Tag Archives: Marina And The Diamonds

Marina And The Diamonds.

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Lyrics are a huge thing for me. Most of the bands and singers I love are brilliant lyricists. I don’t need to name names, it’s fairly obvious.Pop music is so dreary and plain isn’t it. There is a severe lack of substance. Or is the whole point of pop music to be this empty genre that requires no thought?

Well, pop music is seen as commercial nonsense by some. Most would accuse me of hating anything mainstream. This isn’t true. I just don’t like music that doesn’t have any depth. I don’t like music that doesn’t mean something to me. Most of the music I listen to is the kind of thing you’ll never hear on Radio 1. I’m alright with that because I don’t listen to Radio 1. Frequently I am called a whole bunch of bad things just because I have an opinion and have a dislike for mainstream music.

Now, I love Florence and I love Ellie Goulding- both are played on Radio 1, so I assume that makes them mainstream? Big deal. I like what I like. Regardless of genre. I love TLC, I love Captain Beefheart, I love Morrissey, I love Ramones. I just love music. Anyway, I’ll go about what the point of this piece.

They tell you to never meet your heroes. They say they will fill you with disappointment and not be what you want. Hark in the general direction of the person who said that.Last year I met Marina Diamandis. I also met a brilliant bunch of people too. I can honestly say Marina has the best fans ever. She truly does. They are loyal, beautiful and just good people.

Meeting her and telling her what I needed to say about a specific song to her was one of the bravest things I’ve ever done. That either makes me a coward or just a nutter. Probably both. I’ll admit to being a coward, we all are deep down. But I did it. I told her exactly what Guilty means to me. I can also say she gives amazing hugs. Creepy fan vibe aside, I’m going to tell you why her music is flawless and just wonderful.

I first heard her music late 2008/early 2009. I was just enthralled by what I heard. Finally a female singer touching on subjects that were yet to be touched on in such a manner.

I heard I Am Not A Robot at a time of my life that I can only describe as “shite.” There’s no other way I can word it. Hearing that song gave me the strength to be weak and show how awful I felt. I only showed it to a select few. “But inside you’re just a baby.” Really struck a chord with me, as did the whole song. I could pick so many lines out of that song that just hit me in the belly and made me cry- but the whole song, still to this day makes me feel something no other song has. “Better to be hated, than loved loved loved for what you’re not” is quite simply the most accurate and honest line I have heard in a contempary pop song in a long time. The sheer honesty in that line would crack the hardest of hearts.

Obsessions is another that just blew my mind when I heard it. Everyone has had that frustration with someone. When you hold them, you just feel so sad and empty. You look at them and you feel nothing good. We’ve all been there, and you obsess over your bad feelings towards them- you forget that you love them.

The Family Jewels is easily one of the best debut albums to have been released in a long time. What makes Marina stand out are her lyrics. Her lyrics are so true to life, even Porn Is Good For The Soul is up there. The humour, honesty and darkness in her lyrics are just everything to me. Her wit and darkness in her music reminds me of Morrissey, I suppose that’s another reason as to why I love her

Songs such as Seventeen, Are You Satisfied, Oh No and The Outsider show how it’s okay to dislike yourself at times and have insecurities. That’s exactly why Marina appeals to me. She vocalises having insecurities in a way that no other really has in a long time. There is something so utterly precious about how she words things, and it makes you feel less alone. Music is a comfort blanket for me- her music is that for me a lot of the time.

A bloody good friend of mine once said that Oh No was written about me. He’s not wrong at all. When I first heard it, my jaw dropped and I was in awe of the lyrics.

“Don’t need a relationship, I’ll never soften my grip” I feel this so much most of the time. How I feel condensed into one small line. I’ll never soften my grip, what’s the point? This doesn’t mean I don’t have it in me to love someone because I do, I really do

I didn’t want to make this so personal, but it’s 1.20am and I am tired. When I am tired I ramble. Guilty, Numb and Rootless are the three songs I feel this strong connection to. For the most part, it’s quite overwhelming.

“This better be worth my while.” I feel like this on a daily basis with most things that happen. I just sigh and have this one line play over and over in my mind. The whole chorus to Numb is just this wave of comfort. It’s okay to feel numb, it’s okay to sacrifice things to get to where you want and need to be.

I don’t want to do this, but I feel the need to go into why I love Guilty- but not too in depth.

Guilty for me, just evokes everything I felt and attempted to push aside about my dad. I have no idea what Marina’s relationship is with her dad. I suppose you can make your own assumptions based on the songs she mentions him in. I never felt any love from mine- only he knows how he feels about me. But he’s dead, so I will never know. I’d rather not know than be told something that could hurt me more than it needs to. “I was just a kid that you could not forgive because it’s harder. I was just a kid and all I really wanted was my father.” When I saw this live I just crumbled, I was a mess inside. Meeting her afterwards and telling her, I just cannot put it into words what it means to me. I just told her I was utterly grateful for the song. I don’t want to say what she said- or what my exact words. Too personal. All that matters is that I got it out.

