Tag Archives: Florence And The Machine

2011- Musically, you weren’t that bad.

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I know it’s only August, but I feel I need to write this down now. Was 2011 awful? For music? No. For other things? More than likely. Yes this year was shit due to Gaga putting an album out, Amy Winehouse’s tragic death and ITV still allowing X-Factor to exist. Why it exists, I have no idea. But it is does, for those who don’t know any better.

I’m going to attempt to think of 10 reasons (in NO order because I will want to change my mind if I do that) as to why music this year was not shit. I may rant, I may not be able to think of 10 reasons.

-The Kills : Finally my favourite duo EVER released the flow-up to Midnight Boom. Blood Pressures is probably my favourite album of the year. However, come 7th November and I will say Florence’s album is. The Kills are a band that I will always love. They could (I know they won’t) make the most wankiest record ever, and I would still find something to love about it. Blood Pressures has a bluesy feel to it but still has the same raw vibe No Wow and Keep On Your Mean Side have. The Last Goodbye is the saddest song I’ve heard this year. If a song could break your heart, that would be it. The lyrics to Baby Says are stunning. I just ove how Jamie and Alison’s voices fit together. I think their bond is one of the greatest things ever. Everyone needs a friendship like that. “Send your love on a rampage, give her everything you’ve got. And when you come to hate her, show her more than just a spark” is one of the best lines off the album. However, not just from The Kills but my favourite line from a song that I have heard this year is easily, “How can I rely on my heart if I break it, with my own two hands.” The way Alison’s voice sounds on this is so beautiful but it just tears you up so much. I’m just happy to have another record by The Kills in my collection.

-The Horrors: I still want to slap people who dismiss The Horrors. Just like I want to slap those that think Skying sounds like Simple Minds. I think those that are saying these things are actually deaf. Or just extremely fucking stupid. Skying is the best album put out this year by an English group. I am still in love with the sound they had wth Strange House. But, I love how they have developed with each album. You cannot deny how much of a masterpiece Primary Colours was and still is. They’re just everything a band should be. They don’t justify what they do to anyone. They make music for them. That’s how it should be. They haven’t bought into a gimmick and gotten famous based on that. They are ALL fantastic musicians. Joshua is genius on that guitar. There aren’t enough words for me to describe my love for The Horrors.

-Zola Jesus: Quite simply one of my favourite female musicians ever. Her voice is so haunting. It takes over you and before you know it, you have been thrown into a world that you never thought existed. I love how dark and eerie her music is. I have every faith that her new album, Conatus is going to be nothing short of amazing. I love that her music just blows me away with every listen. I listen to songs such as Trust Me and Run Me Out, and this wave of amazement just takes over me. She has this force within her music that I’ve never heard in anyone before, she’s only 21 years old! I love the build-up in all her songs. It’s like this intense and euphoric takeover. Why didn’t this year suck because of Nika? Well, just listen to Vessel.

-The Weeknd: Of all the artists I found at stupid o’clock in the morning due to not being able to sleep, The Weeknd is hands down, the best thing I have discovered this year on the internet. I love his voice so much. So soulful. I love that he’s sampled Aaliyah’s voice on one of his songs and he’s also sampled Siouxise & The Banshees too. His Mixtapes are utterly mind-blowing. Trust me, you need this guy in your life. Head over to his wesite and get his Mixtapes. You’ll here amazing songs such as THIS TRACK!

-Cults: Okay, so I heard about this duo last year but their debut album came out this year so it’s allowed. What I love about this duo is their 1960s feel they have to their music. Never Saw The Point means so much to me, “I never saw the point in trying, ’cause I would only let you down. And I just couldn’t take you down there with me, I couldn’t stand to see you drown.” It’s just such a gorgeous and fragile song, I suppose that is why I adore it so much. Since its release lat year, Best Coast’s debut album has been played every day- I’m clearly going to do the same with Cults. I love that it doesn’t sound like anything around now. A fantastic debut album.

-Seapony: Seapony make me want to leave everything and everyone behind and just go live on a beach. I can’t swim, so I guess it’d be boring after a day or so. However, there is nothing more peaceful than looking out to a strectch of water listening to your favourite music. I’d love to do that to Seapony. I love the summer vibe they feel. Is it chillwave? I don’t know, I reckon they fit under the dream-pop genre. They remind me of The Drums mixed with Beach House and a hint of The Raveonettes. I just adore the whole sound and the gentle vocals. Especially on ongs such as Dreaming and Late Summer.

