Tag Archives: Beach House

“We hide out in the back,like shadows in a stranger’s dream.”

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I have no direction in life. I know what I want, but the realist (or cynic) in me knows I’ll never get there. If I do, I’ll welcome the surprise and probably buy a bottle of Ribena to celebrate. If I expect nothing; I’m not left disappointed. They say this makes for a lonely existence. Maybe for them it does, but not for me. You can be alone even when surrounded by people who apparently like you. It’s hard to like people isn’t it. I used to think “oh everyone is lovely la la la.” It’s not the case. You grow up and you see what people are capable of. I’m not perfect. I’ve probably done more harm than good. But I’m not going to beg for forgiveness and waste my life doing things people approve of. I don’t understand people who need to seek the approval of others in order to be whole. I don’t get why you’d want to dumb yourself down to fit in. I don’t get a lot, it seems. Thing is, self-doubt carries me through. I spent an afternoon the other day at the beach, on my own. These thoughts came into my mind and poured out into the songs I was listening to. We all have bad days, we all have good days. My bad day was enough to make me think, “Is this rock bottom?” It wasn’t. I’ve not hit there in a long time. I put up a fight with myself to make sure I never feel so shit again. I can write this so freely and not care for it. I’ll write this and never look at it again. I never look back on what I have written. Whether it be the nonsense I put here, my songs or my poems. I never look back at them. I don’t know why. Maybe I just think as soon as it leaves me, I don’t need to bother with it. Maybe one day I’ll look back and be proud. As I stood looking at the sea last week, I felt at peace. I also felt like shit. But the wave of peace that came over me was something I’ve not really felt before. I stared blasting Coming Down by Dum Dum Girls in my ears. I felt a connection to that song I had never felt before.

Very early Friday morning..Dee Dee Penny from the band had emailed me her over of Just Like Honey by The Jesus And Mary Chain that she recorded just for me. Quite frankly, it is the best thing I had been given. The tears of the day before were quickly taken over with happy tears. I’m not someone who cries a lot. I’m too sensitive, but I can stop myself. You shouldn’t be afraid to feel. You shouldn’t be scared of the bad days. You shouldn’t throw away the good days. We seem to be afraid to feel. To feel like shit, to love and to feel hurt. It all ties in, but you cannot ignore one side. You just can’t.

The more you hide from something; the worse it’ll be when it comes back around. Luckily, no one I am really close to will read this so I can just let all this out. Like I said earlier, self-doubt isn’t a bad thing. If I ever thought I was good at something; I wouldn’t try. If I thought I was even a decent writer, I’d stop. I’d rather be told “you write really well” rather than “you’ve got a good face.” I don’t believe any of these things, not because I want attention. If I wanted attention I’d get drunk and shout something from my bedroom window. Keep me in the background, part of the furniture. Let someone else shine. Let them over-take. I’m okay with moving slow and doing what I want rather than doing everything rushed and missing out the details. I’ll never be the love of someone’s life. I’ll never be able to play the drums. But I will do a Bob Dylan impression after a few glasses of whiskey if I feel it needs to be done. I found life lessons in the songs I played. I’ve never felt at home anywhere, maybe I’m one of those people who never is at home anywhere. I don’t like routine or structure. I don’t like plans. Everything around you can be beautiful, find an escape route. Or be the escape route. Maybe fate is something that doesn’t exist. The lack of control we have isn’t always a bad thing. I don’t get why you’d always want to be in control of everything. If it is unknown, keep it that way.

I live in a very judgmental place and I cannot wait to leave again. To leave for good. I left one place I hated for good. I’ll never go back. Leaving is easy when you let no one tell you what to do. Advice is alright, but you shouldn’t always do what is right for you. Put your OWN happiness first. Put yourself first. Don’t let anyone sway your heart. Go the beach, and listen to the songs that give you courage.

Here’s mine:

“Did they tell you, you should grow up, when you wanted to dream. Did they warn you, better shape up if you want to succeed.”

