Tag Archives: Dum Dum Girls

Dee Dee Penny.

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Every so often a band come out, and they have the most striking lead singer EVER. You find it hard to actually decipher what it is about this person that has lured you in with great speed, but the thing is- trying to explain it would ruin the mystery. This person holds more than most. You’re unsure of if you want to BE the person or if you just want to be in their company. Who knows. But, you are sure of one thing- you admire them. Sure they may not have been around as long as some others, but they’ve impacted your life in a way that is close to the likes of Kim Gordon and Patti Smith. They have everything you want in a lead singer, they are just the pinnacle of all you admire. Call it a band crush, if you want. Call it just straight up admiration. Whatever the word is, you’ve never managed to understand it.

I’ve loved Dum Dum Girls since I first heard them in 2009. I heard a song called Catholicked. It was just my mind that was blown, it was my heart that was stolen too. The absolutely incredible girl group and garage rock band fusion probably left me curled up in a corner from being overcome with so much joy and happiness over the fact I was hearing something so new, but with such an instantly historical feel to it. I am not ashamed to say that their music has reduced me to tears many times. Last year, I heard Coming Down and froze. My body froze and all the tears my eyes could produce streamed from my eyes. You know when you just connect with a song, and think “This is my life. This is how I feel, this is what is going on.” I was feeling pretty low, for reasons which are obvious (my mum got ill…people’s general shitness..you know the deal) and I heard this song, and I just felt like, every fucking frustration in my bones and every bout of despair was just falling out. I’m sure Coming Down stopped me from going insanely insane at the time. I listen to it now, and I just get this euphoric feeling coming over me. Anyone who has heard this song and connected to it, knows exactly what I mean.

What is it about Dee Dee Penny aka Kristin Gundred that I just adore? Well in short, EVERYTHING. In person, I’m not someone who has many words. However, with this I need to be extremely vocal. You see, I firmly believe that Dee Dee should go down as one of the best females in music. Her style, her musicianship, her song-writing, her shy demeanour it is all something any fan of the band treasures. There’s one thing that I always seem to fall for in a singer- if they seem shy in interviews and at home on stage, I will probably adore them. For some reasons being confronted by one person is more daunting than spilling your heart out on stage to thousands. I don’t understand it, but I think I get it. I guess you can be someone else on stage, or maybe you can be yourself. It’s the one on one thing that is too much.

Of course I love the way Dee Dee and the rest of Dum Dum Girls dress, anyone with eyes can appreciate just how heavenly stylish and flawless they all are. I’ve always said that, you should wear your clothes and not let your clothes wear you. I think I once blurted that out in a drunken emotional outburst once. Don’t give me Rum because THAT happens. I turn into Yoda or something..or when I’m extremely tired, it just all comes out. I can sort your life out. But my own? The less said about that, the better. I’ve read many interviews with Dee Dee and I’ve watched some too and you can see how shy she is but the thing is, you can also see how important making music is to her. That’s another thing that draws me into a band. I don’t care what genre of music you make, if you are making it with all you have and every ounce of passion you have is filtered into your art- I will admire that. For instance, I’m not a fan of say..Jessie J but I can see how important making music is to her, and how much she adores her fans. And for that, she gets my respect. You don’t have to be a fan to acknowledge the heart someone puts into something. To dismiss it and brush it off just makes you ignorant.

I was reading a few interviews before I began typing this, and I found a quote from Dee Dee that just hit me right in the heart. I just felt this immediate understanding of it, and thought “Fuck this is the quote I need right now.” Anyway, here’s the quote :

 “You can work so hard and put everything you have into it, and there’s an overwhelming chance that nothing will come of it. I don’t know: I’ve always had something inside of me that has helped me to keep going, despite basically failing at what I was trying to do for years.”

As someone who has been writing for the past 6 years and getting nowhere, and is increasingly amounting to nothing by the day- this quote is the damn TRUTH. For this alone, my love for Dee Dee can be 100% and more, justified.

When I listen to Dum Dum Girls I try to think of all the reasons as to why I love them, and to grab strangers and just yell “YOU NEED THIS BAND IN YOUR LIFE. YOU NEED TO ADMIRE THEM. LOOK AT THEM.” But I have learnt that I need to keep it inside, however if you were to discuss music with me, Dum Dum Girls would be one of the bands I’d talk about and would find it hard to stop.

Dee Dee’s voice is so crisp and pure. She sings every word so wonderfully clear. The pronunciation in the words just makes you feel it so much. On the song Just A Creep, you can sense how pissed she is at this person but she has such a beautiful voice that your attraction goes to her voice rather than the words. The vast majority of Only In Dreams is heartbreaking. I don’t want to go into detail, mainly because I don’t want to delve into Dee Dee’s personal life. But knowing she was going through quite possibly the worst thing ever, you really feel every song. But, you do have certain songs that just make you so bloody happy. Bedroom Eyes is such a fantastic song. Do you want to call it pop music? Okay, well if that’s the case- it was the best pop song of 2011. The repetition for some may be annoying but to them I say SHUSH. I listen to it, and I just want to sing it at people. Maybe a person in particular. I have no idea, it just makes me so happy. Dum Dum Girls just make me so happy. Even the sad songs make me feel alright. That’s what music is about- making you feel alright when you’re not so sure.