I may sound like some 24 year old obsessive idiot, but the truth is- Marina’s music means more to me than I could actually put into words. Her fans are gentle souls. Marina is just one of the best singers/songwriters/performers that this country has. She truly is a diamond- sorry for the poor pun, but its 1.40am and that’s as good as I’m going to get, or you’re going to get. I just love how she says what she feels without having to justify it to anyone. I admire that in anyone. Even if I don’t like you, I’ll admire your courage. I do it all the time, but I’m frequently shot down, I’ve gone past caring.

In over 1000 words I have rambled about my love for Marina, I think I can go to bed now.

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.

My Albums Of 2010.

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Attempting to put this down to 10 is going to be frustrating, and I will want to constantly change my mind. THIS IS IN NO ORDER. Apart from the last album I mention, that’s my favourite of the year.

Marina And The Diamonds- The Family Jewels.- This album means the world to me. Especially the song, Guilty which I was lucky enough to tell her this on the 31st October. Marina is amazing live. How she is with her fans is just lovely. She spent about 45 minutes with us. Just a lovely person. I don’t think this album got the recognition it fully deserved.  I remember first hearing about her well over a year and a half ago and just being in awe of her. Favourite track : Guilty.

Ellie Goulding- Lights/Bright Lights- I’ve mentioned Lights and Bright Lights because the extra tracks on Bright Lights are brilliant. She has to release Animal. The drum breakdown is mental. I love the production on this. Her and Starsmith are incredible. Her live shows are insane. I saw her play Academy 3 then 2 then 1 in Manchester…watching her gorw- you can see the transformation in her when she performs. During Your Biggest Mistake she just goes crazy. Not to mention her drumming during Salt Skin and Starry Eyed. I was a massive fan of Ellie before she got signed, like with Florence and to see her go from being a girl with a guitar with no record deal to a household name just made me feel so proud. A lovely person who I was lucky to meet at the start of the year. She’s just amazing. Favourite album track : from Lights : Salt Skin. from Bright Lights: Believe Me.

New Young Pony Club- The Optimist- Highly underrated. This album was amazing. Much better than their debut. The lyrics, the production- everything just sounded bigger yet darker. I love how dark the album sounds. Perfect from start to finish. Favourite album track: Chaos.

The Drums-The Drums– I love how they captured the dark lyrics over lively music. I love everything about this band. The way Johnny moves on stage reminds you of Morrissey mixed with Ian Curtis. Favourite album track : Down By The Water.

Mystery Jets-Serotonin- This year after  waiting so long to see them live, I finally did. I can safely say watching Flakes live was one of my favourite things about 2010. Stunning.  Making Dens and Twenty One are remarkable albums. Serotonin is just as stunning. Mystery Jets are one of the best UK bands around. Easily. Favourite album track : Alice Springs.

Best Coast-Crazy For You- For me, this album was the sound of the summer. Boyfriend was constantly on BBC 6Music, hearing it just made the day better. Anyone who owns or heard this album knows how speciual it is. It’s just got that summer vibe through and through. Favourite album track : The End.

Zola Jesus-Stridulum II- Haunting, sad, dark, remarkable. I fell in love instantly with this album. Everything about it is evberything I love about music. The lyrics made you want to break down and cry- but you couldn’t cry because you were in awe of how stunning this album is. When I bought his album, I played it whilst cooking and as I was giving my attention to the album- I nearly burnt myself. That’s how good it is. It requires all your attention. If you don’t own it- please go out and buy it. Favourite album track – I Can’t Stand.

Lightspeed Champion- Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You- Massvie fan of Dev and all he does. Whether it is as Lightspeed Champion or Blood Orange. He’s a musical genius. This album, along with a few this year, just did not get the recognition they fully deserve. Favourite album track- Faculty Of Fears.

Foals- Total Life Forever- VERY nearly was my album of the year- but most lists have claimed it to be the best album. By a UK band, yes it is. It’s an amazing album. Like all the albums I have listed- it catapulted me into a different world. Total Life Forever is sheer brilliance. I loved playing this album whilst on the train to work every day. It’s an album that I know I will listen in 10 years time and feel the same way about it as I did the first time I heard it. Favourite album track – After Glow.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR :

Warpaint-The Fool- When I first heard Undertow I knew that Warpaint would be putting out some of the best music of 2010. Their EP Exquisite Corpse (brilliantly titled) just left you wanting more. A year later and The Fool was released. I still want more. They were a pleasure to interview, probably my favourite band I’ve interviewed. They love what they do and they love each other. You can tell that music is their everything. They’re not in it to make money. They do it because music is that important to them. I remember listening to the album online (streaming not illegally downloaded) because as hard as I tried, I couldn’t wait a week to buy it knowing I could listen to it. The album broke my heart, made me happy, threw me into a different place. It did everything an album should do. I adore Warpaint, and have done for some time- so to see them become massive this year was amazing. Favourite album track – Majesty

Marina And The Diamonds. 31st October. The Ritz, Manchester.