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I took a walk just now. Whilst walking, a Metric song came on and it just made me realise that it is okay to be my age (25) and still be a dreamer. Someone who isn’t always sure of everything around them, but knows what they want. They do all they can to get it, but something gets in the way. That something at times, holds you back. But you still keep going. Sometimes a song is all it takes for you to keep on dreaming. To keep everything in you alive. It is hard, I bloody well know it is. You see, I’ve been a freelancing fool for 6 and a half years now. I’ve had this site since early 2008. I’ve had times where I wanted to just say “Fuck this..fuck it all. I can’t no more.” The constant self-doubt I carry on my back keeps me going. If I ever thought I was good at something, I wouldn’t do it. The self-doubt makes me work harder I guess. If I didn’t write, I’d probably be sectioned. I’d gnaw at my hands and rip my eyes out from frustration. Yet, for some stupid reason, I feel the need to write. I have no idea who reads this. Or even why someone would read the nonsense I write, but I just want to thank you. If I could buy you a cup of tea and hug you- I would. If you’re a friend of mine, that’s pretty cool. But I know none of my friends read this. It’s cool. I’m pretty sure most read this and think, “What the hell is this idiot doing? I can do better than her. She’s useless.” Probably. You probably can. I do it for the love of music. I don’t do it for any other reason. I know I want to make a living from this, but truth be told-I never will. I guess you cannot put a price on something you love. So this is going to be a collection of songs that make me feel alright with being a dreamer, I guess. Thing is, I know what the reality around me is. I’m not happy with it, but only I can change it.

Maybe one day, one of my daft dreams will come true. Maybe one day I’ll get some poetry published. Maybe I’ll write a book. Maybes are okay- but you cannot live off them. Keep the dream alive, and do what you need to do. The following songs just give me hope, in their own unique  non-conventional way.

 

Beach House-Bloom.

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My mum bought me a copy of Teen Dream, and I guess that is why that record holds more meaning for me than I can actually wrap my head around. I remember walking home in the cold last February after I found out she was ill, and I had Take Care on repeat. I listen to it, and I immediately think of her. Sometimes I wish I was a Superhero so I could switch it round. It’s like Kate Bush sang, “If I only could I’d make a deal with God and get him to swap our places.” If you ever want to see me bawl like a baby, play that song. I cannot listen to it. Back to Beach House. So, Take Care hold so much for me. Victoria’s voice breaks me heart every single time. If I could sing, I’d want a voice like hers. Instead I sound like Captain Beefheart meets Bob Dylan..if I try hard enough.

Bloom is magical. Bloom is hopeful. Bloom is everything you want from a Beach House record.

Beach House have this stunning way of just making you feel like you are in love, even if you are without. They make you feel like your heart is in the palm of another’s as you listen to their music. They heal you, they break you too- but they provide so much comfort that you do not mind any hurt that comes your way. Beach House are like Warpaint, I cannot listen to them with anyone else. I just can’t. I think it’s because when I listen to them I must have my eyes shut, be utterly still and take it all in. I guess it’d be nice to share this with someone, but I’d worry they wouldn’t feel the same. Then I’d be sad and my faith in humanity would fade away some more.

When they released Myth a month or so ago, it felt like some kind of religious take over. I’m not a religious person. I’m stupidly spiritual but I keep my beliefs to myself. Listening to Myth was so euphoric. I felt like something had clicked in my brain. I always get that when I listen to Beach House. Their music is so beautiful, I fail to find the words to write down. I feel that whatever I write about Beach House just doesn’t do them any justice at all. For me, I think Myth is going to be one of those songs I go to when everything seems wrong. The lyrics are shaped like life advice. I rarely turn to people for advice, I’d rather fuck up on my own accord and be the only person who sinks down with the consequences. I listen to Myth, and it just feels like well, a sense of security. That whatever I do, just makes sure it is the best thing for me I guess. I learnt a lot about growing up by listening to Beach House.

“If you build yourself a myth know just what to give. What comes after this momentary bliss. Consequence of what you do to me.”

“Would you rather go unwilling. The heart is full and now its spilling. Barreling down the steps. Only a moment left.”

This line from On The Sea is one of the most accurate and honest lines from the record. Something so simple that just makes you feel as if you can do anything. And maybe, just maybe- you can. You’ve just got to believe I guess. If you don’t believe, then you’ve only got yourself to blame. But we like to shift the blame don’t we. Beach House, on the other hand, just make you accept everything for what it is and let go. That’s all you can do.

Being a fan of Beach House has taught me something valuable. Something I thought only tough people could do. They taught me how to let something go, and to just carry on. These are things you are supposed to find out the hard way. Maybe I did, but Beach House made the grip less strong and the desire to go forward stronger. I owe them a lot.