The first record, I Will Be. Oh my god. Jail La La, Bhang Bhang, Yours Alone..the whole record is just a bloody brilliant first record. I remember hearing Jail La La when it first came out, and just thinking “Is this from the 60s?!” I was in total awe of what I was hearing. The distorted sound mixed with a girl group feel and garage rock. I was in Heaven. Nothing else could compare.

I’m close to wrapping this up, just a few more things to touch on.

Their cover of There Is A Light..see, I knew Dum Dum Girls were forever owners of a part of my heart when they did a song by The Smiths justice. I stand fully by them being the ONLY band to cover this song and do it well. Any song by The Smiths really. I don’t need to rage about the one who RUINED Please Please Please…over the Christmas period. I will always be angry at that.

There’s so much that I admire about Dee Dee Penny, and to be honest I’ve only briefly touched on it here. She (and the rest of the band) just has this amazing talent. If you’ve never listened- please go listen. Your soul will be lifted, you’ll feel enlightened. If you feel a bit shit, they will improve your mood. Dum Dum Girls just caused my 60s girl groups obsession to go mental. It was always a bit too much, but since listening to them it has gotten way out of hand. However, I’ll never wish for it to be tamed.

I’m going to end this piece with my favourite line from my favourite track by them. It’s a verse that just means so much to me. You already know my feelings on Coming Down, and I believe that song shows Dee Dee at her finest. She hits a note..you know the one, and it just makes you gasp and be enthralled in the talent and range. It is just so haunting. First listen, that note made me cry. I’ll own up to this, it doesn’t bother me.

I’ve yet to meet someone who understands my love of this band. I keep it sacred, much like when I listen to Warpaint, Ramones and Captain Beefheart. Dee Dee isn’t your typical front-woman, and that is why I have a lot of love and respect for her.

“You abuse the ones who love you,
You abuse the ones who won’t.
If you ever had a real heart,
I don’t think you’d know where to start.”

Garage Rock.

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Aside from Punk, Garage Rock is the only other genre to own my heart. I’d put Shoegaze and Riot Grrrl up there but for me they were more like a movement rather than a genre. Of course Punk was a movement too, but..well, you know what I mean. For me, Garage Rock is such an important genre of music. As much as I love songs that last over 5 minutes and take me on some weird trip, I also love music that lasts about 2 minutes and has the ability to make me feel like I’m being punched right in the chops. Passionately furious and enough to make you want to dance. Throw in some psychedelic vibes and I’ll be the happiest person around. It isn’t just Garage Rock bands from the 60s that make me feel this way, bands that are around now that can be seen as Garage Rock make me feel this way too. Take the debut record by The Horrors for instance. It had EVERYTHING that was Garage Rock. Short songs, loud guitars and vocals enough to deafen you. Sure not all Garage Rock is like that, but fuck man..as far as debut records go that one was a SOLID.

So this is what I am going to do. Instead of rambling on and on about it, I’m going to give you my 5 favourite OLD Garage Rock bands and my 5 favourite NEW Garage Rock bands.  If you want to disagree or hit me with some bands I should check out, then PLEASE let me know. Just be gentle if you’re going to be negative, okay? Thanks. Alright, here’s the first lot.

I must add that, although I don’t think I could ever list my favourite songs of all time..but if I did, I’d put Count Five in the Top 3 EASILY.

There are many more than I would’ve loved to have included, but I kept it to 5 each otherwise I would just get carried away!

Dum Dum Girls-There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (cover.)

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I hate covers, it’s a known thing. I also HATE it when anyone touches a song by Morrissey or The Smiths. My utter hate for this was fully justified when some person (I’d use bad words, but I’m trying to be good) RUINED Please Please…during Christmas here in the UK. Hey John Lewis- UP YOURS.  That cover was fucking awful. I don’t care, it was utterly dire. The person RUINED the song…she took away EVERYTHING that song was, and all it stood for. I reckon those who enjoyed it probably first heard of The Smiths because of 500 Days Of Summer. Brilliant film, but caused many to claim to be fans of The Smiths..and all they have is a greatest hits album. Again, ARSES.

Rage aside, I am going to mention THAT song from THAT film. I used to have this song sung to me when I was a baby. It explains a lot. It has a lot of meaning to me because, I’ve never ever felt at home anywhere. Never have, and at aged 25- I’ve realised that I never will. It’s cool. Means I don’t have any ties, y’know? Why settle when you can wander.

There Is A Light is as popular as How Soon Is Now? which has also been ruined by various..people. I’ve found an exception.

You know how much I love Dum Dum Girls. I love them, for so many many reasons. From their music to their style to the lyrics. I love everything. I love Dee Dee’s voice. It is so clear and pure. Only In Dreams was one of 2011’s best records- why did you ignore it? I still have the urge to sing Bedroom Eyes to anyone who will listen, but I won’t. Don’t worry.

They covered There Is A Light well over a year ago. I should probably have written about it then, but as per- something else probably had my attention for a split second and I forgot. Better late than never.