-Blood Orange: This year Dev Hynes released the first album of his current project, Blood Orange. I love everything he does. Whether it’s for others (Solange Knowles), as Lightspeed Champion or Blood Orange. Coastal Grooves is a MUST-HAVE in your collection. It’s such a strong album. It feels like New York City must have felt in the 1980s. It has a brilliant feel to it. It’s music you can just relax to and walk round the park  in the sun to. There is no denying the genius that Dev is. He kills the guitar, he’s got such a distinctive voice. I just love love love him. Anything he does is just perfect.

-Summer Camp: Another duo that have won my heart over this year. I love everything about their music, however it is one song in particular that since first hearing it in February this year I have played every day. Not a day has gone by where I haven’t played it since. The synths kick in during this song and it is is SO good. Elizabeth’s voice is stunning. The lyrics to I Want You are so dark, and slightly brutal. But hey, all comes with liking someone, right? I don’t know. I like to think I don’t know. “You’re so smart, you break my heart” if someone said that to me, I’d be so flattered. It’s probably my favourite song of this year. If I was a DJ I’d play this all the time, and if no one danced to it- I’d bar them from the club.

-Morrissey: I could write an essay on this man until my hands were numb from typing. I’ve probably done it before to be honest. This year on Janice Long’s show, she played three new songs by my god, Morrissey. Every single song was perfect. For me, I fell more in love with Action Is My Middle Name. The lyrics are typical Morrissey- witty and oh so bloody charming. People Are The Same Everywhere- well, the title speaks for itself really. So true. What I love about Moz is that he has always done what is real and honest to him, he’s never answered to anyone. It’s something I admire and love about him. It’s why I love him. We should ALWAYS do things for us, that makes us happy- because the day you let others rule you, you are no longer a person. I saw him twice this year- and yes as soon as he walked on stage, I bawled. I’ve seen him 4 times so far, and each time I have gone with my mum. She loves him as much as I do. I could never ever go to a Moz gig with anyone but my mum, it’d be wrong. I told her this, and she agrees. Hopefully he wil release his new album soon. “Biting my initials into your neck. You are my possession, you don’t realise yet. Am I moving too fast for you? Am I begining to confuse you?” Only Morrissey could say such a thing. Hero. Absolute hero.

-Florence & The Machine: I really couldn’t make this list without mentioning Florence could I. After hearing What The Water Gave Me (studio version) I cannot ait for 7th November. I just know that her second album will blow my mind. My last article on Florence just sums up my love for her, so I won’t bore you with another essay. Her album is out in time for my birthday (HI MUM!!!!) and I am hoping there’s a tour. The sound has a more soulful and gospel feel to it which I love so much. I’m beyond happy that the album is out this year, some said that it would be out the start of 2012, I guess it’s too good to make us wait. Besides, she’s worked with Paul Epworth on it- you just know it is going to be THE album of the year.

As I feel like I have missed so much out, here are some tracks by artists that have made 2011 less shittier than it was:

Yuck.

Washed Out.

Anna Calvi.

CocknBullKid.

Marina And The Diamonds.

Love Inks.

Sleigh Bells.

Youth Lagoon.

Warpaint (Video Of The Year.)

Widowspeak.

I’ll stop now because I could carry on with about 50 more artists.

Florence Welch.

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With Florence’s new song being released today, it’s only right that I, again, write a few words on her.

I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Florence’s voice. It was in 2007, just into my second year of University. It was a clip of her and Dev Hynes singing in his flat. I was instantly blown away by the strength and how intense her voice was. It was something I hadn’t heard in such a long time; I just didn’t ever expect to hear a voice so strong- especially by someone so young.

Fast forward to May 2009. I have two tickets to see her play a venue that held at least 200 people. I didn’t know who to take; I very nearly didn’t go to the gig. But, I got myself together and went with someone who I am honoured to call my best friend. She knows who she is (Hi Amy!). During the support act, Flo danced in the crowd- how many artists would do that?