Listening to Bloom makes you feel weightless. You feel as if you are letting go. I know I’m banging on about it, but they truly make you feel like everything around you no longer matters. Maybe developing strength in what makes you weak causes this. I have no idea. Beach House give you all these unnamed feelings that no other could ever give you. No other will give you.

Victoria Legrand has THE most distinctive voice around. The way she sings is so delicate; it makes you trust in every single word she sings. The music that she and Alex Scally create cause your lonely feelings to be cut wide open, then they leave you. They leave you as you slowly sink into their music. This is extremely evident in Bloom. I hope with all I have, that people wake up to Beach House. They’ve gone unnoticed for long enough now.

Bloom holds the same amount of beauty as Teen Dream, Devotion and their self-titled record all have. They just create beautiful music that fills your bones with hope and love. There are twinges of fragility in this record, and that alone makes it something you must believe in. Music is extremely powerful. Victoria and Alex create music that you, thankfully, cannot define. The only word that can sum it all up is beautiful, but even that isn’t good enough. Bloom is for the lost, the found, lovers, loveless, lonely, confused, sad, vulnerable it is for everyone. You cannot spot a Beach House fan. Beach House make you gentle and careful. And in a world where being an utter bastard is glorified, they are much-needed. I’ll take being a sensitive soul over being a careless tough person any day.
“You watch the shape these things are taking ’till you cry out in your sleep. Does it become you when you’re under? Your heart is racing. You’re taking everything to heart.”

 

“Shake your head, it’s empty.”

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Wants and needs cloud your judgement. It’s easier to ignore them both so you can carry on. And carry on you will. This is the hangover talking. Not in a physical sense, that passed at half 10 this morning when I stood in the shower playing Explode by Uh Huh Her about 5 times until I felt like a person again. Things go wrong very quickly, you try to be cautious. You do what is right. You leave things behind so you can move forward. The things you never faced smack you right in the face when you have brief moments on your own. I’m trying to distance myself from this because some things, well..you’ve got to never tell so you stay sane. So what happens? Lose.Your.Shit. Lose your mind if you want. Nobody is strong all the time. Nobody is always weak. You can find strength in the things you think are killing you, metaphorically. You hold everything back. And for what reason? You’ve got your reasons. You try to let it out, but for some reason- it just won’t come out. Not because you’re biting your tongue constantly, but..the words. The words are not there. So you find a sense of peace and become calm in the midst of hearing THAT certain part in a song that you love. The song that cradles you. The song that nurses you. Like a whisper in your ear, “It’s going to be okay.” It will be okay.

One day I will take on board what I have just typed up. Until then, I’ll remain a hypocrite, or maybe just one of life’s lost causes plodding their way through. Knowing that nothing is secure, or forever. Time is just a way of limiting yourself. I never wear a watch. Lose yourself to something positive than give yourself up to something destructive. This is why I don’t show my poetry or songs to anyone. It goes deeper than the paragraph above, and I’m ashamed of it.

So, with this utter nonsense out of the way- there are songs. There are always songs. Songs that will drag you through because you just don’t want to think about how you’d word it. Wants and needs. You want a person, but do you need them? Anyone who says they don’t need anyone is lying. Even if it’s just one person, you cannot deny that you need them. It doesn’t have to be in a romantic way. A relative, a close chum- you need them. You want them around. You think you’re going to lose them at times. You think you’re about to because the Universe is a fucking BITCH. Solace is found in music. Shut it all off and fall into the music. It’s the only way you know how. And maybe…just maybe we are all struggling to get to the same thing in life. So, please be kind to everyone. Be respectful and tolerant. Walk gently through life and do everything with heart. Speak up. Be strong, be weak. Be yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7lQFdvDDZA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpoLPrYOJcg

Beach House.

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I guess everyone has a band or two (or in my case..five) that give them this really strange feeling. Have you ever been in love? It’s alright, isn’t it? Well, so I’ve heard. It’s a chore, never a pleasure. Like a lot of things. Yet, when I listen to Beach House I get this really odd feeling. They make me feel like I am in love, I’m really not. But they give me that heightened feeling that people spend their lives breaking their backs and losing their self-respect for. I find it all in Beach House. Maybe it is because Victoria’s voice is so peaceful and comforting. That’s what love should be, right? Peaceful and comforting. My views on love and romance lead me to disappointment. Expect nothing and carry on.