EVERYTHING about this cover is perfect. It doesn’t strip away any of the meaning. As much as I love Dum Dum Girls- if this cover was shite, I’d say so. I’d rant to high heaven about how angry it made me. It does the opposite. If anything, it makes me love them even more than I already do. They’ve got the intro on point. Dee Dee’s voice is a haunting and delicate as Morrissey’s. It’s just utterly perfect. Do I love it as much as the original? I want to say no, but I just can’t. I love it. Both versions have a special place in my heart that a person probably couldn’t own. Bring on the challenge if you want (would you bother? No. Didn’t think so.) but it’s a hard task.

When it comes to The Smiths and Morrissey, I’m not laid back at all. However, when a band like Dum Dum Girls can still create the same feelings as the original does, well, it isn’t so bad at all.

“The World’s a beast of a burden….”

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Everyone has a song or two (or if you’re like me, about 50) that when they listen to it, there’s always a specific part in the song that just hits them. It wraps itself around your soul, makes your heart beat double and you just lose your mind. This part of the song is the reason why you’re glad to be alive. This part of the song makes you feel alive and untouchable. You play this song, and nothing can get to you. No negative vibes stick to you. You feel like a Superhero or something. This song makes you feel like you can take on the world. That specific breakdown, that one lyric- it hits you right in the gut. I’ve narrowed mine down to 10 songs that, at the moment make me feel like this. However, as soon as I’ve posted this, I will probably want to change my mind. I’ll try stick to it this time, and I’m not sorry for how much I’ll rant. You don’t have to read this. As you were….

Florence + The Machine- What The Water Gave Me. With this song, I’ve got more than one part that sends me into some kind of frenzy. An outer body experience. You know how religous people go on about having some kind of religious experience? That’s what I get from Florence. Especially with the second record. Ceremonials feels like some kind of ritualistic cleansing of the soul. After you listen to it, you feel pure and free again. It just enlightens you in so many ways. If you’ve ever felt trapped and frustrated-play this record. It will blow all of those taunting feelings away from you. At around 2.14 in this song, that’s when it first hits me in the gut. I cannot put it into words, but the build up from there on just sets my soul on fire and throws me into an outer body experience. The chorus at just 3 minutes when it is pretty much acapella and the music kicks in again at around 3.28, when Rob’s guitar just throttles you and makes you want to shake every limb, and move in ways that look like you are having a fit- THAT is the best part of the song. This overwhelming sense of euphoria Florence creates is SO good. It’s a rare thing to find, so when you find it- hold onto it with all you have. I could quite happily write thousands and thousands of words about this song, but just listen to it and let yourself feel free- and be overcome with a wonderful euphoric feeling. I know most of Florence’s songs make you feel this way, but What The Water Gave Me is on a different level completely.

Patti Smith-Frederick. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not really a fan of lovesongs. However, I do believe that this is the greatest ode to love, devotion and admiration I have ever heard. And will ever hear. The way she sings, “Frederick, name of care” at around 26 seconds in, you can just sense how much she loves him. I can safely say that this is my favourite Patti song. Don’t get me wrong, I adore her politically charged songs; but this one is everything a lovesong should be. It just oozes dedication and pure love. It takes time to find a love like this, Patti was one of the lucky ones to experience this feeling. That feeling that makes you feel this way. The feeling that is blanket of care and a beacon of hope. That’s what love should be, yet most of us take it for granted. Or most of us just haven’t felt it yet. You’ll know when you feel it though, because you will feel exactly how Patti feels in this song. It’s a feeling that cannot be rushed, but to feel it like this-well it is utterly sacred. Cherish it my loves, because some may try to take it from you. But don’t worry if you haven’t found it yet. Don’t let society force you to fall for just anyone. You’ll meet your very own Frederick or Patti one day, for sure.

Foals-Spanish Sahara. This was probably one of my favourite songs from 2010. The stunning build up in this song just made you feel like you were stood right in front of Yannis as he poured his heart out into this song. You felt each fragment of fury and every haunting aspect of the horrors that can consume you- when you are least expecting it. You felt comforted by this song, because you felt like you could leave your horrors and nightmares behind and just carry on. I’ve never seen Foals live, but to see this song live, I’d imagine it’d be one of those life changing moments that cause something in your brain to click. It just makes you think, “Fuck it. I can do this.” A song like this is one that most spend their career trying to write. Driving themselves insane just to touch on something even slightly as moving as this. This song, I’ve used many times to just make sense of everything. You know what it’s like. You have a shit day and feel like there is really no point. Music is my only constant. It’s the first thing I go to when it all gets too much, and Spanish Sahara is one of the songs that gives me, strength I suppose. Their song, After Glow also does the same.

Dum Dum Girls-Coming Down. I remember falling in love with Dum Dum Girls a long time ago. Their first album had this sound that I adore. A surfer pop/lo-fi feel mixed with a Wall Of Sound vibe. A lot of bands I listen to have this sound. I personally thing it is stunning. Mixing a garage rock sound with what Phil Spector created just shows how timeless certain genres immediatley became decades and decades ago. I didn’t think I could love their second record as much as I loved their first. So, I sat down and listened to it. I listened to it with no distractions. I was in awe of everything I was hearing. Dee Dee Penny is evidently one of the best front-women around right now. There’s a part in Coming Down that anyone who’s listened to it, will know EXACTLY which part I am going to mention. The song is quite sad and my lord, it really tugs at your heartstrings. The song lasts 6 and a half minutes, and is 6 and a half minutes of utter beauty and brilliance. However, at 3 and a half minutes- Dee Dee hits this note that just makes you freeze. You shut your eyes and nod in agreement. She’s letting it all out for you. You cannot let it out yourself, she is doing it for you on this song. Everything you feel that’s been building up for so long just comes out in this song. That note she clings onto and lets out- you cling onto it with her. It’s like your safety net. I’m not ashamed to admit that this song is my safety net, my crutch. When I listen to it, every sense is heightend and things do not seem that bad anymore. I’ve cried to this song, and I’ve been wonderfully joyful whilst listening to this song. It’s just everything to me, and honestly- it made 2011 a lot easier to drag myself through.