Move on to September 2009 and she plays a venue that holds possibly around 1000 people. In the space of 4 months she had gone from playing to 200 people to 1000.

After the gig, we were beyond lucky to have met her. I shared a drink with her, a few hugs and a kiss on the cheek. Life complete? No doubt.

I’ve only seen her live 4 times, but each time I have seen her it just does something to my soul. What you feel in your soul is much deeper and greater than what you feel in your heart. It triggers something off in you that makes you feel so alive and just lost in the moment of what you are experiencing.

 

Hand on heart, I can say Florence Welch’s music changed my life and to an extent- saved it. Her gig in May 2009 was at a really shit time in my life, and to see her live was a form of healing I suppose. It was just something that I will always hold so very dear to me.

So what is it about her music that caused me to feel this way? It’s the dark lyrics, the soulful voice, the big sound her band has, the intense feel in her music- everything about her music just means everything to me.

Lungs as my favourite album of 2009. I cannot put into words what Cosmic Love and Blinding meant to me at that point, when I see them live now it’s so overwhelming- it’s just so perfect. There’s a part during Blinding when performed live, Flo just goes mental. I remember once when I saw her, she picked up one of the lights on the stage and just shone it on the crowd. She has this elegant but raw stage presence- not many can merge the two in such a wonderful way, but Flo does.

As someone who adores lyrics and how words are used in songs/how they are sung, I absolutely adore her dark and intense lyrics. I love how dark and loving My Boy Builds Coffins is. When she sings, “And it just isn’t fair” the frustration that comes through is so beautiful, in a weird way. I suppose you’ll get it if you’re a fan of dark lyrics.

Her love songs are not your stereotypical love songs. None of this “I love you and I miss you when you go to the toilet” kind of bullshit. No way, not with Florence. She shows the REAL side of hat true love is. True love breaks your heart; true love fixes your heart. It is eerie, it is overpowering, it exhausts you, it is dark and it is intense. Anything else isn’t real love.

Take Ghosts/I’m Not Calling You A Liar, “I love you so much, I’m going to let you kill me.” I know I could’ve picked any line to use, but that one line has always stuck out for me.

When you love someone so much, you don’t care what they do to you. Good or bad, you don’t care- because you love them. And your love for them is greater than anything in this world.

I’ve never felt this way, but I can imagine how it must feel. A person can consume so much of you that you don’t care for what they do to you. You just want and need them there.

Bird Song for me, as comical as the topic may be- there is such depth to the lyrics. It’s quite similar to Edgar Allan Poe’s Tell Tale Heart. It’s quite a cruel song, but you can feel the angst of having a conscience come through, again making it easy for you relate to Florence’s music. That’s what makes her so perfect, that’s why her music means what it does to me.

I listen to her music with Ashok (the album isn’t too bad) then I listen to her demos such as Tear Out My Tongue/Ye Olde Hope, Donkey Kosh and My Best Dress. Then I listen to Lungs and I just cannot get my head round how strong and powerful her voice is. Her music feel so soulful, you can tell she sings from a part in her that many singers just do not do.

A few months ago a live clip of What The Water Gave Me appeared online, it just blew me away. Today, the studio version just catapulted all my feelings about her music everywhere. It was listening to something so euphoric. That’s the only word I can use to describe her music- euphoric. It is out of this world. It is heavenly. I love the vulnerability in her voice in Water The Water Gave Me. When you watch her sing you can see she is in a different place, she really connects with what she sings. Maybe some of it is heartfelt, maybe some of it is her being a fantastic songwriter and she can make herself feel the words. Personally, I feel she feels and means every single word.

I love the gospel feel to Water The Water Gave Me. I cannot wait to witness this live, especially when the gospel vocals kick in.

When I listen to Florence’s music I just feel this spark inside me, it makes me feel alive. There aren’t many artists that make me feel this way. I love how her music can make you feel vulnerable and at the same time, not so alone. Her voice is as powerful as Edith Piaf’s, as distinctive as Janis Joplin and as soulful as Erykah Badu.

Her songs such as Are You Hurting The One You Love, Hardest Of Hearts and Swimming are so gut-hitting and so wise. Are You Hurting The One You Love is ever so heartbreaking. We’ve all hurt someone we shouldn’t have hurt, “Are you hurting the one you love, bite your tongue until it tastes like blood.” I guess sometimes you just can’t stop yourself.