I have no idea where I am going with this. I think I just, at close to midnight, feel the need to write about Beach House. I think this is going to be far too personal. As I write this, the view from the window is of a bed of water with the town’s lights reflecting onto it. I’m listening to Beach House and as I am doing so, I am attempting to figure shit out. I am trying to sort out my life and what I want. Most people do this at a more suitable hour. However, I feel stupidly awake and my body is telling me to sleep. I just don’t listen to what I should.

Nearly two weeks ago, I left home (again) in an attempt to sort my life out. To find a job and make something of my life. You’d think at aged 25 I’d have something solid going for me, right? Wrong. I don’t. I own nothing of worth, I am possibly not of worth (it depends when you ask me..if its a good day-I’ll be fine.) I have no idea. Self-doubt keeps me going. I function in a way I know that I shouldn’t. I want answers but I have no idea if I’ve asked the questions yet. I know nothing. You cannot know a thing at aged 25. Or even 35. You constantly learn and grow. I don’t know what I need, but I know what I want. I use Beach House to guide me towards something. I’m not sure what. So, as I type this looking at the water and the lights I am trying to figure it all out.

Myth was released by the band nearly two weeks ago. The day I left home. I played it over and over before I left for the airport. Inside, I was close to crying like a baby. Outside, I was keeping it together. Just another poor way of functioning, I know. I know. The way in which Victoria sings, “Help me to make it.” Just made me feel less alone and less scared. I am fucking petrified of failing again. I cannot do it. But, with songs like Myth I feel like I could possibly get there you know? Maybe it will work out. I’m responsible if it does, and I’m responsible if it doesn’t.

I remember when I first heard The Cure’s record, Seventeen Second. I had this feeling. It went beyond anything and everything. I felt it in a part of me that I think a loved one is meant to tap into. That’s never happened to me. I found it in that record, and I got that EXACT feeling when I first heard Beach House.  They are a band that give you so much feeling that you just cannot describe, you just feel it. I’m sure if I saw them live I would just bawl all the way through. It’s not like they saved my life, but they gave me some kind of strength and/or courage to ignore everything and do what is right for me.

I remember playing Take Care when I walked home when I found out my mum had breast cancer. Every word made so much sense, and every single word broke my heart. You want to be someone’s rock and take it all away- but you’re unsure how. You’re unsure, but you find comfort in a song that feels like a blanket, a shield from pain.

Beach House are not a band you just listen to and forget about. They are a band that become a constant. A part of your life that makes sense. They become that best friend at 4am when you’ve got nothing. You play their music when you go for a walk and get lost. You don’t care that you are lost because Beach House have found that part of you that no one ever else could. To love them, is to love them with everything you have. Every part of your love is reserved for this duo. You cannot imagine your life or record collection without them.

Teen Dream was a big thing for me. It was the soundtrack to so much. For me, they are just like Warpaint. What I mean is, they are a sacred band to me. I cannot listen to Warpaint in the company of anyone. I cannot listen to Beach House with anyone. I just have to shut my eyes or shut the world out. It is an experience I cannot imagine sharing with anyone. I mean sure if I fell in love, I’d probably want to play Beach House to her. Then I’d play some NWA afterwards. Just to balance it all out.

I’ve heard some of the tracks off Bloom, and hand on heart- I can safely say this will be the most beautiful record to come out this year. If Warpaint put their record out this year too, I’ll feel the same. For me, Beach House just give me hope. You must ALWAYS have hope. Without hope you have nothing. You have to hope you get to where you want to be. You have to hope you get what you want, and what you deserve. You have to keep hope alive in order to keep the dream alive. Whatever the dream may be, you’ve got to keep it alive.

This has turned out to be horrifically personal. You can put it down to me being utterly tired. My post-London emotional hangover not leaving me alone, or the fact that I’m a shit writer who is far too personal. Make up your own mind- but go listen to Beach House. Listen to them the way I am right now. Looking at water with reflections of light bouncing off. You will feel at peace, you will feel calm. You will feel. They are a band that you cannot compare any other band to. No one else sounds like them, and they sound like no one else. They say perfection doesn’t exist- bullshit. Beach House exist, and so does perfection. It is like an outer body experience. A high you never want to come down from, and why on earth would you want to.

I could say so much more about Beach House, but like I said- you cannot describe it; you just feel it.

I really don’t know what I’d do without Beach House. They create such beautiful music that makes you feel like you can do anything, be anything. They also make you feel alright when everything seems to be wrong. The words, the voice, the music- it all transports you into a glorious dreaming state. Nothing can touch you. Snapping out of it isn’t exactly wonderful, but it causes everything to make sense eventually.