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

The Horrors-Sea Within A Sea. I would’ve picked She Is The New Thing, but you really cannot deny that this song is a stroke of genius. A masterpiece- much like the whole album if I’m honest. I know exactly where I was when I first heard Sea Within A Sea. If memory serves me correctly, the video to this was launched on The Horrors website at 8pm one evening in 2009. I remember sitting in front of my computer hitting refresh on their site waiting for this to appear. There was a countdown to something. Most of us knew it would be something to do with new material. 8pm came, and the shadows of The Horrors was there. You knew what was about to happen. The song is just under 8 minutes long, and just reinforces my belief that songs that last over 5 minutes are the best. Easily. The euphoric part comes in just after 3.40. The synths really really kick in, and Faris’ voice captivates you more than it ever has done before. The build up as he sings, “So you may think the path we share, is one of danger and of fear….” is so amazing, it creates this wonderful tension between you and the song. You wonder what will happen next. Will there be another build up? Will it smack you in the face? YES. Yes to all of it. If you’re one of those who are only just getting into The Horrors (you’re late. You’ve really missed out, seriously. Go listen to Strange House. PLEASE) then hopefully you will see just how amazing The Horrors have always been. They’re a band that no one can predict their next sound. That is why I adore them, with all I have. The Horrors have captured every sound I love, and created their own- but changing on very record.

Warpaint-Lissie’s Heart Murmur. Every song by Warpaint makes me feel content and glad to be alive, so picking just one song was enough to cause a slight headache…and having to listen to Exquisite Corpse and The Fool a few times before I picked a song to stick with. Sure I could’ve chosen Stars, Billie Holiday or Warpaint. But, I had to go with Lissie’s Heart Murmur because let’s face it, it’s my favourite Warpaint song. For me, listening to Warpaint is a sacred experience. The intro to this song, the piano sounds like tears falling free from your face. At the end of crying, that feeling you get when you realise it’s all going to be okay- that’s what this song feels like to me. It feels like the aftermath of crying your heart out. I can’t pick out a set euphoric moment in this song, the whole song is just a beautiful experience. It is so perfect, to the very core. I could quite happily play this song, and never listen to anything else. Emily’s voice is so haunting and mesmirising on this song, more than on any other song. So many times I have just laid on my bed and played this song over and over through headphones. It’s one of those songs where you have to listen to, on your own- with no interruptions. I don’t think I’m doing this song any justice, so I’ll just link you to it. Hopefully you’ll understand why I love it so much.

The Cure- A Forest. Like my view on the song above, I can’t possibly pick a moment in this song that makes me feel so happy. I love The Cure, and Seventeen Seconds is my favourite album by the band. I remember hearing it and feeling like I was in some kind of trance. I felt like I was in a permenant dreaming state, I didn’t want to wake from it. I still feel like that when I listen to the album now. They created  a sound on that record that has evidently influenced so many, Warpaint being one of them. Personally, Jenny’s bass playing always reminds me of The Cure. That wonderful, floating feeling you get. You feel like you are drifting off into someone so pure and perfect. A Forest is probably my favourite song by The Cure. I love the slight distortion on Robert Smith’s voice in this song, you really have to listen hard to hear what he is saying as the music creeps in and takes over. It is a chilling and eerie song, much like the whole album really. Some say this song and album define The Cure. But let’s be honest not, you can’t ever define a band like The Cure. I feel that, no matter what I say about this song it really won’t show it in the light I want it to. But any genuine fan of The Cure (as in someone who doesn’t just like Friday I’m In Love) can see just how inspirational they ae. Not to mention ahead of their time with all their records. They were the blueprint of this sound. Utter perfection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFmlRCyVUs&feature=related

The Kills-Superstition. Attempting to pick one song by favourite duo EVER was a chore. I couldn’t do it. I left it for ages, wrote down some idead. Scribbled them out, wrote new ones. A mini riot occured inside trying to figure out which song I could use. I wanted to use The Last Goodbye, then Pots And Pans. Then I wanted No Wow. Then I wanted Cat Claw. I settled finally with Superstition. When Alison lets out that scream in Superstition, it is just so electrifying. You feel like she is right there, in your face letting out this gnarly growl that actually, sounds so heavenly. I could pick any song by The Kills. With all their b-sides and four records, it was difficult. I could’ve gone with their cover of Pale Blue Eyes; but that song is too precious for me to even touch on. Their version of it gets at your heart, well and truly gets at you. Superstition shows The Kills at their rawest and most brutal. Jamie absolutley slays the guitar here, and Alison’s voice..well, what can one say. They both have a chemistry that sucks you in, and once you’ve been captivated by it-nothing else seems relevant. You’ll base all relationships and friendships on their connection. If you don’t feel how they do about each other towards a person; then it isn’t meant to be. The Kills are rage, passion, angst, fury, frustration and raw. All brutal things done in such a beautiful way. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re life.

