourite track so far (I’ve played the album on repeat over the past few days) is Princess but I also love Cry Baby. I’ll change my mind as soon as I hit “publish.” I can’t help it, it’s just a bloody good record.
Dumb Talk make ethereal garage rock music. I know that is seems like something that shouldn’t work. That garage rock music is brutal and bashes you in the face with every listen. Dumb Talk take the backbone of garage rock and add dreamy tones to it. It is utterly perfect and works in the most stunning way possible.
So what you should do is listen and get yourself a copy of their record here : http://dumbtalk.bandcamp.com/ and if you don’t want to listen to anything else but them for a while; then you’re listening right. Enjoy.
I think because my life is so utterly boring and dull, I have to listen to music that makes me feel like I am part of another universe. Part of a world that I actually feel some connection to. Have you ever walked around and thought, “This isn’t right, this isn’t for me.” It is almost like everything around you, you feel utterly disconnected from. I don’t mean this in a depressing way (Sundays are shit anyway, so no harm done.) I just mean, it makes you see that there is more to what you know than what you know. And you know this, and you just want to find it. You’ll find it eventually. I had a talk with a stranger last week, and she made me feel at ease that I don’t know what I want from life. She told me that people over the age of 40 feel the same. So, I guess it’s alright to remain lost. She said I had “lost eyes.” I’m still trying to figure out what she means, and how to take it. What you’ve got to do, what you must do is ignore all that is expected of you and put your own happiness first. Invest your time and being into what works for you. You’ve spent enough time being miserable. Let it go.
This is why we have bands like The Holydrug Couple. They send you off into a different universe. The colours and shapes take over your mind. Your eyes light up, and everything becomes clearer. You feel like you’re in some kind of haze, but it’s alright. It is like they have held out their hands for you to grab. You grab it, and you gently go with them on this mind-altering trip. They’ve got a song called Ancient Land, and it is 11 minutes of genius and perfection. One of my weaknesses in life are songs that go over 5 minutes. Songs that make you feel a sense of euphoria all over; they’re the best kind. It’s all well and good thinking “This songs sums up my LIFE.” But sometimes you just need to be taken on some euphoric trip.
The Holydrug Couple are two amazing musicians from Chile. Again, another band proving my biased theory that duos are the best. Everything about them leaves you wandering around in a daze after you’ve listened to them. I just got up to make a cup of tea, and I feel like I’m floating. They are a perfect headphones kind of band. Some bands are just made for that personal experience you know? When you find a band like that, your connection with the music just deepens. Your feelings towards the music heightens, and nothing can really compare to it. You gaze out of the window on the bus or fall asleep listening to it. You feel part of it.
I know it sometimes takes a lot for one to truly love a band from first listen, but when you find gems such as The Holydrug Couple you cannot help but fall recklessly and completely in love with their music. This feels like something from the 60s, and that alone gives you faith in “modern” music.
Beat In My Bones. 