Beach House-Myth.

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This has to be SUPER fast as I have to go finish packing and get on a plane in a couple hours. Bye old life, time to start a new one. Well, that’s my intention anyway. I think I’ve found the song to save my soul and make me feel like maybe..just maybe..I can do whatever I want with my life for once and ACTUALLY succeed. I can always count on Beach House to give me this calming feeling, like I could be of worth. I’ll work on that. There’s always someone and something better, but I’m teaching myself to put myself first and make myself happy. I think I’m doing okay.

I’ll be just fine, because of this song. This song is everything right now. Trust me. It is EVERYTHING. I’ll cling onto it even when my grip becomes weak and I have no idea what is going on. That’s what I always use Beach House for. Victoria’s voice is as perfect as ever. This is just setting in stone that their new record will again be, the record of the year. But please- do not let it be overlooked like Teen Dream was. Do you have any idea how perfect that record was? It always will be. Beach House make you feel like you are in love, even if you are alone. They give you the ability to feel something so pure, innocent and life changing.

I can feel something happening as I listen to this. Maybe it is the panic of “OH SHIT WHERE’S MY PASSPORT” or maybe…maybe I know it is all going to be okay.

Leaving is good for the soul.

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Sometimes you get stuck in a place that you think you cannot get out of. Whether it is a state of mind or an actual place, sometimes it has this disgusting grip on you- and you just cannot escape. I guess that’s why music is one of the best ways to express how one feels. It says the things you cannot say. It says the things you wish you could say. The lyrics, the note changes, every major and minor detail in a piece of music can just sum up any and every feeling you carry around with you on a daily basis.

I live in a place I really cannot stand. I’ve got the guts to leave. I’m leaving on Friday. I’ve been trying to do it for some time now, but now I have a reason. Things did improve in September, but I guess….you just have to do what works for you and what makes you happy. You see, I’m moving back to my mum’s. For a while I was reluctant to do it because I thought I’d be a failure. I’m not. I’m doing something for ME. Something I rarely do. I spent too long thinking about others and what they wanted, I forgot about myself. So, I’m moving home for a bit. Save money from my job and after that, I have no idea. I don’t know where I will go. I’ve got some ideas- but I don’t know. I don’t like planning things. So, with this week’s mix I’m putting songs that can help you escape the dullness and chore of everyday life. Songs to lose yourself in and make you realise what you want- and how you are going to get it.

Don’t ever think you are not worthy of putting yourself first, because you are. You are worth more than you know. It’s totally okay to be happy and to be yourself first. I guess hitting 25 the other week has had a positive impact. Grow up and get out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1TxBb9LN8g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_g0TpTmIIk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di4v6MDW9pk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_tsD3Dyfnc

Beach House-Norway.

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You know when you see a person so beautiful, and all you want to do is just look at them? By look at them, I mean take in their beauty; not gawp at them in a mental way. If people found that endearing, I’m pretty sure most of us would no longer get slapped and called a weirdo. This hasn’t happened to me….yet. I tend not to look, just because I don’t like being hit. Think of that person you regard as the most beautiful person in the world (I’ll do the same) and imagine them in the form of music.

How I feel about Beach House is how one would feel about a beautiful person. I just want to sit and listen to Beach House; just like someone would want to stare at a beautiful person. I know it’s a weird analogy, but it’s just how it is.

It’s one song in particluar by Beach House that makes me feel this way. Norway is such a stunning song. The harmonies at the start are just simply breathtaking. Victoria has THE most distinctive vocals around, there’s nobody else like her.  The song feels like a train approaching. It has a haunting quality about it. A lot of their songs do have that feel about it, but at the same time; so comforting. I’ve fallen asleep listening to Beach House so many times. Norway is the one though. It’s the one I always seem to have on repeat.

Her vocals are always atmospheric and so tranquil. You can easily fall into a dream whilst listening to Beach House; you can fall in love whilst listening to Beach House. Norway just evokes such wonderful feelings inside of you. It could be pissing down with rain as you go for a walk listening to this song; but you’d still feel the sun on your back.

Beach House are three albums into their career and each album is just a perfect work of art. As far as duos go, Alex and Victoria are one of the best.

There are so many layers in their songs, especially in Norway. It has that dream pop feel that although many attempt to shy away from; Beach House do it well.

Two Is The Magic Number.