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

Scott McKenzie-San Francisco. For sentimental value, I’ve chosen to put this song here. It’s a pretty short song I guess, and the whole song just makes me close my eyes- thinking I’m wandering around San Francisco, taking everything in. Are the people still gentle there? Do they have flowers in their hair? Let’s hope they do. This song reminds me of my childhood, it just makes me happy. It makes me want to live in San Francisco. Then again, it doesn’t take much for me to want to leave where I currently live! This song makes me think of summer, even if it is like hurricane season outside. I know I could’ve picked other songs instead of this one. But, a song doesn’t have to have a grand build up in order for it to give you a sense of euphoria. That comes from within, what you take from the song is a bonus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ_WG3d3GL8&feature=related

Morrissey-Speedway. My final choice is of course, Morrissey. Is this my favourite Moz song? Oh of course. It just defines my life and how certain people are. You know, the ones who are petty towards you and what you do- but they’re just projecting. It’s best to ignore such fuckbags isn’t it. Oh, and ignore I do. The lyrics are so beautiful. What I’ve always loved about Moz is that he has NEVER had to use grand words in order to make you connect with him. He doesn’t have to polish his words in order for you to relate to him. When he sings the word “Forever” at around 2.48, the song pauses, then a few seconds kater kicks back in. The build up is incredible. You will only appreciate this if Moz is your saviour. Seeing this live last year just completed me. It came at a time when it was much needed. You know the deal. Shit happens, people act like wankers, you don’t know what to do- you then find yourself in a song. This song has always played an important role in my life, but moreso last year. However, that is in the past. This is just Moz at his finest, I adore the line, “In my own strange way, I’ve always been true to you.” I guess we all know of a few who we can attach that lyric to. But, they don’t deserve to have such a song related to them now do they.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38x5GYAS6xY

Dum Dum Girls-Coming Down.

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Only In Dreams is an amazing album, and with every album you find one song that you always have on repeat. You love the album a hell of a lot, but there is always one song that you favour a bit more than most. This one song is one you have to ALWAYS play. If you go a day without hearing, your day just seems a bit pointless. Maybe not that extreme, but I have no idea. Whatever works I guess.

Most of their songs are about 3 minutes long and have this brilliant garage rock feel to it. However, on their new record Dum Dum Girls have a song that lasts over 6 minutes- and it still doesn’t feel long enough. Coming Down is one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time. There’s something about it that just breaks you, but at the same time makes you feel like you’re not where you are. Basically, think of someone who just annoys you or has broken a bit of your trust. You want to leave them behind, but something stops you from doing so. Listen to this song, it’ll pretty much help you realise a lot of people are a waste of time. You’ll meet more people that will fuck you over rather than appreciate the good in you. Personal experience, but I think I’m right.

There’s a point in this, about 3 and a half minutes in where Dee Dee hits this note. It just hits you- not in the heart but right in the pit of your gut. You feel it so much. When she hits that note, it is such a euphoric moment. The build up to that part is so grand and beautiful. The sleepy guitar at the start of the song just builds and builds until this point, and when she hits that note you have some kind of epiphany. It’s almost like the fog in your mind clears and you see things differently. From that point on in the song, you just let it take you.

The lyrics are beautiful. So beautiful. What I adore about Dum Dum Girls is that they (like a lot of a bands I love) don’t use ridiculous phrases or use pretentious sounding words to make a point; to make you feel the song. The bluntness of honesty and hurt and angst at times makes it so easy to connect with. A true band/singer can make the listener connect in such simple ways rather than having to create grand imagery to gain your attention. The way Dee Dee sings, “I think I’m coming down” is so precious, you want to catch her or something. I don’t know. You just feel like you are coming down too. From what? That’s entirely up to you.

After she hits that note, there’s a verse that just…it just means a hell of a lot: “You abuse the ones who love you. You abuse the ones who won’t. If you ever had a real heart, I don’t think you’d know where to start.” It just covers me in goose bumps. You can easily pin-point this lyric to someone you know, probably someone who doesn’t actually deserve to be associated with such a beautiful song.

I could quite happily just have this song on a loop for a long long time. I’ve got the time. It’s just such a chilling and heartbreaking song. If they had songs that lasted as long as this; I think my love for them would just be out of control. Although it does shy away from that garage rock/lo-fi vibe they have in their music, it has such a 60s girl group influence- like the big drums (Wall Of Sound style.) It’s just a perfet song to shut the world off, create your own place in your mind and escape to. It’s pretty much 6 and a half minutes of bliss.

Albums Of 2011-Part 5.

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I have no idea if this is even part 5. Probably my last one about albums of this year. Unless I wake up in the middle of the night and think of more albums and this just takes over my life- and ruins it. I clearly have too much free time. I need to start my job ASAP so I can save whatever is left of my sanity. I think months of a shit sleep pattern has destroyed any ounce of sanity I had left. It’s fine. Makes life more interesting, I’m a boring soul you see. I’ve not written this in any order, I basically just threw a list of albums down on a bit of paper in my lyric book because I’ve lost my other notebooks. There’s no structure to this- or to anything I do. It’s okay, because nobody knows that this is exists. Probably the safest option. I’ve wasted words on this toss introduction.