I love that someone may age has achieved so much. I’ve been a fan of Florence before she was signed, and to see all she has accomplished and how many lives her music has touched makes me feel proud and honoured to be a fan. When I watched her perform at the Oscars I did get a bit emotional.

I remember when she won the Brits Critic’s Choice Award two years ago, and her speech mainly consisted of her saying “Fuck” a few times- I was just so bloody proud to see her on the stage and for people to recognise the talent she has.

Her live shows are like a religious experience; it is just as if something takes over your body- it is entirely indescribable. With her album being released 7th November (a few days before my birthday, ideal birthday present!!!!) I am sure a tour is to follow. By that I mean, I am hoping a tour happens and a date on my birthday occurs.

I’ve read a few interviews where Florence was listening to White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane and her dad herd her yell, “Oh my god! I’m having an epiphany!” whilst listening to it. I fully understand how she feels, and the first time I heard her voice I felt exactly the same.

My Singles Of 2010.

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Again, in no order aside from the last track.

Marina And The Diamonds- Shampain- I would have picked Oh No! due to my love for the lyrics. However, I have gone with Shampain as it reminds me of roadtrips to Manchester with my friends and singing a long very loudly, providing amusement for other drivers. Then again..Oh No! reminds me of dancing to it and reciting some of Marina’s moves in the video.

Zola Jesus-Night– So bloody eerie and mind blowing. The album is stunning. This song is just fucking out of this world. The intro just..I don’t know, the song leaves you paralysed- unable to move- in awe of what you’ve just heard.

New Young Pony Club- Lost A Girl- Sounds very 80s- but they do it in a good, credible way. It isn’t ripping anyone off nor are they copying any other 80s band.

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool- The Key- This band are mine and my best friend’s band. When we heard about Charlie we were inconsolable for ages. We went to Chazzstock in London and it was so moving. So sad. OELSP will always be one of my favourite bands, and luckily I saw them live. I have no idea what they’ll do now..it’s just a shame.

The Vaccines- Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)- They also played at Chazzstock and were joined by Faris and Tom from The Horrors. Yes, I had a massive fit of excitement during that. This song is the shortest song performed on Jools Holland- FACT! It is also one of the best songs of this year. I hope they’re massive in 2011.

CocknBullKid- Hold Onto Your Misery- Everyone knows how much I adore Anita Blay. She’s amazing. Her album is FINALLY out in February. I’m aware it’ll be one of my favourites of 2011.

Florence & The Machine- Cosmic Love- I know Lungs came out last year, but this single was released this year..so I can list it :p My love for Flo is massive and..yeah, you know. She’s THE ONE isn’t she. This is my favourite Flo song. Live is just tears me apart. I cannot describe it.

Ellie Goulding- Guns And Horses- I loved the demo of this, and I’m sure the video cured me of my phobia of horses slightly. I say it’s a phobia- I just really dislike horses. I could’ve listed Starry Eyed but I only like it when it’s done live. Under The Sheets was last year so…I’m going with Guns And Horses. She looks beautiful (as ever) in the video.

Warpaint- Undertow- This song lyrically blew my mind. Did you see them do this acoustic on BBC3 during Reading/Leeds Festival? That was something. Stella drumming on a box. How many would do that, and do iut well? This band were the best band of 2010. I love Jenny’s bass playing on this, it’s so relaxed. Theresa kills the guitar and Emily’s vocals are stunning. Stella is the best drummer around. Easily. And Undertow shows exactly why.

SONG OF THE YEAR.

Foals- Spanish Sahara- The build up in this song is beautiful. Yannis’ voice on this song is gorgeous. The lyrics are stunning. It lasts just over 6 minutes, perfect to play on repeat when on a long train journey.

Yeah..so I met Florence :)

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Here’s what happened/review :

Florence + The Machine. O2 Birmingham Academy. 20th September 2009.

In May this year, I saw Florence + The Machine plays a venue that held about 300 people. Last night, I saw her play in a venue that held, I’d say, around 1000.

Only being signed at the start of this year, Florence has gone from playing tiny venues to selling out tours in a matter of hours.