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As the lights dim, Marina’s band take to the stage. The stage is decorated in cobwebs and skeletons. She glides onto the stage greeted by her Diamonds (her fans) screaming. Opening with The Family Jewels then straight into The Outsider, Marina owns the stage. After waiting what seemed forever for this night, it fast became one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to.

 

Many critics have labelled her as “the new Kate Bush” and I suppose in some parts her voice is slightly like Kate’s- but Marina is nothing like anyone around now, or before. She doesn’t need to parade on the stage half clothed for anyone to pay her attention. The way she carries herself on stage is exactly how someone who’s career that has lasted decades would carry themselves. Every track off The Family Jewels was played alongside two old tracks, Seventeen and Jealousy. She declared her début album to be dead, “R.I.P. The Family Jewels!” She said she is finished promoting this record and has taken it as far as it can go. Her album is easily one of the best albums of the year and whilst it is sad that it’s her last UK tour for a while, I am sure her second album will be just as stunning.

 

 

As an artist, Marina has truly grown. Her live performances now involve costume changes and a brilliant light show. As it is Halloween, it was only right that Marina was dressed up. The night before in Dublin she drank 8 double Jameson which she announced, “R.I.P. Jameson” on stage telling us before she got to Manchester she was throwing up fluorescent sick. Lovely. With it being Halloween, it wasn’t The Family Jewels- it was The Family Ghouls. The Burger Queen tour became The Murder Queen tour, and of course it wasn’t Marina And The Diamonds. It was Marina And The Demons. Her face resembled a zombie, I’m sure she felt like one too after the night she had in Dublin.

Obsessions and Numb were played with just Marina on the piano, which was mind blowing. She had everyone in silence just watching her in awe. She ended her set with Hollywood wearing the most amazing sparkly American flag styled trousers. Only Marina could get away with this. Personally, Guilty was my favourite song of the night. It’s my favourite track off the album and to be able to see it live, finally was worth it.

 

A lot of artists claim they never thought they would make it. Marina however, knew differently. “I always knew I’d make it.” The self belief Marina has projects onto the crowd making them feel 100% part of this and that they too, can make it. It is artists like Marina that need your attention. Her music is vulnerable, hard hitting, happy and sad. Every emotion that you could possibly feel was felt tonight at the gig

 

I thought the night could not get any better. I was wrong. So very wrong. Around half an hour after the gig, a barrier was placed around were myself and fellow Diamonds, lo and behold- Marina walks out and greets us all. “Why is the barrier here? We don’t need it.” She spends as much time as she can with us, she is truly the loveliest person I have ever met. None of us could believe that we had met her- I think I’m probably going to be in shock about this for a long time. She truly loves her fans, and we of course, love her back.

The Importance Of Marina Diamandis.

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Well over a year and a half ago I found a singer on YouTube. I fell in love, but kept my love quiet. Gradually, I saw this wonderful creation creep up on various radio and music telly stations. I was happy. I was happy that this person was getting recognition.

Last year during a shitty time of my life I Am Not Robot was on the telly. The words grabbed me and I felt somewhat okay. I didn’t feel so shit and the like. I got hold of the demos of Marina’s songs and I was just honoured to have them. I rad her blog and was grateful that a singer with something valid to say was around. She saw the corruption within the media and music business. She had a brain and it was wonderful. Truly wonderful. Her words took hold of me and I was in awe of Marina. I’m still in awe of her.

I remember seeing her perform on Jools Holland this year and being so so proud. Then on KCRW in America. Emotional. When her album came out, I was so proud to have her CD finally in my hands.

But there is one song that means the world to me. I don’t like being too personal but some things you just have to throw out there. Guilty is my favourite Marina song. The song means so much to me. I cannot even describe why. Well, I probably can-I just can’t do it here. If I ever met Marina, I’d just thank her for it. It’s given me closure and able to move forward and accept. The whole album says things I can’t ever say- but Guilty more than the others.

For those who don’t “get” Marina, you’re missing out. She is stunning. Truly stunning. She’s amazing. She’s like…your best friend although you’ve never met. You can feel alone, but play her album and you’re fine.

I’m proud of all Marina’s achieved and I’m proud to be a Diamond.

Marina-thank you.

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