Dum Dum Girls-Only In Dreams: It’s no surprise that I have big love for Dum Dum Girls. They mix my favourite styles of music and create this indescribable sound that owns a large fraction of my ears and heart. They merge lo-fi, garage rock and 60s girl groups sound to make this euphoric feel. I love Dum Dum Girls for so many reasons, I can’t possibly list them all. I’d be here all day and night- for weeks, months. I wouldn’t shut up, and I rant too much anyway. I Will Be was a fantastic debut album, it justshook me to the very core. It was simply divine and is still one of my favourite records. What I love about their second record is that it still maintains that raw and unpolished sound that makes you want to just close your eyes and listen over and over again. I’m probably not the only one who adores Coming Down. It’s over 6 minutes long and it is the most enthralling song that Dum Dum Girls have done (so far) when Dee Dee hits that note, you know the one I mean, buggering hell…it just goes through you. You shiver and your body becomes entirely covered in goose bumps. Coming Down moves you in a way no other song this year will. It’s just so beautiful, it means so much to me. I honestly wish I could put it into words how much Dum Dum Girls mean to me, I really really do. I’ve not felt like this over a record in a long time, it fucking hit me like a truck when I played this album. It just catapulted me into something I have yet to come back from. I’ve realised I won’t be coming back from it any time soon. I’m okay with that, I really am. Basically, this band mean the world to me and this record is easily one of the most important records in my life. I honestly have no idea what I’d do without it. I don’t care if it makes me sound soppy, it’s really changed a lot of things for me personally.

Cat’s Eyes-Cat’s Eyes: Sticking with my love for 60s girl groups, Cat’s Eyes are another duo that warmed my wee heart this year. Those who thought that The Horrors were just 5 rowdy lads who made a lot of noise were proven wrong with Skying this year. Before that, Faris teamed up with the everso talented Rachel Zeffira and formed Cat’s Eyes. Gonna blow your mind- they performed I Know It’s Over at the Vatican. You need to watch the video to it, it’ll move you in a weird way. It’s quite eerie, I loved it. Then again, I love anything a bit creepy. Faris is a huge fan of 60s girl groups, and this is so evident in this record. They’ve captured that fascinating Wall Of Sound feel on this record. Rachel’s Soprano tone goes so well with this sound. It’s just such a bloody glorious record. I also think, even though awards aren’t important, it should’ve been nominated for a Mercury Prize- and won too, but hey. Whatever. If you’re expecting it to sound like a record by The Horrors, then you will be surprised. I was going to say it sounds vintage, but I fucking hate the concept of vintage. Why do you want to wear the cardigan of someone who probably spilt soup on it and died in it? I don’t get it. Anyway, the record has so much going on- but not in a way that just makes your brain turn to mush. It’s soulful in a way, you really feel this music. It’s an underrated album, and it shows that Faris isn’t this screaming fellow that many make him out to be. If anything, it shows how much of a genius the guy is. Rachel’s voice is so angelic and pure, it really delves deep into your soul as you listen to it. A flawless record. There are songs on it that will break your heart. Tracks like I’m Not Stupid and the track dedicated to Charles HaddoN (Ou Est Le Swimming Pool) The Lull will break you. I still can’t listen to The Lull at all. Also, check out their EP Broken Glass which was released a few months before their full length record.

The Drums-Portamento: Alright, here’s the thing- this whole myth that the second album can be a bitch to make needs to seriously be considered because this year, a few second albums have dropped and have been bloody amazing. The Drums are one of the many bands that have released their second album this year. Is it perfect? Ah…go on then, yes it bloody well is. I love that they mix a surfer pop feel to their music. Think Beach Boys meets The Smiths with a touch of Orange Juice (the Scottish band silly!) Jonny has such a delicate voice that just oozes innocence and so much purity in it too. What I adore about their lyrics is that that are so heartbreaking and honest. I don’t want to hear about the joys of seeing a puppy in the street or how brightly the sun is in the sky- I can see that anytime. I want to hear lyrics that make my heart ache or my thoughts to go towards something I’ve not thought about in a long time. Music can make you lose yourself and also discover things about yourself. It can open you up and cause you to sort shit out once and for all. I get that from The rums. They make you feel at ease with how you feel about yourself and others. The lyrical content on this album is much darker than last year’s awesome debut record. They have so much charisma on stage and on record. There’s nothing else around like it. I love the single, Money.I can relate to being broke and wanting to buy someone something. Maybe I should stop being so caring and kind? Anyway, Portamento is again, another brilliant work of art by The Drums. Oh and next time you’re out- make sure you dance like Jonny.