I remember first hearing about her back in 2007. She was singing with Dev Hynes (Lightspeed Champion) in a lift, the video is still on YouTube, and from seeing that her voice just astounded me.

Before she took to the stage, the PA system played out Dog Days Are Over which everyone sang along to. If this is the reaction a standard album version gets, imagine what happens when it’s done live.

Last night made it clear that Florence Welch posses the best voice in the UK. To be honest, I’d say she has the best voice in the world.

Opening with Kiss With A Fist, everyone went ever so slightly mental. How could you not! But it was Dog Days Are Over and Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) that made the whole place go crazy. I thought that the balcony above us was going to collapse. I suppose being crushed at a Florence gig isn’t that bad to be honest. There’s worse ways to die!

Hearing I’m Not Calling You A Liar and Hurricane Drunk showed the strength of Florence’s voice.

The two songs that left me in awe, as always, were Cosmic Love and Blinding.

Fan girl moment- these two songs mean a hell of a lot to me and for them to be played straight after each other set me off. The only track from Lungs to be not played was Girl With 1 Eye, but Bird Song and Are You Hurting The One You Love? made up for it.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again- Birmingham crowds are the best. They are just lovely. Florence + The Machine fans are easily the nicest people you will ever meet. You know why? Because Florence is lovely. How do I know this? Because ladies and gentlemen, after a long time of wishing and waiting- I met Florence Welch. Yep, I met her. I did my best not to make a tool out of myself.

I told her I spent £100 to fly over to see her, and she gave me a drink. We shared the drink, hugged and got a kiss. This has made my life. I don’t care if I sound like a 14 year old, it was amazing.

You sometimes expect singers to be rushed, sign some stuff then leave. Florence didn’t. She is a genuinely lovely person who loves her fans and the love is unconditionally returned.

I should mention the support act because they were brilliant. You probably know who The xx are. They’ve covered Aaliyah’s Hot Like Fire, and did a rather good job of it. I usually hate covers, but there’s always an exception isn’t there.

On record they are flawless, live they are perfect. They deserve to be massive. See, Florence has the best support acts and the best fans in the world.

If you’re seeing her on this tour or in December and it’s your first time- you will be blown away. Her voice, her stage presence, the band-all of it was worth spending over £100 and I’ll be doing it all over again December. Maybe I’ll get another drink!

Oh, and here’s a photo of me and Florence. I apologise for my face. I’ve had it since birth. It’s not improved.

I FINALLY got to meet Florence.

I FINALLY got to meet Florence.

Florence on Jools Holland.

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So Jools FINALLY had Flo on his show last night. Personally, I think she should’ve been on AGES ago. Before she was signed. When the “machine” was just whoever was around. BUT, I don’t have beef with Jools at all. Gossip and Florence..on the same show. Musical porn! Musical porn! Bloody great.

Anyway, if you missed it (SHAME ON YOU…unless you don’t live in the UK) there’s an extended version of the show on Friday night. But, this is Florence from last night :

Florence + The Machine- Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up). Jools Holland.

Florence UK Tour December ’09!

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Poor thing deserves a day off or two. But anyway….FLO IS TOURING THE UK IN DECEMBER!

I went through Hell and back to get tickets this morning. I felt my jaw drop to the pit of my belly as the page wouldn’t load to get tickets. But I got them! Why must all big tours go on sale on the same day and time?! SORT IT OUT TICKET SITES!!!!

Anyway, there’s some tickets left…be swift! And I shall see you in Manchester in December..or Brum next week!

Well..FECK YOU MERCURY PRIZE!

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Do I like Speech DeBelle? A bit yeah. Do I think she deserved the Prize? Well, as a massive fan of Florence…NO! I honestly fail to see why she won, but each to their own. It doesn’t take away the fact that Lungs is the best album of  this year. Fuck it, it’s the best album that’s come out in a LONG time. I don’t need to explain why, I really don’t. I’m still pissed off. And I still believe that awards are ALL rigged. Especially this one. It’s so fucking obvious.

Besides,what kind of “music expert” FAILS to put in another FANTASTIC album of this year in the list? How the hell could they ignore My Maudlin Career by Camera Obscura?! It possess the same hurt, love, darkness and beauty as Lungs. So, why not include it? If they can put utter toss in the list, at least acknowledge one of the best bands to have come out of Glasgow.