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There is something about a band that only has two members. There’s something about two people creating so much noise and chaos (The Kills) or something so utterly tranquil and beautiful (Beach House) that just leaves me in awe.

Beach House and The Kills are examples of bands only needing two members to create something so wonderful. When you listen to Teen Dream or Keep On Your Mean Side, you can’t help but be amazed that just two people created these works of art.

For me, I’m more likely to be drawn to a band with two members than four or five. Not because they are better, it’s all personal taste isn’t it. But because you know they have to work extra hard to prove themselves and more effort probably goes in.

The White Stripes for instance, probably one of the most influential bands of their time. There is no denying the genius of Jack White, and yes Meg may have a simplistic way of playing the drums- but it worked. With her drumming and Jack’s mind blowing guitar abilities, it was a perfect combination.

Just like The Kills, Jamie’s aggressive guitar sound with Alison’s beautiful, pure voice over it is just brilliant. You don’t need everything to be in depth nor do you need everything to be simple- combine the two and you create something glorious.

Some of the greatest bands ever only had two members such as: Tears For Fears, Eurythmics, Sam & Dave, Gang Starr, Röyksopp. They say three is the magic number, I doubt it. Two is all you need. These are artists that have inspired so many and still do. Their art is sampled by other artists. Their work is still used in adverts, films, television shows- it still exists. What they have produced is highly influential and will not fade out any time soon. That’s what makes it so good. A really shit film could sample a song by Tears For Fears- but it wouldn’t matter, because Tears For Fears are still a band that are important to so many. I remember my mum owing one of their albums on cassette. CASSETTE! They need bringing back!

If you listen to She & Him you feel you’re back in the 60s with the Wall Of Sound era, instead it’s just two wonderful musicians creating beautiful music. The same applies to The Raveonettes- a brilliant duo who I feel are highly underrated. Every album is like a step back, but in a good way. When music can make you feel like you are in some other time and place, that’s when you know it’s good.

You can’t mention duos without mentioning the fabulously weird and brilliant The Knife. Heartbeats is one of the most gorgeous songs I have ever heard, the lyrics are so beautiful. The Knife’s sound is so distinctive, strange and rare. Something I fully admire in a band or singer.

Boards Of Canada are a brother duo from Scotland; they just reinforce my belief that most bands from Scotland are bloody amazing. They have created music that is perfect to lose your mind to. I don’t mean going bat shit crazy, but by sitting on a hill in the summer with their music blaring into your ears as you just lay there taking all the delightful sounds in. Nothing matters apart from the music. The music that you are allowing every part of you to become free. The music takes over. You’re no longer a person; you are part of this sound travelling freely. That’s what Boards Of Canada do. Don’t believe me? Then I suggest you lay down and listen to them. Do nothing, just listen.

Hip Hop is a genre that has some of the best duos. EPMD, Eric B & Rakim, Gangstarr, Mobb Deep, Black Star, Method Man & Redman…I could go on and on about Hip Hop. After Punk, it’s one of types of music that just means a lot. I get pretty defensive about it. Especially now, the more mainstream side of it is highly degrading. Artists such as Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco- modern day poets who actually teach you something are the kind I love. Black On Both Sides by Mos Def is an album I hold very dear to me. Everything about is just goes back to what Hip Hop, for me, is about- the lyrics. Lyrics are important to me. Hip Hop, in its truest form is like poetry. Tupac for instance, he was a poet. There used to be passion in this genre, it needs pulling out again.

There’s this whole myth that there is power in numbers, bullshit. There’s power in your art. Within you. Take Morrissey for instance- he could easily take on a band of five members with his lyrics alone. One man alone versus a five member band, he’d come out on top. Then you’ve got a band like The Kills who create such a wonderful riot sound that would make a band with more than two members worry. That’s what amazes me about The Kills every time. It is their ability to create such an aggressive sound that is so big. You imagine them to have some insane drummer and at least two guitarists with the sound they create. But no, it’s just two amazingly talented individuals.

I am fully aware that I could have mentioned so many more duos here, but I’ve mentioned ones that mean something to me. I’m just fascinated by the creation a duo can create. It impresses me more than a four or five member group. There’s just something about it. You can feel the hard work they put into it. The blood, sweat and tears. I am not dismissing a band that has more than two members at all, far from it. We live in a world where we constantly feel like we have to prove ourselves to get somewhere. It’s almost as if a duo is the “underdog” of the music industry. Well sometimes, the underdog has its day.