Florence And The Machine-Ceremonials: I simply cannot write about this record without wanting to have a massive fangirl moment. Good job nobody’s about really. Let’s be honest, we all knew Flo was going to create an AMAZING album. But did we expect it to be as big as this? Come on now Flo, stop blowing my mind. My heart cannot take it. Ceremonials is the perfect follow up to 2009’s Lungs. Ceremonials is the album that you will crawl to at 2am when the demons fill your head and you cannot sleep. You will play this record and those demons will slowly escape you as you listen to every song- they creep away as you give yourself over to this record. I’ve been so bloody excited about Ceremonials. Now I’m excited for a tour. I think I need to curb my excitement don’t I. It’s alright, I need something to keep me going. If Ceremonials doesn’t move you, then you clearly don’t have a heart. This record just…I can’t even put it into words. My review of it was over a thousands words and it was all over the place. I lose my mind when I listen to Florence, and I think Ceremonials has blown whatever was left of my mind. Seriously. I honestly cannot deal with how amazing this record is. I love how dark it is, how creepy it is. You feel yourself being possessed by something truly amazing as you listen to it. Tracks like Breaking Down just make you cave in. I won’t lie, I’ve cried listening to this. I’ve cried to it because it is so perfect. I cannot get my head around it. When I heard Seven Devils, I felt this weird sensation go from my heart to…lord only knows where. It just woke up something inside. What I love about this record is how euphorically dark it is- but at the same time it makes you want to just throw your hands up and embrace freedom. Like, all that bad shit in your life- fuck it, just let it go. You don’t need it. You really don’t. Let it go and listen to Ceremonials. There are songs that make you picture a demon trying to crawl into your head, and you just fight it off- because this record makes you feel/believe you can. Oh you can, we all can. I know I’m going to get far too emotionally attached to this record. Lungs was my life for so long, it was my crutch. I think Ceremonials is going to just be the only thing I listen to for a long long time. I’ve got 5 copies of Lungs. Pretty sure I’m going to need 5 copies of Ceremonials too. Songs like Lover To Lover have this amazing soulful feel. I said it befoe, it reminds me of Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The Grapevine and has such an Aretha Franklin feel to it. So Motown, so bloody good. You cannot deny that Florence has such a powerful and soulful voice. If it doesn’t cause your heart to beat double time and skip along the way- where the hell is your heart?! On Monday, go out and buy this album. Then come home and play it so bloody loud. Disturb the peace, cause a friggin’ riot. Make everyone on your street hear this record. Play it over and over until you fall asleep. Just play it so loud. Have some kind of revelation whilst listening to it. Have a damn epiphany to it. You probably will. Album of the year? Oh you know it. You can’t deny it. I love this record like I should probably love a person, I’m not ashamed of my love (it’s more than love, I know) for Florence. I’ve been a fan since 2007 and to see her do all she has, and make records like this- it’s just amazing. So inspiring. Everything about this record is what I want. It’s dark, intense, romantic, eerie, haunting, chilling, devilish, beautiful. Anything anyone says about this record (in a good way) is not enough to describe just how vital this record is and how perfect is. If I end up doing a track by track review of this- I’m saying sorry now. I honestly think Ceremonials is going to take over my life. I AM NOT EVEN SORRY. 🙂

If I end up adding more to this list and posting more albums that have blown my mind this year, I am going to throw my laptop out the window so I cant write anymore. Or, I’ll just go to sleep. Maybe both. I’ve mentioned 20 albums. That’s more than enough, right?!

 

 

 

Dum Dum Girls-Only In Dreams.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Girl Groups In The 1960s.

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I love girl groups. No, not in the Girls Aloud wanky kind of music- but the true essence of girl groups. The Girlfriends, The Supremes, The Shangri-Las, The Ronettes etc. The kind that sing songs about heartbreak over heavy drums. They sing songs that make your own heart, even if it isn’t broken- break. The sheer sadness and pain in the songs just makes you want to drink whiskey and cry your heart out.

I must say, I have never drank whiskey (Theresa from Warpaint told me to never drink it) but the level of sadness is so severe, it would drive you to it.

The Shangri-Las have influenced so many bands from the Vivian Girls to The Horrors. If you listen to He Cried by The Shangri-Las then listen to Who Can Say by The Horrors, you can hear the influence so clearly.

When The Shangri-Las first played together, they performed without a name. As they hailed from New York, they named themselves after a restaurant in Queens. Pretty cool way to name yourself; I wonder if they had free food for life.Their early work was heavily produced by Shadow Morton which had the essence of the Wall of Sound. Big drums, big sound. It didn’t matter if anyone was copying someone else- it was just a brilliant movement in music that still, even if it isn’t as obvious, influences so many.

The Shangri-Las toured with many bands, one being the Iguanas which of course had a member in the group that later became one of the greatest front men ever- Iggy Pop.

Staying with the Punk feel, the group have influenced so many from the Punk era including New York Dolls who covered part of Give Him A Great Big Kiss in their song, Looking For A Kiss. The Shangri-Las have even played the most legendary venues of all time-CBGBs.

If you listen to What’s A Girl To Do by Bat For Lashes, the atmospheric drum sound is highly influenced by The Shangri-Las. More recently, Hollie Cook covered Remember (Walking In The Sand) and you cannot mention any 60s girl group without mentioning the truly wonderful, Amy Winehouse. To write her in the past tense does not seem right. It will never seem right. So I will just leave it at that.

The Ronettes, the band who defined Wall of Sound are undoubtedly one of the greatest girl groups ever. Like The Shangri-Las, they had sisters in the group. This gave a feel of unity in the music, a true sisterhood.

In 1963, the girls auditioned for Phil Spector. Regardless of what he did in his personal life, you cannot deny that he is quite possibly the greatest record producer of all time. After all, he did create the Wall of Sound. Be My Baby catapulted The Ronettes into superstardom; it was also the first song Cher ever sang on- as a backup singer.