I’m not a “music snob” in the slightest. I don’t think my taste in music is better than anyone  elses nor do I think I’m some self righteous/pretentious “music expert” who knows everything about music ecause I don’t. I just get fucking pissed off when an artist and band I adore are shat on from a great height by a bunch of TWATS. That’s right. Mercury Music Panel- you are all TWATS. I wish it was clearly explained how the hell they decide who wins.

I’m with Morrissey on this, “MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE-SHOVE IT UP YOUR ARSE.” This was said at his gig in Stirling in May this year. It was greeted by cheers and claps, and a cute lopsided grin by Moz.

Florence + The Machine- My Boy Builds Coffins.

Watch that clip. It’s old. She singing in a park. I remember watching it last year. It gave me goosebumps then, and it still does now.

Shame on you Mercury Prize, shame on you.

No Title?!

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I caved in and got Twitter!

I don’t really use it, but it’s there. I wanr you, I’m not interesting in the slightest!

So tonight..Mercury Prize…GO FLO! I want her to win, and of course if she does or doesn’t win I will be crying. Who cares what a bunch of “music experts” think…We already know that it is album of the year!

I’ll probably be writing more later on. If she doesn’t win, expect a rant. If she does win, expect a happy rant!

Tour in December! I swear all my money is being spent on seeing her- but, I don’t care!

12 days until the Brum gig! 🙂

Florence + The Machine. Reading 2009.

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So, Flo’s performance at Reading this year was ever so special because it was her 22nd birthday.

I’d attempt to type a lot more, but last week..I had a bit of a bike accident and my arms (mainly my right one, which is the one I write with!) and ribs are a bit sore still. Maybe I should return to the hospital or doctor..or not! Anyway.

Enjoy the video 🙂

x

Florence-Reading 2009.

PS-Check out The Horrors and Jack Penate..their sets were amazing.

Albums.

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I couldn’t think of a decent title for this post, so “Albums” will just have to do!

So, I’m going to assume that most of you have had your heart metaphorially broken and also again, metaphorically, had your worl come to an end. You know the feeling. You do dumb shit to adjust to the changes. You have a messed up sleep patterns nd food, amongst other things repulses you.

To adjust to all this, this year I went to a stupid amount of gigs and bought a load of albums that quite possible, saved my ass.

So these albums came out this year and were a bit of a crutch to me:

La Roux- La Roux. This album is about one person, said Elly Jackson. Pretty obvious too. Every song pretty much sums everything up. I don’t need to say anymore.

Florence + The Machine- Lungs. I don’t need to tell you just how much this album means to me. You already know. When I went to see her live in May, she said Hurricane Drunk is about an ex and other stuff. Pretty much hit me. Hard. As did Cosmic Love, that breaks me every time. Beautiful song.

Spinnerette-Spinnerette. Not the whole album, but just two songs- Driving Song and Baptized By Fire. ’nuff said.

Golden Silvers-True Romance. Amazing album. Makes all the crap seem insignificant..even if it isn’t. Beautiful album. Brilliant live.

The Dead Weather-Horehound. Agressive and sexy. No more to say!

Metric-Fantasies. I think Blindness changed everything. I spoke to Emily about this one track. I cannot put it into words. Excellent album.

Camera Obscura-My Maudlin Career. This album is seriously underrated. Album of the year? Top 5 place!

The Horrors-Primary Colours. Better than Strange House. Fascinating band.

Morrissey-Years Of Refusal. I do not need to tell you just how extrodinary Morrissey is.

Doll & The Kicks-Doll & The Kicks. Again, another brilliant live band. If You Care made me cry when I saw them live. Can easily see why Moz loves them.

The Enemy-Music For The People. Astoundingly good.

Finally…this one album came out a long long time ago. This album is one album I listen to every day. I’ve never got bored of it. It is…..

Is This It by The Strokes. And tomorrow, I shall be getting “Is This It” tattooed on my wrist. I love this album so much! Timeless. Utterly timeless.

I suppose there was no real point to this post and I’ve probably missed out a few albums. My memory is not my strongest point 😉

x