Baby, I Love You was the follow-up to Be My Baby. Again, to mention Punk- Baby, I Love You was covered by the Ramones. I also saw Faris Badwan from The Horrors join The Vaccines on stage last year at Koko in London as part of the tribute night to Charlie Haddon from Ou Est Le Swimming Pool. To see Faris on stage singing this just blew my mind. To hear one of my favourite songs of all time being sung by one of the best front men in music right now, well, it was an honour.

The Ronettes released a Christmas album, and after the release came Walking In The Rain. Since Be My Baby, this was their greatest success in the charts.

Of all the girl groups that emerged in the 60s, the one girl group that I adored the most was The Girlfriends. Although they had only one hit, My One and Only Jimmy Boy, they just as good as The Shangri-Las, The Ronettes etc.

It’s an utter shame that they only released just the one song- if they had more songs, there is no doubt that they would’ve been equally as influential as the other groups, but regardless- they are still just as important.

My love for 60s girl groups has been with me all my life. As a result, I feel it has influenced the kind of music I listen. I love music that has a lot of feelings and I love anything with a massive drum sound in it. Anything from Florence And The Machine to The Raveonettes, I just love anything with an atmospheric sound.

Current girl groups such as the Vivian Girls. Dum Dum Girls, The Like are influenced by the sounds created in 60s from girl groups.

However, it isn’t just girl groups that are influenced by them- bands such as The Horrors and The Drums are highly influenced too. If you listen to Glasvegas- especially their latest album, you can get a feel that sound too. Yes, they have a female drummer- but that isn’t the point. I must say though, anyone who can drum like that whilst standing up is extremely musically gifted aren’t they.

Cat’s Eyes carry the true feel of the girl group in their music. They are a duo consisting of Faris Badwan and Rachel Zeffira. Their album that as released this year is truly gorgeous. It made me want to raid a market full of vinyl searching for girl groups. It also made me feel I was in the 60s not 2011. The track, Over You felt like a song that could’ve easily been sung by The Shangri-Las. I’m Not Stupid creates the same feel of sadness these girl bands did. Really heartbreaking, insanely breathtaking.

Vivian Girls are a group I just adore. I love the way they dress, I love their songs. I just love everything about them. Yes, I fancy them and yes the dream girl would be one that dresses like them. However, I’m not shallow. With my face, I can’t be. I love the feel you get from their music.

Like most of the girl groups from the 60s, Vivian Girls are from New York. This leads me to believe that the vast majority of music from New York is actually the best thing ever. You don’t believe me? Listen to Ramones, New York Dolls,The Strokes, Vivian Girls, Mos Def- I’ll stop right there because I will just reel off a load of bands and bore you even more.

Fun fact for you, Ali who used to be in Vivian Girls now drums for Best Coast. If you listen to Best Coast, you can easily here the girl group influence in the music. Bethany has such a beautiful and soulful voice.

Totally shitting on my theory that all good music comes from New York, Dum Dum Girls hail from Los Angeles (alright, a lot of good music comes from NYC and LA!) They cite The Ronettes as one of their influences. They have this atmospheric sound surrounding them especially in songs such as Bhang, Bhang, I’m A Burnout and He Gets Me High.

They’ve just created this whole sound that makes you ant to jump in a car and drive off to escape how mundane real life is. That’s what good music does; it provides comfort and also an escape. Lord knows we all need it at times.

The last band I am going to mention involves me taking you all the way back to New York. Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin met whilst at University in 2010, fast forward to June 7th this year and they released their debut album. The band, of course is, Cults.

When I first heard them late last year I was transfixed. I just couldn’t get my head around what I heard. I bought the album the day it came out and it instantly became the best debut album of this year. Nothing and no one can top it this year. Yes, I have also placed it in my albums of the year also. It is has such a 60s feel to it. My favourite track off the album, Never Saw The Point is so painfully gorgeous. Like most of the album tracks, it posses a haunting feel to it- but Madeline’s voices are so angelic and stunning, it works so well. I’d imagine they are my age, maybe a bit younger. So to hear a band so young (I’m nearly 25, most days I feel about 50) create such a sound is truly wonderful.

If I was to ever start a band, which won’t ever happen because I cannot play an instrument, I’d want it to create the same vibe you get from The Velvet Underground, Townes Van Zandt, Warpaint, The Kills and Cults. Dare I mention all in the same sentence? Yes, yes I bloody well do.

As I listen to Cults’ first album, I cannot help but think how their future albums will sound. Will they still have this big sound? Will they take a completely different direction? I have no idea, but I’m excited for it.

I just love their music a daft amount. I think my summer would’ve been even more boring if it wasn’t for their album.

So there you have it. If any decade played a vital role within music- it was the 60s. Whether it was the girl groups or the psychedelic sounds, it is all highly influential and something that will never happen again. It shouldn’t happen again because it is that vital yet extremely rare.

From this, all I know I was born in the wrong era. I’ve always believed that but listening to music then- and listening to music now, I feel more for what was created rather than what is current.

Here are some more girl groups you need in your collection :

The Crystals.

The Chiffons.

The Exciters.

The Cookies.

The Shirelles.